Post by Marluxia on Mar 17, 2008 6:44:25 GMT -5
Balamb Island[/u][/i]
A temperate island between the two major continents, Balamb Island lends its name to both the Garden and the small town located on it.
Balamb Garden
A military academy at which SeeDs are trained. Balamb Garden is the second largest of the three Gardens (Galbadia, Balamb, and Trabia). Balamb Garden was founded by Cid Kramer, who became its headmaster, using funds donated from the Garden Master, a Shumi named NORG. Characters Squall Leonhart, Zell Dincht, Seifer Almasy, Quistis Trepe, and Selphie Tilmitt all attended this military academy, the last being a transfer student from Trabia Garden. The hidden secret of the facility is its construction as a Centran mobile fortress, capable of hovering at low altitudes and move freely over lowlands and the ocean.
Balamb Town
A small town on the southern coast of the island, not far from the Garden itself. Being a humid town on the coast, it is not surprising why residents must re-paint everything annually. Zell Dincht lived here with his adoptive parents. Trains travel between Balamb Town and Dollet, through the use of an underground transcontinental railroad underneath the ocean.
Fire Cavern
The site used by Balamb Garden for the final individual evaluation of potential SeeD students, and the resting place of the fire-elemental Guardian Force Ifrit who must be beaten in combat. In the introductory sequence, it is just outside this cavern where rivals Squall and Seifer are seen fighting and receive the scars on their faces.
Western Continent[/u][/i]
Occupying a large area of the upper western hemisphere, this continent has seen the rise and fall of the Dollet Empire and the establishment of the dominant Republic of Galbadia.
Dollet Dukedom
A coastal town on the northern arm of the continent, the last remnants of the empire founded by the Centrans who migrated west after the destruction of Centra. Dollet was formerly the capital of the continent until Galbadia rose to power. Squall Leonhart, Seifer Almasy, Zell Dincht, and Selphie Tilmitt are taken here for their final SeeD examination: a live combat situation in which they are tasked to perform flush-and-hold operations while experienced SeeDs fight off an invasion from the Galbadian military. On a side note, the streets of Dollet resemble those of Venice.
Timber
A coastal town near the eastern edge of the continent. It was formerly an independent state, until it was invaded and occupied by Galbadia eighteen years prior to the start of the game. Many of the town's residents still oppose the occupation in the present day, and have formed various resistance groups. Rinoa Heartilly is a member of one of these resistance groups, the Forest Owls. However, throughout the game, Timber's independence is not realized nor is it known when it will be. The town's most noteworthy feature is its TV station, which retains it's radio broadcasting systems in spite of radio communication being impossible (a result of global noise interference beginning with Esthar's silence following the Sorceress War). It is here that President Vinzer Deling of the Republic of Galbadia first announces his nation's alliance with Sorceress Edea.
Galbadia Garden
The largest Garden, located near the centre of the continental landmass. Originally operated by a man named Martine, Sorceress Edea chose Galbadia Garden as her base of operations when she took power over the Galbadian Military forces. Galbadia Garden has the same flight capability as Balamb Garden. Galbadia Garden can only be visited by Squall's party during two events in the game: when it is a building and still under the Garden scheme's control, and again when it is an airship and under the control of Edea. The final major playable character, Irvine Kinneas, joins the party from Galbadia Garden at the end of the first visit. After Edea withdrew from power, and Sorceress Ultimecia had Seifer take control, the Garden seemingly disappears from existence, nowhere to be found on the map and with the only trace being the crater left over by the former edifice state of the Garden.
Deling City
Capital of the Republic of Galbadia and named after President Vinzer Deling. Deling City is the largest and most technologically advanced population center outside of Esthar, and is always experiencing nighttime (at least during the game). The city has a relaxed, slightly decadent atmosphere, with several examples of architectural beauty. One of these is the triumphal arch at Deling Plaza, located at the centre of the city, the scene of the failed assassination attempt on Sorceress Edea. Given the events that transpire here, it is possible that the city and plaza are named after Dealey Plaza, the site of the infamous assassination of American president John F. Kennedy.
Tomb of the Unknown King
The tomb of the Dollet Empire's final king. Because it is considered bad luck to call a dead king by his name, it remains nameless, and therefore unknown. Located northeast of Deling City, the tomb can optionally be explored (requiring the solution of the Tomb's topographical puzzle) to gain an additional Guardian Force, the earth-elemental Brothers.
D-District Prison
This remote, underground prison, located in the Dingo Desert, is run by Galbadian President Vinzer Deling as a holding area for political opponents and insurgents. The prison structure can be raised above ground—thus placing its single point of escape high in the air—when security alerts occur.
Galbadia Missile Base
The launch site of Galbadia's intercontinental missile capability. Near the beginning of disc two, Sorceress Edea launches an attack on Balamb and Trabia Gardens from this facility in retribution for the assassination attempt on her at Deling City. The missiles miss Balamb Garden when it becomes mobile, but unfortunately Trabia Garden is hit and destroyed. Following both launches, the base is destroyed when Selphie and her party trigger it's self-destruct system. However, they manage to survive by hiding within the remains of a mobile assault vehicle they destroyed prior to the detonation.
Winhill
A quiet village near the continent's southern tip. Laguna Loire moved here after leaving the Galbadian army, and began a relationship with a local woman who helped him recover from his injuries, Raine. It is greatly hinted, though not explicitly said, that he fathered Squall Leonhart while living here, though events drew him away before the child was born. Raine died during childbirth and is buried in a field of flowers located next to the village. Ellone also lived in Winhill, before being captured by Esthar soldiers.
Eastern Continent[/i][/u]
Occupying most of the eastern hemisphere and encroaching into the northern polar regions, this continent is the largest on the planet. It is divided by a near-impassable mountain range that separates the two regions into Trabia, in the north, and Esthar, to the south.
Trabia Garden
The smallest of the three Gardens, located in the northern polar regions of the eastern continent. Selphie Tilmitt studied at this academy before being transferred to Balamb Garden. It is later partially destroyed by Galbadian missiles.
Great Salt Lake
Once a huge, beautiful lake teeming with life, until scientific experiments by Esthar ruined it and left a barren wasteland. It is home to the undead creature Abadon, assumed to be born of ancient bones deep in the Great Salt Lake after the lake dried up.
Esthar
The capital metropolis of the technologically advanced and isolationist country of the same name. At the end of the first Sorceress War, the people of Esthar withdrew from world affairs. They used their advanced technology to erect an immense dome over the entire city, rendering it completely invisible to the outside. Esthar's technology has also led to the creation of the transportation of very high speeds throughout the city and three levels of roads (including the monster-infested highway at the top). Laguna Loire's world travels eventually led him to Esthar, where events transpired to leave him president of the city-state after the confinement of Sorceress Adel.
Lunatic Pandora Research Facility
Esthar's primary centre of scientific study outside of the city proper. The Crystal Pillar, a mysterious artifact originating from the planet's moon, was recovered and moved here, leading to the creation of Lunatic Pandora.
Lunar Gate
The base of Esthar's space programme. The Lunar Gate is essentially a spaceport, with a catapult-like launch assist system for surface-to-orbital vessels.
Tear's Point
A peculiar construction found near the southeastern extent of Esthar's territory on the eastern continent, which appears to share some connection with Lunatic Pandora. The Galbadian military moves Pandora in conjunction with the Tear's Point device, thus triggering a Lunar Cry.
Lunatic Pandora
A giant enclosure and transport vehicle, 1.5 miles wide and 3 miles high, constructed by Esthar to hold the Crystal Pillar. During a preceding Lunar Cry event, this artifact fell to the planet's surface, destroying the Centra civilisation in the process. It was recovered and moved to Esthar's Research Facility for study, during which time the Lunatic Pandora shell was built around it. After the studies were abandoned and the artifact thrown deep into the sea, Pandora was re-excavated by the Galbadia military, led by Seifer Almasy, and used as a mobile attack platform. The name most likely refers to Pandora's Box (in mythology, the source of all evil); Lunatic in this case would mean 'of or from the moon'.
Sorceress Memorial
A scientific facility used by Laguna Loire to seal Sorceress Adel's power and end of her rule over Esthar. The purpose of this facility is also to seal any more sorceresses who become threats to the world.
Shumi Village
A village located underground in an environmentally-controlled facility. It is located on a small island on the northernmost area of the planet. This island is named Winter Island, and is, at first glance, deserted. The village is inhabited by the Shumi, a people who oddly resemble squids. The Shumi are very technologically advanced, as they have their own "biodome" contained underneath the frigid northern continents. Laguna Loire recovered here after being injured jumping from the cliffs of Centra. This is also the homeplace of the Moombas, the orange cat-like creatures who help Squall Leonhart out during his escape from the D-District Prison in Galbadia.
Chocobo Forest(s)
A forest where the player may encounter chocobos.
Chocobo Sanctuary
A chocobo forest where the player performs other chocobo-related tasks.
Central Archipelago[/u][/i]
Once a landmass in its own right and home to the Centra civilization, this area is the site of a calamatous impact event. During the most recent Lunar Cry, eighty years prior to the game's events, the Crystal Pillar fell from the Moon. It liquified much of the central landmass and threw it out to cool into long, jagged island chains, which radiate from the impact site. The remaining Centrans emigrated both to the eastern and western continents.
Edea's House
A stone house next to a lighthouse, located on the western tip of the southernmost island on the planet. It became an orphanage, founded by Edea Kramer, as a result of the Sorceress War. During its time as an orphanage, it was home to Squall Leonhart, Seifer Almasy, Quistis Trepe, Zell Dincht, Irvine Kinneas, and Selphie Tilmitt until they either were adopted or enrolled at one of the three Gardens. Prior to the game's events, it crumbled into ruins as the years of vacancy passed.
Centra Ruins
The only remaining remnants of the Centra civilization, annihilated during the last Lunar Cry along with the majority of the continental landmass. It is the home of the Guardian Force Tonberry King and the semi-GF Odin.
White SeeD Ship
A sailing ship crewed by a special group of young SeeDs. They are responsible solely for the protection of Ellone, who was moved to the ship in order to keep her from Sorceress Ultimecia. The ship is constantly on the move for hiding places but has developed a liking to hide amongst the jagged, rocky remains of the Centra continent.
A temperate island between the two major continents, Balamb Island lends its name to both the Garden and the small town located on it.
Balamb Garden
A military academy at which SeeDs are trained. Balamb Garden is the second largest of the three Gardens (Galbadia, Balamb, and Trabia). Balamb Garden was founded by Cid Kramer, who became its headmaster, using funds donated from the Garden Master, a Shumi named NORG. Characters Squall Leonhart, Zell Dincht, Seifer Almasy, Quistis Trepe, and Selphie Tilmitt all attended this military academy, the last being a transfer student from Trabia Garden. The hidden secret of the facility is its construction as a Centran mobile fortress, capable of hovering at low altitudes and move freely over lowlands and the ocean.
Balamb Town
A small town on the southern coast of the island, not far from the Garden itself. Being a humid town on the coast, it is not surprising why residents must re-paint everything annually. Zell Dincht lived here with his adoptive parents. Trains travel between Balamb Town and Dollet, through the use of an underground transcontinental railroad underneath the ocean.
Fire Cavern
The site used by Balamb Garden for the final individual evaluation of potential SeeD students, and the resting place of the fire-elemental Guardian Force Ifrit who must be beaten in combat. In the introductory sequence, it is just outside this cavern where rivals Squall and Seifer are seen fighting and receive the scars on their faces.
Western Continent[/u][/i]
Occupying a large area of the upper western hemisphere, this continent has seen the rise and fall of the Dollet Empire and the establishment of the dominant Republic of Galbadia.
Dollet Dukedom
A coastal town on the northern arm of the continent, the last remnants of the empire founded by the Centrans who migrated west after the destruction of Centra. Dollet was formerly the capital of the continent until Galbadia rose to power. Squall Leonhart, Seifer Almasy, Zell Dincht, and Selphie Tilmitt are taken here for their final SeeD examination: a live combat situation in which they are tasked to perform flush-and-hold operations while experienced SeeDs fight off an invasion from the Galbadian military. On a side note, the streets of Dollet resemble those of Venice.
Timber
A coastal town near the eastern edge of the continent. It was formerly an independent state, until it was invaded and occupied by Galbadia eighteen years prior to the start of the game. Many of the town's residents still oppose the occupation in the present day, and have formed various resistance groups. Rinoa Heartilly is a member of one of these resistance groups, the Forest Owls. However, throughout the game, Timber's independence is not realized nor is it known when it will be. The town's most noteworthy feature is its TV station, which retains it's radio broadcasting systems in spite of radio communication being impossible (a result of global noise interference beginning with Esthar's silence following the Sorceress War). It is here that President Vinzer Deling of the Republic of Galbadia first announces his nation's alliance with Sorceress Edea.
Galbadia Garden
The largest Garden, located near the centre of the continental landmass. Originally operated by a man named Martine, Sorceress Edea chose Galbadia Garden as her base of operations when she took power over the Galbadian Military forces. Galbadia Garden has the same flight capability as Balamb Garden. Galbadia Garden can only be visited by Squall's party during two events in the game: when it is a building and still under the Garden scheme's control, and again when it is an airship and under the control of Edea. The final major playable character, Irvine Kinneas, joins the party from Galbadia Garden at the end of the first visit. After Edea withdrew from power, and Sorceress Ultimecia had Seifer take control, the Garden seemingly disappears from existence, nowhere to be found on the map and with the only trace being the crater left over by the former edifice state of the Garden.
Deling City
Capital of the Republic of Galbadia and named after President Vinzer Deling. Deling City is the largest and most technologically advanced population center outside of Esthar, and is always experiencing nighttime (at least during the game). The city has a relaxed, slightly decadent atmosphere, with several examples of architectural beauty. One of these is the triumphal arch at Deling Plaza, located at the centre of the city, the scene of the failed assassination attempt on Sorceress Edea. Given the events that transpire here, it is possible that the city and plaza are named after Dealey Plaza, the site of the infamous assassination of American president John F. Kennedy.
Tomb of the Unknown King
The tomb of the Dollet Empire's final king. Because it is considered bad luck to call a dead king by his name, it remains nameless, and therefore unknown. Located northeast of Deling City, the tomb can optionally be explored (requiring the solution of the Tomb's topographical puzzle) to gain an additional Guardian Force, the earth-elemental Brothers.
D-District Prison
This remote, underground prison, located in the Dingo Desert, is run by Galbadian President Vinzer Deling as a holding area for political opponents and insurgents. The prison structure can be raised above ground—thus placing its single point of escape high in the air—when security alerts occur.
Galbadia Missile Base
The launch site of Galbadia's intercontinental missile capability. Near the beginning of disc two, Sorceress Edea launches an attack on Balamb and Trabia Gardens from this facility in retribution for the assassination attempt on her at Deling City. The missiles miss Balamb Garden when it becomes mobile, but unfortunately Trabia Garden is hit and destroyed. Following both launches, the base is destroyed when Selphie and her party trigger it's self-destruct system. However, they manage to survive by hiding within the remains of a mobile assault vehicle they destroyed prior to the detonation.
Winhill
A quiet village near the continent's southern tip. Laguna Loire moved here after leaving the Galbadian army, and began a relationship with a local woman who helped him recover from his injuries, Raine. It is greatly hinted, though not explicitly said, that he fathered Squall Leonhart while living here, though events drew him away before the child was born. Raine died during childbirth and is buried in a field of flowers located next to the village. Ellone also lived in Winhill, before being captured by Esthar soldiers.
Eastern Continent[/i][/u]
Occupying most of the eastern hemisphere and encroaching into the northern polar regions, this continent is the largest on the planet. It is divided by a near-impassable mountain range that separates the two regions into Trabia, in the north, and Esthar, to the south.
Trabia Garden
The smallest of the three Gardens, located in the northern polar regions of the eastern continent. Selphie Tilmitt studied at this academy before being transferred to Balamb Garden. It is later partially destroyed by Galbadian missiles.
Great Salt Lake
Once a huge, beautiful lake teeming with life, until scientific experiments by Esthar ruined it and left a barren wasteland. It is home to the undead creature Abadon, assumed to be born of ancient bones deep in the Great Salt Lake after the lake dried up.
Esthar
The capital metropolis of the technologically advanced and isolationist country of the same name. At the end of the first Sorceress War, the people of Esthar withdrew from world affairs. They used their advanced technology to erect an immense dome over the entire city, rendering it completely invisible to the outside. Esthar's technology has also led to the creation of the transportation of very high speeds throughout the city and three levels of roads (including the monster-infested highway at the top). Laguna Loire's world travels eventually led him to Esthar, where events transpired to leave him president of the city-state after the confinement of Sorceress Adel.
Lunatic Pandora Research Facility
Esthar's primary centre of scientific study outside of the city proper. The Crystal Pillar, a mysterious artifact originating from the planet's moon, was recovered and moved here, leading to the creation of Lunatic Pandora.
Lunar Gate
The base of Esthar's space programme. The Lunar Gate is essentially a spaceport, with a catapult-like launch assist system for surface-to-orbital vessels.
Tear's Point
A peculiar construction found near the southeastern extent of Esthar's territory on the eastern continent, which appears to share some connection with Lunatic Pandora. The Galbadian military moves Pandora in conjunction with the Tear's Point device, thus triggering a Lunar Cry.
Lunatic Pandora
A giant enclosure and transport vehicle, 1.5 miles wide and 3 miles high, constructed by Esthar to hold the Crystal Pillar. During a preceding Lunar Cry event, this artifact fell to the planet's surface, destroying the Centra civilisation in the process. It was recovered and moved to Esthar's Research Facility for study, during which time the Lunatic Pandora shell was built around it. After the studies were abandoned and the artifact thrown deep into the sea, Pandora was re-excavated by the Galbadia military, led by Seifer Almasy, and used as a mobile attack platform. The name most likely refers to Pandora's Box (in mythology, the source of all evil); Lunatic in this case would mean 'of or from the moon'.
Sorceress Memorial
A scientific facility used by Laguna Loire to seal Sorceress Adel's power and end of her rule over Esthar. The purpose of this facility is also to seal any more sorceresses who become threats to the world.
Shumi Village
A village located underground in an environmentally-controlled facility. It is located on a small island on the northernmost area of the planet. This island is named Winter Island, and is, at first glance, deserted. The village is inhabited by the Shumi, a people who oddly resemble squids. The Shumi are very technologically advanced, as they have their own "biodome" contained underneath the frigid northern continents. Laguna Loire recovered here after being injured jumping from the cliffs of Centra. This is also the homeplace of the Moombas, the orange cat-like creatures who help Squall Leonhart out during his escape from the D-District Prison in Galbadia.
Chocobo Forest(s)
A forest where the player may encounter chocobos.
Chocobo Sanctuary
A chocobo forest where the player performs other chocobo-related tasks.
Central Archipelago[/u][/i]
Once a landmass in its own right and home to the Centra civilization, this area is the site of a calamatous impact event. During the most recent Lunar Cry, eighty years prior to the game's events, the Crystal Pillar fell from the Moon. It liquified much of the central landmass and threw it out to cool into long, jagged island chains, which radiate from the impact site. The remaining Centrans emigrated both to the eastern and western continents.
Edea's House
A stone house next to a lighthouse, located on the western tip of the southernmost island on the planet. It became an orphanage, founded by Edea Kramer, as a result of the Sorceress War. During its time as an orphanage, it was home to Squall Leonhart, Seifer Almasy, Quistis Trepe, Zell Dincht, Irvine Kinneas, and Selphie Tilmitt until they either were adopted or enrolled at one of the three Gardens. Prior to the game's events, it crumbled into ruins as the years of vacancy passed.
Centra Ruins
The only remaining remnants of the Centra civilization, annihilated during the last Lunar Cry along with the majority of the continental landmass. It is the home of the Guardian Force Tonberry King and the semi-GF Odin.
White SeeD Ship
A sailing ship crewed by a special group of young SeeDs. They are responsible solely for the protection of Ellone, who was moved to the ship in order to keep her from Sorceress Ultimecia. The ship is constantly on the move for hiding places but has developed a liking to hide amongst the jagged, rocky remains of the Centra continent.