(03-12-2015, 05:13 AM)hauntmedoitagain Wrote: I just really don't understand where this interpretation comes from because it makes several assumptions that seem ridiculous in the grand scheme of things:
A. The only Padjal in the entire land happen to be the five NPCs referenced in 2.0.
B. If not that, then they all think the same like a series of clones even though they all come from differing backgrounds.
C. This is the only way to do it.
D. That the reliance on the so-called will of the elementals is actually something more than exaggeration and superstition.
A lot of this obviously absurd imo, but what really settles it is the official site disagrees with it outright:
Quote:Although the art subsequently became forbidden, it is now in the midst of a revival at the hands of the Padjal, chosen of the elementals.
1) The Padjal aren't a populace species. It's not unreasonable to think there'd be so few of them.
2) Given that they exist to be the human trustees of the elementals, it's not unreasonable that they'd act in a similar way.
3+4) The "so called" will of the elementals is a very real thing. The Shroud is sentient, sort of, and while it's weakened from the time of 1.0, succor is literally a gift given from the elementals to wield. It currently IS the only way to wield it, as confirmed at Fanfest: The lore panel stated there are people working on a way to twist succor away from the elementals for their personal use, and it was heavily implied this is a villainous thing to do.
The blurb for WHM on the official site is also speaking of post-2.0 continuity. If we're correct to interpret that they're referring to the job coming commonplace thanks to the Padjals trying to teach people how to wield it (which itself is ridiculous, because it isn't theirs to lend or teach), that's still referring to years after Carteneau. White Mages are heavily restricted lore-wise, and if I'm remembering my lore correctly the padjal are only trusted with it (and by proxy, the Midlander Main Character through the story quest) because the elementals can tell they have no capacity for evil or misuse in their heart.
It's very tricky to write around. People shouldn't feel discouraged from doing so, but they should accept that stating they have succor means they have to behave very, very strictly. It's easier to just wear white robes and be a conjurer, but for some people folks see the title and latch onto it, as if that in and of itself means anything in roleplay.
As an aside, I appreciate the lore team telling us that yes, Midlander is the main character, and yes, all of the canon story hinges on his deeds- He's the one that clears Coil, he's the one at Carteneau, he's the one who faces Ultima Weapon, etc. As someone ignoring the MSQ in my own stories it's nice to know who's working in the background.
![[Image: yEROfKO.png]](http://i.imgur.com/yEROfKO.png)
