SeeD

SeeD is the name of a mercenary force started by Cid and Edea Kramer in Final Fantasy VIII. SeeD was started shortly after Edea received a dying Ultimecia's powers. To the outside world SeeD is a mercenary force for hire, conducting missions around the world as battle support and undercover operatives. Their services are requested by governments and civilians, their tasks range from providing military support to protecting civilians. Its true purpose however is to monitor and contain Sorceress activity if they ever posed a threat to the world (i.e. Edea when Ultimecia completely possesses her).

SeeD has three bases of operation: Balamb Garden, Galbadia Garden, and Trabia Garden. Through these three centres students are trained in weapon use, military discipline and training to make SeeD.
 * Balamb Garden, the first Garden created, specializes in high-level para-magic and the use of Guardian Forces.
 * Galbadia Garden, the second and largest of the Gardens, specializes in military technology and weapon systems.
 * Trabia Garden, the third and smallest of the Gardens, is well known for its independent and self-sufficient candidates although, due to its size and confined location, it must rely on Balamb Garden for graduation exams.

SeeD battle operations are noted for their skillfull use of para-magic. They are in high demand by groups requiring a small force of undercover specialists, commisions made through such dispatches are an important part of the Gardens' income.

To Become a SeeD
SeeD candidates must be between 15 years to 19 years old. At 20 they can no longer apply. They have to pass a written exam, a field exam and they have to be accepted by the Headmaster.

Field Exam
This exam can involve many things as it is usually in the form of a live mission assigned to the Garden. While there are active SeeD members at hand during the exams to ensure the mission success SeeD candidates are expected to condone themselves positively and strive to complete their group assigned missions to pass the exam.

The exam is graded via observations made during the mission. Each candidate is judged upon:
 * Conduct: How the candidate behaves within the mission and within their team. In the game, this score is determined by how fast the player can escape the Dollet Tower.
 * Judgment: The decisions he/she makes and the effect of them upon the mission. In the game, this score is determined by how much time is left at the end of the Fire Cavern when Squall defeats Ifrit. The less time left, the higher the score.
 * Attack: How aggressive and skillful the candidate is during the mission. In the game, this score is determined by how many enemies are killed during the field exam.
 * Spirit: How brave and/or determined the candidate is during the mission. In the game this score is determined by how often the player fights the spider.
 * Attitude: Judges the candidate's moral and professional behaviour during the mission. In the game various individual actions determine this score.

The grading also includes any additional actions and/or events that the examiners deem noteworthy.

The highest SeeD rank obtained depends on the difficulty of the mission where the exam was held but usually the highest rank obtained is Rank 8 although some exceptions have been made.

Sometimes (usually due to difficulty of the mission) a prerequisite is required before a student can participate in the exam. Either the obtainment of a Guardian Force or the completion a low-level mission is the required prerequisite. In such circumstances the student must be accompanied by an Instructor for support and safety reasons.

SeeD Uniform
Although casual attire is usually worn specifically due to the covert nature of SeeD missions SeeD does have a formal uniform that is issued to its members upon graduation. Worn during ceremony or due to the SeeD's own choice the uniform is renowned enough that the SeeD is identified nearly anywhere in the Galbadian continent.

Garden
Ranking Systems within the Gardens usually follow that of a standard school. (ie Principle, Instructor, Faculty, Doctor, Psychiatrist ,etc.) but there are one or two extra ranks, as well, such as:


 * Funder/Garden Master: The position held by the major income source and contributor to a Garden.

Instructors and Faculty must first be SeeD members to obtain a job in a Garden.

Rank 1 - 30
SeeD field operatives have a numeral ranking system from 1 to 30 (1 being the lowest rank and 30 being the highest). They can increase their ranking by successfully completing written tests that cover a variety of subjects they may encounter. Ranking is decreased by misconduct in the field or if the operative is seen as being lagging behind.

Rank A
Above the 1 - 30 ranks lie the A-class SeeD (or Class A Elite SeeD). This is the highest ranking for a SeeD field operative. It can be reached via special consideration or through the written tests.


 * Commander: A recently created military rank awarded to Squall Leonhart allowing him full command over both the Garden that he is within and all SeeD members within it. This rank is deemed to the official leader of SeeD.

Rank and Pay
A SeeD's income is dictated by his/her rank.

Rank 1: 500G Rank 2: 1,000G Rank 3: 1,500G Rank 4: 2,000G Rank 5: 3,000G Rank 6: 4,000G Rank 7: 5,000G Rank 8: 6,000G Rank 9: 7,000G Rank 10: 8,000G Rank 11: 9,000G Rank 12: 10,000G Rank 13: 11,000G Rank 14: 12,000G Rank 15: 12,500G Rank 16: 13,000G Rank 17: 13,500G Rank 18: 14,000G Rank 19: 14,500G Rank 20: 15,000G Rank 21: 15,500G Rank 22: 16,000G Rank 23: 16,500G Rank 24: 17,000G Rank 25: 17,500G Rank 26: 18,000G Rank 27: 18,500G Rank 28: 19,000G Rank 29: 19,500G Rank 30: 20,000G Rank A: 30,000G

SeeD Assault Boat
These hydrofoils are used primarily as troop carriers for conflicts near accessible waterways. The Assault Boat can seat a compliment 8 soldiers plus two pilots. Entrance is via a starboard hatch, an opening on the bow, and a top hatch that provides access to an artillery gun, the only obvious offensive weaponry.

SeeD Personal Carrier Vehicle
A vehicle similar to the Galbadian road vehicle design. Used as student transportation for the Gardens (Balamb, Trabia and Galbadia)

White SeeD
White SeeD (also known as Sorceress Edea's SeeD) are an elite force which were created in secret by Sorceress Edea to protect herself, Ellone and other children who have inherited Sorceress powers. They reside on a ship, which doubles as a somewhat mobile orphanage. They are a secret group, unlike the openly existing Garden SeeDs, and protect the children from those who pursue them.

The White SeeD are very cautious. They would never remain in one place for long. However they seem to have taken a liking to Centra's landscape. Therefore, they usually station their ship by an inlet somewhere on the Centra continent.

White SeeD Uniform and Mannerisms
Although not much is shown of them these SeeD have demonstrated a high jumping skill, hinting at a higher level of training then normal Garden SeeD. Other then this there mannerisms are similar to their Garden counterparts.

The White SeeD
Their main and possibly only mode of transportation The White SeeD is a sea transport capable of operating under engine and/or wind power. It possesses no visible weaponry, instead relying on its speed to avoid danger. Three levels of access have been noted; the deck and cabins on deck level, cabins below deck level and the steering cabin above deck level.