That's not a Tia! (moonfire spoilers)

[Iscah]

Here is the reddit list

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.red...ampf=undefined

I hate to burst your bubble (particularly as I was also pretty intrigued by the idea of the document as you originally described it), but this is just one person's speculation - and not very accurate.

The original poster even says "many of them don't have the same appearance that they did in the old days", and proposes it's because of using fantasias... when the very simple explanation is that they're not the 1.0 retainers at all, just completely separate characters who've also had their names drawn from the pool of NPC name options for that race.

Several of the characters listed don't make any sense to have been working as retainers five years ago - and it's pointed out in the comments on the original page. Ishgardian nobles? Gegeruju? That snobby Sharlayan Lalafell from the Eureka questline? And several others who would have been elsewhere and doing other things at that time.

[Eloah]

I hate to burst your bubble (particularly as I was also pretty intrigued by the idea of the document as you originally described it), but this is just one person's speculation - and not very accurate.

The original poster even says "many of them don't have the same appearance that they did in the old days", and proposes it's because of using fantasias... when the very simple explanation is that they're not the 1.0 retainers at all, just completely separate characters who've also had their names drawn from the pool of NPC name options for that race.

Several of the characters listed don't make any sense to have been working as retainers five years ago - and it's pointed out in the comments on the original page. Ishgardian nobles? Gegeruju? That snobby Sharlayan Lalafell from the Eureka questline? And several others who would have been elsewhere and doing other things at that time.

I think the point of the document was somewhat missed. It's obvious its fan-made, so not everything is going to be 100% cannon or accurate. But, it's a player made speculation sheet based on familiar NPCs that look as though they appeared in 1.0 and 2.0+. We know for a fact that 1.0 NPCs have returned and have different roles than what they were in 1.0. Some even being event specific like Masha Mhakaracca and Damielliot. This sheet is just a compilation of that. True certain ones seem odd and out of place. M'naago being one. But ones like the more recent Sanana make sense (think Papalymo if her appearance confuses you); seeing as how all of the names are supposed to be former retainers. The thing to remember is that both in game and now irl 5 years have past, and memories and appearances change; specifically since the game was reworked; Damielliot doesn't look like his 1.0 self since he has aged, though shouldn't he look more like Alphinaud and Alisaie? It's mostly a nod for 1.0 players who may recall them and be intrigued by what they are doing now.

SE does like to retcon things, or add new info to varying degrees, like the Halicarnassus one. But, i'd like to think NPCs are more strict and well regulated. But even that is speculation. This is all an easter egg, regardless of it being the same individual or the same name.

[Iscah]

But, it's a player made speculation sheet based on familiar NPCs that look as though they appeared in 1.0 and 2.0+.

If they were actually visually familiar, I’d think the theory might carry some weight. (eg. if they’d found people who had those retainers and were able to confirm the 2.0 character looked like the same person as the 1.0 retainer.) But as the listwriter said themself, the characters don’t look the same. Some aren’t even listed with the correct clan for the 2.0 character.

I agree the game is very good with bringing back obscure characters unexpectedly, but there are enough “provably coincidental” names on that list that I wouldn’t put any value in the others being intentional, based on name alone. It’s definitely not proof that these characters have been “placed and used strategically” as you first described it - although there certainly are some as-yet-unimportant minor characters that seem to have been put in place for future events.

[Eloah]

Some aren’t even listed with the correct clan for the 2.0 character.

This is the only thing you said that is incorrect as the game itself explains that there are many exception. Papalymo and F'lhaminn being notable examples.

As far as my comment of being “placed and used strategically”, it's more about, we don't know what they are doing, but we know they have things mapped out; these aren't spur of the moment decisions. These events and patches are planned out months in advance.