Identification

[YianKutku]

Off the top of my head, letters of introduction were usually the means by which people in medieval times identified themselves. Similarly, there may be people who can vouch for you whom the authorities trusted in turn; we see something like this in the Limsa Lominsa starter quest, where Baderon bluffs the Yellowjackets.

Obviously this is rife for abuse, especially if nefarious types have the skill to counterfeit these letters, or if they are sufficiently convincing. Lots of historical examples of people claiming to be someone in authority, and getting away with it for extended periods of time (including signing official documents and passing laws).

In-game, we do have the convenience of long-range near-instant communications via linkpearls, which would help with record-keeping and identification. Still, we do see many cases of people not recognizing us as the Warrior of Light until they make a connection in their heads. We do get identified as "adventurer" based on our appearance, whether our clothing or our bearing.