Idea for a New Expansion: Gaius van Baelsar lives... and he needs your help

[Enkidoh]

On the other hand, Varis is literally conspiring with the Word of the Father.

Is he really though? At first I thought he was, but now after re-watching the final 'stinger' scene for 4.0's original story (the one with Varis and Elidibus), Varis certainly didn't seem amiable that Elidibus was there - he even called Elidibus out on just what the whole Rejoining shtick really means for mortals like Varis, and Elidibus didn't even answer, only deflecting the question with a "Question my motives if you must" (he may as well have said "Oh, you will all die regardless, but it's all for the greater good of our vague dark god being reborn, sorry."). And the point was hammered home when Elidibus took off his mask and showed Varis the identity of his host, resulting in a shocked "How dare you?!" from Varis (the first time I've actually seen genuine fear and anger on that guy's face.).

Now this is just my interpretation but it seems whoever Elidibus is using as his meatsuit is someone Varis at least knows, if not cares for, thus in that case Elidibus would effectively be holding this person hostage, as a means of keeping Varis (and by extension, the whole Garlean Empire) compliant. It certainly throws the whole relationship between the Ascians and the Empire into confusion in any event - Varius certainly doesn't seem particularly pleased or willing to co-operate with Elidibus.

Accordingly, I am loathe to admit it, but I am starting to now come around more to the idea that we may indeed be allying with Garlemald in the future - or at least, certain aspects of it (yes, the Eighth Calamity is upon us, Enkidoh Roux actually allying with the Garleans???!!" Inconceivable! ) - but that stinger at the end of 4.0 and of course, recent revelations in 4.3 have made me start to see that idea in a new light.