Our passive characters and why the 2.55 story fails (BIG SPOILERS) (rant warning)

[AskaRay]

words darn you char limit

I meant more along the lines of "the protagonist is you" -type silent characters in JRPGs, not named protagonists with actual backstories and the like.

And really, while -I- personally don't care much about Ul'dah, the fact is that it's an MMO. If they were going to cause a game-wide lockdown of the city to player characters, they absolutely have to move the necessary things first (at the very least, the DoW and DoM guilds).. The best place for them to do that would be at the beginning of an expansion....so I don't see it completely off the table for Heavensward, at least.

[Duelle]

And really, while -I- personally don't care much about Ul'dah, the fact is that it's an MMO. If they were going to cause a game-wide lockdown of the city to player characters, they absolutely have to move the necessary things first (at the very least, the DoW and DoM guilds).

No need to do a game-wide lockdown.

1) Warrior of Light is exiled from Ul'dah
2) Find some sympathizers that give a small quest to give you access to Ul'dah while making you unrecognizable to the crystal braves and the brass blades
3) get access to Ul'dah in a way that makes sense

The quest could involve you obtaining a disguise or glamour to help you get into the city when needed. Would have made more sense than "everyone in the city knows you're innocent" thing.

[Musashidon]

Would have made more sense than "everyone in the city knows you're innocent" thing.

well the public also doesn't know anything other than you trashed the celebration. (and even that is a rumor) everything has been kept form the public swift and the pld trainer tell you that.

and also yes the all the guild masters (once you beat the class/job story lines) are on your side.

[Duelle]

well the public also doesn't know anything other than you trashed the celebration. (and even that is a rumor) everything has been kept form the public swift and the pld trainer tell you that.

and also yes the all the guild masters (once you beat the class/job story lines) are on your side.

That doesn't make sense. If you're wanted by the local authorities (the brass blades) chances are the general public is aware of what went down at the palace or was told some sort of story of what went down at the palace. Wanted posters of you would be on the walls and I'm sure the guys at the Mythril Eye or whichever is Ul'dah's local newspaper would have something written on it. Not to mention that at least would give the act of clearing your name additional weight.

[Musashidon]

That doesn't make sense. If you're wanted by the local authorities (the brass blades) chances are the general public is aware of what went down at the palace or was told some sort of story of what went down at the palace. Wanted posters of you would be on the walls and I'm sure the guys at the Mythril Eye or whichever is Ul'dah's local newspaper would have something written on it. Not to mention that at least would give the act of clearing your name additional weight.

there is a new npc in ul dah that is called garrulous gossipmonger (he is the one spreading rumors) saying that a adventurer (and a bloody famous one at that) tore down the fragrant chamber during the celebration and is also said to be a garlean spy sent to kill the sultana, momodi says folks around here carry on as if naught has happened, but deep down they know it's a lie.

swift says all has been withheld from the public all will seem normal...at least on the surface (going with what momodi said how everyone acts like things are normal) he also says he would like justice to be served but a civil war could be easily triggered and tear ul dah apart.


jenlyns says bad things have been said about you recently (rumors) but noone pays them heed,but then goes on to say if her grace were not convalescing from illness she would surely put an end to this madness. alas in her absence the monetarists are firmly in control.

this shows that noone even knows she died. it's all be kept top secret from everyone.

[Parodine]

That doesn't make sense. If you're wanted by the local authorities (the brass blades) chances are the general public is aware of what went down at the palace or was told some sort of story of what went down at the palace. Wanted posters of you would be on the walls and I'm sure the guys at the Mythril Eye or whichever is Ul'dah's local newspaper would have something written on it. Not to mention that at least would give the act of clearing your name additional weight.

So much of the entire situation is unknown to the general public. Many of the ordinary city folk don't even know that the Sultana is dead -- that she's 'sick'. Although maybe she is, but that's another theory.

I don't think it's unthinkable that the majority of the people either don't know or are unwilling to believe viscous lies about the hero that's saved them countless times.

[Duelle]

So much of the entire situation is unknown to the general public. Many of the ordinary city folk don't even know that the Sultana is dead -- that she's 'sick'. Although maybe she is, but that's another theory.

I don't think it's unthinkable that the majority of the people either don't know or are unwilling to believe viscous lies about the hero that's saved them countless times.

Which sort of weakens the whole "let's frame the player character" bit.

Think of other stories where this plot element is used. Usually most of the populace buys whatever the authorities are telling them (even when wanting to believe otherwise) and you have a handful of sympathizers that help make it possible for the protagonist to clear their name (whether its by virtue of truly trusting the protag or simply not knowing of the "crime" is up to the author). Sure, you can tell me that the commoners in Ul'dah trust the brass blades and the syndicate as far as they can throw an overweight gobbue, but that raises other questions.

I'll concede that the public would probably riot if they were told the Sultana is dead, and the monetarists would want to keep that part of the story from the public to prevent such an uprising; that is, until they can come up with a convincing story for the public or they conjure up a lookalike for them to manipulate (unless Nanamo is alive and they somehow "reprogram" her to do exactly as they tell her).

[Parodine]

.

I think the rioting is key. They derive power from money, much of which is hinged on the people and trade. If they revealed the Sultana is dead and riots did ensue, their plan definitely crumbles. The brass blades and traitor crystal braves will go wherever the money is. And if they lose that, they lose their 'army'. If Swift and Pippin can be believed, the Immortal Flames are likely on our side. They certainly don't seem to believe Raubahn deserves imprisonment, anyway.

[MilesSaintboroguh]

No need to do a game-wide lockdown.

1) Warrior of Light is exiled from Ul'dah
2) Find some sympathizers that give a small quest to give you access to Ul'dah while making you unrecognizable to the crystal braves and the brass blades
3) get access to Ul'dah in a way that makes sense

The quest could involve you obtaining a disguise or glamour to help you get into the city when needed. Would have made more sense than "everyone in the city knows you're innocent" thing.

Yeaaah no, I rather not deal with that every time I go to the city to deal with crafting stuff or start up new classes/jobs.

[Duelle]

Yeaaah no, I rather not deal with that every time I go to the city to deal with crafting stuff or start up new classes/jobs.

I'd make it a one-time thing. So when you finish The Parting Glass you wouldn't be able to enter Ul'dah. You'd get access to a sidequest titled "The Backdoor Lass" for the disguise/glamour to prevent recognition, and be able to enter/teleport into Ul'dah again. Just an idea.