Digital Media Strategy
Digital Media Strategy
As Final Fantasy 14 (FFXIV) rounded off the story surrounding the Myths of the Realm raids in patch 6.5 released on October 3rd, the game has finally tied up all loose ends surrounding The Twelve, the pantheon of gods that watch over the realm. For years leading up to Endwalker (FFXIV’s fourth expansion), players were left in the dark about the gods, their purpose, and almost all information about them. With the release of Endwalker’s 24-man alliance raids, however, players have had a chance to face The Twelve in battle and discover their true purpose. As a faithful FFXIV player of many years and an appreciator of godly pantheons, I would like to discuss The Twelve and the new information we have been given with the patch release.
For the sake of understanding, especially for those who are not aware of the intricate lore of FFXIV, I will include a glossary of important terms, names, etc., along with a brief description, so that the subsequent information will be easier to digest (I hope).
With patch 6.5, players now know that The Twelve were actually people that Venat (also known as Hydaelyn- the Mothercrystal, sunderer of shards, creator of the world and protector of all of Etheirys) came across on her travels as Azem and trusted dearly. The Twelve were created by Venat to serve as protectors of the world, and to guide and cherish mankind.
Let’s go over the gods, one by one!
Halone, the Fury, is the mover of glaciers and goddess of war. She commands the element of ice, and her symbol is three spears. She is tied to the First Astral Moon (first month). She is also the patron diety of the Holy See of Ishgard. Halone is depicted as a relentless warrior with a bronze greatshield, and has a rather stern and imposing personality. When battling the Warrior of Light (the player), she expresses her fervent love for fighting, so much so that she wishes to continue to fight even after losing. It is explained by Menphina that Halone’s personality has partially been developed as a result of mortal prayer.
Patch 6.5 has revealed that in the time of the ancients, Halone was a warrior tasked with hunting down dangerous creations that were deemed detrimental and threatened the world. For this reason, she was a leading candidate for the seat of Pashtarot in the Convocation of the Fourteen, the preserver of discipline and order.
“I just chose one bc there was no info on them at the time” – Ren Justuss, FFXIV player
“Menphinq best girl” – Ichigo Gyunyu, FFXIV player (typo left in at player’s behest)
Menphina, the Lover, is the keeper of once-twin but now lone moons and goddess of love. She commands the element of ice, and her symbol is the full greater moon. She is tied to the First Umbral Moon (second month). Menphina is depicted as a maiden carrying a round skillet, and has a rather excitable and amiable personality, especially towards the Warrior of Light; this may be because as the goddess of love, she represents love in all aspects, and therefore loves all of mankind. She is described as winsome by Halone, and is considered the younger sister by the others of the Pantheon.
Patch 6.5 has revealed that in the time of the ancients, Menphina was the youngest of the twelve, a student affiliated with the Words of Lahabrea at the Akadaemia Anyder. She was considered a prodigy, and it was she who created the magic that isolated and sealed Zodiark.
Thaliak, the Scholar, is the ruler of rivers and wisdom and the god of knowledge. He commands the element of water, and his symbol is the scroll. He is tied to the Second Astral Moon (third month). Thaliak is depicted as a reserved scholar holding an ashen staff, and his personality is kind and soft-spoken. He seems very eager to pass on knowledge, and expresses this even during his battle with the Warrior of Light.
Patch 6.5 has revealed that in the time of the ancients, Thaliak was the headmaster of the Akadaemia Anyder, and presided over the institution’s many facilities. It is said that there were no phenomena that were unknown to him and in which he was not versed, and that he was a remarkable scholar.
“I researched a lot (a “~30-40 minutes” a lot) into each of the twelve trying to grasp at the little lore we had at the time when creating my character since I’m a huge lore enthusiast, and ended up going for Thaliak in the end due to my love for water elements in games and series alike and also the scholarly aspect he’s depicted in. Even years later now I haven’t regretted my decision once, and with the recent conclusion to the “Myths of the Realm” alliance raid series I feel even happier with my choice of patron deity.” – Lysander Castillia, FFXIV player
“I love Nymeia, and I love how she’s become a perfect fit of a patron deity for my main character, who is both water-based and an Astrologian. I also love how she’s so playful despite being one of the higher-up gods in the pantheon!” – Me, an (unfortunate) FFXIV player
Nymeia, the Spinner, is the watcher of celestial bodies and the goddess of fate. She commands the element of water, and her symbol is the spinning wheel. She is tied to the Second Umbral Moon (fourth month). Nymeia is depicted as a weaver with a white silken veil, and has a very playful personality. She is also very attached to her brother, Alhyk, to the point that she appears alongside him in battle despite being a water goddess.
Patch 6.5 has revealed that in the time of the ancients, Nymeia was an observer in Elpis alongside her brother Aldthyk. She was caring and inquisitive in nature, and was well-liked and trusted by her peers.
Llymlaen, the Navigator, is the watcher of the seas and the goddess of navigation. She commands the element of wind, and her symbol is the wave. She is tied to the Third Astral Moon (fifth month). Llymlaen is depicted as a strong fisherwoman holding a harpoon, and speaks rather crudely, as is fitting for her patronage over the pirate city state of Limsa Lominsa. She is impatient and eager to fight the Warrior of Light, and even describes herself as a harsh goddess.
Patch 6.5 has revealed that in the time of the ancients, Llymlaen was a researcher at Metabaseos Thalassai, a facility for the observation and evaluation of sea life. She was so serious about her work that she once threw a knife at someone who came too close to her observation subject.
“I picked Llymalen because I read strong woman and my gay brain short-circuted” – Seliki Tekelili, FFXIV ultimate raider
Oschon, the Wanderer, is the ruler of mountains and the god of vagrants. He commands the element of wind, and his symbol is the walking stick. He is tied to the Third Umbral Moon (sixth month). He is also the patron deity of the fallen city of Nym. Oschon is depicted as a carefree ranger with a bow of yew, and he is rather caring in regards to mankind. In fact, he cares so much for mankind, that when faced with the option to finally rest and join the other gods of the pantheon in afterlife, he decided to live out his remaining days as a mortal man named Deryk, traveling wherever the wind may take him.
Deryk himself tells us that in the time of the ancients, he was a traveler that Venat encountered in the wilderness. He explains that he and Venat shared a campfire, and discussed what it meant to be truly free.
Byregot, the Builder, is the god of the arts. He commands the element of lightning, and his symbol is the hand. He is tied to the Fourth Astral Moon (seventh month). Byregot is depicted as a smith holding a two headed hammer, and is very adamant in crafting. If the Warrior of Light is a crafter, he will express his approval and wish that the player continues to hone their craft.
Patch 6.5 has revealed that in the time of the ancients, Byregot was a man with an innate gift at crafting objects such as buildings and furnishings. He served a supervisory role at the Bureau of the Architect, where he took it upon himself to see that work was completed.
“Picked Byregot bc Choko is an artisan but so disappointed he wasn’t a twink”- Choko Latte, a sad FFXIV crafter
Rhalgr, the Destroyer, is the breaker of worlds and the god of destruction. He commands the element of lightning, and his symbol is the streaking meteor. He is tied to the Fourth Umbral Moon (eighth month). He is also the patron deity of Ala Mhigo. Rhalgr is depicted as a magus carrying a bronze staff, and has a gruff personality with a soft spot for mankind.
Patch 6.5 has revealed that in the time of the ancients, Rhalgr was a brawny man that Venat met on her travels. They became quick friends, and he joined her on a quest to destroy a huge meteor that was barreling towards the world. It is this story that gave rise to many legends surrounding the Destroyer.
Azeyma, the Warden, is the keeper of the sun and goddess of inquiry. She commands the element of fire and her symbol is the radiant sun. She is tied to the Fifth Astral Moon (ninth month). Azeyma is depicted as a noble lady holding a golden fan, and she is quite regal. She describes that the Warrior of Light seems strangely familiar to her, in some fashion, but she cannot place why.
Patch 6.5 has revealed that in the time of the ancients, Azeyma served as a judicial officer in the Bureau of the Administrator. She was an ardent proponent of the seat of Azem, and wished to train under Venat and her successor.
“Azeyma of Flame
I still do not remember
Radiant Rhythm”
– Cynder Drav, a silly FFXIV player
Nald’thal, the Traders, is the overseer of the underworld and god of commerce. He commands the element of fire, and his symbol is the cowry, and ancient shell currency. He is tied to the Fifth Umbral Moon (tenth month). He is also the patron deity of Ul’dah. Nald’thal is actually the manifestation of two twin deities: Nald, keeper of the living, and Thal, keeper of the dead. Nald’thal is depicted as a discerning merchant holding a balance, and is rightfully interested in keeping the balance. During the battle against the Warrior of Light, Nald’thal weighs the value of their soul in a mechanic that has players balance themselves across two sides of the battle platform. If uneven, the entire raid will wipe and players must try again.
Patch 6.5 has revealed that during the time of the ancients, Nald’thal was a close personal friend to Oschon, and was a merchant by trade. He was outwardly gregarious, but had a reserved side that knew quiet joy in his passion for ore.
Nophica, the Matron, is the tender of soils and harvests and the goddess of abundance. She commands the element of earth, and her symbol is the spring leaf. She is tied to the Sixth Astral Moon (eleventh month). She is also the patron deity of Gridania. Nophica is depicted as a farmer holding a steel scythe, and is kind and gentle.
Patch 6.5 has revealed that in the time of the ancients, Nophica was a landscape architect that grew plants she had gathered from all around the world. Though she was skilled in magic, she grew these plants naturally and harbored many beautiful flowers. All who visited her garden were said to leave with their souls healed.
Althyk, the Keeper, is the surveyor of change and the god of space and time. He commands the element of earth, and his symbol is the hourglass. He is tied to the Sixth Umbral Moon (twelfth month). He is depicted as an austere emperor wielding a mythril greataxe, and, like most of the others of the pantheon, is soft-spoken. Nymeia describes her brother as somewhat bashful, and as someone who hides his worry or elation over subject matters.
Patch 6.5 has revealed that in the time of the ancients, Althyk was a researcher that observed newly made creations in Elpis, and he worked alongside his sister, Nymeia.
The Unnamed God was an unknown “thirteenth” deity affiliated with The Twelve who has been revealed as The Watcher, an aetherical construct of Venat’s creation tasked with watching over Zodiark and his prison on the moon.
Patch 6.5 has revealed that in the time of the ancients, The Watcher was a chief archivist at Anamnesis Anyder, and was a very close and respected friend of Venat’s. The Watcher’s devotion to Venat was the strongest of the entire pantheon, and so he was selected accordingly for his lonesome role of watching over Zodiark’s prison.
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