Clearing up some lore misconceptions

[LemonJuice]

Hello! I'd like to start by saying that I've been a long time lurker on the lore forum, as in almost 8 years long, but this is the first time I'll actually be contributing anything. And what I have to contribute, is this!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

It's a 36 page long essay on a few lore misconceptions that I feel have become too widespread for comfort. It covers the following fan theories:

• The AoE markers that we see during gameplay are explained by the WoL's Echo.
• Wipes are explained by the Echo, as the WoL has a sort of "battle prescience" that allows them to see the correct path to victory.
• The WoL canonically solos all primals and other powerful entities. (Accounts for the vast majority of the doc.)
• Estinien doesn’t bathe.

The document is sourced with quotes and citations from all the relevant quests, and examines the text from all language versions! It also covers the nature of the game's localisation, the discrepancies between versions, and the ahem quirkiness of the journal. Have a read if you're interested in all that stuff!

I hope this doesn't break any forum rules or etiquette, but I've spent days on this project and, of course, I couldn't possibly fit it in a post here, so I've no choice but to link the document itself.

I hope you'll enjoy!

[Anonymoose]

I'd love to see something like this catch on just so I never have to see "Y'shtola is immortal" or "Nael van Darnus was a localization error." again.

[Brightamethyst]

I'd love to see something like this catch on just so I never have to see "Y'shtola is immortal" or "Nael van Darnus was a localization error." again.

Some of that is that literal magic can sometimes make it hard to tell what's real vs exaggeration. Like with Y'shtola. While it's unlikely that Y'shtola is actually unaging, it is definitely possible within the lore, leading to understandable confusion. (see also, Hildibrand, etc)

[MercuryD]

The Echo giving the ability to pre-dodge has always been a hand wave type of thing to me as it isn't ever confirm/denied anywhere. It's an innocent headcanon at worst.

As for the "did we solo? Were we in a group?" I'm content with the reasoning given (in HW, I think?) that the answer to that is "are you? Aren't you? Who knows?" unless made obvious such as Prae or Hades in which you can see the other players as part of story-centric cinematic.

Other than that I don't have too many nitpicks aside from some inferences regarding the echo and adventurers not being likely to have it and lack of other warriors of light (though I know of only one explicitly named off the top of my head) Maybe I misunderstood though.

[Veloran]

Some of what you say is a misconception is really just an alternative interpretation to your own. The AoE markers for example, - While the game doesn't actually say it's WoL's Echo allowing them to read telegraphs, the fact that we know it's possible and the fact that WoL is so powerful and can clearly see indicators that couldn't be reasonably read just through inference makes it a tidy explanation. The "WoL can read how battles happen" idea? There is actually evidence for this in the game with the various Minstrel ballads, which Omega explicitly says should allow WoL to tap into their own psyche and play out various confrontations in order to grow stronger from the experience.

As to the question of WoL soloing for most of their adventure, frankly it should be clear that outside of the two particular cases where this was narratively important, the existence of anyone helping WoL is highly questionable at best. Your breakdown is pretty comprehensive, and seems to show quite cleanly that there was a shift in writing from ARR onwards that was only partially broken through some tongue-in-cheek descriptions in Stormblood. As such I'm not so sure why you listed the answer to that section as being "NO", despite the answer in the vast majority of cases being "yes".

[akita_kt]

The "WoL can read how battles happen" idea? There is actually evidence for this in the game with the various Minstrel ballads, which Omega explicitly says should allow WoL to tap into their own psyche and play out various confrontations in order to grow stronger from the experience.

I didn't read this as being "WoL tapping into their own psyche", but more of "Omega wants you to evolve so it gives you your own battle data but mixed with Omega's own data so the encounters are harder and WoL can sweat and cry during Hello, World".

It is highly probable that you already possess a record of your battle performance. As such, I have enhanced your base encounters with supplemental data to provide a more stimulating experience. These enhanced encounters would be impossible in reality, but simulations can be sufficient to nurture your continued evolution.

Or are you thinking of something else and this "tapping into their psyche" thing isn't on the Alphascape Savage unlock and I'm mixing things up?

[Veloran]

Or are you thinking of something else and this "tapping into their psyche" thing isn't on the Alphascape Savage unlock and I'm mixing things up?

Unscheduled transmission. I have learned that your automatic memory processing and data simulation function is known as "dreaming." While I was unable to assimilate your self-described "strength of soul," extensive observation of mortal behavior has provided me insight into suitable phrases for myriad situations. Thus, in anticipation of your forthcoming sleep cycle, I bid you "good night" ...and "sweet dreams."

The journal also basically describes all the savage encounters as daydreaming.

[akita_kt]

The journal also basically describes all the savage encounters as daydreaming.

I'm still not getting it. That quote is just Omega dying. I just don't see it and go "yes, this is about WoL tapping into their psyche".

The Deltascape and Sigmascape encounters are truly described as something akin to a dream, but they're not Omega-given; instead, they're the Minstrel things up:

Taken by curiosity, you activate something called the Savage Initiative at a Garlond Ironworks terminal. Apparently a program to address work-related stress, you are treated to a soothing song composed by a certain minstrel, its lush strains massaging your mind and adding vibrant flourishes to the memories of your trials within the Deltascape...

The urge to flip switches is almost irresistible...even when you know full well the consequences for doing so. Once more your finger moves as if of its own accord, and activates the second phase of the Savage Initiative. As the gentle arrangement drifts from the terminal, you are transported to a remembered vista of the Sigmascape, each lapping wave of the song swelling the boundary of your memories...

Alphascape Savage is another beast. It's the only Omega Raids tier that's not a daydream or a hallucination: it's real data mixed with Omega's data.

The switch taunts you. You cannot resist. A satisfying “click” and your moment of weakness has activated a new phase of the Savage Initiative. This time, however, something is different. The broadcast is interrupted by an unexpected transmission─a message from beyond oblivion. A familiar voice guides you in an unfamiliar tone, and arms you with knowledge of impossible simulations. Your evolution is at hand.

So I think yeah, the Delta and Sigma descriptions do go into the direction of "WoL tapping into their psyche in a minstrel-induced daydream", but Alphascape, the one Omega gives you, doesn't.

English isn't my first language, so if I'm still getting something wrong, please tell me. I don't mean to be annoying or anything, just trying to understand.

[Veloran]

According to Omega, data processing and simulation, for people, is "dreaming". That's what I mean when I say WoL is tapping into their own psyche to dream the encounters into being.

[Jandor]

Firstly, that's an impressive amount of work sourcing quotes and the like. A very good effort and I can definitely see myself referencing back to it at some point.

Secondly, the game establishes to my own satisfaction the precedent that you receive help, I don't need them to keep mentioning it every time nor explain how they're there. I can fill in the blanks on my own.

Thirdly, and this is something I've changed my mind on slightly over the years, but I think the overwhelmingly vast majority of fights don't really have a canon way of doing them. The descriptions of your encounters are often vague and inconsistent, and I personally have come to believe it has been done that way on purpose, essentially leaving how you actually cleared something up to player interpretation.

-----
NPC: This will be a tough one, gather your echo blessed adventurer friends.
Solo WoL: Nah, don't worry about it I'll be fine.
-----
NPC: Quick WoL! No time to lose, the enemy is straight ahead!
Party WoL: With me my 7 echo blessed friends that I always bring with me!