Aether on Demand

Aether on Demand

Quest giver

Alphinaud

Location

The Rising Stones (X:6.0, Y:6.0)

Quest line

Seventh Astral Era Main Scenario Quests

Level

50

Experience

 2,340

Gil

 1,019

Previous quest

The Rising Chorus

Next quest

On the Counteroffensive

Patch

2.5

Links

EDB GT

---

Main Scenario Progress: 222 / 953 (23.3%)

   

A Realm Reborn Progress: 222 / 241 (92.1%)

   

“

Alphinaud has a message from Moenbryda for the Scions.

— In-game description

Steps

• Speak with Moenbryda.
• Speak with Moenbryda once more.
• Speak with Alphinaud.
• Speak with Wilred at the Ceruleum Processing Plant.
• Report to Edelstein.

Journal

• Alphinaud has a message from Moenbryda for the Scions.

• You speak with Alphinaud, and the young commander of the Crystal Braves mentions Moenbryda's request for the Scions to assemble in the solar. Find Moenbryda within the Rising Stones, and let her know that your business with the Ishgardians is concluded.

• You have located the Roegadyn scholar and informed her that her requested meeting may now take place. Make your way to the solar and speak with Moenbryda once more.

• Moenbryda reveals that she has formulated a means of producing the staggering amount of aether required to destroy a captured Ascian soul─namely, by siphoning energy from the corrupted crystals found across Eorzea. It is at this point in her presentation that Alphinaud arrives and suggests that she conduct her experiments in northern Thanalan, where such crystal formations are bountiful yet not too closely grouped. He soon adds, however, that the imperial forces in the area are seeking to ransack the resources of the Ceruleum Processing Plant. With a knowing smile, Alphinaud laments that Moenbryda's experiments will be nigh impossible to perform without the Scions first cooperating with the Crystal Braves to defeat the Garlean threat. Speak with Alphinaud at the Rising Stones to learn more about your role in defending the processing plant from the advancing imperial soldiers.

• Alphinaud has bid you rendezvous with the 4th in northern Thanalan while he moves to take command of the Crystal Braves stationed in Ul'dah. As you make to depart, you encounter Hoary Boulder and Coultenet, who have been charged with escorting F'lhaminn during her efforts to recruit her influential Ul'dahn acquaintances to the Scions' cause. It seems that the call of duty shall once more empty the Rising Stones of Eorzea's stalwart defenders. Travel to the Ceruleum Processing Plant and report to Wilred.

• Wilred welcomes your presence at the plant, as there have been reports of troubling movements among the imperial army of late. He asks that you report to Lieutenant Edelstein and inquire as to how you might best lend your talents to the operation.

• Lieutenant Edelstein appears elated at your presence, but his mood quickly turns sour as he relates to you the news of how several imperial explosive devices have been discovered within the perimeter of the plant. Though he believes that the Flames will be able to neutralize the threat, he has received disturbing reconnaissance concerning the Garlean troops, and would once again call upon your aid.

Dialogue

Accepting the Quest

Alphinaud: Ere I forget, I believe Moenbryda has requested a gathering of the Scions. I assume there has been some progress concerning our efforts to combat the Ascians.
Alphinaud: Pray inform her that our business with the Ishgardians is concluded for the moment─I shall be along once I've completed my communications with the Crystal Braves.

Optional Dialogue

Alphinaud: Would you be so kind as to inform Moenbryda that our Ishgardian visitor has departed? I must speak with the Crystal Braves, then I shall join you all forthwith.

Tataru: As the receptionist of the Rising Stones, 'tis my job to receive all manner of guests with due courtesy! I've had to memorize the political positions and military ranks of half a dozen nations...

Yda: I'm telling you, Thancred: keep pestering Moenbryda and the only thing you'll become intimate with is her axe...

Papalymo: There have been no reports of suspicious masked men in Gridania, that is certain. Mayhaps they weave their dark plots in other lands?

Thancred: Such statuesque beauty─and possessed of a mind for research to match her belly for hard liquor! What does a woman of so many charms see in musty old Urianger...?

Y'shtola: I keep my senses strained for signs of Ascian activity, but there is little news to be had.
Y'shtola: Have their schemes reached some critical step? This silence is most disturbing...

Speaking with Moenbryda

Moenbryda: All done with your talk of dragons? Wonderful, because Ascians are next on the menu! Let's head into the solar, shall we?

Optional Dialogue

Minfilia: I've summoned everyone to the solar. 'Twould seem Moenbryda has something exciting to share with us.

Alphinaud: Of all our adversaries, the Ascians could well be considered the most dangerous. I do hope Moenbryda's research has borne fruit...

Speaking with Moenbryda once more (Cutscene)

Moenbryda: Now that everything's calmed down a bit─relatively speaking, I mean─I thought it might be a good time to share our progress on the weapon. 
Moenbryda: I believe we're on the verge of a breakthrough. 

Minfilia: Well, don't keep us all in suspense. 

Moenbryda: Just in case anyone's forgotten, let's start by reviewing what we already know. So! An Ascian is an immortal because its soul doesn't return to the aetherial realm when its host is defeated. Instead, it flees to the place that lies between our world and the void. 
Moenbryda: Therefore, the first step to permanently defeating an Ascian is preventing its soul from making this journey. And if you recall, when we last gathered here, I had verified that white auracite has adequate capacity to entrap the beings, albeit only briefly. 

Thancred: Which left the small matter of their extermination. 

Urianger: Aye. To unmake an Ascian soul, one must needs smite it with a concentrated burst, or “blade,” of purest aether. However, we wanted for both the data and the means to forge such a weapon. 

Moenbryda: Short of experimenting on an actual Ascian, you see, there's no way to gauge how much aether its soul is made of. 
Moenbryda: As such, we don't know what aetheric density our blade needs to have in order for it to work. 

Yda: So we'll just have to make the densest blade we can, and hope for the best! Though that would require a lot of aether... 
Yda: Hang on a minute! Why didn't we think of this before!? White auracite can hold an absolute heap of aether, can't it!? 

Papalymo: Please tell me you're joking. Gods' sakes, Yda! I feel as though I'm reliving the same scene over and over with you! How many times do you need to be told that white auracite cannot store aether for long periods? 
Papalymo: Being intangible matter, aether is given to dispersion; only in its crystallized form is it a stable source of energy. I will test you later on this, so see to it you do not forget.

Yda: Ah...r-right, yes... It's all coming back to me... 

Thancred: So our hopes rest on good old crystals again, do they? While they are certainly reliable, they leave something to be desired in the area of portability. 

Y'shtola: Indeed. I am reminded of the quantity of corrupted crystals required to thwart Leviathan, and the extraordinary lengths to which the Lominsans went to transport them. What if it should prove that a similar quantity was needed to destroy an Ascian soul─or still more...? 

Thancred: I do not envy the poor sod who has to lug all of that around on the off chance that an Ascian appears. 

Moenbryda: That's the very problem we set out to solve, and I reckon we've found the answer. If it isn't practical to lug around the aether we need, we'll just have to draw upon another source. 
Moenbryda: And the only viable source is the land. 

Y'shtola: If you mean to tap the great river of aether, know that it will entail considerable risk. Meddling with the currents may well induce a surge like to the one which despoiled Mor Dhona. 

Moenbryda: Give me a bit more credit, will you? Why would we need to tap the river when there're veritable reservoirs jutting out all over the land? 
Moenbryda: Aye, I speak of corrupted crystals. It might be that their aspect is out of balance, but a crystal's a crystal─it contains aether, and we can help ourselves to it. 

Thancred: While corrupted crystals are indeed abundant, there is no guarantee that they will be in close proximity at a crucial moment. 

Moenbryda: Ah, but what if we don't need them to be? What if we could tap their power from afar? A malm away, say? 
Moenbryda: If we could do that, we'd have ready access to aether aplenty in almost every corner of Eorzea. 
Moenbryda: I've yet to put my theories to the proof, but I've got a good feeling about this. If no one has any objections, I'd like to see where this avenue leads. 

Minfilia: If you think it worth your while, you have my blessing.
Minfilia: But tell us, what are your theories? I for one am most eager to understand the process, however vaguely. 

Moenbryda: I thought you might say that. But no one wants to listen to boring old theories all day, do they? I know I don't. So, with your permission, I'd like to try something a bit more hands-on. I've already built an aetheric siphon especially for this purpose, and I've been meaning to try it out. 
Moenbryda: Thing is, the profusion of corrupted crystals in Mor Dhona makes it something of a high-risk testing ground. If anything goes awry with the siphon, it would be better if it didn't happen within spitting distance of quite so much aether. 
Moenbryda: Ideally, I need an isolated specimen. Does anyone know where I can find one? 

Alphinaud: May I suggest northern Thanalan? There you will find corrupted crystals of middling size, standing a reasonable distance apart. Ideal for your needs, I should have thought. Oh, and if you do elect to visit the place, I should be much obliged if you would assist me in another matter while you are in the area. 

Minfilia: Has something happened? 

Alphinaud: Movement has been observed at Castrum Meridianum.
Alphinaud: During Operation Archon, the Alliance dealt the stronghold a heavy blow. Its facilities were extensively damaged, and its garrison reduced to a fraction of its former strength. 
Alphinaud: Not long after our forces withdrew, however, their ranks were replenished by reinforcements from Castrum Centri. They now seek to rebuild, and to this end they have their sights set upon the Ceruleum Processing Plant. 
Alphinaud: Having lost the Empire's support, the XIVth Legion lacks the resources to sustain itself. To them, this is a bid for survival, and they will doubtless fight like desperate men. 
Alphinaud: Though I have dispatched the Crystal Braves, I fear their strength alone may not suffice to stay the imperial assault. I would request the Scions' aid in the defensive effort. 

Moenbryda: If I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to inveigle us into fighting your battle with the promise of shiny crystals! 
Moenbryda: Well then, consider me inveigled! I won't lie, the crystals you speak of sound perfect─so the Garleans have to go! 
Moenbryda: Besides, we can't afford to beat about the bush. There's no telling when the Ascians will next appear. 

Urianger: Thine eagerness to hurl thyself into the jaws of danger cometh as little surprise. Exercise due caution, I prithee. 

Minfilia: Though you have become a Crystal Brave, you are yet a Scion, Alphinaud. We could hardly refuse you.
Minfilia: Pray join the Crystal Braves and lend them your support. Thancred and Papalymo shall accompany you. 
Minfilia: Yda and Y'shtola─in the meantime I would have you assist Moenbryda. Scout out the crystal clusters, that the testing may commence as soon as the Garlean threat has been eliminated. 

Urianger: If it please you, I shall continue mine own experiments on white auracite. 

Minfilia: Thank you, Urianger. Everyone, pray see to your preparations and depart as soon as you are able. Go well, and be safe. 

Optional Dialogue

Minfilia: Though I have little doubt you will prevail against the Empire's forces, I shall pray for your success nonetheless. Our very future may depend upon Moenbryda being free to pursue her experiments.

Tataru: For a small organization, we certainly chew through a prodigious amount of foodstuffs. Perhaps I should put a lock on the larder door...
Higiri: We do seem to be running low on provisions. I believe an excursion to the marketplace is in order.

F'lhaminn: I see that the Scions once more ready themselves for the road. I, too, must make preparations for an absence from the Rising Stones...
Hoary Boulder: It seems you have barely arrived before you must once more plunge into the fray. Duty is an unforgiving mistress, eh? Though the tasks we tackle are not like to be as realm-shaking, Coultenet and I must also heed her call.
Coultenet: Hoary was most eager to join you on the front lines of battle, but, as fate would have it, the Antecedent had other plans for our talents.

Speaking with Alphinaud

Alphinaud: 'Twould seem that events have once more conspired to rob us of rest and recuperation. Though I would wish it otherwise, I must ask that you head straightaway to the processing plant.
Alphinaud: The 4th have already deployed to the area, and await the arrival of the Scions. Wilred will brief you on the developing situation.
Alphinaud: Meanwhile, I must rendezvous with Captain Ilberd at our headquarters in Ul'dah. I shall take command of our forces there with a lighter heart, knowing that you go to support the front lines.

Cutscene

Hoary Boulder: Your duties take you to northern Thanalan, do they not?

Coultenet: We, too, must say our farewells to the Rising Stones for a time. F'lhaminn travels to Ul'dah, and we shall serve as her escort.

F'lhaminn: At my daughter's behest, I go to contact certain old acquaintances in the gilded city.
F'lhaminn: We are beset on all sides by civil unrest and imperial machinations, threatened by primals and troubled by dragons─we need all the allies we can muster.
F'lhaminn: Many of my friends hold positions of power, you see, and it is my hope that they can be convinced to aid the Scions' cause.
F'lhaminn: If past events have taught us anything, then we know that Eorzea must present a united front or we shall fall...
F'lhaminn: Ah, how extraordinary that my little Ascilia is involved in such far-reaching affairs.
F'lhaminn: I am proud that I might now stand at her side not only as a mother, but also as a colleague.

Coultenet: A colleague with influential connections! But I fear that Ul'dah has become a place of danger even for one so familiar with her streets.

Hoary Boulder: Bah! Woe betide the blackguard that so much as glares in your direction, milady!

F'lhaminn: Ahaha, I shall be well protected, it seems.

Coultenet: Shall we be on our way, then?

Optional Dialogue

Alianne: 'Tis unsettling to think that an enemy base lies but a brief stroll beyond these walls...

Speaking with Wilred at the Ceruleum Processing Plant (Cutscene)

Wilred: Commander Leveilleur sent word that you'd be coming─a veteran of your talents is most welcome.
Wilred: Not that I don't think we can handle the situation, mind you! I've learned a trick or two since that disaster with the Amalj'aa.
Wilred: But returning to the task at hand...
Wilred: The Flames' reconnaissance scouts have reported imperial soldiers assembling at Raubahn's Push. Such a force is likely interested in only one thing: getting their hands on the resources found here at the processing plant.
Wilred: The Garleans could begin marching on us at any time. Pray speak with Lieutenant Edelstein, that we might coordinate our counter strategy.
Wilred: In the meantime, I will inform the others that you have arrived. No doubt it will be welcome tidings.

Reporting to Edelstein

Edelstein: [GC Rank] [Surname]! My soldiers yet tell tales of your deeds during Operation Archon!
Edelstein: Would that we could sit a while and reminisce about old times...but I fear more pressing matters require our attention. The civilian draughtsmen, you see, have come across several highly suspicious crates within the boundaries of the processing plant.
Edelstein: I had my sappers take a closer look, and our worst fears were confirmed─these boxes contain powerful explosive devices. Devices of imperial design, no less.
Edelstein: By my order, the Flames stationed here are conducting a thorough sweep of the compound as we speak.
Edelstein: Though it troubles me that we were unable to apprehend the imperial spy behind this, I have faith that our men will be able to neutralize the threat for now.
Edelstein: In the meantime, our scouts bring troubling news on the latest movements of the imperial army. I would once again ask for your aid.