Solid gold hairpin brimming with magical energy. Halves the MP cost of all magic.
Description
Gold Hairpin is a relic in Final Fantasy VI. It halves the MP cost of spells. It is a valuable relic early on for spellcasters, doubling their durability.
Betting the hairpin in the Coliseum pits the player against a Great Malboro for a reward of Dragon Horn.
Obtained[]
Gold Hairpin can be acquired in Narshe Cliffs during the World of Balance by saving Lone Wolf instead of Mog, found at Mt. Zozo and in Ancient Castle. It can also be won through the Dragon's Neck Coliseum by betting a Ribbon, Crystal Orb, or Dragon Horn; due to these relics being much more valuable than Gold Hairpin, this is not advisable.
Use[]
Gold Hairpin doubles the durability of spellcasters, making it very effective for characters that rely on this. It is more valuable the greater their spellcasting potential, meaning it should be prioritized toward party members with a naturally higher Magic stat. This includes Terra, Celes, Relm, Strago, and Gogo. Of these, Terra, Celes, and Relm's access to female-exclusive equipment makes them the best overall, where Terra's Trance making her the most powerful caster in short bursts, while Relm has the highest natural Magic stat.
When it becomes available in the World of Balance, Gold Hairpin is exceptionally valuable for the durability increase it provides. The only other consideration with Gold Hairpin is how important defensive relics are. Relics providing immunity to status effects, such as Ribbon, may be advisable, though other considerations may come into play; Relm, for instance, has low armor and may also need to equip Princess Ring. Alternatively, the user can improve their magic damage output with Earring or Hero's Ring, making Gold Hairpin even more valuable.
Gold Hairpin is outclassed by Celestriad, which reduces the MP cost of spells to 1. When enough Celestriads are acquired, Gold Hairpin is effectively obsolete.
Etymology[]
The golden hairpin is an important item in the Chinese tale, A Golden Hairpin Saves Li Shimian's Life.