Endwalker was "meh" (for reasons other than technical issues)

[SeverianLyonesse]

Yeah, Garlemald is clearly primarily a blend of Roman and Russian influence...but is ultimately a fictional creation.

Yeah I always thought it was Rome/Russia/Germany and maybe sprinklings of the U.S. But now that I'm actually analyzing that assumption the only kinda Germanthings about them is the "iron cross" flag and some tinges of Aryan exceptionalism. The Russian and Roman influences are much more evident. Definitely my favorite fictional empire in the series, very well-realized.

[Lauront]

Yeah I always thought it was Rome/Russia/Germany and maybe sprinklings of the U.S. But now that I'm actually analyzing that assumption the only kinda Germanthings about them is the "iron cross" flag and some tinges of Aryan exceptionalism. The Russian and Roman influences are much more evident. Definitely my favorite fictional empire in the series, very well-realized.

If I had to say they were taking something from Germany, the MSQ and thinking involved seemed to be in the direction of avoiding a Versailles Treaty scenario with Garlemald, as their stance towards their neighbours - even those nominally bearing gifts - was one forged through a very bitter history of conflict, and so to many death would be preferable than humiliation for cynical liberator nations they scarcely saw as any better than themselves. That's the cycle that the Scions resolved to break. I really enjoyed the Garlemald section and how it expanded on why the Garleans revered Varis and Solus as they did. I'll post my overall thoughts on the MSQ later but I'm wondering if the reason Yoshi said we'd feel weird about a Garlean reconstruction is because their true homeland is in Locus Amoenus.