Embraced by Gods

I expect Deryk has a few words to say. Let us lend him an ear.

Accepting the quest

Start of cutscene.

<sigh> What to say in such a moment...

Best to speak from the heart, I suppose. I'm glad to be back.

“Glad” hardly suffices to describe it! We're over the moon that you're still here, Deryk! Or should we call you Oschon?

I no longer have Oschon's power. Deryk will do.

I was remade from the portion of my essence that wasn't returned to the star, and will live out my days as a man.

May I ask what happened? No sooner had the Twelve vanished than you reappeared before us...

At the very last, I couldn't bear it. Couldn't bear to say farewell.

Your earnest friendship had weighed down my steps.

And the little fellow's fervent call halted them.

I was overwhelmed by the keenest longing to remain among you and see more of the world I love.

Upon seeing me torn, my brethren bade me follow my heart. I needed no further urging.

We created the instrument of blessing in the faith that, one day, the star would no longer need our guiding hand.

Thanks to you, that day has finally come.

Ah, but I ramble. How uncharacteristic. Let us head back to the Omphalos, shall we?

Well, we must return to Sharlayan. The Forum will be expecting a report.

Yet if the entire truth were to be revealed to the public, it would shake the very foundation of the worship of the Twelve...

Aye, in penning our report, we would do well to consult the Forum on what details are safe to disclose.

Much pertaining to the field of mythology will need to be obfuscated, I fear...

Worry not on my account! Inspired by our findings, I have a mind to examine the Twelve in the context of reception theory.

The people's perception of deities are wont to be informed by their culture.

By comparing the differences across eras and regions, I believe we may uncover heretofore unseen aspects to the Twelve!

Reception theory, you say. Most intriguing. I should like to see the fruits of your research when I visit Sharlayan.

When you do, have care not to reveal who you used to be. Our scholars would be all over you like starved beasts.

I see... Perhaps I shall wait a while before I come calling...

Before I came to you, I simply roamed the world. I had no objective─nothing I wished to find.

With this second chance I have, I mean to undertake my travels with a renewed perspective.

But ere I set out...

I would move my brethren's hopes elsewhere, to a place in men's midst.

Oh, what a wonderful idea! If you don't mind, we should like to accompany you.

By all means. We make for the Sanctum of the Twelve, in the East Shroud.

End of cutscene.

Optional dialogue

Feel free to go on ahead, my friend. While this won't be my last time here, I need a moment before I leave...

As engrossed as we've been in our work, we've seldom had the chance to thus gather and relax. The last and only time would have been the meal in Revenant's Toll, I think.

The words of the monument are a promise by the gods to watch over mankind.

'Tis comforting to know that their promise will endure...

The Sanctum of the Twelve! I couldn't imagine a more fitting place for their memories!

Baby Opo-opo

Ook, ook!

Wait at the designated location at the Bramble Patch.

Start of cutscene.

Ahhh! No matter how many times I visit the Sanctum, its majesty never fails to move me!

And the rich history! Originally built during the dawn of the Fifth Astral Era, it was reclaimed by the wood before being restored in the wake of the Calamity.

Truly, it stands as a testament to the influence that magical civilizations and city states have had upon Eorzean culture!

This Sanctum harbors the hopes of men. And now, those of my brethren shall join them.

If you are not averse, I would speak a little of my brethren─that is, those individuals whose essence lent them form. As it pertains to another age, some concepts may be foreign to you, but would you be interested nonetheless?

Excellent.

Byregot was a man with a gift for creating inanimate objects such as buildings and furnishings.

With his abilities, he served a supervisory role at the Bureau of the Architect, where he was nothing short of a pillar. His chief was carefree to a fault, you see, and he took it upon himself to ensure the work was done.

Rhalgr was a brawny man whom Venat encountered on her travels.

They quickly struck up a friendship, and he joined her on a quest to destroy an enormous meteor that was hurtling towards the star. 'Tis fair to say this event gave rise to the legends surrounding the Destroyer.

Azeyma was a woman who served as a judicial officer in the Bureau of the Administrator─an experience which served her well as the Warden.

She was an ardent proponent of the seat of Azem, and dreamed of training under Venat and her successor.

Nald'thal was a close personal friend of mine. A merchant by trade, he was outwardly gregarious, but also possessed a reserved side and knew quiet joy in his passion for ore.

When men began treating him as a dual-aspected god, it reminded me of the person he used to be, and I couldn't help but be struck with the pang of nostalgia.

Nophica was a landscape architect of great repute who grew plants gathered from the star over.

Despite being skilled in magic, she preferred to nurture plants as nature intended, and her garden ever bloomed with beautiful flowers. All who visited were said to leave with their souls salved.

Althyk was a researcher who observed newly made creations in Elpis.

If player has completed the quest Methods of Mourning

Althyk was a researcher who observed newly made creations in Elpis. He possessed mastery over time magicks, and was known to be a kind-hearted if reticent man.

Although it was at his sister's urging that he first joined our faction, he soon became a stalwart believer in the cause, and always took the initiative in discussion.

Halone was a formidable warrior tasked with hunting creations that were deemed detrimental to the star.

For her prowess, she had been regarded as a leading candidate for the seat of Pashtarot, preserver of discipline and order.

Menphina was the youngest among us, a student affiliated with the Words of Lahabrea at the Akadaemia Anyder.

Even within that prestigious institution she was considered a prodigy, and hers were the hands that created the magick to isolate and seal Zodiark.

Thaliak was the headmaster of the Akadaemia Anyder. A man of learning and leadership both, he presided over the institution's myriad faculties.

No known phenomenon existed in which he wasn't versed. Words do not do justice to express the remarkable scholar that he was.

Nymeia was an observer in Elpis, like her older brother Althyk.

She possessed a caring and inquisitive nature, and was liked and trusted by her peers.

If player has completed the quest Methods of Mourning

She possessed a caring and inquisitive nature, and was liked and trusted by her peers. 'Tis said that she began the custom of offering flowers to the departed.

Llymlaen was a researcher at Metabaseos Thalassai, a facility for the observation and evaluation of sea life.

So passionate was she about her work, she once threw a knife at someone who inadvertently came too close to her observation subject.

Oschon was a traveler whom Venat encountered in the wilderness. They shared a campfire and discussed at length what it meant to be free.

Leaving my hopes as the Wanderer in this place, I shall set forth anew─as simply a man named Deryk.

And last but not least, the watcher. He was the chief archivist at Anamnesis Anyder, and respected Venat deeply as an individual even as he cared for her as a dear friend.

Indeed, among our number, none was more devoted to Venat. And that devotion made him best suited to his duty and the solitude that accompanies it.

...That is all. 'Tis a lot to remember, but I should be glad if they remain with you in some way.

We're grateful that you should share with us these new aspects of Hydaelyn and the Twelve. Thank you.

Well, 'tis past time we headed back to Sharlayan. It wouldn't do to keep Ojika waiting.

I assume you will be traveling via Limsa Lominsa. In which case, allow us to see you off from there.

Till now I have wandered alone, but as I recently learned─a journey is better shared.

End of cutscene.

Speak with Deryk in Limsa Lominsa.

Our friends are presently booking their passage.

That's where you were!

There's room aboard the next ship, so we'll be setting sail shortly.

Oh, Deryk! No sooner do we arrive in a crowded place than you up and disappear!

Ah, 'tis a force of habit, in order to avoid people...

But I needn't do so anymore, do I? On the contrary, I should embrace the chance to connect with other souls.

As your comrades, we completely agree.

And remember, you're always welcome at the Baldesion Annex, so be sure to pay us a visit.

You may depend on it.

Thank you, Deryk. For giving us your trust.

And thank you as well, Forename. Had you not been with us, we would have struggled to grant the Twelve their wish.

Well, we had best find our vessel. While the report remains to be compiled, I believe we can officially declare our investigation complete. Till next we meet, my friends!

Do you still have time, Forename?

Ere I embark on my journey, there is a place nearby I would like to visit. Might I ask you to accompany me?

Thank you. Come, we shall head outside the city via the Tempest Gate.

Speak with Deryk at the Tempest Gate.

Here, the wind whips in from the sea like a storm...but I've always found the sensation quite invigorating.

Lest you wonder, I intend to strike west, and thence make my way through upper and outer La Noscea.

And in order to mark my new beginning as a man, en route I wish to see Oschon's Embrace with you.

You need only accompany me across the bridge.

From there, I shall continue on my own.

Optional dialogue

Baby Opo-opo

Ook, ook!

Speak with Deryk and follow his lead.

Such a great wave that was that ripped the Gods' Grip from the mainland...

In the wake of the Calamity, my brethren and I were all occupied with our respective duties. This is my very first time seeing the bridge.

Shall we, then?

Follow Deryk's lead and try not to fall behind.

Deryk and the baby opo-opo set off at a brisk walk!

'Tis already quite impressive to behold.

So its temporarily constructed with wood.

Ah, such an invigorating breeze...

Oh, Eitherys...

Your beauty truly knows no bounds.

Forgive me, I was lost in thought.

I look forward to the bridge's completion.

'Tis a fine bridge, boasting splendid views and brimming with life. The very image of man's determination to overcome adversity.

I am honored that it should be named Oschon.

Speak with Deryk again.

Well, this is as far as I asked you to come...

But if you are willing, might we converse a little more?

It occurs to me I hadn't asked you about your opinion of the Twelve.

How you personally perceive us, for instance, or what you felt when you faced us.

Your words from the heart, I would take with me as a memento.

Start of cutscene.