MSQ

[Iscah]

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.

That is the point I wrote my entire second paragraph against. It's awfully harsh to describe passing on his role after completing his primary purpose, which he spent a hundred years doing, as "shirking" - even if it had played out in the intended organised way and not forced by his impending death.

He has not-shirked for a hundred years and successfully saved the First from utter destruction and the Source from calamity, and if that isn't enough effort to be allowed to retire without being called a shirker for doing so, I'm not sure what is.

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.

I do agree with that. Thus my preference that they had let him truly die there - this not cheapening the sadness that he is dying, even if we still intend to wake up his younger self (who is not him) and take him on the adventure that the Exarch never got to have.