Gender locked race?

[Daralii]

They do. At the same time, I don't see why they need to have as many of those as they do male beasties.

Also, an interesting point about Ultima's design is that it may tie into Hydaelyn's (lower body aside.)

Also look at the similarities to Zodiark's position (in my sig) and the crown they both share for her statue version. Although Ultima in the dungeon was just a primal-like being which gained sentience - and great power - I have a suspicion that it somehow glimpsed Hydaelyn and emulated her form. Ultima in XII was characterised by her hubris and rebellion against the gods, and that would give it similar undertones in FFXIV.

Based on the blurb for the figure, some combination of enough ambient aether and the worship of the ancient Ivalicians caused her to gain self-awareness and eventually manifest as a primal using herself as a vessel.

[Lauront]

Based on the blurb for the figure, some combination of enough ambient aether and the worship of the ancient Ivalicians caused her to gain self-awareness and eventually manifest as a primal using herself as a vessel.

Which could also leave an opening for her worshipers to have defined the look of her upper body, perhaps with an image of Hydaelyn in mind.