Oh what a wonderful world!

[BRP]

People say 30-40 years because every Tarutaru mentioned in Vana'diel profiles lived that long.

[Khamsin]

So it sounds like Galka have the longest life spans, Humes normal, and Tarutaru the shortest life span (I bet Shantotto is probably in her 30s).

I wonder where Elvaan and Mithra fit into that.

[Lordwafik]

So it sounds like Galka have the longest life spans, Humes normal, and Tarutaru the shortest life span (I bet Shantotto is probably in her 30s).

I wonder where Elvaan and Mithra fit into that.

they die before they're no longer cute!

[BRP]

See, here is the thing... they seem to mature at the same time as Humes(Age 15/18+)... meaning Shantotto was at least 20 twenty years ago. More than likely, she was over 20 because you don't exactly become the War Warlord as a young adult. Right out of a Vana'diel Tribune article: she is in her 'golden years' and won't say he exact age is.

I'd really love if SE released a Lore book on the basic crap we should know about Vana'diel and it's races(including crap like lifespans and elvaan tribe names). Like a big thick 200-page encyclopedia full of Vana'diel tribune-like illustrations. I'd cum so hard that all of Asia's women would become impregnated with my spawn.

[Sigi]

... I'd cum so hard that all of Asia's women would become impregnated with my spawn.

And that, is indeed a horrible thought.

[Sagacious Sundi]

Some things regarding Taru ages: Prishe says that if she were a Tarutaru, no one would've noticed the whole aging thing (implying that by those years Tarutaru are no longer cubs); the Chebukkis are regarded as "kids", (were they alive during the war? If so, I guess that puts them in their 20s...); Tipok-Hipok (Aht Urhgan quests) seems to be viewed as very young adult; the bastard child Tarutaru in the Mire map quest is also seen as a child. I would say Shantotto is an "old Taru" (anywhere from 50-60 sounds reasonably, although I could see 40s), but the seemingly oldest Taru is in one of the "mansions" in Waters.

Regarding, Life in Vana'diel, remember that these are important people, so they're bound to die early/disappear. Anyway, there is Tukuku (274 - 298), Lungo-Nango (342-376), and Karaha-Baruha (835 - 862, sacrificed himself). What I really want to know is the lifespan of Quadav and Yagudo, especially since the current Yagudo manifest is seen a Tzee Xicu imposter.

[Zilong]

They'd probably have some sort of FFXI Ultimania if Digicube didn't go under 1-2 years ago.

I loved reading the Perfect Works and Ultimania lorebooks of Square's RPG, Xenogear's in particular was amazing.

Too bad they just had to butcher the whole fucking lore with Xenosaga.

Edit: After a bit digging, apparently there is FFXI Online Ultimania accesible from Japanese client...don't know how recent/accurate it is though.

[Kyreth]

People say 30-40 years because every Tarutaru mentioned in Vana'diel profiles lived that long.

Takes that "low HP" thing a little far.

But it's true. Think about it. Older Tarutaru don't really show many signs of being...well...old by human standards (like the old fella in Windurst Walls).

Heck, I'm not even sure how long it takes a Tarutaru to hit "adulthood".

[Ninjiz]

I just wanted to add a few things about avatars mentioned a few pages back.

I know Carbuncle(Crabunclelol) and the 6 cellestial avatars dont get along, but im not sure if it because he "fears" them.

I remember reading along time ago, that the 6 primes wanted to destroy(remake?) the races of Vanadial, and someone (I forget who -'anyone remember?') Put them all to sleep to prevent this. And it said that Carbuncle knows one day they will wake up, and since he DOESNT want the world to be undone, he seeks the aid of the races of Vanadial.

I guess his theory was supposed to be that by defeating the avatars (the form we fight is only a fraction of their power, as well as the forms we summon) they will lend us power. And we all know the avatars sleep, but apparently everytime we summon them the avatars get to experience our lives via their own dreams. So in other words the avatars are sleeping, and get to veiw whats happening in Vanadial via their own dreams. ie: our memories are shared with them, and they view them while they sleep.

Carbunlce apparently hoped that if they experience enough of our lives (via their dreams while they slept) and grew to care for the chidlren of vanadial, the day that they woke up, they woulndt want to destroy the world.

Or atleast that what i remember reading, though it was so long ago, i cant find teh source anymore.

But carbuncle also has his own agenda which hasnt been revealed yet.


In the waking the beast quest, (that doesnt seem to be finished story wise) the avatars dislike, and do not trust Carbuncle. They call him a "False god" a "trickster" full of lies, and "not what he appears to be". And tell you "do not trust him". Then when you bring all the avatars power you got from defeating their more powerful versions to carbuncle in full moon fountain, Ifrit, Levi, Titan, Shiva, Ramuh, and Grauda all show up to defeat Carbuncle and you to put a stop to carbuncles schemes. At this point you find out there is more then one carbuncle (or mayb its just him equally split up into more forms in our world), and carbuncle knows he cant defeat all 6 at once, so he knows you are the source of their power in our world (You have to BE a summoner and be able to summon all 6 base primes as a pre req for the quest, though you can accept, and complete the quest as any job you have) so the carbuncles turn and try to kill you instead so the avatars will go away. After you beat them all, including carbuncle Carbuncle takes the extra power you gained from the fights away from you. What he does with them i dont remember. But the story line ends abruptly which leads me to beleive that one day it will be continued. But it will be interesting to see the relationship between the cellestia, and terrestial avatars develop, and whether Carbuncle is tricking you to accomplish his own goals.

[Rocl]

Crabuncle

I'm sorry, I have to comment on this before you change it

All I can imagine is a green glowing crab with a ruby in its face and a tail
hahahahaha

[Akiyama]

That would be the best avatar ever.

[SassiAsura]

does it carry a basket on it's back like Carrie?

[Kyreth]

Crabuncle

I'm sorry, I have to comment on this before you change it

All I can imagine is a green glowing crab with a ruby in its face and a tail
hahahahaha

Isn't that from a historical Japanese battle?

[Ninjiz]

LOL Crabuncle

[Rocl]

Crabuncle

I'm sorry, I have to comment on this before you change it

All I can imagine is a green glowing crab with a ruby in its face and a tail
hahahahaha

Isn't that from a historical Japanese battle?

Indeed, the Japanese attacked it's weak point for massive damage and slayed it posthaste though.

[Kattice]

Taru as far as I can remember are long-lived, but quite ofte the magic and age go hand in hand. Several hundred years ago lifespans were obviously shorter (real word definately) and the same should apply to Vana'Diel, but more so the condition under which they died, all of them were important and pretty powerful, but think of this:

Their current appearances are UNCHANGED 30 years later from the Shadowlord storyline.

Think of Wolfgang and Mont. They aged, but quite clearly you can tell the passage of time takes its toll much in the same way the older members of the house of San d'oria has. They do not appear to live in excess of 80-90 years.

Humans, despite their advances has Maat as one of the oldest confirmed sources of age, pre-dating the arrival of the two princes. Placing his age well above 60-70 years old. Though his body is failing he is definately not going to live longer then another decade at most.

Mithra, despite their beautiful looks have no elders seen, they seem to die as frequently as the taru in this aspect, whether they be out hunting or fighting, it is in this respect that the lack of any aged people must follow the same short expectancy whether inforced by the tribe or by just bad luck.

Though the sin hunters and a few other characters make references to their fur turning grey. It is with this aspect that they die before they age, placing their would-be life expectancies around 40-45 years.

[Ninjiz]

The next avatar

introducing CRABUNCLE

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/595/crabunclesq9.jpg

[Lily]

I remember hearing a long time ago that SE said they were always going to do 5 expansions. But I don't know if that is true or not? I only heard it from friends, so take it with a grain of salt.

[Ninjiz]

Oh, and i found the dialouge that carbuncles has with you and the other 6 avatars. I apologize in advance for this large amount of text.

When you go to get the quest in lathien Crabuncle says;

Carbuncle: <your name>
While im sure you are in the middle of some important mission, coul dyou spare a few moments with me?
-You know about the sleeping gods... the avatars that gaurd the protocrystals?
-I am as different to those beings as fire is to water, and yet we share the same desire to protect Vana'dial
-That is why i aided the blossoming of their power within you and your fellow adventurers.
-I believed that if their aspects fought beside you, they would learn from an existence that had lost the gift of eternity.
-Finally the sleeping gods begin to stir from their slumber.
-Will they consent to join us in our roles as guardians of vana'dial?
-I hope to ask this question to an old friend of mine who resides at the full moon fountain.... A very, very old friend...
-but in order to wake him i need a vast source of energy.
-That is where you come in. If you could gather the power of the sleeping gods and bring it to full moon fountain, we might have a chance.
-If you take this Rainbow resonator to enter the protocrystals, you will be closer to the true avatars than anyone has ever seen before.

You then go do the quest, and before the final battle this takes place;

Carbuncle: <your name>
Have you brought the power of the six sleeping gods?
-Infuse me with the energy
*Carbuncle then notices something happening*
-!??

*enter Ifrit then one by one the rest*
Ifrit: False God. You mar the name of the true deities.

Carbuncle: Ifrit?? How could this be? The old gods were not meant to awaken!

Leviathan: We allow the divided god to be filled with our power.
Garuda: But the false gods will never have our strength
Shiva: Those who came before us shall remain, while those who came after shall perish...
Titan: Our energy will return to us. No longer shall it serve the trickster.
Ramuh: Return to the true gods!

Carbuncle: The fountain! The sleeping gods are draining it of power... I cannot allow this! <Your name> , you ust dismiss the avatars!

Ifrit: How amusing Are you confused mortal?
-Did you meet us in battle at the behest of this creature?
-Now it is clear. yet we will not be commanded by one such as you.
*he then over flows with power*

Carbuncle: Its hoplessTheres only one thing left for me to do. Defeat teh summoner!
Carbuncle 2: <your name> You cannot control them! im sorry, but their connection to this world must be severed!
*He then attacks you, and the battle starts*

*after the battle all 5 carbuncles are laying on the floor defeated*

Carbuncle: ......
<your name>
The sleeping gods do not exist to lead you...
-They exist to lead a lost god.. my friend and I are here for you... for mortals... There is ....no longer... a god..
-Please the power.. you have regained... from Ifrit and the otehrs.. You must return it... to the fountain...

*here you are given a choice wheter to give up the power to gained, or try to keep it for yoruself.*

***if you refuse to give up the power carbuncle says:
Carbuncle: ... Then i will ... use the strength... remaining to me.
*He then takes the power by force away from you*
Carbuncle: Mortals cannot win against a god... And yet... i have faith in you...

***if you willingly give it up he says:
Carbuncle: Thank you... You have made it possible for the children of Vana'dial.... to continue their existance unchanged....

*You then take Carbunlces faded crystal back to Lathiene*

Carbuncle: Thank you for bringing the shell of my avatar.
-I thought that you would never return to this place. I threatened your life, even if it was for the purpose of defeating the sleeping gods.
-but you fought me with every ounce of your strength, and bent the power of those lsumbering dieties to your will.
-Unfourtunatley, it did not ahve the desired effect..
-You were never meant to submit to the will of the sleeping gods. And i will never lose my faith in the children of Vana'diel.
-Even those ancient beings will one day learn a great truth from mortals.
-Lend me yoru strength again. We will succeed in waking my old friend.


So its pretty clear what ever this story is mainly about, its not comeplete yet, since carbuncle was Unable to wake his friend in the end. But what stands out most to me, is this "friend" he is referring to. At first I assumed it was Fenrir. But he emphasizes he needs to "wake" his frend just so he can talk to him. But didnt you already awaken Fenrir when you faced him? Wasnt there a cutsene somewhere where Fenrir talks about carbuncle? Was there ever a cutscene somewhere where fenrir and carbuncle talk to you at teh same time? Or am i just remembering wrong. But if you are able to summon Fenrir, why wouldnt carbuncle be able to talk to him? So If it's not Fenrir, who could it be that Carbuncle cant awaken in full moon fountain? It would be very interesting if they next part of the story has something to do with the next avatar introduced.

[Sagacious Sundi]

It is probably Fenrir since he knows the fate of Vana'diel. Carbuncle, Fenrir, Diabolos, Phoenix, and Bahamut are the 5 terrestrial avatars ("false gods") (created by the sleeping gods or maybe Altana and/or mothercrystals after they split [therefore they would all correspond to one]). That divided god they speak of is probably Alexander.

How you can occasionally meet Fenrir is similar to how you fight the celestial avatars--you are either fighting a summoned version of the prime avatar (a portion of their power) or you are fighting a tired, cranky avatar since you woke them up temporarily (or in their own realm).

You also don't seem to be fighting awakened versions of the avatars at the fountain. Rather, something between "summoned" and "prime" avatars, with YOU being the connection.

Several dialogues in that quest makes me believe the celestial legends are fake. Also, I will try to post some CoP text when I get home.