Now that you've recovered, Lucia would have a word with you.
As you recount what befell you whilst Zenos was occupying your body, it becomes clear to those present that both the primal Anima and the Telophoroi are based in the Tower of Babil─as suspected─so it is there that you must go to confront them. Fortunately, contingent scouts have identified a viable route of ingress, and Lucia has a plan of attack already prepared. While others create a diversion above ground, you are to slip into the tower via an underground tunnel alongside the Scions and some few allies.
Your meeting with Lyse and company at Forum Patens to review your roles in the coming operation proceeds smoothly, with no more than the usual amount of bickering amongst the Azim Steppe delegation. So as not to attract attention, the group will need to travel separately until you reach the Enceladeum, where the entrance to the tunnel can be found.
Pipin greets you at the Enceladeum, unaware of the details of your possession but nevertheless pleased to see you recovered enough to take part in the battle to come. He directs you to the representative from Lente's Tears who will serve as your guide to the underground station, promising to send your other comrades along when they arrive.
You enter the underground station, where you are soon joined by your remaining comrades. A ruckus can be heard from above ground─your cue to board the train and infiltrate the Tower of Babil.
※To enlist your companion NPCs for this duty, speak with them near the entrance or access Duty Support via the main menu. Use the Duty Finder if you wish to complete the instance alongside fellow players.
Fighting past tempered soldiers and all manner of monstrosities, you succeed in breaching the top of the tower, where you come face-to-face with the terrifying primal known as Anima. Demonstrating your might is more fearsome than any would-be god of empire, you succeed in putting the soul of His Radiance, Varis zos Galvus, to rest at last. Now nothing stands between you and the long-awaited confrontation with the Telophoroi's commanders.
Though you catch Zenos and Fandaniel in the act, they have already harnessed much of the tower's aether and nearly succeeded in freeing Zodiark from His imprisonment. Suddenly, Krile appears, her body acting as a conduit for Hydaelyn, who is able to preserve the remaining shackles that bind Her ancient foe. For a moment, it appears that Fandaniel's plan has failed when the last of the tower's aether is exhausted, but he quickly changes tack and teleports himself and Zenos to the moon, that they might destroy the protective barrier in person. As a parting gift, they reveal that Anima, as its final act, issued an order to the tempered throughout Garlemald to fight unto their dying breath, and this diversion is enough to allow the Telophoroi to utilize their gate and make their escape. For a mercy, Hydaelyn manages to divert their aether current far from their destination, giving you a chance to travel to the moon yourself and forestall Zodiark's release.
Alphinaud and the other Scions vow to prevent the situation in Garlemald from escalating and spare the tempered a terrible fate. Meanwhile, you alone must pursue the Telophoroi to the moon, and stop them ere it is too late.
...I suppose your experience was a bit different, though. Unlike you, I had the pleasure of being stuck with Lahabrea while he went gallivanting about doing a poor impression of me. It adds another layer to the insult, believe you me.
My apologies─I realized too late that the aether emanating from the tower was distorting my perception. 'Twas likely a temporary effect, but I remain wary.
The body that you were forced to inhabit turned cold and stiff the moment you were returned to your own. Perhaps the soul it belonged to is long gone...
Let us pray it is so, for I doubt it would be better off in the care of Zenos or Fandaniel.
Of paramount concern, even, assuming he didn't name the tower “Babil” on a whim.
In Amon's time, it meant “gateway of the gods.” Xande used it to refer to a voidgate, but in this case, it almost certainly alludes to something altogether greater...
Though I wish we could share all of our provisions with the refugees, we have to plan ahead. We'll be in no position to help anyone if we starve to death.
Ah, you've finally come around! From what I gather, you'd been through rather a lot, what with your sudden disappearance. Then, even when you did return, there was some sort of fracas, it seems. Someone did explain it to me, but I must admit, I found the whole account positively mind-boggling.
And once again, your timing is impeccable. Why, you've recovered just in time to join the foray into the enemy stronghold. I do hope you're feeling up to it!
Many of the Garlean refugees are refusing to be treated with magic. While I can sympathize with that to a degree, there is a limit to what we can do with basic medicines and bandages. At this rate, there'll be none left.
I am to accompany you into the tower. It is an honor, as ever!
Additional NPCs will be interactable and have optional dialogue depending on the player's progress through various class/job quests and other side stories:
The time is upon us. Neither you nor Estinien will break under the coming onslaught, of that I am sure. I too vow not to bend, to see us to victory. By my lance, I do swear.
Greetings, Forename. A pity that our paths will be diverging on the battlefield, though we shall see each other again once the dust has settled, worry not. And when we do, you shall find me stronger than before.
If bard is unlocked (NPC locations need confirmation)
We're still deciding who'll be staying behind and who'll act as a diversion. Emmanellain is to guard the camp, while Sanson and I join the van.
Jehantel may have already waxed philosophical on this topic, but it is here upon the battlefield that a bard shows their true mettle. Wherever swords clash and magicks crackle, our song shall be heard.
It has all been leading up to this. As I'm assigned to the diversionary force, I doubt our paths will cross once the fighting starts, so I shall take this opportunity to wish you the very best of luck!
Truth be told, I am feeling more than a bit nervous. I have never been involved in something of such scale, but with Guydelot and the others at my side, I'm confident we will succeed.
We will see who is the fool when you freeze to death. Expect me not to warm your ill-prepared hide ─ these furs are for myself and my Nhaama alone, should I be blessed to meet her this day.
Fear not ─ no serious wounds have gone untreated. Nor will I stand for being left behind while the rest of you rush headlong into danger, so you needn't bother suggesting it.
When I infiltrated the palace with Gaius, we took an entirely different route. Since then, the whole place has been reconstructed, and 'twould appear that path is no longer accessible.
We heard that you collapsed, but were given only the most cursory explanation. I'm glad you've recovered ─ and quickly enough to take part in the operation, at that.
As you will have heard, we've secured the way in. Some few are to remain behind to keep your escape route clear.
Our comrade from Lente's Tears will lead the way into the station. I'll join you soon.
Your comrades tell me that the Telophoroi abducted you on the selfsame eve they so rudely interrupted our meal. A brazen feat that would make a Buduga proud.
But even had it not ended poorly, it was a disappointment in many respects. I have decided that when we return triumphant, the Oronir will hold a far grander feast on the Azim Steppe. You have permission to attend.
We were only able to ascertain that the tunnel connects to the tower. I fear I have little to offer as to the details of the interior or present situation therein.
If Fandaniel is to be believed, we don't have the luxury of time to scout ahead, so we'll have to trust in your instincts. They've served us well enough thus far.
If all of the tempered are affected, Jullus and his comrades likely put up quite the struggle.
We'll find a way to save them ─ we must. I only pray we are not too late.
In the meantime...may the Twelve carry you to victory.
You may now enter the Tower of Babil with a party of NPC avatars. To make use of this feature, open the Trust interface located under Duty in the main menu.