The coming Garlean invasion

[Theodric]

I wasn't even aware of the Eorzeans trying to get around Hingan tariffs - is it linked to the Eureka or Namazu quests? (I've given up on the former and don't have a DoH / DoL class high enough to do the latter.)

Furthermore if it's the act of Eorzean companies (the East Aldenard Trading Company is the only known Eorzean operation that far east), that's a very different issue than the Eorzean government sponsoring or actively attempting to evade Hingan tariffs.

Red herring either way. Stop digressing, please.

It's linked to the Eureka quest chain. It happens very early on - during the unlock quest for Anemos. I also firmly disagree with the idea that Eorzea as a whole cannot be blamed for what individual companies are doing, especially when at least one of them has immense control over Ul'dah, one of the founding nations of the Eorzean Alliance.

I wouldn't call it a red herring. It's a part of the bigger picture - the Warrior of Light's immense power is being exploited for the sake of greedy opportunists and the expense of a foreign nation that has done absolutely nothing to harm Eorzea.

I'm actually surprised it isn't receiving more condemnation around these parts...though I suppose I should temper my expectations given that there is often immense bias at play when it comes to Eorzea's sins.

I'm a huge FFXII fan (I still stubbornly keep declaring that Basch had the best ending for me)... and as such, the moment I saw the art direction and cultural themes for the Empire, I was immediately fascinated.

I'm in the same boat. It's always great to encounter another Ivalice fan. The similarities between FFXIV and FFXII are actually what led me to be hooked in the first place...and they are what keep me invested as the story moves forward. I'd honestly suggest that those who haven't played FFXII yet invest in doing so if they can. It would, perhaps, aid in understanding FFXIV's delightful nuances.