#judge drace

[tampire]

Zeromus condemns the Judge Magisters

[kazbob]

FFXII Week - Day 1: Favourite Character

Judge Drace

Could it be I am simply enamoured by an older lady knight? Could it be that she has the rawest lines in the series? Who can say...

[megamog]

Part 2 FFXII x Pokemon

Here is a link to the rules I made if it's your first time tuning in. Along with Part 1 which features Judge Ghis and Judge Bergan.

For the most badass lady Judge. I wanted Drace to have a team that was elegant but not a pushover by any means. She has two Pokemon that evolve via high friendship which I also think suits her. She wouldn't see Pokemon as tools but close allies and friends instead.

I will not lie and pretend that making a team for Zargabaath was easy. But I figured that the most normal of the Judges should have some Normal type Pokemon to reflect this. Yet he still has some of the elements I wanted for the rest of the Judges as well.

Let's start with Drace.

Leavanny (Bug/Grass)

This is Drace's first fun choice. Leavanny's design reminded me of Drace's armour they both have a sort of skirt and prominent covered legs and also a high collar.

The 'Nurturing Pokemon' to represent her relationship with Larsa.

In this crossover I associate the Grass type with healing as moves like Leech Seed can restore HP. They are immune to powder moves like Sleep/Poison/etc. With the added bonus of Bug type moves that can accomplish the same thing with Leech Life, among others. In trial mode Drace will restore HP to the other Judges.

Lucario (Fighting/Steel)

First of all, I can see Drace with a dutiful Riolu who she would teach so much to and be very proud when it evolved into a Lucario.

The Steel type as I have mentioned before makes me think of the armour the Judges wear.

Most of all I chose Lucario because when I think of Drace I am reminded of justice. Along with her willingness to see Vayne for who he was and not having blind loyalty to him. Just as Lucario is able to see the aura of all living things, Drace is able to see things as they are. But most of all Lucario's dex entry describes it as 'only those with justice in their hearts can earn its trust', and Drace embodies justice the most out of all the Judges.

Wyrdeer (Normal/Psychic)

Normal subtype because like Bergan, Drace is the second most normal of the Judges. The Psychic type is to represent the spell Shock which does non elemental damage that Drace can use in trial mode.

Wyrdeer also has the ability to 'erect invisible barriers' which are similar to buffs since they're not visible. On the theme of that this Pokemon can learn Agility (for Haste), Reflect (for Protect), and Light Screen (for Shell); all buffs Drace herself uses.

Lastly, Wyrdeer has those lovely black orbs on its antlers which reminded me of the spherical elements on Drace's helmet.

Shiny Haxorus (Dragon)

Shiny Haxorus is black and red, the same colours as the cloak bearing the Archadian symbol the Judges wear. National pride!

Haxorus is not to be underestimated as a powerful dragon, but it is described as 'kind but relentless when defending its territory.' Which I think suits Drace, she is kind but she is not blind and it is certainly not a weakness.

Haxorus is also 'covered in hard armour' just as Drace is.

And considering her name is close to Draco that I felt she needed a dragon of her own.

Yamper (Electric)

This is the second fun choice and admittedly maybe it is the English accent and being a distinguished lady of noble bearing, but I can't shake the idea of her having a corgi.

Type wise it does offer her coverage against other Pokemon and please imagine her with a cute but dignified dog bed in her office for Yamper to sit and sleep on.

The Galar region is inspired by the UK and I feel like with all the English accents that a Pokemon from that region would likely be in Archadia itself.

Rapidash (Fire)

A regal and dignified Pokemon for Drace was a must. I also wanted to give her a Fire type because she is vocal and speaks her mind! "Spare me your lies! I see the serpent coiled before me."

For a few honourable mentions Dragonair, Swanna and Magearna has Drace's look but it's a legendary so a no go.

Now for Zargabaath himself.

Walrein (Ice/Water)

Appearance wise Walrein's tusks reminded me of Zargabaath's helmet.

Zargabaath personality wise is reserved and he strikes me as not being quick to act. He takes time to consider facts and doesn't rush to judgement. A slow but steady Pokemon would be appreciated by him.

Walrein's dex entries describe it as 'having thick blubber that make enemy attacks bounce off of it' much like the protection the Judge's armour provides. It is also mentioned that 'to protect its herd, the leader battles anything that invades its territory' much like the threat of the Rozarria invasion that Zargabaath's fleet was made for.

Shiny Golurk (Ground/Ghost)

Golurk might seem like a strange choice at first but as with Ghis I wanted Zargabaath to have a team member reflect Alexander like his airship. Alexander is described as being an 'ancient weapon imbued with sacred power.' There aren’t many Pokemon that are considered holy (let alone one that isn't a legendary), but Golurk fits the bill. It is called the 'Automation Pokemon' and was made by ancient people.

Golurk is also capable of learning flying moves to soar through the skies just like the airship does. We also have a bonus Ground type for a man who is very well grounded.

Furfrou (Normal)

We have our first fun choice! Furfrou's ears also reminded me of Zargabaath's helmet. Somehow I can picture him with a poodle.

Furfrou's ability Fur Coat halves damage from physical attacks which would certainly be useful and similar to armour. As I mentioned before, for the most normal of the Judges Zargabaath would see the value in Normal types. They have only one weakness.

Furfrou's dex entries also explain that 'historically these Pokemon were the designated guardians of the king'. In many ways is what the Judges do protecting Archadia and House Solidor.

Sirfetch'd (Fighting)

In many ways the Judges are knights and a perfect Pokemon to represent this is Sirfetch'd. Knights come in all sorts of forms but Zargabaath is honourable and loyal to his nation as a whole rather than any single leader and a noble. A calm and collected Pokemon is fitting for that.

Sirfetch'd has a dex entry that describes 'the leek is both weapon and food'. That is a pragmatic and practical approach that in my mind works with Zargabaath.

Gumshoos (Normal)

Our second fun choice is another Normal type, you guessed it. Gumshoos name comes from gumshoe, a detective which is also associated with the law as Judges are.

Zargabaath is the oldest of the Judges and Gumshoos has the 'old man pose' with its arms behind its back.

While Gumshoos are not especially successful with their hunting, they 'boast incredible patience' which Zargabaath certainly is the patient type as well.

Magnezone (Electric/Steel)

We have Steel type for the Judges armour. While Magnezone doesn't have any dex entries that identify it as being related with law and justice, any who played the Mystery Dungeon games will know that Magnezone is often related to a sort of police force. Which is not all that different than the Judges involvement in enforcing Archadian law.

Magnezone also is described as using 'radar to monitor its territory. Intruders are quickly disposed of.' We can relate that to the 12th Fleet that Zargabaath leads that is the defence against an invasion from Rozarria.

For honourable mentions we have Zangoose (which was solely for the stripes it has similar to Zargabaath's armour), Skarmory, and Watchog.

Thank you for reading!

[finestfantasyxii]

Art by Ryoma Ito for the Final Fantasy Trading Card Game.

[4th-make-quail]

There's a really good costume analysis of Drace's armour here that you might be interested in! Also worth reading the rest of the ones for the other Judge Magisters, they're really interesting

{out of dalmasca} Can we just please talk about Judge Drace's set of armor in FFXII for a second? Because... um...

She... she has a skirt. Made of metal. Why have I never fully noticed this before or given it the proper attention it was due?

It looks to me to be in the shape and style of like a Victorian bustle (worn under the skirt of a dress to give shape) or an overskirt (worn over a skirt for fashion purposes or sometimes for added warmth. In this case, of course, it's just part of the armor, but even so...

They're literally hinged metal plates designed to look like frills or ruffles. She even has matching spaulders? Also made to look frilly? That's... so cool?

Nothing says, "I am a force to be reckoned with who can easily kill you and also I'm going be a fucking lady while I do it," like wearing skirt armor. She's not at all shying away from the fact that she's often the only major female Judge Magister in a room full of enormous, posturing male egos. She's handling her shit and looking good while she does it.

I love this because it smashes that horrible "strong woman" trope in writing whereby, in order to be or seem strong among men, women must become more masculine. Or conversely, that by being strong women, they are somehow less feminine. As if, in order to achieve one, you must give up the other. Nope, Drace is here to say that's total crap, heh. She's such a badass and I love her. I really wish they hadn't killed her in the game. Would've loved to have seen more of her. T_T

[ff12-ultimania]

FF12 wallpaper (1024×768)

from SQUARECN. alternative design here

[moondvncer]

I still can't believe they flexed the fact that Balthier was a judge and we didn't get a single flashback about him wearing one of those cunty armors

[disillusionedjudge]

Truthfully, Gylfie is rather lonely.

She would never admit it, of course - she's too proud to admit such a thing. But... the friends she had grown up with, she lost when she joined the military. Her schedule was strict and rigorous, and she lost touch and they drifted apart. As she clawed her way up, there were few who would even consider her an equal, let alone a friend. She had to fight to prove herself - fight to get even a fraction of respect the men she fought alongside earned with little effort. She became fierce and ruthless, and began to keep distance between herself and those around her to keep control. To keep one step ahead of everyone else. No matter how she presented herself, she knew she would be judged and ridiculed, so she stopped caring about what others thought of her. Of how she appeared to be.

She had yearned for her father's affections and pride, and it took her nearly losing her life to realize she would never even earn a moment's attention from him. She had befriended Ffamran, and his disappearance felt like a personal slight. Even though she still holds a level of respect and gratitude for him after he took her mother and sister out of Archades, and now understands his reasoning for leaving, she feels she has changed too much to try and rekindle that friendship. She still loves her mother and sister, but since they left, she has made little effort to keep in touch. She feels they would be disappointed and disgusted with her for everything she has done, and fails to see that they still love her. She grew close with Drace and Gabranth, yet... even with them, she held them at a distance, even if unintentionally, to protect herself from further hurt. And still, their deaths broke a part of her.

Her loneliness is suffocating, but... it's a burden she has no choice but to bear if she wants to see Archadia thrive. If she wants to keep her vow to keep Larsa safe.

[lightinxthedark]

@tarnishedxknight - continued from here

Indala's throat tightened as Gabranth called her my lady, and a part of her wondered if they would forever be doomed to such distance. He was only returning her respective formalities, she knew, but it still left a hollow pit in her chest. A sorrow she desperately wanted to heal. A yearning she prayed would not burn her. Was it wrong for her to want a familial relationship with him now, after all those years? Was it wrong for her to dig up a past that belonged more to him?

"Thank you." She went to follow, but paused as the way he clasped his hands behind his back caught her eye. She walked like that. It was a habit she had picked up from someone, she knew, but she'd forgotten that it had been...

Her heart pounded, and Indala forced herself to keep her hands at her sides as she pulled herself together and moved to walk alongside him. She began to walk that way because she was mimicking him, not in a way to make fun of him, but because she... she had once wanted to be like him. To hold such command with a collected presence. She became something of the sort, she figured, though now she felt like a young girl again, trailing after him in admiration and awe, more comfortable with him than she had been with Gramis. It all made sense now as to why, but she found her courage fleeting, and she clung to it as tightly as she could before it could disappear completely.

"Nothing is wrong," she replied, though a part of her wondered how true that was. "I merely wish to discuss--" She paused. She could feel herself slipping into a more distant persona, one she took as a Senator to keep herself calm while rallying for or against some decision or ruling, and she didn't want that. This was personal, and she wanted to be candid with him. She swallowed hard, but couldn't bring herself to look at him. "I... want to talk about something personal. Specifically the... The letter, you left Larsa and I." Did he know what she was referring to? What if he was from a point in time before he had written it? She took a slow breath. "If that's alright." There was very little she was willing to give up control over, but this was something she was not going to push for if he wasn't ready.

Indala smiled politely as Drace opened the door to her quarters, her face, too, a sight for sore eyes as her throat tightened once more. Oh, how she had missed her, and how she... had been haunted by her. Drace had been another she had always admired, someone who had been kind to her like Gabranth had been. And how her death had devastated her.

"Only with your permission," Indala agreed, and felt a quiet pang of relief when Drace agreed. She followed her inside, allowing Gabranth to come in after, and did her best to ignore the way her heart continued to race uncomfortably in her chest. "Thank you, Judge Drace. And if there is enough to share, I wouldn't mind a cup." Was coffee good for her nerves? No, not necessarily, but... it would be nice.

With a slow breath, she moved toward the small table in Drace's kitchenette, clasping her hands behind her back without realising, and stood beside it. A part of her wanted to sit down, yet another part of her was reluctant to make herself too comfortable, in case it became clear it would be best for her to leave. By the gods, how was she supposed to go about this? This was far more complicated than any of her hearings, and she felt out of place without a sense of control. She didn't want to be cruel about this, or treat it as another session, but she... didn't want to beat around the bush, either.

"I apologize for my bluntness, but I know not how to broach this." Indala closed her eyes for a moment. "What you said in the letter you left us," she said at last, her voice soft, "is... is it true? That you... that you are my father?"

[mswlassie]

For FFXII Week 2024

Summary:

If only Gabranth was not so oblivious to Drace's advances. Still, as a determined and resourceful Judge Magister, she is no stranger to a little manipulative coaxing.

Characters: Drace, Gabranth

Rated: G

No Archive Warnings Apply

Tags: Character Study, One-sided Attraction, Subterfuge

[5judgements]

In honor of Sunday and that other post you have brought back - can you elaborate on each judge's preferences for a partner? What characteristics (gender, physical appearance, personality etc) would make someone attractive to each one of them, if the job wasn't an issue and only their personal tastes were considered?

What a fun prompt 👀

Bergan: He is strictly into human women, considered attractive by most, any who are smaller than him and who he could easily overpower. Everything about this man is related to his ego, so someone that would stroke that ego (both literally and figuratively lol) would have his attention pretty quick. He doesn't like a person who will talk back, or argue with what he wants, he is at the top of the foodchain and will always be eager to prove it.

Drace: She appreciates people who are obviously well kept- gender unimportant (including certain non-humes), if you aren't up on hygiene she likely won't give you a second glance. Drace likes someone with a strong personality, who will stand up for those that they care for or those that cannot fend for themselves, be it verbally or physically. The quickest way to get her attention would be to flirt unabashedly and be able to tolerate her banter.

Ghis: If he was not already married to his work life, he would find interest in human women who are strong on their own, always challenging the world around them and not constantly looking to him for help. someone who very much stands out amongst the crowd would draw his eye readily, as he is often surrounded by the fanciful and wealthy, everyone always looks and sounds and acts the same.

Zargabaath: While he has bedded individuals of varying gender (mostly male leaning), there is no intention of his to seek any sort of relationship with non-humes that extends past friendship. His attention can be caught if he finds someone who is in the same state of mind as himself; constantly trying to do what is right, to stand up against the wrong in the world, and seek out resolution that avoids violence of any degree.

Gabranth: This is a man who doesn't exactly know what he wants in another person, leaning heavily towards enjoying women and their bodies but might be open to experimenting with others (however he is not planning on engaging with any non-hume). Something about a person who is unafraid of what he can do but respects his power and struggle, is enticing, but he is more often than not going to seek out personal relationships because he is too busy engaging with self destructive behavior to try- so any lucky enough to get him out of his armor shouldn't be dissuaded if he simply cleans up and leaves. Persistence keeps his attention.

[stingslikeabee]

ghis has sought her out with some semblance of a plan. not one concocted by his own imagination, of course, but sewn together by his desire and drace's own prowess in this field of knowledge. really without her aid he would be about as useful as a fish on land, flopping around in desperation. but all is well, at the moment, where the magistrate has invited her into his less than humble abode for a quiet night of conversation. rare are the moments as of late where he is able to call the capitol city, home. the magister's days are fairly limited to the skies he patrols well beyond archades' borders. in these moments though, where ghis can simply be, he does readily choose to spend them with her.

'you are stunning,' he compliments immediately, the man starstruck for a moment. this happens often, around melissa.

unscripted asks . always accepting

The inner rooms of the home belonging to one of the judge magisters of Archadia was a precious location for intel. One could find out much about their living conditions, food preferences and even details about a schedule that would be undisclosed otherwise. It was easier to get a trained officer to be unguarded at their own residences and to justify the casual investigation of the place under the excuses of being lost within such imponent surroundings.

The Marquis would have been overjoyed if he knew of such invitations and plans from judge Ghis - but these were never properly communicated back to the Sky City. By the time Melissa was invited to such occasions, the dancer lacked the old enthusiasm to see the man dead or held accountable by the crimes perpetrated by the empire he served. In the most unexpected twists of the fate, the Gods had seen fit to have an undercover agent turning sincere in her pretend act.

The smile when returning the invitation by writing to Ghis' aide, the careful planning into her appearance for the evening (with the right amount of jewelry, perfume and colorful fabric enveloping her body) and even the way her hand pressed into the magistrate's open compliment - none of them were rehearsed or performed with a hidden agenda in mind. At some point, surely, the leader of Bhujerba would send another missive with ciphered wording inquiring about Melissa's advances and success with the judge that had warranted a prolonged stay in imperial lands - but it was not a concern for that evening.

Perhaps, for once, Melissa shared the same lack of regard of her host for the future day - the man had stepped out of his trademark armor and opened his home (and possibly his heart) to the Bhujerban in a fashion that had no connection to his duties as a man of the law. There was no planning for the next morning, just the eagerness to profit from the rare occasion of the two of them being free and in the same city.

Once Melissa was taken further inside, the attentive servant who had been in charge of closing the doors disappeared. The first drawing room to where the dancer was steered to was very much Archadian - overflowing with the opulence and material comforts expected of someone of his station and family background. And yet, Ghis had eyes only for her, uncaring for the appearances presented. His home was often empty and impersonal - Melissa was being granted an unique chance not only to see it, but to find its owner there too, dressed as a man rather than a tool of the Empire.

"It pleases me to hear that, Jarvis," the Bhujerban mentioned in a low, intimate tone once she was lead to a comfortable couch. It lacked the exuberant covers of these at her home, but it offered more than enough room for Ghis to take a seat close to her, perhaps closer than the proper etiquette would mandate. Right hand raising to touch his face tenderly, Melissa allowed herself the boldness of those born closer to the stars in the floating island, smiling at the man before inching closer for a kiss that was as sweet as it was scandalous if the servants returned to that room.

"I dressed for your gaze alone, after all," the dancer murmured upon parting from that brief caress over the judge's lips, however lingering within his personal space, "And while I would be delighted to hear about your travels and everything that is novel about our vast world, I would also be more than happy to let you take my outfit apart. I have cleared my morning schedule following your invitation - I hope you have no intentions of seeing me leave until well after sunrise."

[megamog]

I have finished Ghis’ team and am choosing between two Pokemon for Bergan’s last slot and his will also be done. I have to finish Zargabaath and Drace. Then the majority of the Judges will be done!

[valentinesparda]

also I updated effie's (FFXII) design!! they resemble their sister (judge drace) more now

[ they/them pronouns only ]

[tarnishedxknight]

{out of dalmasca} I may not get to anything until Thurs but... just throwing this out there... in honor of Father's Day, if anybody wants to ask/tell any of my muses' dads anything, go right ahead. No limits, go nuts, heh. Nice things, accusatory things, whatever you want. The list of available dads is as follows:

Ashelia & Caelen = King Raminas of Dalmasca

Eswynn = The King of Nabradia (he was never given a name, heh)

Basch & Noah = Lord Sarven Ronsenburg

Drace = The previous Judge Magister Drace heh (I still have to give him a name but go for it anyway haha)

Soryn = (I never thought of a name for him either, haha, but he was a Dalmascan knight before Soryn, so another Ser Vedrai)

[lives-in-a-harpsichord]

I wish we could've fought all the judge magisters in ffxii

Drace's weapon looks insane and I would've liked to be bonked in the head with it. Zargabaath could've delivered such a thorough spanking with his. Mother I crave violence but like towards myself