You are Cecil, a dark knight, but end up as paladin. You are to prevent Golbez from getting the eight crystals. Four are from the upper world and the other four are from the underworld. The crystals help go to the moon and which is filled with hard, tough monsters. Kain, Cecil's friends joins your party then is under control of Golbetz, then gains back to himself and joins with you once again. Rydia, a girl with special summon spells helps out your adventure to stop Golbetz. Rosa, who is Cecil's girlfriend, is a white mage to aid for Cecil. Cid, the great airship maker, helps out your adventure when in danger. There are others, but they don't stay in your adventure that long, if you play the game you'll find out why like Yang, the two twins who each uses black and the other white magic, a great sorcerer.