Patch 3.3 (Trailer) Discussion (2.x - 3.2 Spoilers)

[Balphagor_]

Ok so there is one small detail that I have seen... well noone mention yet.

Wel see a EstinienXNidhogg fusion form during the trailer attacking with a massive AOE, while yes this looks very cool it brings up many interesting questions and valid points.

The most noticable example I can think of, this is not the first time this has happened to (most of) us.
Think back to The Binding Coil of Bahamut Turn 9 and Nael Deus Darnus. A human given dragonic form and powers by his "God".

While the situation was very different, in many ways it was also very similar. A mortal man overcome by the will of a greater dragonic entity, given great powers and forced to fight us.
It does differ in that in the case of Estinien it is the will of the other creature "replacing" his own, but even so the similarities are there.

The important factor is that after the battle with Nael Deus Darnus he was freed, which in primal terms is almost unheard of.

I dont know what this means for the fate of Esitinien, but after out battle with Nael he was completely freed from the dragons control, and besides what happened after 100% healthy and back in his right mind.

Thought this should be brought up so people could perhaps help me expand on the theory/analysis.

[Cilia]

I should probably clarify that I didn't literally mean we rip out Nidhogg. Just that the Echo allows us to go into the soul of Estinien and act as a catalyst.

...

Also I'm curious on how our our strengthened blessing of light effects things...

If it's possible to save Estinien, that's the only solution I can think of that's viable. It's not entirely unprecedented (Cid's goggles), but still extremely theoretical.

On a more dour note, we should prepare ourselves for if it really isn't possible to save him at all. In that case, while heavy-hearted, I will not regret or hold back, because it's an act of mercy. (It has nothing to do with "manly resolve," Waffles!)

I'm not going to worry about the "strengthened" blessing until it's brought up. Thus far it seems to be of the same caliber as before; we've just become stronger through our trials without it. Lahabrea did note that we'd become "powerful enough to deny [them their] power" after we best the Ascian Prime, suggesting it may be strong and have some kind of reality reinforcement effect, but who knows.

Ok so there is one small detail that I have seen... well noone mention yet.

Wel see a EstinienXNidhogg fusion form during the trailer attacking with a massive AOE, while yes this looks very cool it brings up many interesting questions and valid points.

The most noticable example I can think of, this is not the first time this has happened to (most of) us.
Think back to The Binding Coil of Bahamut Turn 9 and Nael Deus Darnus. A human given dragonic form and powers by his "God".

It was brought up from the beginning...

... but to recap, nobody's sure if what worked then and there will work soon and here. "Bahamut" and Nidhogg are two vastly different beasts, as is their method of dominating their servants / vessels.

I don't think anyone's said it yet, but I just wanted to say I'm amazed and glad they went with Dragonsong for the final battle against Nidhogg instead of a more generic action-y theme. The melancholy tone of the song fits well no matter the outcome.

Also just wanted to take a few seconds to thank the devs for everything they do. It's not often a game's story holds my rapt attention, much less an MMO.

EDIT
That doesn't look like just an AoE, that looks like Estinien-Nidhogg's new super. And for the record I'm not sure if it's awesome or terrifying.

[Fenral]

On a more dour note, we should prepare ourselves for if it really isn't possible to save him at all. In that case, while heavy-hearted, I will not regret or hold back, because it's an act of mercy. (It has nothing to do with "manly resolve," Waffles!)

It has everything to with resolve. You can't save someone if you expect you may have to kill them. That tiny bit of doubt allows despair to take root and grow until you decide it "must be done," whether or not that's truly the case. ("Manly resolve" was only meant as a jab at the Japanese script, where comparable phrases get thrown around right left and center, especially in Ishgard. I imagine Alphinaud is sick of it by now. I know I am.)

Ironically enough it was Hydaelyn Herself who gave us another way in the fight with Lahabrea-Thancred, and told us to stop listening to the cackling madman telling us there was no other way. Still betting on her being the "save everyone" goddess, she just needs to get her crap together. And fix her damn internet.