(01-16-2014, 09:31 AM)FreelanceWizard Wrote: From an OOC standpoint, Gridanians likely view the elementals as protectors and benefactors, even now. Pre-Calamity, they did a pretty good job of protecting the city from outside threats, and all they asked for in return was living in harmony with the forest -- which is something Gridanians probably wanted to do anyway due to the culture. Post-Calamity, the elementals don't seem to be so capable of keeping up their end of the bargain (poachers everywhere in the South Shroud, a Castrum in the East Shroud, Ala Mhigan refugees showing up, Ramuh being summoned, Ixal pouring into the North Shroud, etc.), but there's quite a history there that's unlikely to be wiped out in 5 years. It makes sense to me that, even if the wrath of the forest is substantially reduced except in particular circumstances, Gridanians would still maintain their beliefs about it and still take special care to avoid provoking it.
It's more than that, though. Â It's that the Shroud belongs to the Elementals. Â The Gridanians are only there with permission. Â It'd be akin to you suddenly tearing up your rental flat because the landlord wasn't able to immediately fix a leaky faucet.
Quote:EDIT: I'm being bad and straying off topic.To the OP's question, I think Sounsyy has covered most of the viable approaches. I personally think the most plausible is "taught by another White Mage for some reason;" I would caution against going with playing a Padjal or an elemental, because for many RPers, that's a bridge too far as you're asking them to accept playing something that can't be played in game. Another possible option is "uncovered the keys to White Magic yourself," though I believe that strays away from lore since the elementals, according to those who've done more of the WHM quest line than I, directly control access to the underlying power source.
Interesting option that popped into my head - what if someone were from another continent and unlocked the secrets of White Magic? Â What if when they came to Eorzea, they found that magic restricted, or that it seemed different, or something like that? Â Just random musings.
![[Image: hFalP38.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/hFalP38.jpg)
