Balaclava (Final Fantasy XII)

The Balaclava is a mid-ranked light armor headgear in Final Fantasy XII that boosts the wearer's magickal defense by 12 and HP by 90, and uniquely for a light armor hat, also gives +1 to the wearer's Strength. Its stats are a bit of a jump up from the previously available light armor hat, Horned Hat.
==Obtain==
===Original===
The Balaclava is sold for 1000 gil in Rabanastre after the Leviathan, and by Dyce outside the Tomb of Raithwall.
It is also the reward for the hunt for Nidhogg.
===Zodiac===
The Balaclava is sold for 1000 gil in Rabanastre, Bhujerba and Dalmasca Westersand after visiting Ondore's Estate, as well as by Dyce in Nam-Yensa Sandsea, Tomb of Raithwall, and Balfonheim Port.
The Balaclava is found in a treasure in Nam-Yensa Sandsea's Demesne of the Sandqueen (75% chance to appear, 50% chance for gil, 50% chance the item treasure is the Balaclava without the Diamond Armlet equipped), and in Trial Mode Stage 31 with the Diamond Armlet equipped.
It is still the reward for the hunt for Nidhogg.
==Use==
The Balaclava is a mid ranked light armor hat, giving 12 magick resist and 90 HP, as well as uniquely for a light armor hat, a point to Strength as well. It is useful to equip over any inferior equipment the party may have. However, in the original version where everyone can wear any equipment piece, the more expensive heavy armor helm, Barbut, may be preferable if the player can stretch their funds to it, as the HP boost from light armor is not usually worth prioritizing over heavy armor.
In the Zodiac versions, Machinist, Monk, Archer, and Shikari can equip the Balaclava, and so it is mainly useful to buy if the player has chosen these License Boards as their starter jobs. 
The hunt for Nidhogg for which the Balaclava is a reward is quite tough, so the player may want to return for it later on.
==Etymology==
Category:Armor in Final Fantasy XII