Cutscene after Credits roll: SPOILERS

[Anonymoose]

More like the other way around, really. If you read the plot premise for Lightning Returns, I think it may hint as to how they're going to tie Lightning's world to FFXIV's.

I was kind of hoping they'd just have her hitch a ride in with Gilgamesh. What makes Gilgamesh Gilgamesh is his ability to travel the void between Final Fantasy settings, so no one would be able to complain about anything other than SE taking an easy sidestreet. Plus it would be funny when they just randomly show up in Ul'dah.

Lightning: "NOT THIS COLISEUM, YOU DOLT."
Gilgamesh: "YOU NEVER SPECIFIED. HAND OVER THE MECHANICAL SWORD, PINKY."

[Iskander]

The Void exists outside the different universes and, from how its been used and explained, pretty much connects the different worlds. We already know that it's possible to get from world to world from the void thanks to our friendly neighborhood Gilgamesh. The Ascians seem to use the void. If they start using it to tear open holes, who knows who'll be unlucky enough to find those holes, step inside, and wind up getting their butts handed to them by us. Please don't bring in Balthier though. He's too awesome to lose to us.

[Trystane]

Maybe they are just created to resemble the main characters of all the final fantasies but aren't truly the originals?

Like sharing personality, weapons of choice and their appearance, but having different names and being characters in this setting with no connection to Ivalice, Spira, Gaia, Cocoon/Pulse?

Sort of like recognizable fanserviecy easter eggs?

[Renvalt]

Maybe they are just created to resemble the main characters of all the final fantasies but aren't truly the originals?

Like sharing personality, weapons of choice and their appearance, but having different names and being characters in this setting with no connection to Ivalice, Spira, Gaia, Cocoon/Pulse?

Sort of like recognizable fanserviecy easter eggs?

That sounds a lot easier to swallow, actually. I mean, back when FF8 came out, I had always fancied Rinoa to be no more than a Tifa-wannabe (even though the two are totally not alike in any way; though this comes from one who hasn't played FF8).

[Catapult]

Well...

Lightning is a bit of a void-spectator in Valhalla, so I can buy her getting into Eorzea.

Tidus is a dream/primal, so I get him being able to end up in Eorzea.

...but Balthier? I can't see it. Earrings aside, that hairstyle doesn't quite fit either.

[Shuon]

I think you guys who think those were Balthier and Tidus/Cloud are reading too much into it? Those are pre-existing Hyur Male hairstyles... although it beats me why they specifically modelled the female ascian after Lightning...

[Catapult]

I'll at least humour the fringe theory. Because if it's true, they deserve kudos for calling it.

And I've had some even more wild fringe theories during my time here.

[Vydos]

One word: Fanservice

I doubt that any of those ascians are/will be the actual FF characters. But I wouldn't be surprised if they will be made to resemble famous FF characters in the franchise. Just like how Nael van Darnus was basically Sephiroth in an armor(personality).

[xXRaineXx]

The one who you call Cloud seems more like Bartz to me, since lore/story wise he is more connected to ARR lore than anyone else.

1. Knows Gilgamesh.
2. Has been into the Interdimensional Rift.
3. Light Warrior
4. Protector of the Crystal

This seems to be more logical than Cloud fanboi's reasoning :3