Gateway of the Gods


«In from the Cold

071201.png83A Trip to the MoonMainquest1 Icon.png A Trip to the Moon»

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Are you well enough to make your report?
Player7 Icon.png Cutscene start.
This "Anima" was summoned with the corpse of Emperor Varis? Does their depravity know no bounds?
It seems not. More to the point, we can surmise that wave of aether issued not from the Tower of Babil, but from the primal lurking within it...

A primal whose cry rang rather more loudly in your ears than ours.


If you were taken to the tower itself, then this proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is the beating heart of the Telophoroi's machinations.
In which case, we have some highly relevant information.

As many of you know, ever since we dispatched troops to free the Leveilleurs, we've been developing a plan to infiltrate the tower.


According to Thancred and his scouts, the main structure is lousy with tempered and enemy magitek.


Furthermore, the road leading to it has collapsed, making it difficult to approach in numbers.
Thus do we propose dividing our forces into two parties─one to distract, and one to infiltrate.

The diversionary force will be comprised of the Ishgardian, Gridanian, and Lominsan delegations.


They will begin the construction of bridges, to make the Telophoroi believe we are marching upon the tower.


Meanwhile, the best suited of our Ala Mhigan, Ul'dahn, and Eastern comrades will use a different method of ingress.
Look here.

The facility marked in red is the Enceladeum, a vast magitek manufactory. In ruins now, of course.


But the freight tunnel connecting it to the erstwhile imperial palace remains intact.


While the Telophoroi's attention is elsewhere, our infiltration force can use it to enter the tower undetected.


Be aware, however, that the underground rail network remains very much operational.


The tempered are using it to bring supplies to the tower even now.
...If it can carry their materiel, it can carry us too, providing we sneak aboard unseen.
The Scions will lead the infiltration party. Once inside, you must locate and dispatch Fandaniel and Zenos.
What will you say?
We will save the people of Garlemald─and those who suffer the world over. I'll have my vengeance yet. It's time we ended this, once and for all.
Aye. Jullus and so many others have lost much to the Telophoroi. We shall ensure they lose no more.
We'll get our fill─you and me both.
Aye. There will be no more casualties of the Telophoroi's maniacal ambition.
How quickly can we enact this plan?
Fandaniel made it quite clear that haste is a priority.
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...


...The eldest and most powerful of primals.
All the more reason to act now. The rest of the contingent is aware of the plan, and are ready to move at a moment's notice.
You are to proceed north to Forum Patens. Lyse's group will meet you there.
As ever, we are grateful for your foresight.
This is the moment we've been waiting for. Spare no effort in your preparations.
Player7 Icon.png Cutscene end.
Quest Accepted
Lyse's party ought to have secured the tunnel by now. Rendezvous with them and make your way inside.
May the Fury guide you...and us all.
Those not taking part in the assault will defend this camp and the airships, as well as safeguard your escape route from the tower.
You need not worry about what comes after─so fight with all you have.


I am to accompany you into the tower. It is an honor, as ever!
The Sun does not sneak. ...However, he will travel this path of yours, and those who walk with him will bask in his radiance.
<sneeze> Damn these frigid lands. <snort>
Player7 Icon.png Cutscene start.
Forename! The way into the tunnel is clear. We've made sure of it.
What will you say?
I wish you'd made sure to bring a coat instead. Then we'd best get in there before we freeze. Especially you.
Oh, I'll warm up when I throw a punch or two.
Oh, the shoe will be on the other foot once we're in, believe you me. A good fight should warm us right up!
Hmph. Barely enough cloth to swaddle a newborn. Clearly, you have spent too long around this feral dog of a Dotharl.
Watch your tongue, fool, lest I feed it to the crows!
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.
As if any woman of worth would wish to be warmed by you, "little sun." Should we find such a warrior within, she will bask in my glorious flame.
Stop, both of you! Save your fire for the enemy. As for extra furs, I have plenty to spare!
As do we.
Hello, everyone! All set for battle, I see.
Yes, free of unnecessary encumbrances, if rather more susceptible to the cold. Let us review our strategy─quickly, if you don't mind.
Pipin's group has gone ahead to the Enceladeum. We are to meet them there.
We wait until the tempered's attention is drawn by our diversionary force, then we sneak onto the train. Next stop: the Tower of Babil!
If any─tempered included─are injured, we Xaela will tend to them.
You Scions must press on, no matter what.
We should avoid moving as a group until we're underground, so we'll need to make our own ways to the Enceladeum. See you there.
Player7 Icon.png Cutscene end.
The Scions are welcome to our spare furs as well! Erm, you might mention that to Urianger...
A "glorious flame"...? Nay, I would have seen it, were it so...
I crave battle, not this insipid chatter.
Just head north, and you'll reach the Enceladeum soon enough!
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.
C-C-Cold? N-N-Nay, I feel nary a thing... Nary a thing...
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.
Who could possibly be cold at a time like this? My heart is pounding with anticipation!
We'll stagger out departures so as not to raise suspicion. You go on ahead.
...And you're one hundred percent certain you're fit to fight? No odd specters haunting your wake? Nothing feels...tingly?
...I think it's time I was off. If I look at Urianger for one more moment I'm liable to freeze solid.


Local Dialogue
We shall relay messages between the various units, and coordinate efforts both here and in the tower.
This is the moment we have been waiting for. With some of the allied nations' finest troops at our disposal, we have every chance of success.


Now that the tempered ones are aware of our plan, they will doubtless start pouring in at any moment. Hm hm hm...
But needn't worry—my brothers and I will see that none shall pass. Go forth and wreak your destruction!
Forename, we will take up the rear so as to ensure you are not caught unawares. Trust that we will always have your back. Now go finish this fight!
You, Thancred, and the others go on ahead. We'll make sure you're not pursued.
Apologies, but we need a moment more to finish our sweep of the station. Wouldn't want to leave anything to chance.
Hail! It's good to see you, Forename.

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.


I will send the others to meet you in the station below.
The station is right this way. Tread lightly, now.
Proceed to the station?
Yes No
Player7 Icon.png Cutscene start.
This is everyone.
Consider the enemy well and truly distracted!
Time to go.
Our primary objective is, of course, the Telophoroi's leaders.

But should we be presented with an opportunity to vanquish Anima, we must seize it.


If it is indeed the force behind the towers, destroying it will deliver our allies from the Telophoroi's reign of terror.


And I, for one, would not see the Garlean people manipulated any longer, be it by primal, Ascian, or anything else.
Hear, hear. There's been enough of that.
We came to help the people of Garlemald, and that's what we're going to do. Together!
Till the very end.
The train should be along any moment now. Prepare to board, everyone!
Player7 Icon.png Cutscene end.
Strange. Though this will be a more fearsome fight than any Naadam, I feel at peace...

Maybe it is because I have Sadu, Magnai, and you at my side.


Maybe it is because we fight for all Xaela, and more peoples besides. There is but one path─that which leads to victory!
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.
Aye, aye, kill no man. I have not forgotten your instruction. I must settle for crushing the ironmen's toys. Their blue blood will feed my flames!
The train we're boarding is meant to carry supplies and armaments and the like.
With any luck, we can slip past the tempered as they go about loading the freight.
It's likely that Anima, at least, will notice when we enter the tower. There's no point in trying to stay hidden after that.
So when the time comes, I say don't overthink it, and cut a path straight through!
When Zenos murdered Varis, Gaius was upon him in an instant. Seldom have I seen such fury.

I won't pretend to know the bond they shared, but pain, fear, rage...I know them well. I know what can drive a man to drown in them.


Though his homeland may have wished for his blade, my lance will roar in its stead.
'Tis no meager delight to watch Alisaie and Alphinaud grow more resolute in mind and heart.

And remarkable though their accomplishments may be, I doubt not that they are destined for still greater things.


Grant them thy protection, Master Louisoix. I implore thee...
Assuming Fandaniel intends to make Zodiark serve as a catalyst for the Final Days...

One cannot but wonder if he willingly parted ways with the other Ascians long ago.


Surely they would not have permitted the very god they created to forestall the world's end to be used in such a way.
Much as I'd like to be the one to wipe the grin off Fandaniel's smug little face, I haven't lost sight of why we're here.

Our ultimate goal is to prevent the Telophoroi from doing any further harm, no matter how.


But if I do get the chance to introduce my fist to his jaw─and gods, do I hope I do─I won't turn it down!
I'm only too aware that our intervention may not be what many of Garlemald's people want or need right now.

Not every tragedy can be laid at the feet of the Telophoroi. Certainly not that of Licinia and her sister.


Nevertheless, we must follow our conscience, and mine has led me here.
If Fandaniel truly is Amon, to create a gate through which a primal may pass will not be beyond him.
From what I gather, he was utterly brilliant─and utterly mad.
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.


Player7 Icon.png Voiced cutscene start.
Farewell, Varis. May the gods have mercy on your soul.
Come. The other two await.


This madness ends here!
Oh hush. This is the best part...
Enough!
O mighty Zodiark, awaken from your slumber and descend!
Some manner of magical defense!?
Krile! But how!?
The shackles that bind my adversary will not be so easily broken!
Hydaelyn... Feeble relic of a forgotten age...

Hark! Victory...is mine!


No more aether... And I was so close!


My lord, a slight change of plans. We shall travel to the moon and break this wretched barrier ourselves!
Whatever it takes.
What was that!?
The final order issued by Anima to the tempered thralls.

"Should the Empire fall, the world must share her fate."


Of course, Father lacked the conviction to give such a command. The abomination born of his flesh was but a puppet─and I the puppeteer.
You madman! You monster!
There's a funny joy in watching your flailing attempts to fight the inevitable. You're all going to die and are powerless to prevent it.
We really must be on our way. You're welcome to give chase, provided you are content to leave comrade and tempered alike to die screaming.
I have asked too much of this child. Tend to her.

The last brand at Mare Lamentorum is yet unbroken. Zodiark remains bound.


I have shifted the flow of aether and sent the enemy far from their destination.


Now, I shall divert it once more. An ally awaits, and I will deliver you unto him.


Seek his aid. Restore the seal. Zodiark must not be set free...
The tempered are running wild. Not only those at the tower, but those back at the camp.
The others are doing their best to contain them, but the situation is growing beyond our control.
Leave them to die, or give up the chase. Just like Fandaniel said...
What will you say?
I'm the one Zenos wants. Only I can bring an end to this. Garlemald's fate is in your hands.
You're...you're going alone!?

You have our trust and our faith. I pray we have yours.


Our friends and the tempered need our help. We will save as many as we can─I swear!
Once we have matters well in hand, we will join you on the moon. Until then, be careful. There's no telling what you'll find.
Player7 Icon.png Voiced cutscene end.


The area is secure. May I escort you to the top of the tower?
Proceed to the Nethergate?
Yes No


...
We've no time for worrying over what's done. Let's go.
Fear not for Krile. Go forth...and return, I prithee.
She channeled a dangerous amount of aether. And that's to say nothing of the teleportation magick she must have used to get here.
Yet Krile and Hydaelyn both were clearly willing to take the risk. Hmm.
Stand there for just a moment, please.
...A prayer for good luck. Now you can't possibly fail!
As I suspected...
We're moving out to rendezvous with the remainder of the contingent. Leave everything here to us.
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.
Quest Complete


System
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.
I have faith in you. Now and always.
I'm the last person who should be scolding others for using dangerous teleportation magicks. But if that is indeed how Krile reached us in time, I do wish Hydaelyn had taken a little more care...
Regardless, 'tis nothing Urianger and I cannot put right.


Enter the Nethergate Enter the Station
The path to the Tower of Babil is secure. May I escort you to the Nethergate?
Proceed to the Nethergate?
Yes No
We have secured the Enceladeum. Will you be heading to the underground station?
Proceed to the station?
Yes No


Local Dialogue
We shall protect the camp at all costs! It means far too much for us to let it fall without a fight.
The tempered are being treated inside at this very moment. I must urge you to stay away, lest you distract the healers from their work.
Some refugees have seen their loved ones brought here, still in their tempered state. If all goes well, however, they will be reunited─properly─once the treatment is complete.
The tower of Babil has at least been overthrown, though with you leading the charge, our victory was never in doubt. I, on the other hand, have been overseeing our work here, so if there's anything you'd like to know, just ask.


Local Dialogue
I don't much like the sound of what's going on out there... A bunch of imperials screaming, "Glory be to Garlemald" and charging about the ice fields? Damn it all, just when I thought things couldn't get any worse...
We heard some bloody awful noise comin' from the capital, but it's finally stopped. That weren't nothin' to do with you and yours, was it?
<gasp> Don't scare me like that! For a moment I thought one of the afflicted ones had gotten in...