Theory on Summons/Espers/Relics/Aeons/Eidolons

**Tidus613** · 07-03-2013, 01:18 AM

Seeins as my Phoenix Down thread was interesting, I am going to give my theory on the wonderful and amazing allied monsters with cool intros.

First let me start with Summons.....

I theorize that a summon is triggered by one of a few things or a combo of them. First is a chant similar to a spell. Second is a dance which would call upon the creature. Third an inner power released by the will of the summoner. Four a mental trigger link to the beast. Example, Cloud calling to Bahamut in FF7 (any Bahamut form will do Neo/Zero/regular)

Next I would like to give my theory on Espers......

The creatures called upon in FF6 are referred to as Espers. I figure the Esper is actually a part of the soul of the person that releases them. They are usually found through a magic item, in the case of FF6 magicite. I would assume that the user is born with this power and it lies dormant until the user figures out they have this gift. OR that it is released during a time of extreme distress, danger, sorrow, sadness or any emotion that heavily impacts the person. Example: Terra calling upon Shiva or Ramuh in FF6.

Third is more of a supplement to the Espers, but they are wearable....Relics.

Relics in the form of armor, attire, even an item (ex: Moon Stone, Ancient Tablet). A relic is something that holds the ancient creature within it. Relics wait to be found and used, I would assume that they most likely will not just answer to any person who stumbles upon it. One would need to harness the power of the relic, most likely through a proving trial or something to that effect. I cant give an example because this is just a supplement.

Fourth is the Aeon.

Aeons made famous in FFX. Only Yuna (in your party) can call upon these majestic personal bodyguards. Aeons are embedded in the summoner and must be learned. Similar to a summon there may be a chant or a dance/movement involved in calling upon them. Aeons are 100% truly loyal to the summoner because they are in part an extension of the person. Example is Yuna calling Valefor, when he comes to her side she pets his head and caresses his face lovingly because he is part of her.

Finally my 5th theory is the Eidolon

See FF13, FF9, FF4. Eidolons have to be learned through some HIGHLY personal trial to the chosen user. According to FF13 which is what I am basing this theory on, Eidolons are specific to the person. Example, Hope overcoming Alexander and being able to call upon the monstrous flying cannon fortress.

Ok its 4:18AM EST, im tired. Opinions on my theorys please.

**Alpha** · 07-03-2013, 01:37 AM

'Summons' are discrete sections of computer code, stored as functions that can be executed when the conditions for their execution are met by user input. Ultimately they are stored as binary digits. Methods for such functions include the playing of an associated audio media file, and the seamless display of a short or extended visualisation. In rare cases, this visualisation is somewhat random, in that a user cannot control which 'move' a 'summon' executes in the battle environment.

Most often a user executes a 'summon' script to deplete the 'hit points' of rival entities, as is generally the object of the battle environment. Damage is determined programmatically, with the most basic formula being a multiplication based on the 'magic' statistic of the summoning character's current status, interacted with a small random element. On the other side, the magic defence of the opposition entity enters the equation on the negative side of the ledger. Final damage is therefore, in this basic case: ([damage parameter] x [user magic stat] x [randomisation]) - [enemy magic defence stat]

Sometimes, during the execution of the 'summon' function, additional opportunities for user input exist. A good example is in the 1999 smash title, Final Fantasy VIII. If a user has unlocked the 'boost' skill for their 'Guardian Force' (summon), they can hold the Select key and tap the Square button when prompted. But beware! In this game, pressing Square at inappropriate moments can cause an additional damage parameter counter to reset, negating the user's effort!

Man I'm no fun.

**Tidus613** · 07-03-2013, 03:12 AM

LOL, in the game design element that is 100% accurate. But damn youre a buzzkill at 440am

~ AUTO-MERGED POSTS ~

I would also like to add a poll to this topic.

WHICH WAY WOULD YOU PREFER TO HAVE YOUR GUARDIANS? AS A SUMMON/ESPER/RELIC/AEON/EIDOLON? And give a specific reason why.

I would choose to have an Eidolon. The reason being is that they are an extension and a reflection of the person. It would be truly interesting to see what Eidolon is paired to my soul. Personally I think I would have one along the lines of Ramuh, because electricity is dynamic and I have a dynamic and unpredictable personality in real life. On the other hand I would say Kjata is a possibility, because im stubborn as is the bull. Ramuh or Kjata would be my Eidolon. I feel that they are the best reflections of my personality and who I am.

**Zargabaath** · 07-03-2013, 10:48 AM

If Alpha killed your buzz, then let me lay the chalk down.

Summons are more like Roys coming out of Grant's Ear due to the character gallomphing.

Now to other part of this jank.

Quickly perusing through your "Phoenix Down" thread I have an idea of the nature of such threads. The summoned form of an Esper lies in their magicite. In FF VI Ramuh (?) tells the party that the only way to truly gain the power of an Esper is through their magicite. The form they take after passing on to the next dimension. It does not merge with any soul. It resides in the magicite for that is the source. And where exactly did you get that: people are born with a dormant power to use magicite? Anybody can use magicite. The only characters magically inclined in FF VI were Terra, Celes, Strago, Relm, & I'll have to include Gau for his blue magic ability. The other characters were ordinary Gerads.

Ramuh noticed Terra's power b/c she is part esper; Ramuh and espers are separate entities. They are a distinct race. Not some spiritual beings.

Espers in FF XII were creatures, servants of the gods (Occuria) who revolted against their masters. Lost and were sealed in stones (FF XII: RW calls it Auricite but I don't know how much I would link that to FF XII). Now since Espers are linked to the character you assign them to it would make sense in FF XII that the power to summon an Esper lies within the being. You get to see some more of Grant's Ear when they're gallomphing.

What in Yevon. Aeons are not embedded in the person till they go to the temple, pray, & are granted the power from that temple's fayth. Anybody can become a summoner in FF X. Just certain people choose to take the journey because of how arduous the path is & the whole dying thing at the end. Lulu could have became a summoner for example. It is not some bloodline or unique gift that Spirans are born with. I would not go so far as to say they are an extension of the summoner; I'll go back to the part that is the fayth residing in them. Yuna & other summoners see them as friends; allies on their quest.

As for Eidolons. Don't base a theory when you are basing said theory after only playing through 1 of the 2 1/2 games where they are used. I say 2 1/2 because initially they were called summons in FF IV. It wasn't until the DS version where they switched the name up. I don't know if they kept it for the PSP collection (if someone could spot that). Eidolons in FF XIII are sent, by Etro, to the l'cie as a means to restore their faith in themselves. It has been a while since I played the game so I could be a bit off with that. Now initially it said that Eidolon show up to end a l'cie's life who had lost hope.

Eidolons in FF IX are magical beasts that are connected through a bloodline. Meaning finally, you can say, it is born within a select group of people - from Madain Sari.

**Tidus613** · 07-03-2013, 11:04 AM

I get where youre coming from. But the point is not to connect the dots of the games its to break down the concept into its most basic logical essence. And BTW u got way too much time on ur hands to actually correct me. And to clarify the magicite thing, Terra was actually naturally magically talented. thats how i look at it. its logic

**Ryu-Kentoshii Hirokima** · 07-03-2013, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by Tidus613

Seeins as my Phoenix Down thread was interesting, I am going to give my theory on the wonderful and amazing allied monsters with cool intros.

Next I would like to give my theory on Espers......

The creatures called upon in FF6 are referred to as Espers. I figure the Esper is actually a part of the soul of the person that releases them. They are usually found through a magic item, in the case of FF6 magicite. I would assume that the user is born with this power and it lies dormant until the user figures out they have this gift. OR that it is released during a time of extreme distress, danger, sorrow, sadness or any emotion that heavily impacts the person. Example: Terra calling upon Shiva or Ramuh in FF6.

Espers are also in FFXII just so you know ^_^

Anyway, it would be awesome to have my own personal Summon like an Eidolon, but I would love to just be able to call down different types of creatures as well, whether to help me in a difficult situation, or to just hang out with. I too wonder what my Eidolon would be like...Hmmm, kinda wishing there was a program that could make one up for you based on what you look like and your personality traits(Quiz or Brain Scan).

**RamesesII** · 07-03-2013, 06:55 PM

What an interesting thread.

My opinion is solely based on the story line of 7 as that was the first FF I played, let me quote a few things.

'Materia is crystallized Mako. Metaphysically, Materia calls upon the wisdom of the Lifestream in order to manipulate nature itself.'

"Materia" is a Latin term meaning "matter" or "substance"

Taking these into to account this magic is the substance of the very essence or 'Lifestream' of the planet itself, therefore one is to assume that the summon materia is the very elemental essence of the planet itself that can be called upon in time if need.
I would also come to assume that in continuing FF games that espers, summons etc would be and are manifestations or 'substance' of the particular planet that the FF story happens to originate on, that the populace or individuals have learned to harness or control in different ways.

**loaf** · 07-03-2013, 07:21 PM

He doesn't have to much time on his hands. You're lucky T.G. Oskar didn't post in here. He just played the games and actually payed attention.

The only 2 Final Fantasies that go along with your theories is FFVIII and FFIX.

**Zargabaath** · 07-03-2013, 11:12 PM

Originally Posted by Tidus613

I get where youre coming from. But the point is not to connect the dots of the games its to break down the concept into its most basic logical essence. And BTW u got way too much time on ur hands to actually correct me. And to clarify the magicite thing, Terra was actually naturally magically talented. thats how i look at it. its logic

Hence why I said Terra is part esper. She is naturally inclined b/c espers can use magic. But that does not mean she can summon w/o magicite. Magicite is the necessary mechanism.