I'd like to return to Final Fantasy XIV, but this is a question I got caught-up on before. While playing an Au'Ra of any kind will always be "non-canon" -- at least until post-2.0 -- I put a lot of effort into trying to create characters that "fit" within the setting.
For most races and tribes -- with the exception of Midlanders -- one of the City-states is generally more common for them to be based. Au'ra are unique in that they have zero presence in ANY of the City-states. With virtually zero presence in the Main Scenario, as well, it creates a situation where you really have to just *guess* where you think they might fit in.
Well, I can't really come up with anything, which is why I'm reaching out to you guys to help me decide.
See, we know that the Xaela are part of some 50-odd warring clans. We also know that, unlike the Raen -- who are steeped in Japanese culture -- the Xaela are supposedly based on Mongolian culture. Knowing virtually nothing about Mongols, that leaves me feeling pretty lost.
Would they resonate more with Ul'dah and the Immortal Flames, as a city with a prized Colosseum and a renown gladiator as its general? Or with Limsa Lominsa and the Maelstrom, and a city founded by pirates and still very much values "individual freedom"?
Ul'dah makes a lot of sense in some ways. For one, it plays into the story *VERY* well, and the Domans first arrive in Vesper Bay. While we never see any Xaela come that route, it stands to reason that it would be closer than Limsa Lominsa to their former nation. Plus, being based in a desert, it seems a lot like I *imagine* Mongolia looks like (again; I don't know anything about it). However, Ul'dah is also a city that values money over all else, which might lend a bit of discrepancy to a Xaela "fitting in". Plus, even the trade-skills available in Ul'dah seem "frivolous" in comparison.
Limsa Lominsa doesn't seem terribly relevant to the Xaela -- or really, the story as a whole -- but the vibe might seem more welcoming to them. For one, Merlwyb seems more accepting of Lady Yugiri, and clearly there's the tie between the Rogue's Guild and Ninjas. Limsa Lominsa also seems a bit more welcoming to Beast tribes, which might make the Au'Ra feel more welcome. Plus, their trade-skills are a little more "hardy" and practical, from a cultural standpoint. However, Limsa definitely *is* irrelevant.
Assuming you can't do anything with connecting to the race, then you've got the Classes/Jobs.
Starting as a Gladiator, you eventually become a Paladin, which makes a pretty fitting narrative transition into Dark Knight (sort of a reverse of Cecil's story, with your hero becoming disillusioned after Nanamo's death and embracing the violent path of the Dark Knight). Plus, starting in Ul'dah, you witness Thancred's story-arc firsthand, giving the entire story a theme of constant betrayal.
Starting as a Marauder and becoming a Warrior, though, presents a character that's more in-tune with wielding a large, two-handed weapon. The Warrior Artifact Armor seems to have a bit of a Mongolian flair to it, anyways, plus you interact with Y'shtola earlier (and let's be real; is way more likable than Thancred).
Whichever City-state I start in, I would likely also choose their Grand Company (barring a compelling story-related reason not to). I don't know if that makes much difference or not, but it's certainly something to take into account.
I would *greatly* appreciate any input on this. As someone who struggled with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, I find myself unable to even play or enjoy the game, as I'm constantly second-guessing which choice would be the "right" one. Obviously, there's no clear "right" answer to be found, but at least if one makes more sense that the other, I think I could be content enough to finally jump in and enjoy the game again.
Thanks in advance for any responses!