Revisiting Au Ra Concept Artwork: Future Race?

[aveyond-dreams]

As those of us who have been around long enough know well, the Au Ra as we know them today were previously conceived in very different forms. Compared to their original concept artwork, they've been largely defanged and an unfortunate case of vast differences between the models for the two genders has left them hardly looking like they belong to the same race in respect to body size and proportion.

With 6.5's finale, it is not unreasonable to suggest that history may repeat itself with a future void themed expansion. It is also not unreasonable to suggest that in the same vein as other MMORPGs, that FFXIV will continue to see class additions as well as playable race additions, as these are staple features for selling expansions.

Interest in the features Au Ra originally had, such as more demonic appearances, different horn shapes, as well as the female model having a build more in line with their male counterparts have often been requested in the past.

I can think of no better point to introduce this as a separate playable race in the future than when the story, inevitably, pivots back to the Void. As of now, there are very little other plot threads that could reasonably carry the main story and with an expansion set in the Void, a race of full-on Voidsent or half-Voidsent would be an excellent and almost expected addition. It wouldn't do for say a Legion-like expansion to release without Demon Hunter, etc.

I propose using the highlander male build with an edited slimmer waist for the male model, and using the female Viera model for the women as it is athletic and tall enough to go with the former. I believe that in addition to horns being a separate, customizable option in lieu of tails, that various beard and facial hair styles should be made available for the male faces. As lore changes on the fly - as it did for Viera and Hrothgar both in order to accommodate their missing genders - I see no reason why an explanation for a playable Void themed race cannot be found.

[Absimiliard]

I certainly would like these Au Ra more than what we got.

[Oizen]

Males would be a big improvement if they were like that.

Females basically look the exact same as the bottom right of that concept art.

[Bonoki]

I'm pretty sure we got what we got because these didn't look good to the devs when fully 3D modeled. Besides, I like current female Au Ra more. The concept Xaela is way to succubus/demonic for my tastes.

[CidHeiral]

I am forever salty that we didn't get badass dragon women.

[Payadopa]

I really like the beard in the lower right. The current ones look kinda plasticy.

[Rithy255]

I prefer the female concept art personally I like how more demonic it looks.

I think I'd unironically play it over miqo'te if it looked good in a 3D

[Atelier-Bagur]

If theyre not willing to accomodate for Hrothgar and Viera like what they do with current Au Ra then I rather we not have this conversation of new races until they finally fix those issues first.

I dont even play these races and in fact dislike Hrothgar but it blows my mind how long they keep treating them with such disregard to the playerbase where people have to fight tooth and nail for being able to wear hats.

How in the hell did they managed with Au Ra and their illogical horns being able to fit every helm in the game but something simple as cat and bunny ears manage to stump the modeling team?

[Vahlnir]

I am forever salty that we didn't get badass dragon women.

Same. It could have been great.

[Syln]

When i look at those arts i feel like we got the "at home" version of Au ra :3