Helm that raises Strength and Magic.
Description
The Kaiser Helm is an endgame helmet in Final Fantasy IX for Steiner and Freya. It teaches Eye 4 Eye, which improves Counter. It provides bonuses to the wearer's Strength and Magic when they level up with it equipped.
Obtain[]
The Kaiser Helm is bought for 7,120 gil from Daguerreo after the events in Pandemonium.
Mechanics[]
The Kaiser Helm provides 26 Magic Defense, mitigating damage from magic attacks. The helm gives a +1 bonus to the wearer's Strength and Magic when they level up with it equipped. When enough "bonuses" upon level up from gear have been accrued, the character gains a permanent stat increase. Strength is used for damage calculations and for determining HP growth. Steiner and Freya only use Magic for MP growth.
Use[]
The Kaiser Helm is already eclipsed by the superior Genji Helmet from a Choco treasure, and the Grand Helm from synthesis, by the time it can be bought. However, it is the only source of Eye 4 Eye for Steiner, and so if the player wants to use Counter with him, the Kaiser Helm is worth buying and equipping for the duration it takes to master Eye 4 Eye.
The level up bonus to Strength and Magic is also good, and the Kaiser Helm is the best Strength-boosting helmet. However, level grinding and min-maxing are unnecessary in a normal playthrough even when preparing for superbosses.
Beatrix can also equip the Kaiser Helm though the player cannot see this in a normal playthrough.
Etymology[]
Kaiser is the German title meaning "Emperor", derived ultimately from the name of Julius Caesar. Many languages use a descendant of the word Caesar to mean "emperor", such as Russian царь (tsar) and Greek Καῖσαρ (Kaîsar).