Crazy Idea: Alteration Materia

[Rydin]

It's an ok concept, but if you're going to force people to go and do EVERY type of endgame currently available (Ok... well you didn't have them need something out of a stronghold coffer), it should probably be better than an Ifrit weapon.

I know... I was just using that as an example

You guys want more examples?

Any unmelded piece of the cobalt plate set (Cobalt Celata, Cuirass, Gauntlets, Sabatons, Plate Belt)
plus "Reinforced alteration materia" from killing the Iron Giant NM
using the "Scorching Forge catalyst" obtained from Ruby Dragon
will get you the corresponding piece of the Fortified Plate set (Fortified Celata, Cuirass, Gauntlets, Sabatons, Plate Belt) with better stats

The Cobalt-plated caligae
Plus the "Ancient Prayer Materia" from an Ancient Undead Monk NM
Using the "Spiritual Release catalyst" obtained from a dungeon of some holy temple ruins
will get you the "Ancient Caligae." Not only does it have better stats, but when you use "Spinning Heel" to add kicks to your auto-attack, the kick portion of the auto-attack does 50% more damage

The Felt Hat of Intelligence
Plus the "Aetherial Surge Materia" from an underground labyrinth with an aetherial river flowing through it
Using "Stolen Sorcery Catalyst" from a special Mimic NM that takes the form of an Aetherial Node (That has a chance of replacing any random node in a particular zone if certain conditions are met)
will get you the epic "Aetherial Headdress."

Mosshorn Scale Mail
Plus the "Rock hard materia" from Adamantoise at the end of a dungeon buried deep underground, hidden by cave ins and rock slides
Using the "Soulless Rebirth Catalyst" from Dark Phoenix NM
You'll get the "Impenetrable Scale Mail," which has improved stats and uses your STR stat to boost your defense.

I could go on all day with this