Ardyn Izunia

Ardyn Izunia (Japanese: アーデン・イズニア, Hepburn: Āden Izunia), also known as Ardyn Lucis Caelum (アーデン・ルシス・チェラム, Āden Rushisu Cheramu), is a character from the Final Fantasy video game series made by Square Enix. He is the main antagonist in Final Fantasy XV and a prominent character in the game's associated media, and makes appearances in other Final Fantasy products. Initially presented as chancellor of Nilfheim, the nation opposing Lucis for control of its magical Crystal, he is later revealed to be the source of a corruptive plague dubbed the Starscourge and pursuing a vendetta against the family of protagonist Noctis Lucis Caelum.

Ardyn was designed by Italian artist Roberto Ferrari, surviving though the game's prolonged development generally unchanged. He was presented as an unusual villain within the series, initially helpful to Noctis but ultimately driven by revenge and a wish for cruelty. He is voiced in Japanese by Keiji Fujiwara and in English by Darin De Paul. While several critics have commented on his lack of effectiveness as a villain in the game, he became a popular character among series fans. Exploration of his character in both DLC and expanded media met with mixed reactions.