Estinien and Dark Knights (2.55 SPOILERS)

[Frederick22]

Ehh did anyone realised that this is the first time that a character of the Job quests shows up into the main scenario? This is big, I'm guessing that Estinien will have big roll on heavensward

[Belhi]

I think Aymeric's role as presenting a more moderate aspect to the Ishgardian leadership would be wasted if he was involved with the Dark Knights. While we are certainly going to see the flaws and ugly side of Ishgardian culture, I think its important they portray the good elements as well. Its like with Ul'dah. We have seen very recently the worse sides of Ul'dah's culture and society but we have seen other aspects of it through Nanamo, Godbert, etc. We have a few in Ishgard's houses but I think we really need to be sold more that Ishgard is a place we want to save. For all the hate of the Monetarists, I've seen very few players who just want to burn the whole city to the ground. Ive seen quite a few who would be happy to side with the dragons to do just that to Ishgard.

The other thing is that Dark Knights are portrayed as rogue agents. I'd rather see them more decentralised. United in purpose and discipline but acting mostly independently.

[myahele]

I'm looking forward for the other class/job givers to be more important in the main story

[Belhi]

I'm looking forward for the other class/job givers to be more important in the main story

Im actually curious if we will see any other class/job NPCs pop up in the Main Scenario. Dragoon is obvious but I could see the PLD characters at least making a cameo since obviously the Ul'dah part of the story will relate a great deal to them. We are also near the Hellguard's homeland.

Actually Job NPCs have been in the Main Scenario for quite a while. The WHM trainers were first being tied to the King Moggle Mog story and also making a cameo during the Elder Seedseer's speech at around level 20. Admittedly they didn't have as an involved presence as Estenien seems to.

To be honest, I'm probably almost as excited to see how the Job stories continue as I am for the Main Scenario.

[Yhximott]

Didn't he also say at some point that he actually wasn't nobility? If that was the case it'd be an almost perfect role for him.

It would work given that Alphinaud thinks it's strange that Aymeric's not a crazy fanatic like nearly every other native we've encountered. He tells the kid that he believes that Halone would rather see folks live another day than get themselves killed in the name of zealotry. Sounds a lot like the DRK description we're given.

Yeah! Aymeric even had a pained look on his face during the discussion in the CS at the end of The Road Less Traveled quest.

[Yhximott]

And how about these quotes. If you look at them within the context of them being DKN's, there are several very telling exchanges.

Aymeric:
-Because I swiftly learned to tell the difference between words, deeds, and beliefs.
-With perseverance on our part, they (Ishguard)may yet be made to see the light.
-Nevertheless, one must take care when walking the road less traveled.
...
-Not at all. You merely spoke from the heart.
-Not being of Ishguardian birth, she owes no allegiance to any noble house, making her as near to incorruptible as one can find in my homeland

Aymeric seems to value integrity, and those who wouldn't sully it for the sake of gold or glory.

Lucia:
-Pray excuse our reticence. We are but wary of speaking too freely, lest our sentiments be made known to our enemies.
-Those who dwell in the past risk losing sight of their future.

As well, her armor bears a striking resemblance (colors and shape) to that of the DKN's.

[Yamimarik]

/snip

Yes I look forward to hopefully see Y'mihtra(SMN Job giver) become part of the main scenario, considering she's Y'shotla's younger sister. I imagine her coming to you for answers on the whole Ul'dah situation, and wanting to assist you in helping find her sister (hopefully!) alive.

[Zohar_Lahar]

I had suspected Aymeric and Lucia were Dark Knights, since they're shown with a sword but no shield. I'm just disappointed that Patch 2.55 didn't showcase any of the new jobs.

[Dalvy]

Temple Knights have a specific coat of arms on their shield, which neither of them wear. Also, I got the impression that Aymeric's "personal feelings" are that he really, really wants the Scions to come in and help, but can't openly bring it to the Holy See without money in the bank on our part. Then theres the need to use Lucia as liaison to avoid enemies catching wind of their deals. Who are these enemies? Disgruntled citybred nobles?

Part of the role of DRK is doing what Ishgard's protectors thumb their noses at, so maaaybe he leads both the proper legion openly and the nameless rogue knights in the shadows. But probably not the quest npc itself, like Alberic or Alka Zolka. It would be pretty much impossible not to know about the DRK organization running around, if he weren't part of it himself.

[Alice_89th]

I'm always confused at why people were so shocked by Estinien's appearance in the story. Yes he stole the Eye but that was kept under wraps by his foster father and his reason were actually pretty sound. He also didn't die in his fight with us. He lost himself to the Eye true but the quest texts says he retreated from the battle. Since his theft and latter actions were kept under secret, its hardly surprising he wouldn't still be working for the Holy See. He is after all their active Azure Dragoon and its not like they can make the Eye pick a new one.

He may not have died.... but he seemed pretty much possessed by Nighog and near insane when he vanished. I expected him to turn up supporting the dragons, not at the side of our far too handsome Lord Commander.