Though I'm not an expert on Othard and the like, I think the answers to your questions are both: Probably yes. I don't think we have enough geographical evidence of Othard to cause any fuss with the fishing village/island idea.
As for the second question...
The Arcanistry in particular may take on some 'primitive' forms as a result of her isolated and limited access. I don't believe there's much in the way of particularly detailed explanations for how Arcanists do what they do. Symbols, geometries, equations, (and in the case of Carbuncle) gemstones -- these being used to shape the aether and possibly amplifying based on some factors. There are some details such as the Arcanists' Guild coming about with Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn becoming admiral -- so your character will likely not be practicing the precise techniques taught there, though the practice in general (or, at least, its origins) are much, much older.
The only detailed explanation for geometries I've found thus far in-game was from the Alchemist quest line:
Alternate ideas for Arcanist forms could be those rooted in symbolism -- perhaps your character drew something with some special ink and it was able to do something magical. For a more mathematical approach, your character could perhaps have created fractals -- trace elements in the ink proved conducive to the aether and the underlying mathematical concepts of the fractals proved to be able to mimic the equations/geometries of those taught in Limsa Lominsa.
Hope that provides some inspiration, at least
As for the second question...
The Arcanistry in particular may take on some 'primitive' forms as a result of her isolated and limited access. I don't believe there's much in the way of particularly detailed explanations for how Arcanists do what they do. Symbols, geometries, equations, (and in the case of Carbuncle) gemstones -- these being used to shape the aether and possibly amplifying based on some factors. There are some details such as the Arcanists' Guild coming about with Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn becoming admiral -- so your character will likely not be practicing the precise techniques taught there, though the practice in general (or, at least, its origins) are much, much older.
The only detailed explanation for geometries I've found thus far in-game was from the Alchemist quest line:
Arcanist NPC from http://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/The_Arcanist's_Tome Wrote:For an arcanist to weave his spells, he must conjure in his mind the image of distinct mystical diagrams known as arcane geometries. These geometries are inscribed upon the pages of a grimoire, such as the one you constructed at my request.
The most important aspect of any grimoire is the quality of the ink used to illustrate its pages. Geometries drawn with ink that is especially conducive to the flow of aether allow the arcanist to more effectively channel his magical strength.
Thus when one is in need of a new grimoire, one must turn to an expert in the making of this liquid gold -- an alchemist. And, Thaliak be praised, I was blessed with the attentions of a true artist.
Alternate ideas for Arcanist forms could be those rooted in symbolism -- perhaps your character drew something with some special ink and it was able to do something magical. For a more mathematical approach, your character could perhaps have created fractals -- trace elements in the ink proved conducive to the aether and the underlying mathematical concepts of the fractals proved to be able to mimic the equations/geometries of those taught in Limsa Lominsa.
Hope that provides some inspiration, at least
