Revitalization | FFXIV: Shadowbringers MSQ [20]

After returning to the Crystarium after our ordeals in Amh Araeng, we are taken aside by two of our more aetherially-attuned friends, both of whom seem to be both perplexed and concerned for our own well-being in regards to our constant absorption of the Lightwardens’ aether. Y’shtola, with Ryne in accompaniment, deigns it appropriate to warn us of the dangers in recklessly repeating the said task, and *strongly* urges us to take some rest while we still can. After just fighting a creature of mythical proportions, we don’t necessarily feel like starting another fight just yet, so we decide to heed her demands and make our way to the inn room.

We have a brief discussion with Ardbert there regarding recent events, but in the midst of the conversation, we suffer, for lack of a better phrase, a “light attack”. We feel the light violently pulse from within us, seeming to break free in a very painful manner. Fortunately, it does not last long, and the pain subsides after a time. Shortly after this, the Exarch pays us a visit to check how we’re doing. We inform him of the pain, in which he responds with shocked concern. Though we reassure him that the pain has subsided, he resolves to search for a means to cure us of the affliction. But, before he leaves, he gives us warm wishes and hopes for a brighter future, with one earnest request that we make it out of this entire endeavor alive. And with the conversation concluded, we make our way to our bed and sink into a slumber.

We dream a strange dream. We find ourself in a familiar environment. Firm, yet graceful masonry, maroon walls decorated with familiar symbols scattered across it… This is House Fortemps! But instead of the peace that we had left it in, it is now shaking from the sound of explosions and collapsing buildings and monuments. Ishgard is under attack? And whose eyes are we seeing through? Could it be Count Edmont? Artoirel? Honoroit? …Emmanellain? Suddenly a Roegadyn garbed in Garlond Ironworks attire bursts through the door to urge us–or rather, the person whose eyes we are seeing through–to quickly evacuate, mentioning cryptic statements regarding the state of the whole world.

The dream ends there. Though perplexed about what we see, we set the thought aside for now and rejoin the others in the Ocular, in which we are to plan our next attack. With the final Lightwarden residing in Kholusia, it would seem apparent that we are to take the fight to the Eulmorans this time around, which is precisely what we resolve to do. Though, Emet-Selch condescendingly remarks that our progress and mission is ultimately pointless, as he implies that removing the Lightwardens from the lands doesn’t actually amount to much in the grand scheme of things. Though futile as he sees it, he deigns that it would be quite churlish to deny us the opportunity to eliminate the final Lightwarden, “close as we’ve become”. He also curtly reminds us that he doesn’t consider us truly alive, being that he sees us as a fragments of a reality rather than living beings, and thus would not be guilty of murder should he decide to kill us.

Lovely.

We set off for Eulmore, though we decide to be cautious about our approach, so we split off into different scouting parties. However, as soon as we arrive in Kholusia, we notice quite a few of the denizens acting… strangely. As we investigate, some of them devolve into completely zombified versions of themselves and attack us without warning. We dispatch the threat quickly, and proceed to rendezvous with the Scions, in which we find they’ve all faced similar encounters.

It would appear we were never in any danger of being recognized to begin with, as a rather large majority of the population of Gatetown are now in a trance-like state, all peering up towards Eulmore. During our bewilderment, a familiar face arrives to greet us: Kai-shirr, escorted by Alisaie. He informs us that this is a result of some hot, sticky wind blowing from Eulmore after Vauthry having a tantrum from receiving the news of what transpired in Amh Araeng. During this explanation, Y’shtola presents to us a piece of Meol, in which Ryne has an immediate visible reaction to, and proceeds to tell us why:

Meol is made from Sin Eater.

The primary substance the unfortunate folk in Gatetown had subsided on for so long was comprised of Sin Eater. A long-term ploy to have a Sin Eater farm and a resource of subjugated peoples and willing slaves both. Shocked and infuriated, the Scions resolve to storm the gates through all the mind-controlled citizens in a mad dash towards Vauthry’s throne. Try as they might, the loyal guards, the jongleurs, and even Ran’jit fail to halt our progress as we cleave our way through towards his quarters.

(I hit the word cap so I have to end it here. I am so sorry)

Timestamps:
Introduction – 0:00
Playthrough – 1:54
Outro – 1:06:32

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