Mystics
Contents
General Information[edit]
Home: Medina
Era: 12000 B.C., 600 A.D., 1000 A.D., 2300 A.D.
Leaders: Magus, Ozzie, Ozzie VIII
Chrono Trigger[edit]
The Mystics are a diverse race of several intelligent, magic-using species who merged into one group opposite the humans. The details of their origin are obscured; three possibilities exist: firstly, that the Mystics independently involved in the wilderness and gained intelligence and magic on their own; secondly, that the Mystics underwent rapid evolution similar to that of the humans (see the Chrono Cross section below); thirdly, that the Mystics were an engineered race created by the people of Zeal to guard Mt. Woe and perform other security duties around the kingdom. Indeed, Mt. Woe is where the first Mystics were spotted by Crono; they served as guards of that prison. After the Fall of Zeal, the Mystics banded together and established their own settlement on the continent of Medina. They were probably nocturnal by nature until 1000 A.D. While no history for the group exists between 12000 B.C. and 600 A.D., it is probable that the Mystics occasionally feuded with humans and sought to establish their own society apart from humanity. This led to a long military tradition that resulted in many Mystics serving as warriors in their own right; in the years leading up to 600 A.D., they created a mighty lair and maintained combative magic skills. They were led by a certain species of which Ozzie was a member; Ozzie himself was known for wild tirades and savagery, and a growing attitude of resent for humans came to exist. Creatures such as Ozzie and Yakra led the race, presiding over intermediate Omnicrones and other beasts, who in turn were more powerful than Imps and Gargoyles.
These ill feelings eventually exploded into full-fledged war after Ozzie raised Magus and began formulating plans for a campaign on Zenan. The Mystics came to accept a doctrine of extreme hatred against humans; this even extended to cannibalism, as practiced by Yakra and his infiltration squad at the Cathedral. Other aspects of Mystic life and magic delved into the dark and occult at this time as well, as forms of necromancy were practiced and the Mystics expressed a general disdain for sunlight and brightness. Magus served as a spiritual leader at this time, and the Mystics composed hymns in his name and erected statues in his honor. They acted upon their passion by undertaking a series of raids against Zenan via the Magic Cave; since no human could open the caverns before 600 A.D., the Mystics could easily attack and retreat. A few bids for the permanent conquer of the Kingdom of Guardia were made, but each time the Mystic Army was stopped cold at Zenan Bridge. After losing the warrior Zombor, the Mystics would not set foot on Zenan again, as Magus disappeared in his attempt to summon Lavos to exact revenge on the creature for killing Schala. Stunned by this blow to their morale, the Mystics would lay down their arms and found a civilian establishment, though a dislike of humans continued to pervade Mystic thought. In the new city of Medina, the Mystics mimicked human architecture and daily life, while some radicals withdrew to Heckran Cave in rejection of civility. By 1000 A.D., no public transportation systems existed between the human world and Medina, and loyal followers continued to worship Magus in the town square. While the Mystics were somewhat tolerant of humans in their city, the slightest provocation would result in a fight. There were some forward-thinking Mystics without a grudge in the town; however, they were small in number. After the Day of Lavos, the Mystic population was severely reduced, and the remaining few dwelled in the Sewer Access or elsewhere.
Crono changed the history of the Mystics considerably in his quest to save the world; the most notable difference is that he and Frog stormed Magus's Lair before Magus's fateful incantation, slaughtering the highest templars of the Mystic Army and crippling their war machine even before Magus disappeared. This blow severely damaged the popular philosophy of the day. Crono found that in the future, Magus's statue had been replaced by one of Ozzie, and less supporters continued to worship in the town square. The final blow to the ancient policy of hatred would be dealt when Crono sacked Ozzie's Fort, effectively removing the line of Ozzie's species from power and eradicating the last purveyor of the grudge. In the future, Medina was transformed into a jovial place where the Mystic descendants celebrated life and welcomed business with humans. A ferry was soon erected between the city and Truce. A far cry from their oroginal, harsh existence on the frozen plains of 12000 B.C., the Mystics in 1000 A.D. sat poised to meet the future in shining prosperity.
Chrono Cross[edit]
It is unknown what role the Mystics played in the Fall of Guardia, or what side they took in the conflict if any. Regardless, Mystic civilization itself progressed unthreatened to 2300 A.D. and beyond, as it is mentioned in Chronopolis that the city of Medina still exists and contributed a scientist to the time research facility. The Demi-humans of El Nido should not be confused with Mystics, however. Sprigg is the only known Mystic to appear in Chrono Cross; though her status is not identified in-game, it is confirmed in the Missing Piece art book. This explains her capacity for real magic.
Radical Dreamers[edit]
Several magic-using Mystics guarded Viper Manor in Radical Dreamers, but these were mostly a minor inconvenience to Magil, who strongly overpowered them with his refined magic.
Analysis and Theory[edit]
The struggle of the Mystics and the nature of their leader Magus has parallels to the history of Islam. See Real World Influences.
Japanese Equivalent[edit]
Romaji: Mazoku
Translation: Demon race
Name Origin[edit]
The Mystics were probably named by humans due to their uncanny abilities and appearances. It is unclear what the Mystics originally named themselves, though by 1000 A.D. they had already adopted the human label.