Revelations from Patch 5.5 (Part 2)

[RyuDragnier]

Also, for what it's worth...I don't care for head canon and instead debate from the direction of the story being told not from the perspective of mine or anybody else's character but rather the perspective of the established protagonist in the form of:



I'm all for the thoughtful reflection of the cost and horrors of war that he engages in on a canonical level.

This include the PTSD they have, the constant self-doubt and depression, and the knowing that they see that they themselves exist only to suffer and to fight? That btw is how I see the WoL's mentality anyway. A veteran of multiple conflicts that is just growing more tired and jaded as the years go on, just wishing for the battles to end. And considering 6.0 is to be the finale of the main conflict, if this were an anime, I'd write it with it being their finale as the WoL, whether it ending through their own death, being depowered and entering retirement, or the title of Azem being passed onto another.

[Theodric]

Yup. Because we, my dear sympathizer, are the good guys.

Well, naturally we can agree to disagree on that - the writers themselves have stated many times in interviews that the various conflicts are but a matter of perspective and not a case of black or white morality.

I'm not sure why you're using the term 'sympathiser', though. That's a little odd in the context of the discussion. Nobody is going around calling people Eorzean sympathisers. It's also a fictional fantasy setting at the end of the day, too...

This include the PTSD they have, the constant self-doubt and depression, and the knowing that they see that they themselves exist only to suffer and to fight? That btw is how I see the WoL's mentality anyway. A veteran of multiple conflicts that is just growing more tired and jaded as the years go on, just wishing for the battles to end. And considering 6.0 is to be the finale of the main conflict, if this were an anime, I'd write it with it being their finale as the WoL, whether it ending through their own death, being depowered and entering retirement, or the title of Azem being passed onto another.

That's pretty much how I see it as well. Especially in regards to the PTSD. There's a lot of pressure, a sense of being unable to save everybody, torn between conflicted loyalties and so on. It's fascinating, really - and a big part of why I adore this setting.

So few games - and especially MMO's - bother to examine the psychological impact that comes with killing for a living, especially when many conflicts are not black or white. Putting down Zenos, for example, is going to be very different to the tragedy of having to put down Nidhogg or Emet-Selch.

It'll be interesting to see where the story seeks to go once the 6.0 MSQ's wrap up, though. I imagine that the Warrior of Darkness will get a brief respite but obviously given the nature of the game there will still be new threats popping up left and right to deal with.

There's also a lot of potential locations to visit in the future. Inner Hingashi, Meracydia and so on. Maybe even other Shards!

[KizuyaKatogami]

Yup. Because we, my dear sympathizer, are the good guys.

Despite the devs themselves flat out saying this isnt black and white morality? Weird stance to take considering weve made a lot of bad decisons that cost the life of many many people around us.

[Theodric]

Despite the devs themselves flat out saying this isnt black and white morality? Weird stance to take considering weve made a lot of bad decisons that cost the life of many many people around us.

As one of our resident archivists, I can dig up the interviews and relevant quotes in question if need be.

[Lauront]

Well, naturally we can agree to disagree on that - the writers themselves have stated many times in interviews that the various conflicts are but a matter of perspective and not a case of black or white morality.

I'm not sure why you're using the term 'sympathiser', though. That's a little odd in the context of the discussion. Nobody is going around calling people Eorzean sympathisers. It's also a fictional fantasy setting at the end of the day, too...

Aye, first "propaganda", now "sympathizer". One could be forgiven for thinking they're attending some Ethics 101 class (maybe a little too complimentary of me to call it that), rather than a game discussion board!

But if some people wish to pat themselves on the back over taking a side in a video game, so be it.

[Riastrad]

Despite the devs themselves flat out saying this isnt black and white morality? Weird stance to take considering weve made a lot of bad decisons that cost the life of many many people around us.

Well this is the role you play, isn't it Hero?

[Theodric]

Aye, first "propaganda", now "sympathizer". One could be forgiven for thinking they're attending some Ethics 101 class (maybe a little too complimentary of me to call it that), rather than a game discussion board!

But if some people wish to pat themselves on the back over taking a side in a video game, so be it.

Heh, yeah.

It's hard not to see it as little more than a case of people wanting others not to like what they dislike. I'm not surprised, really - there's people who get really heated when it's suggested that pineapple is a tasty potential topping for a pizza.

My stance is to let people like which characters and factions they want to like. The game's just something I enjoy playing in my free time, ultimately.

[Riastrad]

Heh, yeah.

It's hard not to see it as little more than a case of people wanting others not to like what they dislike. I'm not surprised, really - there's people who get really heated when it's suggested that pineapple is a tasty potential topping for a pizza.

My stance is to let people like which characters and factions they want to like. The game's just something I enjoy playing in my free time, ultimately.

And that's completely 100% fine. Just don't expect others to bite their tongue and not reply how they see fit in an open discussion of the viewpoints of rival factions within a fantastical setting on a message board dedicated to the discussion of a fantasy war and its revelations therein. War is anything but logical and never devoid of emotions. Ever watch a show or read a book and think to yourself "wow, I really hate that character." or "I didn't want them to die..."?

Mercutio died in Romeo and Juliet and my reaction was anger. G'raha Tia lets his emotions flow and I was happy for him. etc. etc.

And I'll gladly pat my back all I want and you can't stop me. Condescension be damned.

[KizuyaKatogami]

Well this is the role you play, isn't it Hero?

i play the role of the main protagonist. Doesn't mean i consider myself as a hero in any way shape or form.

[Riastrad]

i play the role of the main protagonist. Doesn't mean i consider myself as a hero in any way shape or form.

The people who are sided with you do. Even Fandaniel calls you hero.

Also "Hero" is a funny thing. You don't get to decide if you are one. Others do that for you.

Well, I have derailed this thread far too much. I just wanted to throw my two cents in. Because I could.