Theme:FFAC-1 The Enemy

OVERVIEW

The nature of Chaos is incredibly controversial in modern Galianda. All ancient texts have spoken of Chaos in some manner, but many modern, less religious people have come to doubt the existence of Chaos as an active force, assigning any of innumerable ideas and theories to replace it. How could such a cohesive, malignant entity exist? Where could the proof be other than the shrieking desperate outcasts of society and the occasional horrifying creatures that are destroyed by the Judges?

And yet even those who fight it actively do not speak of Chaos by name. They call it the Enemy, the Nightmare, the Other, the Void. Though many reject the idea of its existence, the name still evokes a sort of primal fear in Galiandans, and use of the actual name of the Enemy is considered the worst possible vulgarity. Even when swearing, Galiandans usually avoid this.

It's even worse than Barbara Streisand.

THE NATURE OF CHAOS

Chaos has no direct physical representation in Galianda in its current state. It is a force that seeks to unravel the patterns that make up the world and set them to spiral into glorious, untamed patterns of unhinged creation and destruction. Chaos defies and attempts to break down patterns by its very nature, and the highly Patterned world of Galianda is a threat to it, having been constructed by the Divines in order to contain it, presumably forever.

Despite the denials, Chaos is a fact carved onto the fabric of the world, and despite its timeless incarceration, the spirit of Chaos still has an influence in the world of Galianda, seeking out those who are desperate, insane, or flush with greed and poisonous desire. Those who heed the words that murmur in their ear when they're alone in the dark are given the opportunity and power to pursue those desires beyond even their wildest dreams...for a price.

It might start with a minor boon, but more often than not the recipient becomes terrifyingly subservient to those desires. And through those desires, Chaos takes its due, spreading disharmony, destroying Patterns, and manipulating others to its arcane ends. To an observer, the impetus acts without rhyme or reason, driving those who follow it to engage in wild destruction one day, or have someone simply leave an innocuous object in a specific place and time the next with unpredictable results.

Either way, eventually Chaos comes to own the adherent body and soul, transforming them into a tool of Chaos' will.

THE THREAT OF CHAOS

The creation and nature of Chaos worship is as unpredictable as the force itself. More often than not, Chaos cultists take the form of disparate cells whom meet in secret and engage in their rituals. These cells do not communicate, but sometimes they work together without even knowing they are doing so, making them exceedingly difficult to link to one another. A trademark weapon of Chaos cultist terrorism is known as the 'Rasp Bomb', a makeshift single-use weapon designed to be primed with the wielder's entire MP pool and hurled towards a target. The ensuing detonation disrupts Patterns in the environment, destroying MP. The use of one might cripple a defensive squad, while several in proximity have been known to cause severe abrogation of Galiandan physics for a time until the local MP has had time to replenish. Naturally, the possession or use of such a weapon in civilized society is illegal and punished harshly.

But just as known as the cultists of Chaos are the twisted creatures who are known to be touched by Chaos, or serve it in some manner. Universally, these creatures shatter Patterns wherever they go, loosing Magic Particles into the environment or consuming them ravenously in order to fuel their dark powers. The weakest of these are specific types of Undead, but Chaos-tainted creatures can be found across Galianda, feeding and destroying as their hungry, twisted natures dictate. Heavily corrupted Chaos cultists may, under extreme duress, sacrifice their lives in order to transform themselves into one of these Undead, gaining power and immortality in exchange for their mortal forms and souls. The process is permanent and has always been said to shatter the cultist's mind.

While not all Undead are of Chaos, these types are the most well known. Legends speak of other servants as well, twisted beasts and ancient demons who prey upon the weak and sow discord in their wake. Some of these become the focal points of cults, attempting to bring them into the world and sustain their endless hungers.

FORCES AGAINST CHAOS

The threat of Chaos is innately understood and taught to all Galiandans throughout their lives. While the Humes of Galianda may have assisted in the battle against Chaos in the forgotten ages of the past, modern Humes are not expected to train and fight to the same degree. There are, however, many smaller organizations that hunt such beings when they appear. The most commonly seen in modern times are the Dragoons, the timeless servants of the Dragons, who wield the powers of Bahamut's children to hunt down the forces of Chaos and defend the world from its influence. Others include the Judges of the al Cid Family, who first among the Oaths they swear to follow is to strike down the forces of Chaos wherever they might arise. Under Ramuhan Law they are jury and executioner in addition to their main purpose, and few envy them or are foolish enough to stand in their way.

Bounties are standard fare for rooting out Chaos cultists or destroying Chaos-related entities, and highly-trained paramilitary groups make such things a profitable sideline when they can be found.