Well, it's not entirely surprising, and really it's not as implausible as it sounds.
Mountains can provide for thriving civilisations. Creative use of vertical space and implementation of terrace farming can provide for a sustainable population (historical example: literally any Andean civilisation ever) and an ample supply of agriculture. In FF, red magic has historically always been a mix of white and black magic, so the Amdapor-Mhach union was inevitable.
Also, I'm pretty sure people are focusing on the "flamboyant fencer" image way too much. While it's outright stated that RDM used rapiers from the very beginning, bear in mind that the feathered hat is most likely a modern interpretation of red mages i.e. it's what current practitioners wear, and it's probably what the RDM job mentor will be wearing.
A few hundred years ago when the Amdapori and Mhach were still getting things started, you can bet that red mages were dirt farmers with rapiers wearing whatever clothing they brought with them at the time. A couple of centuries gives massive room to change.
Mountains can provide for thriving civilisations. Creative use of vertical space and implementation of terrace farming can provide for a sustainable population (historical example: literally any Andean civilisation ever) and an ample supply of agriculture. In FF, red magic has historically always been a mix of white and black magic, so the Amdapor-Mhach union was inevitable.
Also, I'm pretty sure people are focusing on the "flamboyant fencer" image way too much. While it's outright stated that RDM used rapiers from the very beginning, bear in mind that the feathered hat is most likely a modern interpretation of red mages i.e. it's what current practitioners wear, and it's probably what the RDM job mentor will be wearing.
A few hundred years ago when the Amdapori and Mhach were still getting things started, you can bet that red mages were dirt farmers with rapiers wearing whatever clothing they brought with them at the time. A couple of centuries gives massive room to change.
