Mithril Theory

Why are there 15 pieces of mithril, but 12 characters in the game and 28 craftable weapons?

It has long been debated how many pieces of mithril really exist. We all know there are at least 15 pieces, but it just seems like such an odd number, given that there are 12 characters on the Force at any one time. Maybe the extras are just to try and get better weapons when you’ve wasted a piece of mithril? Nope, that’s not it. Or at least, not according to Ace, who has submitted the following theory which seems to explain it all! The theory has been revised slightly, following the research of DragoonMaster77, a big thank you to you both for allowing me to publish your work here!

Throughout the game various weapons can be found, bought in the deals or dropped by monsters… even some that are only otherwise available through the Blacksmith. However, not all the mithril weapons are available through other means, and surprise surprise, there are in fact 15 Mithril Weapons which are only available through the Blacksmith. Hence, the 15 mithrils are to enable you to get one of each uniquely crafted weapon!

The uniquely crafted mithril weapons are as follows:

English Version

  1. Levanter
  2. Katana
  3. Ninja Kitana
  4. Gisarme
  5. Halberd
  6. Mist Javelin
  7. Holy Lance
  8. Ground Axe
  9. Rune Axe
  10. Supply Staff
  11. Freeze Staff
  12. Grand Cannon
  13. Misty Knuckles
  14. Giant Knuckles
  15. Valkyrie
Japanese Version

  1. Levanter
  2. Katana
  3. Ninja Kitana
  4. Gisarme
  5. Halberd
  6. Mist Javelin
  7. Holy Lance
  8. Ground Axe
  9. Rune Axe
  10. Supply Staff
  11. Freeze Staff
  12. Grand Cannon
  13. Misty Knuckles
  14. Giant Knuckles
  15. Goddess Staff

DragoonMaster77’s research shows that in the Japanese version, the Valkyrie can be found in the Prism Flower battle (in the chest), and so it is not one of the unique weapons – instead the Goddess Staff is unique to the Blacksmith. However, in the English version, the Valkyrie cannot be reached and so it is on the list of unique weapons, it replaces the Goddess Staff, which can be found in the Deals of the shop under the following circumstances:

In battle 21, kill the Dark Madam with a character that has no item slots free. Not only will her Protect Ring be found in the deals (go to the seller by the gate of Hassan), but the Goddess Staff will also be there at a price of 5,900G. This does not occur in the Japanese version of the game.

Mystery solved!! Thanks very much Ace and DragoonMaster77, what marvellous findings!