Dr. Saphir Wyon Neis, also known as 'Dist the Reaper' or by his self-conferred title 'Dist the Rose,' is one of the six God-Generals and a primary antagonist in Tales of the Abyss. He prefers the name 'Dist the Rose,' considering 'Dist the Reaper' to be barbaric. Jade once humorously called him 'Dist the Runny' because his nose runs when he's angry. Within the Order of Lorelei, Dist holds the ranks of Conductor and Locrian Colonel and serves as the 2nd Division Commander. He never engages the party directly in battle; instead, he uses large fon machines called 'Kaiser Dists' to fight on his behalf.
During his childhood in Keterberg, Dist was known by his real name, Saphir Wyon Neis. He studied alongside Jade Curtiss (then known as Jade Balfour, whom Dist considered his best friend), Jade's sister Nephry, and the future emperor Peony IX under Professor Gelda Nebilim, a retired Oracle Knight. One day, while at Nebilim's home, Jade attempted to use a fonic arte with the Seventh Fonon but failed. The house caught fire, and Nebilim died from her injuries, though not before Jade and Saphir took her to the outskirts of town and tried to create a replica of her. However, the attempt failed, and the unstable replica of Nebilim went on a rampage, killing several Fonists to obtain the First and Sixth Fonons she needed. She was eventually sealed away in Nebilim's Crag.
Jade eventually moved on and halted research on fomicry, deeming it unethical. Dist, however, vowed to do anything to resurrect Nebilim, feeling abandoned by Jade. He pursued every possible means, including switching alliances and working with Grand Maestro Mohs in an unsuccessful attempt to acquire Nebilim's replica data.
Additionally, Dist created Anise's fighting doll, Tokunaga, because she had once shown him kindness.
