Libra (ability)

Libra , also known as Scan, Peep, or Intel, is a recurring ability in the Final Fantasy series. It is often a White Magic spell, but at other times is a separate command ability. It displays an enemy's stats and elemental strengths and weaknesses. After the series progressed to 3D visual, scanned enemies could be rotated to see them from all sides. Depending on the game, some enemies are unaffected by Libra, usually bosses or higher-level enemies.
Libra should not be confused with Scan. Libra was translated as "Scan" in earlier games, but more recent translations have made the two abilities distinct. The key difference is that Libra is usually a spell while Scan is a command ability, and Scan occasionally has a more potent effect, such as working on all enemies at once, or removing an enemy's status effects similar to Dispel.
== Appearances ==
=== Final Fantasy III ===
Libra is a level 4 White Magic spell purchased in Gysahl, Northeastern Saronia, and Doga's Village for 3,000 gil in all versions.
=== Final Fantasy IV ===
Libra (Peep on SNES and Scan in 2D versions) is a White Magic spell that has a casting time of 0 and costs 1 MP to cast. All characters who can learn White Magic can learn Libra, except for young Rydia. Libra can be cast by Zemus's Breath and Li'l Murderer. In the 3D versions, enemies previously scanned will continue to be for all future encounters.
==== Final Fantasy IV -Interlude- ====
Libra is a White Magic spell. Cecil along with Rosa and Porom already know the spell. It displays the target's vital statistics, including Level, HP, statuses, and elemental weaknesses at the cost of 1 MP.
==== Final Fantasy IV: The After Years ====
Libra can be used by various characters, and costs 1 MP to cast. It functions in the same manner as it did in Final Fantasy IV.
=== Final Fantasy V ===
Libra is a level 1 White Magic spell that can first be purchased in Tule. Libra can be cast by Omniscient, Siren, and Tiny Mage.
=== Final Fantasy VI ===
Libra (Scan on the SNES) is an effect spell taught by the esper Kirin at a rate of x5. Celes learns it naturally at level 18. It costs 3 MP to cast and is vulnerable to Runic. Number 024 is the only enemy to use this spell.
=== Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- ===
The Libra Materia displays the current target's HP and MP, as well as status effects. The target's HP will be displayed as ????? if it exceeds 99,999, and the proper HP will be displayed when the target's HP falls below this amount. The Genji Helm, Divine Slayer, and Heike Soul accessories also grant Libra.
In Reunion, enemy status effects are visible by default while HP and MP values above 99,999 are displayed properly.
=== Final Fantasy VIII ===
Scan is a magic that displays the target's stats, elemental affinities, and a brief description of the target. It can target both enemies and party members, and can be used to rotate their model 360 degrees, except for Selphie (likely for decency reasons). If an enemy's HP exceeds 99,999, its HP is displayed as ????? until it falls below 99,999, while the HP values for some enemies will always display ?????. Scan has two animations that can be altered in the config section of the menu.
Scan is one of the few spells that cannot be refined from items and must be drawn; the only others being Float and Apocalypse. The player can also get one Scan spell from Zell's "love quest" if they give Beef & Blue as the answers to a "survey" held by girls at the library, and later return for the results.
Casting Scan in battle does not affect GF compatibility.
=== Final Fantasy IX ===
Scan is one of the few White Magic spells only Dagger can use. It is learned from the Air Racket and Desert Boots for 25 AP, and costs 4 MP to cast. It can be reflected and works with Return Magic. Scan can also be cast by Lani.
Scan will always miss against "Heavy" enemies, which includes most bosses.
=== Final Fantasy X ===
Scan is located in Kimahri's section of the Sphere Grid, and gives a detailed description of the enemy, which includes current HP, maximum HP, Strength, Magic, elemental resistances and possible Ronso Rages Kimahri can learn. It adds the Scan status effect when cast on an enemy target, which allows the player to see the enemy's current and maximum HP, elemental affinities, and any status effects the enemy has while targeting it, which lasts throughout the battle.
Some enemies are immune to it, although unlike in some titles, this is not determined by their HP value, but is specifically set. An enemy can be immune to Scan without being immune to Sensor or vice versa, although the two immunities usually go hand-in-hand.
Scan can be reflected, so it is possible to view a detailed description of any party member who casts it (or any party member who is deliberately targeted). However, like some enemies, Yuna's aeons are immune to it.
If the enemy's HP is extremely high, the Sensor and Scan displays may exhibit minor graphical glitches. The easiest way to observe this is to hack the game to increase an enemy's HP or remove a high HP enemy's immunity, but it can be done without cheats by repeatedly raising the HP of a Yu Pagoda.
==== Final Fantasy X-2 ====
Libra is a command ability used by Yuna's Floral Fallal dressphere. It allows the player to view the target's current and Maximum HP and MP, its classification (if applicable), its elemental affinities, status immunities, and a short description of its appearance and abilities. Libra also has the added benefit of being able to rotate enemy models.
=== Final Fantasy XI ===
Libra is a level 76 job ability for Scholars. When used on an enemy, Libra displays party members' enmity values as percentages in the chat window for all members in the Libra user's party. Libra will not reveal information about alliance members. The party's pets are not included in the calculations by Libra, reducing its value and accuracy in a party that includes pets such as Avatars and Familiars. It has a recast time of 1:00.
Libra cannot be used on a target without having it claimed by party or alliance (trying to do so will give the message, "That action cannot be performed on the current target"). Libra itself doesn't generate any enmity, similar to the Beastmaster ability Gauge.
=== Final Fantasy XII ===
Libra is a Technick that grants a buff that lets the user see the HP, level, and elemental weaknesses of most targeted enemies. It also makes traps visible, but does not reveal what type they are.
In the original PlayStation 2 version, Libra's license costs 20 LP and it can be purchased from Rabanastre for 500 gil.
In the Zodiac versions, Libra can be used by six job classes: Archer, Machinist, Monk, Bushi, Shikari, and White Mage. White Mage must first acquire the Cúchulainn license, while Bushi has to acquire the Belias license. Basch can use the ability regardless of his job. It requires the Libra license for 25 LP. It can be bought in Rabanastre, Giza Plains, Nalbina Fortress, Barheim Passage, Bhujerba, Dreadnought Leviathan, Dalmasca Westersand, Dyce, Mosphoran Highwaste, Phon Coast, Archades, and Balfonheim Port for 400 gil. It can also be found in a treasure on Stage 7 of the Trial Mode with Diamond Armlet.
The Bangle accessory grants permanent Libra status. In the Zodiac versions, Ribbons also grant Regen and Libra.
=== Final Fantasy XIII ===
Libra is a Technique that costs 1 TP to use. It fills up the enemy's information screen the player can access anytime during battle, though it may need to be cast more than once to unveil every single piece of information on the enemy.
The item Librascope does the same to all enemies and reveals all information at once. The player is rewarded with the Trophy/Achievement Loremaster upon fully revealing 100 enemies' info.
Libra is the first Technique the characters learn at Crystarium level 1. Lightning and Sazh learn Libra in the Ravager role, Snow in the Sentinel, Vanille in the Medic, Hope in the Synergist, and Fang in the Commando role.
The game has a hidden Libra statistic for each and every type of enemy. Certain conditions or abilities will cause this stat to increase. As the Libra stat increases, more information will become available on the Libra screen.
Libra is broken into two stats:
# Libra Bonus
# Libra Consumption
Libra Bonus is the amount of Libra granted by defeating that enemy, using the TP ability Libra, or using a Librascope. Libra Consumption is the required amount of Libra to unlock the next piece of information. Unlocking everything will take, at most, 503 Libra points. Storyline bosses reveal all their information when defeated, with the exception of Wladislaus and both forms of the final boss.
Condition 	Libra Bonus
Party member defeats an enemy. 	Varies
A party member attacks or adds a status effect to an enemy with a fully stocked ATB gauge.	5
Use the technique Libra. 	200
Use Librascope. 	1000
Information 	Libra Consumed	Other methods
Name 	0 	None
HP 	10 	Defeat this type of enemy.
Level 	10 	Defeat this type of enemy.
Stagger Limit 	10 	Stagger this type of enemy.
Chain Resistance 	10 	Stagger this type of enemy.
Elemental Resistance	20 	Hit this type of enemy with an elemental attack.
Physical Resistance 	10 	Hit this type of enemy with a Physical attack.
Magical Resistance 	10 	Hit this type of enemy with a Magic attack.
Status Resistance 	2 	Use a status inflicting attack against this type of enemy.
Note 1 	40 	Varies by Enemy
Note 2 	40 	Varies by Enemy
Note 3 	40 	Varies by Enemy
Note 4 	40 	Varies by Enemy
Item Drop 	60 	Obtain a dropped item from this type of enemy.
Rare Item 	60 	Obtain a rare item from this type of enemy.
If the player fulfills the "other methods" condition before the info is revealed via gaining Libra, then this step will be taken out and no longer consume Libra. For instance, if the player obtains an item from an enemy before unlocking Note 4, then Rare Item Drop will become the next piece info to be revealed after Note 4.
==== Final Fantasy XIII-2 ====
Viewing an enemy's information screen in battle with / is referred to as using Libra. As before, attacking and defeating enemies will gradually reveal information. The Kill: Libra passive ability will slightly improve the effects of revealing information from defeated enemies.
==== Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII ====
Viewing an enemy's information screen in battle with / is referred to as using Libra. The process of revealing enemy information functions the same as before, and monster notes can be purchased from adventuring essentials shops to reveal all information except item drops. Revealing all of an enemy's information will increase the chances of dropped abilities containing an auto-ability by 20%.
=== Final Fantasy XV ===
Libra is a status exclusively applied onto enemies and is considered neither positive nor negative. To apply Libra to an enemy and reveal their stats and damage type defenses, the player can lock onto an enemy in Wait Mode and scan it to fill a radial meter, or obtain the Analyze node in the Teamwork nexus in Ascension, which allows Ignis to attempt to reveal the info by using the skill for a chance of success rather than length of time. Enemies have a value representing the number of seconds a scan takes, which doubles as a resistance to Analyze and can even have immunity to Libra. Noctis cannot scan enemies with the Cerberus sniper rifle, or while hanging from a point-warp location.
=== Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift ===
Libra is a clan ability that displays traps. It can be gained automatically by having a copy of Final Fantasy Tactics Advance plugged into the DS while playing the game.
=== Final Fantasy Type-0 ===
Intel is an auto-ability available to all player characters. It allows the player to lock onto an enemy and see their name, level, and HP bar. Intel is activated by the R button, and the directional pad is used to change targets.
=== Final Fantasy Dimensions ===
Libra is a level 1 White Magic Spell that requires 1 MP to use. Casting Libra will give information on the monster's HP and weaknesses. It does not reveal Current HP/Max HP information for any boss, and vice versa for some normal enemies.
=== Theatrhythm Final Fantasy ===
Libra comes in three levels of power. Libra reveals items held by bosses when a new Dark Note appears in the Chaos Shrine, Lv1 revealing one item, Lv2 revealing two and Lv3 revealing three. Faris learns Libra Lv1 at level 60, Prishe at level 55, Aerith and Lightning at level 20. Locke is the only character to learn Libra Lv2, learning it at level 30, and Cid alone learns Lv3 at level 15.
==== Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call ====
Libra (Lv1) is a reactive ability that costs 20 CP to equip. It is activated upon completing a Chaos Map quest. When the player obtains a new Chaos Map, one of its possible dropped items will be revealed. It is learned by Rosa (level 60), Lenna (level 40), Aerith (level 50), Garnet (level 40), Aphmau (level 60), and Lightning #2 (level 35). It can be taught to any character by using the Libra Scroll I.
Libra (Lv2) is a reactive ability that costs 15 CP to equip. It is activated upon completing a stage in a Chaos Map quest. Details about one of the remaining stages will be revealed. It is learned by Locke (level 55), Vincent (level 55), Lightning (level 60), and Ciaran (level 60). It can be taught to any character by using the Libra Scroll II.
Libra (Lv3) is a reactive ability that costs 10 CP to equip. It is activated upon completing a Chaos Map quest. When the player obtains a new Chaos Map, two of its possible dropped items will be revealed. It can be learned by Cid (level 40) and Orlandeau (level 40). It can be taught to any character by using the Libra Scroll III.
=== Final Fantasy Brave Exvius ===
=== World of Final Fantasy ===
Libra is an active ability that allows the player to view useful information about a single target for 1 AP. It can be used by 2P Tama, Magic Pot, Mel, Moogle, Mu, Searcher, Security Eye, Tama, and Yurugu.
=== Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon ===
The Libra ability can either be cast from spellbooks in dungeons, or by the Scholar job, once it is obtained.
== Non-Final Fantasy guest appearances ==
=== Kingdom Hearts series ===
Scan is a recurring ability in the series. It appears in every game, though Sora automatically knows Scan at the beginning of Chain of Memories and its remake Re:Chain of Memories. Scan displays the HP bar of all enemies and bosses in battle.
== Gallery ==
Libra from FFIII FC.png|Final Fantasy III (Famicom).
FFIIIDS Libra.png|Final Fantasy III (DS).
WHM using Libra from FFIII Pixel Remaster.jpg|Final Fantasy III (Pixel Remaster).
FFIV SNES Peep.png|Final Fantasy IV (SNES).
FFIV Scan GBA.png|Final Fantasy IV (GBA).
Cecil using Scan from FFIV Pixel Remaster.jpg|Final Fantasy IV (Pixel Remaster).
FF4PSP Libra.png|Final Fantasy IV: The After Years (Complete Collection).
FFIV TAY STEAM Libra.jpg|Final Fantasy IV: The After Years (Steam).
FFV Libra.png|Final Fantasy V (GBA).
FFV iOS Libra.png|Final Fantasy V (defunct mobile/Steam).
Lenna using Libra from FFV Pixel Remaster.jpg|Final Fantasy V (Pixel Remaster).
LibraFF6.png|Final Fantasy VI (GBA).
FFVI Android Libra.png|Final Fantasy VI (defunct mobile/Steam).
Libra from FFVI Pixel Remaster.jpg|Final Fantasy VI (Pixel Remaster).
VIICC Libra.jpg|Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-.
FFVIII Scan.png|Final Fantasy VIII.
Scan-FFIX.png|Final Fantasy IX.
FFX Scan.png|Final Fantasy X.
FFX-2 Libra.png|Final Fantasy X-2.
FFXII Libra.png|Final Fantasy XII.
FFXII Libra Status.png|Basch under the Libra status in Final Fantasy XII.
Libra from FFXIII.jpg|Final Fantasy XIII.
LRFFXIII Libra.png|Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII.
FFD Libra.png|Final Fantasy Dimensions.
FFBE Libra.png|Final Fantasy Brave Exvius.
WoFF Libra.png|World of Final Fantasy.
== Etymology ==
de:Analyse
ja:ライブラ
Category:Recurring command abilities
Category:Positive status effects
Category:Recurring White Magic