To echo previous posts, I wouldn't worry about having a comprehensive command of the sum of Eorzean lore before designing a character. One thing that helped me a bunch was this thread. It took a while to muddle through, and you may find that many questions may be set aside, if not permanently then for a time.
Obviously, the more of the game you experience, the easier it will be to fill in some of those blanks. To me, that more organic growth gained in the midst of (role)play is the preferable method. FWIW, YMMV, etc.
Obviously, the more of the game you experience, the easier it will be to fill in some of those blanks. To me, that more organic growth gained in the midst of (role)play is the preferable method. FWIW, YMMV, etc.