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A Way Forward

Mainquest1 Icon.png Lv. 82   A Way Forward
Quest

Journal detail hr1 07.png Acquisition
Alphinaud: Garlemald - The Eblan Rime - Victors' Spoils (x:33.6, y:25.5)

Map33 Icon.pngClosest Aetheryte: Camp Broken Glass

Journal detail hr1 08.png Requirements
071201.png82At the End of the TrailMainquest1 Icon.png At the End of the Trail (Level 82)

Spacer2.png Any Disciple of War or Magic (excluding limited jobs) (Level 82)

Journal detail hr1 03.png Rewards

462,000
Experience Points



1,031
Gil
Guaranteed
Pewter Foot Gear Coffer (IL 525)
Edit A Way Forward's Miscellaneous Reward
Journal detail hr1 04.png Description
Alphinaud's resolve may be shaken, but he has not forgotten his duty.
Journal detail hr1 01.png Objectives
Journal detail hr1 02.png Unlocks Quests
071201.png82The Last BastionMainquest1 Icon.png The Last Bastion (Level 82)
071221.png80Heroes AllSidequest1 Icon.png Heroes All (Level 80)
071221.png80Under Lock and CodeSidequest1 Icon.png Under Lock and Code (Level 80)

  • Alphinaud's resolve may be shaken, but he has not forgotten his duty.
  • The tragedy that unfolded on the Eblan Rime has clearly left its mark on Alphinaud and Alisaie. Your hearts heavy with guilt and sorrow, you return to Camp Broken Glass to relay these unfortunate events.
  • Lucia and the others are shocked to hear the outcome of your first encounter with Garlean locals. Making a conscious effort not to dwell on the matter, the conversation turns to the collapse of the Empire. You come to the realization that some few were spared from being tempered by devices known as radios, which, perhaps more by coincidence than design, possess similar properties to the warding scales. The discussion is interrupted by the discovery of an intruder in the camp─a young Garlean soldier named Jullus who was caught stealing provisions. Despite his initial hostility, he is eventually persuaded to take you, Alisaie, and Alphinaud to parley with his commander.
  • Lucia offers a few parting words, including cryptic comments to observe proper social etiquette, and that Thancred will be worried for your well-being. As Jullus is within earshot, you can only surmise it is a not-so-subtle reminder to take no action against the soldiers regardless of the circumstances─you are to observe their disposition only; and should you come to be in need of assistance, a concealed Thancred will likely be nearby to offer it. You ponder this possibility as you prepare for a journey across the snowy plains.
  • Jullus decides to wait until your party is outside of Camp Broken Glass before revealing even the slightest hint as to where you are heading, for fear your allies might surmise the location of his base of operations. For the time being, you comply with his wishes and follow him until you are all out of earshot.
  • Jullus explains the route you must take in order to approach his faction's headquarters. As he is still extremely wary around you and the twins, he forbids you from drawing your weapons in his presence. In order to keep an eye on them, Jullus instructs Alphinaud and Alisaie to take the lead, while you join him in bringing up the rear.
※ If you part ways with Jullus or fall behind Alphinaud and Alisaie, return to the starting point and speak with Jullus to try again.
  • You manage to evade the local wildlife and finally reach Liminal Station IV. The sense of accomplishment is fleeting, however, as Jullus then reveals that this location is nothing more than a brief stop for him to ensure that none of your comrades are attempting to follow in violation of the agreement. Satisfied you are alone, he bids you continue along to your true destination.
  • The next part of your journey will take you near the remains of a sprawling residential district. With hordes of tempered soldiers and civilians prowling the streets, your party will need to move swiftly to sneak past without incident.

We have already caused enough harm here. Let us return to the camp before we cause any more.

As for those inside the house, we should send someone to take care of them. Someone who isn't us.


All we can do for now is make our report to Lucia...and do everything in our power to prevent further tragedy.


So let us linger here no more. Come...
Quest Accepted


Forgive me for saying, but the three of you appear rather drained since your return. Is there aught I might do to be of assistance?
Is something the matter? The twins look out of sorts, and you too seem a bit...off.
Treatment of the tempered is proceeding as well as can be expected. If there is anything to report, you will be sure to know, though I gather you have a report of your own to deliver...
We mustn't forget to send some of our allies to Tapper's Den. We still owe them for the bottle of ceruleum.
Would you mind giving Lucia a full report?
Alisaie and Alphinaud tell me they have finished their preliminary search for survivors, but refrained from saying much more than that.
Clearly they are reluctant to provide details. Might I ask for your account?
Player7 Icon.png Voiced cutscene start.
Thank you for your report.
We shall inform the troops of these developments, and instruct them to proceed with the utmost caution should they encounter any survivors.
Allow me to go and speak with the ones at the Victors' Spoils. They may be more willing to listen to a fellow Garlean and accept our offer of assistance.
I pray you are right. And though I am loath to burden you any further, should there be an appropriate occasion to speak of Licinia and her sister...please do so.
I am sorry to have put you through this.
My distress is nothing compared to their suffering...
So tell me: what else have we learned?
As you may have already heard, we have succeeded in curing the members of the Populares Maxima identified.

They have provided us with some intriguing insights into the current state of Garlemald.


The assassination of Emperor Varis was the catalyst for the civil war. Nerva declared his claim to the throne, and his opponents refused to recognize it.


Fighting broke out in the capital, where Nerva's IIIrd Legion clashed with the Ist, who remained loyal to Varis even after his death.
Of course, even imperial warmongers would balk at the idea of turning their shining city into a battleground. Like burning down the wood to spite the wasps. Neither side would be so mad.
Unless something or someone inflamed their animosity to such an extent that they could not help but act against their better judgment.
It brings to mind events at the Ghimlyt Dark, does it not? The Emperor's sudden withdrawal from the front lines, specifically.
Nerva and his father, Titus—Varis's then political rival—took advantage of rumors that Crown Prince Zenos had been possessed by a demon.
Elidibus. What better way to disparage your enemies than with the truth—or a close enough approximation.
Indeed. But before their accusations could be substantiated, many of Titus's followers were silenced.
While some were merely stripped of their status, others died under curious circumstances. One after another, suddenly and suspiciously.
Again, Elidibus. Like as not, he had a hand in it. No evidence was found to implicate Varis, certainly.
Nevertheless, Titus, Nerva, and the IIIrd Legion would have judged it a brazen attempt by the Emperor to rid himself of his political enemies.

And then, in the midst of this growing turmoil, Varis zos Galvus is murdered...


And Garlemald's own prodigal son, Gaius van Baelsar, is named the murderer.


Shortly thereafter, Nerva claims the right of succession, and in response, the Ist Legion claims the assassination was part of a coup d'état orchestrated by Titus and Nerva.
So no one is at fault and everyone else is to blame.
I should add that both parties received substantial financial backing—presumably to provide them with the means and encouragement to pursue a swift victory—and that these contributions came from the selfsame benefactor.
I'd heard House Brutus had been filling the IIIrd Legion's coffers, but Ist as well?
It would seem so. Though the Populares determined that the Ist Legion received funds from a variety of organizations, all had connections to House Brutus.
So Fandaniel, in the guise of Asahi, was playing both sides against each other the entire time!
The information we gained from my friends does not end there. One night shortly after fighting broke out, the capital was shaken by an immense tremor.

From that point onward, they have no memories—no recollection of any events, including our clash on the Magna Glacies.


But when asked about the imperial palace and its bizarre transformation, they somehow recall Emperor Varis giving them orders. In their dreams.


"May the Tower of Babil stand as testament to the glory of Garlemald!"
This sounds awfully familiar...
We have something to show you all.
Varis spoke to them through this radio...? Perhaps it was a recording, but if not, that would be...inexplicable.
We are of one mind, then.
The aether that permeates the ore used in this device is almost identical to that of the talismans.
I see it... While it is likely more by coincidence than design, these devices might also ward against a primal's influence.

A picture is beginning to form. If the tremor felt throughout Garlemald was a wave of aether emitted by a primal...


...Then while those within range would have been tempered, those huddled around a radio—desperate for news concerning the civil war—would have been spared.
No wonder Licinia kept it close...
My friends! I must speak with you!

A young man was caught trying to steal our supplies. He is a soldier of the ironmen, we think, but one who has not been made thrall.


Thankfully, Magnai restrained him before blood was spilled. The strange is outside, if you wish to ask him questions.
I think we do.
Who do we have here?
Garleans!?
Traitors to your homeland! Have you no shame!?
I am Lucia Junius, a Temple Knight of Ishgard. And you are?
Jullus pyr Norbanus. And that's all you invaders will get from me.
We are not here to invade Garlemald. Far from it.

Like you, our allies in Eorzea and the Far East fight in defense of their lives and their loved ones, even as we speak.


But it is the people of Garlemald who have suffered most. This we know. And that is why we have come to offer you our aid, that we may unite against our common foe.


Whether you believe it or not, those are the facts. Now, answer me this.


Why would a proud soldier of the Empire be reduced to stealing? The situation must be dire indeed for you to go to such lengths.


If it is supplies you seek, we would gladly share ours. Or turn a blind eye while you leave with your "spoils."
I will not negotiate. My commander will determine how to deal with you and yours.
If you wish to treat with him, I will take you. But no more than three.
I don't much like the sound of that, but if we do accept his proposal, I suggest the two of us and...
Please allow me and Alisaie to act as envoys.
May I ask why?
We have seen with our own eyes the hardships the Garleans face. How their futures and lives hang in the balance.
It's not the warmest invitation, but it's an opportunity to prove our intentions true. Maybe not a chance to make things right, but a chance to...make them better.
What will you say?
I'm going with you. What would your mother say if I let you two go by yourselves?
I can see that persuading you otherwise is a lost cause. But you will proceed with the utmost care.
A couple of children and what─a sellsword? Is this an insult?
Not in the least. You will find that they are more than qualified to speak on our behalf.
There are many dangers on the road ahead. I will need that back.
Player7 Icon.png Voiced cutscene end.
We captured the boy as he was about to make off with our food. He must be very hungry to take such risks.
Maybe we should give him something to eat. Reward him for his boldness.
The lowly task of keeping watching over provisions would not normally befit the Sun. But these being unusual circumstances, I will let no man take that which is not by rights theirs.
Jullus pyr Norbanus... It is unusual for one so young to achieve such a high rank. Very unusual.
His uniform identifies him as a member of the Ist Legion, which has a particularly fierce reputation. Whoever his superior may be, I advise you to approach them with caution.
They are...resilient in the face of hardship. You as well.
But good intentions and stubborn determination alone will not be enough to bring our mission to a successful conclusion. Be on your guard.
I worry they were not in the best state of mind to volunteer for this undertaking, but what's done is done. I know you will take good care of them─and yourself as well, I trust.
I know, I know. This won't bring back Licinia or her sister.
Taking the same risks, making the same mistakes... It's possible, but better to try than to give up. Every time.
Perhaps it is unwise to volunteer for a mission so soon after the previous disaster... Nevertheless, I shall not squander this opportunity.
Said your farewells, have you?
You will be received as invited guests, and so I urge you to observe proper social etiquette and conduct yourselves accordingly.

Your safe return takes precedence above all else. Remember this.


Thancred in particular will be worried sick if you're gone too long. May the Fury watch over and keep you.


As I said before, Thancred can be quite the worrier, but rest assured he only has your best interests at heart...
Are you and the children ready?

I will explain the route once we are outside your camp.


If anyone attempts to follow us, we will judge it an act of hostility. We will not hesitate to take appropriate measures.
I would expect nothing less. You have our full cooperation.


Where do you think their headquarters are? I assume there are a few others beside him and this commander he mentioned.
We will do only as instructed. After all, this is what we have been striving for ever since we arrived.
All right, this is far enough. Listen carefully.

We head over that hill, then follow the road until we reach Liminal Station IV.


Children in the lead. I want you where I can see you.
We do have names, you know. I'm Alisaie, and he's Alphinaud. And last but not least, there's Forename.
Forename... Where have I heard that before...?

No matter. "Alphinaud" and "Alisaie" will watch the road ahead, while we bring up the rear.


I wasn't lying about there being many dangers, so you're to run─not saunter, run─towards the station. If you even think about going for your weapon, the deal's off. Should any creatures bar the way, we go around them.
System
Once you choose to depart, Jullus will accompany you. Alphinaud and Alisaie will then begin moving towards the destination.

Make your way to Liminal Station IV without falling behind.


If you leave Jullus behind for any reason, or lose sight of Alphinaud and Alisaie, you may try again by returning to the starting point.
Ready to make a dash for the station?
Yes No
Over that hill, then follow the road until we reach the station. So, are you ready?
System
Once you choose to depart, Jullus will accompany you. Alphinaud and Alisaie will then begin moving towards the destination.

Make your way to Liminal Station IV without falling behind.


If you leave Jullus behind for any reason, or lose sight of Alphinaud and Alisaie, you may try again by returning to the starting point.
Yes No
Having second thoughts? Hmph! Very well. Return to and regroup where we started.
No shuffling along at a snail's pace to give your comrades a chance to pursue us. You're to run as fast as you can—understood?
System
Jullus will now accompany you. Keep up with Alphinaud and Alisaie and head for your destination.
If it's conversation you want, save it until we've arrived.
Can't any of you follow simple instructions?
System
Speak with Alphinaud or Alisaie at Camp Broken Glass to try again.
What are we waiting for? Let's get this over with.
Whenever you are ready, Forename. Just give the word to Jullus.
Don't fall behind!
I'm still unsure about leading the way, but we will do our best!
(- Alisaie -)
Over that hill, right?
(- Alphinaud -)
This must be the road he mentioned.
(- Alisaie -)
If we follow this, it should lead to the station.
(- Alphinaud -)
Not the easiest surface to run on...
(- Alisaie -)
We'd better not draw attention.
(- Alphinaud -)
That's the station, I presume.


System
Jullus has yet to arrive. Be sure he is at your side before attempting to continue.
We're here...I think.
It's nothing like the ones in Thanalan...
Player7 Icon.png Cutscene start.
This is it. The first stop, that is.
Good. It looks like your friends knew better than to follow us.
Are these your headquarters?
No. We're stopping here so I can check for pursuers. Since it appears you've kept to your side of the bargain, we can carry on.
Player7 Icon.png Cutscene end.
I wonder what sort of conditions Jullus and his comrades are living in. If they've any sense, they'll have picked somewhere like Victors' Spoils to take shelter.
We're getting closer to the imperial palace...if one can still call it that. It truly is a terrifying sight to behold...
North of the station is Regio Domorum, one of the main residential areas. Or at least it was.
The afflicted roam the streets in packs. They'll tear us to shreds if given the chance. Keep close─no wandering off. Understood?
Quest Completed


Local Dialogue
Y'shtola and A–Ruhn–Senna lead our efforts to cure the tempered, which are proceeding as well as can be expected.

I will admit, the particulars are beyond my comprehension─especially the need for flying pigs─so I will leave such matters to those better qualified. My main concern is what happens once the treatment is complete.


The fact that members of both the Ist and IIIrd Legions are in our custody will almost certainly lead to problems. After all, they were bitter enemies during the civil war, and their grievances will no doubt surface once they are no longer tempered.
Forename? We weren't expecting you back so soon. I assume it is safe to leave Alisaie and Alphinaud with Jullus for the time being?

While reaching the encampment safely will no doubt prove difficult, the true test will begin once you've arrived. Whoever their commander is, we cannot expect them to welcome us with open arms.


For our part, we have ways of monitoring the situation from afar, without placing the three of you in jeopardy. All will be revealed in due course, but for the time being, you need only think about the task at hand.
That boy Jullus managed to get quite close to our supplies before we spotted him. He knew better than to put up a fight once we had him surrounded, though.
Come to think of it, as we're here to help people like him, perhaps we should have turned a blind eye?
Some tribes such as the Angura and Ura make their home in the frozen northern mountains.

Yet even those harsh climes are blessed with the bounties of nature, their cool wind breathing life into the Steppe below.


This land to which the ironmen were forced to flee is cursed indeed. A fitting reward for the weakness of their ancestors.
So first he tries lootin' from us, now he's invitin' you to his headquarters? That's one way of savin' his skin!

Ha! Maybe he should try takin' a leaf out of the Admiral's book, like that time she came bargin' onto the Astalicia, ready for anythin' we Bloody Executioners could throw at her.


Takes nerves o' steel to face your enemy head-on like that. Might get you killed, but it's better'n sneakin' about like some bilge rat!
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