The Final Days

Lore & Background

Throughout the ages, Ascians such as Lahabrea and Elidibus have worked tirelessly to manipulate events that cause Calamities, each of which rejoins one of the shards to the Source. They operate from the shadows, often sacrificing allies or entire populations without hesitation. The Seventh Umbral Calamity was a separate rejoining event, not directly tied to the Final Days. However, the Warrior of Light has consistently intervened to prevent these calamities, challenging the Ascians' belief that destruction is salvation and protecting the fragile balance maintained by Hydaelyn.

In Their Own Story

The shadows deepened as Lahabrea stood upon the precipice of the ruined tower. Below, the fires of Eorzea burned, a testament to the discord sown over years. He did not look at the suffering with pity, but with purpose. The Final Days were near; the threads of fate frayed just enough for Zodiark's light to pierce through once more. 'Let them burn,' he whispered to the void, his voice echoing with ancient power. 'Only in ash can true life be reborn.'

Reader's Guide

The concept of the Final Days serves as the driving force behind the Ascians' machinations throughout Eorzea's history. These ancient sorcerers seek to trigger a global apocalypse, believing it is necessary to reunite the shattered world with its original creator, Zodiark. They view the current state of existence as flawed and temporary. Their plans often involve manipulating primals and political conflicts to weaken the realm. The Warrior of Light repeatedly intervenes to stop these schemes across multiple expansions. While the Ascians claim this end is salvation, it threatens all life within Hythlodaeus's domain. This prophecy underpins much of the conflict between the Scions and the Ascian faction. Understanding this goal reveals why they sacrifice allies and nations alike. It remains a shadow hanging over every major crisis in the realm. Their methods include seeding discord among the Eorzean Alliance and manipulating the Garlean Empire. They operate from the shadows, often using pawns unaware of the true cost. The Scions of the Seventh Dawn stand as the primary opposition to this inevitable doom. Through their actions, the Ascians aim to accelerate the decay of the aetherial balance. This ensures that when the Final Days arrive, the world is ripe for consumption by Zodiark's power.

Did You Know?

• The Ascians were originally members of the Convocation of Fourteen who sought to sacrifice the current world to Zodiark to restore the original, unified star.
• Lahabrea was one of the primary architects attempting to bring about the Calamities that would rejoin the shards.
• The Seventh Umbral Calamity was a separate rejoining event, not a direct part of the Final Days.
• Elidibus believed he could become the new vessel for Zodiark during these events.