The Unending Journey

Though she is deeply troubled by the fate of the Students of Baldesion, Minfilia concedes that idle speculation will achieve nothing, and resolves to turn her thoughts to matters closer to home. But even as she begins to brief you on recent events in the Twelveswood, F'lhaminn enters the solar and announces that refugees hailing from Ul'dah have come to Revenant's Toll in search of asylum, like the Domans before them. In the ensuing exchange, it becomes apparent that the Scions lack the resources to accommodate additional numbers, however grave the need. In spite of this, Minfilia declares her intention to hear the refugees' petition, and asks that you accompany her to the Seventh Heaven.

As Minfilia struggles to turn away the petitioners, Tataru interrupts the meeting to report that Alphinaud was injured during a riot precipitated by refugees in Ul'dah, and is now receiving care at the Hourglass. Fearing for the lives of his fellow refugees, the chief petitioner begs the Antecedent to intervene ─ only to be told that those responsible will have to answer for their actions. Paying the man no further heed, Minfilia orders you to make haste for Ul'dah, in case Alphinaud is in need of assistance.

At the Hourglass, you are relieved to find that Alphinaud's condition is not so grave as you were given to believe. Sadly, the same can not be said of Ul'dah. The riot, it seems, was the result of deep-seated tensions between refugees and Ul'dahn citizens, brought to the fore in the wake of the Domans' failed bid for asylum. To make matters worse, a large contingent of the Immortal Flames is currently engaged in joint training exercises, rendering the Grand Company undermanned at this critical juncture. By the time all forces have been recalled, Alphinaud fears that the situation may have deteriorated beyond mending.

Suspecting that the riot in which he was injured was not, in fact, a spontaneous outpouring of popular discontent, Alphinaud is eager to discuss the incident with General Raubahn. Follow him to the Hall of Flames and speak with the Flame General.

During your conversation with General Raubahn, Alphinaud observes that the refugees were surprisingly well armed and suggests that the riot may have been instigated by outside forces. Before he can finish his thought, however, the Flame General interjects that the restoration of order is paramount, and that any official investigation will have to wait. Undeterred, Alphinaud resolves to conduct an investigation of his own. He suggests that you begin by finding out which settlements the Flames suspect may be harboring belligerents. Perhaps Commander Swift will be willing to share such information with you.

After a moment's hesitation, Commander Swift reveals that the Brass Blades have reported suspicious activity in the vicinity of Lost Hope. Journey to the settlement in central Thanalan and investigate their claims.

Leofric and Amalberga both make mention of a traveling merchant who recently left Lost Hope accompanied by a band of refugees. Apparently, another refugee by the name of Zazawaka was especially concerned by the merchant's behavior. Speak with him to learn more.

You learn that the merchant was a fanatical revolutionary who came to Lost Hope in search of new recruits. Apparently, he offered the refugees a chance to hold the rulers of Ul'dah to account, and attracted no shortage of volunteers. Zazawaka, however, was unconvinced, and refused to go with the other refugees─a decision vindicated when one of them returned, traumatized by the slaughter he had barely escaped. Zazawaka believes there may be more survivors, and implores you to find them before the Flames do. Ask the terrified refugee if he knows where his comrades are.

The survivor mutters to himself and does not respond to your inquiries. Clearly he is still haunted by the atrocity to which he bore witness. Were you to make an effort to soothe his suffering, he might become more cooperative.

Restored to lucidity by your soothing touch, the survivor reveals that the merchant furnished his fellows with weapons so that they might defend themselves against Ul'dahn forces, and then split them into two groups. Unfortunately for them, the survivor's group encountered an Immortal Flames patrol, who swiftly gave the refugees cause to rue their lack of training. Recalling that the other group has yet to return to Lost Hope, he begs you to seek them out and convince them to return.

The survivor believes that the other refugees will lay down their arms if they see firsthand that they cannot stand against veteran warriors. To that end, he asks you to seek them out in the caves south of Lost Hope and challenge their leaders, twin sellswords, to combat and defeat them as all watch.

Though you came to make an example of the twins, the refugees refuse to stand aside. Only after you subdue five of their number do the sellswords appear. Fortunately, their defeat seems to have had the desired effect. Speak with the desperate refugee, and confirm that he has taken your lesson to heart.
The refugee falls to his knees in despair, his will to fight broken. Inform the survivor in Lost Hope of all that has transpired.

Though saddened to learn that his comrades forced your hand, the survivor is grateful for your intervention. He is, however, concerned that the merchant will attempt to recruit more desperate refugees, perpetuating the bloodshed. Recalling that the merchant wished to approach the people of Stonesthrow, the survivor bids you continue your search there.

You find yourself drawn to a sobbing child, who tells you of a man who visited Stonesthrow and persuaded a number of people, including her parents, to leave with him. The child's account strongly suggests that it was the selfsame merchant who visited Lost Hope, but it offers no clue as to his current whereabouts. Return to the Hall of Flames in Ul'dah and share your findings with Commander Swift.

Commander Swift is full glad to hear that you convinced the refugees of Lost Hope to lay down their arms. That joy soon gives way to anger as you share the revelation that a single merchant has influenced recent events so greatly. The high flame commander declares that the merchant must be apprehended at once; doubtless he desires your help in this endeavor.

Suspecting that the merchant may have attempted to rally support within the city walls, Commander Swift asks you to speak with Landebert, an Ala Mhigan refugee who resides in Pearl Lane. Like many refugees, Landebert does not trust the Ul'dahn authorities, but the high flame commander believes he might be persuaded to share what he knows with you.

It would seem that word has spread of the drubbing you dealt the refugees of Lost Hope... Unsurprisingly, Landebert has no intention of listening to your side of the story, nor less of helping you. Yet in a curious twist of fate, your quarry chooses that exact moment to return to Pearl Lane, presumably hoping to recruit more refugees. As your eyes meet, the merchant grasps the situation and turns to flee. Do not let him escape!

As one would expect, the merchant is quick to deny your accusations, and equally quick to confess when pressed. He offers to divulge all that he knows, only to fall at your feet a moment later, an arrow having pierced his chest. The commotion draws the attention of two Stone Torches, one of whom would like to know why you are standing next to a dead man.

You explain to the Stone Torch that the merchant was felled by an arrow from afar, and that he was the subject of your investigation into the refugee uprisings. Satisfied with your statement, the Stone Torch bids you carry on with your work. Return to the Hall of Flames and report your findings to Commander Swift.

Swift concludes that the merchant was murdered to protect the identity of his employer. Despite this setback, he seems confident that the identity of the uprising's true orchestrator will soon be revealed.

General Raubahn has summoned you to a private meeting in the Fragrant Chamber, at which he wishes to discuss the results of your investigation, as well as his own. Alphinaud has already been notified, and will be waiting for you outside. Proceed to the Royal Promenade and speak with Bartholomew.

There are men and women who will not scruple to set the world ablaze in the pursuit of power. Teledji Adeledji is one such man, having orchestrated the refugee uprising from the start. General Raubahn and the sultana believe that he intends to exploit the chaos in order to gain control of the Carteneau Flats, in which an Allagan creation not unlike the Ultima Weapon has been discovered. Were someone to harness the power of this relic, they would have the strength to subjugate all of Eorzea─or so it is feared. Yet despite having learned of Teledji Adeledji's schemes, it would seem that your allies are not yet ready to move against him...

As you and Alphinaud discuss your next course of action, you are reunited with the young girl from Stonesthrow. Having learned of your desire to find the merchant who recruited her parents, she sought you out in the hopes that you might lead her to them. Although he clearly has no desire to do so, Alphinaud offers to assist the girl with her search. Soon after you are contacted by Minfilia, who requests you return to the Rising Stones immediately. The situation in the Twelveswood has taken a turn for the worse, and you will likely be asked to intervene.

Minfilia is pleased to hear that you and Alphinaud are well, and states that she is ready to brief you on the latest threat. Inform her when you are ready so that she might summon the other Scions to the solar.

According to Minfilia, the Order of the Twin Adder believes that the primal Ramuh has been summoned within the borders of the Black Shroud. The Antecedent bids you answer the request of the Elder Seedseer, and offer your aid to the people of the forest. Travel to Gridania and report to Serpent Commander Vorsaile Heuloix at the Adders' Nest.

Serpent Commander Heuloix seems much relieved at your arrival. Though eager for you to begin your mission, he asks that you first meet with Kan-E-Senna at the Lotus Stand to discuss diplomatic alternatives. Speak with the silent conjurer at Nophica's Altar to gain admission.

The Elder Seedseer confirms that the primal Ramuh has indeed been summoned forth by the natives of the Sylphlands. Loath to sacrifice the hard-won peace with the sylphs, she asks that you attempt to parley with the Lord of Levin before resorting to force. Travel to Little Solace in the East Shroud and report to the serpent lieutenant who will brief you on how to proceed.

After welcoming you to Little Solace, the serpent lieutenant outlines the basic premise of the impending operation. Prepare yourself for a foray into the Sylphlands, then speak with the lieutenant once more.