AFriendOfAFriend

Apparently I messed up a simile. I am well aware that the White came first. I did not mean to imply that white magic was conjury, I was comparing the two arts. Both are used to heal and both involve communication with nature - one is just orders of magnitude more powerful and complex.

Well, didn't expect this to receive so many replies! One of the recurring questions I'm seeing is why/how did the Elementals gift knowledge of white magic to the Padjali if they themselves were not the originators of it? There's a simple explanation in my opinion: White magic is something of an extremely pure form of conjury. In using it, you are communicating with and channeling nature. The Elementals were able to feel that connection - the pervesion and overuse of it being one of the things that led to their flooding Eorzea. They knew that the White held the potential to do good in the right hands, and so could easily have either communicated the ability to the Padjal or led them to the ruins of Amdapor where they could learn from the left behind teachings. The Padjali were also created to act as mediators between the Elementals and the people of Gelmorra - what better way to keep them safe than to have them know one of the most powerful branches of magic ever created, with the fringe benefit of being able to better communicate with them because of it? As per the White/Succor being a naturally occurring force that the Amdapori/whoever simply stumbled upon: That's pretty much exactly what it says on the tin. Like the Black, the White is used by tapping into the aether of the planet. Unlike its' sister art that is inherently destructive in nature, the White - while capable of vast levels of carnage - is used primarily to heal and nurture. And, finally, a random aside: A thing to remember is the spells you come across and use in game are teachings passed down from your Padjal instructors, who had an exceedingly long time to experiment with and hone their craft. What we know as white magic today could simply be the refinement of the art by the Padjali, and not its' original Amdapori incarnation.

I seem to recall them being yellow in color, but even so, that effect could very well be a simple game mechanic. Especially given that Succor isn't the only way to heal. >.> Edited to Add: The truth is, we don't know what perversions the Amdapori came up with on their own. We know that they were perverting White Magic for personal gain, but we don't know how. It's possible that those Magestones are something they created that was later used against them or whatnot. My point being that the Magestones strike me as constructs, not spells-gone-awry, and it seems less likely that the voidsent are directly perverting White Magic and more that they're using constructs (or that the constructs themselves were created using perverted White Magic, but were created by the Amdapori, not the voidsent). I'm not sure color has anything to do with anything, but no. The constructs themselves are made of a dark stone with a blue aetheric core - and I said in my first post on the subject that the voidsent had managed to make use of the objects within the city, not that they had created the things themselves. I wasn't trying to imply any wrongdoing on the part of the Amdapori, or that the stones were a spell. I agree that they are objects, but am pointing out that they cast the spell Regen (the effect icon on the mob is clear) and their magicks have been subverted and possibly corrupted by the voidsent. White magic is not something one would expect to work on beings of the void, yet the Baalzephon have somehow made use of them to keep themselves alive. I quite agree that succor is not the only healing magic in the game, but... in this case that's what it is. You're in the ruins of the civilization of white mages, the object in question has white mage in the name and it's casting a white mage spell - it's a game mechanic, yes, but in my opinion a deliberate one. All that said: This discussion, while interesting, wasn't the point of the thread.

They're called White Magestones and cast regen - a spell exclusive to white mages. I admit I'm assuming, but it's not that far of a stretch.

I would assume so, both survivors of the War of the Magi and even those able to escape the Lost City after the wards fell. The voidsent within that particular dungeon have even found ways to corrupt and twist white magic to suit their own needs - the Baalzephon tethering themselves to the regenerative magestones in particular.

So, this is a response to information brought up in the Lost City of Amdapor thread. Something that's always made me tilt my head and think is the origin of White Magic. Most, if not all players I've ever come across attribute it to the Elementals of the Shroud, who are now known as the keepers of the art. But... Every instance of in-game lore I can find contradicts this. More specifially, the following text from Raya-O-Senna when asked for an explanation of her art: Most folk I've come across use the above as justification for the Elemental's side of the argument, and certain lines within taken out of context seem to support this - but, all together, it's clearly stated (to me) that this is not the case. "The people of Amdapor felt this power was too great to be allowed to go unchecked, and so it was that white magic - the magic of healing and solace - was born." "The Elementals of the forest, knowing that men could not be trusted to keep such vows, took action as well. The Twelveswood grew, swallowing the ruins of Amdapor, and the power of white magic was sealed away deep in the forest, far from the reach of mortals." "So the nation of Gridania was founded, and my people - the Padjal - came into being, to serve as mediators between Elementals and those who would reside in their forest home. It is from the Elementals themselves that we inherited white magic." That last sentence seems to be clincher for most people but, taken in context, Raya isn't referring to 'we' as White Mages as a whole. 'We' in that situation simply means the Padjal. She quite clearly states, as per the first quote, that the White was created by the Amdapori. After the Sixth Umbral Calamity - wherein the Elementals flooded Eorzea - the Shroud grew over the remnants of Amdapor civilization and locked the surviving knowledge of succor away. It was not until the creation of the Padjali that the Elementals deemed anyone fit to pass this knowledge on to. It's my opinion that while the Elementals are the current holders of White Magic, they are not the originators. White Mages are considered to be touchy in roleplay because of their supposed exclusivity - if the Elementals are the creators and keepers of the art, then there is no way to learn it without jumping through some fairly elaborate hoops. If it was in fact created by the Amdapori, though, then that frees the job for use by just about anyone. The seals on the City and Keep of Amdapor have been broken, free for anyone to pilfer the knowledge within. If created by mortal men, able to be taught by mortal men, then the White - like the Black - could have survived the Flood through generations of master/apprentice relationships. The question becomes, I suppose, what you all think? I'd love to hear anyone else's opinion, as this is one of the most frustrating bits of FFXIV lore I've ever come across.

A warning to anyone planning on recreating their 1.0 character(s): This Lodestone post kindly informs Legacies that you will only have ONE opportunity to recreate your character(s), and that will be upon the first login. Don't miss out on your chance.

"Safe? That's... hah, that's a... funny word these days. Garleans, Primals, Beastmen... Gridania, if I, um, had to choose. Empire may be, uh... may be closing in, but... The Twelveswood don't take kindly to threats."

My favorite song was, is and always will be Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd. [video=youtube] A close second is The Trapeze Swinger by Iron and Wine (slight NSFW lyrics). [video=youtube]

Monty stared after the woman - Si, he thought, easy enough to remember - a moment, still uneasy over her words. He supposed he would be keeping full watch on her, if only to make sure she didn't try anything. He sighed again. All he'd wanted was passage to Limsa, was that so much to ask? Shaking his head he stepped up to the Captain, fishing a small purse from his coat as he did. He wanted to squirm as the man's attention fell on him, but knew better than to show weakness to his type. Monty held no ill will toward privateers, but the dance you had to do around them to avoid a blade in the back could be a bit tiresome. "Eight h-hundred," he said, holding out the pouch. "Half now, the other half provided I'm, um, not dead by trip's end. I was in the Navy, in... hah, in another life. If you need a, uh... a spare deckhand, just say the word."

Monty would smell strongly of cut wood, with a hint of sword oil.

Do it, Yoshi. Spin it off from GLA or LNC, or make a new class that wields scythes or greatswords. I don't care. Just give me back my DRK.

Monty heard someone approach behind him - small, light footsteps thumping against the deck. A woman, at a guess Hyur or Miqo'te, probably the late arrival he'd heard being discussed between the distressed looking fellow from the boat ride over and the Captain. He gave a mental shrug and went back to waiting silently... Until a small hand landed on his shoulder. He stiffened at the unexpected contact, doing his best not to yelp and leap away. He shifted a bit to the side, having to tilt his head down to spot the invader of his personal space, and came eye-to-eyes with a light-haired Miqo'te trying her best to look sincere. "I hope you're right and we don't run into any trouble," she said without prompting, and he quirked a brow. Forward and a mind reader, wasn't that lovely? Before he could stutter out a response she continued, "Don't worry, I'm not some kind of mind reader." He held back a flinch. "I just learned to watch people's body language, it helps in being a bard." A bard, too. A woman who was open and chatty by trade had singled him out, a reserved, quiet and somewhat shy fellow. Either her instincts were off or they were spot on, and he wasn't sure which worried him more. Not noticing or not heading his thoughts she gave him a grin and dipped into a polite curtsy. "I'm Siuane Raih'li, singer, musician and seeker of tales but you can call me Si." He opened his mouth to introduce himself (as was proper) - "I'll make you a deal, you watch my back and I'll watch yours." - and snapped it shut. What? She wanted him to... What? He was obviously the least likely candidate to approach for such an alliance - he was nervous, unarmed and half blind... "... Montague," he said at length, giving a short bow out of ingrained courtesy. "Most call me... um, most call me Monty. Far as your, um... offer stands..." He gave a weak chuckle. "S'pose, uh... s'pose I can watch h-half of it."

This forum is quite clearly labeled "FFXIV Discussion." This is a topic that pertains to FFXIV, and Aldeus wanted to discuss it. I'm not quite understanding the passive-aggressive attacks directed his way. There's nothing wrong with wanting to draw attention to an issue even before it becomes an issue. Stephen Hawiking's been yelling at us for years to start interstellar colonization, but that's not going to be a problem for a good few centuries. Anybody want to tell him to sit down and shut up? For what it's worth I'll be signing the petition. It's not fair to ostracize a segment of your fanbase based on cultural restrictions. If they wanted to abide by Japanese societal standards then they shouldn't have released it outside of Japan.

/cheer Someone else shares my love of this inordinately awesome group. Let's get chronological, shall we? First up: I: Matoya's Cave [video=youtube] II: Battle, Scene II [video=youtube] III: KURAYAMINOKUMO [video=youtube] IV: Battle with the Four Fiends [video=youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPi89gzpvK8 V: Neo EXDEATH [video=youtube] VI: Dancing Mad. [video=youtube] VII: J-E-N-O-V-A [video=youtube] VIII: Maybe I'm a Lion [video=youtube] IX: Assault of the Silver Dragons [video=youtube] X: Fight with Seymour [video=youtube] XI: Distant Worlds [video=youtube]

Huffing out a sigh Monty took his place in line behind the two Miqo'te, head swiveling back and forth to watch the crew scamper about readying to make way. His own opinion of the good Captain notwithstanding, the man seemed to run a tight ship. The thought of pirates wasn't a pleasant one - he wasn't much of a fighter these days, and the only weapon he had on hand was a whittling knife. Still, he'd spent the latter half of his teens on the seas, and if push came somewhere in the back of his head he knew how to defend the vessel. Until then he would just quietly hope dredging up those memories wouldn't be required. And he would still be asking about that discount.

Having played a villain in the past, the problem boils down to "It's fun, but..." The character in question wasn't a Machiavellian villain, or anti-hero or what have you. I played a straight up chaotic evil, nihilistic psycho/sociopath who did things simply because they seemed amusing at the time (note: This was several years before the Dark Knight and Heath Ledger's Joker would make such a character a bit too cliche). It was a good time while it lasted, and I still look back on him fondly. The problem was that, in actual interactive RP, he was totally ineffectual. You can't be spontaneously evil/murderous in a world filled with characters who aren't yours. You can't build up a secret, grand master plan to conquer the world because somewhere along the way you're going to have to talk to the people you're trying to suppress/destroy to make sure they're okay with X happening to Y at Z time. The outcome of events are known before the curtain rises, fights are scripted, et cetera and so on. Most of your villainy will be relegated to forum posts and trying your best to be threatening in chat. I'm not trying to discourage anyone from being the bad guy, but just know that it's more work than it looks like on paper. It's a constant dance between playing the character the way you'd intended and not crossing the line into godmodding. It's balance, compromise, and (alot of the time) frustration. If you're willing to put in the work it can be a very fun, rewarding experience, but it's never as simple as "I'm evil! Fear me!" You have to remember that nine times out of ten the good guys win, and you can't go around killing the cutie to get your point across.

I'm touchy with Moffat. Before becoming showrunner he was responsible for two of the better episodes of Tennant's run (Blink and The Girl in the Fireplace, respectively), and has written a few decent ones since. The problem is the direction he's taken the show. Towards the end of the RTD era things were getting a bit more adult, and digging back into Old Who continuity and mythology. It seemed like things were finally ready to come full circle, and then... -poof- Here's a new Doctor and Amy and Rory and River (remember her? Love her? You'd better, 'cause I'll be shoving her down your throats for three years!) and nobody's even going to blink the morse code for Gallifrey. Also: Why did Jack never meet 11, Mr. Moffat? I waited years for that, and you failed me. Things have improved with this last series, and I'm optimistic for the 50th, but I won't be particularly weepy when Moffat steps down.

AKA M80 the Wolf "What is your name, child?" "I-I... Where... Where is my family?" "That is incorrect." ~ "What is your name, child?" "Where is my sister, what are you doing to her?!" "That is incorrect." ~ "What is your name, child?" "Wha... Why are you..." "That is incorrect." ~ "What is your name, child?" "GODS DAMN YOU!" "That is incorrect." ~ "What is your name, child?" "L... L-laurie. My name is Laurie." "That is incorrect." ~ "What is your name, child?" "P-please, no more... Please..." "That is incorrect." ~ "What is your name, child?" "What... what do you want me to say? Please, just tell me what to say!" "That is incorrect." ~ "What is your name, child?" "NO! NO, PLEASE! NOT AGAIN! I DON'T KNOW MY NAME! I DON'T KNOW MY NAME!" "That is incorrect." ~ "What is your name, child?" "..." "That is incorrect." ~ "What is your name, child?" "I... I don't... have a name..." "Then we shall give you one."

... Don't even joke like that.

To any fellow Whovians on the boards, actor Peter Capaldi has just been revealed as the Twelfth Doctor. I'm a bit put out by the choice, myself (I'd been rooting for Olivia Colman), but I have faith in the series and the folks behind it. Here's to the future! ... or is it the past?

I played on both Legacy and Non-Legacy during Phase 3 (specifically, Balmung and Leviathan). Both servers had their ups and downs - Balmung seemed very open and welcoming, you didn't have to fight eight hundred other players for mobs at level 1-10, and from a shear gameplay standpoint it was less laggy. In that same breath it at times felt empty, especially when trying to do FATEs and the like. Leviathan again had a nice general community, but it was also full of trolls and the like spamming the /shout channel with nonsensical arguments and idiocy. It was also very, very crowded, and I had some slowdown problems as a result (this likely also had to do with my playing on PS3, but still the difference was there). Not saying Gilgamesh will be a troll playing ground, but that it will more populated than Balmung is a given. Gilgamesh has also been designated the Reddit server, so take from that what you will. Legacy-haters are quick to say that the economy will be heavily skewed away from the noobies, but I saw no evidence of this in beta. With the better armors being quest/dungeon rewards, and Disciple of the Land/Hand being fairly self-fulfilling, I imagine the economy will be pretty stable no matter what server you play on. In terms of RP, that's more personal preference. I like the idea of an established community, and the players of the RPC at least seem keen on letting the new blood flow. That being said I can understand wanting to build from the ground up, and tip my hat to anyone who is choosing to do so. In terms of gameplay, do firsts matter to you? Do you want to be the first Dragoon/Paladin/Monk/White Mage/Black Mage/Bard/Warrior? Do you want to be the first to take on Ifrit or Garuda? The first to 50, the first to get Artifact Armor, Relic Weapons, etc and so on? Again it's all a matter of personal style, and again I suggest trying both before making a decision. I did so in the beta, and it led me to choosing Balmung. Whichever you end up playing on, I'm sure the RP community will be welcoming and wish you luck in your adventurers.

You answered your own question. Balmung is only for Legacy players, meaning people who played the original FFXIV. You will not be able to roll a new character there for QUITE some time. Gilgamesh or bust my friend. Erm... Sorry, but no. Balmung is a Legacy server, yes, but new character creation has been available there since Phase 3, even for non-Legacy players. To the OP: Standard subscription price allows for a character per server, so my advice would be to roll on both Balmung and Gilgamesh, test them out and see which you like better. Informed decisions are often the best.

Something I found curious was a number of the Voidsent you encounter being identical to/reminiscent of the Kindred from XI. Coupled with the appearance of the Goblins, Qiqirn and Mamool Ja it does lead one to believe that the connection to Vana'diel is more than a bit tenuous. I've read discussions where people theorized that while the different FF worlds are indeed separate, they share the space between - i.e., the Void. It's shown that the boundaries between the Void and physical realm can be messed with, so it's not outside the realm of belief that a cataclysmic event such as Bahamut Megaflaring everything to hell could rip a hole straight through the Void and into another world.

From Live Letter V. Yoshi P's atleast aware of that very problem, so hopefully it won't be too long for new races to be added.