Okay, I apologize in advance for what is going to be a MASSIVE wall of text.
I've honestly never role-played before, and to be honest, I've never played an MMO where I *actually* cared about my character, beyond "how he looks". In fact, my first "main" character (Miqo'te Monk), I skipped virtually all of the quest dialogue and cutscenes, up until the very end of  2.0. Since then, I've been hooked on the story, and I want to create a new character -- a Xaela, specifically -- that is as Lore-friendly as possible.
So... What little we know of the Xaela is that they are made up of 51 nomadic, warring tribes (with a few exceptions). Apparently, just as the Raen's names are based on Japanese names (which suits their more tranquil culture), the Xaela's names are based on Mongolian names. Thing is, I don't know a single thing *about* Mongolians (Mongols?), of their culture.
On top of that, though, I also want to the choice of starting-area and eventually Grand Company to be taken into account. Not just "which one I like best" -- because I genuinely like both Ul'dah as well as Limsa Lominsa -- but being invested in the story as I am, I want to make the choice that "fits" the best.
For one, the two Classes I'd be choosing between are Gladiator and Marauder. Even though the choice doesn't *technically* matter, I feel like it plays a part in setting-up their whole narrative. On the one hand, real-world Gladiators were pretty brutal dudes, but in Eorzea, I don't know as much about them. What I *do* know is that they eventually become Paladins, which are the traditional "Holy Knight" style of character for Final Fantasy games. Plus, aren't Paladins part of the Sultansword? Assuming you started in Ul'dah, and became a Paladin, it actually makes more sense as to why you are forced to flee to Ishgard. My main, for example, belongs to the Twin Adders (who I chose simply because I was a Monk, and have a skill called "Twin Snakes"; literally wasn't paying attention to the story back then), and after "that stuff" that happens in 2.55, I couldn't help but think "WoW, Ken-E; you're just gonna *leave me*?!?"
On the other hand, Limsa Lominsa seems like a more "rugged" kind of city, even if the landscape isn't so much. I'll admit, I really don't get a Nautical-vibe from the Xaela, and Limsa, the Maelstrom, and Marauder all give off a decidedly "Pirate-y" vibe. Not just "outlaw", but seafaring pirates *specifically*. At the same time, though, Ul'dah seems driven more by greed than might, whereas Limsa seems much more welcoming of new faces.
Getting back to "narrative", though... Both Cities and Grand Companies seem to offer radically different "takes" on the story. If you start in Ul'dah, you meet Thancred first. If you join the Immortal Flames (not gonna lie; I definitely love the *name* of the Immortal Flames), you're part of an organization which obviously becomes *very* important in the 2.X Main Scenario quests. The whole story, then, becomes a recurring tale of betrayal, and the transition from Paladin (who, to my understanding, is an extension of the Sultansword, thus left without purpose) to Dark Knight becomes surprisingly believable.
On the other hand, though... *should* a Xaela really be so concerned with the fate of Ul'dah or its people? With Y'shtola being the main Scion you deal with in Limsa Lominsa, I've always really liked her as a character, and considering Xaela are supposedly these menacing, ferocious warriors, there's something sort of fitting about Y'shtola being your first encounter with the Scions; whereas Thancred I found to be a little annoying, Y'shtola seems more like the type who would be able to "handle" the more barbaric sort of personalities. Plus, shallow as it sounds, Xaela definitely look *very* fitting in the Warrior AF armor (although to be fair, I don't know any of the Lore behind either Job, and I've always been keen on the Immortal Flames' Gladiator-style armor).
Now, without spoiling anything... I naturally sort of wonder if Heavensward's story would make either of these choices seem easier than the other? I honestly don't want any story moments spelled out for me, but if you feel like there's a particular revelation in the story that would influence the decision one way or the other, just say what direction it would make you lean. For example, Merlwyb and the Maelstrom -- really, Limsa Lominsa as a whole -- has been fairly unremarkable, as far as story goes. Perhaps that changes?
Honestly, as long as you don't dive into Heavensward-specific spoilers, I would love to read anything you guys have to say. By all means, spoiler the ARR stuff, including Job lore; for example, Marauders are clearly all pirates based out of Limsa Lominsa, but what of Warriors? Or what about Gladiators versus Paladins? Please, any detail is appreciated!
I've honestly never role-played before, and to be honest, I've never played an MMO where I *actually* cared about my character, beyond "how he looks". In fact, my first "main" character (Miqo'te Monk), I skipped virtually all of the quest dialogue and cutscenes, up until the very end of  2.0. Since then, I've been hooked on the story, and I want to create a new character -- a Xaela, specifically -- that is as Lore-friendly as possible.
So... What little we know of the Xaela is that they are made up of 51 nomadic, warring tribes (with a few exceptions). Apparently, just as the Raen's names are based on Japanese names (which suits their more tranquil culture), the Xaela's names are based on Mongolian names. Thing is, I don't know a single thing *about* Mongolians (Mongols?), of their culture.
On top of that, though, I also want to the choice of starting-area and eventually Grand Company to be taken into account. Not just "which one I like best" -- because I genuinely like both Ul'dah as well as Limsa Lominsa -- but being invested in the story as I am, I want to make the choice that "fits" the best.
For one, the two Classes I'd be choosing between are Gladiator and Marauder. Even though the choice doesn't *technically* matter, I feel like it plays a part in setting-up their whole narrative. On the one hand, real-world Gladiators were pretty brutal dudes, but in Eorzea, I don't know as much about them. What I *do* know is that they eventually become Paladins, which are the traditional "Holy Knight" style of character for Final Fantasy games. Plus, aren't Paladins part of the Sultansword? Assuming you started in Ul'dah, and became a Paladin, it actually makes more sense as to why you are forced to flee to Ishgard. My main, for example, belongs to the Twin Adders (who I chose simply because I was a Monk, and have a skill called "Twin Snakes"; literally wasn't paying attention to the story back then), and after "that stuff" that happens in 2.55, I couldn't help but think "WoW, Ken-E; you're just gonna *leave me*?!?"
On the other hand, Limsa Lominsa seems like a more "rugged" kind of city, even if the landscape isn't so much. I'll admit, I really don't get a Nautical-vibe from the Xaela, and Limsa, the Maelstrom, and Marauder all give off a decidedly "Pirate-y" vibe. Not just "outlaw", but seafaring pirates *specifically*. At the same time, though, Ul'dah seems driven more by greed than might, whereas Limsa seems much more welcoming of new faces.
Getting back to "narrative", though... Both Cities and Grand Companies seem to offer radically different "takes" on the story. If you start in Ul'dah, you meet Thancred first. If you join the Immortal Flames (not gonna lie; I definitely love the *name* of the Immortal Flames), you're part of an organization which obviously becomes *very* important in the 2.X Main Scenario quests. The whole story, then, becomes a recurring tale of betrayal, and the transition from Paladin (who, to my understanding, is an extension of the Sultansword, thus left without purpose) to Dark Knight becomes surprisingly believable.
On the other hand, though... *should* a Xaela really be so concerned with the fate of Ul'dah or its people? With Y'shtola being the main Scion you deal with in Limsa Lominsa, I've always really liked her as a character, and considering Xaela are supposedly these menacing, ferocious warriors, there's something sort of fitting about Y'shtola being your first encounter with the Scions; whereas Thancred I found to be a little annoying, Y'shtola seems more like the type who would be able to "handle" the more barbaric sort of personalities. Plus, shallow as it sounds, Xaela definitely look *very* fitting in the Warrior AF armor (although to be fair, I don't know any of the Lore behind either Job, and I've always been keen on the Immortal Flames' Gladiator-style armor).
Now, without spoiling anything... I naturally sort of wonder if Heavensward's story would make either of these choices seem easier than the other? I honestly don't want any story moments spelled out for me, but if you feel like there's a particular revelation in the story that would influence the decision one way or the other, just say what direction it would make you lean. For example, Merlwyb and the Maelstrom -- really, Limsa Lominsa as a whole -- has been fairly unremarkable, as far as story goes. Perhaps that changes?
Honestly, as long as you don't dive into Heavensward-specific spoilers, I would love to read anything you guys have to say. By all means, spoiler the ARR stuff, including Job lore; for example, Marauders are clearly all pirates based out of Limsa Lominsa, but what of Warriors? Or what about Gladiators versus Paladins? Please, any detail is appreciated!