Ascian Conspiracy

Lore & Background

The Ascians are described in the source as "immortal servants of the dark god Zodiark" who persist in their schemes throughout Heavensward. Their involvement in the Dragonsong War is implied through the actions of Archbishop Thordan VII, who reveals to the Warrior of Light that he plans to betray them. The source does not provide details about their origins, their goal of reuniting Hydaelyn's shards, or their connection to Amaurot. What is known is that they operate as shadowy manipulators, with Thordan's intention to double-cross them indicating a power struggle between the Ishgardian church and these ancient beings. The source does not specify which Ascians appear in Heavensward beyond this indirect reference through Thordan's plot.

In Their Own Story

The Ascian Conspiracy unfolds primarily through the actions of Archbishop Thordan VII and the Heavens' Ward. After the Warrior of Light secures victory in a trial by combat, Thordan apologizes and reveals to the Warrior that he intends to double-cross the Ascians. This revelation comes after the Warrior and allies have been falsely accused of murder and sought asylum in Ishgard. The source does not describe any direct appearances of Ascians themselves during Heavensward, nor does it detail their specific plans. The conspiracy is instead shown through the church's manipulation of the Dragonsong War narrative, with Thordan and the church leaders already knowing the truth about the war's origins when the Warrior returns to share it. They imprison Aymeric for attempting to reveal this truth, suggesting the Ascians' influence extends through the highest levels of Ishgardian power.

Reader's Guide

Players encounter the Ascian Conspiracy in Heavensward primarily through the main scenario quests involving Ishgard's church hierarchy. After being granted asylum by House Fortemps, the Warrior of Light assists Count Edmont's sons and encounters Lady Iceheart. The conspiracy becomes apparent when Alphinaud and Tataru are accused of heresy by the Heavens' Ward, Archbishop Thordan VII's honor guard. Following a trial by combat where Tataru chooses the Warrior as her champion, Thordan apologizes and reveals his intention to double-cross the Ascians. Later, after the Warrior learns the true history of the Dragonsong War from Hraesvelgr and returns to Ishgard to share this truth, the Archbishop and church leaders—who already know the truth—imprison Aymeric for attempting to reveal it. The Warrior and Haurchefaunt try to arrest Thordan, but Haurchefaunt is killed shielding the Warrior from a Heavens' Ward ambush. The source does not provide information about defeating Ascian leaders or their ultimate fate in Heavensward.

Did You Know?

• The source describes Ascians as 'immortal servants of the dark god Zodiark' who continue their machinations during Heavensward.
• Archbishop Thordan VII reveals to the Warrior of Light that he intends to double-cross the Ascians, indicating a power struggle between the Ishgardian church and these ancient beings.
• The Heavens' Ward serves as Archbishop Thordan VII's honor guard and accuses Alphinaud and Tataru of heresy.
• The church leaders already know the truth about the Dragonsong War's origins when the Warrior returns to share it, suggesting Ascian influence extends through Ishgard's highest levels.
• Haurchefaunt is killed shielding the Warrior from a Heavens' Ward ambush while trying to arrest Thordan.