Thread: Revelations from Patch 5.3

MSQ

I really liked the amount of choices we had this time, I don't know if they mattered because me and my friend always chose the same but it was nice. Learning about Lyna and Graha's past together was heartwarming, but Lyna has really had a minor role this expansion which is a shame. Chemist allusions everywhere....which I love because it's time for a non- magey healer. Can I just say wtf is an INK MAGE lol?
I'm sad that Graha didn't perma die, but the story was emotional nevertheless.
I think the weakpart of this whole story was the garlemald stuff at the end...Zenos is rather boring incomparison to our Ascian Villians.

ALSO, can Krile finally be promoted to main cast?

Werlyt

OMG how nice is Terncliff, I REALLY don't like the habit of adding cool areas as instanced zones only lately... Eden Zone for example and now Terncliff. I'm sad we didnt get ANY development for Regula at all, and I hope we dont have to use the robot again, I much preffered Ruby weapon, although it was clear that Sapphire was meant to be a joke like his FF7 counterpart. The good thing about this story was Valens, and I can't wait to find out more about him, also can we have that sweat for everyone thanks.

Originally Posted by EdwinLi

I believe Hades already knew WoL is.....

Azem during Shadowbringer but due to their conflicting goals and how he could not accept WoL due to being a fragment of his former friend, Hades could not give him the Soul Crystal of the 14th. It was only during his final moments before death when Hades finally accept WoL and most likely prepared events in advance before that final battle so WoL can obtain the Soul Crystal under the possibility that he himself may be defeated by WoL and come to accept him and the world.

I don't think so...

In the cutscene prior to the battle with Hades, after you merge with Ardbert, Emet sees your ascian self for the first time, his eyes get big and he exclaims "No! It can't be!" showing that he had no idea who we were. I assumed he was just coming to the realization we were a sundered soul, but since Elidibus could instantly recognize Emet in the battle at the end of 5.3 in his blank ascian form, its safe to say Emet knew immediately who we were once he saw us in the same way. But that was right before we took him out so, he couldn't have known. My guess, is he made it so once enough worlds were rejoined and he found his friend he could pass on the crystal.

One thing I thought about today that kindda made me sad was...

Hythlodaeus is still walking around the recreation of Amaurot. And even though it's not really him, he seems self aware and therefore sentient in a way. And now that Emet is gone he will be forced to walk through the shadows of the magics that make up the place and the ghosts of his people mindlessly repeating their day to day, until the time comes when it, and he, slowly fades away. That is a hell of a sad thought to think he is condemned to such a fate.

Originally Posted by Jandor

The way I saw it, Hades made a stone for Azem around the time he made the others, he wasn't supposed to because officially Azem was a traitor, but he did it anyway because they were buds and he wanted it around just in case he managed to find her.

He probably vaguely recognized us at some point in ShB but either dismissed it or was in denial about it. His memories of his old friend from 12'000 years ago, and the current reality of a weak fractured mortal that clearly doesn't like him at all, probably didn't mesh too well.

It's like meeting up with a mate from a decade ago, except they're now half their former height, they've got a serious case of amnesia, and they're actively trying to break your stuff and murder you. I wouldn't give 'em the prezzie I'd be saving for them either under those circumstances.

Regarding the crystal...

This probably has something to do with Emet's original plan if the WoL was able to contain all of the Lightwardens. The crystals are used to create new Ascians, maybe he planned on uplifting the WoL into an Ascian with the crystal.

I had a lot of trouble getting through this because of a bad internet connection constantly disconnecting me. I wish I could have done it all in one go for a more immersive experience, but it was still great.

MSQ

I really enjoyed how the dungeon was like a last hurrah for Norvrandt with a bunch of familiar faces chipping in to help. I don't want our journey here to end, I'm going to miss it.

The Amaurot solo duty was okay, but the stuff afterward with the Constellation Crystals had me absolutely fascinated. My first thought was that they were actually Zodiac Stones. They were obviously still a reference, but I wish they had been outright called that.

In some ways, Elidibus and the Exarch feel like parallels to each other, both working to the point of their physical/mental health decaying for a promise they made to someone else long ago, doing it to honor a name. I like that. Elidibus in general really shined in this patch; not as much as Emet may have, but Emet had more screentime. I liked what Elidibus did have to humanize him here. Especially the ending cutscene when he was on his knees with the Constellation Crystals (also, I screamed when I realized that was Emet helping in the trial). Also, Zodiark (and him) being empowered by hope and wishes for salvation makes perfect sense. Elidibus an embodiment of the very concept of a Warrior of Light was awesome.

The WoL's face after G'raha crystallized was heartwrenching. I wish there had been an "I love you" dialogue option to say to him. It was raining after I returned to the Crystarium. I'm sure that was a coincidental timing and not intended on Square's part, but it was very appropriate.

Everyone's farewells made me sad. I'm glad Halric is doing better, but I feel sad for Runar and the Chais saying goodbye to people they love. Delivering Ardbert's Crystal to Seto was a shock in this quest, but it got me tearing up. Man, I don't want Shadowbringers to end you guys. Although I really wish more time had been spent on Thancred and Ryne's personal relationship, they felt skipped over which sucks because their relationship was a highlight of the expansion. Honestly I wish there was a way for him to stay. At least she has Gaia, so she's not alone. I hope she becomes the leader of Norvrandt's new generation of heroes. Also, I really liked Thancred giving her his Gunblade off to the side. Easy to miss, but very sweet.

What an incredible end to an incredible journey. I adore these characters and this world. And needless to say, I'm absolutely beyond elated that G'raha is a Scion now.

As for Garlemald... I hope Fandaniel is an interesting villain, because lord knows Zenos isn't. I am absolutely not looking forward to him probably eating Zodiark and becoming the final boss of this story arc, but I feel like the writing is on the wall.

Originally Posted by MicahZerrshia

One thing I thought about today that kindda made me sad was...

Hythlodaeus is still walking around the recreation of Amaurot. And even though it's not really him, he seems self aware and therefore sentient in a way. And now that Emet is gone he will be forced to walk through the shadows of the magics that make up the place and the ghosts of his people mindlessly repeating their day to day, until the time comes when it, and he, slowly fades away. That is a hell of a sad thought to think he is condemned to such a fate.

You know,...

since he is still there, he could as well be employed as some kind of mentor in the future.
We might need one, if we are to face Zodiark (if the whole content with the Ancients is not just to be forgotten).