Has there been an in-story explanation as to why Angra hasn't manifested as its own persona like Eddie? Did Millia somehow gain control over it or is its incubation period different from Eddie's?
That is actually STILL up in the air!
Millia seems to be fine after so much time has passed, though her “battle stance” has changed to accommodate her hair which seems to be more weapon-like.
A few things you need to know about Angra is that:
—It is the 6th Forbidden Binding Spell, while Eddie is the 5th that the Conclave developed (of the 666 spells they researched). This means it is potentially a “heavier” curse than Eddie was.—It’s “birth” might possibly be the death of Millia if things get out of hand (as we saw when Eddie became self-aware, he literally over-exerted Zato’s body, while Zato struggled for control over his own body to prevent Eddie from killing Millia and Venom in the process).—It was initially “programmed” to expire at some point by the Postwar Administration Bureau (Conclave). This was a means of cleaning up any potential biological mess they left behind.—Forbidden Beasts are considered the “natural enemy” of Gears on the battlefield, so it is programmed to attack Gears by nature, as Eddie confirmed when he confronted Dizzy at one point.—If anyone knew more about the Forbidden Beasts, it would have been Axus, but he was killed by Ky Kiske, so only Chronus is left.—Dr. Faust examined her and claims that even he cannot undo the curse at this point in time (as of 2181 though it’s been six years since then).—Slayer observed her hair at one point, though he makes no guarantees about her fate, he does not appear to be concerned about her as of yet.—Because of the symbiotic-like nature of Angra’s relationship to Millia, it might also be possible to “revive” her in a similar way as Eddie had should she die.
At this point, Zato=ONE has sworn to protect Millia so that she can survive the future conflicts… So because he has a clearer understanding with Eddie as a partner, it might be possible for him to “ease her in” to the curse.
Still, much has yet to be uncovered… and the future remains uncertain.
Is it said where Testament learned Saito-style Ancient Martial Arts?
Currently there is no documented history on Saitoryuuko Bujutsu. The only clue we have thus far is in the name of Axl Low’s Girlfriend “Megumi Saito”, who may be a practitioner or a member of the family who founded the style. This lends to the possibility of the Saito family being of Eastern lineage or possibly Japanese.
Whereas in Testament’s time and place, the martial art in particular would be considered ancient, it was not so ancient back in Axl Low’s original time of 1998.
As for when Testament learned the style, it’s speculation, but because of Kliff Undersn’s free-spirited nature as a wandering Dragon-slaying knight, Kliff deliberately learned several languages and cultures and even various mixed martial arts over the years to perfect his skills… That accumulated knowledge was partially passed on to Testament who was probably being groomed to take Kliff’s place (though it was against Kliff’s wishes that Testament join the Sacred Order).
Unfortunately that was not meant to be, and Testament was converted in to a mid-level Gear.
Some time later, after Kliff wounded him (some time around 2140), Testament was ‘modified’ with several enhancements in his powers, though we don’t know the full extent of that modification… it further enhanced his skill in the Arcane and gave him the ability to travel through different Dimensions.
Testament’s dislike of Saitoryuu has more to do with the founder of the art, rather than the style itself, though that reason has yet to be explained in official detail.
Testament’s encounters with Axl Low (which may or may not be canonical) don’t seem to reveal anything significant regarding this either.
Why do you think That Man was interested in obtaining a sample of Solaria's Gear Resonance data? Do you think he has intentions of creating another Justice or further his research into Gear tech after the affair with the Universal Will is resolved?
Currently that is a mystery.
Not only because we don’t know why “That Man” needed the data, but also because we don’t really know the ‘cause’ and origin of Gear Singing.
You see, it has a lot to do with the fact that Justice had the power to command Gears made after she was created.
Because she was so complete and fully sentient she somehow “developed” this ability to control Gears through ‘noise’.
It may not be something she was fully aware of being able to do upon awakening as a Gear… meaning that Gear Singing is outside even “That Man’s” plans and expectations, which would probably be the main reason why he wished to study it further.
Still, resonance and the ability to “attune” ones self seems to come in handy for adapting to the Backyard, which appears to be the reason why he and Sol have been able to enter the Backyard and come back unscathed without their souls being crushed…
This may have a lot to do with why Bedman thinks of Sol as a potential threat to his plans, though we don’t fully understand what those plans are yet.
Still, I don’t think “That Man” would have a need to recreate Justice, as even Dizzy and Sin inherited much of her power and even gained powers of their own.
More importantly, keep in mind that “That Man” relies heavily on Sol as the “Prototype Gear” rather than focusing on Justice herself… so Sol may be more important than Justice if this information is to be reliable.
Do automobiles and other vehicles aside from Airships still exist in Guilty Gear?
If they do, only a select few elite people use them, as they take a completely different form than what you may be accustomed to seeing.
As U.S. President Colin Vernon once said, it is now becoming an age where Humanity can enjoy the kind of technology that fell out of disuse, though, instead of using the original technology… the labors and power of Magic is used instead.
It is called Zeal… an alternative fuel source.
Zeal is transported in a liquid state where it is highly combustible, which makes it appropriate for use in combustion engines. It can be used to produce more focused explosions as well.
Pouring the liquid into a Zilpod, however, creates a more sustainable form of energy, rather like a battery. This can then be used in many different sorts of devices, and easily transported from place to place. Naturally, the quality of a Zilpod affects how effciently energy can be extracted from the Zeal., but even an inefficient Zilpod is more effective than combustion.
Here are some of its properties.
Chemical State: Slightly Viscous FluidColor: Neon OrangeUnits (of measurement): zl
Properties:—Radiates a small amount of light, slightly dimmer than a glow-stick.—Has similar combustion volatility as gasoline, so it can be used as a simple chemical fuel. However, the amount of energy that can be harnessed when using it in such a manner will not be as much as when used with a zilpod or zil-drive.—Non-polluting.—Odorless, even when burning.—Exposing it to air will cause it to solidify.—When solidified it behaves similarly to charcoal. Thus it can be used as a pencil if need be, though only while it still contains energy.—It will also solidify if not constantly in motion, like concrete.—When the energy contained within it is depleted, it will cease to glow and solidify in to an ash-like substance.
Most governments distribute Zeal to the masses through power lines of a sort, which has proven very cost-effective. Zeal energy can also be purchased in pods, over the counter.
The true power of Zeal, however, is not so easy to see. The fluid is a high-density information program, and in a sense the content of that program can alter the effectiveness of that Zeal.
For instance, some Zeal is designed for use in batteries, while some is better suited for use in spotlights. Still, few people have uses for Zeal apart from “oil” and “batteries”.
Naturally, some vessels are better suited for specific types of specialized energy output.
So, basically, you could say that there are specialized transportation machines built with operating via Zilpods in mind… but it is likely they are much more expensive than your typical Zilpod power source to run, even if Zilpods are cost-effective.
Since the standardization and distribution of Zeal back in 2010, humanity has been using Zeal (and Zilpods) as a simple method for generating Magic energy that does not require mental fortitude or skill to use.
Even so, it is very common to see people using older forms of transportation… such as a Steam Train, which runs on coal and steam, and is the cheapest method of getting around aside from specialized Airships. Even older methods like Horseback or Horse wagons are also used… not to mention going by foot. (Aside from groups like the International Police or Zepp… much of society is like the “Old Wild West” era you might say). Even travelling over seas by boat is common.
Still, it should be noted that there are those individuals out there who can perform great feats of Magic known as “Teleportation” and also “Flight”. Some witches and wizards have been seen to use flying brooms as a means of transportation in places like Edinburgh Magicapolis.
Zepp, as advanced as it is, even enjoying hover-based transportation is still in the minority as far as technology is concerned. Even so, I do not recommend being transported over long distance via a giant Rocket Missile projectile like Sol Badguy once did!
What always bothered me in Dust Strikers is Johnny apparently knowing Gig when she was human. Since That Man would've perfected Gear technology by the time Johnny was born and Gig was one of his botched attempts, does this mean she was converted before Justice was created? And if so, just how old IS Johnny? Or did he try to replicate the same process that he did with Sol and it just didn't work out? Possibly because turning humans into Gears is more difficult than creating them from scratch?
Wow this is a long string of questions (and I just finished a long post before this one)…
Okay first of all, evidence SEEMS to indicate that Justice was not the first Gear off the production line and that there ‘were’ (operative word here 'were’) prototypes (meaning besides Sol who is THE first Prototype Gear).
If “That Man” really and truly had a hand in converting Gig in to a Gear, it would have been a long time either before or after Justice became independent of humanity… because as far as we know, the Gearmaker disappeared in to the Backyard some time after 2173 when he first met I-No and had not been creating Gears after the Great War started (there’s only a rumor that he supposedly modified Testament and improved him, which is so far an unconfirmed rumor).
We do not know his whereabouts during the entire progression of the Crusades, though it is said that “That Man” paid a visit to Japan right when it was destroyed and was seen standing among his own creations (this was based on Baiken’s account of the events after 2074.)
Also keep in mind that “That Man” was not the only scientist at the time dabbling in Gear Cell technology (as the entire U.S. Military was behind it at the time). Testament was converted in to a Gear by the Postwar Administration Bureau long after Justice was wreaking havoc on the world at large, so there were many human “victims” who had been converted in to Gears in the 'name’ of “That Man’s” research!
If Johnny did know Gig back when she was human… it would not necessarily have been something that happened during the Crusades… but most likely after those events, after 2181 even, by the looks of things.
In addition, it should be noted that the 'official’ statement that Gig was a “failed Gear conversion” may not necessarily put “That Man” at fault at all, as he may not necessarily have been involved in the process that converted Gig from the very beginning.
Even Solaria was considered a 'failed’ Gear conversion under the Blackard Company as of 2180.
It’s because “That Man” developed Gear Cell technology which triggered the war in the first place, that many blame Gear conversions and even incomplete Gear conversions on him.
However, to clarify, he was only the one who first developed the technology, and many who sought to understand that technology and reproduce it failed at even doing that much!
Furthermore, “That Man” is far more talented than most would give him credit… as nearly all Gears he has created so far were successful and fully functional creatures, with hardly any known instability (though Justice is technically an exception, she chose of her own free will to battle humanity and was fully cognizant and sentient when she made that decision, still it should be NOTED that Justice was a Human “converted” in to a Gear, much the same as Sol Badguy was, though we do not know the full details behind that conversion).
Last but not least, Guilty Gear Dust Strikers, as a game, falls outside the main Guilty Gear continuity, so some information may conflict with the main story, so it is considered part of the Gaiden, and not necessarily canonical, much the same as the disjointed plotline featured in Guilty Gear VastEdge XT.
That said, we do not know how old Johnny was when he took in May in 2174, only that she was a young girl in appearance at that time and his appearance hasn’t changed all that much (except a Beard every now and then).
It’s been rumored that humans can extend their lifespans or even become younger using retrograding technologies, but so far there’s not enough evidence to indicate how that’s done or even if it applies to everyone. Only “That Man” and members of the Conclave, as well as Japanese (those who can control their Ki can supposedly 'stay young’) are known to have unnaturally long lifespans for humans… the rest are most likely Gears or not human at all.
Sorry but that’s about it, you’ll have to take that info with a grain of salt unless it’s further elaborated on in future stories.
During Ky's tenure as a IPF commander and his current status as King, did any former Sacred Order members sign up as fellow officers or Illyrian Knights?
When the Sacred Order of Holy Knights disbanded after Justice was sealed away in 2175, there were many soldiers who could not feel at ease with just the sealing away of Gears, even if nearly all the Gears were incapacitated after the loss of their Command-Type Leader.
Though it was well-established in 2177 that the Postwar Administration Bureau’s duty would be the disposal of Sealed Gears, there were those who didn’t trust that organization.
There were some who felt it was their duty to keep an eye on old seals, lest Megadeth Class Gears break free of of their high level sealing prisons and wreak havoc on the rebuilding civilization.
There were also former scientists of the Sacred Order who fell out of favor and began their own underground projects… such as the tragedies that occurred in Isene in Villtania.
And still, there were those who felt their duty for protecting humanity was so great that they could not adjust well to times of peace…
These men in particular joined the International Police Force (also called Interpol).
While Ky Kiske in particular had abandoned his rank as “Commander”, and Kliff Undersn had long since been enjoying a time of well-earned retirement, neither felt like they could rest easy, given the indecisive conclusion they were given in Justice’ defeat.
Kliff continued to train in Eastern Martial Arts, despite his old age… and Ky began work as a humble police officer, despite his former high rank and military renown.
It was such that even former members of the Sacred Order who joined the police force had trouble forgetting that Ky was no longer their superior officer… and he frequently had to politely remind them otherwise (as they would sometimes call him “Commander” by mistake)!
It was one thing to protect the peace and deal with small-time criminals and bounties… but Ky had the frequent misfortune of dealing with criminals that had a past history with Gears and more often than not, his investigations would often cause him to bump heads with Sol Badguy!
After the death of Justice in 2180, Ky’s investigations in to the mystery behind Gears escalated, and as he continued to work hard within the Police Force, his rank would increase.
Even in times where his own superior officers pointed a gun at him, Ky was resolute in his duties.
Eventually, as of 2182 or so, it was almost as if Ky Kiske had regained his rank of Commander all over again! (This time, as a Director of the International Police). Though he took no major roles in hunting down criminals as once he had… his influence was instrumental in halting the conspiracy to dismantle the diplomatic relationship between the United States and Zepp when the Assassins attempted to overthrow the U.S. government! (Ky even had some hand in maintaining diplomacy with the Japanese in the Dimensional Colony.)
Much of his investigative history as an officer is still a mystery, but his influence and fame eventually was recognized by the Sanctus Popluli (the Conclave, known then as the “Senato”) and they felt a need to use him for their “Illyria Kingdom Project” which they began in 2177.
So, despite having personal reservations, Ky Kiske (against his will) ran for election as King of the Allied Kingdoms of Illyria and was elected as “High King” in 2184.
Even during Ky’s transfer from Police Director to High King, there were many former members of the Sacred Order who chose to become knights under Ky’s personal Illyrian Army for old time’s sake!
It was those men (for example, Major Lyle’s Illyrian Istanbul Battalion) who were in large part responsible for sacrificing their lives to gain vital information on the mystery behind the Cradle which was under the control of the Conclave.
Major Lyle himself was a former member of the Sacred Order after all these years, and had grown quite accustomed to taking risks for the sake of Ky Kiske his Commander, which allowed him to survive most of the Baptisma 13 Incident up to that point.
This is partly why Leo Whitefang (also a former member of the Sacred Order, who became the 2nd King of Illyria) grumbles about Ky and labels him a “problem child” because of how easily he can inspire his own men to do reckless things, even long after the Crusades were supposed to have ended, even despite Ky’s controversial position on “co-existence with Gears” which made him many a political enemy, as well as making Ky a political target.
Still, even after all these events (and even a foiled assassination attempt), Ky remains strong and influential… though he is far from the hot-head he once was… he is very wise now, and is preparing himself and his most trusted men for any future conflicts!
Though times are said to be at peace, there were many who could not accept the Great War had ended, and there are still some that say that the war hasn’t even truly begun!
Though the Sacred Order may have disbanded, the loyal men that came out of that order stand strong and continue to fight against the threats against humanity (and perhaps even the threats against Gears)!
It's said that Kliff has always been in contention with the P.W.A.B. Was this only after Testament was converted into a Gear, or was he at odds with the organization even before that?
There is no precise history on that, but according to Ky Kiske, it was mentioned that the Postwar Administration Bureau was supposed to have been dismantled when the Crusades ended.
Instead, they have acted as a defacto Bounty Hunting service as an extension of the Sanctus Populi, in which they are meant to dispose of rogue surviving Gears and Criminal elements who dabble in Gear Cell research.
Society as a whole has very little grasp on their true purpose as a network of research facilities for the Conclave.
It is likely that Kliff’s encounter with Testament made him somewhat reluctant to continue fighting as a Knight for the Sacred Order, though he probably did not understand how Testament had been made a Gear in the first place, he had some understanding by then that Gears came from Plants and Gear Plants were man-made facilities that were originally produced out of the U.S. Military.
Because of Kliff’s desire to put the conflict to an end between Gears and Humanity, and the growing knowledge of where the Gears were being created, he spared no expense in recruiting Sol Badguy (for more reasons than just his Bounty-hunting fame, no doubt!).
He more than likely knew (or had suspicions) of Sol’s origins as someone U.S. authorities labelled as the criminal “Badguy” who had been acting independently against the U.S. government’s Gear Cell research activity.
And seeing as how it was “more than obvious” that Magic Research was nearly synonymous with Gear Cell Research… he was probably having doubts about serving under the Conclave as well… with Testament’s re-emergence from being K.I.A. almost confirming Kliff’s suspicions, to say nothing of anything Kliff may have known about the Cyprus and Saint Oratorio Projects (which he more than likely took to his grave, given his close bond with the boy with strange Gear-like powers, Tyr, who disappeared before the Crusades ended and whom the P.W.A.B. were probably desperate to track down!).
It’s speculative at most, but Kliff wanted to end the war, not just for the sake of Humanity, but probably for the Gears as well… which is why he entrusted the Firesealed Sword to Sol Badguy in secret… to put an end to the conflict and remind Sol that, no matter if he was human or not… he was still a part of Kliff’s family and a trusted comrade.
A little question about Slayer's species : are they affected by the Sun ? While Slayer is a vampire (or I think he is) and he indicates it multiple times (drinking blood from Sharon, his command grab, one of his quote in Xrd says "Just woke up, in the afternoon, waiting for my breakfast" or something like that) but he seems completely unfazed by the sun if he fights in stages where the sun is there. Are they weak against the sun or I just asked a dumb question about a gameplay oversight ?
Slayer has shrugged off Garlic and Crosses in Guilty Gear Isuka, and as of GGXrd Revelator, during Johnny’s “Treasure Hunt”… one of Slayer’s treasured possessions appears to be a bottle of very powerful Sunscreen Lotion!
That may very well be a non-canonical joke, however.
Slayer has been in GGXrd’s Story Mode to not be particularly affected by the sun’s rays or much else, as even in the middle of a scorching desert near Illyria he wasn’t bothered in the least.
As I’ve said before, Folklore can often be misleading and may not entirely reveal the true nature of a species unless they are actually studied, this goes for Vampires as well!
Read the “Ishu” tag for more information on Slayer himself!
