So Larsa was totally tapping dat Penelo

[Forsaken Lover]

Now, putting aside the fact I think they're lovely together, I still think thre was some definite sparkage there. I'm not sure if the writers intended it or not but just look at this scene. (skip to about 2:45)
‪Final Fantasy XII: Cutscenes (pt. 16)‬‏ - YouTube

I mean, Larsa is always extremely sweet to Penelo and this is just one more scene where he demonstrates this. However what I love about this scene is Vaan in the background.

You have Larsa, acting his usual suave self, strolling over and presenting Penelo with a beautiful gift. She in turn is flustered and thanks him.

And Vaan? He kinda fidgets and rubs at his nose. Body language is a delicate art but I'll take a stab at what he's thinking.

"I'm being outmaneuvered by a 12-year-old..."

And of course Penelo is thinking "that's because you're an idiot Vaan."

And Larsa is thinking "Indubitably".

So, what do you all think of the love between our young Emperor and the sweet peasant girl? I just think Penelo can do better than...whatever Vaan is. He's some less evolved species of human I think.

[G13]

Love may be stretching it a bit.

But, yes, I agree. Vann is definitely of a lesser species.

[demondude]

I think you'd like my Dajh/Snow slashfic.

[TrollHunter]

Love may be stretching it a bit.

But, yes, I agree. Vann is definitely of a lesser species.

My thoughts exactly.

[Roogle]

There was definitely a little bit of synergy between the two characters. I wonder if that was done to make Penelo a little more relevant to the storyline?

[TrollHunter]

If that was the case, it was a failed attempt.

[Forsaken Lover]

There was definitely a little bit of synergy between the two characters. I wonder if that was done to make Penelo a little more relevant to the storyline?

I've considered this quite a lot and my final conclusion is that the "main cast" is largely pointless within the game's core narrative.

Basch serves no purpose in the storyline from the moment Vossler dies all the way up to the end of the Pharos.

Balthier only becomes relevant once you head for Archadia.

Fran is superflous and stupid the entire game.

Ashe is the only one with any vague consistency in terms of being necessary to the storyline.

The game is really about the imperials. it's about a despotic bishounen's attemtpt to take over the world. It's about a mad scientist's attempt to help make men into gods. It's about a man with a dead soul rediscovering his purpose in living by serving a noble leader.

And who is the brother of this tyrannical bishie? Who is the noble leader the knight serves?

Larsa is the real main character. And, by being his main squeeze, Penelo is rendered more important than Basch, Vaan and Fran combined.

[Mercen-X]

It would have been cool if Larsa went off to marry the lowly orphan-girl Penelo... and of course, where would any prince be without his faithful stooge? "Oh Vaan!?"

[Goldenboko]

If Larsa didn't talk to Penelo in that scene her appearance would've been irrelevant.

[TrollHunter]

Larsa vs. baltheir ~ Pimp Off

[Roogle]

I've considered this quite a lot and my final conclusion is that the "main cast" is largely pointless within the game's core narrative.

I agree with this in the sense that I found Vaan, Penelo, and Fran to be unnecessary to the story of the entire game. At the very least, Fran can get a pass by acting as the partner of Balthier, but Vaan and Penelo are completely extraneous to me when one takes into account the political story of the game.

[Haha_YouAint]

I think you'd like my Dajh/Snow slashfic.

Omg, please tell me you did not go there. -dead-

[Forsaken Lover]

I've considered this quite a lot and my final conclusion is that the "main cast" is largely pointless within the game's core narrative.

I agree with this in the sense that I found Vaan, Penelo, and Fran to be unnecessary to the story of the entire game. At the very least, Fran can get a pass by acting as the partner of Balthier, but Vaan and Penelo are completely extraneous to me when one takes into account the political story of the game.

Vaan is really no more unnecessary than Basch. In fact, Vaan adds a great deal more to the game than Basch does.

You mention FFXII is a "political story" and I'd agree. That is why Vaan is no less valid than any other party member. FFXII is not "Good Country Invaded by EviL Empire" as seen in the other FF games. Archadia is a complex and living country, with leaders ranging from the degenerate Bergan all the way to the paragon of light Larsa.

But sadly, outsider perspective is a luxury we alone possess. To the freshly conquered Dalmascans, the Archadians were evil embodied. What do political turmoils matter to the peasants who just had everything they loved stolen from them? What do these sort of noble intentions matter to the displaced royalty? You could say that, while Ash is eager to reclaim her country, Vaan just wants to reclaim his home. He doesn't have any other greater wisdom or thought process than that. In fact, neither did Ashe for most of the game and she damn near blew up th Empire rather than use politics.

Vaan and Ashe represent two perspectives on the same issue at hand. There really isn't any difference between the arrogant, whiny Ashe and the stupid, clueless Vaan.\

What I said earlier was of course mostly a joke. It's just that I really hate the cast they hoisted upon us in FFXII. I can only remember screaming upon a second playthrough "hurry up and get to the Judges! And Larsa! And Cid! Ya know, the interesting characters!" Yet instead I had to listen to Ashe bitch and Balthier act kewl and Fran talk in some terrible accent.

And Basch...well, he just stood there like so much scenery.

[demondude]

I think you'd like my Dajh/Snow slashfic.

Omg, please tell me you did not go there. -dead-

"It was a raining friday night in Bodhum ..."

[Haha_YouAint]

I think you'd like my Dajh/Snow slashfic.

Omg, please tell me you did not go there. -dead-

"It was a raining friday night in Bodhum ..."

AHH MY EYES!! x_x


I just can't see Penelo with Vaan. They seem to have too much of a brother/sister relationship. I could always see Penelo and Larsa happening.