Mist (term)

Mist is a recurring magic phenomena in the series. It is usually associated with magic, and its extraction allows people to use magic. Mist is often confused with Miasma, the poisonous substance which is seen in Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles as a source of monsters, and in sparse locations of Final Fantasy XI as a type of impassable barrier.

Final Fantasy IV
The Mist Cave and the Valley of Mist beyond it are shrouded in thick white mist. Cecil and Kain journey through the cave to the valley, and a Mist Dragon forms from the mist to bar their way, They later discover a Summoner in the village of Mist conjured the dragon and the mist to ward off travelers and protect the village.

Final Fantasy IX
Garland unleashed the Mist upon Gaia to disrupt the people there so that Terra may be reborn. Mist is distributed through the root of the Iifa Tree. It is in fact the souls of Gaia, being refused to flow back into Gaia's cycle of life. These stagnant and tormented souls are reborn as monsters through the Mist. It is found primarily on the Mist Continent, where its effect causes many of the kingdoms to retreat upward to higher elevations to escape the Mist. The power of the Mist also hardens hearts, causing increasing conflicts around the continent and greater deaths, however the wars eventually came to a stop.

The people of the Mist Continent, and in particular the city of Lindblum, have developed Mist-powered engines, which are primarily used to power Airships. However, this is dangerous, and means airships will only function where there is Mist, meaning only the Mist Continent has been explored. Kuja also taught Queen Brahne how to make Black Mages from the mist. Kuja also claims that he can make monsters from the Mist.

After Zidane Tribal and his party defeat the SoulCage, Mist production stops for a time, freeing Gaia of Mist. However, after Kuja discovers his Trance powers, he destroys Terra, then dumps Mist onto the entire world. Throughout all of Disc 4 the entire World Map is covered in Mist. After the Iifa Tree settles following Kuja's defeat, the world is finally freed from the scourge of Mist.

Final Fantasy XII
Mist is the source of magic in Ivalice. Mist gathers in stones called Magicite, and anyone wielding these stones can extract the mist to use magic. The other form of magicite, Nethicite, absorbs mist, thus nullifying any magic effects. If Deifacted Nethicite absorbs too much mist, it will release it all suddenly if someone tries to extract it, resulting in a violent explosion. Manufacted Nethicite cannot handle too much mist, simply shattering if it absorbs too much.

The Viera are very sensitive to mist. If they are exposed to too much mist, they will go into a frenzy, known simply as a mist frenzy. While in this frenzy, their strength increases and they will attack anyone that gets in their way.

Using mist, the Occuria can also easily manipulate people. While the Viera Mjrn is under the influence of manufacted Nethicite mist, the rogue Occuria Venat controls her. The same also happens to Judge Bergan. Ashe also sees illusions of her late husband, Lord Rasler, in areas where there is more mist. When the mist becomes very thick, other people are also able to see the illusion. Mist comes in different colors depending on whether it is active or cooled. Active mist, such as that found in a Nethicite explosion, is bright orange, whereas cooled (inactive) mist is a darker gold color with subtle blue and green overtones.

Mist also serves a minor role in gameplay beyond the storyline. In areas where mist is thick, such as the Tomb of Raithwall and Feywood, MP recovers at a much faster rate than normal. Though Viera are seen going berserk multiple times when exposed to mist, Fran suffers no ill effects when fighting in these areas.

Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift
Mist continues to become the source of magick in Ivalice. When one is about to cast his or her spell, they must wait for Mist to build up before doing so. Usually, this restoration amounts to 10 MP.

Mist also serves as one of the four possible weather conditions in Final Fantasy Tactics A2. The magick is immediately characterized as a billowing golden fog that can breed various strains of monsters and imbue weaker beings with adverse effects. Mist is especially prevelant at the Aldanna Range and Zellea, the Forbidden Land.

Final Fantasy: Unlimited
Mist is what Makenshi gets his powers from. Able to actually breathe out mist, he must wear a mask to make sure he doesn't release too much. He also keeps bottles of mist on him, and if he breaks one, he is able to summon the Sword Dragon. Makenshi's brother, Madoushi, also relies on a similar red Mist to call upon his powers and, like Makenshi, wears a mask when he doesn't want to release too much.