The Astonishing Unveiling of Final Fantasy 16's Intriguing Brand
The Branded play a crucial role in Final Fantasy 16's captivating storyline Delve into the intricate world of Valisthea, where powerful magic wielders with unique abilities struggle to navigate the complexities of being branded and the consequences they face
In Final Fantasy 16, the Branded hold a significant role in the storyline as a enslaved people, serving as the main reason why protagonists Clive and Cid fight against the ruling powers. Also known as Bearers in the game, there are various aspects to explore regarding those who possess magical abilities in Valisthea and the unfortunate circumstances they are bound to.
The Branded are swiftly introduced as the oppressed class in Final Fantasy 16, compelled to obey their masters who are free from the Crystal Curse and able to utilize magic. Despite being despised by society, there is a particular group of magic users called the Dominant who are highly esteemed for their valuable contributions in the ongoing wars across the world.
Bearers Vs Branded
The terms Bearers and Branded in Final Fantasy 16 are often used interchangeably, though the specific nuances of each definition can slightly affect how they are discussed. Essentially, the Branded are simply Bearers who have been marked with a brand by the countries of Valisthea. Generally, when a character is referred to as a Bearer rather than a Branded, it implies that they have concealed their connection to magic and the Eikons of Final Fantasy 16, which represent the elements from the rest of the world.
Bearers of the Crystal's Curse
Referring to magic wielders as "Bearers" is a colloquialism, derived from "Bearers of the Crystal's Curse." This curse enables Bearers to harness magic without relying on Final Fantasy 16's crystals, which the general population needs to draw aether from the surroundings in order to cast spells. However, channeling aether through a Bearer carries a price: their body gradually petrifies, leading to their demise if they overuse their magical abilities.
The Act of Branding
The curse's cost also affects the Bearers who possess a stronger bond with the Eikons, known as Dominants, due to their ability to summon and control these divine beings. Through a process called Priming, Dominants can successfully summon Eikons such as the iconic Final Fantasy entity, Ramuh. The Dominants' elevated social standing is a result of the power bestowed upon them by these Eikons, making them crucial champions in the ongoing wars between nations in Valisthea. Nonetheless, regardless of their prestigious position, Dominants are still subject to the limitations imposed by the Crystal's Curse. If they excessively harness the power of their Eikons, their lives will also be ultimately shortened.
After the first time leap in Final Fantasy 16, players guide Clive through various parts of Valisthea, experiencing the life of a Branded individual just like any other enslaved Bearer. This segment of the game sheds light on the constant ostracism faced by Bearers in society due to prejudiced attitudes, even when not bound to a specific master. The prejudice is so severe that some mothers cruelly abandon their cursed children. Additionally, players discover that certain Branded individuals have the option to remove their brands, although the reason behind why not all choose to undergo this procedure is initially left unexplained.
Most Branded individuals choose not to remove their brand because the process is extremely dangerous and excruciatingly painful, as later revealed in a side quest. The brand's ink is derived from poisonous Wyvern Tail flowers of Sanbreque, which are often given to Dion by his father Emperor Sylvestre Lesage. As a result, attempting to remove the brand without the expertise of a skilled surgeon like Tarja, the healer at the Hideaway, would likely result in death. Discover the world of Final Fantasy 16, now available for PS5.
