[Spoilers] The general crackpot and head-canon thread

[Berethos]

Main crackpot theory is that nearly all of the Ascians have no bloody clue what Zodiark actually wants, and that the things they want to have happen are related to their own existence and origin. The only one that has been enlightened as to Zodiark's actual plan is Elidibus, who is currently working to manipulate both sides with neither really aware of said plan.

Second crackpot theory is that Hydaelyn believes she won't truly survive much longer and is working to essentially birth a new goddess to carry on the existence that we call home.

[CyrilLucifer]

Main crackpot theory is that nearly all of the Ascians have no bloody clue what Zodiark actually wants, and that the things they want to have happen are related to their own existence and origin. The only one that has been enlightened as to Zodiark's actual plan is Elidibus, who is currently working to manipulate both sides with neither really aware of said plan.

But then why does Elidibus know? This is my crackpot too, I'm just instigating discussion.

[Dualblade]

On the tract of the Ascians having no clue what Zodiark wants, I've had a similar theory in my head that extends this to even Elidibus not knowing what Zodiark truly wants...but he has a better idea then the rest because his connection to Him is stronger than most, similar to how Minfillia's connection to Hydaelyn is stronger than most. It was only recently (as in around the time of the 6th Umbral Era) that Zodiark was even able to contact Elidibus at all, as his confined state put him in a worse state to communicate than Hydaelyn has had.

[Morningstar1337]

But then why does Elidibus know? This is my crackpot too, I'm just instigating discussion.

Isn't it obvious? He's essentially the Word of the Father :P

in less facetious terms, Zodiark allowed Elidibus to merge his essence with him for pretty much the same reason as Hydealyn did with Minfilia, but as a temporary measure until he can materialize in the physical realm. This means that Elidibus knows what Zodiark knows. The twist is that the other Ascians do not know that part, only that his Echo is stronger (Even in comparison to Hydealyn/The Word of the Mother who can only manage that form for a few minutes at best). This also explains his title of Emissary.

[CyrilLucifer]

Oh, I actually have a defense of that crackpot, too!

Think of our character. We've been loyal little Hydaelyn servants, beloved children, Blessed and Gifted. Basically, we're Hydaelyn's special snowflake.

And even we didn't even know what we were fighting against until 3.2 - and even then our knowledge is very incomplete.

I see no reason why it isn't the same for the Ascians, especially because Zodiark has been in such a weakened state. I'm not sure if I would go as far as to say that everything the Ascians know is due to Elidibus teaching them, but I think on the scale of 1 to Special Snowflake, the Black-robed Overlord might rank up there around 8, the Lessers around 5, and Elidibus right at the top with us as the Special Snowflake.

Er, anyway. Point being, given how quiet Hydaelyn has been with Her will, it's possible Zodiark is equally quiet and, like us, the black-robed Ascians believe themselves to be fulfilling His will based on vague visions and broken communication. However, they have had longer with that vague communication, so the pieces to their puzzle are far more fleshed out than ours.