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HOLY FRAK DID I REALLY NOT WORK ON THIS SINCE JANUARY? It's hard to believe it was that long ago that I finished Shadowbringers on Althea, but I guess it was... I've been slowly poking at this for months now, and started typing it up the Thursday before Endwalker early access. This is only about half of what I typed up so far, I decided it was getting so lengthy I'd better break it into several parts.
A good portion of this is directly from the in-game journal. The rest is transcribed from cutscenes. I will not apologize for its length. Thing is, I loved Shadowbringers and so much that happened is important and worthy of capture. I hope I did it justice.
When last we left, we had found both the twins and headed back to the Crystarium. Back in the Ocular, the Exarch asks if you have gained a better understanding of the crisis facing the First. You and Alisaie exchange glances, and Alisaie says, "Better is not the word I would use. Some lands may have been spared the Flood, but the survivors live only to suffer. There seems no end to the horrors inflicted by the sin eaters."
The Exarch says that he can well imagine how hopeless the task of eradicating the sin eaters must seem to you, but that they have identified a potential weakness: "Sin eaters are drawn to serve the strongest of their kind – a class of creature we call 'Lightwardens' And from what we have been able to ascertain, only a handful of these entities exist." The Exarch believes exterminating the Lightwardens will cause the lesser sin eaters to disperse. Alphinaud then says, "I have a feeling Eulmore might have something to say about any concerted action we take against these monsters." The Exarch agrees, and says we will need to occupy or otherwise divert Eulmore's forces whilst we proceed with the business of eliminating the Wardens.
You're given the choice to say, "Are you sure that eliminating the Wardens will be enough?" or "I'm not sure I follow." I chose the first option. The Exarch says your uncertainity is understandable, and he will explain from the beginning. He raps his staff on the floor and the walls disappear, leaving you in the plane of space again.
"In the ancient past, a single star was divided into fourteen worlds. This is the Source – your home. These others are the thirteen shards, in whose number we find the First. Though physically separate, they retain a connection to each other, and with the Source especially. Now, let us assume that a given element in one of the shards attains abnormal ascendancy. Jut as water will flow from the highest point to the lowest, the excess energy will begin trickling into the Source…. And such an influx of aether will of course exert a palpable influence. If the element in question were Fire, then drought and wild fires might ensure. If it were ice, one might expect the weather to trn bitterly cold… As aether continues to pour in, such phenomena will become more and more extreme, until eventually, a single untimely event triggers a disaster which 'cracks' the barrier dividing the two worlds. What was once a trickle now becomes a deluge, sweeping the shard along to be rejoined with the Source. At the same time, the element which held sway in the Shard is unleashed in full, its energies amplifying the original disaster to truly catastrophic proportions. An earthquake this magnitude might strike with enough force to shatter continents; a tidal wave might swell to a size capable of drowning entire nations. These devastating events are what we refer to as 'Umbral Calamities'". Seven times has a calamity befallen the Source; seven times has a shard been absorbed.
The Exarch raps his staff again, and the scene showing the Source and its reflections disappears. "At present, the Light-drowned realm of the First stands perilously close to meeting the conditions for a Rejoining. It is the sin eaters who are to blame for the Light's continued dominance. In addition to attracting their lesser kin, the Lightwardens I mentioned earlier radiate aether, saturating ever corner of their territory with Light. Even here in the Flood-spared region of Norvrandt, their influence is strong enough to banish night from the sky. Thus, if we are to restore balance to the First and head off a potential calamity, it is imperative that we put each and every Lightwarden to the sword."
Alisaie says they've tried to battle the sin eaters, but Alphinaud says they haven't made much progress. He goes on to say, "Apart from being confoundingly elusive, the Lightwardens posses a troublesome quality which compelled us to delay our plans until such time as you arrived."
Just then, Lyna (the captain of the guard) bursts in, saying Holminster Switch is requesting reinforcements: the sin eaters are attacking in force, and the village could soon be overrun.
The twins nod at each other and run to help. The Exarch asks you to lend your strength, that such a fight will provide you with far greater insight than any explanation he could offer. Once you arrive in Holminster, Lyna briefs you on the situation. Considering the number of sin eaters involved, it seems likely that a Lightwarden leads the attack.
Holminster Switch is the first dungeon of Shadowbringers. I chose to do it with trusts, so a party of the Crystal Exarch (tank), Alphinaud (healer) and Alisaie (red mage – DPS). As you enter, Alisaie makes a comment that the sin eaters are even turning the bears. Indeed, the first enemy you fight is a bear abomination. You make your way on, fighting lesser sin eaters, until you come to the first boss, which you and Alisaie recognize as the one who faced Halric and stabbed Tesleen. You make quick work of it.
Afterwards, you pass some survivors running from the fields. You battle more lesser sin eaters, until you reach the second boss. "...So, this is where you went," Alisaie says in a low voice. It's Tesleen. You have no choice but to fight her. Afterwards, Alphinaud remarks that Alisaie has gone pale, but Alisaie says it's nothing and to keep moving.
You press on, but are too slow to save the next group of villagers, who are turned into sin eaters before your eyes. You fight four waves of them in the town's center, then make your way to the final boss: the first Lightwarden. You fight it successfully, but it doesn't dissipate like the lesser eaters. Instead, it starts to glow. Lyna cries out, "It's releasing its aether. Fall back! We cannot let it touch us. Quickly, my lord, we must withdraw!" The Exarch responds, "That will not be necessary, Captain. ...Though I appreciate your concern. The eternal Light of these creatures has confounded us for nigh on a hundred years. For each we have put down, another has risen up in its place, born of the selfsame aether relinquished by its predecessor. But now we have away to contain that corruption." ...and he looks at you. You're standing in front of the rest of the group, staring at that flowing Lightwarden. "The blessing of Light," the Exarch continues. "And the hero who wields it now stands before you!" The flowing Lightwarden becomes a ball of white energy, bright enough to illuminate the entire scene momentarily. You stare at it, and the Light enters your body. After this, you thrust a hand towards the sky, releasing a beam of light that parts the heavens, revealing the stars. "Behold!" the Exarch exclaims. "The monster's power is broken And the world twisted by its touch returns to its rightful form!" The party stares in wonder at the sky.
Back in the Crystarium, people exit the roofed areas to look up at the sky, shocked. Moren (the librarian) says, "The sunless sea… the Warrior of Darkness has come!" The scene repeats outside Holminster. Lyna stares upward. "Is that… what I think it is?" she says. Alphinaud responds, "The night sky, as it should be." Lyna then says to the twins, "Who are you people? You killed a Warden, then bathed in its aether as if it were a spring shower, and now the sky…? The legends are true!"
The camera shifts to focus on you and the Exarch, who kneels before you. "My lord…?" Lyna asks. "How many years have I waited for this moment…" the Exarch says. "For the one possessed of Her blessing. For you. You have vanquished the Lightwarden of Lakeland, and for the first time in a century darkness has returned to the mantle of night. Without the ever-present Light to sustain them, the sin eaters will have no choice but to retreat. ...Yet our victory is far from complete." There are other Wardens that must be eradicated, too. The Exarch speaks passionately: "Even should it cost me all I have, I would see each and every one of them slain, that this world might be spared from oblivion! Not only for the First, but for the Source as well! Save one and we save the other! But.. be that as it may… I concede it was wrong of me to summon you to this fight against your will. I swear on my life, I will one day atone for that deed. But for the present… I beg ou stay and see this fight to its conclusion. Cast down the Wardens, and restore Darkness to the First!"
You're given three choices of response:
I chose the first option. The Exarch then thanks you. Alisaie then speaks up: "I understand there is much at stake here, Exarch, but why do you risk yourself so readily? It must have been a dangerous drain on your aether to summon even one person across the rift."
The Exarch stands, and says, "I do it for my people of course – to give the Crystarium the tomorrow it deserves." Alisaie persists: "That is true now, yes, but the city had yet to be built when you first called forth the Crystal Tower. I'm simply curious to know what prompted you to commit yourself so completely to this particular course."
The Exarch bows his head and says, "There are… things which we can ill afford to lose." He looks up to the sky. "And… I sensed from the first that I had a part to play in preserving them." Alisiae looks at him kind of surprised, but the Exarch just says, "Forgive me. I fear the events of the day may have taken their toll. Despite appearances, I am an old man – one burdened with many… difficult memories, some too painful to recall." Alisaie responds, "Well, then I'm sorry for pressing you. It's a family failing, I'm afraid." Alphinaud says, "Hmph. One which has served us well, more often than not. Needless to say we will continue to fight at your side until the last sin eater is defeated."
At that, you gather the surviving villagers and make your way back to the Crystarium.
You enter your room in the Crystarium, and slowly walk to the balcony window. You pause a moment, then open the shutters to stare at the stars. A moment later, Ardbert appears behind you, and you turn as he speaks. "So it's your lot's turn to be the Warriors of Darkness, is it? It's funny how things work out."
You have our choice of saying:
I chose the first option. Ardbert confirms he's been following you around, and your cross your arms and shake your head. He ignores this and goes on to say, "Those white-haired twins who were with you… I remember them from our battle in the source. Are they your friends, then? Through thick and thin?"
You nod.
Ardbert continues, "Aye… Then I suggest you keep them close. It's when you charge ahead trying to save someone else that your end up losing those you love. Not that you need telling. I'll bet you've lost plenty. But I wonder… What will it cost you this time?"
He closes his eyes and bows his head. "I don't remember when it was that I learned regret wasn't worth the bother. You get numb to it all over the years. The lost comrades, the broken promises, the abandoned principles – just more nagging burdens to ignore."
The camera pans to look at the stars out the window, and the scene shifts. We are still looking at the stars, but the camera pans down to ruins in Lakeland. A young blond-haired girl is looking up at the stars. "So this is what the Light was hiding…" she says. The girl holds a hand to her chest. "She's here. I must go to her." The camera shifts to behind the girl's back, showing the Crystal Tower in front of the girl She takes a few steps forward and the scene ends.
Meanwhile, inside a Magitek facility in the Source, a guard sounds, "Intruders!" We see Estinien, helm off, rushing towards a purple-haired girl, lance ready. He knocks her down and is ready to impale her, when a man sas, "Stay your weapon. We are not your enemy." Estinien turns his head to look at the man who spoke, who walks out from behind a crate. It's Gaius, with an Elezen companion. Gaius says, "When the alarum sounded I wondered what we had done to betray our presence. But I see now we were not the only intruders. Sir Estinien, I presume – the dragoon who plucked the Warrior of Light from the jaws of death. Your armor is more distinct,."
Estinien stays his lance. Looking down, he says, "Much as yours once was. But even without it, I see a former legatus still has eyes and ears in expected places." He lifts his head and looks at Gaius. "'Van' Baelsar, in the flesh. Though I understand you prefer 'Shadowhunter'?"
Gaius says, "Hmph. You are in contact with the Scions, I take it."
Estinien shrugs. "Hmph. Through no choice of my own. They tracked me down, and conscripted me into their cause." He looks down again. "I swear their receptionist was trained as a spy. Not that anyone can escape that Baldesion woman once she has caught the scent of your aether…"
Gaius responds, "If they have resorted to using freelancers, I must assume their attempts to wake the afflicted have failed… And what of their champion?"
"...Awa on other business. Thus it has fallen to me to root out any trace of the Empire's new weapon." As Estinien says this, the purple-haired Shadowhunter gets up and brushes her gear off. Gaius looks over his shoulder at his Elezen companion, who nods. Gaius then says, "If it is Black Rose you seek, you are too late. My people have already completed your mission here. Yet this is but one factory among many. When they caught wind of our efforts, they built additional facilities to ensure production continues unabated." Gaius looks down and makes a fist. "There will be no one left in the lands they conquer. No citizens to conscript, no skills to exploit, nothing the Empire needs. And they will call it victory."
"...What exactly does this Black Rose do?" Estinien asks.
Gaius explains. "The gas is described as a poison but its actual effect is more arcane in nature. It was created to disrupt the aether in living beings – to bring the flow of their life energies to a stand still. Inhaling even the tiniest amount will cause all bodily functions to cease, much as a potent venom will stop a man's heart. Released over a city, Black Rose could conceivably kill every inhabitant, and all without damaging a single structure."
A Pilus Prior then calls for a search of the facility. Estinien says, "I have more questions, but now is not the time."
"Sir Estinien," Gaius says. "I have an offer for you, but I will make it only once. Since it would seem we seek the same answers… you are welcome to join us."
"Hah! From what I hear, you need all the help you can get. In case you don't know, Varis himself confessed that your empire was a creation of the Ascians."
Gaius says, "I am aware of what His Radiance said at the parley. Thus I would return to the capital, that I might behold the truth of this corruption with my own eyes. My path leads to Garlemald."
Estinien looks surprised, and the scene ends.
Back in the First, the Eulmore army is approaching Lakeland, unhappy at you killing the Lightwarden. You head to the occular to consult with the Exarch and the twins.
The Exarch greets you: "You come at a good time. As you may have heard, we have something of a quandary on our hands." He looks to his portal, and you looks surprised to see an imge of Lakeland on it. He then continues speaking: "Laxan Loft, here in Lakeland. Eulmore has sent one of its airships. They have questions for us concerning the death of the Lightwarden. Their emissary makes his way here even as we speak."
"I suppose the sky does rather give the game away," Alisaie says.
"Indeed," the Exarch says. "'Twas inevitable they would come knocking. The only question was how soon."
There's a knock at the door, and Lyna calls out, "My lord. I am come with the Eulmoran emissary. May I show him in?"
"A moment, Captain, if you would," the Exarch says. He turns to the portal, dismisses the scene, and says quietly, 'Everyone, gather round." After the three of you gather by the Exarch, he says, "I do not wish to show our hand prematurely. Forgive me this liberty. Vanish!" He waves his staff, and the three of you turn ghostly. He holds a finger to his lips, then calls out to Lyna, "Enter".
A gray-haired man who still possesses much strength enters. The Exarch says, "Well, well.. The commander of the Eulmoran Army himself. To what do I owe the honor, General Ranjit?"
Ranjit responds, "The Lightwarden is dead, Exarch. Were your people responsible?"
[editor's note: I could not capture the next line fast enough from the Exarch, but he basically asks Ranjit to answer a question of his before he answers Ranjit's question…]
Ranjit continues: "His Benevolence Lord Vauthry is gravely concerned that the actions of an ignorant few may jeopardize relations between man and sin eater. Should it transpire that the crystarium is guilty of abetting the villains responsible for this outrage… My lord has decreed that it suffer the same… retribution."
The camera flashes to the three of you, still barely visible.
The Exarch then speaks: "I see. Since you have been so candid, I too shall speak my mind. Regardless of who is responsible, the Crystarium rejoices in the Lightwarden's death, and welcomes the return of the night sky. If Eulmore considers this tantamount to aiding those you term 'villains', then by all means carry out your retribution. Know, however, that even should every innocent soul in the Crystarium perish, nothing can stop that which has been set in motion."
Ranjit sighs. "Folly. The death of one or a thousand thousand sin eaters changes nothing. The world is dead, and writhe as we might like maggots in its rotting corpse, it will not be reborn. Only by my master's grace may we live out our days in peace. But I waste my breath. You have made your stance clear. I shall relay your words to Lord Vauthry. In the meantime, you would do well to counsel any here who have done more than merely 'rejoice' in recent events to throw themselves upon Eulmore's mercy. Promptly."
Ranjit turns and begins to leave, but stops halfway to the door and says, "One last matter. We are searching for a young artist and his assistant. Know you of whom I speak?"
The camera focuses on Alphinaud, who reacts silently in alarm.
"An artist and his assistant… No. I cannot say I do," the Exarch replies.
"What a pity," Ranjit says. "Should they reveal themselves to you, I bid you hand them over at once. My master is most eager to see them again."
Ranjit then looks directly at where you are standing hidden. He leaves, and the Exarch raps his staff on the floor rendering you visible again.
Alisaie says, "Am I imagining things, or did he just stare straight at us?"
"I fear he did," the Exarch says. "The general is not a man to be trifled with. He is a warrior of fearsome repute who has led Eulmore's army since before Vauthry's time, when the nation still spearheaded the fight against the sin eaters. One does not command the world's mightiest army, and for so long, without possessing exceptional instincts."
Alphinaud says, "If Eulmore chose to send such an individual, we must assume this talk of retribution is more than an idle threat. While we are grateful for your support, my lord—we cannot in good conscience put your people in harm's way."
"'Tis noble of you to say, Master Alphinaud, but my people have been in harm's way since long before you arrived," the Exarch says. "Eulmore has ever yearned to rule over what remains of the world. Even should we surrender the Warrior of Darkness to them, they would find some other pretext upon which to invade. The people of the Crystarium know this only too well, which is why, when the time comes, I am certain they will fight to the last man. If truth be told, I would not have been surprised had Ranjit declared war here and now…"
Lyna steps closer to the Exarch and says, "He may have reason to delay. According to reports, the Eulmoran forces at Laxan Loft were observed taking a prisoner. A young woman believe to be none other than the Oracle of Light – Minfilia."
You and Alisaie react at this, taking a step back.
Lyna continues, "It may be that General Ranjit wishes to convey her to Eulmore before commencing hostilities. Having mentored generations of Minifilias it would not surprise me if he had made her capture his chief concern."
You have the choice to say:
I chose the second line.
The Exarch responds, "Ah, of course. How remiss of me. I had intended to speak to you of Minfilia. There is, however, much to say, and precious little time in which to say it… I think it best that you seek out Moren at the Cabinet of Curiosity. He will be able to enlighten you. Alphinaud, Alisaie – would you care to accompany your friend? You doubtless have insights of your own to offer on the matter."
Alisaie says, "All right. Though I'm still not sure I understand it all myself…"
"In the meantime, I will set about making provisions for war," the Exarch says.
So you go to Moren, who tells you the history of the Oracle of Light. It appears that, after a mysterious maiden named Minfilia halted the Flood a century ago, a succession of young girls emerged who bore a striking resemblance to her, each of whom was immune to the sin eater's blighted touch. Believed to be reincarnations of the original Minfilia, they came to be called by her name and brought their powers to bear against the sin eaters as soldiers of the Eulmoran Army. This continued for generations, until the Eulmorans chose to join hands with the enemy, after which they hunted down and imprisoned the current Minfilia, deeming her a threat to the peace. Though she was subsequently rescued by an unnamed hero, it would seem she has fallen into Eulmoran hands once more..
Alphinaud then invites you outside for a brief discussion, where he confirms that Minfilia's gallant savior was none other than Thancred. Anticipating that he will attempt to liberate her again – no doubt at great personal risk – you decide to spare him the trouble. At tht moment, the Exarch makes an unannounced appearance, however, and after confirming that Minfilia is indeed being held at Laxan Loft, he asks that you allow the people of the Crystarium to lead any rescue effort, as he doesn't wish to show our hand unless absolutely necessary.
The Exarch then says, "Unlike you, we cannot contend with the Lightwardens. But so long a hope burns in our hearts, we will fight on regardless. This I will rpove to you."
Just then, the people of the Crystarium walk up. The Exarch gives a speech and asks them, "What should we do?"
Glynard: "It brought tears to our eyes to witness the night's return. The whole of Norvrandt deserves the same, and not just because some children's story tells us so."
One by one, the others say they wil weather any hardships brought by war with Eulmore. Moren says, 'When all falls down around you, rise up.' Those were your words. 'There may come a day when all hope seems lost. But even should the rest of the world give in to despair, we shall not. We shall fight on, that our children and chidlren's children might know a better tomorrow.'"
The Exarch proposes that they rescue the Oracle, and the people all agree. The twins look at each other, amazed. Th Exarch then turns to the three of you as Lyna opens the floor for discussion of the rescue operation.
Exarch: "And there you have it. If Eulmore wishes to denounce us as villains, then we shall embrace our villainy. Will you do so as well?" Alphinaud gives a kind of shrug and says, "We will not be outdone. Consider us your partners in crime."
Lyna and the others have come up with a plan: deploying amaro to occupy the skies over Lakeland, which should serve to delay the airship's departure. At the same time, they will scatter dream powder from the air.
The Exarch approves the plan, and the people disperse. Alisaie says, "And what exciting crimes would you have us commit? Speaking for my fellow villains, I'd say we're capable of most things – though we draw the line at indolence." The Exarch bids them to join the guard.
Lyna gives you a task: feeding amaros with a serum mixed in their food to counteract the dream powder. Having taken the serum yourself, you know it's a foul concoction, but manage to trick all the amaros into eating it. You and Lyna watch the beginning of the operation from high atop a watchtower. At Lyna's command, you swoop down on your amaro to rescue the Oracle. You fight your way through Laxan Loft, Lyna in the lead, and succeed in finding Minfilia only to find your path barred by General Ranjit. Ranjit easily overpowers you. As you all kneel, huffing, Ranjit fixates on Alphinaud, saying, "You, boy. You bear a striking resemblance to the artist my master seeks." Alphinaud doesn't answer. Ranjit continues, "By all means, keep your counsel. You will all have ample time to confess your crimes back in Eulmore."
Ranjit begins walking slowly towards you, but out of nowhere Thancred rushes him. Ranjit spins and deflects Thancred's strike, then dodges several times in succession as Thancred slashes at him.
Minfilia cries, "Thancred?"
Ranjit: "So! You are the wretch who stole her from us…"
Thancred: "And what if I am?"
Thancred rushes him again, but Ranjit stops Thancred's gunblade with a bare hand, then sends Thancred flying back with a spell. Thancred lands on one knee, huffing.
Ranjit: "Pathetic. Vermin such as you are not worthy of the Oracle."
Ranjit begins to walk towards them again, but the camera focuses on Thancred's face. He bows his head and GRINS. Teleportation spells surround the party, and they appear a short distance away outside Laxan Loft. Lyna stops and salutes them as the others run off.
Ranjit makes to follow, but the Exarch yells, "Break!" and Ranjit can't move for a minute. Once he can move again, he says, "Fool! You would see your city razed?"
The Exarch responds, "I would sooner see it razed than conquered. Suffice it to say, we are ready to receive you."
Ranjit: "What now, Exarch? Will you face me yourself?"
The Exarch has been holding a glowing, spinning cube. It stops glowing and falls to the ground, and the Exarch looks down at it, then says, "I think now, General. I've quite exhausted my tricks. If you mean to give chase, I will not stand in your way. But you would do well to tread warily. For your quarry goes to a place where even Eulmore dare not bare its steel…" The Exarch smiles. "Il Mheg, the Faerie Kingdom."
We then see someone identified with ??? in their speech bubble, sitting on the edge of a rooftop in Lakeland. He says, "To think that a mountain of indolence still had the energy to unleash his hounds… Even the most pointless of conflicts may alter a world's course… And now the plan has gone awry. But how…? How did the so-called Crystal Exarch bring the hero of the Source to the First? As if I didn't have enough on my hands already…" He sighs. "Then again… with a soul such as that… Mayhap there is another way. One which does not require bloodshed…"