I think the issue is trying to apply considerations of realism to a superhero setting -- which I argue FFXIV, and FF generally, is. Superhero settings have as a trope that everyone at the same "power rank" is roughly equal, no matter what their source of power happens to be. Sure, individuals may have advantages in various circumstances, but on the whole, your "Power Level 10" characters (to steal a term from Mutants and Masterminds) will all be equally matched against each other. That definitely seems to be the case in FFXIV; fighters whose only "power" is unbridled rage and a giant axe can stand toe to toe with people who can summon giant fireballs or instantly heal wounds.
Is it realistic? Not especially. However, our characters definitely don't live in a realistic setting.
We have print newspapers for a tiny learned class. We have lighting systems, ceiling fans, robot walkers, and airships, but chocobo-drawn carriages and walking are still the way most people travel. This is a world with a weird techno-fantasy, anime-powered flavor, and part of that is that, yes, some guy can leap dramatically into the air and impale a marmot with pinpoint accuracy -- but if he tries to do it to a Paladin with sword and shield, she can block the attack with a smirk and a dramatic shower of sparks.
I guess my point is to be concerned about the narrative and effective agency of characters and not get too wrapped up in what's realistic or not in a setting that is rather fantastical.
Is it realistic? Not especially. However, our characters definitely don't live in a realistic setting.
We have print newspapers for a tiny learned class. We have lighting systems, ceiling fans, robot walkers, and airships, but chocobo-drawn carriages and walking are still the way most people travel. This is a world with a weird techno-fantasy, anime-powered flavor, and part of that is that, yes, some guy can leap dramatically into the air and impale a marmot with pinpoint accuracy -- but if he tries to do it to a Paladin with sword and shield, she can block the attack with a smirk and a dramatic shower of sparks.I guess my point is to be concerned about the narrative and effective agency of characters and not get too wrapped up in what's realistic or not in a setting that is rather fantastical.
The Freelance Wizard
Quality RP at low, low prices!
((about me | about L'yhta Mahre | L'yhta's desk | about Mysterium, the Ivory Tower: a heavy RP society of mages))
Quality RP at low, low prices!
((about me | about L'yhta Mahre | L'yhta's desk | about Mysterium, the Ivory Tower: a heavy RP society of mages))
