Perhaps adding fuel to the fire, but I wanted to point out a few things.

https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/special/tales_from_the_shadows/sidestory_07/#sidestory_07

The island had one village upon it, and a wealth of fertile farmland─all of which would soon be lost. But that was simply the way of the world. As in many such cases, our role was merely to acknowledge the fact. The islanders would do the same, and those who deemed it prudent had likely already begun to move elsewhere. While it was true that the Convocation intended to discuss the matter, the conclusion would be no less inevitable.
This was soon after Zodiark became the will of the star, and our Final Days were averted. The people were divided, unable to decide what to do with the future that now stretched out before them. Many wished to trade the new life which had sprung forth to reclaim those lost in sacrifice to Zodiark. No small number, however, insisted that the fate of our world should be entrusted to those selfsame freshly minted souls. All were at our wits' end.

https://garlandtools.org/db/#quest/69959

MEMNON
Ah, a newly arrived familiar, is she? Very well, I should be glad to introduce our fair facility to her.
As you know, it is mankind's duty to make the star a better place. As part of this duty, we employ creation magicks to bring forth new life.
However, we cannot simply release our works into the world, for it would lead to chaos.
No, any and all life-forms must undergo extensive testing to determine their fitness to exist. Testing which is conducted here in Elpis.
Every candidate is subjected to rigorous study, in which we identify their properties, surmise what habitats might be suitable, and speculate as to the effects they may have on the environment and other species.
Should it be judged a beneficial addition to the star, it will be allowed to take its place in the world.
The two of you, too, were created with the hope of making the star a better place. So heed your masters well and be good, do you hear?
https://garlandtools.org/db/#quest/69960
HERMES
This here is a new species of petalouda we recently set loose.
It has been doing very well, managing to maintain a stable existence thus far. If it can see its observation period to the end without issue, we shall release it unto the world.
Tell me─do you know the difference between living beings and arcane entities?
It is the presence of a soul. Yet the soul isn't something you can choose to have at will.
No, it manifests only in those beings whose forms adhere to the laws of creation. That can endure on their own.
Beings that do not fulfill this requirement, such as those spontaneously born of magic or natural phenomena, do not have souls.
No matter how much it might resemble flora or fauna, if it lacks a soul, then it is considered an arcane entity.
So you see, it is not for mankind to decide what is living. That domain lies beyond our manipulation, and it is hubris to assume otherwise.
But come, let us head to the nearby beacon. I've received a report that arcane entities have gathered there.
Purpose of the Convocation:
https://garlandtools.org/db/#quest/69961
EMETSELCH
Hmmm... If you would accompany us, I suppose you should at least know that much.
The Convocation of Fourteen is a governing body that determines myriad policies. Our goal is to ensure that all is right in creation, that our star may know a brighter future.
As the name suggests, the council is comprised of fourteen offices, each of which is held by an individual chosen for their surpassing abilities.
Depending on the office, one is required to either be an authority in a certain field, or possess skills that would facilitate the performance of their stipulated duties.
The former category includes Mitron, specialist in aquatic life; Loghrif, specialist in terrestrial life and husbandry...
Halmarut, specialist in fungal and plant life; Emmerololth, specialist in medicine and healing...
And Lahabrea, specialist in creation magicks, who has brought forth phantom beings of the highest complexity.
As for the latter category, there is Altima, advocate of the arts; Igeyorhm, champion of enlightenment and rhetoric; Pashtarot, preserver of discipline and order...
Emet-Selch, keeper of the aetherial realm─or “Underworld” in the vernacular; Fandaniel, pursuer of extant phenomena...
And Azem, traveler of the world and counselor to the people.

https://garlandtools.org/db/#quest/69962
DOROS
(-Doros-)Come now, Chief, let's not be so melodramatic! What was born of aether is simply being reduced to its original state.
(-Doros-)I know the distinctions concern you, but we mustn't lose sight of the bigger picture─making rational choices for the sake of a more prosperous star.
(-Doros-)If a creation cannot be properly studied even with the aid of Kairos, we remake it. If a creation is deemed a detrimental existence, we unmake it. 'Tis all for the greater good, and none question the necessity of such routine processes.
METEION
To man, other beings are just things. To be used and controlled. Like magic.
That's what Hermes told me once...
https://garlandtools.org/db/#quest/69129

AMAUROTPEOPLED03593
I see you found my friend! Thank you, little one. Then without further ado, let us commence the promised debate!
As to the matter of what subject we shall debate today, I propose the recent calamity which has befallen our friends across the pond. What say you?
The singular point of contention is, of course, whether or not Amaurot should intervene on their behalf.
I believe we should. The scale of the disaster which threatens that distant metropolis is of a scale heretofore unseen, and so equally considerable resources must be committed to counteracting its effects.
AMAUROTPEOPLEE03593
I disagree. The scale concerns me less than the nature of the proposition itself. Who are we to unilaterally intervene in the affairs of those half a world away? Are we to be the saviors of one and all? Such arrogance may well lead to our own downfall.
AMAUROTPEOPLED03593
Hm. While I understand your concerns from a philosophical standpoint, I fear you are too quick to dismiss practical considerations out of a desire to maintain an unassailable moral authority.
But let us you and I hold here for the present and offer the floor to our young student. You have heard our opening salvos in this debate concerning the fate of our neighbors across the sea. What is your opinion on the matter?
AMAUROTPEOPLED03593
Indeed, indeed. The same can be said regardless of one's opinion on the morality of intervention. There is a clear and undeniable benefit to Amaurot in using this situation as a test bed for our newest creations, that we might develop and refine our defenses against a potential threat to our own fair city.
AMAUROTPEOPLEE03593
How readily you cede the moral high ground! Was not our young friend's point that we have an ethical obligation to aid those in need? Yet not only do you instead elect to focus on the benefit to Amaurot alone, but you also deprive our distant neighbors of the agency to determine their own fate!
AMAUROTPEOPLED03593
You misunderstand me. What benefits Amaurot benefits all creation, I firmly believe, for the knowledge and wisdom we stand to gain from intervention can then be shared with others, empowering everyone to more effectively surmount similar trials in the future...
AMAUROTPEOPLEE03593
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings, the unvarnished truth and purest wisdom! One must first look to one's own welfare before that of others, and the same must be said of our distant neighbors. To save them would be to deprive them of the agency to determine their own fate!
AMAUROTPEOPLED03593
If self-interest is to take precedence, then consider the lost benefit to Amaurot. There is clear and undeniable value in using this situation as a test bed for our newest creations, that we might develop and refine our defenses against a potential threat to our own fair city.
AMAUROTPEOPLEE03593
A plea to practicality, I see─and one which you doubtless believe I have given you ample cause to invoke. But you misrepresent my arguments as enlightened self-interest, when in truth it is a rather more nuanced position...