Tales from the Storm Discussion

[Theodric]

I've never really cared much for 'shipping'. I've seen brilliant characters utterly ruined by supposed fans and the appeasement of those same individuals for the sake of a popular 'ship'.

With that said, I don't mind that the subject of romance was brought up by the characters. I just question the timing more than anything - because after everything that happened in Gyr Abania, Kugane and Othard it feels like the protagonists should be a bit more concerned about what may be awaiting them. Lyse being free to travel all the way to Vylbrand from Ala Mhigo suggests that things back in Gyr Abania are fairly calm. I can't help but question if that should really be the case, especially with the concerns that the liberation of not one but two nations happened a little too quickly and cleanly.

[Kyran-Varlsen]

Lyse being free to travel all the way to Vylbrand from Ala Mhigo suggests that things back in Gyr Abania are fairly calm. I can't help but question if that should really be the case, especially with the concerns that the liberation of not one but two nations happened a little too quickly and cleanly.

The end of Stormblood is naturally a calm before the next storm <Insert Patch Update>. Both places were left as ruins and the Garlean response has been muted. However, there will likely be the threat of renewed civil unrest as both Doma and Ala Mhigo try to sort out the political situation. First, we will see divisions between those people who worked with or sided with the Imperials (the Fordola Factions) and infighting between the factions that helped defeat the Empire (Republic versus Monarchy).

Then, we have to consider that conscripts from both nations will likely be trickling back home - should they be welcomed back or isolated for fear of Imperial infiltration efforts? But the biggest question by far may be what to do with the Imperial technologies and weapon caches left after the 12th Legion was defeated. Who should control them and to what end? This is especially the case with Ala Mhigo, where alliance leaders may want to have a say as to where that giant cannon in the Peaks is pointed.

And when all is said and done, the Empire will still likely retaliate against the rebel provinces. Everything we know about Emperor Varis seems to suggest he is open to reason, but he may yet surprise us.

[Cilia]

Bein' totally honest, I don't care for the shipping or discussion of romance either. In reality I'm very much like Estinien - not big on sentiment, cynical and focused on getting the job done. The shipping is just an annoying distraction to me.

That said I understand why others like and enjoy it, though if I wanted I could get derisive in explaining why. I also don't think this one minor, tiny, web story incident of the women briefly discussing possible romantic prospects is a major problem in the writing... just, the conversation drifted there, as it may or may not in real life. It's the first time any of the Scions have discussed the topic, aside from Urianger's posthumous declaration of love for Moenbryda.

[T]he biggest question by far may be what to do with the Imperial technologies and weapon caches left after the 12th Legion was defeated.

I'm more concerned about Aulus' research falling into the wrong hands, or even what's in it period. Castrum Abania looked like it had been turned into his personal laboratory, he had a facility in the Ala Mhigan Quarter, and almost certainly some kind of facility in Ala Mhigo proper. There has to be a paper trail somewhere... though being totally honest, I'm kind of afraid where it could lead.