Converting Gameplay into Lore - Server Transfers

Hey folks! There are a lot of gameplay elements that don't really have a lore explanation for existing and I like coming up with possible theories on how such could be possible through rationalization.

One such theory I came up with has to do with explaining Server Transfers from a storyline perspective, as I have done with my character's backstory.

Essentially, I made Burning Passion in Cactaur, opting to take a break from the RP environment and see what other communities were out there. Then, I decided to Server Transfer to Balmung once I found that the RP community was definitely more fun to be around. And I thought to myself, "Well, this is a thing that happened to my character. He didn't just magically start existing as he is in this new world. He came from somewhere else. How did he get here?"

Now, as some of you may know, there are force which bind every Final Fantasy universe together: The Interdimensional Rift and The Void. The Interdimensional Rift is a literal rift between dimensions and was first introduced in Final Fantasy V as the Final Dungeon of the game. Later on, through the exploits of the famed swordsman Gilgamesh throughout the multiverse as well as story in Final Fantasy XII about Omega's origins as the Bringer of the End, and how it was able to, also, transport itself across dimensions.

The void is sometimes represented as being the same as this. However, there are many key differences. Where the Interdimensional Rift almost seems to be comprised of an amalgam of properties from the various dimensions it binds together, The Void is its own space, and is often home to some of the most fearsome beings in existence, from the Cloud of Darkness to the necromancer Enuo. I still can't say for sure the link between The Rift and The Void, but I do know that one exists and they are not at all separate. But that's another discussion for another time.

Anyway, back on topic, I used the concept of traveling through the Interdimensional Rift to explain this Server Transfer in lore-friendly terms. The way I look at it, is that every FFXIV server is its own parallel world all clustered together in the same space in The Rift, meaning that if someone or something were to enter The Rift from one version of Hydaelyn, they would be much, much more likely be able to find a parallel Hydaelyn than they would any other world.

What do you guys think?

Like the in-game passage of time not actually being reflective of the actual storyline time period, the use of game servers requires a suspension of belief - narrative wise, there is no such thing as a 'server' - everyone is playing together in the same world from the point of view of the player. Yes gameplay wise your character Burning Passion is on Balmung and my Enki on Ridill, but there's no difference from the story's perspective - we're basically on the same world along with every other player of the game.

As for the Void, that's used as a catch-all term by Eorzeans to describe anything 'not of Eorzea' - hence the wide variety of monsters called 'voidsent', ranging from demons to squirrels of all things.

I actually play my same d&d character in most MMOs and games in general. In my d&d campaign setting (ianua) I made a massive tower that connects all dimensions via portals. And some special characters get a dimensional sync to bring them back to the nexus. There by allowing my character to exist in multiple games and do server tranfers in a lore friendly (all be it somewhat self serving) way.