Uh oh it's yapping time once again and this time it's me rambling about Garlean Armor!
Let's start with the very basic which is the Emperor's attire:
This one seems to be protocol as between Varis and old man Solus here there aren't many differences really. You've got the usual Garlean armor underneath the big imposing cape and pauldrons, but what makes this whole thing special is the draconic motifs. Looking back into the background for Garlemald itself, I'm curious if it's always been chosen as a symbol for the royal family, or it had been incorporated after the Dravanian Horde skirmish. As far as I can tell, however, it seems like it's a Wyrm adorning their crowns and cape fabric, and oddly enough only Varis has the Garlean sigil, as Solus's front piece reminds me of someone else....
Zenos, of course. The Wiki specifically states that he chose to take Ala Mhigan elements such as the fabric and belts to adorn his armor with. That means that the red skirt is supposed to also be protocol most likely. No draconic elements besides the flame motif, no Garlean sigil either, whether it was meant to be as simple as a pure red with flame motifs, or he specifically had it done that way, we cannot know. Had he not worn the crown on his helmet, you could pass him off as a Legatus (yes, even if his armor has lil dragon wings, not enough to justify anyone believing he might be royalty). Still, it's interesting to look at the style and way that he chooses to wrap the Ala Mhigan fabric around his waist, as it looks very similar in fashion to Solus. Varis on the other hand has absolutely no other extra elements, his attire being fully and entirely Garlean, very neatly worn, it just displays his pride as being Garlean and the Emperor.
Also let's not forget the fact that Zenos chooses to leave the helmet (implicitly the crown as well), once he deems us interesting enough and brimming with potential. He's never seen wearing it again, which honestly feels like the biggest symbol of him belonging to Garlemald, as he too has no royal sigil inscribed within his clothing. And we know he outright tells Varis he never intended to rule....while also never being seen with said helmet or crown again, even within the palace walls.
I've already mentioned in another post how with ShB and EW later on, he sheds the symbolic Garlean elements much like a reptile sheds its skin, so in the end you have a man that has nothing tying him to his Garlean identity, besides his Third Eye, which could also very easily be hidden away as many of the reformed Garleans have done.
No Garlean imagery, no draconic symbolism, not even the very bright Garlean red, no outright armor. It's instead lighter fabrics, with some semblance of metallic elements here and there. Can't exactly tell what the motifs on his shoulder are, but they feel floral (I can be wrong). His outfit changes are a very visible change of identity still, and choosing to entirely separate himself from his Garlean descent.
Also thinking back to him finding Shinryu a perfect specimen.
Wyrm.
The symbol of the Garlean crown apparently. And becoming such a symbol himself, he did what neither of the Emperors could, who instead could only adorn their armor in a dormant symbol of it, pretending to be just as powerful.
And then at the end of it all, he used the very same symbol and specimen to indirectly save the whole world through saving the WoL. The Wyrm no longer attacked, but offered support, trust even, since WoL got to ride upon its back.
i've never posted this, aside from cult of the lamb, i also love love final fantasy 14 ! i'm excited for dawntrail and i love these two who will never appear in this game ever again
We are a 18+ Final Fantasy XIV discord only roleplay server set after Endwalker and any future expansions! | 100 members
Welcome to Ｄｙｎａｍｉｓ!
We are a 18+ Final Fantasy XIV discord only roleplay server set after Endwalker, following any upcoming patch quests and expansions.
"After the events of the Final Days, Etheirys is once again facing a new change: friends and foes coming back from the dead, and travelers hailing from distant worlds. With the land once again losing its balance, what kind of challenges will their wardens find?"
We’re looking for some specific muses to join! Do you write any of them?
» Varis zos Galvus
» Themis
» Fandaniel
This list is subject to change but if one is taken we will try to update it! Feel free to pop in the server and see if these spots have been taken.
Carrd | Application Template | Canon Roster (with more wanted characters!)
I will say this: Varis zos Galvus’ potential as a character and major faction leader was utterly wasted.
If you, too, want justice for Varis (and absolutely phenomenal character development, smut and an alternative spin on the MSQ) I recommend reading A Gentleman of Garlemald.
So I saw an Avengers interview where all members of the ‘Age of Ultron’ cast discuss who the troublemaker in their cast was, and I was inspired to draw the FFXIV cast answering the same question.
Credit for the AU: @totallycorrectffxivquotes :)
Logo in back and characters (aside from this particular WOL) belongs to Square Enix :)
This was also supposed to be Christmas art. But I did not have time to make it for the holidays :(
However, do not leave it until next Christmas, right? (´• ω •`)
Just want to remind you that my main account is now - https://www.deviantart.com/tat-bunny
