[Editor's note: Rio McCarthy kicks off July's Monthly Musing theme with Kefka from Final Fantasy III (VI). -- CTZ]

Wow. There's just so much to say about Kefka Palazzo. Ever since I played Final Fantasy III (VI) for the first time many many moons ago, Kefka has been my favorite character in the game, and my top favorite from the entire Final Fantasy series. I've always found myself drawn to the villain characters, especially in RPGs, as they tend to have the most off-beat humor. Kefka is definitely no different. 

Being one of the most psychotic characters in a Final Fantasy game, Kefka's flamboyant style and dark humor isn't one for the faint of heart. Granted, his insanity isn't that of his own fault.

Poor Kefka was an orphan who was beaten severely by the orphanage head, and eventually became the first experimental test subject for Magitek infusion. It was an immediate success as he gained many newfound powers. It wasn't long before the degeneration of Kefka's sanity started.



It never fails that the villains usually have the most interesting story lines and are often misunderstood. From his painted up face to his colorful jester outfit, he's pretty much asking for it. Though being the Court Mage of the Gestahlian Empire could be enough to drive anyone nuts.

His amazing one-liners are part of the major reason why I absolutely fell in love with Kefka's character. From every time he gets annoyed to when he "HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATEs" someone or something, it makes me laugh uncontrollably every time. Some of my favorites include:

"Nothing can beat the music of hundreds of voices screaming in unison!"

"I hate hate hate hate hate hate... hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate HATE YOU!"

"Run! Run! Or you'll be well done!"

"This is sickening... You sound like chapters from a self-help booklet! Prepare yourselves!"

Ah, I can never get enough of those. His theme song is also noteworthy, as it totally gets stuck in my head. It's a pretty upbeat, but sinister song simply entitled "Kefka". Though, at the end during the final battle the song "Dancing Mad" plays, which is simply breathtaking. I know if I ever saw Video Games Live or another group perform it live it'd make me spaz just like "One Winged Angel."



But of course, like all villains in a Final Fantasy game, their great reign must come to an end. Saving some of the spoilers, in short Kefka drains the Triad of their power and turns himself into a God. He then builds a gigantic tower, which he dubs "Kefka's Tower," from what was left of the world he destroyed. He rules the World of Ruin from atop his tower and smites anyone who defies him with the Light of Judgment.

As you fight the last battle, these are the words he leaves you with, as do I:

"Life... Dreams... Hope... Where do they come from? And where do they go? Such meaningless things... I'll destroy them all!"