[Quatermass]

Okay, so one of my loves is forensic science, an interest, whether you believe me or not, has preceded CSI by at least 2 years.

So I'm wondering, in the worlds of Final Fantasy (particularly 7 and 8), how would one go about investigating deaths caused by magic? The answer will be in this thread. This will apply to Final Fantasy in general, and not just FFXI.

Such wonderful topics as:

Differentiating between DNA codes of Marlboros and Ochus.

When Blue Magic is being used to cover up a homicide.

The forensic pathology of elemental magic.

Crime scene preservation when monsters and fiends are nearby.

The recovery of remains from dragon stomachs (GM Dave, please take note. For I will be coming after you.)

And the definition of death: when Phoenix Downs won't work.

Kefka LOL.

[Quatermass]

Extract from "Forensic Aspects of Black Magic" by Cid Laidecka

.....in dealing with Fire-based magic, it is easier than say, Thunder or Water-based magic to tell if the cause is due to magic, as is Blizzard-based magic in a non-Arctic climate. The problem is trying to determine whether the magic was performed by a murderous mage, or a monster. If the body was eaten partially, especially shortly post-mortem, it can be fairly safe to assume, in most circumstances, that a monster was responsible.

[Quatermass]

Extract from "Crime Scene Investigation and Interpretation" by Cid Laidecka, Chapter 19: "Monster or Murderer: Blue Magic in Homicide".

Because Blue Magic abilities are magic skills normally used by monsters, they are often used by ingenious murderers to cover up their crime as being an attack by a monster. However, there are circumstances which can be suspicious. The monster that typically uses the Blue Magic may not be indigenous to the area, or there is no trace of the monster's spoor. Let us look at an example. Jurnhagh, a male Hume, was a known gambler who had debts to a local crime syndicate. He was found dead, apparently the victim of a Sabotender type monster's "1000 Needles" attack. The lack of footprints, the fact that the needles were found to be magically generated rather than generated by a Sabotender's natural process, and the various items stolen from the house, pointed to another agency at work. However, some criminal organisations have been known to use pet monsters to perform "hit jobs", which can confuse the issue further.....

[Tsikuro]

Supposedly when you fall in battle, you only get 'Knocked Out'... hence K.O.
I'm not sure how stabbing someone with a sword constitutes being knocked out, though.