What are the differences between the Echo and having Hydaelyn's Blessing? [Spoilers?]

[Wolfandre]

Nothing in that cutscene says this will allow you to fight primals without being tempered!

Thaaaaaat's interesting... So long have we all pretty much assumed this to be true, when we're not specifically told? Hmmm I'll have to launch my own investigation into this...

otherwise, so many of those in the Path and Minfilia should be fighting too.

This probably has a very simple answer: You're an adventurer and they're not. And the best one, to boot. I'd wager a guess that many many people who stumble upon the Echo, in all it's macguffin-y goodness, are likely not the fighty type. Look at Minfilia, who we're only really certain can wield a dagger, at best. Remember that most of those that COULD reasonably fight were wiped out by Livia sans Junius in the raid on the Waking Sands during the MS. There are likely very few or only two Echo-havers (yourself and Minfilia) in the Scions these days.

I do like where this discussion is going. I am still very veeeery concerned as to what exactly Middy tried to do to us that triggered glowy blue blessing/Echo thing. Is it the blessing? If so, does that mean Midgardsormr is Dark/Void aligned (probably not)? If he triggered the Echo, does that mean he was trying to temper us (I know, I know! He's not a primal!)?! If he *was*, that would explain his blue head thing.... Does separating these two things make any sense for the scene directly after KotL?! WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN!?

EDIT: Just rewatched the CS. Middy didn't do nuffink to you to make the shield activate. Seems like you can just call on that nonsense whenever you want. I'm much calmer now....tehe.

EDIT2: Yeah you can go ahead and ignore most of this post. Should really do some research before I open my mouth.....