Thread: Revelations from Patch 4.2

Originally Posted by Theodric

I hope Zenos kills Asahi, then kills himself...again.

I am so done with these one dimensional, cackling villains that have no sympathetic qualities.

#NotMyGarlemald

I do believe Yoshi P stated that Zenos wasn't meant to be a villain that we can sympathize with; we are suppose to despise him for being the monstrous villain that he is.

SE is sending a lot of conflicting messages about Zenos. If they didn't intend him to be sympathetic, well they certainly did not do a good job of that. Even if their plan is to later remove any player sympathy for him, it's a little too late now. I like the character, personally, but he is a more clear-cut villain than any in the game. The same goes for Ilberd and his reckless actions.

Then again, they also said in previous interviews that Ascians have no significant role to play behind the scenes where Garlemald is concerned... and yet Elidibus is pulling strings as far as we can tell. So how much stock can we put in what they say? It also annoys me a bit because Elidibus is meant to differ to Nabriales etc. in his approach, yet here he is following exactly their method. So I'm hoping the story will surprise me a little.

Originally Posted by Theodric

Yeah - and that would have worked brilliantly had things been consistent, though despite Zenos actively working against Garlemald, denouncing it and terrorising his own allies as often as his enemies it's treated like everybody in Garlemald is fully on board with whatever he chooses to do. It's particularly disappointing given that FFXII is my favourite game in the franchise and as the head of the 12th Legion one of the common expectations was that we would get some of the brilliant shades of grey that made FFXII such an incredible game.

So I question who Zenos is even meant to appeal to at this point, since most of the Garlean role-players and fans I know despise him as his very existence makes Garlemald seem incompetent - hardly helped by the Xaela easily dealing with Magitek despite never encountering it before as well as Estinien dodging countless bullets at once despite the proficiency that Garlean Purebloods are supposed to have with spatial awareness. There's a wealth of interesting elements to Garlemald established in side quests and the lore book, yet without fail they never seem to show up in the actual MSQ's.

Sadly, the "rule of cool" takes priority over their own lore. I hope they avoid going down the route of a certain other game company, in that regard.

Originally Posted by Mejingjard

I really think Zenos won't allow someone like Asahi to set a trap for us WoL. He really would be angry at someone trying to hurt us with treachery, even more as we are his only true friend in his eyes.
That's the funny part I hope the writers will not screw up, Asahi hates us for killing Zenos, but Zenos loves us for having being able to defeat him. I'm pretty sure the little vengefull Asahi would be broken to know how much Zenos values us

I think there's a lot at play here. Elidibus assumed someone's guise during the final cutscene of the opening of 4.0. I initially thought it might be Zenos following 4.1, but I now have my doubts, because Zenos appears with injuries in the latest cutscene, and the Emperor's reaction wasn't really consistent with it being Zenos, but rather with someone he still cared for. Nonetheless, it's entirely possible that Elidibus is assuming his form as and when it suits him, and relaying orders for Asahi to follow.

The alternative is that Asahi thinks he is doing what best aligns with Zenos's will. The mirror he gifted Yotsuyu does push me to thinking Elidibus might be involved, particularly if it is magical in nature. Assuming what Asahi has said is true - and I think he will be throwing in morsels of truth, so that his story doesn't fall apart upon scrutiny, e.g. the factional rivalry within the Empire, then he might be sabotaging the Emperor's attempt to reach out to Eorzea for the perceived gain of his master, Zenos. I doubt he is in any way aligned to the Emperor's wishes.

Either way, I didn't like how they handled Asahi. It was fine up to the stupid outburst at the end. At least bait us a little longer?

Zenos still has a lot of potential as I didn't like his final battle, and he may well end up being a big threat now that he's back... unless he intends to affirm his supposed connection to the WOL.

I mean, if you look at FFVII, it wasn't Cloud who became its most popular character, but Sephiroth. I see Zenos turning out much the same way for FFXIV.

Originally Posted by DreamAngel-Ren

With him being the Zenos Fan Club President/super fanboy, I don't think he has any bit of care for his fellow Domans at all; in his mind, "NOTICE ME ZENOS SENPAI!!" He wouldn't betray the homeland of his dear lord.

His loyalty to Zenos is probably precisely why he will betray Garlemald as we know it. Zenos is not interested in his homeland's well-being, as he openly states when Shinryu manifests.

Originally Posted by Lauront

His loyalty to Zenos is probably precisely why he will betray Garlemald as we know it. Zenos is not interested in his homeland's well-being, as he openly states when Shinryu manifests.

You're right, his hardcore loyalty to Zenos could bring him to serious trouble (death). Knowing Asahi, he would probably think what he's doing isn't considered betrayal (while he's not aware of Zenos' motives), but sadly it may be (we gotta see what he does for us to truly determine that factor). I can't wait to see the look on his face when he learns of Zenos' true feelings; it's going to be delicious X]