Quote Originally Posted by MeteorShan View Post
I can understand why people could feel that way, although I would still argue that the Azem crystal summoning is far better than having seven random adventurers appearing out of nowhere to team up with you like it's done in the earlier expansions. How would that feel when you're in Ultima Thule of the edge of existence and seven people just appear with no reasoning behind it?

I'd also put it to you then in a different way....what alternative would you have, compared to the Azem crystal, as a reason for 7 other adventurers to appear at your side?
The Azem crystal is literally summoning seven random adventurers from out of nowhere to team up with you. In Ultima Thule you use the crystal to summon seven random people, who have no connection to the plot you just went through, and yoink them into your fight. The Trusts are at least characters relevant to the plot of the MSQ, despite how flimsy a reason they have for being there. I'm not suggesting there should be an alternative to the Azem crystal, only that the Azem crystal from a narrative standpoint feels more jarring and flow breaking to me than 7 NPCs that have been consistently in the MSQ up to that point joining in for whatever reason.