Quote Originally Posted by Iscah View Post
That's a pretty harsh way of looking at it. He died in that world and he can't return to it. It's only by fortune of having the soul crystal prepared that he was able to continue to exist at all.

Even if he'd passed his soul back to he Source without the exact events being forced by Elidibus, he'd been running the city for a century and seen it through the encroaching threat of the sin eaters, and probably felt that he didn't want to keep doing it literally forever (as he physically could have) and there was a point where he should hand over to a new generation. Given time to do it as he originally intended, it probably would have involved a lot more organising and discussion with the people that needed to fill his role - and honestly they seem like they'd collectively have it well in hand anyway. He seems to have been more of a final decision-maker and spokesperson for the city, and that part could easily be handled by a council or successor.
The Crystal Exarch created that extra soul crystal on purpose, he didn't just have a spare. Hence, why I say he gladly shirked his duties on the first. The story was cheapened by his 'fake' sacrifice. It completely deflates any emotional involvement the player could have, as he is literally resurrected (better than ever!) in like.. the next scene.

The Crystal Exarch truly sacrificing himself would have had a much bigger impact on the story, and the game. It would have still accomplished him handing over the reigns, so to speak, to the "new generation"; A bittersweet ending to ShB, and the first. As G'raha Tia was still alive on The Source, it would have allowed for new character development, and a more 'fresh' take on the character.