Revelations from Patch 5.2

[Anonymoose]

Gonna be a photo finish as to whether I can do this content before it gets spoiled for me but OFF WE GO!

MSQ (Complete)

Tataru, Maxima just said that he was a "former ambassador" who wants to de-escalate tensions with his homeland, don't just be like, "AS YES, THE DEFECTOR."

The Lyna/Exarch dynamic, being that they both have extended lifepspans, continues to be adorable.

Alphinaud is jumping into this "Warriors of Light" thing at the wrong time... It should have been done by now. Yikes. [snip]

Ah, yeah, see. Ardbert's walking up now and the shaky-cam/facial expression is a definite "bad news" foreshadow. I love how WoL being like, "You see him, too?" has no follow-up or question. Everyone just knows the Hero of Eorzea is riddled with trauma, apparently. Now I'm just going from text tile to text tile with my anxiety through the roof like, "This has to be Elidibus and the other shoe has to be about to drop." Very well-executed scene in a rollercoaster of a story. (I'm glad the WoL at least has a furrowed brow, but after what happened with Hades, the possibility itself is off the table.)

And I'm glad to see that when the story isn't trying to be tricksy, the Scions are quick-witted with their accusations. Triple points for the slow fade-in of the Ascian theme song and the revulsion in Urianger's voice when he hisses Elidibus's name. And the start of confirming when Ascians did(n't) have have vessels, at that!

After a long while of confusion and doubt I'm regaining confidence in my grasp on the story - not that my positions have changed much. From the appearance of Shinryu I've only been able to foresee the largest of plot points. The survival of Zenos, the fact that the Source had a second Overlord, that Garlemald's emperor himself was the Ascian all along - all of that blindsided me. Though it also felt like SE trying to bundle plot points in a story that previously lacked an exit strategy, to be fair. But Gaius is who I thought, and Elidibus is who I thought (though the Ascian math doesn't quite line up now, still working that out), and prehistory is so much MORE than I thought. The need for Garlean reform before peace.

What's left on my "I'm confident, but afraid I'm wrong" plate? That it's worthwhile to be on Team Hydaelyn?[snip]

Elidibus
There is no common ground to be found between you and I. Nor do I require any.

There it is.

LOL - VENAT ... THE GERUN ORACLES ... DAMMIT. They tied that one off well.

All that speculation about what Elidibus meant about new Warriors of Light and that's just what he meant! As soon as it was clear where he was going I got very nervous. Well-intentioned people with high zeal and low doubts are arguably more dangerous than run-of-the-mill villains. As Dean Winchester summed up so elegantly, "God save us from half the people who think they're doing God's work."

I really liked the presentation for tying up the Starshower stuff, though. That all feels very organic and explains a lot of the oddities we've encountered in the past with grace, especially how it can be "from Hydaelyn" and yet Elidibus is doling it out to random Sahagin. I'm actually kind of surprised how close my placeholder theory about it being "jailbreaking the soul" - not adding power, but taking away limitation, was.

I noticed there were Twelve entities before Venat there. 13 vs 13. It's simultaneously exactly what I saw coming (that the Twelve might be seeds of faith left over from the days of Hydaelyn's summoners and perhaps these were the rebel faction) and exactly not what I saw coming...because I expected our unsundered Ancient to be the one leading it, and if indeed we are the missing seat at the table...we didn't throw in with them...? At least not when Venat asked.

So where did we go? What if it's all red herrings? ...Who is the successor Elidibus?

I need to mull this one over a bit, but I'm liking where it's going. I think a lot of my doubt and confusion over the last two years is just from being able to tell that the writers were making efforts to bring together the plot hooks that actually hooked something and position for a resolution that makes sense as much as it is satisfying.

The Sorrow of Werlyt: Cinder Drift - The Ruby Weapon (Complete)

First things first: Ruby Doomsday is a great pun.

So we have Gundam inspiration at every turn, from the pilot/suit matching hair color scheme (which give us an ezpz glimpse into what's to come) to the launch sequence to the small cast of characters having coincidental family drama. It's amusing and spooky how well Gaius fits into that dynamic, as well - but how long has "Gaius is an orphan collector." been a meme for us at this point, from Cid all the way to the art with his hand on Alphinaud's shoulders. Gaius's character arc seems to have a mind of its own; I'm half afraid he'll accidentally take on aspects of a Char Clone by the end, lol.

Did ya'll catch that "synthetic auracite" thing? Confirmation of what Sabik was? Black Auracite after all?

Also, yet another third party holding the Black Wolf's leash... Wonder what this "agreement" is.

Eden (Yet to Start)

DAMMY

[Fenral]

First! (below spoiler tag is real, please don't click it Moose)

MSQ

"Echoes of a Fallen Star," or, "Falling Stars Cause the Echo." Wait, huh?

Last patch was a little slow, but this one properly feels like it's setting up an endgame, either for Shadowbringers or Final Fantasy XIV itself. We still got the requisite victory lap through previous MSQ locales, but also, so much cleanup.

The Echo is a power ultimately stemming from the originals, and Hydaelyn merely grants it by awakening a soul's memory of The End, strictly for the sake of granting Hy-Fi access. Hythlodaeus is not Hydaelyn, similar names notwithstanding, but is probably the defector from the 14, and the actual core is the newly-introduced Venat. Weird time to throw a new name on the pile, but also what a name to pick, considering she was the primary antagonist and final boss of FFXII (albeit somewhat indirectly, thanks to the fusion dance).

Also, Elidibus was (probably) sacrificed body and soul to become the core of Zodiark. This is in line with their FFT connection, but also: WHAT? More questions than answers here. And who's this other white Ascian(?) then?

It took 4 hours of questing, but I was relieved to see that Exarch's character development isn't being completely disregarded. His "stake in the outcome" is worded more literally in the Japanese dialogue as pertaining to "his wish," which last we checked was to be able to go on adventures with his hero. Still no idea how he plans to pull that off, and I still think there's room for one last wrench in that plan, but it sounds like he's actually including himself in the big picture, for once. As long as the writers don't have some last-minute hookup with his granddaughter planned for the next patch, anyway...

Lastly, huge shout out to the cutscene team for that last scene at the Pendants. Water that pours, actors playing with little loose bits of the set. And that apple! It was directed like a live-action piece, even though the amount of work required would be exponential for an in-engine game cutscene. I'll need to go back and see the other variants as well, once I've finished the other Role quests.

More in later posts probably. Now I have to go to work.

[EdwinLi]

Weapon Storyline

Gaius has kids?! Adopted but still...

He has kids!

It is sad because now one of Gaius kids is killed by WoL hands and his other kids is seeking a path that will lead down the same fate. God Darn it Gaius has suffered enough and now you're making him choose to kill his own children!

[Alleo]

Whole main story quests:

I am not sure what I feel about it. I had hoped for a bit more information. A lot of the time was also traveling around even though it was nice to have a few moments with some of the scions.

Its also great how they showed how pissed of our character is for Elidibus taking over the corpse of Ardbert and how creepy it is that they are taking over death people.

Found it a bit surprising how easily the people believed that the WoLs were nice guys thought that there would be a bit more conflict here and I find it hard to believe that so many people are suddenly wanting to throw away their jobs and responsibility to become WoLs. A lot of them probably dont even know how to fight.

Still sweet how we said goodbye to the new possible WoLs.

It was speculated a lot but we finally have the confirmation that the echo is an ability from the old world and that Hydealyn somehow uses the meteor shower to call out to possible new WoLs. Not sure if we can fully believe Elidibus here but seeing how only the two soldiers straight up went and started their adventure while the others stayed (and there were more people that heard her voice) it does not seem something that forces people to act.

Maybe I am forgetting something but how are the scions suddenly able to understand the speech of the ancients? Also not sure what to take from that visit. Seemingly the 14th was more neutral to that and Zodiark was being a danger to the future of the planet in the view of that new group. But we get the confirmation that from those that survived more stood on Zodiark side..at least at that point. I wonder if that was already after the Ascians told them of the plan to sacrifice the new life? (Is that the danger they are speaking of?)

Zenos was a red herring and was not even there..just a dream. I wonder who that person in white is..could it be Zodiark in some form (maybe the original Elidibus?). Or is it maybe even the new Amaurotine Venat? (I know that she was planned to be the core but we dont know for sure if she was used or not)

Still not sure why its important who Elidibus right now truly is. If the original one was sacrificed and another one took is place afterwards than is it really important who he is? Its not like we have known the old one anyway..

Just a bit sad that we have gotten not a single echo version in the dungeon..other than giving us a name for the one that was on the other side of the rebellion (and I doubt that she would be the WoL since it makes still more sense that its the 14th) not much was imo learned in this patch.

Edit: I wonder how Hydealyn was able to speak through the star shower if that one was summoned by Elidibus? When we have heard her at the start of the game we were floating in front of her and being talked directly to. Yet seemingly they only have heard her voice? (Or do I remember that false?)

Also maybe I am wrong but isnt Elidibus plan just simply to have as many people as possible to become WoLs and get crystals of light thus the balance is destroyed again and another Flood of Light starts? (I wonder why the scions did not thought about that as a possible plan? I mean they even said that Elidibus wants to finish what Emet started)

@Fenral:

Just a bit curious but why do you believe that Hythlo was the 14th? I mean it could happen but seemingly the way he talks about the 14th makes that really hard to believe that.

[Mieck]

MSQ Thoughts

I'll echo (hur hur) the sentiments - the cutscene team were absolutely on point in this patch. I take screen shots. Lots of screen shots. But this patch got the most screen shots of any post-MSQ so far - over 4000 of them, and I still have to get all the NPCs from the Pendants captured yet!


Anyway... I really enjoyed 5.2, and there's lots to think about. I personally thought the Zenos-dreaming Amurout bit was better than having him just show up there - that kind of stuff worked when he was Elidibus, but for all this synthetic Echo nonsense, I feel its a leap for him to know exactly how to get to the First.


Speaking of Elidibus, I suspect this is an easy conclusion to draw, but if he is Zodiark's heart, then is the WOL/D Hydaelyn's heart - Venat? Cool reference - the reigns of Hist'ry back in the hands of man, indeed.


Urianger and Thancred's headaches suggested to me that this is a sign of their existence weakening from the other side - though the event did not involve Y'stohla, and she was Called at the same moment in the Rising Stones...



Much to ponder. Cannot wait to see how this all pans out.

[Ultimatecalibur]

Maybe I am forgetting something but how are the scions suddenly able to understand the speech of the ancients? Also not sure what to take from that visit. Seemingly the 14th was more neutral to that and Zodiark was being a danger to the future of the planet in the view of that new group. But we get the confirmation that from those that survived more stood on Zodiark side..at least at that point. I wonder if that was already after the Ascians told them of the plan to sacrifice the new life? (Is that the danger they are speaking of?)

I believe it was mentioned when you first arrive in Amaurot. The ancients speak the "Babel" language that is both alien and completely understandable by everyone.

Minimum post.

[Rannie]

Filler text here will edit after I got to bed to digest this stuff

EDIT:

So I'm at work now and had some pretty peculiar dreams due to this patch (over active imagination at its finest) here are my thoughts.

So.... where to start where to start.. I know the Salmon Filet incident that's got to be something major, I mean either G'raha is working himself to the bone or he is losing his marbles... though I did laugh at how he was trying to open the letter with it. I originally thought that he had taken Lyna's portion and gobbled it up like the kitty he is. (Yeah if you talk to him before going to meet Lyna he mentions it first).

Next up... seriously Elidibus you're in Ardberts meatsuit... you have lost my respect on that issue you one trick pony... *sigh* ah well beggars can't be choosers. However, I will say this with him causing the fake star shower he's most likely trying to bring the light back in to have the light start to hold more sway like they always do for the sundering. (Unless he just completely throws me for a loop and does something completely different but see my previous one trick pony comment above).

Elidibus being the heart of Zodiark is a shocker and explains as to why he calls himself the Emmisary... he can really get to the "heart" of the matter where Zodiark is concerned. Though I did echo Y'shtola's what when it was said or did she echo mine? Anyway the whole scene in Rak Tika was good though my first time watching I chose to ask about Seto... it was as angering to see Fake Ardbert not know who his own feathery friend was and think that Seto was dead... but then I rewatched the cutscene (having misread the fist portion and thinking I got to punch the guy (I would still love to see that happen especially now) and do the bro fist then see our guy/gal get extremely angry when Elidibus didn't recognize it. Loved the pulling the fist closer looking at it with clenched teeth and and even tighter fist clench. (Would have been a great moment to deck him too!).

I'm honestly doubting we are Venat and are still possibly the dissenter 14th convocation member due to the fact that they are going completely out of their way to never name drop who the WoL was when they were an Ancient, so to have Venat's name dropped so eagerly causes me to pause and say, "Nah, man that isn't us..." Either that or I've learned after the Hythlodaeus thing to err on the side of caution now.

Now for the huge moment of Zenos and the white robed kid... Thank the 12 Zenos wasn't on the first, but it is very intriguing how he said he always had those dreams (I'm guessing even before his mad science experiment with the echo and using himself as a guinea pig)

As for the white robed kid... from his english voice alone that is Asahi's voice actor I have absolutely no doubts due to how much his voice "vexes" me everything about it. Then again I did watch that cutscene with him gloating to the WoL a crap ton of times. So, knowing that I have about 4 possibilities that come to mind on it

1: They liked the voice actor enough to bring him back for a new Character (which they have done before I believe but highly doubt for this instance)

2: He is Asahi but from a different shard.

3: Asahi was brought back from near death by Elidibus

Or

4: Someone (perhaps an Ascian) took over his meat suit. (This is another possibility though for me it's harder to see. I'm leaning more towards 2 or 3 but any of these can be possible)

OHHHHH OHHH I almost forgot... HYDAELYN SPEAK TO US DAMMIT!!!! YOU STILL GOT SOME 'SPLAININ TO DO!!!!! Ahem... sorry about the caps there but her silence is getting kind of annoying seeing as how that last we heard from her really and not using Minfillia as a Medium was when we broke Middy's bindings on our Crystals of Light.

AND last but not least poor Runar is realizing that Y'shtola is leaving him *sniffles* Poor guy is a better match for her (unless Y'shtola ain't telling us something she is a she) than little sun.

Aaaaaand I haven't done the rest of the stuff yet... I had to go to bed when I made the holder post and as it is I got probably less than 6 hours of sleep (due to a dog wanting out of my room when my father got home from work) and I'll be doing Ruby Weapon quest and fight Tomorrow before I go to bed yet again with lack of sleep but thankfully on my day/night off ^_^.

When I post that I'll do a separate one as to not completely confuse people or myself.

One of these days... I may just actually proof read this stuff or type it all out on my laptop then post it instead of posting from my cellphone....

[JeanneOrnitier]

Time for MSQ thoughts, then lunch before anything else.

Theyler and Vonard are fun, likable characters who grew on me super quickly, and I hope to see more of them in the future. I definitely trust Norvrandt to be safe in their hands once we leave (and probably Ryne and Thancred's too, I get the feeling Thancred will be staying behind with her at the end of the expansion).

Was the last boss of the dungeon a Sahagin queen? Yeah she was bigger than normal Sahagin, but I always imagined the queens a lot bigger - like whale sized - and more more monstrous.

I'd wager that Venat person is Zenos's new friend. My guess for Elidibus is he's somehow an avatar of Zodiark, since Y'shtola dismissed the idea that it's just someone else who took up Elidibus's title. The same is my assumption for Venat, and this avatar of his is the one aiding Zenos. Though it does beg the question what Hydaelyn would have needed the original Minfilia for if that were the case. Also, the Amaurotines we saw explicitly said that the one who stepped down from the Convocation (ie, probably the WoL player) was not part of the Hydaelyn summoners.

So it's not that receiving the Echo unlocks memories of Amaurot's destruction, but rather that seeing a meteor shower triggers the hidden memories and grants you the Echo. If the crowd gathered in Crystarium's plaza all have the Echo now, then the Scions sans Y'shtola should have it too right?

As for Elidibus's plan, he probably intends on making so many WoLs to upset the balance all over again and cause a Rejoining.

Does which of the role quest characters comes by to your room change depending on whose name you say, or is it always Granson? If it's always Granson I don't want to rewatch the cutscene to choose another name if I don't have to.

[Mieck]

More than ten

Does which of the role quest characters comes by to your room change depending on whose name you say, or is it always Granson? If it's always Granson I don't want to rewatch the cutscene to choose another name if I don't have to.

It's whoever you say.

[JeanneOrnitier]

It's whoever you say.

I definitely need to go back and see the last option in particular then.

More commentary on the scene at the end of the dungeon:

To further support my theory that Venat is Zenos's friend, another character named Venat helped another emperor's son in another FF game: Venat the Occuria and Vayne in FF12.

All of the other Ascians, bar Hythlodaeus, have been named after Espers from FF12's mythos. That Venat is not but is instead named after one of the main antagonists of 12 makes me think we should read into that name more than the others.