Thread: 1.0 Stroyline Information

Originally Posted by Wolfandre

As a side note, I sometimes wonder if SE calculates the amount that she receives from the players and changes the outcome of Revenant's Toll based on that.

Now wouldn't THAT be something neat? I love it when games do little things like that, it would be like our efforts are influencing how Revenant's Toll grows. So coooool!

Originally Posted by Wolfandre

"O MIGHTY BURRITO KNIGHT!! FILL OUR BELLIES WITH THE SENSIBLE CHUCKLES OF SAUCE PACKET ONE-LINERS AND SCORE OUR GUACAMOLE WITH A SCOVILLE COMPARABLE TO THE BOWEL OF EMBERS!!!"

I giggled a lot when he wrote this, and now I'm laughing more. I wouldn't mind having a wind up Burrito Knight as a minion :3

Part of v1 was the fate of the al migo rebels and the introduction of the garlean empire, mostly the white raven and the black wolf, and the fall of dalamud

(I recommend Moose answers if both wall of text at the same time made you miss it)

Heading home from work! Though I'll be working on a pile of replies when I get home for sure :3

I seriously doubt the amount of myth/sold/philo we get is cannon. They had to make a currency for it, and while the fact we trade tomestones to rowena is probably in the story, we didn't farm 13500 for the books and such.

Originally Posted by Alenore

I seriously doubt the amount of myth/sold/philo we get is cannon. They had to make a currency for it, and while the fact we trade tomestones to rowena is probably in the story, we didn't farm 13500 for the books and such.

*nods* I agree, there is a ridiculous amount of tomestones being farmed at this point across all servers. But it is funny to think about all Rowena swimming in a pile of all those tomestones.

Oh wow, what replies! I am going to have fun with this *nodnod*

Originally Posted by Anonymoose

Eorzeans have a very limited worldview and we know very little about the planet. We know that there's a series of three massive continents that, for the sake of this explanation, you can think of as being like Africa, Europe, and Asia. These are called the "Three Great Continents." The continent in Africa's position would be Aldenard, Aldenard and it's surrounding islands create a cultural sphere called the realm of Eorzea. In the northeast, there's a land bridge connecting us to the middle of the Three Great Continents, Ilsabard, which is in Europe's position. This is where the Garleans are from - Garlemald conquered the northern nations and solidified them into an Empire and then conquered the rest of the middle content. After that, they went east, to the last great continent, Othard, in Asia's position, and conquered most of it. A few independent and strategically worthless cities that are benign to imperial domination still exist on Othard, but for the most part the Far East is subjugated under Imperial rule.
So, back to your question: The Garleans obviously control a lot of land, being in control of two of the Three Great Continents. But there's islands of various sizes all around that seem to be presently free of Imperial rule. There's also the possibility that beyond the Three Great Continents there are others. Maybe there's something where you'd expect the Americas to be, to keep this metaphor going. We only know Othard and Ilsabard in abstract concepts, we don't even know what they look like, yet, so it's all Terra Incognita, and realistically speaking, the Garleans control only a fraction of it (but, still, a respectable chunk).

I feel like the idea that there are other continents than what we've seen or even been given concepts of is a much more viable idea then coming to accepting the fact that Garleans control all of the world but that within Eorzea. Though as you pointed out there are smaller independent areas that evade it as well. Though, I would find pretty strange that a great empire could take over so much of the world, even facing off against Primals not found in Eorzea (if I read that write up correctly), just to get to where we go and have their plans foiled by us rotten kids and our little dog too. So, I think story wise it would make much better sense it's just that the Garleans have taken land in all the areas currently known to us, and unknown, is well, unknown.
　
　
　

Originally Posted by Anonymoose

There are a lot of reasons all factoring into their present condition at once. Something easily overlooked is the fact that Ala Mhigo waged a war on Gridania in an attempt to expand not long ago. I'm sure that wound isn't entirely healed yet; most of the cities got dragged into it. Then, you have the fact that the Ala Mhigans who live in Thanalan now fall into two groups - refugees and scrappy, patriotic freedom fighters. They're dependent on assistance and being offered work, and many aren't making much of an attempt to integrate into Ul'dahn culture. You can see where the Ul'dahns, who value power and wealth above all, wouldn't treat them very well. In 1.0, Ala Mhigo was even worse than it is now - a few tents in a cave - the only reason they're better off now is that Raubahn integrated well into Ul'dahn culture, dominated the Coliseum, became immensely wealthy, and then used his seat on the Syndicate to restore the Immortal Flames and revive the dying spirit of Royalism (loyalty to the sultana; most on the Syndicate are monetarist, loyal only to profit). The Ala Mhigan brigade of the Immortal Flames and Raubahn's good will probably went a long way to getting Ala Mhigans work and opportunities to take part in the city's defense and maintenance, but most still just consider them a burden unless they can find a way to exploit them. Look at any real-world mass immigration of unskilled laborers; lots of hostility in the American melting pot over the years seeing waves from Germany, Ireland, Italy, and most recently, Mexico.

I recall reading that they did in fact attack Gridania, though didn't they do that under the rule of a pretty nutters king? I mean, I can't speak for everyone, but I wouldn't really hold someone personally responsible for doing the bidding of their king, even if it is crazy. That is part of being loyal, but then again I suppose it can also be said that being blindly loyal is pretty bad, I mean, you can't call yourself a good person if you slaughter children at the behest of your crazy king. You'd be loyal, yes, but I don't think you'd be good in the overarching stand-up-guy kinda way. Though I am rambling, aren't I? Erm, moving on, I had absolutely no clue that Raubahn was from Al Mhigo! See how much I am learning already? The fact that he brought back Royalism is pretty neat, though why did Royalism fade in the first place? Is it because so many became obsessed with wealth?
　
　

Originally Posted by Anonymoose

Unknown, unknown, unknown aaand unknown. I assume it'll come up again someday, in the story, but for now it's all a big mystery. It's not 100% confirmed, as far as I know, that the primals were sealed. Othard summoned primals just fine before the seal broke, so either only some local primals were in it or it was just an artistic representation of what happens when a bunch of beast tribes are praying to their gods at the same time a massive aether concentration explodes. It sure did look like primals were just exploding out of that aether flood when the seal broke, though. Mor Dhona is the center of the world's aetherial network - whether the Allag made it that with Crystal Tower or whether they built Crystal Tower there because of it is kind of a chicken and egg situation, and depending on that information you can make a few guesses. They were also pretty good at sealing primals... so... unknown, unknown and unknown. But probably Allagans. Because Allagans.

Oh, well then! I guess we'll have to wait to see if it is ever explained. I'm betting that Mor Dhona was always the world's aetherial network and that's why the Allagan's built the tower there. Isn't that how building things is generally done? You find the spot that will support the structure and everything you want to use it for? Also, I'd like to start using 'Because Allagans' as a reason for anything that doesn't make sense in the game. "Why does your Chocobo run faster than mine?" "Because Allagans."
　
　
　

Originally Posted by Anonymoose

Yes, the skeleton is Midgardsormr, no he was not a primal (the skeleton proves that - primals just dissipate back into aether. Midgardsormr was a king among dragons, which is why the Dravanians tore the Garleans to pieces at his behest. Why he was there, why he was so big, why he was so different from other dragons - all that's up in the air. I'm sure there'll come a point in the story when a dragon or a primal (or that big dragon primal) takes a minute to impart some wisdom about that.

Kinda had a derrrr moment right there. I don't know why I didn't realize he wouldn't be a primal considering the fact that, yeah, there is a skeleton. Though, touching on what you mention down below, do you think it be possible for him to ever come back to life if people (or Dragons) started praying to him and offering him aether like they do for primals? On the note of Dragons, I would really like to see more intelligent dragons. And some non-hostile ones to boot. I'm sure there would be so much those guys could explain to us.
　
　
　

Originally Posted by Anonymoose

There's no proof we don't. Then again, there's no proof any primals really belong to anyone, or even exist outside of their cultural mindset. The nature of primals is very mysterious. There's an "essence" that latches onto prayers and if we feed it enough aether it gains a temporary form in our realm. What is this essence? We don't know. But it's been implied over and over that you can do the same thing with just about anything, including the Twelve. It's implied that the primals are images - icons - false gods - created by prayers and aether, and that you don't quite get what you wished for. Look to the Moogles to figure out what happens when you summon a mythological figure; the whole thing falls apart when they start behaving just like a primal. For all we know, if you earnestly, honestly, zealously believed in a Burrito Knight, and wished really hard to summon it while adding a bunch of aether, it might appear in all of its spicy glory. And then it would demand lots of aether and try to temper you and start a big feedback loop to maintain its own existence and power. The thing is, the primals have way, way more power than the manifestation of Good King Moggle Mog, so there may be something to this "essence" thing that we haven't figured out yet.

Hmm, that is really interesting. It's like a system that is completely based on belief, and the power of that belief being the fuel for something to come into being while the aether is like the catalyst. In the post above yours, Morningstar makes mention that there is a theory that the 12 are primals, and I think there could be some truth to that. I mean, if they were going to be summoned in the same type of ritual that primals are summoned with, wouldn't that lend credence to such a theory? Though, as you pointed out, the debacle with Good King Moggle Mog does seem to show there is something more to being a primal than just being the visage that has been created via the prayers of those desperate to find something to pray too. Perhaps besides needing the aether to manifest there is a certain aspect,( ie: desperation, hope, fear, anger) that must be present to call upon a certain type of primal?
　

Originally Posted by Anonymoose

Long story short? A mythical figure that appears around the time of a Calamity to lead people out of it on behalf of the Twelve; though of as an earthly incarnation of the gods. What truth, if any, is there to the legend? No idea, but Louisoix and his best student, Urianger, fit the bill well enough, so that's what we call them. We still don't really know if they called themselves that because there's some truth in the tales, or because it would make Eorzeans more likely to trust them, or if they're doing it to be ironic hipsters who make inside-joke puns because "archon" means "ruler" (in the sense of a head of a group) and Louisoix led the Circle of Knowing, a position Urianger inherited and seems to retain in some degree even though the Circle and the Path combined into the Scions. Enkidoh and I go into it a little deeper here.

So basically, someone who woul be considered an Earthly representation of one of the Twelve, kinda like an avatar yeah? Whether or not they are actually ARE an embodiment of the twelve is a different story, but for what we know, it's just a title for people who are super duper awesome in some way. Though it be interesting to see if the Twelve ever manifest themself through the people we see as Archons.
　

Originally Posted by Anonymoose

Think of the Grand Companies as an emergency declaration of martial law that happens when a Calamity hits and an Umbral Era begins. It's a traditional, cultural thing. When the Astral Era collapses, the cities entrust a great deal of their power and authority into the Grand Companies so that they might be saved. Until Dalamud started falling, people had no reason to believe the Sixth Astral Era was over. Hell, even when Dalamud was falling there was a lot of denial about it and some figured it'd be a lesser evil to take their chances not declaring martial law (and some were just greedy and power hungry and didn't want to let their influence go until it was that or get stomped to death by magitek and crushed by a moon).

Ahhh, got it. And I take it the reason why they are still hanging around is the fact that every few months we've got a new primal threat, plus whatever craziness is going on with the coil of bahamut (I still haven't finished that yet unfortunately :<)
　

Originally Posted by Anonymoose

There are connections everywhere. Some are real, some are coincidental, some are imaginary. If you figure out which are which, let me know!

It seems like there is a lot of mystery and speculation surrounding that song. And it's a pretty beautiful song too, it makes me tear up everytime I hear it (Imma wuss), I recall hearing that back when 1.0 was going to be shut down, all of the music in the fields had turned into a distorted vision of answers. Was there ever a canonical reason for that? Like, could the characters in the story actually hear that singing or was it just something they did for shut down?
　

Originally Posted by Anonymoose

First, they're tomestones, not tombstones. Tome - stone. Like a stone that has a book's worth of information in it. Don't feel bad if you've been calling them by the wrong name. In 1.0, the German client even translated them as Allagan Grave Stones. Essentially, they're pieces of quartzlike material that have been used as an information storage tool. When Darnus showed up, he went looking for them because he needed a few pieces of missing Allagan information to complete his lunar transmitter replication. Unfortunately for us, he got lucky and found it. Cid even handed it over because he figured it was weathered and worthless (GOOD GOING, BUDDY). Now that we know they're not worthless, there's a storm of people trying to gather them all up and learn their secrets. Rowena got her start working for an Ishgardian noble who was after Allag artifacts. She seems like a self-made woman now, but she's still after Allag stuff. Makes you wonder if they're still in contact. Makes you wonder who he is - what he wants - what he's doing.

Wow, don't I feel like a big old pile of derp now!It's funny because I farm these darn things and in all the time I've been playing, I never realized it was an E and not a B. They honestly looked like a lot like gravestones to me even in the icons, as they look more grayish like rock instead of quartz. Oopies. Live and learn! Wait, if she's a self made woman, does that mean she's going to start doing the Manderville? *waits to be bricked*
So Rowena has been working for someone all this time? Or, rather, got her start working for someone. Hmm, that's really interesting and an Ishgardian no less? Isn't that were Shiva is going to be making an apperance? Do we know who this nobel actually is or is he just a shadowy figure we have a vague concept of?
　

Originally Posted by Anonymoose

It's you! The Champion of Eorzea - chosen of Hydaelyn - the very best of the Warriors of Light. Though spoken of as a sword, symbolically, in the Divine Chronicles of Mezaya Thousand-Eyes, Daybreak seems to be sword in a metaphorical sense - a warrior. The game has lots of throwbacks to this if you read what NPCs say about you and look out for them. You're the "blade of light," "Eorzea's sword in the darkness," etc. Louisoix knew this, and he hinted at it gently, but we left the door open for speculation because Fanon is bad. Doesn't matter how obvious it is, it's not really canon until SE says it clearly and you're sure it's the truth.

It's meeeeee? *gasps and goes wide eyed* Ooooooh!
But on a more serious note, I honestly had no idea. I know we get called the Bringer of Light and what not, but i never really put two and two together, and usually when I did, I got five. Now, is it meant to be that your character and ONLY your character is a Bringer of Light or is it implied that there are more? I recall in one of the opening scenes in 2.0, where you are floating with Hydaelyn and she gives you a crystal, you see other characters wizzing about as well. Are they all echo users and Bringers of Light as well? I know in the old closing and the new opening, we still five characters battling with Louisoix and I get that these are the Heros of Light. Are our characters suppose to be one of these Heros of Light or are we new in all this? I heard someone say once that 1.0 characters who got to a certain point in the story were the ones considered the Heros of Light and characters made in 2.0 were something different from, but likened to, a Hero of Light.
　

Originally Posted by Anonymoose

What a coincidence! Me, too! Thing is, I also kind of want to finish college and eat stuff and not be homeless, and I also kind of want to play this game sometimes, too, I guess. This severely limits my solo resources, so, uh, we'll see...

I know those struggles well, and I feel for you. Keep hanging in there and you'll be able to accomplish it! Luckily, I have a partner in crime now, between the two of us we manage to bring home the bacon and cook it, which leaves us time to play the game together as well. I suppose I am pretty lucky in that sense! It's been pretty fantastic having this chat with you, as I absolutely adore lore when it comes to just about any game and FFXIV seems particularly rich in it.