(01-19-2018, 04:11 AM)Kairu Wrote: How do linkshells/pearls work in lore?
In the game, they create a channel where everyone can speak and listen. But during the storyline, they seem to act more like a phone - one person dials another person, and they speak only to each other. Is that the case?
Also, do we know what linkpearls look like? Do they get inserted into the ear like earplugs or headphones, or are they like earrings and they just dangle near the ear? Can you wear two at the same time (one in each ear)?
Also, do they run off aether? The Garleans seem to have a different communication system - is that because they can't use magic, and thus can't 'power' a link pearl?
(01-19-2018, 04:46 AM)Unnamed Mercenary Wrote: <snip>
(01-19-2018, 04:11 AM)Kairu Wrote: Also, do they run off aether? The Garleans seem to have a different communication system - is that because they can't use magic, and thus can't 'power' a link pearl?
They do run off aether, but anyone can use them. It's not powered by the user. As stated in the snipped above, Garleans can and do make use of them, including jamming them. The Garleans likely have -other- communication methods as well, similar to how players can also send letters. Based on some of the cutscenes, they probably have some form of radio as well.
(01-20-2018, 07:22 AM)Valence Wrote: Near the end of the ARR storyline in Mor Dhona, Cid brings you with him to design an EM jammer able to jamm through garlean electromagnetic transmitters, which are the main source of communication for garleans in general.
We only learned recently during SB that garleans were able to jamm linkpearls too, but it's unclear how they do that.
So I am super late to this topic, but based on a 1.0 storyline as well, Garleans communications were a pain in the arse for anyone to get their hands on. They were located inside their helmets, but anytime any got close to trying to get one, it would self-destruct.
You, the Warrior of Light, somehow manage to get a helmet that doesn't explode and Cid uses this to monitor the Garlean activity in 1.0.
It is my belief, based on this and how jamming works, that while those like Eorzeans used aether-based communications, Garleans use more of a form of radio-wave communications like we use in our own world. Get enough electric interference, such as what Cid does with the Lightning Crystal (or was it corrupted?? Either way...) and you scramble the electric waves within the air, keeping the signal from getting out-- or in.
Cause generating a small burst EMP is a b**ch to communication radio waves.
Also fun fact!
For sometime after the Calamity, Linkshells didn't work either because of the aether changes and the moogles stepped up to become the mail service we have today, because they were tired of people shouting at one another. As of the time we play in 2.0, they got the aetheric currents back in order.
This is also why the old Aetherytes no longer function and now just lay on the ground... RIP Old Falcon Nest Aetheryte Camp.
