Crazy Personal Headcanons

[Korbei]

The thirteen shards are actually FFI through FFXIII, though not necessarily in order.

I contend that they are in order and here's why: The First (FF1) contains: A Volcano named Mt. Gulg, dwarves, elves, pixies, the Warrior of Light, a subaquatic "palace". Clearly a reference to FF1. Meanwhile, the Thirteenth was bungled and destroyed by arrogance and ineptitude. As Emet-Selch says "In our ignorance, we created a useless void of the thirteenth." A clear repentance.

[RyuDragnier]

I contend that they are in order and here's why: The First (FF1) contains: A Volcano named Mt. Gulg, dwarves, elves, pixies, the Warrior of Light, a subaquatic "palace". Clearly a reference to FF1. Meanwhile, the Thirteenth was bungled and destroyed by arrogance and ineptitude. As Emet-Selch says "In our ignorance, we created a useless void of the thirteenth." A clear repentance.

To add to this, every Calamity matches how the games started in some manner.
1st Calamity (Wind) = FF5, where the journey was started from the loss of the wind
2nd Calamity (Lightning) = FF12, where technology caused the fall of Dalmasca and led to the story's start
3rd Calamity (Fire) = FF2, where the Emperor set fire to the heroes town, starting the journey for revenge.
4th Calamity (Earth) = FF3, where an earthquake opens up a cave leading to the first crystal.
5th Calamity (Ice) = FF6, where the journey starts in the icy region.
6th Calamity (Water) = FF10, where the game starts during a blitzball (underwater sport) match.
7th Calamity (Astral) = FF7, where the game started during the most chaotic and interesting thing you could imagine...an eco-terrorist attack on a facility.

Now look at the possible 8th Calamity of (Umbral). How does FF1 start? With the generic, boring, "Save the princess" quest.

[Vyrerus]

T
Now look at the possible 8th Calamity of (Umbral). How does FF1 start? With the generic, boring, "Save the princess" quest.

With a prophecy and your team being spat out into a clearing in a forest fairly adjacent to a tower castle city. Who then direct you to save their Princess!

[Jirah]

My favorite one I have is that the telegraphs of the many fights we do is due to the echo granting us some kind of clairvoyance. Hence why ordinary adventurers die to simple telegraphs we see coming ,where it be stack markers or Aoes, while we excel. Imagine the game with no markers going in blind, it would be tough out there if it weren’t for the echo

[Iscah]

Wild theory time: G'raha isn't as "together" as he claims and the Exarch is still a separate voice in his head, either not in direct control or sharing it, but he (they? both of him?) doesn't want to make us worry. So young G'raha is overplaying it a bit at times and that explains any "out of character for his older self" moments.

[Bright-Flower]

I contend that they are in order and here's why: The First (FF1) contains: A Volcano named Mt. Gulg, dwarves, elves, pixies, the Warrior of Light, a subaquatic "palace". Clearly a reference to FF1. Meanwhile, the Thirteenth was bungled and destroyed by arrogance and ineptitude. As Emet-Selch says "In our ignorance, we created a useless void of the thirteenth." A clear repentance.

There are references sure but there are FF references all throughout the game. I don't think the 'the shards are actually other FF games' fits because they're all reflections of Eorzea. The same base world but with differences from events unfolding differently.

[Fenral]

Wild theory time: G'raha isn't as "together" as he claims and the Exarch is still a separate voice in his head, either not in direct control or sharing it, but he (they? both of him?) doesn't want to make us worry. So young G'raha is overplaying it a bit at times and that explains any "out of character for his older self" moments.

That would be entirely in character. He seems to have a lot going on, and we probably won't let us in on any of it until it's nearly too late. I can't quite let myself believe the potential for instability was resolved in the same patch it was introduced.

[Iscah]

That would be entirely in character. He seems to have a lot going on, and we probably won't let us in on any of it until it's nearly too late. I can't quite let myself believe the potential for instability was resolved in the same patch it was introduced.

Even if it's not actually dangerous for him to be in such a state, it's definitely in character AND it resolves both the "young self overwritten" moral issue and that he just feels slightly off in the last few chapters.

Maybe "accepting each other as the same person" isn't instant but needs to happen over time. Mixing ice and water is a good metaphor, I suppose - essentially the same thing in two different states that can combine seamlessly but not straight away.

[Roda]

Oh my I have been waiting for a crackpot theory thread to share this one.
Moonkeepers and Duskwights have Argyria/silver poisoning.

Think about it. The shroud is the only source in the base game that contains silver. The silver is found near a water source. Argyria comes from the ingestion of high quantities of silver. Moonkeepers and duswights are wildfolk who live off the land outside of society who could easily have to resort to drinking from less filtered water. Argyria turns your skin blue.

[lycropath]

Suspecting the person who graduated ahead of Papalymo in the Studium was Forchenault now since they are fairly close in age..