Stacey Anne ([info]lalaloveppears) wrote in [info]skypirates,
@ 2007-07-08 12:10:00
Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
Current mood: blah
Current music:Namie Amuro - IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU

Balthier and Fran: THE SURVEY
Because some of us have been left to twiddle our thumbs while we wait for domestic releases of Revenant Wings and Final Fantasy Tactics, I bring to you the [info]skypirates members survey! Or something!

If there's something you've been itching to ask fellow [info]skypirates members, feel free to add new questions to your survey. Be sure to indicate that you have new questions in the subject of your reply and I'll be sure to amend the survey list ASAP.

Getting to Know You

  • Name (lj or other nickname):
  • Age:
  • Gender:
  • Favorite Final Fantasy Game:
  • Favorite Final Fantasy Character:
  • Favorite Musical Artist:
  • Why do you like Balthier and Fran--as individuals or otherwise?

Getting to Know Balthier and Fran

1) What were your initial feelings towards Balthier and Fran from the promotional campaign?

2) Having played the game, did they meet your expectations?

3) How would you describe the characters Balthier and Fran?

4) How would you classify the relationship between Balthier and Fran?

5) What would you consider the defining moment for Balthier and Fran in Final Fantasy XII?

Balthier and Fran... and Ivalice

6) In Final Fantasy XII, with what weapons did you equip Balthier and Fran?

7) Were Balthier and/or Fran frequently in your active party?

8) Is there a FFXII character you like more than Balthier and/or Fran? If so, what's wrong with you? who is it?

9) In what language did you play Final Fantasy XII? Do you prefer the Japanese or English voices?

10) How do you feel about Balthier and (to a lesser extent) Fran's appearances in other Final Fantasy installments?

So a Sky Pirate and a Viera Walk Into a Bar...

11) What song(s) do you associate with Balthier and/or Fran?

12) If Balthier and/or Fran wrote a book about their life, what would it be called?

13) Are there any other characters -- fictional or otherwise -- that remind you of Balthier and/or Fran? If so, who?

14) What do you see Balthier and Fran doing in ten years? Twenty?

15) So a sky pirate and a viera walk into a bar....

Answers might be spoiler-tastic!

(Post a new comment)


[info]lalaloveppears
2007-07-08 05:16 pm UTC (link)
Getting to Know You
Name (lj or other nickname): Stacey Anne
Age: 21
Gender: Chick
Favorite Final Fantasy Game: FFVII
Favorite Final Fantasy Character: Cloud Strife
Favorite Musical Artist: Ayumi Hamasaki</li>
Why do you like Balthier and Fran--as individuals or otherwise? They're cheeky but with a capacity for sympathy. Even if we didn't follow their personal stories as closely as, say, Cloud's, I genuinely liked them whereas I instantly forgot some of their peers (predominantly the cast of FFX/-2... and Vaan and Penelo).

1) What were your initial feelings towards Balthier and Fran from the promotional campaign?
I was more excited to "meet" Fran than Balthier, but I thought they both had the potential to be the coolest thing since sliced bread. Other than that, I knew nothing about their character or their role in the story.

2) Having played the game, did they meet your expectations?
They were the only characters to really do so. I was expecting a more personal look at Vaan, Penelo, and even Ashe, while I was content knowing Fran and Balthier were tongue-in-cheek and... just cool. Balthier's relationship with the central conflict came as a welcome surprise.

3) How would you describe the characters Balthier and Fran?
Balthier: sophisticated, self-proclaimed "leading man" who always seems a step ahead of everyone else--partially because of his hidden past.

Fran: the strong silent type; an exotic beauty who is both physically intimidating and wise.

I wish I could be concise and not suck. :(

4) How would you classify the relationship between Balthier and Fran?
They're true partners. They know themselves and each other well enough to be totally comfortable working together in whatever they choose to do. Romantic undertones are there, and their relationship is certainly not strictly business, their partnership is applied to all facets of the relationship.

5) What would you consider the defining moment for Balthier and Fran in Final Fantasy XII?
The scene in the lighthouse where Cid is finally defeated and Fran collapses. This is Fran's big payoff, and brought Balthier's main story arc to a fitting conclusion.

6) In Final Fantasy XII, with what weapons did you equip Balthier and Fran?
I didn't dare venture from the default classes for these two. It felt as if I were going to commit blasphemy if I gave Balthier anything other that wasn't a gun, and Fran was an archer. End of story.

7) Were Balthier and/or Fran frequently in your active party?
Yes, Balthier more so than Fran when I needed two heavyweights for boss battles. When running around aimlessly on the world map, however, Fran and Balthier were inseparable.

8) Is there a FFXII character you like more than Balthier and/or Fran? If so, what's wrong with you? who is it?
There isn't a soul I like more than Balthier and Fran. Except perhaps Al-Cid. Because he's Al-Cid.

9) In what language did you play Final Fantasy XII? Do you prefer the Japanese or English voices?
English; I don't know the Japanese enough to have strong feelings on it one way or the other, but I did love the English version. The dub was one of the things I was most apprehensive about, and it's one of the things I ended up loving the most.

10) How do you feel about Balthier and (to a lesser extent) Fran's appearances in other Final Fantasy installments?
I'm torn. The amount of spin-offs Square has been churning out lately are little disheartening -- especially since the quality has been hit or miss -- and I'm not sure I want to know much more about Balthier and Fran than I already do. That mystery is part of what makes them appealing. Doesn't mean I won't buy the new installments, though.

(Reply to this) (Thread)
Pt II
[info]lalaloveppears
2007-07-08 05:16 pm UTC (link)
11) What song(s) do you associate with Balthier and/or Fran?
Despite the fact that Balthier is probably among the most... cultured Final Fantasy heroes (and would certainly be the first to remind you), my Balthier and Fran playlist consists of mostly trashy dance music. It must be because they brought sexy back.

12) If Balthier and/or Fran wrote a book about their life, what would it be called?
How I Brought It Back </abuse of joke that's sooo 2006>

13) Are there any other characters -- fictional or otherwise -- that remind you of Balthier and/or Fran? If so, who?
Balthier is Han Solo with a sprinkle of James Bond rolled into one slightly more effeminate package. The End.

14) What do you see Balthier and Fran doing in ten years? Twenty?
I see think they'll keep doing what they're doing until it's physically impossible--the most likely scenerio right now being Balthier aging, which isn't necessarily something I want to think about. But as active as he is, surely that wouldn't happen for at least another thirty years (ignoring the Japanese RPG rules to age).

15) So a sky pirate and a viera walk into a bar....
Ouch.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]delphi
2007-07-08 06:51 pm UTC (link)
Getting to Know You
Name (lj or other nickname): Nao
Age: 19
Gender: Female.
Favorite Final Fantasy Game: XII.
Favorite Final Fantasy Character: I don't really have one anymore.
Favorite Musical Artist: The Decemberists, if I had to name one right now.
Why do you like Balthier and Fran--as individuals or otherwise? They're both smarmy, though in different ways. Their partnership was immediately appealing because it was very earnest -- they knew each other inside-out and didn't need stupid lovey giggly scenes to show how close they were.

1) What were your initial feelings towards Balthier and Fran from the promotional campaign?
"There's the tough chick and the ladies' man."

2) Having played the game, did they meet your expectations?
They went beyond those basic descriptions.

3) How would you describe the characters Balthier and Fran?
Balthier - classy thief-slash-ladies' man. Fran - silent, but deadly -- also witty.

4) How would you classify the relationship between Balthier and Fran?
Partners in crime with vague romantic overtones.

5) What would you consider the defining moment for Balthier and Fran in Final Fantasy XII?
Honestly, it's been a while since I've played it, so I don't remember everything exactly. My favorite moments with them I can recall off the bat are the high-five after Vayne kicked the bucket and Fran's scene in the wood.

6) In Final Fantasy XII, with what weapons did you equip Balthier and Fran?
I started out with their default weapons but Balthier started blowing chunks damage-wise with the gun so I gave him a bow and Fran an axe. She pretty much killed everything single-handedly with that.

7) Were Balthier and/or Fran frequently in your active party?
Balthier was. Fran came in for boss battles. With her axe. OF DEATH.

8) Is there a FFXII character you like more than Balthier and/or Fran? If so, what's wrong with you? who is it?
Basch and Gabranth/Noah. What can I say? Angsty brother pain gets me harder than angsty daddy pain.

9) In what language did you play Final Fantasy XII? Do you prefer the Japanese or English voices?
English. I haven't heard the Japanese so I can't compare. I liked both the voices a lot and thought they fit very well.

10) How do you feel about Balthier and (to a lesser extent) Fran's appearances in other Final Fantasy installments?
I like Balthier but GTFO my Lion War. THAT'S WHERE MUSTADIO WAS SUPPOSED TO BE. :( Other than that, I don't really have an opinion.

11) What song(s) do you associate with Balthier and/or Fran?
None, honestly.

12) If Balthier and/or Fran wrote a book about their life, what would it be called?
If Balthier writes it it'd be This is All Hypothetical.

13) Are there any other characters -- fictional or otherwise -- that remind you of Balthier and/or Fran? If so, who?
For Balthier, obviously Han Solo and James Bond, also Hal Jordan from the DC Comics verse and Mal Reynolds from Firefly. Zoe also from Firefly and maybe some Shania from Shadow Hearts: From the New World for Fran.

14) What do you see Balthier and Fran doing in ten years? Twenty?
Robbing people blind and being very happy about it.

15) So a sky pirate and a viera walk into a bar....
And run out ten minutes later.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]delphi
2007-07-08 06:52 pm UTC (link)
Also, awesome idea! :D

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]yunyunnyyunyun
2007-07-08 09:37 pm UTC (link)
Name (lj or other nickname): Sayoko
Age: 21
Gender: Female
Favorite Final Fantasy Game: FFT or FFXII. Gotta love Ivalice.
Favorite Final Fantasy Character: A lot... Aerith, Agrias/Mustadio/Orlan, Zidane/Freya, Balthier/Fran. I can go on to name more from other installments. And can you tell I love fantasy more than sci-fi?
Favorite Musical Artist: Utada Hikaru (I know no American people), who did the songs for KH. Sakimoto Hisashi, too. FFT and FFTA music rocks!!
Why do you like Balthier and Fran--as individuals or otherwise?
Both as individuals and as partners, I love their personalities, they're fac(ial expressions)es, their voices, their conversations, their trust, the fact that they're the closest two people of any relationship, and SQUARENIX didn't make it blatently romantic. <-Yeah!

Getting to Know Balthier and Fran

1) What were your initial feelings towards Balthier and Fran from the promotional campaign?
My policy is to know nothing of the game before I play it, but as hard as I tried, I knew who Ashe and Fran were, and I knew the name Vaan and Penelo, but didn't associate it with their faces (I thought Penelo, Pan-nelo in Japanese, was Vaan's name)... so.. I didn't know anything about Balthier and Basch.
Anyhow! I played FFX before I discovered vieras were going to be in XII, and I wasn't really excited about that (I liked Kimahri, but didn't care for the Ronso). How wrong I was :-)
In their entrance, I was super surprised by Fran and the airbike (What's a viera doing on machines?), and I was sure Balthier was a secondary-tertiary character (Ah, here comes a supporting role!). How extremely wrong I was ^_^

2) Having played the game, did they meet your expectations?
Above and beyond my expectations! This is only the second game that I want to write and draw fanfics and fanarts! The other is FFT. And of course, they're always the main focus.

3) How would you describe the characters Balthier and Fran?
Classy witty fun unique smooth calm bad-for-your-heart sky pirates.

4) How would you classify the relationship between Balthier and Fran?
Partnership!! Like I said before, I really like it that it's not obviously romantic (I don't care if the're partners or lovers). FFXII is like that. I'm so happy! Entertainingly professional.

5) What would you consider the defining moment for Balthier and Fran in Final Fantasy XII?
I'll stay away from the obvious, because I can't choose. So, when Fran runs towards Mjrn, but Venat appears behind her, Balthier takes a step towards Fran. Or when Fran talks about Giruvegan at Reddas' house, and Balthier listens to her with closed eyes. Or when Balthier supports Fran after her berserk and when the Sun Cryst's Mist spills everywhere. Or when they take on the first..? Vayne, and our sky pirates are getting ready w/ their backs pretty much touching. Or when they do their hand shake thing.
Why can't I keep things short?

(Reply to this)


[info]yunyunnyyunyun
2007-07-08 09:37 pm UTC (link)
Balthier and Fran... and Ivalice

6) In Final Fantasy XII, with what weapons did you equip Balthier and Fran?
I keep them away from the lower left corner of the license grid, everything else is about the same (except for hand bombs). Love their initial equipments, but my favorite are the poles that Balthier wields. He makes it flashy for no reason at all.

7) Were Balthier and/or Fran frequently in your active party?
I keep all my characters at the same level, so they're in my party for exactly half the time, but since they came in with the same number of exp, I keep them that way. When Balthier's in, so is Fran, when Fran is out, so is Balthier. And so when one or the other dies and I kill an enemy, one gains exp and the other doesn't, that's a gameover for me. And Fran has the least amount of HP in the whole lot... Why do I do this...

8) Is there a FFXII character you like more than Balthier and/or Fran? If so, what's wrong with you? who is it?
Nope. Seriously, what's wrong with you!?

9) In what language did you play Final Fantasy XII? Do you prefer the Japanese or English voices?
English. I prefer English, because I always think the English voices are a better match than the Japanese, and XII had great acting to boot. I tend to think Japan over-acts when things tense up.
And what can beat the accents!? It fit perfectly! I thought Fran was going to have a low voice like the Japanese version, but I was pleasantly surprised with her higher voice. Balthier sounds like a rude, arrogant dude in Japanese, but in English, he's a classy, rude, arrogant dude. To simplify. Yay.

10) How do you feel about Balthier and (to a lesser extent) Fran's appearances in other Final Fantasy installments?
SQUARENIX wants to squeeze our pockets empty. Can't wait for them, though. I'm going to go to Japan this August and am going to buy a Nintendo DS and Revnant Wings. I didn't know Lion Wars was already out as well. I think I'll wait for the North American release.
I kind of want more to be revealed about them, but that's to quell the BalthierxAshe pairing. I like Ashe, don't get me wrong, but I really don't see Balthier falling for Ashe. But then again, I want them to stay mysterious.

So a Sky Pirate and a Viera Walk Into a Bar...

11) What song(s) do you associate with Balthier and/or Fran?
Surprise Attack, or 襲撃（shuugeki) from FFX... I have no imagination. The piano version of it is equally exciting! Fly from SMAP? I repeat, I have no imagination or variation in what I listen to.

12) If Balthier and/or Fran wrote a book about their life, what would it be called?
Hmmm.. something associated with freedom and the open sky... If they opened a shop of some sort, it would be called Sky Pirate's Den.

13) Are there any other characters -- fictional or otherwise -- that remind you of Balthier and/or Fran? If so, who?
None. A guy and a girl so close to each other, but aren't in a romantic relationship. And different race, different age (:D), taller girl who can probably whoop the leading man's butt.... Nice butt to both of them, by the way.

14) What do you see Balthier and Fran doing in ten years? Twenty?
Two options: the same ol', same ol'; or they settle down, have kids, own a shop called Sky Pirate's Den. But if this happens, it's after much contemplation by Fran.
I think they'll be sky pirating, more likely. But Balthier is going to have a kid, that's a known fact. AhhH!

15) So a sky pirate and a viera walk into a bar....
...and order milk. Go Ramza! Go Ivalice! I kinda cross-posted this to fftactics, but when Migelo confronts the two at the Sandsea, they're drinking a white liquid, and I'm saying that that's milk. Yes. Because I don't think they'll have a tropical drink at a bar in Rabanastre.

Congratulations!! You have finished reading my long-for-no-reason answers!!

(Reply to this)


[info]lorien
2007-07-09 08:47 pm UTC (link)
Getting to Know You
• Name (lj or other nickname): lorindriel, Neu, Lauren
• Age: 20 on July 15th
• Gender: la femme
• Favorite Final Fantasy Game: Final Fantasy Tactics
• Favorite Final Fantasy Character: Gabranth + Basch, Fran, Ramza, Rikku, Cecil, Faris, Edea, Vincent
• Favorite Musical Artist: Death Cab for Cutie, Bright Eyes, Mars Volta, At The Drive-In
• Why do you like Balthier and Fran--as individuals or otherwise?
Balthier is just suave, and he makes the interaction between characters interesting.
I pretty much love everything about Fran from her personality and back-story to her sexy outfit

Getting to Know Balthier and Fran

1) What were your initial feelings towards Balthier and Fran from the promotional campaign?
I thought they would be made of win. I mean…they are pirates and I loved Faris in FFV as a pirates (sans the bad ‘accent’). Plus I already loved the Viera race from FFTA.

2) Having played the game, did they meet your expectations?
yeah, although their character development was a bit lacking. I would have liked to know more about them.

3) How would you describe the characters Balthier and Fran?
Fran is an intelligent and to the point person. She is also very loyal and knows her place in this world, even if she is a bit of a vagrant. She’d do what she needs to to help her friends and family, even if it means nearly being killed or banishment from her home
Balthier is a suave and secretive person. He doesn’t seem like one to let anyone into his mind (or heart for that matter) but his partner. He’s all business on the outside, but seems to have a heart deep down.

4) How would you classify the relationship between Balthier and Fran?
They are partners, loyal til the end. Romantic or not, the have a bond and they didn’t need to express it to each other or to the others for it to be validated to each other. But this story wasn’t about love it was about loyalty, which is why it works so well.

5) What would you consider the defining moment for Balthier and Fran in Final Fantasy XII?
Really can’t think of one (played months ago) probably any time that they had that unspoken understanding of what was going on with the other one. It happened a few times.

Balthier and Fran... and Ivalice

6) In Final Fantasy XII, with what weapons did you equip Balthier and Fran?
Fran was primarily on offensive magic duty, but I gave her bows a lot. I gave Balthier guns and bomb.

7) Were Balthier and/or Fran frequently in your active party?
Balthier was 2nd string, but Fran was in my primary group. They were both set up ranged so I only needed one at a time.

8) Is there a FFXII character you like more than Balthier and/or Fran? If so, what's wrong with you? who is it?
Gabranth and Basch outshine Fran and Balthier when it comes to my love, mostly due to lack of character development.

9) In what language did you play Final Fantasy XII? Do you prefer the Japanese or English voices?
I played in Japanese and English, and the English VA was waaaaaaaaaaaaay better.

10) How do you feel about Balthier and (to a lesser extent) Fran's appearances in other Final Fantasy installments?
I think Balthiers appearance in the new FFT port to PSP will make me angry. Its all just a way to make money for Squeenix.

So a Sky Pirate and a Viera Walk Into a Bar...

11) What song(s) do you associate with Balthier and/or Fran?
None. Haven’t put much thought into it.

12) If Balthier and/or Fran wrote a book about their life, what would it be called?
Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy: A Sky Pirate’s How To Guide.

13) Are there any other characters -- fictional or otherwise -- that remind you of Balthier and/or Fran? If so, who?
Again, haven’t put thought into it.

14) What do you see Balthier and Fran doing in ten years? Twenty?
…

15) So a sky pirate and a viera walk into a bar....
…

(Reply to this)


[info]king_pandachan
2007-07-10 02:18 am UTC (link)
Getting to Know You
Name (lj or other nickname): King Pandachan
Age: 22
Gender: F
Favorite Final Fantasy Game: FFX and FF9
Favorite Final Fantasy Character: Oh god I have so many D:
Favorite Musical Artist: Kagerou and Plastic Tree
Why do you like Balthier and Fran--as individuals or otherwise?
Suave, mature, sexy, classy... What is there not to love?

Getting to Know Balthier and Fran

1) What were your initial feelings towards Balthier and Fran from the promotional campaign? Honestly, I wasn't sure if I'd like them as much as the other characters. I thought Bashe and Ashe were going to be these two awesome characters (and they weren't since the cast obviously has no idea what the words "character development" means...).

2) Having played the game, did they meet your expectations?
Well by my reply above you could say that I was pleasantly suprised by these two. I thought they had the most personality in the entire game and actually gave me a reason to play it. They're some of the best FF characters.

3) How would you describe the characters Balthier and Fran?
Suave, charasmatic, sexy, intelligent, realisitc, mature, completely badass.

4) How would you classify the relationship between Balthier and Fran?
I think they're true... life partners? I think it's so much deeper than just "partner's in crime" and more than just a simple romantic relationship. Or maybe I'm just a fangirl :D

5) What would you consider the defining moment for Balthier and Fran in Final Fantasy XII?
I beat this last year... but the one that still stands out to me is when Fran touches Balthier's face... for a reason I cannot remember :(

Balthier and Fran... and Ivalice

6) In Final Fantasy XII, with what weapons did you equip Balthier and Fran?
Balthier mostly stuck to katanas and Fran used crossbows.

7) Were Balthier and/or Fran frequently in your active party?
For boss battles my main team was Bashe, Ashe and Fran. For wandering I switched often so they'd level evenly.

8) Is there a FFXII character you like more than Balthier and/or Fran?
Nope!

9) In what language did you play Final Fantasy XII? Do you prefer the Japanese or English voices?
I haven't heard the Japanese voices. But I loved baltheir's from the get go. I had to get used to Fran's.

10) How do you feel about Balthier and (to a lesser extent) Fran's appearances in other Final Fantasy installments?
I'm for it :D

So a Sky Pirate and a Viera Walk Into a Bar...

11) What song(s) do you associate with Balthier and/or Fran?
Umm... none D: I'm uncreative

12) If Balthier and/or Fran wrote a book about their life, what would it be called?
Lord of the Skies! ... I'm lame :(

13) Are there any other characters -- fictional or otherwise -- that remind you of Balthier and/or Fran? If so, who?
Not really

14) What do you see Balthier and Fran doing in ten years? Twenty?
Still pwning lamers with teh awesome 8D

15) So a sky pirate and a viera walk into a bar....
And order a chocolate milkshake. Shaken, not stirred.

(Reply to this)


[info]orangeaid
2007-07-11 01:53 am UTC (link)
Name (lj or other nickname): Maki
Age: 17
Gender: Dudette!
Favorite Final Fantasy Game: Seven, Twelve. :)
Favorite Final Fantasy Character: none in particular.
Favorite Musical Artist: Too many!
Why do you like Balthier and Fran--as individuals or otherwise?
Does this really need explanation? They are such strong characters individually and as a team. They make a hot team.

1) What were your initial feelings towards Balthier and Fran from the promotional campaign?
I actually tried to stay away from the promotional campaigning because I knew I'd get over excited and search for spoilers, so I had no clue who they were when I first got the game.

2) Having played the game, did they meet your expectations?
They quickly grew on me! I also wish to know more of their past, perhaps how they met, but I guess the mysterious air around them is also part of their charm.

3) How would you describe the characters Balthier and Fran?
I imagine Balthier to be the sort of acting cool sort of guy. Considering he escaped his rich-boy lifestyle to be a skypirate, I can only imagine the hillarity ensuing coping from such an easy lifestyle to one that needed to be worked for during his youth. He also would seem to have a sad background, when I imagine his reason from escaping would be due do the Venat and his father's complete obsession with it. (I have a great fictional canon going in my head about this)
Fran on the other hand seems to have travelled her own road having left the wood for over fifty years. She is headstrong and she has her own opinions about the way things should be. You know, it's Fran.

4) How would you classify the relationship between Balthier and Fran?
Partners. Hot, kickass partners. I wouldn't take the word partners to surface, but the kind of partnership with a deep bond, having gone through the toughest of times together.

5) What would you consider the defining moment for Balthier and Fran in Final Fantasy XII?
MAN! I actually haven't finished the game yet, but there are quite a lot. I think the most defining moment of Balthier and Fran would be when we are first introduced to them, because we meet them together and since Vaan is still unaquainted with them, you see them talking to each other more with their wittyness and charm.

6) In Final Fantasy XII, with what weapons did you equip Balthier and Fran?
I got Balthier away from his gun and towards a pole thing, while Fran stuck to her bow and arrows.

7) Were Balthier and/or Fran frequently in your active party?
HELL YES. I always kept them together as well.

8) Is there a FFXII character you like more than Balthier and/or Fran? If so, what's wrong with you? who is it?
Perhaps not more than, but equal to. I love Montblanc and Gabranth. Gabranth is a sad story!

9) In what language did you play Final Fantasy XII? Do you prefer the Japanese or English voices?
English. I only once heard the Japanese voices, but I think I prefer the English better, for it's great use of accents.

10) How do you feel about Balthier and (to a lesser extent) Fran's appearances in other Final Fantasy installments?
Well, I have only vaguely heard of all of these other installement stuff, but I find it okay. Though it's probably just another Squeenix way to rake in our money, I can't say I wouldn't buy it.

11) What song(s) do you associate with Balthier and/or Fran?
I don't think I've met a song yet that could capture anything as awesome as Balthier and Fran.

12) If Balthier and/or Fran wrote a book about their life, what would it be called?
It wouldn't be named, but would simply be mysteriously wrapped in a dark leather binding, and their story would become legend.

13) Are there any other characters -- fictional or otherwise -- that remind you of Balthier and/or Fran? If so, who?
None in particular! I am at a total brain dead moment.

14) What do you see Balthier and Fran doing in ten years? Twenty?
Stealing treasures, as usual. Or dead (man, I'm so morbid!)

15) So a sky pirate and a viera walk into a bar....
And they end up having to drag some headstrong thief to help rescue his girl.

(Reply to this)


[info]hamano_ayumi
2007-07-21 01:12 am UTC (link)
Getting to Know You

Name (lj or other nickname): Hamano Ayumi, Ayu, Phoenix
Age: 16
Gender: Female
Favorite Final Fantasy Game: FFXII, FFVII, FF Chronicles (All are awesome~)
Favorite Final Fantasy Character: Uh...Balthier? I mean, who else is a cocky, suave, silver-tongued sky pirate. Duh?
Favorite Musical Artist: Too many. I listen to everything. Japanese, Classical, Pop, Rock, Gothic. Heck, Disney.
Why do you like Balthier and Fran--as individuals or otherwise? Because it's awesomely hot sky pirate partnership/love that pwns in every single way, shape, and form? In all seriousness: the most interesting relationship between man and woman(viera, technically). Chemistry, trust, understanding. There's no leaving the other behind.


Getting to Know Balthier and Fran

1) What were your initial feelings towards Balthier and Fran from the promotional campaign?
"My fangirl pairing senses are tingling. I sense an OTP."

2) Having played the game, did they meet your expectations?
Well, technically I never saw the promotional campaign. My previous response was really an answer to what I thought when I first saw them. As for the game, my original thoughts were tarnished when a friend said the game was crap. He told me the game was typical, sucked, and was stupid for always having areas higher than your level. It kinda bummed me out until my otehr friend helped me get along. I completely adore the game now, it's one of my favorites~

3) How would you describe the characters Balthier and Fran?
Balthier is a dashing sky pirate playing the leading man, Fran is his femme fatale partner who's silent demeanor can still captivate the eyes of any man (though, they wouldn't last very long after making a move). Of course, this applies vice-versa: Fran has every right to take command of her own actions and have Balthier acting as her partner instead. There is utter equality and understanding between them; their personalities complement one another like a bow and arrow. 'Nuff said.

4) How would you classify the relationship between Balthier and Fran?
Professional, really. Yet not without the minor little moments between the two where their relationship is something more.

5) What would you consider the defining moment for Balthier and Fran in Final Fantasy XII?
Gah. I still haven't beaten FFXII yet... As of now, I like the scene where Fran goes beserk, and how smoothly Balthier takes the situation; his comment and his calm attitude show really well how much he truly knows her.

Balthier and Fran... and Ivalice

6) In Final Fantasy XII, with what weapons did you equip Balthier and Fran?
Their mains weapons of course? Balthier with a gun, Fran with her bow. When life gives you lemons, by golly just use them; don't go with the oranges when you wanna make lemonade. *crappy made-up saying*

7) Were Balthier and/or Fran frequently in your active party?
Well, I use both parties, which makes it a little harder for me to level up. They are my girl party and guy party. Whatever sexist comments you may think, it fits rather perfectly; even though it breaks my heart to split Fran and Balthier, they are essential members of each party. They are my long range. Basch and Penelo are my tanks (seriously, the buffs I give Penelo? And Basch's axe just....owns.), Vaan and Ashe are definate party leaders. But whenever there's a flying enemy, I take out both Fran and Balthier at the same time to kill it fast. They're both extremely powerful.

8) Is there a FFXII character you like more than Balthier and/or Fran? If so, what's wrong with you? Who is it?
I'm not that stupid. :D Except I do enjoy Larsa's company (as well as his insanely awesome rich stock of infinite Hi-Potions)

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]hamano_ayumi
2007-07-21 01:13 am UTC (link)
9) In what language did you play Final Fantasy XII? Do you prefer the Japanese or English voices?
English. English English English English. Even though I normally adore Japanese voices, the English voices for FFXII were stunning. Balthier's voice is...is...oh Blathier's voice~ And Fran's accent seems to fit her perfectly, I prefer it largely over the Japanese one, solely because it seems to define the line between hume and viera and show her mysterious, foreign side.

10) How do you feel about Balthier and (to a lesser extent) Fran's appearances in other Final Fantasy installments
<333333333 ♥

So a Sky Pirate and a Viera Walk Into a Bar...

11) What song(s) do you associate with Balthier and/or Fran?
Balthier with MC Hammer's "I'm Too Sexy For My Shirt", and Fran with Enya's "The Mummer's Dance". Yes, I have thought about this, thank you very much.

12) If Balthier and/or Fran wrote a book about their life, what would it be called?
"Partners in Crime" But that's just because it sounds cool. *shifty eyes*

13) Are there any other characters -- fictional or otherwise -- that remind you of Balthier and/or Fran? If so, who?
Balthier as a mix between James Bond and Han Solo? Take Bond's suave presence and Solo's 'let's-just-run-in-and-rob-them-blind' personality. Fran is harder to do. But honestly: their characters are unique and irreplaceable. You can't really compare.

14) What do you see Balthier and Fran doing in ten years? Twenty?
*fangirl speaking*Starting a family? Delightfully emptying your Gil-packed money vault.

15) So a sky pirate and a viera walk into a bar....
Dry martini. Shaken, not stirred. Oh, and do us the favor of handing over all your money now; it'll save us some unessecary bloodshed.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]sonnie_skies
2007-09-16 05:59 am UTC (link)
Getting to Know You

* Name (lj or other nickname): sonnie
* Age: 21
* Gender: Female
* Favorite Final Fantasy Game: FFVIII
* Favorite Final Fantasy Character: Fujin, Rydia (I can't pick between the two)
* Favorite Musical Artist: Faye Wong
* Why do you like Balthier and Fran--as individuals or otherwise? They trust each other implicitly.


Getting to Know Balthier and Fran

1) What were your initial feelings towards Balthier and Fran from the promotional campaign? It was love at first sight. Really.

2) Having played the game, did they meet your expectations? It was different, but still good. Of course, I could have used a lot more Bal/Fran references, though I felt it was made very clear.

3) How would you describe the characters Balthier and Fran? They both flee their past, but stay together.

4) How would you classify the relationship between Balthier and Fran? They have a marriage of minds. They understand one another and love one another without being mushy.

5) What would you consider the defining moment for Balthier and Fran in Final Fantasy XII? The look on Balthier's face when Fran was overcome by mist at the Pharos. When he walked over to her he looked almost hurt.

Balthier and Fran... and Ivalice

6) In Final Fantasy XII, with what weapons did you equip Balthier and Fran? An axe and a bow, respectively. I like melee!

7) Were Balthier and/or Fran frequently in your active party? I chose to level up all six characters evenly, but I make sure Fran and Balthier are always in the same party ;)

8) Is there a FFXII character you like more than Balthier and/or Fran? Sadly, yeah, but just one. If so, what's wrong with you? who is it? ...I love Larsa. He's so plucky. How can one not like the kid? He's so gallant.

9) In what language did you play Final Fantasy XII? Do you prefer the Japanese or English voices? ...You could pick? I guess that answers that.

10) How do you feel about Balthier and (to a lesser extent) Fran's appearances in other Final Fantasy installments? As long as they're together...

So a Sky Pirate and a Viera Walk Into a Bar...

11) What song(s) do you associate with Balthier and/or Fran? I haven't thought about it.

12) If Balthier and/or Fran wrote a book about their life, what would it be called? Something witty involving a pun.

13) Are there any other characters -- fictional or otherwise -- that remind you of Balthier and/or Fran? If so, who? Eh, hints here and there, but no one is quite like them.

14) What do you see Balthier and Fran doing in ten years? Seeing the world. Twenty? Having little sky pirate babies.

15) So a sky pirate and a viera walk into a bar... and order a Dry Martini and a Lemon Drop.

(Reply to this)


[info]ella_diabola
2008-07-22 11:53 pm UTC (link)
Getting to Know You

Name (lj or other nickname): Laura (Loz)
Age: 20
Gender: Female
Favorite Final Fantasy Game: Final Fantasy XII, of course! Although FFX comes a close second.
Favorite Final Fantasy Character: Do I REALLY have to choose between Bathier and Fran? Because I honestly can't...
Favorite Musical Artist: Huh? What's this got to do with Balthier and Fran? Oh well, it's Aerosmith.
Why do you like Balthier and Fran--as individuals or otherwise? Balthier because he's smart, charming, funny, seductive and gorgeous with just a hint of danger thrown in-- the perfect man. Fran because she's the most original character Square Enix have created for FF games in my opinion, and she manages to be adorable and vulnerable yet strong and stoic at the same time. And she's a perfect match for Balthier. Together because the way I see it they know the future can only hold tragedy for them (in terms of Balthier being a Hume and not living as long a Fran) yet they seem not to care as long as they're together.

Getting to Know Balthier and Fran

1) What were your initial feelings towards Balthier and Fran from the promotional campaign? Well, I got into FF games late so the only thing I knew about them before playing was the introductions I read in the booklet to the game. I initially was excited about Balthier but kind of thought he'd be another Gippal from FFX, and I also thought Fran sounded a little dull and boring. Boy was I wrong!

2) Having played the game, did they meet your expectations? No, because my expectations weren't the best, especially when it came to Fran, and I absolutely adore her now!

3) How would you describe the characters Balthier and Fran? Balthier-- Charming, roguish, typical pirate with amazing luck and skill; a gentleman. Fran--Stoic and laconic but gentle and caring.

4) How would you classify the relationship between Balthier and Fran? I would classify it as something beyond being lovers; they're at the stage when nothing needs to be spoken anymore. They are a part of each other at all times, and that's something that the word "love" cannot really define.

5) What would you consider the defining moment for Balthier and Fran in Final Fantasy XII? I would probably say (although obvious) the scene in the Pharos, when Fran collapses. The fact that Balthier is prepared to stay and help Fran rather than run away as she tells him to when he would more than likely not think twice about saving his own skin if it was someone else, is, I think, an extremely important moment when it comes to defining their relationship. Also the fact that Fran is the first to openly show affection towards Balthier; not the other way round.

Balthier and Fran... and Ivalice

6) In Final Fantasy XII, with what weapons did you equip Balthier and Fran? I always kept Balthier with a gun and Fran with either a bow or crossbow, as somehow it just felt wrong to give them anything else.

7) Were Balthier and/or Fran frequently in your active party? Yes, I rotated everyone to make sure they all levelled up equally.

8) Is there a FFXII character you like more than Balthier and/or Fran? If so, what's wrong with you? who is it? Of course not, they are the leading man and his leading lady after all!

9) In what language did you play Final Fantasy XII? Do you prefer the Japanese or English voices? I played it in English, seeing as I'm English... But I've heard a little bit of the Japanese voices and I don't mind Fran's (though I much prefer the English), but I don't really like Balthier's.

10) How do you feel about Balthier and (to a lesser extent) Fran's appearances in other Final Fantasy installments? Why Fran's "to a lesser extent"? I don't really know, I haven't played Revenant Wings but I know most people were a little disappointed when it came to Balthier and Fran's appearances in it. I think I don't mind them in something else as long as they're kept true to the original characters and their relationship is portrayed in the same way.

So a Sky Pirate and a Viera Walk Into a Bar... and heads turn, but a sharp look from Fran and the way that Balthier slings his gun over his shoulder stops the staring.

(Reply to this)

Create an Account
Forgot your login or password?
Login w/ OpenID
English • Español • Deutsch • Русский…