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-Cecil Harvey Character guide-
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V.- 1.5
By: Manashima Yukanna

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Table of Contents
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I. Introduction
II. Character Info
1. Info
2. Quotes
III. Battle Abilities and Strategy
A. Dark Knight
B. Paladin
C. Ex mode and Ex burst
D. Strategy
E. Combination Attacks
F. Search Light and Paladin Force Combo Analysis
IV. Equipment
1. Weapon Types
2. Specific Weapons
3. Specific Armors
4. Item farming
V. Frequently asked Questions
VI. Credits

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I. Introduction

This guide is for new players of Dissidia to learn how to use Cecil
effectively. Certain parts don�t pertain to the game like the next section.
There is a F.A.Q. Section that hopefully answers all the questions about
Cecil. Most of them will be answered within the course of this guide, but
that section there is for quick Reference.


This does not contain anything about Dissidia�s story. I don�t list
character specific strategies(V. 1.0). And I don�t give any advice on what
accessories to equip, or where to find them.

Finally, Enjoy!

Version History

1.5- Made changes for American version. The Quotes, move changes, and
strategies.
1.1- Added more quotes(thanks to Mino Spelgud of Gamefaqs!!)
1.0- Basic information.

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II. Character Info

*CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR FFIV AND FFIV THE AFTER!!*

1. Info-

A. FFIV-

Age- 20
Height- 5�10
Race- Half Human, Half Lunarian


Bio-

Cecil�s mother Cecilia died giving birth to him, and was left in the care of
his father Kluya and brother Theodore. Kluya gave Cecil his name in honor of
his wife.

Although Kluya was resolved in raising his two sons, Theodore couldn�t live
with the sorrow, he was angered by the death of his mother, and blamed it on
Cecil. After Kluya was killed because the humans blamed him for Cecilia�s
death, Theodore abandoned Cecil in the woods. Fortunately he was found by the
king of Baron. Cecil became under the kings allegiance as his adoptive son.

Cecil lived under the king as his only son until another tragic occurrence
happened, when the head of the Dragon Knights died. His son, Kain Highwind,
was also left and raised by the king, essentially Cecil and Kain were
basically adoptive brothers and sons to the king of Baron. Here Cecil also
meets Kain�s friend Rosa, and they soon all become friends.

After Cecil and Kain graduate from their primary schooling, they join the
Baron military academy, with Rosa joining the society of White Magic. Cecil
quickly rose through army ranks, becoming noted for his skill with a sword.
At the age of 20, Cecil rose up to the highest rank within the military,
the Lord Captain of the Red wings. For Cecil to achieve such a prestigious
rank, he had to become a Dark Knight. Once he joined the ranks of the most
elite warriors in the world, the king gave him full command of the Baron
armed forces.


Personality-

Cecil is a man with great Courage, will and loyalty. Cecil is very preserved,
without hesitation or backing down from ways to accomplish a means. However
he is stoic, meaning he has problems showing happiness, joy, and sadness.
He is also shy, and dislikes social events. His greatest asset is his noble
and courageous heart.


B. FFIV: The After, Return to the Moon-

Age- 37
Wife- Rosa
Children- Ceodore

Cecil is the King of Baron at this time, and that�s all I can say without
 leaving spoilers. Pick it up, it�s an awesome game.


2. Quotes

I�m leaving the JP quotes because I think they were also awesome.

Encounter Quotes-

JP- Let us begin.
USA- It Begins.

JP- You can't run or hide!
USA- There�s no time to run!

JP- I will find the light in battle!
USA- My blade will lead me to the light!

JP- I must not lose!
USA- Till my last breath!

JP- This is no simple fight!
USA- I�ve no other choice.

JP- This is the end for you...!
USA- This ends for you�not I!

JP- I will overcome this!
USA- How is this fair?

JP- Is this reckless...? Even so!
USA- This is rash�but still!

JP- Never throw away your compassion...!
USA- I mustn�t coddle the weak!

JP- So it's come to a fight.
USA- I�ll do it!

Encounter against Cosmos-

JP- Vs. Warrior of Light: With this sword, I shall surpass you!
USA- I�ll best you, with this blade!

JP- Vs. Frioniel: For the sake of our dreams, let us cross swords!
USA- Let us cross swords in the name of dreams!

JP- Vs. Onion Knight: Your light is still immature.
USA- Your light will grow stronger!

JP- Vs. Cecil: This is my personal fight!
USA- This is a fight for me, and me alone!

JP- Vs. Butz: Please take this seriously!
USA- I hope you will not hold back!

JP- Vs. Tina: Don't be afraid to fight!
USA- You needn�t fear battle.

JP- Vs. Cloud: Let's find the answer together!
USA- Let�s seek our answers together!

JP- Vs. Squall: Let's fight as comrades-in-arms!
USA- Let�s fight as brothers-in-arms!

JP- Vs. Zidane: Since it's you, this will be a fun battle.
USA- I believe I can enjoy a duel with you.

JP- Vs. Tidus: Don't talk so much!
USA- This won�t be easy. (Huh? How did they get that from don�t talk
so much?)

JP- Vs. Garland: Nothing good comes from war!
USA- Nothing is born from war!

JP- Vs. The Emperor: Don't look down on and control people!
USA- Rule does not mean tyranny!

JP- Vs. Cloud of Darkness: The darkness will be dispelled in due time.
USA- Even the darkest clouds scatter in the wind!

JP-Vs. Golbeza: Brother, I will fight!
USA- My brother�I will face you!

JP- Vs. Exdeath: If power is all you have, then you are powerless!
USA- If all you have it power, you are powerless!

JP- Vs. Cefca: Why don't you understand the pain of others!?
USA- You take joy in other�s suffering?

JP- Vs. Sephiroth: To carry such coldness... What sad eyes...
USA- This is sorrow in those wintry eyes.

JP- Vs. Ultimecia: Emotions surpass time!
USA- Time can�t stop me! (Again�wth�)

JP- Vs. Kuja: You should know the importance of bonds!
USA- You should know the importance of Bonding!

JP- Vs. Jecht: You cannot escape destiny!
USA- Vow�s can�t be broken! (See above)

JP- Vs. Shantotto: I feel something deeper than darkness...
USA- I sense a power deeper than Darkness�

JP- Vs. Gabranth: Is your suffering the same as mine...?
USA- We�ve suffered the same pain.

JP- Vs. Chaos: This sword carries the will of my friends!
USA- My comrade�s, only strengthen my blade!

*Enemy Vs Cecil

*Don�t have the USA versions yet

WOL: What are you truly fighting for?

Garland: A warrior who has no hope in his eyes...

Firion: You do not seize victory through kindness.

Emperor: Won't you join our side?

OK: Your power is kinda like mine.

COD: Be it the light or the darkness, it will still gobble you up.

Golbez: Can you best me?

Bartz: Cecil is Cecil. That's how I like it.

Exdeath: Fall into the depths of torture!

Terra: When you change, the world will change as well.

Kefka: Be a good boy now.

Cloud: Don't think, just fight.

Sephiroth: The darkness shall consume you.

Squall: Only the strong survive.

Ultimecia: Entrust your body to temptation.

Zidane: Let's get serious!

Kuja: The light doesn't suit you.

Tidus: Don't be hard-headed, take it easy!

Jecht: You're clearly defined by black and white.

Shantotto: That darkness doesn't suit you.

Gabranth: Why do you embrace the darkness in your fight?

Chaos: All bonds are severed in the whirl of chaos.

That�s it for JP quote�s.

Exclamation Quotes:

*N/A

Dodge Quotes:

*N/A

Attack Quotes:

*Valiant Blow: Hmph! Forgive!

*Dark Cannon: Darkness be with me!

*Gravity Ball: Halt!

*Shadow Lance: Target!

*Paladin Arts: Stay back! Moon transfix you!

*Soul Eater: Darkness, Drink of Anguish!

*Dark Flame: Burn!

*Slash: Guide me!

*Lightning Upper: Go! Yah!

*Dark Step: Guide me! Yah!

*Ray Wings: To the sky! Fleeting blade!

*Sacred Cross: Hu! Haaaa!

*Searchlight: Moon transfix you!

*Saint Dive: Beneath the light, comes judgment!

*Paladin Force: Cleansing light! Haa!

EX Mode Quotes:

*Decant Job: I know my course!

EX Burst Start Quotes:

*This will seal it!

EX Burst Quotes:

*Double Phase (Success): The moon leads me! Light and Darkness cast aloft!

*Double Phase (Failure): This is it! The moon leads me! Forgive�
Darkness be with me!

Victory Quotes:

*I follow the path I must!

*I knew I would Triumph!

*May you find peace.

*I will not stop!

*I survived�.somehow.

*All that matters, is what�s inside!

*Perhaps I�ve grown stronger!

*With this power!

* You fought bravely!

*A knight's path never ends!

Defeat Quote:

*Guaa!

Game Over Quotes:

*I�m... a coward!

*I accept defeat...

*I will rise again!

*I failed...!

*Is this the end...?

*I cannot meet the others like this...

*Yet, I�ve sworn to overcome!

*Am I destined, to go no further?

*Am I not good enough?

*I was careless.

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III. Battle Abilities and Strategy

*= the attack was buffed or nerfed the USA version

A. Dark Knight

-Brave Attacks-

-Land-

1. Valiant Blow- Jab foe with blade. Can send foe flying.
"Hmph! Forgive!"
LV- Starting ability
AP- 140
CP- 20/10
Extra- [Close] Wall rush.  Press O twice for continued attack.
Info- Cecil�s most basic attack. Valiant Blow is fast, and homes in from
a good distance. It�s a great attack to use when you combine it with Dark
Cannon. Only drawback is that it has a lot of ending lag if you miss,
but it�s hard to miss since how fast it is.


2. Dark Cannon- Projectile draw foe. Good start for other combos.
"Darkness be with me!"
LV- Starting Ability
AP- 180
CP- 20/10
Extra- [Long] Magic block.
Info- Another of Cecil�s initial attacks. It�s a gateway attack. Links to
all of his Ground attacks. It pulls the enemy close to you, giving you
enough time to attack again with other attacks.  It�s a great attack
to unleash if your opponent guards a lot, and this attack appears right
behind them, pulling them in and bypassing their guard(and things like
Firion�s shield HP attack). Finally, it comes with magic guard, meaning
you can deploy the attack during an enemies magic attack and guard it.
Very useful.

3. Shadow Lance- Throw weapon. Major damage if lands near opponent.
"Target!"
LV- 3
AP- 90
CP- 20/10
Extra- [Mid] Wall rush.
Info- A fast projectile attack, but has short range. Its really useful
after a guard (or after Dark Cannon) because it will hit the enemy about
6 times from close up. Another great thing about Shadow Lance is that if they
guard it after you throw it, you won�t be staggered. It has trouble hitting
enemies too high in the air, so keep that in mind.

-Air-

*1. Gravity Ball- Fires off a gravity ball. Good start for ground attacks.
"Halt!"
LV- Starting Ability
AP- 140
CP- 20/10
Extra- [Mid] Wall rush.
Info- Cecil�s standard air attack.  It�s a basic big gravity ball that
homes in on the enemy and makes the enemy fall towards the ground, making
them a prime target for your next ability you receive, NightFall.
This attack is now faster in the USA version, it now has a chance to hit the
enemy if they dodge too early. This attack is best used though after a guard.
Finally, this attack when guarded returns back to attack you, so make sure you
guard against it also and returning it back to them.

2. NightFall- High speed dive. Useful for quick descents.
LV- 13
AP- 180
CP- 20/10
Extra- [Mid] Chase.
Info- very quick attack. An attack that is Cecil�s strongest individual hit
besides a chase attack. Gravity Ball sets up this attack perfectly, knocking
the enemy down. Also, This attack also can only be guarded effectively directly
below Cecil, if he is guarded when the enemy is to the side of him, he won�t
be staggered; awesome.

*3. Paladin Arts- Job change to Paladin
"Halt! Moon Transfix you!�
LV- 38
AP- 300
CP- 30/15
Extra- [Mid]. Press O twice for job change.
Info- Gravity ball, except it sends the enemy up up (to the sky! lol). The
second attack that changes Cecil to Paladin is Searchlight. In the USA version,
you now no longer have to hit the opponent with the initial gravity ball attack
to change forms, just pressing circle twice will do the trick. This opens many
possibilities. This is still a great combo starter(Cecil�s best) but now it is
useful anytime rather than just after a guard. Also if the refuse to guard
knowing
they will just be pummeled with Searchlight(if you time it right), and instead
choose to dodge, shoot Searchlight early to force them to dodge two attacks at
the same time rather than one. VERY VERY useful.


-HP- Attacks

*Note* Using a HP attack will automatically change Cecil�s classes. If you use
a ground HP attack, he will change to Dark Knight, Air attacks vice versa for
the Paladin.

1. Soul Eater- Stab foe, devour his soul limited height, quick strike,
"Darkness, Drink of Anguish!"
LV- Starting Ability
AP- 360
CP- 40/20
Extra- [Close] wall rush.
Info- Cecil�s initial ground Hp attack. It�s pretty useful. Its startup is
really short so you can surprise someone who tries to anticipate your moves and
block your Valiant blow attack(hehe). Its best used after a guard
though, and it inflicts a lot of counter brave damage. Unfortunately its area
of effect is low, so if you guard an air attack and use Soul Eater, you�re most
likely going to miss them. Soul Eater has good priority, and can knock back HP
projectile attacks like Emperor�s Flare. Using Dark Cannon with Soul Eater adds
to its effectiveness.

*2. Dark Flame- Summon dark fire. Slow speed, strong homing.
"Burn!"
LV- 22
AP- 360
CP- 40/20
Extra- [Long] wall rush.
*Info- Cecil�s second ground Hp attack. It�s extremely versatile. The attack
homes on the enemy, and has a lot of range, so you can pretty much use it at
anytime. It�s pretty hard to dodge out of it. I find that if an enemy is ever
directly above you, use Dark flame, you�ll most likely hit them, or get them
to run away from you giving you time to regroup. It�s also pretty good to
use when you�re on the high ground and they are dashing towards you, or
climbing up a wall. It also can be linked with Dark Cannon, or used when
you crash the enemy into a wall.  In the US version, this move was slightly
nerfed, It doesn�t home in as strong, but still pretty damn strong.


B. Paladin

-Land-

1. Slash- Hit foe upward. Slow but very accurate strike.
"Guide me!"
LV- Starting ability
AP- 180
CP- 20/10
Extra- Chase. Press O twice for continued attack.
Info- A standard slash attack. Just 2 quick hits, and if they land you can
enable a chase. It does have a big area of effect, so if they�re above you,
you can still hit them with this attack. This attack has a better big brother
called Dark step, which is better than this in every way. Unlike Gravity ball
which still has its uses after gaining Paladin arts, Slash is obsolete after
getting Dark step. Take this off immediately after gaining dark step. Cecil
uses enough Cp as it is :/.

*2. Lightning rise- Charge, than leap. Good start for mid-air attacks.
"Go! Yah!"
LV- 30
AP- 180
CP- 20/10
Extra- [Mid] Magic block. Chase.
*Info- Cecil�s second Ground attack in Paladin form. This attack was just
horrible in the Japanese version, but got a huge increase in the USA version.
It still has bad startup lag and really bad ending lag, but the attack is not
supposed to be offensive; it�s a counter attack. In the JP version it was a
weak excuse for a counter attack that you�d be better off doing an HP attack
instead; now it actually has a use. Now the attack can block enemy magic
projectiles, making it a great attack to use during an enemies magic attack
like Squall�s magic fury. Add it with the accessory that provides critical
during an enemies attack and it becomes a fantastic ability. A VERY VERY VERY
useful attack

*3. Dark Step- Job change to Dark Knight during combo.
"Guide me! Yah!"
LV- 44
AP- 200
CP- 20/10
Extra- [Close] Chase. Press O twice for job change.
Info- Like Slash, this attack is a quick double slash, but can lead to Nightfall
rather than a chase initially. It is very useful. The attack is has the same
range
as slash, but has a great twist. In the USA version you don�t have to hit the
enemy
with the initial slash, but rather pressing circle twice allows the change to
the
Dark Knight. This vastly improved this move�s potential. Still like slash best
used
as an interrupting attack or after a guard, but even if the enemy dodges now,
they
will find it hard to dodge the second nightfall attack, making this a killer
move.
Still can�t combo with it like Paladin arts, but it�s a combo within itself.
So much better than slash, immediately replace slash with this attack.

-Air-
1. Ray Wings- Splendid swordplay. Long reach, Fast strike speed.
"To the Sky. Fleeting blade!"
LV- Starting Ability
AP- 120
CP- 20/10
Extra- [Close] Wall rush. Press O twice for continued attack.
Info- Cecil�s initial air attack. It�s fast, and has a good range.
It�s great to use this after another attack, like Search Light or Paladin
Arts. Another use for this attack is because Cecil slams his opponent into
the ground, he can switch to DK(during Exmode) and quickly use Dark Fall.
An outstanding attack, and surprisingly strong.

2. Sacred Cross- Vertical charge. Direction depends on position.
"Hu! Haaaa!"
LV- 8
AP- 120
CP- 20/10
Extra- Chase.
Info- Another very awesome attack. This attack is VERY fast and like Dark
Fall can catch people off guard. But unlike Dark Fall you can execute this
below and above the enemy. Though like Dark Fall, it sends the enemy into a
chase. This can be chained with other attacks like Paladin Arts or Search
Light, and if done after a block the chase damage will have high chances of
being a critical. This attack and Ray wings make Cecil�s air game absolutely
 dominating.

Its only negative is that it�s range isn�t very far though.


3. Search Light- Launch Magic bit. Bit fire�s projectiles. Effective vs.
any height, good diversion.
"Moon Transfix you!"
LV- 20
AP- 90
CP- 20/10
Extra- [Long] Can link with Paladin Force.
Info- A gateway attack. It�s like Dark Cannon, it links to every one of his
air attacks(even Saint Dive if close enough). But unlike Dark Cannon, its range
is HUGE. Unfortunately it loses its link capability at far enough range, except
for one attack: Paladin Force. This attack is a little slow on the startup, so
use it best during an opponent�s attack that has a long loading time(like Meteor
Rain),or after slamming them on the ground with Ray Wings (can catch them of
guard sometimes). Very annoying to enemies because it has manyuses for
capitalizing
on failed attacks, making Cecil the ultimate counter attacker in air
(opposite of Zidane who has the best air offensive game).

-HP Attacks-

*Note* Using a HP attack will automatically change Cecil�s classes. If you use
a ground HP attack, he will change to Dark Knight, Air attacks vice versa for
the Paladin.

*1. Saint Fall- Focus light and Charge. From afar, good vs. any height.
"Beneath the light, comes judgment!"
LV- Starting Ability
AP- 360
CP- 40/20
Extra- [Mid] Wall Rush.
*Info- Cecil�s Initial air Hp attack. It was one of the worst HP attacks in
the game because of its bad homing, lag, and priority. But they fixed it�s
problem in the USA version. It still is pretty slow and really hard to connect
even after a block, but now it�s harder for the enemy to dodge unless they
have good timing. Better, but still not that great.

2. Paladin Force- Holy sword magic. Effective against any height.
"Cleansing light! Haa!"
LV- 33
AP- 360
CP- 40/20
Extra- [Close] Wall Rush. Can be linked from Searchlight.
Info- Cecil�s second air HP attack. It is pretty fast for a HP attack, with
little start up lag, and virtually no ending lag. It�s an outstanding attack.
It can catch people of guard because how fast it is, and is a great attack to
be used after a guard. It increases in range when linked up with Searchlight
and becomes a combo that your enemies are not able to dodge out of. It
also has an advantage in that Cecil doesn�t need to put himself into harm�s
way because it�s a projectile attack.


C. Ex Mode and Burst

I.  Ex Mode bonuses

1. Proteus

"I know my course!�

Press R+[] to Job change freely.(sadly it doesn�t block attacks lol)

2. Inner strength

Damage output is multiplied by 1.5

II. Ex Burst- Soul shift

"This will seal it!�

1. Mini-game

Cecil has to Simultaneously link directional(D-pad) input with Button(face
buttons) input.  I find that the easiest way to do this is to memorize the
buttons, then combine them with the directional output. So if it�s;

  <- -> <-      O [] O

Remember the face buttons combo O [] O. Then combine them together with the
directional input. Easy to get a perfect. The time limit is about 4-5 seconds.

*Notes*
It�s one of the weaker Ex bursts in the game, plus side is that you have a large
time limit, and even if you miss a combination you can continue to do it till
the time limit is over.

* Now in the USA version they made his EX burst stronger, but still easy to
input,
 so he still has no need for the Ex input skills!

2. Darkness- Weaker Ex Burst

"Double Phase (Failure): This is it! Under the guidance of the moon...
Sorry... Be consumed by the darkness!"

Cecil combines both of his classes to inflict a powerful combo.

0 hits- two initial weak hits, followed by one weak hit of darkness.

1 hit- two initial weak hits by the Dark Knight, Followed by a strong strike
in Paladin, and a weak hit of Darkness by Dark Knight.

2 hit- two initial weak hits by the Dark Knight, Followed by a strong strike
in Paladin, continued by a strike from the Dark Knight, and 2 weak final hits
of Darkness by Dark Knight.

3. Double Phase- Perfect Ex Burst

"This is it! Under the guidance of the moon, there
is neither darkness nor light."

3 hit- two initial weak hits by the Dark Knight, Followed by a strong strike
in Paladin, continued by a strike from the Dark Knight, then 2 weak hits of
Darkness by Dark Knight, and finally a strong strike from Paladin.

D. Strategy

1. Character Overview


      Cecil Harvey in this game has the concept of �Split Soul�. He switches
styles in different situations, and each of his forms styles is completely
different.

  The Dark Knight form is strong/best on the ground, but slow.  Paladin is fast,
best in the air, has better defense, but is weaker. The way he switches between
the said forms is by doing an HP attack in the air for Paladin, and HP attack on
the ground of Dark Knight.

     Cecil is best used by using each form effectively in a given situation. He
is pretty much a combination of different characters, but unlike other
combination
characters, he surpasses even the originals in most cases.

2. Dark Knight

A. Info- Cecil�s Dark Knight is a combination of sorts of many different
characters.
He has great Wall rushes like Cloud, has quick attacks like Squall, and great HP
attacks like Kuja.

    While grounded, The Dark Knight form is best on the offensive. His attack
Valiant Blow is very fast, and has a large area of effect. It can easily be
used as a counter attack also. His next attack Shadow Lance isn�t quite as
fast, and it has bad range, and bad area of effect(slight vertical range),
BUT it is good to use it as a decoy to get the enemy to dodge away from you,
and hopefully you can land his next attack Dark Cannon. Dark Cannon is why
Cecil is pretty much so good on the ground. This attack can lead to every other
DK attack on the ground, even his HP attacks. His two HP attacks are great also,
but only Dark Flame is good being used on the offensive (when the enemy is above
you, or far away). Soul Eater is better used defensively, or when the enemy
thinks
you�re going to used valiant blow and anticipate the attack by guarding, Soul
eater
is very fast for an HP attack and can punish these mistakes.

    While in the air The Dark Knight form is best on the defensive, but in the
USA he�s great on the offensive too. He really only has 2 attacks, and each is
best to be used either after a guard, or during an enemy attack. This is the
Dark Knight�s worst position. His attack Gravity ball has bad motion lag
(Cecil will stay still even after its shot), and it�s slower than most of Cecil
ground attacks. His other attack Paladin arts is similarly to Gravity Ball,
exact now it�s fantastic to be used as an offensive maneuver. Still need to
make sure you�re not too close to the enemy or at least above the enemy so the
attack won�t bounce back at you before you can dodge, but this is the attacks
only fault. The attack is great and should be abused, because it�s damn near
a guaranteed hit, forcing the enemy to dodge two different attacks at once,
and one of them tracks really good. His other good offensive attack in the air
is Nightfall, and that�s only if you directly above your enemy to catch them
off guard. Fortunately Dark Fall is a great counter attack in the air, just
dodge above them then attack. It can even go through HP attacks like Cloud�s
Cross Slash. Overall Cecil is still a ground attacker, but now he�s not too
shabby in the air.

     Because The Dark Knight is so slow, this hinders his ability to be used
as a counter attacker on the ground. Because he can�t outrun attacks he�s
forced to dodge them, making him use important time he can be used to counter
attack. The Dark Knight can�t effectively counter HP attacks on the ground,
except ones with tremendously bad area of effect like Squall�s Fated Circle.
The only way to mend this is jump and counter attack with his Dark Fall,
which isn�t an HP attack, but it leads to a chase so you may get lucky and
land an hp attack that way.


B. Summary-

-  Every brave attack he has can combo
-  Can combo both of his HP attacks with Dark Cannon
-  Great offensively on the ground
-  OK offensively in the air
-  Can punish on ground with Valiant blow, and in the air with Dark Fall
-  Slow, can�t evade HP attacks by running forcing him to dodge (cant
Effectively exploit enemy end lag)


3. Paladin

A. Info- Cecil�s Paladin is also a combination of many different character�s
strengths. He is great in the air like Zidane, (although opposite of
Zidane who�s offensively strong in the air, Cecil prevails in defensive
air attacks) strong in combination attacks like Jecht, and great magic counter
like Squall.


     While Grounded, the Paladin form was just damn near unusable, but got a
boost in the USA version. He�s not good on the offensive because none of his
ground attacks can combo, but his defensive game was improved. He has 3 attacks,
two which are pretty much unusable because they don�t give any rewards.
His attack Slash is just a quick slash, really short range, and no startup
attack to actually get the enemy within that range. Lightning Rise is his
next attack on the ground, and it�s probably his worst attack in the game
in the JP version, but better in the USA version. It has start up lag like an
HP attack, and it isn�t even unblock able like a good start up BRV attack
like Firion�s Lead Axe. It leads to a chase like every one of Paladins ground
attacks, so you can lead them into the air where he fights best. Finally in the
USA version the attack now has magic block, which improves its use dramatically.
Since it can block magic attacks, it�s best to be used as a magic counter
attack,
though the rewards aren�t particularly great because this attack isn�t an HP
attack, though there is a chance you can land one. It�s still slow so the range
of magic attacks are small that he can block, especially if their too quick like
Terra�s Blizzara, but against a slow one like Squall�s mystic flurry(which can�t
be countered by Searchlight-> Paladin force because of it�s nature) it�s
perfect.
His last attack is Dark step, which is pretty much slash except it can lead into
Nightfall, but it puts you into a chase in the air after changing you into a
Dark
Knight, which is the Dark Knights worse position. But in the USA this attack was
improved so you can use the attacks in secession, making it a lot better than it
was originally, but still �egh�. Paladin just isn�t very good on the ground, too
many negatives, but the inclusion of Lightning rise�s raises him a little, but
still
very limited use�s.

     In the air is where the Paladin shines(lol). He�s a great offensive
character here, but also Horrendously great defenisvely. All of his attacks in
the
air chain like the Dark Knight(except the Dark Knight can combo in the air and
on
the ground). Ray wings area quick combo that can be used offensively, or an
excellent punisher attack. It slams the opponent into the ground though, which
effectively gets them out of your sweet spot. His next attack is Sacred Cross.
It is tremendously fast, and can attack from below or above. Its biggest
downfall
is its range though, which isn�t very large. It is a perfect punisher though
because how fast it is. His final Brave attack in the air is Search Light. Like
Dark Cannon, it has a long startup, but great rewards if you can hit the enemy.
Searchlight can combo into your other brave attacks at short range, Saint Dive
at mid-range, and Paladin force at long range. The Search Light and Paladin
Force
Combo is VERY versatile, and can punish a lot of HP attacks, and even long lag
worthy brave attacks. This is why you really don�t want to miss an attack
against
a good Paladin Cecil, because the Searchlight-Paladin combo is devastating.

     Because the Paladin is so fast on the ground, Cecil can outrun attacks,
and can counter attack with HP Dark Knight attacks. Don�t count on this
though, a smart enemy won�t be spamming HP attacks, if they did then Paladin
might actually have a use on the ground.


B. Summary-

-Great in the air offensively
- Horrible offensive attacks on the ground that can�t combo
- Bad defensively on the ground because bad AOE , except Lightning Rise, but
only against slow magic attack�s. The rewards isn�t that great overall if the
enemy it good in chase dodging.
- Can combo Paladin force with Search light: it can punish many HP attacks
- Can punish in the air with Sacred Cross or Ray Wings
-  Really fast and can punish enemy attacks on the ground

I personally think the Dark Knight form is better overall, but most battles
tend to end up in the air so your pretty much better off using paladin, but
the Dark Knight can at least be usable in the air, as opposed to Paladin
on the ground.

4. When to change jobs in the midst of a battle.


- High above the enemy(Paladin Force) or below significantly(Dark
Flame cause you might get a hit)
- Using Dark Step or Paladin Arts at the correct time(as counters,
they aren't good offensive moves).
- When you can counter their attacks(during one of their lag times or
during an attack like Golbez's warping attack(ambush system?)
- When a far enough away from the enemy, preferably Paladin Force and
Soul Eater.

-Now in the USA version the attacks Paladin Art�s and Dark Step solve all your
problems lol

E. Combination attacks

AA.  Brave Damage combos

1. Dark Cannon-> Valiant Blow
Conditions- N/A
Info- The most basic combo Cecil has. Does a good amount of Damage. Knocks
enemy far back, and if they fly into a wall you might be able to get them
with a Dark Flame.

2. Dark Cannon-> Shadow Lance
Conditions- N/A
Info- Acts much like Valiant Blow combination. Knocks the enemy far back,
and again if they fly into a wall, Dark Flame them.

3. Gravity Ball-> Dark Fall
Conditions- Best if used after a guard and in close-quarters.
Info- Great combo if you�re confident with your chase abilities. If you
aren�t good at guarding and find yourself above the enemy, shot out a
Gravity ball and immediately execute Dark Fall, and pray that they guard
rather than dodge the ball. If they guard, Dark fall will go through the
ball and still hit them. So, you don�t get the combination, but at
least you get a hit with dark fall.

4. Paladin Arts->Ray Wings
Conditions- Best if used after a guard and in close-quarters.
Info- One of, if not the best Brave combination attacks in the game(well
besides Chaos -_-). Hits the opponent with 3 different attacks, seeing
as Paladin Arts is Gravity Ball and Search Light combined.  If you do this
after a guard, you�ll get A LOT of criticals, pretty much guaranteeing a
HUGE amount of damage getting taken, and possibly a break. Use this
combination if you ever manage to guard against a melee attack in the
air as a Dark Knight.

5. Paladin Arts-> Sacred Cross
Conditions- Best if used after a guard and in close-quarters.
Info- Just like the Paladin Arts and Ray Wings Combo, but replace Ray
Wings with Sacred Cross. Only thing different is that this will result in
a chase, which I rather do the Ray wings combination.  BIG plus in this
one is of course if you do this after a guard, your chase damage will be
HUGE.

6. Searchlight-> Ray Wings
Conditions- Close quarters.
Info- Basically just like the Paladin Arts combo, except you start of with
Searchlight. I use this if I�m not planning on using Paladin Force.

7. Searchlight-> Sacred Cross
Conditions- Close quarters.
Info- Just like the previous combo except you use Sacred Cross, and it
results in a chase. Obviously, use this if you�re good with chases.

BB. HP Damage combos

1. Dark Cannon-> Soul Eater
Conditions- N/A
Info- Standard HP combo. Only downside is that if you don�t press [] fast
enough they can dodge out of it, so I constantly press [] during the Dark
Cannon attack, and hope for the best. It also depends on how you hit them
with Dark Cannon. This video explains it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEDghzIiltw&fmt=18

2. Dark Cannon-> Dark Flame
Conditions- N/A
Info- A Good combo. Like Soul Eater, except you execute Dark Flame. Again, it
has to be done real quick or they can dodge. Plus side is that if you don�t
do it in time, it homes on the opponent anyways, and may still hit them.
Downside is that you don�t get extra Brave damage like Soul Eater.

3. Search Light-> Paladin Force
Conditions- N/A
Info- Absolutely outstanding HP combo, Cecil�s best. It works from ANY range.
If Searchlight hits, immediately activate Paladin Force and Cecil will attack.
Even if he�s far away and the enemy dodges his Paladin force initial strike,
because Cecil automatically does the attack animation(and Paladin Force homes
in) he will still hit the enemy with the rest of the Paladin Force combo. This
is a great combination to use during a charged HP attack(Black Materia), with
a HP attack that takes a while to do(like Meteor Rain), and an attack which
has a long cooldown (Meltdown).His Best HP combo IMO. See Section F for a
greater anylysis on this combo.

Here�s a little video where I do most of the combos-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVs13An8pVE


CC. Submitted combo�s

1.Awesomexp -
Cecil: Dark energy orb (up), dodge, Dark energy orb (up), Paladin satellite,
Neutral brave (original one for paladin), 2nd paladin hp attack. (You need
practice and proper spacing to pull this combo off correctly).
Cecil: Dark energy orb (up), Dark energy orb (down)

2. Nexus Nocturnal-
Cecil: Shadow ball Down, Shadow Ball Up, Search Light, Second Paladin HP
attack.

3 Mad_Cartoonist-
Cecil: (DK) Paladin Arts -> (P)Satellite -> Initial Air Brave Attack ->Paladin
Force. This combo will be totally unavoidable if you can't find the trick.

Cecil: (P)Satellite -> Paladin Force / Saint Dive
Most of Cecil's combo depends on the range so all of these might not connect.



F. Search Light And Paladin Force Combo Analysis

    This combo is Cecil's best Combo in the game. It is tremendously
versatile and is a low risk and high reward combo IF used correctly. I'll
explain when best to use it, its advantages, and some of the attacks I know
of that can be countered via this combo.

             First, how and when to use this combo. This attack is best used
not on the fly(though it can catch people of guard sometimes >.>), but rather
during the middle of the enemies attack. Because Search Light has a pretty
long start up animation, this attack can easily be blocked/dodged, or you can
get slammed by a attack while Cecil is doing the attack :/, so its  best to
use this attack during an enemies HP attack animation(because the naturally
long start ups HP attacks have). Since Paladin Cecil is the 4th fastest
character in the game, and jumps the highest of any character, use these
skills to your advantage. The trick to this combination is learning when to
run, jump or dodge, then when to activate Search Light. The video shows some
attacks and when to jump over the animations.


              Cecil's Search Light-> Paladin Force Combo has huge advantages
compared to most chain attacks(BP-> HP combos). The combo has a huge range
compared to the most other chain attacks(like Terra's Holy Combo). Since it
has a huge range and the brave attack is a projectile attack, it doesnt put
Cecil into harms way when using it during an HP attack. Lastly, its best
advantage is that it can be used where melee chains can't possible reach or
get to in time(Terra's Tornado/Meltdown, Sephiroth's Black Materia, Zidane's
Stellar Circle 5)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP7y41PzmgA&fmt=18


              The video shows most of the attacks that can be countered with
this combo, but here are some others I know of:

- Shield of Light
- Tornado
- Master of Arms
- Whirlwind Blades
- Firaga
- Saint Dive
- Dark Flame(very hard, make sure far enough away)
- Grand Cross
- Almagest

Not everything I know, but a start ^_^.

-Summary-

- Doesn't put Cecil into harms way if used during an enemies attack
- Counter attacks otherwise too hard to combo with regular BP-> HP attacks
- Use Cecil's speed and jumping power to your advantage
- Study every attack to get a feel of when you use Search Light

Everyone should all be Paladin Cecil experts after learning how to use this
awesome attack!!!



------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IV. Equipment

1. Weapon types

Weapon-
Cecil can equip swords, giant swords, and axes.

Armor-
Cecil can wear light armor, heavy armor, Shields, gauntlets and helmets.

2. Specific Weapons-

LV- Level required in order to equip the item.
Stats- What parameter it raises/decreases
Info- How to obtain

A. Darl Sword
LV- 1
Stats- ATK +4, Power of Darkness 1/4
Info- Found in treasure chests in Cecil story mode.

B. Mythgraven Blade-
LV-50
Stats- ATK+ 37, +1 DEF in Paladin mode
Info-  Trade in shop- 1 Dark Sword, 3 Gigas Bone�s, 2 Titan shard�s, and
16,280 Gil.

C. Lustrous Sword
LV- 92
Stats- ATK+64, +2 DEF in Paladin mode
Info- Trade in Shop- 1 Mythgraven Blade, 5 Blood-Darkened Bone�s, 3 Titan
Crystal�s, 30,390 Gil.

Or won by Friend card- Red Wings

D. LightBringer-
LV-100
Stats- ATK+69, +2 DEF in Paladin mode, Minor Sneak attack effect
Info- Trade in Shop- 1 Lustrous sword, 5 Twin Forms�, 5 Titan�s orb,
32,750 Gil.

E. Cimmerian Edge-
LV-100
Stats-  ATK+69, +2 ATK in Dark Knight mode, Minor Counterattack effect
Info- Trade in Shop- 1 Lustrous sword, 5 Twin Forms�, 5 Titan�s orb,
32,750 Gil.


3. Specific Armor- (JP version)

LV- Level required in order to equip the item.
Stats- What parameter it raises/decreases
Info- How to obtain

A. Shield of Darkness-
LV- 2
Stats- HP +428, Power of Darkness 1/4
Info- Found in treasure chests.

B. Rotating Saw-
LV- HP- 301, BRV+81, DEF+73
Stats- 96
Info- Trade in Shop- 1 Hammer,1 Eden Scale, 31,920 Gil.



C. Helmet of Darkness-
LV- 1
Stats- BRV+37,  DEF+1, Power of Darkness 1/4
Info- Found in treasure chests.


D. Drill-
LV- 96
Stats- HP- 307, BRV+ 411, BRV Damage +30% in Chase, 5% break chance
Info-  Trade in Shop- 1 Hammer, 5 Behemoth Horn, 15, 980 Gil.


E. Auto Crossbow-
LV- 96
Stats- HP+2666, Physical Damage+ 15%, 5% break Chance
Info- Trade in Shop- 1 Hammer, 1 Hero Skull, 23.940 Gil.


4. Item farming-

A. Mythgraven Blade-

1. Dark Sword- In Cecil�s story, hard to miss.
2. Gigas Bone- Dusty Elixir can be won in 31-60 coliseum
3. Titan Shard- Cecil battle gen

B. Lustrous Sword-

1. Blood Darkened Bone- Found in 91-120 coliseum, trade with (3) Hi-Elixir
2. Titan Crystal- Cecil Battle gen

C. Cimmerian Edge/Lightbringer

1. Twin Form- Found in 91-120 coliseum, trade with (4) Megalixir
2. Titan Orb- Cecil battle gen



------------------------------------------------------------------------------


V. Frequently asked Questions

1. Q.  How do you change from Dark Knight Cecil to Paladin Cecil?

A.  Couple different ways. Initially its HP attacks. Perform an HP attack in
the air and you�ll change to a Paladin automatically. Vice versa on the
ground you�ll change to a Dark Knight with a HP attack on the ground. Another
way is through brave attacks Paladin Arts and Dark Step. Finally in Cecil�s
Ex mode press R+[] and you can change between them anywhere, ground or in the
air.

2. Q. Can I just be Cecil�s Dark Knight form (Or Paladin)?

A. Sure, but it�s not really recommended.  Cecil isn�t like Zelda from Smash
Bros, Cecil pretty much is forced to use both of his forms, because his
shortcomings between his forms in air and ground combat.

3. Q. Does Dark Cannon only hit back, or forward and back?

A.  It hits forward, and back.

4. Q. Is Saint Dive useless? How DO I use it?

A.  Not completely useless, buts it�s no Grand lethal. It is pretty bad, but
it does have its uses, like it can actually be combined with Search Light at
mid-range, or like raphealblaze suggests, used while an enemy is stunned on
the ground after a chase leads there.

5. Q. Are all of Cecil�s ground attacks as a Dark Knight guaranteed to link
with Dark Cannon?

A.  Not guaranteed, but they all can be linked with Dark Cannon. The HP
attacks both depend on timing. They need to be done immediately after the
animation of Dark Cannon is finished. They also depend on the stun time the
enemy is inflicted with Dark Cannon. If Dark Cannon hits them too far away
it won�t stun them long enough. It�s best to either counter with this in their
face or hit them from behind after they dodge. If you hit them at the farthest
Dark Cannon can go, the HP attacks will most likely miss, so use a Brave
attack instead.

Heres a video showing what I mean:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEDghzIiltw&fmt=18

6. Q. Does Paladin Forces range increase with the Search Light attack?

A. Yes.(that was easy lol)

7. Q. What arte Cecil�s most damaging combo�s?

A.  Paladin Arts to Sacred Cross because you can continue with Brave attacks
in his chase. Bad thing about this is that it has to be done by Dark Knight
in the air, but you can mend that by switching after a guard in Exmode to
Dark Knight, but then you would have to sacrifice an HP attack opportunity
:/.

8. Q. I have something I want to suggest to you, how do I contribute?

A.  My Email- [email protected]


9. Q. Why does Cecil fight for his friends? Is this an Ike ripoff?

A.  This is a reference to FFIV where Cecil received emotional strength from
all the friends he met throughout the game at the final battle(telepathically
strangely enough).

10. Q. Does Cecil have a BP to HP combo?

A. Not a graphed chain, but rather combo's nonetheless. Becuase he has 2
forms he has a lot more CP to handle than the other characters, the developers
created a way to have 2 of his attacks function like combos, but not be a
direct chain combo costing CP. His attacks that combo into HP combos are Dark
Cannon and Search Light.

All the various videos for quick reference:

My Main Name
http://www.youtube.com/user/manashima

Dark Cannon Soul Eater Combo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEDghzIiltw&fmt=18

Cecil's Combo video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVs13An8pVE&fmt=18

Search Light and Paladin Force Combo Analysis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP7y41PzmgA&fmt=18

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VI. Credits

1. Square Enix for making this game.
2. Various Gamefaqs members.
3. People who asked Questions in the F.A.Q.
4. Dissidia Wiki and all its contributors.
5. Final Fantasy Wiki for the After story descriptions.
6. Animekittysama for various translations.


That�s all!!!

Faq will be expanded on in a months time when I learn new things, or have
new FAQ questions. May look into character specific strategies too in the
future, if requested on.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------