Template:Sideicon Template:Enemy The Shield Wyrm is a dragon/fell wyrm-type enemy from Final Fantasy XII found on the Cerobi Steppe and the Nabreus Deadlands. It gives an unusually high amount of EXP and LP for a regular enemy. It is also fought in the Zodiac versions Trial Mode at stage 67 along with Dheed.
Bestiary entry
Page 1: Observations
Being one of the most powerful dragons ever to roam Ivalice. Though nothing is known about the ancient beings who placed the ring on this wyrm's neck, it is clearly meant to offer some kind of magickal protection in battle, indicating that these dragons were once used as weapons of war. Nor is it known what these creatures were directed to attack, but surely it was something truly fearsome. In modern times, its nigh impenetrable hide has earned it the nickname of the 'walking fortress' among adventurers.
Page 2: The Town Crier
Hear ye! No other society is as difficult to penetrate as the Iron Stomach, legendary tasting guild. The competition for entry is fierce, and the trials required nigh on impossible to overcome. The trial for entry this year: submit the monster liver best suited to gourmet creations. It is thought that markets will soon be flooded with ring wyrm livers and the like, as everyone tries to guess just which creature's liver can make the judges' mouths water.
Stats
Template:FFXII Enemy Stats
Battle
The Shield Wyrm can catch a player off-guard, as it has a lot of HP for a normal enemy. During the fight the Shield Wyrm will almost always cast Greater Barrier, which bestows Protect and Shell. It can use Restore to heal itself but usually only uses it once and, on some occasions, not at all. It uses strong attacks and Level 3 elemental magic.
Strategy
The easiest way to kill them is to use the Nihopalaoa + Phoenix Down trick to instantly kill them. Using Death also works.
Keeping party members spread out and casting Shell or Reflect will reduce the danger of Shield Wyrm's magic. Slow, and Haste help the battle progress faster. Oil combined with fire-elemental/boosting weapons and magick can be effective if it is not raining. Additionally, Sleep (ability) can be used if all of the party are using magick. Dispel can remove the wyrm's Protect and Shell.
Due to the relatively rare Loot (Final Fantasy XII) available from the Wyrm, it is advisable to try to chain them to improve drop chances. The best way to chain them is to run through Journey's Rest to Crossfield and Terraced Bank. Most of the time there will be one Shield Wyrm in the center of Crossfield and two in The Terraced Bank, one near the windmills and the other a little bit north of there.
Gallery
Etymology
Wyrm is an alternative name for mythological European dragon. They appear mostly in Celtic and German mythology. They are depicted as flying, fire-breathing reptiles, with magical properties. The word wyrm is the original Germanic-based term for a serpent or dragon, draca being adopted from the Latin draco at an early time.