Quote Originally Posted by Big D View Post
I think Dr Odine's Para-Magic is only one way for humans to use magic. After all, the Galbadian military seems to use a different system, as their soliders don't have a limited supply of spells the way the heroes do, and they never seem to use GFs or the like. I'd speculate that there are a bunch of different systems or technologies that have let humans use magic over the ages.

I think most of FFVIII's humans have some degree of innate magical ability, too. Based on the Limit Breaks, these abilities seem stronger in women. However, the male characters' Limit Breaks often have a magical component as well. Squall's Blasting Zone and Fated Circle, for instance, clearly appear to have supernatural components. It's like FFVII: most magic requires Materia, but nearly every main character has at least a few Limit Breaks that use spirit energy to create magic-esque effects, from healing to attacking.
Yeah, that's also true. The monsters also use magic (infused from the Lunar Cry / Lunatic Pandora?) . If not, then their power part is pretty normal just like any other FF game.

As we know that the plot can't be applied to gameplay completely because otherwise we won't be able to have more fun playing. (i.e. limit break, reviving, etc.) It's just that Selphie's cosmetic abilities in battle that I have a problem with.

Also, one of the paintings in Ultimecia's castle, Viator (messenger / traveller), I believe, represents or symbolises Selphie. The final painting (puzzle) includes garden, sleep and the messenger. Not sure about the significance of the Sleep (Intervigilium) part, although I read from somewhere that it means "nap" and "between awakeness".

If that's true, then Selphie is a vital part of the Ultimecia story. With the painting and Selphie's limit break in mind (only if we ignore the main gameplay / Rinoa rule), she may as well be a sorceress hidden in plain sight.