Vows of Virtue, Deeds of Cruelty

Truly, to see Kai-Shirr thus inspired by our actions is inspiring in itself.

Yet however much I may wish to stay and see what comes of his efforts here in Eulmore, we have matters of our own to attend to. Come, we should return to the Crystal Tower. Mayhap Beq Lugg's studies have borne fruit in our absence.

Optional dialogue

'Twould seem Alisaie has yet to return from the Inn at Journey's Head. I do hope she doesn't overtire herself...

I take it you are ready to resume our work?

My congratulations, Forename. Glad tidings from Eulmore did precede thy coming. I will see that Thancred and Ryne hear of these momentous events, that they too might take joy in that which thou hast helped to bring about.

In the course of preparing more auracite, we made a significant discovery. We thought it best to wait for your return before sharing our findings.

Speaking with the Crystal Exarch in the Ocular

Start of cutscene.

Welcome back. We are given to understand a new mayor has taken office in Eulmore.

Indeed. Our good friend Master Chai was elected by popular vote, and─after some considerable soulsearching─chose to accept the post.

It is a shame you weren't able to attend his inaugural speech. Though I have no doubt you will see more of him in the future.

But tell me, how fared you in preparing the white auracite?

Our work...did not proceed quite as expected.

In your absence, we had a frank discussion on the principles of soul transference, and concluded at length that white auracite was ill-suited for our purposes.

But Urianger─did you not say that, compared to the massy soul of an Ascian, the stone could house one of ours with ease?

That I did. And armed as we are with Beq Lugg's invaluable insight, 'twould indeed prove a trifling matter─were we to disregard the inviolable link 'twixt mind and soul...

...A link which would─we did belatedly realize─be weakened most perilously in the process of rendering our souls dormant, as auracite doth require. Thus, the shedding of these fleshly simulacra, and the surfeit of aether which compriseth them, would in all likelihood deprive us of our psyches as well.

It would, theoretically, be possible to channel your minds into the auracite instead, but we would more than likely sacrifice your souls in the process.

Which is why we have abandoned that plan, and instead devoted our time to finding a means by which mind and soul might be transported together.

Then we are no closer to a solution than when we first began...

It is a vexing conundrum indeed. But one for which the Crystal Exarch has posited a most intriguing solution.

When our discussions turned to the transference of memories and the psyche, I could not help but be reminded of a technique with which I have personal experience.

If the player has completed the Crystal Tower alliance raids (mandatory as of patch 5.3)

Forename, do you recall what we learned of my eyes from our encounter with Doga and Unei?

I speak of the Royal Eye of the Allagan imperial line, gifted to my forebears through the blood and memories of the ancient Allagans. It is by this gift that I am able to control the Crystal Tower.

If the player has not completed Crystal Tower alliance raids (no longer possible prior to 5.3)

To explain─in the latter days of the Allagan Empire, the last of their kind devised a means to pass on their blood and memories to my forebears. It is through these gifts that I am able to control the Crystal Tower.

If we were to gain an understanding of the technology by which the Allagans were able to accomplish this transference, perhaps then we could keep mind and soul together.

Imagine, if you will, a device like unto a soul crystal, replete not only with our worldly memories, but also the bountiful energies of the soul.

That is our current avenue of investigation. And we will follow it wheresoever it leads.

While we are thus engaged, I think it best that Forename return to the Source and inform Krile and the others of our findings.

Agreed. I imagine Tataru will be relieved to hear we've made progress of a sort.

Then I would beg leave to relay our findings unto Thancred and Ryne, and to assist where I may in their investigation of the Empty.

Yes, please do. Should we have need of your counsel we will not hesitate to summon you.

Give our regards to Tataru, won't you?

End of cutscene.

Optional dialogue

With the benefit of our combined knowledge, and the aid of the First's leading authority on soulcraft, we must surely be able to find a solution. Surely...

I pray the link to their bodies in your world will endure awhile longer. Should it fail, our efforts will be for naught.

Mark my words, Forename─we will unlock the secrets of the Allagan Eye, and see the others returned home.

There was a time when I thought these eyes a curse, you know... But for what they have enabled me to do, and what they may yet make possible, I see now they are a blessing.