Each new Final Fantasy game brings a new cast, who borrow from prior games while creating something new. Dion Lesage is an important part of the cast of Final Fantasy XVI, serving as both friend and foe. As a canonically gay man, Dion is the first official LGBT representation in the series. Square-Enix, which has its American office in El Segundo, California, had yet to put a canonically queer character in the mainline franchise. Aside from his orientation, he features in dramatic moments throughout the game and is involved in some of its most epic scenes. Let’s talk about Dion’s role, with spoilers for the main story of Final Fantasy XVI.
Bahamut’s Dominant
A major story element in Final Fantasy XVI is the concept of Eikons and Dominants. Eikons are beings of tremendous power who take the form of the famous ‘summon’ monsters from prior games in the series. Bahamut, the king of dragons, is among the most powerful and represents the element of Light. Dominants are humans who are born from unique bloodlines and can wield the power of Eikons, ultimately being able to transform into them fully. Dion Lesage is the Dominant of Bahamut, as well as the crown prince of the Holy Empire of Sanbreque. He also serves as a dragoon, one of the series’ more famous jobs. With a spear in hand, he protects his father, the Emperor.
Dragons are revered as holy creatures in the empire, so Dion’s presence is treated favorably. Despite being born out of wedlock, his father treats him as a natural-born heir. Dion Lesage is largely unaware of his father’s evils throughout the story. His eventual stepmother, Anabella Rosfield, is the mother of the game’s protagonists Clive and Joshua. She conspired with Dion’s father to annex the Duchy of Rosaria by having her first husband and two sons killed, although Clive is instead taken as a forced soldier and Joshua survived. Anabella would give birth to Dion’s half-brother, Olivier, and ultimately he would take Dion’s role as heir to the throne.
A Warring Commander
With his role as Dominant and as a holy dragoon, Dion Lesage would lead his father’s armies in war. The empire warred with the Dhalmekian Republic over control of the Crystalline Dominion. The power of opposing Dominants like Titan prevented Dion from using Bahamut’s power to end the war swiftly. When Clive struck a blow against the Dominant of Titan, the Republic had to sue for peace. Much to his horror, Dion would be told by his father to slay the retreating army after their surrender. Dion would follow orders, although he was soothed by his lover Sir Terence over his misgivings.
It was the warnings of Joshua that led Dion to realize his father was in league with the villainous being known as Ultima. Dion sought to lead a mutiny against his father and free the Empire from its dark ways. As it turned out, Ultima was dwelling in the form of his half-brother Olivier. Dion Lesage sought to kill Ultima, but his father leaped in the way of his spear to protect his youngest son. This was Ultima’s plan and the rage and grief it caused Dion led him to lose control. He transformed into Bahamut and began to destroy everything he could find. As Ultima wanted, it was up to Clive and Joshua to fight him and drain yet another Eikon’s power.
Redemption
Dion Lesage quite nearly died in the conflict with Clive and Joshua. However, he lived long enough to finish what he started and kill Olivier. Annabella, unhinged and despondent, ended her own life in response. Despite these efforts, Ultima lived on and began his greatest plan. Dion was brought to Clive’s lair and slowly nursed back to health. He felt great shame and guilt over losing control and did not consider himself worthy after all he had wrought. However, the treatment that the orphan girl Kihel gave him to return his strength gave him the chance to earn back the people’s faith.
Dion helped lead the charge of the heroes’ forces as they battled Ultima’s armies. Dion, still bearing a remnant of Bahamut’s power, transformed one last time to join Clive and Joshua in their battle against Ultima. Working with the two siblings, the three dealt decisive blows against the villain. However, in the form of Bahamut, Dion Lesage would release the last of his power to try and protect the others against Ultima. This would prove his undoing, as a mortal blow would end his life. He would fall through the sky, feeling he had finally atoned for his sins and would die a true hero.
Final Thoughts
Dion Lesage is a great way for the legacy of Final Fantasy to continue to a new generation. As a dragoon, he is used by the forces of evil just like the series’ most iconic dragoon, Kain from Final Fantasy IV, had been. Wielding the power of Bahamut, he represents the powerful summon as the terrifying beast he can be. As a dramatic hero, he makes sacrifices to aid the game’s protagonists in their struggle against evil. His status as a gay man detracts nothing from any of this and shows how easy representation can be. Despite his tragic end, he will be remembered as a truly epic character.
For More Great Content
Craving top-tier content that covers it all? From electrifying sports highlights and insider entertainment news to expert gaming tips and sharp betting advice, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our curated articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the lowdown on gaming strategies that could level up your play. Plus, our betting advice will sharpen your edge and boost your chances of winning big.
Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, our content is your go-to source for all things exciting and relevant. Don’t miss out—explore now and power up your knowledge! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports, to stay informed.
