(02-11-2015, 12:52 PM)FreelanceWizard Wrote:(02-11-2015, 12:19 PM)Gegenji Wrote: It just got me wondering about how much pull authority figures actually have in Eorzea. Whether there's an understood policy that you listen to orders (unless you're the sort that doesn't), or if it's commonplace to need to use a little muscle to get what you want. After all, there's plenty of examples of nobles using hired goons to "convince" people to do things.
I just wonder how far up the chain some folks might have to be before such shows of force are not needed. Or if those events are the exception rather than the norm.
I think it depends a lot on where you go and who you are. With that said, though, my personal read on the setting is that people typically respect authorities, but that muscle is sometimes used when that doesn't happen or when the authority is up to no good. I think of it a bit like the old West of movies; most people do what the sheriff says and he typically just asks people to do things, but he's not above throwing a punch at Old Drunk Joe when he gets belligerent.
Yeah, I figured after the fact that location would most likely be pretty important, but there seems to be some manner of law and/or order in all three cities. Gridania has a sort of stranglehold on its people (I think? I don't hang around Gridania too much to pick up its political nuances), Ul'dah obviously has authority ranging from pure to corrupt amongst the Flames, Blades, and 'Sworn, and Limsa has its "tyrant" and Code backed by the Yellowjackets and the Rogue's Guild respectively.
I wonder how ingrained the obedience to authority is with the common citizen, though. Would a Roe wearing a Yellowjacket uniform (or even a Sultansworn's tabard) be allowed to do as he wished as long as he acted the part? It's not too far-fetched, of course, since you might get the same reaction in real life with someone in a cop's uniform. And how far would one have to go to present that air of authority - whether it's real or fake? Is the equivalent of flashing a badge enough?
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