Final Fantasy XIII

THE BASIC PREMISE OF FINAL FANTASY XIII’S WORLD 1. Overall Genre & Tone FFXIII’s world blends: High fantasy (gods, metaphysics, souls, mythic entities) Science fantasy (super-advanced bio-mechanical constructs, artificial gods, floating cities) Post-mythic civilization (humanity shaped by lost divine wars they don’t remember) It is neither purely magical nor purely technological. Instead, it is a society unknowingly dependent on godlike machines, with a cosmology that actively interferes with the material world. 2. Cosmological Foundation The Visible Realm vs. the Unseen Realm The world exists in two fundamental layers: A. The Visible Realm (Material World) Where humans, wildlife, cities, and landscapes exist. It includes: Cocoon: A giant artificial moon-like shell floating in the sky, inhabited by most humans. Gran Pulse (Pulse): The massive, untamed world below, filled with colossal wildlife and ruins of ancient civilizations. B. The Unseen Realm (Valhalla/Chaos) A metaphysical plane of raw, non-linear time and immortal souls, created and maintained by the goddess Etro. It is the source of: Chaos Reincarnation Souls returning to bodies Paradoxes and time disruptions Most humans are unaware this realm exists, but it underpins everything. 3. The Fal’Cie: Artificial Gods Running the World The defining feature of the setting is the existence of the fal’Cie—massive, quasi-divine, self-aware bio-mechanical entities created by the Maker (a true god who abandoned the world long before the story). They are machines with godlike power, each designed to fulfill a distinct Focus (a core purpose). Two Categories Cocoon fal’Cie (Sanctum fal’Cie) Maintain Cocoon’s artificial environment. Control weather, gravity, light, and food production. Goal: Sustain human life for a very specific “grand design.” Pulse fal’Cie (Lowerworld fal’Cie) Shape ecosystems. Create wildlife. Drive conflict between Cocoon and Pulse indirectly. Less concerned with human comfort; more with cosmic functions. Their Role in the Premise Humans believe the fal’Cie are benevolent caretakers. In reality, they are single-minded machines following ancient directives that often disregard human well-being. This tension between perceived gods and actual machine agendas shapes the entire world. 4. L’Cie & Magic System: High Magic with a Technological Twist Magic exists only through l’Cie—humans branded by fal’Cie to act as tools. L’Cie Characteristics Given a Focus (mission), often cryptic. Can wield powerful magic, Eidolons, and supernatural abilities. Failure to complete Focus → transforms into Cie’th (monsters). Completion of Focus → crystallization (a timeless, passive stasis). Magic is thus: Ubiquitous but inaccessible to normal humans Directly tied to servitude A curse disguised as a gift Magic is “high,” but tightly regulated by the fal’Cie. 5. Technology Level: Ultra-Advanced but Dependent Cocoon Technology Humans live in a hyper-technological society: Anti-gravity architecture Magi-tech transport Floating metropolitan cities Energy drawn from fal’Cie Holograms, cybernetic environments Biological constructs based on fal’Cie designs But this tech is not truly human-made. It relies heavily on fal’Cie providing energy and infrastructure. Implication Humanity thinks it’s advanced, but is actually: Complacent Dependent Controlled They do not fully understand the systems that keep their society functioning. 6. Gran Pulse: A World of Primordial Power Pulse is the opposite extreme: Immense landscapes, colossal fauna, deadly ecosystems Ruins of a long-fallen civilization that once rivaled the gods Magic naturally saturates the world Monsters are enormous, aggressive, and often fal’Cie-engineered Pulse represents raw, untamed creation—the world before fal’Cie tried to civilize humanity. The contrast with Cocoon is a major thematic pillar. 7. Unique Structural Elements of the Setting A. A World Built by Absent Gods The Maker created the fal’Cie and the world and then left. The fal’Cie now: Pursue outdated divine objectives Manipulate humanity Are incapable of redefining their purpose This creates a mythic, tragic backdrop for the story. B. Humanity as Pawns Humans are not the dominant species—they’re not even “in charge” of their own ecosystem. The fal’Cie view humans as: Tools Ritual components Necessary resources for cosmic plans This creates a world where freedom vs. destiny is the central thematic conflict. C. Crystals as the Substance of Creation Crystals are: The hearts of fal’Cie The essence of l’Cie transformation The foundation of the world’s magi-tech The crystal motif symbolizes: Eternity Purpose Entrapment Unique to this franchise entry, crystals are not just magical rocks—they’re the literal cores of god-machines. 8. The Central Narrative Premise Built Into the World The world is shaped by a planned cosmic event: The fal’Cie of Cocoon want to summon the Maker’s return To do this, they seek to: Sacrifice Cocoon Use human souls as a beacon Thus, Cocoon’s comfortable, utopian society is actually an impending sacrificial chamber. The heroes’ story emerges from this fundamental contradiction: A world built to protect humanity Is secretly built to destroy it This gives FFXIII’s world a subtle horror beneath its beauty. 9. Magic, Technology, and Faith Interwoven Because people rely on fal’Cie for everything: Magic is seen as divine will Technology is seen as blessings Obedience is cultural instinct But the truth is: Magic = enforced servitude Technology = dependence Faith = manipulation This layered structure is one of the most unique elements of FFXIII’s worldbuilding. 10. Summary: What Makes FFXIII’s World Distinct High fantasy wrapped in ultra-tech aesthetics A society controlled by artificial gods Magic accessible only through a cursed transformation A floating utopia built on a deception A vast, wild lower world shaped by ancient power A cosmic dual-realm metaphysics tied to life, death, and time A theme of fate vs. free will embedded in the world’s mechanics It is a world where beauty, technology, and order mask a divine machine preparing to unmake everything.

I. MAJOR GEOGRAPHIC STRUCTURE: TWO WORLDS FFXIII’s world consists of two primary realms: Cocoon – A floating, artificial sphere suspended high above the surface of the world. A technologically advanced utopia maintained by fal’Cie. Gran Pulse (Pulse) – The vast, wild world below, filled with colossal wildlife, ruins of ancient civilizations, and fal’Cie whose priorities are ecological rather than humanitarian. These worlds are politically, culturally, and physically separated, and their contrast forms much of the thematic tension in the setting. II. COCOON — THE SHELTERED SKY-WORLD Cocoon is not a natural location. It is: A hollow, inverted sphere, where humans live on the interior crust. Suspended by the fal’Cie Eden and other structural fal’Cie. Lit by an artificial sun (Phoenix fal’Cie). Divided into multiple regions, cities, and biomes, all artificially maintained. Humanity here believes it lives in paradise, but Cocoon is a fragile machine-ecosystem. A. Cocoon’s Capital: Eden Eden is both: The political capital of Cocoon. The location of the fal’Cie Eden, the supreme administrative fal’Cie controlling Cocoon’s systems. The seat of the Sanctum, the governing theocratic bureaucracy. Key Features Edenhall – Government center and fortress. Orphan’s Cradle Gate – Where the fal’Cie Barthandelus and Orphan exert their influence. Hyper-technological architecture blending floating platforms, magi-tech lifts, and shimmering crystalline structures. Eden is the symbolic and literal heart of Cocoon’s control structure. B. Bodhum — Coastal Resort City Lightning and Serah’s hometown. Known for: Its lush beaches and idyllic atmosphere. Tourism and leisure culture. Being close to the Vestige, an ancient Pulse relic whose presence is taboo. Bodhum symbolizes Cocoon’s complacency and beauty—dangerously close to its ancient buried secrets. C. Palumpolum — Military-Industrial Metropolis Snow, Hope, and his family originate here. Characteristics Large, densely built city with high-rise megastructures. Heavy Sanctum military presence (PSICOM and Guardian Corps). A key logistics hub with mag-rail networks and industrial zones. Marketplace, residential districts, and energy conduits supported by fal’Cie. Palumpolum showcases Cocoon’s capabilities and authoritarian undertones. D. Ragna-Rock Shock Site / Hanging Edge Where Fang and Vanille originally fall to Cocoon during the earlier Ragnarok event. Later: It becomes a quarantined, militarized zone. It houses Pulse Vestiges, debris, and anomalous structures. It represents Cocoon’s fear of Pulse contamination. E. The Vile Peaks A vast region of crashed airships, debris fields, and abandoned military outposts. Significance It is a reminder of past conflicts between Cocoon and Pulse. Haunted by remnants of old battles and broken fal’Cie constructs. Overrun with machines and corrupted drones. F. The Gapra Whitewood A “magi-sylvan” forest consisting of: Bioluminescent plants Suspended crystalline pathways Sanctum research labs It is a military research region, where the Sanctum studies wildlife and weapon systems infused with fal’Cie technology. G. Sunleth Waterscape An idyllic, lush bioluminescent ecosystem maintained artificially by Cocoon fal’Cie. Features: Floating flora Water-based wildlife Weather controlled by fal’Cie Sanctuary for rare creatures Represents Cocoon’s carefully curated natural wonder. H. Nautilus — “City of Dreams” A theme-park metropolis operated largely by fal’Cie. Key aspects: Magi-tech amusement centers Home of the Pompa Sancta parade Hollistic, entertainment-focused culture Nautilus is a symbol of Cocoon’s manufactured happiness and distraction. I. The Fifth Ark A subterranean Pulse structure hidden within Cocoon. Purpose A dormant “rift ark” containing Eidolons, weapons, and transportation mechanisms. A relic of the War of Transgression repurposed by Barthandelus. It is critical for awakening the l’Cie’s Eidolons and advancing the fal’Cie’s agenda. III. GRAN PULSE — THE PRIMORDIAL LOWERWORLD Gran Pulse is enormous in scale, easily dwarfing Cocoon. It is a continent-spanning wilderness shaped by fal’Cie and ancient civilizations long gone. It is defined by: Monumental wildlife Ruins of advanced but extinct societies Raw, unbounded natural energy A sense of sublime danger Below are its major regions. A. The Archylte Steppe A massive grassland plain, the iconic open zone of FFXIII. It features: Horizon-wide expanses of rolling plains Colossal beasts such as Adamantoise, Long Gui, and Behemoths Weather patterns unaffected by human intervention A network of Pulse Cie’th Stones (mission markers) It symbolizes the raw freedom and danger of Pulse. B. Mah’habara Subterra An underground tunnel system filled with: Crystal-encrusted walls Pulse machines Cie’th remnants Massive serpentine monsters This subterranean city hints at old Pulse civilizations who lived in harmony with subterranean fal’Cie networks. C. Taejin’s Tower An enormous, spiraling ancient tower inhabited by Cie’th and controlled by a fal’Cie, Dahaka. Purpose A ritualistic pilgrimage site for ancient humans A symbolic ladder between mortal life and fal’Cie authority A forgotten test of worth, long abandoned but still functioning blindly The tower’s modular internal structure suggests magi-tech far beyond Cocoon’s understanding. D. Oerba — Village of Light Fang and Vanille’s hometown. A once-thriving village now in ruins, overtaken by: Crystals Cie’th Fal’Cie overgrowth Oerba is a haunting place of nostalgia and tragedy, showing Pulse civilization before its collapse. E. Vallis Media A transitional region: Features: Lowland canyons Ancient ruins Abundant natural wildlife It introduces the vast scale of Pulse and acts as a gateway to the Steppe. F. Sulyya Springs A serene water region filled with: Waterfalls Crystal formations Pulse wildlife Atmospherically deceptive—it is peaceful but dangerous. G. Yaschas Massif A region of canyons, ruins, and remnants of scientific complexes. Its structures imply: Advanced observational or astronomical research Fal’Cie-human collaborative architecture Later expanded in FFXIII-2 as a key time-altered zone. IV. TRANSCENDENT OR COSMOLOGICAL LOCATIONS A. Orphan’s Cradle The final zone in FFXIII. It exists partly: Within Cocoon Outside normal space Inside the domain of Barthandelus and Orphan A spiraling, shifting labyrinth that reflects fal’Cie metaphysics rather than human architecture. B. Valhalla (Unseen Realm) Though not entered until XIII-2, it influences XIII’s lore. Valhalla: Is the realm of Etro Contains Chaos Has non-linear time Serves as the origin point for reincarnation Its existence explains anomalies, distortions, and the metaphysical aspects of l’Cie transformations. V. SUMMARY — THE WORLD’S GEOGRAPHIC THEMES 1. A Fragile Utopia (Cocoon) An artificial paradise built on lies, maintained by unseen gods, with: Floating cities Biomechanical ecosystems Controlled weather and light 2. A Fallen World of Titans (Pulse) A natural, untamed land where human civilization once thrived but fell, leaving: Ruins Massive wildlife Deadly fal’Cie Echoes of forgotten wars 3. A Cosmology Above and Below A machine world in the sky A primordial world below A realm of souls beyond both Together these three layers form the mythic structure of the XIII universe.

I. PRIMARY SENTIENT RACE: HUMANS Humans live on both Cocoon and Gran Pulse. Despite cultural differences, all humans in the world are one species. A. Humans of Cocoon Territory Primarily cities and regions inside Cocoon’s interior shell: Eden, Palumpolum, Nautilus, Bodhum, Gapra Whitewood-adjacent zones. Characteristics Live in a technologically advanced, fal’Cie-supported society. Usually unaware of Pulse’s true nature. View Pulse (Gran Pulse) as a hostile, hellish world full of monsters. Taught by the Sanctum to fear Pulse and any trace of it. Attitudes Deep mistrust of anything associated with Pulse. Profound fear of becoming l’Cie, which is essentially a curse. Dependence on fal’Cie for survival (weather, food, water, light, structural integrity). Relationship with Other Races Subordinate to fal’Cie (who manipulate and control them). Hostile toward Pulse l’Cie. Fearful of Cie’th (monstrous dead l’Cie). Unaware of Eidolons except through mythological references. B. Humans of Gran Pulse (Ancient or Surviving Populations) By the time of FFXIII, Gran Pulse has no large functioning human civilizations. Only ruins remain due to: Massive wars with fal’Cie Conflict between fal’Cie over control and resources Human extinction events Collateral damage from Pulse’s colossal wildlife Territory (formerly) Ruins show that humans once lived in: Oerba Settlements around Yaschas Massif Dotted camps throughout Steppe regions Taejin’s Tower societies that served fal’Cie Characteristics More spiritually and physically integrated into Pulse ecosystems. Feared Cocoon as a false, fal’Cie-created prison for controlled humans. Viewed fal’Cie with suspicion, though some communities worshipped or served Pulse fal’Cie. Key Survivors Fang and Vanille: The only extant representatives of Pulse civilization in XIII. Many humans were turned into l’Cie, then into Cie’th, or died long ago. Relationships Historically antagonistic toward Cocoon humans. Dependent on Pulse fal’Cie in ancient times, but less integrated than Cocoon humans. II. FAL’CIE — GOD-MACHINES (NON-HUMAN INTELLIGENT RACE) Fal’Cie are not organic, not divine in the religious sense, and not human. They are crystal-based, self-aware, purpose-programmed entities created by the Maker. There are two racial branches of fal’Cie depending on their world of operation. A. Cocoon Fal’Cie Territory Embedded throughout Cocoon’s infrastructure. Major ones reside in: Eden Orphan’s Cradle Weather control zones Agricultural and environmental areas Purpose Maintain Cocoon’s stability, climate, light, gravity, and population comfort. Carry out Barthandelus’s ultimate plan: sacrifice Cocoon to summon the Maker. Temperament Appear benevolent but are actually cold, single-minded, and indifferent to human suffering. See humans as resources or tools. Relationship with Humans Cocoon humans depend on them utterly. Fal’Cie manipulate the Sanctum government. Fal’Cie brand humans as l’Cie when they require agents. B. Gran Pulse Fal’Cie Territory Across the natural Pulse landscape: Archylte Steppe Mah’habara Taejin’s Tower Oerba ruins Purpose Shape ecosystems. Maintain wildlife cycles. Conduct long-term experiments. Enforce ancient directives of the Maker. Characteristics Often more alien and less “civil” than Cocoon fal’Cie. Less concerned with human comfort; more with world-scale functions. Relationship with Humans Ancient Pulse humans cooperated with or rebelled against them. Modern humans are mostly absent, leaving fal’Cie alone with wildlife and Cie’th. III. L’CIE — TRANSFORMED HUMANS (A FUNCTIONAL SUB-RACE) L’Cie are not born but created when a fal’Cie brands a human. This is a magically altered race-class, not a separate species, but they serve a racial role in worldbuilding. A. Characteristics Wield powerful magic. Must complete a specific Focus given by the fal’Cie. Gain supernatural durability and combat ability. Are essentially enslaved champions. B. Types of l’Cie Cocoon l’Cie — branded by Cocoon fal’Cie Pulse l’Cie — branded by Pulse fal’Cie Diverse historical l’Cie — from collapsed civilizations C. Territories L’Cie can be found: In Cocoon cities (once branded) In fal’Cie-controlled zones Across Pulse ruins As Cie’th in abandoned areas D. Relationships Feared by Cocoon citizens (considered contaminated or dangerous). Hunted by Sanctum military. Controlled by fal’Cie. Distrusted or pitied by survivors of Pulse heritage. IV. CIE’TH — DAMNED, FAILED L’CIE Cie’th are the horrific endpoint of l’Cie who either: Fail their Focus, Reject their Focus, Or never discover it. Nature Crystalline, undead-like beings. Possess tortured souls trapped without rest. Vary from humanoid creatures to massive abominations. Territory Commonly found in: Gran Pulse ruins Taejin’s Tower Archylte Steppe Caverns and collapsed cities Hidden parts of Cocoon (like Vile Peaks) Relationship with Humans Fear and hatred; Cie’th instinctively attack the living. Seen as terrifying myths in Cocoon. They serve as tragic warnings of the fal’Cie’s oppression. V. EIDOLONS — PRIMAL SUMMON ENTITIES Eidolons are not a traditional “race,” but they are: Sentient Divine Manifestations of l’Cie’s emotional/spiritual states They test the resolve and transformation of l’Cie Origins They come from the Unseen Realm (Etro’s domain) and appear when: A l’Cie reaches emotional collapse The l’Cie’s subconscious calls for salvation or release Territory They are not bound to geography, but are temporarily summoned during battles or crises. Relationship with Humans Do not communicate directly except through combat trials. Respected or feared in ancient Pulse culture. Unknown or mythical to Cocoon’s civilians. VI. WILDLIFE & MONSTERS — BIOFAL'CIE CREATIONS AND NATURAL MEGAFAUNA Gran Pulse features: Colossal creatures (e.g., Adamantoise, Behemoth King) Biologically engineered species from fal’Cie experiments Natural predators enhanced by Pulse’s magical saturation Cocoon has: Bio-mechanical hybrids Smaller but still dangerous wildlife Sanctum-augmented military drones These creatures reflect fal’Cie environmental manipulation. VII. BEINGS OF THE UNSEEN REALM Though not typically interacting with the material world in XIII, they shape the metaphysics. A. Etro (Goddess) From the Unseen Realm, governing life and death. Relationship to Races Gives humans their souls and free will. Opens the door for Eidolons to manifest. Prevents l’Cie and Cie’th cycles from being absolute (creates loopholes). Her neglect/absence is why chaos can encroach. B. The Maker (absent god) Created the fal’Cie. Abandoned the world. Relationships Fal’Cie desperately attempt to summon Him back. Humans are unwitting pawns for this cosmic agenda. C. Souls, Chaos, and Ghost Entities Humans become souls in the Unseen Realm after death. Chaos can leak into the Visible Realm in extreme circumstances. VIII. FACTIONS AS DEFACTO “RACES” Because the world has only one true biological race (humanity), political-religious factions serve the role of separate cultures or peoples. A. Sanctum (Cocoon Government) Controls Cocoon’s human population. Enforces fal’Cie will through the military. Sees Pulse as an existential threat. B. PSICOM Elite military anti-Pulse task force. Campaigns against l’Cie, Cie’th, and Pulse contamination. Implements draconian quarantines and purges. C. Guardian Corps Civil defense force. More sympathetic to civilians. Operates in cities and infrastructure zones. D. The People of Oerba & Ancient Pulse Human survivors of Pulse’s bygone civilizations. Viewed fal’Cie with skepticism and reverence. Destroyed long before XIII’s events. IX. RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN RACES & FACTIONS — A FULL OVERVIEW Humans of Cocoon vs. Humans of Pulse Distrust and conflict originating from fal’Cie manipulation. Cocoon sees Pulse as evil; Pulse saw Cocoon as unnatural. Fal’Cie vs. Humans Fal’Cie see humans as tools or fuel for cosmic plans. Humans rely on fal’Cie for survival (Cocoon) or once partnered with them (Pulse). L’Cie vs. Humans Feared as cursed beings. Seen as weapons or liabilities. Often hunted by Cocoon’s governing forces. Cie’th vs. Everyone Hostile monsters with tortured human origins. Tragic remnants of fal’Cie enslavement. Eidolons vs. L’Cie Test of worth. Spirits that push l’Cie toward accepting their Focus or surpassing it. X. SUMMARY — RACE STRUCTURE OF FFXIII Unlike traditional fantasy settings, FFXIII’s races are defined by metaphysical states, divine machines, and transformations rather than separate species. Primary Races Humans (Cocoon vs. ancient Pulse) Fal’Cie (Cocoon vs. Pulse) L’Cie (magically altered humans) Cie’th (cursed, failed l’Cie) Eidolons (spiritual entities) Secondary Groups Military and political factions Ecosystem wildlife shaped by fal’Cie Souls in the Unseen Realm Core Theme Every “race” represents a different relationship to the fal’Cie and the world’s metaphysics, making identity, destiny, and purpose central themes of the setting.

I. THE FUNDAMENTAL POLITICAL TENSION: COCOON vs. GRAN PULSE For centuries, Cocoon’s government has taught its citizens that Gran Pulse is a hostile world, inhabited by monstrous creatures and malevolent fal’Cie. This belief is not accurate—but it is extremely effective. Root Causes Propaganda intentionally spread by the Sanctum Historical wars between Pulse and Cocoon fal’Cie Misunderstanding of Pulse technology and ruins Fear-driven control over the population Political Impact Cocoon citizens believe Pulse is synonymous with death. Any object, person, or creature tied to Pulse is considered dangerous. Discovery of Pulse artifacts (like the Vestige in Bodhum) leads to: Mass panic Quarantine Military intervention Forced relocations or Purges Adventure Opportunities Espionage or missions involving the truth of Pulse Escaping Sanctum surveillance Exploring Pulse ruins to understand the past Intervening in cross-world conflicts orchestrated by fal’Cie This core tension defines almost every conflict in the story. II. SANCTUM RULE & RELIGIOUS THEOCRACY Cocoon’s government, the Sanctum, is essentially a theocracy: It claims divine authority by obeying Cocoon’s fal’Cie. Its doctrine: “Fal’Cie are our benevolent protectors; their will must be obeyed.” Internal Political Pressures Growing public unrest as disasters increase Militarization of civilian cities Inquisitorial policing by PSICOM Information suppression surrounding l’Cie and Pulse External Pressures Suspected Pulse infiltrations Rising fal’Cie instability Internal coups and machinations by fal’Cie in the shadows Adventure Opportunities Uncovering corruption within the Sanctum Helping resistance movements Protecting civilians from government crackdowns Avoiding or confronting PSICOM forces The Sanctum’s oppressive paranoia gives Cocoon a dystopian undercurrent beneath its utopian surface. III. THE PURGE — THE EVENT THAT IGNITES THE WORLD The Purge is one of the most politically explosive events in Cocoon history. What Is the Purge? A mass deportation (and likely execution) of Cocoon citizens suspected of: Contact with Pulse Exposure to Pulse artifacts Being near Pulse l’Cie Purpose Maintain social order through fear Remove “tainted” civilians Conceal the truth about Pulse relics Serve the fal’Cie plan by destabilizing society Consequences Thousands of innocent people displaced or killed Public trust in the government strained Seeds of rebellion planted Military tensions spike Lightning, Snow, Hope, and others are caught in the chaos Adventure Opportunities Escaping forced deportation Rescuing loved ones targeted by the Purge Infiltrating Purge camps Exposing the truth of the Purge to Cocoon citizens This event is the immediate catalyst for the party’s story—but in a tabletop adaptation, it provides a perfect campaign-level conflict. IV. THE FAL’CIE GRAND DESIGN — COSMIC MANIPULATION AS POLITICS The greatest hidden political force is not human, but fal’Cie. The Secret Agenda The fal’Cie want to: Destroy Cocoon Sacrifice its population Release a massive burst of human souls Use this as a beacon to summon the Maker back to the world Humans know none of this. The Sanctum unknowingly serves the fal’Cie in executing this plan. Political Effects Catastrophic decisions made by Sanctum leadership under fal’Cie influence Heightened military attacks on anything “Pulse-related” Sudden shifts in policy that seem irrational from a human perspective The creation of l’Cie specifically chosen to play roles in Ragnarok Adventure Opportunities Uncovering or undermining the fal’Cie conspiracy Deciding whether to oppose or assist divine forces Rebellion against fate itself Saving Cocoon from engineered destruction This is the hidden heart of the world’s conflict. V. INTERNAL MILITARY DIVISIONS — PSICOM vs. THE GUARDIAN CORPS Two major military organizations enforce Sanctum rule: A. PSICOM (Public Security and Intelligence Command) Elite military branch Enforces anti-Pulse doctrine Brutal, uncompromising, politically empowered Responsible for Purges and crackdowns Led by Yaag Rosch and directed by fal’Cie influence Role in Political Tension Overreacts to civilian unrest Seizes cities Treats even rumors of Pulse contact as threats B. Guardian Corps Local defense force Protects civilians Less zealous than PSICOM Includes people like Lightning, Serah, Nora members Political Dynamic Tension between protecting citizens vs. obeying Sanctum orders Resentment of PSICOM’s authoritarian tactics Splits within the Guardian Corps as some join resistance causes Adventure Opportunities PSICOM raids on player characters Guardian Corps squads seeking allies against tyranny Hidden Pulse sympathizers aiding the protagonists Military schisms turning into open conflict VI. THE POST-WAR AFTERMATH — RESIDUAL FEAR FROM THE WAR OF TRANSGRESSION Long before the events of FFXIII, Cocoon and Pulse fought in the War of Transgression, leaving: Crashed ships in Vile Peaks Pulse Vestiges embedded in Cocoon’s interior Lingering fear and superstition among Cocoon citizens Political Fallout Pulse becomes a demonized concept The Sanctum solidifies religious power PSICOM justifies its existence through anti-Pulse rhetoric Adventure Opportunities Exploring wreckage from the ancient war Investigating Pulse ruins hidden inside Cocoon Finding evidence of old citizens questioning the Sanctum’s propaganda VII. SOCIETAL FEAR OF L’CIE — INTERNAL PERSECUTION L’Cie represent one of the world’s greatest political pressures. Public Perception Cursed Dangerous Agents of Pulse Tick­ing time bombs that might turn into Cie’th Government Response Immediate quarantine Forced isolation Execution-level military actions (under the guise of deportation) Adventure Opportunities Players becoming l’Cie and fleeing hunters Helping branded victims hide or escape Seeking a cure Exploring forbidden zones for clues to break the Focus Navigating moral dilemmas between saving themselves and saving Cocoon This single element can fuel an entire campaign. VIII. ENVIRONMENTAL & COSMIC THREATS Beyond political tensions, the world faces existential dangers. A. Cocoon’s Structural Fragility Cocoon is: Artificial Suspended by fal’Cie power Highly vulnerable if fal’Cie die or malfunction Threat Examples Energy grids failing Weather destabilization Floating landmasses collapsing Wildlife habitats failing Adventure Opportunities Crisis response missions Uncovering failing fal’Cie infrastructure Protecting citizens from political cover-ups B. Gran Pulse Wildlife Pulse is home to: Enormous predators Ruins infested with Cie’th Unpredictable ecosystems Political and survival challenges overlap: Expanding exploration into Pulse Establishing new settlements Avoiding powerful fal’Cie that still govern regions C. Cie’th Plague Cie’th represent: Undead-like, tormented former humans Spontaneous outbreaks near ruins Threats that worsen if l’Cie numbers increase Adventure Opportunities Containing Cie’th outbreaks Saving victims before they turn Destroying ancient fal’Cie to stop new l’Cie branding cycles IX. INDIVIDUAL FAL’CIE PLOTS — INTERNAL DIVINE POLITICS Fal’Cie themselves have political agendas. Barthandelus Manipulates the Sanctum Orchestrates Cocoon’s destruction Brands l’Cie to engineer Ragnarok Recreates events to pressure the party into fulfilling Focus Orphan The artificial “soul” of Cocoon Requires human despair to activate the sacrifice Influences events behind the scenes Other Fal’Cie Weather controllers Ecosystem managers City-maintenance fal’Cie Their individual purposes may conflict, creating divine political tension. Adventure Opportunities Negotiating with or confronting fal’Cie Discovering fal’Cie fighting each other indirectly Preventing fal’Cie sabotage from destroying human settlements

I. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE OF MAGIC — EVERYTHING FLOWS FROM CRYSTALS Magic in FFXIII is not elemental energy or “mana.” It is a manifestation of crystal power—the primal substance from which: Fal’Cie are formed L’Cie abilities are granted Eidolons emerge Cocoon’s infrastructure runs Time, fate, and Focuses are encoded Crystals are the divine operating system of the universe. This means: Only beings connected to crystals can wield magic. Magic is programmatic—assigned, limited, and purpose-driven. Magic is infused with metaphysical consequence (branding, Focus, crystallization, Cie’th transformation). II. WHO CAN USE MAGIC? 1. L’Cie — The Primary Mortal Spellcasters Humans cannot use magic normally. Only when branded by a fal’Cie do humans become l’Cie, gaining access to supernatural abilities. The Branding Process A fal’Cie: Imprints a Brand onto a human’s skin Writes a Focus into their soul Alters their body to interface with crystal energy Magic Access Upon branding, a l’Cie gains: Elemental magic (fire, ice, lightning, etc.) Physical enhancements (strength, endurance) Paradigm-based combat roles (Commando, Ravager, etc.) Eidolon summoning capability (in times of emotional crisis) Their magic grows along crystalline pathways called Crystarium nodes—a metaphor for unlocking potential encoded by the fal’Cie. Key Rule Magic is inseparable from obligation. You cannot be a mage without being a slave to the fal’Cie’s purpose. 2. Fal’Cie — God-Machine Spellcasters Fal’Cie are supernatural beings composed of crystal cores encased in bodies of shifting metal, stone, and energy. They use magic as: Environmental control (weather, gravity, light, climate) Biological design (creating wildlife) Spatial manipulation (teleportation, dimensional anomalies) Mind alteration (influencing Sanctum leaders) Branding humans and shaping fate Fal’Cie magic is effectively limitless within their Focus, but they cannot act outside the parameters of their original programming. Fal’Cie cannot change their will. They can only execute it. Their magic is cosmic but rigid. 3. Eidolons — Manifest Magic from the Unseen Realm Eidolons are living magic—sentient entities formed from: The l’Cie’s emotional state Chaos from the Unseen Realm Etro’s influence on free will and mortality They appear when a l’Cie faces despair or emotional collapse. Who can command them? Only l’Cie who have undergone the trial. Eidolons are not summoned by spells—they arrive unbidden to challenge their summoner. Their magic operates on: Transformation (Gestalt Mode) Mythic elemental/martial manifestations Judgment of the l’Cie’s resolve They are the purest expression of "magic as destiny." 4. Cie’th — Failed Spellcasters Cie’th sometimes retain corrupted magic abilities derived from their l’Cie existence. They wield: Shadowy elemental attacks Crystalline body manipulation Debilitation curses Their magic reflects: Torment Unfinished purpose Loss of self 5. Common Humans — Cannot Use Magic Normal individuals: Cannot cast spells Cannot manipulate crystal energy Cannot summon Eidolons Rely entirely on fal’Cie-created technology (magi-tech) Technology in Cocoon may appear magical, but it is powered by fal’Cie, and humans operate it more like machinery than sorcery. III. HOW MAGIC FUNCTIONS — MECHANICS & METAPHYSICS 1. Branding Gives Magical Access The fal’Cie Brand: Rewrites the l’Cie’s soul Connects them to the fal’Cie’s crystal core Allows them to draw power from crystal-based metaphysics Magic is effectively: The l’Cie channeling the fal’Cie’s power through their transformed soul. It is not learned. It is granted, encoded, and enforced. 2. Focuses as Magical Imperatives A l’Cie’s Focus is both: A metaphysical directive A magical tether tying their life to its completion Magic grows in strength the closer they come to: Understanding their Focus Emotionally committing to it Magic weakens as they fall into despair. 3. Crystallization Upon completing their Focus, a l’Cie undergoes: Full-body transformation into a crystal stasis Suspension of aging, hunger, and consciousness In this state: They do not die They do not feel They become permanent monuments of fal’Cie purpose This is ironically the “reward.” 4. Cie’th Transformation If a l’Cie fails their Focus: Their Brand mutates Their body crystallizes erratically Their mind collapses Their soul becomes trapped They become Cie’th—eternal, magical wraiths unable to rest. Magic here becomes decay rather than empowerment. 5. Paradigm & Role Magic Magic manifests in structured “roles” that reflect the fal’Cie’s design for the l’Cie: Ravagers — elemental channelers Commandos — strength-enhanced kinetic fighters Sentinels — durability shields Saboteurs — debuff hexcraft Synergists — magical enhancers Medics — restorative healers These aren’t learned professions but programmed magical archetypes. IV. WHICH DEITIES INFLUENCE MAGIC? Although fal’Cie appear godlike, only three true divine figures affect magic in XIII’s cosmology. 1. The Maker — Absent Creator God The Maker: Created the world Created the fal’Cie Created crystals Then abandoned the universe Influence on Magic Indirect but foundational: All magic originates from the Maker’s crystal architecture Fal’Cie operate according to Maker-designed Focuses L’Cie magic depends on the fal’Cie, who depend on the Maker Although absent, the Maker is the source of all magical laws. 2. Etro — Goddess of Death, Chaos, and Souls Etro is the most important deity for magic as mortals experience it. She: Rules the Unseen Realm (Valhalla) Controls the cycle of life and death Allows souls to reincarnate Gives humans their free will Allows Eidolons to manifest Created the possibility for l’Cie rebellion Influence on Magic Etro introduced Chaos into the world, which: Fuels Eidolon manifestation Allows time distortions Influences Focus outcomes Weakens the absolute tyranny of fal’Cie programming Etro’s influence adds: Emotion Choice Despair Hope Magic becomes more flexible and unpredictable because of her. 3. Mwynn, Lindzei, Pulse — The Other Deities (Mythic Antecedents) In XIII mythology, three preceding gods shaped the world before the Maker departed. Their acts influenced the creation of fal’Cie. Pulse created fal’Cie that shaped the wilderness. Lindzei created fal’Cie to watch over Cocoon. Mwynn was destroyed by Chaos, leading Etro to inherit the realm of death. These gods no longer interfere actively, but their legacies define: Cocoon vs. Pulse ecosystems Divisions between fal’Cie The structure of the Seen and Unseen realms Influence on Magic Indirect but present through: Their fal’Cie creations The underlying metaphysical architecture V. SUMMARY — HOW MAGIC TRULY WORKS 1. Origin Magic originates from crystals, created by the Maker. 2. Access Only: Fal’Cie L’Cie Eidolons Cie’th can wield it. 3. Mechanism Magic is: A programmed function Powered by a fal’Cie core Manifested through a l’Cie’s branded soul Shaped by emotional and metaphysical forces 4. Divine Influence Maker sets the rules Pulse & Lindzei shape world structure Etro gives free will, souls, Eidolons, and the possibility of rebellion 5. Cost Magic is never free. It always involves: Servitude Transformation Fate Spiritual consequences

I. THE TWO REALMS OF EXISTENCE 1. The Seen Realm — The Physical Universe Includes: Cocoon (the floating artificial world) Gran Pulse (the vast natural world) All physical creatures, wildlife, fal’Cie, and humans This is the world where: Time flows linearly Life and death occur Ecosystems exist Technology and magic visibly manifest Key Feature The Seen Realm is incomplete without the Unseen Realm. Souls, fate, and magic rely on the metaphysics of the realm beyond. 2. The Unseen Realm — Valhalla Also called: The Beyond The realm of Chaos Etro’s domain It is: A plane of pure Chaos, where time has no meaning A realm where souls exist after death The source of Eidolons and emotional-magic phenomena A chaotic mirror opposite of the Seen Realm Characteristics Nonlinear time Shifting landscapes Eternal storm of Chaos No physical matter—only metaphysical energy The origin of paradoxes when it leaks into the physical world II. HOW THE UNSEEN REALM AFFECTS THE MATERIAL WORLD There are five major interfaces where the Unseen Realm influences the Seen Realm: 1. Souls, Life, and Death Etro governs: The creation of human souls The flow of souls from birth to death The reincarnation cycle Mechanism When a human dies: Their soul leaves the physical body Passes through Etro's Gate Re-enters the Unseen Realm Eventually returns to be reincarnated Without Etro: Souls would never return Life in the Seen Realm would end Orphan and Barthandelus attempt to disrupt this balance to summon the Maker Interaction With the Seen Realm Every death is technically an interaction between worlds. 2. Eidolon Manifestation Eidolons (Shiva, Odin, Bahamut, etc.) come exclusively from the Unseen Realm. When do they appear? When a l’Cie’s emotional stability collapses When their will to survive is tested When Etro’s influence intercedes in their fate Why do they appear? To: Judge the l'cie Force them to accept or reject their Focus Strengthen their resolve or destroy them Nature of Interaction An Eidolon is a direct intrusion of Unseen Realm entities into physical time-space, given temporary existence through Chaos. 3. L’Cie Fate Loopholes Etro plays a subtle but critical role in the fate of l’Cie. Without Etro: Fal’Cie control over l’Cie would be absolute. There would be no free will. Etro’s Influence: Allows l’Cie to resist destiny Makes Focuses ambiguous Lets them interpret their Focus differently than intended Enables miraculous reversals (like turning to crystal and then reawakening) Mechanism Chaos woven into their brands creates instability in fal’Cie programming. Thus, all l’Cie magic is partially influenced by the Unseen Realm. 4. Time Distortion & Paradoxes (Early Roots in XIII, Fully Manifest in XIII-2) Though FFXIII does not showcase full temporal paradox mechanics, the seeds are deeply woven into the lore. Chaos leaks from Valhalla When Chaos enters the Seen Realm: Time becomes unstable Events can loop, fracture, or rewrite Eidolons can appear spontaneously Focuses may shift unpredictably Reality may create anomalies (such as “crystal stasis reversals”) This starts subtly in XIII: Fang and Vanille’s altered crystal stasis Lightning’s awakening from crystal Unpredictable l’Cie transformations Orphan’s Cradle spatial distortion These events hint at the eventual collapse boundaries between realms. 5. Creation & Collapse of Cocoon The fal’Cie goal to destroy Cocoon is tied to metaphysical principles: Why? They want: A massive release of human souls These souls to flood into the Unseen Realm To create a beacon strong enough to force the Maker to return Thus: The Seen Realm can affect the Unseen Realm through mass death The fal’Cie try to weaponize this interaction This is the central hidden plot of FFXIII. III. HOW FAL’CIE INTERACT WITH OTHER PLANES Fal’Cie are not actually gods—they are machines created by gods—but they are uniquely positioned to interact with both realms. A. Fal’Cie as Bridges Fal’Cie: Have crystal cores that resonate with the Unseen Realm Can manipulate spiritual energy Can alter human souls through branding Can create l’Cie with specific fate patterns But: They cannot: Create souls Directly manipulate Chaos Enter the Unseen Realm They only interface with the Seen Realm’s metaphysics. B. Orphan & Barthandelus These two act as a faux-deity hierarchy whose power touches the boundary between planes. Orphan Generates limitless energy Maintains Cocoon’s floating state Can torture or manipulate souls Acts as a spiritual engine Barthandelus Orchestrates destiny Alters human perception Plans the sacrifice Uses l’Cie as spiritual catalysts Their interactions with magic are always indirect, relying on: L’Cie Branding Events that cause mass soul displacement IV. HOW HUMANS PERCEIVE OTHER PLANES Humans in Cocoon: Know nothing about Valhalla Believe fal’Cie are gods Think l’Cie transformations are divine or cursed Interpret Eidolons as mythical or symbolic Humans in ancient Pulse: Were aware of some metaphysical truths Studied fal’Cie and divine architecture Built structures like Taejin’s Tower for spiritual purposes Feared the Unseen Realm as a place of the lost By XIII's era, humanity has forgotten its cosmology, making the interactions more mysterious and frightening.

I. THE ERA OF CREATION — THE AGE OF GODS (PRIMORDIAL PREHISTORY) Before humans, before fal’Cie, before Cocoon or Pulse, the Maker created the foundations of the universe. 1. The Maker Fashions the Visible and Unseen Realms Creates the world’s fundamental architecture: Seen Realm + Unseen Realm. Creates crystals, the source of all magic and metaphysics. Departs, leaving lesser gods to shape the world. 2. The Three Archetypal Gods: Pulse, Lindzei, Mwynn These gods shape early existence: Pulse Explores creation. Shapes the world below (Gran Pulse). Creates Pulse fal’Cie, entities of nature, wilderness, and raw power. Lindzei Creates Cocoon fal’Cie, protectors and engineers of the sky-world. Designs Cocoon itself as a cradle for humanity. Mwynn Battles Chaos, the formless metaphysical force. Dies from the struggle. Her death tears open the Unseen Realm, birthing Etro. 3. Etro’s Role Weak and unable to create fal’Cie or worlds. Gives humans their souls and free will by mistake (from her own Chaos). This one act becomes the cornerstone of all future events. Legacy of the Creation Era Fal’Cie inherit divine authority but not divine wisdom. Humans arise with souls and freedom, making them unpredictable. The Seen and Unseen Realms coexist uneasily. Chaos is now permanently part of reality. II. AGE OF FAL’CIE DOMINION — EARLY HUMAN CIVILIZATION ON GRAN PULSE Before Cocoon became the main human refuge, humanity thrived on Gran Pulse. This era spans millennia. 1. Humans and Pulse Fal’Cie Coexist Uneasily Pulse fal’Cie: Shape vast ecosystems. Construct monumental landscapes. Create beasts the size of mountains. Issue Focuses to humans for unknown cosmic reasons. Humans: Develop cities. Build temples and research centers. Cooperate with fal’Cie at times, yet fear them. 2. Rise of Advanced Pulse Civilizations At their peak, humans of Pulse: Build Taejin’s Tower as a ritualistic megastructure. Establish villages like Oerba, known for its artistry and harmony. Construct deep subterranean zones like Mah'habara Subterra. Develop observational and arcane studies in Yaschas Massif. Pulse humans achieve a balance between: Magic Stonework Crystal mechanisms Fal’Cie-based architecture Legacy Ruins These ruins still stand: Taejin’s Tower Mah’habara Subterra Oerba Yaschas Massif research complexes Vallis Media ruins Countless Cie’th stone monoliths (each marking failed ancient l’Cie missions) Their existence hints at a lost golden age of Pulse civilization. III. THE FALL OF PULSE CIVILIZATION — THE AGE OF L’CIE CONFLICTS As fal’Cie branded humans more frequently, an era of strife began. 1. Excessive L’Cie Branding Pulse fal’Cie branded humans to accomplish world-scale tasks. As tasks clashed or became impossible: Many failed Many became Cie’th Societies destabilized 2. Monster Proliferation Fal’Cie-created wildlife spiraled out of control: Adamantoises Behemoth Kings Juggernauts Immense predatory species Human cities began to fall. 3. Inter-Fal’Cie Conflicts Pulse fal’Cie, lacking true divine insight, pursued conflicting goals. This led to: Weather disasters Resource competition Ecosystems collapsing Legacy Ruins The broken ecosystems of the Archylte Steppe The overgrown remains of Central Pulse settlements Crystalline Cie’th ruins haunting the tower and canyons IV. THE RISE OF COCOON — THE ERA OF PROTECTION AND PROPAGANDA To protect humanity (and prepare them for its secret sacrificial plan), Lindzei’s fal’Cie raise Cocoon into the sky. 1. Cocoon Is Built as a Floating Paradise Powered by fal’Cie such as: Eden (administrative command) Phoenix (artificial sun) Weather-control fal’Cie Agriculture fal’Cie 2. Humanity Migrates to Cocoon Cocoon offers: Safety Comfort Controlled climate Food abundance Protection from Pulse monsters 3. A Sanitized Society Develops Humans largely forget: Their origins on Pulse Their dependency on fal’Cie Their autonomy Thus begins Cocoon’s era of blind reliance. Legacy Structures Bodhum, Nautilus, Palumpolum, Edenhall Magi-tech infrastructures created by fal’Cie Vestiges — ancient Pulse structures embedded in Cocoon V. THE WAR OF TRANSGRESSION — THE GREAT PULSE–COCOON CONFLICT (Centuries Before XIII) This is the most important historical conflict in XIII’s world. 1. Causes Cocoon fal’Cie and Pulse fal’Cie follow conflicting divine imperatives. Pulse fal’Cie initiate incursions into Cocoon. Cocoon’s humans panic and militarize under Sanctum guidance. 2. Events Pulse creatures attack Cocoon. Both sides suffer massive destruction. Cocoon’s fal’Cie repel Pulse forces and enforce long-term isolation. Ancient Pulse ships crash into Cocoon (ruins of the Vile Peaks). Pulse warriors and l'cie remnants scatter across the world. 3. Aftermath The Sanctum weaponizes the war as a propaganda tool: Pulse becomes synonymous with evil. Cocoon’s people grow hyper-dependent on the Sanctum and fal’Cie. The government solidifies into a militaristic theocracy. Legacy Ruins Vile Peaks (Cocoon crash sites) Pulse Vestiges scattered in Cocoon’s interior Abandoned Sanctum labs and fortifications Lost artifacts embedded in Cocoon’s crust VI. THE RAGNAROK EVENT — 500 YEARS BEFORE XIII A crucial event: Fang and Vanille become l’Cie to prevent Cocoon’s destruction. 1. Pulse Fal’Cie Attempt to Destroy Cocoon To force the Maker’s return, Pulse fal’Cie: Brand Fang and Vanille Task them with becoming Ragnarok, a destructive entity 2. Fang Becomes Partially Ragnarok She: Transforms Attacks Cocoon Damages its shell 3. Vanille Intervenes Vanille refuses to transform, preventing full destruction. 4. Etro Intercedes Etro: Preserves Cocoon Crystalizes Fang and Vanille in stasis Leaves them suspended until XIII’s events begin Legacy Ruins The Hanging Edge crash sites The scars on Cocoon’s shell The Vestige hidden in Bodhum VII. THE PRE-XIII MODERN ERA — RISING FEARS AND DECLINE In the decades leading up to XIII: 1. Cocoon Experiences Increasing Fal’Cie Instability Occasional blackouts Weather mishaps Fal’Cie ignoring human needs in subtle ways 2. Sanctum Tightens Control Restricts travel Militarizes PSICOM Increases anti-Pulse rhetoric Grows paranoid of any Pulse contact 3. Pulse Becomes Completely Abandoned Gran Pulse is now a world of: Ruins Monsters Cie’th Dormant fal’Cie Legacy Ruins of This Era Abandoned research projects Early-warning defense systems Sanctum-controlled experimental zones VIII. SUMMARY — THE MAJOR ERAS 1. Era of Creation (Gods & Crystals) Maker creates the world. Pulse, Lindzei, Mwynn shape existence. Etro born and gives humans souls. 2. Age of Pulse Civilization Humans flourish on Gran Pulse. Build towers, research centers, and cities. 3. Age of Collapse Wildlife becomes too powerful. Fal’Cie conflicts destabilize societies. Cie’th proliferate. 4. Rise of Cocoon Humans migrate upward. Forget their past. Develop a fal’Cie-dependent society. 5. War of Transgression Pulse vs. Cocoon conflict leaves ruins everywhere. Fear culture established. 6. Ragnarok Event Fang and Vanille’s partial transformation leaves scars and relics. 7. Pre-XIII Modern Period Sanctum dominance Growing instability Hidden fal’Cie agendas IX. WHAT LEGACIES AND RUINS REMAIN? On Cocoon Pulse Vestiges Ancient wreckage (Vile Peaks) Fal’Cie infrastructure Hidden Pulse relics Scars from Ragnarok On Gran Pulse Oerba Taejin’s Tower Mah’habara Subterra Yaschas Massif Archylte Steppe Countless Cie’th stone shrines Remains of extinct civilizations Metaphysical Legacies Chaos influence Eidolon phenomena Crystallization states Fal’Cie laws still operating automatically Historical amnesia among Cocoon citizens

1. Gil — The Universal Currency Gil is the standard currency used by: Cocoon citizens Sanctum military Merchant guilds Automated shops (kiosks, terminals) Surviving Pulse communities (historically) Nature of Gil Gil represents: Digital credits Tokens of economic exchange Standardized valuation enforced by the Sanctum Cocoon’s extremely advanced infrastructure means most transactions are digitized, and access to gil is tied to: Work contracts Citizen accounts Military pensions Distributed stipends Pulse civilizations long ago also used gil or a gil-equivalent, evidenced by how seamlessly artifacts and salvage can be sold using gil values. Why does the player find gil as loot? Not literal coins—this symbolizes: Salvageable valuables Recoverable energy cells Parts that can be recycled or traded digitally Items with standardized gil-equivalent value It reflects the conversion of material goods into credit units. II. COCOON'S ECONOMIC SYSTEM — FAL’CIE-SUPPORTED TECHNOCRATIC PLANNING Cocoon is not a free market economy. It is a regulated welfare theocracy whose core pillar is: “Fal’Cie create all essential goods.” Meaning: No agriculture No natural resource extraction No energy management by humans Everything comes from fal’Cie: Weather Food production Water purification Structural support Light (via Phoenix) Gravity stabilization Impacts on the Economy Essential goods are massively abundant → No starvation, no droughts, no energy shortages. Human labor is not required for survival → People work in admin, security, entertainment, or tech maintenance—not for basic resources. Economy stabilizes around services, crafts, and luxuries → Cocoon resembles a post-scarcity society with commercial pockets. Sanctum controls markets and distribution → Merchant guilds operate with the state, not in opposition. Key Economic Sectors Military manufacturing (weapons, armor) Entertainment (Nautilus theme parks) Transportation (magi-tech rail, airships) Infrastructure maintenance (energy grids, crystal tech) Security (Guardian Corps, PSICOM) Research and development (Gapra Whitewood labs) Fal’Cie as Factories Many fal’Cie serve specialized economic roles: Food fal’Cie regulate crop-like biomass. Weather fal’Cie optimize climates for environmental stability. Industrial fal’Cie generate electricity and refine materials. Transport fal’Cie maintain magi-tech lines. Essentially, the fal’Cie are semi-divine supply chains. III. TRADE ROUTES IN COCOON Cocoon’s geography means trade routes are primarily aerial or magi-tech-based. 1. Maglev Transport & Sky Routes Most trade moves through: High-speed mag-rails Skystorm transit paths Aerial shipping lanes These connect: Eden Palumpolum Nautilus Bodhum Outer environmental zones Major Trade Flows Consumer goods → from Eden to major cities Food & water → distributed from fal’Cie-managed hubs Technology & weapons → from Sanctum factories to military bases Entertainment goods → from Nautilus to urban centers Salvage & relics → from Vile Peaks/Whitewood to research facilities IV. LOCAL ECONOMIES AND MARKETS Certain locations develop recognizable micro-economies: 1. Bodhum Tourism-based: Beach industry Boutique shops Seasonal markets Leisure economy 2. Nautilus (“City of Dreams”) Entertainment-driven economy: Parks Festivals Animal exhibits Magi-tech museums 3. Palumpolum Industrial & military economy: Weapon manufacturing Logistics Military contracting A technologically literate labor force 4. Eden Administrative and high-tech sector: Sanctum bureaus AI support systems Fal’Cie control hubs Diplomatic and political centers These areas generate service-level economies dependent on a stable, fal’Cie-maintained environment. V. GRAN PULSE — AN ECONOMY OF RUINS, HUNTERS, AND RELICS Gran Pulse is essentially in a post-apocalyptic state during XIII. The economy is no longer active, but we can reconstruct its ancient structure. 1. Ancient Pulse Economies Pulse civilization once relied on: Mining and mineral extraction Crystal engineering Agriculture supported by fal’Cie Inter-city trade Monster wrangling for labor Spiritual commerce (ritual centers like Taejin’s Tower) Key Trade Routes Likely followed: River valleys Mountain passes Subterra networks (Mah’habara) Migration paths carved by fal’Cie These routes facilitated large inter-settlement commerce across massive distances. 2. Modern Pulse Economy (Ruins Era) Today, Pulse’s economic function is: Salvage-based: abandoned structures contain valuable crystal and metal. Monster hunting: beasts are harvested for rare components. Cie’th stone missions: spiritual bode-contracts that reward fulfillment with relic energies. Why Does Everything Have Gil Value? Even long-dead Pulse societies used standardized gil as a unit of worth, and salvageable items are universally understood. 3. Oerba’s Legacy Economy Once a peaceful, artistically inclined community: Focused on craftwork Crystal artistry Local agriculture Now abandoned, its economy survives through: Mystical artifacts Cultural ruins Eidolon lore VI. TRADE BETWEEN COCOON AND PULSE During the events of XIII, there is no active inter-world trade due to: The War of Transgression Sanctum propaganda Fal’Cie isolationism However, historically: Pulse relics were occasionally transported to Cocoon for study. Fal’Cie influence indirectly created a flow of resources (e.g., the Fifth Ark is a Pulse structure embedded in Cocoon). In a campaign setting, one could revive inter-world trade as: Monster materials Crystal fragments Forgotten technologies Eidolon artifacts VII. HOW ECONOMIC SYSTEMS SHAPE SOCIETY 1. Cocoon’s artificial abundance enables complacency The economy of Cocoon is so heavily fal’Cie-supported that: Citizens rarely struggle No faction competes for resources Poverty is rare Food shortages are impossible Infrastructure is self-maintaining This creates a society with: Limited innovation Blind dependence A lack of survival skills High trust in institutions and fal’Cie This is a deliberate fal’Cie design. 2. Pulse’s economy reflects its fallen majesty Pulse's landscape is filled with: Colossal ruins Abandoned industrial complexes Cie’th shrines Fal’Cie-driven megaplexes Dead cities These speak to: A civilization once equal or superior to Cocoon Ruined by fal’Cie conflicts and monster proliferation Leaving behind a world that is now a treasure vault for explorers VIII. GIL AND TECHNOLOGY — A NOTE ON ECONOMIC EXCHANGE Because Cocoon’s society has: High-speed transport Automated shops Distributed energy Fal’Cie-supported supply chains Gil becomes a universal credit token integrated into: Citizen accounts Military budgets Sanctum financial systems Automated vendors accept gil because: They interface directly with Sanctum systems They treat salvage as recyclable resource units They convert physical materials into digital credit It is a post-scarcity digital economy supported by god-machines.

A. WHO CONTROLS LAW AND ORDER? 1. The Sanctum (Governing Authority) The Sanctum: Writes the laws Controls the courts Interprets all policy based on “the will of the fal’Cie” Uses propaganda, censorship, and religious rhetoric It is not a secular government. It is a fal’Cie-backed theocracy posing as a bureaucratic state. 2. PSICOM (Public Security & Intelligence Command) PSICOM is the elite military police and intelligence arm. They serve as: Secret police Anti-Pulse task force Enforcers of purity doctrines Counter-terror units Rooters-out of heretics, l’Cie, rebels, or Pulse corruption PSICOM’s justice approach: Shoot first Arrest later Ask questions never They operate with extrajudicial authority. 3. Guardian Corps A more standard law enforcement agency: Maintains peace within cities Protects civilians Responds to emergencies However, they are still under the Sanctum’s hierarchy and must obey its policies, even if they disagree morally. B. WHAT ARE COCOON’S LAWS LIKE? Most Cocoon laws fall into three categories: 1. Anti-Pulse Legislation The greatest taboo in Cocoon is any contact with: Pulse artifacts Pulse relics Pulse wildlife Pulse l’Cie Pulse fal’Cie Even incidental contact is treated as: Contamination Treason Potential terrorism Latent l’Cie threat The state’s response is harsh and immediate. 2. Anti-l’Cie Policies Any human branded as l’Cie is: A criminal by default A threat to national security Subject to quarantine, execution, or deportation (the Purge) This includes: Cocoon l’Cie branded accidentally People suspected of being l’Cie People associated with l’Cie 3. Public Order Laws Standard crimes (theft, assault, etc.) are handled by Guardian Corps, but punishments are usually swift: Fines Detainment Deportation in severe cases Military conscription for offenders in some districts C. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SOMEONE IS ACCUSED OF A CRIME? 1. Investigation PSICOM does not investigate in the traditional sense. Their priority is elimination of threats: They quarantine whole districts They arrest groups instead of individuals Evidence is secondary to perception of danger 2. Trial (rare and symbolic) The Sanctum does hold trials, but: They are not public Verdicts are predetermined Purpose is propaganda, not justice 3. Punishment Punishment varies based on the nature of the offense: Minor Offenses Imprisonment Fines Mandatory service Probation under Guardian Corps supervision Major Offenses Forced relocation Permanent detainment Military execution (PSICOM) Pulse-Related Offenses Deportation via the Purge Public execution Secret disposal Entire families or neighborhoods punished collectively This is a collective punishment culture. D. DECEPTION AT THE HEART OF THE SYSTEM The Sanctum’s legal structure is designed to: Maintain fear of Pulse Keep humans dependent on fal’Cie Prevent exploration, independence, or dissent Crush anyone who might discover the truth about Cocoon’s artificial nature Thus, justice is a tool of: Mind control Social engineering Religious domination Covering up fal’Cie agendas II. HOW SOCIETY VIEW ADVENTURERS IN COCOON? A. There are no “adventurers” in Cocoon Cocoon’s society is: Hyper-regulated Urbanized Technological Safety-oriented Dependent on fal’Cie-maintained infrastructure There is no: Wilderness Frontier Need for exploration Tradition of independent wanderers Someone acting like a “fantasy adventurer” is seen as: Suspicious Unstable Dangerous Possibly Pulse-infected B. Explorers, scavengers, or delvers are treated as criminals Anyone who: Investigates ruins Studies Pulse relics Enters quarantine zones Searches restricted areas is accused of: Treason Pulse sympathies Potential l’Cie deviation C. L’Cie adventurers are the most feared of all Branded individuals who go rogue are viewed by civilians as: Living disasters Beings of mythic terror Agents of Pulse Monsters in the making Even Cocoon-born l’Cie provoke panic. III. JUSTICE ON GRAN PULSE — THE RUINS OF ANCIENT CIVILIZATION During the time of XIII, Gran Pulse is abandoned, so justice does not function there. But historically, Pulse civilizations had their own systems. A. Pulse Society (Ancient Period) Pulse humans: Lived in harmony with or in fear of fal’Cie Had city-states governed by councils Settled conflicts through rituals or fal’Cie judgment Respected l’Cie as chosen champions (not curses) B. Their Justice System Likely featured: Trial by fal’Cie interpretation Clan or council arbitration Spiritual or moral law tied to rituals L’Cie acting as agents of justice C. How They Viewed Adventurers Explorers were: Respected Necessary to traverse dangerous terrain Often scouts or monster hunters Essential to survival Exploration was a virtue because Pulse was vast and untamed. IV. MODERN GRAN PULSE (POST-CIVILIZATION COLLAPSE) A. No law remains With Pulse’s cities gone: No courts No governments No legal systems No police forces Only: Ruins L’Cie shrines Cie’th Beasts Dormant fal’Cie B. How are adventurers viewed by relics of culture? In XIII canon, Fang and Vanille come from a tribal, village-based culture where: Exploration is normal Adventurers are tribal heroes Monster hunters are essential Eidolons are spiritual guides If Pulse civilization rebounded, adventurers would be akin to: Rangers Sages Protectors Seekers of divine mysteries V. HOW ADVENTURERS FIT INTO A CAMPAIGN OR STORY In Cocoon A character who behaves like a “traditional adventurer” is: Breaking the law Evading PSICOM Suspected of treason Forced into hiding Considered mentally unstable or dangerous Likely treated as a proto-l’Cie cultist They become: Rebels Outlaws Rogue agents Survivors dodging state surveillance In Gran Pulse A character acting as an adventurer: Represents humanity trying to reclaim the wild Explores ruins for lost knowledge Battles titanic monsters Uncovers ancient fal’Cie agendas Rebuilds civilization Pulse is a natural setting for: Monster hunting Lost ruins Ancient mysteries Eidolon interactions VI. SUMMARY — HOW JUSTICE AND ADVENTURERS ARE TREATED COCOON Justice System Theocratic authoritarianism Sanctum + PSICOM dominance Anti-Pulse witch hunts Collective punishment Extrajudicial enforcement View of Adventurers Suspicious Criminal Threats to public order Possible l’Cie or Pulse sympathizers GRAN PULSE Justice (Ancient) Ritualistic Fal’Cie-influenced Council-based arbitration Justice (Modern) None; world is abandoned View of Adventurers Historically valued Currently irrelevant (no society), but ideal for campaigns

I. THE PRIMARY ANCIENT EVIL — THE FAL’CIE THEMSELVES Although the public worships or reveres them, the fal’Cie are the true antagonistic force behind nearly every threat. A. Barthandelus Leader of Cocoon’s fal’Cie Poses as the Sanctum Primarch Manipulates all of Cocoon from the shadows Engineers the Purge Brands the protagonists Tries to force the l’Cie into becoming Ragnarok Wants to destroy Cocoon to summon the Maker Threat Type: Divine manipulator Mastermind controlling global destiny Cultic leader (unwitting human worship forms his “cult”) Why He’s Dangerous: Access to reality-warping magic Influence over the government Ability to command other fal’Cie Zero regard for human life B. Orphan The true “heart” of Cocoon’s fal’Cie power. Orphan is: A dualistic entity Capable of sustaining all Cocoon’s systems Emotionally sadistic and psychologically manipulative Threat Type: Artificial deity Engine of apocalypse Danger: Orphan’s death causes: Cocoon to fall from the sky Collapse of the fal’Cie system Potential mass extinction Orphan wants the l’Cie to kill it, triggering the sacrificial event. C. Pulse Fal’Cie Though not malicious, many Pulse fal’Cie are: Immense Indifferent to humans Focus-driven to destructive ends Capable of transforming humans into l’Cie or monsters Active maintainers of deadly wildlife Key Pulse Fal’Cie Threats: Anima (the fal’Cie in the Bodhum Vestige) Titan (who runs brutal evolutionary gauntlets in the Steppe) Dahaka (the fal’Cie guarding Taejin’s Tower) Threat Type: Divine forces whose goals collide with human survival II. THE CIE’TH — UNDEAD REMNANTS OF CURSED L’CIE The Cie’th are one of the most horrifying entities in the FFXIII world. A. What Are Cie’th? Failed l’Cie Humans transformed into crystal-infused, undead-like monsters Souls trapped eternally in torment Dangerous, aggressive, unpredictable B. Why They Threaten the World They accumulate in ruins (Pulse and Cocoon alike) They rot civilization wherever they gather They guard ancient knowledge violently They retain fragmentary memories, making them tragic but lethal C. Cie’th Stones Sentient monoliths containing: The final wishes of dying l’Cie Mission parameters Spiritual echoes of their torment These stones: Spread Cie’th influence Bind adventurers into dangerous contracts Represent a lingering curse across Pulse D. Phantoms, Giants, and Paradoxical Cie’th Some Cie’th distort time and space (more prominent in XIII-2), but seeds of these phenomena exist in XIII’s metaphysics. III. FAUNA THREATS — PULSE MEGAFAUNA AND ENGINEERED CREATURES Gran Pulse is a world where nature is weaponized, and Cocoon has its own engineered predators. A. Gran Pulse Mega-Creatures Pulse is filled with monsters that dwarf anything on Cocoon. 1. Adamantoise & Adamantortoise Gargantuan beasts the size of skyscrapers Capable of destroying cities Remnants of Pulse’s primordial ecosystems 2. Behemoths (and Kings) Apex predators Intelligent, territorial Can regenerate mid-battle 3. Tonberries (Pulse Variant) Ancient creatures with unexplained metaphysical ties Carry knives capable of bypassing normal magical defense 4. King Cie’th (Immortal Trials) Massive boss-level entities tied to Cie’th Stone missions 5. Juggernauts Armored bio-machines created by fal’Cie Patrol battlefields Indestructible without magic 6. Aster Protoflorian and Similar Hybrids Bio-magical experiments with shifting elemental resistances Designed by fal’Cie to guard sacred sites B. Cocoon’s Threat Creatures Cocoon also harbors dangerous creatures, though less numerous. 1. Sanctum Drones & Bio-Weapons Magi-tech constructs augmented by fal’Cie power Surveillance, enforcement, and battlefield roles 2. Mutated Local Wildlife Examples: Pantheron beasts Zwerg robots gone rogue Bakhti automata 3. Failed Sanctum Experiments Some factions within PSICOM perform unauthorized research leading to: Aberrant creatures Semi-organic hunting units Lost control prototypes These dangers are covered up by the Sanctum. IV. CULTS AND FANATICS While Cocoon lacks formal cults in the traditional sense, several fanatic groups or cult-like structures functionally exist. A. The Sanctum — A State-Sponsored Cult Citizens don’t realize it, but Cocoon is governed by a religious cult of fal’Cie worship. Signs of cultic behavior: Blind obedience to fal’Cie Propaganda demonizing Pulse Ritualistic reverence of fal’Cie as gods Shunning and expulsion of heretics Extreme punishment of the “unclean” (l’Cie) This creates systemic fanaticism in: PSICOM Sanctum clergy The general population B. Anti-Pulse Fanatics Some citizens form vigilante groups that: Hunt suspected Pulse sympathizers Inform on neighbors Enforce superstitious anti-Pulse behavior These groups incite mass paranoia. C. L’Cie Cultists (Rare but Notable) After the Purge begins, some radicals believe: L’Cie should be worshiped Fal’Cie branding is a divine calling Cocoon’s destruction is destined and holy These individuals become dangerous agents of disorder. V. ANCIENT EVILS & MYTHIC-LEVEL THREATS These are not creatures or factions but cosmic-scale dangers embedded in the world’s metaphysics. A. Ragnarok A destructive l’Cie transformation designed to: Shatter Cocoon Free souls en masse Summon the Maker It is not a monster, but a cosmic weapon encoded into l’Cie fate. Fang and Vanille once became part-Ragnarok, proving how catastrophic this power is. B. Chaos Leakage (Early Stages in XIII) Though fully realized in XIII-2, Chaos influence is present: Emotional instability fueling Eidolon crises Unpredictable l’Cie transformations Spatial distortions (like Orphan’s Cradle) Cie’th-related anomalies Chaos threatens to: Overwhelm the Seen Realm Break the cycle of souls Collapse linear time This is an existential multiversal threat. C. The Maker’s Absence The Maker leaving the world created: Fal’Cie desperation Rigid, outdated divine programming A broken metaphysical system This absence indirectly threatens all life. VI. ENVIRONMENTAL & STRUCTURAL THREATS 1. Cocoon’s Fragility Cocoon can: Fall Shatter Lose its fal’Cie-induced gravity Suffer from environmental collapse Experience catastrophic system failure 2. Pulse Environmental Extremes Pulse contains: Predators beyond human capability Ruins filled with cursed energies Uncontrolled fal’Cie infrastructure Cie’th infestations 3. Residual War Ruins Vile Peaks and other sites contain: Unstable reactors Unexploded Pulse ordnance Hostile ancient war machines