Help Mages confusion...

[Shaissa]

So After playing FFIX again I have a couple question about the mages.

1. if Vivi is a "prototype" why did he last longer than the new mages?
2. Why was it some of the mages figured out they could talk and others couldnt?
3. Are the mages really living beings? or are they puppets?

 

[Abstract Debauchery]

1) Even in the technology world, prototypes usually are built to be better and last longer than the first few models that are released. Odds are, he was built to last longer. But like his counterparts, he would eventually die.

2) They were all built with free will. However, they were never made aware of it, and they were specifically trained and conditioned to never use it. Some got curious and didn't listen.

3) Little bit of both, really.

At least, that's just the way I look at it.

 

[GalaxyFlare]

1) Vivi had much greater magic to draw upon therefore he had a greater lifespan, like ^^^ said prototypes are given more power to see how far they could go. Vivi is far and away th most powerful and balanced of the black mages, the Black Waltzes may have been able to match Vivis magic power but they were only supped up regulars. They went crazy with all that extra power.

2) I dont think they were given the ability to talk in production. This is another example of life breaking through no matter what boundaries are put on it. The mages became aware because life finds a way(Jurassic park)

3) Totally agree with chell here Designed to be puppets, but brought to life because they developed the right level of mental thought.