Lore Book Revelations

My hometown had a castle on a hill that was, as the story went, shipped over brick by brick from Europe when it was inherited by someone who was rather pleased to suddenly have a castle, but not-so pleased at it not being in California. True or not, it makes for a good story, and I suppose it's not impossible.

But I can't imagine the current Ul'dah being architecturally identical to the original, either way. For one thing, the engineering is far too modern.

Question for the people with the Lore book:

How old is Varis Zos Galvus? Cause a Famitsu interview from Fanfest seems to be suggesting that Zenos is Varis's son.

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Originally Posted by Belhi

Question for the people with the Lore book:

How old is Varis Zos Galvus? Cause a Famitsu interview from Fanfest seems to be suggesting that Zenos is Varis's son.

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He's 46 years old according to the lore book.

Not quite lore book, but nice revelations here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/ffxiv/comme...ida_after_nas/

Zenos is the biological son of the current Emperor. I suspected as much but nice to see confirmation this soon

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Originally Posted by Theodric

He's 46 years old according to the lore book.

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Sorry to echo the conversation I've already started elsewhere but that's really interesting to me because up to now the Garlean Empire has appeared to be, with certain strict limits, at least *somewhat* meritocratic, especially compared to the other known nations, but if we're translating that correctly that opens up two possibilities;

1) Varis had a kid while ridiculously young.

2) Zenos himself is ridiculously young, mid-twenties at most, at least for someone who's just been put in charge of Ala Mhigo and, by extension, the western and most-active front of imperial expansion. Arguably Varis may have chosen him because after the civil war he's in a position where he can only give power to those he trusts absolutely but it may explain the resentment and attempts at undermining that Regula van Hydrus has had to deal with.

Varis really dips hard into the nepotism to keep his power base it seems. At the same time I'd say it's hard to determine what's the norm for an empire that's only into its second emperor.

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Originally Posted by Cybylt

Varis really dips hard into the nepotism to keep his power base it seems. At the same time I'd say it's hard to determine what's the norm for an empire that's only into its second emperor.

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Regula rose to power through merit alone as revealed during the Sophia quests in 3.4. It's reasonable to assume that Zenos did as well - especially since he's heavily implied to be a major antagonist during 4.0. To qualify as one he'd need to be a genuine threat. That he's the Emperor's son and Regula is Varis' best friend likely plays into it to some extent, sure, but not to the extent that many may lead themselves to believe.

The repercussions of this will definitely be interesting. I will be curious to see the relations between father and son. If they are good and we end up killing Zenos the fallout could be major. If they are bad we might be dealing with potential internal conflicts in Garlemald. They have said that Zenos would be different to the people we fought before.

I hope Regula survives 3.5. I think he hasn't really had a chance to reach is potential as a character and it would seem like quite a waste for him to end after just the Warring Triad quests.

It's hard to imagine how Zenos could be 'different', especially since 3.4 dropped a line about how the new guy in charge of Ala Mhigo is much less merciful than Gaius. I could see that statement involving bias, however, especially since it came from the Ala Mhigan Resistance who aren't exactly known for their pristine morality. Personally I'm hoping that he remains loyal to his homeland and people first and foremost but isn't against working alongside the Warrior of Light and Scions if it means dealing with a bigger threat/reaching a compromise. I have a feeling he's going to be either the 'Gabranth' or 'Vayne' of 4.0 given the heavy inspiration that will seemingly be taken from FFXII since he leads the XIIth Legion.

I, too, would like to see Regula survive beyond 3.5. I prefer him to Nero - Regula is less devious and more honourable and most importantly he's actually concerned with serving his homeland and people. Nero strikes me as the type who would defect in a heartbeat to save his own skin.

As an aside, I'm curious as to who the Emperor's wife is and whether or not she is still alive. There's an offhand comment in the lore book regarding the Imperial Palace in Garlemald - stating that the Emperor's wife resides there. Encountering her at some point would be rather interesting.

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Originally Posted by Theodric

I, too, would like to see Regula survive beyond 3.5. I prefer him to Nero - Regula is less devious and more honourable and most importantly he's actually concerned with serving his homeland and people. Nero strikes me as the type who would defect in a heartbeat to save his own skin.

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I think that the events of Crystal Tower showed that Nero doesn't have much concern for his own skin. What he is going to turn against Garlemald for is if he isn't made Nero nan Scaeva within the next five years. Full-on, Bwa-ha-ha, "You Fools Doubted My Genius!", Mad Science Breakdown.