#epsiode ignis

Alright. Brace yourselves, this is gonna be a bumpy ride. 

Also, in case you were wondering, SPOILERS FOR THE TRAILER BELOW.

It was a theory I had supported since before we knew anything about Episode Ignis- Ignis using the Ring of Lucii. This, has now become canon in the trailer, as he uses it (according to the trailer footage) to defend Noctis. 

Pretty open and shut. Or is it?

The common theory is that Ignis uses the Ring to protect Noctis, and in exchange he is to give up his sight. 

Something about that, just didn’t really sit well with me. While it is a viable excuse, as it is most likely the sense he holds most dear (ie: He tells Noct at camp one morning that he cooks because he cherishes the looks on peoples faces when they try his cooking, and even still recalls how Noctis first looked the first dish he prepared for him, or how he wears glasses even though his vision is passable because he prefers to see the world around him in crisp detail) it seems a little light of a sentence for someone deemed not worthy of using the Ring of Lucii and receiving its light. For Nyx himself, he gave his life to use the Ring, even if he wasn’t entirely deemed worthy of using it. 

So, here is where my thoughts comes in. 

Thinking about the Ring of Lucii, what if Ignis is found worthy of the Ring? 

Research so far points to the fact that it is possible for someone of non royal blood to use the ring (Nyx, despite the unique circumstances) but what deems someone worthy of using the Ring? Ignis has spent his life in servitude to Noct, honoring an oath he made to protect him at all costs.

“I.. swore an oath to stand by Noct and keep him safe, whatever it takes! I WILL PROTECT HIM!” 

He not only serves Noct, but guides him, practically raising him when Regis was unable to. He protects Noctis and his companions at all costs and considers the best alternative to save those around him as well. He has sharp leadership skills and a hefty moral compass combined with his drive to succeed but also see those around him succeed. These qualities, plus being quite wise beyond his years make him both a natural born leader and (putting into ring terms) a natural born king. A leader the people could trust to follow. 

“Before falling into eternal slumber, the Six gave mankind a ring. The ring is said to have passed from person to person, but none were fit to inherit its power. It eventually found its way into the hands of a person deemed worthy, whom people thus saw fit to rule and he became the first king of Lucis.”

Yes, Ignis is not a king, but given his life in speculation, it is possible he would be deemed worthy to use the Ring, especially for his purpose of using it in the first place. 

Not for power. 

Not to conquer. 

To protect his closest friend, the One True King. Noctis. 

How big of a blow would that be to Ardyn, thinking Ignis is just going to destroy himself when he sees him try to wield the ring and then- whoops turns out he's worthy? How pissed would that make him? How dangerous of an opponent would that make Ignis now?

I think Ignis might actually be worthy of using the ring. 

And Ardyn is the one who destroys his sight. 

To hinder him from his full potential as an enemy? Possibly. 

Out of spite for Ignis refusing to join him and being worthy of the Ring whereas Ardyn is not? Also Possibly. 

Not only is this theory backed up by text, the visuals themselves also hint to this. 

Look at how the Ring of Lucii rendered both Nyx and Ravus when they were using it. 

Strong, bright colors emitting from within, like embers of a fire. Or in Ravus’s case- legit fire. 

And yet, what did Ignis’s eyes look like from his perspective as he started to go blind?

Hmm.. Purple and black, now where have we seen energy like this before?

Bingo. 

Anyways, this was my speculation on the trailer and the possbilities that it opens up for the gameplay. I feel like this would add an interesting twist to the already existing theory, and actually seem possible given the evidence we have so far. Take it or leave it, but that’s my two cents on the subject. 

ME: You mean I have to spend HOURS hunting for vendor trash to buy Ignis’ birthday glasses? WTF?

FFXV: They light up.

What I think it might be:

1) Ignis and Talcott explored dungeons.

2) Ignis had to look out for Talcott.

3) Talcott had to look out for Ignis.

4) Ardyn torments and mocked Ignis

5) Ardyn goes after Ignis.

6) Ignis had to hide from Ardyn

7) Ignis had to fight mid boss Ardyn