Final Fantasy IX support abilities

support abilities in Final Fantasy IX work automatically in the background when equipped via Magic Stones. Each playable character has a unique pool of support abilities that enhance their abilities in combat; for example, a physical fighter like Adelbert Steiner learns abilities that augment his HP and Killer abilities to deal more damage to certain types of enemies, while a mage type character like Dagger learns abilities that augment her MP and make her summon attacks stronger. Support abilities can be equipped from the Abilities section from the menu, and not all abilities can be equipped at once for the number of Magic Stones is limited. Party members learn new abilities from certain equipment pieces, and more Magic Stones by leveling up. Eiko can boost the number of Magic Stones she gets via the Marcus-Eiko stat bug. Support abilities are usually available from multiple equipment pieces, and not everyone can equip every piece; e.g. only mage-types can equip magical equipment, and only knight-type characters can equip heavy armor. Equipping multiple equipment pieces that teach the same ability boosts the rate the ability is learned. All support abilities take the same number of Magic Stones to equip regardless of party member, but the required Ability Points required vary, e.g. Quina requires far more AP to learn High Tide than anyone else. Guest characters cannot be assigned support abilities.

Trivia

 * The Japanese translation for High Tide is roughly "Gain Spirit of the Full Moon" hinting at some deeper connection to the moons and the ability to enter Trance.