The Zodiac (ゾーディアック, Zōdiakku^?) is a recurring series of symbols in the Final Fantasy series. It refers to the twelve Zodiacal Constellations: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. Ophiuchus is also a Zodiacal constellation, though often not counted, but most games in the series that include the Zodiac make note of it in some way. The thirteen signs of the Final Fantasy Zodiac appear on the Ivalice Alliance logo. The summon Zodiark is named after the Zodiac.

Appearances Edit

Final Fantasy IX Edit

Queen Stella, an aristocrat in the city of Treno, spends her days collecting the twelve Stellazzio coins, each one named after a Zodiac Sign. Once the player finds her one, she will give a prize. After all twelve are found, she will note she feels like another one exists somewhere. This is the Ophiuchus coin. By reading the coins' descriptions in the Key Item screen in order, the player can uncover the Stellazzio story.

The symbols for Zodiac signs are also seen in concept artwork for the metal frame sphere in Doctor Tot's study.

Final Fantasy XI Edit

There are thirteen subligaria, each named after Zodiac symbols (including Ophiuchus), that are obtained from the Fomors in dungeons around Tavnazia. These subligaria are used in a sidequest to obtain special level 50 armor.

In addition, the Federation of Windurst's Caster Companies are all named after Zodiac symbols.

Final Fantasy XII Edit

The thirteen Espers of Final Fantasy XII each represent one of the thirteen Zodiac Signs. The opposite Scions of Light, which never appear in the game themselves, also represent the same signs. The twelve jobs of the Zodiac Job System also each refer to a sign of the Zodiac. Zodiac equipment is the most powerful equipment in the game, namely the Zodiac Spear and Zodiac Escutcheon.

Final Fantasy Tactics Edit

The signs of the Zodiac play the largest role in Final Fantasy Tactics, called the "Zodiac Brave Story" in-game. They play both a role in gameplay and in plot.

Zodiac Compatibility ChartEdit

All playable characters and monsters are given a set Zodiac Sign, except for Ramza Beoulve, whose birthdate and sign are chosen by the player. Zodiac compatibility plays a role in determining how effective most abilities are. Having a good compatibility increases: Damage dealt by offensive abilities, HP or MP restored by healing abilities, the success rate of abilities that change status, and the success rate of Stealing. Bad compatibility does the reverse of the above.

O means unit has good compatibility.
X means unit has bad compatibility.
= means unit has neutral compatibility.
! means that compatibility depends on gender, units of the same gender have bad compatibility. Units of the opposite gender have good compatibility. All monsters are gender-neutral; therefore, they cannot have good or bad compatibility.

				X	O		!		O	X			=
					X	O		!		O	X		=
						X	O		!		O	X	=
	X						X	O		!		O	=
	O	X						X	O		!		=
		O	X						X	O		!	=
	!		O	X						X	O		=
		!		O	X						X	O	=
	O		!		O	X						X	=
	X	O		!		O	X						=
		X	O		!		O	X					=
			X	O		!		O	X				=
	=	=	=	=	=	=	=	=	=	=	=	=	=

Ivalice CalendarEdit

The in-game calendar is divided up into twelve months, each one named after a sign of the Zodiac. Note that Serpentarius (Ophiuchus) is not counted within the Ivalice calendar.

StoryEdit

Plot-wise, the signs of the Zodiac each represent one of the thirteen Auracite crystals, the Zodiac Stones. These stones are related to the Lucavi demons, which use them to enter the world of Ivalice to do evil. The Stones can possess humans holding them at the moment of their death and then forever take control of their bodies. When the need arises, the possessed person can transform into the Lucavi monsters. The Zodiac Stones also seem to work to transport good as well, since they respond to Rapha's grief over the death of her brother, Marach Galthena and return him to life. The other Zodiac Stones are used in a series of sidequests where they are used to activate lost technology. The Serpentarius stone is counted as a Zodiac Stone.