A question arises based on the Dragonsong trailer

[LystAP]

letting conscripts that close to the emperor..... you'd think he would have his own personal army of primus and judges

The previous emperor was a elitist genocidal prick. Varis was a high ranking officer in the relatively diverse Garlean legions before he was emperor; there's probably a good reason why he won the civil war. Imagine if he turns out to be a reasonable authority figure that we still can't join because of story.

[Enkidoh]

There was, he was the best placed during the power struggle in Garlemald following Solus's death called the War of Succession, being that he was supreme commander of the Imperial military. Needless to say, it was a war which Varis ultimately won.

And if you're hoping that Varis turns out to be far more neutral or willing to accept peaceful terms with Eorzea, all signs point to this being sadly misguided. Specifically the main scenario quest where he was first introduced:

Kan-E-Senna: "Change has come to the Garlean Empire, and we must discuss the implications."
Merlwyb: "The rumours are true then? The War of Succession has ended?"
Kan-E-Senna: "It is. A new emperor reigns in Garlemald."
Alphinaud: "Who?!"
Kan-E-Senna: "The birth and all-too-rapid expansion of the Garlean Empire is commonly attributed to the strategic brilliance of Solus soz Galvus, yet he did not rule alone. Several members of the royal household also distinguished themselves during his reign."
Kan-E-Senna: "Nevertheless, it was the eldest son who stood to inherit the throne-until his most untimely passing."
Raubahn: "I thought us fortunate when I learned that the emperor had died without naming a successor."
Alphinaud: "Would that the Garlean Empire had died with him."
Raubahn: "T'was the grandson and his uncle who had the strongest claims, was it not?"
Kan-E-Senna: "Indeed. Yet claims count for little without the power to assert them. High Legatus Varis yae Galvus is a respected military leader-not so, his uncle."
Merlwyb: "So, young Varis has torn the crown from his uncle's grasp, and taken his place at the head of the Empire."
Kan-E-Senna: "Given the troubled nature of his succession, the new emperor will require time to seal his grip on power. Yet have no doubt but that he shall, for there are none left with the strength to oppose him."
Raubahn: "Since the success of Operation Archon, the remnants of the XIVth Legion and the forces occupying Ala Mhigo have done naught but fortify their positions."
Raubahn: "But you can be sure they'll be ready to march on us again, if their emperor gives the word."
Merlwyb: "When, not if. They say this Varis was so set upon Eorzean annexation that he spoke out against the Meteor Project."
Kan-E-Senna: "Plainly, the new emperor's intentions are of great concern to us all."
Kan-E-Senna: "I propose we set aside the Carteneau dispute for the present and discuss what measures the Alliance might take to prepare for a resumption of hostilities with Garlemald."

That's pretty conclusive right there that Varis is not a benign ruler content to withdraw from his empire's many conquered territories and just leave Eorzea alone. That scene in the Dragonsong video though seems more accidental rather than a planned meeting on neutral ground - Alphinaud's jaw clearly drops aghast when he realizes he's face to face with the Garlean Emperor.

[kyuven]

The previous emperor was a elitist genocidal prick. Varis was a high ranking officer in the relatively diverse Garlean legions before he was emperor; there's probably a good reason why he won the civil war. Imagine if he turns out to be a reasonable authority figure that we still can't join because of story.

He won't be. Even if he's reasonable compared to his gramps, he STILL wants to stick Eorzea under the boot of the Garlean empire, which makes him our enemy.
Even if he IS reasonable, he's not Eorzean, and the Garleans are still jerks.

[Leep]

Disgusting vermin submitting to it's pitiless master. Nothing much to decipher there.

[Omegakiyohime]

I'm assuming he's a friendlier leader of a Vanu Vanu off set. He shows up in the Benchmark interacting with the adventurers as well.

[Felis]

Question's in the pic.

An owl, one of the new beastmen

[Edenholt]

The heavensward site was updated with the new primals and their beastmen tribes.

[kyuven]

It's not a question of WHAT he is now, it's a question of WHO he is. He looks different from the other Vanu Vanu

[nuyu11]

He is my long lost uncle.

[Ecks007]

Obviously some kind of Vanu leader, or otherwise important Vanu character. That's about the only reason for a character model to actually be unique when compared to others.