Dialogue
DERYK
Magically concealed...
In like manner, perhaps, to the ruins of Amdapor in the Twelveswood. The city, I understand, reappeared when the Seventh Umbral Calamity weakened the elementals.
GRAHATIA
Well, it seems there is but one solution for our ignorance: a thorough investigation!
For this, we will require more manpower and supplies, among other things.
With your permission, we will confer with our representative, Krile, and make the necessary arrangements for a formal investigation.
DERYK
If that is what must be done to commence your work in earnest, then by all means.
GRAHATIA
Without further ado, then, let us return to Sharlayan.
BYREGOT
(-???-)Hold, mortals.
(-???-)You profane this sacred realm with your very presence, and must answer for your irreverence.
I am Byregot, the Builder.
GRAHATIA
Byregot!? Then...the Twelve are real!?
BYREGOT
Let there be no doubt: we are not simulacra born of mortal faith.
Nay, we Twelve are divinities true.
And in Hydaelyn's absence, we are the star's rightful rulers. Its will.
AZEYMA
(-Spirited Woman's Voice-)Closely have we watched mankind.
(-Spirited Woman's Voice-)And we have determined that you, champion of Hydaelyn, pose a threat to our ascension.
RHALGR
(-Sagely Man's Voice-)You were foolish to wander into our realm. We could destroy you with ease here and now...but as divinities, we must demonstrate grace and forbearance.
NALDTHAL
(-Measured Men's Voice-)There is but one path. We must weigh this mortal's worth.
AZEYMA
(-Spirited Woman's Voice-)Hear, hear! Let there be a trial.
BYREGOT
Hmmm... While the mortal would invariably be destroyed, it would at least provide us with a diversion.
GRAHATIA
What!? You suddenly appear, and expect us to simply comply with your whims!?
BYREGOT
Protest if you wish, but mortal logic means naught to gods. You will abide by our laws.
Lo! The gateway to our sanctums lies open.
RHALGR
(-Sagely Man's Voice-)Show us the strength of mankind.
AZEYMA
(-Spirited Woman's Voice-)Show us the honor of mankind.
NALDTHAL
(-Measured Men's Voice-)Show us the spirit of mankind.
BYREGOT
If man would remain the master of his own destiny, then assemble your comrades and come. Come, and prove your worthiness.
DERYK
Seven hells... During my previous forays, nothing like this ever happened. I encountered not a single soul─and certainly not gods.
And by their own admission, they mean to take over the star. What are we to do?
GRAHATIA
The situation has indeed taken an unexpected turn...but we must try to think clearly.
The Twelve have long been revered and worshipped in Eorzea, and myths about Them abound.
But to my knowledge, They have never thus appeared so openly before people.
For these beings to suddenly reveal themselves just when we're here, claim supremacy over the star, and challenge Forename to a trial...
Too much about this feels odd, and it gives me pause.
DERYK
Fair enough... Yet as it stands, it seems we can't dismiss the threat either.
Q1
What will you say?
A1
Whatever they are, if they're issuing challenge, then challenge accepted!
Gaius van Baelsar once said that the Twelve, too, were simply primals.
This is turning out to be another strange affair...
GRAHATIA
Dependable as ever, my friend.
'Tis true that even Hydaelyn and Zodiark were primals, and we cannot discount the possibility, but we know too little to draw conclusions.
Well, if 'twas an adventure we sought, I daresay we've found it.
In any event, if these beings seek dominion over the star as they say, what happens here may have far-reaching implications.
To that end, I believe we should take action. Suffice it to say you are with me?
DERYK
Then the Students of Baldesion will officially tend to the situation?
GRAHATIA
Aye. In the course of studying the star's mysteries, we have undertaken to deal with any threats that may arise. This is no different.
DERYK
To think that we would encounter the Twelve...
GRAHATIA
Right, let us deliberate a course of action. Deryk─know you aught of these beings' sanctums?
DERYK
Aye, they are domains in the phantom realm that lie beyond each gate. I've explored them all.
Perhaps due to aetheric instability, there are times when one can enter when ordinarily one cannot. But 'twould seem the way has been opened for us.
While I encountered no gods during my previous forays, I saw enough to know my way around.
I am but a humble explorer and cannot contend with gods. But if you would be willing to protect me, I will serve as your guide.
GRAHATIA
“Assemble your comrades,” Byregot bade us...
As strong as I know you are, we know little and less about our foes. Neither their strength nor their true nature. 'Twould be decidedly reckless to face them by ourselves.
Nay, we must choose an approach that affords us the best chance at victory.
To that end, this time I shall work behind the scenes. While you set forth to answer the gods' challenge, I will do what I can in my capacity as a Student.
For one, it would behoove us to arm ourselves with knowledge about the Twelve, and I shall begin by apprising Krile of the situation.
By thus utilizing our resources to the fullest, we shall overcome whatever trials await!
DERYK
If you are ready to set forth, then so am I.
KRILE
You're safe! Thank goodness!
I rushed here as soon as I heard the tidings from Raha. Is this true? Beings claiming to be the Twelve have appeared?
GRAHATIA
You defeated them all? Incredible!
I had no doubt that you would succeed, but I'm no less impressed for it!
RHALGR
Gahahaha! Seldom have I felt such exhilaration!
To think that the day would come that we would put on an act for men... I must say, Byregot, you played the villain's role to perfection!
BYREGOT
Come now, Master, I merely did what was necessary to compel the mortals to confront us.
AZEYMA
<sigh> Still, it pained me to speak to our beloved children so unkindly...
NALDTHAL
So you say, Azeyma, yet you seemed happy enough to fight them. You did not forget the true purpose of the trial, I hope?
AZEYMA
Well, I couldn't help but be excited. And do not tell me you felt differently!
Consider yourselves fortunate, children. 'Tis rare indeed to see Nald'thal in such high spirits.
KRILE
What in the world is happening? Didn't you say you had defeated them?
GRAHATIA
Did they manage to flee...or perhaps were resummoned!?
RHALGR
Put up your weapons. You have naught to fear from us.
BYREGOT
Rest assured we are not summoned beings. We do not drain the land of aether, nor do we take men into our thrall.
GRAHATIA
But...what of the gods who were summoned during the Calamity?
The ones Master Louisoix called forth to protect the realm...
NALDTHAL
That was not us, but a primal born of your fervent prayers for salvation.
AZEYMA
Indeed. That the worst of the Calamity was averted and the realm restored in its aftermath was a direct testament to the power of your hopes.
Q2
What will you say?
A2
If you aren't primals, then what are you?
Do you truly intend to rule the world?
Why choose to appear before us now?
BYREGOT
...Just as men harbor hopes, so too do we gods.
To realize our aspirations, 'tis essential that we do battle with you. Thus did I falsely claim that we sought to rule the world.
'Twas deceitful conduct unworthy of a divinity, and I must apologize. Not only for that, but for using my power to do harm besides.
KRILE
These hopes of yours─won't you tell us what they are?
NALDTHAL
We cannot. If you wish to know the truth, you must discover it for yourselves.
AZEYMA
'Tis not easy to move forward when there is seemingly no destination. But if you press on, you will eventually arrive at the answers you seek.
RHALGR
Aye, you will understand why we hold our peace, and far more besides. You will learn the very truth of our existence.
BYREGOT
Go forth, mortals, and seek knowledge of us. And when the time is right, we shall meet again in this place.
GRAHATIA
We have met and exchanged words with the Twelve... When I pause to think, I can scarce believe it.
DERYK
When I first explored the phantom realm, it appeared to be unoccupied. To think that it was home to the gods...
KRILE
As if hearing about your battling the Twelve weren't shocking enough, to have them appear before my very eyes... Suffice it to say it's been an interesting day.
While much about them remains shrouded in mystery, at least they seem open to reason. In considering our next step, I should very much like to hear your detailed account of them.
Right after I have a word with our client, that is. Please give me a moment to introduce myself, and then we can review the situation.