Wow, Wuk Lamat is really single-handedly ruining the DT story...

[Bunyon]

And just to continue off the previous post a bit: I think Zooral Ja would have been perfect as the initial winner. He should not have been an obvious villain (he's IMMEDIATELY pointed out as someone who CANNOT win) but presented as someone who is ruthless and extremely skillful due to wanting to surpass his dad and meet the lofty expectations of his birth. Wuk's loss would have been a perfect point to better characterize Zooral Ja and also point out her immaturity and need to grow, while also giving Zooral Ja the means to go to the golden city and still kickstart his crusade for "better" world under his rule.

He also would have been a much better choice as the one who releases Valigarmanda. First, he wants to beat him to show he can surpass dad. Second, he doesn't care if Vali escapes and does some damage because he thinks people have become too complacent in times of peace. Third, if someone questioned why he did such an awful thing, he could easily justify it: Vali's ice was going to melt one day and release him, he wanted to finish him once and for all. It would have turned this "villainous" act into something somewhat morally gray, and in total line with his character.

But instead Bakool Ja Ja released him because funi prank bro to slow down the others, hee hee. He did it in front of witnesses and didn't get disqualified or reprimanded at all.

[IttyBittyShark]

And just to continue off the previous post a bit: I think Zooral Ja would have been perfect as the initial winner. He should not have been an obvious villain (he's IMMEDIATELY pointed out as someone who CANNOT win) but presented as someone who is ruthless and extremely skillful due to wanting to surpass his dad and meet the lofty expectations of his birth. Wuk's loss would have been a perfect point to better characterize Zooral Ja and also point out her immaturity and need to grow, while also giving Zooral Ja the means to go to the golden city and still kickstart his crusade for "better" world under his rule.

He also would have been a much better choice as the one who releases Valigarmanda. First, he wants to beat him to show he can surpass dad. Second, he doesn't care if Vali escapes and does some damage because he thinks people have become too complacent in times of peace. Third, if someone questioned why he did such an awful thing, he could easily justify it: Vali's ice was going to melt one day and release him, he wanted to finish him once and for all. It would have turned this "villainous" act into something somewhat morally gray, and in total line with his character.

But instead Bakool Ja Ja released him because funi prank bro to slow down the others, hee hee. He did it in front of witnesses and didn't get disqualified or reprimanded at all.

after reading things like this where players come up with things off the tops of their heads that are infinitely better than what we got, it just makes me so sad to be honest. i really miss how rich FFXIV storytelling used to be. why can a player come up with better themes, plot-points, and characterization than the people who are being paid to make the story? it's sorely disappointing how different things could be.

part of me feels bad because i feel like i really did just come on the forums to complain. sometimes i wonder if all the negative feedback saddens the developers in any way. it makes me feel sad as well to think about that. on the other hand this is a live service game that we all pay for and most people always really look forward to the 40-60 hour MSQ playthrough.

thanks for putting some headcanon food in my brain. i've honestly been trying to rewrite things in my head just so that it pleases me more lol. i had fun with Dawntrail, but it was not good.