Final Fantasy is home to an array of unique races; here are some of the best Viera characters throughout the series.
Along the road to completing any Final Fantasy title, players will fill their hours with characters of many differing races and creeds. From fantasy hallmarks like humans and elves to wholly original and unique races such as the humanoid rabbit-like Viera.
Although they share a passion and responsibility towards nature, Viera can vary in personality and disposition. As a result, across the series’ history, players have seen them take on a multitude of roles, from cat-burglers, assassins and archers.8 Veis
Throughout players’ adventures around Ivalice in Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift, a suite of varied characters with even more varied roles can join the ranks of their group, Clan Gully, from Mages and Paladins to race-specific jobs such as Viera Assassins.
Integral to players learning the aforementioned Assassin job role, Veis the Viera engages with Clan Gully before promptly vanishing to join House Bowen if the correct quest markers have been hit. Her brooding demeanor is reinforced during gameplay, as her ‘Vanish’ ability allows her to disappear from enemy sights before promptly attacking from another unknown location. Appearing in typical Viera Assassin clothing, Veis’ dialogue showcases the hubris and stoicism as a staple of the race.7 Syrenead Sie Hyskarias
Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire Of The Rift
Syrenead’s seemingly underwhelming appearance may have caused some players of Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift to write her off as a minor character with little to contribute to the game’s narrative. However, her spunky nature and drive for acceptance create an endearing personality in a relatively throwaway Viera character in the Nintendo DS exclusive tactical RPG.
With the appearance of a typical green mage, Syrenead’s appearance as a guest character brings with it her thrill-seeking tendencies. In trying to defeat a powerful Wyrm to prove to her father that she is capable, she enlists the player to assist her. Her 3-part quest culminating in the Wyrm being kept as a pet may seem obscure. Still, her drive to pursue dangerous situations transforms what could have been a forgettable Viera cameo into a grounded yet silly narrative about proving one’s strength.
