(12-15-2015, 07:50 PM)0range Wrote: This post can be summed up in a question: Can a highlander be Ishgardian, and even a part of the upper-class?
I've seen midlanders in Ishgard, though it seems to me they're all part of the lower class? I don't think I've seen any highlanders, however. My character is a knight. This is a large part of my interest in Ishgard.
One concern that comes to mind is that, much like the real world, it seems to me knights are from the nobility. That complicates matters further, I should think (though I'm in no way opposed to roleplaying the character as nobility, in fact I almost count on it - a minor noble, perhaps, but noble nonetheless. Well-read, good upbringing, etc.). How does a highlander from Ishgard stand up? How does one being a knight work out, furthermore?
The short answer: Yes! Absolutely! You can be a Highlander Knight hailing from Ishgard!
Longer answer: While Highlanders do not make up a majority race within Ishgardian society due to close to 500 years of race wars between Elezen and invading Highlanders near Ishgard's founding, there are some present within the city-state. I do not know of any born Ishgardian Highlanders represented in game, however, as Ishgard shut the Gates of Judgement to all outsiders about 20 years ago, around the same time that Ala Mhigo fell and Gyr Abania, homeland of the Highlander tribes, fell under Garlean rule.
The Goodwill Traders Wrote:During the fall of Ala Mhigo, hundreds of refugees were forced to flee their homes, taking only what they could carry and leaving the rest of their possessions behind. Many of those who survived the exodus found refuge in the hamlets of Coerthas and Thanalan, however, were soon faced with poverty, often lacking the coin to buy clothes enough to protect them from the elements. Black Rabbit Traders has heard their cries for help, and has devised a plan to help the Ala Mhigans while ridding the Twelveswood of troublesome poachers in the process. The outfit is hiring adventurers to seek out Humblehearth poachers and slay the criminals, then bring their jerkins back to the Black Rabbit so they can fix them up and sell them to the refugees at a price they can afford.
Ishgardian Knights are actually not always nobility. Nobility by birth is tied almost directly to lineage, but any Ishgardian may advance their social status by performing noble feats, such as slaying a dragon. So while it'd be highly unlikely to find a Highlander lesser-noble House, it's within the realm of possibility for a Highlander to become a knight under a noble house, slay a dragon and claim nobility for himself. Or, you can just have a Highlander Knight employed by one of the Four High Houses, it's quite common.
House Dzemael, for example, had an entire family of Roegadyn who served under their banner. You can find Dyrstweitz retired in Costa del Sol now, but before the Calamity he was a knight under Dzemael's banner, and his father was the Count's chef. House Fortemps especially is infamous for their employment of foreign knights, artisans, and merchants. That is another avenue.
Below are some relevant lore blurbs you might find helpful, as well as links to other Ishgardian discussions and lore. Hope this helps! ^^
House Fortemps Steward Wrote:As for those sworn to House Fortemps... In addition to the knights, squires, and infantry, more than a hundred craftsmen, retainers, and other servants possessed of notable skill are pledged to our service. Given our strong position, one might expect us to have no truck with foreign merchants and sellswords. However, nothing could be further from the truth. I should think that my lord the count was quite clear on this point, but it was our hope that you and your allies would, by your deeds, help us to convince the other High Houses of the wisdom of opening the Gates of Judgement to all - among other things.
Dyrstweitz Wrote:A hearty hail to you, adventurer. I am Dyrstweitz, son of Dyrstweitz. I serve House Dzemael, as did my father and his father before him. Like them, I have sworn a solemn oath to protect the count's lands and holdings from any and all that would do them harm. Originally designed to provide protection against air and land attacks from the Wyrmking's horde, construction on the Darkhold began several generations ago when Count Dzemael, fifty-third of his line and lord of House Dzemael - greatest of the four high houses of Ishgard - discovered a hidden network of caves while foxing near the Nail.
You might also be interested in Haimirich, Captain of Oschon's Raiders who is a Highlander under the employ of House Fortemps.
House Fortemps Knight Wrote:Indeed, the count has but recently seen fit to hire foreign sellswords for their experience and knowledge of other lands. You are to work with Oschon's Raiders, one such company under our banner. Their captain, Haimirich, can be found between jobs at the Forgotten Knight. No doubt he is enjoying the excellent ale. Whatever his profession, I do think Haimirich a man of honor. I have even joined him for a cup at the Forgotten Knight.
-Four High House Lore Compilation
-List of Known Lesser Noble Houses
-Ishgardian High House Relations and Political Assassination Lore
-Azure Dragoon & Order of the Knights Dragoon Lore
-The Heavensward and Temple Knight Lore
-Ishgardian Scholasticate, Conjury, and Thaumaturgy Lore
-Dusk, Stone, Steel, Dawn Vigil Lore
-How Has Ishgard Fed Itself?
-Halonic Funeral Lore
-Eorzean Religion Lore Masterpost (Bit in there about Ishgard and the Enchiridion)
-Eorzean Racial Lore Masterpost (Race War History section you may find interesting)
-Complete Sightseeing Lore Compilation (Ishgardian ones start at #68)
Lemme know if you have more questions! I threw in some extra Ishgard lore because, well, I already had this compilation at the ready.
