View source for Characters of Final Fantasy XII

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Characters of ''Final Fantasy XII''}}
[[File:Ff12cast.png|thumb|Seven members of the main cast of ''Final Fantasy XII''.]]
{{Final Fantasy characters}}
''[[Final Fantasy XII]]'', a [[role-playing video game]] released by [[Square Enix]] in 2006, revolves around the attempt to liberate the kingdom of Dalmasca from the Archadian Empire. The story is told through the eyes of Vaan, an orphan who wishes to be a [[sky pirate]], and other characters he encounters throughout his adventure. The visuals of the characters were designed by [[Akihiko Yoshida]], while their stories were created by Daisuke Watanabe. The characters were designed to look and behave unlike any that had existed in the ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' series before them. Their stories were written to create a script where neither side was truly right or wrong, but instead had different opinions and interpretations of the events occurring in the game.

There are six main [[playable characters]] in ''Final Fantasy XII''; [[Vaan (Final Fantasy)|Vaan]], an energetic orphan of Rabanastre who dreams of becoming a sky pirate; [[#Ashe|Ashe]], a determined princess of Dalmasca who lost her husband in the Archadian invasion; [[#Basch|Basch]], a disgraced knight of Dalmasca charged with treason for slaying the king; [[#Balthier|Balthier]], a gentlemanly sky pirate who pilots his airship, the Strahl; [[Fran (Final Fantasy)|Fran]], Balthier's partner and a viera exile whose knowledge extends to legends and myths; and [[#Penelo|Penelo]], Vaan's childhood friend who accompanies him in journeys to keep an eye on him.<ref name="BRADY6">{{cite book |editor= [[BradyGames]] |title=Final Fantasy XII Official Strategy Guide |year=2006 |publisher=[[Dorling Kindersley]] |isbn=0-7440-0837-9 |pages=6–9}}</ref> There are also several "Guest" characters, who temporarily join the main party at various points in the plotline, such as [[#Larsa_Solidor|Larsa]], the young prince of Archadia, [[#Vossler_Azelas|Vossler]], a member of the resistance against the Archadian Empire, and [[#Reddas|Reddas]], a disillusioned former Magistrate of Archadia. Other major characters who influence the plot of the game but are not playable characters include [[#Vayne Solidor|Vayne]], the eldest prince of Archadia and main antagonist of the story, [[#Gabranth|Gabranth]], the twin brother of Basch, and [[#Cid Bunansa|Cid]], a brilliant scientist and father to Balthier.

The characters in the game have been the basis of several pieces of merchandise produced by Square Enix, such as statues, action figures, and jewelry. They have been subject to mixed reviews; some reviews have applauded the characters' dialogue and relationships to each other, while others dismissed the story and characters as uninteresting.  Critiques of the voice acting for the characters has also been mixed, with different reviews either praising or criticizing both the acting and the technical quality of the recordings.

==Cast creation and influences==
''Final Fantasy XII''{{'}}s characters were designed by [[Akihiko Yoshida]]. It was his first involvement in a main-series ''Final Fantasy'' game, though he worked as the character designer for ''[[Final Fantasy Tactics]]'' and ''[[Vagrant Story]]'', both of which were set in the same game world as ''XII'', [[Ivalice]]. Comments have been made about the similarity between Yoshida's creations and those of [[Tetsuya Nomura]], the character designer for ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'', ''[[Final Fantasy VIII|VIII]]'', ''[[Final Fantasy X|X]]'', and ''[[Final Fantasy XIII|XIII]]''. Yoshida feels this connection is sparked by the style of color used by both artists, which involves a color consistency between the characters and the environments.<ref name="Q&A">{{cite web|date=2003-11-20 |title=Final Fantasy XII Q&A |publisher=[[IGN]] |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/441/441293p1.html |access-date=2006-09-02 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060822080549/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/441/441293p1.html |archive-date=2006-08-22}}</ref> In an interview included in a bonus disc of the collector's edition of the game, he states that he created the design of the characters after reading all of the design documents on their history and beliefs. He tried to create designs and clothing that did not exist anywhere in real life and had never been seen before, designing for example the armor for the Judges on a combination of historical armor, mountain bike gear, and futuristic ideas.<ref name="BonusDiscint">"Final Fantasy XII Developer Interviews". {{cite video | date=2006 | title=Final Fantasy XII Collector's Edition Bonus DVD | medium=DVD | publisher=Square Enix | location=Tokyo}}</ref>

The story of the characters was created by scenario writer Daisuke Watanabe. In the bonus disc interview, he states that he endeavored to create characters that were neither fully good nor evil, adding flaws such as selfishness to the heroes and virtues such as kindness to the villains, in an attempt to make them more realistic. He also said he tried to create a scenario in which neither side was truly right or wrong, but instead just had different interpretations of the events in the game.<ref name="BonusDiscint"/> He tried to convey the emotions of the characters through their lines, the acting of the voice actors, and in the facial expressions of the in-game models. [[Alexander O. Smith]], the English translator for the game, included accents to the characters for the English version of the game to add a layer of depth to the game by having characters from different areas of Ivalice sound different. He based these accents off the extensive notes made by game designer [[Yasumi Matsuno]] on the backgrounds of the characters. Smith chose voice actors for the project who had stage and film acting experience, in an attempt to avoid the common problem of "flat" reading he felt was prevalent in video game voice acting.<ref name="BonusDiscint"/>

The designers have stated that non-human characters and races feature a prominent role in the game,<ref name="AkiInterview">{{cite magazine | last=Sugawara|first=Aki| date=2003-11-20 | title=Feature: A Final Fantasy XII Interview | magazine=[[GamePro]] | url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/31807/a-final-fantasy-xii-interview/ | access-date=2006-12-14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119023634/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/31807/a-final-fantasy-xii-interview/ | archive-date=2010-01-19}}</ref> which was influenced by an interest in history among the developers.<ref name="Q&A"/> Comparing the non-human races in ''[[Final Fantasy IX]]'' with those of ''XII'', the developers have stated that the former were modeled after humans, while the latter were fundamentally different in terms of biological characteristics.<ref name="GamespotQA">{{cite web|date=2003-11-20 |title=Q&A: Final Fantasy XII developers |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/finalfantasy12/news_6084068.html |access-date=2007-04-12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310235056/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/finalfantasy12/news_6084068.html |archive-date=2007-03-10}}</ref> These non-human races include Bangaa, Viera, Seeq, and [[character design of Final Fantasy#Moogle|Moogles]]. In the game, humans are referred to as Humes. Some of the races in the game that first appeared in ''[[Final Fantasy Tactics Advance]]'', such as Bangaa, were originally designed for ''Final Fantasy XII''.<ref name="GamespotQA"/>

When asked why the main character, Vaan, was so effeminate, the development team explained that their previous game, ''Vagrant Story'', which featured a "strong man in his prime" as the protagonist had been unsuccessful and unpopular; the change regarding ''Final Fantasy XII'' from a "big and tough" protagonist to a more effeminate one was thus decided after targeting demographics were considered.<ref name="FrenchInterview"/> The game's art director Hideo Minaba has said that Vaan is not comparable to any previous protagonist of the series, which he explained as partially a result of the game using a different character designer than previous ones.<ref name="Q&A"/> The geography of Ivalice, particularly Dalmasca, had an influence in the character's initial designs. When asked about the characters' revealing clothing, Yoshida commented that "Dalmasca is supposed to have a hot climate", and that the idea of the characters revealing skin was his.<ref name="GamespotQA"/>

==Playable characters==
===Vaan===
{{main|Vaan (Final Fantasy)}}
{{nihongo|Vaan|ヴァン|Van}} is the main protagonist of ''Final Fantasy XII''. He is a 17-year-old orphaned Hume street urchin who lost his parents to a plague when he was 12 years old.<ref name="VAANPARENTSquote">{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Vaan''': A lot of kids lost their parents in the war. Mine- mine had already died before that. The Plague took them both. '''Basch''': I'm sorry. I didn't know. '''Vaan''': It's okay. It's been five years now. After that, I lived with my friend Penelo and her family.}}</ref> His only brother, Reks, died two years before the start of the game during the Archadian invasion of Dalmasca. He makes a living as Migelo's assistant, running various errands for him while pickpocketing from Archadian soldiers, claiming to take back what is Dalmasca's.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Penelo''': I thought that this money was the people of Dalmasca’s property. The Imperials stole it from us, so it’s only fair that we take it back. It’s our duty as Dalmascans. Well, wasn’t that what you said?}}</ref> He is a cheerful and energetic boy who dreams of someday becoming a [[sky pirate]] in command of his own airship.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Vaan''': One of these days I’ll fly an airship of my own. I’ll be a sky pirate, free to go where I will.}}</ref> He trains to meet this goal by killing large dire rats in the sewers of Rabanastre on a daily basis, for which Dalan gave him the nickname "Vaan Ratsbane".<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Old Dalan''': Now the right takes Vaan Ratsbane to his territorial hunting grounds in the sewerbottom.}}</ref> Despite nominally being the main protagonist, as the player starts the game controlling him, most of the game focuses on the world's events and conflicts and Ashe, with his character used as a narrative device to allow the player to follow the events as an outside observer.<ref name="WPreview">{{cite web|url=http://worthplaying.com/article/2006/11/21/reviews/37911/ |title=PS2 Review - 'Final Fantasy XII' |last=Agustin |date=2006-11-21 |publisher=Worthplaying.com |access-date=2009-09-28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723134038/http://worthplaying.com/article/2006/11/21/reviews/37911/ |archive-date=2011-07-23}}</ref> Over the course of the game, Vaan comes to understand he spent his time running from his problems and blaming the Archadian empire for them, rather than moving on with his life after his brother and parents' deaths.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote= '''Vaan''': Hating the Empire, getting revenge. It's all I ever thought about. But I never did anything about it. I mean, I realized there was nothing I could do. It made me feel hollow, alone. And then I'd miss my brother. I'd say stuff like "I'm gonna be a Sky Pirate"…or some other stupid thing. Just anything to keep my mind off it. I was just—I was running away. I needed to get away from his death. That's why I followed you. Know what? I'm through with it. I'm through running. I'm ready to find my purpose. To find some real answers—some reasons. If I stick with you, I think I will.}}</ref> By the end of the game, Vaan is a sky pirate traveling the world with Penelo.

During the events of ''Revenant Wings'', Vaan becomes captain of the Airship Galbana and uses it to travel to Lemures, meeting old friends while making new ones. He is given the title of the "leading man" which Balthier formerly held, and other characters suggest a teacher/student relationship between them, though Balthier denies this.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Reddas''': Ha, ha. Fly first, ask questions later. Your apprentice is more pirate than you. / '''Balthier''': I don't have an apprentice.}}</ref> In the aftermath, Vaan and Penelo, who are now a couple, leave Rabanastre to have their own adventure, sporting a shirt over his outfit by the time of ''[[Final Fantasy Tactics A2]]''.<ref name="VaanPeneloFFTA2">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamekyo.com/news21374_final-fantasy-tactics-a2-vaan-et-penelo.html |title=Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Vaan et Penelo |publisher=Gamekyo |first=Stéphane |last=Calonne |date=2007-08-19 |access-date=2008-10-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080711200420/http://www.gamekyo.com/news21374_final-fantasy-tactics-a2-vaan-et-penelo.html |archive-date=2008-07-11}}</ref>

The recent ''Vagrant Story'', which featured a rugged and tough protagonist, was deemed a [[commercial failure]]. Therefore, Vaan was designed to be [[Effeminacy|effeminate]] and placed in the main role, as the developers believed the public would be more interested in a teenager. He would have been even more effeminate if [[Kouhei Takeda]] had not been cast for his voice acting and motion capture, and Vaan became more "active, upbeat, bright and positive" than originally planned.<ref name="Q&A" /><ref name="FrenchInterview">{{cite web|date=2007-02-28 |title=Sortie française de ''Final Fantasy XII'': le Compte rendu |publisher=Final Fantasy Ring |url=http://www.ffring.com/articles/divers-sortie-francaise-de-Final-Fantasy-XII.html |language=fr |access-date=2007-04-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070502090537/http://www.ffring.com/articles/divers-sortie-francaise-de-Final-Fantasy-XII.html |archive-date=2007-05-02}}</ref> He was designed by character designer Akihiko Yoshida to look [[Asian people|Asian]].<ref name="GamespotQA" /> Vaan is voiced in ''Final Fantasy XII'' by [[Bobby Edner]] in English and by Kouhei Takeda in Japanese. Vaan has also appeared in other video games; despite having been created for ''Final Fantasy XII'', he was first introduced in the 2004 crossover board game ''[[Itadaki Street#Itadaki Street Special|Itadaki Street Special]]'' for the [[PlayStation 2]].<ref name="ISSpecialchars">{{cite web|url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/games/ps2/itastsp/ |title=ドラゴンクエスト＆ファイナルファンタジー in いただきストリート Special |publisher=Square Enix |language=ja |access-date=2009-09-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202223053/http://www.jp.square-enix.com/archive/itastsp/ |archive-date=2017-02-02}}</ref> He also appears in ''[[Itadaki Street Portable]]'' and ''[[Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy]]'', both for the [[PlayStation Portable]].<ref name="ISPortableChars">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamekyo.com/news15053.html |title=Itadaki Street surf sur la vague FFXII |last=Calonne |first=Stéphane |date=2006-03-24 |publisher=Gamekyo |language=fr |access-date=2009-09-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004130115/http://www.gamekyo.com/news15053.html |archive-date=2011-10-04}}</ref> In ''Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy'', Bobby Edner reprises his role in English; however, Takeda was unable to reprise his role as Vaan and was replaced by [[Kensho Ono]] in Japanese.

===Ashe===
{{nihongo|Ashelia B'nargin Dalmasca|アーシェ・バナルガン・ダルマスカ|Āshe Banarugan Darumasuka}}, also known as Ashe, is a 19-year-old Hume princess fighting to liberate her kingdom, Dalmasca, from the Archadian Empire. She is the only living child of King Raminas and the sole heir to the throne,<ref>Square Enix Co.: ''Final Fantasy XII Australasia instruction manual'' (2006). Square Enix Co., 12.</ref> and married Rasler Heios Nabradia shortly before Archadia's invasion of Dalmasca. Following their marriage, he died in battle defending Nalbina Fortress on the border of his home state of Nabradia, making her a [[widow]]. While many believed their marriage was driven by politics, she spent the two years following his death in mourning and continued to wear her wedding ring.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref>

She was thought to have committed suicide, but took on the alias {{nihongo|Amalia|アマリア|Amaria}}, to serve as the leader of the Resistance before joining the group.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote= '''Basch''': A leader of the Resistance has fallen into Imperial hands. A woman by the name of Amalia.}}</ref> Her desire for revenge against Archadia for the horrors its army committed on her people was manipulated by the Occuria to reinforce their rule over Ivalice. Over the course of the story, the Occuria create an image of Rasler to guide Ashe where they need her to go. In their encounter, the Occuria offer her nethicite to rule as another Dynast-King and conquer Ivalice in their stead;<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Gerun''': The Nethicite is ours to give, to chosen bearer or to none. The heretic trespassed and set the rose of knowledge in Man's hand. With imitations they profane, it is anathema to us. We give you now the Stone and task. Administer judgment: destroy them all! / '''Ashe''': Judgment? Destroy them all? The Empire?}}</ref> however, she rejects their offer.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''"Rasler"''': You are our saint, Ashelia B'nargin. You must use the Nethicite. You must be the one to straighten history's weave! / '''Ashe''': I am no false saint for you to use!}}</ref> Ashe acknowledges Larsa's intention to stop the war and makes her way to Vayne in the Sky Fortress Bahamut to end it. A year after the Bahamut's crash, Ashe is crowned Queen of Dalmasca and rejoins her friends in fighting the mysterious Judge of Wings in ''Revenant Wings''.<ref name="FFXIIRWSG">{{cite book|last=Barba|first=Rick|author2=Ellis, Elizabeth |title=Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings Strategy Guide|publisher=Brady Games|date=2007-11-15|isbn=978-0-7440-0980-4}}</ref> She is also featured in the rhythm game ''[[Theatrhythm Final Fantasy]]'' as a subcharacter representing ''Final Fantasy XII''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/12/26/theatrhythm-final-fantasys-second-tier-stars/ |title=Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy's Second Tier Stars |publisher=Siliconera |date=November 12, 2011 |access-date=July 1, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620174815/http://www.siliconera.com/2011/12/26/theatrhythm-final-fantasys-second-tier-stars/ |archive-date=June 20, 2012}}</ref>

Akihiko Yoshida has stated that Ashe's physical features were designed with the intent of making her look vaguely [[French people|French]], saying that "the base of her bone structure is a French person's. We were given orders from the start to not make her look like an Asian. But we modified her a bit to look more like a [[Japanese people|Japanese]] for the sake of the Japanese audience, and also since a character that looks completely French makes some of the CG expressions difficult".<ref name="GamespotQA" /> Ashe is voiced by [[Kari Wahlgren]] in English and [[Mie Sonozaki]] in Japanese. Despite having been created for ''Final Fantasy XII'', she was first introduced in ''Itadaki Street Special''.<ref name="ISSpecialchars"/> She also appears in ''Itadaki Street Portable'' and was set to appear in ''[[Fortress (Square Enix)|Fortress]]'', as revealed in concept art for the game.<ref name="ISPortableChars"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joakimhellstedt.com/ |title=Online Portfolio of Joakim Hellstedt |last=Hellstedt |first=Joakim |publisher=joakimhellstedt.com |access-date=2013-03-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715173507/http://www.joakimhellstedt.com/ |archive-date=2012-07-15}}</ref>

===Basch fon Ronsenburg===
{{nihongo|Basch fon Ronsenburg|バッシュ・フォン・ローゼンバーグ|Basshu fon Rōzenbāgu}} is a 36-year-old Captain in the Order of Knights of Dalmasca. He and his twin brother Noah are natives of the Republic of Landis, which the Archadians conquered long before the events of the game. After Landis was overthrown, Basch fled to Dalmasca and Noah to Archadia, and they lost contact. Basch joined the Dalmascan army, eventually rising to become one of its most respected officers. When Archadia attacked Nalbina Fortress, Basch and Ashe's husband, Lord Rasler Heios, led the defense.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Raminas''': Secure Nalbina with all haste. / '''Basch''': I will go. / '''Rasler''': And I will go at his side. }}</ref> However, the Archadian forces overwhelmed their troops and an archer mortally wounded Lord Rasler. Basch carried Rasler's body from the battlefield and went into hiding with the surviving commanders of the Dalmascan military. Shortly after the Archadians moved in to occupy Rabanastre, he and Captain Azelas led an assault on Nalbina Fortress in an attempt to save the king, only for Imperial forces to capture him. Noah, now called Gabranth and employed under Archadia, posed as Basch and slew the Dalmascan king and Vaan's older brother, Reks, who witnessed the crime. The Dalmascans denounced Basch as a traitor and he was reportedly executed by Marquis Ondore.<ref name="ONDOREmemoir"/> In reality, Vayne imprisoned him in the Nalbina Dungeons to ensure Ondore's loyalty to the Empire—if Ondore betrayed the Archadians, Vayne could destroy his credibility by revealing that Basch was still alive.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Ondore''': So you are the sword he's strung above my head. Vayne has left not a thing to chance.}}</ref>

During their attempt to escape Nalbina Dungeon, Vaan, Balthier, and Fran discover Basch chained in a cage suspended from the ceiling. Despite initially being suspicious of him, especially Vaan, who blamed him for Reks's death, Basch protests his innocence and tells them about his twin. The party decides his story is plausible and release him.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Balthier''': A twin brother? Fancy that. Hmm. But still, the pieces fit. I'll give you that much. And he did look like you.}}</ref> After being freed, he makes it his mission to protect Ashe and support the Resistance.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Basch''': After Vayne's ruse I had abandoned hope for honor... Yet never did I forget my knightly vows. If I could protect but one person from war's horror...then I would bear any shame. I would bear it proudly. I could not defend my home. What is shame to me?}}</ref> After he and his brother reunite, Gabranth is deeply puzzled by Basch's continued ability to persevere in spite of his past failures. Basch explains that his vow to defend Ashe had given him purpose and a renewed sense of honor.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Gabranth''': You confound me, brother! You failed Landis, you failed Dalmasca...all you were to protect. Yet you still hold on to your honor. How? / '''Basch''': I had someone more important to defend. And defend her I have. How is it that you have survived? Is it not because you defend Lord Larsa?}}</ref> After the final battle against Vayne, as Noah is dying, he asks Basch to take his place as Larsa's protector.<ref name="BASCHGABRANTHquote">{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Gabranth''': Basch. Look after Larsa, will you? If House Solidor should crumble, the Empire would fail, and civil war would take us all.}}</ref> Because it was still widely believed that Basch was dead, he adopted his brother's name and title when entering Larsa's service. In ''Revenant Wings'', Larsa sends him to be the Empire's representative in dealing with the Judge of Wings.<ref name="FFXIIRWSG"/> Basch is voiced by [[Keith Ferguson (voice actor)|Keith Ferguson]] in English and [[Rikiya Koyama]] in Japanese. He also appears in ''Itadaki Street Portable''.<ref name="ISPortableChars"/>

===Penelo===
{{nihongo|Penelo|パンネロ|Pannero}} is a 17-year-old (16-year-old in the Japanese version) Hume orphan and Vaan's childhood friend, who serves as a voice of reason and keeps him out of trouble. She dreams of being a dancer, and learned martial arts from her older brothers.<ref name="Square Enix">{{cite book | year=2006 | editor=Studio BentStuff | title=Final Fantasy XII Scenario Ultimania | publisher=Square Enix | language=ja | isbn=4-7575-1696-7}}</ref> Five years before the Archadian invasion, a plague struck Rabanastre, killing Vaan's parents; as a result, Vaan and Reks were adopted into Penelo's household.<ref name="VAANPARENTSquote"/> The Archadian invasion had also killed Penelo's family members and Reks, orphaning her and Vaan. Migelo, a friend of Penelo's parents, took them under his care and gave them work at his sundry shop.

Penelo usually tries to keep Vaan out of trouble, but is unable to stop him from intruding into the palace grounds.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=[[Square Enix]] |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Penelo''': Hey, Vaan. Let me give you these before we go. There are all sorts of monsters out there, so you can never be too careful!}}</ref> She later encounters Vaan, who is arrested along with Balthier and Fran. This encounter forces her into a series of events, as Bangaa headhunter Ba'gamnan kidnaps her and holds her hostage in exchange for Balthier. After escaping, she meets Larsa Solidor, one of the sons of Archadian Emperor Gramis, who takes care of her and convinces her he wishes to make peace with Dalmasca. After reuniting with Vaan, she makes him promise not to leave her side, and ever since then has traveled with him, furthering their relationship as sky pirate and partner.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Penelo''': Don't leave me here. / '''Vaan''': Of course not.}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Penelo''': I'll be going too, of course. Every good sky pirate needs a partner, right?}}</ref>

A year after the Bahamut's crash, during the game's epilogue, Penelo serves as Vaan's navigator from their adventure in ''Revenant Wings''. In the backstory of ''Final Fantasy XII'', she has terrible cooking skills, despite being the motherly figure to the other orphans, and in the sequel, she is trying to improve her skills by running a diner on the Galbana.<ref name="Square Enix"/> Her relationship with Vaan is also explored, such as during a conflict when she cares deeply for a Dalmascan knight who appeared in Lemures, much to Vaan's chagrin.<ref name="FFXIIRWSG"/> By the events of ''[[Final Fantasy Tactics A2]]'', Penelo has gained much reputation as a Sky Pirate.<ref name="VaanPeneloFFTA2" /> She is voiced by [[Cat Taber|Catherine Taber]] in English and Marina Kozawa in Japanese. Penelo also appears in ''Itadaki Street Portable''.<ref name="ISPortableChars"/>

===Balthier===
Balthier, known as {{nihongo|Balflear|バルフレア|Barufurea}} in the original [[Japanese language]] version, is a 22-year-old Hume sky pirate and owner of the airship ''Strahl'' (German for "streak" or "beam" [of light]). He and his Viera companion, Fran, prefer to remain outside politics, making their living off of whoever has the most for the taking.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Balthier''': Mmm. I try to steer clear of such things.}}</ref> They are inadvertently drawn into the war, however, when they attempt to steal the Goddess's Magicite—later revealed to be the Dusk Shard—from the Dalmascan Royal Palace. Vaan gets to the magicite first, and when Balthier and Fran confront him, the three of them are caught up in the chaos of a rebel assault on the palace.

Balthier is Archadian by birth and eventually reveals he is {{nihongo|Ffamran mied Bunansa|ファムラン・ミド・ブナンザ|Famuran Mido Bunanza}},<ref>{{cite book | year=2008 | editor=Studio BentStuff | title=Final Fantasy 20th Anniversary Ultimania: File 1: Character | publisher=Square Enix | language=ja | isbn=978-4-7575-2206-0 | page=466}}</ref> the son of Imperial magicite researcher Dr. [[Cid (Final Fantasy)|Cid]] (Cidolfus Demen Bunansa). Balthier received many privileges as Cid's son, including being made an Imperial Judge, but eventually cut ties with his father after Cid became consumed by his experimentation with nethicite.<ref name="CIDquote">{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Balthier''': I left the Judges...and him. Cidolfus Demen Bunansa. Draklor Laboratory's very own Doctor Cid. That's when he lost his heart to Nethicite, lost himself. And I suppose that's when I lost my father.}}</ref> He left the service of the empire, stole an Archadian airship, and took a new name. Balthier is now a renowned career criminal with a sizable bounty on his head, and is trying to evade the law and the bounty hunters seeking the reward for his capture. He originally joins the resistance in hopes of reacquiring the Dusk Shard, but after learning it is actually a piece of nethicite, he sees too much of his father's obsession in his own quest and decides to abandon the search.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Balthier''': Funny I went for the Dusk Shard. How could I have known that it was Nethicite? And then, of course, I met you. All that running, and I got nowhere. It's time to end this—cut my ties to the past.}}</ref> After the party defeats Dr. Cid at the Pharos, Balthier makes peace with his father and helps the group destroy the Sky Fortress Bahamut as penance for Cid's deeds.

Balthier says that he is to be the "leading man" of the story throughout the game, and insists that this makes him invincible, since the hero always emerges in one piece.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Balthier''': Princess, no need to worry! I'm the leading man. You know what they say about the leading man: he never dies.}}</ref> He and Fran are feared dead after they go down with the Sky Fortress Bahamut, but later reappear to retrieve the ''Strahl'' from Vaan and Penelo and leave a note for Ashe.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Balthier''': Give this to our Queen for me, would you?}}</ref>

Both he and Fran intend on finding the Cache of Glabados, which is resolved in ''Revenant Wings'' when it turns out to be tied to Eternal. Balthier is at first intent to take Lemures' treasure, the Auracite. However, he knows the truth behind it and attempts to destroy the Auralith, eventually rejoining Vaan's group to fight the Judge of Wings, letting Vaan be the "leading man" while he leaves the limelight.<ref name="FFXIIRWSG"/> Balthier is voiced by [[Gideon Emery]] in English and [[Hiroaki Hirata]] in Japanese. He made a crossover appearance in ''[[Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions]]'' and also appears in ''Itadaki Street Portable,'' as well as [[World of Final Fantasy Maxima]].<ref name="ISPortableChars"/>

===Fran===
{{main|Fran (Final Fantasy)}}
{{nihongo|Fran|フラン|Furan}} is a [[Ivalice#Races|Viera]] warrior, mechanic to the ''Strahl'', and Balthier's copilot. Like all Viera, she is sensitive to the magical Mist that permeates Ivalice, and is affected by it on three separate occasions: in the Tomb of Raithwall, when Judge Ghis heats the Dawn Shard in his airship's engine, and when in the presence of the Sun-Cryst. When the party reaches Giruvegan, she can detect the Mist nearby has cooled and is less intense.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Fran''': Do not worry. I will behave myself. The Mist here is cooled. I sense something like the shadow here.}}</ref> She is the oldest of the characters, as Viera are very long-lived, but appears youthful.

Fran once lived with her sisters Jote and Mjrn in Eruyt Village, the secluded Viera settlement in Golmore Jungle, but became restless and desired to see the outside world. This was a major source of conflict between her and the other Viera, especially her elder sister Jote, who served as the village matriarch.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2009-06-27 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Fran''': She goes against the laws of the Wood. I threw down these laws. It is better that I do this. Better I than one who must uphold these laws herself.}}</ref> Fran argued that although all Viera begin their lives in the forest, they are not necessarily bound to remain there to the end.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Fran''': The Viera may begin as part of the Wood, but it is not the only end that we may choose. / '''Jote''': The same words I heard 50 years ago.}}</ref> When the party encounters an impassable Viera barrier on the path through Golmore, Fran is forced to return to the village and ask for help. She learns from Jote that their youngest sister Mjrn has run off to the nearby magicite mines. When Fran finds her and brings her back, Mjrn reveals she wishes to leave Golmore, but Fran advises her against doing so, relating how her own independence has cost her her family and the ability to commune with the Wood.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2009-06-27 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Fran''': I have discarded Wood and village. I won my freedom. Yet my past had been cut away forever. No longer can my ears hear the Green Word. This solitude, you want, Mjrn?}}</ref> Fran accepts that she is now part of the Hume world, and asks for a confirmation from Jote that the Wood accepts her before she leaves. Jote replies that The Wood misses her child and is jealous of the [[Balthier|hume]] that has taken her away. Fran smiles for the first time in the game, knowing her sister is lying and still cares for her, as she leaves The Wood.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Jote''': The Wood longs for you. For the child gone from under her boughs. / '''Fran''': A pleasant lie, that. / '''Jote''': Be cautious. The Wood is jealous of the Humes who have taken you. / '''Fran''': I am as them, now. Am I not?}}</ref> In ''Revenant Wings'', Balthier and Fran are searching for the Cache of Glabados.<ref name="FFXIIRWSG"/> Fran is voiced by Nicole Fantl in English and [[Rika Fukami]] in Japanese. She also appears in ''Itadaki Street Portable''.<ref name="ISPortableChars"/>

===Larsa Solidor===
{{nihongo|Larsa Ferrinas Solidor|ラーサー・ファルナス・ソリドール|Rāsā Farunasu Soridōru}} is a 12-year-old Hume, the fourth and youngest son of Emperor Gramis of Archadia, and Vayne's brother.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Balthier''': That's no "Lamont". Larsa Ferrinas Solidor. Fourth son to Emperor Gramis…and brother to Vayne.}}</ref> He is the Emperor's favorite, and Gramis works tirelessly to ensure that Larsa remains pure and free from the stain of politics and war. Despite his young age, Larsa is idealistic and believes that the strife within Ivalice can be quelled without war.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Larsa''': I say we ought leave tomorrow. I was going to wait for my escort, but meeting you presents a great opportunity. This terrible war can be stopped, but I will need your help to do so.}}</ref> Larsa possesses a great deal of respect for House Solidor and the men of his family, especially his older brother.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Larsa''': Listen to me. The men of my family, we are taught to place the needs of others before those of our own. I will see that you are kept from harm. It is my duty to House Solidor. / '''Penelo''': But how—how can I trust you? / '''Larsa''': Because I give you my word. My brother would do no less.}}</ref> The Senate, however, fears Vayne's growing power and the perceived threat to their own, and thus plot from the beginning of the game to place Larsa on the throne in hopes of manipulating him from behind the scenes.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Drace''': No matter the result, I am pleased with the young Lord's progress. I can already see the stunned faces of those mud-witted Senators. The fools think a child Emperor’s strings easy to pull from the shadows…but they will find that Lord Larsa is no puppet.}}</ref>

Over the course of the game, Larsa proves himself to be more capable than the Senate believes. He travels with Vaan and company under the alias "Lamont" during their trip to the Lhusu Mines to rescue Penelo, but his knowledge of nethicite exposes him.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Balthier''': So where did you hear this fairy tale about "Nethicite"? And where did you get that sample you carry? What do you know about the Draklor Laboratories? Tell me: who are you?}}</ref> Larsa helps Vaan and company escape from the ''Leviathan'' and later joins them again at Jahara, urging Ashe to use her influence on the Resistance to prevent an aggravation between the warring countries. He leaves the party at Mt. Bur-Omisace after learning from Al-Cid Margrace that his father had been murdered, attempting to reason with Vayne,<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Al-Cid''': The Emperor Gramis is no more. His life was taken. / '''Larsa''': Father!}}</ref> but after seeing Vayne would not listen to reason, Larsa aids Vaan and company in battling Vayne. After his brother is defeated, Larsa takes his place in the Archadian throne and settles into peace agreements with Basch as his protector. In ''Revenant Wings'', Larsa journeys to the Dalmascan Estersand with Basch, joining the Galbana's crew to stop the Judge of Wings, who is creating Anti-Archadian propaganda with her actions.<ref name="FFXIIRWSG"/> Larsa is voiced by Johnny McKeown in English and [[Yuka Imai]] in Japanese.

===Vossler Azelas===
{{nihongo|Vossler York Azelas|ウォースラ・ヨーク・アズラス|Wōsura Yōku Azurasu}} is a 38-year-old Hume who was a former Dalmascan Knight and a close colleague of Basch. Vossler fought alongside Basch during the counter-attack at Nalbina Fortress. Like Reks, he was tricked into thinking Basch was responsible for killing King Raminas. After the battle, he fled underground and joined the Resistance alongside Princess Ashe. For the next two years, he protected the Princess and tried to restore their lost Kingdom. During the events of ''Final Fantasy XII'', he reunites with Basch after the captain escapes Nalbina Dungeon with Vaan. While initially skeptical of the traitor, Vossler eventually learns to trust his friend once again.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Vossler''': Your words may convince this child, but they weigh too lightly on the scales for my taste. Our paths will remain separate. [...] I must treat you as I would Ondore—as I would treat any abettor of the Empire.}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Vossler''': I would have Basch remain at your side. Doubt him you may, but I measure his loyalty to Dalmasca no less than my own.}}</ref> They meet up on the Leviathan as they are on their way to rescue Ashe. Vossler dons an Archadian judge armor to fool the guards and enable them to rescue the Princess, and escapes to Bhujerba where they plan to keep the Princess safe.

However, the Princess decides to take matters in her own hands and travel to the Tomb of Raithwall to obtain the treasure of the Dynast-King. Vossler catches up after being left behind at the Ogir-Yensa Sandsea while on their way to the Tomb. He offers to protect Princess Ashe once again, despite objecting to Balthier and Fran's invading the royal tomb.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Vossler''': It wounds me to look on as they pillage so solemn a place.}}</ref> After the party gets the treasure, the Dawn Shard, from the tomb, they are taken aboard the Leviathan once again. There, Vossler reveals that he, embittered by their "profitless battle", has made a deal with the Archadian Empire so Dalmasca's sovereignty could be restored.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Vossler''': If we are to save Dalmasca, we must accept the truth. I will fight this profitless battle no more! / '''Ghis''': Captain Azelas has struck a wise bargain. In return for the Dawn Shard the Empire will…permit Lady Ashe to reclaim her throne, and the Kingdom of Dalmasca will be restored.}}</ref> After being defeated, he tells Basch it is up to him to protect the Princess. As Ashe and the others escape in an airship, the nethicite explosion from the Leviathan annihilates the fleet. However, Vossler is presumably alive because the Shiva were seen escaping the explosion, albeit badly damaged. Vossler is voiced by [[Nolan North]] in English and [[Masaki Terasoma]] in Japanese.

===Reddas===
{{nihongo|Reddas|レダス|Redasu}} is a 33-year-old Hume sky pirate from Balfonheim. In truth, he was originally the missing Judge Magister {{nihongo|Foris Zecht|フォーリス・ゼクト|Fōrisu Zekuto}} of Archadia.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Gabranth''': Judge Zecht! / '''Reddas''': It's been too long, Gabranth.}}</ref> During the war with Nabradia, he was responsible for the Midlight Shard destroying the kingdom under orders from Cid without being told what its effects would be. Out of guilt, he abandoned his post and took on the name "Reddas", arriving in Balfonheim, where he cleaned up the town and became a patron to pirates.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Reddas''': A Judge Magister there was… 2 years past, he took the Midlight Shard and used it not knowing what he did…and Nabudis was blown away. Cid ordered this of him to learn the Nethicite’s true power. That man swore never to let such terrible power be used again. He forsook his Judicer's plate, and his name.}}</ref> Ondore eventually approached him and asked that he retrieve deifacted nethicite, the shards of the Sun-Cryst, from Doctor Cid. Later, he accompanies Ashe to the Pharos at Ridorana to find the Sun-Cryst. After Cid activates the Sun-Cryst, Reddas sacrifices himself by using the Sword of Kings to destroy the crystal, unleashing an explosion which vaporizes him and most of the upper Pharos.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Reddas''': You must quit this place. It's reacting. I have not seen its like before! Nay, never this large. Never such threat impendent. ''[...]'' / '''Vaan''': Reddas, no! / '''Reddas''': I, Judge Magister, condemn you to oblivion!}}</ref> Reddas is voiced by [[Phil LaMarr]] in English and [[Takayuki Sugo]] in Japanese.

==Major characters==
===Vayne Solidor===
{{nihongo|Vayne Carudas Solidor|ヴェイン・カルダス・ソリドール|Vein Karudasu Soridōru}} is the third son of Emperor Gramis and Larsa's older brother, as well as the main antagonist of ''Final Fantasy XII''. He is the 27-year-old Hume Consul of the Archadian-occupied Dalmasca, Commandant of the Archadian Empire's Western Armada, and a member of House Solidor, whose members had led the Empire for four generations.<ref>'''Knight''': I give you your new Consul...His Imperial Highness Lord Vayne Solidor...Commandant of the Archadian Empire's Western Ar— Your Excellency! {{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref> This in effect makes him a "Prince", though he claims the democratic nature of the Empire makes him no more eligible for the throne than anyone else.<ref>'''Vayne''': Though indeed I am our Emperor's son, I am no prince. Archadia's Emperor is freely chosen by Her people. I am but an elected official and nothing more. {{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref>

Despite caring for the welfare of the people and of his family, Vayne is willing to use any means necessary to maintain order and retain power. He ensures the complete subjugation of Nabradia and Dalmasca and exterminates their royal families to acquire their deifacted nethicite and confronts Dalmasca's resistance movement with absolute ruthlessness, accepting no surrender. He even goes so far as to murder his ailing father and frame the Imperial senators to put an end to their scheming against him and Larsa, as well as leveling cities in nethicite testing experiments.<ref>'''Basch''': The capital of Old Nabradia—Lord Rasler's Fatherland. At the time of the invasion, a division of Imperials entered the city—there was a mighty explosion. Friend and foe died alike. Something was there—one of the Dynast-King's Relics. The Midlight Shard was in Nabradia. / '''Balthier''': More Nethicite. Well, no wonder they invaded. / '''Ashe''': That ridiculous war, the trap at the treaty-signing—all because Vayne wanted power. He must not be allowed to claim the Nethicite. The Empire must never hold it. / '''Balthier''': Oh? They already do. {{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref> Vayne seeks to free humanity from the control of the Occurians, a race of god-like beings that have for centuries secretly meddled with the course of human history.<ref>'''Bergan''': No. No, the power of Manufacted Nethicite is the power of Man! A weapon forged by his wisdom...who would challenge the gods themselves! [...]Hark! Ivalice hails her true Dynast-King, Vayne Solidor! He shall defy the will of the gods, and see the reins of History back in the hands of Man! {{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref>

During the battle over Rabanastre at the end of the game, Vayne commands the Sky Fortress Bahamut, and after confronted by the team, uses the nethicite to become "Vayne Novus" before Vaan mortally wounds him.<ref>'''Vayne''': I bid you welcome to my sky fortress, the Bahamut. I must apologize for my delay in welcoming you aboard my ship. {{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref> Venat, however, awards Vayne for helping it by giving him the power of an Occurian, causing Vayne to become the monstrous "Undying" and grafting pieces of the Bahamut's superstructure onto his body.<ref name="VENATENDquote">'''Vayne''': I have failed us both. I am no Dynast-King. You must find another. One who might realize your ambitions. / '''Venat''': They are fulfilled beyond your knowing. The Cryst is sundered, age of Stones complete. From the undying ones the world is freed. You shall not tread this path alone. Together we go. Come. {{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref> In the ensuing battle, Vaan kills Vayne. Vayne is voiced in English by Elijah Alexander and [[Nobuo Tobita]] in Japanese.

===Gabranth===
{{nihongo|Gabranth|ガブラス|Gaburasu}}, also known as {{nihongo|Noah fon Ronsenburg|ノア・フォン・ローゼンバーグ|Noa fon Rōzenbāgu}}, is a 36-year-old Hume Judge Magister of Archadia, as well as the secondary antagonist of ''Final Fantasy XII''. He is Basch's twin brother, and in the introduction to the game, is responsible for the deaths of Reks and King Raminas, which Basch was blamed for.<ref name="GABRANTHquote">'''Gabranth''': Yes, it was I who wore Basch's face- who cut down the Life of Dalmasca. Lady Ashe! Your father's murderer is here! / '''Ashe''': You!? / '''Vaan''': And Reks! / '''Gabranth''': I slew your king. I slew your country. Do these deeds not demand vengeance? {{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref> After the fall of Landis years prior to the start of the game, Basch left for Dalmasca, leaving behind Noah and their mother, who was suffering from an illness at the time. Noah, however, remained with their mother and moved with her to her home country of Archadia, where he took on her surname of Gabranth. After his mother died of her illness, Gabranth began to hate Basch for abandoning his homeland and family. Soon after, he was noticed by Emperor Gramis and joined the Archadian Judges with his backing; he rose to become a Judge Magister, the position that he holds at the beginning of the game.<ref>{{cite book | year=2006 | editor=Studio BentStuff | title=Final Fantasy XII Scenario Ultimania | pages=16–17 | publisher=Square Enix | language=ja | isbn=4-7575-1696-7}}</ref>

During the game, at the Emperor's behest, he acts as an informant on Vayne and is selected as Larsa's protector.<ref>'''Gramis''': Your ruthlessness is not without merit. But it must not become this way with Larsa. You must ensure that it does not. / '''Gabranth''': So then, you ask me to be his sword, to strike where he might not? / '''Gramis''': Rather be his shield. Gabranth, keep your close watch on Vayne. His is the keenest blade of all. {{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref> Gabranth loathes himself for the framing of his brother and the tasks Vayne and the Empire have commanded him to do, such as killing Drace to prove his loyalty to Vayne after his rise to power.<ref>'''Drace''': Live, Gabranth. Protect the young lord. Protect Larsa... / '''Gabranth''': Forgive me. / '''Drace''': Pray be quick. {{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref><ref>'''Gabranth''': Have you your fill of this? / '''Basch''': I would ask you the same. Let this end, Noah. / '''Gabranth''': I've no right to be called by that name. / '''Basch''': Then live. And reclaim it. {{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref> He accompanies Bergan and Zargabaath to Mt. Bur-Omisace, where Larsa agrees to return with him to avoid any trouble. Gabranth is later sent to Pharos to "test" Ashe if she would take revenge, attacking the group in rage when they refuse to exact vengeance for the wrongs against them as he had; he leaves after his defeat and the arrival of Cid.<ref name="GABRANTHquote"/> At the end of the game, after a discussion and fight with Basch, Gabranth decides to make up for his wrongs by protecting Larsa and helping the Resistance kill Vayne. In the process, Vayne fatally injures him, causing him to die after the battle. As he is dying, he requests that Basch replace him as the protector of the new Emperor Larsa.<ref name="BASCHGABRANTHquote"/> Basch agrees, and is later shown serving as "Gabranth" and Larsa's protector. Gabranth is one of the villains and the sole character representing ''Final Fantasy XII'' in ''[[Dissidia: Final Fantasy]]'', where, as in ''XII'', he is voiced by [[Akio Ōtsuka]] in Japanese; in the English version of ''XII'' he is voiced by [[Michael E. Rodgers]], but in ''Dissidia'' he is instead voiced by [[Keith Ferguson (voice actor)|Keith Ferguson]], who also voiced Basch in ''XII''. An adaptation of the character named Noah van Gabranth appears in ''[[Final Fantasy XIV]]'' as a Garlean Legatus; in contrast to ''Final Fantasy XII'', Noah is the son of Basch van Gabranth.

===Cid Bunansa===
{{nihongo|Cidolfus Demen Bunansa|シドルファス・デム・ブナンザ|Shidorufasu Demu Bunanza}}, also known as Doctor Cid, is a fifty-eight-year-old Archadian Hume scientist and head of the Draklor Laboratory in Archades.<ref name="CIDquote"/> He is one of the main antagonists of ''Final Fantasy XII''. He is responsible for discovering the technology behind airships, as well as for the creation of manufactured, or artificial, nethicite.<ref>'''Balthier''': Everything he did, he did to get closer to the Nethicite, to understand it. He made airships, weapons... He even made me a Judge. {{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref> He is later revealed to be Balthier's father, whose ambitions drove Balthier away; this incident was the result of Cid going to Giruvegan to study nethicite, only to return as a maniacal shell of his former self.<ref name="CIDquote"/> Over the course of the game, Cid seems to talk to himself multiple times, but it is later revealed that he is instead talking to Venat, a renegade Occurian; Occurians have the ability to make themselves seen and heard by whom they wish. Under Venat's guidance, Cid helps Vayne encourage the war to gain shards of the Sun-Cryst to help him create manufactured nethicite.

Cid is confronted by Vaan, Balthier and company at the Draklor Laboratory, only to lose and flee. He goes to the Pharos lighthouse to invoke the Sun-Cryst's full power, revealing himself to the main characters there once Gabranth is defeated. Enraged, Gabranth tries to attack Cid, who teleports out of the way as Venat throws the judge against a wall. Cid fights Vaan, Balthier and the rest of the party once more, and again loses. He dies after the battle, dissolving into energy absorbed by the Sun-Cryst before it is destroyed and fully activates his final airship, the ''Bahamut''.<ref>'''Al-Cid''': Bahamut, Lord of the Sky. There was a stirring in the Mist near Ridorana, I am told. Bahamut awoke soon after this. / '''Fran''': It is the Mist that came before the Cryst was undone. It breathed life into this Bahamut. If Reddas had not stopped it when he did, how much more mist might it have drunk? All went according to Doctor Cid's designs. / '''Balthier''': Yes, the man's last great accomplishment, I fear. {{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref> A [[Character design of Final Fantasy#Cid|character named Cid]] appears or is mentioned in every main ''Final Fantasy'' title; this appearance is the first ''Final Fantasy'' game to feature a Cid character as a villain. Cid is voiced by [[John Rafter Lee]] in English and [[Chikao Ōtsuka]] in Japanese.

===Halim Ondore IV===
{{nihongo|Halim Ondore IV|ハルム・オンドール4世|Harumu Ondōru Yonsei}} is the Hume Marquis of the Skycity of Bhujerba, the most recent in a line of nobles that ruled Bhujerba for generations.<ref>'''Lamont''': Halim Ondore IV, the Marquis of Bhujerba. {{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref> Ondore is also Ashe's uncle, serving as the officiant of her wedding and Rasler's funeral soon after. At the opening of the game, Ondore appears to have yielded to Archadian rule, though he secretly supports the resistance movement. He is being blackmailed by Vayne, who forced him to announce the execution of Basch and the death of Ashe in an attempt to keep the resistance from trusting him or accepting his support.<ref name="ONDOREmemoir">'''Ondore''' I, to the People of Dalmasca: [...]"Prayer, too, for the noble Princess Ashe, who, wrought with Grief at her Kingdom's Defeat, has taken her own Life. Know also that Capt. Basch fon Ronsenburg, for Incitement of Sedition and the Assassination of H.R.M. King Raminas, has been found Guilty of High Treason and put to his Death. They who at this late Hour choose still the Sword are cut of the same Cloth as the Capt.: Traitors who would have led Dalmasca to her Ruin". Dalmasca's Surrender without Terms was soon to follow. - Memoirs of Mqs Halim Ondore IV. - Chapter 13: The Province of Allies {{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref><ref>'''Judge''': Sentenced to death and yet you live. Why? / '''Basch''': To silence Ondore. {{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref> During the game, once the Archadian 8th Fleet is destroyed, Ondore openly announces his support of the rebel forces and enlists Rozarria's aid for a large assault against the Archadian Empire. Ondore is the narrator in the story, as his memoirs are read during certain points of the game.<ref name="ONDOREmemoir"/> He is voiced by [[Tom Kane]] in English and [[Akio Nojima]] in Japanese.

===Al-Cid Margrace===
{{nihongo|Al-Cid Margrace|アルシド・マルガラス|Arushido Marugarasu}} is a member of the Rozarrian ruling family, the House of Margrace.<ref>'''Larsa''': (to Ashe) This is the man I wanted you to meet. Believe it or not, he is a member of the noble House Margrace, rulers of the Rozarrian Empire. {{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref> He is seen during the game attempting to keep Rozarria and Archadia from fighting a costly war, as well as informing the main characters of political developments in Archadia. Although he succeeds in keeping the two countries from fighting for most of the game, he joins the resistance in a strike against Vayne at the end of the game. Al-Cid appears in ''[[Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift]]'' when Vaan requests his aid. After Vaan and Penelo join Luso's party, Al-Cid requests membership as well to lie low from his duties as royalty.<ref name="AlCidFFTA2">'''Al-Cid''': Though it shames me to say so, my affairs have not all been in order, of late. In fact, should present trends continue, things could get quite...ugly. I thought to make myself scarce a while and allow the world to order itself anew. But I could not find a suitable place to do so. / '''Vaan''': Wait... You aren't- / '''Al-Cid''': Perhaps, if it was not too much of a burden, I could...join your clan? {{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift|developer=Square Enix|publisher=Square Enix|date=2008-06-24|platform=Nintendo DS}}</ref> Al-Cid was initially given only a small role in the original storyline, but [[Norio Wakamoto]], his Japanese voice actor, had "voiced Al-Cid in such an interesting way" that the developers decided to expand on Al-Cid's role.<ref name=UltiOmeg /> He is voiced in English by David Rasner.

===Occuria===
[[File:FFXIIConcept-Occuria.png|thumb|300px|Concept artwork of the Occuria, during its initial designs, resembled a recurring ''Final Fantasy'' monster called Mindflayers.]]
The {{nihongo|[[Ivalice#Mythos|Occuria]]|オキューリア|Okyūria}} are a small group of immortal beings, often called by both themselves and others {{nihongo|the Undying|不滅なる神|Fumetsunaru Kami}}. They are referred to as gods by some, but unknown to the major religions in Ivalice, they played a vital role in the history of Ivalice. They were responsible for the creation of the Espers and granting power to King Raithwall to conquer the countries of Ivalice with the Dawn, Dusk, and Midlight shards of nethicite.<ref>'''Occuria''': In times that are long passed away, we thought to save this Ivalice...and chose Raithwall the Dynast-King. He took the sword and cut the Cryst. {{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref> The Occuria were first designed to be a race of Mindflayers, a type of enemy monster in the game. Earlier concept artwork portrayed these "Mindflayers" as wearing luxurious robes and turbans and lounging in a bar and smoking pipes. The design was changed during development, and the Mindflayer was placed as a special monster, retaining the initial design; the Occuria were then given a different design of glowing eyes in a mist-like form.<ref name=UltiOmeg>{{cite book | year=2006 | editor=Studio BentStuff | title=Final Fantasy XII Ultimania Omega | publisher=Square Enix | language=ja | isbn=4-7575-1821-8}}</ref>

The Occurian with the greatest influence on the story is {{nihongo|Venat|ヴェーネス|Vēnesu}}, one of the primary antagonists of ''Final Fantasy XII'', who rebels against the other Occuria and tries to give the people of Ivalice the power to not be manipulated by the Occuria; as a result of its defiance, it is labeled a heretic.<ref>'''Occuria''': Venat is a heretic! The Nethicite is ours to give, to chosen bearer or to none. The heretic trespassed and set the rose of knowledge in Man's hand. {{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy XII |developer=Square Enix |publisher=Square Enix |date=2006-10-31 |platform=PlayStation 2}}</ref> Venat taught Doctor Cid the secrets of nethicite, allowing them to manufacture it themselves; it also convinced Cid and Vayne to seek out the nethicite shards originally cut from the Sun-Cryst by Raithwall. In the game, Venat is seen talking to Cid both while visible and not. Venat's ambitions are ultimately fulfilled when Ashe resists the Occurians' plans and Reddas destroys the Sun-Cryst, later sacrificing itself to give Vayne his power while proclaiming they will die together, as it has accomplished what it set out to do.<ref name="VENATENDquote"/> It is voiced by [[Anita Carey]] in English and [[Narumi Tsunoda]] in Japanese. A character sharing Venat's name appears in ''[[Final Fantasy XIV]]''; like her namesake, she is a dissenting member of her race that set the events of the game into motion.

==Cultural impact==
===Merchandise===
In conjunction with the game's release, Square Enix has produced a lineup of merchandise including jewelry, action figures and other goods related to the characters. Most of the merchandise are released in Japan. The items produced include Vaan's necklace, Ashe's wedding ring, a Judge Magister-themed lighter and a Magister-themed card case. A [[plush doll]] of Nono and four full-colored action figures of Ashe, Balthier, Vaan, and Judge Gabranth have also been displayed in the Square Enix Japan merchandise page, along with a full-sized replica of Judge Gabranth's helmet from the game, a statue of Gabranth, and a statue of Balthier and Fran riding a flying machine through a collapsing building.<ref>{{cite web|title=Square Enix Shop: Merchandise, Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest |publisher=[[Square Enix]] |url=https://ssl.square-enix-shop.com/SqEx/jp/ShowProducts.action?sid=1284856507042Tpv547jbl9&categoryId=8&site_id=1 |access-date=2010-09-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716123143/https://ssl.square-enix-shop.com/SqEx/jp/ShowProducts.action?sid=1284856507042Tpv547jbl9&categoryId=8&site_id=1 |archive-date=2011-07-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Square Enix Official Goods | publisher=[[Square Enix]] | url=http://www.square-enix-shop.com/jp/list_product.cfm?game_cat_id=4&site_id=1 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209101111/http://www.square-enix-shop.com/jp/list_product.cfm?game_cat_id=4&site_id=1 | archive-date=2008-02-09 | access-date=2007-04-03}}</ref>

===Critical reception===
The characters in ''Final Fantasy XII'' have received mixed opinions from reviewers. Praises were given by Calvin Smith of PSX Extreme, who stated that the characters are "classy and well thought out, an ensemble cast whose players rarely descend into needless melodrama or writhing angst". He also said that the supposed main character's role was changed to become an observer, "a different outlook than in the previous installments".<ref>{{cite web|last=Smith |first=Cavin |date=2006-11-27 |title=Final Fantasy XII |publisher=PSX Extreme |url=http://www.psxextreme.com/scripts/reviews2/review.asp?revID=508 |access-date=2007-04-02 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070315174455/http://www.psxextreme.com/scripts/reviews2/review.asp?revID=508 |archive-date=2007-03-15}}</ref> [[1UP.com]]'s Andrew Pfister applauded the character dialogues as being "intelligent, subtle and sharp"; the relationships between characters were lauded as well. Balthier and Fran's relationship was compared to [[Han Solo]] and [[Chewbacca]] of ''[[Star Wars]]'', being "far more interesting than anything Square's put out in the modern ''FF'' era".<ref>{{cite web | last=Pfister|first=Andrew | date=2006-10-27| title=Final Fantasy XII PS2 Review | publisher=[[1UP.com]] | url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3154731 | access-date=2007-04-02}}</ref> [[IGN]] editor Jeremy Dunham praised the game and its writers for "evolving the personalities, histories, and motives of characters you already thought you knew, but didn't" and for "capitaliz[ing] on the opportunity to tell you about them". He also noted the visual and auditory detail of the characters, saying that "each and every model, down to the most obscure [[non-player character|NPC]], has an immense level of attention paid to them -- from their clothes and facial expressions, to their walking and idle animations" and that the voice acting was "top-notch".<ref name="ignreview">{{cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/741/741991p1.html |title=Final Fantasy XII Review |last=Dunham |first=Jeremy |date=2006-10-27 |publisher=[[IGN]] |access-date=2009-09-25 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070228175025/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/741/741991p1.html |archive-date=2007-02-28}}</ref> [[GameSpy]]'s Justin Speer also praised the characters, saying that it was hard to "resist being charmed by a few of the characters" and that they "interact with each other in dramatic and interesting ways".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/final-fantasy-xii/742679p1.html |title=Final Fantasy XII |last=Speer |first=Justin |date=2006-10-30 |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |access-date=2009-09-25 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415160147/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/final-fantasy-xii/742679p1.html |archive-date=2009-04-15}}</ref> The voice acting was praised by Keith Schleicher of Gaming Trend, who said that the characters voices all matched their appearances well.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamingtrend.com/Reviews/review/review.php?ReviewID=691 |title=Final Fantasy XII: Return to Ivalice Review |last=Schleicher |first=Keith |publisher=[[Gaming Trend]] |access-date=2009-09-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080316234258/http://gamingtrend.com/Reviews/review/review.php?ReviewID=691 |archive-date=2008-03-16}}</ref>

Other reviewers have criticized the character development. Shane Bettenhausen of ''[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]]'' found the game's cast "a tad mundane" compared to characters from previous installments. Moreover, they found both Vaan and Ashe uninteresting, making the story lack "the emotional punch". They also criticized the voice acting as uneven and rife with mispronunciations.<ref>{{cite magazine| last=Bettenhausen| first=Shane| date=2006-10-30| title=Reviews: Final Fantasy XII| magazine=[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]]| url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3154753&sec=REVIEWS| access-date=2007-04-02| archive-date=2007-09-27| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927212826/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3154753&sec=REVIEWS| url-status=live}}</ref> [[GameTrailers]] also criticized the characters, saying that many of the game's "other characters" are "more interesting than the ones you'll actually control", and that the "characters' motivations are thin to non-existent".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/gamereview.php?id=1684 |title=Final Fantasy XII |date=2006-10-30 |publisher=[[GameTrailers]] |access-date=2009-09-28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922155246/http://www.gametrailers.com/gamereview.php?id=1684 |archive-date=2008-09-22}}</ref> RPGFan editor Stephen Harris, while praising the quality of most of the voice acting and especially Balthier's, criticized Fran's as "monotone and subdued" with an "indecipherable accent".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/finalfantasy12/index.html |title=Final Fantasy XII |last=Harris |first=Stephen |date=2006-10-31 |publisher=RPGFan |access-date=2009-09-25 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901202302/http://rpgfan.com/reviews/finalfantasy12/index.html |archive-date=2009-09-01}}</ref> Cortney Stone of RPGamer found fault with the voice acting recording, describing it as "substandard" and said that "it sounds as though a few of the actors were too close to the microphones or the equipment was faulty", though she called "the voice acting itself quite good, with characters of different nations having distinctive accents".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/games/ff/ff12/reviews/ff12strev1.html |title=Final Fantasy XII - Staff Review |last=Stone |first=Cortney |publisher=RPGamer |access-date=2009-09-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090930214905/http://www.rpgamer.com/games/ff/ff12/reviews/ff12strev1.html |archive-date=2009-09-30}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{official website|http://www.finalfantasyxii.com}} {{in lang|en}}
* [http://www.ff12.com/ Official website] {{in lang|ja}}

{{Ivalice}}

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[[Category:Characters designed by Akihiko Yoshida]]
[[Category:Final Fantasy XII characters| ]]
[[Category:Lists of Final Fantasy characters|Final Fantasy 12]]