The long-awaited Magic: The Gathering — FINAL FANTASY set will soon release on June 13! In anticipation of this exciting event, we're introducing some of the cards in the set – sixteen articles for sixteen mainline games in the series!
The elements we showcase here range from iconic characters to defining moments—aspects that encompass the essence of the FINAL FANTASY franchise.
For our thirteenth showcase, we’d like to show you three cards from FINAL FANTASY XIII.
First up are “Fang, Fearless l’Cie” and “Vanille, Cheerful l’Cie!”
In the world of FFXIII, there exist god-like beings known as the fal’Cie; those who are chosen by these beings to carry out their will are known as l’Cie.
The main characters are all l’Cie, with each of them having their own personal divine decree, but are brought together in their journey to fight against their determined fate. The two introduced here, Fang and Vanille, are also burdened by the weight of their destiny.
Our third card today is “Sazh’s Chocobo.” Sazh is another member of the main cast of FFXIII, and he travels with an adorable chocobo—a well-loved bird-like creature that is a mainstay of the FINAL FANTASY franchise. This cute chick’s small stature and fluffy appearance bring levity in difficult times.
Today’s showcase introduced the enigmatic l’Cie, whose cards feature mechanics that hint at their destinies and secrets. We also introduced a mascot-like companion who reminds them there is more to their existence than the decrees of the fal’Cie. We welcome you to delve into the world of FFXIII—learn more about the l’Cie and how they stand against fate together!
We’ve received some additional comments on them from Magic: The Gathering’s very own Principle Narrative Game Designer: Dillon Deveney!
Vanille, Cheerful l’Cie / Fang, Fearless l’Cie
Another iconic paring! Fang and Vanille have such a strong relationship in FINAL FANTASY XIII that we knew their cards had to relate to each other in some big way! The art depicts both fighting in the same battle, and we see two perspectives of that one fight - you can see Fang is in the background of Vanille's art and vice versa! They would do anything for each other, and we wanted to ensure we preserved their connection in the set.
Sazh’s Chocobo
How cute! Of course, we needed to see a wide variety of chocobos, which means we had to see a chocobo chick! Sazh's chocobo is a big part of Sazh's story and a great metaphor for the relationship he has with his son. This cute little mascot endures all the same trials Sazh does and keeps FINAL FANTASY XIII's whimsy alive in the game's darkest hours. We made many cool cards in this set, but it was important to us that we also make cute ones too! This card's flavor text also comes directly from FINAL FANTASY XIII; the reason why Sazh has yet to name the chocobo was always very funny to me, so it was great we were able to put it on the card.
Magic: The Gathering — FINAL FANTASY will be available for purchase on June 13. Until then, why not come (re-)familiarize yourself with the world of FINAL FANTASY? If you simply can’t wait, be among the first to play with the collaboration cards via prerelease at authorized retailers come Friday, June 6!
FINAL FANTASY XIII
Long ago, powerful, mechanical beings called the fal'Cie created the floating world of Cocoon, a utopia in which humans thrived and prospered under their rule. When fal'Cie from Gran Pulse, the feared lowerworld, are discovered in their midst, the Sanctum government of Cocoon orders a Purge to banish anyone associated with them. As former Guardian Corps soldier Lightning and her allies stand up against the government, they encounter the dreaded Pulse fal'Cie and are branded l'Cie―tools of the fal'Cie.
According to legend, should a l'Cie fail to fulfil their duty, otherwise known as their Focus, they turn into a Cie'th, a creature damned to wander the world unliving and undying. Should they succeed, they're rewarded eternal life in a crystal stasis. As Pulse l'Cie, the heroes carry a heavy burden, but they continue to embrace hope―hope for themselves and the future of Cocoon, and hope that miracles do come true.
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