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From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330
pmog
Posted 6/10/2005 12:51:04 AM
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As promised, this is the official Spiran timeline taken from the FFX OUG published by DigiCube/Square-Enix. Translation is entirely my own effort. To Japanese-enabled people, please feel free to help me improve by correcting any errors/pointing out any nuances I missed.
A REAL STORY OF SPIRA
Events taking place in Dream Zanarkand are marked with a '*'.
Approximately 3000 years ago
- The development of the magic civilisation.
- The invention of machina.
- The use of machina spreads throughout Spira.
- The appearance of machina which surpasses magic.
- The machina civilisations reach their peak.
Approximately 1000 years ago
- Zanarkand, mainly using summoning as a method of combat, fights with the machina-armed Bevelle. (Outbreak of the Machina War.)
(Both countries are machina civilisations, but Bevelle, which mainly uses machina weapons, are dominant from the beginning. Zanarkand inevitably falls.)
- Summoner Yevon, ruler of Zanarkand, turns the surviving citizens of Zanarkand into fayth. (The fayth statues are created at Mt Gagazet.)
- Using the power of these fayth, Yevon summons Dream Zanarkand - the memory of Zanarkand. He himself becomes Yu Yevon, and creates the first Sin. (The birth of Sin.)
(The first Sin is the only one that doesn't use an aeon as its core.)
* The birth of Dream Zanarkand.
- Starting with the abandoned city of Zanarkand and Bevelle, Sin destroys the machina civilisations.
(The citizens of Bevelle at that time think that what Yevon has summoned from the Zanarkand fayth is Sin, and that Sin going around destroying everything is a sign of Yevon's violent anger.)
- Yunalesca, a summoner from Zanarkand, turns her husband Zaon into a fayth and destroys Sin with the Final Summoning. She remains on Spira as an Unsent.
(Yunalesca and Zaon are the only ones to escape during the fall of Zanarkand. She uses the Final Summoning with the knowledge that it will not fundamentally solve anything.)
- The survivors start work on the reconstruction of Spira, focusing on Bevelle.
- The second Sin appears publicly with Yunalesca's Final Aeon (Zaon) as its core. It destroys the remaining machina civilisations.
(Because Sin attacks machina civilisations, there is a widening trend of people abandoning machina.)
- The Yevon Temple is established in Bevelle. By propagating teachings - paying homage to Yevon and Yunalesca and preaching of machina prohibition - which are absorbed throughout the world, and seizing public sentiment, the Temples take complete psychological control of Spira.
- The Yevon Temple adds the concept that Sin is a punishment for people's sins into its doctrine. At the same time, it spreads the story that the Calm will arrive with the use of the Final Summoning.
(People who express discontent that Sin will not disappear even if they believe in the teachings are dealt with harshly by the Temples. The Temples shift the root of why Sin will not disappear onto the people of Spira, and moreover, try to bring about stability to the public by leaving them with the hope that once they atone for their sins, Sin will also go away. The Temples also spread stories of the Final Summoning and the Calm in order to sustain the people's hope.
Approximately 800 years ago
- Mi'ihen founds the Crimson Blades (later known as the Crusaders). He heads to Bevelle in order to defend the true intentions for its establishment to the Yevon Temples.
- Mi'ihen founds the Crusaders' Monster Arena in the Calm Lands.
Approximately 700 years ago
- The Yevon priest Omega is executed by the Temples for the sin of treason.
Approximately 500 years ago
- Mi'ihen Highroad (the old road) is destroyed by Sin and a new road is built.
(Continued in next post.)
pmog
Posted 6/10/2005 12:51:28 AM
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(Continued from last post.)
Approximately 400 years ago
- Summoner Gandof defeats Sin with his Final Summoning and becomes the first high summoner in history.
(This gives credence to Yevon's teachings, and doubts about the Temples subside.)
GANDOF'S CALM
- The third Sin appears publicly, with Gandof's Final Aeon as its core.
Approximately 230 years ago
- Summoner Ohalland, a former blitzball player, defeats Sin with his Final Summoning and becomes a high summoner.
OHALLAND'S CALM
- The fourth Sin appears publicly, with Ohalland's Final Aeon as its core.
Approximately 100 years ago
- Summoner Yocun, a former Crusader, defeats Sin with her Final Summoning and becomes a high summoner.
YOCUN'S CALM
- The fifth Sin appears publicly, with Yocun's Final Aeon as its core.
50 years ago
- Yo Mika become Grand Maester of Yevon.
35 years ago
- Auron is born.
28 years ago
- Seymour Guado is born to Jyscal Guado and a human woman.
Approximately 25 years ago
- Jyscal becomes leader of the Guado and spreads Yevon's teachings to the tribe.
- Kimahri Ronso is born.
23 years ago
- Wakka is born.
- The Besaid Aurochs lose in the first round of the blitzball tournament at Luca. This starts a 23 year losing streak.
22 years ago
- Lulu is born.
Approximately 20 years ago
- Internal discord intensifies within the Guado tribe. Jyscal prevents disunity in the Guado by banishing his wife and child to Baaj.
18 years ago
- Wakka begins playing blitzball.
- Aware of her impending death, Seymour's mother travels to the Zanarkand Ruins along with her son and becomes the fayth for Seymour's Final Aeon, Anima. Seymour refuses to accept his mother's power and returns to Baaj.
(Seymour's mother knows of the mechanics of the Final Summoning through Jyscal. It is thought that the Guado possess their own records, which tell of the sealed histories in fragments. Furthermore, it appears that Jyscal is aware of Seymour and his mother going to the Zanarkand Ruins, and privately supports it.)
- A priest from Bevelle named Braska elopes with the younger sister of Cid of the Al Bhed tribe.
(Braska becomes close to Cid's sister while visiting the Al Bhed Home to make contact with the Al Bhed. After their marriage, Braska's career prospects are completely derailed for wedding a Yevon opposer. Likewise, Cid severs all ties with his sister.)
17 years ago
* Tidus is born to Jecht and his wife.
- Yuna is born to Braska and Cid's sister.
13 years ago
- While heading to the Al Bhed Home by ship, Yuna's mother is killed by Sin. Braska makes a firm decision to become a summoner.
10 years ago
- Wakka joins the Besaid Aurochs.
* While out training for blitzball at sea, Jecht touches the fifth Sin, and is transported to Spira.
- The warrior monk Auron becomes the guardian of Summoner Braska. Braska also makes Jecht, who is imprisoned in Bevelle, his newest guardian, and the three leave on a pilgrimage to obtain the Final Summoning.
- Summoner Braska defeats Sin using Jecht as the fayth for his Final Summoning, and becomes a high summoner.
BRASKA'S CALM
- Auron challenges Yunalesca by himself, and is mortally wounded.
- Kimahri's horn is broken by Biran and he leaves Gagazet, unable to bear the shame.
- A dying Auron entrusts Yuna to Kimahri on the outskirts of Bevelle and then passes away. He becomes an Unsent.
- With the arrival of the Calm, the Guado's internal discord subsides. Following that trend, Seymour's exile is revoked. He returns to Guadosalam and assists his father as a priest.
- Kimahri brings Yuna to Besaid Village.
- Auron rides Jecht's Sin to Dream Zanarkand and begins to watch over Tidus.
(Continued in next post.)
pmog
Posted 6/10/2005 12:52:25 AM
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(Continued from last post.)
9 years ago
- Jyscal, leader of the Guado, and Kelk, leader of the Ronso, become maesters of Yevon.
(As part of Mika's Sub-Races Appeasement Policy.)
* Tidus' mother dies from a broken heart over Jecht's death.
- The sixth Sin appears publicly, with Braska's Final Aeon (Jecht) as its core.
3 years ago
- Wen Kinoc becomes a maester of Yevon.
- Seymour assumes the post of high priest of Macalania Temple at Mika's nomination. He secretly travels to the Zanarkand Ruins to acquire Anima. He then transports its statue to Baaj and seals it up.
(Seymour revisits Baaj many times. It is around this time that he makes a firm decision to carry out his 'plans'.)
2 years ago
- Yuna begins training as an apprentice summoner.
- Lulu serves as a guardian to Summoner Ginnem, who dies on her pilgrimage. Lulu returns to Besaid.
1 year ago
- Lulu becomes a guardian for Summoner Zuke. Wakka also promises to become Zuke's guardian after the blitzball tournament.
- The Crusaders press ahead with the Djose Shore Defense Operation. Chappu is killed taking part in the battle as a Crusader.
- Lulu and Wakka leave on a pilgrimage as Zuke's guardians.
- (6 months ago) Zuke quits his pilgrimage in the Calm Lands. Lulu and Wakka return to Besaid.
- (Right before game begins) Jyscal dies. His son Seymour assumes leadership of the Guado as well as the position of maester of Yevon.
START OF THE GAME
SUPPLEMENTARY TIMELINE
Information contained in the characters' respective profiles iin the FFX UOG, yet not included in the official timeline (excluding events taking place during the game).
17 years ago
- Lulu's parents are killed by Sin.
15 years ago
- Rikku is born to Cid and his wife.
Unspecified time
- Rikku's mother is killed by a rampaging machina.
10 years ago
- (Before becoming Braska's guardian) Auron refuses marriage proposal offered by a senior official, and is denied a path to a successful career.
- (After rescuing Jecht with Braska, and before leaving on the pilgrimage) Auron says his farewells to Kinoc.
- (During the pilgrimage) Auron promises Braska to bring Yuna to Besaid.
- (Right before Jecht becomes the fayth for Braska's Final Summoning) Auron promises Jecht to look after Tidus.
- (After challenging Yunalesca and before arriving at Bevelle) Auron is taken care of by Rin at the Calm Lands Travel Agency, but disappears before daybreak.
1-2 years ago
- Kimahri becomes Yuna's guardian.
1 year ago
* Tidus debuts as a player for the Zanarkand Abes
- (6 months ago or less) Lulu and Wakka become Yuna's guardians.
MISCELLANEOUS: AGES OF BOTH MAJOR AND MINOR CHARACTERS
Taken from both the FFX SUG and the FFX-2 UG (working backwards).
Pacce - 10
Calli - 11
Rikku - 15
Gatta, Tidus, Yuna - 17
Botta, Brother, Datto - 18
Clasko, Elma, Jassu, Shelinda - 19
Chappu (at time of death) - late teens
Keepa - 20
Letty - 21
Lulu, Maroda, Wantz - 22
Luzzu, Wakka - 23
Barthello, Dona - 24
Kimahri Ronso, Lucil - 25
Isaaru - 26
Seymour Guado - 28
Biran Ronso, Yenke Ronso, Yunalesca (at time of death) - late 20's
O'aka XXIII - 30
Jecht (at time of becoming a fayth), Wen Kinoc - mid 30's
Auron (25 at time of death), Braska (at time of death), Rin - 35
Cid - 37
Zuke - late 30's
Jyscal Guado, Kelk Ronso - 50's
Tromell Guado - 54
Yo Mika (unspecified when he became an Unsent) - 99
Belgemine, Maechen - ?
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=2
pmog
Posted 6/13/2005 9:10:21 AM
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The following is my translation of "Auron's Story" from the FFX SUG. I have tried to make it as accurate as possible in spirit to the original. However, there are a number of liberties taken with grammar and style, in trying to manipulate the original Japanese into something relatively coherent in English (hopefully a successful attempt!).
THE MAN WHO HAS THE LAST TURN
The legendary guardian - whenever he is called by that title, Auron feels the revival of bitter emotions contained within him. Whenever he is looked upon with gazes of respect and admiration, he can't help but want to cry out. He is overcome by the urge to want to yell that they're mistaken and reveal the whole truth.
The fame that was given to him is all due to the fact that he served as Summoner Braska's guardian. It was because Braska defeated Sin and became high summoner that Auron is held in high regard as the brave soul who protected Spira's hero throughout his pilgrimage and fulfilled his duty as an excellent guardian.
However, it isn't the case that he wanted all that adulation. Auron became Braska's guardian because he was drawn in by Braska's character above all else, and because he approved of Braska's honest intention to vanquish the sorrow of the people of Spira, terrorised by Sin.
They went on a pilgrimage to try and change a world that was tormented by pain. Braska, a summoner who chose the ascetic path of obtaining the Final Summoning, even while he incurred the Temples' displeasure for wedding an Al Bhed. Auron, a warrior monk who strayed from a successful career path by refusing a marriage proposal that assured him of a future promotion, but had no relation whatsoever to Yevon's teachings. And Jecht, who accompanied them on their journey with the dream of returning his hometown but nevertheless, gave it up to instead harden his strong resolve to fight Sin in the end.
However, the pilgrimage that these three had risked their lives for wasn't able to change anything after all. Sin was certainly defeated by Braska's Final Summoning, and the people of Spira were wild with joy over the arrival of a Calm after 90 long years. Braska had his statue enshrined in the temples as high summoner, and the people forgot all their sorrows, elated with the brief period of peace. They were intoxicated with the all too short celebrations that took place before Sin returned.
(Continued in next post.)
pmog
Posted 6/13/2005 9:10:45 AM
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(Continued from last post.)
And then, just as everyone had known it would, Sin was reborn. The Calm passed on like a dream, and Spira was once again shrouded in unjust death and profound sorrow. Everything returned back to the way it was. No matter how many sacrifices were made, the vicious cycle was only mercilessly repeated...
A world where nothing changed. A pilgrimage where they weren't able to change anything. Whenever he looks back on how he could not stop Braska or Jecht no matter how hard he tried, Auron is overcome by feelings of intense self-reproach and regret that tear him apart. Thanks to that pilgrimage, being called the greatest guardian ever and gaining the public's respect was an agony that was hard to bear.
If it was possible, he'd want to do that pilgrimage all over again once more. That defiant pilgrimage where he, along with Braska and Jecht, would bring about a liberating change; one unbound by the conventional wisdom of Yevon's teachings.
But those dreams weren't realised. Summoner Braska's pilgrimage ended, and so did Auron's story. Unable to vanquish sorrow from its source and only able to let the people to turn their gazes from it temporarily, much like how it had been until then, the curtain closed on the legendary guardian's futile story.
Now, Auron was like an actor remaining in the wings of the stage where his turn had ended long before. A figure who could have left that place whenever he liked - if anything, he was forced to leave. What ties him to the scene of the battle are his feelings, which simply can't accept the conclusion of his story, and the promises that he must fulfill to both his friends. A tenacious will that does not wish for the young men and women, who will inherit the next age, to meet the last scene of the play following the same worthless script as he had done - that will is what bends all rules and principles to allow Auron to stay on.
Jecht and Braska had each left behind their children.
Tidus and Yuna. These two people, who live in completely different worlds, were indirectly introduced to each other by Auron 10 years later. It wasn't as though he had planned out everything beforehand. But just as if they had been guided towards their destinies by the blood flowing through their veins, Tidus and Yuna are to walk the same paths their fathers did. Yuna became a summoner, with all the expectation of being Braska's daughter placed upon her. And Tidus, who drifted ashore onto Besaid that same day, ended up journeying with Yuna. Auron was the one who later pushed him into officially becoming a guardian, but the tides of fate had already been settled before then.
(Continued in next post.)
pmog
Posted 6/13/2005 9:11:42 AM
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(Continued from last post.)
Auron didn't intend to let Yuna repeat the same mistakes as him and his friends. But at the same time, he understands all too painfully how much resolve summoners possess in order to face their pilgrimage. It isn't a journey which an outsider - even Auron, who knows everything - can vainly keep them from doing.
If he tells her everything he knows, perhaps he can make Yuna stop at once, by her own volition. Or maybe she will no longer be able to go on as she has before. Except Auron knows. For Yuna, who loves Braska and has inherited his will, the happiness of the people of Spira is her life's purpose and her dream. Even if Auron tells her about his own pilgrimage where they weren't able to change anything, it would be meaningless to her. If Yuna doesn't learn about the truth about this world with her own eyes, and moreover, doesn't pass judgement on it herself, then a real life will not begin for the girl whom Braska entrusted Auron with.
That was also the case for Tidus. For the boy who, like Jecht, went on pilgrimage without knowing anything about Spira, the truth that Auron knows is perhaps harsh and severe, like a potent medicine. In the place where he had lived for 17 years, there were always only easy choices for him to make. However, Jecht didn't wish for his son to live that way. A life where he would experience its harsh realities one by one, and could begin to passionately express his own views about them. If there was something Auron could give Tidus, surely it was just leading him into this world in order to weave his own story. Into the prologue of a story with no regrets, which Auron wasn't able to achieve.
Thus, Auron devotes himself to playing a supporting role, a prompter. The leading roles on this pilgrimage belong to Yuna and Tidus, with the young men and women trying to protect Yuna as the actively serving guardians. Auron only assists them in moving the story forward. By no means does he try to force the script of his design onto them. For that is the essence of the pilgrimage - discovering the truth about Spira and deciding whether or not to rewrite the story is a privilege reserved only for those in the process of their journey.
And at the moment when the director of that endlessly spiralling story, which Auron now wants to spit on, appears on the stage, he simply takes charge of his past leading role which had been cast off. In order to tell the young actors with him that now is the time to make a choice. In order to clearly show them the opportunity that he himself had missed.
The young leading man, whom he had intended to watch over, prepared the play's climax for the retiring actor as well. And the best script where he could truly become the legendary guardian.
THE END
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=3
pmog
Posted 6/21/2005 8:10:07 AM
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The following is my translation of "Wakka's Story" from the FFX SUG. It's posted a little later than I said it would be, mainly because I was still trying to wrestle with some linguistically tricky areas (one of them being the story title itself!). Grammatically, I found it slightly more difficult than my previous effort, though I think I've been mostly successful in keeping things as accurate as possible. Barring stylistic changes, of course...
THE MAN WHO CHASES A BALL, SEEKING TO BURN OFF ALL HIS ENERGY
For Wakka, blitzball is as close to life itself.
Losing his parents to Sin's attack on Besaid back when he was too young to remember, Wakka was left holding his baby brother in his arms, at a loss over what to do. Undoubtedly, there were more than enough stories like these in Spira. Without any warning, Sin would suddenly come and take everything away. It was good fortune that he and his brother just survived.
It was because of those commonplace tragedies that those who had escaped death lived closely together, supporting each other. Both these young orphans, too, were brought up equally by the surviving adults, and given nourishment to help them grow. Owing to the warm climate, there was plenty of food from the sea and agriculture so that Wakka could live without worrying about his meals from day to day.
Wakka vaguely remembers feeling as a child that the adults truly took good care of him. The reason that the orphaned brothers, especially the infant Chappu, could grow up properly was thanks to the kind-hearted and devout people of Besaid, and it was certainly a blessing of Yevon.
And so, for a person who was given life on Spira - a world where a calamity named Sin exists, he doesn't think of himself as being particularly unfortunate. As for his parents, he thinks that because he was too young to remember their faces, he doesn't feel too lonely without them.
But nevertheless -
Living with Sin suddenly thrusting death in his face must have been all too difficult for a child's mind to deal with. The young Wakka wanted support. He wanted something that he could cling to and could put Sin completely out of his mind. Something worth living for, which could completely burn away the fear and sorrow rooted deep in his heart, for even just that one moment.
And then, Wakka came across blitz.
The underwater ball game of blitzball is a sport that one of the High Summoners - Ohalland - also played in his younger days, and one of the few forms of entertainment in Spira encouraged by the Temples. Even the Al Bhed, who are usually disliked for not following Yevon's teachings, are unconditionally accepted in blitz. It is a festival where Guado, Ronso - and indeed all the peoples of Spira overcome racial barriers in order to drive all thoughts of Sin out from their minds - an officially recognised sports competition.
Like everyone else, Wakka was obsessed with the pleasure and appeal of blitz. Not as a spectator, but as an actual competitor. He learned blitz at 5 years of age and when he turned 13, began walking the path towards becoming a serious player by joining the local team - the Besaid Aurochs.
Chasing the ball underwater where it was difficult to breathe, dodging opponents, fixing his aim on the goal and firing off a shot. While he was doing that, Wakka could forget about Spira's harsh reality. How could he dribble faster, or make a more accurate pass? Could he move better through the water, or kick a more powerful shot? Thinking about those things, practising and planning... If he was devoting himself to blitz, Sin would then disappear completely from within Wakka's mind.
(Continued in next post.)
pmog
Posted 6/21/2005 8:10:23 AM
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(Continued from last post.)
His younger brother Chappu also began blitz in his footsteps and when they were finally able to play together for the Besaid Aurochs, blitzball became the focus of Wakka's life more than ever before. Though they had never been able to taste victory even just once at the official tournament where all the teams from across the world gathered, the times when Wakka chased his dreams with his brother brought him a sense of fulfillment that was indescribable.
Blitz, where he could fire himself up with enthusiasm in order to forget all about Sin. The sacred teachings of Yevon, which said that if the people spent their lives following its precepts, their sins would be expiated and one day, Sin would disappear. With both of these serving as his wheels, Wakka kept moving forward. He was able to pass the days without getting discouraged by life, or without forgetting to smile.
Wakka is now trying to give up that very sport of blitz - equal to life itself.
This is due to the fact that even if he gave it up, he had done something which needed to be accomplished.
1 year ago, Chappu was killed, leaving Wakka behind. Retiring from blitz, he had joined the Crusaders and taken part in the Djose Shore Defense Operation. Wakka's only remaining relative never returned from the fight against Sin.
Wakka has no intention of begrudging the Crusaders, who risk their lives protecting the blitzball stadium in Luca for the benefit of the people. Chappu joined the Crusaders because he wanted to protect Spira from the threat of Sin in his own way, and because he wanted to keep Sin far away from the woman he loved.
But why did he have to fight using Al Bhed machina that went against Yevon's teachings? Then, far from helping make mankind's sins disappear, he may well have destroyed all the hard work they had put into atoning so far. Wakka couldn't understand why Chappu had to die that way.
At last year's blitz tournament where he had just received the bad news, out of his sorrow and confusion over now having lost Chappu too, Wakka also missed out on a first victory that was almost within his grasp. He then decided to retire for the first time and in order to avenge his brother, became a guardian to a summoner - the only way of defeating Sin in accordance with the teachings.
However, even during the pilgrimage, there was a part of him that thought only about blitz if his attention ever slipped just a little. He was angry and ashamed of himself for thinking about that even more than of his regret over Chappu having been killed. Before he was able to focus his mind on being a guardian, the pilgrimage was brought to a standstill and Wakka returned to Besaid, still in despair. That happened 6 months ago.
Now, he serves as a guardian once more. This time, the summoner he must protect is Yuna, whom he has loved like a real little sister ever since she moved to the island 10 years ago. On no account can he allow this pilgrimage to fail. On no account can he face this journey with any halfhearted feelings - for Yuna's sake, and his own.
And so, Wakka will go back to being a blitz player for a little while more. In order to burn away all his attachment to blitz and cleanly retire at this year's tournament, held right at the beginning of the pilgrimage. From then on, he will move forward, with his duty as Yuna's guardian serving as his new wheel.
Wakka will bring the life he has led until now to an end, for this time, he must come face to face with Sin.
A boy suddenly appeared from the sea, firing off a stunning shot. This young man, who looks surprisingly like Chappu, will be the one to guide Wakka's dreams into reality.
THE END
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=5
pmog
Posted 6/26/2005 10:52:33 PM
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The following is my translation of "Kimahri's Story" from the FFX SUG. I struggled in quite a few places on this, so thanks to the good folk at the AL Forums for helping me make this a decent piece of work.
THE BEASTMAN WHO BEARS AN UNBROKEN PRIDE
Sacred Mount Gagazet - the mountain of trials that towers high above the heavens of the northern-most region of the continent, and separates the Yevon holy land of Zanarkand from the rest of the world.
These lands are crowned in snow all year long, and the bone-chillingly icy winds never subside. The merciless wilderness snuffs out the lights of frail souls in one breath - the sturdy bodies of the Ronso are brought up under this severe environment.
Possessing features resembling a lion's, huge physiques more than twice the size of a human's, and muscles with the strength and agility to rival a wild beast's, the Ronso tribe are a sub-race that live at the foot of Gagazet. They take pride in protecting the mountain, and have lived for a long time in these lands, competing with each other over who is worthy of being a guardian of the sacred mountain. Consequently among the Ronso, the genes of the powerful are continuously passed on, and though the number of the tribe is by no means large, for generations it has produced a great many of those both blessed with superior mind and body. They have gained a reputation throughout Spira as a valiant people, ideally suited to protecting the lands at the edge of the world.
Kimahri was also born, cradled in the heart of steep Gagazet.
All young male Ronso, without exception, aim to be the strongest male in the tribe, great like the mountain. Kimahri also naturally spent his youth trying to do the same. By continuing to train day after day out in the midst of the harsh wilderness and honing his skills in battle, he tried to become a brave warrior capable of taking lead of the tribe and protecting the mountain.
However, the mountain, which watches over the growth of those brave souls, set trials for Kimahri that were far too harsh.
Since childhood, Kimahri's physique had always been far below the standard of his peers. Though by no means did he suffer in comparison against the likes of the other races, how sad then, that amongst the Ronso, he was even smaller in stature than the females of his age.
Having grown up admiring the mountain, the Ronso are fond of those who are big and strong. Among the particularly thoughtless young Ronso, there was a tendency to mock the diminutive Kimahri as if he were a little girl, even after his adult horn had grown. There were even those who looked down on his physical size and were openly derisive of him.
Biran prided himself on being the giant of the young male Ronso, and was looked upon as surely becoming the Ronso's bravest warrior one day. He was at the head of those who treated Kimahri with contempt whenever they could. Though Kimahri could never once beat the more able Biran in a contest of strength, on no account did he ever admit defeat. Though his stature was small, a proud and tenacious spirit dwelled within Kimahri.
That was what brought about tragedy. Angered by Kimahri's unbroken spirit, Biran broke off, of all things, the horn on Kimahri's forehead - the symbol of Ronso pride.
By losing almost half of his adult horn, which would never grow back again, Kimahri tasted a shame that was equal to death. Such a disgraceful figure could no longer so much as shoulder the duty of protecting Gagazet.
Along with his horn, his spirit was also shattered. Losing sight of his purpose for living, Kimahri could do nothing but flee from the village, abandoning his people and his mountain. That all happened 10 years ago.
(Continued in next post.)
pmog
Posted 6/26/2005 10:52:49 PM
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(Continued from last post.)
And now.
Kimahri will once again leave on a journey. On a long journey where he will start from the solitary island of Besaid in the far south, travel the length of the continent, and must pass his hometown of Mount Gagazet.
The leading role of this journey doesn't belong to Kimahri. It is the journey of Yuna, the young girl he has been protecting for these past 10 years, who is training in order to grow in strength as a summoner and obtain the Final Summoning in the holy land of Zanarkand - the only means of defeating Sin.
Kimahri will travel along with Summoner Yuna on her pilgrimage as a traditionally recognised guardian. Official guardians are permitted to accompany summoners at every temple as far as the Cloister of Trials, which measure the trainee's capabilities.
But even though he has become a summoner's guardian, Kimahri's attitude hasn't changed in the slightest. Long before Yuna began her training as an apprentice summoner - since the very moment they met, Kimahri has lived as a guardian only for her. There wasn't any need for him to prepare his resolve all over again.
After leaving the tribe when his horn had been broken, Kimahri was like a ship that had lost its anchor and its sails. With no will left in his body, his life was like that of an Unsent's, simply being swept along by the tide. What brought him back to life was a duty entrusted to him by a man facing death. Taking Yuna, who was only a small child of seven, to Besaid and continuing to protect her there - for Kimahri who had lost sight of the mountain towering in his heart, the helpless young girl who had flown into his arms ended up being the one who helped to give him meaning in his life.
And likewise, Yuna had more than enough right to earn such a guardian. She was someone who thought about others' happiness above all else, without ever neglecting those who risked their lives trying to protect her; someone who tried to carry things out to completion no matter how difficult and painful, for she simply never gave up once she had made a decision. That pure, strong and noble soul was someone honourable and worthy of being accompanied by a Ronso warrior. She was certainly the mountain itself to Kimahri.
And thus, Kimahri prioritises Yuna above all else. He now focuses the same intensity of emotion, with which he revered and admired the sacred Mount Gagazet since childhood, towards protecting Yuna. Kimahri respects Yuna's will, and if she has chosen the summoner's path, he has then made a decision in his mind to protect her throughout that noble duty without fail, until the moment she fights Sin.
For that purpose, he won't so much as hesitate to return to his hometown, which he had sworn never to set foot on as long as he lived. He is prepared to let those who want to jeer at his broken horn do so. For the horn that now adorns Kimahri's forehead is one that only true heroes can see, and like the mountain, it bravely reaches out towards the sky.
The morning of the journey.
Kimahri had felt slight animosity towards the skinny, feeble-looking boy, who had broken the precepts and gotten close to Yuna. If a weakling stayed by her side, it would only get in the way of Yuna's pilgrimage. Kimahri has decided that if this young man, said to be affected by Sin's toxin, doesn't even possess fangs for fighting, then Kimahri will not let him hang around Yuna any longer.
Kimahri will come to realise before long that his prejudice is somewhat similar to the view of his tribe, which had looked down on his own small stature.
THE END
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=6
pmog
Posted 7/2/2005 1:26:15 AM
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The following is my translation of "Jecht's Real Story" from the FFX UOG. The character stories from the UOG differ from the SUG's in that they: cover a few more characters other than the main party; neatly summarise each character's issues before *and* throughout the game; are shorter in length and written in a more straightforward, less "lyrical" style than those of the SUG. However, this makes them no less interesting or informative, so without further ado...
The Real Image Of The Foul-Mouthed, Bashful Genius
Overconfident and arrogant, highly self-conceited about his talent, and hated to make an effort in anything. That's the image of Jecht which comes to mind from Tidus' recollections, but what sort of person was he really like?
He had been criticised as hating to practice. However, looking at the actual fact that he repeatedly went out to train at sea, it may be that he thought it was bad form to reveal that he was working hard and was covering up the truth. It can also be thought that those self-confident words of "I'm the best" arose from having personality wherein he couldn't maintain his confidence unless he bragged.
Aside from the aforementioned inferences, the very fact that he was still spoken of even 10 years after he disappeared is perhaps proof that Jecht had possessed a charm which more than made up for his faults.
A Rough Love For His Son
Contrary to his rough words and actions, Jecht loved his son Tidus with all his heart. It can be thought his mocking words, beginning with "You're gonna cry", arose from a desire to make a weak son stronger. To him, it was a love much like how a lion pushes its cub down into the ravine, so to speak. However, his words and actions were only taken by his son at face value, and it is clear than they consequently formed a gulf between father and son.
The figure of Tidus within Jecht, naturally, has remained the same as it was when they were separated. Though that figure glares at his father with antipathy, he will soon start to cry without giving voice to it - Jecht continues to cherish that image of a son who is weak and has to be protected, and dreams of him growing up. Fragments of Jecht's feelings can be seen from the illusions which occur whenever Tidus comes into contact with Sin's toxin.
Throughout The Pilgrimage
The truth is that Jecht didn't die at sea 10 years ago, but had touched Sin and been transported to Spira. Suddenly thrust into an unknown world, his state of mind and situation were no doubt somewhat similar to Tidus'. Unable to bear the anxiety and loneliness and wanting to quickly return home to Zanarkand, wanting to regain his previous life with his wife and son... Even the reason he accepted Braska's helping hand was for the sake of returning to his former world. And for a long while, he didn't abandon that hope.
However, throughout the journey he came to learn of the state of affairs in Spira and began to talk about his own fate. Because he formed a friendship with Braska and Auron along the way which later became inseparable, he discovered his own role in Spira. In the end, entrusting Auron with his greatest desire of bringing up and watching over his son, Jecht sacrificed his life for Braska.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=8
pmog
Posted 7/10/2005 12:47:42 PM
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The following is my translation of "Yunalesca's Real Story" from the FFX UOG. Some of the grammar and vocab were a bog to muddle through, so a gigantic "Phew!" is all I'm capable of saying about it right now...
As The Foundation Of Yevon's Teachings
Yunalesca's act of defeating Sin with the Final Summoning consequently gave rise to Yevon's teachings.
The doctrine of Yevon's teachings, which encourages stagnation and places hope in the Final Summoning, is virtually identical to what she advocates. Also, through receiving visits from those seeking the Final Summoning and seeing them speak of the teachings and hope, she comes to clearly learn of the teachings' contents and moreover, wishes for the people to follow them. In fact, without the teachings Yunalesca's ideals wouldn't have become widespread.
When Zanarkand became unable to escape its destruction, its ruler - Summoner Yevon - wanted to leave behind the city's memory. As a result, Sin was born and there was a need for hope - and today, the ideals of Yunalesca, daughter of Yevon, continue to live on through the Temples and psychologically control Bevelle, and indeed all of Spira.
Continuing The Cycle For Who's Sake?
Judging from her words and actions, Yunalesca genuinely cares for Spira and it's natural to think that she remained behind in order to carry on the best possible means of sustaining it. However, the following interpretations are also feasible.
Yunalesca and her husband had escaped Zanarkand at Sin's birth. And Yevon's teachings claim that Summoner Yevon gave his daughter the teachings with which to defeat Sin. In addition, there is room to suspect a conspiracy between Yunalesca and Yevon.
Destroying Spira with Sin wouldn't have been Summoner Yevon's original intention per se. The destruction of the world that housed the dream itself would include the likelihood of endangering the dream's continuation as well. It can be thought that Yevon entrusted the Final Summoning to his daughter for that reason. That he left behind a handful of hope by imparting the secret technique to his daughter, in order to prevent the people from completely going to ruin in their despair, while not interfering with Yu Yevon's continued existence at the same time. There is a possibility that Yunalesca remained in this world, accepting those instructions as well.
Alternatively, perhaps it was that Yunalesca herself, from deep in her heart, wanted to keep her father alive. She herself was also a citizen of Zanarkand, and Yevon's daughter. It could be that she has continued to grant the Final Summoning in order to keep her city's memory and her father alive, while also doing the same for Spira as well. Of course, all of these theories amount to nothing more than speculation.
A Contrast With Yuna - Over Their Fathers
Yunalesca continued to remain on Spira for more than 1000 years in order to bequeath the Final Summoning. No one knows the truth about whether she did that because she thought to grant hope to the people of Spira, or if it was done in order to keep both her father and hometown alive. Whatever the case may be, she didn't try to break free from her father's constraints (wasn't able to). It can also be said that this is the crucial difference between her and Yuna - who, in addition to inheriting her father's will, also tried to surpass him. Coming into conflict over ideals with this girl who was named after her, Yunalesca ends up failing in every possible way.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=9
pmog
Posted 7/17/2005 1:32:12 PM
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This is information that I've already posted a long time ago, but decided to rework and repost for the sake of completion. This is all taken from the FFX SUG.
Note: the actual word "pyreform" is me taking liberties with the original Japanese, in order to kind of tie in with the existing localisations. The original word "genkoutai" can be literally broken up into the characters for "illusion-light-body", with "genkou" being translated into different things in English (eg. "moon" in "Moonflow" and "moonlily", and the "pyre" bit of "pyrefly"). Believe me, it's much more straightforward in Japanese. "Pyrefly-body" could probably also pass for a valid translation attempt. Incidentally, "genkoutai" is a term that doesn't actually appear in the game, but is used by the creators and official sources to distinguish between "regular" objects (eg. people/animals/most other things) and fantastic phenomena (eg. aeons/fiends/people like Tidus/Auron/etc).
What Are Pyreflies
Pyreflies are things which hold the key to various phenomena that take place on Spira. They aren't living creatures, as their name would suggest, but bundles of life energy, so to speak. They exist in low concentrations over the whole of Spira - even internally within people's bodies. Pyreflies are usually invisible, but in such times as when a fiend is defeated or when a summoner performs a Sending, they give off light and reveal themselves. For that reason, they're often mistaken as "arising when there is a loss of life", but the truth is simply that in the aforementioned situations, they can be seen only because they're condensed in high concentrations. However, because research into pyreflies isn't very advanced, most people aren't aware of their true nature.
Spheres
Pyreflies can do things like react to people's feelings and memories and bind them together with images, as well as store audio and visual information. Spheres are things which make use of these particular properties of pyreflies. Whether it's recording messages on spheres, filming with sphere cameras, acquiring information from sphere monitors, and so on - spheres are becoming an essential item in the lives of the people of Spira.
The raw material for spheres is water that contains a high concentration of pyreflies. However, this kind of water can only be gathered from specific locations, such as the Macalania springs.
Fiends And Pyreforms
Most of the fiends found on Spira are things wherein the feelings of the dead who were unable to go to the Farplane have combined with pyreflies. Bodies that are composed of pyreflies in this way have been referred to as "pyreforms" - as opposed to "flesh-and-blood bodies." Aeons, as well as the bodies of those who've remained in this world after their deaths, are nothing other than pyreforms. Pyreforms are sustained by the thoughts that are the cause of its creation - for fiends, it is hatred and envy of the living; for aeons, it is the dream of the fayth.
The Relation Between Pyreflies And Water
Pyreflies and water harmonise with each other extremely easily. Accordingly, water causes all sorts of phenomena in Spira. When summoners perform a Sending, the pyreflies on the water's surface are fixed into place due to the summoner's abilities, and it becomes a foothold. The blitzball sphere pool, too, is made by utilising the underwater pyreflies and congealing the water into a sphere. In addition, blitzball players being able to stay active underwater for long periods of time is because they are supported by the pyreflies that are contained in the water.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=10
pmog
Posted 7/20/2005 2:56:16 PM
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ALL AVAILABLE CHARACTER HEIGHTS (IN CENTIMETRES)
Rikku - 158
Yuna 161
Lulu - 167 (175 with heels and hair)
Jyscal, Tidus - 175
Auron - 182
Seymour - 187
Wakka - 188
Jecht - 190
Cid - 192
Kimahri Ronso - 204
Yenke Ronso - 240
Biran Ronso - 250
Seymour's about 6'1 (about Wakka's height), and Kimahri's about 6'7. The apparent discrepancy could be an illusion because of depth perception, a graphical model/scale mistake, or just Seymour's hair. Jyscal's about Tidus' height (5'7).
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=11
pmog
Posted 7/25/2005 3:08:30 AM
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Re: Bahamut Fayth - most of the facts relating to him personally are already explained in the game, extra information also includes the aeon-fayth in general.
He's an old fayth and as such, he's very knowledgeable about everything - including the circumstances of Sin's birth. He often visits DZ when he's not being summoned, which is how he happened to get acquainted with Tidus since he was young (Tidus felt the BF's presence as well).
Fayth are able to enter DZ (whereas regular people can't) because they don't even have physical bodies in the first place (and they can only be seen and heard by people who are either made entirely out of pyreflies (eg. summoned-people/usents) or have summoning ability). In fact, all the aeon-fayth go to DZ in their "spare time" to play. They're able to blend in and interact with the DZ citizens (as they choose) and pretty much have a good time enjoying themselves in the paradise world. Thus, the situation of Spira's cycle and DZ's continued existence suited the fayth just fine until fairly recently. The reason why they didn't try to end the dreaming earlier was basically because of indifference (and possibly a distorted perspective on things due to the nature of their own eternal existences).
All fayth share a common consciousness with each other, which is why in Tidus' vision at Gagazet, the BF uses the term "we" when speaking about the fayth who are dreaming up DZ, even though he doesn't directly have anything to do with its summoning (his own aeon is Bahamut). That's also how he's in a position to act as spokesman for *all* the fayth.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=11
pmog
Posted 7/25/2005 10:21:41 AM
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No, the Bahamut Fayth doesn't have any special connection with Tidus' existence per se. The BF is simply well aware of Tidus' existence from watching him during the BF's trips to DZ, and is at least familiar with Tidus' background and some of his character traits (eg. who he is, where he lives, his family situation and his conflicted relationship with Jecht, his occupation, hobbies and lifestyle, "crybaby" tendencies, etc).
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=12
Shantak
Posted 7/30/2005 12:06:40 PM
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Fayth chill out in DZ eh?
I guess this concludes the "What does Yojimbo do with all the gil" debate thats on the main FFX board so much. OK just kiding.
But really, I've seen people debate on whether Auron makes himself look like hes aging or not so that DZ doesn't get suspicious, but what about the fayth? Look at Bahamuts Fayth, has he visited DZ as the same purple hooded kid for the past 1000 years? Wouldn't that look very odd to the DZ population?
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=12
pmog
Posted 7/30/2005 10:43:08 PM
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The only people who can see fayth are summoners and those with pyrefly-bodies (eg. summoned-people or unsents, like Tidus and Auron - not unrelated to the fact that the composition of their bodies are much similar to that of an aeon's).
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=12
vilaeth
Posted 8/2/2005 8:49:24 AM
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Sorry, I didn't mean FFVII. (I should have been more clear on it, really.) I'd made a mistake with the title.
During the interview in the FFX-2:INT Ultimania, they mention looking through the server and finding files for the first draft of a game before FFX called "Seventeen". They called it a 'usually dark' story, set in a world where there was a disease that killed off people when they turned 17. They mention a little more about it, but I'll get to check the book again.
I was just wondering if this was mentioned in any of the other books (I've only got the latter two FFX-2 books right now), and if they said anything more about it.
---
"I tried to... but I got stuck on the part with all the trolls attacking. Anyone know how to defeat that level?" - bansama
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=13
pmog
Posted 8/2/2005 10:30:56 AM
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Oops, now I've sown the seeds for everyone to start arguing about "that" particular controversy... Yikes. :P
Anyway, there is a bit of information about FFX's "original" story in that same UOG interview (so far, I've found no mention of it in either the SUG or BUG). There are many versions of it but basically, the premise is that there's a deadly illness running rampant. Yuna is a nurse and following Yevon's teachings, she starts treating [people] while she's on a pilgrimage across the world (perhaps to collect the crystals mentioned in the FFX-2:I+LM Ultimania?). Yevon is a Red Cross-like organisation with Mika as its chairman. However, Yuna hasn't healed anyone and the illness spreads all over the place. It turns out that the method of treatment itself is actually what results in death - the similar theme of Yuna being betrayed by the teachings that she'd believed in, etc.
There are also snippets of FFX's original script/plot later on in the UOG, which I haven't finished looking through as of yet (with accompanying creator comments). For instance, Zanarkand was originally called "Registan". On reflection, I'm *very* glad that the current incarnation of FFX is what they ended up with, because some of what I've read so far is pretty cringe-worthy and/or laughter-inducing stuff. :P
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=13
pmog
Posted 8/2/2005 12:47:46 PM
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Yeah, forgot to mention that the main character was the boy, Tidus (the creators focus on Yuna since it's her pilgrimage). In one of the versions of the original plot, Yuna's even his younger sister or something. There's also one version where Auron had a job clearing monsters in Zanarkand as a Crimson Blade(r) and he didn't start off as as unsent; he was killed while doing his work. And there's another version where the main character's the one who was supposed to be dead!
Wouldn't know about FFIX's Ultimania as I don't own it, but since it's only one volume, I can't imagine it would be much different from FFVIII's. And *that* didn't have any original scenario details; it was pretty skimpy even on the plot details of the *final game*! I think that the FFX UOG might be the first Final Fantasy Ultimania to have extremely detailed scene-by-scene plot analysis as well as original scenario work and a whole bunch of other interesting stuff. Though they trump the FFX Ultimanias in terms of total pages, even the FFX-2 Ultimanias don't come close to matching FFX's in terms of detailed background/plot/setting information. Gladly, the FFVII UOG seems to be following the style of the FFX UOG.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=13
pmog
Posted 8/3/2005 12:39:41 AM
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When a FA defeats Sin, YY takes over the big bunch of pyreflies (of which the FA is composed) and starts remodelling them into the next Sin (the FA physically becomes the next Sin's "core"). The figure of Jecht(fayth) standing on the platform before the final battle is his "soul". It's not definitively explained whether if the BFA he then "summons" is the exact mass of pyreflies that formed the BFA 10 years ago, or if it's just a combination of Jecht using the pyreflies in the surrounding area and his thoughts (BFA dream) to form his body into a weapon with which to "defend" himself (BFA).
My feeling is that it's more the latter theory, because it's already been shown that the pyreflies in the surrounding area reflect/react to Jecht's thoughts - the closer the party gets to Sin's core, the more Sin's interior looks like a warped version of DZ (eg. blitz stadium, flaming Abes logo). Those are the results of Jecht's nostalgia for his home combining with the pyreflies to affect the physical environment and/or create solid objects.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=14
pmog
Posted 8/26/2005 5:24:41 AM
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My next 2 posts contain a timeline from the FFX SUG and a brief outline of Spira's history. BE AWARE: this is meant to be history as told by the Yevon Temples/what ordinary Spirans believe. Thus, though most of the information is true, much of it has been left out and there are a few points that are, at the very least, slightly inaccurate - can you spot them?
A SUMMARY OF THE HISTORY OF SPIRA - YEVON TEMPLE EDITION
Approximately 3000 years ago
- The development of the magic civilisations.
- The invention of machina.
- The use of machina spreads throughout Spira.
- The machina civilisations reach their peak.
Approximately 1000 years ago
- The two countries of Zanarkand and Bevelle begin a war using machina weapons. (Outbreak of the Machina War.)
- The appearance of Sin. Sin destroys the machina civilisations of the time, including the two warring countries.
- A summoner from Zanarkand named Yunalesca defeats Sin with the help of her husband Zaon.
- Sin is reborn.
- The Yevon Temple is established.
Approximately 800 years ago
- Mi'ihen founds the Crimson Blades (later known as the Crusaders).
Approximately 700 years ago
- The Yevon priest Omega is executed by the Temples for treason.
Approximately 500 years ago
- Mi'ihen Highroad (the Old Road) is destroyed by Sin and a new road is built.
Approximately 400 years ago
- Summoner Gandof defeats Sin becomes a high summoner.
GANDOF'S CALM
- Sin is reborn.
Approximately 230 years ago
- Summoner Ohalland defeats Sin becomes a high summoner.
OHALLAND'S CALM
- Sin is reborn.
Approximately 100 years ago
- Summoner Yocun, defeats Sin and becomes a high summoner.
YOCUN'S CALM
- Sin is reborn.
Approximately 50 years ago
- Yo Mika become a grand maester of Yevon.
Approximately 25 years ago
- Jyscal becomes leader of the Guado and spreads Yevon's teachings to the tribe.
Approximately 10 years ago
- Summoner Braska defeats Sin and becomes a high summoner.
BRASKA'S CALM
Approximately 9 years ago
- Jyscal, leader of the Guado, and Kelk, leader of the Ronso, become maesters of Yevon.
(As part of Mika's Sub-Races Appeasement Policy.)
- Sin is reborn.
Approximately 3 years ago
- Wen Kinoc becomes a maester of Yevon.
Approximately 1 year ago
- The Crusaders carry out a daring Djose Shore Defense Operation. They drive Sin away from the Djose shore.
- Jyscal dies. His son Seymour takes over leadership of the Guado as well as the position of maester of Yevon.
THE PRESENT
(Continued in next post.)
pmog
Posted 8/26/2005 5:24:56 AM
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(Continued from last post.)
Approximately 3000~1000 Years Ago - From Magic Civilisations To Machina Civilisations
The first development that occurred in Spira was brought about by the power of magic. However, the use of magic was dependent on individual factors. Those who could use magic naturally had an advantage, while those who couldn't were discriminated against - the age of the magic civilisations was an age of inequality.
Machina was invented soon after, and it was something revolutionary that did away with those inequalities. Anyone was able to use them, as they weren't dependent on the user's abilities. The convenience of machina was acknowledged, and it wasn't long before they spread all throughout Spira. Machina developed very quickly, and things that were once thought impossible in the past rapidly became possible. Vehicles that moved people around in an instant, and mountains of heavy-duty buildings that piled together, one atop another. The endless supply of electricity made "cities that never slept" - cities with neither night nor day - a reality.
Machina was supposed to be an alternative for those who couldn't use magic, but when it surpassed the power of magic, new problems came into being. The advent of nations possessing outstanding machina technology and nations that didn't - it was the dawn of a new age of inequality. Countries that had power craved further power. It was foregone conclusion that countries began wars with one another, using machina.
Approximately 1000 Years Ago - The Machina War And The Appearance Of Sin
A war between the two city states of Zanarkand and Bevelle broke out during the height of the machina civilisations. The precise time period or catalyst for the war is unknown, but the only thing certain is that it was a large-scale affair, which primarily involved the usage of machina weapons. In the midst of the "Machina War", Sin appeared out of nowhere and, starting with both nations, went around indiscriminately destroying all the cities and weapons of the machina civilisations that had enjoyed the prosperity of those times. As if condemning and punishing the sins of the machina civilisations, Sin went on a rampage and showed no sign of settling down.
Then, a summoner named Yunalesca rose up to the occasion. With the help of her husband Zaon, she defeated Sin with the Final Summoning. Thanks to her, Spira was spared from destruction, and those who narrowly survived set about working on its reconstruction, with the central focus on Bevelle.
Approximately 1000 Years Ago~The Present - The Terror Of Sin And A New Salvation
Although it was defeated once, Sin was soon reborn and destroyed the sparsely remaining machina facilities. The people attempting to start their lives afresh were driven to the depths of despair. Therein, teachings to counter the threat of Sin and bring salvation to the people - "Yevon's teachings" - came about. Yevon's teachings upheld an anti-machina stance, and atoning for the sins of the past was something that people in the present had to do. And the teachings preached that if summoners brought about the Calm with the Final Summoning, Sin would go away for a while and peace - though only brief in length - would arrive. These teachings gave the people hope, and instantly spread all throughout Spira.
A priceless peace - although temporary - which the summoners bring, and a lasting peace, which would arrive once the people atoned for their sins. Dreaming of those calmer times, the people today offer their prayers to Yevon and live with the terror of Sin.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=15
pmog
Posted 8/27/2005 11:25:37 PM
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The Ultimanias are a series of comprehensive guidebooks, currently published by Square Enix (essentially making them official sources). They contain everything you would need to know about a game (eg. detailed explanations about battle mechanics, monster stats, walkthroughs, secrets) - more stuff than you can poke a stick at. Sometimes, they also include other extras like interviews with staff/cast, short stories, background information about the game's plot/setting, etc.
The Ultimanias are written by Studio BentStuff, a company that seems to specialise in writing guidebooks for video games. There are quite a few for the Square games (eg. FF series, Kingdom Hearts, Vagrant Story, etc), and a lot more from when the books weren't even called "Ultimanias" (and not exclusively for Square games, either: Devil May Cry, Resident Evil, etc). Unfortunately, they're only written in Japanese, but if you want to see the full range of titles, go to their website and click on the third button down from the left. The site's in Japanese, but any English or illustration on a book's cover can usually make the game identifiable: http://www.bent.co.jp/
I can't really be called an "king" (or "queen" since I'm female) on FFX anymore than any random person with a World Atlas can be called an "expert" in world geography. There are still quite a few plot points that I'm trying to piece together. However, it wouldn't be unfair to say that I have instant access to a lot more official information than the average person without an Ultimania would. I also have an advantage in that I happen to be studying the language they're written in. In any case, I'm glad you find the information interesting.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=15
pmog
Posted 8/28/2005 1:21:07 PM
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This is my translation of the section on Sin in the FFX SUG. The majority of it is all true, except for a few minor points. The SUG will sometimes give slightly misleading/inaccurate information so as not to spoil the whole plot, or to reflect what the people of Spira actually believe. The 100% accurate, in-depth explanations are taken care of in the UOG.
SIN
What Is Sin?
Sin is an enormous fiend that has constantly been causing destruction ever since it suddenly appeared in Spira during the Machina War 1000 years ago, and it is the source of Spira's terror. When it first appeared in Spira, Sin destroyed all the machina civilisations of the time, including Zanarkand and Bevelle. Since then, although it was defeated by Yunalesca and other summoners, Sin succeeded in being reborn each time, and continues to attack areas all around the world to this day. Explaining Sin to be both a punishment dealt to mankind for relying on machina as well as a symbol of their sins, the Yevon Temples recommend the prohibition of machina and advise the people to atone for their sins.
Sin's Actions
It is generally said that Sin bears malice towards mankind and machina civilisations. This is a story that was naturally told since Sin destroyed machina civilisations in the past, and constantly attacks settlements of people. It is unclear as to whether this is actually true or not.
Sin attacks groups of people that gather together, and destroys towns that have begun to flourish. For that reason, towns in Spira aren't able to grow beyond a certain size. Presently, the biggest city in Spira is Bevelle, followed by Luca, but desperate countermeasures are taken so that those cities aren't attacked by Sin. It is also possible for Crusaders to attract Sin's attention to some extent and avert its course. But basically nothing can be done once a town or settlement has been attacked by Sin.
Sin's Abilities
Sin's body is composed of pyreflies and in that respect, it is no different from a common fiend. However, its body is incredibly large and composed of a high density of pyreflies. Furthermore, since Sin draws in pyreflies to replenish its physical strength whenever it is damaged, conventional attacks won't come anywhere near to defeating it. Additionally, Sin's offensive and destructive capabilities are tremendous, it has full control of gravitational forces and it is possible for Sin to use gravity to enable it to fly.
There are cases where people who touch Sin are sometimes carried, unharmed, to remote places. This is because Sin's body is supple and thus, it is able suck up those who touched it into its body and then expel them.
Sin's Toxin
People who have gotten close to Sin may get their feelings and memories muddled up, or experience hallucinations. This is called "being affected by Sin's toxin". However, it is not the case that Sin actually discharges a gas-like substance. It is the result of the high density of pyreflies that form Sin's body having an adverse affect on the low-density amounts of pyreflies present within the bodies of those who approach it.
To Defeat Sin
It is generally believed that the only a summoner's Final Summoning can defeat Sin. The fact of the matter is that the Final Summoning has the capacity to take Sin's body apart. However, because its core still remains (Yevon's teachings explain that as being human sin and punishment), Sin is reborn and will come back again after a certain period of time. In other words, even the Final Summoning is nothing more than a temporary measure.
Yevon's teaching that Sin is a symbol of mankind's sins claim to be the truth, and that if all the people who live in Spira believe in the teachings and continue to atone for their sins, Sin will disappear someday. However, the Temples have only given vague explanations concerning a definite method of atoning for sins.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=15
pmog
Posted 8/29/2005 3:39:00 AM
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No one knows the exact reasons for why Bevelle and Zanarkand went to war, who started it, etc. But the SUG timeline explains that powerful machina cities wanted further power, and thus fought with other machina cities (possibly to get their technology). And from various sources (including FFX-2), Bevelle seems to have been the aggressor.
YY is the one who summons DZ, which is similar in principal to aeons and physically exists. It is located somewhere in Spira. Sin is the only thing that knows where DZ is and often goes there, staying at a distance where its destructive instincts won't kick in. Sin isn't actually meant to attack DZ, but Jecht (the FA core of the present Sin) took temporary control of it and brought Sin close to DZ in order to pick up Tidus. Sin's destructive instincts then activated and it began destroying stuff indiscriminately (YY was able to repair the damage done once Sin had left).
The words "dream" and "reality" are figures of speech used to explain the origins of particular things. Ordinary people and places like Lulu or Besaid are called "real", while phenomena such as Tidus/Jecht/DZ/the aeons are called "dreams" because they are dreamed up by fayth and called into being by summoners. But all "dreams" are actual physical entities.
Pyreflies are tiny units of life energy that exist all over Spira and are capable of producing mysterious phenomena. Fayth are beings who have given up their physical bodies and had their "souls" sealed within statues, whereby their "dreams" combine with pyreflies through a summoner's powers to produce aeons. Many summoners can communicate with any one fayth to establish a mental link with them (this enables them to then summon that aeon), but only one summoner is able to call on that particular fayth's power at any one time. For example, while Yuna is summoning Valefor, every other summoner won't be able to. They will only be able to do that once Yuna dismisses it.
The shape of an aeon is dependent on the person who becomes its fayth, so all Final Aeons have different appearances and abilities. Seymour's FA Anima (his mother) and Braska's Final Aeon (Jecht) are completely different.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=16
pmog
Posted 8/31/2005 12:26:12 AM
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Jecht is able to temporarily take control of Sin sometimes because he hasn't fully become Sin yet. The times when he does take control are usually related to Tidus in some way (eg. trying to communicate with him). By the time of the final battle, Jecht has just about become Sin completely and thus he isn't able to hold himself back anymore, even though he desperately *wants* Tidus and co to defeat him.
Tidus and Jecht aren't invincible or immortal. A regular fighting aeon is the entirety of the summon itself and thus, when it is destroyed, it can be summoned again after a while. OTOH, Tidus and Jecht are merely the "human" parts of a giant "sim city" summon. And summoned people follow a normal cycle of life as regular people do (eg. birth/life/death). Even if they die (or any other DZ citizen, for that matter), the rest of the DZ summon continues on unabated. It's possible that YY "could" recreate them if he wanted to, but there wouldn't really be any good reason for him to do so (DZ as a whole is much more important than the individual lives of its citizens).
Yunalesca will turn a summoner's guardian(usually) into the fayth for their Final Summoning. If the chosen person has a strong-enough bond with the summoner, that Final Aeon will have the power to defeat Sin, if properly summoned. At the moment of summoning, a summoner is so closely bonded with their FA fayth that they're mentally indistinguishable from one another. A FA will be able to defeat Sin, but it doesn't destroy the YY hiding within. YY will use his powers on the pyreflies that make up the FA, and begin remodelling them into the next Sin. Since the summoner *is* so closely bonded with their FA fayth at that moment, they're unable to bear this "remodelling process" and die as a result.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=17
pmog
Posted 8/31/2005 12:33:58 PM
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It's not exactly clear as to *why* YY looks like a bug, although I suspect it may be symbolic of what YY has become: a parasite-thing that "infects" aeons and takes over them (possesses). I believe he became like that when Yevon (the man) became Yu Yevon (at the time when he started summoning Zanarkand). The Ultimanias state that in trying to summon for eternity, Yevon was "reduced to becoming an inhuman being".
YY definitely made the Gagazet Fayth (who dream up DZ). Real Zanarkand was a summoner city, so the fayth-making technique possibly wasn't exclusively Yevon's, though (Zanarkand used aeons as weapons, and who knows how old some of them were). The fayth of aeons such as Ifrit/Valefor/etc only dream up their respective aeons and have nothing to do with DZ's summoning. Some of the various temples across Spira contain fayth statues that were made pre-Sin, but it's known that at least some fayth statues were made post-Sin by the Yevon Temples (they obtained the technique from the Zanarkand Ruins). Yunalesca also makes FA fayths for summoners who finish their pilgrimage in Zanarkand.
Sin is created from pyreflies that naturally drift around in the atmosphere of Spira. However, because air usually only contains low-level traces of pyreflies, YY uses gravity magic to draw in heaps of pyreflies from the surrounding areas, which he then makes into Sin by using his manipulative powers (pyrefly-controlling abilities). YY can do this because he's said to be one of the most powerful summoners ever (eg. it's difficult enough for any summoner to summon an aeon that is dreamt up by only one fayth; YY easily summons DZ, which is dreamt up by at least a couple of hundred).
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=17
pmog
Posted 8/31/2005 12:35:11 PM
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The following is my translation of the section on the Temples in the FFX SUG. AFAIK, everything in this section is totally accurate - beliefs that are held by Spirans (and may be factually incorrect) are stated to be such (eg. "It is said...").
YEVON'S TEACHINGS AND THE TEMPLES
Yevon's Teachings
After the appearance of Sin, what became hope for a people in the depths of despair were "Yevon's teachings". These teachings originated in Bevelle after Sin's first rebirth, and soon spread all throughout the world. Today, most of the people who live in Spira believe in the teachings and think it natural to live according to them.
The organisation that spreads the teachings are the "Yevon Temples", and their head temple is in Bevelle. Those who are affiliated with the Temples and spread the teachings are called "priests".
A Summary Of The Teachings
The key elements of Yevon's teachings are, more than Sin being a symbol of mankind's sins, the advice to atone for sins and the prohibition of machina usage. They also spread word of salvation in the form of the Final Summoning, and the Temples have also been recommending summoners to undertake the pilgrimage in which to seek it.
However, looking at the teachings rationally, each point is? no better than folklore and it is obvious that there isn't any consistent philosophy. There were people in the past who noticed this and tried to establish a doctrinal system, but all attempts to do so either failed or were obstructed by the Temples.
The Temples know that their teachings are nothing more than a temporary relief. And because they fear the exposure of that fact, they forbid the pursuit of all truths other than the teachings, and frown on change or any displays of doubt. One could argue that the backbone of Yevon's teachings are, in other words, an endorsement of thought suppression.
Summoner Yevon
The "Yevon" in "Yevon's teachings" is derived from the person of the same name. According to legend, Yevon was a summoner who had lived in Zanarkand 1000 years ago, and also Yunalesca's father. And it is said that when Zanarkand was attacked by Sin, he gave his daughter "Yevon's teachings" - the teachings with which to defeat Sin. In the present, Yevon has become an object of veneration, in a similar manner to Yunalesca, as the person who gave Spira the seed of its salvation. However, many mysteries remain as to how he acquired those teachings, or what happened to him after he granted them.
Temple Activities
Although the Yevon Temple is an enormous organisation with roots over the whole of Spira, they don't officially have any worldly authority. Matters such as administration are left up to regional self-rule. However, it is an indisputable fact that the leaders of each area are backed up by the Temples.
The Temples possess enormous funds due to donations received daily from those who believe in the teachings They aid the people in their lives by using those finances in various ways, such as operating the shoopuf crossing service free of charge, and sponsoring the ferries. In addition, there are temples set up all over Spira which carry out dual roles, both as a place that brings salvation to the people who depend on Yevon's teachings, and as a training ground for summoners.
(Continued in next post.)
pmog
Posted 8/31/2005 12:35:44 PM
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(Continued from last post.)
The Temple Organisation
Control of the Temples is carried out by four maesters, called the "four maesters of Yevon". Among them, a grand maester represents the Temples, while the remaining three maesters oversee the three ministries of civil affairs, military affairs, and temple affairs. Additionally, high priests are posted as representatives at each temple across the world, but they have no voice in the Temples' inner circle and only have control over their respective temples. In an exception to the rule, Maester Seymour concurrently holds the post of high priest.
Current Grand Maester: Yo Mika. Head of all the priests. In charge of the Temples as a whole.
Current Minister of Civil Affairs: Kelk Ronso. Head of the civil officials. Controls the Ministry of Civil Affairs, which is in charge of the judiciary, treasury and general civil administration.
Current Minister of Military Affairs: Wen Kinoc. Head of the military officials. Controls the Ministry of Military Affairs, which is in charge of the general military command. Doubles as head of the Warrior Monk Corps and oversees the Crusaders.
Current Minister of Temple Affairs: Seymour Guado. Controls the Ministry of Temple Affairs, which maintains the Temple's rituals and teachings. Also oversees the summoners. Has the authority to handle records of the sealed histories.
Regional Temples
The Yevon Temples have regional chapters of temples all over Spira. Eliminating those that have been destroyed or abandoned along the way, the present temples total five in number. Though each temple has differing characteristics, the common feature they all have is a Cloister of Trials and a Chamber of the Fayth. Summoners gain aeons by undergoing the temple's trials and communicating with the fayth sealed within the fayth statue.
Yevonites And Opposers Of Yevon
Yevon's teachings, the Yevon Temples, and people associated with the Temples are often called "Yevon" for short. In addition, those who believe in Yevon's teachings and live according to them are called "Yevonites". Conversely, those who don't follow the teachings or violate them are abhorred as being "opposers of Yevon". Currently, the vast majority of people who live in Spira can be categorised as Yevonites.
The Yevon Temples' official position is that even those who are oppose Yevon should not be harmed. But in reality, the Temples use the Warrior Monk Corps to crack down on those who are regarded as opposers of Yevon.
(Continued in next post.)
pmog
Posted 8/31/2005 12:36:16 PM
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(Continued from last post.)
Warrior Monks
The Yevon Temples have the "Warrior Monk Corps" as its personal military force. The principal duties of the warrior monks are the defense of the temple of St Bevelle and the protection of high ranking priests, as typified by the maesters. They don't play a fundamental role in security around the world, although they are deployed throughout Spira in times of emergency.
Officially, the Warrior Monk Corps are considered to be a moderate organisation. But behind the scenes, they have a duty to crack down on traitors to the Temples, and have oppressed and caused harm to those like the Al Bhed for a long time. However, most people are unaware of this fact.
Zanarkand, The City At The End Of The World
Zanarkand is a city state that flourished in the far north 1000 years ago. It is said that Yunalesca, the summoner who first defeated Sin, also came from this city. The Temples explain that the city also reached new heights of prosperity by using machina, and that it was destroyed by Sin as its punishment and now only remains as ruins. However, it is unclear as to whether this is true or not. This is because the journey to Zanarkand is long and dangerous, and there are only a few people who have been able to actually see the state of the city with their own eyes and come back alive.
The only power capable of defeating Sin - the "Final Summoning" - is said to rest in these lands, and thus people today call Zanarkand "Yevon's sacred place". Summoner all continue to journey towards Zanarkand.
The Traitor Omega
Although the Yevon Temples were established and its teachings had become widespread, 600 years passed where no one was able to defeat Sin. During that time, there were by no means a small number of people who doubted Yevon's teachings and thought about trying to defeat Sin in their own way. Omega was also one of those who questioned the teachings. Originally a priest of Yevon, he was executed for harbouring doubts about the teachings and openly rebelling against the Temples. Unable to go to the Farplane even after his death, Omega became a fearsome fiend and continues to remain on Spira even to this day.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=18
pmog
Posted 9/2/2005 1:22:35 AM
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Yes, that's basically what it is, though the *whole* book can be considered as one giant spoiler. So it's sort of like a last warning to people who haven't completed the game yet to "turn back now!".
One thing about the plot summary/analysis that irritates me to no end is that it stops right when Tidus and co face off against Jecht. The completist in me would have preferred for it to have followed through till the end (it wouldn't really be spoiling anything for people who've already finished the game). And there are a few inconsistencies in the ending that I would have liked a logical explanation for (eg. the general sequence of events - why the Gagazet Fayth don't fade away at the same time as the other fayth; why the aeons can be seen during Yuna's sending - even though Tidus and co had already scattered the pyreflies that formed them into the ether, and they were never supposed to rise again after being possessed by YY and then defeated; etc). There are also other little things, like there being no detailed stats or move list for YY in the monster sections. It's not really a big deal, but I'm of the opinion that if you're trying to be a comprehensive guide, you should at least succeed at *being* completely thorough.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=19
pmog
Posted 9/6/2005 10:43:30 PM
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Fayth (other than the ones in Gagazet) were created before *and* after the Machina War (by Zanarkand and the Yevon Temples respectively). After Sin appeared, the pre-war fayth statues were then appropriated by the Temples and installed in the various temples around Spira to use for training summoners in their pilgrimage to defeat Sin.
Jyscal was given a sending after his death and that's why he was in the Farplane. However, he still had strong feelings of regret/attachment (eg. guilt, a desire to warn people about Seymour's plans), which enabled him to become an unsent and try to come back to Spira. He ended up being sent by Yuna (perhaps weakened by his close proximity to the Farplane), but he at least succeeded in leaving behind a sphere with his warning message on it.
Fayth aren't really *forced* to keep dreaming, per se. It's more the case that once a fayth's dream has been summoned, they're unable to stop the summoning at their own volition - that matter is left to the discretion of the summoner. Before the actual summoning takes place, fayth have a choice in the matter of who they are willing to let summon their dreams. For example, the Gagazet Fayth were perfectly willing at first to go along with YY's plan of keeping DZ alive (after all, it was their city too). That situation changed only when Jecht became Sin, and all the fayth realised how pointless and harmful it was to maintain DZ. Likewise, summoners who have quit their pilgrimage still have their sending abilities, but are unable to summon - they no longer have the will to fight Sin and so they lose the support of the fayth. Thus, the Gagazet Fayth couldn't stop dreaming up DZ because YY didn't intend to stop summoning it. But it wouldn't simply be the case that YY *made* them continue.
From what available information there is, Yevon didn't die (he's described as being "immortal") because he became YY when he first summoned DZ. And YY is described as an "inhuman being", and "living only to summon". By doing that and losing his human form, maybe it was then possible for YY to avoid some of the disadvantages of human life (eg. short lifespan and death). As for *how* he did it, I'm guessing that YY being one of the most powerful summoners ever comes somewhere into the equation.
http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=19
pmog
Posted 9/7/2005 1:48:27 PM
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Yes, the "soul" seems to be a material concept on Spira. Essentially, it is an individual's mental landscape imprinted onto physical matter (life energy=pyreflies).
Re: how fayth are able to "travel" to DZ though they're supposed to be be "sealed" within statues. From all the available information so far, I suspect that the answer is that fayth can do this precisely because they *are* souls without bodies. Thus, they (their souls/pyreflies/whatever) are able to show up instantly in places far removed from their actual resting place. For example, though the "default location" of the Bahamut Fayth's "soul" seems to be wherever his fayth statue is (Bevelle's Temple's Chamber of the Fayth), he's able to "project" himself (his soul/thoughts/etc, along with the figure of his human form) wherever he wishes. For example, other than DZ, the BF also shows up briefly in a more public area of Bevelle Temple when the party goes to see Mika after defeating Yunalesca (Yuna, Tidus and Auron are the only ones in the party able to see him). The UOG already explains that the reason *why* fayth are able to visit DZ (whereas regular people can't) is because they're disembodied souls.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=19
pmog
Posted 9/9/2005 3:24:50 AM
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Yes, there are a lot of similarities in the concepts of FFVII/FFX's world setting (eg. life energy, reincarnation, etc), and it seems to have been a deliberate choice on the part of the creators. Thus far, FFX's approach/execution of those concepts seems much more cohesive and "down to earth" (actual physical reasons for phenomena). My view on that matter might change, depending on any world setting information in FFVII's upcoming Ultimania Omega.
I've marked the shorter timeline as coming from the Scenario Ultimania (SUG) and the longer one as coming from the Ultimania Omega (UOG). The SUG contains general information on the world/characters/phenomena/etc, but is often purposely vague and sometimes states things from a limited POV (often factually incorrect). The UOG contains detailed and objective plot/character analysis and/or clarification, as well as revealing the truth behind certain phenomena. Both the SUG and UOG have heaps of useful information and explain stuff that the other doesn't. Most of the translations I've posted up so far are from the SUG, simply because most of what I've finished translating happens to be from the SUG.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=20
pmog
Posted 9/12/2005 8:38:12 AM
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The Ultimanias explain that at least some of the fayth statues in the temples around Spira were created pre-Sin, though it doesn't specify which ones. I would guess that the Temples themselves choose the suitable candidates to become fayth if need be, based on that individual's willingness to help summoners train to defeat Sin.
Seymour is merely showing the party a sphere reconstruction of Zanarkand, created from the thoughts of the dead in the Farplane. Those are actually images of the *real* Zanarkand, which Tidus mistakes as being his own home (DZ).
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=20
pmog
Posted 9/13/2005 12:10:21 AM
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Sorry, I should have been more clear in my answer. Many of the aeon-fayth in the temples around Spira existed pre-Sin, meaning that they were made/owned by Zanarkand for use as standard weaponry (what the Zanarkand summoners used to fight Bevelle in the Machina War). In that case, the people who made fayth probably had the say on who was suitable for fayth-hood, and the candidates themselves would also have been willing (it was an important part of their culture). These fayth statues were later appropriated by the Temples after Sin's appearance, and installed into the various temples for the purpose of the pilgrimage.
The Temples also obtained the fayth-making technique from the Zanarkand Ruins, and it's known that they at least made some fayth statues (post-Sin) for the purpose of the pilgrimage. In that case, the Temples themselves probably had the say as to who would become a fayth, and the candidates themselves would have been willing to help fight Sin.
If I were to make a guess, I'd wager that the Bahamut Fayth was a pre-Sin fayth, based on the fact that Bevelle Temple is one of the earliest temples, and thus more likely to have benefited from the then readily available Zanarkand fayth statues. I'd also bet that the Valefor Fayth is a Temple-created fayth, based on the fact that Besaid Temple is the newest temple in Spiran history, and thus more likely to have received a new fayth statue.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=21
pmog
Posted 9/15/2005 4:39:55 AM
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Once they've been formed, fiends/unsents can't simply be sent to the Farplane by a sending - they have to be weakened first (ie. beating the stuffing out of them). Once defeated, fiends will then disappear, and unsents will either be weakened enough for a summoner to send them or dissipate on their own.
The Temples' true goal (only known to those in the highest ranks like the maesters) is the "continuation of Spira". They truly believed that Sin could never ever be defeated and were afraid of what would happen when the people drowned in their despair over that fact (the "destruction fo Spira"). Thus, they sought to prevent Spira's social collapse by offering people "false hope" through the teachings/pilgrimage. *Trying* to defeat Sin (in vain) gave people "hope" that it *could* actually be defeated, and that was meaning in and of itself. However, these actions inadvertently ended up perpetuating the spiral of death (the FA becoming Sin and so on) and before long, the Temples' objective turned into "maintaining the status quo". The Temples have always been single-minded about protecting their goals, hence their heavy-handed tactics of oppressing and persecuting potential ideological threats (like traitors/unbelievers).
The maesters didn't really have any problem with Seymour being an unsent, as all of them had already accepted Yevon's "truth" about death being an all-encompassing concept on Spira. It was the issue of Seymour murdering his father that didn't quite sit well with everyone. Not morally corrupt like the other maesters (he was in charge of law and order, after all), Kelk found it hard to excuse Seymour's crime and resigned in protest. OTOH, Mika was willing to overlook it since Seymour was a valuable asset to Yevon. Seymour simply didn't *have* any regard for life in the first place. Kinoc was wary after learning about it, but only because Seymour was his political rival and the capacity for such an act only made him more untrustworthy/dangerous (Kinoc's fears ended up being well-founded).
It's important to note that the Temples aren't like a hive-mind. Each individual maester (and follower, for that matter) has their own goals/ideologies/acceptable standards of behaviour, which are often incompatible with one another (eg. Mika's and Seymour's differing plans for Spira).
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=21
pmog
Posted 9/19/2005 4:33:44 AM
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This is the section that contains all the relevant information you need about Sin. Taken from the FFX UOG, pg 82.
The True Nature Of Sin
Though Sin is generally thought to be a type of fiend, its true status is as something that doubles as both an armour and weapon that Yu Yevon clads himself in, so that he can continue to summon for eternity.
The thing which becomes Sin's core is the Final Aeon that has defeated the last Sin before it (with the exception of the first one). Its large body is formed as a result of Yu Yevon (who resides within) using gravity magic to draw in further pyreflies from the atmosphere, and compressing them together very densely.
Sin has the habit of recovering parts of its own body - "Sinspawn" - that have separated from itself. This is because Sin can repair its body more efficiently by taking in pyreflies that have already been condensed from the start as sinspawn, rather than freshly absorbing pyreflies that drift around in the surrounding areas.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=22
pmog
Posted 9/30/2005 3:45:34 PM
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The exact lyrics for the Hymn of the Fayth are as follows:
i e yu i
no bo me no
re n mi ri
yo ju yo go
ha sa te ka na e
ku ta ma e
Taken at face value, those "words" are pure gibberish. However, they are an anagram of actual Japanese lyrics. Properly arranged, those would be:
inore yo ebon ju
yumemiyo inorigo
hatenaku sakae tamae
That can be loosely translated as:
Pray, Yu Yevon
Dream, oh fayth
Be forever prosperous
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=26
pmog
Posted 12/11/2005 9:39:51 AM
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Yevon Sacred Script is one of the three alphabets present in Spira (the others being Spiran and Al Bhed). It's for use in writing on Yevon-related items (buildings, clothing, weapons, scrolls, etc). There isn't any in-game history on the script, but design-wise, it's meant to resemble at least some form of Sanskrit (a writing used in Buddhist scripture). The letters correspond with those of the Roman alphabet, with extra symbols for the four directions (North/South/East/West). Some of the letters also double as symbols for particular concepts (eg. A=Yevon; B=Darkness; F=Thunder; I=Light; L=Ice; N=Fire; T=Void; W=Water; Z=Sin). Within the game, some of the more obvious examples of Yevon script can be seen on the walls and floor of Besaid Temple, and on the world map (mostly place names and the one-letter symbols).
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=28
pmog
Posted 1/17/2006 7:21:42 PM
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Re: Yojimbo's original location. Unknown. I've also thought that Yojimbo might have originally belonged in Baaj, but there's no way of either confirming or refuting that theory with the available information.
Re: Pre-Yevon Guado faith. Unknown. They could either have been of another belief system, or even non-religious.
Re: Lightning rod towers. Exact date of construction unknown.
Re: Original Al Bhed island. Located somewhere in the remote regions of Spira. The Al Bhed had already lived there for a long time before Sin's appearance. Exact date of destruction unknown (presumably somewhere during the time frame of when Sin was destroying all the machina civilisations).
The death of Rikku's mother was unrelated to Sin (killed by a rampaging machina).
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=29
pmog
Posted 1/18/2006 1:58:17 AM
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Re: Rikku's mother. Rikku talks about how her mother died in an optional dialogue that takes place at Guadosalam. It's *Yuna's mother* whom Rin is talking about on the airship. Incidentally, she was killed by Sin 13 years ago.
Re: Al Bhed home island. Nothing Rikku says in her speech at Home contradicts the fact that Sin's attack on the Al Bhed home island happened almost 1000 years ago. As a result of that attack, the Al Bhed were scattered to all four corners of the globe, effectively becoming a wandering tribe with no homeland or resources. It was only by using machina that the Al Bhed have somehow managed to survive, and that's the practical reason for why they haven't abandoned it. If the Al Bhed's ancestors had followed Yevon's teachings, they wouldn't have been alive today. OTOH, not doing so also makes them a target for Yevon's persecution. So, it was only fairly recently that Cid's leadership managed to unite the Al Bhed after such a long time.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=31
XOutsaneX
Posted 3/26/2006 9:15:41 AM
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Hey pmog, I know you probobly can't, but in this image
http://www.dustcatchers.com/shirts/anime/ff-yojimbo.jpg
on that sheild type thing, it has some of the Yevon script. Does it mean ANYTHING at all? or just a bunch of jiberish?Thanks man.
---
FFVIII The Restless Ages RP
http://s13.invisionfree.com/FFVIII_Restless_Ages/
pmog
Posted 3/26/2006 9:57:24 AM
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It spells out the Latin phrase "mea culpa" which can be translated as "(through) my (own) fault". That's also written on the sword scabbard in Spiran script. And in case you were wondering, the kanji on the back of the shirt says "zanmato".
AuronsGhost
Posted 3/26/2006 10:21:03 AM
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While we're on the topic, any idea what the symbols on the ribbon over the fayth mean?
http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/4819/yojimbofayth00020gu.jpg
pmog
Posted 3/26/2006 10:24:31 AM
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"Seal" in Yevon script.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=32
pmog
Posted 3/27/2006 9:05:48 PM
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I've posted information about fayth in general on this thread but I haven't found anything of interest on each individual aeon/fayth. There aren't any details given as to which temple Yojimbo was stolen from or when. The temple at Baaj is one candidate that immediately springs to mind, since there are only so many temples shown to exist and the fayth statue currently occupying it is known to be a FA from Zanarkand. But that in itself isn't really conclusive proof. All the fayth dialogue in the localisation is pretty much faithful to the original.
Addendum: date of construction for the lightning rod towers. A passage on Summoner Gandof mentions that the task of sealing away the qactuars must have been difficult, given that there weren't any lightning towers in his age. And since Gandof defeated Sin 400 years ago, the time window for lightning tower construction must be somewhere within the last 400 years before the game begins.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=32
Ryu_Kaze
Posted 3/28/2006 1:39:58 PM
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At Rena H's request, I've translated the post-FFX/pre-FFX-2 timeline from the FFX-2: International+Last Mission Ultimania:
[Immediately after FFX]
*Spira's Eternal Calm begins
*Many groups begin to dissolve
*Brother and Buddy discover the airship Celsius
*Trema closes down the training facility on the Calm Lands. The depowered Yevon priests begin a motion to put forth the truth
Half a year later [after FFX]
*Sphere Hunters begin appearing at this time
*Wakka and Lulu marry
*Trema establishes the New Yevon party. He begins monopolizing the collection of spheres
1 year later [after FFX]
*Nooj founds the Youth League
*Trema enters the mausoleum of Saint Bevelle (after this, he disappears), and destroys the collected spheres
* Kimahri becomes the elder of the Ronso Tribe
*The Youth League begins rebuilding the port of Kilika
*The New Yevon party's second generation chief ascends [to power] and his son is inaugurated as praetor
*Gippal forms the Machine Faction
*Buddy becomes a Sphere Hunter. He founds the Gullwings
2 years later [after FFX]
[Eternal Calm]
*Rikku shows Yuna the "Journey's Start Sphere" that Kimahri found. Yuna leaves Besaid
*Yuna joins the Gullwings
*A bloodless coup d'état occurs within the New Yevon party. The party chief and praetor fall from power, and Baralai is inaugurated as the [new] praetor
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=33
pmog
Posted 4/10/2006 7:49:57 AM
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You're very much welcome.
Tidus' Story from the SUG basically talks about how much the Abes-Duggles match meant to Tidus. Though Tidus has mad blitz skills and just came off a spectacular rookie year, he still ends up living in the Jecht's shadow. Tidus especially chaffs over this because he didn't like his old man in the first place. So the match that night was supposed to be where Tidus showed all of Zanarkand that he was much more than just "Jecht Jr". Of course, things don't go to plan and Tidus ends up being dumped into an unknown world of Spira. But as he journeys with Yuna, he eventually learns that he has to surpass his father in other ways.
There aren't really any "new" insights into Tidus' character per se, but the story is well-written and worth reading. When I say that I have translation troubles, I usually mean that I'm having trouble phrasing things into coherent English. I can read and understand the meaning of the Japanese well enough, but making passages read like I haven't simply run them through Babelfish is slightly harder work for me. So, please feel free to ask questions about anything; I can paraphrase pertinent information pretty quickly. It's only when I do direct translations that I obsess over grammar and vocabulary.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=33
pmog
Posted 4/26/2006 1:49:34 AM
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After a very long hiatus, my latest translation attempt is "Lulu's Real Story" from the FFX UOG. I have to thank the folk at the AL Forums for helping me out with a few troublesome phrases.
Her Story As A Guardian
Lulu's story as a guardian began for Yuna's sake. Before Yuna's young life was scattered apart by the Final Summoning, Lulu would leave on pilgrimage as the guardian of another summoner and defeat Sin - she thought that it was the only thing she could do for Yuna, whom she regarded and loved as a younger sister. Unable to keep Yuna from following the summoner's path, that was the decision Lulu reached after much agonising. But for her, it was the beginning of more suffering.
Her first pilgrimage suddenly met its end due to the death of Ginnem, the summoner whom she was guarding. Lulu was distressed over the fact that she was unable to carry out even the barest minimum of her duty as guardian - "protecting one's summoner even at the risk of one's life" - much less her original goal. Her second pilgrimage was meant to be where she overcame those weaknesses in herself, but that attempt also faltered. Still unable to shake off the bitter past, Lulu will leave on her third pilgrimage as Yuna's guardian.
Since she had originally started on the guardian's path because of Yuna, Lulu has no doubts about protecting her. But the experiences of her previous two pilgrimages has created a new goal for Lulu as a guardian - "to overcome her own weaknesses". To become the person she wants be, who will surpass what she is now, Lulu believes that she must finish her pilgrimage as a guardian to the very end. Not only to protect Yuna and let her successfully complete her pilgrimage, but also for Lulu's own sake.
If the Final Summoning were to disappear, then the framework of "summoners and guardians" would exist only in name. But even so, by trying to protect Yuna and save Spira, Lulu aims to master herself. In order to become the person she wants to be this time around.
Accepting Her More Fiery Side
Much like Wakka, Lulu still has doubts about Chappu's death. When she first lay eyes on Tidus, who bears the trace of her lover, she must surely have been unsettled, as Wakka had been. But even so, Lulu doesn't see Tidus as the return of Chappu, like Wakka naively does. No, she can not see him in that way. Therein lies the complexity of Lulu's feelings.
Since she and Wakka are both in the same position of having suddenly been faced with the death of a loved one, Lulu can empathise with his weakness. Because she can empathise with him, she feels that she can't allow herself to do so. For she sees an image of her own weakness-laden self within Wakka. By judging Wakka, Lulu is judging herself.
Lulu isn't all that calm and collected. She is merely trying her utmost to be that way. The words she lets fly at her closest friend Wakka show a volatile and weak side to Lulu that can be considered to be her true nature. It is because she knows her own character that she tries desperately to be calm and collected, if only in appearance.
(Continued in next post.)
pmog
Posted 4/26/2006 1:49:51 AM
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(Continued from last post.)
A Representative Of An Old Age
Until the middle of the story, Lulu is, if you will, the guide of the pilgrimage. With ample experience as a guardian, she inevitably takes up the role of providing her companions with information and guiding them forward. She treats Yuna like an older sister would, and fills Tidus in on general knowledge about Spira... But that role of hers ends right at the pilgrimage's midway point.
Lulu's knowledge is that of a follower of Yevon's, and only holds true within the framework of the teachings. She and Wakka are, so to speak, representatives of an old age that is bound by traditional beliefs. When the party begins to stray from the teachings, the knowledge that she can impart to her companions lessens. Instead, that traditional knowledge becomes a shackle.
The reversal of Lulu and Yuna's supporting/supported relationship is alluded to at the Gagazet Mountain Gate. While acknowledging Yuna's strength in having overcome a discouraging situation, Lulu reveals her own weakness. From that moment onwards, one is able to glimpse at a side of Lulu that is more tender-hearted and often uncertain about the best thing to do, which may perhaps be her true self.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=34
pmog
Posted 5/21/2006 8:12:14 PM
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You're welcome.
1. Yes. When the FA blows away Sin, YY takes the pyreflies of which the FA is composed and uses it to form the next Sin. As that occurs, it is explained that the fayth statue (where the FA fayth's soul has previously been housed) ceases to exist. Thus, the FA fayth's soul is trapped within Sin - or more accurately, the pyreflies that contain the FA fayth's soul have physically become Sin's core. Eventually, the FA fayth will lose its human consciousness and be totally absorbed into Sin (like Jecht is about to be at the end of FFX). But from my understanding of particular phrases in the Ultimanias, it seems that the fayth will continue to live on in some some form until Sin is defeated by the FA (thereby completing the cycle). The previous Sin's pyreflies would then be dispersed into the surrounding atmosphere, free to do (or be done to) whatever pyreflies normally do. Thus, the pyreflies of the FA fayth's soul would naturally go on to the Farplane (*only* if it was so willing, of course).
2. Lulu's dolls can move on their own through use of a secret power known only to Lulu. Incidentally, it is explained that dolls aren't standard equipment for black mages, but a personal hobby of Lulu's. Other black mages would probably use staves and the like.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=34
pmog
Posted 5/22/2006 10:10:46 AM
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There isn't much detailed information about Belgemine in the Ultimanias. She is a summoner from the distant past who wasn't able to defeat Sin, and her purpose as an unsent is to train young, inexperienced summoners to succeed where she failed. It's implied from Belgemine's words that she once trained Braska in much the same way as she's training Yuna now. She is also mentioned in one of the Creature Create fiend stories in FFX-2 I+LM. An Aquila says that 200 years ago, people feared that with the way things were going, Sin would eventually eradicate all life on Spira. About 150 years ago, Belgemine secretly built a ship and chose many creatures to sail on it to the edge of the world, in order that at least some creatures escape Sin's wrath and survive. However, it's unclear as to whether she was alive or unsent at that time. The particular circumstances of Belgemine's pilgrimage are never clearly explained (eg. exactly how she died, whether or not she managed to obtain her FA), but it's at least apparent that she doesn't know the truth about the FA's futility.
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=34
pmog
Posted 5/23/2006 3:40:27 AM
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In a passage on Remiem Temple, all it says is that the temple is now Belgemine's home. There aren't further details about when/why/how she came to reside there. All unsents have to live somewhere, I guess, and one uninhabited, remote, yet perfectly intact building is as good as another. I've managed to find a bit of the script where she dubs herself the "keeper of Remiem", and I know that she introduces herself differently at the Moonflow/Calm Lands/Remiem if that's where you meet her for the first time. However, I'll withhold comment unless I see a copy of the original Japanese script.
Addendum: a little more information on Belgemine. It's stated that Belgemine's role is not only to train summoners' aeons in actual battle, but also to expound on the issue of "what is truly important for a summoner" at every opportunity. This is especially relevant to young summoners, who are easily swayed by Temple policies and the opinions of others. For example, Belgemine reminds Yuna that only summoners can hope to defeat Sin (after machina fail to do so in Operation Mi'ihen), that they aren't tools of Yevon and to ignore her given traitor status. Belgemine's detached perspective comes as a result of being an unsent. As such, she's somewhat disinterested in mundane affairs like politics, focusing only on the essentials. And that, for a summoner, is purely to defeat Sin.
In the FFX Battle Ultimania, there's a short story about Yuna's aeon duel with Belgemine. It explains that Belgemine has long been waiting at Remiem for the appearance of a summoner blessed with the power to defeat Sin (I guess that there are many summoners who try but will never quite be capable of defeating Sin). And from their various training sessions, Yuna might just be the summoner Belgemine's been hoping for. But there isn't any mention of whether she believes that the calm she expects Yuna to bring will be eternal. In the Creature Create fiend story I mentioned earlier, the Aquila says that Belgemine foretold of a day when Sin would never return. But again, there isn't any mention of whether she thought it would be the direct result of a particular summoner doing something differently, or because there must eventually come a day when people have atoned for all their sins, thus making the next successful summoner's calm last forever (the latter being what most summoners (like Braska or Yuna) hope will happen, should they be able to bring the calm).
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=35
pmog
Posted 6/19/2006 6:41:35 AM
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Re: correction. The fayth are called "inorigo" in the Japanese version, which literally means "prayer child".
From http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=2000008&topic=21477330&page=36
pmog
Posted 7/10/2006 9:16:11 PM
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No, that isn't a mistake in the timeline. The keyword is "publicly" (literal Japanese: "in front of the people"). The new Sin exists from the moment YY uses the FA's pyreflies to make it. But since it is composed only out of the FA's pyreflies at that point, the new Sin is still vulnerable and incomplete. YY has also expended a lot of his energy in creating it. Hence, Sin goes into hiding until such time when it has sucked up enough pyreflies to fully regenerate itself. This period of Sin's absence is known as the Calm, and officially lasts until the next public sighting of Sin. The general populace of Spira are merely under the mistaken belief that Sin is reborn only *after* a Calm.
