Thread: My prediction for 4.3 (Obvious Spoilers)

I agree. The character already has a name (Maxima, I believe), and his model seems unique, which is unusual for a minor NPC. I don't believe we have generic Pureblood Garlean models, so it's a big deal that Maxima has one.

I'm of the opinion that the Populares faction is going to be very relevant in the post-stormblood story, and I'm thinking Maxima will be our introduction to the faction, even if he's not actually our "Larsa" equivalent. Considering we already have a rival faction for the Populares to oppose (the Optimates), I'm guessing the Populares will bring us into Garlemald. From there, we'll initiate a reform of the Garlemald government, likely ousting Varis and installing a new leader who won't focus on conquest. I kind of hope it won't immediately go into full-out Civil War, since we already handled two* rebellions in Stormblood, but I could definitely see the story going in that direction. Tension within Garlemald seems to be building, as it struggles to hold onto its territory. Many citizens in Garlemald seem to oppose their rapid expansion, as shown by the actors of the Prima Vista, and I could see us allying with them in the near future.

*arguably three considering Rabanastre

I agree with the OP, its always seemed odd to me as to why the Garlean Bodyguard was a named NPC that can be talked to. Though it only occurred to me he might play a part when I was watching the Patch trailer that he would play an important role, and considering it shows the Pure blood Garlean/Maxima (or whatever) in a Garlean command center and shows Alphinaud in what seems to be a Garlean styled room while talking about how he's best as a Diplomat, seems to further cement the poster's theory

on a side note, I don't think the Elezen Samurai in Resistance Armor is the Elezen Bodyguard, I took a look and the two have different Eye colors, the Garlean Elezen having Dark Brown eyes, while the Elezen Sam had Blue eyes, and the only Elezen with Blue eyes I could recall is Aymeric

I've been interested in Asahi's dialogue in the trailer - about striking an emissary, and giving into anger.
Are we, the Warrior of Light, responsible - at last - for what comes next? Is it our "mistake" - slaying a high-ranking Garlean citizen simply for revenge, that leads to imperial reprisals?



Incidentally, striking an emissary is a nice play on the first meeting between Minfilia and Elidibus. I suspect it's unrelated, and just a nice parallel.

Hidden stuff, because it's not strictly 4.3 lore related, but I think it has potential to be related to the plot.

Also, Yoshi said in a recent live letter (I think the one before last?) that they are sitting on a new form of content that will surprise people (I am paraphrasing from what I remember, and can't look up at present). If they haven't said a word about it yet, then I think it likely that it ties into the plot.
Edit: I've found the source, it was a Reddit post relating to a pre-4.0 release interview, so it could be that this was all parcelled up in Eureka, although Eureka had a name from the start, so could be that they still have something up their sleeve.

Link https://www.reddit.com/r/ffxiv/comme...at_stormblood/

Getting pretty desperate for The Larsa™, eh?

... introductory sarcasm aside, Maxima having a unique face can easily be attributed to the fact that the Garleans do not have customizable models of their own - every Pureblood Garlean uses a Hyur (i.e. Cid) or Elezen (i.e. Nero) model with a unique face, with the exception of major antagonists due to their unique combat stances. It just isn't an issue often because the vast majority of Garleans we've met are soldiers wearing full helmets. By extension, Maxima not wearing a helmet (likely as a show of good faith and/or to illustrate the Empire's diverse population) would necessitate him having a unique face (or at least one modified to have a third eye).

It is possible he will be more important than he presently appears, but based on the currently available information I remain unconvinced Maxima is anything more than he appears to be - Asahi's aide / bodyguard. I won't venture a guess as to his motivations and true loyalties.

I have my own ideas about how things may play out, but with so little information available can't reach past a certain point. I suppose that's the fun of it, though - and it's just a short while away.

I hope you are right OP, and something gets salvaged from this with the empire. The alternative just sounds so dull, and Asahi's idiocy doesn't make it any better.