FFXIV has reference to past FF games. they have held special events were characters from other series have appeared, FFXI , Lightning, and collaboration. As for personal relationships some tie in if you were part of 1.0 every now and then there is a hint of a past connection. Warriors of light are reference to one of the FF were the hero of light was no longer remembered in his time line. See FF lore. You are referenced as if you were him/her , reality is you are, but your image was erased from their memories.