Could I get some advice on what Class, City-State, and Grand Company I should choose?

[Terin]

Well, I actually suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, which makes RPG's sometimes difficult to enjoy. I LOVE FFXIV, but I tend to get caught-up on trivial things.

Long story short, I'm creating a Xaela with the intention of becoming a Dark Knight, but even though the Au Ra are kind of questionable as far as the canon goes, I still want to choose whatever is going to "fit" the Xaela the best.

Part of me thinks I should start him in Limsa Lominsa. Lady Yugiri clearly arrives by boat, as well, and the Admiral seems much more welcoming of her. The Maelstrom colors also mesh surprisingly well with Xaela's dark scales, not to mention much of their armor incorporates scales. Not to mention, the Marauder and Warrior AF set looks practically hand crafted for the Xaela. As well, Limsa Lominsa is home to much more "rugged" people, as well as tradeskills.

On the other hand, Ul'dah has been hugely important, at least up through 2.55. As well, considering Heavensward SEEMS to draw a lot of inspiration from Final Fantasy IV, it seeks kind of fitting to go from Paladin to Dark Knight, especially after what happens at the end of the old story. Of course, Paladin AF armor does look a bit strange on the Xaela, especially given their supposedly tribal roots. The black horns definitely clash with the whole "knight in shining armor" thing. Although, it does make the ending in 2.55 feel much more personal, and maybe a good catalyst for becoming a Dark Knight?

In terms of story, I've never particularly liked Thancred, but it's hard to deny his importance to the pre-Heavensward story. It kind of gives the entire game a feeling of constant betrayal, which certainly works for the Dark Knight origin. At the same time, Ul'dah is also a city of corrupt politics, whereas Limsa Lominsa is more focused on freedom.

I mean, we know very little about the Xaela, other than some bits and pieces from their Surname lore, and that their culture was supposedly make on the Mongolians (Mongels?). Thing is, I know virtually nothing about Mongolian culture, so that really doesnt help much.

Ultimately, I know that most of you are happy to roleplay your own origins, but I'm more focused on making the character feel like he "fits" together. I want his starting choice to feel organic to what the Xaela are -- even if it doesn't necessarily make the most sense for gameplay, or even for a Dark Knight origin.

Any and all responses are greatly appreciated! I'd love to get you guys' input, and even better if you wouldn't mind explaining your own thoughts on why you might pick certain origins for the Xaela.