Can someone explain the current story-arc?

[WinnipegJet]

*Spoilers*

To summarize: the 7th umbral era is like the ending of the world. Think back to FF6 when halfway through the game the world was turned into the World of Ruin. The (Garlean) Empire, apart from being bent on world dominance, seems to be heralding in this destruction. The Empire has largely been able to dominate and subjugate through their use of Magitek. When Legolas shoots his laser I'm 99% sure that was a Magitek aparatus.

Magitek was originally designed by Cid who's past is still unknown. He is now affiliated with the Maelstorm. We know that Magitek was used to conquer Ala Mihgo.

The Circle of Wisdom or whatever is an alliance of hyper-intelligent people (which includes the notable NPCs, like Papalymo) who have mobilized to stop the Empire and the coming Umbral era. They were responsible for the behind the scenes action that led to the reestablishment of the GCs in each nation.

The Path of the Twelve is a separate group of people with the gift of the Echo (to see the past) who have organized to try and stop the Empire.

When Legoman tells us to join him, think of it as being similar to telling Darth Vader telling Luke to come to the dark side... then trying to kill him.