Just a few of my thoughts and predictions before Kai no Kiseki comes out– in no particular order, just how I felt like structuring it. (Note: this theory contains spoilers from the prologue)
LGC alignment and the three plans.
LGC is back, but so is the cross-character story approach to the story. At risk of becoming stale, I don’t think it will be as simple as choosing between Law (bracers), Chaos (Ouroboros) and Gray (Heiyue) this time. Instead, I think the choice concerns which plan the party will ultimately support.
We are shown three plans, each with a countdown, suggesting they are almost racing one another. I believe that ultimately the outcome of any of these plans will be the same result (just like choosing an ally in the Carnival didn’t have any major impact on the story). In the chapter ‘Countdown of Fate’, Van will have to choose which plan he is going to support and his foes will be determined from that. Assigning a faction to each alignment is a little tricky, but here are my thoughts:
Law: Project Star Taker. This is one I am 50/50 on depending on how sketchy Gramheart and MTSC turn out to be. Being the government, they lend themselves naturally to the Law, however, and failing some massive unforeseen consequence of Star Taker, seems like the most straight forward way to act in the interests of the public. Possible allies/guest characters would include Kasim or Rene.
Chaos: The Eternal Recurrence Plan. The easiest one to assign as it’s Ouroboros. Ultimately, I think The GM’s aims will be accomplished anyway, it’s just in what form it takes place. Possible allies include the enforcers we’ve already worked with before, including Lucrezia and Walter, but also we have seen playable Jorda.
Gray: Project Lævateinn. The new one on the block and seemingly one that is hidden from most peoples knowledge. We know so little about this, but my gut is telling me that Nina Fenly is behind this one, and the masked knights are with her. I was 50/50 to whether they would be gray or law but by the fact the figures are masked it suggests something not quite above board is going on.
The Masked Knights
So who are the masked knights, which seem to represent the Octo-Genesis colors? I have dubbed them the Knights of Genesis because of this, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they have to have those particular units on them. We’ve already seen a ninth genesis in use with the ‘Eliminator’ robot, and the color of that unit matches the masked figure that rides it in the game’s opening. There’s also the fact that the opening shows 10-20 figures, which is obviously more genesis than we currently know about. I have absolutely no idea if these are copies of genesis or completely new ones made by a new party, however.
Unlike many others who attribute these guys to MTSC, I think they actually work under Nina and Iscariot. Iscariot seems to be very overmatched compared to other factions, having only Ashrad (who already has a number of defeats) and Nina herself. Having the masked figures would add some much-needed muscle to their side. The Septian Church doesn’t need two secret knight organizations, so I’m willing to bet Iscariot are a lot less benign than we’ve been led to believe.
Are the knights themselves copies of people, robots, or individuals from another timeline? I’m not sure, but the visual resemblance to the Oct-Genesis suggests a link. I believe the knights are existences ‘observed’ by the Genesis, namely people who have been active/died in their active presence- exactly what we saw with Dingo- who acted as a precursor. We have yet to see most of them but here are the ones we have:
- Pale red: this one uses a dagger that is very -very similar to Melchior’s artefact dagger. As it happens, Melchior died when the matching genesis (the 7th) was active. Having this guy back doesn’t fill me with pleasure but he would almost certainly be a threat with his eagerness to kill.
- Deep Red: The one using color variations of Aaron’s twin fencers. Rather than Aaron himself (although it could be), I think this is a version of Aaron that embraced being Tyrant. The genesis color doesn’t quite match with the one we would expect (the purple) but the Genesis might be able to share their information.
- Green: The one with the rifle. The fact she is fighting Feri and uses a rifle definitely suggests that Aida is an option here. Again, she died in the presence of the second Genesis (orangey red/Why are there so many reddish ones?) not the fifth (green)
- White: (with slight lavender tint) The only one I have no idea about, but seems to be the master of the Eliminator robot. It could be Callaghan, or Olympia who have links to using robots/dolls, and both fit the criteria of having met their end with a Genesis, but neither feel like the right fit here.
- The one with a sword. I’m going to break the pattern here and say this one is Nina. We’ve seen her hold exactly the same sword in promotional images, and if Nina is truly leading them, it makes sense she might disguise herself amongst their number. Another option I considered in Sheena Dirke, but Nina would have Sheena’s sword fighting knowledge from her ability to ‘become’ the people she is acting as. Nina and the Yellow knight are shown in the same group in the OST-mini suggesting there is a link.
White Grendel
A great many people are convinced this is Agnes, but I am not one of them. This conclusion mainly seems to be because of the hair color, but when you consider Van’s hair changes color upon transformation, and Dingo’s, this doesn’t really hold water. Agnes being able to throw down as a Grendel figure also seems very jarring with what we have seen from her personality. Whilst I’m not sure who this figure is, I think Nina would be a much better shout. (the white yellow also matches the white Genesis Knight as a bonus)
Aaron
Somewhere, somehow, Aaron is going to gain the ability to channel his destiny as Tyrant (maybe after beating the Knight version?) We’ve seen the concept art in the official visual collection for Kuro II.
Van Arkride & Ellroy
Slightly updated version of my previous theory. If you know it, skip this bit.
After two games, and nothing to show for it, surely this is the game where my prediction that Ellroy is Van’s biological father will come to fruition. It may be all a bit moot as Van clearly sees Bergard as more of a father figure, but there is still mystery surrounding the circumstances of Van’s birth and how he came into possession of the diabolic core in the first place.
Ellroy loves mixing dangerous things together to create something even more dangerous. We’ve seen this with the Garden, and we’ve seen him play around to unlock Quatre’s potential too. Introducing a demonic factor to his son is completely the taboo sort of fun he would engage in. With the pact between Gramheart and the Society, Ellroy has no ‘official’ business in Calvard so he’s most likely there for personal reasons. He’s taken great pleasure in watching what Van does from afar, even if he feels no fraternal affection, and wants to see the ultimate resolution of his experiment.
There are a few other parallels, such as when Ellroy and Gramheart (the fathers) arrive to aid the party against the Diabolic Pillars, and the fact that Ellroy is paired with ‘The Empress’ Lucrezia also known as the ‘mother figure’ of the deck. As stated in my earlier theory, I believe Ellroy ‘breaks the rules’ as is his nature and also holds the position of 4th enforcer ‘The Emperor’, making him the ‘father’ figure, paired with Lucrezia. I don’t think this makes Lucrezia Van’s mother, however, as she is too young. Whilst it may seem redundant to have Ellroy hold both positions as an Anguis and enforcer, we know the Anguis are not given as much freedom as enforcers, and yet Ellroy can seemingly do whatever he wants, such as using chemical warfare on Nemeth. Ellroy having special privileges would amp up his threat considerably. As the emperor is a card concerned with rules and regulations, Ellroy is a twisted take on the idea- that his rules are there are no rules, and everything is on the table.
Grimcat & Sunshine Agnes
Anchorville is the setting of Sunshine Agnes, and it seems fitting that the truth of this stories origins will at last be revealed. There is a prominent black cat named Kagemaru (the namesake of the cat in the Tyrell District) who may have been an allusion to Grimcat. A theme of the book was stealing power’ and Grimcats is after all, a phantom thief. How truthful the book is can vary as we have seen with Carnelia and Red Moon Rose, although we have been spoiled a bit with Gambler Jack and Three & Nine being so true to life’s events.
Sasha
Yeah, she’s up to something. There’s no way she is just an ordinary Aramis student. I think she is another one of Richard’s spies from R & A research. The Basel stuff was too suspicious, and I think Richard may have relocated his seat of operations there after spending time in the Eastern Quarter- after all, Liberl maintain facilities in Basel and the technology there would be a worthwhile thing to have intelligence on.
Ouroboros
Novartis is leading the attack on Grim Garten, using the new and improved Aion type- Ω, which is that large red mech we’ve seen in various promotional material and the OP. This model combines the strengths of the previous three models, including the wings of the β, staying power of the γ and spatial control of the α. Bonus is Cedric is helping to pilot it with his knowledge of Testa-Rossa. He’s already helped the professor test stuff out before.
Zecht Arms
Despite being a bit of a butt-monkey, I think they are one of the 13 factories. We’ve seen them do all sorts of dodgy stuff, and now even work with what seem to be enhanced jaegers. She probably still hates Novartis though.
Risette
So it does appear to be her family home that was burned down, but I’m really not sure what is going on with her. Perhaps she is the very AI Marduk seem so proud about? But it’s based on a real person?
Jorda & Ixs
So this one is pretty straightforward. I think Van’s chapter 1 is going to be Jorda turning up at the Solutions office with a 4SPG about Ixs and the party taking a trip to Anchorville. Is Ixs really turning on Ouroboros so quickly? I don’t really know but it might a case of Jorda and Ixs were always meant to fight and see who would be the ultimate ‘victor’ of the Garden free for all, and win title of the ultimate assassin. This would be the ‘Judgement’ and fulfil their tarot.
Ulrica (and Naje)
Brace yourself, this a is really crack one. Before her official reveal, I thought she might be the ‘Tower’ and be linked with the towers of Grim Garten itself. I’ve had to rethink now though and there are some interesting coincidences with her and the Moon. Could she be a werewolf (or the Zemurian Equivalent).
This may sound absolutely nuts, but when you compare it to what we’ve already seen with the Noct Familia (Vampire in Erebonia, Lycans in Calvard??), Homunculi, super Ais and other extraordinary paranormal weirdness, werewolves don’t even make the top 5 at this point.
Consider the following:
- She is already associated with the ‘Moon’ so they must be a link there.
- Her name’s etymology is ‘wolf lord’
- She doesn’t appear in person to fight, but I bet when she does, she transforms.
- Her little caster thing looks like a chibi Wolf
- She is a ‘Gyaru’ which also happens to be JP onomatopoeia for the sound a wolf makes, (garrooooo) making it a very on the nose pun.
But what if the werewolf conspiracy goes further? Ulrica looks middle eastern. Know who else is? Naje. And Naje has already turned into the golden wolflike figure ‘Verethragna’ which is yet to be explained. The Genesis don’t create stuff, they only unleash potential. What is Elsaim hiding? Are the principality’s royal guardians actually a clan of historical werewolves? Did the Genesis know this and bring out Naje’s potential? Can Ulrica harness the change at will?
Grandmaster and the Mirror
I’ve made my theory about Epstein having based the Oct-Genesis upon a causality Engine (like AZOTH) and we know there are at least 3 of them kicking around. I believe the Grandmaster has access to one of the remaining 2, and it may be connected to her foresight of all events. At the very least, it provides a logical reason for why she can make these predictions with in-series precedent. Ouroboros are always ahead of everyone so having access to one would be completely in their remit.
In Hajimari, AZOTH describes itself as part of an ‘Institution’ called the Black Phantasmal/Dream Mirrors which are dedicated to preserving the world’s causality. Nothing about this overtly contradicts what the Society is doing. Futhermore, we have seen the Grandmaster standing in front of what appears to be…a large black mirror… in one of the promotional stills. It’s very on the nose but the last ones have to be somewhere. It also figures that if Calvard is the focus, and GM knows the ‘Appointed time’ ,something watching the causality of Calvard is what gave her that information.
Grandmaster’s Appearance
Grandmaster being Aidios and the original owner of the Sept Terrion is an old one, but maybe if it is true, her appearance changes as she regains the treasures?
- Chronologically, she would gain mirage first, consciousness, which she uses to communicate with her Anguis through the Celestial globe (maybe a phase space created by the 1st/2nd causality engine) This is manifested a glowing light ball
- Gains the Aureole. Now she can use the laws of physics to change her appearance and gain a visual form in the phase space yet incomplete and unable to touch physical Zemuria. Eyes are Golden.
- Gains Fire/Earth. Now her eyes have red pupils (fire) and black sclera (earth). Is this The Grandmaster regaining her spiritual power and physical form, as per the two corresponding treasures?
Perhaps we will see further changes as the sept terrions are dealt with. Time might grant her permanence; wind will restore her full mind/intelligence and water will restore her heart/emotions. Fittingly, water will be last so she can’t be ‘too benevolent’
Kruga and the Nords
They share a common ancestor, so I think it’s a given that the Nords and Kruga once were part of an Ancient Zemurian civilisation. Wind is the obvious one, inspiring them to travel.
We also have to consider Gramheart’s bloodline which Gerard noted as special. Gerard’s bloodline itself is special considering he has an artifact bound to it, but we have seen with the Arnors that this doesn’t always mean a tribe is involved.
MTSC
They are so shifty but surely it has to be a red herring? If they are actually behind everything, then everyone who has cooperated with them in the last games has been handling a massive idiot ball as its so obvious they are up to something, which is why they can’t be. Well they probably are, but they can’t be the one ultimately behind the plot. Kasim is being painted as this Loewe/Arios type figure but I think ultimately Marduk are on-side. They actively aid the party. They have Mirabel, Risette, Crow and Jeorg (who doesn’t like working for disreputable people) Token shifty teammate at best.
Shizuna, Kafai and eastern Spirit binding
I’m still really hoping Anelace will appear and her original intended role wasn’t taken by Rean. Yun Kafai seems to be very shifty, walking on the Longlai path all casually – WITH PATCHES OF FRESH BLOOD BEHIND HIM, THAT AND THE SHOT OF THE Ikaruga camp massacred doesn’t suggest he is as benevolent as it might appear. If Yun didn’t kill the Ikaruga, it’s Shizuna and she well and truly has gone off the deep end.
Oh I we already know demons and demonic possession are common knowledge in the East. Shizuna is casual about it. Now Kafai has some kind of black dragon spirit in his sword (is this the Black God?) I think there is an art in the east of binding spirits and demons into materials, and that is what happens with Shizuna’s sword and Yun Kafai’s. But you need to control them of they get loose an wreak havoc. Luciola’s mist spirits are a different application of the same idea- bound spirits.
Campanella
I have made so many Campanella theories over the years, from him being a fairy, to a being like McBurn or Mare, but I think I have finally found one that makes sense and lets all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. Quite simply put, Campanella is just like Quatre- or rather, the actual version of what the DG cult tried to turn Quatre into- an Angel.
- This explains why he doesn’t age
- This explains the apparent gender confusion on the Pantagruel in CSIV (he’s a hermaphrodite like Quatre)
- It explains why he can control fire and wind (both attributed to servants of God, in particular the Holy spirit (Inadvertently making the trinity look like GM/Aidios/Mother, Nina/Daughter, Campy/Holy spirit??)
- Why Campy can casually command beings from other planes, including the 77 devils
- His apparent need to follow the rules.
It also means he probably has a true form with loads of wings or something. Maybe he does a reverse Yammy from BLEACH and goes #0 > #23 when the wings come out.
Hermes
I thought Kronkite was her father seeing as there’s apparently a link, but it’s this new general with the same eye colour? It would be General Hurling. Ultimately her parentage doesn’t matter. She is definitely very important but in what way completely eludes me. Just what happens to her up in orbit?
Mare and the Grendel
Hard one here. Best explanation I have thought is Mare belongs to an unknown group of people trying to suppress the 77 devils, and she is assigned to Van/Vagrantz Diaspora. I don’t think she is a holy beast, as the genesis seemed necessary to her existence which Holy Beasts wouldn’t necessarily be?
Whatever group she belongs to (maybe angels/servants of Aidos are banned from direct interference (this includes knowledge- hence blurriness) and she can only act through the Genesis loophole indirectly. Grendel is Mare’s power, but used via Van, which is why he is both “nightmare and beast that devours it”- he is the Devil lord (nightmare) and the beast devoted to suppressing it (Grendel/Mare”).
If Mare is another “angel” (like Campanella), perhaps Campy fulfils a similar role for McBurn. Zolga was a recreation so not sure if it directly tied to the 77 devils. White Grendel could be responsible for another Devil Lord, but it could also just be Van’s next form . it could be unlocked when he is free of the Vagrants Diaspora influence and the OP is being metaphorical with Van’s inner conflict. I still don’t think it’s Agnes (but I was wrong about Dingo and it could happen again).
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That’s it. Bye.