In the Dark of the Tower

I returned by way of Kytte's experimental aetheryte, yet I must say, it was far less taxing than our first attempt. And apparently, we need only ask if we wish to use it again.

Now, I'm not terribly eager to repeat the experience... But if you're willing to test your aetherial fortitude for the sake of technological advancement, then who am I to stop you?

The conflict between Nidhogg and I is in the past, and though they were brothers, it has no bearing on my view of Vrtra.

Above all else, he is a leader of men, not an enemy. He would hardly dedicate his life to this endeavor if he bore our kind any ill will.

Vrtra and his alchemists have prepared us for our foray into the tower. What we may accomplish within its twisted halls remaineth to be seen.

That Arkasodara languish in Telophoroi chains doth forewarn us of the nature of our foe ─ 'tis the gods of Thavnair who will be summoned to thwart us.

Don't think for a moment that I'm jealous of Alphinaud's new weapons. They're far more suited to him than me.

We left for Eorzea in matching outfits, but our styles ─ both fashion and fighting ─ have long since diverged. If anything, I'm proud of the differences between us.

If I intend to master these sage's armaments, that will mean learning to imbue them with the same aether that I poured into Moonstone and Obsidian.

'Tis difficult to grasp the essence of such an entity... For me, it will help to think of the nouliths as allies in battle ─ simply a new form of the energy which went into manifesting my Carbuncle companions.

For us to feel responsible for the schism of House Leveilleur would be pure hubris. After all, we are merely on the outskirts of what is, essentially, a family affair.

And yet neither can we claim the indifference of strangers. To hear their mother welcome them so warmly was a joy...and a relief.

As curious as I am to learn the truth of this “duty,” I wonder what else the Forum is hiding. A calamitous secret whose origin lies in the aetherial sea...

Duplicity aside, however, I do not believe Master Fourchenault means us ill. Even the harsh words he had for his children stemmed not from anger, I think, but desperation.

Accepting the quest

Since there has been progress in both investigations, shall we share the findings from our respective locales?

Start of voiced cutscene.

Your time in Thavnair has certainly been eventful.

In my opinion, carrying out Vrtra's request and assaulting the Tower of Zot should be our highest priority.

I agree. While I still have questions concerning the Forum and their grand undertaking, we have all but exhausted our avenues of investigation.

Simply pressing them any harder on the subject will almost certainly result in our expulsion. Therefore I suggest we explore the aetherial sea connection by way of a letter to Master Matoya, then make our way to Thavnair.

I wonder... Even with the protection these talismans afford us, what can we hope to achieve once inside the tower?

According to Arenvald and Fordola's report, they were unable to free the Amalj'aa. Worse, their attempts triggered the tower's defenses, which led to a summoning of Lunar Ifrit.

What does it tell us that the spires even have such defenses?

Simply pulling a prisoner from the wall is fatal, thus the direct approach is doomed to failure from the outset. Any further measures to dissuade such actions seem...unnecessary.

Unless, of course, there is a way to free the prisoners without killing them. Then it stands to reason that any intruders would be met with overwhelming force.

The towers appeared throughout the world in but the twinkling of an eye. 'Twas by magical means these structures were raised, I surmise.

A spire thus conjured must needs be maintained, and I suspect an arcane catalyst ─ some manner of “core” ─ doth lie hidden within.

Destroy the core, and the tower ceaseth to be...thus liberating the captives without harm!

So we can hope. And I would prefer to enter the tower with a working theory than with no plan at all.

Assuming Y'shtola's reasoning is correct, the chances of the defenses remaining dormant are small to none.

Any primals will have to be dealt with, and defeating one will likely only lead to the summoning of another. Our every victory will only compound the prisoners' suffering.

May we not then divide our forces?

Those proficient in healing will focus on sustaining the captives. That duty can be covered by Urianger, Krile, Y'shtola, and myself.

The remaining Scions will proceed with the search for the core. Admittedly, this strategy puts both parties at greater risk, but it should bolster our chances of saving the Arkasodara by a considerable margin.

What will you say?

Are you sure Alphinaud is in the right group?

If you're to fight primals, then you'd best have at least one healer with you.

And I am more than happy to fulfill that role. I've found wielding a sage's armaments to be rather intuitive, and look forward to testing them against a more challenging foe.

What of Alisaie? She knows a healing spell or two.

That she does, but I think Alisaie herself would assert that she's at her best when she's charging unto the breach.

And from what I recall from the Grand Cosmos, there's a spring in her step when she fights by your side.

Ye gods, will you never let me hear the end of that? Rest assured that I will do what is asked of me regardless of who I happen to be standing next to at any given time!

(As Healer) Aren't you forgetting someone!?

Of course not! As our most talented healer, we need you leading the van, fighting primals on the front lines.

It seems we have a plan; all that remains is to carry it out. I will inform Radz-at-Han of our movements, so let us make our preparations and regroup near the tower.

The military post in what's left of the Hamsa Hatchery should serve as a convenient staging point.

That sounds perfect! And remember: the experimental aetheryte at the Confluence is there for those who need it, so there's no excuse for being late!

End of cutscene.

Optional dialogue

At the Confluence:

Kytte

...Really? You're ready for another round of aetheryte testing? Then, please, by all means! Let's get you whisked away to Thavnair before you come to your senses!

At the Hamsa Hatchery:

Imhudi

We're told folk are imprisoned in the tower. For now, our orders are to watch it, and I don't intend to bat an eyelid, but it chafes that we can't do more...

Khuteeyu

If we're to protect our people effectively, it would be best to have everyone in one place, namely within the city. Alas, it isn't so simple.

Every settlement plays an important role in the running of our nation. They can't simply be abandoned, even if it means our numbers are spread thin.

Speak with Nahbdeen at the Hamsa Hatchery.

Ah, our friend of Eorzea, we've been expecting you! You and yours will lead the mission into the tower, I'm told.

The warding scales will be delivered soon. Till then, please stand by at the boat we have readied.

When your fellows arrive, I will direct them to join you. We pray for your safety and success!

Optional dialogue

If the satrap trusts you and yours to lead the mission, then you must be formidable warriors indeed.

Glad are we to count you as allies!

Standby at the boat.

Start of cutscene.

Unnngh... If this is the future of aetheryte travel, I think I'll stick to boats...

Aye... No warning, however emphatic, could have prepared me for that...

On account of which we are a little late, but fighting fit! Mostly.

My friends, permit me to thank you for accepting this mission.

You must be...hm... We should still call you Varshahn, I suppose?

Indeed. It would not do to confuse our soldiers.

Very well, then.

For our part, we are humbled that you should see fit to entrust us with your warding scales. Please convey as much to His Excellency.

One for each of you. Please accept them with my blessings.

Our thanks. With these, we can go anywhere those with the blessing of Light can go.

Not only for this operation either, but all the ones to come. We can finally break your monopoly on primals.

What will you say?

I've been waiting for this day!

So have we, my friend. So have we.

I wouldn't mind carrying on as before, you know.

Hah, spoken like our champion. Rest assured we'll ever have need of you, though we will do what we can to lighten your burden.

In that case, they're all yours from now on.

Ah, but I'm afraid we can't let you retire just yet. You're the Scions' brightest star, after all.

If everyone is amenable to it, let us review the strategy for good measure.

As previously agreed, we will divide into two groups.

Forename and his/her band will break through the tower's defenses and locate its core.

Meanwhile, the rest of us will tend to the prisoners, who will doubtless want for healing due to the duress of repeated summonings.

The primals which the tower bringeth forth shall be deities of Thavnairian myth.

As we have no prior experience with such foes, pray exercise the utmost caution when confronting them.

We commence the operation at your word, my friend.

For the people of Thavnair ─ nay, the entire world ─ we must prevail!

The Tower of Zot now accessible

End of cutscene.

Optional dialogue

Up the hill, in the camp:

I have received the report. What happened to Mistress Nidhana is regrettable, but we must give thanks that you, at least, are safe.

By the boat:

The Radiant Host and I will be watching from the outpost, ready to act at the first sign of unusual activity.

May the scales serve you well, and protect you in lieu of Vrtra's fangs and claws.

This is the closest I've ever been to one of the towers. Such a sinister aura it exudes...

It's been a while since last I took to the field, and I can't help but feel nervous. But with everyone at my side, I'm sure all will be well!

Though our parties are separate, I will trust in you ─ as I know you will trust in me.

Let us both give it our all, and add another rousing chapter to the saga!

Aside from primals, within the tower we shall for a certainty encounter enthralled imperial soldiers.

Defenders conveyed hither by means unknown, who will stop at nothing to hinder our efforts...

Lest you worry, I've not forgotten my healing spells.

Be it restoration or destruction, this sorceress can command whatever magicks the situation requires.

With Y'shtola keeping them company, the other party will be able to hold their own against the enemy if needs be.

So we can tackle our own task without worrying over them. Come, let us be about it!

I may have taken up new arms, but my role is unchanged. I am a healer, through and through.

Yet in knowing who once wore this sage's mantle, I wonder... When all is said and done, will I look back on the battles I chose to fight with pride?

My warding scale is safely tucked away. I'm ready when you are, Forename.

I may not be the Azure Dragoon, former or otherwise, but I guarantee that I'll give as good as I get!

First this armor, blessed with Ratatoskr's power, and now Vrtra's scale... Much has changed for dragons to show me such favor.

And with Nidhogg with me, in spirit and in hand, no obstacle will bar our way.

Enter the Tower of Zot.

Duty dialogue

Tower Base (area 1)

A foul place, this. Let us proceed with caution.

They seek to bar our path. The only way is through!

Oh gods, poor Nidhana! We'll free you from this place, I promise!

I sense a great surge of aether, as if... A summoning hath begun!

Look! Those beastly masks! It's the Manusya, come to life!

We will focus on sustaining the Arkasodara!

The rest of you must keep going! Onwards and upwards!

Ingenuity's Ingress (boss 1)

Minduruva

Begone from our tower...

Begone...or become prey for the Magus!

Behold our ingenious magicks!

Dance! Dance until death claims you!

So, you have chosen defiance...

Prosperity's Promise (boss 2)

Sanduruva

The tower must be protected...

We will not let it fall!

You will not steal away our prosperity!

We hear it! We heed it! The call to defend the tower!

If I alone cannot expel you...

Wisdom's Ward (boss 3)

Start of cutscene.

No matter the cost, we must protect the tower.

End of cutscene.

You persist in your desecration?

Then face the full wrath of the Magus!

Sanduruva

I am with you, Sister!

Minduruva

The three stand as one!

Join with me, Sisters!

Sanduruva

Wealth be upon you!

Minduruva, your aid!

Minduruva

Cinduruva, your strength!

The Magus Sisters

Insatiable flame, consume our foe!

Glacial ice, entomb our foe!

Thunderous tempest, smite our foe!

Optional post-duty pop-ups

Optional dialogue

From what I can tell, the summonings appear to be over.

No belief is sacred to these Telophoroi...

That seems to have been the limit of the tower's defenses.

They were nimble fighters, I'll give them that.

Duty Support dialogue

Ingenuity's Ingress (boss 1)

This is an abomination. A perversion of people's faith!

Whatever this being is, we can't let it stand in our way!

My sentiments exactly.

It's...some maner of primal.

Just another foe to vanquish.

After the fight

Onwards to the upper floors!

We can't very well stay here, can we?

Well, that victory felt...insubstantial.

You fought well, Alisaie.

I was in good company.

That was tiresome.

Tower Climb (area 2)

What is it made of, I wonder?

Best not to think on it for now.

How are we to rescue everyone?

It's like being in the belly of a beast...

This place sets my teeth on edge.

We must find the heart of this tower...and shut it down.

I wonder how Y'shtola and the others fare.

They've been awfully busy taking prisoners...

Aye, whatever it takes.

What manner of creature are these things?

Prosperity's Promise (boss 2)

A mockery of the Thavnairian gods!

She bars our path. That's all we need to know.

Just like in the picture... We're facing the Magus Sisters!

The same sisters the fisher lad told us about, yes?

So it's to be lance against lance, is it?

Sanduruva's "Manusya Confuse":

Illusory magicks?

What-!? Ugh, spare me...

Wonderful. I do so love guessing games.

What nonsense is this?

After the fight

Shall we push on?

What else can this tower throw at us?

Just a pale imitation of divinity, in the end.

Protective of the tower, aren't they?

Compelled by Telophoroi magicks, I imagine.

Someone needed more training with the spear...

Tower Top (area 3)

The corruption...it feels stronger here.

Aye, the talisman trembles to resist it.

The aether here is thick as syrup...

I believe we've reached the summit.

The talisman... I feel it trembling.

Just a little further!

Ugh, we're so close, and now this!

Stay focused! Now is not the time for mistakes!

More warmachina to dismantle...

Rattling, clunking nuisances...

Wisdom's Ward (boss 3)

I suppose we should have expected a third sister...

Cast down this false goddess and let us be done with it!

The third and final sister, I hope?

Would have been quicker to fight all three at once...

Please don't tempt fate like that.

Post-duty cutscene

Start of voiced cutscene.

Is everyone all right!?

We fortified the captives with what magicks we could. Have the defenses been disabled? All appears quiet for the moment...

The lower floors were disturbing enough, but this place feels...wrong. The aether is heavy and thick. Like wading through a quagmire...

I believe we stand in the tower's beating heart. What sayest thou, Y'shtola...?

I see it. Aether siphoned from the land runs up through the spire, flowing to a single point...

This is the core we seek.

Yet something is...off. As large as this structure is, it siphons far more aether than is required to sustain it.

'Tis as if the core is feeding on the energy. Consuming it. I need to take a closer look...

...Curious. There is something there, embedded inside the core.

Y'shtola reacts with shock.

A man's limb...

This is what we came to destroy?

Yes. If you would be so kind?

Estinien destroys the core.

And that should be the end of it!

The tower rumbles beneath their feet.

Ugh, what now!?

My theory that the tower might come crashing down following the core's destruction doth appear to be correct.

Bully for you! And how are we supposed to survive the fall!?

What of the prisoners below...!

The floor beneath our very feet dissolves. Brace yourselves!

I pray I'm not too late!

G'raha Tia casts a spell. The player and Scions are lying down on the ground outside, along with the Arkasodara captives.

What happened? Where are we?

By my reckoning, we're still on the island where the tower stood but...'tis as if it never existed.

Hardly a scratch. But how...?

The player rushes to G'raha Tia, who is still unconscious.

G'raha wove a levitation spell at the last moment. Large enough to catch everyone, it would seem.

That explains the lack of obvious injuries.

The expenditure of so much aether has taken its toll. He will need plenty of rest, but should otherwise be none the worse for wear.

Then the immediate problem is what to do with our new friends here.

They'll be much changed for their time in the tower. Even if their bodies are intact, I doubt we could say the same for their minds.

Angelo and I will take care of that.

I have every faith in you, Alisaie, but there are just too many for you to treat alone.

We'll send at once to Eorzea for more porxies, and call on the local mages to lend a hand.

Hail, Scions!

We were watching the tower, when it simply...disappeared. What happened here?

The threat is banished, and thy people delivered. They are, however, in need of treatment, and we of a secure locale and helping hands to assist us in its provision.

You shall have all this and more. Come, let us convey these unfortunate souls to the city.

The player walks to an unconscious Nidhana.

End of cutscene.

Optional dialogue

Imhudi

The tower's gone, and we owe it to you and the alchemists.

I didn't realize how tense I had been until Narunnair returned to normal, and I felt drowsy for the relief.

Khuteeyu

I understand you and yours dealt with the tower. You've rid us of a great menace, and I don't know how to thank you.

But as grateful as I am, I regret that we couldn't take care of it ourselves. This is our home, after all, and it falls to us to defend it. We must endeavor to do better.

Ah, you are returned! As suddenly as the tower disappeared, we were gravely concerned for you and yours.

I am glad to see that all is well. On behalf of the people of Radz-at-Han, I give you my heartfelt thanks.

Whew... Carrying all those Matanga may have been the true struggle...

Speak with Thancred.