Quote Originally Posted by Toutatis View Post
the weather is bad
Strangely enough this isn't really true. I've noticed weather is frequently Fair/Clear at my FC's house, even when Firmament and Ishgard proper have snow for the weather.

Just checked the Skywatcher at the Foundation Aetheryte and got the following messages:

In Ishgard it is currently overcast. The forecast calls for extended snow. Tomorrow at this time, the area should be fair.

In Empyreum it is currently overcast. The forecast calls for extended clear skies. Tomorrow at this time, the area should be foggy.

Could be they're swapping snow in Ishgard to clear skies for housing? Would take a bit of tracking to confirm.

I think most of the gloom in Empyreum comes from the brooding stone architecture. I agree it tends to be a depressing looking place though I'm getting a little attached to my FC's small right across from the "snowman park".