FF8 stuff...

[colichemarde]

This is all about para-magic. I'm really tickled over the idea that a physical type of thing can be withdrawn from a creature. The spell itself... well, is it a physical type of thing? That constitutes only to the fact that spells are differentiated into numerals. But if it's as magic is normally, how do you just have a bunch of spells racked up

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Theories of Para-Magic Part 1

[ff7aeris]

In the world of FF8, many believe that the world and mankind was created by a goddess named Hyne. Details are a little vague but it is commonly said that a Sorceress is a woman who received a fragment of Hyne's powers, hence that is why referring to them as "Hyne's descendant" is a sign of great respect for them.

However, please note that in the Japanese version, the term Sorceress is unisex, it can imply either male or female, but in the English version we have a masculine and feminine version of name, and since Edea, and Rinoa are female, it was agreed by someone translating the game to keep it as a feminine title. People question Adel's gender but in the dialogue Adel is referred to as a 'she' although her appearance is very masculine.

That part is a little off topic, but I shrug it off as if Adel never was a 'sorceress' then 'she' would most likely be trans-gender to male or go through the steps for that operation. It puts my mind at ease with the ol' "fuckit, I'm not wasting braincells on that". So let's move on to Para-Magic.

Para-Magic is a science, it is artificially induced and researched by Dr. Odine. It could be one of the main reasons of the side effect of Long Term Memory loss over time. Not everyone is meant to even wield this power.

It starts off with the study of Guardian Forces. Independent Enties who are far more powerful than mortals but not as powerful as the Great Hyne herself. It is not clear about why they are here or what their purpose is. It only states that they just exist, so let's get into some of my whacked out theories, and take this in with a grain of salt. I also invite others to chime in with their own theories on this.

Guardian Forces are neither benign or malevolent. Meaning that they are neither good or evil. It is up to the wielder to determine what they use their powers for. This is why Griever appeared to be so evil is becuase Ultimecia was the one summoning him.

Remember while trying to acquire Bahamut, Odin and Ifrit, they expressed that they did not want to serve a mere mortal. This tells me that these Guardian Forces have their own thoughts and motives and they seem to all agree that they prefer to not to get involved in mortal affairs, they rather be left alone.

It is easy to say that they are 'Demi-Gods' but I don't think that would be accurate. Demi-Gods are not to be 'enslaved' and junctioned to a mortal to do their bidding.

Also it seems to me that a 'god' of any kind would be virtually immortal to the point that there is no need to keep track of Hit Points. Although when a Guardian Force is used in battle, that is exactly what they have; Hit Points. Despite the fact that if their 'health' reaches zero, they will just simply be unavailable for the duration of battle and until the character can get some rest. My conclusion is that they are not 'Gods' or 'Demi-Gods'.

Remember that the term used here is 'Guardian Forces'. I am more inclined to think that they are here mainly as guardians of Hyne (although she doesn't really need it) and her creations - like the world and its people. In fact, they could be just another creation of Hyne herself. So I'm going to state that GFs are servants to Hyne and their job is to protect her and her creations.

So what is exactly 'Para-Magic'? Well, taken in the literal sense, para literary means 'informal' or 'not official', its a suffix when combined with magic, it means that it's "Not really magic, but it can do the same job as magic."

Could it be that 'normal' humans are simply unable to use magic without intervention and that is why they have no Magic Points?

(cont.)

Re: Theories of Para-Magic Part 1

[amaiko]

However, please note that in the Japanese version, the term Sorceress is unisex, it can imply either male or female

Sorry to be really blunt, but this is flat-out wrong. I have the Japanese FFVIII Ultimania guide, and the term used for "Sorceress" in the book is "Witch" (the english word) paired with the kanji for "magic" and "woman", 魔女 (majou).

I'd say that pretty much cinches it that Sorceresses/Witches are always female.

Re: Theories of Para-Magic Part 1

[ff7aeris]

That information was actually from an earlier debate since I do not have the Ultimania guide, and I'm not in the finantual position to go and order one at this time.

Though at the same time, becuase of Adel's appearance, some people do question her gender.

Thanks for the heads up. Now I need to get around to get those Ultimania Guides... any good online stores that you recomend? There is no local store that sells that item in Orlando, Florida... although you can get action figures out the ears... out of 10+ anime import stores in the area, they don't have this book... usually becuase they sell out so damn fast.