Final Fantasy XI: Rise of the Zilart Missions
It all began with a stone, or so the legend says.
In ages past, a sentient jewel, enormous and beautiful, banished the darkness. Its many-colored light filled the world with life and brought forth mighty gods.
Bathed in that light, the world entered an age of bliss until, after a time, the gods fell into slumber. That world was called Vana'diel.
The legend goes on to say...
From the darkest depths of the earth the Warriors of the Crystal rose...
The Rise of the Zilart expansion tells the story of the Warriors of the Crystal, and of the ancient clash between two races, one of which was the Zilart - who have plans to bring about Vana'diel's destruction. Read on to find out just what the Zilart have planned.
RotZ Mission 1: The New Frontier
At the end of your city-state's Rank 5 mission, Lion invites you to come visit her in Norg. As you enter Norg, two guards stop you.
Koetsu : Hold it right there, buddy. This ain't no cafe. What business do you have here?
Lion walks up to you.
Lion : You finally made it, Amalberga.
Koetsu : Lion!
Lion : You don't have to worry about Amalberga. She's okay. Anyway, I thought you guys welcomed adventurers.
Koetsu : Understood.
Lion : Well, for starters, I should welcome you to Norg.
Lion : However, as much as I'd like to sit down and talk about old times over a bottle of 813 Rolanberry, we must first face our new problem with Kam'lanaut.
At your blank look, Lion speaks on.
Lion : You mean you don't remember what happened at Castle Zvahl?
Lion : .......Amalberga......Are yo......lright......Amalberga......
The world goes hazy as you faint. You're now seeing a recollection of what truly happened at Castle Zvahl, when you faced the Shadow Lord. A poem--or is it a song?--rings in your ears:
It all began with a stone, or so the legend says.
In ages past, a sentient jewel, enormous and beautiful, banished the darkness. Its many-colored light filled the world with life and brought forth mighty gods.
Bathed in that light, the world entered an age of bliss until, after a time, the gods fell into slumber. That world was called Vana'diel.
The legend goes on to say... From the darkest depths of the earth the Warriors of the Crystal rose...
The scene shows Zeid, leaning down next to Raogrimm, who now looks like an ordinary Galka rather than the Shadow Lord.
Zeid : Do you remember?
Raogrimm : Yes... I do now.
Zeid : Raogrimm, it is good to have you back. How has all this come to be?
Raogrimm : As you know, I was the Talekeeper of the Galka--the keeper of our race's memories. But there was so much pain, so much anger...
Raogrimm : I let myself become trapped in a dark abyss of swirling rage and madness...
Zeid : Raogrimm...
Raogrimm : People are capable of kindness beyond angels, yet we also commit sins that would put a demon to shame...
Raogrimm : We all stand precariously on the edge between darkness and light... And when we fall, we are greeted by only madness and chaos.
Raogrimm : And so I have fallen...
There is the sound of clapping. You turn, and see the Archduke Kam'lanaut with his little brother Eald'narche.
Kam'lanaut : Quite an interesting show you put on.
Eald'narche : I don't know. It could have used a little more excitement.
Eald'narche : The Galka can never do anything right.
Zeid : The Archduke of Jeuno and... What are you two doing here!?
Kam'lanaut : We come to reap the seeds that we have sown.
Kam'lanaut : You've performed your duty well, as ignorant as you are.
Kam'lanaut : I can see that we still have a little more cleaning up to do, but that won't be a problem.
Zeid : What are you going on about? Give us some answers!
Kam'lanaut : Listen carefully, you sorry excuses for sentient beings. The Crystal Line will soon be revived and the Gate of the Gods will open.
Kam'lanaut : That is when the true Vana'diel of legend will be reborn.
Eald'narche : Eternal paradise. The land of the gods. The dream we Zilart have held on to for ten thousand years is about to become a reality.
Raogrimm : Zilart? You... You can't be! That civilization perished thousands of years ago!
The great bane will devour the fair land of Vana'diel.
The ancient seal will be broken, awakening nightmares of ages past.
The blood of innocents will soak the earth, and the world will fall into fear and despair.
Eald'narche : Hah! Galka, Humes, beastmen--no life on this planet has any purpose or meaning.
Eald'narche : Like I told you before, we will not be handing over Vana'diel to anyone. This is our world.
Eald'narche : Yes, I am no longer sensing the impurities that were blocking the power that lies deep within Vana'diel. The ‡²noise‡³ has gone.
Eald'narche : Simply defeating ‡²him‡³ twenty years ago did not silence the noise.
Eald'narche : We ran into a snag. We were unable to release him from the crystal with our power alone.
Eald'narche : However, with the Talekeeper, we had what we needed. But there is no need to go into the details of that here.
Eald'narche : Wait...I can hear them...I can hear the five lifeforces...
Eald'narche : I can hear them approaching...Minions of the Crystal.
But as one bright star shines through the clouds at night...
And as one song rings clear above the roar of beasts...
We hold to one hope in these darkest of times.
Kam'lanaut : This world is nothing but a grave, and you are the maggots that squirm through the rotting corpse.
Kam'lanaut : It is time we put an end to Vana'diel as it is now.
Kam'lanaut : Hear us! We sing the song of hope...and your requiem!
That they will come, with the wisdom of ages and the strength of thousands, to deliver us from our plight.
We await the awakening of the Warriors of the Crystal.
Kam'lanaut : Come forth, Warriors of the Crystal, and cleanse this world of the filth that plagues it.
As he speaks, five crystals appear on the dias. They break open, and five warriors -- a Hume, a Mithra, a Galka, an Elvaan, and a Tarutaru -- appear, wearing black and having grayish-white skin.
Zeid : Warriors of the Crystal!?
Kam'lanaut : Farewell, lowly vermin. Your time is up.
Kam'lanaut : This is the beginning of the end.
Kam'lanaut : Finish them, Warriors of the Crystal!
Zeid moves to attack the Warriors, but is knocked back easily, as if he was a toy.
Raogrimm : Zeid! Are you alright?
Zeid : Ughhh...Don't underestimate them... Their power is immeasurable...
The Warriors move as if to attack you.
Raogrimm : No! Amalberga!
Lion bursts in to the Throne Room.
Lion : You'd have to be crazy to stay any longer. We've got to get out of here!
Zeid : Lion!?
Lion : Oh, no you don't!
Lion winds back her fist. The Warriors move on Zeid, but Raogrimm steps in front of Zeid, taking the attack.
Zeid : Raogrimm!?
Raogrimm : I can still draw energy from this land. If I can concentrate it for one last time, I may be able to slow them down.
Zeid : Raogrimm...
Raogrimm : There is no salvation for me. The Raogrimm who you once knew is gone forever.
Raogrimm : I expect no forgiveness for what I have done, but...
Raogrimm : Don't let them have Vana'diel. Now, go!
Lion leads the way out of the Throne Room.
Lion : Come on! This way, hurry!
Zeid : Farewell, brave warrior!
A ball of light envelops Raogrimm as he speaks.
Raogrimm : One does not need to be a prophet to foresee the outcome of this battle. However, I do not fear death.
Raogrimm has turned back into the Shadow Lord.
Shadow Lord : My true self died thirty years ago... All that remains is an empty shell...
Shadow Lord : Cornelia... Finally, we may meet again...
As he says this last line, the ghost of Cornelia appears, holding out her arms as if to embrace or welcome him. Light fills the chamber, then explosions.
The scene goes hazy, and you see the blurry image of Lion standing over you.
Lion : Hey, Amalberga. Are you alright?
You stand and explain.
Lion : You mean you had forgotten what had happened at Castle Zvahl?
Lion : You mean you had forgotten what had happened at Castle Zvahl?
Lion : Hmm... You must have lost your memory from the overwhelming shock of the whole experience.
Lion : But by the looks of you, everything else seems to be working.
Lion : See that staircase over there? When you're feeling a little better, walk up those stairs and come to the room at the end of the hallway.
Lion : There's someone I'd like you to meet. I'll go there first and tell him that you're coming.
Lion : Oh, and here, take this map of Norg. Think of it as a present from a friend.
Obtained key item: Map of Norg.
RotZ Mission 2: Welcome t'Norg
Gilgamesh : Arrrg, welcome t'Norg. I'm Gilgamesh, the leader of these scallywags. Me daughter's filled me in on your tale.
Gilgamesh : I've had me suspicions about Jeuno fer years. That's why I had Lion investigatin' these past months.
Gilgamesh : But blimey! I had no idear that the Archduke and his wee brother were Zilarrrt.
Gilgamesh : That ancient civilization perished so long ago, there be no record of it.
Gilgamesh : And who be these five Warriors of the Crystal?
Lion : If they really are the Warriors that legend speaks of...
Lion : Does this mean that the "bane" the song sings of...is us?
Lion : We will cause the blood of innocents to soak the earth? We will cause the world to fall into fear and despair?
Lion : So we are the plague that the Warriors of the Crystal have come to cure?
Gilgamesh : I don't know nothin' 'bout no Crystal Warriors or ancient legends, but I do know I'm not gonna sit around waitin' fer these Zilart to take over the world.
Gilgamesh : "Cleanse the world?" "Beginning of the end?" That be a lot of fancy talk.
Gilgamesh : But let's see them say that in front of yours truly! I'm not runnin' away from no fight!
Lion : But how can we stop Kam'lanaut's plan?
Gilgamesh : We're settin' out fer the Temple of Uggalepih.
Lion : The Temple of Uggalepih?
Gilgamesh : While not as ancient as Fei'Yin, I do know of some old ruins in the Temple of Uggalepih, beyond the Yuhtunga Jungle.
Gilgamesh : Years ago, I journeyed there, thinking some booty had to be hidden in a place so ancient. That is where I met up with this strange old woman.
Gilgamesh : "Are the ancient spirits still in slumber? Come again when the minions awake."
Gilgamesh : Arrrg, and then she vanished into thin air.
Gilgamesh : I didn't know what to make of it then, but I never thought it would be somethin' big like this.
Gilgamesh : I'm sure that old lady must know what's goin' on. Amalberga, I want ya t'travel to the Temple of Uggalepih and find her.
Gilgamesh : And before you go, stop by an' see the Chieftainness in Kazham. If you tell her I sent ya, she may be of some help.
Gilgamesh : No one's going to believe such a crazy story. We're going t'have t'work by ourselves on this one.
The door opens and Aldo walks in.
Aldo : I believe...
Lion : Aldo! How long's it been? What brings you all the way out here?
Aldo : Lion, Gilgamesh... It's Verena. She's disappeared.
Lion : But why would she go anywhere now? I have a bad feeling about this...
Gilgamesh : It may have somethin' t'do with Kam'lanaut's plan.
Lion : I'll help you look for her, Aldo. If anything happened to Verena...
Gilgamesh : No, Lion. I have another job fer you.
Lion : What?
Aldo : Lion, I appreciate your words, but let me gather some information around Jeuno first.
Aldo : Just knowing that Kam'lanaut is up to no good is a start. If I find out anything new, you will be the first to know.
RotZ Mission 3: Kazham's Chieftainness
As ordered, you travel to Kazham and talk with the Chieftainness there.
Jakoh Wahcondalo : Hah-hah-hah! So Gilgamesh is asking me to let you pass through to the Temple of Uggalepih, is he? That old dog hasn't changed a bit.
Jakoh Wahcondalo : Have you never hearrrd the tales of Uggalepih? Do you even know what you'll be getting yourself into?
Jakoh Wahcondalo : Well, don't say I didn't warn you.
Jakoh Wahcondalo : Here, take this key. It opens the door that leads to the deeper parrrts of the temple. Have fun! Hah-hah-hah!
Obtained key item: Sacrificial Chamber key.
RotZ Mission 4: The Temple of Uggalepih
The temple is a "dungeon" as referred to by FFXI players, but unlike FFXIV, it is not an instance with a time limit but just another zone. Bees and cougars inhabit the temple, along with the most populous monster: tonberries.
As you make your way through the temple, you'll have to do a series of actions in order to reach your final destination: the Sacrificial Chamber in the Den of Rancor.
First, you must kill Tonberry Cutters until one drops an Uggalepih key. Once you have the key, you can use it to open a granite door inside the temple. This leads to a small room full of bookshelves and tables with items strewn across them.
Perusing the bookshelves, you find a book entitled "Understanding Art." The following is written: "When painting, one should stand up straight and focus on the canvas that lies before him."
On another shelf, you find a book entitled "Truly Understanding Cooking." The following is written: "When sharpening knives, one should stand up straight and focus on the whetting stone that lies before him."
On yet a third shelf, you find a book entitled "Understanding Cooking." The following is written: "When slicing vegetables, one should stand up straight and focus on the cutting board that lies before him." An old rusty key falls from the book!
Obtained key item: Old rusty key.
Now examining the tables, you find a parchment. The following is written on the stained paper: "...nvas lies somewhere between the Goddess and the ancient capital..."
On one of the tables is a locked box. The old rusty key you found unlocks it. You find a strange brush inside the box. A hideous voice rings in your ears... When the paintbrush of souls projects the deepest, darkest corner of your soul onto the blank canvas...only then will the doors to rancor open.
Obtained key item: Paintbrush of souls.
You venture deeper into the temple and encounter a guardian standing by a door. Killing the guardian causes the door to slide open. You enter a chamber with two paths offshooting from it. You take the left path, and find a series of frames on the wall. When you examine the middle frame, you find that there is a blank canvas in this frame. The paintbrush of souls begins to twitch. Brush in hand, you stand up straight in front of the blank canvas and begin to concentrate. By focusing your thoughts on the paintbrush of souls, a new painting begins to appear on the canvas... You concentrate for half a minute. You succeeded in projecting the image in your soul to the blank canvas. The door to the Den of Rancor has opened!
Inside the Den are yet more tonberries. You must kill the black mages (Maledictors) until one drops an Unlit Lantern. You then take that lantern to the Altar of Rancor and light the lantern, obtaining a Flame of Rancor. Deeper in the Den, you find a locked door with four unlit pillars before it. You transfer the Flame of Rancor to one of the pillars.
(If you are in a party of four or more people and all party members have a Flame of Rancor, you can light all four pillars at once. I was soloing this mission with Trusts, though, so I had to backtrack to the Altar for another flame, and do this for each pillar.)
Once all pillars are lit, the door slides open, and you enter the Sacrificial Chamber. Checking the Burning Circle there will start a boss fight against three Tonberries, one of which is named Grav'iton. You defeat the Tonberries (they are a black mage, a summoner, and a thief) and a cutscene starts as a voice says: "Wait. Lay down thy blades."
Grav'iton fades and returns in the form of a ghostly old woman. She speaks:
Grav'iton : Welcome, brave adventurer. Thine arrival can only mean one thing. "They" have once again begun their rise.
Grav'iton : Thou must forgive my companions. They remain bound to this place by the spirits of the past.
Grav'iton : Though they do not yet realize it...
Grav'iton : Ah, I have yet to introduce myself. My name is Grav'iton Berisacci, a scholar from the lost civilization of Kuluu. However, my colleagues often referred to me by the sobriquet, Tonberry.
Grav'iton : I represent the collective consciousness of the remains of what was once a great race of people.
Grav'iton : Listen carefully, for the tale I am about to tell thee reaches far across the plains of time--back ten thousand years.
Grav'iton : It all started with a mere crystal and the mysterious power it held...
She speaks on, telling the story:
Deep beneath Vana'diel rest five enormous crystals, all more powerful than any force on this planet. The Zilart used that power to develop their civilization.
The five arks, also known as crags, tap the crystals of their power...
The Crystal Lines tie the arks... And Delkfutt's Tower controls the flow of energy...
However, this was only the beginning. They had other plans for the power of the crystals.
The Gate of the Gods... It is said that bringing the power of the five crystals together will open the gate to the heavens and transform Vana'diel into a paradise for the gods.
However, we Kuluu, along with the followers of the Goddess, the Dawnmaidens, were against this plan. We voiced our disapproval to the Zilart, but they were too driven by their self-centered motives to lend an ear to our pleas.
The Gate of the Gods--the floating island of Tu'Lia--was constructed, and the Zilart's plan was put into motion.
A fantastic amount of energy was drained from the crystals and focused into Tu'Lia. However, while this was taking place, we Kuluu led an attack on the northernmost ark and destroyed it, putting an end to their abominable plan.
Unfortunately, this act caused the crystals to spin out of control. The world was engulfed in a blinding light, and the Zilart were destroyed.
The land where the Zilart resided sank to the abyssal depths of the sea, while the overwhelming power of the crystals laid waste to the Northlands, leaving them uninhabitable.
She continues to speak.
Grav'iton : Those Kuluu who survived the happenings of that day fled here. However, the power of the crystals left its mark on us. As time passed, our bodies and minds degenerated into the form you see standing before you.
Grav'iton : We do not regret our actions.
Grav'iton : It was a small sacrifice to save Vana'diel.
Grav'iton : What will happen, happens. One can sit and ponder over what could have been, but that would only be a waste of time. We must move on.
Grav'iton : This world belongs to all who reside on its fertile soil. We could not let it be transformed into a mere playground for the gods.
Grav'iton : However, when I learned that Delkfutt's Tower remained unchanged even after the accident, I could sense that something was amiss.
Grav'iton : At that moment, I knew our fight was not yet over.
Grav'iton : Heed my words, young adventurer. Thou must travel to the small island of Zepwell, located to the southwest of Bastok. There thou wilt find the remains of an ancient temple.
Grav'iton : There thou must join the eight fragments of light. Only then will the Dawnmaidens show thee the path thou must follow.
Grav'iton : The fragments can be found embedded in eight stone monuments located in remote areas of Vana'diel. As to their precise whereabouts, that is for thee to discover.
Grav'iton : My time has passed. There is nothing more I can do but stand back and watch as this drama unfolds.
Grav'iton : Ah, yes. There is one more thing I must tell thee. Beware of the elder prince of the Zilart. The bond he has formed with the crystals is great. His magic is truly powerful.
Grav'iton : He has already crossed the boundaries of man and stepped into the forbidden realm of the gods. Thou must be careful.
Grav'iton : I will not pray for thy success, as it is not prayer that will lead thee to victory. Thou wilt do what thou must to overcome this great evil.
Grav'iton : Here is the first fragment to start thee on thy journey. Now, be off! There is not much time.
She fades, and the mission ends.
RotZ Mission 5: Headstone Pilgrimage
This mission is one long fetch quest that will take at least two hours to do. There is little dialogue during it. It involves traveling to far-flung places in Vana'diel and retrieving jeweled fragments from headstones. You have already received the Dark Fragment from Grav'iton; there are seven more fragments to retrieve, one for each element.
The Earth Fragment is located in the Western Altepa Desert, which lies in the Kuzotz region, southwest of the Quon continent. Kuzotz is made up of islands, the largest of which is Zepwell - you may remember Grav'iton mentioning it. You must travel through several tunnels and chambers in the desert to reach the headstone. Once you do, you examine the headstone and receive the following dialogue:
An earth fragment... A single fragment of light. The way in which it shines suggests that it is resonating with something...
Obtained key item: Earth fragment.
To find the Water Fragment, you must start by traveling to La Theine Plateau and descending into one of the rifts there, which will lead you to the entrance of Ordelle's Caves. You then must traverse the entirety of the Caves until you come out into another rift in the Plateau. The headstone is at the far end of this rift.
A water fragment... A single fragment of light. The way in which it shines suggests that it is resonating with something...
Obtained key item: Water fragment.
As might be expected, the Ice Fragment is located in the frozen Northlands, deep in the basement of Fei'yin, inside the Cloister of Frost.
An ice fragment... A single fragment of light. The way in which it shines suggests that it is resonating with something...
Obtained key item: Ice fragment.
The Fire Fragment is located north of the Yhoator Jungle, inside the volcano known as Ifrit's Cauldron. You must climb to the rim of the volcano and descend its inner path, which eventually leads back out to Yuhtunga Jungle. There, you find the headstone located in a passage underneath a waterfall.
A fire fragment... A single fragment of light. The way in which it shines suggests that it is resonating with something... The Opo-opos attack!
You are confronted with two Opo-opos, named Carthi and Tipha. You must defeat them first. After defeating them, re-examining the headstone will allow you to retrieve the fire fragment.
Obtained key item: Fire fragment.
The Lightning Fragment's headstone is located in Behemoth's Dominion, an area of Qufim located north of Jeuno. The headstone is located in one of the branching paths from the Dominion heading back to Qufim.
A lightning fragment... A single fragment of light.The way in which it shines suggests that it is resonating with something... The air around you has suddenly changed!
You'll face two Weapon-type monsters. Again, you must defeat them in order to retrieve the fragment.
Obtained key item: Lightning fragment.
The Wind Fragment can be found in the Cloister of Gales, located off a secret passage found in Cape Terrigan.
A wind fragment... A single fragment of light. The way in which it shines suggests that it is resonating with something... A cold wind chills you to the bone.
You face Axesarion the Wanderer, an undead monster. Defeating him will free you to re-examine the headstone and retrieve the fragment.
Obtained key item: Wind fragment.
The final fragment is found in the Sanctuary of Zi'Tah. You must follow an unmarked path not shown on the map, north and west until you reach the headstone.
A light fragment... A single fragment of light. The way in which it shines suggests that it is resonating with something... The air around you has suddenly changed!
You face The Doomed Pilgrims, a large, undead monster. As before, you must defeat it.
You have obtained a light fragment! You now have all 8 fragments of light!
RotZ Mission 6: Through the Quicksand Caves
Now that you have collected the eight fragments, you can return to the island of Zepwell and search for the ruins that Grav'iton mentioned.
These ruins are located underneath the desert - ramps in the sand lead down to the entrances of the Quicksand Caves. When traversing the caves, you will encounter trick doors that require a party of sufficient weight to stand on platform to open them. In the early years of the game, this was not an issue because you'd normally be doing the missions in a party, but in today's game, story missions are often soloed with Trusts, and the Trusts don't work to trip the doors.
Luckily, the developers have added a mechanism for solo players. This requires doing a sidequest by talking to the goblin Lokpix, located at the Altepa gate crystal; the goblin will request you fetch some items for him, including a Tremorstone from the Cloister of Tremors (located off the Quicksand Caves) and a Meteorite (obtainable from crawlers in Sarutabaruta). Once you trade him the items, he does some goblin magic and gives you a Loadstone. Striking the stone will temporarily make it heavier, allowing you to trip the doors by yourself.
To reach the proper portion of the ruins, you need to head to the southwest corner of Western Altepa Desert and find a hidden tunnel, leading to an area not marked on the map. After passing through the tunnel, you'll find a ramp leading down into the Quicksand Caves. Take the ramp, enter the Caves, then find the first of the trick doors. After passing through the door, you'll be in a set of square-shaped hallways. Walk around the square to the next trick door and enter it. A few steps in, there's a large hole on the floor, giving you no choice but to fall down it. You'll end up in sandy tunnels which you can follow to the Chamber of Oracles.
Inside the Chamber, you find a device that looks more like it belongs in Fei'yin than in the sandy caves. It is a white platform on which a glowing purple sigil rests. Stepping on the platform transports you into a larger chamber that again, looks like it came out of Fei'yin. There, you face a trio of Anticans. The mission ends once you defeat them.
RotZ Mission 7: The Chamber of Oracles
After defeating the Anticans, you press on further into the Chamber, where you encounter a large device in the back center of the room. Flanking the device are 8 smaller pedestals, four on each side. These smaller pedestals each have an indentation in them.
You place the fire fragment into the pedestal.
You place the lightning fragment into the pedestal.
You place the wind fragment into the pedestal.
You place the light fragment into the pedestal.
You place the dark fragment into the pedestal.
You place the earth fragment into the pedestal.
You place the water fragment into the pedestal.
You place the ice fragment into the pedestal.
The pedastals glow with the light of their elements. A voice speaks, and you turn to find Zeid.
Zeid : So that is how it works... It is as if this place has been waiting for your arrival.
Zeid : Hm? What is this?
The air crackles, and figures appear, one for each pedestal along with a woman with a horned headdress appearing on the large, center pedestal. She speaks.
Illusory Image : We are the Dawnmaidens, servants of the Goddess Altana. Let us be your guide as you venture into the unknown.
Illusory Image : We have long awaited your arrival, daughter of the five crystals. Just as the Crystal Warriors, your people, too, were born from the great force that dwells deep beneath the surface of Vana'diel.
Zeid : What does this mean? Who are the Crystal Warriors?
Illusory Image : Using the power of the crystals, the Zilart created the five warriors.
Illusory Image : Children of the crystals--their senses enhanced to assist them in their duty of guarding the five arks.
Illusory Image : As for you... A great explosion--the Meltdown--ended the Zilart's evil plan ten thousand years ago. Over the millennia, the power of the crystals has transformed the people of that era to the five races that exist today.
Illusory Image : However, the effect the crystals had on you was not nearly as great as that it had on the five Warriors.
Zeid : So, the reason that they resemble us is a direct result of the five crystals?
Zeid : What did you people try doing ten thousand years ago? And what does that have to do with what the Archduke and his brother are up to now?
The Dawnmaiden in the center goes on to tell the story:
While visiting Delkfutt's Tower, the elder of the two Zilart princes made a "connection‡³ with the crystal. It was then that he had his "vision."
Using his spiritual power, the prince became an antenna and broadcast this vision--a vision of the gods and eternal paradise--to the masses.
According to the vision, people had been cast from this paradise long ago.
However, those who saw this vision also heard an accompanying voice--a voice telling them that the light of the crystal would lead them back to Paradise.
When the energy of the five crystals was joined as one, the Gate of the Gods would open and the path to Paradise would once again be lit.
These words, though, were not taken lightly by all. The Kuluu of the Northlands and we, the Dawnmaidens, spoke out against the vision.
"What would opening the Gate of the Gods bring upon this planet?"
"With Vana'diel transformed, what would become of those who remained?"However, the Zilart were already enchanted by this vision of Paradise, and our cries went unnoticed.
They proceeded in constructing a floating island above one of their temples in the center of their nation. This island was to become the Gate of the Gods.
However, as you have already learned from Grav'iton, the Kuluu thwarted the Zilart's plan, leading to the annihilation of a complete civilization.
Illusory Image : The Kuluu cannot be blamed for what they did. Had they not acted, Vana'diel as we know it would surely have perished.
Illusory Image : They sacrificed the honor of their people to save the world from certain destruction.
Illusory Image : However, now the two Zilart princes have put their plan into motion. They are once again attempting to open the Gate of the Gods.
Illusory Image : You must do everything in your power to stop them, or Vana'diel...will be lost for eternity.
Illusory Image : Vana'diel belongs to you. No one has the right to take it from you.
Illusory Image : Make your way to Delkfutt's Tower. In that tower await the answers to all your questions.
She fades, and four of the other dawnmaidens speak before fading as well:
There is still time...
The end is near...
You must stop them from opening...
The Gate of the Gods...
Zeid : Delkfutt's Tower? Gate of the Gods? The end of the world? This is more serious than I had imagined.
Zeid : Hm? What is this?
Zeid : A prismatic crystal... You should probably take this with you on your journey. I will take a shard of it as well.
Obtained key item: Prismatic fragment.
RotZ Mission 8: Return to Delkfutt's Tower
You stop in Neptune's Spire in Lower Jeuno to check in on Aldo.
Aldo : Like I told you in Norg, I haven't seen Verena. After you met her in Castle Oztroja, she came back here and locked herself in her room.
Aldo : I thought I would give her some time to herself, but when I went to check up on her, she had already gone. If you hear anything, please let me know.
Lion bursts into the room.
Lion : Aldo!
Lion : I think I might know where Verena is.
Aldo : Are you certain?
Lion : Yes. I saw a group of Ducal Guards, led by Captain Wolfgang, taking her away somewhere.
Aldo : Wolfgang? Then Kam'lanaut must be behind this.
Lion : But wait, there's more. I've heard that Wolfgang took Verena to Delkfutt's Tower. You're coming, right, Aldo?
Aldo : I'll be ready in the blink of an eye. Somebody's going to be sorry they ever laid a finger on her!
You hurry to Delkfutt's Tower. As you enter the lower portion of the tower, the following exchange occurs:
Lion : What exactly is going on here? There was no reason for Verena to be involved in the first place.
Aldo : Sorry about making you wait, Lion. Now let's get going.
Lion : The problem is, we can't get near them without a prismatic fragment.
Aldo : You mean you didn't bring it?
Lion : Don't worry.
Zeid enters the tower, and speaks to Lion.
Zeid : You again. What business do you have coming here?
Lion : The same as you. Isn't that good enough an answer?
Zeid : I need no companions on my journey. And what do you think you can accomplish, coming here without a prismatic fragment?
Lion : We knew you would have it. So, we're coming along for the ride.
Zeid : Do as you wish.
Lion : Whatever. Aldo, let's go.
Aldo : I am sorry. My name is Aldo, head of the Tenshodo.
Zeid : Zeid... Just make sure you don't get in my way.
Lion : He never changes.
Aldo : Just hold on a little bit longer, Verena. I'm coming.
You make your way to the Stellar Fulcrum, located at the top of upper tower. As you enter, you see Aldo, Lion, and Zeid have beat you there. They are each standing on a ramp leading to a central platform, where Kam'lanaut awaits. Their positions mean that Kam'lanaut is surrounded.
Kam'lanaut : Ha, were you three still alive? Now you can watch as life is breathed into the Chrysalis Core once again!
Aldo : The Chrysalis Core?
Kam'lanaut : What you see below you is the heart of Delkfutt's Tower. Regenerating it will open the path to Tu'Lia.
Lion : Isn't Tu'Lia the floating island also known as the Gate of the Gods? I thought it was destroyed when the ancient capital of the Zilart was submerged.
Kam'lanaut : Just as we Zilart slept for thousands of years, Tu'Lia also remains in slumber. Miles above the surface of Vana'diel, it bides its time until the day of awakening.
Kam'lanaut : And when it awakes, eternal paradise will be within our grasp.
Lion : Slept? You mean to tell me that you've been sleeping here in Delkfutt's Tower for ten thousand years?
Kam'lanaut : You are fairly intuitive for a mere Hume. Thirty years ago, when Raogrimm came in contact with the crystal in the cursed Northlands, some of its energy flowed to this tower.
Kam'lanaut : It was that burst of power that awoke us, giving us the opportunity to continue our quest for Paradise.
Zeid : Long ago, your people paid the price for what you did. What's to be gained by chasing after lost dreams?
Kam'lanaut : Every soul in Vana'diel wants to believe that there's a gate to eternal paradise somewhere on this planet.
Zeid : ...
Kam'lanaut : A pure, untainted world, perfect in every facet. A crystalline paradise fit for the gods.
Kam'lanaut : That is the vision...and you vermin are not part of it.
Aldo : I've had enough! You've spent the last thirty years deceiving all of us in Jeuno.
Aldo : You could care less about the people of this world! You are just using the power of the gods in an attempt to take over Vana'diel!
Kam'lanaut : Hm-hm-hm...
Kam'lanaut : Hah-hah-hah! I can no longer fool you. Behold! I am the will of the crystal!
Kam'lanaut : And now I shall wield its true power and make this planet mine! Rise forth, Crystal Warriors!
The five Crystal Warriors appear, and now it is the trio that find themselves surrounded.
Aldo : Who the hell are these characters?
Kam'lanaut : I will let them take care of you.
Kam'lanaut : Ah, we have an uninvited guest...
The prismatic fragment begins to resonate with the door. You enter the chamber.
Kam'lanaut : So you have come here to die, have you? Well, I'll give you the honor of being taken down by my blade.
He bends and places a hand on the center of the platform, which glows. A stream of light comes out from underneath the platform. Kam'lanaut is transported down to the main floor, his clothing morphed into white and gold armor.
Kam'lanaut : This is your end. Perish, fools, in the name of the crystal!
Battle occurs! You succeed in defeating Kam'lanaut, who is now crouched down on the floor, armor morphed back into his regular clothing.
Kam'lanaut : Wh-why? I am the will...of the crystal... How could I be defeated by mere mortals?
Kam'lanaut : Warriors! Why do you just sit there and watch?
Eald'narche : My poor brother, haven't you realized? The crystal doesn't need you anymore.
The camera shifts to show Eald'narche on the middle platform, before shifting again to focus on Kam'lanaut.
Kam'lanaut : Eald'narche!? What do you mean? Wh-why are you...
Eald'narche : You were foolish to believe that the crystal ever chose you.
Kam'lanaut : The crystal doesn't need...me? It can't be possible... You can't leave me here like this!
Kam'lanaut : Yes... You still need me to revive Tu'Lia!
Eald'narche : Regenerating the Chrysalis Core? You need not worry, my brother. I have found another way to do that.
Eald'narche : Now let the show begin...
Eald'narche makes a motion with his arm, and the Warriors standing near the trio swing their weapons, knocking the three off the ramps and onto the main floor.
Zeid : Ungh!
Lion : Ahh!
Aldo calls out as his sister, looking dazed, appears on one of the ramps.
Aldo : Verena? Verena! Are you all right!?
Eald'narche : Of course she's all right, you imbecile. Why would I harm my key to the Chrysalis Core?
Eald'narche : A lucky find, this girl was. Who would have thought this simple Hume would have such extraordinary resonating ability?
Kam'lanaut : No... So, you were planning to use her all along...
Eald'narche : Farewell, my little brother. Return to the crystal from which you were born.
Kam'lanaut : Why... What did I do to deserve...this...
Kam'lanaut fades into light as he speaks this last line.
Lion : Little brother... But then... You're the elder prince of the Zilart?
Eald'narche : You shouldn't be deceived by appearances. My growth was stopped the moment I came in contact with the crystal, ten thousand years ago.
Eald'narche : And ten thousand years I have waited to put my plan into motion.
Lion : Plan? You mean, to open the Gate of the Gods?
Eald'narche : What else? To open the gate, the regeneration of the Chrysalis Core was necessary. However, the unexpected arrival of that Raogrimm character interfered with the crystals' power. His existence created too much "noise."
Eald'narche : Luckily for me, you people succeeded in defeating the Shadow Lord, causing the noise to disappear. My plan took a turn when I realized that Raogrimm was a Talekeeper.
Eald'narche : I could utilize the long lost "memories of the ancients" he carried to regenerate the Chrysalis Core.
Zeid : "Memories of the ancients"? What does this have to do with Raogrimm?
Eald'narche : I would not think that you would know of such matters. I assume that not even Raogrimm himself knew. What he carried was not in his mind, but in his blood.
Eald'narche : If I were to obtain a part of him, I could use it instead of having to rely on my useless brother.
Aldo : But even if you did have it, you wouldn't be able to use it on your own!
Eald'narche : Yes, you are right. That is where your sister Verena comes in.
Eald'narche : The soul of your younger sister resonates with the souls of the beastmen. Only she can communicate with them.
Eald'narche : I plan to use her ability to unlock the "memories of the ancients" and project them into Delkfutt's Tower, thus regenerating the Chrysalis Core and opening the path to Tu'Lia.
Eald'narche : Once Tu'Lia has been awakened, I can continue my preparations there.
Eald'narche : Just as I did ten thousand years ago.
Eald'narche : Now, Verena. Let us begin.
Verena begins to walk forward to the center of the platform, and as she does, the head of the Shadow Lord appears, floating before her. It too moves to the platform. Once they reach the center, the Shadow Lord's eyes snap open and glow purple. Verena's head falls back, as if she is singing or praying.
Aldo : Stop! What are you doing to her!?
Zeid : It... It cannot be!
Blue bubbles form beneath the platform. They float up, turning red as they do, and a shining light bursts up, up, up into the sky. It shines on a purple crystal which lights up, and the floating islands of Tu'Lia appear.
Eald'narche : Behold, the Gate of the Gods--Tu'Lia!
Lion : Gate of the Gods...
Aldo : Verena!
Eald'narche : I have no more use for her. If you want her that much, you can have her back.
He swings his arm, and Verena is knocked head-first off the platform.
Aldo : No!
Aldo rushes forward with all haste and manages to catch Verena.
Aldo : Verena! Open your eyes! Verena!
Verena remains still. Eald'narche now turns, speaking directly to you, the adventurer.
Eald'narche : Don't you, too, want to pass through the Gate of the Gods? Don't you, too, want to know what awaits in eternal paradise? Come to Tu'Lia, and see with your own eyes.
Eald'narche : Only after you enter Paradise will you mortals know true happiness.
Eald'narche : The questions to which you have no answers--you will find those answers in Tu'Lia.
Eald'narche : And once you have come to realize that your existence is meaningless, I will change the world into a crystal, set to shine for eternity...
Lion : You wouldn't dare!
Eald'narche : I wouldn't? Why don't you come to Tu'Lia and find out?
Eald'narche : However, only those who have been blessed by the light and whose power has been accepted by the crystal can pass through the gate.
Eald'narche : Travel to Ro'Maeve and prove yourselves. I will be waiting for you on the other side.
Zeid : Wait!
Aldo : Why, you!
Lion : Stop!
Eald'narche : Heh-heh-heh... Ah-hah-hah-hah!
And he disappears.
Zeid : Someone has to stop him, or it will mean the end of Vana'diel as we know it.
Lion : I'm going back to Norg. I'll see if my father can give us any help.
RotZ Mission 9: Ro'Maeve
You return to Lower Jeuno to check in on Aldo and Verena.
Aldo : Oh, it's you. I see that you made it out of there alive.
Aldo : Me? I'm fine, but Verena's been unconscious since we returned. Come with me.
You enter a bedroom, where Verena is laying still on the bed.
Aldo : From what I see, her mind's been poisoned. I never knew that Eald'narche had that kind of power...
Aldo : Now that you mention it, I hardly know anything about him.
Aldo : I guess I never really thought that I needed to know. If I got what I wanted, I was happy.
As he speaks, the camera focuses on Verena, who stirs, then slowly sits up.
Verena : Al...do...
Aldo : Verena! Do you know who I am, Verena?
Verena : Aldo? Yes, I'm alright...
Aldo : So, do you...do you remember what happened in the Stellar Fulcrum?
Verena : Not really... It was all like watching a play...
Aldo : I see...
Verena : I was controlled by the...the Shadow Lord's sheer will...
Aldo : You don't have to say any more. It's all over now. And I thank the heavens that you're back here safe with me.
Verena : Aldo...
Aldo : I appreciate you traveling here, Amalberga. However, I don't know if I can carry on this game with Eald'narche anymore.
You take your leave, and travel to Norg to speak with Lion and her father.
Gilgamesh : Arrrg, I heard from Lion about what happened at Delkfutt's Tower.
Gilgamesh : Our ancient friend called that island floatin' over Qufim ‡²Tu'Lia‡³...the Gate of the Gods.
Lion : Eald'narche also said that only those who have been blessed by the light and whose power has been accepted by the crystal can pass through the gate.
Gilgamesh : What does that boy think he's doing, playing some kind of game with Vana'diel as his prize?
Lion directs her attention to an eldery man standing off to the side in the office.
Lion : Kamui. Have you ever heard the name Ro'Maeve? Eald'narche mentioned it before he left Delkfutt's Tower.
Kamui : Ro'Maeve? Hmmm...
Kamui : On the northern tip of Mindartia is a wild, untamed region called the Sanctuary of Zi'Tah. In this area there remains a set of ancient ruins.
Kamui : I remember those ruins being referred to as Ro'Maeve.
Kamui : However, those ruins, also known as the Temple of Desolation, have long been feared by many.
Gilgamesh : Arrrg, a frightenin' place that Zi'Tah be. Ya never know what's gonna creep up behind yer back.
Gilgamesh : Amalberga, take care when traveling up there, unless ya want to be swimmin' in Davy Jones's locker.
Lion : Okay, I'll be careful.
Gilgamesh : Hold on there, missy. You're not going with Amalberga this time. I need ya t'travel t'Jeuno and keep an eye on them beastmen.
Lion : But...but!
Gilgamesh : Don't talk back t'me. You know what ya have t'do, now go do it! I'll stay here and watch after me hideout.
Lion : ...
RotZ Mission 10: The Temple of Desolation
You travel to Ro'Maeve, which has semi-circular paths of white stone. You make your way through the paths. At the back center of the area is the entrance to what looks to be a shrine. You enter and find a long hallway with statues gazing down on you from either side. You walk forward, past a circular platform, and reach a cerment grate at the far end of the path, blocking your way. Through the grate, you can see steps leading upwards.
There is an oddly shaped depression in the center of the grate. The grate does not seem to be a door, as it is one with the walls around it.
The depression in the center of the grate must be a clue...
RotZ Mission 11: The Hall of the Gods
Out of ideas, you return to Norg and speak with Gilgamesh. Perhaps he will know what to do?
Gilgamesh : Arrrg, so ya say ya couldn't journey deeper into the temple because a grate was blockin' yer way?
Gilgamesh : What? Ya saw a stairway on the other side of that bloomin' grate? Ha! Leave it t'the Zilart t'build somethin' crazy like that.
Gilgamesh : But this ain't no time fer complainin'. We've got t'figger out a way t'get t'that stairway.
Gilgamesh : There's got t'be some way t'open that wall. Some kind of key...
Gilgamesh : Arrrg! I've got it! Ya say the Zilarrrt used crystals t'power their strange machines, right? Then maybe...
Gilgamesh : I think me may know the way t'get through that grate.
Gilgamesh : Listen up, Amalberga. I want ya t'find a Mithra named Mary or Maroo or somethin' like that. She was in Norg a while back, but now she could be anywhere on the mainlands.
Gilgamesh : Why all this trouble over a cat? Well, when that lady was here, she tried sellin' us a strange crystal she said she found in the Sanctuary of Zi'Tah.
Gilgamesh : I don't think she was tryin' t'pull a fast one, but no one was interested in her booty, so she packed up and left fer somewhere else.
Gilgamesh : But now that me thinks of it, that crystal she found in Zi'Tah may be jus' what we're lookin' fer.
RotZ Mission 12: The Mithra and the Crystal
You find the Mithra you're looking in Rabao, a town in the Altepa Desert.
Maryoh Comyujah : Ho there! Aren't you the adventurer known as Amalberga? The winds carry word of your interest in the ruins of Li'Telor.
Maryoh Comyujah : I know how to get in. Into the very center of the rrruins, I mean. I wouldn't mind just telling you, but...you know what they say, "Nothing of value should come for free."
Maryoh Comyujah : I have a little favor to ask. Underneath the Altepa Desert lie the expansive Quicksand Caves. I've got a hunch that there's some undiscovered trrreasure in there, still waiting to be claimed.
Maryoh Comyujah : Just head a short way into the caves and pick up anything that strrrikes you as valuable. If I like what you brrring me, I'll tell you everything I know about the rrruins.
Maryoh Comyujah : Not a bad deal, rrright? You scrrratch my back, and I'll scrrratch yours.
Maryoh Comyujah : Okay then, it's a deal. The Quicksand Caves are expansive and have many entrances, but I'm sure you'll figure them out.
So it's back into the Quicksand Caves. In a portion of the Caves you hadn't been yet, you find a spot that looks like something is buried there. You start to dig it out when you're attacked by an Ancient Vessel!
You fight, and when the Vessel is vanquished, you dig again and find a scrap of papyrus. This must be what Maryoh was looking for! You hurry back to Rabao and talk to her.
Maryoh Comyujah : Wow, this is incrrredible!
Maryoh Comyujah : Now listen carefully, and I'll tell you what I know about the rrruins, just like I prrromised.
Maryoh Comyujah : What I'm about to tell you happened long before I came to Kuzotz. I went alone to explore Li'Telor, a place that has been known as a holy land since ancient times.
Maryoh Comyujah : I was traveling through a dense fog and, though it embarrasses me to rrrecall, completely lost my way. After wandering for a time, I somehow found myself at the rrruins.
Maryoh Comyujah : What I saw there, you already know. Those huge statues facing one another in that great hall, and beyond... The immovable wall that bars the way into the heart of the rrruins.
Maryoh Comyujah : I searched every inch of that place. And then I found it. A mysterrrious crystal glowing with a clear, blue light.
Maryoh Comyujah : I don't know why it was there, but it was shining from below the surface of the lake in the great hall. ...Glowing as if in rrresponse to the moonlight that poured in from above.
Maryoh Comyujah : This is that cerulean crystal. I brought it back with me thinking I could sell it, but I haven't been able to find a buyer. I might as well give it to you.
Maryoh Comyujah : Place it into the hollow in the center of that wall and see what happens for yourself. You wouldn't want me to spoil it for you now, would you? Hehehe.
Obtained key item: Cerulean crystal.
You return to the Hall of the Gods and are studying the cerment grate when Aldo and Zeid walk up.
Aldo : We've been waiting for you, Amalberga.
Aldo : I've got a score to settle with Eald'narche. It's time to put an end to that midget's plan!
Zeid : I am not certain about what he meant by being "blessed by the light", but I do know that we need that cerulean crystal you hold to find out.
You place the cerulean crystal in the indentation in the grate, and the grate fades away into nothing, leaving the path ahead open.
Aldo : So that's how it works... Well, there's no turning back now. Let's go, Zeid. You too, Amalberga.
The three of you walk up the stairs and down a hallway. At the end of the hall, there's a large shimmering circle on a platform. You step on the platform, but nothing happens. There is no other exit in the room.
RotZ Mission 13: The Gate of the Gods
Zeid : It seems as if we cannot continue on any further.
Aldo : What's going on? Does this mean our power was not accepted by the crystal?
Yve'noile : Long have I awaited thine arrival...
A ghostly figure fades into view. It's the same horned Dawnmaiden that you've met before.
Yve'noile : Welcome, mortals, to the Temple of Altana. Eons ago, this temple was destroyed. However, its appearance doth not hinder its function.
Yve'noile : Thou hast come here to try and stop Eald'narche--to keep him from opening the Gate of the Gods...
Yve'noile : I am Yve'noile, a servant of the Dawn Goddess. I watch over the path leading to the gate.
Yve'noile : All the Zilart, including Eald'narche, are still bound by our cursed past.
Yve'noile : As thou already know, his plan began ten thousand years ago when he came into contact with the five crystals that rest beneath the surface of Vana'diel. The true crystals...
Yve'noile : The crystals that exist above the earth now are nothing but mere replicas, lacking true power.
Yve'noile : We Zilart harnessed the five true crystals' power, divided it elementally, and succeeded in containing it in a smaller form.
Yve'noile : However, during the Meltdown, the energy of these smaller crystals was simultaneously released and spread to the far reaches of Vana'diel.
Yve'noile : Over centuries, that energy accumulated inside the bodies of the living beings on this planet, causing them to crystallize. Thus, they took the form of the crystals that are found throughout Vana'diel.
Yve'noile : Mortals are an incomplete species. When Eald'narche's quest for Paradise was thwarted, life on this planet lost its perfection.
Yve'noile : Particularly, thine inability to communicate with the others of thy race casts a shadow over thy development.
Yve'noile : This inability became increasingly evident after the Meltdown divided thee into the five races.
Yve'noile : The arrogance of the Elvaan, the envy of the Mithra, the cowardice of the Tarutaru, the apathy of the Humes, the rage of the Galka... These are the traits thou must carry with thee as thou make thy journeys through life.
Yve'noile : However, unlike the tales thy legends tell, these traits are not some ancient curse. They are merely an aftereffect of the energy released during the Meltdown.
Yve'noile : One can understand why Eald'narche would aspire for perfection...
Yve'noile : However, one can see why others would acknowledge the benefits of imperfection.
Yve'noile : On the other side of this gate lies the Gate of the Gods, Tu'Lia.
Yve'noile : I beg of thee. Release Eald'narche, and what remains of the Zilart consciousness, from the crystal's binds. I pray for thy safe journey.
Yve'noile : May the Goddess of the Dawn protect thee in Her mercy...
She fades away. The circle shimmers and glows, and you are transported upwards. Is it Yve'noile's voice that echoes in your ears still?
But as one bright star shines through the clouds at night...
And as one song rings clear above the roar of beasts...
We hold to one hope in these darkest of times.
And someday, that hope will become our dreams...our prayers...
You find yourself in a circular stone room, with what appears to be a door in front of you. You take a step, and the "door" fades, leading into a long hallway. The floor here is transparent, and as you run down the hallway, your footprints light up the floor with every step. Soon, you encounter another "door" that also fades away. It leads out to a floating platform, high in the sky, made of white stone with mossy green grass and trees.
The great bane will devour the fair land of Vana'diel.
The ancient seal will be broken, awakening nightmares of ages past.
The blood of innocents will soak the earth, and the world will fall into fear and despair.
RotZ Mission 14: Ark Angels
Zeid and Aldo are with you, having been transported as well. Aldo now comments on the voice you heard singing.
Aldo : Fear? Despair? There won't be any blood soaking the earth if I have anything to say about it.
Aldo : I don't know who these Crystal Warriors are, but I'm not going to let them have their way with my Vana'diel.
Aldo : I'll show them what this "incomplete" Hume is made of!
Zeid : If the song of legend sings of our demise, then so be it.
Zeid : But when the song is over, we shall write a new verse of hope with our blood, sweat, and toil.
Aldo : Come on, Zeid. We have no time to lose.
Zeid : Be careful, Amalberga. I have a feeling we will be seeing each other again soon.
The two take their leave, with Zeid walking westward and Aldo to the east. You choose to go forward, where a circular platform awaits. You step on the platform, and it glows and transports you forward to the main island. You carefully make your way through a straight corridor and reach another large cerment grate, which opens at your touch. Moving forward, you zone into The Shrine of Ru'Avitau.
You're in a chamber. At the end of the chamber is a large stone edifice. You examine it, and hear Yve'noile speaking once more.
Yve'noile : This place is part of a now-forgotten kingdom. 'Twas known as the Shrine of Ru'Avitau.
Yve'noile : It is the heart of Tu'Lia. The Celestial Nexus, the key that opens the Gate of the Gods, lies within...
Yve'noile : The path to the Celestial Nexus, with the shrine at its center, is guarded by the power of five beings born of the crystal.
Yve'noile : Yes, the power of the crystal. Those five guardians hold the might of deities.
Yve'noile : However, the potential to shatter those powerful beings has grown within the Children of Altana these past ten thousand years. I see that potential now in the person who doth stand before me.
Yve'noile : Even so... The power of Eald'narche is incalculable. It far exceeds the might of even the Crystal Warriors.
Yve'noile : I do not know if the strength I can lend thee will for certain aid in thy struggle against Eald'narche. It also entails great risk...
Yve'noile : Thou must have in thy possession the five shards obtained from the Crystal Warriors, charged by the energies released in the clash of titanic forces. Shards broken from the warriors at the same time, in the same place.
Yve'noile : Travel to Ro'Maeve when thou canst see the full moon in the night sky. The power of the ruins will awaken, filling the spring with water that will reflect the lunar sphere.
Yve'noile : Immerse the bottle of illuminink and the sheet of parchment in the waters of the spring. The sheet of parchment will be transformed into an ark pentasphere.
Yve'noile : The ark pentasphere is used to alter the magical properties that govern La'Loff Amphitheater...
Yve'noile : It holds the power to bring the five guardians to a single point, and is capable of annulling the restrictions on La'Loff Amphitheater.
Yve'noile : The ark pentasphere will make it possible for those many companions who have joined thee on thine adventures to assist in this endeavor.
Yve'noile : Please do not forget, however, this is not necessarily the path thou shouldst travel. Even without the strength I could lend thee, it is not impossible thou wilt prevail...
(Editor's Note: the player has two choices here: either fight the Ark Angels one by one, or altogether as a group of five. The second choice was originally meant to be done with a full alliance of players at 75 level cap; it can be done with less at current level cap and iLevels. As my character was NOT fully leveled at the time of completion, I chose to take the first route and fight the Ark Angels separately. Note that you DO NOT need to submerge the items in the spring at Ro'Maeve if you take this route.)
To fight the Ark Angels, you must make your way to each of the five outermost floating islands. Tu'Lia is kind of star shaped with an island at each point. Each of the islands at the points hosts one of the Ark Angels.
I started off by visiting the southwest island. Entering the Shrine there will lead to a shimmering circle. Examining the circle transports you to the fight arena. You start off in a hallway that snakes to a circular amphitheater. Waiting there for me was Ark Angel TT, the Tarutaru.
Ark Angel TT : You shall be consumed by the cowardice that binds you...
Ark Angel TT will teleport around the area. He has a move that can cause Petrification and Paralysis, which is annoying. I fought him as a level 77 WHM/SCH with Trusts and did not have too much issue - cleared on the first try.
Obtained key item: Shard of Cowardice.
Next, I made my way to the northwest island. Again, you need to enter the shrine and examin the shimmering circle. There, you will find Ark Angel MR, the Mithra, waiting for you.
Ark Angel MR : You shall be twisted by the envy that drives you...
This Ark Angel is a THF/BST, and will summon a pet. She can also use Perfect Dodge and charm your tank. I found her as a level 77 WHM/SCH with Trusts and it was an easy fight - cleared on first try.
Obtained key item: Shard of Envy.
The northern island is home to Ark Angel HM, the Hume.
Ark Angel HM : You shall be defeated by the apathy that plagues you...
This Ark Angel is a WAR/NIN and can use both jobs' one-hour abilities to cause massive damage. However, he did not really pose a threat to me and my party of Trusts - I cleared on the first try as a level 77 WHM/SCH.
Obtained key item: Shard of Apathy.
The northwest island is home to Ark Angel EV, the Elvaan, who will be waiting for you inside the shrine.
Ark Angel EV : You shall be overwhelmed by the arrogance that disfigures you...
This is by far the hardest Ark Angel fight. EV is a PLD/WHM and will use both Paladin's one-hour, Invincible, and White Mage's one-hour, Benediction (which restores his health to full). His unique weapon skill, Dominion Slash, causes Silence and can dispel buffs. Because of constantly being silenced, it was hard to keep the healing up. I could not beat him at level 77, although I tried a few times with different Trusts. I finally beat him at level 82 WHM/SCH with Trusts, but it was a very close fight.
Obtained key item: Shard of Arrogance.
Waiting for you on the last island to the southeast is Ark Angel GK, the Galka.
Ark Angel GK : You shall be burned by the rage that controls you...
GK is a SAM/DRG, and will call his wyvern. He can do massive damage with SAM's one-hour ability as well. Even so, I had no issues beating him at level 82 WHM/SCH.
Obtained key item: Shard of Rage. You have defeated all of the Ark Angels.
RotZ Mission 15: The Sealed Shrine
You return to Gilgamesh in Norg to report your success.
Gilgamesh : Arrrg, so were ya able t'make it t'Tu'Lia?
Gilgamesh : Oh, so ya made them Crystal Warriors walk the plank now, did ya? Then that jus' leaves us with that wee prince. But first, we've got t'find a way into the darn shrine.
Gilgamesh : Is it Eald'narrrche that's keepin' us out, or is it somethin' else?
Gilgamesh : Listen close, Amalberga.
Gilgamesh : If the prince had already opened the Gate of the Gods, Vana'diel wouldn't be here anymore. But as you can see, nothin's changed so far.
Gilgamesh : Which means all we can do is wait. When Eald'narche makes his move...that's when we attack!
Gilgamesh : You'n me both hate the Zilarrrt makin' fools out of us, but there's nothing much we can do right now.
Gilgamesh implies you must wait, but how are you to know Eald'narche has made his move if you don't go check up on him? So you travel back to Tu'Lia to the Shrine. Upon entering the shrine, the following words ring in your ears:
You are the great bane--the nightmare that will devour the fair land of Vana'diel and thrust the world into fear and despair.
But as one bright star shines through the clouds at night...
And as one song rings clear above the roar of beasts...
We hold to one hope in these darkest of times.
The darkness must be vanquished. The bane must be purified.
No matter the consequences.
That they will come, with the wisdom of ages and the strength of thousands, to deliver us from our plight.
We await the awakening of the Warriors of the Crystal.
Lion walks up to you.
Lion : So you've made it this far, Amalberga.
Lion : Wait, don't tell me that I shouldn't be here.
Lion : I know my father forbade me from coming, but I can't just sit back and watch Eald'narche wreak havoc on our Vana'diel. I'm ready to fight to the finish!
Lion : When I first met you, you were just another little fish in a big pond of adventurers.
Lion : But now, look at you. You're putting your life on the line for the fate of all those on Vana'diel...
Lion : Even though no one will know you did.
Lion : You know... When this is all over, how about we hop on a ferry and sail around the world, just us two girls?
Lion : Ha ha. Well, just think about it, okay?
Lion : I've got to go now. Don't forget what I said, Amalberga...
RotZ Mission 16: The Celestial Nexus
The scene opens with Aldo, Zeid, and Lion facing Eald'narche. The trio is crouched down, a sphere of lightning enveloping them as Eald'narche attacks.
Aldo : I couldn't lay a finger on him...
Zeid : I-I cannot move... So this is the true power of the crystal...
Eald'narche : Nice to see you all again. I was beginning to wonder if you'd make it this far.
Eald'narche : But enough with the greetings. We all know why we've gathered here today.
Eald'narche : Let me be brief. Thanks to you adventurers, the beastmen interfering with my plans to revive the Crystal Line will soon be vanquished. Once that is complete, the Gate of the Gods will finally be opened.
Eald'narche : And as for what happens to Vana'diel then--who knows? But what I do know is this: What lies on the other side of that gate is the dream that I have seen for the past ten thousand years--the dream of Paradise.
Eald'narche : And what about you? Don't you want to see what is on the other side? Don't you want to be reborn as a god? Come with me.
The music turns sinister and the camera zooms in on you. (Editor's note: I was playing as a Elvaan, who are known for their pride and arrogance. I am not sure if the next line of dialogue changes depending on what race you are playing.)
Eald'narche : Hah! Are you still answering to your foolish pride? Come on. I'm giving you one last chance.
Eald'narche : The chance to be almighty...and you're just throwing it away. You people truly are the plague of Vana'diel.
Eald'narche : You don't think that you can stop me, do you? You don't think that petty beings such as you can make a difference in the world?
Eald'narche : You're pitiful and useless. The darkness that lurks within all of you is the disease that eats away at this planet.
Eald'narche : And if you want to die meaningless deaths, then I won't stand in your way.
Eald'narche : Now is time to say good night to all those who fail to cooperate.
A pedestal floats in the air, and Eald'narche teleports to it. He summons Exoplates, a kind of barrier around him that prevents him from harm.
This is a difficult fight. You must destroy the Exoplates before you can attack Eald'narche. Eald'narche also summons two Orbitals that act as a nuisance as you try to fight; if you destroy the Orbitals, they just get resummoned. Eald'narche casts strong elemental magic such as Flood, along with various area of effect spells that will soon have your healer struggling.
The best strategy for this fight is for everyone possible to use Ninja as their subjob, as Ninja's Utsusemi spell will cast "shadows" that absorb the damage from Eald'narche's spells and weapon skills. Ninja gets Utsusemi: Ichi at level 12 and Utsusemi: Ni at level 37. It is not necessary to get the Ni spell to win at this fight; I defeated him with just the Ichi version as a WHM82/NIN20.
Eald'narche : Ha ha... I underestimated your ability. You fight well, for such lower life forms.
Eald'narche : But there's no more time for playing games. Prepare to witness my true power!
But wait--there's a second phase of the fight. You're given a minute to catch your breath and regroup before Eald'narche attacks again. This time he teleports around the arena and continues to do area of effect spells. Utsusemi still comes in handy here to block his attacks. He has little HP, so it is not a long fight before you win.
Eald'narche : Wh...why!?
Eald'narche : In...in the eyes of the gods, I, too, am no different from...Kam'lanaut...
Eald'narche : But that won't stop me from restarting the Crystal Line...whether it's completed or not!
Eald'narche : The crystals will spin out of control as they did ten thousand years ago, and create another Meltdown that will destroy this world and everything on it!
Eald'narche : You fought well, but it's time to say goodbye.
Eald'narche teleports back to the floating pedestal and places his hands on the controls. Soon, lightning crackles, encircling the arena as the crystals there surge with power.
Zeid : I cannot believe what I am witnessing...
Eald'narche : The light has begun to converge. Soon, all will end...and my dream will begin!
Aldo : We can't...let him get away with it.
Zeid : So it all ends here...
Lion : Then I guess it's up to me...
Lion stands a bit, and staggers forward a few steps.
Lion : There might be another way to do this, but I couldn't think of anything better...
Lion : I'm sorry, Amalberga. I don't think I'm going to be able to keep our promise.
Aldo : Wait! What do you think you're doing!? Zeid : Lion!?
Lion runs forward, diving at the crystal underneath Eald'narche's platform. Her fist makes contact with it, as if to punch or break it.
Eald'narche : Wh-what is this noise!?
Eald'narche : The power of the crystal is fading... But how can this be!?
Eald'narche : No! Nothing can get in my way!
Yve'noile : Stop, Eald'narche. Thou must cease thy vile ambitions.
Eald'narche : !?
Yve'noile : Thou must no longer bring harm to the world of Vana'diel.
Yve'noile : Dost thou not yet realize? Harming Vana'diel will only bind thee from attaining thy dream of Paradise.
Eald'narche : Yve'noile...
Yve'noile : Eald'narche. Something can never really be destroyed.
Yve'noile : It only changes to take on a new form.
Yve'noile : And now, thy time hast come to take on a new form.
Yve'noile : Let us go...
Eald'narche smiles slightly, then collapses.
His body fades into dust and sparkles that rise to the heavens.
Yve'noile : Until we meet again...Warriors of the Crystal.
The scene shifts. You're now walking out of the long corridor on Tu'Lia, Zeid and Aldo by your side.
Aldo : Well, let's hope that that puts an end to the Zilart's plans. You did a great job in there, Amalberga.
Aldo : And Lion...
Aldo : If it wasn't for her, who knows what would have become of Vana'diel?
Zeid : I speak for all of Vana'diel when I say thank you, Amalberga.
Aldo : Well, now that we got that out of the way, let's get out of here. This place gives me the creeps!
Aldo : I think that if Lion was still here, she would agree...
Aldo : Ahem... Be seeing you around, Amalberga!
Zeid : Amalberga. I, too, bid you farewell. But I do not feel that this meeting will be our last. Until our paths cross again...
The Final Fantasy Prelude begins to play, and the chatlog fills with a song as a slideshow of scenes from around Vana'diel plays.
It all began with a stone, or so the legend says.
In ages past, a sentient jewel, enormous and beautiful, banished the darkness. Its many-colored light filled the world with life and brought forth mighty gods.
Bathed in that light, the world entered an age of bliss until, after a time, the gods fell into slumber. That world was called Vana'diel.
However, this age will not last. The great bane will devour the fair land of Vana'diel.
The ancient seal will be broken, awakening nightmares of ages past.
The blood of innocents will soak the earth, and the world will fall into fear and despair.
But as one bright star shines through the clouds at night...
And as one song rings clear above the roar of beasts...
We hold to one hope in these darkest of times.
That star is you, and the song is yours.
And someday, that hope will become our dreams...our prayers...
Shine forth, star of hope! Let your song ring out across all of Vana'diel!
And what was split asunder will once more become whole. Complete and inseparable for all eternity.
RotZ Mission 17: Awakening
You visit Gilgamesh in Norg to give your report.
Gilgamesh : Arrrg, I see you made it back safe 'n sound.
Gilgamesh : Yer story won't be goin' down in the annals of history, but there are some things that best go unknown.
Gilgamesh : Though if it wasn't fer you, we'd all be sleepin' down in Davy Jones's locker. Ya have me thanks, matey.
Gilgamesh : As fer Lion... Aldo came and gave me all the details on what she did.
Gilgamesh : What was she thinkin', goin' off and gettin' herself killed before her own father...
Gilgamesh : She washed up on shore here when she was still just a wee lass. Nobody knew where she came from...
Gilgamesh : But that wasn't uncommon during the Great War. Many a life was torn apart back then.
Gilgamesh : And when me father told me I was t'take care of her...well, I can tell ya, I wasn't ready fer that.
Gilgamesh : But raisin' Lion taught me a lot about the world. If it wasn't fer her, I wouldn't be the man I be today.
Gilgamesh : I never knew what she thought about her father bein' a pirate...
Gilgamesh : But I can tell you one thing--I be mighty damn proud to have her as a daughter.
You then head to the Tenshodo, where you're immediately accosted by some of the Tenshodo members.
Yin Pocanakhu : Hold up there, Amalberga. Where's Aldo? You didn't just leave him on that cursed island to die, did you?
Garnev : If anything has happened to our boss, don't even think you'll be leaving here alive!
Aldo : What's with the long faces? You guys look like you just got back from a funeral!
Sattal-Mansal : Boss!
Yin Pocanakhu : You're...still alive!
Aldo : Did you really think that I, the great Aldo, would flop at the hands of a couple worms like those Zilart?
Aldo : It wasn't easy, but thanks to Amalberga here, the princes were no match for us!
Aldo : Thanks again, Amalberga. You did really well up there.
Aldo : The first time you came through my doors, you were nothing but a little punk. But now, look at you. You've matured into a fine adventurer.
Aldo : Not as fine as yours truly...but close.
The inner door opens, and Verena enters the room.
Verena : Aldo!
Aldo : Verena!
Sattal-Mansal : Miss Verena!
Verena : Aldo, you're all right! I've been praying every moment of every day for your safe return.
Aldo : I'm sorry I kept you worrying.
Verena : But... Where's Lion? Is she here, or did she go back to Norg?
Aldo : Verena... Lion's...gone.
Verena : What do you mean, gone?
Aldo : Lion... Lion traded her life to stop Eald'narche's plan...
Verena : No!
Verena : She can't be... She just can't be gone! What did she do to deserve this!?
Aldo : Verena.... Lion fought bravely that day. Her sacrifice saved millions of lives.
Verena : So what!? Nothing we say can bring her back! She's...
Verena : Why does everyone have to suffer!? What did Lion--what did Fickblix do to deserve their pain? I don't want to forget what they went through...
Aldo : I'm sorry, Verena.
Verena : ...?
Verena : I-I can feel something... This warmth... Lion? Is that you?
Verena : It is you, isn't it...
Verena : Aldo, Lion is still alive. I can feel it. She's weaker than before, but she's still with us.
Aldo : You may be right, Verena. And if there's any shred of hope, the least we can do is continue to believe.
Aldo : So, Amalberga.
Aldo : As much as I'd love you to join us here at the Tenshodo, I think I already know your answer to that offer. But if you're ever in the neighborhood, be sure to drop by. You're always welcome.
Aldo : Well, I think it's time I took that vacation I've been promising myself. You should go someplace quiet and get some rest as well. I have a feeling that the real adventure has just begun...
(Editor's Note: the Rise of the Zilart expansion technically ends here; however, there are some after-quests that put an epilogue on the story. They require the completion of RotZ and progress made in Chains of Promathia. These quests will be added to this document at a future date.)