I'm assuming that the reason they took out the "Use the Echo?" prompt was because it was irrelevant. I never played 1.0, but it sounds like you really didn't have a choice about it: you either used it, or you didn't advance in the plot.
Raya-O-Senna is a Padjal, though. They are known to have a natural affinity towards the elements and nature, so it isn't hard to imagine their affinity would pour a bit into 'understanding' Hydaelyn since she is basically the world's natural life force.
The Echo isn't really explored in the current ARR storyline, which is kind of a shame. It's mostly used to explain why the Primals can't temper you, as a plot/world exposition excuse (seeing into the past) and...well, that's it, I think. I vaguely remember a hint about getting used to the Echo, which could imply being able to use it semi-freely but, again, it's never explored nor used in this storyline.
On the Sylphs: Papalymo and Yda also talk with the Sylphs. They don't have the Echo. Later on, in Little Ala Mhigo, the refugee leader understands the Amalj'aa. This implies that the beastmen are capable of speaking in whatever common tongue Eorzeans use.
But you are right in that the Player Character is very distinctly shown to understand all languages: every time one of the masked wizards speaks in purple text in a black dialogue box, they are speaking in another language. I think they even point it out at some point, but I'm not sure.
Celeste Wrote:Incidentally, people are able to be made aware of the fact that you are using the echo on them. Kan-E-Senna's sister, Raya-O-Senna, got QUITE upset when she finds you in her memories. Calling you VERY rude.
Raya-O-Senna is a Padjal, though. They are known to have a natural affinity towards the elements and nature, so it isn't hard to imagine their affinity would pour a bit into 'understanding' Hydaelyn since she is basically the world's natural life force.
The Echo isn't really explored in the current ARR storyline, which is kind of a shame. It's mostly used to explain why the Primals can't temper you, as a plot/world exposition excuse (seeing into the past) and...well, that's it, I think. I vaguely remember a hint about getting used to the Echo, which could imply being able to use it semi-freely but, again, it's never explored nor used in this storyline.
On the Sylphs: Papalymo and Yda also talk with the Sylphs. They don't have the Echo. Later on, in Little Ala Mhigo, the refugee leader understands the Amalj'aa. This implies that the beastmen are capable of speaking in whatever common tongue Eorzeans use.
But you are right in that the Player Character is very distinctly shown to understand all languages: every time one of the masked wizards speaks in purple text in a black dialogue box, they are speaking in another language. I think they even point it out at some point, but I'm not sure.