Mad cap

The Mad Cap ふしぎなぼうし (Mysterious hat in the NES and Magic helmet in the GBC) is unique headgear in the early entries in the Dragon Quest series.

Appearances

Dragon Quest II

The hat reduces MP consumption in battle by 25% (rounded up) and provides Defense of +4 (+8 in the remakes). They are dropped by Tyrannodactyls, Pazuzu, and Hargon with a rate of 1/128, and 1/16 times by Liquid Metal Slimes in the remakes. Fortunately, the GBC and Phone Version has one obtainable in a chest at the Cave to Rendarak. It is also the only helmet equipable by the Princess of Moonbrooke

Dragon Quest III

The hat reduces MP consumption by 25% (rounded up) as before, and provides Defense of +8. They are dropped by Firn fiend with a rate of 1/128, and may be equipped by priests, mages, and sages. The MP reduction rate can be combined with the Glombolero for extra-economic casting. Because of the minuscule drop rate and the absence of any chests that contain the topper, it is strongly recommended to bring a thief when attempting to snag one.

Dragon Quest VII

Returning after a long absence, the Mad Cap can be equipped by everyone except for Kiefer, increases defence by +8, style by +5, and now cuts MP costs by 50%.

• In the 3DS remake, a superior hat called the Raving Mad Cap is available for the above mentioned characters. It increases defence by +13, style by +8, and cuts spell costs by 75%. Unfortunately, the game's programming does not allow this to stack with the Sage and Druid MP discounts due to only selecting the best reduction rate instead of adding them.

Dragon Quest VIII

The Mad cap only appears in the 3DS port of VIII, being available in the bonus dungeon. It may be equipped by everyone, meaning that if the Hero has mastered his Courage, he can cast Omniheal for a scant 14MP. It bolsters defence by +32.

Influence on Pokemon

In a 1998 interview, Pokemon creator Satoshi Tajiri revealed that his boyhood frustrations over obtaining a Cap were on of the main inspirations for the data exchanging feature his series would become famous for. To wit, he explained he felt a great deal of envy when his childhood friend (and Pocket Monster illustrator) Ken Sugimori managed to get two of them on his save file, and had absolutely no way to share the unneeded one with Satoshi.