Yes, in many jurisdictions, NSFW (sexually explicit) content involving Lalafells can potentially be illegal, even though Lalafells are fictional characters.

Key Legal and Ethical Issues:

1. Lalafell design resembles children

Lalafells are canonically adults in Final Fantasy XIV lore. However, they are intentionally designed to look like small children (short stature, high voices, baby-like faces). As a result, NSFW content involving Lalafells is often perceived as child-like sexual imagery, regardless of lore.

2. Laws vary by country, but fictional depictions can still be illegal

In the U.S., under 18 U.S. Code § 1466A, it's a crime to possess, produce, or distribute sexually explicit material if it visually depicts a minor, real or not, in a way that is "obscene." Canada, Australia, and the UK have similar or stricter laws banning even drawn or animated depictions if they resemble minors.

3. Platform policy violations

Even if not technically illegal, most platforms (Discord, Reddit, Twitter/X, etc.) explicitly ban sexually explicit Lalafell content due to **child safety policies** and reputational risk. Sharing or requesting such content can get you banned—or reported to authorities—regardless of intent.