
Final Fantasy Type-0 takes place in Orience, a world split among four nations known as "Crystal States." Each of these nations is linked to a powerful crystal inspired by the Four Symbols, which also serve as their national emblems. The Dominion of Rubrum wields the Vermillion Bird Crystal, which governs magic; the Milites Empire possesses the White Tiger Crystal, which embodies the strength of science and weaponry; the Kingdom of Concordia is guided by the Azure Dragon Crystal, which holds the might of dragons; and the Lorican Alliance is safeguarded by the Black Tortoise Crystal, which provides the power of defense. Each nation has an academy, called a Peristylium, dedicated to studying and protecting its respective crystal. These crystals have the ability to mark individuals as their nation's chosen servants. These marked individuals, known as l'Cie, are branded with a symbol and assigned a "Focus"—a mission they must complete. While granted extended life and the power to transform into crystal, l'Cie are also cursed with the gradual loss of their memories. The people of Orience experience the same fate, forgetting those who have passed so that they may move forward unburdened by past sorrow, allowing their spirits to grow stronger through conflict. This is a system designed by the crystals to serve the deities who created them. Many characters in the story strive to become Agito, a legendary savior destined to rise and prevent Tempus Finis, a catastrophic event that will bring about the end of Orience.