Retainer Clarification

[Hasrat]

So, I probably already know the answer to this, but the retainer page on the Mogstation has some unclear wording that I thought I'd ask about.

Your FINAL FANTASY XIV service account allows you to hire up to two retainers per character as part of the basic subscription fee.

First, the page acknowledges that two retainers are a part of our subscription.

But then, in the table that follows, the first column is labeled "Number of Additional Retainers." The associated fee for 1 and 2 Additional Retainers is "No additional fee."

If I am to take this page at face value, then, in theory, I should be allowed to hire up to 2 additional retainers, in addition to the two that we are granted with our subscription, for no additional fee.

But that's not actually how it works, is it?

[AliBob]

pretty sure it means the total amount together
they give you 2 for free
but lets say you want a 3rd one you select the option for
1 additional retainer and it charges you the month to have it.
then just go to the retainer counter at the town hub and just hire the 3rd one.

[Hasrat]

I'm sure that's the intent. But the way it's written does not convey that clearly.

[Ryaz]

Yep. I have 4 retainers. Only 2 free, the other two I have to pay for. You can pay for up to 7 more right now, for a total of 9, and once the app comes out, you can pay $5 so you an spend another $2 to hire a 10th retainer.

Yes, you now need to pay microtransactions just so you can buy more microtransactions.

[Hasrat]

Yeah yeah. Go gripe in one of the other dozen threads about the app.

[Iscah]

On the other hand, look at that phrasing - we can “hire” two retainers as part of the basic subscription fee.

What does the app supposedly do? Let you “hire” an additional retainer.

It’s still not clear, but the app may not be making you pay for the retainer on top of paying for the app subscription.

[Hasrat]

That's just how it works within the lore. The player character is hiring the services of these retainers.

Seriously, app talk, app thread. This was just based on the Mogstation page and the wording therein.

[ElHeggunte]

The wording itself is plenty clear. The only point of confusion is the table being labeled "additional" retainers, but then also including the two free ones you get. Context still makes it clear enough in my opinion.

[Hasrat]

That's kinda what I think. The table could/should probably remove "additional." Or perhaps instead of listing the first two retainers as "No additional fee," clarify that they're the two included in the game subscription.

[Tridus]

It's poorly worded, yeah. I'd change "Additional" to "Total", and then the table is correct (as 1 & 2 total retainers are free).