I would also think of it like this: just like any other civilization, yes, they were built on the principles and teachings of a certain group, but also like any other, they are a working thriving civilization that needs all the working parts of any normal society. Â Surely this extends into combat, and not just the existence of traders, culinary artists, non-magical healers, entertainers, and on that last note, perhaps some combatants continued to practice their melee arts not only as tradition, but as a form of live entertainment, much like the martial arts of today.
So I certainly think it is safe to say that there were physical combatants still in use in those days, but I also think what you mentioned could have been possible. Â A body-guard can also be practiced in stealth rather than being a physical menace meant to intimidate. Â There is nothing more dangerous than an obvious threat being guarded by a secret one. Â That is something to think on, but I would also take into account, there is no lore behind that idea, so it could be harder to make sense of it in the Eorzea of today, or maybe easier, who knows?
So I certainly think it is safe to say that there were physical combatants still in use in those days, but I also think what you mentioned could have been possible. Â A body-guard can also be practiced in stealth rather than being a physical menace meant to intimidate. Â There is nothing more dangerous than an obvious threat being guarded by a secret one. Â That is something to think on, but I would also take into account, there is no lore behind that idea, so it could be harder to make sense of it in the Eorzea of today, or maybe easier, who knows?
