Bindwa in Phantasy Star.
Bindwa (Japanese: ビンドワ, "Bindower") is a recurring spell in the Phantasy Star series. Bindwa uses magic to ensnare an enemy, disabling them for a set number of turns. While the enemy is afflicted, they are prevented from taking action as long as the spell is in effect.
Etymology[]
"Bindower" comes from the Germanic Bindow, meaning binding[1]. So, Bindower = "binder," which is fitting for what the spell does.
Phantasy Star / Generation 1[]
Bindwa is a Magic Spell that can be learned by Alis Landale. In the localization of the original Master System version, it is known as Rope. It costs 4 MP to cast and prevents the enemy from acting for 1~3 turns.
In Phantasy Star Generation 1, Bindwa is a Spell learned by Alis. Unlike the original game, it is learned at a later level and costs 8 MP to cast.
Phantasy Star IV: End of the Millennium[]
Bindwa is a Skill learned by Kyra Tierney at Level 35 in Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium. It is based on the original spell learned by Alis. Bindwa only affects Organic enemies, and prevents them from taking action for a few turns.
Phantasy Star Online 2[]
In Phantasy Star Online 2, Bindwa is an ability used by Alis Landale when she is wielding the Laconium Sword.
Bindwa takes the form of multiple miniature Laconium Swords rapidly encircling the target, creating a barrier of pure energy that snares the target. The barrier's strength is related to the strength of its caster, and its target may break free if it is able to overpower the barrier's effect.
During the events of EPISODE 5, Alis uses the technique to bind the Evil Dragon in an attempt to seal it. However, the Evil Dragon, whose strength is enhanced by Ephemera, is nearly able to break through the binding effect until Luther steps in and absorbs the Evil Dragon's Ephemera. It is later used by Alis to seal the Evil Dragon for good after the Guardian defeats it.
Unlike most techniques in Omega, which are acknowledged to be Photon-based as Mana, the primary source of energy in Omega, is a variation of Photons, the power of the Laconium Sword, and thus the Bindwa ability, is not recognized by Xierra to be Photon-based, implying that the ability may be closer to real magic than a Technique.
- ↑ See: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://second.wiki/wiki/bindow&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1694230549438321&usg=AOvVaw1MCG-J1sJhXTH-DaFYOpof Here's an excerpt from the relevant section: "Bindow was settled by Slavs around the year 1000. They probably built the village green that stretches towards the Dahme and took care of a ford through the river. This could be a reference to the name bindow = binding. [3] Bindow was first mentioned in 1492."