Races and Places- Elezen

Elezen

Now we’re going to start to delve into the races of Eorzea. While there are only five announced races so far, many speculate that Square Enix is up to it’s tricky ways and saving an announcement of a new race for a latter date. Male Mithra adaptation anyone? Or perhaps a completely new race? Whatever it is, for now we are only privy to these five races; Elezen, Lalafell, Hyur, Roegadyn, and the Miqo’te. All appear to resemble Final Fantasy XI’s races of; Elvaan, Tarutaru, Hume, Galka, and Mithra respectively.

First up on the reviewing block is the Elezen. Here I’ll be giving the official description of the race, and my own thoughts and interpretations.

Final Fantasy XIV.com: “The Elezen are a traditionally nomadic people who in former times claimed sole dominion over Eorzea, their presence predating that of the other races. Believing this prominence to be ordained by the gods, they came to develop an esteemed sense of honour and pride.

Their characteristically tall, slim physiques and elongated limbs are part of a successful adaptation to the lands various environments. Indeed, it is said that their highly sensitive ears can discern the squeak of a field mouse at a distance of up to several malms.

The Elezen perceived the immigration of the Hyur as tantamount to invasion, and as a result the two share a past plagued by warfare. At present, however, they can be seen coexisting peacefully, the exception being the reclusive Duskwight Elezen.”

Here we find us reminded of another concept FFXIV will add to its repertoire- the concept of different clans within a race. So that gets me wondering just what the difference between a regular Elezen, and a Duskwight Elezen would be. While I assume that an Elezen will have a striking similarity to the Elvaan of Final Fantasy XI, I would think that potentially the Duskwight Elezen would have some small differences. I would speculate that because of their name’s involvement of ‘dusk’ and how they are a reclusive clan, they may have more of a lighter skin complexion because they may be most active in the latter hours of the day. Who knows, judging by what is said about them being the exception of coexisting peacefully, they may have some hardcore tattoos and scars to make them look like rebels. It’s all speculation at this point.

For those of us who played FFXI, it seems like either way we’re in for a friendly (or not) reminder of what the Elvaans were defined by- their pride. I personally found that in Final Fantasy XI, such characteristics really added for a deeper character diversification, and I’m glad to see it’s coming over to FFXIV as well.

Another thing that’s rattling around in my mind after reading this is how they didn’t mention a specific City State that serves as the Elezen’s home. Also when reading up about Limsa Lominsa, it was never stated that it was home to a specific race. Perhaps Square Enix did away with City States playing home to specific Races? That would be an interesting idea. Well, that’s about it for now. Time to look at arguable one of the cutest races in FFXIV, the Lalafell.

-Lieven