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finestfantasyxii · 7 years ago

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Final Fantasy XII Character Information

Disclaimer: All information is from official sources such as the ultimanias, merchandise like the official XII pins, and the websites, game guides, etc.

If a character’s age is different in the Japanese version compared to the Western version, the Japanese version will be listed first.

The character descriptions in Japanese can be located here.

Sky Pirate’s Den sprites are ripped by Shard of Truth. Revenant Wings sprites are ripped by Barubary. Pictlogica sprites are from Square Enix Bridge.

This post will be updated over time when we get around to all the ultimanias and such.

MAIN CHARACTERS

VAAN

Age: 17 (XII) 18 (RW)

Height: 170cm or ~5′5″ or 5′6″

Quickenings: Red Spiral, White Whorl, Pyroclasm

Eye Colour: Gray-Blue

Descriptions:

(NA Game Manual and website) "A boy who sees freedom in the skies." Living in the Rabanastre slums, Vaan maintains an air of hope even under the oppressive rule of the Empire. But he longs for more: a life without borders or authority. He dreams of becoming a sky pirate, free to go where he will.

(NA TZA website) Living in the Rabanastre slums, Vaan maintains an air of hope even under the oppressive rule of the Empire. But he longs for more: a life without borders or authority. He dreams of becoming a sky pirate, free to go where he will—though the loss of his family weighs heavy on his heart.

(Itadaki Street Portable) A bright-eyed boy who still dreams of being an airship pirate as his hometown falls beneath the Empire's mighty fist. Even after Dalmasca was taken control of by the Empire, Vaan maintains a positive attitude. His late brother was his only immediate family, so he took to caring for the younger children. Vaan dreams of becoming an airship pirate, flying freely in the sky.

(Piggyback Strategy Guide) He lost his family during the war and is now living as a cutpurse in the Lowtown district of the Royal City of Rabanastre. Even though life under the rule of the Empire isn't easy, the 17-year-old boy looks to the future with an air of hope. He dreams of one day becoming a Sky Pirate, with his own airship to command.

(Bradygames Strategy Guide & PrimaGames) After losing his parents to the plague and his brother Reks to treachery and war, Vaan is now a child of the streets. He's now a leader of a sub-culture of war orphans who roam the slums of Rabanastre.

(Bradygames Revenant Wings Strategy Guide) Vaan has spent most of his young life dreaming of being a sky pirate. Recent remarkable events (chronicled in Final Fantasy XII) have made that dream come true. But a seemingly simple treasure hunt with old allies Fran and Balthier unleashes a mind-boggling chain of events. Vaan loses one airship, gains another, and hurtles skyward with his friends on an adventure to an ancient sky continent.

(Revenant Wings manual) A young sky pirate whose journey throughout Ivalice have taught him so much. At last the captain of his own airship, Vaan travels the skies in search of adventure.

(Tactics A2) Final Fantasy XII's leading man. Tempered by his many adventures, Vaan has matured in the intervening years, but he remains spirited and carefree—some might say careless. Now famous sky pirates, he and his partner, Penelo, even find themselves plagued by impostors.

(Opera Omnia) An orphan from the Kingdom of Dalmasca who dreams of becoming a sky pirate. While he despised the empire for taking his brother's life, he was helpless until a twist of fate brought him and Princess Ashe together. Along with his childhood friend, Penelo, and the sky pirate, Balthier, he sets out on a cosmic journey to free their homeland.

(Dissidia 012) A cheerful youth who skillfully uses a variety of weapons in battle. Confident in his skills, he fearlessly enters any fierce battle.

Misc:

Both Ashe and Vaan were used during the production of Final Fantasy XIII to stand in for unfinished characters.

PENELO

Age: 16 (XII), 17 (RW) ; 17 (XII), 18 (RW)

Height: 160cm or ~5′2″

Quickenings: Intercession, Evanescence, Resplendence, Dance of Rapture

Eye Colour: Honey Brown

Descriptions:

(OG NA Game Manual and website) "Vaan's friend." "A girl who wants peace." Like Vaan, Penelo calls Rabanastre's Lowtown home. She watches over Vaan, trying to keep him from getting into too much trouble. Though she lost her family in the war with the Empire, Penelo is ever cheerful, making her way by doing odd jobs in and around the city. She enjoys the lighter side of life, but Penelo is not altogether unfamiliar with battle. While she remains untested in a true fight, her brothers, who belonged to the Order, taught her the fundamentals of combat. Penelo believes that in perseverance, there is hope.

(NA TZA website) A young woman who suffered the tragic loss of her family during the war, Penelo is Vaan’s friend since childhood and always looks out for him. She is brave and will not lose sight of herself, even when she gets caught up in a conspiracy that will shake a nation.

(Itadaki Street Portable) A girl orphaned by the war. Penelo tries to maintain a good attitude. She knows martial arts, but prefers to dance. Childhood friend of Vaan, born into a wealthy merchant family, but orphaned during the war. Penelo likes to sing and dance, but also knows martial arts - as her brothers had wanted to become knights. Penelo has a cheerful spirit that encourages the people around her.

(Piggyback Strategy Guide) 16-year-old Penelo lives in the Lowtown district of Rabanastre like Vaan, and makes her living by running errands for a respected merchant called Migelo. This cheerful girl acts as if she was Vaan's elder sister,always trying to keep him out of trouble. Despite her youth, she doesn't shy away from combat thanks to the tricks her brothers taught her.

(Bradygames Strategy Guide & PrimaGames) Penelo loves Vaan like a brother. Her own parents, who were lost in the recent war, took in Vaan after his loss and raised him as one of their own. She sees the natural leader in him, even if he doesn't quite see it himself.

(Bradygames Revenant Wings Strategy Guide) She may be the "mother hen" of the group and her cooking may be suspect, but Penelo is an unspoken leader of Rabanastre's subculture of war orphans. Her steady, healing support abilities make her an indispensable member of every battle party.

(Revenant Wings manual) Vaan's childhood friend, always there to lend a helping hand--or a proper scolding. Penelo is ever the faithful navigator, even when Vaan strays off course in new (and alarming) ways.

(Tactics A2) Vaan's steadfast partner, Penelo sometimes gently—but more often severely—keeps him from staying too far off course. Already a famed sky pirate, she is also fast gaining renown as a skillful dancer.

(Opera Omnia) A cheerful young girl taken under the wing of local shopkeeper Migelo after being orphaned in the war. Her concern for Vaan leads to her first encounter with the sky pirate, Balthier, and a misunderstanding which pits her in a battle against Archadia. Penelo learned martial arts from her elder brothers and dreams of becoming a dancer.

Misc:

Originally her hair colour was meant to be a kind of pinkish colour. In the Final Fantasy XII Ultimania Omega, Akihiko Yoshida says he originally designed her with pink hair, but there were problems with the color in-game, it looked washed-out(?), so he gave her blonde hair instead.

There is a translation out there for one of her Japanese character description that says she only has one brother whereas other translations including localized ones say she has more than one. Both say they were part of the Order.

In Revenant Wings, Penelo is said to be a terrible cook at the start of the game. So much so that Vaan and Kytes can’t stomach eating all of it, but do it anyways to make her happy. By the time Larsa joins the group, Penelo has improved a lot to the point Larsa loves her cooking so much, he buys (or upgrades) her diner in the Galbana. By the end of the game, she’s improved substantially.

Basch and Penelo are the only ones of the main cast of characters to not have a Play Arts/Play Arts Kai figure for them.

In the original Japanese version of Final Fantasy XII, Penelo’s kidnapping scene is not present. Producer Akitoshi Kawazu said in an interview, it was because of a ratings issue, and there were similarities between Penelo’s kidnapping and real-world incidents in Japan at the time.

Penelo’s English voice actor, Catherine Taber, also voices Queen Andoria Kaya Tranka Fam Forturio from Final Fantasy Type-0 HD.

Penelo and Vaan’s relationship is developed further in Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings. Penelo, also, mentions how she wants their relationship to be like Fran and Balthier’s.

In the Revenant Wings Ultimania and the Final Fantasy XII Scenario Ultimania, Penelo is referred to as Vaan’s girlfriend.

BALTHIER

Full Name: Ffamran “Balthier” Mied Bunansa

Age: 22 (XII), 23 (RW)

Height: 183cm or 6′

Quickenings: Fires of War, Tides of Fate, Element of Treachery

Eye Colour: Hazel-Green

Descriptions:

(OG NA game manual and website) "A dashing sky pirate." He would describe himself as a noble thief, stealing only from those who deserve it. He goes where he pleases, swearing fealty to no one. While roaming the skies of Ivalice with Fran, his viera partner, he still makes time to charm the ladies with his silver tongue and put wrongs to right-grinning all the while.

(NA TZA website) Balthier would describe himself as a noble thief, stealing only from those who deserve it. While roaming the skies of Ivalice, he still makes time to charm the ladies with his silver tongue and put wrongs to right—grinning all the while. And yet he has not entirely escaped from the demons of his past...

(Itadaki Street Portable) A young airship pirate who only steals from those he deems as wicked. His success attributes to his ally, Fran, and his airship, the Strahl. Pilot and commander of the airship, the Strahl, along with his partner, Fran, of the Viera race. Balthier threw away his past and ties to become a self-proclaimed righteous pirate. He smiles fearlessly without panic, even in dangerous situations. Ashe and Vaan meet him a local market.

(Piggyback Strategy Guide) Balthier is exactly what Vaan longs to become: a Sky Pirate. This handsome man, 22 years of age, roams the skies of Ivalice together with his Viera partner, Fran. With a gambler's love for risk-taking and a healthy disregard for the rules, he considers himself to be a good old-fashioned adventurer.

(Bradygames Strategy Guide & PrimaGames) A man of wit, charm and a mysterious past, Balthier owes allegiance to no crown or council. He prowls the skies of Ivalice with his partner Fran in search of treasure and perhaps something else...

(Bradygames Revenant Wings Strategy Guide) Captain of the legendary vessel named the Strahl, Balthier has become the most famous (and infamous) sky pirate of modern times in Ivalice. After reluctantly taking Vaan under his wing, he now faces a new and unsettling menance while teaching young apprentice that things are not always as they seem...

(Revenant Wings manual) Legendary sky pirate who flies his beloved airship, the Strahl, to the ends of Ivalice. He stepped from a limelight at the great war's end, keeping his whereabouts well hidden.

(Opera Omnia) A youthful sky pirate deeply attached to the wide blue yonder who roams the world with his partner, Fran. In an unexpected turn of events, he meets Vaan and gets caught up in a quest to restore Dalmasca. Although a man of charm and wit, he becomes highly sensitive when people bring up his past or father.

(Tactics WotL) A sky pirate who owes allegiance to no man or country. His skills as a machinist and thief are second to none. Balthier, branded a heretic by the Church, is searching for the Cache of Glabados. His path crosses Ramza’s when a false lead intended for him ensnares the young Beoulve as well.

Misc:

According to the Final Fantasy wiki, He and Doctor Cid were meant to have a conversation shown between the two of them during Balthier’s past when he was a Judge; the audio for this is still present on the Japanese version of the original Final Fantasy XII, but has been removed from later versions. However because there is a lack of sources for this, please take this with a grain of salt until someone can retrieve it from the game disc.

There is also a model of Balthier present in the data as a prisoner in Nalbina dungeons. This model was later reused for Basch with a simple head-swap.

Balthier shares his last name with Mustadio and Besrudio Bunansa from Final Fantasy Tactics.

Balthier’s Japanese voice actor, Hiroaki Hirata, is the voice of Captain Jack Sparrow in Kingdom Hearts II as well as Sanji from One Piece.

In The Zodiac Age, Balthier’s hair, earrings, and clothing did not move similar to Basch with his hair. This had been fixed for the PC release.

FRAN

Age: ~23-27 in Hume years*

Height: 187cm (6′1″) without her ears and 216cm (7′1″) with her ears

Quickenings: Feral Strike, Whip Kick, Shatterheart, Gaze of the Void

Eye Colour: Red-Brown

Descriptions:

(OG NA game manual and website) "A master of weapons." A viera warrior, Fran is as much at ease with a sword as she is her bare hands. Her proficiency with a blade is matched only by her skill with a wrench, as she also handles the maintenance of Balthier's airship, the Strahl. The lifespan of the viera is far greater than that of humes, and many secrets lie hidden in her long history. Yet, the divide of race does nothing to diminish the bond of trust between her and Balthier.

(NA TZA website) A viera warrior who forsook her forest home for the life of a sky pirate. Fran's prowess in battle is matched only by her skill with a wrench, as she also handles the maintenance of Balthier's airship, the Strahl. Her silent, inscrutable air belies a strong inner spirit and a readiness to risk anything to protect her hard-won freedom.

(Itadaki Street Portable) A member of the Viera race with a mastery of any weapon. Fran's sharp sense and knowledge of airships are invaluable to Balthier. A female Viera warrior with knowledge in weaponry and mechanics. She is in charge of maintainence of Balthier's airship, the Strahl. Fran is a calm person who makes wise decisions using her sharp senses. She trusts Balthier strongly.

(Piggyback Strategy guide) Fran is Balthier's "business partner". Amongst other things, she handles the maintenance of their airship, the Strahl. Although her age is unknown, she belongs to the Viera, who are distinguished by (among other things) their remarkable longevity.

(Bradygames Strategy guide & PrimaGames) A Viera female with a strong sensitivity to the Mist, Fran is a loyal partner and co-pilot to Balthier. She's quite a formidable warrior and a mechanic to boot. Her adjustment to the greater world since abandoning the forest dwellings of her race is nearly complete. But can one ever completely forsake the voice of the Wood?

(Bradygames Revenant Wings Strategy guide) The beautiful and mysterious viera is the longtime co-pilot and partner of Balthier. Her remarkable connection to the Mist that surrounds all life gives her an almost mystical ability to see the paths that must be taken... or avoided. Ignore her "feelings" at your peril!

(Revenant Wings manual) Mysterious and quiet, as viera are to be, Fran shares a bond of unshakable trust with her fellow sky pirate and partner, Balthier.

Misc:

*The official scenario ultimania lists Jote (the oldest of the Viera sisters) in the Hume equivalent of her 30s, and Mrjn (the youngest) in the equivalent of her late teens, around 18-20. This would put Fran (the middle sister) most likely anywhere between the equivalent ages of 21-29 / 23-27 in Hume years.

Fran shares her Japanese voice actor, Rika Fukami, with Sailor Venus/Minako Aino from the original Sailor Moon anime in Japan.

Fran makes an appearance in the Final Fantasy: Lost Stranger manga.

ASHE

Full Name: Ashelia B’nargin Dalmasca

Age: 17 (Beginning of XII), 19 (XII), 20 (RW)

Height: 165cm or 5′4″

Quickenings: Northswain's Glow, Heaven's Wrath, Maelstrom's Bolt, Empyrean's Edict

Eye Colour: Gray

Descriptions:

(OG NA game manual and website) "A princess who had lost everything." The only child of King Raminas and sole heir to the Dalmascan throne, Ashe is believed dead following the invasion. She meets Vaan and the others under the most unlikely of circumstances. Ashe knows all too well she lacks the power to right the wrongs committed against her and her kingdom, but she will not allow herself to admit defeat.

(NA TZA website) The only child of King Raminas and sole heir to the Dalmascan throne, Ashe is believed to have taken her own life two years ago amidst the invasion. In truth, she lives, secretly leading the Resistance with the hope that she will one day reclaim her kingdom.

(Itadaki Street Portable) Sole heir to the Dalmascan throne. Ashe fights alongside her people against the Empire's expanding control. In a small country that connects the Valendia and Ordalia continents, the surviving heir to the Dalmascan throne is the King's only daughter. As the country lowers its resistence to the oncoming threat of the Empire, Ashe feels it is her duty to save it. She is a worriful girl who often feels outright helpless.

(Piggyback Strategy Guide) The 19-year-old Princess Ashe is the only child of the late King Raminas and the sole heiress to the throne of Dalmasca. After the Empire invaded her home country, it was announced that she took her own life. Thankfully, reports of her death were greatly exaggerated. Her goal is now to form a resistance that will be able to reclaim her country's sovereignty.

(Bradygames Strategy Guide & PrimaGames) The daughter of the Dalmascan king and heir to the throne, Lady Ashe first loses her newlywed husband Rasler and then her country to the Archadian juggernaut. The official story is that she took her own life in the aftermath of the Imperial conquest. However, resistance is in her blood, as is the legacy of the Dynast-King.

(Bradygames Revenant Wings Strategy Guide) Heir to the legacy of the great Dynast-Kings of Dalmasca, Lady Ashe now sits on the throne of the ancient kingdom. A great warrior in her own right, she teams with Basch to form a formidable duo of unshakeable allies.

Misc:

Did you know many sources have said Ashe is an only child, but others have said she has at least 8 older brothers?

In the data for Final Fantasy XII, there is a ‘ghost’ model of Ashe among her other models. It is similar to how Rasler appears in the game outside of FMVs.

Both Ashe and Vaan were used during the production of Final Fantasy XIII to stand in for unfinished characters.

Ashe’s menu portrait is taken from her promotional poster, and not her official render like everyone else.

Ashe shares her English voice actor, Kari Wahlgren, with Aranea Highwind from Final Fantasy XV, Shelke from Dirge of Cerberus -Final Fantasy VII- and Ovelia Atkascha in Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions. Her Japanese voice actor, Mie Sonozaki, voices Jihl Nabaat from Final Fantasy XIII.

In the Final Fantasy XII Ultimania Omega, Akihiko Yoshida says he had many different designs for Ashe and isn’t sure how he came to design(?)/decide(?) on her current one.

BASCH

Full Name: Basch fon Ronsenburg

Age: 36 (XII), 37 (RW)

Height: 180cm or 5′9″

Quickenings: Fulminating Darkness, Ruin Impendent, Flame Purge, Apocalypse Shield

Eye Colour: Blue-Gray

Descriptions:

(OG NA game manual and website) "A loyal knight branded as traitor." A captain in the Order of the Knights of Dalmasca, Basch achieved renown as a gallant and brave hero credited with countless victories on the battlefield. He is a man of justice who cannot abide inequity. Unlike the other captains, who are chosen from the aristocracy, Basch is of common blood and enjoys the love of the people, until he inexplicably murders the King on the eve of a treaty-signing with Archadia. He is led away in chains. What could drive so loyal a man to slay his oathsworn liege?

(NA TZA website) A Dalmascan knight and captain once celebrated as a gallant and brave hero, Basch shocked the realm two years ago when he assassinated his own king on the eve of a treaty-signing with Archadia. Though public records say he was executed for treason, in truth Basch yet lives, imprisoned deep in the dungeons.

(Itadaki Street Portable) A wise warrior of Dalmasca. His prowess and dedication earns him overwhelming support from the people he serves. Warrior of the old Dalmasca Kingdom. His name is known amongst the generals. Once honored as a hero, Basch has been accused of the assassination of the Dalmascan King. After being released two years later, he protects Ashe, the remaining heir to the throne. Basch cares little for himself, believing only in justice.

(Piggyback Strategy Guide) 36-year-old Basch was a captain in the Order of the Knights of Dalmasca. A veteran of many battles, he was considered a brave and valiant knight, until an inexplicable event led to him being branded a traitor to his country. However, there may be more to him than meets the eye.

(Bradygames Strategy Guide & PrimaGames) This great hero of Dalmasca, captain of the Order of Knights, now stands accused of the assassination of his oathsworn liege, King Raminas. Word is that Basch saw the King's attempt to sue for peace with Archadia as a betrayal of the kingdom. But is that word true?

(Bradygames Revenant Wings Strategy Guide) The great captain of the Dalmascan Order of Knights and personal bodyguard of Queen Ashe, Basch is as steadfast and loyal as he is deadly with a melee weapon. His abilities can literally add a shield of protection to any party under siege.

Misc:

In Dissidia and Dissidia 012, Gabranth has an alternate outfit called “Captain’s Gear” which is a reference to the beginning of Final Fantasy XII when he impersonated Basch and killed King Raminas.

Basch and Penelo are the only ones of the main cast of characters to not have a Play Arts/Play Arts Kai figure for them.

In Japan, Basch’s title in the Order is general whereas in the English version, he is a captain.

Basch and Gabranth are twins, and Basch is the oldest and Gabranth is the youngest.

In The Zodiac Age, Basch’s hair is glitched in that it doesn’t move like the other party members. In the PC release this was fixed.

In the Japanese version of Final Fantasy XII during the scene when Reks is stabbed, Basch and Gabranth’s voices overlay leaving an air of mystery about who killed the king, but in the English version, there is no overlay. Gabranth is the one who speaks, not Gabranth and Basch.

OTHER CHARACTERS

REKS

Age: 17-18 (XII)

Eye Colour: Pale Blue

Misc:

Jovy, a seeq in Nalbina, eventually tells Vaan that his hero was Reks and that he looked up to him.

Reks’s Blade can be obtained by Vaan in Dissidia 012.

Reks shares his Japanese voice actor with Cecil Harvey from the Dissidia series and Final Fantasy IV 3D remake.

GABRANTH

Full Name: Noah fon Ronsenburg

Age: 36 (XII)

Eye Colour: Hazel

Descriptions:

(Dissidia) A warrior who swears his life to those he trusts.

(Dissidia 012) The guardian of the law who presides over judgments of life and death, his true strength is realized when he dons his helm.

Misc:

The most expensive piece of merchandise for Final Fantasy XII is a replica of Gabranth’s helmet.

According to Destructoid.com, it was around $1100. Play-Asia lists its size at 360mm.

Square Enix has also made a life-size replica of Gabranth’s armor.

In both Dissidia and Dissidia 012, Gabranth is voiced by Keith Ferguson who voices Basch instead of Michael E. Rodgers who voiced Gabranth in Final Fantasy XII.

REDDAS

Full Name: Foris “Reddas” Zecht

Age: 33 (XII)

Misc:

Reddas shares his English voice actor with Ramza Beoulve from Final Fantasy Tactics.

Reddas is younger than both Basch and Gabranth by three years.

AL-CID

Full Name: Al-Cid Margrace

Age: 27

Descriptions: (

Tactics A2) One of the Margrace family who controls Rozarria. Masters of espionage who travel the world in search of information. They are well known for keeping a woman, or several, in every port.

Misc:

Al-Cid is not seen in Revenant Wings, but is mentioned by Ashe to Balthier that she visited Rozarria and the sunset from the Ambervale is beautiful.

Al-Cid is also in Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift and can be recruited after completing the quest A Dashing Duel.

His job class in Tactics is Agent and he cannot change jobs nor can he use support or reaction abilities.

Al-Cid shares his english voice actor, David Rasner, with Brother from Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy X-2, as well as Trema from Final Fantasy X-2.

#final fantasy xii #vaan #penelo #fran #balthier #ashelia b'nargin dalmasca #basch fon ronsenburg #reddas #reks #gabranth #al cid margrace #ff12info

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