(11-01-2013, 09:53 PM)WT_Neptune Wrote:I purposefully didn't touch on the Primals themselves, because they could very easily be a subject/thread all to their own with the various factors they bring to the table. In fact, I could probably write a full length essay just off the top of my head. I won't, but I could.I've been skimming this thread so excuse me if this has already been mentioned, but has the nature of tempering been discussed? From the cutscene, I was unsure of whether Ifrit's tempering was of a sacrificial nature, or if one could choose to worship him if they were not an Amal'jah.
Also, Odin's roaming nature is another topic I'd like to discuss.
ALSO, could the tribe of deeper Noscea yet have a patron primal?
As far as tempering and worship go, I think that it is possible for non-Amalj'aa to revere Ifrit without tempering, but not probable. The primals 'feed' on the worship of their followers. Without the prayers and pleas of their followers they cannot maintain a tangible form. The more prayer, the more powerful. That is why they temper mortals, humanoids and beastmen alike, so that they will devote themselves to the Primal's being and no other cause.
There are non-tempered humanoid pirates 'The Serpent Reavers' in service to Leviathan, and there are 'heretics' which serve the Dragons (though whether they are 'tempered' or not I don't believe was ever brought up, only that they were 'mad'). So you could, as far as lore elaborates on the matters, be a willing, non-beast servant to a primal, but these people are usually not the sort you would associate with and would most likely be publicly condemned as criminals, incarcerated, or flat out executed to prevent the unmaking of Eorzea any further.
As for the nature of Odin, there's some quest text that elaborates on his nature a little more. I just grabbed this bit off the wiki:
Quote:A fell knight clad all in black, Odin roams paths long forgotten beneath the canopy of the Black Shroud.
There are none now alive who know the truth of when or by whom this elder primal was first summoned into the world. Ever vigilant as he sits astride his mighty steed, Sleipnir, it is said that Odin is driven solely by the desire to do battle with worthy foes.
It seems like his major function is to simply be a wondering swordsman looking for the perfect battle, a very common fantasy trope, especially in Eastern culture where the samurai is still an honored symbol. His 'primalness' seems comparatively unimportant, though crowning him an 'Elder' Primal does make me curious as if there is even more to all the primals' history we don't know yet.
I'm aware Bahamut is considered an 'elder' primal too, but I don't think what the distinction between primal/elder primal has been touched on or elaborated yet?
Please read all the above with a soothing, British accented monotone.