I'm going to vote for Cerobi Steppe; I never had much love for "Hope", and that ill-feeling just grew further after it knocked 'Naivety' out. :D

The Cerobi Steppe

Sorry "Hope", but I must cast my vote for Cerobi Steppe. I hope that there are no hard feelings for you were truly one of the best.

The Cerobi Steppe

The last result was awful :(

The Cerobi Steppe

Cerobi Steppe

I'm going to vote for Cerobi Steppe; I never had much love for "Hope", and that ill-feeling just grew further after it knocked 'Naivety' out. :D

I couldn't agree more.

The Cerobi Steppe

The last result was awful :(

The Cerobi Steppe

Cerobi Steppe 11-0 Symphonic Poem "Hope"

That's a knockout. As "Hope" is carried away from the rumble ring on a stretcher, we'll take a short break before the finalists come out for the big one. Congrats to Cerobi Steppe, a worthy 3rd place.

Just time to update before I have to leave. Time for the final:

211 - Theme Of The Empire

Listen here (http://delta.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/211%20Theme%20of%20the%20Empire.mp3) The game's main theme, with several variations of it being played in different scenes. Scored the most votes in the elimnation round and a firm favourite amongst fans. First Round: 10-0 vs. Little Rascal; Second Round: 9-5 vs. Clan Headquarters; Quarter-finals: 11-3 vs. Near the Water; Semi-finals: 9-7 vs. Cerobi Steppe. Tcs: 24

vs.

319 - The Phon Coast

Listen here (http://delta.bluelaguna.net/final-fantasy-xii-12-ost-soundtrack/319%20The%20Phon%20Coast.mp3) Plays in the Phon Coast. Also plays during an FMV early on, when Vaan and Basch are introduced to the Strahl. First Round: 8-7 vs. The Beginning of the End; Second Round: 11-2 vs. Skycity of Bhujerba; Quarter-finals: 10-5 vs. Clash of Swords; Semi-finals: 9-3 vs. Symphonic Poem "Hope". Tcs: 21

Both tracks seem to have a lot of avid fans and a lot of people who are rather indifferent to them. This should make for a good battle. Theme of the Empire has to be favourite to win after its dominant showings in earlier rounds, but can the Phon Coast spring a surprise? Let's find out.

Phon Coast is a decent track but it's still going to have to be Theme of the Empire for me. To be honest, I had hoped for someone better than PC to face it in the final, but what can you do?

The Phon Coast all the way!!

Theme of the Empire. I'm still wondering how PC managed to get this far.

The Phon Coast all the way!!

Theme of the Empire is simply better

Bloody hell... Phon Coast made to the final? I did not expect that... Anyway, my vote goes to Theme Of The Empire.

The Phon Coast

The Phon Coast definitely needs to be in first place.

The Phon Coast

The Phon Coast easily over TotE.

Phon Coast is a decent track but it's still going to have to be Theme of the Empire for me. To be honest, I had hoped for someone better than PC to face it in the final, but what can you do?

The Phon Coast

Theme of the Empire

The Phon Coast

The Phon Coast

I love PC, but I really didn't expect to see it here in the finals, either!

Both tunes are among my favs in the OST, but Theme of the Empire invokes more emotion from me, so it gets my vote here~

Theme of the Empire 7-9 Phon Coast

Well, that's a surprise. I would have put money on ToTE coming through that one comfortably, but it seems that a number of people really dislike it strongly. I thought it would still have had enough support to win, but apparently not.

Well, that's that for the music category. I'm a bit disappointed with the final result, but it was a good rumble nonetheless. We'll now be hearing suggestions for the next rumble. All the previous categories that I listed before and have not been done yet are available again, plus any original ones that anyone cares to suggest.

Theme of the Empire 7-9 Phon Coast

I'm a bit disappointed with the final result, but it was a good rumble nonetheless.

Yeah, I'm pretty shocked PC pulled a win there, but great rumble, Ceidwad! Looking forward to the next one...

I really didn't expect Phon Coast to win... Is it really that popular? Anyway, cool rumble - looking forward to the next one!

Yes! I'm really glad Phon Coast won. Maybe not the one I'd have wanted to win overall. But it's better than TOTE. I always saw that as overrated to be honest. I'll check the category and get back to you with my nominations.

Great rumble Ceidwad. :)

Yay! Phon Coast won. Anyway, how about a rumble on favorite technicks?

NPC's.

And wow, Phon Coast won? Didn't see that happening...

Well, good for you, Phon Coast! :3

I really didn't expect Phon Coast to win... Is it really that popular?
:) Well, I'd say so. Honestly, I really am quite fond of it-- enough so that the Phon Coast is one of my favorite locations to battle/level at, just because of it.


Category-- well, I'm nearly done putting together that FMV info, but I don't think you were planning to do that next, anyway. Still, I will try to get that to you soon-- sorry for the delay on that.


I like the idea of NPCs as well-- thing is, so many of the best ones were included in the first edition, general characters, that I'm not sure it would really work. Technicks? Not sure I can see that-- in general, I don't think Technicks are well-liked-- many of them are lame, underpowered, or worse, just about useless.

What about Quotes? I've often enjoyed doing that in many of my Rumbles in the past, though it can be a bit complicated...

I know I already voted, but I didn't know General Characters was done before. I have another idea, it'll sound weird but considering this game has so many of them, status effects!

I am fine with Quotes or NPCs. As far as Technicks are concerned, there simply aren't enough popular ones to encourage a reasonable number of people to vote in a rumble based upon it. On the other hand, a rumble involving Magicks as well as Technicks might be viable.

Status effects is an interesting idea, I imagine it would be a 'I hate this less' based-rumble though. Unless they competed for the dubious honour of most irritating ailment or something. (I believe Agent did a similarly perverse kind of rumble in the General FF rumble once, based on minigames from the titles in the series).

Also, as per the FMVs, I'm somewhat relieved to hear that, since I was hoping to be able to do that one last, since it will likely take a great deal more time than other categories. Feel free to take your time on that, Agent.

I don't have any particular preference as to the next rumble, but if there seems to be a roughly equal amount of support for two categories I'll decide between them.

I second Agent's Quote idea, that's a great rumble to partake in.

NPC's is cool with me. Also, the magicks/technicks idea seems good. Quotes would obviously be a fun rumble. I mean, Balthier alone delivers many memorable ones.

If we get to vote for one thing only, then I choose Quotes.

NPCs sound good as they usually go unnoticed half the time.

I didn't expect Phon Coast to win either.

Can we nominate NPCs?

Marquis Ondore?

He was my favourite. There's so many to mention right now I can't think of any lol.

If we are doing NPCs I toss a vote towards Dalan.

Hmm...

Hey wait a second. Might I throw out another idea...

instead of NPCs, how about things in the Sky Pirate's Den? They're varied out pretty well!

lol I don't even remember that part of the game >.>

The problem I still see with NPCs is that so many of them were already used before, that it might seem like a bit of a repeat. Sky Pirate's Den-- I dunno, that maybe could be interesting.

In any case, we should probably wait for Ceidwad before starting to make nominations.

Another idea to throw out there can be monsters or Rare Game or Bosses.

There are exactly 80 rare game, that could halve itself down to 5. And they were almost all very interesting in their own ways and known for different things. All I know is I'd enjoy running that one... I know it seems like it's just monsters with names, but I swear, for NEARLY all of them I'd have something interesting to say in the description.

FUCK THE RARE GAME SIDEQUEST!

Sorry about that, I just needed to get it out of my system...

But I do think that Optional bosses and Espers was a good idea. Though I have no real objection to having Rare Game as a rumble. Don't hate the idea, just the effort to get some of the rare game...

FUCK THE RARE GAME SIDEQUEST!

Sorry about that, I just needed to get it out of my system...

But I do think that Optional bosses and Espers was a good idea. Though I have no real objection to having Rare Game as a rumble. Don't hate the idea, just the effort to get some of the rare game...

Heh, I agree, but the thing about rare game, is that some of them aren't entirely known for being hard to find, but instead they're known for their item and the effort required to get it. Like the LARVA EATER... goddamn it, that one was actually both.

But like... the Bombshell, for instance. Not only known for it's item, but also known for carrying the item crucial to an easy Yiazmat battle.


However, if we do Optional bosses, might as well include mandatory bosses, because optional or mandatory bosses alone would be rather few.

But yeah, I think the variety of appearance methods for Rare Game, as well as other stuff they each are known for, should make this fun and interesting.

I resolutely refuse to do a Rare Game rumble. I've fought all of about 10 of the 80, and I'll be damned if I'm going to spend hours fighting the remaining 70 for this.

Also, guys, it looks like NPCs has a lot of support, so that's what we'll be doing. Agent, I hear your concerns, but we only did a handful of NPCs in the main character rumble. Most participants in that rumble were either party members, guests, or major villains. I think considering the amount of characrters you meet in sidequests and hunts there should be enough new ones for at least a 16-strong competition. Also, given that none of the NPCs in the main character rumble other than Montblanc got beyond the first couple of rounds, I see no harm in letting them have another bite of the cherry.

I'll leave this thread open for nominations now; I'll add some of mine later.

Sounds great!

Ceidwad, these are just a few of the ones I'd like to nominate. Is there a limit to how many we can choose?

Montblanc
Kytes
Migelo
Gran Kiltias Anastasis
Daguza
Old Dalan
Jote
War-chief Supinelu
Dynast-King Raithwall
Krjn
Elza

Ceidwad, I see your point. One question, though, do guest characters count as "NPC"s or not? I mean, they join your party and everything, but you never actually gain control over them, so in that manner, they aren't "playable."

In any case, for the time being, I nominate Vayne Solidor, Judge Gabranth, Marquis Halim Ondore, Mjrn, Al-Cid, Jules and Emperor Gramis

I'll nominate... um... who wasn't said yet.

Dr. Cid
The family in the aerodomes (they're a single NPC to me)
Ba'Gamnan
Jovy (MUST INCLUDE)
Rasler
Shyle
Ruksel
Ktjn (I forget who is Ktjn and who is Kjrn, I mean I know who they both are but forget which is which, so I'm nominating the other one because I like them both)
Rikken
Pilika
Niray
Rimzat
Dyce
Gurdy
Venat
Baknamy Merchant
Monid
Wyrm Philosopher
Ma'kelou
And any two Archadians, can't decide now but gotta include at least two, unless someone else nominates one, any two of your choice Ceid.

Who is Jote again?

Ktjn (I forget who is Ktjn and who is Kjrn, I mean I know who they both are but forget which is which, so I'm nominating the other one because I like them both)



Ktjn is the on in Rabanastre who you have to keep checking on.

Yep, and the other is the one from the clan hall that fights the Carrot with you.

I'm for both of them...

Ceidwad, I see your point. One question, though, do guest characters count as "NPC"s or not? I mean, they join your party and everything, but you never actually gain control over them, so in that manner, they aren't "playable."

In any case, for the time being, I nominate Vayne Solidor, Judge Gabranth, Marquis Halim Ondore, Mjrn, Al-Cid, Jules and Emperor Gramis

Guests count as playable characters for rumble purposes. You can't give them gambits or equipment, granted, but you can influence their behaviour in battle and they fight alongside your party. However, I will allow characters that support you in hunts but do not join your party as full guests, such as War-Chief Supinelu or Ktjn from the Clan Hall.

Also, I'm disqualifying Vayne and Gabranth from this rumble as they are major characters and could reasonably be expected to dominate the rumble should they participate. I'm also disqualifying Montblanc (sorry guys) because he came fourth (or was it third) in the main characters rumble, so I feel he's already had a fair shot (and he'll re-appear in the 'Champion of Champions' edition later anyway). Besides, like Gabranth and Vayne, his inclusion in the rumble would probably make it too predictable.

Other than that I have few problems with your list, Agent.

Flux, your list is fine. I may leave Daguza out as he's not particularly popular and I want to get some closely-fought battles in this one, but will consider him if the numbers are right. As for Raithwall, interesting idea. He's not directly involved in the game's events but certainly has an influence on the story, so I will consider him, but he may not make it. Other than that I will most likely include all your choices (by the way, what do people think about including Rikken and Raz along with Elza as one entry, called the 'Pirate Olympians' or something? There's little point having all three enter seperately, in my opinion.)

Zak,

First, Jote is the leader of the Viera and one of Fran's sisters (Mjrn is the other).

Secondly, your list contains a couple of characters I don't even recognise. Also many of them, such as Baknamy Merchant, aren't really worth putting in the rumble, so I'll probably leave them out unless we're really struggling to make up the numbers. Ones from your list that I'll almost certainly have in the rumble are Ba' Gamnan, Jovy, Ktjn, possibly Venat, and probably Gurdy. Others are maybes, except for Doctor Cid, who I'm going to have to leave out for the same reasons as Gabranth and Vayne. I like the idea of including the snooty family from the Aerodrome, but we'll have to see about numbers.

Most of those that I would nominate have already been nominated by others, so my work is done here!

Which two don't you recognize?

Among others, Shyle, Ruksel, Ma'kelou (surely you mean Ma'kenroh?). Bear in mind that I still haven't done all the hunts or sidequests, and nor have quite a few others who might post in this rumble, so we have to keep the participants fairly commonly known.

I don't know who Shyle is, but I think Ruksel is the fishing minigame guy (might be wrong...), and Ma'kelou sounds like one of the Chaos sidequest Nu Mou.

I don't know who Shyle is
Same here.


but I think Ruksel is the fishing minigame guy
Correct.


and Ma'kelou sounds like one of the Chaos sidequest Nu Mou.
Also correct, however, the name is spelled Ma’kleou.


P.S.: I'm for including Dyce and Pilika.

I want to nominate the "Moogling Moogles" (the ones that teleport you around Rabanastre) and the Craft Moogles (the ones who fix the gate in the woods). Both would have to be as groups and not individuals as that would make too many.

Ma'kelou is the LEADER of the medallion/Chaos sidequest. The one in Nabraeus. That's why him, Ma'kenroh is the one in the Clan Hall, but I don't really care for him, he's just a hint-giver, he never joins you.

Ruksel is the finishing mini-game guy.

As for Shyle... I'm actually not surprised most of you don't remember her by NAME, but if I tell you WHO she is, you might want to reconsider including her. Her sidequest is among the most amusing At least Agent might want to reconsider supporting that decision like if Ceid hasn't done that quest yet.
Okay, remember the Medallion sidequest, the Grimy Fragment? The one with the extremely long-winded way to get it. The kids in Lowtown are trying to find it, and then you see an "Unnamed Woman" near the fountain. Yeah... the one that lost her memory. Basically by talking to various people around town and running back and forth around town you have to find out what she did with some necklace she had, I don't remember it totally, but there's a "Sotted Imperial" involved, the one that always drinks and basically in the end you find out he's her brother and she was originally there to visit him before she lost her memory.
The sidequest ends in the Gambit shop and that scene takes place there, and you find out her name is Shyle. I guess considering the fact that throughout the sidequest she's the "Unnamed Woman" and only for that scene you get to see her name, I'm not surprised most wouldn't remember her by name.

Now that you know who she is and most likely remember that sidequest, anyone for including her? I know I am.

I guess I nominated the Baknamy merchant because I wanted to include every race but I don't care if you leave him out. I still say, reconsider including Shyle. Or, if Ceidwad hasn't done that sidequest, everyone else reconsider supporting that decision.

Zak, I dunno. Maybe that particular sidequest inflamed your passions in a way it never quite inflamed mine, because I was never all that excited by it myself. I can't second that nomination, personally.


I do, however, like Wolfmaster's suggestion of including the Moogling Moogles and Craft Moogles as groups.

All right, I think we'll have to do 16. There are barely enough nominations for 32, and I want to keep to a minimum of one-sided battles.

Here's a little list of 16; if there are some I've left off that people really want, I can shift some around.

Jote Marquis Ondore
War-chief Supinelu
Ktjn
Migelo
Gran Kiltias Anastasis
Old Dalan
Mjrn
Al-Cid
Gramis Solidor
Ba' Gamnan
Monid
Jovy
Moogling Moogles
Pirate Olympians
Pilika
Gurdy Jules

I'll wait a day or two for reaction, if everyone's cool with that line-up we can move on with this by the beginning of next week.

I'm surprised to not see Kytes on the list, who I thought surely would have been included. I'd argue for Marquis Halim Ondore as well, not because I necessarily particularly like him so much as because is he is such an important character within the game. I guess I'm all right with Jules not being in the rumble, even though he rather amuses me and I had hoped to see him in it.

I've removed Jote and Gurdy in favour of Ondore and Jules, since we already have other Viera/Moogles. As for Kytes though, I probably won't switch him in as he's too similar a character (at least in terms of his relevance to the outside events) to Migelo, whom we already have.

OK, I'm assuming we're all cool with that line-up since no-one else has registered any objections. I'll get the fixtures up soon and we'll hopefully be started in a short while.

Fixtures are up. Let's get underway.

First up:

Marquis Ondore



Bhujerba's diplomatic leader and uncle to Ashe, Halim Ondore works to build a resistance force to Imperial ambitions throughout the game's duration. In order to do this however, he must maintain a veneer of support for the Empire, causing him to hand the party over to them during the Dreadnought Leviathan incident. Took part in the main character rumble, but lost in the first round to Larsa. He now gets another chance to get himself into the Champion of Champions rumble.

vs.

Pilika



Pilika is a moogle working in Clio's Technicks in Bhujerba. You can encounter her during two overlapping sidequests - the hunt for the Rocktoise and then subsequently the search for her diary. Neither sidequest offers a particularly substantial material reward, but Pilika as a character undoubtedly has charm.

Ondore gets the gong for me here. I liked Pilika, but to be honest I think there are better moogle NPCs in the game.

I'll go for Ondore, since I couldn't even remember who Pilika was at first.

Ondore, no competition.

Ondore

Marquis Ondore

Even though I'm sure this vote is of little importance. I still think the little, mischievous Moogle deserves some backing.

Pilika

Despite my love of moogles, I have to go with Marquis Ondore on this one. He's too important to the game, and I liked his narrations.

Marquis Ondore

Ondore gets the gong for me here. I liked Pilika, but to be honest I think there are better moogle NPCs in the game.

Pilika. Don't believe Ondore's lies!

Hah, also because I just wanted to be the first to say that.

Marquis Ondore

Ondore 9-2 Pilika

Pilika just avoids the knockout, but really there was only going to be one winner from the off.

Next up:

War-chief Supinelu



War-Chief of the Garif Village in Jahara. You meet him during your visit there, and can later fight alongside him in the hunt for the Catoblepas down in Zertinan Caverns.

vs.

Gramis Solidor



Gramis is the leader of the Archadian Empire at the beginning of the game. He has a terminal illness, and power passes from him to Vayne around halfway through the main plot. Before then, he is largely concerned with ensuring the survival of House Solidor and in particular Larsa, entrusting Gabranth and Drace with his safety.

Voting for Gramis. Also, having forgotten to intially put Drace into the rumble, I am putting her in in place of Monid, as I think she's too important/cool to leave out. Sincerest apologies to Monid fans for this.

Warchief Supinelu - because garif are just cool.

War-chief Supinelu

War-chief Supinelu, definitely one of my favorite NPCs :)

Supinelu. Nice mask.

Gramis Solidor

War-chief Supinelu

Hmm. I think I'll go with Emperor Gramis.

Gramis Solidor

War-Chief Supinelu

Supinelu 6-4 Gramis

A close battle, but Gramis goes out in the first round. Supinelu goes on to round 2.

Next up:

Ktjn



Ktjn is a Viera who moves to Rabanastre near the start of the game. You can talk to her at various intervals during the game; your answers can affect the outcome of events in her life.

vs.

Pirate Olympians



This threesome of Rikken, Elza and Raz looks after Reddas's Manse while he is away, and will also challenge you to races if you talk to them in Balfonheim. (Raz is generally the fastest, but can be made to fall over a lot, followed by Elza and then Rikken who is not as quick but tends to position himself better. This mini-game is very similar to the one in FFIX in which Vivi could race Hippaul in Alexandria, but rhythm tends to be more important here as opposed to outright button bashing).

I'm going for the Pirate Olympians since I could never really get into Ktjn's sidequest that much. Racing Reddas' lackeys could be repetitive, but in moderation it was a lot of fun.

Pirate Olympians

Just out of curiosity, who actually made it so Ktjn ended up with the Seek? I was going to, but I figured she's a good looking Viera. Didn't seem fair to end up with that big heffer.

Ktjn

Flux, that is a DIFFERENT Viera. There are like, three Vieras in Rabanastre that are actually significant.

I go for Pirate Olympians.

Their mini-game was a whole lot easier than Hippaul, you could control when you turn instead of being forced to go in a straight line. And I enjoyed fighting Pylraster...

I'll go for Ktjn, since I could not get that race game right.

Ktjn

I liked the Balfonheim trio (Rikken!), but I still prefer Ktjn.

Ktjn. I bet she could beat those pirates any time.

I could not get that race game right.

Alternate between "X" and "O''. X makes Vaan go to the right and O makes him move right. It gets ridiculous after like 35 rounds. I almost got a blister but then I stopped.


I am voting for the Pirate Olympians, but they run really slow for Olympians...

Ktjn

Zak:

Look at the image Ceidwad put with the nominee. The loot is what you get when you help a Viera find her true love. So I assumed that Ktjn was the Viera in the picture.

Although, I remember ktjn as being the one whom, if you answer her questions in a particluar order, eventually ends up joining Clan Centurio..In which case, does that mean the picture is of the wrong Viera?

Sorry to disrupt the voting ;)

Hah... yes, it is the wrong picture! But the description Ceidwad gave is that of Ktjn.

Guys, for the record, I'm aware that the picture of the Viera that I posted up isn't actually Ktjn.

The only pictures of Ktjn I found on google search were either ridiculously big or from a Russian FF fansite which had them all on copyright so it wasn't physically possible to use them. I figured you guys probably wouldn't notice, but I guess you did.

Ktjn 6-4 Pirate Olympians

Another close one. I'm disappointed to see the Pirate olympians go out, personally.

Next up:

Migelo



Something of a father figure to Vaan, Penelo, Kytes and all the other Rabanastre children who lost their families in the war with Archadia, Migelo runs a shop in the East End and has the likes of Vaan run errands for him. He makes his main appearances near the start of the game, and thereafter loses any relevance to the plot, but can still be found hanging around his shop.

vs.

Ba'Gamnan



Ba'Gamnan spends the first part of the game tracking Balthier, with whom he has personal scores to settle. He goes to great lengths to achieve this, as shown during the Lhusu Mines incident. He later appears in another optional quest as part of a mark hunt.

Migelo, because the first encounter with Ba'Gamnan is insanely hard to win and the second involves a tedious trek through the desert.

Ba'Gamnan, because finally being able to kick his butt felt so good.

Ba'Gamman, I enjoyed the second encounter.

Ba'Gamnan

They really should have used him more.

Ba'Gamnan, because finally being able to kick his butt felt so good.

Ba'Gamnan, Migelo is boring.

Migelo - I just prefer him for some reason.

Migelo

Migelo

Migelo

These guys are sooooo Star Wars.

I'm also going with Migelo. He may lose relevance to the plot fairly quickly, but he's pretty cool for the time that he does play a part.

Ba'Gamnan

Lusting for power usually doesn't seem right but at least he is more active than Migelo.

And I feel like a cheater pumpkin eater for zoning in and out to heal and win the first encounter in Lhusu mines, because Ba'Gamnan and his crew took about 2 seconds longer to zone and start following/attacking :P. Did it a second time just for the spoils/steal items though.

Ba'Gamnan

Kicked his ass both times...

Migelo, I have a soft spot for him for some reason. Ba'Gamnan I forgot about as soon as I kicked his ass.

Ba'Gamman as I fell for his trap accidently, and beat him without preparation. It was a stretch, but I beat him nevertheless

Migelo 7-8 Ba'Gamnan

Well, it looked like Ba'Gamnan had it sewn up halfway through, but then Migelo made a comeback to bring it to 6-6. Ba'Gamnan still sneaks through, though.

Next up:

Gran Kiltias Anastasis



The spiritual leader of the Kiltias in Ivalice, your party travels to meet Anastasis with Larsa after visiting Jahara.

vs.

Moogling Moogles

Well, I can't find any pictures of the Moogling moogles specifically, but everyone who's played the game for more than about five hours knows what they look like. Hurdy, Gurdy, Sorbet and Horne will teleport you to various locations in Rabanastre for no charge. Sorbet is also involved in the amusing 'Lost in the Pudding' hunt.

Voting for Anastasis.

Moogling Moogles
I used that teleport alot

...Yeah, Moogling Moogles.

Moogling Moogles

Liked Gran Kiltias a lot, but Moogles lose to no one.

But nobody loses to Moogles.

So moogles always lose and everything beats them? :-P

Buh. It seriously took me a while to get that that sentence did not mean I what I meant to say. :D Wtf, my brain doesn't seem to function properly these days...

I'll also be going for the Moogling Moogles. Not only are they awesome for getting you from place to place in Rabanastre, but I also enjoyed the whole hunt thing with Sorbet.

MOOGLING MOOGLES!!!

Yep, Moogling Moogles for me too.

Moogling Moogles, they saved me a lot of repetitive rambling around.

Moogling Moogles

Moogling Moogles

Anastasis 1-10 Moogling Moogles

Only my vote saved Anastasis from a knockout. They're only moogles guys, sheesh.

Anyway, next battle:

Old Dalan



Old Dalan resides in Lowtown, where he acts as a pedlar of tall tales and 'magick' goods. You rely on his help to get into the Royal palace early on in the game, but he doesn't feature much after this.

vs.

Drace



Drace works with Gabranth to protect Larsa from Vayne. Her role in the plot is brief but spectacular, as shown by her tragic exit from the plot.

Drace is an awesome character despite her relatively small role in the plot.

Drace is an awesome character despite her relatively small role in the plot.

Agreed.

Drace

I really wish Drace had a larger role in the story - she was one of my favourite characters.

Drace

Hmm. I like Old Dalan, but I think I'll keep things rolling for Drace.

Are you kidding me? Old Dalan.

Drace

I really wish Drace had a larger role in the story - she was one of my favourite characters.

This.

Old Dalan. I don't know why, but Drace annoys and pisses me the fuck off.

Are you kidding me? Old Dalan.

Drace

Drace is an awesome character despite her relatively small role in the plot.

definitely Drace

Drace. Had to see the scene again..I would've ran with her were I in Gabranth's shoes though, as empirical/lordly/upper-class as they were being, life isn't something you just toss to the wind. Vayne was a monster even if it kept total secrecy among them.

Old Dalan 3-12 Drace

That one went on a bit longer than I planned because I've been busy with an essay recently. But a good win for Drace.

Next:

Mjrn

http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/finalfantasy/images/thumb/f/f4/Mjrn.JPG/180px-Mjrn.JPG

One of Fran's sisters, Mjrn has the same desire to leave Eruyt Village and take part in outside affairs that Fran had when she left. Your party learns she has left the village as you pass through, and later encounters her in Henne Mines.

vs.

Jules



Jules is an acquaintance of Master Ffamran- er, Master "Balthier". He lives in and around Archades, making his way as a pedlar of information, and would probably sell both his grandmothers in order to learn the darkest secrets of House Solidor.

Mjrn. Jules was funny, but they really didn't use him to his full potential.

Mjrn

Mjrn

Jules. I enjoyed that event very much, plus it played that Little Rascal theme during his scenes. :)

Mjrn

Jules

Mjrn

I agree that Jules wasn't utilized to his full potential, but he still gets my vote.

Jules definitely didn't play as large a role as I expected him to, but, then again, neither did Mjrn. I'll go for... Mjrn.

Mjrn

Mjrn

I agree that Jules wasn't utilized to his full potential, but he still gets my vote.

I wish I knew more about RPGs and how their story scripts are put together...

These two secondary class of NPCs just have the same story importance/involvement ranking, but Mjrn seems to be getting too much attention just for wanting to leave Eruyt on her own. [no]Jules[/no..] at least has the decent and humbling background of living in a city where "street ears" are common among all social classes of Archades; there was one adult girl running around while you were playing out the quote matching game and after..but anyway, she just represents the fact that there's more than just Jules and Old Archades dwellers doing the "street ear" thing, there's even an NPC that comments on the cyclic life of working up into Gentry status and falling from it to lowtown (Rabanastre; just side-reference, literal quote was for old archades..) as it were. Meanwhile Eruyt supposedly has never seen any of it's people leading a cyclic life of humiliation and expulsion from the town to somewhere like Mt. Bur-Omisace (lots of refugees..can't remember if any were Viera) but there's Viera all over the world in the game anyway..Rabanastre's Hunter's Guild and the two or one that is by the save point in Giza Plains..There's just a difference to how "street-ears" and outcasts/adventurers-from-Eruyt operate and by considering these two current competitors as representatives of their respective doddering/philandering..I was going for Jules just because I'm in a situation where that lady in jerkins running around in Nibasse or some other area is a very supportive idea..but I'm a more linear mind-set person, forced to cycle emotions and thoughts only because of my current situation and the majority of capitalist claimers and strivers plugging up my happiness..so Mjrn.

Wow that's quite a detailed post thar.

Mjrn also.

Jules, cause hawt.

Arcanine, not that I don't welcome additional content when you post your vote, but I must ask that in future you put your vote at the top/beginning of your post rather than the bottom/end. I almost missed your vote because it was tucked away at the bottom-right corner of that paragraph.

Anyway, Mjrn wins that one. Jules had some support, but not enough to trouble his opponent. He goes home as we move on to the final battle of round one:

Al-Cid



Part of the Rozarrian nobility, Al-Cid tries with Larsa to broker a peace deal between their Empire and Archadia. He doesn't have a great deal of lines, but from what we see of him it seems safe to assume he is a ladies' man. He even flirts with Ashe briefly when you encounter him in Bur-Omisace.

vs.

Jovy



Jovy may be found in Nalbina at any point in the game, mourning the loss of Nalbina's hero. His main part in the game is played out through a sidequest which requires you to defeat marks. As you defeat three specific marks, Jovy will come to see your characters as his new heroes.

Al-Cid. Sorry Zak, I know you like Jovy but in my view he just doesn't come even close in this one. Al-Cid is interesting and plays a role in the plot; Jovy is generally childish, annoying and requires you to do three very trying hunts to complete his side quest, which isn't particularly great in itself.

Al-Cid for me.

Al-Cid. Sorry Zak, I know you like Jovy but in my view he just doesn't come even close in this one. Al-Cid is interesting and plays a role in the plot; Jovy is generally childish, annoying and requires you to do three very trying hunts to complete his side quest, which isn't particularly great in itself.

I actually think I will go with Al-Cid. Props for including Jovy, that's for sure, but against Al-Cid and his awesome Russian accent... he can win the whole rumble for all I care. :)

Sucks for Jovy though.

Al-Cid

Al-Cid

Al-Cid

Al-Cid, by far.

Al-Cid

Al-Cid - he's just too awesome to lose to an annoying seeq.

Al-Cid for sure.

Chalk up another vote for Al-Cid Margrace, easily. This game's "other" Cid happily gets my vote.

Whoa, let's stop the fight. Knockout is too mild a term here.

Al-Cid 11-0 Jovy

Ironic, Zak insists that I include Jovy and then votes against him in the first round. Ah well, Jovy goes home early, while Al-Cid goes on. A word on his accent; I think it's either Middle eastern or Italian, not Russian. Personally.

Anyway, that's the end of the first round. I'll update soon.

For what it's worth, one of the scripts for the game at GameFAQs has an accent guide and it describes Al-Cid's as "Spanish."

It's totally Russian, unless you have a different version of the game where he sounds different.

Eastern European, "slavic" ftw.

Arcanine, not that I don't welcome additional content when you post your vote, but I must ask that in future you put your vote at the top/beginning of your post rather than the bottom/end. I almost missed your vote because it was tucked away at the bottom-right corner of that paragraph.

Anyway, Mjrn wins that one. Jules had some support, but not enough to trouble his opponent. He goes home as we move on to the final battle of round one:

.................................................. .................................................. .



Sorry, not that it makes a big deal in the long run, just because nobody else wants to realize the cold hard truth of mortality and become detail-oriented at whim and necessity doesn't mean I'm not going to, so thar!

But I'll make my votes clearer next time..

Not like much other actual serious attention is going to be given to this extra post since everyone else seems to have lives they randomly take breaks from to vote at these things for reputational/fame maintenance..but good job keeping up with this rumble thread Ciedwad! May fortune shine on your efforts to redeem energy spent on it's continued success and popularity.

Arcanine - I actually enjoyed reading your post. I thought it was very interesting, and I am looking forward to the next one you make.

Can we get an update, bitte?

It looks like Ceidwad hasn't been on the Shrine since he posted the last update. I'm sure we'll hear something whenever he gets back.

Yeah, sorry about the delay, I'm a bit bogged down in essays and reading at the moment. It's just short-term, but there's a chance I may not be updating quite as regularly as I have been for the next couple of weeks, although I should make it on FFShrine at least once a week. Agent, if you want, feel free to carry out some updates yourself if you feel it isn't moving as swiftly as you'd like.

Anyway, second-round fixtures are up. Let's get going:

Marquis Ondore



Bhujerba's diplomatic leader and uncle to Ashe, Halim Ondore works to build a resistance force to Imperial ambitions throughout the game's duration. In order to do this however, he must maintain a veneer of support for the Empire, causing him to hand the party over to them during the Dreadnought Leviathan incident. Took part in the main character rumble, but lost in the first round to Larsa. He now gets another chance to get himself into the Champion of Champions rumble. First Round: 9-2 vs. Pilika. Tcs: 7

vs.

Moogling Moogles

Well, I can't find any pictures of the Moogling moogles specifically, but everyone who's played the game for more than about five hours knows what they look like. Hurdy, Gurdy, Sorbet and Horne will teleport you to various locations in Rabanastre for no charge. Sorbet is also involved in the amusing 'Lost in the Pudding' hunt. First Round 10-1 vs. Anastasis. Tcs: 9

I know moogles are cute and adorable and all that jazz, but Ondore really plays too much of a role in the game for me to let him go out of the rumble just yet.

Moogling Moogles

Good to see you back Ceidwad.

Moogling Moogles

I only like Marquis Ondore because his voice is great. Not enough to beat the lively moogles.

Marquis Ondore

Marquis Ondore

Marquis gets my vote

Marquis Ondore

Good to see you back Ceidwad.

Moogling Moogles

I only like Marquis Ondore because his voice is great. Not enough to beat the lively moogles.



And Ceidwad, thanks. I'll keep in mind, but I probably won't intervene as long as you update at least once a week or so. That's fine.

Don't believe Ondore's lies!
Classic.

Moogling Moogles.

I would never believe Ondore's lies.

Moogling Moogles

I'm kind of torn here, but... Marquis Ondore.

Ondore 7-5 Moogling Moogles

A pretty close battle, but the moogles go home. So long, kupo.

Next:

Drace



Drace works with Gabranth to protect Larsa from Vayne. Her role in the plot is brief but spectacular, as shown by her tragic exit from the plot. First Round: 12-3 vs. Old Dalan. Tcs: 9

vs.

Ba'Gamnan



Ba'Gamnan spends the first part of the game tracking Balthier, with whom he has personal scores to settle. He goes to great lengths to achieve this, as shown during the Lhusu Mines incident. He later appears in another optional quest as part of a mark hunt. First Round: 8-7 vs. Migelo. Tcs: 1

Drace. I already voted against Ba'Gamnan in the first round, and that was against Migelo. Against Drace he just loses big time.

Drace

Drace. No doubt about it.

I have to go with Drace this time. And poor Moogles, they should have won the whole thing in my opinion.

Drace

Ba'Gamnan. Drace is a nobody.

Drace

Drace. May be something of a nobody, but that's better than Ba'Gamnan, who's mainly just annoying.

Drace

Drace it is for me.

Ba'Gamnan due to my loathing towards Drace...

Drace is cool and clean and pretty and powerful-Judge-Magister-class.

Fighting a losing battle, but I did really enjoy the Ba'Gamnan hunt.

Drace

Drace 11-3 Ba'Gamnan

Ba'Gamnan got a few votes, but not enough to save his bacon. Drace goes on to the quarter finals.

Next up, battle of two Viera:

Mjrn

http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/finalfantasy/images/thumb/f/f4/Mjrn.JPG/180px-Mjrn.JPG

One of Fran's sisters, Mjrn has the same desire to leave Eruyt Village and take part in outside affairs that Fran had when she left. Your party learns she has left the village as you pass through, and later encounters her in Henne Mines. First Round: 10-5 vs. Jules. Tcs: 5

vs.

Ktjn



Ktjn is a Viera who moves to Rabanastre near the start of the game. You can talk to her at various intervals during the game; your answers can affect the outcome of events in her life. First Round: 6-4 vs. Pirate Olympians. Tcs: 2

Mjrn

Mjrn

Ooh, the battle of the vieras.

Mjrn I suppose, because Ktjn's sidequest like most was kind of a lame idea and like most mini sidequests, every possible reward for it I already had by the time it was available, even the best one.

Mjrn

Mjrn

Ktjn, although I don't see much of a chance of her going through.

Ktjn because she gave me equippment and not a headache from having to back track through Golmore Jungle, across Ozmone Plain, and through the fucking Henne Mines just to fight a fucking dragon...pissed me off during my first run-through...

Mjrn

Ktjn

Mjrn. At least you don't need a walkthrough telling you exactly what to say/do for her part in the story.

Hmm, Mjrn by a nose.

Mjrn

Mjrn 9-3 Ktjn

Ktjn gets a few votes, but I've a feeling this will turn into a landslide if I let it go on.

Final battle of the quarter-finals:

Al-Cid



Part of the Rozarrian nobility, Al-Cid tries with Larsa to broker a peace deal between their Empire and Archadia. He doesn't have a great deal of lines, but from what we see of him it seems safe to assume he is a ladies' man. He even flirts with Ashe briefly when you encounter him in Bur-Omisace. First Round: 11-0 vs. Jovy. Tcs: 11

vs.


War-chief Supinelu



War-Chief of the Garif Village in Jahara. You meet him during your visit there, and can later fight alongside him in the hunt for the Catoblepas down in Zertinan Caverns. First Round: 6-4 vs. Gramis Solidor. Tcs: 2

Al-Cid. Supinelu and the Garif are cool, but not cool enough to win this one.

War-chief Supinelu

Seriously, his ability to arrive in Jahara at the same time as us, even when we went passed him ages before, is pretty great. :p

Supinelu

I liked hunts with a little sidequests or side-stories to them, and they actually did the leading up to the Catoblepas hunt pretty well, it was mentioned breifly every time you go to Jahara and talk to people and different stages of the game where they'd speak differently.

Al-Cid all the way!

Al-Cid

Damn... Supinelu and the Garif are awesome, but Al-Cid... Flipping a coin on this one.

Looks like it's Supinelu.

Supinelu was great, but my vote goes to Al-Cid.

Al-Cid, no question.

War-Chief Supinelu

Both are pretty cool. Looks like it's going to be pretty close, but for me, Al-Cid, to keep him ahead.

Al-Cid

War-chief Supinelu. Probably wouldn't be so contestable without those great masks.

Al-Cid, no question.

Al-Cid 8-5 War-chief Supinelu

A little bit closer than I anticipated, but Al-Cid still goes through. I'll just get everything ready for the semi-finals now, and will update shortly.

Al right, we're all ready to go. First battle of the semi-finals:

Al-Cid



Part of the Rozarrian nobility, Al-Cid tries with Larsa to broker a peace deal between their Empire and Archadia. He doesn't have a great deal of lines, but from what we see of him it seems safe to assume he is a ladies' man. He even flirts with Ashe briefly when you encounter him in Bur-Omisace. First Round: 11-0 vs. Jovy; Quarter-finals: 8-5 vs. War-chief Supinelu. Tcs: 14

vs.

Mjrn

http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/finalfantasy/images/thumb/f/f4/Mjrn.JPG/180px-Mjrn.JPG

One of Fran's sisters, Mjrn has the same desire to leave Eruyt Village and take part in outside affairs that Fran had when she left. Your party learns she has left the village as you pass through, and later encounters her in Henne Mines. First Round: 10-5 vs. Jules; Quarter-finals: 9-3 vs. Ktjn. Tcs: 11

Sticking with Al-Cid again here.

Al-Cid.

Mjrn

Al-Cid

Al-Cid Margrace. Mjrn is boring.

Al-Cid...Mjrn sucks