The Actual Problem With Dawntrail

[genuine_stranger]

Come to think of it, I have an addendum to make.

First, I do think another problem is that Dawntrail added characters that really didn't need to be there.

Heavensward was able to feel more personal with more of its characters because for a good portion there were only three traveling with us (Alphinaud, Estinien, and Ysayle). Throughout the first half of Dawntrail there are five (Alphinaud, Alisaie, Krile, Erenville, and Wuk Lamat). Alphinaud and Alisaie were with us to learn how they can deal with Garlemald better, but what we learned was pretty much what we knew (understanding the past can help us understand the present). Also, they've already gone through their own character arcs. The writers could've left the twins and there wouldn't really be any consequences.

Second, I have a few questions for the people calling Wuk Lamat a Mary Sue. I didn't want to be too confrontational when I started this thread, but I think these are questions worth asking.

Do you actually think she's a Mary Sue, or are you mad your character isn't the center of attention right now?

If you really do think she is, doesn't that mean the WOL also is on an even greater level?

If she failed harder (which I do think she should've gotten the chance to but I have a feeling why she didn't) would you like her more, or would you say she's even less qualified like what Lyse was accused of?

Firstly, I think it's important to clarify the unique position of the Warrior of Light (WoL) in FFXIV. Unlike traditional characters, the WoL is basically our avatar, through which we experience the game's world and narrative. This avatar is a blank slate, reflecting only the characteristics and decisions we project onto them. This is especially noticeable when the dialogue choices presented don't align with our own envisioned personality for the WoL, which can be a point of contention among players.

Given that the WoL is our direct interface into the story, they inherently can't be a Mary Sue. They don't have a predefined character arc or traits beyond what we impart. Each expansion centers around different characters (e.g., Estinien, Aymeric, Ysayle in Heavensward, Raubahn, Hien, and Lyse in Stormblood), with the WoL serving more as a catalyst or facilitator in their stories rather than the central focus.

As for Wuk Lamat, I just can't get behind her character. Her personality feels all wrong. She's in her 20s (I think?), yet she acts so naive and simple-minded. The whole "sheltered" excuse doesn't work for me—she should know something about the cultures of her subjects, especially if she's in Tulliyolal, their capital. It’s frustrating how poorly written she is, and everything in Dawntrail seems to revolve around her. Even if she had more failures in her journey, the narrative would need a complete overhaul because it’s all about her, leaving no room for other characters to shine. Honestly, Dawntrail might be better off with a rewrite.

Lastly, Lyse would have faced the same criticism if Stormblood had focused on her as much as Dawntrail does on Wuk Lamat. Lyse had her own growth and moments, but Stormblood balanced her story with many other significant characters and plotlines. This made the story richer and more diverse. Dawntrail, on the other hand, is so centered on Wuk Lamat that it overshadows other potentially interesting characters and plotlines. If Dawntrail had spread its focus more evenly, like Stormblood, it might have avoided some of the criticism and delivered a more engaging story.

[ConantSivrha]

The whole "sheltered" excuse doesn't work for me—she should know something about the cultures of her subjects, especially if she's in Tulliyolal, their capital.

Wuk Lamat’s unrealistic lack of knowledge about her own homeland seems, to me, like an attempt to turn her into the vehicle through which the player learns about Tural, while making sure the WoL never looks inexperienced (which denies the player the feeling of experiencing something new through their own character).