Gaius's Intentions

[Cont13]

Didn't see a thread like/for this anywhere else, thought I'd take a crack at this. Don't think its too spoilerific, just drawing from existing lore and inferences.

Throughout the main storyline I wondered what Gaius's endgame was and his obsession with conquering Eorzea, something commented on by several characters throughout the game. Three attempts across fifteen years from several different angles, ultimately going it alone on the last attempt. What is it about this one region that demands his brand of leadership?

The situation in Garlemald seems to be tense at best, with the emperor rumored to be on his deathbed. Whether Gaius received his blessing to take another shot at Eorzea is never really established, though he was said to have become disillusioned with taking it after the fall of Dalamud. Along with the strategic value of the region, with its abundant aether, Gaius seems convinced that the only way forward for Eorzea and its people is under Garlean management.

[Cont13]

But it seems their may be another motivation. References are made throughout the game to Gaius's abilities as a governor and commander, and he's seen to be a competent leader throughout 1.x and ARR. Add to this that he was once a favored general of the emperor and has conquered several other cities and regions as well. His sword is said to have spilled the blood of nine "aspirants" to the crown.

In addition, his insistence that "only a man of power can rightly steer the course of civilization", the cornerstone of his worldview, applies just as much to Garlemald as it does to regions like Eorzea; Rhitatyn sas Arvina attests to this in his monologue regarding Gaius's conquer of his homeland. And FINALLY, according to the known world we have to work with and the testimony of several major characters, including Cid, Eorzea is one of, if not the last, of the remaining lands that has eluded imperial domination.

[Cont13]

Therefore, taking all of these factors into account, it seems to me that perhaps Gaius's ultimate goal was to establish a legitimate and indisputable claim to the Garlean throne. His quote near the end of the story, "Your defeat shall serve as proof of my readiness to rule", me apply to Garlemald as easily as it does to Eorzea. His comments after being defeated for the final time could be interpreted to reflect his opinions on the ongoing situation in the empire as well, which seems to be paralyzed with indecision and politics now that its first and to-date only leader is on the verge of death.

[Starkbeaumont]

Well he kinda lost it in the 5 years between 1.o and 2.o. And the deal with the Ascians wasn't really helpful to his mind...

It seems he felt the empire might struggle at one point and only a strong person (like he thinks of himself) might be able to safe it from fall. And to show this he choose to finish what Nael failed on. (cause it always seemed like Nael van Darnus had a really good reputation in the empire)

So in the end he was just jealous :-)

[Kayokane]

well when Gaius was helping us in the Meteor quest line of 1.x his entire purpose for doing so was to prevent the complete destruction of Eorzea, so he could take it over. ("What point is there in ruling over ashes" I believe he said to Nael in an Echo hop)

[Anonymoose]

Between the supplementary sources, my Version 1.0 records, and the Version 2.0 storyline, I have enough to write a piece on Gaius that's very similar to the Rise and Fall of the White Raven, but I'm very hesitant to do so at this time because no sources from Square Enix have been as quick to say, "Yeah, he's dead. We're moving on from him." as they were about Nael van Darnus. I don't want to jump the gunblade...

[Catapult]

Between the supplementary sources, my Version 1.0 records, and the Version 2.0 storyline, I have enough to write a piece on Gaius that's very similar to the Rise and Fall of the White Raven, but I'm very hesitant to do so at this time because no sources from Square Enix have been as quick to say, "Yeah, he's dead. We're moving on from him." as they were about Nael van Darnus. I don't want to jump the gunblade...

I actually think they are indeed moving on. They've put enough work into Nero to frame him as the next big bad, which is reinforced by his appearance in the A Realm Awoken trailer.

You... could always end the article with the words "As to whether he somehow survived the detonation of the castrum? None can be certain, for his body has not been found."


As for Gaius' intentions? I do not believe he sought the Throne. If he did, he'd be back in Garlemald right now, jostling with all the other contenders.
I believe what he wants is to see a world unified, and led by man, free from the influence of religions and deities. A world led by the power of its own people and rulers, not blind faith. And if he can steer the world to achieve that, he will do everything he can.

I believe nothing pisses him off more than finding out that the Weapon he uses contains an Ascian god's relic and that the ascians themselves worship a god. You can feel the fury in his voice.
He wants a world free of primal influence and he believes Garlemald is the optimal utility to achieve that.

[Anonymoose]

I actually think they are indeed moving on. They've put enough work into Nero to frame him as the next big bad, which is reinforced by his appearance in the A Realm Awoken trailer.

Agreed. If there's no questionable nature of the matter in 2.1, I might just go ahead and get started.

Also, I agree with your assessment of his intent. Saves me some typing, lol.

[Magis]

As for Gaius' intentions? I do not believe he sought the Throne. If he did, he'd be back in Garlemald right now, jostling with all the other contenders.
I believe what he wants is to see a world unified, and led by man, free from the influence of religions and deities. A world led by the power of its own people and rulers, not blind faith. And if he can steer the world to achieve that, he will do everything he can.

I believe nothing pisses him off more than finding out that the Weapon he uses contains an Ascian god's relic and that the ascians themselves worship a god. You can feel the fury in his voice.
He wants a world free of primal influence and he believes Garlemald is the optimal utility to achieve that.

Hmm, kinda reminds me of FFVI. All magic was basically snuffed out, and the empire relied heavily on technology (Magitek).

It was actually kind of ironic watching Judge Vader get the ol' "I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further" treatment.

Yet even after Ultima is fired, he keeps fighting =\.

[Skies]

Yet even after Ultima is fired, he keeps fighting =\.

Truth to be told, if you were in his place and had the party trying to kill you in the meantime (I mean eight men on foot against goddamn tank, and they ARE handing you your ass, those guys ARE dangerous) I'm sure as hell you'd keep fighting.
He WAS given no choice there