Shadowbringers Part 1 - The First

Oh boy, folks. My post-Stormblood recap was really long. We're talking eighteen pages of loose leaf paper, both sides, long. That's because I did it while re-watching cutscenes from the journal in my house, so I described everything I could.

I did the same for Shadowbringers, but also discovered that Gamer Escape's wiki had the dialogue for non-cutscene quests. Oh boy. So while working on this, I used both the wiki and in-game scenes and the result is that I have seventeen pages and we've barely gotten started! So I'm dividing my recap into parts. This part deals with searching for the twins.

During the final moments of Stormblood, the Scions had fallen into a slumber they could not be roused from. The slumber was the result of an otherworldly voice crying out to them, which afflicted you, the Warrior of Light, as well. The last time the voice cried out to you occurred as you were fighting Lord Zenos' "imposter". Then, you found yourself transported to a plane in space and speaking with a mysterious robed figure. The figure tells you to go to the Crystal Tower, where he has left a beacon for you. His words suggest the beacon will lead to the First, a planet which is a reflection of your homeland known as the Source.

As Shadowbringers begins, Tataru and the remaining Scions are eager to help you find the beacon, believing it the key to awaken your slumbering friends. They've discovered a path to the base of the Crystal Tower. You ferry across Silvertear Lake and descend the path, and soon find the beacon. Soon after picking it p, the voice calls again, asking you to focus on his voice. Tataru bids you safe journey and asks you to find our friends and bring them home, and all becomes white.

You find yourself floating in space, and crystals of people you know pass by you. A large crystal appears, holding an image of the Oracle of Light -- Minfilia, who gave herself to Hydaelyn. She says, "Your time has not yet come" as her crystal shines with a brilliant light, obliterating the scene.

Next you see a shadowy figure who appears to wield a large axe walking down a path.

You then awaken, and find yourself in a strange purple forest. Soon you stumble upon a merchant, at a campfire with his chocobo. The merchant asks you what brings you to the forest this time of night, causing you to look up at the sky, which is bright as day. The merchant laughs you off, saying it was last a dark night 100 years ago. At your continued confusion, the peddler mentions something about, "They have got to you, huh?" and tells you to head east to the Crystarium, a nearby town.

You walk on, but are ordered to halt as you come to the gates of the town. The gatekeeper says she does not know your face, and that you must answer her questions should you wish to enter.

She first asks, "From where do you hail?" You're given the voices to answer with your starting city (Gridania for me), "The Source", or to remain silent. If you answer the first two, she says, "What is this cryptic nonsense?" She goes on to say she would have let you pass if you had given an honest answer, but since you chose concealment you cannot pass.

She then gets a look of alarm on her face, and you watch as she draws her weapons and rushes by you, striking down a white flying monster. The monster dissipates, and the remains of a hand with a ring on its finger falls to the ground.

You recognize the ring as belonging to the peddler you had met.

Then, the robed figure you had met in the plane in space rushes out of the Crystarium, asking the gatekeep if everything is all right. The gatekeep answers, saying it was just a weak, stray sin eater.

The robed figure, identified in his speech bubble as the Crystal Exarch, says to be on the lookout for more. He then looks at you, smiles, and turns back to the captain, saying, "I see you've met my guest". The captain says, "Another of your mysterious friends, is it? I should have known."

After walking a bit, the Exarch stops, and thanks you for answering his summons. He had intended to bring you directly to his personal quarters, but says his aim was slightly off.

You've given the choice to either ask after the other Scions, or to complain about the trouble the Exarch has caused. I asked after the Scions (got to make sure Alisaie is all right, after all!). He says that is a question without an easy answer, and instead goes on to explain about the glaring skies above. "Here in the First, the world has been all but consumed by primordial Light." It began a century ago, as more than nine-tenths of the star was lost. The sin eater you saw is an abomination born of that catastrophe. He goes on to say that it was to save the First from this menace that he learned to bridge the rift between worlds, so that he might call upon the aid of the greatest of heroes. By saving the First, you would bring salvation to the Source as well. He then says we'll continue the talk in the Crystarium, and walks on, leaving you to look yup at the familiar tower before following him.

You enter the Occular of the Crystal Tower, the Exarch's private study. He cautions that what he is about to tell you would disturb and confuse the residents of the First, and asks you keep that in mind. He then tells you of your fellow Scions. They are here in the First, but as time flows different than it does in the Source, their arrival was not as recent as you might expect. Y'shtola and Urianger have been in the first for three winters, and Thancred for five. Alphinaud and Alisaie have been there for almost a year.

The Exarch says he meant to summon only you, but since the art of reaching across worlds was difficult to master, he managed to grasp those who fates are most closely bound to yours as well. Additionally, their transference was not complete, and although they appear to have bodies, they are merely spirits one can see and touch. Because of this, they are stranded in the First, unable to return to the Source, while your summoning, being more complete, will allow you to pass between worlds with freedom.

At this, you're given the choice between saying, "Then find a way to send them back." and "What have they been doing all this time?" I chose the first. The Exarch says they researched how to send them back, at first, but abandoned the research once Urianger shared a vision he had witnessed during his journey through the rift. Apparently, Urianger saw a future in which the First was rejoined with the Source, bringing about the Eighth Umbral Calamity in which many countless died... including yourself. This vision led the Scions to work towards forestalling the coming catastrophe. It was the Scions who determined that the elimination of the sin eaters would prevent the calamity.

The Exarch then says he would not be surprised if you doubted his tale, and suggests tracking down your comrades to hear the tale from their lips.

Once you tell him he's earned your trust for the moment, he says he will prepare a room for you to rest in, and will show you around the Crystarium.

During the tour, you find out that the money used in the First is also called "gil", and is based on the worth of the metal in the coin, so your gil should work fine for purchases in the First. However, the Exarch recognizes that they can't provide you with everything, and introduces you to Feo Ul, a pixie. You make a pact with her, which allows her to visit the Source and retrieve belongings from your retainers.

Your room now ready, you retire for a time. Your room is large, and features a balcony window. You walk to the window and throw it open, looking out at the gleaming sky. Just then, a voice speaks behind you. "....You...?" it says. You turn to see a figure shrouded in darkness. The darkness evaporates, and a familiar looking man with an axe strapped on his back stands before you. He recognizes you as the Warrior of Light from the Source.

You're given the voice to either say "The Warrior of Darkness...?" or "ANd who are you?" in return. I chose the first option. The man reacts in surprise, shocked that you can hear him. He then identifies himself as Ardbert, and reminds you that is was his comrades and him who caused the Flood. "We thought our home doomed. And so we listened to the Ascians -- let them guide us to the Source, and tried to hasten their godsdamned Ardor. I remember when we fell, defeated by you and yours. I remember our audience with Minfilia -- how she listened to our pleas, and returned our souls to the First." The Flood was about to swallow Norvrandt, but Minfilia along with Ardbert's friends gave everything they had left to hold it back. They faded away afterwards, leaving Ardbert to bear witness.

Ardbert then asks you if you know how much time has passed since the Flood. You tell him it's been 100 years.

He walks to the table and attempts to pick up a cup of water, but his hand passes through it. He's just a glowing shade, and no one can see or hear him except for you. He asks you what you're doing here, and you tell him you were summoned to save the First. He responds that this is a waste of time--the world beyond saving. He wonders why he still exists, and perhaps if he found out, then his journey could come to a close. He tells you to be careful, that this world has had its fill of heroes. He then takes his leave, and you rest a while.

When you awaken, you go to see the Exarch in the Ocular. He asks if you were able to rest , and you're given the option to respond with, "Well enough, thank you." or "I had a ghostly visitor...". I chose the first option. The Exarch says that is good to hear, then speaks of the Scions' whereabouts. The Crystarium lies in the center of Norvrandt, in a region known as Lakeland. To the north is the faerie kingdom of Il Mheg, where you'll find Urianger. To the east lies the once-prosperous civilization of Rak'tika. Y'shtola is stationed there, in the heart of the forest. Each of these regions is difficult to reach, so the Exarch recommends you first seek out one of the twins.

Alphinaud is in Kholusia, an island off the western shore. It is home to a city called Eulmore, where the rich and priveleged while away their days in idleness. Alphinaud has tasks himself with forging alliances.

Alisaie traveled south to the arid wastes of Amh Araeng, which is on the very edge of the inhabitable world where the Flood of Light was halted. Those who dwell there live in constant fear of attack by the sin eaters. Alisaie felt her energies would be better spent learning about the enemy, and so she sells her services as a guard.

The Exarch says it doesn't matter which twin you visit first, just simply tell him when you've decided. At your look of concern, he says you must be wondering about Thancred. Thancred has taken up with "a new companion, and is presently engaged as a wandering hunter of sin eaters." The Exarch says he is certain your paths will cross soon.

So now you must decide which twin to seek out first. THe game assumes you go after Alphinaud (there's a few lines of dialogue later on that weren't written very well and was obviously of the "Alphinaud first" variety), but I chose to go after Alisaie because THAT'S MY GIRL and I wanted to see her again. In a way, I'm glad I did because her story is rather heartbreaking and I don't think it would have had the same impact if I did Alphinaud's first.

To get to Amh Araeng, you'll need to fly there using an Amaro. The Exarch gives you a letter of introduction, which you give to Cassard, who agrees happily to escort you.

Once you arrive in the desert, you set forth, crossing a bridge. Cassard bids you to look back on the structure behind you, and your eyes take in the imposing edifice of Qasr Sharl. You then continue on your journey.

Soon you reach the village of Mord Souq, where you're surprised to see what looks very much like a Kobold. However, the word used for these beastmen of the First is Mord, not Kobold. Mord Souq boasts the largest marketplace in Amh Araeng. Cassard explains that not many visit Amh Araeng by choice, but Mord Souq's a different story. Merchants come from malms around to purchase the relics the Mord dig up.

To get on with the locals, you must purchase on thing from the markets. The Exarch gave Cassard a Voeburt gold piece for you to spend. At hearing this, everyone turns to look in your direction excitedly, and soon surround you, bidding you to spend your gold with them.

Ghen Gen, the Mord you've been talking to, suggests you spend your money at Rhon Ron's place, as there is nothing better for the road than a full belly. Upon talking to Rhon Ron, you're presented with three "delicacies", each one more unappetizing that the rest. I chose what sounded like the most palatable item and purchased it.

Haven eaten, if unwillingly, you continue on in your journey. Your next stop is an Inn, which is little more than some beds in a cavern. It's called an Inn but serves more like a hospital. Alisaie is not to be found inside the Inn, however, and Tesleen, one of the Inn's keepers, suggests you venture out to the watchtower where Alisaie usually begins her patrol.

So you head out to the watchtower, but find only a small set of footprints, which you follow north, then northwest. Just as you wonder how much further you'll have to go, a sin eater emerges from behind a building. Alisaie calls out "Get back here!" AND LEAPS FROM THE TOP OF THE BUILDING! On her way down, she spots you. "Is that...? No, it can't be," she says, before landing with catlike grace and taking out the sin eater with a few swishes of her sword.

Here I pause to *swoon*.

You're then given a choice to say either: "Impressive!" or "You almost lost that one." OF COURSE I CHOSE THE FIRST OPTION. Alisaie says, "Just a lesser sin eater. Nothing to write home about. I knew you'd turn up sooner or later, but I had been hoping for sooner." She's had her back to you, but finally turns and smiles at you, asking, "How are you?" You tell Alisaie about what ocurred after she fell in slumber, and she says, "We've fought them to a standstill, then... The Exarch did say that the Empire seemed to have drawn back when he last looked in on the Source. But without knowing for sure how fast time was passing there, I couldn't help worrying that a lot might have happened since then." After speaking about how relieved the other Scions must be at this news from the Source, she goes on to say, "When I think of how frantic Tataru and the others must be, I want nothing more than to rush back and reassure them. But we still haven't found a way to reverse the summoning. And even if we had, we couldn't just ignore Urianger's vision." She's convinced Urianger did in fact see a vision of the Eighth Umbral Calamity.... and your death. Sher goes on to say, "As much as I might want to go home, I don't want to go home to that. We can't allow the Rejoining to happen, which means we have to save the First from the sin eaters."

She speaks on, about how the Light enveloped the First, all except Norvrandt, then says, "For the most part, living things are composed of aether of various different aspects. But when exposed to such a Flood, their aetheric harmony is shattered and their natural form breaks down. Then they either perish... or are warped into mindless abominations." Sin eaters were once living creatures--or people--that were caught in the path of the Flood. Once the change is wrought, there is no going back. In that instant, they are gripped by an insatiable appetite for aether and will happily gorge themselves on any living thing within reach.

"But even that is not the worst of it," Alisaie says. "The stronger sin eaters can plant Light in us like seeds in soil, corrupting our aether, and triggering the birth of new monstrosities."

And so you learn the truth of the Inn: It's full of the sin eater's victims, left here to spend their final hours waiting for the change to overtake them...

Once back at the Inn, yo help Tesleen tend tot he patients. One is a young boy named Halric, whose time is coming soon. Tesleen then sends you to the market in search of a nectarine, Halric's favorite fruit So you go back to Mord Souq, accompanied by Alisaie.

While at Mord Souq, Alisaie takes you to top of the tower for a private chat. You gaze out on the landscape, where Alisaie points to a hole in the wall left by the Flood. Through the hole you can see what's left of the land touched by the Light: an empty white nothingness. Alisaie reiterates again that life cannot survive the primordial Light, and talks about the nectarine you bought. Tesleen mixes poison in her patient's favorite food when their time is near an end. The patients are all aware this will happen, and Alisaie says in her time here, she's born e witness to a lot of last meals.

She goes on to confide in you, saying, "I feel just as helpless as before. No matter how hard I fight, it's never enough. But it's a war I mean to wage, nonetheless.. speaking of wars, do you remember how I made you promise not to leave me, and then promptly collapsed? Well, let's just say I had a few choice words for the Exarch concerning the timing of his summons... But even if the fault lay with someone else, I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd abandoned you on the battlefield. So I swore that I'd make up for my absence there by making a difference here. And that's what keeps me moving forward... even when things seem hopeless."

After this, you head back to Tesleen to give her the nectarine.

Tesleen is feeling gloomy, but determines not to let her gloom affect her patients. She suggests a meal to lighten the mood. You are treated to a delicious stew. Alisaie comments that Tesleen added something special to the broth, and Tesleen admits she did because of your presence--it's not often they have visitors from the Crystarium. After you ask for a second bowl, she turns back to the fire to warm the stew, then bows her head and says, "In a place like this, you learn to take what moments of happiness you can get." She goes on to tell you she first came to the Inn with her mom, who was showing the early signs of eater corruption. "I knew there was no way to save her, but I just couldn't face what needed to be done. That's the way of it for most people--why they travels for malms to stay here. Beaten, broken souls come to wait out the inevitable. To receive the mercy of a painless death.... It's never easy, ending a life that you've cared for. Even if you believe they go to a better place. I often find myself wishing the Warrior of Darkness would come and do that part for me."

Alisaie hasn't heard of the Warrior of Darkness before, and upon her questioning, Tesleen recites of poem:

Warrior of Darkness, servant of death,
take care of our souls at our dying breath...
Let sinners and eaters of sin go with thee,
That all may return tot he sunless sea.

Alisaie says he sounds rather ominous, but Tesleen responds, "Do you think so? I always liked the idea that he treated every soul the same, even the sin eaters."

Just then, the patients look up to the sky. One says, "They're coming..." A panicked caregiver runs up to Tesleen: Halric has gone missing.

Alisaie suggests splitting up to search for him, so Tesleen heads east, Alisaie goes north and west, leaving you to go south.

During your search, you encounter a ravenous sin eater, but quickly dispose of it. Your search continues. Eventually you meet up with Alisaie. As you wonder where to look next, a large sin eater flies overhead, and you decide to give chase in the hope that the creature might lead you to your quarry.

You finally find it, with Halric standing in front of it. The sin eater raises its sword to strike him, but Tesleen rushes it, cutting off one of the sin eater's wings. Tesleen grabs Halric's hand, telling him, "We have to run!" but the boy just looks at her silently.

Then blood spurts from Tesleen's mouth--the sin eater has stabbed her. Her wound glows with primodial Light.

"We all deserve happiness... wherever we can find it..." she says, and reaches out to Halric. "The time left to you... is precious... No one should die... in pain...."

She calls for her mother. The sin eater removes her sword from Tesleen, and Tesleen screams as the change overtakes her. Halric looks at her blankly as Tesleen turns into an abomination.

The sin eater flies away, and Tesleen, who still has enough sense left in her to say, "Forgive me... Alisaie." then flies away after it. Alisaie falls to her knees in grief.

With Alisaie still reeling from the loss of her friend, it falls to you to console the Inn's surviving carers. Once you do, Alisaie makes it known she plans to leave the Inn and return to the Crystarium:

Cassana: Wait! You're leaving this very moment? I understand how you must feel, but surely this is a bit hasty? Do you even have anywhere to go?

Alisaie: I have a destination in mind, yes. And a purpose. This damned Light, building without cease... It's the reason we can't save those corrupted by the eaters. But what if we corrected the balance? Even if it were only little by little─even if it took years─it would surely make things better.

Willfort: Now, hold on there. Everyone knows there's too much Light, but how could you ever hope to get rid of it? You'd have to change the whole world!

Alisaie: That's right... We should return to the Crystarium. I may not be able to repel the eaters on my own...but I can still use the skills I have gained here to hurt them.

Once you're back at the Crystarium, you can talk to the Exarch to start your search for Alphinaud. The Exarch gives you a folded letter to present to Szem Djenmai, the Master of Beasts at the Rookery. Once you hand over the letter, he agrees not only to provide you with an amaro, but to accompany you on the first leg of your trip.

Upon landing in Kholusia, your guide warns you it is not the wildlife that should concern you, but its people. He also tells you something to help you find Alphinaud. Your search leads you to a small village, where after doing some quests for the local barkeep, she agrees to let you wait in the bar as long as you'd like. Eventually Alphinaud enters. He doesn't notice you at first, asking the barkeep how business is that day. The barkeep responds. "Oh, frenetic. Look, I have a new customer!" You stand, and Alphinaud turns to you and smiles, saying, "I... 'Tis good to see you, my friend." He expressed relief to see you, and upon saying, "Me? I was more worried about you," he responds: "Hah! Alisaie said much the same thing! I don't think I've ever had such a scolding." He then asks you to tell him all that's happened since you last saw each other. You do. He mentions that Tataru must be sick with worry, and that "'Twould be nice to bring her good tidings for a change." You nod to this.

He goes on to say that we must prevent the Eighth Umbral Calamity from happening. By Urianger's description, the catalyst for the Calamity was a formless and deadly weapon employed by the Garlean Empire: Black Rose. Alphinaud says that Gaius had insisted that the Black Rose project had been scrapped, but that they saw evidence that the gas was being made again in their travels in Garlean territory. Destroying the existing stores of Black Rose wouldn't do much to prevent the Calamity, and he says, :"In that sense, our involuntary journey here to the First was something of a boon." They've developed a theory as to how they believe the Rejoining will be set in motion. Urianger could explain in more detail, but Alphinaud can tell you the process requires that both worlds -- the Source and the First -- be facing an existential threat; one being sin eaters, of course.

Alphinaud will not stand idly by while innocent people are slaughtered, and so he came to the gates of Eulmore. Ignoring its pretentions as a kind of capital city to what remains of the world, it is nonetheless a center of power and authority. Alphinaud believes Eulmore has the answers they seek, and asks if you're up for another adventure. You stand and give your traditional "Let them at me!" move, and so you two take to the road once more.

You journey to Gatetown, the village of shacks that lies outside Eulmore's gates. The gate itself is known as the "Open Arms". Gatetown is full of desperate souls eager to be chosen to live in Eulmore.

Just then, a begrimed bloke comes up. Upon spotting you, he says, "Heh heh heh heh.. I'll bet you've a trick or two up your sleeve. Maybe even three! Care to show me?" You take a step back, and Alphinaud steps in front of you, telling the bloke, "She's not here to compete. Leave her be." The bloke says he was only making conversation, and Alphinaud just stares at him in reply.

Then a horn sounds, and a women calls out for attention. The bloke smiles and runs off. Two women dressed as jongleurs stand surrounded by canvas sacks.

Red Jongleur: "Greetings to our hopeful petitioners, one and all! Eulmore extends its warmest regards! Let it be known that a lady of distinction wishes to dine on fish divine!"

Blue Jongleur: "We seek a master culinarian who can guarantee seafood perfection! Dazzle the matron with your delicious dishes, and life in the city will be yours to emjoy. Even on days when fish is not on the menu!"

The villagers all make noise among themselves. You and Alphinaud stand some distance away from the crowd. Alphinaud now speaks: "Do you recall how I said Eulmore was a center of power and authority? Well, that is not the only reason for its fame. It is also known as the 'City of Final Pleasures'. The noble and the wealthy who survived the flood gathered here to live ou the rest of their days in decadent abandon. (...) The only way the commonfolk can enter this perverted paradise is if they fulfill the whim of one of the priveleged. And so they are picked over like market produce..."

A woman then approaches the jongleurs, who examine her with approval. They invite her into the city, and the audience that has gathered cheers.

The jongleurs then open their canvas sacks, and bring out what looks like a lump of bread. Meol, they call it. They pass the meol out to the villagers, who cheer.

Alphinaud has a plan to get into Eulmore: establishing trade with the Ondo, the beast tribe you know as the Sahagin. The Ondo are fond of fresh fruits grown on land, and in exchange for these fruits they have promised ot pay Alphinaud in pearls. "Surely even the most jaded Eulmoran lord woud have time for a merchant who can make pearls from plums and pumpkins?" he says.

His meeting with the Ondo is due in a few hours; he just needs to collect the harvest, and asks for your help, which of course you readily agree to.

So you head to the village of Wright, but when you speak to Alphinaud's supplier, you find the harvest has already been claimed by a blue-haired Mystel (think Mi'Qote) lad who presented himself as Alphinaud's lackey.

The two of you go after the Mystel, and Alphinaud confronts him when you find the him. The lad says he has to get into the city, and begs forgiveness. He has no family, and all his friends have already been chosen. He says he's lucky to get a scent of the meol when it's handed out. "I'm so tired! I'm so bloody hungry! I thought maybe I could steal your idea--get in that way..."

Alphinaud looks off tot he side for a moment, then crosses his arms and asks the Mystel lad for his name, who responds, "Kai-Shirr". "Tell he then, Kai-Shirr--must it be Eulmore or nothing? What of the Crystarium? They may not offer charity, but you would be fairly compensated for any work you did." Kai-Shirr shakes his head and says it has to be Eulmore. You look at Alphinaud, who bows his head and closes his eyes a moment. Then he looks at Kai-Shirr directly, and tells the lad the details of his plan so that Kai-Shirr may make use of it instead.

Kai-Shirr waves and runs off, and Alphinaud's smile fades. "This was but one path--there will be others. But for young Kai-Shirr, it was the difference between life and death. I do not regret my decision... yet I will admit part of me wonders if it was for the best." Alphinaud wonders if he should have forged on regardless of the cost of one man. I chose to respond, "That's not who you are." Alphinaud smiles at you and says, "I suppose not... Were Estinien here, he would most likely scoff at my soft-heartedness. 'Same old Alphinaud. Ever the slave to sentiment.' But I thank you for your kind worlds nonetheless. Let us see to it that both these stories have a happy ending."

Alphinaud suggests returns to Wright, and the two of you head off, but then Alphinaud spots something: what looks like a person laying prone on the beach in the distance. The two of you rush to the person's aid. Alphinaud heals the man's injuries, and soon the man awakens, spluttering, and asking for mercy. Alphinaud assures him that no harm will come to hem here, and set about making a fire to warm the shivering man. The man says, "I thought for certain I was d-dead. How am I ever to repay this kindness?" Alphinaud responds, "We'll settle for the tale behind your current predicament. Why don't you begin by telling us your name?"

Tristol is his name, and he was invited into Eulmore to work as an artist, only to be cast out when the wealthy couple who were his patrons took a dislike to his artistic style. Tristol was brought in front of Lord Vauthry himself, leader of Eulmore. When Vauthry asked him what he meant to do, Tristol told him he wished to leave...so Vauthry had hi8m thrown over the balustrade into the ocean! It's a miracle he wasn't dashed to pieces on the rocks below.

Alphinaud is more determined than ever to enter Eulmore now and see exactly what kind of place it is. Tristol wants to help, even though the thought of sending his saviors into the city sickens him, and he gives Alphinaud his favorite paintbrush. Alphinaud doesn't wish to take his livelihood from him, but Tristol says he has not the heart to paint again. Tristol will make for new lands and a new profession -- and keep the two of you in his prayers until his dying day.

With Tristol's brush in hand, Alphinaud comes up with a new scheme to enter Eulmore: he will pose as a painter, and you his faithful assistant. Surely Tristol's former patrons will be looking for a new artist?

So you return to Gatetown, and your wait isn't long at all before the jongleurs emerge to recruit a new artist. Alphinaud's act passes muster, and soon you are being escorted into the city.

There's several steps you need to go through before you meet your new patrons: you must present yourself to the clerk at the Bureau of Immigration. The immigration officer explains how Eulmore works: the citizens are divided into two classes, the "free" (those blessed with the favor of Lord Vauthry) and the "bonded" who work in the employ of the free You will be joining the ranks of the bonded. Should your patron dismiss you for any reason, you must find another sponsor among the free, or accept work as a general laborer.

Once your immigration papers are approved, it's on to the registration officer, who takes offense at your odor and orders you to bathe. The showers are in the open in a small room. You take your shower and emerge, only to find Alphinaud lurking in the hallway. "Oh, you've showered and dressed already, have you...?" he says. "Is it not--Th-that is to say... Ahem. It seems rather... *exposed* for one's ablutions, does it not...?"

You're given the choice of response:

I chose the third (of course), to which Alphinaud responds, "...Wouldn't she just. Very well.... I shall endeavor to emulate her boldness, then. Courage, Alphinaud!"

(The second response is also humorous. Upon mentioning Estinien, Alphinaud responds: "Good gods... You will mention nothing of this! Swear to me!")

After showering, you make your way to the Canopy, the uppermost level of Eulmore, where you meet a Mystel couple named the Chais. Alphinaud introduces himself and you, referring to you as being like a family member: the two of you have stood together through life's travails. He also asks the CHais if you can explore the city while Alphinaud is painting, for your assistance is only needed at the beginning stages of his work. Permission granted, you set out and explore.

Your first task is to explore the Canopy. You soon come across an amiable maiden who's looking for her lost attendant. Seems she dropped her handkerchief and he's off searching for it. She asks if you see him to tell him to forget the handkerchidf and return to her, for she's getting lonely.

You venture out to the Skyfront - the open-air pathway that encircles the Canopy - and soon discover a man hanging off the railing, holding on for dear life. You rescue him and pull him over the railing. Seems this is the missing attendant, who had tried to reach the lost handkerchief which had caught on a edge over the railing.

You ask him why he would risk his life over something as small as a scrap of cloth, and in reply he waxes poetic about his mistress and the citizens of Eulmore: "The residents alol treat each other with warmth and respect. My mistress haws been ever so kind to me."

Upon telling the attendant that his patron was getting lonely, he rushes off to her. You follow, and the mistress thanks you for your assistance. She too tells you about Eulmore: the free surrender their belongings upon registration, giving them over to the city. In return, they are provided with ample funds and commodities to live a life of pampered luxury.

The maiden then says she hopes she hasn't interfered with your duties. You tell her you're on a tour of the city, and she suggests visiting the Beehive and speaking to Tista-Bie. The Beehive is a club complete with pole dancers. You find Tista-Bie sitting near the entrance, and she challenges you to a card game where you have to guess whether the total of your cards is higher or lower than hers. Upon you winning, she shares some knowledge of Eulmore with you: "In my humble estimation, the most wondrous thing about this town is how safe we are from the sin eaters. They say Lord Vauthry was born with the power to command them--which means no Eulmoran need ever raise a weapon in defense of the city."

She then suggests talking to Atharn, who's sitting nearby. Atharn orders you to dance on the stage first before he will talk, so you do. He then tells you Eulmore wasn't always so peaceful: "The Eulmoran Army may be the very essence of military might, but even our forces saw greivious losses in the war against the sin eaters. Things changed for us, oh, around 20 years ago now, when the old ruler's son came to power! He's got this way with the eaters, you see--turns them docile as house cats. I wouldn't be exaggerating to say they've become something of an ally to Eulmore."

You return to Alphinaud then, to find Dulia-Chai (the wife of the couple) has been treating him like a dress-up doll: he's in entirely new clothing. Alphinaud bids you continue to explore the city some more while Dulia-Chais continues dressing him.

So you head to the next layer down, which houses the military HQ. There, you find a weeping young lady in a cell. Sher's one of the bonded--a singer, but her throat is irritated and she can't sing. She begs for your help, asking you to go to the Derelicts and describe her condition to one Thoarich there.

Your talk with Thoarich is horrifying. He has no0thign to cure the songbird's ailment, suggesting it is a "lump ibn her throat that must be cut out". He then goes on to ponder, "Will they kick her from the nest, I wonder? Or simply silence her chirps?" From his words, it appears that Eulmore simply kills those that are of no use to them.

You return to the warbler empty-handed. Her patron soon arrives. He frets that she's been suffering al this time, and says he can talk to Lord Vauthry and arrange for her "ascension: To that paradise where resides neither pain nor illness."

At your questioning, the patron explains further: "As all know, the sin eaters exist to devour the sinful. But also do they serve to gather the souls of the innocent, and shepherd them to celestial paradise. It is through Lord Vauthry that we learned this truth. (...) We are blessed to spend our days surrounded by love and merriment, until at last we are called to our final rapture."

You return to Alphinaud again, and share your findings while the Chais are distracted. Alphinaud does not like what he hears, and wonders what happened to all the citizens who've entered Eulmore over the years.

Just then, Chai-Nuzz (the husband) interrupts your "chattering" and demands to see the outline Alphinaud has sketched. Chai-Nuzz is most displeased with Alphinaud's realistic painting, saying he wanted "perfection, not realism." He's just telling Alphinaud to fetch a blank canvas when a scream sounds, and the jongleurs announce that "there was a villain on the loose, set to ruin our fair city... But our lord has got him now, and his fate will not be pretty!" The jongleurs invite the crowd to the Offer--the level above the Canopy where Vauthry resides--to see justice being served. You and Alphinaud join the crowd.

Lord Vauthry is a grotesque of a man, sitting on a throne with docile sin eaters around him. A voice asks for mercy, and you and Alphinaud move to the front of the crowd to see Kai-Shirr, the blue-haired Mystel lad, on his knees, hunched and bloodied, a knife laying before him. The two of you run to help him.

Vauthry calls you impudent louts and questions who you are. Alphinaud stands and addresses Vauthry directly, questioning him as to "why this poor man's bleeding to death on your floor?"

Vauthry responds that "Criminals must be punished, and this man is guilty of fraud... (...) Eulmore is a city built on love for one's fellow man. Those who have naught to give and live only to take are a blight upon our society! To atone for this crime, I ordered that he fling himself from the balcony." When Kai-Shirr pleaded not to do that, Vauthry "offered" him another way to show his contrition. Alphinaud asks what exactly Vauthry means. Vauthry then says, "Sin eaters are part of Eulmore's society. But the must be fed with aether--living aether. So--I demanded an offering of flesh! Carved by his own hand, from his own hide!" Vauthry rages that Kai-Shirr still could not do as asked. You get a grr-face, but Alphinaud steps forward calmly. "'Tis true that Kai-Shirr won his place here by fraud. But his actions where driven only by a desire to share in your paradise." Alphinaud then speaks passionately: "That you would cast him out I could almost accept, but to humiliate him thus? To demand his very life!? Is this truly the way of Eulmore!?"

The crowd looks on impassively.

Vauthry goes on, explaining that his actions are necessary to have a life of peace. "The knowledge that if one abides by the rules, one has naught to fear," he says. "I alone can control the sin eaters. And thus am I alone the voice of justice--and any who oppose me villains to be punished!"

The crowd claps at this. You clench your fists, grr-face on, and take a step forward but Alphinaud stops you. "And people call this paradise..." he says in a low voice.

Vauthry then asks Alphinaud what skill he possesses that granted him a place in the city. When Alphinaud answers, Vauthry demands Alphinaud paint a picture of Eulmore for him. "If I find your art pleasing, then I may excuse this display of insolence."

Alphinaud just looks at Vauthry, and ignores him. He turns to Kai-Shirr, kneels down next to the Mystel, and begins healing his wounds. You assist. Vauthry rages at this, btu you ignore him. Once Kai-Shirr is healed, Alphinaud stands, and, looking over his shoulder, tells Vauthry, "What you need is a mirror, not a painting. It will capture the horror I see before me far better than I ever could."

Vauthry just stares. Alphinaud helps Kai-Shirr up and escorts him from the room, you in tow. It's only then that Vauthry reacts: "Did... did that little worm just insult me?" Then he flies into a rage. "I'll kill them! I'll kill them on! I'll enslave their minds!" The crows looks on, still impassive.

In his anger, Alphinaud marched the three of you outside. He says, "It is probably best we leave the island altogether, I believe we've worn out our welcome in Eulmore. In any case, I've seen enough of the world's self-proclaimed 'capital city' to convince me that our battle against the sin eaters will find few allies in Kholusia. I will accompany you back to the Crystarium. We need to regroup and think on our strategy anew."

He then turns to Kai-Shirr and tells him he's done the lad a great disservice. Kai-Shirr says, :It was me who made a mess of things, not you." Alphinaud suggests he come back to the Crystarium with you, but Kai-Shirr says, "No... that would just be leaning on your kindness again." Kai-Shirr says he needs to stand on his own two feet. Alphinaud asks him to be careful.

It's then that Dulia-Chair comes running up, calling Alphinaud's name, her husband in tow. Chai-Nuzz asks Alphinaud, "What in the blazes did you do!? They have the entire city looking for you!", but Dulia-Chai ignores this, saying, "I took a peek at your unfinished portrait. (...) It was as if you had caught the very essence of our love, and rendered it naked upon the canvas. It was bold, unflinching, and I adored it." She wants Alphinaud to return and finish the portrait, but he says, "I am sorry, Lady Chai. There are more important matters to which I must attend." Dulia-Chai says she will smooth things out with the guards so you can slip out the gate, and makes Alphinaud promise to visit and finish her painting some dya.

And with that, your return to the Crystarium, where you reunite with Alisaie and tell the Exarch of all you've discovered.

Shadowbringers Part 2 - Holminster Switch and the Aftermath

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…"

Shadowbringers Part 3 - Il Mheg, the Faerie Kingdom

I'm not even going to apologize for my verbosity any more. This is mostly captured from the in-game Journal, the Gamer Escape wiki, and in-game cutscenes. It's pretty much EVERYTHING that happens in Il Mheg. I'd suggest setting aside time to read it, because it is long.

At the end of our last summary, we had just rescued Minfilia and made our escape from Ran'jit, a general of the Eulmoran Army intent on stopping us from vanquishing the Lightwardens. We had also seen a man identified only by ??? sitting on a rooftop, saying that "the plan has gone awry"...

The scene then shifts to the party entering Il Mheg. Alisaie asks Thancred what brought him to Laxan Loft, and he says he was after Minfilia. The two had been traveling together when she suddenly ran off as they approached Lakeland. Thancred was too late to save her from being captured by Eulmore, but when he saw the Crystarium on the move he consulted the Exarch, who gave him certain instructions. Should the situation make a turn for the worse, Thancred was to see you all safely to Il Mheg.

Urianger resides in Il Mheg, but Alphinaud laments that he and Alisaie have never had the chance to visit him here. Thancred says it's not the sort of place one easily visits, but since he and Minfilia have been here before they know how things work around here. Thancred says, "Sooner or later, the Eulmorans will come after us. But before they do, the Exarch bids us accomplish two things. First: Rendevous with Urianger, and second, eliminate the Lightwarden of this land."

Alisaie then asks Minfilia what made her leave Thancred behind. Minfilia looks down, then look at you with her pupil-less eyes. "You," she says. "The hero from another world." Minfilia says she was afraid Thancred wouldn't let her go see you, what with the commotion in Lakeland. Thancred says, "And would I have been wrong? Had I arrived a moment later, you would be back in your cell in Eulmore." He takes an angry step toward the girl. "And now we have Ranjit snapping at our heels. You really have outdone yourself this time."

Minfilia bows her head. "I'm sorry. Thank you for saving me." Thancred takes a step back and his face softens a teeny bit, then a voice says, "Aww, poor thing, being scolded so." The party looks around, and giggles erupt from unseen folk. Alisaie says, "Who said that? Should yourselves!" Voices say, "Come now, put away that frown and have some fun with us!" The giggles and voices continue, but Thancred ignores them and asks Minfilia, "Ugh, which way was it to Urianger's?" Minfilia pauses, then says, "We've been there so many times, but I'm not… I can't.. Why can't I remember?" You and the twins react in alarm, and Thancred says, "Damn it all. We're already caught in their spell!" The voices continue laughing.

From what little he is able to make of the mischievious voices, Thancred believes that the pixies wish to play with you. He reasons that they may therefore allow you to find their village, Lydha Lran – if nowhere else. At his suggestion, the party continues along the path.

You soon arrive at the pixie settlement, but see no sign of its residents. Convinced this means their games have already begun, Thancred suggests that you search for a plant with a furled tip called a ‘looking grass' which should allow you to see the pixies. Before you set about your task, you are warned not to respond to any voices that call to you, lest you fall prey to further mischief.

You succeed in finding the looking grass, but not wholly unscathed – voices indeed tried tempting you to reveal your name or respond in other ways, but you successfully remained silent. You hurry back to Thancred that he might put an end to the pixies' games.

Thancred puts the looking grass to use, holding it to one eye and saying a phrase in the pixie language, and moments later the pixies pop into being all around you. Unfortunately, they prove disinclined to let you continue on your way, and after a moment's discussion declare that you must lend them a helping hand. Heaving a heavy sigh, Thancred suggests splitting up to tend to the pixies' chores.

After being subjected to a host of menial tasks and pranks, you conclude that the pixies will never be satisfied and let you leave. While discussing your options, you remember a useful detail: you have a pact with a pixie. You decide to turn to Feo Ul for help, attempting to summon them by saying their name out loud.

Though Feo Ul hears your call, the pixie is in a black mood having been neglected for so long. Some groveling may be in order. You attempt to placate the pixie by saying out loud, "Please, Feo Ul, I need you."

Feo Ul is not satisfied with your entreaty and compares you unfavorably to a sodden log. It seems you will have to try harder to quell the pixie's displeasure. Trying one more time, you call out, "O loveliest of branches, please grant me your succor!"

The third time's the charm. You succeed in winning over Feo Ul, who promptly coerces the other pixies into letting you go. With the illusion lifted and the way revealed, Thancred is eager to continue on to Urianger's abode.

After Feo Ul reveals themselves, they admonish you for being late in calling them. Looking on, Alisaie remarks, "Another self-important little brat. Just what we need." Alphinaud says, "Hmm. Reminds me of my childhood." Alisaie turns to her twin, giving him a dirty look, and grabs him by the lapels, causing Alphinaud to stutter that it was just a joke.

Thancred informs you that Urianger has taken up residence in the abandoned manor of a nobleman and scholar: a place known as the Bookman's Shelves. You set off north to the manor along with Thancred and Minfilia, while the twins stay behind to entertain the pixies.

Stepping inside the manor, you enjoy a warm reunion with your old friend Urianger, who's become a practiced astrologian. After listening intently to your account of recent events, he proceeds to share the unsettling vision he witnessed as he drifted across the rift. In his tale he explains how the surge of light in the First will amplify the potency of the alchemical weapon Black Rose, thereby giving rise to the Eighth Umbral Calamity in the Source. Though the science behind the connection is somewhat complicated, its implications for you are simple: to forestall tragedy in both worlds, you must eliminate all of the Lightwardens. The being you have come to vanquish in Il Mheg is apparently ensconced withing Lyhe Ghiah, the castle which rises from the lake. Though gaining entry will require that you turn to the pixies for aid, Urianger assures you he has become adept at courting their cooperation. After your recent travails with the fae folk, you can only hope his confidence is well founded…

With your help, Urianger prepares a set of gifts for the pixies. He then retrieves some white auracite, which he had newly forged for your use. He reveals he chose to reside in Il Mheg as it is rich with aether, the better to fashion a trap for the Ascian's essence.

Minfilia, who had previously been banished from the abode by Thancred, now enters, bearing some ammunition she has imbued for Thancred. Thancred explains that although he doesn't have a physical body here in the First, his soul came over bearing its same limitations: he cannot manipulate aether. He took up the gunblade for its defensive advantages, but cannot imbue the ammo himself. Luckily, Minfilia has quite a talent for it.

Urianger then tells Minfilia she is free to choose a book or two to take with her on the road, as it will be quite some time before they return. She runs off to look at the books, and Urianger asks Thancred, "Hast thou spoken to her of thine encounter with the Minfilia of eld?"

Thancred: "Well, I suppose now is as good a time as any. As you know, I freed young Minfilia from captivity in Eulmore some three years past. Not long after, the two of us journeyed to the south of Amh Araeng. To the edge of the Empty, where the Flood was halted. It was there that she awakened. The Minfilia of old. My Minfilia…"

Your Echo kicks in and you see a vision of the past.

Thancred stands before the young Minfilia in Amh Araeng, speaking passionately and desperately. "Tell me, tell me! What must I do to bring you back!?"

The Oracle of Light shakes young Minfilia's head, and speaks, "My dearest Thancred… As I am now, I am no different from an Ascian. This child is but a vessel. One of many I have used, that I might spread word of Her enduring blessing and preserve the flame of hope." Minfilia hugs herself, and speaks on: "In my name, each has died, never having lived her own life. I have taken enough from these children. I will take no more."

Thancred says, "But what of your suffering? Your sacrifice!? This isn't fair! I will not stand for it—I cannot! There must be something we can do. Tell me!"

The Oracle of Light responds, "Should the day come when this child grows weary of fighting, and wishes to cast it all aside… Then shall I take up her burden. But should she wish instead to become the master of her own destiny… Then shall I bequeath to her my all. Imbued with the strength that I reserve for rebirth, she may come to wield my powers as her own."

Thancred takes a few steps forward and says, "And what of my wishes!? What of F'lhaminn's!? What of all the people who love and care for you and want nothing more than to see you again!?"

The Oracle shakes Minfilia's head again. "It is not their decision to make. It is hers, this child's. This Minfilia's."

Thancred looks down, and the Oracle turns Minfilia's back to him and takes a few steps closer to the Empty. "You have ever watched over me, Thancred."

Scenes from Thancred's past flash by, showing him looking over the original Minfilia in her younger days.

The Oracle turns to look at Thancred again. "Now I ask that you do the same for her. Protect her. Teach her. Stand by her as you stood by me. There is much and more she does not know. She needs a guide to show her the ways of the world, or she will never find her own path. When the time comes, you will find me here. Until that day…"

The Oracle closes Minfilia's eyes. Thancred reaches out to her. "Minfilia, wait!" he cries.

Minfilia looks around, and speaks in her normal voice. "What… what happened?"

Thancred looks down, and the vision ends. Returned to the present, Thancred is speaking, "And then she was gone. Minfilia—the girl—claims to have no recollection of any of it. I've told her many things—where we came from, what we fight for. But of that day, I have not spoken."

You have a choice of saying, "How do you want this to end?" or remaining silent. I chose to speak. Thancred doesn't answer, and you and Urianger exchange glances.

Urianger says, "With the coming of another possessed of the blessing of Light, the First hath begun to rise up in defiance of its fate. The question remaineth, however… Who shall take up the flame of hope which Minfilia hath borne for so long? Whether we will it or no, the choice must soon be made."

Thancred still has his head bowed, not looking at either of you. You turn as Minfilia enters, a book in her arms. The party then sets off for Lydra Lran.

Once back in Lydra Lran, you speak unto Sol Uin (one of the pixies) your desire: entry to Lyhe Ghiah, that you might vanquish the Lightwarden of the land. Only then do you learn that your quarry is in fact the king and ruler of the fairies: Titania, who defeated a Lightwarden that had threatened Il Mheg, only to be corrupted by the aether that was subsequently released. Though the pixies are convinced you will perish in the attempt, they readily agree to cooperate—if for no other reason that it would prove interesting to watch. They duly bestow upon you a white dress, one of four relics required to lift the seal over the castle. If you are to obtain the first of the three remaining items, you will need to set forth for the Untouchable Gate by the lake to request an audience with the slippery Fuath.

Standing before the Untouchable Gate, you call out to the Fuath, but there is no reply. While the party considers other ways to reach out to the creatures, the watery voice of a Fuath rings out. It agrees to give you the shell crown relic, but in exchange you must brave the dangers of their domain, Dohn Mheg, in a show of "thrilling sport". With no other recourse, you make ready to sally forth into unknown waters.

The Fuath toy with you throughout your journey in Dohn Mheg, but you face them head on. Finally you reach the hall where the shell crown awaits. As you approach it, eyes begin to glow around you.

"Hah hah! Well fought, well fought!" says an amused Fuath. The victory theme plays as more eyes glow and join the chorus of cheers. You turn to the Fuath, a frog-like creature wearing a vest, large ruffled collar, and feathered top hat. It speaks on: "But I would have it no other way! Seldom have I enjoyed such sport!"

"We have satisfied thy demands. Wilt thou now satisfy ours?" Urianger asks.

"Of course! Of course…" Aenc Thou says. "There it is, the relic you seek! Yours for the taking. Have care you do not break it though, yes?" The camera focuses on the crown, floating in a protective bubble. You look to the twins, who nod and approach the crown. The camera focuses then on Aenc Thou, looking at you intently. It speaks as the twins near the crown. "Ah, but you, my friend… You are mighty indeed… and pleasing to the eye besides!" The victory theme has stopped and ominous music now plays.

"More! I want to see more of her!" the amused Fuath says.

"Yes, yes! I could watch her forever!" says a mischievous Fuath.

"Why don't we just make her one of us?" says an enthusiastic Fuath.

"Yessss! One of us!" cries a delighted Fuath.

The voices call "One of us! One of us!" The twins stand alarmed next to the crown. Aenc Thou smiles. "Wahaha! What a fine idea! Why ever didn't I think of that!? You may have the crown… but in exchange, we will have you!" it says.

The waters shoot up and overwhelm you. You brace yourselves as they hit. The scene goes black. There is the sound of water and a voice calls out to you. It's Ardbert. "Wake up! Wake up, damn you!"

You open your eyes. You are underwater, and Ardbert is floating before you. "Oh, you're alive!" he says. "Thank the gods. I don't know where you learned to breathe underwater, but it's lucky you can."

You look to the side, then swim up to Ardbert, who speaks on. "I'm sure you had your reasons, but the first rule of dealing with the Fuath… is do not deal with the Fuath. It's said that they are born from the souls of the drowned. Were it not for your little trick, you'd have joined them." Ardbert looks up. "Your friends are safely back on dry land, in case you were wondering. They'll be searching for you, I expect."

You look away, and the camera pans over some houses that lie at the bottom of the lake, covered with moss. Ardbert looks too, and remarks, "That's the royal capital of the Kingdom of Voeburt down there. It's seen better days. They were a stubborn lot, the Voeburtites. Set in their ways. But once you got to know them, you couldn't find a more welcoming people. It always froze over in winter, being up in the mountains, so we'd pull up our chairs round the fire and trade tales over steaming bowls of lamb stew, while the street lamps burned hot and bright outside…" He closes his eyes. "All dead and buried now. Them and anyone else who might remember. Everything we did… everything we gave… What was it for?" He looks up at you. "I wond—I hope you'll have a better answer than this when all's said and done."

You close your eyes, and see scenes of Ishgard. People smile, and the scene then flashes to devastation—fallen Ishgardians everywhere. You open your eyes and look at the area where Ardbert was, but he's gone. You swim up to the surface.

Your comrades are relieved to see you none the worse for your soaking, and Alisaie presents you with the shell crown by way of reward for your doggedness. At that moment, Sui Uin flutters in with word that armed men are drawing close to Il Mheg – the Eulmoran Army in all likelihood. While the twins return to Lydha Lran with the pixie to assess the situation, you and the others agree to continue your quest to collect the remaining relics.

Urianger suggests visiting the Nu Mou next, for they are closer. On the way there, he has a conversation with you once you reach Good Jenannna's Grace, a grass-filled pass in the mountains.

"If the path striketh thee as precipitous, ‘tis because it was once a mountain trail," he says. "For where the lake now lieth, there was a valley in whose midst thrived the city of Voeburt. "Twas only when the Fuath came, in the wake of the Flood, that the settlement was drowned. We stand now upon its former outskirts. Grazing lands where shepherds once tended their flocks. Though one cannot help but feel a pang of loss when faced with such a spectacle, one can scarely blame the fae folk for so altering the land. The blame for that lieth rightly with the Light – a force terrible enough to bring an entire civilization to its knees. An entire world. That it should have been allowed to rise up unchecked is the greater regret. Yet, in spite of all the tragedy which surroundeth me, full glad am I for the chance to be here. ‘Twas these hands which brought together the Warriors of Darkness and Minfilia, lest thou forget. Therefore, even were there no Eighth Umbral Calamity to forestall, it seemeth only right that I strive to deliver the First from its doom. Only right, I say, though such words ill convey the strength of my resolve. In truth, I can no more ignore the plight of this world than I can choose to stop breathing. And thus do I labor – for those we have lost. For those we can yet save. The coming struggle promiseth to test us to our limits, but so long as we stand together, I doubt not but that we shall prevail."

A pair of pixies then happens upon you, and wanting to play, casts a teleportation spell on the pair of you, sending you further back down the mountain. In response, Urianger casts an invisibility spell on you that allows you to make your way to the Nu Mou's home without further detection.

Once you meet up with Thancred and Minfilia, you enter the Nu Mou village where your arrival causes much excitement.

Tyr Nee: "Ah! Ahhh! Mortals! Mortals are here! Lots of them!"

Thancred, to Urianger: "I thought you said the Nu Mou were men's best friends. The poor thing was beside itself with fear."

"'Twas besides itself, perhaps… but not with fear," Urianger responds.

The elder Wyd Aenc now speaks. "This is unacceptable! Unacceptable, I tell you! To have so many mortals appear at once.. it's more excitement than we can bear!"

Urianger says, "Greetings, Elder Wyd Aenc, Tyr Nee. It hath been a while. Pray forgive my brevity, but time is against us. We are come to borrow the stone scepter of the Nu Mou."

"Th-The stone scepter?" Wyd Aenc says. "Then… you mean to lift the seal over Lyhe Ghiah!? That is unacceptable! Unacceptable, I tell you! If the King is set free, none here will be safe! Unlike our fae cousins, we Nu Mou have called this land our home since time immemorial. Leaving is unthinkable. Thus did full many of us lay down our lives to seal away our King when they were corrupted by light! If we do as you ask, our sacrifice would have been in vain!"

You have the choice of saying:

I chose the first option.

"But then you'll only become another Lightwarden! It chances nothing!" Wyd Aenc says.

"Honored Elder, pray believe me when I say this woman is possessed not only of the strength required to vanquish the King, but of something still more valuable: a means to resist the resultant corruption. Indeed, she hath already laid low the Lightwarden of Lakeland, all without succumbing to the influence of Light She is yet a stranger to this land, ‘tis true, but she harboreth the self-same desire to see the sin eaters eliminated as we do. Wilt thou not lend us thy hand, that we might see thy beloved home restored to its former glory?"

"Hmm…" Wyd Aenc says. "You have always done right by us, Urianger. If you have placed your faith in this woman, then so shall we. As you say, we want nothing more than to be rid of the sin eaters. Be that as it may, this is not a decision to be made lightly. We require more time to deliberate. A turn of the moon, perhaps…"

"We don't have a turn of the moon," Thancred says. "Unless we want to debate this with the Eulmoran Army."

"Elder…" Urianger says. "Given all that is at stake, I cannot well expect thee simply to roll over, and acquiesce to our request. But even now, a powerful foe draweth near, and I fear I must beseech thee to hasten thy deliberations, that thou mightst fetch us the scepter while there is yet time to use it.

"R-roll over!? F-Fetch!? Ahhh! Ahhhhhh!" Ty Nee says.

"You know full well that naught gives us greater pleasure than to render aid to men!" Wyd Aenc says. "You know full well, yet you speak the words of power regardless? It's unfair! Unfair, I tell you! In happier times, it was our honor to assist mortals in need and receive rewards befitting our deeds. Since the Kingdom of Voeburt fell, however, we've been starved of man's patronage. After so many years of deprivation, it is...difficult to ignore such an earnest entreaty. Very well, Urianger. I promise to give you as swift an answer as I may. In return, I ask that you and yours remain here the while, and bestow upon us your patronage. Is this arrangement agreeable?"

It is agreed. There's a series of fetch quests to do. One such quest takes you to the unfriendly tribe of the Nu Mou to retrieve bottles of ink they have stolen. Minfilia accompanies you, and on the way back has a conversation with you. You catch her looking up at the castle in the distance, and she turns as you approach.

"Oh, thank goodness," Minfilia says. "There you are. Those Nu Mou were rather frightening. I'm glad you're safe."

You can respond:

I chose the second line. She continues: "Thancred taught me – but I'm still a novice. The Minfilias before me battled sin eaters as part of the Eulmoran Army. But that had all changed by the time I was found. They held me captive so that I wouldn't follow in the others' footsteps. I'd still be in my cell now had Thancred not spirited me away. When he found me, I knew nothing of the world. I didn't know how to live, let alone fight. Thancred once told me that if the efforts to summon you failed, it would fall to me to face the Lightwardens. I realized then that is was the only reason he kept me close – as a contingency. The truth is, he can't stand to be around me. Because I'm not her. I'm not his Minfilia."

You open your mouth in surprise, and she sighs and speaks on.

"...Once, we journeyed to Nabaath Areng together. To the place where the Oracle appeared and stayed the Flood. As we drew near, I felt as though… I was fading away… I shut my eyes and covered my ears, and then… And then… I'm not sure what happened after that. I have a vague feeling that I said something to him. Only it wasn't me at all. It was her. Afterwards, Thancred didn't say a word. Only kept to himself and brooded. There's nothing I can do for him. Nothing I can offer but my presence – though it only reminds him of his loss. She should be the one to live on. That's why I tried to find you – because I knew that was what she wanted. But now that you're here… I'm not entirely sure what is was she intended me to do. Was I meant to tell you something? Or bring you to someone? Or somewhere? I can feel the answer at the edge of m mind, just out of reach--"

Suddenly, there is a loud sound that appears to be coming from the castle. It's an otherworldly roar.

"Ahhh! What… what is that!?" Minfilia cries. You hold your hand up to your temple. Is it a vision you see? The screen goes black and filled with static, and then a figure appears. It's the faerie king, Titania.

"Why?" Titania says. "Why did you imprison us? Such boredom… such tedium have we suffered. It is unfair! Unfair!! Come. Come and play with us."

The vision ends, and you and Minfilia stand with the castle in the background, looking at it.

"It came from the castle," Minfilia says.

You look up, where silvery wings extend from the castle spire. Minfilia turns to you and gives you the ink she recaptured.

"This is everything I have. Please see it delivered to the Nu Mou. I will bear word to Thancred and the others."

She runs off, leaving you looking at the castle.

You return to the friendly Nu Mou village, and quests complete, meet with the elder.

"Ah, there you are, Wyd Aenc says. "I'm informed that you've been an excellent patron to our people. For that, you have my thanks. Now then, you will be pleased to hear that we've come to a decision regarding the scepter. If you would gather your companions, I will deliver our answer."

Once everyone is gathered, they speak on: "Before I begin, please allow me to express my gratitude for your kind patronage. Having been deprived of purpose for so long, our people are overjoyed at being able to serve again. But on to the matter of the stone scepter. During our deliberations, we were forced to concede that we will never have the power to deal with our fallen monarch. We can release Titania neither from the castle nor from torment. In light of this, we have decided to entrust their fate to you. Take it─the stone scepter of the Nu Mou."

"This makes three relics. One more and we can arrange a meeting with the Warden," Thancred says.

"Ere you continue your quest, allow me to enlighten you as regards your foe," Wyd Aenc says. "Know that Titania is not a name, but a title bestowed upon one chosen to lead the pixies by the grace of nature. This leader, upon Il Mheg's founding, arose as ruler of all fae folk to bring order to our riotous kind. In our turn, we fae folk render our blessing unto nature─unto water, wood, and wind─that our king might be further empowered. Though they are become a sin eater, their powers remain unchanged. When you face them, be prepared to face the full fury of nature."

"Oh dear... Is there anything else that we should know?" Minfilia asks.

"Anything else...? Hmmm... Only that if you feel unready for the challenge─and none here would blame you for it─you are welcome to remain among us awhile longer," Wyd Aenc says. "After all, I myself have yet to enjoy your patronage, and who knows when I will next have the chance? We would see that you were comfortable, of course, and do all in our power to make you feel...at home. Eh heh heh…"

Feo Ul springs into the scene. "Oi!" they say. "Honestly! I look away for one moment, and every faerie and their nuncle tries to steal my sapling from me! This is my sapling! Mine, do you hear!? Not yours and not the Fuath's! And anyone who so much as thinks about trying to seduce her will wish they hadn't!"

"The final relic is a pair of shoes wrought of crystal. They are held in the amaro's safekeeping at their settlement, Wolekdorf," Urianger says. "It beareth mentioning that these amaro are unlike those which thou hast heretofore encountered. Owing to a peculiarity of evolution, they are capable of speech, and thus we might negotiate with them as we have the fae folk."

"Though it saddens us to see you leave, we wish you well on your way," Wyd Aenc says. "When you arrive in Wolekdorf, seek out the largest of the amaro. His name is Seto, and he is their leader and the bearer of the relic."

You make your way to Wolekdorf, and approach the large amaro. You have the choice of saying one of the following:

I chose the second line. The amaro responds: "Ard...bert?" After a moment, he speaks on: "...Oh. Forgive me, I was...having a dream. Seldom do men visit us. What brings you to our village?

Did I hear you aright? You desire the crystal shoes...that you may confront the Lightwarden? No. No, you mustn't think such thoughts. Even if you are indeed immune to the Light's corruption, as you claim, vanquishing the king will bring you naught but sorrow. Forget this folly. Return whence you came."

"While we appreciate your concern, we have no choice in the matter. Will you not reconsider?" Thancred asks. Seto responds with silence.

"Come, my friends, let us leave him with his thoughts," Urianger says. He leads you a short while away. "Hmmm... 'Tis harder by far to change the minds of they who mean well than they who mean ill."

"Forgive me...but I'm not sure I understand…" Minfilia says.

"And little wonder," Urianger replies. "'Tis the first time thou hast set foot here. 'Twould behoove you all to learn something of the nature of this community, I think, and there is no surer way than to speak with its members. In such wise, you will come to understand Seto's reason for refusing us─and, I hope, gain an insight into how he may yet be persuaded… So I bid ye seek out the amaro and make yourselves known unto them. A gentle touch shall suffice by way of a greeting."

So you go and greet the other amaro. One of them, Rispa, says the following: "Well now... It is not often that we are visited by men─much less unglamoured ones. What brings you so far from your own kind? ... Khrrr...khrrrrrr... Ah, how long has it been since last I felt man's touch? I cannot help but be reminded of my master's hand… He was a knight of Voeburt. A noble and valiant soul. But like so many others, he died fighting the sin eaters. Though he is long departed, I remain in this land out of respect for his memory. Such a fine feeling it is to be petted. My master had a heavy hand, made heavier still by his gauntlet, but I loved it nonetheless."

Another amaro, Eo An by name, says: "Are you one of those treasure hunters? There is nothing left for you here. What are you doing? I do not understand...Agh! Th-That tickles! Enough! I never had a master─I'm not accustomed to it! Not that I dislike your kind, you understand. On the contrary, we amaro were bred to be fond of men. In the beginning, we were all of us mindless beasts. But then a mage of Ronka gave us the gift of intelligence, that we might better serve our masters. After that empire fell, those with the gift eventually died out. On rare occasions, however, we are born with the seed of our ancestors in us. If we live long enough amongst men, this seed may quicken, restoring the power of speech to us amongst other things. So it was with me...though I never had a master, as I told you. But I will not bore you with my sorry tale. Let it suffice to say that I am no stranger to abandonment."

"What is all the commotion? Did something happen while we slumbered?" an amaro named Nimbus asks. "Ghrrr… Ghrrr!? What's happening!? Why am I being patted!? It's...it's wonderful… Seldom do we have the chance to enjoy the attentions of men. Your kind are loath to come here for fear of the fae folk. ...But then we are fae folk too. When first we made our home here, we swore an oath to the faerie king, you see. 'Tis easy to forget sometimes. Ghrrr... You may pat me whenever you wish, and for as long as you like. My plumage is very resilient!"

You then return to Urianger, who says, "Thou hast peered into the hearts of the amaro, I take it?

Then thou canst not choose but see the intense and abiding love they bear for men. It is out of concern for our welfare, and not scorn, that Seto seeketh to dissuade us from confronting their king. Yet confront their king we must, and to that end we must needs have the crystal shoes..."

"I see now what Urianger meant," Thancred says. "Our feathered friend is plainly concerned for our safety. We need to show him that we can look after ourselves."

"It's nice of them to worry about us...but we really need those shoes," Minfilia says.

Urianger then addresses you by name, asking, "Might I prevail upon thee to confer with Seto in private? The task of slaying the Lightwarden will ultimately be thine, and it is for thee, I believe, that he worrieth most. Tell him of thy many great deeds. Spoken in earnest, thy words may yet move him to change his mind. Prithee do as I bade and speak with Seto in private. I shall turn my thoughts towards other solutions meanwhile."

So you go and speak with Seto, who says, "You have spoken with my brethren. Then you see it is not out of scorn that I deny you the relic… I simply cannot bear to see men fight and die. Not anymore. None of us can. To lose one who has placed a gentle hand on us even once fills our hearts with untold sorrow, as my brothers and sisters will readily attest."

You're now given a choice to say one of the following:

(Note: the wiki doesn't make it clear if Seto's answer differs on what you say, and it's been too long since I've played it that I don't remember myself.)

Seto responds, "&lgt;sigh> What am I to make of such declarations? Tell me, why do you wish this?

This land is no longer man's to fight for, nor will your doing so compel the fae folk to change. And in order to obtain the other relics, you will already have paid the due price. Naught more is owed. Why then would you risk all to face our fallen king?"

Again, you are given a choice in what to say:

(Note: like before, it's unclear if Seto answers differently depending on what you say.)

"What...did you say...?" Seto responds. "The very words... Could it be mere coincidence? Very well. You may believe what you say, but we shall see if you have the strength to do it. Sin eaters have been prowling the area of late. Prove yourself against them, and I will consider giving you the relic. See that you are well prepared, then meet me in the clearing to the east. There, I will lure out the fiends, that you may slay them."

You meet Seto in the clearing as planned, and easily defeat the sin eaters. Seto is impressed with your strength, but says he still needs time to think. He asks you for a favor: to retrieve a medallion that he lost, which is laying at the bottom of Longmirror Lake.

You retrieve the medallion, and return to Seto. "Ah, my medallion!" Seto says as you lay it before him. "You found it! Oh, I know not how to thank you. It is my most treasured possession – a gift from a dear, departed soul. He was a traveler, and together we journeyed to the ends of the world and back again. When I was young. In those days, I could not speak, but we found joy in each other's company nonetheless. Oh, the memories… This medallion he found during an adventure – fashioned it into a necklace for me, his ‘partner in crime'. I had not the words to tell him then, but it filled my heart with pride. I was so, so happy…"

The camera shifts to a side angle, and we see the ghostly form of Ardbert approach and stand next to a tree.

Seto speaks on: "His name was Ardbert, and he was my friend."

"Ardbert, thou sayest…?" Urianger says.

"Everone blamed him for the Flood," Seto continues. "Him and his comrades. Some few spoke up for them—of the many whose lives they had touched. But as the years went by, their voices were drowned out by those who only uttered the adventurers' names as a curse… It was too much to bear. And so I left behind men and their lies and came to this place."

The camera focuses on Ardbert's face as Seto speaks on: "Ardbert was a trusting soul, constantly being drawn into the troubles of others. Yet in spite of this, he never thought twice when he saw someone in need. He always tried to help. It was no different then. The world needed heroes – it needed him. And yet… He was a good man. He deserved to be happy. I wish I could have told him that, at least…"

The camera then focuses back on Ardbert's face. His lips twitch, in sorrow perhaps, and he turns and walks away.

The camera refocuses on you. You have the option to say:

I chose the first. Seto responds, "You remind me of him. Your kindness…. When we amaro were created, we were granted the ability to perceive souls. Thus did we recognize our masters. That ability has long since faded from our kind. But due perhaps to my reversion, I can see your soul. Faintly but surely. It is reminiscent of Ardbert's. Strikingly so."

You react in surprise.

"Of course, you are you, and no one else," Seto says. "We are defined not by the soul we are born with, but the path we walk. Nevertheless… I cannot help but feel that this is more than mere coincidence… ...Which is why I will place my faith in you. The relic – it is yours."

A light glows before Seto. You put out our hands are receive it. Just then, a pixie flies up.

"There's trouble! Terrible trouble!" Oul Sigun says.

"Has something happened at Lydha Lran?" Thancred asks.

The pixie continues: "Together with the twins, we were playing tricks on some nasty mortals to stop them from setting foot in Il Mheg. At first they ran off screaming, which was lots of fun! But then a scary, bony, wrinkly old mortal came along and spoiled everything! None of our tricks seem to work on him, which is no fun at all, and now they're getting closer and closer…"

"Ran'jit," Thancred says. "If he manages to find his way in, all our efforts will have been for naught."

"As thou sayest," Urianger says. "Should we be discovered ere our mission here is complete, and the Lightwarden yet liveth, our task will be rendered nigh impossible. If we are to prevail, we must needs divide our forces. Thus do I propose the following…"

Urianger looks directly at you, and continues, "Whilst thou salliest forth to meet with the Lightwarden, we shall join in the effort to obstruct the trespassers. Should we succeed in staying their advance, all the better. Yet even should we fail, if we can but delay our enemy's arrival long enough for thee to secure victory, our plan may still be deemed a success."

"So the moment the lights go out, we all beat a hasty retreat, yes?" Thancred says.

Minfilia approaches you. "Let me come with you! I have the blessing too!"

"No, Minfilia. You'll only get underfoot," Thancred says. "Now, come." He turns and walks away. Minfilia looks downcast, then back to you. "I wish there were more I could do. Please be careful…" She runs off after Thancred. You and Urianger exchange glances, and Urianger follows after them.

With the four relics now in your possession, you go to the castle. The seal breaks, and you enter. Titania speaks:

"Who goes there? Are you the one who broke the seal? Ah, so much time lost… So much frolicking and feasting left undone… We must make up for it, we must… Beginning by playing with you!"

It's a fierce trial. (No, really – it's not uncommon for parties to wipe several times before winning.) But eventually you beat Titania. They speak at the end: "We can play… no more…" Titania dissolves into white light, which enters your body. Night returns to the sky. You smile, and Feo Ul appears next to you.

"You have freed our fallen king," Feo Ul says. "Not that I expected any less, my [adorable sapling]."

The relics you gathered take glowing form, and spin in the air before you.

Feo Ul speaks on: "The dress, the crown, the scepter, the shoes – the time as come for these relics to serve their true purpose. For they are not only keys to the castle; they are also blessings to be bestowed upon the new king. The way into the castle is opened when it is time to relieve the reigning monarch of the throne. And the brave soul who does the deed has the honor of taking their place."

Your eyes widen in surprise.

"However…" Feo Ul continues. "Should you ascend the throne, you will become one of us, never again to live as men do. My adorable sapling. My precious mortal. We fae folk live forever, but such is not your virtue. To strive for a dream you will never see – to sow seeds that others might one day taste the fruits of your garden – that is the beauty of your kind. Burn bright and shine as only you can. These blessings, your lovely branch will accept in your stead."

Feo Ul flies up and smiles at you, and the relics enter their body. They are transformed into Titania, and speak the fae language to you.

Titania: "[Rejoice and revel, for the Kingdom of Rainbows is forever young.]" They stretch out a hand to you, saying, "Now, shall we attend to those unwise enough to trespass in our realm?"

The scene returns to Lydha Lran, where the sky is still flooded with Light. Ran'jit stands with a platoon of soldiers in the pathway. Hidden in the bushes near a building, and invisible to the eye through the use of magicks, are Alphinaud, Urianger, Minfilia and a pixie.

"Confound it!" Alphinaud says. "How did they get here so fast…?"

A barely visible pixie flies through the platoon, laughing. "Damn these pixies and their tricks!" says the Eulmoran Adjutant.

The invisible pixie flies towards Ran'jit, who thrusts out his hand and catches them.

"How in the seven hells!?" Alphinaud says.

"Listen well!" Ran'jit says. "We come in pursuit of villains who have fled to this land. You know who and where they are. Now, show yourselves and answer me… before I lose my patience."

He squeezes the pixie, who cries out, "Owww! Stop! It hurts, it hurts!" Ran'jit looks at the pixie in his hand, and squeezes harder, and they scream in pain.

Alphinaud turns to the pixie with his group. "Enough! Lift the enchantment!"

Ran'jit looks up as the three approach. "Minfilia," he says. "Willful child. How many times must I come to collect you?"

"I won't return to Eulmore! And I won't let you hurt my friends!" Minfilia says, drawing her daggers.

"What is this stance? Where did you learn it?" Ran'jit asks. "No Oracle I trained wold make such an unseemly show of herself! Know your shame, girl! You are powerless! You have no life or purpose save that which our master sees fit to permit!"

Ran'jit's gaze is focused on Minfilia. Suddenly, Alisaie appears out of thin air off to Minfilia's left. She rushes Ran'jit, who easily dodges, but she does, Thancred jumps at him. Ran'jit stops the blow of Thancred's gunblade with his bare hands, and Thancred kicks off Ran'jit's chest, landing a few steps away.

"Who are you to dictate her purpose? To lock her away and deny her a life!?" Thancred says. "If she was powerless, it's because of you, you sanctimonious swine. But no longer."

"Fool," Ran'jit says. "Defiance only begets more suffering. It is through acceptance alone that one may find solace in this godsforsaken world."

The camera then focuses on Alisaie, who still has her sword at ready. She notices something out of the corner of her eye, and looks up. "Look – the sky!" she says, dropping her guard as the sky changes to night.

"She's done it! The Warrior of Darkness has triumphed!" Alphinaud intones.

"General? What are our orders? What do we do!?" the Eulmoran Adjutant asks.

"We do what we came to do. Subdue this rabble, and find the Warrior of Darkness," Ran'jit responds.

The Adjutant is taken aback for a second, but then gets a determined look on his face and points. "Forward, men! Take the villains captive!" There is no movement around him, and he speaks on: "Are you deaf! I said –" and he turns in shock to see his men have turned into shrubbery.

Pixies fly about, speaking in the fae tongue, rejoicing the return of their king.

An Eulmoran Soldier cries, "What's… what's happening!?" He begins to back up, but steps in a puddle. He looks down at it. "Water? That wasn't there before…" he says. Eyes glow in the puddle, and he is dragged in by a Fuath.

Two Nu Mou sway, chanting, and two soldiers sway along with them, dangling upside down in the air.

The fae folk play yet more tricks on the platoon of soldiers. Shrubberies burst into view around the scene where soldiers once stood.

"What's the matter with you?" the Eulmoran Adjutant says. "Get a hold of yourselves, damn it!" He turns as he spots something. Titania flies at the head of a group of Amaro. You're riding one of the great birds.

"General, they come in greater numbers! We must retreat!" the Adjutant says.

"All who stand with the Warrior of Darkness shall face justice! My master demands it," Ran'jit says. He turns and walks away, and the rest of the soldiers follow.

Titania and you land on the ground, and smile at each other. The heartwarming music plays as you catch the party up on things.

"I see…" Alisaie says. "Well, it's a good thing Feo Ul volunteered to become king in your stead – for all our sakes."

"We are grateful for your timely aid, Feo Ul – or should I say, Your Majesty?" Alphinaud says.

"'Twas the first night in recent memory," Titania says. "We all of us but wished to make the most of it. That's something you must remember about us fae folk. Though our existence may be eternal, we exist only for the present. We live in the here and now, paying no mind to futures that may or may not be. To wit, we are not driven as men are. We cannot fight for such causes as men do."

"Does that mean you won't aid us against the sin eaters?" Minfilia asks.

"Not unless the mood takes us," Titania responds. "But if it was to repay a debt? Well then, that's another matter. To take back as much as is taken. To create as much as is destroyed. To give as much as is received. Such is the way of Il Mheg. By this law, we shall lend you our strength – in return for the beautiful sky you have restored to us. In times of need, do not hesitate to call."

You can say:

I chose the first option.

"Silly sapling, I shall remain at your side!" Titania responds. "Even should my body be in the castle, ‘tis a simple thing to have a little part of me accompany you."

The camera then focuses on the Scions as Titania speaks on. "Treat them as you would your [beautiful branch.]"

You nod. Alisiae crosses her arms and Alphinaud gives a head tilt. The fae all fly off, and the scene ends.

Shadowbringers Part 4 - Meeting Emet-Selch and the Night's Blessed

So we had just prevented Ran'jit and the Eulmoran army from invading Il Mheg. Feo Ul had become King of the faeries, and had promised to come to your aid should you need them. It was time to move on from Il Mheg.

You go back to the Crystarium, where things look to be just fine. A cutscene happens.

Alphinaud: "All seems well at the Crystarium."

Alisaie: "Yes. Eulmore was plainly more concerned with finding us. How flattering."

You turn at the sound of footsteps slowly approaching.

???: "You certainly took your time. I had half-resolved to complete the task myself."

The rest of the Scions turn as well. Alisaie tilts her head and asks, "And you are?"

Urianger puts out a hand to stop Alisaie from approaching, and his eyes narrow. "Were one to study the annals of Garlean history, one would find yonder visage on many a page," he says. "Though by rights its youth should long since have faded."

???: "Well, well, we have a historian in our midst. That spares me a lengthy explanation. I am Solus zos Galvus, founding father of the Garlean Empire. And, under various guises, the architect of myriad other imperially inclined nations. As for my true identity…" He waves a hand over his face, and an Ascian mask appears. He bows. "I am Emet-Selch. Ascian."

You step forward, as does Alisaie, who says: "Gaius spoke of you! A native of the Source…"

Thancred puts a hand on his gunblade, readying it, and says: "Equal in rank to Lahabrea. And you came all this way just to introduce yourself to us?"

The mask fades from Emet-Selch's face, and he throws his arms up dramatically, looking to the night sky. "Behold, the sky, restored to its former glory! Have you ever seen a more affecting spectacle? Ohhh, it is truly, deeply…" He drops his arms in disappointment. "...Infuriating. Do you have any idea how much you have delayed the Rejoining?" He turns to look at you again. "Following the Flood, the First had been listing ever further towards the Light—towards stasis. The end was in sight! Enter man and his indomitable spirits. He would haul the world back from the brink! And adding his lumpen weight to the power of growth, he duly tipped the scales, if only by a fraction. Yet a fraction was enough to spoil the perfect imbalance needed to bring about a Rejoining! Had mankind continued to live in idleness under Vauthry's rule, all the conditions would have been met…"

The camera zooms in on you, still looking shocked. Emet-Selch points his finger at you. "But you had to come and ruin it all! Thanks to your meddling, Light's supremacy is in doubt, and our painstakingly laid plans are in tatters!"

Thancred: "Well, I should begin by thanking you for confirming Urianger's theories on the inner workings of the Calamity. He will be most pleased. As for what happens next, might I suggest you admit defeat and walk away?"

Emet-Selch: "Happy to let me go, are you? Because the murderous glint in your eye suggests otherwise. Indeed, it is enough to make me think better of confronting yo alone. Look, it did cross my mind to simply side with Vauthry and kill you all. But that's no different from what Lahabrea did. And we all know how well that ended for him."

He takes a few steps closer to you, speaking on. "And so, while it is liable to be troublesome, I have settled upon a different approach…. Cooperation! I will not raise a hand to hinder your hunt for the Lightwardens. If you desire it, I will even lend you my knowledge and strength."

The Scions all react in surprise. Alphinaud speaks: "Since time immemorial, you and yours have labored to rejoin the thirteen shards, at the cost of countless lives. Do you expect us to believe that your objective has suddenly changed?"

Emet-Selch looks at him. "Nay, our objective is the same as it ever was—though I daresay you do not know our motive. A war waged without knowledge of the enemy is no war—it is mere bloodletting. Just once...might we not seek to find common ground? For good or ill, I am immortal. Provided I have the inclination, I can always begin anew. Scheme and conspire to my heart's content. But this time, I thought that I might instead try to see eye to eye. To understand what drives the hero of the Source. To determine if our goals are truly incompatible,. So come. Shed your preconceptions. See beyond the unscrupulous villains you take us for. When all is said and done, we may find ourselves pleasantly surprised. The proud discoverers of a path of cooperation rather than opposition. Think of it."

Urianger hurls a card at Emet-Selch, who dissolves into dust. Urianger then speaks: "Thou hast delivered thy proposal, and we would not dismiss it outright. If I may offer thee counsel, however: to make thy case via an illusion reflecteth poorly upon thy sincerity."

Emet-Selch appears again behind the group, and the Scions all turn. He speaks: "My apologies. You will forgive me if I am not entirely at ease in the presence of a famed Ascian-slayer. I felt it only prudent to take precautions. Nonetheless, your counsel is duly noted." He turns and waves, saying, "I take my leave, my friends. Re assured we shall meet again soon."

---

The Exarch is waiting for you in the Ocular, so you go to see him. The rest of the Scions are already there. It's quiet as you enter. Alisaie turns as you enter, and says, "Ah, there you are. You're just in time to welcome our guest…"

The camera pans to show Emet-Selch standing in the middle of the room. Your eyes widen, and he reacts as if disappointed. "Please. Did I not explicitly tell you that we would be meeting again soon?" he says. "Lest you forget, I made you a promise. I have no intention of meddling with your mission. I come only to observe. Your Exarch friend in particular has piqued my curiosity. Summoning you all like that. Most impressive. "

You take a step forward. Emet-Selch smiles. Thancred lowers his head, threateningly, and says, "You honestly expect us to believe you've come only to observe? Or that you might deign to lift a finger to aid our cause if called upon? Even if there were a sliver of truth in your words, I would never accept your help. Not in my darkest hour--not after all the suffering your kind has wrought."

Emet-Selch: "So petty. I meant what I said and I said what I meant. Wage your war against the sin eaters. Put each and every Lightwarden to the sword. Prove yourselves heroes brave and true, and I will be glad to embrace you as allies. Allies worthy of bearing the burden of truth. Surely such a partnership would be preferable to yet another round of fisticuffs?"

The camera pans over the Scions, who all have their arms crossed and say nothing.

Emet-Selch: "….And thus did the olive branch wither and die. Pity. Well—let no man say I did not try, futile as it was. Though I suspect you will seek me out when you grow tired of making the same mistakes. Difficult decisions lie ahead of you. Decisions best made with the benefit of knowledge to which only the eternal are privy. For now, I shall resume my shadowy vigil. Whatever you choose to do, make sure it's worth watching, would you. "

He takes a few steps and disappears into a shadowy portal. Alisaie uncrosses her arms. "What was that all about?" she asks.

Thancred: "A vain attempt to make us doubt our chosen course, most like. As if we'd believe a word that passed his lips." Thancred turns to you. "Unless you think there is some truth in what he says?"

You can say:

I picked the last line.

Alphinaud: "I am sure you will. But consider a moment: if he meant simply to lead us astray, he could have done so without revealing himself. At least, not in the manner he did. It goes without saying that an alliance with the Ascians is out of the question. But since we have no way of knowing where they might be hiding, it seems only logical to press on with our mission—even if our enemy seems content for it to succeed. "

The Exarch steps towards you now. "Then let us discuss the sin eaters." he says.

"I would begin by thanking yo all for your efforts thus far. In striking down the Lightwardens of Lakeland and Il Mheg, you have accomplished more in your short time here than all of our forces managed in the last century."

Thancred: "That may be, but the Wardens of Kholusia, Amh Araeng, and Rak'tika remain."

Crystal Exarch: "Indeed. And their precise whereabouts are as yet unknown. Which is why I propose we divide our forces and conduct a systematic survey of each region. Once we have found our quarry, we may then determine how best to proceed."

Alisaie steps forward: "I'll take Amh Araeng, in that case. I know the lie of the land well enough."

Alphinaud: "If there are no objections, I will make for Kholusia. I have connections there both in and around Eulmore that may prove useful."

The Exarch turns to the rest of the group. "Then I would ask that you journey to Rak'tika. There you will fin Y'shtola. With her assistance, I doubt the Warden will evade your grasp for long."

Minfilia: "Is Y'shtola the conjurer you and Urianger used to talk about?"

Thancred: "That's right. Though we haven't spoken much since she left for the forest."

Crystal Exarch: "I fear I may be to blame for that. I had every intention of relaying the news of your arrival, but she is...disinclined to speak with me."

The camera looks over the Crystal Exarch's shoulder at Urianger as he asks. "You have visited her, have you not? Might I trouble you to…?" His voice falters as he asks the question.

Urianger: "‘Twould be no trouble."

Crystal Exarch: "My thanks. While you are all out in the field, I shall be here attending to business. I had somewhat fancifully contemplated joining the search myself, but other matters demand my attention." He holds up a sealed envelope.

Alisaie: "What's that?"

Crystal Exarch: "A missive from Lord Vauthry. He invited me to join him in Eulmore to discuss the recent conflict at Lydha Lran."

The scions all react in alarm. Alisaie speaks on: "And? Did he even bother to offer any bait? It's obviously a trap."

Crystal Exarch: "I should be surprised if it were not. Nevertheless, I must seize this opportunity to speak with him, even if only a few words are exchanged. Though my power will be much diminished so far from the tower, it is a risk I am willing to take." He puts the envelope in his pocket and looks at Alphinaud. "Master Alphinaud—might I impose upon you to accompany me to Eulmore, prior to beginning your reconnaissance?"

Alphinaud: "Of course."

The Exarch nods. "Then let us make ready. Safe travels to you all.

Before you set off, the Crystal Exarch makes a request. On the way to the Rak'tika Greatwood, he asks that you stop at Fort Jobb and search for a particular tablet in the ruins. It is a holy text he believes may be of interest to Y'shtola, who presently resides with worshipers of the Dark—The Night's Blessed.

A shorty journey north from the Crystarium takes you to Fort Jobb. Urianger hopes to keep the search brief, that you might begin your journey to find Y'shtola and slay the Lightwarden in earnest.

Before you set forth to meet with Y'shtola, Urianger treats you to a brief lesson on the Night's Blessed in which he reveals that it is their custom to adopt the names of their forebears. They do this, he explains, in the belief that it will protect their true selves from the blighted touch of the Light. In accordance with this practice, Y'shtola has adopted the name of her mentor, Master Matoya – a fact which you must keep in mind if you are to avoid cauisng offense. Thus forewarned, you make at last for the border of the Rak'tika Greatwood.

As you enter the Greatwood, Urianger comes to a stop. "We have arrived." he says. "Vast though these woods may be, they are, by and large, uninhabitable. Not so the swamps of Citia, however, whose sparse foliage permitted man a foothold."

Emet-Selch walks up behind you. Thancred turns to look at him, glaring. Emet-Selch walks through the party, then throws out his arms as if to embrace the forest, saying, "No lands must remain beyond our grasp. Go forth. Conquer. Rule." He drops his arms as if in defeat. "Forgive me. A sudden pang of nostalgia for those halcyon days. Exploring virgin territories, subjugating primitive peoples. All for the glory of Garlemald!"

"If you brought your ivory standard, I'll be happy to tell you where to stick it," Thancred says.

Emet-Selch looks unimpressed, and sighs. "Can we not simply take a moment to enjoy the view together? Or would you rather I spied on you from the shadows?" he says. "Much more of this, and I may very well begin to regret my show of good faith."

Thancred crosses his arms and shakes his head. Minfilia then speaks: "If… if you really want to stay, then help us fight." Thancred looks at her with surprise.

Emet-Selch shrugs. "Mmm… No, I think not. I am an observer—nothing more. Even shielded by the shadows of these boughs, I feel the Light's presence most keenly. To accompany you is taxing enough. To fight is out of the question."

"I will suffer your company if I must, but not your commentary," Thancred says.

Emet-Selch bows, and the scene ends.

The next scene opens on the party in a deserted, run-down fort. They look around. Urianger says: "I see little sign of recent activity, nor hath any meaningful progress been made with the reconstruction… Mayhap Y'shtola sought shelter elsewhere. Come, let us quit this place."

You nod. Just then, people run into the scene. "Now! Surround them!" the Blessed Leader cries. As you're surrounded, Urianger raises his hands, followed by you and the others.

The Night's Blessed surrounding you has drawn their bows, ready to shoot. The Blessed Leader then says, "These sin eaters—they are not like the others!"

"There's a reason for that. Lower your weapons, please. We mean you no harm," Thancred says.

Blessed Man: "How is it they can speak?"

Blessed Woman: "It's a sin eater trick! They mean to kill us all!"

You have your choice of saying:

I chose the first.

Blessed Man: "Perhaps they speak the truth."

The Night's Blessed grumbles among itself at this. The camera turns to Emet-Selch, still with the party, his hands raised. "oh, for the love of…" he says. "I had hoped that by accompanying you, we might come to understand one another, but all I have come to understand is that you have a knack for inflaming the natives. You're committed the cardinal sin of boring me. And so, I retire to the shade." He smiles. "Good luck." He then disappears into a portal.

Blessed Man: "There! Did you see that one disappear!?"

"Ugh," Thancred says. "I think I preferred Lahabrea."

Someone approaches – we see their boots. "Enough. Runar, report." the person says.

The Blessed leader turns to her. "Master Matoya!" he says, identified as Runar. You turn your head, surprised.

Runar: "We apprehended them as you ordered, but… are you certain these are sin eaters?"

Y'shtola: "The intense light of the aether I saw was unmistakable. If not sin eaters, then what?" You and Urianger exchange glances. Urianger speaks to you softly: "‘Tis passing queer that Y'shtola should mistake us for the enemy, is it not? Mayhap it hath been too long since last she beheld the radiance of thine aether…" He turns now to Y'shtola. "Master Matoya. Hath time truly made stranger of us?"

Y'shtola's eyes narrow ever so slightly. "Nay. I recognize you, Urianger, Thancred. And this is Minfilia of the First, of whom you spoke before."

Urianger: "Just so. And knowing as thou must that we come in peace, might I prevail upon thee to have thy comrades lower their arms?"

Y'shtola: "First explain this other presence in your company. The one I know not. There is but one manner of creature in this world whose aether is suffused with such an abundance of light."

The camera pans to you, a surprised look on your face.

Urianger: "Mine apologies, Master Matoya, but thou art mistaken. Before thee standeth our dearest comrade. The truest hero among us. Though she is but recently arrived here in the First, not one but two Lightwardens have already perished by her most puissant hand."

Y'shtola's eyes widen at this and her jaw drops slightly. "It… It cannot be!"

The camera focuses back on you, and you have the choice to respond:

I chose the second line. Y'shtola closes her eyes and brings her fist up to her chin in her classic thinking pose. Runar turns to look at her. "Master Matoya?" he asks.

Y'shtola opens her eyes. "Lower your weapons," she says quietly. The Night's Blessed does so. She speaks on: "Forgive us this hostile welcome. Come, I would give you a proper introduction to Rak'tika and its people."

Runar nods to his tribe, and they turn and walk away. The scene ends.

---

The next scene opens by the aethryte in thee tribe's camp. "Slitherbough is the largest of the Blessed's settlements," Y'shtola explains. "They worship no gods, instead revering Darkness itself. It is a curious kind of faith, but one which has granted them the strength to persevere in the wake of the Flood."

You look around. A mother and daughter greet you by bowing and covering their eyes. You nod back at them.

Y'shtola: "I hope you weren't expecting a grand feast by way of welcome. They are a simple people."

You nod again.

"Y'shtola: "Now, I would hear of your travels away from prying ears. Come." She leads you to her room, where Thancred and the others explain all that has occurred. "I see," she says. "And now you seek the Lightwarden of Rak'tika. In the days after I arrived in the First, I too relied upon the Crystal Exarch for guidance. But his penchant for secrecy and the telling of half-truths soon lost him my trust. And thus did I strike out on my own. My work eventually led me here to the forest, which I have come to know like the back of my hand. I cannot say with certainty where your quarry is hiding, but I am confident I can narrow the search."

"Well...go on, then." Thancred says.

Y'shtola: "Some few thousand years ago, this forest stood at the heart of the empire of Ronka. A great many relics of that civilization can still be found to the east in Yx'Maja. Or rather, could be found—were the area not fiercely guarded. Yx'Maja, you see, is home to a tribe of warriors whose lineage is said to date back to the time of the empire. Any attempt to enter their territory is met with lethal force. They offer no warnings, and suffer no trespasser to escape. Needless to say, my every attempt to survey the area has been thwarted."

Uraigner: "Mayhap the Warden hideth there full knowing none may approach it for fear of these protectors."

Y'shtola nods at him, then turns to look at the tablet you retrieved from the Church of the First Light. "As for the tablet…" she says. She shrugs. "I find the timing of its discovery suspiciously convenient. If I did not know better, I would think someone was trying to curry favor with me." She does her thinking pose again. "Regardless, it will take time to decipher these writings. Yet I would not be at all surprised if they somehow held the key to entering Yx'Maja unmolested. The Exarch has a nose for serendipity."

Urianger: "If there is aught I can do to assist thee in unraveling their secrets, thou need'st only ask."

Y'shtola: Thank you, Urianger. I may well take you up on that offer." She turns to you. "While we set to work. Might I suggest you take a tour of the city? Should you be in any doubt as to the importance of your role as the ‘Warrior of Darkness,' the people here will surely cure you of it."

The camera focuses on Thancred. "I must say, Y'shtola… while most of us have struggled to come to terms with our altered circumstances, you seem to have adapted rather well."

Y'shtola: "Lest you forget, Master Matoya and I dedicated our lives to uncovering the truth which hides at the heart of our world. Though separate, the fate of this reflection is nevertheless bound to that of our home. That I would be daunted by such an invaluable opportunity is absurd. But what of you, Thancred? Could it be that you are still struggling to ‘come to terms' with the nature of your young companion?"

His eyes widen and he bows his head. "My ‘struggles' are non of your concern," he responds. "Quite why you would speak thus—and in this company—I do not know. Perhaps you left more of yourself back in the Source than I assumed. If you'll excuse me." And he turns and leaves.

The camera focuses on Minfilia, who looks a bit sad. "He understand that I'm not the same. That I'm not her," she says.

Y'shtola: "Understands, perhaps, but does not accept. The question being whether he ever will. And whether you will, more importantly. As difficult as your circumstances may be, they are yours, not his. ‘Tis you and you alone who bears ultimate responsibility for your life."

Minfilia bows her head, and Y'shtola shakes her own. "But you need not make any hard choices now. Why not go and get some fresh air—clear your head?" The scene ends.

One of the Night's Blessed has passed away. There is a quest to go find her heartstone, which all of the Night's Blessed carry. You do so. With Toddia's heartstone safely returned to Runar, the Night's Blessed are able to proceed with her funeral service. To show his appreciation for your efforts, he insists that you and your comrades attend the service as honored guests.

The people are gathered, sitting on the floor of the cave. You, Minfilia and Thancred stand near the back. Y'shtola and Urianger approach you.

Y'shtola: "It seemed only right that we show our faces. May we join you?" She speaks softly. The camera shifts to the entrance of the cave. Runar walks in slowly, followed by a girl carrying the heartstone on a pillow. "Let us begin." he says.

The cavern is lit with a thousand candles, and Runar stops in front of a large basin filled with water.

Runar: "I thank you all for coming to pay respects to our fallen daughter of the night. In the light, she was known as Toddia. But in the dark, we shall remember her always as Minnine. Let us each take a moment to offer her our prayers."

The Scions bow their heads. Runar lifts the stone from the pillow with two hands, cupping it gently. "We entrust her now to the night's sweet embrace," he says. "In Darkness will she be free from pain and suffering, now and forevermore. May her soul find peace in the sunless sea of heaven, and in the love we bear for her in our hearts." He gently places the stone into the basin. It sinks to the bottom, and takes on a glow. Y'shtola speaks softly: "That vessel represents the night sky. The ‘sunless sea of heaven.'"

As you watch, the other stones in the basin begin to glow. You and Minfilia look on in wonderment.

Runar prays on: "We call upon you now, O Bringer of Shadow, to lead this gentle soul unto the sea. We call upon you, O Warrior of Darkness, to deliver her unto paradise everlasting."

The camera focuses on you. You get a determined look on your face. It then switches to Minfilia.

The service ends, and the people leave slowly while the Scions stay behind. Y'shtola says, "I am told you assisted in the preparations for the service. On behalf of the Blessed, you have my sincerest thanks. The enduring legend of the Warrior of Darkness owes much to the traditions of these people. And none were more ardent in their faith than Toddia. She would have been greatly moved by your presence." Y'shtola looks at you, and you have the choice to say the following:

I chose the first line.

The camera then pans to show Minfilia. "You might not deliver her to the heavens, but if you could deliver the night sky to her people—the real night sky—it would be the next best thing. Their prayers would finally be answered. They could gaze up at the firmament and see their ancestors in every twinkle of the stars. We cannot allow their hopes and dreams to drown in the light. We have to bring back the dark. If we don't, who will?"

Thancred bows his head, closing his eyes, at this.

Minfilia is a bit taken aback, and then says, "Forgive me. Thinking of all those we have lost, I…"

Thancred opens his eyes,. "No, it's all right. We will bring back the dark."

Y'shtola: "Mayhap sooner than later, in fact."

Everyone turns to look at her.

She speaks on: "Urianger and I have finished deciphering the tablet and its contests were most illuminating. Let us reconvene in my chambers. We have much to discuss."

Shadowbringers Part 5 - Yx'Maja, in the Rak'tika Greatwood

Last time: we had met the Night's Blessed in the Rak'tika Greatwood, where Y'shtola has been residing under the name Master Matoya. You're about to discuss a plan to get into Yx'Maja, a place further in the forest where you believe the Lightwarden may be hiding.

Once the party has gathered in Y'shtola's chambers, she explains her plan.

Y'shtola: "Let me begin by first explaining the origins of this tablet. I initially believed it might detail the history of the Church of the First Light. Much to my surprise, it dates back to the end of the Ronkan Empire, and was likely written under the direction of the reigning ruler. It was a time of strife and unceasing war with neighboring nations. With each passing day they yielded more and more territory to their enemies. In their desperation, petitions for aid were sent out to their allies. This was one such petition."

Minfilia: "And you think this ancient petition will somehow help us get into Yx'Maja?"

Urianger: "Indeed we do. For etched into this tablet is a method by which one may prove themself an ally of the Ronkan Empire. Provided we are able to decipher said instructions, we may entreat the ruin's protectors to grant us safe passage."

Y'shtola: "The problem, however, is I presently lack the resources to decipher them in their entirety. We have but one recourse: there exists a stone monument inscribed with ancient Ronkan text and translations into a more modern dialect which came into use after the fall of the empire. I am confident it will suit our purposes."

Minfilia: "Where can we find this monument?"

Y'shtola: "Here in Citia, quite close to Slitherbough, in fact. The good news ends there, however, for it is in the possession of a rather radical faction of Dark worshipers─the Children of the Everlasting Dark. If I am to study the monument, I must infiltrate their encampment. I have no intention of taking longer than absolutely necessary, but I will nevertheless require time to transcribe the text I need. To ensure that I will have enough, I am afraid I must ask you and Thancred to assist me."

The plan to invade the Children's camp is thus: the party will gather beehives and toss them into the camp, thereby causing alarm and panic amongst the Children.

The plan works. Once inside the cave, Y'shtola asks you to describe what you see.

As you look at the paintings, the ghostly Ardbert appears next to you.

Ardbert: "These paintings...they seem familiar. Depictions of heroes throughout history. The age of gods… The empire of Ronka… And this…"

The camera focuses zoomed in on the paintings. Ardbert continues: "There was a man. A researcher who pored over these pieces… He offered us work when we needed it. Slaying beasts, delivering provisions… A funny old bugger, he was, but he had a good heart."

The scene turns sepia as Ardbert remembers, and we see the researcher he has been speaking about.

Ardbert: "He believed this first painting dated back to a time of myth and legends. A tribute to the heroes of a long-forgotten era. The story went that is was rediscovered by an explorer from Ronka, who was so struck by its majesty that a second painting was commissioned, commemorating the heroes of their day. ‘One day, you will all be here too,' he said. ‘Heroes immortalized forever. Maybe I'll paint you myself!' I had a good laugh at that. We were only trying to make our way, after all. Being heroes couldn't have been further from out minds."

The scene returns to color now. Ardbert continues: "But it seems… he actually went and did it. Before of after the Flood, I wonder… Rather faded, isn't it, compared to the others. Or did someone try to scrape it off the wall? Maybe the man himself, once he came to his senses…"

Ardbert turns and looks at you directly. "Do you suppose your deeds will warrant an addition to this collection? Or some other kind of monument?"

You're looking at Ardbert when Y'shtola walks up. She speaks: "There you are. I have everything I need. Let us quit this place."

You look again where Ardbert had been standing, but he's gone now.

Y'shtola: "Is something the matter? We should go. The others are waiting."

She walks off, and you look one last time at the painting of Ardbert and his friends, then leave.

---

Y'shtola thanks you and Thancred for your help in infiltrating Woven Oath, bidding you rest when you return to Slithernough.

You arrive back at Slitherbough and speak with Runar, who has been beside himself with worry over Y'shtola's absence from the village. Relieved to know you are all safe and sound, he suggests taking a seat by the fire to relax while he finishes preparations for your meal.

You're sitting by the fire as Runar attends to his stew. The birds overheard cry out, and both you and Runar look to the sky. "Strange…", Runar says. "The others on patrol should have returned by now. Our food will be overcooked if we wait any longer. We will just have to start without them. Would you call Master Motoya and the others?"

You give one of your stoic nods and stand. You're just about to knock on Y'shtola's door when the sound of voices within makes you pause.

Y'shtola: "I tire of these games, Urianger. Why do you pretend you cannot see it!?"

The scene shifts to the interior of Y'shtola's chambers. Urianger is seated at her table, eyes downcast.

Y'shtola continues: "The blessing may spare her the fate of becoming a Lightwarden… But you cannot be blind to the nascent corruption! She is not as she was in the Source."

Urianger remains silent, still not meeting Y'shtola's eyes. Y'shtola gives him a look, crosses her arms, and says, "Though I have no proof, I fear that the light which poured forth from the Wardens was not negated at all. I fear it was absorbed—that she has been suffused with their light."

Urianger remains silent another moment, then lifts his head and speaks: "Though I have given thought to this possibility, I dare not speak until more is known."

Y'shtola gives a disgruntled sound and shakes her head. "By the time you deign to enlighten us, it may be too late—if it is not already." She uncrosses her arms, speaking to him directly. "Urianger—I know full well, after all these years, that you have only the best of intentions. But that does not make it any easier to put my faith in a man so infatuated with secrecy. I have had my suspicions ever since the Exarch bade you speak that day, but now I must ask. The eighth Umbral Calamity and all that followed; everything you claimed to have seen—did you?"

Urianger is staring at the table again. He lifts his head, about to speak, when the scene suddenly shifts to the courtyard. A Blessed Man comes running in, screaming, "Help! Someone help!" You turn in alarm and the Blessed Man continues: "The Eulmorans have come for us! We're under attack!"

The scene ends. Another cutsecne begins, with a subtitle: "Meanwhile, in Eulmore..."

The scene opens on Vauthry's throne. The doors to his throne room open, and the Crystal Exarch walks in, flanked by Vauthry's jongluers. The jongleurs introduce the Exarch with a bow, and take their places to either side. The Exarch speaks: "Lord Vauthry, how good it is to see you. How long has it been? Not since your inauguration, unless I am mistaken? Too long, at any rate. May I say how humbled I am to be invited not only into your city, but your home. You are as generous as ever."

Vauthry lifts a hand dismissively, saying, "And you as disingenuous. Let us dispense with the pleasantries. This merry band of dissidents people are calling ‘Warriors of Darkness'...They have slain sin eaters, and by all accounts the Crystarium is complicit in their villainy. And now I hear reports of your people obstructing my soldiers. So I must ask: what exactly do you think you are doing?"

Exarch: "I might ask you the same thing. It should be clear even to you that defeating the Lightwardens represents the world's only hope of survival. Even now, the people of Lakeland and Il Mheg rejoice in the return of night. For a hundred years, they yearned for a means to fight back against the sin eaters and at last they have found one. Yet you choose to stand idly by and do nothing. Why?"

Vauthry: "Why? Because this ‘hope' you cling to is nothing more than a fever dream. An exercise in futility. Even should you slay the sin eaters, the world as we know it is beyond salvation. With what little land and resources remain, the people would be free only to starve. Before long they would turn to violence, then to war, and ultimately usher themselves unto oblivion. They require a firm hand to shepherd them from the edge. The hand of a king—nay, a god! I will see their dreams fulfilled, their wishes granted. I will give them peace, order—and they shall never want for bliss. Men are fickle creatures who entertain vague ideals without he faintest notion what they cost. But a little fear can go a long way towards helping them realize what it is they truly need. Sanctuary. And they shall find none in this world, save that which I afford them. That is why the sin eaters exist. To unite the world under my dominion!"

The Exarch speaks low: "A paradise fit to grace the Eighth Umbral Era."

Vauthry: "What was that?"

Exarch, shaking his head: "A minor epiphany, nothing more." He raps his staff on the floor. "You have always held sway over those around you. Those who defy you must submit or die. What sits before me is the inevitable result of bloated privilege and unchecked power. But man is more resilient than you think. His achievements are not the product of violence and bloodshed but compassion and understanding. This calamity is but another crisis to be overcome. And we will—once we eliminate the sin eaters."

Vauthry: "You poor, deluded fool. These people care not for the morrow. They care only for the now, and the contentment the lack. What good is a paradise to them if it is a thousand years in the making? Or even a hundred!?"

The Exarch drops his head, from Vauthry's gaze. "You underestimate them, Lord Vauthry. They see further than you think. I have beheld it in the blood and sweat and tears of those who would sacrifice everything for a future they may never know. That their children may never know. I have beheld it in the hopes and reams of those who came before, which we bequeath to those who come after, that they might in turn build upon the foundations laid by our forebears. These are the bonds which hold man and his world together, not your gilded chains—and I will resist your every effort to shackle him."

Vauthry: "In summary, you will continue to support the villains hunting my sin eaters?"

The Exarch lifts his head, smiling, again meeting Vauthry's eyes: "With tremendous enthusiasm, for I have faith in the future they would build."

Vaythry grumbles. "Why do I even bother?" He sits forward. "Fools, the lot of you! So naive! So painfully predictable! Did you imagine I did not know your mind? That I would wait until after this meeting to dispatch my forces!? Even as we speak, they march to the sin eaters' defense! Insurrection will not be tolerated!" A ring on his right hand begins to glow. "The people of this world are mine to rule, mind to command…" He lifts his hand: "And you are no exception!" He flings a ball of light to the Exarch, who disappears in a flash.

Vauthry: "What? How did he…!? Insolent swine! I will not stand for this! Do you hear me?!?"

The scene ends to Vauthry throwing a temper tantrum on his dais.

Back in Rak'tika, the Eulmoran army standa outside Slitherbough, led by Ran'jit. A Blessed Man lies prone on the ground in front of them. Runar and Y'shotola approach.

Ran'jit: "You speak for the Night's Blessed?"

Y'shtola: "I do." She looks down at the man, agony on his face. "I presume that is your doing. If you have come to parley, I must insist that you first return him to us."

Ran'jit: "You are in no position to make demands."

A quick camera cut shows you and the rest of the Scions watching from a hidden area nearby.

Ran'jit: "By Lord Vauthry's decree, Rak'tika no falls under the governance of Eulmore. You will henceforth answer to us."

Y'shtola crosses her arms. "Is that so…" Her gaze shifts to Ran'jit's left, where a trio of Children in black robes are standing. "And the Children of the Everlasting Dark have acquiesced to this madness?"

Ran'jit: "We have reached an accord, yes. Too many times have the Night's Blessed shunned Eulmore's overtures of friendship. The risk that you harbor hostile intentions has grown too great to ignore. Therefore his lordship has claimed dominion over this forest, and bestowed executive authority upon the Children of the Everlasting Dark."

One of the Children steps forth and speaks. "In his wisdom, Lord Vauthry has agreed to recognize ours as the only permissible expression of Dark worship—its one true faith. You and your false creed are a blight on these woods! A foul, unholy corruption that must be cleansed. Little wonder the Warrior of Darkness visits both Lakeland and Il Mheg, yet shuns Rak'tika. Your perverted teachings hold blessed shadow at bay!"

Runar is taken aback by this. Y'shtola averts her eyes from the man's gaze. "You have accepted the yoke of Eulmore to spite us, then? Fools. Darkness will never return to these skies while they hold sway."

Ran'jit: "Those of you minded to obey his lordship are to make for Woven Oath with all haste. We will leave you, that you may have time to prepare."

Runar starts forward. "Woven Oath!? Are you suggesting we abandon our faith to join those zealots!?"

The Voice of the Everlasting Dark speaks again: "What has your ‘faith' afforded you thus far? Nothing! We will guide you along the righteous path."

Y'shtola looks up, directly into Ran'jit's eyes. "And should we refuse?"

Ran'jit: "Anyone found here upon our return will be considered a traitor to Eulmore, and dealt with as such." He looks down on the wounded man, then turns and leaves with his retinue.

Runar hurries to the wounded man's side, and you and the rest of the Scions emerge from your hiding place.

Y'shtola: "We will discuss these developments after I have tended to our casualty."

The four of you nod, and head back into Slitherbough.

---

The Scions must move quickly if they are to save the Night's Blessed and deny Vauthry his foothold in the Rak;tika Greatwood. The plan is to enter Yx'Maja, and thus seek out the Lightwarden of Rak'tika. With the seal of Ronka in hand, weapons at the ready, you and the Scions set out into Yx'Maja in search of the Ronkan ruins and their protectors.

As you wend your way through the forests of Yx'Maja, you are suddenly assailed by arrows from the trees. Y'shtola's in lead of your party but stops as the arrows fall near her feet. She glances up to the trees. "'Twould seem we have found them," she says. The camera pans up to show a trio of sentinels standing on a large tree branch.

Bow-Wielding Sentinel: "You trespass upon sacred ground. Begone!" She lets aim with her bow. The Scions take cover, Thancred swinging his gunblade. One of the sentinels, bearing a spear, jumps down. "Wait! We didn't come to--" Y'shtola starts, but is attacked by the sentinel. The sentinel swings her spear at Y'shtola, who bends backwards to avoid it. Urianger unleashes his cards at the Sentinel, who jumps backwards, avoiding them. The sentinel is ready for another pass of attack, when Y'shtola cries, "Stop! We mean you no harm!" and thrusts out the seal of Ronka in her hand. The spear-bearing sentinel stops suddenly, and the bow-wielding sentinel, still in the tree, freezes.

Staff-wielding Sentinel: "Sister. Is that---?"

The bow-wielding sentinel slowly drops her weapon, staring in wonder.

Y'Shtola still is holding the seal forward. She speaks: "We are allies of the empire of Ronka. As is customary, we come bearing the seal of the emperor."

The spear-wielding sentinel examines the seal curiously, from several different angles, then smiles and spreads her hands. "It appears to be genuine!" she says

Staff-wielding Sentinel turns to her sister and says: "Then perhaps there is yet hope!"

Bow-wielding Sentinel: "Perhaps.." She doesn't sound too sure, and crosses her arms. "We acknowledge your seal, but we must be certain of its authenticity." she says. "Follow the azure flowers to our village. There we will judge if you are friend or foe."

Spear-wielding Sentinel jogs off. "Try not to stray on the path, all right?"

Y'shtola: "'Follow the flowers…' Would it kill them to escort us?" She turns to the four of you. "But if it affords us an opportunity to investigate Yx'Maja… fine." You nod, and the party continues onward.

---

Upon closer examination, their leader, Almet, recognizes the authenticity of your seal and welcomes you as allies of Ronka. It appears your arrival is long awaited, but to what end remains yet to be seen.

(If I recall correctly, there's a solo duty here with some puzzles to infiltrate a pyramid…)

Al'met explains to you and Y'shtola the possible dangers that await within the final chamber of the pyramid, offering you whisperweed to use in the event you find yourselves separated. With her words in mind, you enter the chamber prepared for the worst.

Once inside, you soon realize the chamber is a labyrinth, filled with magicked sentinels and perilous traps at every turn. The end is nearly in sight…

You activate a glowing orb on a pedestal, which causes the golems attempt Y'shtola to crumble. Y'shtola puts away her staff. "It seems to be working!" she says. She turns to you, but then suddenly there is sound and movement: Ran'jit kicks out at the three sisters, causing them to be knocked over. He then readies an attack at you, but Y'shtola steps in front of you, spreading her arms wide. "I think not," she says, and puts up a protective bubble around the two of you.

There is the sound of running, and one of Ran'jit's adjutants appears. "General, hold on!" he says, running into the chamber… only to step on a flowing stone. The chamber then starts to shake. A hole appears in the floor, and the adjutant has just enough time to jump over the expanding chasm. Now he's caught on the far side, with you, Y'shtola… and Ran'jit.

Y'shtola crosses her arms and glares at the adjutant. "Expertly done." she says.

Eulmoran Adjutant: "How was I to know that that would happen!? It looked like any other part of the floor!" He turns and peers down into the chasm, which is VERY deep, then turns to Y'shtola, pleading. ",,,Might now be an opportune time to strike a bargain? We poisoned a number of villagers in Slitherbough with a toxin brewed for us by the Children."

Y'shtola looks dismayed as the Adjutant reaches into his pocket, pulling out a flask. "This is the antidote." he says. "I daresay you know how potent their concoctions are—and the futility of trying to counteract their effects."

Y'shtola uncrosses her arms and starts forward, but the Adjutant stops her with a hand out. "Now, now," he says, holding the flask over the chasm. "Try anything here and we're all likely to fall. Eventually someone will come to our rescue. Or yours. Promise us safe passage and we'll give you the antidote! Do we have a deal?"

Y'shtola looks every bit the disgruntled cat, but the camera pans to Ran'jit. "We do not negotiate with the enemy," he says. "The villagers' lives are forfeit. As is yours…" He kicks out at the Adjutant, who says, "General...?" As he falls, Y'Shtola gasps, and jumps after him. She snatches the flask out of the air, hurtling it towards you. You catch it. "Do not fail," she says quietly, then falls into the chasm. A burst of wind flies upward.

You silently cry her name, and kneel next to the chasm, bereft. Ran'jit takes a step closer. "How noble. And pointless," he says.

You get your grr-face on, standing and taking a step towards Ran'jit. Before you can do anything, Minfilia comes running into the chamber. "Is everyone all right?" she asks. She stops suddenly before the chasm. "What in the--?" she says.

Thancred and Urianger follow her into the chamber. "Urianger!" Thancred cries. Urianger unleashes a golden rope, lassoing Ran'jit, pulling the General across the chasm. Thancred leaps at him, swinging his gunblade, but misses. The lasso dissipates and Ran'jit falls into the chasm. Thancred stabs his gunblade into the far side of the chasm, hanging there, looking angry at the situation.

Minfilia looks around. "Where… where is Y'shtola?" she asks. The chasm looms large. You get a sad look on your face, then bring the antidote up to stare at it.

The scene ends.

Shadowbringers Part 6 - Rak'tika Lightwarden & A History Lesson

At the end of our last recap, Y'shtola had just sacrificed herself by falling down a very deep chasm in the process of catching and throwing a bottle of antidote to you--the only thing that can save the Night's Blessed that had been poisoned. Urianger (with the help of Thancred) had also manuevered Ran'jit, the General of the Eulmoran armies, into falling down the chasm as well.

The party returns to Fanow, where Urianger starts his ministrations over Runar. As he casts the healing spell, you take up the flask of antidote, flashing back to Y'shtola over the chasm. You look sad a moment, but then Minfilia comes running up with Thancred in tow.

Minfilia: "Runar. Thank goodness."

Thancred: "We delivered the antidote to Slitherbough, and from what we could gather on the way here, the Eulmorans have had the good manners to withdraw. Thank the gods they did, or we would never have made it here in time. I'm told we have Runar and his comrades to thank for keeping the soldiers occupied prior to their retreat. They were preparing to come for you and Y'shtola, it seems, when Runar rallied the villagers and pursued them out of Slitherbough."

The three of you look on as Urianger continues his ministrations. Runar begins to awaken.

Runar: "I must.. I-I must…" He opens his eyes. "Where… am I?"

Urianger takes a step back, smiling down at Runar. "Yx'Maja, in the care of the Viis," Urianger says. "Thou art safe now, friend. Pray, rest thee awhile longer."

Runar sits up. "No...no, I am all right. Somewhat heavy of limb, perhaps, but otherwise well I assure you. I am glad to see you are all safe. When we realized where the soldiers were headed, we knew something had to be done." He looks around at the others. "I..do not see Master Matoya. She was with you, yes? What happened to her?" He looks at you, but you, Minfilia, and Thancred all look sad, with downcast eyes. You have the choice of saying one of the following line:

I chose the first option.

Runar: "Spare me your riddles and speak plain! Where is Master Matoya!?"

Everyone remains silent for a second, then you explain as the camera pans overhead.

Afterwards:

Runar: "No...no… NO, that cannot be… Why would she do such a thing?" He shakes his head. "Was there no other way? I...I cannot believe that she… that she…" He looks up directly at you. "We must begin the search immediately! I will come with you!"

You close your eyes. Runar continues: "What are you waiting for? We must find her! She could be trapped or hurt or…" He buries his face in a hand. "She is alive. She is alive, damn you!" He begins to cry, and the four of you still look downcast, but then turn as Almet approaches. "Forgive me for interrupting, but our scouts have apprehended an intruder. We thought perhaps he might be an associate of yours…" She turns, and her sisters walk in, flanking Emet-Selch. The sisters are clearly taken with him. Thancred gets a sour look on his face.

"Oh, look who it is." Thancred says.

Emet-Selch: "Well...this is embarrassing. In my defense, they are surprisingly tenacious. So—what trouble have you gotten yourselves into this time?" Thancred turns to look at you, and you explain the situation to Emet-Selch in another fade-out.

Afterwards:

Emet-Selch: "Well, well. What an intriguing turn of events. My condolences, by the way. ‘Tis never easy to lose the ones we love."

Thancred looks positively angry.

Emet-Selch turns to look at Thancred and shrugs. "Well, she is dead, isn't she? Wishing it were otherwise will not make it so."

Thancred: "That you should be indifferent to her loss is no surprise. But to us, she was a friend. The best of friends."

Silence. The camera flashes to Emet-Selech, then back to Thancred, then shifts to show you over Thancred's shoulder. You have two quick flashbacks: Y'shotola over the chasm again, and a similar flash of light, deep beneath Ul'dah.

Minfilia stares at you. "You have something on your mind. What is it?" she asks.

You can say the following:

This time, I chose the second line.

Everyone turns to look at you. Urianger speaks. "Pray recount to us again that which thou witnessed in the ruins, omitting not the slightest detail."

You share the story once more. The camera widens to include Thancred in the picture. He's got his head down, his hair shielding his eyes. "Flow…" he says.

You turn to look at him. Thancred speaks urgently. "The teleportation magick she used to spirit us away form Ul'dah after the bloody banquet! I recall a similar gale in the tunnel before it took effect."

Emet-Selch: "Interesting. I thought I sensed a brief disturbance in the Lifestream. How reassuring to know it was not my imagination."

Now everyone turns to look at him. He continues: "I felt it only once, I should mention. Which would suggest she is still adrift on its currents."

Urainger: "Then I fear she may yet be lost to us—for it was only by the grace of the elementals that she was plucked from that great aetherial river."

The camera pans over the party. You all look downcast again.

Emet-Selch sighs. "Oh...very well. I'll go and fetch her…" he says, resigned.

Thancred looks at Emet-Selch, his jaw dropping. Emet-Selch continues: "Perhaps a clear and unambiguous act of kindness will serve to win the trust you seem so determined to deny me." He smiles, and the scene ends.

---

You explore the forest, finding the place where there is the most aether. Once you do, Emet-Selch, Runar, and the Scions walk up.

Emet-Selch looks about. "Yes, this place should serve well enough," he says. "Might I have a little ?space? I need to concentrate." he continues.

You go to stand next to Thancred. Emet-Selch looks up to the trees towering above them party. "Now then… what color was her soul again?" He closes his eyes, pointing a finger in the air. The air begins to sparkle. "Ah,… There you are." he says. He snaps his fingers, and the sparkles take form… there is a blinding white light, and the shape of Y'shtola slowly floats down from the heavens.

Runar: "He—He‘s done it! He's brought her back!"

Emet-Selch gives another snap, and the white light dissipates. Y'shtola is now clothed in her normal attire. She lands gently on the ground, and the Scions run up to her, Thancred kneeling next to her. "Y'shtola, are you all right?" he asks.

Minfilia bends down as well, and Y'shtola slowly blinks and sits up. "Yes… Though I cannot imagine how. What happened?" Y'shtola says.

Urianger: "Thou didst invoke the power of Flow, which thence did usher thy soul unto the Lifestream."

Y'shtola: "I wanted to save the antidote, and after that…." She begins to laugh. "I did something exceedingly reckless. For which you will just have to forgive me." She looks up at you, and you smile and nod.

Runar runs in between the Scions, gathering Y'shtola up in his arms like a child. "Oh, Master Matoya! Thank the heavens you are all right!" he says. "I had nearly given up hope."

Y'shtola smiles gently. "Please, Runar, dry your tears. What would the others think if they saw you like this?"

Runar's had his head bowed, but now looks at her directly.

Y'shtola: "Come now—did you really think I would go gently into that dark night with so much left undone? So many mysteries left unsolved?" She nods.

Runar puts her down. Emet-Selch clears his throat. "Ahem. Is there aught you wish to say to me? A word of thanks, perhaps?"

The camera zooms out to show the whole party. Urainger explains to Y'shtola: "Emet-Selch, the Ascian of whom I spoke. ‘Twas he who plucked thee from the Lifestream."

Y'shtola: "I see. Thank you. Differences notwithstanding, you saved my life, and for that I am grateful."

Emet-Selch gives a shrug, and Y'shtola turns to you. "But let us turn our attention to more important matters, such as the Qitana Ravel. You had better not have explored its depths without me." she says.

You can say:

I chose the second line.

Y'shtola smiles and nods. Thancred turns to her. "Well. Almet and the others should be pleased to see you in such uncharacteristically high spirits. Let us return to Fanow, then, and discuss the coming expedition."

Minfilia nods, followed by Y'shtola, and they walk off. Another round of nods between Urainger, Thancred, and Emet-Selch, and Thancred and Uraigner walk off as well. The scene ends.

---

The Elmorans have been routed, and while they scramble to regroup, Almet urges you to make for the Qitana Ravel. Together with your fellow Scions, you travel east, following the trail of flowers leading to its entrance.

You touch the door to the Qitana Ravel and feel aether emanating from within. The way is indeed open. Beyond awaits Rak'tika Falls and, you hope, the Lightwarden. Gritting your teeth, you cross the threshold, wary of the myriad dangers now stirring to life to bar your passage.

(The Qitana Ravel is a dungeon for a four-member party.)

After fighting your way past the sentinels of the Qitana Ravel, you arrive at Rak'tika Falls where, as expected, you find the Lightwarden. A frantic battle ensues, but in the end you emerge victorious, and the primordial Light of the firmament at last gives way to a breathtaking night sky.

Once the night sky returns, Minfilia speaks. "The Lightwarden is dead. The Blessed‘s prayers have been answered…"

Thancred: "Aye, that they have."

Urianger takes a few steps forward towards you, but stops next to Y'shtola. He asks her in a quiet voice, "Her condition yet troubleth thee?"

Y'shtola: "It does. Though she shows no immediate signs of corruption, the danger remains. She must be told."

Y'shtola parts her mouth a bit as iif about to speak, looks down for a second, then looks up at Urianger. "….Would you describe it to me, Urianger? Paint for me a picture with your words."

Urianger smiles and looks up: "A sea of shimmering stars. Diamonds strewn across a raven gown, boundless and beautiful. ‘Tis an exquisite sight not unlike that of the Source. Calm and gentle… and forgiving…"

Y'shtola: "I can see it…"

Urianger turns to look at her. "For however deep the voice, or wide the expanse, there is no shore so distant as to be beyond the reach of light. ….Ominous though that may sound, given our present travails."

She looks at him briefly, them slaps his butt and walks towards you. "Well fought. Let us return home." she says as you turn to her.

You smile and nod. The scene shifts to back into the Ravel, where the party is walking through the caves, and passing murals. Y'shtola stops, taken by them. "The murals. If I am not mistaken, they predate the empire."

Minfilia: "How can you tell?"

Y'shtola: "A peculiarity of the paint. Most are made from mineral-based pigments, but whatever was used here is older than anything I have ever seen. According to Almet, this sanctuary was built to preserve the wisdom of the ancients. What events do these murals commemorate, I wonder?"

Y'shtola looks up. Emet-Selch is walking towards the party from across the cavern hall.

Emet-Selch: "Must you always linger after defeating your enemies? Navigating these halls on foot is exhausting."

Thancred: "Come to lead us to safety, have you?"

Emet-Selch: "Hmph! I was bored. But how is the hero of the hour?" He looks you over. "Hmm. Fighting fit, I see. Keep up the good work."

Y'shtola: "You're plotting something."

Emet-Selch: "Every hour of every day. But never you mind about that. As I have told you a thousand times before: I like to watch. Nothing more. Well! I would quit this place, and I suggest you do the same. There is yet work to be done." He turns, and then looks up at the murals. The one on the left shows a purple figure and white figure in front of a red explosion. The one on the right shows the white figure ascendant over the purple figure.

Emet-Selch: "Ah… there is a sight to bring a tear to the eye."

Minfilia: "You recognize these scenes?"

Emet-Selch turns to her and shrugs, then looks back at the left-hand scene. "That I do. Indeed, there was a time when anyone and everyone would. Until one calamitous day when the world was divided across ten and three reflections, sundering the land and all who dwelled upon it."

Over Emet-Selch's left shoulder is a third mural: a city on fire, with a monument in its foreground.

Emet-Selch speaks on: "And the worst part? No one could remember it. Not really. Just fragments and fleeting memories of an achingly familiar world… A vision shared of a paradise lost, preserved only in song and scripture and paint… Once upon a time. Yet here we find ourselves again. To look, learn, and remember…"

He has a soft smile on his face. The music, which has been soaring, comes to an abrupt stop as Y'shtola speaks. "Then share with us the stories you know so well. We are listening." she says.

Emet-Selch holds a hand to his chin, then points to the mural of the city on fire. "Before the great sundering, there was one world. A world that knew naught but peace and prosperity. Until it was faced with a crisis. Unprecedented, terrifying. Civilization found itself perched upon a precipice, staring into oblivion."

The camera shifts to the purple figure. Small figures surround it in prayer. "But through prayer and sacrifice, the will of the star was made manifest. Zodiark was His name, and by His grace was the calamity averted."

The Scions all gasp.

Y'shtola: "Zodiark!?"

Emet-Selch is still pointing at the city on fire with his left hand. He drops his hand, and points at the mural of the large purple and white figures in front of the red explosion. "A savior of might and magnificent, deserving of reverence and gratitude… one would have thought. Yet some thought otherwise. From the fears of these naysayers would rise Hydaelyn---She who was to serve as His shackles. To bind Him and hold Him in check."

The camera shifts to the third mural, of the white figure ascendant, crushing the purple figure.

Emet-Selch: "And so they fought, and they fought, and they fought. And in the end… Hydaelyn was victorious. With all Her strength She smote Him—dealing a blow so devastating that it split the very fabric of reality. And thus was Zodiark banished and His being divided."

He drops his hand. "That concludes today's lesson on long-forgotten history. Though I imagine your Mother would offer a rather contradictory account. As is Her wont."

The Scions are all looking at him. Thancred has a sour look on his face. "I'm sorry—I can only assume I misheard, but it sounded an awful lot like you were implying both Zodiark and Hydaelyn are not gods, but--" Thancred says.

Emet-Selch shrugs. "What? Not gods of the First? Is that what you thought these paintings depicted? Or…? Oh! Ohhhh…. They are gods after a fashion, yes, but no different from the kind with which you are so intimately acquainted. Formed of faith and prayer, of conviction and devotion… The eldest and most powerful… of primals."

The Scinos all gasp. Y'shtola: "You have spun quite a tale." Her voice is shaky. "You have not explained the roles of the Ascians in all of this. How is it you are privy to ancient secrets lost to time?"

Emet-Selch laughs. "Finally, finally you ask the right question! And shrewd questions warrant honest answers…"

Your eyebrows lower menacingly.

Emet-Selch: "We Ascians know because it is our history. Our story. It was we who summoned Zodiark—we natives of that sundered paradise."

The Scions are all taken aback.

Emet-Selch: "Now do you see why we yearn for the Great Rejoining? For our world… for our people… for all creation to be made whole again. Wouldn't you wish for the same?" He's turned his back to the Scions as he says this. He begins to walk off. The camera flashes to you, then back to him. He gives his signature lazy wave, and the scene ends.

---

The party returns to Slitherbough, where you greet Runar.

Runar: "Ah, you are returned! And none the worse for wear, I see."

Y'shtola: "You needn't worry about us. What became of the Eulmoran soldiers, more importantly?"

Runar: "They turned tail and fled at the sight of the night sky. The Children of the Everlasting Dark have also retreated back to Woven Oath." He looks skyward. "Try as they might, they could not deny the truth of their own eyes…" He makes the sign of his people, closing a fist in front of chest. "The sunless sea of heaven, full of love and grace, where none need know pain or suffering. In that moment, when the sky's light began to wane, I knew our prayers had been answered. ….That we were doomed to face oblivion at life's end no longer."

He turns to you.

Runar: "When first we met, I harbored certain suspicions about you. Now I see that I was right. You are the Bringers of Shadow. The Warriors of Darkness. The saviors for whom we have prayed for so long."

You and Y'shtola exchange a glance.

Y'shtola: "I suppose you're not entirely wrong… But we are not worthy of your reverence, nor have we any desire to be worshiped. If you would pray, pray for your children, that they may one day know a better world."

Runar: "...I will do as you say. But please, let us at least hold a feast to celebrate your victory. You deserve that much."

Y'shtola: "I am sorry, Runar, but there is still much to be done, and scant time in which to do it. We must go—all of us. For we share the same path and the same fate."

Runar clenches his fists at this. After a moment, he nods and says, "So be it. I ask only that you hold us in your hearts, as we will hold you in ours, now and ever after. By the boundless dark, this I swear."

He bows, and the others bow too. The camera shifts to the edges of the clearing, where a ghostly Ardbert looks on, smiling.

---

(NB: the next scene is unvoiced… you can speak to Thancred, Minfilia and Urianger for extra dialogue before you continue with the story by speaking to Y'Shtola.)

Thancred: "What Master Matoya did was completely and utterly reckless... But if not for her, a great many of the Night's Blessed would not be here."

Minfilia: "Considering the Blessed have only just recovered from their encounter with the Eulmorans, Thancred and the others thought we should stay a while longer to be sure they're all right.

They're such a kind and caring people. I pray they never again have to face such hardship."

Urianger: "It seems the Blessed were spared the worst of the Eulmorans' assault, for the better part of Ran'jit's forces abandoned Slitherbough in our pursuit. Had he been but a few steps faster, he may well hath foiled our efforts to slay the Lightwarden."

Y'shtola: "Though it pains me to leave, it is time I returned with you and the others to the Crystarium.

But before we go, might I speak with you in private? I will await you in my chambers."

Once in her chambers, she continues:

Y'shtola: "Thank you for coming. I thought to keep my suspicions to myself, but after witnessing your victory at Rak'tika Falls, I fear they prove true, and so I must share them with you. From the first when we met at Fort Gohn, your aether has appeared...tainted. Suffused with an overabundance of light not unlike the sin eaters. When you defeated the Lightwarden, I fear the light which poured forth from it was not negated by Hydaelyn's blessing. Rather, it was absorbed into your being. Urianger also suspects as much, though he is unwilling to share his thoughts on the matter. One thing is certain: with every Warden you defeat, the danger to you grows greater. Greater perhaps than we can imagine. If you begin to feel anything strange─anything at all─pray inform me at once. You should hurry, before the others begin to worry. Once I have sorted my things here I will join you."

If you speak to her again before rejoining the others, she says, "Pray go on ahead. I would first attend to this unsightly collection of books. I'd always complained that her cave was such a mess, books and scrolls strewn about like a child's playthings. Gods, I really am turning into her…"

You rejoin the others, waiting outside Slitherbough.

Thancred: "We took one last patrol of the perimeter. All things considered, Slitherbough remains relatively unscathed."

Minfilia: "Thanks to the antidote, all those who were poisoned will make a full recovery. And with the night sky returned, their prayers have at last been answered."

Y'shtola exits Slitherbough and joins the party.

Y'shtola: "Sorry to keep you all waiting. Shall we be off, then?"

Urianger: "Art thou certain this is best?"

Y'shtola: "...I'll not deny there is a part of me that wishes I could stay. For two years I have lived with the Blessed, learned their culture, even going so far as to adopt Master Matoya's name as my own. I but pray I did honor to it. Now is not the time for doubt or hesitation. Come, we must return to the Crystarium."

Shadowbringers Part 7 - Return to the Crystarium

At the end of our last recap, the Warrior of Darkness (that's you) had just defeated the Lightwarden of Rak'tika. Y'shtola has revealed to you that the Light pouring forth from the defeated Lightwardens has NOT been negated by Hydaelyn's blessing, but remained inside you, causing your aether to stagnant.

The party—including Y'shtola, who has decided to leave the Night's Blessed for now--now returns to the Crystarium.

You enter your suite at the pendants, and look yourself over, as if trying to see the Light within. You then turn and see the ghostly Ardbert standing there.

Ardbert: So there's a light sealed inside you, is there? You wouldn't know it form the outside. You look the same as you ever did to me.

You have your choice of saying:

Ardbert crosses his arms a moment, thinking, then uncrosses them and speaks on.

Ardbert: "...Think he was telling the truth? Emet, I mean. All that rot about Hydaelyn being no different form any other primal… If so, what would that make Her "blessing"? Are we just slaves to Her will?"

You're taken aback at this, and hold a hand to your chest as you give it thought.

Ardbert: "Ahh—let's pay him no mind. Lies are the Ascians' stock-pin-trade. Villains, heroes—all a matter of perspective, they'd have you believe. One man's fond memory another's waking nightmare… Me, I'm no saint or savior—just another sinner. And I know damn well I'm in no position to judge...When I saw the people of Slitherbough look up at the sky and celebrate the return of the dark… felt good, It was moments like that that I cherished—much more than the thrill of adventure. The quiet after the storm. I always took comfort in that."

You give him a slight smile, and the scene ends.

---

Meanwhile, in Garlemald...

Soldiers are walking in the streets. We see a shadowy figure walking… just their legs. Estinien is leaning against a lightpost. As the shadowy figure passes him, he speaks.

Estinien: "What did the scouts have to report?"

Gaius: "Several skirmishes, but nothing of consequence. The fighting seems to have taken its toll on both sides."

Estinien: "A stalemate, then. The Alliance has done well to hold the line for so long." He gives a tiny laugh. "….But then they did have Ishgardian reinforcements."

Gaius turns towards him slightly. "Nevertheless, neither side has any appetite for a prolonged engagement." Gaius continues: "'Tis but the calm before the storm. And should the Empire choose to bring their full might to bear…"

Estinien: "To say nothing of Black Rose. All the more reason to hasten our search. How close are your people to identifying our next targets?"

Gaius: "Close enough. Though I have received some troubling intelligence. One of our generals posted to the Ala Mhigan front recently disappeared without trace from the battlefield at the Ghimlyt Dark."

EstinienL: "Odd. Dead seems unlikely, fled less so. I wonder where he'll turn up…"

Gaius: "Where I a betting man, I would say here—in the capital. Not that any deserter who valued his life would contemplate returning. But a corpse might, given the right encouragement."

Estinien: "In the manner of His Royal Remains, you mean?"

Gaius: "Elidibus plainly has no need of a new host, so the question becomes, who? It may be that another player has joined the game. Something to consider, at any rate. But come, there is work to be done."

The two walk on, and the camera pans to show a Centurion watching them go.

Katana-Bearing Centurion: "These bloodless games make for poor sport. Mayhap if Father… Nay. I am a stranger to him in this body. Besides, there is but one hand that can make me whole again. My enemy...my friend… I know not what entertainment occupies you, but if you will not clear the way for me, then I shall seize the reins of fate once more."

The Centurion slowly walks down the streets, and the camera pans away, ending the scene.

---

Later, in the Pendants, you'll laying on your back, asleep, but wake suddenly. You look out the window. It's daylight. You get a look on your face, concerned, and then walk to the door.

You learn from the manager of suites that Lakeland is under attack by a host of sin eaters, though he assures you that the Crystarium will remain secure. Nevertheless eager to help, you agree to check on citizens gathered at the Exedra in case any are in need of aid.

The people of the Crystarium seem unaffected by the threat bearing down upon their city—by contrast to the recently returned Alisaie, who rightly finds the presence of sin eaters beneath the reclaimed sky rather unsettling. Any theories as to their provenance will have to wait, however, as Alphinaud arrives to inform you that several anchors around the city must be activated before the protective barrier that serves as its primary defense can take effect. This process is best completed sooner rather than later, so you and Alisaie agree to assist.

After wending your way through the city, you find the first anchor on a bridge above the Rotunda. You pull down on its handle, and the glow it emits indicates that it is now active.

You activate the second anchor, and moments later, a faceted barrier weaves its way up from the array of devices to shield the Crystarium—and rebuffs a full dozen sin eaters in the nick of time. The Leveilleur twins, having arrived to witness the scene with you, indicate that your next destination will be the battlefield in the Lakeland wilds, where Lyna and her people are already engaging the eater host.

[Editor's Note: there's a solo duty here, initiated by speaking with Alphinaud. If you speak with Alisaie first, she will say, "If Alphinaud is opting to act first and speak later, I don't doubt the urgency of the situation. Let's go."

The solo duty startes off in a storming Lakeland. Alisaie looks to the sky. "What lovely weather. Just what we needed."

Alpionaud: "If seems the battle has already begun in earnest. Make haste!"

You nod and rush in.

During the solo duty, you follow Alisaie throughout Lakeland as she rushes from one fighting group to another. Each group consists of a Crystarium guard or two fighting several sin eaters, and the guards' health is quite low by the time you reach them. Throughout the duty, there will be a gauge showing how many troops are left.

As you start out, Alisaie says, "I hear shouting! Come on! They need our help!"

You vanquish a group or two, then Alphinaud says: "More eaters. Don't let your guard down."

After another group or two, Alphinaud continues: "Those eaters… they're moving toward Radisca's Round. We should follow--but we cannot neglect those in need of aid."

As you reach the Round where fighting is fierce, Alisaie says, "If it's this bad here, I shudder to think what it's like elsewhere…"

Guards are fighting the eaters at the base of the tower in Radisca's Round. As you approach, Y'shtola says, "A timely arrival, <first name>. I have my hands full here."

Uirianger: "Mine own magicks shall suffice to aid Y'shtola. I bid thee offer succor to the guard."

You and the twins help the guards defeat their eaters, then come around to the front of the round again, where you join Y'shtola and Urianger.

Y'shtola: "The eater's aether swells. I would hate to find out what it intends to do next. Defend me—let none interrupt my incantation."

Urianger: "Draw the lesser eaters within the perimeter!"

You do as commanded, and pull the pack into Y'shtola's spell.

Y'shtola: "Master Matoya has a few tricks up her sleeve. Allow me to demonstrate."

She unleashes her spell, which kills the lesser eaters and greatly damages the biggest one.

Urianger: "A most impressive trick indeed…"

As you kill the last eater, Y'shtola says: "As if you've none of your own. Let's make for the Imperative, shall we?"

You head to the Imperative, but there's a distinct lack of fighting on the way there. Urianger remarks: "Someone hath made short work of these eaters…"

Indeed, there's many dead eaters. As you press on, Thancred and Minfilia run into view.

Minfilia: "<first name>! You'll be glad to know that the locals have all taken shelter."

Thancred: "Nevertheless, we can't allow the eaters to gain any ground. With me!"

Alphinaud: "That can't be good…"

Around this time, I got a message saying, "The enemy has the Crystarium guard on the back foot." The Crystarium forces were at 60% or thereabouts now.

You're almost at the Imperative, and the scene is devastating. A mass of eaters fight the few guards there.

Thancred: "Gods damn it all, we're too late…"

A large eater comes into view. Thancred says, "I'll follow the eater. You press on to the Imperative."

Minfilia shouts at him, "I'm staying with you!"

Alphinaud: "We've lost too many already. We must hurry."

Y'shtola: "These eaters are too organized. They cannot merely be acting on instinct."

You manage to reach the Ostall Imperative.

Alphinaud: "It is as we feared."

The scene shows death and destruction. Eaters fell the guard, one after another. Alphinaud speaks again: "But our task is as it ever was—turn the tide!"

As the battle begins, Alphinaud says, "The lives of the wounded are in our hands!"

You're fighting in a circled arena. Waves of eaters enter the arena, and with the Scions you manage to strike them down. Then a large angellic eater enters.

Urianger: "Have care. That is no ordinary eater."

It's Forgiven Hypocrisy. You begin to fight it, and you're turning the tide, but then:

Y'shtola: "More eaters…. They're protecting it, somehow. We shall need to deal with them first."

You begin to fight the lesser eaters. Then Alphinaud cries out, "I feel a swell of aether! Gather around me, quickly!"

A stack-up marker appears on him, and a bubble forms as he says, "Perhaps now is the time to put my research to the test."

The bubble protects you, and you vanquish the lesser eaters.

Alisaie: "And yet more still com! <first name>, buy me some time, Alphinaud—I'll need aether."

You fight the lesser eaters as Alphinaud says: "Right. Everyone, channel your aether into Alisaie!"

They do, and Alisaie yells, "Forward! We fight for those who cannot!" and unleashes a stream of energy that obliterates the last of the eaters, and the solo duty ends, leading directly into another cutscene.

Minfilia is fighting a scorpion eater by herself. She strikes it and vanquishes it, then breathes heavily to catch her breath. "There are so many…." she says.

Lyna: "Godsdammit!"

Minfilia gets resolve on her face and runs in the direction of Lyna's cry. A trio of eaters is attacking the captain. Minfilia dispatches one of them, which causes the others to scatter, then crouches by the prone Viera. "Lyna, hold on!" Minfilia says.

Lyna picks up her head slowly. "They… they turned on me…" she says.

Minfilia looks up and glances around at the weapons scattered about—all that is left of the fallen troops. The camera expands to show a large, powerful sin eater hovering over Minfilia's shoulder. The sin eater swings her sword, unleashing a bolt of yellow light towards Minfilia. Minfilia is frozen in place, but Thancred suddenly springs onto action, placing himself before her, knocking her to the side. He repels the light with his gunblade. The force of the blow sends Thancred flying into a back flip. He lands, coughs up blood, then charges forward, dragging his gunblade, sparking the ground as he runs. He charges forward, meeting the sin eater and holding up his gunblade to repel another attack.

"Thancred" Minfilia cries, getting up slowly.

"This… one… is mine!" Thancred says fiercely. He swings his gunblade and vanquishes it.

The scene shifts, showing more sin eaters striking the guard fighting them. One guard falls. The camera cuts to the ghostly Ardbert, standing in the rain, watching. He's got his fist clenched, clearly upset at what he is witnessing.

He looks up at a nearby voice speaks.

Crystarium Medic: "We need only hold out a little while longer."

Ardbert turns to spot two Crystarium guards cowering under a tree. One is clearly hurt, the medic tending to him.

Crystarium Medic: "Reinforcements are coming, remember? The captain said so. We're going to be all right…."

Ardbert startles as he hears something. He turns to spot a sin eater slowly making her way to the pair. He gestures helplessly at the soldiers. "Run! Run, damn you!" he shouts.

The pair remain oblivious. The Medic speaks again to his buddy: "The Warrior of Darkness has returned. The bloody night has returned! So stay with me, eh? You can't go dying now!"

Ardbert grabs his axe from over his shoulder and charges the sin eater. "Godsdammit! Please let this world! Please let this work!" he grunts. He swings at the sin eater, but his weapon passes right through her, and he comes to a stumbling stop, crestfallen.

The Medic looks up, having sensed the eater. "NO! N-No, stay back! Stay back!" the medic cries. His mouth drops open and he scuttles back a bit, away from the eater.

The camera cuts back to Ardbert, head still bowed. "Help, help! Someone, anyone!" the medic screams in an anguished cry.

Ardbert clenches a fist. "Why did you spare me? Why? What have I done to deserve this mercy!?"

He turns slightly at a voice.

Crystarium Officer: "Forward! Forward! If you can still hold a sword, follow me! Wounded, to the rear! Weapons at the ready! Let's make this count!"

The camera shifts to a group of Crystarium guards, with you standing at the front of the group. You have a hard, serious look on your face as the wind blows around you.

Ardbert's voice, in a voiceover echoing his past words, says: "Fight and struggle. Seek salvation by your own hand. Though the losses be grave, endure them. Though the victories be hollow, claim them."

The rain ends, and the remaining sin eaters evaporate. The Warrior of Darkness marches through Lakeland with the survivors as Ardbert looks on from a distance.

After the battle is decided at last, you speak with Alisaie. She confirms that procedures for ensuring proper care of the wounded are already well underway. As for the other casualties… the Crystarium will likely long be mourning not only those lost to death, but to the sin eater horde as well.

---

After the battle, you're still at Ostall Imperative, and approach Lyna, who is sitting propped against a staircase with her head bowed. You stand silently in front of her, and she lifts her head. "Oh. I did not see you there. Is there something you need?" she asks.

You can say:

She stands. "Don't pretend you are not of the same mind. You fought well today. Saved a great many lives. Thank you. Unfortunately, this war is far from over. We must replenish our ranks and shore up our defenses before they attack again. Now, if you will excuse me." She gives a salute and walks off, but stumbles and falls as a pain flares in her leg.

You rush to her side, crouching down beside her.

"I...am fine..." she says defiantly. She punches the ground twice as she speaks on. "Completely...and utterly...fine! Better than fine! Hale and hearty and still alive to mourn those who are not. Who I failed to protect when they needed me most. We've come so far—so godsdamned far! I could have sworn the end was in sight. And now… Now they will never see it."

The camera focuses on her face, tears in her eyes, and then switches to focus on you, a sad look on your face. You look up as a voice echoes in the sky.

Vauthry: "Impudent worms of the Crystarium."

The camera pans to behind your shoulder, showing two airships flying in the sky. As Vauthry speaks on, the camera switches back to the ground, showing Urianger, Y'shtola, and the twins looking up to the airships.

Vauthry: "The tragedy that has befallen you is of your own making. Divine retribution for your defiance. The heaves have bequeathed to you a benevolent savior—me! I offer you freedom from pain and suffering—a paradise where man and sin eater might live in peace and harmony… Why, already our winged brothers and sisters regard me and mine as kin, alike to them in beauty and purity!"

As he speaks, the camera shifts to a pair of Crystarium guards, sitting injured against a wall. A third guard comes and kneels by them.

Vauthry: "But you—you not only reject my proffered hand, but raise your own against my sin eaters. ‘Tis only right that they respond in kind. Let this be a lesson to all those who would walk the path of sin—the wicked shall not inherit this world!"

The camera switches to you, still crouched by Lyna. You have a disgruntled look on your face.

The scene shows the airships flying off, then ends.

You speak with Lyna after the ships fly off.

Lyna: "Vauthry's ship is already gone. How flattering that he came all this way just to give his little speech. ...I apologize for my earlier outburst. Rest assured that I have no intention of allowing any of my wounds to affect the performance of my duties—especially not now. If I may—could I ask that you seek out Thancred and Minfilia for me? They endangered themselves on my behalf, and I would feel better knowing that they are well looked after. Thancred, in particular, sustained quite an injury from that sin eater. I would not be surprised if he were in Spagyrics still. Please… give them my thanks."

You return to the Crystarium and find Thancred sitting on the edge of a bed in Spagyrics.

Thasncred: "….You're here for me? I'm sorry to put you to the trouble—I'm fine. Really. The eater landed an unfortunately solid blow, but the healers here have done wonders. I'm more worried about Minfilia. She's not taken it well. Could I ask you to speak with her? My attempts to reach out seem to have had the opposite effect. She's gone off to the Hortorium, ostensibly to fetch herbs for Chessamile, but… just talk to her, will you?"

You head to the Horotium, where you find Minfilia staring at the waters. You try to speak to her.

Minfilia: "…"

She appears to be lost in thought. You give her a gentle poke.

Minfilia: "Eep!"

She turns to you.

Minfilia: "Oh, <first name>. What are you doing here?"

You explain.

Minfilia: "Thancred… It's my fault, you know. I jumped at the chance to help Lyna, but I was careless. And now… It's my fault."

You can say:

I said the first line.

Minfilia: "I...are you sure? I've brought him nothing but trouble thus far. And what if it's worse, next time? All I do is make mistakes, put others in danger… I'm sure that he'll resent me. For being this weak. Maybe he already does. But you're right. I can still help—if only by seeing these herbs safely to Chessamile."

She then sets you on a task to find one of the two herbs left on the list. You find the plants and head back to the infirmary. Minfilia has beat you there, and is standing by Thancred's bed.

If you talk to them…

Minfilia: "I asked someone who looked like they knew what they were doing, and they pointed me towards the herb I was looking for right away! I hope you didn't have too much trouble with yours."

Thancred: "I see you got roped into helping. Some things never change, eh?"

You give the herbs to Chessamile, who says, "Ah, Minfilia told me that you would be bringing the rest. Marvelous. With this, I can replenish our store of medicines. We're struggling to keep up with the number of wounded that are being brought in. I wasn't on the field, but it doesn't matter. The patients' faces make plain that it was a horrible battle." Chessamile smiles slightly. "And we're still fighting it, I suppose, though with bitter medicine rather than sharp steel. But we'll win--I promise you that."

You nod, and Thancred and Minfilia approach.

Thancred: "It seems that I owe you an apology for dragging you to yet another battlefield when you've just come off the front lines! In both cases, I'm sure your efforts saved more than a few. With Spagyrics in good working order, the Crystarium's people will be well cared for. More like ahead, of course—battles only you can fight. Not that we intend to let you do it alone. But that's a matter to discuss with the Exarch."

You get a serious look on your face, and nod. Someone speaks then.

???: "You know the Exarch?"

A Crystarium Guard walks up.

Thancred: "We do. Was there something you needed?"

Wounded Guard: "I need you to tell him something. For me."

The guard looks down.

Wounded Guard: "My dearest friend, you see… He was there on the battlefield with me. But only the one of us is here to speak of it. At the end, before the wound killed him, I heard his dying words. ‘I never knew that our world was this beautiful,' he told me. ‘I'm so glad that I got to see the night sky…' I don't know how the Exarch feels about what happened out there. I don't know if what Vauthry said is true—if our losses were our just deserts, and we doom ourselves to worse by continuing to fight this fight. But I believe in the Warrior of Darkness. In the Crystal Exarch. I don't think what they've done is wrong, and I don't think we're wrong to fight with them, either. My friend, he smiled in the end. Just as he smiled when he raised his glass to celebrate the return of the night. That's how I want to remember him. So I….I want to tell the Exarch, Don't give up. Don't give in. Please."

Thacnred: "We'll tell him. You have my word."

Thancred bids you make your way to the Ocular while he and Minfilia gather the remaining Scions for a meeting. As you turn to depart, he reminds you to deliver the soldier's message of support to the Exarch—something that is probably better done in private, before the others arrive.

You enter the Ocular and speak with the Crystal Exarch.

Crystal Exarch: "Welcome, my friend. Tales of your heroism on the battlefield precede you—though I confess I found them more gladdening than surprising. I hear no few of our people have you to thank for plucking them from the jaws of death. Would that they had not needed saving to begin with. But the responsibility for that lies with me."

You tell the Exarch what the guard told you.

Crystal Exarch: "...One of our soldiers said that? ….Thank you. Rest assured that I fully intend to continue our work. I will not shrink from what must be done. Now least of all. Though I mourn the lost, I will not lose myself to grief. And even should regret be my constant companion, I will follow the path I have chosen to its end."

You can say:

I said the first line.

Crystal Exarch: "...And if I were to confess any doubts I might harbor, no one need ever know? No, I believe you have enough burdens without my adding to them. Nevertheless… Thank you."

The others arrive, and the meeting begins. You're all standing in silence in front of the Exarch, who appears to have his head bowed. He then speaks:

Crystal Exarch: "My friends. With your aid we have weathered a brutal assault…"

Before he can say anything else, the door to the Ocular opens, and Emet-Selch walks in slowly. He doesn't look happy.

Emet-Selch: "Sorry I'm late. Though I would not have been had anyone thought to notify me in advance."

Crystal Exarch: "...As I was saying, it was only with your aid that we weathered this assault. Without it, the Crystarium and all who dwell here would now be gone."

Alphinaud: "For each we saved, another perished. If there is anything else we can do to help—anything at all—you need only ask. This is our home too, and we want nothing more than to keep it safe."

The Exarch smiles softly. "Thank you. We are blessed to have you with us." He speaks on to the entire group. "As for the attack itself—Vauthry may call it divine retribution, but sin eaters are creatures of instinct. A coordinated assault is unprecedented. Moreover, in the absence of a Lightwarden, there should have been no compulsion for lesser sin eaters to congregate here en masse. All of which points to a single, unavoidable conclusion…"

Urianger: "...That these minions of light answer to a higher power. He who did claim kinship with them—who did boast of control, not in idleness, ‘twould seem, but in earnest. Lord Vauthry."

Crystal Exarch: "Indeed. What I mistook for bluster was in fact the truth. The sin eaters are his to command. But if he imagines this show of force will convince us to bend the knee, he is sorely mistaken."

Alisaie: "I take it your meeting in Eulmore did not end well?"

Crystal Exarch: "You could say that, yes. But I am wiser for the experience, nevertheless. It appears he has mastered a technique which allows him to enslave the minds of others. A fact I discovered when he attempted to use it on me."

The Scions startle at this.

Alphinaud: "That would go some way towards explaining the peculiar reverence afforded him by his subjects. There may feasibly be a handful of true believers among them, I suppose, but it would not surprise me if the vast majority were in his thrall."

Crystal Exarch: "Had I not anticipated his treachery, I might well have joined them. But seeing his invitation for what is was, I sent a glamour in my stead. I rather doubt such tricks will avail me a second time, however."

Alisaie; "Did you have any luck tracking down the Lightwarden in Kholusia?"

Alphinaud shakes his head. "Sadly, I have nothing to report on that front. What of Amh Araeng?" he says.

Alisaie: "After a fruitless few days scouring ruins, I resorted to asking the locals. While no one I spoke to had seen any sign of the Warden, I did uncover a possible lead: an abandoned mine in western Amh Araeng. From what the Mord told me, it would be a perfect place to stay out of sight. Of course, I could never hope to explore such a labyrinth quickly or safely on my own, so I returned here."

Y'shtola adopts her thinking pose. "Even should we all join in the endeavor, an exhaustive search could take weeks—and with no guarantee of finding anything," she says.

The Scions all think on this. Minfilia then speaks up: "The Wardens harbor vast reservoirs of primordial Light, do they not? Far more than anything found in lesser sin eaters. And isn't it true that the Oracle could see the Light of a sin eater from malms away? Surely a Warden would seem like a blazing beacon by comparison?"

As she says this, Thancred bows his head and closes his eyes.

Minfilia speaks on: "To the real Oracle of Light, I mean. The real Minfilia."

You and the other Scions react to this, though Thancred does not. Minfilia now turns to him, and speaks directly: "If we traveled to Amh Araeng, to the south where she halted the Flood, I could summon her back. What do you think?"

Thancred's head is still bowed. After a moment, he picks it up and looks at her with cold eyes. "...Don't." he says.

Minfilia takes a step forward. "Don't what? Do what I can? What we both know is right!?"

Thancred: "Do not presume to know my mind. You have no idea what you're proposing."

Minfilia speaks passionately. "But I do! I know why you never said anything. Because you thought you could keep me safe by keeping me in the dark. And...maybe I thought so too. But I knew, Thancred. I always knew!"

Thancred crosses his arms. Emet-Selch now interrupts their conversation.

Emet-Selch: "Oh, I see… I thought you were a rather underwhelming reincarnation, but it all makes sense now. The Oracle lies dormant within you, doesn't she? But to draw on her true power, you must become one, both body and soul. To wit, one being must consume the other. Who shall be the lucky winner?"

Minfilia had turned to look at Emet-Selch, but now drops her eyes. Thancred speaks, practically spitting the words: "This doesn't concern you, Ascian."

Emet-Selch: "But it plainly concerns you. Which is why your heart is ready to burst out of your chest. Despite the raging tempest in your bosom, however, you have never once opened up to your young charge. Now why would that be?"

Thancred bows his head, and tightens a fist.

Emet-Selch smiles slightly. "Love…? Well. I for one think it's a marvelous idea. Certainly more promising than any of your other suggestions. So—it's off to Amh Araeng we go!"

Minfilia has her head turned from Thancred, eyes downcast. Thancred gives her a dark look, then says, "I'll meet you at the gates."

The camera focuses on Minfilia's face. She opens her eyes, and they appear to be glittering with unshed tears. Thancred walks out, and the camera focuses on Emet-Selch, smiling, and then the scene ends.

You can speak with the Scions now for some additional text before the next quest:

Crystal Exarch: "If this is the course you have agreed on, I will not object—though I am afraid it will be difficult for us to spare any of the guard to accompany you. I can but promise that you will be well looked after upon your return. Just...see to it that you do return, all right?"

Alphinaud: "If I had only been able to locate Kholusia's Lightwarden, it might not have come to this…"

Alisaie: "I can't imagine what Thancred must be feeling to behave this way. To say he's changed since coming here would be an understatement. He may as well be a different person. He reminds me of--...Ah. He reminds me of Father. He argued with us for months about our plan to go to Eorzea, but in the end, he accepted our decision. I….do hope he's doing well."

Y'shtola: "Minfilia demonstrated impressive resolve just now. It seems that she understands what must be done...though I do wonder if she is truly prepared to make the choice. Should she falter, it will fall to Thancred to guide her. However much he wishes it were otherwise."

Urianger: "Though Thancred hath long known whither this path doth lead, his journey hath brought him no closer to acceptance."

Emet-Selch: "<sigh> Will you never grow tired of shuffling your feet? If you have something to ask me, ask.

You can say:

I chose the first line.

Emet-Selch: "As I told you before—Zodiark is the creation of my people. The first people. We summoned Him, as your kind might summon a primal—albeit an infinitely more powerful one. And like one of your primals, He tempered us. It was only natural. There is no resisting such power. And so we Ascians came to exist solely to bring about the rule of darkness. His darkness. Of course, some would call us ‘evil' for it….and they would be fools. Though that is only to be expected, given their innate inability to conceive of the nature of our universe. ….But I believe I am repeating myself. Do you not trust me to speak honestly? Do you hope to catch me in a lie? Really. I have no need of deception—and even if I did, I assure you: you would find it quite indistinguishable from the truth."

Minfilia: "I'm sorry to be so insistent. But I know this is the only way... If you're willing to give me a chance, come with us."

She leaves the Ocular. You make your way to Tessellation, the grand gate of the Crystarium, where you wait for her.

Minfilia: "Sorry for the wait—I'm ready now."

You can say:

I chose the first line.

She smiles sadly and looks down. "Look...no matter what happens to me, I'm sure that I don't want to go back to being who I was. I want to be stronger—strong enough to face my destiny. And I want to believe that I can play a part in saving this world. I hope you can find it in yourself to believe it, too."

You look at her steadily, a serious look on your face.

Y'Shtola: "When you put it that way, how could we not?"

You turn as Y'shtola and the twins walk up.

Y'Shtola: "It is your decision to make. Just be sure that you are prepared, when the time comes."

Minfilia bows her head a second, and Urianger and Thancred walk up.

Urianger: "If all are assembled, shall we depart?"

Urianger looks over his shoulder at Thancred, who glances at him for a second, then says to Minfilia: "We'll follow your lead. What route would you have us take?"

Alisaie: "About that—there's something I neglected to mention. I saw a Eulmoran airship coming in to land over Amh Araeng while I was on my way back to the Crystarium. No doubt the same vessel that bore Vauthry's forces to Rak'tika."

Alphinaud: "...Meaning we can expect to encounter armed resistance on our journey through the region."

Alisaie nods. "Right. Now, Nabaath Areng lies in the southern reaches of Amh Araeng, and there are two routes we can take to get there. The first is the eastern route, which would lead us past Mord Souq. The other is the western route, which would require us to pass through the Hills of Amber."

Thancred: "Minfilia and I took the eastern route last time."

Alisaie: "Yes, that's the more well-trodden path. It also makes for easier traversal of the Nabaath Severance. But we can't use it. If we did, we'd need to cross the Severance from a point nearby the Inn at Journey's Head. If the Eulmorans caught wind of our approach, it could very well bring them into contact with the Inn and its patients—and we can be sure their activities would not meet with Vauthry's approval. It will make the journey more arduous, but I believe it would be safer to take the western route. Which brings me to my proposition. While you make for the Hills of Amber in the west, I will draw the Eulmorans' attention elsewhere—to an area in the east that I know to be uninhabited. That way, you'll have a chance at reaching Nabaath Areng unopposed, and without risk to civilians."

Alphinaud: "Hm. I cannot deny that it's a sound plan—but nor can I allow you to go alone. My skills will make your task at least somewhat easier, will they not?"

Y'shtola: "I will accompany you as well. It will afford us a chance to have a proper conversation. ...And if I go with the others, I'm likely to say something Thancred will regret."

Thancred shrugs.

Thancred: "Well then, we'll leave the work of distracting Vauthry's fores to you. The rest of us will take the western route, and try to avoid attracting attention. With that in mind, I think it best that we follow the road from the Bridges. We'll move faster with a solid path under our feet."

You nod.

Alisaie: "We'll borrow a few amaro for our own journey. I leave the rest to you, Minfilia."

Minfilia nods. "Thank you. I'll try not to disappoint."

The way to Amh Araeng is south from the main gate of the Crystarium. You meet the trio at the Bridges, an outpost along the way.

Urianger: "Would that we all had thy surety of purpose."

Minfilia: "We'll need to move quickly,. The longer the others need to keep the Eulmorans busy, the more likely they are to be caught."

Thacnred: "There you are. The gate leading to Amh Araeng is just up ahead. In all the time I've been here, I've never ventured into the Hills of Amber. Not that I'm particularly intimidated by new lands, at this point--but we have more than enough reasons to be cautious as it is. ...Keep on eye on Minfilia for me, would you?"

The trio walk off. They wait for you outside the gate to Amh Araeng.

Urianger: "Who shall walk among us upon our return, I wonder…"

Thancred: "Amh Araeng lies just beyond the gate. We need only speak to the sentry."

Minfilia: "I'm ready. Let's go."

You speak with Hardyss, the gate guard, who says, "Off so soon, Mistress <last name>? You've barely had time to recover from the battle."

You explain your purpose.

Hardyss: "Well, if you're certain, I'm hardly in a position to question you." Hardyss opens the gate, and you pass through.

Shadowbringers Part 8 - The Hills of Amber

During our last recap, Vauthry had sicced his sin eaters on Lakeland. The battle was fierce and there were quite a few casualties. The Scions regroup in the Crystarium's Ocular to discuss future plans, all in agreement not to give up the fight.

Alphinaud has had no luck finding the Lightwarden of Kholusia, while Alisaie has heard a few rumors about Amh Araeng's Lightwarden but dare not investigate on her own. Still, Alisaie's information is not concrete, leading Minfilia to suggest traveling to Nabaath Araeng to call back the original Minfilia, as her powers would allow the Scions to easily find the remaining Lightwardens.

Thancred is dead set against this course of action, but Minfilia is persistent.

Sensing your concern, Minfilia reaffirms her commitment to her chosen course of action, and asks that you trust her judgment with an earnestness worthy of her namesake. She then departs—presumably to make her preparations before joining Thancred at the gates.

After a short wait, Minfilia arrives at the appointed place and declares her readiness to depart. But before proceeding, you give her one last opportunity to abandon her chosen course. Her emphatic reply leaves little room for argument, however, so the group turns its attention to the question of how best to pass through Amh Araeng unnoticed. At Alisaie's suggestion, you decide to split up—sending her, Alphinaud, and Y'shtola to the east to distract the Eulmoran Army while the rest of you take the western route to Nabaath Araeng.

As you near the gate to Amh Araeng, you realize you are not the only one contemplating the ordeals that may lie ahead. Hearing Thancred's quiet plea for assistance in protecting Minfilia, his trepidation could not be more obvious.

You speak with Hardyss, who grants you passage through the gate—perhaps against her better judgment.

Vibrant violet gives way to dry red and orange as you, Urianger, Thancred, and Minfilia pass through the gate and proceed into the Hills of Amber.

As you enter the Hills, Ardbert's voice echoes in a voiceover:

Take comfort in the bonds you share. Accept the pain when the time comes to part. Press on, for joy and sorrow walk hand in hand.

Beyond Mount Garik lie the Hills of Amber, beneath which run hidden veins of mineral wealth. Or ran, at least. Mayhap they are spent. Or mayhap, the ringing of hammers can yet be heard below…

Taking in the dusty and precipitous landscape, your eyes fall upon what appears to be a village nearby, and the party pauses for a moment to prepare for whatsoever may come.

As Minfilia looks out over the valley before you, you see newfound purpose in her eyes. Whatever doubts she may harbor, it is plain she is pleased to be in control of her own destiny at long last.

* * *

Upon arriving in Amh Araeng, you can speak with the party.

Urianger: "Sound though Mistress Alisaie's logic was, I fear the road less traveled hath other perils in store for us."

Thancred: "A village so near? How convenient."

Minfiilia: "This place has been scarred by the Flood too. Who can say what lies ahead? But whatever else this road may be, it is mine to travel. And I don't plan to take a moment of the time I spend upon it for granted. Our only path forward lies ahead—I'm sure of it. So...onward, I suppose!"

You then speak with Thancred:

Thancred: "I take it you're seeing what I'm seeing? Finding a village when we're hardly ten paces into the hills is a surprising stroke of luck—especially given our recent fortunes—but you won't hear any complaints from me. Let's see if the folk who live here can tell us what to expect from the road ahead."

The trio walk off, and you follow.

You arrive in the village of Garik, which appears to be populated with Mord, and begin questioning the locals.

Zhun Zun: "You sell? No…. No, you are no merchant. But then, why do I know your face? Hm… Oh, I remember! You spent Voeburt gold!"

You get a surprised look on your face at this.

Zhun Zun: "Such a coinpurse cracking! You are already a legend among Mord traders!"

Thancred: "You're a traveling merchant, then. Can you tell us anything of this village?"

Zhun Zun: "Of course, anything for valued customers! This place is Garik. Before the Flood, it was home to many miners. After, not so many. Now, none. So Master Ghen Gen borrowed the village—made it into a trading post. Very convenient location!"

Minfilia: "In which case, you all must be familiar with the local roads, correct? We're on our way to Nabaath Areng, ourselves. If we continue south from here, will we have any difficulties reaching it?"

Zhun Zun: "Oh, yes! Great difficulty… The Flood rent the stone and crushed the mines surrounding Nabaath Areng. Only steep cliffs and collapsed tunnels remain."

Minfillia: "Oh, no… But surely there must be some way. Do you think any of the other Mord might have some sort of hidden route?"

Zhun Zun: "Perhaps. You ask, they tell. Tell for free, even, to friends of our best customer."

Minfilia curtsies to him, and says, "Wonderful! Thank you for your help." She runs off.

Thancred turns to you. "Well, then, ‘best customer,' let's see what information your reputation buys us."

You and Urianger nod, and the group splits to question the other Mord.

You ask Rhil Ril, who says, "You wish to go to Nabaath Areng? Hm… There was a way, once. A gondola down from the cliffs. But it was built for those who had left something behind that they wished to retrieve. Now there is nothing left, and no one to use it. You may search for it, if you like. But I doubt that its rusted wires would bear your weight."

Next you ask Ghon Gon, who's tending to a pair of rock lizards. "For Nabaath Areng, airship is best. Nothing is faster than an airship!" the Mord says. "The Eulmorans have one, I hear. You can ask them to take you!"

If you stop by Minfilia and talk to her, she says, "I've got it! I'll lead by asking how business is, then mention you, and then ask about the route. That… should work, right?"

Stopping to talk to Thancred: "If we're not lucky enough to encounter anyone who knows a route to Nabaath Areng here, perhaps they can at least point us in the direction of others who might."

Urianger remarks when you stop by him: "Perhaps we ought to inquire upon the matter of Eulmoran forces in the region, as well."

Next you enter one of the buildings, where you talk to Shul Sul: "Oh, that is a surprise! Not many bound for Nabaath Areng these days. I do know of a trolley that once went there--it used to travel between all the settlements and mines of the Hills of Amber. It is locked behind a gate, however. I assume that will have kept it from being stolen or damaged, but it also prevents it from being of much use."

Having questioned the locals, you return to Thancred, who says, "Ah, <first name>. I'm afraid I've learned little of use about how to reach Nabaath Areng. The Eulmoran presence, though---that's another matter. Apparently, though their army is definitely in Amh Araeng, there have been no sightings of Eulmorans at all in the Hills of Amber. Perhaps we can take that as a sign that Alisaie's plan has borne fruit. Did you have any better luck finding us a route forward?"

You had taken notes on scraps of paper while talking to the locals. The notes read:

You hand the notes over to Thancred, who says, "So these are our options… well, what do you think?"

You can say:

I said the last line, and Thancred says, "It does seem to be the least risky of our options, and I can't imagine one gate is enough to thwart you. I'd like to know a bit more before we dash off in search of it, though. Perhaps Zhun Zun can offer some insight."

You return to Zhun Zun, who says, "Oh, valued customers! Were the other Mord of help?"

You adopt your thinking pose, and the other three Scions walk up. Thancred says, "Of a fashion. They told us of a trolley that runs to Nabaath Areng, at least… But am I correct in thinking that there was a reason you did not do so yourself, when first we asked?"

Zhun Zun: "Mm, Yes… The gate, you see. It is impassable. Before, there was a hulking thing of stone—the Talos. It opened the gate, they say. But none operate such a thing now. I do not even know if it yet exists."

Urianger considers this while Thancred gives a shrug. Zhun Zun then turns to you. "I do not know, but… You should travel east to Mount Biran Mines! That is where the trolley controls stand. I still see miners there from time to time. If anyone knows what happened to the Talos…"

Minfilia smiles. "...It would be them! Thank you, you've been a great help!"

Thacnred: "We're off to Mount Biran, then. Let's hope that someone will be there to answer our questions."

The quest ends.

If you speak with Urianger, he'll say: "Mayhap the pall of light is the root of this land's desolation. Or mayhap the fault lies with man and his insatiable greed..."

Speak to Minfilia, who says: "What a sight…" She turns to you. "Oh, pardon me! It's only… It's a bit daunting, isn't it?"

Thancred: "The scale of the track is impressive, I'll give them that. Now we only need follow it until we come to the mines."

The party moves on, and you follow them. It's a fair distance to the Mount Biran Mines. When you arrive, there's an obvious rail yard of trolley tracks.

Minfilia stands a short distance away from Thancred. "This lever can't have been designed for a person to operate…" she says when you speak to her.

Urianger isn't in sight, so instead you speak to Thancred, who says: "Bit of a mess, isn't it? But the mechanisms for dispatching the trolley are here, just as Zhun Zun said. Unfortunately, anyone who might know how to use them is not. We might wait for Zhun Zun's mysterious miners to appear, or have a look around and see if we can deduce anything useful in their absence. I'm in favor of the latter. Something near the entrance to the mines proper caught Urianger's eye. Meet us there if you find anything."

You have a look around the rail yard, first examining one of the iron rails. Flecks of rust adorn the rails, but they nevertheless appear sturdy enough to bear the trolley without issue.

Next you examine a trolley car. The benches within suggest that this must have been a passenger car. Oddly enough, though it is clearly old, it appears to be well maintained.

You stop to talk to Thancred again, who says, "As much as I wish we could count on someone conveniently appearing to explain all of this to us, I'm sure you're aware that we don't have the time to waste."

You finally go inside a building, and find a conspicuous cup. The cup is slightly warm, and a fair amount of tea—steeped overlong, if the color is any indication—remains within.

Having finished your search, you set off to find Urianger. He's indeed by the entrance to the mines, where the rails lead off into a darkened tunnel. Upon speaking to him, he says, "Ah, <first name>. What hast thou discerned?"

You relate what you have discovered, and he says, "I see… Indeed, thine observations are consistent with mine own. But let us refrain from further discussion ere our comrades arrive…"

The scene fades out a moment, and when it returns, you're relaying your findings to Thancred and Minfilia. Thancred says, "Ample evidence of recent maintenace, and lukewarm tea besides…"

Minfilia: "The levers for switching tracks looked like they were in good condition, though I couldn't move them myself. No ordinary person could, I think…"

Urianger: "It is my belief that no person is meant to." He turns around to look at the man-shaped mechanism sitting in a heap behind him. "This ‘Talos' beareth more than a passing resemblance to golems of the Source… Nor doth it appear to be the sole example of its kind. The proliferation of Talon fragments, as well as the enormity of the mechanisms here, suggest a considerable number were once in operation. Alas, this specimen and its fellows now lie lifeless and broken, and I know not how to repair them that they might facilitate our passage through the gate. And without the aid of the Talos, even if thou wert somehow able to unbar the trolley's path, we would still have no means of propelling it."

Thancred: "We might not know how to repair the Talos, but someone must. Otherwise, why keep everything else in working order? Whoever is maintaining the cars and rails must know something that we don't." He bows his head and closes his eyes a moment, then looks up straight at you. "Let's ask them what it is, shall we?"

Minfilia takes a step back in alarm, and Urianger shakes his head. Thancred speaks to you: "<first name>, I do believe you'll find a person of some interest skulking in the shadows behind the warehouses on the northwestern side of the tracks."

You turn your head in that direction, then turn back to look at Thancred and nod.

Thancred looks at Urianger. "While you two have a friendly chat, the rest of us will gently encourage those to the south to come out of hiding. Defend yourself as necessary, of course, but do try to keep everyone in one piece."

Minfilia and Urianger nod in turn, and Thancred says, "Off we go, then!" They ready their weapons and rush off.

You make your way to the warehouses as ordered, and find a Suspicious Man lurking there. You make your presence known, and he says, "Wicked white! Where did you come from? No, never mind that—you have no business here, of that I'm sure!"

He attacks, and you retaliate. Upon his defeat, he says, "<huff> What are you?" (it goes by fast.)

You then go find Thancred and the others. They're behind a tower, with a Fresh-faced Man and Well-muscled Man kneeling on the ground.

Well-muscled Man: "We… We won't let you… <wheeze>"

Fresh-faced Man: "That smarts…"

Minfilia: "I feel a bit bad for them…"

Urianger: "They elected to take up arms against us, though the outcome was plain from the first."

Thancred's got his arms crossed, and has his attention on you, over his shoulder. He says: "Good to hear." He then turns his attention to the men huffing on the ground. "These two weren't much trouble either. Let's see what they have to say for themselves."

Well-muscled Man: "Us? We're not the brigands come to… to take what isn't ours!"

Thancred: "Do we honestly look like we'd need to steal—what, some rusted bits of iron? Don't be absurd. We're not here to rob you."

The men stand. "A likely story," says the Well-muscled Man. "You look, well…"

The camera zooms in on Thancred, who has resting bitch face, then Minfilia, a fist clenched to her chest in worry, then Urianger, who's just standing there.

Well-muscled Man: "You don't look normal, that's for certain. You don't have any wares, so you're clearly not merchants. Travelers never pass this way. The only reason you would come all the way out here is to strip the machinery for parts."

Urianger closes his eyes at this, and the camera shifts to the two men. The Fresh-faced Man says, "Oh, Thaffe, I have an idea! What if, once upon a time… A lovely lady of noble birth ventured forth in search of her lost love, joined by her two most loyal servants, sworn to follow her unto world's end. On their journey, they met a sorcerer, as ancient as time itself. Moved by the lady's devotion, he offered to be their guide, and they…" He turns his head to look at the party. "...turned up here, somehow!"

Thancred is not amused. "...I can only assume that you're being intentionally obtuse, but in the unlikely event that that's a serious conjecture—no. I suppose I am a bodyguard of a sort, but we have rather larger concerns that faerie tale romances."

Urianger looks at Thancred. "Though I would fain here more of this ageless sorcerer and his heroic deeds…" he says.

Thancred shakes his head. "Gods grant me strength…."

Minfilia then says, "Um, if I may—we're actually searching for a means by which to travel to Nabaath Areng. We were hoping that the trolley here might offer a solution. I realize that we haven't gotten off to the best of starts, but if you know anything about how we might get it working again…"

Fresh-faced Man: "The trolley?" He looks at his friend.

Well-muscled Man: "The trolley!"

They turn to the party, and the music changes from sinister to friendly. Fresh-faced Man: "You should have led with that! We're always keen to discuss the trolley! We're both engineers-in-training, in fact. Jeryk and Thaffe, at your service."

Thaffe: "Technically, I'm a miner, and he does repair work. But our true passion is the trolley."

Jeryk: "We're working with a few other folks to get it up and running again. And before you ask—yes, it's true that there's little in need of transport these days. But that's no reasons to consign a miracle of mechanical innovation to dust. There mere sight of it traveling the track once again would make hearts soar, mark my words!"

Thaffe nods.

Thancred: "You'll hear no argument from us. What progress have you made thus far?"

Jeryk crosses his arms. "Not as much as we'd like, truth be told."

Minfilia: "Well, if there anything we could do to assist you? We could gather materials, or help put pieces together…"

Jeryk thinks on this, and Thaffe says: "It's a sight more complicated than that, I'm afraid. If you spoke with Magnus, you'd understand. He's the only one with full knowledge of the trolley's operation. I suppose you could speak with him, if you'd like. We'll introduce you."

The party turns to you, and you nod. They nod in return. Thancred says, "Very well. Our options are limited, and if this Magnus can explain whatever is preventing the trolley from being restored, I'd like to hear it."

Thaffe nods. "Right. It looks like you'll be following us back to Twine, then!"

You speak with everyone before setting off.

Minfilia: "A quest for a lost love… Perhaps that could have been me, had things been different."

Urianger: "Dost thou seek the sorcerer's wisdom, young one?"

Thancred: "<sigh> Come to think of it, Urianger always was fond of faerie tales…"

Jeryk: "To be honest, I'm impressed that you thought of the trolley to begin with. So few seem to, these days. Too used to living without it, I suppose."

Thaffe: "If you're ready, we can leave right now. Though… you haven't seen another fellow around here, have you? I thought he'd have come out by now."

You say something to Thaffe, explaining how you beat the guy up, and Thaffe says in response, "You ‘think' he'll be all right? That's, er… Well, I suppose we did force your hand a bit."

Jeryk: "I'll have a look. Just in case. You go on ahead, Thaffe."

Thaffe: "Alright. Looks like it'll just be you lot and me, then. Try not to let anything take a bite out of you on the way out of the rail yard."

The party walks off, leaving Jeryk behind. If you speak with Jeryk, he'll say, "We'll catch up with you in Twine."

The walk to Twine is not terribly long, but you'll stop at several locations along the way. At the first stop, Thaffe says, "Damn, that smarts. Did he have to thump me so hard? I'll be feeling that for the next fortnight at least… Naught to be done about it now, though. I've pointed your overeager companions in the right direction and they've gone on ahead, so we need to get moving. Normally we walk atop the tracks, but seeing as the young lady has a much shorter stride, that's more perilous a route than I'm comfortable suggesting. Wouldn't want anyone falling through the gaps. Of course, the low road presents other dangers, but having been on the receiving end of your friend's blows, I'm not worried on that account."

He walks off, and you follow.

The next stop occurs just before a bridge over a ravine.

Thaffe: "Wait a moment. I think I hear something… Oh, that's something, all right! Run!"

He runs off, leaving you to fight a gibbering coyote alone. You dispatch it, and continue on, across the bridge.

You walk on a bit, then find Thaffe in trouble underneath the trolley tracks. A pair of large birds—longneck phorusrhacos—are glaring at him. You defeat them, and then speak with Thaffe.

Thaffe: "Sorry about that. I'll admit—I didn't expect this route to be quite so fraught with danger. We're nearly to Twine, though, so we should make it without further incident."

He walks off again, and you follow once more. A short distance away, you find Twine, a small town of wooden buildings—and an aetheryte! You attune to it, then speak with the party.

Thancred: "Odd to find a place like this still occupied—it must have come dangerously close to being consumed by the Flood."

Urianger: "A testament to man's resilience, that civilization may yet be found at the very edge of the world…"

Minfilia: "The town is small, but everything in it seems so purposeful. It's amazing."

Thaffe: "This is it. Welcome to Twine! The original dwellings were built to house those laborers tasked with building the track. Over time miners came to seek their fortunes—and that's what made the town grow to what you see before you today. But it was still the trolley that brought them here. As you've doubtless noticed, the track goes to the very heart of the town. It was the heart of the town, back when the trolley still carried everyone home at the end of each hard day in the mines. Now there is no trolley—nor much work to be had in the minds, for that matter. The only residents that remain are the destitute, the delusional, and those with nowhere else to go. Or so they say."

He pauses a moment, then speaks on. "That should give you some indication of what to expect when you meet Magnus. As I said, it will help you understand why we can't get the trolley running. Just… don't expect too much aside from that."

Thaffe walks off, and Thancred says, "Well, that's encouraging. But I don't see that we have much choice. Let's go and meet the man."

The party follows after Thaffe, and so do you. You enter the nearby building, and find yourself in what is obviously a tavern. A few tables are scattered about the room, and a barkeep is standing behind the counter, arms crossed. At the far table sits a man hunched over, with a mess of bottles both upright and laying on their side in front of him.

You speak to Thaffe first, who says, "This is Magnus. He's our boss, of a fashion."

You then speak to Magnus, and we drop into a cutscene. Magnus looks up as he hears the door open. "Who are you supposed to be?" he says. "Never seen the three of you in my life."

The camera pivots to shows the party—you, Thancred, Minfilia and Urianger—standing and looking at Magnus. Magnus speaks on. "Or the… four of you? Wicked white, it you're going to bother me, at least have the damned courtesty to stand still!"

There's a quick cut as the camera focuses on the party. Urianger says, "Methinks this one is deep in his cups." You have a serious look on your face, as you nod in agreement.

The camera shifts back to Thaffe and Magnus. Thaffe says, "These are my guests, Magnus. We ran into them at the mines. They're looking for a way to reach Nabaath Areng, so they came to ask about the trolley, you see…"

Magnus: "What? There's nothing in Nabaath Areng. Not anymore." He looks at Minfilia. "And especially not for frail little girls. Give it up."

Minfilia: "...No. We must reach Nabaath Areng. I must."

Magnus: "Bah. So you have your heart set on it—the world doesn't care. The place is a ruin, nothing more." He shakes his head. "And you're not getting there in the trolley. The thing doesn't run on hopes and dreams."

Minfilia takes a step forward, but Thancred begins to speak and she steps back again.

Thancred: "We're not fools--it's necessity that drives us to Nabaath Areng. If you insist that the trolley is not an option, at least tell us why."

Magnus: "No. I'm sick of people asking me about the blasted thing. Leave me be." He stares forward, at nothing. The camera switches back to the party. You turn your head as Thancred says, "...We'll speak outside." Thancred and Urianger leave. You look at Minfilia a moment, and she turns and leaves too. You follow them outside, then speak to each of them in turn.

Urianger: "I sense there is more to this belligerent drunk and his tale…"

Thancred: "Stubborn arse."

Minfilia: "He only said that because… because he thinks I'm weak. And he's right. But I can't be—I won't be forever. There has to be some way… I must find it." After a moment, you speak with Minfilia again. "Oh! I'm sorry. I was… stuck in my own head again. It's clear that Magnus has no intention of helping us, but perhaps we should ask the other residents? They may know something of the trolley. I'll take the north side of town. Let me know if you learn anything!"

She runs off, and Urianger turns to Thancred. "Thancred, art thou truly content to stand witness to fate's course and take no part?"

Thancred: "This isn't a matter of fate, Urianger. It's about choice. And I've had years to decide where I stand. Minfilia has spent too long in chains already. I would not shackle her again by making my hopes known. It is for her to choose what shape her destiny will take. It is for me to stay silent. To protect her, teach her, and stand by her. That, at least, I can do for her." Thancred walks off, and Urainger turns to you. "...So be it," Urianger says. "Come, let us make our own inquiries."

You find Jeryk standing next to a small building. "Oh, there you are!" He says as you speak to him. "You'll be pleased to know that I got our friend back home with no trouble, and he's just fine. He was a bit shaken up, is all. And you? What did Magnus have to say?"

You relate the conversation with Magnus, and Jeryk says, "Ah. I did have a faint hope that your need might prompt him to action where our interest has not, but I suppose that was foolish of me. I am sorry that we couldn't be of help, though. I could at least show you the trolley car we have here, if you like? You could give it a stroke or two—it has some very smooth wood…"

The scene was too dark in the shadows of the building to see, but I think you shake your head here, because Jeryk goes on to say, "You mean to say you're not giving up? Even knowing that Magnus is… Magnus? I don't see much point in your being stubborn about it. Though… perhaps stubbornness is exactly what this calls for. Can't forge iron without an anvil, after all. I can't imagine that anything you try will work. But if you're certain, you can help me make preparations in the event that it does! To that end—take this toolbox. We're going to inspect the rails! I'll have a look along the tracks for anything that's in need of repair. You bring the tools, and be ready to hand them to me whenever I stop to work.

He runs off, and you follow him up the tracks. You find him a short distance from Twine, examining the tracks. "This spot looks like it could use a bit of work," he says. "Can you ready the tools for me?"

You open the box, revealing the proud array of lovingly maintained tools within.

Jeryk: "Brilliant! Now, if you could hand me what I need as I work, that would be a help."

There's sort of a mini-game here as you have to choose which tool to give him. I'm not going to bother to transcribe it all. You stop twice to give him the tools, then he says something about being finished… unless you want to stop and admire the view?

The scene shifts to pan over the tracks as Jeryk speaks. "Mining has always been the primary vocation of folks in the Hills of Amber, you see. But after a certain point, they had dug up everything that could easily be reached and carried back by manpower alone. It was then that the Nabaath Empire struck upon the idea of the Talos, which they had seen at work abroad. At great expense, the Nabaath brought the Mystel engineers who specialized in Talos here, to the Hills. And wouldn't you know it, the mining industry picked right up again."

The camera now pans over Twine as Jeryk continues speaking. "Twine itself sprung up around that time, as a matter of fact. It was named after the ‘entwining of tails'—the fruitful cooperation between the native Ronso and the newly come Mystel. But that, like so much else, fell apart in the wake of the Flood. The Mystel left, taking their knowledge with them. It was fifteen years ago that the last of them, the folks from Daedalus Stoneworks, took off for Eulmore. And now no one remains that can repair and operate the Talos. But there's no use in lamenting what can't be changed."

He speaks on. "And there's one more thing we need to do while we're out here, so we might as well get to it. Vultures occasionally make their nests on the tracks, you see, and if falls to us to remove them when they do. The creatures are angry when disturbed—which is natural, but nevertheless a danger to anyone passing by. It's not my favorite task, to be honest with you. As you may have noticed, I'm not terribly suited to confrontation. That said—would you follow the tracks north and remove any nests you find for me? I'll keep on eye on things from here."

You remove three nests on the tracks leading back to Mount Biran Mines, dispatching the angry Vultures that appear when you do so, then return back to Jeryk.

Jeryk: "Thank you. That should be everything taken care of. In return for your help, I'll tell you a bit more about the trolley. Nothing that can get it started again, though--as I said, the only people who knew how to repair the Talos are long gone. When they left, the life began to bleed out of the town. The trolley's tracks rusted, and its cars fell into disrepair. Now, I was born in Twine, raised there—my first word was ‘trolley,' dammit—and those were the worst years of my life. But then, about seven years past, Magnus and his wife returned to us. Magnus is a real, proper trolley engineer, and perhaps he would never have left in the first place—if it hadn't been for his son. As you're well aware, Amh Araeng is hardly the safest place, and Magnus wanted his child to grow up away from its dangers. It didn't help, in the end. The sin eaters got the boy. Isn't that always the way? The child had always said that someday, he wanted to see Magnus's trolley running again—so in his memory, they returned to Twine. Started fixing those rusted rails and broken cars. And it was going well, for a time…"

He stops as you hear the sound of a bird call. "Wicked white, vultures? Are they back for revenge? Never mind, I don't want to find out!" He runs off back towards Twine. You follow him back to town, and upon speaking to him, he says, "Ahem. Nice work out there. And now you know the story of the trolley. Won't do you much good without the Talos, though. If there was even a single one that still functioned, things might be different, but… well, here we are."

After a moment, you speak with Jeryk again, who says, "Not that it'll do you any good, but we do have a Talos we've been meaning to repair. I can show you if you'd like. It'd certainly be nice to hear something other than Magnus's griping for a change."

He walks off, and you follow. You find the Unrepaired Talos in a heap under the watchtower. Jeryk is there, along with Urianger who is staring at the Talos intently.

Jeryk: "Looks like someone's already beat us here, but please—look about as much as you like."

Urianger: "Thou art come to examine the Talos?"

You examine the Talos and the camera drops into a cutscene. It shows the Talos kneeling on the ground, head bent. Urianger says, "Truly a most vexing state of affairs. I thought mayhap a closer examination might yield something of value…"

You turn to Urianger and relay the conversation you had with Jeryk about the Talos. Urianger then says, "I see. The means to build Talos stone by stone are lost to us, ‘tis true, but here before us slumbers a most fine specimen. Indeed, were it not for a few minor failings it would be in working condition. ‘Twill likely require naught but a few modest repairs and a suffusion of aether."

Jeryk reacts with surprise at this, and runs towards Urianger. "Well, if you think you can get the thing up and running, far be it from me to stop you. But, what exactly do you reckon is the problem?"

Urianger turns to Jeryk, then looks over his own shoulder back at the Talos. "I should stress that I have performed only the most cursory of examinations, though such arcane constructs are not wholly unfamiliar to me. As I did suspect from the first, it is host to a network of veins through which aether floweth freely." He turns back to Jeryk. "Or so it would, were it not for several fractures which now impede said flow."

Jeryk: "How in the hells did you get all that from just a glance? I take it you've thought up a solution as well, then?"

Urianger: "To bridge these fissures requireth a material highly conductive to aether. Once in place, I believe it will be possible to restore the Talos to life."

Urianger then turns to you. "Might I prevail upon thee to acquire that which we require? Not far beyond the walls of Twine dwelleth a creature of living stone—the debitage. Full sure am I that stone from such a being would prove most suitable to our needs."

You nod and give your classic "Let me at it!" gesture. Urianger then says, "Very good. I shall have Thancred and Minfilia attend me in the remaining preparations. I spied but three obstructions to the flow of aether in the Talos, and thus would I ask you provide three stones of the debitage. All else will be made ready upon thy return."

Jeryk jumps for joy, and the cutscene ends.

You speak with the two before going about your task. Jeryk says, "Wish we had a mage like him around sooner. As you might imagine, we've had trouble convincing people to come here to help. They either refuse outright or demand payment far beyond anything we could hope to afford. It's why we've made such little progress in repairing the Talos. We've pored over every scrap of paper left behind by Daedalus Stoneworks hoping we might learn how it's done, but there just isn't enough."

Urianger: "Worry not, <first name>. Preparations here will be complete ere long."

Right outside Twine's entrance are the stone debitages you seek. You quickly dispatch three of them, then return to Urianger.

Urianger: "Thancred and Minfilia will return ere long with the remaining supplies we require. Didst thou succeed in procuring stone from the debitage?"

You hand them over. Urianger then says, "Fine specimens one and all. You have my thanks. We need now but wait for Thancred and Minfilia's return."

The camera drops into cutscene, showing the entire party and Jeryk in front of the Talos. Urianger is working on it. He turns and says, "From end to end, the paths by which aether may flow through the Talos have been duly mended." He turns back to the Talos. "They but require a sufficient enduement."

He holds out his hand, infusing the Talos with aether. The camera focuses on Thancred, who crosses his arms a moment, then uncrosses them and says, "It's… not moving."

Urianger: "Strange… The core refuseth to stir. I fear the condition of this Talos is more dire than I previously surmised. As a heart driveth blood through a man's veins, so doth the core aether throughout this massive frame. Failing its repair or replacement, the Talos cannot be restored."

Jeryk says, "So it was the heart after all.."

Urianger: "Thou didst foresee this outcome?"

Jeryk: "Well, no. Not exactly. We'd never gotten this far in trying to repair it, so we had no way of knowing the heart was the real problem. We tried to find another. In case things turned out as they are now, but…"

He looks upset, and bows his head.

Minfilia: "...Jeryk?"

Jeryk: "This isn't really my story to share."

Minfilia takes a step, and says, "Please, Jeryk. If something went wrong, maybe we can help."

Jeryk looks up, and glances around at the party, who's all looking at him intently. He reacts with surprise. "All right, all right. After all you lot have done for me, I suppose it's the least I can do."

The cutscene ends, as does the current quest. You speak with the party before addressing Jeryk again.

Urianger: "Though the Talos yet wants for a beating heart, it would appear thine efforts were not for naught."

Thancred: "What could be so terrible he'd want to keep it from us?"

Minfilia: "I hope Jeryk doesn't get in trouble for telling us what happened."

You then speak to Jeryk, who says, "Right, then. The Talos… their hearts cannot be made of just any stone. You need a special sort with sufficient aetherial conductivity. Both it and the other materials used in the construction of Talos bodies are mined in the same place… That place, of course, being here. The Hills of Amber… And it was three years ago when… when she…"

He pauses, then speaks again. "No, no I can't. I'm sorry, but you'll have to hear it from Thaffe or someone else." He runs off.

Thancred: "<sigh> Back to the tavern, then."

You speak to the trio before heading back to the tavern.

Minfilia: "This is all my fault. I never should have pressured him.

Thancred: "You don't suppose Thaffe is going to run off too, do you?"

Urianger has his eyes fixed on the Talos. When you speak to him, he says, "What terrible tragedy befell him years ago, I wonder…"

You then head to the tavern, where you find Thaffe still standing next to the table where Magnus had been drinking… but Magnus is no where to be found.

Thaffe: "Still here, eh? You can ask again, but the answer's the same. Our trolleys are—"

You interrupt him and explain the situation. He responds, "What!!? Godsdammit Jeryk. You could've at least finished so I wouldn't have to clean up your mess. Seeing how you made such quick progress in fixing that Talos and all, he was probably thinking you could help change things around here. And I think he may be right… Gather your friends, and I'll tell you what you want to know."

The scene drops back into cutscene, the party standing and listening to Thaffe. Thaffe has his arms crossed, eyes downcast. After a moment he uncrosses his arms and looks up, speaking.

Thaffe: "Magnus's wife was a miner, you know. Greatest prospector there ever was. When the golem hearts started failing, she was the first to head out in search of more. Problem was, most of the veins ran dry ages ago, and finding fresh ones to tap's only gotten harder. But she wasn't one to be deterred. She just kept digging deeper and deeper. And then the mine collapsed. We labored day and night to clear away the rubble, but it took us two months to find her… …To find her body. Magnus has never been the same since."

Minfilia looks up at this, then bows her head. Thancred looks around the room they are in.

Thancred: "Where is he, if you don't mind my asking?"

Thaffe: "Ah, yes, well… if he's not here, there's only one other place he'd be."

The scene shifts to outdoors. The party is slowly walking towards the small graveyard in the town. Magnus is sitting in front of a grave, drinking from a bottle of wine. He looks up as Thancred draws near.

Magnus: "What? Oh… You again. How many times must I tell you—the trolley won't run! We'd be better off dismantling the damn thing and selling the parts for scrap. Now piss off back to wherever you came from, and don't let me catch you around here again."

Thancred: "...What were their names?"

Magnus lifts his head a bit. "My son was named Skuli. My wife, Agna." He looks down at the bottle in his hand. "Being here with them… it beats going home. Home stopped being home when I lost them. I thought to try and drown my sorrows...but somehow… the bottle's never deep enough."

Thancred: "No bottle is. Believe me—I know."

Magnus: "You've lost someone too?"

Thancred: "Not like you. Not my own flesh and blood,. I grew up an orphan, so I never really knew what family meant." He looks up to the sky. "Not until I met a man who offered to take me in and make me his pupil. He was a kindly soul. Always looking out for me, like a father. Not that I appreciated that at the time, or anything else for that matter…"

The scene shits to to a glimpse of the wild goobbue attack in Ul'dah that killed Minfilia's father.

Thancred: "But I finally had a family. And then…. And then I robbed a young girl of hers. I did my best to make amends, to offer her comfort. But the more I look back on it, the more I realized just how inadequate my efforts were. I let her down. That is why I refuse to let her legacy die." He closes his eyes a second, and his when he opens then, they shift to look out the corner of his eyes, at the young Minfilia. "In the end, all we can do is press on. For those we have lost. For those we can yet save. And that requires your Talos. Please, Magnus. You are our only hope of reaching Nabaath Areng."

Magnus: "...What rubbish."

Thancred turns and walks back to the rest of the group. As he reaches them, Minfilia speaks. "She's not gone. No matter what you say or believe, she's not."

Thancred looks at her then approaches her slowly. Minfilia has her head bowed, but then she looks up at him. "We can still bring her back," she says.

She bows her head again. Thancred steps in front of her, and puts a hand on top of her head. She reacts with surprise, and then Thancred walks off. The scene ends.

You walk to Magnus and speak to him, but he only says, "If not for those damned Talos, she'd… she'd…"

You then return to Thaffe, Minfilia and Urianger. You speak to Thaffe, who says, "I wish there was more we could do for you, I truly do. But after Agna's accident, no one is allowed near those mines."

Minfilia: "Why must he always treat me like this…"

Urianger: "Full well do I know the pain of loss and how heavily it can weigh on one's heart. Nevertheless, there is but one way forward. We must needs procure a new heart for the Talos." He turns to Thaffe. "Thaffe. Knowest thou any location wherein we might find the stone we require? No matter how scant the possibility, we would seize it."

Thaffe: "I told you near all of the veins were tapped dry years ago. ...Though I suppose, if you really wanted to try, you may find something at Nuvy's Leavings. It was opened well before Talos became commonplace, which is why the mining there was never quite as deep. When you get there, look for Guthjon and tell him I sent you. But don't be surprised if he tells you the same thing."

Urianger: "Thine assistance is most appreciated." Urianger turns to you. "<first name> I think it best Thancred join thee in this search. Though he wouldst be quick to deny it, his heart is in turmoil, and his thoughts clouded. ‘Twould be unwise to ignore his distress."

You speak to Thaffe one more time, who says, "Guthjon has worked in these mines longer than near anyone I know. You'd do well to heed his advice in there."

So you take off to find Thancred, and find him leaning against one of the supports of the town's wooden fence. "Off to somewhere, are you?" he says as you approach. You explain the situation, and he responds, "At least, a lead on the stone we need to power the Talos. I can't very well have you go on your own. Lead the way. I'd say we're long overdue for a good turn. I can only hope the gods feel the same way. Now, Nuvy's Leavings was to the south, was it? Let's get going." He walks off.

You follow, and find him standing outside the mine, peering in. "The way you described it, I was expecting the place to be abandoned. Perhaps our fortunes are finally improving. Though we should probably hear what Guthjon has to say before we celebrate—assuming we can find him, that is…"

Thancred enters the mine, and you follow. You find him a few chambers in, standing before Guthjon. "Is this our man?" Thancred asks when you approach.

Guthjob's had his back turned to you. He turns now and says, "Hm? Who are you, and what are you doing in here?"

You explain, and he responds, "Well, you should have listened to Thaffe. You're wasting your time."

Thancred: "But this site is not as developed as the others, is it not? Surely there must be something left."

Guthjon turns to Thancred. "I should explain. The stone you're looking for is leonine. All the Talos in the Hills of Amber are powered using them. Or were, at least. Anyway, whatever's left—it anything—is too far below to be safely excavated. In the deepest reaches of the mine, we used Talos to keep the pathways from collapsing. They're still there, but they could give out at any time, which is why much of the mine is closed off."

Thancred: "Then our only option is to search the higher levels for any fragments of leonine that may have been overlooked."

Guthjom: "Hmm… I suppose there may be one other way,"

Thancred takes a step forward. "Well? Don't leave us in suspense."

Guthjon: "What you're asking for is a trade secret. I'll need to be duly compensated in exchange."

Thancred: "<sigh> Fine. What do you want?"

Guthjon: "The other day I found a Voeburt gold piece down in the mines. A bloody Voeburt gold piece! And wouldn't you know it, I dropped the damned thing somewhere while I was working. Find it, and I'll tell you what you want to know."

Thancred: "You drive a hard bargain, sir, but we'll take it." Thancred turns to you. "It seems we have our work cut out for us, <first name>. Thankfully, I have an idea for how we might hurry things along."

You question Thancred, who says, "As I'm sure you've noticed, despite their best effort to illuminate the corridors, it's rather dark in here. Meaning it will be that much harder to find a single coin hiding in the shadows. That's why I propose we use these—sundrops. They help the eye take in more light. Why don't you start your search further in, and I handle this area here? I'll retrace your steps after in case you happen to miss it. If you feel the drops' efforts wearing off, I can give you more, so don't worry,"

You venture deep in the mines, examining all dark shadows you see. The third such shadow is at a dead end. As you search the shadows, a glint catches your eye. You turn over a rock and find the Voeburt gold piece!

You return to Thancred and speak to him. He says, "I was hoping he dropped the gold piece somewhere closer to the entrance. More fool me for thinking Lady Luck was on our side…"

You hand over the gold piece, and Thancred says, "...Or maybe she is. Yours at least. In the end, my contribution was little more than poor company."

You have your choice of saying:

I said the first line.

Thancred: "So you say, but you have a proven knack for success regardless of circumstances. I doubt very much I could've discovered it unassisted." He continues on. "I only managed to survive the Coerthan wilderness and the imperial capital by virtue of extensive preparation—a habit of mine since childhood, and one of my few positive traits which endeared me to Louisoix, I imagine. It hasn't been easy finding ways to compensate for my… condition. Every tool and trinket has proven vital to my continued success—such as it is. Had I chosen to pursue the arcane arts rather than espionage, well... I'd rather not think on it. So long as I have the means to protect those dear to me, and to see my duties through, that's all that matters. Now let's hurry and see that returned to Guthjon. The sooner we get back to Urianger and Minfilia, the better."

You speak with Guthjon, who says, "You're back. Wait, does that mean…?" You hand over the gold piece. "I'll be damned. You actually found it!" he says. "Well, a deal's a deal. But don't think this means you'll find what you're after." He pauses a moment. "To be honest, I wasn't sure you could pull it off. But you did, and I'm a man of my word. Come with me."

You follow him out of the mine, and find him standing near a group of small crates which act as a makeshift table. As you speak with him, the camera drops into a cutscene, first focused on the brilliantly light sky. The camera pans down to the three of you.

Guthjon: "<sigh> Every time I step out of those mines the sky seems to get brighter. I'd never leave them if the air weren't so stale…" He turns to you. "But you're not come to hear my grievances. You're after leonine. First, I have to ask—you ever heard of rockworms?"

Thancred: "Rockworms? I know them by another name, though I'm fairly certain the locals call them knockers."

Guthjon: "Aye, that they do. Whatever you want to call them, those little bastards may be the answer to your troubles. They can fit through cracks and crevices down where we could never hope to reach. And, on occasion, they come back with something valuable."

You and Thancred both react in surprise. Thancred takes a step forward. "They dig up leonine in the mines?"

Guthjon: "It's a rare occurrence, but yes. That said, it usually amounts to no more than a few flakes."

Thancred: "Well our only other option sounds tantamount to suicide. So how can we draw out these rockworms?"

Guthjon turns and points at something in the distance. "Over by that shack, you'll find a bag full of smoke bombs. Set off a few in the mines and you'll flush them out in no time. Once they're out in the open, knock ‘em senseless and check their backs." He turns back to you. "I should warn you this method of mining, if you can even call it that, is used as a last resort on account of what little they're like to bring back. You'll want to cover as much ground as you can if you hope to find anything of value. Assuming you do find something, bring it here and I'll have a look."

Thancred: "We should split up if we're to cover more ground as he suggests. If you can cover these three areas on your map, I'll see to the parts between them." He hands over a map, then saunters off.

You go to the small shack and pick up the smoke bombs, then make your way back into the mine. At each of the three locations Thancred marked, you insert a smoke bomb into a crevice and set it off. After setting the last smoke bomb, you hear a rumble. Investigating some nearby rubble yields the discovery of some knockers! Seven times, you examine rumble and knock out a trio of knockers at each location.

Your job done, you return to Thancred and Guthjon outside. Speak to Thancred and he says, "I found my fair share of rocks. Hopefully there's leonine among them."

You turn to Guthjon, who says, "There you are. Find anything promising?" You turn over the seven glittering rocks you found. "Between the two of you I'd say you've got quite the haul," Guthjon says. "Best get comfortable, friends. It's going to take time for me to sift through all this."

The scene drops into a cutscene again, showing Guthjon examining the rocks. He nods. The camera them shows you and Thancred a short distance away, watching. The camera shifts to behind Thancred, looking over his shoulder as Thancred ponders the mine entrance. "You may not remember this about our Minfilia…" he starts.

You turn your head to look at Thancred, who's still considering the mine. "But prior to founding the Path of the Twelve, long before the Scions, she was something of a miner." He finally turns to look at you, but he's not smiling. "After her father died, F'lhaminn took her in and taught her the trade. I think they were both seeking to fill the voice left by a loved one. Maybe that's why she took to it so readily."

He finally closes his eyes, smiles, and looks up at the sky as he continues. "Back in those days, I spent most of my time in the Quicksand or some other tavern, loosening tongues and gathering secrets. Occasionally, I'd catch a glimpse of her in the street, on her way home after another hard day's work. I always felt a relief when I saw she'd come back safe… along with a pang of guilt at the fact I wasn't there to support her as I should've been. Simply speaking with her more than once in a blue moon would've been a good start, but I could never bring myself to do it. Instead, I threw myself into my ‘work' and became every drunkard's best friend.

The camera switches to you as you shift to turn fully towards Thancred. You can say one of two lines:

I said the second one.

Thancred: "Far from it—and F'lhaminn has never let me live it down."

His smile drops and he turns serious as he looks to the horizon again. "But that was a lifetime ago. Here and now I have another chance to do things right, and I will not squander it again."

Thancred still has his eyes on the sky when Guthjon calls out. "Hey! Come and see what I've found! You're not going to believe this!"

The two of you rush to Guthjon's side. "Tell me it's leonine," Thancred says, his face still set in a serious manner.

Guthjon nods. "It is, at that! You lot were born lucky. It's mostly broken pieces—but look at this!"

He hands over a large rock to Thancred, whose voice lightens a bit as he says, "This is a rather fine specimen," though he still has that serious look on his face.

Guthjon: "It's been decades since we've found anything approaching this big! But that's not all—there's an engraving on it."

You both look intently at the rock. Thancred has it up close to his face. "Ah, these scratches here? They're a little hard to make out."

The camera shifts to the rock in Thancred's hand, where indeed a series of scratches are on the rock. Thancred reads them aloud. "'To my beloved Magnus and Skuli.'" He looks up, shocked, and you as well turn to look at Guthjon with surprise.

Guthjon: "Yes! Do you see!? It was a gift to Magnus from his wife! She found it. She really found it. She must've spent her final hours carving this message into the stone, in the hope that he might see it one day. Those rock-backed bastards must've made off with it before we could clear a path to her." He bows his head a moment. "It's fate that brought you here to find this stone. No other explanation. Makes me wonder what else might still be buried in these parts."

You smile, and both you and Thancred turn to look at the mine as the camera sweeps over it. The cutscene ends.

You speak with Thancred, who says, "I had hoped we would fine leonine, but to find that particular specimen is nothing short of a miracle."

Guthjon: "I wouldn't believe it had I not seen it for myself. Before you set it in the Talos, would you take it to Magnus? For three long years he's believed she died for nothing. He must know the truth—that her sacrifice was not in vain."

Thancred: "We'll take it straight to him. You have my word. Thank you, Guthjon, for all your help." Thancred turns to you. "Right, then. Let's not keep everyone waiting.

You hurry back to Twine, where you find Magnus still sitting dejectedly in front of the grave. Thancred stands next to him. "Gods. What do we say?" Thancred says as you approach.

As you speak to Magnus, it drops into cutscene again. Magnus looks up at Thancred. "...What? Oh, it's you. If you've come to complain about the trolley, you'll find no sympathy from me. I told you before it won't run, and you wouldn't listen."

Thancred: "Oh, but it will. Now that we have this." Thancred holds out the stone. "Your name is engraved on it, along with your son's. It was a gift from your wife, Magnus. From Agna."

Magnus stands and takes the stone, lifting it up to peer at it. "No… No, she couldn't have… Agna…" He drops his hand, then his head, then holds the stone back out to Thancred. "Take it. Do with it what you will."

Thancred takes it back. "Are you certain? It would delay our plans, but—"

Magnus shakes his head. "I said take it. It was you who found it, you who needs it. Looking at that stone, all I can see is… is…" He turns and sits back down. "Please, just leave me be."

Thancred: "I hope you're be there when the Talos stirs to life. I'm sure she'd want you to see it."

Magnus moves his head slightly, but doesn't say anything.

Thancred turns to you, holding out the stone. "Would you do the honors of delivering this to Urianger?"

You nod and take it. Thancred walks off.

You return to the unrepaired Talos, and find Thancred there with the others. You speak with each of them in turn.

Minfilia: "Sorry I couldn't be of more help. By the sounds of it, you have a knack for handling strange requests. On the bright side, Urianger taught me a lot about the Talos and their hearts. I think I can help if they need further repairs."

Thancred; "Finally we can move on the Nabaath Araeng. Assuming this works, of course."

Jeryk, shouting: "You found leonine? Truly? Then what are we waiting for—let's get that trolley moving!"

Thaffe: "You what!? By the gods, I didn't think it possible."

Urianger: "Thou art returned, and with leonine it would seem. As promised, the Talos hath been made ready to receive its heart, thanks in no small part to Jeryk, Thaffe, and Minfilia. At last we shall return time to the timeless, this sentinel of stone, that we may press on towards Nabaath Araeng."

You hand over the leonine. Urianger takes it. "Very good. Now, let us begin," he says.

A voiced cutscene starts. Urianger says, "Preparations for the enchantment are complete. When the heart hath been suffused with a sufficient quantity of aether, the golem should be restored to life."

Urianger turns to Thaffe and Jeryk. Thaffe says, "All right then. Whenever you're ready." Jeryk nods.

Urianger nods, and turns back to the Talos. He closes his eyes a moment, then suffuses the Talos with aether. The Talos's eyes begin to glow. Jeryk and Thaffe react with surprise. The Talos slowly stands. "It's working! It's working!" Thaffe says.

The scene shifts to slightly outside the watchtower. You see a foot take a step, and the camera pans up to show Magnus, a look of wonderment on his face.

Thaffe turns to the sound of the footstep. "M...Magnus." he says.

Magnus slowly walks up to the Talos, which is standing at attention, dipping its knees a bit in rhythm. Magnus looks up at it. "You left me for this..this wretched heap of stone and rubble…" He drops his wine bottle and steps closer to the Talos. He leans forward, placing his forehead on the Talos' chest, and punches it with his left fist. "This worthless pile of earth. And yet… I can't… I can't…"

Magnus has his eyes closed. The camera flashes to Thaffe and Jeryk. Then the camera focues on Minfilia, who bows her head, then runs off, upset. Urainger watches her go.

The scene shifts to show Minfilia sitting on one of the town's cliffs, legs drawn up and hands clenched on her knees. Urianger slowly walks up to her. "What troubleth thee, child?" he asks.

Minfilia: "I shouldn't be here. I don't deserve to be. I don't deserve any of the things you've done for me! I'm just a burden, helpless and hopeless. If tomorrow came and I was gone, it would be better for everyone!"

Urianger kneels next to her as she continues. "Thancred most of all. He'll never admit it, but I can see it in his eyes…" She closes her eyes and speaks yet more, obviously upset. "I wish he'd just say it—just say that he hates me! That he wishes I was dead so that she could return…"

Urianger places his hand on Minfilia's head. "None of this is thy doing, child. ‘Twas I who set the Oracle on her path unto the First. I who condemned you all to suffer these torments. ‘Tis my sin alone, and one that will haunt me unto my dying day." He removes his hand from her head and looks out over the hills of Amber. "Yet I dare not dwell overlong on my many regrets, for the world is a tapestry of fates, interwoven and inseparable, and we who strive to better it cannot choose but make difficult decisions. For naught of worth was ever achieved without sacrifice. And thus must man ever struggle to weigh life against loss."

Minfilia looks up at Urianger, who's still looking out over the hills. Urianger continues: "The one for whom thou mournest beareth no grudge." He finally turns to look down at Minfilia again. "Where she here, she would not suffer thee to languish in sorrow. She would tell thee to seek thine own path, thine own purpose." His eyebrows lift in a slight sadness. "It is a truth which I myself was slow to learn. Yet a truth it remaineth." He places a hand back on her head. "Thou needst but have faith. Have faith and all will be well."

Minfilia's lips part a bit as she takes this all in. Urianger drops his hand. The scene shifts to you and Thancred in the shadows nearby, watching.

You can say:

I said the first line.

Thancred: "Not today." he says, his eyes on Minfilia. The camera pans up over the windmill, and the scene ends.

Meanwhile, in the Crystarium…

The Crystal Exarch stands at the portal in his chamber, watching the Talos come alive in the Hills. The door opens and Emet-Selch walks in.

The Exarch does not turn. "To what do I owe the pleasure that is your extended stay?"

Emet-Selch: "Oh, to the tediousness of our heroes' present endeavors. That, and the insufferable abundance of Light in Amh Araeng. I should be glad to keep my distance." He yawns and stretches. "I'm rather fond of sleep, you know. Wonderful way to pass the time. Not that my compeers would agree, mind you. Always on the move, the lot of them. Like Lahabrea, constantly jumping from vessel to vessel. Such fire, such determination! So much passion, fleeting and forgotten…"

The Exarch turns his head slightly, but does not speak.

Emet-Selch then questions the Exarch. "Come to think of it, Exarch, I don't believe I've ever seen you retire to your chambers for so much as forty winks. However do you keep your eyes from closing?"

The camera shifts back to show the Exarch, still staring at the portal. He says nothing. We see Emet-Selch over his shoulder.

"The cold shoulder," Emet-Selch says. "You wound me, sir. Always so guarded in our every interaction—interactions you curiously refrain from sharing with the Scions and their champion…"

The Exarch finally speaks, but does not turn. "And risk souring your budding relationship? I think not. Much as I dislike you, there are more useful targets for her energies. And I am not in the habit of pointing her at my enemies like a weapon."

Emet-Selch: "Is that right? Fond of her, are you?" He bows his head, eyes closing, then opens them again but does not fully lift his head. "You continue to fascinate me, Exarch. But tell me: who are you?"

The camera slowly moves so the Exarch is centered in the scene and we can no longer see Emet-Selch over his shoulder. The Exarch remains silent.

The camera spins around Emet-Selch, who has his hands outstretched as he speaks. "The once-great nation whose ingenuity gave birth to this tower was shaped by my hand. As such, I know full well the wonders it can facilitate...and those it cannot." He drops his hands. "There is nothing in these walls which could have aided you in summoning our dear friend across time and space. Much less in possession of her mortal flesh! Not even I could have performed such a feat."

The camera switches back to the view of the Exarch in foreground, Emet-Selch in background over his shoulder. "I see…" says the Exarch. "You had a hand in Allag as well." He finally turns to Emet-Selch. "You would know what I am? I am the adjudicator of the sacred history with which you dared trifle. I am keeper of this tower's boundless wisdom. The wisdom of ages without age. Of everywhere and nowhere. The great work of those who tamed the wings of time, and grasped the nature of the rift. ‘Tis a boon born of sacrifices yet unmade… The parting gift of brave heroes who will one day give their lives for a brighter future."

The camera had panned up to the ceiling. It now switches to a point at the Exarch's feet, looking up at him. Behind him is the scene in Twine, Magnus still standing in front of the Talos as Urianger looks on. The Exarch speaks again. "I will not see their hopes and dreams squandered. The history which led us here will be unwritten. I promise you that."

The camera flashes to Emet-Selch, his eyes opening, a look of pain on his face. The camera flashes back to the Exarch, who gives a brief half-smile.

Once more, the camera focuses on Emet-Selch. "Well, it seems we are both eager to fulfill our duties, then."

Exarch: "On that much we are in agreement." The Exarch turns to look at the portal again, and the scene ends.

The scene shifts back to Twine. You speak with Minfilia, who responds, "<sniff> I'm fine. Really. It's just been a long day."

Thancred is leaning against a staircase behind Minfilia. "I only want what's best for her. If only she could see that…" he says.

Urianger: "Mine apologies for the delay. Minfilia and I had a private matter to discuss. Which bringeth me to the question—how didst thou find Thancred during your search?"

You explain, and Urianger reponds, "He spoke of Minfilia? Of his own accord? I see… ‘Tis well that he did, and with such candor. I attempted to broach the subject before. Mine intention was to ensure no words remained unspoken between them, lest tragedy intercede. A regret I myself know all too well. Alas, in the end he refused to heed my counsel. A time will come when they must face the reality of their circumstances. But I have faith that all will be well in time… Now, let us not tarry any longer. The Talos and Nabaath Areng await."