Only if other NPCs get this option too. (And maybe even those NPCs that are death right now...then NG+ would be quite useful) I mean my poor character has to accept all these hints from multiple characters that are somehow WoL sexual but can never answer the one she wants..
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07-09-2019, 06:44 PMAlleo
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07-09-2019, 06:55 PMCeallach
Captain Lyna would have all your hides.
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07-09-2019, 06:56 PMpurgatori
I can't flirt with Y'Shtola; so, no :P
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07-09-2019, 07:26 PMSchan
I personally disagree.
The way I see it he puts you on a pedestal. It's the sole reason why I can never see any romantic bond develop between the WoL and any NPC. You are seen as someone far above them. I normally call it the "Pyrrha effect" only because it's the most "recent" thing i've seen that mentions things that way was RWBY. For those who don't know Pyrrha was the best student fighter and when a dance came around no one invited her. Her friends assumed she would be showered with requests because she is THAT popular. As she basically says.. when you're put on a pedestal... it creates distance from the "normal people".
The WoL is the best fighter, the Hero, the person who dosn't give up on others and genuinely likes to help people without asking much in return. How can anyone look at someone like that and not think "well that's way out of my league."
Yes you are worshipped but I don't see it in a romantic way and shoehorning it would be cringe worthy.
I see the Exarch as a massive fan. He deserved a hug though. -
07-09-2019, 07:33 PMVideraRomance and sexuality are very distinct things.Quote:
Originally Posted by SturmChurro
On topic, I wouldn't mind it. -
07-11-2019, 11:35 AMSakeiYes, we would enjoy that very much. However, we are discussing the exarch here. :PQuote:
Originally Posted by Ceallach
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07-11-2019, 11:49 AMSeoulstarJust for her to burn you like little sun?Quote:
Originally Posted by CazzT
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07-13-2019, 01:10 PMSakei
Come on, I mean, he's a cat boy. He met a cat girl, or insert your races here. All I'm saying is there is some intense longing here. You could cut the sexual tension with a knife. -
07-13-2019, 02:13 PMDualbladeLook, you KNOW some people in this game would pay money to get burned by her.Quote:
Originally Posted by Seoulstar
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07-14-2019, 11:15 AMAltbion
I'm surprised people are actually doubting that part of the nature of the Exarch's feelings are romantic, and got reminded of the Haurchefant case.
I played with French text and Japanese voices, discussed it with friends who played with either one of those versions (specifically asking to remove any potential shipping glasses), and the subtext was blatant for each one of us, and trust me we weren't expecting it.
Then someone looked at the English localization and compared it to the original script. While I can say it's honestly still pretty blatant (there IS admiration and worship, but clearly mixed with romantic subtext), it IS toned down compared to those versions, where some words also outright had a romantic part in nature. It's also pretty telling how developpped the wol's reactions are when you chose the correct answers towards him (AFAIK it's the first time the fond looks are that... fond), which also seem to be the story correct ones, given the quality of the scenes compared to the others.
Really, the only reason they're not explicitly saying it is because there's always a degree of freedom in MMOS, but if you look at the original script, and the wol in it as their own written character (the poster hyur for example), it's pretty obvious it's the case. -
07-14-2019, 07:43 PMAlleluia
Just adding my voice to the chorus on this one. Due to Graha's word choice, actions, and obvious devotion, his feelings towards the WoL came off as more than friendship to me. Doesn't have to be Bioware-levels or lead to a branching story (after all, since his feelings (whatever they are) are already present, his future actions will take them into account irrespective of how the WoL feels back). But SE put such effort into dialogue choices this xpac, I'd love it if moving their relationship in that direction with him was also an option.
Emphasis on "option", guys. If you don't want it, you don't have to do it. ;)
(On a side note, I seem to recall (from my days of watching WAY more anime than I have time for anymore) that going from calling someone by a title/surname to using their true/first name is a big romantic trope, isn't it? Cus of the familiarity doing so denotes in Japan, I assume. Just sayin.)
Also, spoilers for the WAR 80 quest, but:
If you can have the option of flirting with Dorgono about marriage, you should be able to respond in kind to the guy who's clearly half in love with you and broke space/time to save you. :P -
07-14-2019, 08:30 PMGranyalaHuh? Where did you get romantic tensions wit Aymeric?Quote:
Originally Posted by Noitems
I thought him and the Garlean lady (Lucia?) were engaged anyway. Oo
@topic: I'd love for there to be possible love interests for our characters. G'raha Tia would certainly qualify, Ifalna likes him quite a bit. -
07-14-2019, 08:34 PMCamiieYou are not alone!Quote:
Originally Posted by SturmChurro
Looks like there might be a good case here for a RWBY MMO where shipping is part of the game and people can virtually murder anyone who doesn't support them. -
07-14-2019, 08:36 PMAlleluiaEh, Aymeric *is* pretty efusive (for him) during your dinner date. (Also: you have a dinner date.) And, during that scene, I think he's really the first character who asks you about your well being/plans/etc (basically who asks you to roleplay and have a personality and goals) in the whole game, barring whichever triplet you met at level 1. At least, I remember it feeling like that. I don't think Aymeric has a crush on my WoL, but I can totally see where that thought is coming from. lolQuote:
Originally Posted by Granyala
I also see the Lucia->Aymeric thing, too. -
07-14-2019, 09:18 PMIscahDifferent cultures and situations though. Coming from the Crystal Tower quests first, everyone (including presumably our character) already calls him G'raha Tia or just G'raha - so you're calling him by the name you already knew him as, not moving to a new level of familiarity you didn't have before.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alleluia
Side note on names: I've been wondering for a while whether the tia/nunh titles are supposed to be treated as a surname or whether it's more like an extension of their forename - particularly since it's included on the character's name label, which doesn't usually include a surname for NPCs. -
07-14-2019, 09:25 PMGranyalaYeah I remember that. Felt nice to be acknowledged as a person for once and not just being a tool that's brought to bear to do stuff no one wants/can do.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alleluia
Good thing he's already taken though... I don't think poor Ifalna would stand a chance if a real knights Templar were to court her. :X -
07-14-2019, 10:21 PMIamBetterThanYou
No thanks. I am straight and I want my WoL to be straight. Besides, they have 0 romantic undertone. If you said wol x Alisie then yeah, she genuinely seems interested in you but Exarch, nope. None. Zero. Its just admiration of a hero.
I like goku, I like when he goes ultra instinct and if he ever acknowledged me I would he jumping in my boots too like exarch but none of these have ANY romantic tone. -
07-14-2019, 10:44 PMGula
I don't want to flirt with him, but I do want more interactions.
I bet Y'shtola, Alisae and Thancred would have just knocked. Look at this angel fretting at our door. I play my WoL to be aggressive and a charming jerk and I want to tease him so badly.
(Linked because image wont show)
https://imgur.com/a/axP3HI9 -
07-14-2019, 11:13 PMIscahThat could be down to your own character and preferences though. I've never gotten the impression that Alisaie is interested in my character, but in my case that interaction is between two girls (/ young women) of a similar age and maybe that just seems more normal. Same with Lyse - she's just a friend who is very open with her feelings. It never seemed romantic.Quote:
Originally Posted by IamBetterThanYou
G'raha, on the other hand, could definitely be read in a romantic way. It could be platonic, it could be tangled up in a hundred years of remembering us as the hero he once looked up to, but it still has tones of being romantic - especially that conversation on the cliff about going on an adventure together.
I'm not inclined to pair my characters romantically with NPCs, especially while the story is still ongoing - but if I was going to, then G'raha would be the obvious canon-supported choice at this point. -
07-15-2019, 12:13 AMSothisexcuse you how dare you call me out like this --Quote:
Originally Posted by Fynlar
Jokes aside though, while I'd totally love a robust flirt-with-the-npc-of-your-choice (or don't, if that's not your thing - options, yay!) system to appease everyone and their npc favorites, the way things are now honestly isn't bad either. The writing is a perfect balance of implications and vagueness that lets people fill in the gaps to fit their character's story, however they want it to be. When there's nothing canonically included in game, it means you can headcanon whatever you want. -
07-15-2019, 12:21 AMkazzel120Except its not a romantic interest. He clearly admires the PC as a great hero and looks up to them. The fact he cries when you say his name speaks volumes to him. Thee fact you remember who he was after he goes to sleep in the tower after the doors close is what brings him to tears nit that hes in love with you.Quote:
Originally Posted by MOZZYSTAR
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07-15-2019, 02:10 AMSchwarzwind
I have the feeling that many things especially character relationships with the WoL are up to interpretation from a storywriting point of view. There is no right or wrong here. It is fine that people interpret things differently!
For example: The game does not clearly state how Haurchefant, Aymeric, Y'shtola, G'raha, Alisae or any other NPC truly feels about the WoL. Do they all view him/her as a close friend? Sure. As a love interest? Not so sure.
None has ever said "I love you" or something similar towards the WoL. Which is something I absolutely love about this game! On one character I can fantasize that the WoL and Estinien were a thing, on another that my WoL is in a relationship with Minfila. I can see no problem here. It gives me freedom to flesh out my character like I want him/her to be. The game does not force any relationship onto you and that is great. :)
People should respect others for interpreting things differently. -
07-15-2019, 02:31 AMGulaAlso, should be of note the Japanese side of writing. Outright saying "I love you" isn't as heavy as western in media. However, "Please stay by my side" would raise more eyebrows in the East over West. I say, the more options the better. ... option/vaguely neutral option/forward option. I've also been a fan of past experience options if you've done CT.Quote:
Originally Posted by Schwarzwind
Even Persona 5's dialog options didn't get me misty eyed as I did when he cried. -
07-15-2019, 02:48 AMSandoria
I want a dialogue option to flirt with Zenos already. Our truly devoted number 1 fan.
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07-15-2019, 02:58 AMIscahWe kind of did back in Stormblood, when we had the option to accept or deny him.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sandoria
He still tried to murder us with a giant dragon either way. -
07-15-2019, 03:17 AMxxvaynxx
I don't get why people think Exarch is attracted to us in a romantic, sexual way or even want it to be like that.
Its not that, its because we're his role model, his hero. In his world where everything was going to hell, the stories about the WoL gave everybody hope to move on.
So when he finally meets us, he can't help his excitement and we're the the hero he heard so much about and prove more and more by saving the first.
So I would never want this kind of option, I rather have dialog to get to know him more and be more of a friend. -
07-15-2019, 03:19 AMSchwarzwindI agree with you on that. The problem here are the differences between localizations. In the German version at least I did not get any romantic vibe from any character so far. Not even from Haurchefant or Aymeric. But even here people are free to interpret the story how they see fit for their WoL. :) Which is the beauty of games with no set main character! The WoL can be whoever the player wants. Just as the WoL can love/like/hate whichever NPC we as players see fit for our hero. I have to agree as well that more dialogue options on that side would help to flesh the character out even more.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gula
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07-15-2019, 03:21 AMCazzTLOL That was pretty awesome.Quote:
Originally Posted by Seoulstar
But I think the WoL has a far better chance with her. -
07-15-2019, 08:57 AMHaruaneIt doesn't have to be in a sexual way, but you can easily interpret the actions and words of the exarch as romantic.Quote:
Originally Posted by xxvaynxx
His biggest dream is to stay at your side and he wanted to die to save your life (yes, he wanted to save the world, too, but that can't be everything). And look how he's looking at you when he adjusts the portal at the end.
And why I want it? Because it's nice to have someone who really CARES for my WoL. And the exarch is like that. And he perfectly fits for my miqo'te. -
07-15-2019, 08:57 AMAlleluiaQuote:
Originally Posted by IamBetterThanYou
Yeah, I didn't want to be treated like I was a lesbian, either, but the WAR 80 quest happened anyway and I learned to choose the best of the available dialogues.
And, again, this thread is asking for an option, not a requirement. In theory, G'raha's interest in the PC could just remain ambiguous and open to the platonic/hero-worship/fanboying interpretation of those who did not wish to engage with him that way, while still allowing for a bit more depth for those that did. To be clear, it wouldn't necessarily effect the overall story's direction, just the tone of some scenes if you choose to take those options. It'd be like choosing to say one of the options that is not "Good to see you awake, G'raha Tia." even though you have the option to say it. Or not picking the "I'm your rolanberry" option while still playing a girl in Stormblood. It could simply be roleplay, handled as flavor text for the player more than anything else. That way, those who don't choose it, don't really miss out on any story besides the story they don't want to see anyway.
I love how he manages to completely stop fidgeting when we open the door, but he still has to oh-so-nonchalantly clear his throat to start talking cus he's still ridiculously nervous. He's just pretty good at hiding it face to face.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gula
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07-15-2019, 10:23 AMxxvaynxxHim wanting to be at our side doesn't really mean anything. You're only feeling that way because you yourself are attracted to him.Quote:
Originally Posted by Haruane
Because if that was the case alisie likes us too.
SE won't ever give us this option even if it optional because many players wouldn't like it if they want their WOL to be straight or lesbian.
The fact it's even a option would bother people. -
07-15-2019, 11:09 AMAlleluiaIts not really that, though. I am a straight woman and so is my WoL, and I have no crush on Alisae. But there were indeed times I heard some lines from her this expac, or she startled me with how openly attached to me she's become, and I found myself thinking "Is she supposed to have a crush on the WoL?" I mean, I'm choosing to interpret it as friendship, but I can see how it could be a springboard for people who want to interpret it otherwise. It makes for fanfic fodder, at the least.Quote:
Originally Posted by xxvaynxx
G'raha is obviously fanfic fodder, too. You have a man with whom you have a history; former companions from your younger, more innocent, adventuring days; someone you were left to assume you'd never get to see again. And now fate has impossibly thrown you back together and he's giving his all to save your life, all while keeping his true self hidden in the shadows to make sure all the noble traits he so admires about you don't get in the way of him succeeding. Its a great setup for a romance story, very dramatic.
Of course, you could make emotionally satisfying setups in your head about most of your favorite NPCs in this game if they are close to the WoL. While trying to remain objective about it, its hard for me to describe why it feels like there are romantic undertones in the actual script of the game with G'raha, as opposed to just leaving a space open where you could insert that meaning if you so wished, like with Aymeric, et all. I guess what makes G'raha different, to me, is that he also has actual lines going on about how his heart "yearns to have all laid bare", how we're his inspiration, and "oh how happy" going on adventures with us would make him. There's a longing to his dialogue, and its very clearly personal and focused on us. Now, I'm sure its due in no small part to the vocal delivery (the english VA is *very* good), but even playing the scenes on mute... no one else talks like that to you. G'raha just has a very intimate way of speaking to the WoL that others generally don't use. Which, again, I admit makes sense(given how he actually does have a history with you, and how he has currently made the WoL the focus of his life's goals), but it just feels like... well, that there's more there. It makes the dynamic with him stand out to me compared with the others.
Like I saw Iscah say earlier, if I was going to pick a romance that is best supported by current canon, G'raha is it and the above is partly what I mean. -
07-15-2019, 11:48 AMxxvaynxxYeah no, you're reaching far.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alleluia
I got no impression of any of that.
It's just admiration. Plan and simple.
We're his hero, if you remember the part where we had the beautiful one on one talk. He explained how the tales of a certain someone filled the hearts of every child and man at camp fires to give them hope.
It's fine if you wanna pretend it's some kind of romance undertone but it's not.
And about saving our lives, any of the scions would have done that if they could. -
07-15-2019, 11:57 AMAlleluiaSo, we can put you firmly in the camp of not wanting to use a flirt option if its made available, then. /shrugQuote:
Originally Posted by xxvaynxx
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07-15-2019, 11:59 AMScarboroughFairyThat is all but explicitly stated, actually. With Tesleen pointing out her being smitten and being shocked that she'd say it out loud. Her jaw dropping and pouting when Feo Ul stated she'll "always be our side". It's pretty evident Alisaie has a crush on the WoL. I don't think there's any room for misinterpretation there if you've been paying attention.Quote:
Originally Posted by xxvaynxx
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07-15-2019, 12:12 PMxxvaynxxAye.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alleluia
I just don't want that kind of thing with him.
I rather have something more akin to friends. -
07-15-2019, 12:16 PMxxvaynxxAgain, lot of you seem to be confusing admiration and looking up to someone's as a role model with having romantic feelings. Implying someone is smitten doesn't always mean "having a crush" .Quote:
Originally Posted by ScarboroughFairy
In alisaie case, she just wants to be like us.
Alisaie See's us as family, why you think she trains so hard and so headstrong and trying to fight and get stronger to save people.
Know who else does that? Us, the WoL. -
07-15-2019, 12:20 PMIntrovertAnt
I think some of the beauty of the writing of vague dialogue with NPCs like Aymeric, Zenos, Crystal Exarch and prob others is that if you wanted to see and project their interest romantically in you, you could. But if you didn't, you could reason it out as well.
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07-15-2019, 12:31 PMAlleluiaBut having a flirt option you don't have to pick in addition to the other dialogue choices that are purely friendly would be fine, right?Quote:
Originally Posted by xxvaynxx
See, I agree with this interpretation of Alisae (in fact I compare it mentally to the Exarch's own feelings and definitely find Alisae's actions to be much more in the line of what I'd think of when I think "platonic hero-worship" as opposed to G'raha), but I think its a bit silly to treat this as if there is only one right answer and its yours. The tease to Alisae is ambiguous enough that a player who is so inclined can take it as an innocent crush just as easily as they can take it as a "she wants to be you" admiration moment. Later on in the story, it definitely leans even more towards "You are family and she wants to be just like you", I agree. But I think people still have room to headcanon that, as things stand, there's maybe a bit more there on Alisae's part if they want to and i think that interpretation would still be valid and in-line with other characterization. (Having been a young girl, can confirm that both things could even be true at once. lol)Quote:
Originally Posted by xxvaynxx
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07-15-2019, 12:36 PMScarboroughFairyExplain that slight bout of jealousy at Titania's remark and her reaction at Tesleen teasing her for being smitten, then. Not angling for a romantic option, she's a child, but I do think it's adorable that she's got a small crush. Also, you can be infatuated with someone and still want to emulate the better aspects of their personality and admire them. People do this all the time and don't even realize it.Quote:
Originally Posted by xxvaynxx
Addendum:
smitten adjective
smit·ten | \ ˈsmi-tᵊn \
Definition of smitten
: deeply affected with or struck by strong feelings of attraction, affection, or infatuation
Taken from the Merriam-Webster dictionary.