Final Fantasy IV Characters

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Kain Highwind

Vital Statistics

Age	21
Height	6'1"
Occupation	Dragoon
Equipment	Spears, Shields, Armor, Helmets, Gauntlets
Abilities	Jump

Biography

Kain is a Dragoon in service of the kingdomm Baron, following in his deceased father's footsteps. Though he was offered the chance at greater prestige by becoming a Dark Knight, he chose instead to continue his father's legacy. He is pragmatic and matter-of-fact, balancing out his friend Cecil's tendency to delve into the motivations of the King; to Kain, orders are orders. Kain also has a certain affection for Rosa, accompanied by frustration with Cecil's dysfunctional relationship with her. He is, however, a loyal friend, looking out for Cecil's best interests and holding himself to a noble standard in honor of his father's memory.

Additional Information

When Cecil is banished for questioning the king's decision, Kain's attempt to argue on his behalf sends him to the same fate. Unlike Cecil, who is consumed with doubt over the king's motivations, Kain sees the mission merely as a punishment to be endured. Once the true nature of their trip to Mist becomes apparent, Kain continues in his refusal to examine the moral implications of their actions, seeing only his duty, until Cecil forces him to examine the ramifications of obeying Baron. Unfortunately, a sudden disaster separates Kain and Cecil, and, unknown to the player, Kain has been captured by forces from Baron.

As a prisoner of Golbez, Kain struggles with with his mixed feelings toward his best friend, whose actions have put him in a very difficult position. Golbez is able to use Kain's jealousy of what he perceives as Cecil's undeserved successes, especially with Rosa, to gain an astonishing degree of control over him. When Kain reappears, he is Golbez's servant, and he willingly attacks his old friends in service of a purpose he had formerly renounced. Kain helps Golbez kidnap Rosa to keep her from Cecil and, issuing a challenge, departs.

Rosa's attempts to reason with Kain during her captivity only serve to further inflame his jealousy, and he vows that he will prove himself to be Cecil's better. Throwing himself into Golbez's service, it is Kain who comes up with the idea of trading Rosa for the Crystal of Earth. However, the situation spirals out of Golbez's control, and his hold over Kain is weakened. Disoriented and ashamed, Kain begs Cecil's forgiveness, but his concern immediately leaps to Rosa's perilous situation. He leads the party to her just in time to keep her from being killed and helps the party fight off one of Golbez's minions.

Though Kain still harbors feelings for Rosa, he suppresses them in pursuit of the greater good at Cecil's side. All is well until Golbez attempts to reassert control at a critical moment. Kain's lingering jealousy and resentment are still strong enough that Golbez can once again make Kain his slave.

When Golbez's power is finally broken for good, Kain is filled with remorse for his actions, but understands that they were a result of his own weakness. He does not expect to be forgiven, but still rejoins Cecil's fight. This time, having come to terms with his jealous insecurities, Kain is a staunch ally, and he helps Cecil to return peace to the world.

On the eve of Cecil and Rosa's wedding, Kain is nowhere to be found. Unable to forgive himself for the destruction his personal weakness caused, Kain departs on a journey of strength and redemption.

More About Kain Highwind

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Weapons Armor Shields Helmets Gauntlets/Rings