Comparing the Archbishop to the Pope would be a more than fair analogy; Ishgard is even referred to as the "Holy See," a title it shares with the real world's Vatican. With that being said, it's difficult for me to draw a direct correlation as Ishgard seems, uniquely, to be a sort of feudal theocracy. The closest real-world examples of this that I can think of at the moment would be the short-lived "Kingdom" of Jerusalem and perhaps the Byzantine Empire and its Emperor.
From what we know, the Archbishop is a figure of reverence for most Ishgardians (at least outwardly) and in some ways perhaps one of fear. There was a commoner NPC, pre-ARR, in the village of Falcon's Nest who mentions the Archbishop calling away their men to be slain by dragons and never return. Other examples escape me at the moment, but none of these NPCs seem to have an inkling as to why the long war with the dragons is being waged. For my character, I chose to draw upon that sense of doubt and unease as a focal point for the reasons he left his homeland.
As for the question about Hyur in Ishgard, there are a few examples of Hyur in House uniform in Camp Dragonhead and other locales in Coerthas. Granted, none of these Hyur are in positions of authority, but I think it's safe to say that Hyur have a place in Ishgardian society. Any predisposition towards them should be decided by the individual player! The noble houses are all elezen, so I think it's likely that some of these would look down on Hyur as a lesser people or for a Hyur hailing from the region to feel that way.
From what we know, the Archbishop is a figure of reverence for most Ishgardians (at least outwardly) and in some ways perhaps one of fear. There was a commoner NPC, pre-ARR, in the village of Falcon's Nest who mentions the Archbishop calling away their men to be slain by dragons and never return. Other examples escape me at the moment, but none of these NPCs seem to have an inkling as to why the long war with the dragons is being waged. For my character, I chose to draw upon that sense of doubt and unease as a focal point for the reasons he left his homeland.
As for the question about Hyur in Ishgard, there are a few examples of Hyur in House uniform in Camp Dragonhead and other locales in Coerthas. Granted, none of these Hyur are in positions of authority, but I think it's safe to say that Hyur have a place in Ishgardian society. Any predisposition towards them should be decided by the individual player! The noble houses are all elezen, so I think it's likely that some of these would look down on Hyur as a lesser people or for a Hyur hailing from the region to feel that way.
Yvelont Navarre
Parn Paparn
IC Blog for Yvelont: http://never-your-pawn.tumblr.com
OOC Blog: http://navarre-again.tumblr.com
Parn Paparn
IC Blog for Yvelont: http://never-your-pawn.tumblr.com
OOC Blog: http://navarre-again.tumblr.com
