Aether Explained- Transformations, Final Fantasy 14



Time to start off the new year with some lore that isn’t often discussed but seen sprinkled throughout the story now and then! I hope everyone is enjoying the start of 2024 as we gear up for the upcoming Japanese Fanfest for FFXIV!

Follow me at: https://twitter.com/ScribeSynodic
Channel Art by Catti: https://ko-fi.com/catticatgame21234
Join the Channel’s Discord: https://discord.gg/YKBu4sQBEk
Support the Channel on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/synodicscribe?fan_landing=true

Disclaimer: The MMORPG known as FinalFantasy XIV Online as well as all its related publications and merchandise are owned by Square Enix. I have no claims to it.

Primary Sources:
Video Games-
FinalFantasy XIV Online

Publications-
Encyclopedia Eorzea Volume I
Encyclopedia Eorzea Volume II

Alternative Sources:
FinalFantasyXIV, The Lodestone/Sidestory
FFXIV, Letter from the Producer
Published FFXIV Brand Art Books

#ffxiv #lore #magic

source

24 thoughts on “Aether Explained- Transformations, Final Fantasy 14”

  1. 1 – Loved this video. And the animation within it was a delightful surprise! Definitely gave me Emperor's New Groove Vibes.

    2 – I now have ideas running through my head for a New FF14 Job Class! A magic DPS/Frontline Skirmisher –>

    The Ascended Blue Mage / Saphire Sage
    –> Magical warriors who draw strength from an animal's and/or monster's ether, and in so doing – PARTIALLY transform their bodies in order to gain said animal's and/or monster's inherent strengths.
    An Ascended Blue Mage (or Saphire Sage) may step onto the battlefield as a normal adventurer, but then suddenly gain the wings of a pegasus, the claws of lion, and the feet of a cheetah.
    By partially transforming their bodies, and by drawing on the aether present in a monster's discarded tooth or claw, Ascended Blue Mages (and/or Saphire Sages) are able to use transforming magic on a consistent and regular basis. And by drawing on the strength of multiple creatures at once, Ascended Blue Mages (or Saphire Sages) can become chimerical berserkers that have the strength of many creatures, but none of their weaknesses.
    And while this may sound like an all powerful form of combat, it is not without its limits.
    First and foremost — the Ascended Blue Mage must have an item carrying the ether of the creature he wishes to draw on, on his person.
    Secondly — Not all creatures and situations are equal. Knowing which creature's strength is needed at any given time is something that can only be learned through patience and practice.
    Lastly — While Ascended Blue Mages lower the mana cost of transformative magics through items carrying ether and partial transformations, transformation magic still costs energy to maintain. And switching from one chimerical monster to another mid fight, will surely take a toll on the warrior; especially when it comes to prolonged battles.
    So in the end… while Ascended Blue Mages (or Saphire Sages) may seem like the be all and end all for transformative magic casting, in truth, they are no more than mystical pioneers and combat scholars, who seek to make the most use out of a field of magic that the world at large has given up on.

    Reply
  2. Makes me think of the idea of Ancient Concepts.
    The design has to have a very "Solid" foundation.
    So a "concept" with a more malleable definition would be akin to those more ephemeral entities like Pixies and Fuath.

    When you think of a Hyur or Miqo'te, there may be a range of variations in style and build, but the core Concept of what one is doesn't melt like potters' clay.
    Auspices, beings with a very dynamic Aetheric foundation become more capable of showing variances. Wouldn't that "Dynamism", apologies for the pun, be related to the belief that they earned over centuries?

    Reply
  3. Professor I am curious on how one vial of magic potion then is able to permanently change the features, race and sex of the individual who drinks it without resorting to corruption. The only side effect seems that those partake of it too much become addicted to the sensation.

    Reply
  4. This was an awesome topic I never knew I wanted to hear a lecture about, and I'm glad it's here! Would transformations that come from merging, like a Reaper and their pact voidsent's temporary form, be under the same vein as being transformed by a Primal's corruption?

    Reply
  5. This is likely a different can of worms but I am reminded of how a skilled enough Summoner can change the shape of their summon to that of a different one without altering what it is capable of. However it does seem like something that would make more sense given that an egi is already an aetherial construct and generally would not have a will to resist being changed to look and act like something else.

    Reply
  6. Out of curiousity is transformation magic used in the use of Blue Magic or at the very least in the partial use of some blue magic spells or is it all just Aether being warped, as while I am aware blue magic is the use of monster, and some magitech machina, spells that are cast by observing the spells use but with spells that use a body part one does not normally possess IE Sticky Tongue which is obtained from toads who have long sticky tongues. I apologize if that came out as word soup but basically does blue magic use transformation magic in the use of some spells or is it just using aether with no transformation for the same effect?

    Reply
  7. A fascinating topic! Thank you. I'm curious about what abilities the new Dawntrail caster will have. If it turns out to be a Green Mage using natural magic, that can often involve shape changing, like Druids, or summoning vines and animals. Will they draw their power from the surrounding aether like White and Black Mages, or will there be a new mechanism? Also, Archon Matoya uses transformative magic extensively. I assume she uses the White/Black Magic method.

    Reply
  8. And what about Dynamis? Did not the Endsinger transform thousands of inocents in to abominations. Out of all types of energy that exists in the Source, Dynamis is the one i fear the most. With the right knowledge and ill intentions, Dynamis can end someone's life permanently. Not even enough either left to return to the life stream. So creepy. 😢

    Reply
  9. After switching from World of Warcraft to Final Fantasy, I was constantly looking for good lore content – and here I found it!
    Are there any videos you are especially proud of and would recommend to a new viewer?

    Thank you for doing what you're doing, you're reminding me a lot of Nobbel87.

    Reply

Leave a Comment