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!
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#ffxiv #lore #magic

[@acgearsandarms1343]

Some practical applications in battle for transformative magics I noticed in game are in Palace of the Dead and Shisui of the Violet Tides. With pomanders and the boxes that turn you into an old crone respectively. You temporarily take on not only the form but the traits associated with them without lasting damage to yourself.

[@SynodicScribe]

Precisely! High marks.

[@professionalfart6027]

Outside of that scenario, recreating it, as safely as we know it, would likely involve the creation of something that would hold the magic, both in the spell that calls upon the transformation and the aether that maintains it like a battery with one purpose. As such it's likely to be prepared in advance through a stringent production process to ensure reliability and it will have no shortage of issues to deal with especially if there's any semblance of mass production. Would these products be unwieldy? How reactive would they be to the presence of other items or each other? Does the aether within degrade over time? If so, how quickly? Can transformations be chained with them if multiple are carried? What are the consequences of their frequent use? Possibility of the Dreadnought Effect(?) Rules and regulations as well as countermeasures Personal aether usage to activate the transformation from the object Could it potentially be rigged to warp one's aether or other problematic effects Economic and societal impacts Dubious methods employed and their consequences Chief among them, supplying the aether. -By body: Pretty much discussed upon in the video itself but unlike an on the spot transformation, being able to prepare the transformation in advance allow the user to utilize far more aether, likely by centralizing it in an object. However this method requires the most investment in time as whoever is supplying the aether must regularly pace themselves as to not suffer exhaustion on the best of days thought cooperation from another can mitigate this. That does imply that it may be possible to force the aether out of someone if not multiple people but such an action can lead to less than desirable results, which isn't something someone who would resort to such dubious tactics would care about. I suspect such people would go so far as to drain other creatures of their aether, compatibility and possible corruption be damned. -By crystals: Seemingly the least strenuous on behalf of the user as their usage in maintaining transformations, while few, have been more or less consistent. If they are able to summon primals and maintain them before they feed on ambient aether, then the power they supply for this experiment would be nothing short of exceptional. The elemental alignment of the crystals used must be taken into account in order to get acceptable results. They are not only plentiful but are also a byproduct of frequent circumstantial events. Speaking of their formation, one must be careful of the crystals used not just because of balance but also their corruption. -By ambient aether: See War of the Magi Wow, a lot of that seems like it can be used as a case against transformation magic (maybe why it's considered taboo in the first place) But I do think it's interesting to see useful applications into this school given time and discovery, perhaps the nature of blue mages emulating the abilities of others may be the predecessors to this. It's just that A LOT has to be considered moving forward as it can go very wrong very fast and kind of already has.

[@acgearsandarms1343]

@@professionalfart6027 That is a lot to process so I’m a bit lost on the point. Transformative magics aren’t so much a taboo as they are dangerous when used incorrectly. As can be said with many things. Ultimately I have to ask what would be the point of using permanent transformation? It’s not exactly something we need for everyday use. There are other methods to achieve it. Using familiars or spells for instance.

[@professionalfart6027]

​@@acgearsandarms1343 Oh, I was aiming for this to be a "what-if" scenario involving the pomanders being produced outside of their known environments with the main advantage being the temporary transformation is prepped and stored in advance with me overthinking things.

[@acgearsandarms1343]

@@professionalfart6027 Outside the conditions of the Palace, I don’t think the pomanders would be that effective and the effort needed to make them as such outside of the Palace wouldn’t be worth it.

[@Veerorith]

I'd honestly love to have a transformation focused job. Maybe the basic abilities are stuff like transforming your hands to claws, or adding wings for a leap over a vast distance, only holding the transformation for an instant, and having longer effects last more like 20 or 30 seconds like a big dps phase.

[@davidparadiseofficial132]

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.

[@SynodicScribe]

I'm proud of a lot of my work, but I'd say the Job and Player race videos are some of my best work. I really try to give those extra attention. Also thank you! I hope you enjoy FFXIV lore!

[@shimapanzer9930]

Hope you're enjoying the game

[@davidparadiseofficial132]

​@@shimapanzer9930Thank you, I do! I'm just about to finish Stormblood and I'm hyped about everything that's coming next.

[@elgatochurro]

The ones on the dungeons of ampador keep The beginning of it, the after effects and it's lasting effects. Some ones that predate is history would be the scholar lore and war of the Magi. All very important to the backstory of ff14s world

[@Fantasygod930]

I think my favorite type of transformation magic in final fantasy xiv is probably the ancient's version sure it maybe just normal transformative Magic but ancient but it's probably one of the more stable if powerful versions of transformation magic You basically just keep your normal form but you're covered in the layer of strong Magic of whatever form You imagined It's kind of a win-win situation It's uncorruptible and you become a powerful God or some form of it But I guess you do need to be a powerful Mage To wheel that magic Still one of my favorites

[@SynodicScribe]

Yeah we'll likely never see stuff like that again. The Ancients and Unsundered World had vastly more aether than the Source has, allowing such powerful transformations to be done on a whim. Though it would be interesting to find a work around for us. haha

[@leighhennessy8212]

The second I heard transformations I thought of the ancients as well! They are rally interesting. Funny enough my theory is opposite yours. That there transformed versions are there real versions and the ones we see are the altered versions. I think it might be because of the way they talk about being transformed as a source of exposing themselves... it does lead to an interesting question about hythlodaeus though! He said he didn't think he can transform. Maybe it's not just accessibility of aether but ability as well that can allow transformation. Ysayle has the genetics to be able to manipulate aether. So many questions so few answers!

[@knownofear1]

​@@SynodicScribeWhat about the mgic the Warrior of Light has been rumoured to use recently? I've heard tell that they've been conjuring teams of fighters to assist them in their battles.

[@acgearsandarms1343]

Do you ever wonder what form Azem took when needing to use such a transformation?

[@acgearsandarms1343]

@@knownofear1 That’s summoning magic. Not like primal summoning, a different kind of summoning. It’s also Ancient magic.

[@desastrnarrations]

Yessss! I love this subject so much, thank you for making this, it's so neat ^^ Also Auspice lore has to be my favorite in the game, so happy to see them mentioned.

[@swapertxking]

i remember Emet-Selch getting really upset at hearing Hermes planning to help one of the creatures of elpis fly by transforming. not so much because he was helping a failed creature, but because he was planning to transform to do so. I suppose for the ancients and their boundless power, such a thing would be more headache and paperwork than any 'long term' toll on the body.

[@HikingFeral]

I have almost watched every single one of your videos but they are so helpful and entertaining to watch that I will definitely be watching them again. Especially as I no life the game to prepare for Dawntrail

[@Slysheen]

It's a fun subject to ponder. My theory about sineater transformation being permanent on less powerful creatures is that it happens as usual but the light aether imparts a stasis effect on the creature due to its unchanging nature. The aether needed for sustenance is either obtained from the lightwardens or the eaters victims, perhaps both. As for non-sineaters I think the most likely explanation is the transformation is being sustained by the subjects own living aether instead of an outside source. Seeing as mages can't sustain this permanently it implies mere consent isn't enough and something deeper needs to be at play. I imagine such a form also must tax the subject heavily as they must maintain both their innate existence and the alternate form on top of that. Unless there is a way to "unlink" their previous form with which true permanent transformation might be possible. Eh, that's just what I think about it though. Have a good day everyone!

[@PetarBladeStrok]

Awesome video man! I kinds hoped you'd cover Ancients' transformations & how they lay their form bare.

[@SynodicScribe]

The Ancients are getting their own video entirely. I wanted to cover their whole culture in detail!

[@dazentron8412]

RIP the dreams of my warrior of light getting an Ascian/Primal level transformation. Dont get me wrong I love summoning, but I think being able to use an enhancement ability at that level would be sick.

[@SneakyMuffin]

Some evidence to support the spiritual beings having more fluid forms claim, the Ea (or at least the recreations in Ultima Thule) outright say as much. In fact, I think they even imply they need to at least somewhat concentrate to keep a consistent form.

[@kitsunehanyou09]

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?

[@Pamhakat]

RIP The Blades/Dabog/The Queen's Guard/The Gundam pilot gang/Bwagi's boss/etc u_u

[@Jordan.A.07]

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.

[@WanderingRagabond]

I ADORE the way you explained it all. With normal transformative magic being like wearing a suit, with your original form safely tucked inside, while permanent transformation alters your real form in an intrusive and fundamental way. It reminds me a bit of D&D, where if your health gets down to 0 when you're Polymorphed or in Wild Shape, you simply revert to your original form with the HP you had before you transformed. As if your real self was indeed tucked away safely inside.

[@yukiotacon2846]

* raises hand* Since the ancients were so dense with aether, is that why they were able to transform into the true forms? like Hades, Hermes and Elidibus?

[@SynodicScribe]

Indeed. Not only could they transform at will, they could maintain those forms for long periods of time without harming themselves or the world around them. They and the world itself had aether to spare.

[@TheSwordsman100]

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.

[@brianlockett4369]

Magic is so cool! I love the magical lore of final fantasy! Couldn’t you use transformation magic in attack and defense magic such as transforming water into ice or posion? If anyone has more examples, it’s welcome!

[@jimdale9143]

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.

[@jasmineBloodrose]

Synodic we have pictomancer now!!!

[@jeremyberner5164]

Great video

[@NaitomeIya]

Hahaha what impeccable timing! I am working on a comic where someone transforms for... reasons. While it's very parodic in nature, I think making parodies lore accurate adds to the humor so yeah. P.S. The Heavens' Ward seemed to use transformative magicks in a very similar manner as Ysayle... though I'm not entirely sure if they were purely using their vast pools of personal aether or they were carrying crystals with them.

[@kurojester4513]

Not sure if they would come under what you covered here but what about the heretics of Ishgard who joined the Dravanians. They also underwent transformation too. Like Marcelloix in the Firmament. He kept his entire identity and eventually reunited with his family even though he was in draconic form.

[@SynodicScribe]

Yeah dragon transformation is different because dragon's are technically aliens. And then there's that whole thing with Ratatoskr's aether, it's gets weird.

[@kurojester4513]

⁠@@SynodicScribeThat’s opening up a whole other can of worms! Going off topic a bit I do wonder what happens to a dragons aether when they die. Are they part of Eitheirys now?

[@Celis.C]

I've been replaying the Endwalker expansion recently and came across a curious aspect that I don't think the game goes into. It is mentioned that whatever happens to the Source (as a star) directly affects the Shards. Thus the nomenclature is deemed quite appropriate. When the Final Days happen, it is observed by Y'shtola that the cannot see the blasphemies, for there is no aether left to for her to see. She concludes that their very souls have rotten away, never to be able to return to the Life Stream. Now, if whatever affects the Source also affects the Shards, then what would it mean for the sundered souls on the Shards when their soul on the Source gets snuffed out like this?

[@gratuitouslurking8610]

Another example of the 'permanent transformation magics' side with equally dark implications can be found in Stormblood, and the guards of the Mad King's Trove.

[@hauntedstereo367]

Smol Scribe W

[@user-ht2hj6ym4s]

You mentioned Fuaths but nothing about Pixies and leafmen (there is quite a bit of lore in the zone/tribal/Anden quests I think) ?

[@SynodicScribe]

True! But I wanna dedicate an entire video to the fae instead of just a mention. haha

[@RockR277]

I wonder if they'd ever introduce a shapeshifter limited job, since the WoL is pretty dense.

[@JIM0rgan]

Question: Where does the dragon heretics draconic transformation fit into all this? It seems at a glance to be a permanent transformation like thrall tempering, but there are instances where the transformation itself doesn't seem to sacrifice the persons personality or free will. Additionally, while the act requires the infusing of a dragons blood, it doesn't seem to require aether? I might just be remembering things quite wrong, but it certainly seems unique. Could it just be chalked up to the dragons otherwordly nature? The prospect of permanent transformation at 0 aether cost seems wild.

[@SynodicScribe]

Dragon transformation is entirely different. As far as someone transforming because of dragon's blood. It's a permanent change similar to aether corruption. Their body and aether is being twisted into something new, and not all of them retain their reason after transforming.

[@Azenatrail]

I’m curious about Fantasia, I’ve heard way too many conflicting things about that tiny vial.

[@SynodicScribe]

Allow me to shatter the confusion my friend! Fantasia potions aren't actually an in lore item that can change your sex, species, etc. No potion in canon is that powerful/potent. Fantasia is purely a video game based item with no roots in the actual world buildings and lore. But if it was a normal potion, a dev said they'd consider Fantasia to be more of a confidence booster. Liquid courage if you will. For example, it doesn't actually turn a Lalafell into a Roegadyn. But it might give them to confidence to feel like they're a big Roedadyn! Hope that helps!

[@dustinhatfield8373]

If the new caster isnt green mage i am hopeful of it being a transformation based caster. Call it Shaman or Witch Doctor or something.

[@thomas00129]

hmm this video makes a class all about transformations very viable and interesting

[@maximillianleaf5997]

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?

[@SynodicScribe]

Blue Magic is essentially the opposite of Transformation Magic. Instead of taking their forms, Blue Mages take their techniques, mimicing the aetherial signature those abilities create. But a talented Blue Mage might have a higher chance a perfecting transformative spells than other jobs because of this.

[@maximillianleaf5997]

@@SynodicScribe thank you for clearing that up. But now I have a different question. If I am understanding this correctly then isn't Summoning magic a more specialized form of blue magic as they alter aether to become effigys of primals. Actually how old is blue magic as I know it originates in the new world and there are mamool ja in the crystal tower thus implying that allag went to the new world at some point. Did the summoners of allag base their craft on blue magic or am I just drastically overthinking things?

[@brendowego]

I have a question concerning the knights of the Heavensward. Were their transformations in the Vault a version of Primal transformation? If so, where did they have the aether for multiple transformations? I don't think it would be the eye of Nidhogg, since Estinian is using it at that time.

[@BlazingAzureTheta]

The Holy See had Nidhogg's second eye with them. Also, they were channeling the aether of prayer for the Heavensward.

[@acgearsandarms1343]

Also consider they were tempered by Archbishop Thordan himself. It’s actually in the lore too. He tempered each of the Heavens’ Ward to enact his plans.

[@lushdontu4015]

So that is how white mages polymorph works...

[@SynodicScribe]

Indeed!

[@astrealbrizbee9815]

Has there been canonical bad uses of Fantasia? Is it technically a witness protection sort of potion?

[@sephirothcrescent5768]

In a bio i made for my WoL they created a transformation magic that lets them stay in that form for quite a while, without having to use up too much aether.

[@willsword8100]

I believe the next level of summoner will be transforming into an Eikon.

[@LandonKFox]

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.

[@SynodicScribe]

Different can of worms. But at the end of the day magic is magic I suppose. haha

[@femthingevelyn]

The summoner determines the nature of the summon when they summon it, so while the default is "thing that kinda looks like a weird bunny fox" if you glamour it to Ifrit, you're not changing the carbuncle to a Garuda, you're summoning a little Garuda that has the function of a carbuncle instead of a Garuda. In the mountain example given in the video, it would be like this: Carbuncle's mountain are made of granite while Ifrit's mountain is made of obsidian. You can make a mountain in the shape of Ifrit but made out of granite instead.

[@BeefNinja7]

What about the implication that the water imp and pig minions you can get from the Gold Saucer are transformed people? 🤔

[@Sov-Ryn15]

🍎 This lore is being taken into consideration to update my personal lore

[@PurpleAlzir]

PvP WHM has an offensive transformation spell to transform other players temporarily.

[@MeSharkk]

I need to know how Gaius went Super Saiyan at the end of ARR kmao

[@SynodicScribe]

A boost from his Magitek armor.

[@user-uv9jk7zi8w]

Glamour \●/

[@baxsb1578]

👍

[@reidsoto8661]

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?

[@GarnetDust24]

I wish endwalker went into more detail as to why the ancients felt that transforming magic was taboo and grotesque

[@SynodicScribe]

It's a cultural thing. The Ancients can observe the radiance of your soul, which is why they all wore similar clothes. To them, why wear fancy clothes when your spirit alone is the most beautiful thing you have? To the Ancients, transformations are like running around naked. Because you're wearing your power on the outside instead of keeping it inside. It's considered very immature and attention seeking to do so.

[@GarnetDust24]

Thank you for the apt response ✨

[@bobbyturtle8766]

I love this video, but could you add a minor spoiler warning next time? I don't know if Tsukuyomi or Phoenix are important or not, but it would have been nice to know beforehand.

[@SynodicScribe]

I could have. But that lore is more than 4+ years old. The spoilers threshold was broken a long time ago.

[@femthingevelyn]

I see where you're coming from but also, why are you watching lore videos about a game if you care about spoilers? lore videos and the like are one of the things most filled with spoilers, right up there with reaction videos, lets plays, and a friend who's really excited about the thing that happened

[@Wanderingsage7]

Hmm. So, it's entirely lore accurate for the WoL to one day have a Primal esque super form? I mean, they probably wouldn't because Primal but still.

[@SynodicScribe]

You're not wrong. Technically nothing is stopping them aside from their own ethics and philosophy.

[@quinqueshire6847]

Mildly disappointed that the transformations Dragons undergo over the course of their natural lifespan wasn't touched on.

[@SynodicScribe]

Unfortunately that's something completely different. haha

[@rednova2212]

I believe the Ancients were skipped over in this video, with their natural ability to 'transform' as a natural ability it seems.

[@SynodicScribe]

Well I can't really use them as an example. Not only did they live in an Unsundered World with copious amounts of aether to spare. Every Ancient had an excess of personal aether. I decided that comparing 7th Era magic to Ancients just wasn't fair. That and it would likely confuse some people.

[@rednova2212]

@@SynodicScribeThat is fair to state in some sense, but in like fashion, one could compare them to an Auspice. Auspices have access to copius amounts of Aether, live long past their expected lifespans, are likely vastly more intelligent and mentally focused (As in order to do what they do, they must assume they go through the equivalent of what our Turtle Bro is going through in his own training as an Auspice) and can transform with basically no effort and become more powerful by doing so. In fact, I expected to see the ancients in this video simply because I saw the Auspices mentioned, but indeed, all creatures in the world had vastly differing levels of Aether at the time. I believe the people of our current age are 5 or 6/14ths rejoined, whereas our own soul is 7/14ths rejoined because of the happenings of 1.0, and then 8/14ths after Shadowbringers due to Ardbert. Currently most everyone else has to play catch up by dying to rejoin the sea of souls to rejoin with the rest of their Aether, but we as Hydaelyns Warrior of Light get to cheat because we're the teachers pet... Sorry, off topic rant in itself but... Yeah. Anyway I figure the ancients and their transformations might be worthy of a video in and of itself.

[@SynodicScribe]

@@rednova2212 Worry not. The Ancients are getting their own video entirely. I wanted to take my time explaining them and their crazily advanced society!

[@Orico100]

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. 😢

[@SynodicScribe]

As far as current lore is concerned. Dynamis is rather useless and unimpressive at the moment. Without the Endsinger there's nothing that can control Dynamis on that level now, and no one person could ever use Dynamis that well based on the current lore. Thus I won't really be adding Dynamis in any magic videos since no one can really use it.

[@lucianheart3727]

Couldn't a sufficiently skilled mage pull ambient aether from the environment to fuel a transformative spell?

[@SynodicScribe]

You just described what they do for Primal Transformation.

[@lucianheart3727]

@@SynodicScribe Right, but I mean what if it wasn't done to mantle a primal, but instead just some other form of transformation? Like Beast Boy hahah

[@SynodicScribe]

@@lucianheart3727 No. Currently there's no evidence that someone could shapeshift that efficiently with or without ambient aether.

[@darlingdeer1505]

the reason for us warriors of light not being to transform is because the dev team is too lazy to make it happen. Bye.

[@stars-and-clouds]

you missed the opportunity to turn into skeleton man ;-; what do you mean anyone can be skeleton man pfft.

[@user-uv9jk7zi8w]

Glamour \●/