Relationship system?

[Rueby]

Having a tryst with Zenos would be a dream come true. (I for example can think of two potential points, one in SB, one in EW)

I think an optional system with maybe side quests would be cute.
We could have someone like the wandering minsteral, all the savage and extremes are imaginings (made up/exaggerated tales) and none are 'canon'. It'd also open up potential for exploring non-canon different endings....

That way people who don't wish to engage with the system, can simply not engage with it and it'd be just some extra fluff for those who'd enjoy it and won't have an impact on the story since it'd be in its own bubble I guess.

[Thaciscokidd]

Yes, it’s difficult to create something like this without affecting someone’s headcanon.
However, I think it’s a topic worth discussing, because many people enjoy WoL-ship just as much as they enjoy NPC shipping.

There wouldn’t be a need to rewrite past dialogue either, as long as it takes place after Endwalker. Thancred or Urianger could form new relationships while still respecting their past ones. And if they keep the options limited such as only involving Scions, it wouldn’t add too much work.

I also doubt the developers would write explicit romance for the Scions; and even if they did, it would likely be vague, since they seem wary of backlash from both self-shippers and NPC shippers.
So if it never becomes a major canon element in the future, I don’t think making them romanceable would cause issues.
As others and I have mentioned, they could make it completely optional side content with no special flavor text. Some characters would still refer to the WoL as a friend, but I don’t think that’s a serious problem.

That said, if many players don't like romance entirely, or feel that adding a relationship system itself is too much, then it would be difficult to implement other than friendship.

Honestly it wouldn't be hard for any of the female Scions barring Krile. There's a whole official short story from back in Stormblood of Lyse, Y'shtola, and Alisaie talking over tea about having a crush on the WoL.

Then it does turn to peoples personal preferences, especially with Y'shtola who magically turns into a persona-esqe MC x Naoto situation. Kanji(Runar) obviously has feeling for Naoto(Y'shtola) but you could still romance her. There's more than a handful of people who are put off from romancing her just on that statue alone.

[hydralus]

I admit it would be interesting to see how the WoL will manage to navigate a relationship with 1 dialog option every 4 cutscenes.

[Joeoj]

Honestly it wouldn't be hard for any of the female Scions barring Krile. There's a whole official short story from back in Stormblood of Lyse, Y'shtola, and Alisaie talking over tea about having a crush on the WoL.

Then it does turn to peoples personal preferences, especially with Y'shtola who magically turns into a persona-esqe MC x Naoto situation. Kanji(Runar) obviously has feeling for Naoto(Y'shtola) but you could still romance her. There's more than a handful of people who are put off from romancing her just on that statue alone.

Yeah, I remember that story. It was cute to see Alisaie having a crush on the WoL.
And like you said, Y’shtola is a particularly tricky case to handle. she has a large fanbase, and It seems like many people enjoy shipping her with Runar.

[Thaciscokidd]

And woof, I don't want to know what happens in Source Divorce Court, or the aftermath. Can you imagine the snapshots on Jilted EX(treme)? Would be the hardest trial of all time, lol.

We know that you've saved out tails thousands of time but the jury finds that the WoL must turn over 75% of his Gil and his Large Mansion in the Mist.

[RedLolly]

Yeah, the twins would be automatically out because they literally ARE children. They're 16 years old, and that's comparatively even younger for Elezen that can easily hit 120 years old. (They've not even hit puberty, apparently).

Like, I know I'd pursue G'raha's relationship path if this kind of thing was added, but would it be an issue that he's technically over 100 years older than my 20-something WoL?

Also. Lalafell. People are going to naturally take issue with that despite the game consistently writing Lalafell characters as adults in either completely straight and tasteful ways, or playing that fact up for comedy.

This also just assumes that every romancable character doesn't have preferences beyond WoL-sexual.



Personally, I just make up my own stories. I can doodle and write decently, so fuck it. Cringe is dead. SE programming a ginger catboy to stare at you from any angle because he adores you killed it. Who cares!

[MicahZerrshia]

Having a tryst with Zenos would be a dream come true.

This is such a bazaar take to me. It gives the same vibes as the ppl who want a Joker/Harley type relationship.

[NecroprincessCleo]

This is such a bazaar take to me. It gives the same vibes as the ppl who want a Joker/Harley type relationship.

not really that wasn't consensual between them for joker to beat her up, its a type of dom, sub, but more sadistic masochism. Its actrually something primal that alot of people are into. plus you beat him up to so its kinda like in theory both having pleasure in fighting each other

[Joeoj]

Well, I understand many possibilities of making negative things happen to those who don't want it, but we could agree if the system didn't make anyone sad, it would be OK to be there?

If our current situation is ±0 for both people who want it and people who don't, all that is needed is making +(positive) for someone who wants it and not making -(negative) for someone who doesn't.

In that case, I still think it's not impossible. That said, this is actually unfair if only one side is happy, even though it's difficult to make everyone happy at once. It should only be allowed if next time something is added that makes only the other side happy.

The romance system in the game doesn't mean wolship is canon.
Even if the system was happened, It'd be just one possibility and not change the fact that there's also the possibility that an NPC falls in love with another NPC.
It wouldn't actually change anything about the current state in the game; Estinien still can be Aymeric's boyfriend.

Regarding wolsexal, I think it's a matter of perspective.
You could say that it's not normal for NPCs to fall in love with WoL, but you could also say that the Warrior of Light is attractive enough for that to happen.

It's playersexual if Wol is a normal person and everyone loved them (I don't think it's a problem either personally, since video games are entertainment and often have something convenient to make players happy.)
However, I think the game is written in the way Wol is loved because of their actions for others, so it makes more sense that NPCs adore them.

[Shinku_Tachi]

I've been open for this ever since that April Fools joke from the FFXIV community team themselves from back in the day.

It would be a fun little side thing to do, and I'd happily take part!

Source: Final Fantasy XIV: Official Blog -- Introducing the "Favour" System!