(08-05-2015, 11:32 AM)Graeham Wrote: I think this is a matter of a misunderstanding because nobody is trying to force anybody to adhere to the developer's view of the setting or the way in which the setting has been established. If people wish to go off and do their own thing then that's fine - but it's their burden and they should at least admit that they're the ones taking liberties with the lore instead of implying that those of us who adhere to the setting as it's intended to be seen are somehow in the wrong for doing so.
On a side note, I may be mistaken but you've yet to complete the MSQ's for Heavensward, correct? I won't spoil anything specific but the tone and general atmosphere of the expansion is even darker than the 2.0 stuff. That, to me, suggests that it's what the developers intend - and their statements and various in-game sources support it.
I, for one, welcome the 'gritty' nature of the setting. It's what drew me into FFXIV in the first place - since I prefer my MMO's to be 'gritty' and involve intrigue, heroic struggles, discrimination and all the other trimmings. I've crafted my characters story around that sort of thing (which makes his role as a diplomat that much more interesting) and I'm seemingly the direct target audience given how much I've enjoyed Heavensward and the themes explored throughout the expansion.
That doesn't mean that I'm opposed to lighthearted stuff - and yes, there's plenty of that to be found in-game. It doesn't suddenly mean that there isn't horrific stuff going on all throughout Eorzea, though - especially when one examines the flavour text for quests, levequests, FATE's and so on; thus finding out just how bleak a place it can be.
So in short? No - nobody can 'enforce' other people to adhere to the developer's vision. Yet as a rough example: if George R.R Martin offers elaboration as to a particular character's motivation in Game of Thrones (and he's the guy who wrote it) then what he says trumps any fan interpretation to the contrary.
It's the same for FFXIV. If people want to interpret the setting differently to the creators then they're free to do so - but ultimately what the developers say is what's most important and it most definitely is supported by various in-game events and dialogue as shown through the many examples given throughout this very thread.
Though it does make for an interesting debate!
You can say 'you' here, Graeham. It is alright. I won't be shy in saying that  I am one of the folks you are referring to who interprets the lore/story differently. I suppose I don't see my interpretation to be false because I don't hold developer  quotes in as high regard. Well, I do tend to believe in lore Q & A's ....just not if they seem to contradict other sources.
Unless it is debating over whether or not Hydaelyn also exists in the DBZ universe or some other ridiculous claim, most of the story and lore can be debated on because it is gray. What makes it gray in here is that you hold the developers' words in a higher regard, whereas what happens in game takes precedence for conflicting lore, for me.
I really do wish you and any others' luck to find the RP conflict and themes they are clamoring for. It is always a pleasant surprise to find those rare RP incidents that make you go "This is why I made my character!" I do actually enjoy gritty, dark stories more, I just don't see FFXIV as that. I am happy to participate in the RPs you're looking for as a boring neutral good type character, I just don't initiate them and focus on different elements.Â
I'm sure most of us have different story themes we like to focus on anyway. It can be frustrating when everyone is neutral good but perhaps there is a work around for that? If the opposite player plays a NPC there could be potential there.
Now with a wiki! Flickering Ember's wiki
