Flowering Cactoid

"How is it that such a beautiful Blossom might bloom atop such an ungainly Cactoid? Verily, its Beauty is more than in its Appearance, for the Blossom is valued as an Ingredient in Salves, and further prized by Collectors for the rarity of its Flowering. Amongst the Cactoids, the red Bloom is the mark of a Leader, and the Focus of much Respect and Adoration. However, to the villagers in the Dalmasca Estersand, it is merely a Mark."

- Final Fantasy XII
Flowering Cactoid bestiary description

An elite Cactoid that appears in the 2006 Square-Enix Final Fantasy XII Sony Playstation 2 video game. While these creatures may sport a new name, and look different than they did in the past, Cactoids are essentially the same classic Cactuar enemies that have been appearing in most of the previous Final Fantasy games for years.

This Mark can be pursued anytime after completing the Thextera "Wolf in the Waste" hunt. Read the "Dalmasca Desert Bloom" bill on the Notice Board, accept it, and haul yourself over to the Dalmasca Estersands Outpost where Dantro, the client, will fill you in on the details. The Flowering Cactoid can only be found in the Yardang Labyrinth area (which is Northeast of said Outpost). This plant monster has 755 hit points (HP) and the highest evade rating in the entire game (re: it's REALLY good at dodging your physical strikes, so you might want to try magic instead). Flowering Cactoid is weak against Wind type attacks but absorbs anything attuned to the Earth element. The items Cactus Fruit (a slightly-sweet, juicy food favored by children), Earth Stone (a rock strongly aligned with the land), and Potion (a healing elixir) can potentially be stolen from this creature during battle.

Once you awaken the grouchy pincushion from its earthly slumber, the Flowering Cactoid will begin assaulting you with perforating blows. That is, until you get its HP down into the critical range, at which time it will become desperate and start using its deadly 1,000 Needles projectile attack that will inflict--you guessed it--1,000 units of damage if it connects [instant death at the early stage of the game most people elect to take this critter on (~ experience level 6-8)--it's prudent to take at least one other party member with you on this hunt so that they can potentially revive you, or vice versa, instead of attempting it solo and ending up with the 'Game Over' screen after getting needled to death].

This little cactus is a crafty fellow. Once you damage it sufficiently, it likes to run away, leading you on a merry chase through the desert rock formations, more often than not luring you directly into the clutches of other monsters lurking nearby, which you'll then have to deal with as well. A wise adventurer will exterminate all the other beasties in the area before even attempting to conquer the prickly troublemaker. Also, once you've dealt it significant harm, don't let it wander away for too long, because, left unmolested, the Flowering Cactoid will begin healing itself with Cure magic and/or Potions when your back is turned, and you'll have to whittle its HP down all over again.

Having slain the creature (and extracted dozens of its spines from all of your tender spots), the rare Cactoid Flower item will be yours for the taking. Return to Dantro, who will give you $500 and 10 Potions as a reward for your efforts. The fun doesn't stop there though--Dantro will ask you to bring the priceless bloom, which has powerful medicinal properties, to his wife in South Bank Village. That's the first step in yet another sub-quest, but that's a story for another time (and another figure perhaps) . . .

Materials:
Newsprint, tissue paper, white glue, hot glue, super glue, wire twist ties, fishing line, plastic, and acrylic paint.

Dimensions:
3.2 cm/1.3 in. x 3.7 cm/1.5 in. (widest point x highest point)

Articulation:
Four points total: Shoulders (2) and hips (2).

Time:
Roughly a day-and-a-half; I sculpted and painted the figure on July 4th, 2009 and made the flower accessory and transparent feet stands on the following day, the 5th.

For comparison purposes, below are some images of Cactoids from the Final Fantasy XII video game (more information on mouse-over).

•   Final Fantasy XII Playstation 2 video game and instruction manual.


•   Various GameFAQs Final Fantasy XII game guides.


•   Creative Uncut Final Fantasy official artwork.

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