Friendship in Final Fantasy XVI: Ranking Clive’s Various Valisthea Connections
Although Final Fantasy XVI is ultimately one brooding protagonist’s tale of the struggle between family and freedom, it also happens to possess a number of excellent side characters whose stories and mannerisms are charming additions to an already incredible game. Though there are dozens of NPCs that the player interacts with throughout Valisthea, there are a handful that you as Clive are blessed enough to visit and engage with multiple times throughout broad stretches of the game. Each individual is delightful, but - as you’ll see from the list below - some citizens simply shine brighter than others.
WARNING: Spoilers for Final Fantasy XVI - if you haven’t finished the game, tread lightly!
Honorable Mention: Ambrosia
We would be nowhere without our faithful Chocobo. Reuniting with Ambrosia after so many years apart was one of the sweetest moments of the whole game, and was a positive connection to his former life that Clive DESPERATELY needed.
5. Quinten
Was Quinten’s backstory good? Sure. Did I appreciate his bitter desire for vengeance that nearly destroyed him and the Bearers under his protection? Of course. But beyond that, it was difficult for me to connect with his dry, respectable nature. Quinten isn’t a bad character, to be sure, but I certainly was never in a hurry to return to Lostwing to check in on him.
4. Martha
Martha’s Rest was one of my favorite locations to return to throughout the game. Martha herself, gruff yet kind and fiercely loyal to House Rosfield, warmed my heart every time I had the opportunity to interact with her. As the only person on this list from Rosaria, I felt pleased knowing that she was working to ease the pain and suffering of Bearers in my home nation. Her story didn’t pull at my heartstrings as intensely as others on this list, but watching her take charge of the town amidst the Akashic attacks, and later support Sir Wade in his endeavors was a heartwarming experience all on its own.
3. Eloise and Theodore
Though we met this sibling duo much later in the game than the others, the shortened time together did little to limit the emotional impact they left on me. From their childhood, all they ever wanted to do was protect each other, and this evolved to supporting as many Bearers as they could through their transport business. I’ll admit, I shed MANY tears when I reached the end of their side quest (Trading Places II) - the parallels between their familial love for each other and that of Clive and Joshua were paramount, and as an older sister with my own younger brother the emotions hit DEEP.
2. L’ubor
I’ve said this probably a dozen times at this point:
L’ubor. Deserved. Better.
I never thought I could truly love a man, and then L’ubor came around. Equal parts clever and charismatic, his commitment to supporting the people of Dalimil was not just admirable, but almost implausible. Even when the entire town turned on him after discovering his Bearer status, he chose to stay and defend his home, rather than leaving the truly despicable citizens to suffer alone. Completing his final quest (Lines in the Sand II) was excruciatingly difficult, because I didn’t (and still don’t) believe that the people of Dalimil deserve his support. However, L’ubor’s dedication to his home and its inhabitants is part of what makes him so great.
1. Isabelle
The moment I interacted with Isabelle for the first time, I knew I had found my favorite character. This woman is the definition of cool, calm, and collected. She’s the owner of a brothel, a profession that many might look down on, yet she has the entire town wrapped around her finger. Her influence is boundless: A Bearer walking freely about the town? He’s got Isabelle’s seal; show him some respect. Soldiers aren’t completing their duties properly? Tell Isabelle and she’ll ban them from The Veil; that’ll fix their behavior right up. A snooty duke has taken up residence in Northreach? It doesn’t matter; Isabelle’s word is more important than his.
Isabelle serves as a mother to the various courtesans working for her, and a voice of reason and strength for the town at large. The captain of the guard literally quit his job because he believed in her vision for Northreach more than anything else. No matter what trials come her way, Isabelle is prepared to use both her brains and her beauty to find a solution that is suitable for all. I looked forward to every opportunity I had to visit Northreach, just so I could see my favorite fearsome female once more.
The Power of a Good NPC
The world of Final Fantasy XVI is beautiful, but what truly brings it to life are the various characters, like those listed above, with whom Clive interacts on his travels. Through their stories I learned so much more about the various cultures and histories contained within Valisthea. Bravo to this beautiful game - I can’t wait to go back for New Game+ to play it all over again!
