I really hope than Fandaniel and Zenos are not... (spoilers)

[Terin]

As far as "the Scions kill TONS of people" thing, something I've noticed VERY distinctly about FFXIV, which is completely different from something like WoW, is often "killing" enemies isn't "killing" at all, but simply "defeating". I forget where it was, but I remember initially being quite confused, because I remember seeing enemies I'd just killed turn up in the next cutscene. So a lot of times, I see it more as "knocking them out" more than "literally KILLING them". Although, I did really love the mirror being pointed at us before facing off with Emet-Selch, essentially painting us as monstrous tyrants that decimate anyone that get in our way.

Honestly though, the Devs have given me every reason to have complete faith in their vision so far. A few odd nitpicks aside, Shadowbringers was so much more interesting and ambitious than an MMO expansion has any right to be, and honestly, I'm personally stoked that G'raha didn't kick the bucket. It was heavily foreshadowed that he WOULD, it was a pleasant twist to see him make it -- and honestly, he's probably my favorite Scion now. I would probably agree, though, that Shadowbringers could've done with a real "loss". I kind of feel like Endwalker might lean more that direction.

One thing I'm quite curious of, though, is thus far, FFXIV has done a great job of making the ENTIRE world feel relevant. I can't see how they would be The First relevant to the story moving forward, though. I just hope it isn't a case of "okay, THAT'S all done, now let's never talk about it again".

[Catwho]

We are probably going to have to defeat and fight Hydalaen herself too. Maybe as the key to unlocking Zodiark so that he can be fought and defeated for good.

[TeraRamis]

We are probably going to have to defeat and fight Hydalaen herself too. Maybe as the key to unlocking Zodiark so that he can be fought and defeated for good.

I'm kind of hoping the two are mutually annihilated. I get that 'the Crystal' (not necessarily Hydalaen, but just a general crystal) is a key component of some (but not all) Final Fantasies, but IMO Hydalaen has been a crutch for this one for two long. And the events of Shadowbringers demonstrate what happens when the light just runs rampant unchecked, so simply eliminating Zodiark isn't going to be enough anymore - he can't go without Hydalaen exiting stage left, too.

And that would be okay. Even if the developers aren't on the verge of releasing their next Final Fantasy MMO, a soft reboot of the story, at least, definitely seems to be in order. And what better way to do that than to take away the Echo - if not kill the WoL, than remove all that is special about him/her? Axing Hydalaen would solve a great many narrative problems moving forward.

[Nyarlha]

I'm kind of hoping the two are mutually annihilated. I get that 'the Crystal' (not necessarily Hydalaen, but just a general crystal) is a key component of some (but not all) Final Fantasies, but IMO Hydalaen has been a crutch for this one for two long. And the events of Shadowbringers demonstrate what happens when the light just runs rampant unchecked, so simply eliminating Zodiark isn't going to be enough anymore - he can't go without Hydalaen exiting stage left, too.

And that would be okay. Even if the developers aren't on the verge of releasing their next Final Fantasy MMO, a soft reboot of the story, at least, definitely seems to be in order. And what better way to do that than to take away the Echo - if not kill the WoL, than remove all that is special about him/her? Axing Hydalaen would solve a great many narrative problems moving forward.

Hydaelyn is not "the Light" nor is Zodiark "the Darkness" from what I understand. Light and Darkness are both aetherological elements to which they are aligned to, same as Fire, Ice, or Thunder.

Hydaelyn has nothing to do with what happened on the First. Neither is she responsible for the Echo as shown in 5.2 and 5.3.

[Nothv13]

Hydaelyn is not "the Light" nor is Zodiark "the Darkness" from what I understand. Light and Darkness are both aetherological elements to which they are aligned to, same as Fire, Ice, or Thunder.

Hydaelyn has nothing to do with what happened on the First. Neither is she responsible for the Echo as shown in 5.2 and 5.3.

Well. She has a little bit to do with it as her champions kicked far more butt than expected. But yes, it wasn't because she made the light itself flood the shard.

[KizuyaKatogami]

Hydaelyn is not "the Light" nor is Zodiark "the Darkness" from what I understand. Light and Darkness are both aetherological elements to which they are aligned to, same as Fire, Ice, or Thunder.

Hydaelyn has nothing to do with what happened on the First. Neither is she responsible for the Echo as shown in 5.2 and 5.3.

I mean technically she does have something to do with it considering she literally created the first by shattering the world and we know whatever automated process she set up to bestow blessings to those who met the criteria on the First could be directly used to cause an overflow of light if too many champions emerged and went too far - which is what happened

[Kaliesto]

I'm 50% certain that Fandaniel is tied to Zodiark in some way, but I'm not quite certain.

I'm going to assume for now he is some kind of aspect of Zodiark.

Also that Minfilia hydaelyn art is highly disturbing (one with the vine-like things), and not often talked about.

[KizuyaKatogami]

I'm 50% certain that Fandaniel is tied to Zodiark in some way, but I'm not quite certain.

I'm going to assume for now he is some kind of aspect of Zodiark.

Also that Minfilia hydaelyn art is highly disturbing (one with the vine-like things), and not often talked about.

People don’t talk about it because it’s evidence proving their precious hydaelyn might not be entirely benevolent lol. I don’t think Fandaniel is tied to Zodiark though. We already got that with Elidibus being his heart. My bet is Fandaniel being tied to Venat.

[TheMightyMollusk]

My expectation is that Hydaelyn will turn out to have no real motivation at all beyond the purpose she was summoned for; sealing away Zodiark. She opposes rejoinings because each one puts another part of Zodiark back together, which is against her purpose. People on the Source assume she's benevolent because all they know of rejoining is the Calamities, which to us mere mortals is a Bad Thing, but really she's a single-purpose automaton.

[SpanishInkwehsitor]

My expectation is that Hydaelyn will turn out to have no real motivation at all beyond the purpose she was summoned for; sealing away Zodiark. She opposes rejoinings because each one puts another part of Zodiark back together, which is against her purpose. People on the Source assume she's benevolent because all they know of rejoining is the Calamities, which to us mere mortals is a Bad Thing, but really she's a single-purpose automaton.

I'd love a "I must protect you from yourselves" other-motherly mindset for Hydaelyn