Elric is going to blow his top...

[DSTheHermit]

Actually because of the way the combat engine in FFT works, the zodiac signs are one of the few ways damage is randomised. Generally, when two units of the same racial type, level, and attack power attack each other, they will do the same damage to each other, and the same damage every time. This is because the game has no defence stats at all. The only times damage varies are certain types of weapons and attacks (Cat kick, blunt weapons, women's bags, etc.) or when that a case of extreme Zodiac (in)compatability. So its purpose is basically to allow for some randomisation, but I think a defence stat or two would have just worked out better.

Which is what they did for Tactics Ogre, so sayeth The Hermit.

"This bog is thick and easy to get lost in." Tool - Swamp Song