(MSQ spoilers) Asahi

[Draginhikari]

We're talking about someone who was raised in an occupied territory and was given a full education from the Garlaens and based on the echo flashback seems to have embraced their view on the world entirely. Having been rescued by Zeno (even though based on Zeno's voice tone it seemed entirely coincidental). He seems to developed a certain level of belief in Zeno's power and his some aspect of his perspective given his statement about his radiance being greater then our own. The WoL did defeat Zenos completely (as far as the WoL is currently aware). So unlike a lot of enemies that we've had Asahi vendetta seems to be specifically aimed at the WoL. What this means for the actual situation and how much was true and how much was bullshit is kind of 'wait and see'.

[SicariusSeven]

I think it'd be an interesting twist if Varis was temporarily overthrown, reached out to the Warrior of Light for aid along with some supporters and then opened up a route to work side by side throughout the rest of the expansion and much of 5.0 to redeem himself and reclaim his position as a reformer of Garlemald. It'd be a nice change of pace to the somewhat predictable trend of entering a new region and killing/dethroning whoever happens to be in charge.

I actually like this theory. Lets not forget Regula, though our enemy at first, did help us with the Warring Triad. At the cost of his own life too. Regula was also a childhood friend of Varis or good friend (I can't remember which). So this only strengthens your theory even more that maybe Varis might come to either help us or need our help.

[MuseTraveller]

Patch villains don't seem to survive until expansion -eyes Nabriales, Teledji, WoD, The Griffin-, so I imagine someone (even Zenos?) could off him before 5.0 but I think it will lead to a conflict or a mess that brings us to the Garleansin 5.0
I loved the little detail that he crouched down to do his crazy face at me cause I play a lala. I thought it was a nice touch. I only wish I could have leaned in and smirked, "Yes, I killed your precious Zenos and you know what were his last words to me? 'Goodbye my friend.' Are you jealous?" ... ok technically he killed himself but, allow me to provoke back, dang it!

I bought none of his agenda, the moment he showed and I was certain he is playing us. He had that punchable face and very Elidibus-like appeal. "Oh, surely being dressed in white means I'm a good guy! "

[Rosenoire]

I have my doubts that he is truly speaking on behalf of Emperor Varis. After all, we know that Varis considered his son to be a monster ill suited to the throne of Garlemald, so I doubt he cares very much for his son's enthusiastic followers, either. I'm hoping we see a moderate Garlean aligned with Garlemald show up and help to put down Asahi.

I'm sort of wondering about Maxima. He had an actual name, unlike the Elezen guy. Could he genuinely be one of the Populares, as opposed to Asahi, who I suspect is just a Zenos fanboy?

[Rosenoire]

I loved the little detail that he crouched down to do his crazy face at me cause I play a lala. I thought it was a nice touch.

I love those screenshots! I play a max height Au Ra, and the way he had to crane his neck to glare up at me was pretty funny. I wanted an option to reach down and pat him on the head.

[Rosenoire]

I think it'd be an interesting twist if Varis was temporarily overthrown, reached out to the Warrior of Light for aid along with some supporters and then opened up a route to work side by side throughout the rest of the expansion and much of 5.0 to redeem himself and reclaim his position as a reformer of Garlemald.

I feel like Elidibus is the real wild card here. Varis is working with him at the moment, but he's definitely aware that whatever Elidibus is planning is probably not going to end well for all life on the planet. That's where I see the possibility for an alliance: Varis working with the WoL/Scions/Alliance to put paid to the Ascians once and for all.

[SicariusSeven]

Maxima was also the only true blood Garlean there (well one that was unmasked anyways). Which kinda made me wonder more about him, is he working under Ashai or is he really working for someone higher up under the ruse of working with Ashai. I wouldn't be surprised if Maxima turned on Ashai for the best interest of the Empire either making Ashai look like a traitor or something. Lets not forget that even though Ashai was given a chance at a Garlean education, is a loyal citizen/soldier, he's not pure blood. For all we know, those who are still in good standing are still treated like 'savages'. I mean look at Fordola's parents they were loyal citizens but no one stepped in when the Ala Mighans decided to kill her father with rocks. Fordola proved her loyalty again and again but was still treated as an inferior by the other Garlean higher ups. Ashai seems like a special case but I still wouldn't doubt if he was looked on with scorn.

[Tlamila]

snip.

Someone said that probably Ashai was really sent by Varis because otherway he wouldn't have a pureblood with him, but actually your point seems more likely to me, that Maxima could be planted there by someone with more power.
Ashai may have raised to such a position of power because Zenos favoured him, probably, and maybe something something about his sister? It seems to me that for the empire they're linked by more than just blood. But anyway this wouldn't at all be a reason for Varis to trust him, as ambassador even. I'm also not sure he's really a Popularis, I imagine more that he's pretending to be one while really being with the other faction, based on what we know about him.

[Alleo]

Would have been nice to either smirk at him for his antics thus pissing him off even more or telling him that his beloved Zenos killed himself.

Through the whole scenes I wanted to punsh him into the face (its just the way he talks and smiles) so I was not really surprised that he would turn out that way. I am surprised that SE already showed it to our character. So not sure what I should do with that plot point.

It would be kinda funny if Asahi dies at the hand of Zenos. (If its truly him and not some Ascian) I mean Zenos seems to have seen us as some kind of "friend" and if its him he would truly try to become stronger to face us again and again. So if Asahi tries to kill us (and he should not stand a chance against us) he might get the wrath of Zenos himself on him.

Still funny how nobody noticed that he was crouching down that way if you are a Lala. I mean that does not look friendly at all.

[DynamoAce]

His appearance and demeanor alone kind of gave me an unnerving vibe.