Answers About the Archons

[Enkidoh]

Since they first appeared in Gridania at the start of 1.0 Yda seemed to just appear to be Papalymo's 'bodyguard' of sorts, as she indeed comes across as something of a scatterbrain (her first comments upon jumping off an airship in the Black Shroud is she thought she was dead and even calls the player a 'psychopomp') - although she does have moments of surprising clarity, much to Papalymo's chagrin. There was also at least one incident in 1.0 where she seemed to show some kind of aetheric sensitivity, accurately perceiving a shift in aetheric currents (which preceded a treant appearing). Not to mention the two of them managed to capture Dunstan, who not even the best Wood Wailers or God's Quiver could find or subdue.

And lets face it, in the showdown between Gaius and the Circle in Mor Dhona in 1.0, she was the only one of the Archons to actually land a hit on the Legatus, showing that her talents lie elsewhere besides mere study. Which probably accounts for the reason why two Archons were sent to Gridania originallt by Sharalyan instead of just one - Yda is the 'brawn' where as Papalymo is the 'brains', which requires them to work together.

This was clearly shown in the 2.55 story when

Papalymo offered to stay behind to slow down the pursuing Brass Blades and Crystal Braves to allow the player, Minfilia, Thancred and Y'shtola to escape, Yda unhesitatingly remained by his side to help him, not willing to let him sacrifice himself without her there too. I must admit I tore up at that scene, being Gridanian aligned in both 1.0 and ARR and having known them since the very beginning of my journey in FFXIV it was like saying goodbye to close friends. ).

But I digress...