I’ve had my own lore compilations thread on the RPC for some time, and now I’m porting the Index over to @mirkemenagerie. So you will now be able to scroll through an itemized list of my lore posts here:
While still finding all lore-related reblogs under the Lore Tag here:
First things first, we need to address inconsistencies in FFXIV’s lorebook, the Encyclopedia Eorzea. Of its four mentions of Dalmasca, two of them (two of the more visible mentions, in fact) are inconsistent with literally everything else the game has told us of Dalmasca from as early as 2.0 to 4.3′s Ridorana Lighthouse.
Encyclopedia Eorzea – A Chronology of the Sixth Astral Era: 1517 –“The Republic [of Garlemald] first employs airships in its military conquests, easily conquering the small nation of Dalmasca in a display of terrifying power. Over the coming years, the Garleans seize control over the majority of the northern territories.”
Encyclopedia Eorzea – Unifying the North:“As triumph followed triumph, the Garleans’ respect for Galvus grew, eventually transforming into worship. In 1517, he was granted control of Garlemald as dictator by overwhelming popular support. The same year, the republic attacked Dalmasca, a small country nestled in the central mountains, and rained down fire upon it with their new airships. Thus, the Garlean army turned to conquer the south of Ilsabard. In 1522, this campaign ended in victory. Having unified the continent through force for the first time in history, Galvus proclaimed himself Emperor, and thus created the Garlean Empire.”
While I have little doubt Garlemald unleashed the full might of their new airships upon a small country nestled in Ilsabard’s central mountains sixty years ago, that country was not Dalmasca. The Dalmasca in all game texts refers to the Kingdom of Dalmasca, which is neither a small nation nor located on the northern continent of Ilsabard.
Lore on the Kingdom of Dalmasca, the Royal City of Rabanastre, and the Ridorana Lighthouse is located below the Read More. Obviously, there are some spoilers.
Considering we’re learning more and more about Dalmasca as the Return to Ivalice storyline progresses, I’ll update this with any new lore that comes in the eventual Patch 4.5 continuation of the 24-man raid storyline. Check back then!
My friend just upped a subscription to FFXIV and wants to RP. He wants to know if he can have a character who attempts to dabble in every sort of magic he can, I remember hearing that you can’t really be a conjurer and a thaumarturge (or is it that you can’t have both White and Black magic?) – but I have no idea why that is. What’s possible? Could a character theoretically be at beginner levels of all forms of magic? If not – what types of magic wouldn’t conflict?
@tiergan-vashir Yes, it is possible to learn and be adept at multiple forms of magic. However, the catch to this is that each school of magic channels magic differently from one another and requires separate foci. We have examples of magi who are learning multiple schools in both Sharlayan’s Studium and Ishgard’s Scholasticate, and we may likely learn more on this with the upcoming addition of Red Mage, though details on how exactly that class manipulates aether is yet unclear.
Encyclopedia Eorzea:“Starting with the prestigious Studium, Sharlayan has numerous famed academies that accept students from all nations. In times past, Eorzean pupils eagerly flocked to Sharlayan’s settlement in the Dravanian hinterlands from all corners of the realm. There, they studied a multitude of subjects from different fields – though it seems that instructors reserved certain wisdom for those of Sharlayan citizenship alone.”
Purified Polyrhythm: “While many seminarians of the Saint Endalim Scholasticate show great aptitude for defensive and restorative magicks, they must also be capable of employing the destructive kind as the situation demands. We have need of three suitable rods for the upcoming trials to join the vaunted ranks of the Temple Knights.”
Schools of Magic
To start off, I think it’s important to remember that despite the game leading into Conjury -> White Magic and Thaumaturgy -> Black Magic, that each of these magicks are different schools on their own. Though Thaumaturgy is a derivative of Black Magic, they are not the same thing. Neither is Conjury White Magic. So it’s important to remember that Conjury, Thaumaturgy, Arcanum, and Astromancy are “modern” schools of magic, whereas Black Magic, White Magic, Summoning, and Scholar are arcane or ancient magical schools and the education and requirements for learning these older schools are quite different and often times rather extreme, such as requiring soul crystals.
This is why most people recommend that if you’re going to learn multiple schools of magic, stick with the more modern schools as these are what are readily available to be taught across the world today. Having knowledge and even the capabilities to begin casting these older magicks each has certain requirements. How did they learn about White Magic’s existence? Where did they come by a soul crystal for Black Magic? When and where did a primal get defeated near them to be able to summon? Etc, etc. That’s not to say these things can’t happen to a character, but the likelihood that one person has had the time to kill primals, study forbidden black magic, and entreat with the Padjal while only being a twenty-year old from Sharlayan newly arrived to Eorzea quite impractical.
I go over this next part a little more in depth here. On top of learning each of these schools, the first thing a practiced mage should know is how each magic channels aether differently from one another:
Aether Sources
ACN – personal aether reserves (anima) and sometimes external sources (aetherflow/energy drain/carbuncle) THM – personal aether reserves (anima) CNJ – drawn from nature AST – unlocked from the Six Celestial Gates WHM – drawn from Hydaelyn BLM – drawn from Hydaelyn
Methodology
ACN – Arcanists shape spells using the arcane geometries, but cast by channeling their own aether through the enchanted ink of their grimoire. The conductivity of the ink allows for more effective/stronger casting of the spell.
THM – Thaumaturges speak ancient incantations to formulate a spell and draw their own aether into a stave made from metal or bone and focused into an aetherially enhanced gemstone to cast.
CNJ – Conjurers draw aether from their immediate environment into their stave, made from unworked wood, and through meditation, shape that aether into a desired spell.
AST – Astrologians draw residual aether from the constellations into their planisphere and attune their aether to the movement of the heavens. Beyond that is unclear.
WHM & BLM – Both follow essentially the mechanical progression of CNJ seen above. Aether is drawn from the immediate environment into the stave via the focus (flower/gemstone) and then shaped either via meditation or incantation.
Physical Focus
Arcanum
Lodestone:“Adepts of the art of arcanum derive their might from symbols of power born of geometric techniques hailing from across the southern seas. Held within occult grimoires, these symbols lend shape to the arcanist’s aether, thereby allowing him to produce myriad powerful spells. Using the selfsame symbols to unlock the latent power contained within gemstones, arcanists are also able to summon forth the familiar known as Carbuncle to carry out their bidding.”
Anonymous Arcanist:“For an arcanist to weave his spells, he must conjure in his mind the image of distinct mystical diagrams known as arcane geometries. These geometries are inscribed upon the pages of a grimoire, such as the one you constructed at my request. The most important aspect of any grimoire is the quality of the ink used to illustrate its pages. Geometries drawn with ink that is especially conductive to the flow of aether allow the arcanist to more effectively channel his magical strength.”
Encyclopedia Eorzea:“Using geometric symbols to lend shape to living aether, certain mages can unlock the latent power within certain gemstones – a power which can be directed to the ‘summoning’ of aetherial beings known as Carbuncles. The inherent traits displayed by these familiars differ depending on the stone used in their creation – emerald and topaz being the most common, with ruby and diamond also proving popular.”
Thaumaturgy
Lodestone:“In the hands of a skilled practitioner, thaumaturgy can be a force of terrifying destruction. At the heart of this school of magic lies the ability to call forth and command the latent aether within oneself through deep introspection. To then mold that aether into sorcery, the thaumaturge makes use of a scepter or staff, within which is housed a medium—a natural stone imbued with magical properties. Thus armed, the thaumaturge is capable of wreaking considerable havoc via ruinous spells and curses.”
Serendipity:“This gemstone is the focal point of the design, both aesthetically and practically speaking. It is what allows a thaumaturge to channel the aetherial energies within.”
Serendipity: “Perhaps you’re wondering who would prefer a staff with a headpiece of bone over one studded with jewels. Well, the Thaumaturges favor such equipment. Fangs and horns are the weapons of beasts, used to kill and defend. Few materials are better suited than these for channeling the dark arts.”
Conjury
Lodestone:“Conjury calls upon the elements of earth, wind, and water and concentrates them to a potency at which spells can be weaved. Through practiced meditation on the essences of creation, conjurers draw forth and absorb aether from their immediate surroundings. A wand or cane made from unworked wood is then utilized to focus the aether until it manifests as the desired spell. Versed also in magicks that restore and strengthen, conjurers are regarded as accomplished healers.”
Ponette:“To conjurers, our canes are the physical representation of our connection with the living world. They provide a focus for us to channel the forces of nature and weave spells. To possess a cane made of walnut is a dream most conjurers share.”
Beatin:“The gentle curve of the crook appears natural, as if it was destined to take such a shape. Indeed, your skillful application of growth formula has imbued this cane with new life, giving it the appearance of unworked wood.”
Basic Aetherology
This topic has come up a lot for me recently, so I’ll add in this last bit that I’ve been telling others who’ve come to me asking about Sharlayans and Ishgardians wishing to learn one or more schools of magic. Anyone can be taught the modern schools of magic – that’s what the existence of the guilds is for. That does not mean, however, that outsiders must needs assign the same religious meaning to these magics that their native practitioners do. This is especially true for Studium or Scholasticate learners, who are more likely to take a more scientific or theological (respectively) approach to their education.
What I would recommend for roleplay purposes is to have a thorough grasp upon aetherology lore and a basic understanding of the elemental wheel and the relationships between the six elements and two polarities. This is especially true if you’re playing a Sharlayan character that understands the complexities of wielding multiple magicks.
Last but not least, I feel it’s important to add that while the above listed schools are the most commonly known schools of magic, that others do exist, especially in Sharlayan. Magicks which create familiars, golem magicks, scriptomancy and bibliomancy which imbue inanimate tomes and glyphs with limited intelligence, voidbinding magicks, and others yet unknown exist in the world, just that the particulars of how they work is unknown.
Hope this helps! ^^
ADDENDUM – Channeling Aides
I got a follow up question -> Could an arcanist technically cast spells without a grimore in a pinch just by having the special aether ink on hand?
Or written on something else? Hidden on their person?
Most typically, we see this question come up in relation to tattoos drawn in the same enchanted ink or glyphs sewn into clothes to create a similar effect to individual spells upon the pages of a grimoire. I want to say that tattoos are theoretically possible, but would in all likelihood present a greater danger to the caster. The glyphs sewn into garments is actually canon, though, so we’ll get into that!
Enchanted Ink and Enhancing Aetherial Conductivity
In game, you’ll notice there exist a variety of Enchanted Ink: Copper, Silver, Mythril, Electrum, Gold, Rose Gold, Mythrite, and Aurum Regis. These make up a category known as “soft metals” and are usually employed by goldsmiths. In ancient times, it was discovered that these soft metals enhanced aether conduction and significantly eased the strain of casting on the wearer. That is why you’ll see enchanted ink, jewelry, and even clothing crafted into mage wears. Certain gemstones also have certain properties which can promote various aspects of magic, such as Jade or Malachite, or the number of gemstones employed by arcanists.
Serendipity:“Silver was historically prized for its beauty. Ancient peoples even believed it to possess magical properties. Although they did not completely understand the natural process involved, they were in fact correct. It’s difficult to explain to someone without an extensive background in the relevant fields, but let’s just say that silver is really, really good at channeling aether.”
Serendipity:“Despite being relatively commonplace, malachite is quite sought after, owing to its supposed power to ward off evil. Superstitions notwithstanding, it does indeed have some mild thaumaturgical properties.”
Greenstones for Greenhorns:“As you know—or ought to at your age, if those raven’s feet are any indication—conjurers newly hatched from Stillglade Fane are sent forth into the world bearing a staff set with a piece of jade as green as the woods of the Shroud. Better your staff than another’s, wouldn’t you agree?”
Clothes Make the Magi
So if an arcanist wears a robe with arcane geometries on it, can they utilize that to cast in the absence of a grimoire? Theoretically, yes. Obviously, the number of spells under their employ would be limited to those sewn into their robes and the quality of the spell would be dependent upon the quality of their garb, but it should be possible. Ancient magi have been utilizing the above aetherial enhancement properties in soft metals and gemstones sewn into their clothing for nearly two millennia – and not just Arcanists.
Savant’s Attire:“Recovered from the Floating City of Nym by an intrepid adventurer, this garb was identified as being of Nymian design, believed to have been invented in the latter part of the Fifth Astral Era. An experimental uniform issued exclusively to the scholar elite, the crystal tubes attached to the forearms could be infused with the wearer’s own aether. This allowed the scholar to later call upon ready resevoirs of mana to amplify the potency of her spells, although manipulation of energies stored in such fashion is thought to have required a degree of control possessed only by the most accomplished savants.”
Wizard’s Attire:“A raiment of the black mage. Resplendent after two thousand years, this garb from the Fifth Astral Era is shot through with hex-spun mythril. Such innovations give away this seemingly innocent piece of clothing as the invest for summoning creatures from the void – that otherworldly plane which makes sport of the sanity of man.”
Goetia Attire:“Goetia attire was originally worn by high-ranking Mhachi magi who were particularly skilled in enslaving the denizens of the void. Though appearing featureless from a distance, closer inspection reveals subtle arcane patterns in the cloth – runes and symbols woven with thread soaked in the blood of pact-bound voidsent. These patterns are said to amplify the power of the wearer, elevating the destructive potential of the caster’s spells to truly catastrophic levels. Infused with such potent properties, the authenticity of the robes becomes glaringly apparent when compared to the many imitations merchant seek to hawk as genuine relics of ancient Mhach.”
Tantra Attire:“Only elders of the Fist of Rhalgr are permitted to don this attire. Though the thread used in its creation is the same as that woven into the standard temple habit, the veteran monks looming the tantra cloth imbue each stitch with concentrated energy, resulting in a significantly higher rate of aetherial conductivity. A monk’s chakras are thus greatly expanded when swathed in such material, but without the training required to moderate the excessive outpouring of aether, an unseasoned wearer would bleed out his entire life essence in a matter of moments.”
Tattoos and the Risk of Aetherial Imbalance?
(The following is Theorycraft) While it’s theoretically possible that ink laced with the above soft metals could aid in the casting of spells without grimoire, there’s a certain amount of risk that might be inherent when doing so, beyond the obvious limitation of only having so much skin to work with when drawing arcane glyphs or incantations.
The first is the risk of searing the flesh when casting more potent spells. We know that certain advanced black magic spells can ignite the aether in one’s body if not properly controlled with the use of a soul crystal. This suggests that channeling magic through the body like a conduit can be likened to surging electricity or other energy through the skin when done improperly. Less potent arcanum might not present a problem, but advanced spells or prolonged usage might have similar effects on the skin.
Second, the risk of aetherial imbalance. While some spells are unaspected aether, most aether has an elemental property which can be polarized either astrally (active) or umbrally (passive). Each person’s aether is attuned in such a way that it achieves comfortable homeostasis. Subjecting the skin and body to such powerful aethers might disrupt this balance, much in the way a concentrated elemental aspect, such as a crystal, cannot be directly introduced into the body. The specific example given in the lore book is ingesting a crystal can prove fatal.
Encyclopedia Eorzea:“That said, due to the extreme concentration of aspected aether within a crystal, direct consumption of a crystal by a living being can severely alter the aetherial balance within its body, ultimately resulting in severe injury or even death.”
This ultimately goes back to understanding basic aetherology and how you would like your character to toe the lines of experimentation and casting. Could your caster be covered in aetherial tattoos and be fine? Of course! Are there risks? Most likely.
Reblogging again, because the addendum is great reference for Lurial.
Well, you’re not wrong! The reason their motives vary, their goals differ, and they seem to be more or less without unified leadership is because “heretics” is a broad umbrella term under which most of Ishgard’s undesirables sooner or later get placed. Most commonly termed Unbelievers, those who further decry the name of Halone the Fury or act in opposition to Her laws writ in the Enchiridion or spoken by the archbishop of the Holy See earn the title of Heretic.
The ways to go about becoming a heretic in the eyes of the Holy See are many and are listed below, but the list briefly includes making contact with a living dragon, denouncing Halone in favor of another god, summoning Familiars, practicing magicks not approved by Halonic doctrine, making mention of any fellowship between man and dragon, etc.
What makes a heretic?
Hubairtien: “A man must gaze not upon the eyes of a dragon. A man must hearken not the words of a dragon. A man must lay his hands not upon the flesh nor blood of a dragon. The archbishop, his Holiness, declares thus, and thus is it law.”
Janlenoux: “The unbeliever is not to be given succor. The unbeliever is not to be given absolution. Woe betide he who cowers before the lesser moon. Woe betide he who lives in thrall to fleshly desires. The archbishop, his Holiness, declares thus, and thus is it law.”
Alphinaud:“To even acknowledge that you heard the voice of a Dravanian is a grave but necessary risk. Lest we forget, men have been executed as heretics for declaring as much.”
Loloma:“The Fury shuns those who refuse her call to arms, deeming them as traitorous as the First Dragons. If you, too, are an unbeliever, you will find no succor within our hamlet’s gates.”
Tutubuki: “The Ishgardians’ way of life is based on a false myth, in whose name they fight and die. For them, those who serve nobly in life are rewarded with eternal glory in death. Preaching the Order of Nald’thal’s words there is tantamount to heresy, and punishable by death.”
Georjeaux:“Those taken prisoner are heretics, plain and simple. They decry the faith of Ishgard, and are eternally condemned for it. That is why they fled and sought refuge in the Twelveswood.”
A Reward Fitting of the Faithful:“Able-bodied men border heresy when they refuse to join the knights in the battle against the Horde. They could learn much from Jasper, a deaf-mute with a twisted leg who wakes before sunrise to spend the day hammering wooden planks and roofing destroyed buildings. Though born of such circumstances, he is deserving of the Temple Knights’ appreciation, and a just reward to boot. A blessed cedar necklace should guide him in his prayers.”
Summoning the Courage to be Different:“While Ishgard’s scholars are quite adept at manifesting Halone’s blessings from their ancient grimoires, summoning an entity from a tome is something that had fallen entirely outside the realm of permissible magics, as heretics oft use them in their occultist plots. However, with more liberal interpretations for the sake of our advancements in the war, the scholasticate under the auspices of the Holy See has been granted special permission to experiment so as long as they are wrapped in the skin of a fallen dragon to remain faithful to the teachings of the Enchiridion. They request three volumes at once.”
Fernehalwes:“The same can be said regarding religion. Each city-state has a patron (matron) deity, and most people in that city-state will follow the teachings of that god or goddess. There are, for the most part, however, no strict religious codes that must be followed. Some Eorzeans will choose to worship a deity connected to their profession (for example, weavers often follow Nymeia the Spinner). Some follow the deity associated with their nameday. There are even some Eorzeans who choose not to follow the teachings of the Twelve, but they are few and far between…and often will not admit it.
The exception to this rule can be seen in Ishgard, where they take the teachings of Halone very seriously… to the point that the church and state have become inseparable. They go as far as calling those who do not follow the Fury ‘unbelievers,’ and those who are found to have communicated with the dragons of Dravania (the mortal enemies of Ishgard), are branded as heretics and in some cases executed.”
Falcon’s Nest Elder:“Sharlayan astrology, eh? You a heretic? Because you’re talkin’ like one. There’s only one kind of astrology in Ishgard, and it ain’t the heathen kind.”
Gerolt:“Fancy yerself a dragonslayer, eh? Well, I happen to know jus’ the weapon for ye…but wouldn’t it be quicker if ye had one of the Holy See’s blacksmiths pound one out? Hm, yer expression tells me there’s a reason why ye came to me instead. Well, I ain’t one to pry into the affairs of Ishgard. Don’t fancy being branded a heretic, see. Also, I don’t reckon I’d enjoy the view from the Gates of Judgement half so much if me head was on a pike. Anyroad, it’s a spear named Gae Bolg that ye’ll be wantin’. I’ve heard tell it’s made of dragon bone, but how it’s forged is a jealously guarded secret.”
Portelaine:“It is the duty of every Ishgardian to root out and destroy heretics─all else must wait until this matter is resolved.”
Remaclon:“They say those ruins up north were built by heretics. Even just goin’ near them might have people doubtin’ your allegiances.”
Ayleth Absconds:“Margyt is glad that Ayleth is safe. She explains that the girl’s drive to bring about change in Ishgard stems from the murder of her lover by an Ishgardian nobleman. Many lowborn seem to share her sentiments, but are afraid to speak out for fear of being branded heretics.”
Penelope:“A beautiful enough story for an Ul’dahn audience. But milord would do well not to regale a soul with it around these parts. For it has been branded a heresy by the archbishop in Ishgard, and his Holiness has ears even in this very wood.
Lower your voice! Aye, I’ve heard the tale of the Boy and the Dragon Gay, and more times than one. But the archbishop in Ishgard has declared it a heretic’s tale. Best not to recount it here, so close to the mountains.”
The Disciples of Saint Shiva
The most common faction of “heretic” we see in the game currently. These heretics, who were led by Lady Ysayle “Iceheart” Dangoulain, learned the truth behind Ishgard’s founding treachery and vowed to end the war betwixt man and dragon by silencing the source of the lies that fed the war – Ishgard’s archbishop.
The Dreamer and the Dream:“Through his memories she had glimpsed the truth behind a thousand-year lie. An eternal requiem sung for his murdered sister. What could I do but speak out? And so, after years of hushed half-heresies, of coded missives and midnight gatherings, she had gained a flock. ‘Redemption is not beyond us, my friends! Come and hear the truth! Come and hear the Lady Iceheart speak! Spread the truth and cast down those who concealed it. I was so certain that would be enough… Men have ever been fond of lies.’ ”
Lucia:“…Have you not read a single line of the Enchiridion, Master Alphinaud?
Shiva was a traitor to kith and kin─an apostate who lay down with dragons.”
Haurchefant:“Now, now, we cannot expect all foreigners to know Ishgardian scripture so well─particularly when it concerns the patron saints of heretics.”
Pierriquet:“Still, as long as they keep paying me wages, I ain’t fussy as to what they have me do.
Not everyone’s as patient as me, though. Plenty of lowborn lads who get pressed into service start grumbling before they’ve seen their second battle.
And once they’ve got to thinking how unfair it all is, it don’t take much for the heretics to turn their heads. From what I hear, the simple promise of freedom tends to do it.
Sad to say, some mates of mine gobbled down the heretics’ tripe and asked for seconds─told me they were off to the western highlands to light a signal fire. That’s how you let the heretics know you’re serious about joining their ranks, apparently. Send up some purple smoke, and the bastards come to you.”
The Bloodbearers
Alberic:“They call themselves the Bloodbearers, and their leader is a man named Matheonien. He and his minions are all capable of assuming the form of dragons. Such a transformation is possible by partaking of dragon blood─I daresay you have borne witness to it─and it grants the individual unholy strength. Though the sanguine substance is precious, the Bloodbearers have access to an abundant supply owing to their pact with Graoully. That is why they have been able to offer our forces such fierce resistance.
They say that strange merchants have been acquiring goods in prodigious quantities. It seems to me the Bloodbearers are replenishing their stores. Let us split up and scour the area for these so-called merchants. Should someone strike you as suspicious, confront him and gauge his reaction.”
The Mourning After:“The half-man, half-dragon abomination Bloodbearer Robairlain has laid claim to the sacred cavern known as Mourn, slaying several of its peaceful guardians in the process.”
The Faces of Mercy
Beli: “A band of assassins is said to prowl the mountain passes. The Faces of Mercy, they call themselves. Some think them outlaws exiled form Ishgard, but some go so far as to claim they are part of the Conclave. Whatever the case, they’ve a reputation for being fierce killers to a man.”
O’dhinek:“The conjurers claim an outsider was driven from the wood. Some sort of assassin from what I heard, and a wanted man in Ishgard. Have you ever heard of the Faces of Mercy? If not, I envy you your innocence. Some evils in this world are best not known.”
Nonolato:“He had another item of interest, this messenger. A mandate for capture, dead or alive. They wished to forewarn us that a band of assassins known as the Faces of Mercy has given Ishgard great cause for concern of late. Little and less is known of their ways, yet it is rumored that initiation into their ranks requires that they destroy all that they once were. They must kill their own friends and relatives – any that might know their weaknesses. Did you ever hear of anything so depraved? As every swain knows, there is none more cursed in the eyes of the gods than the kinslayer. The world beyond the Twelveswood is truly rotten, I fear.”
Hasthwab:“You came for information on the Faces of Mercy, yes? The infamous company of thieves, brigands, mercenaries, and outlaws who will do almost anything provided the fee is paid up front? Well, it is said that they have connections within all the houses of Ishgard, and that those connections can grant them passage into the region’s many restricted areas, including the Darkhold. The Faces of Mercy do not maintain a permanent headquarters, and they only communicate through a complex network of contacts. Each member will only know the names of three others, and no two members will know the same three. That way, if one is caught and tortured, he cannot divulge more than the bare minimum to his captors.”
The Lambs of Dalamud
Janlenoux: “Woe betide he who cowers before the lesser moon.
Woe betide he who lives in thrall to fleshly desires. The archbishop, his Holiness, declares thus, and thus is it law.”
Foxe:“Have you heard of the Lambs of Dalamud? They are a terrible moon cult known for carrying out all sorts of hideous rituals─demon summoning, spirit channeling…even blood sacrifice.
Their followers claim it is the scent of freshly spilled blood that shall lure Menphina’s hound back to the Land to usher in a new era.
To fulfill this fell prophecy, they’ve been kidnapping women and children from all the nearby hamlets and farmsteads. The cultists are said to use the lifeblood of their victims to weave powerful thaumaturgies, so be certain to exercise the utmost caution when nearing the area. I’ve marked the location of the stone circle on your map.
It is an ancient place known only as Gwyr-Aen. No one remembers when or why the monoliths were raised, but they are said to burn with arcane magicks. The cultists are rumored to use the location for their bloodletting, but you may have to wait for nightfall, for that is when they conduct their rituals─so Dalamud can watch.”
Gods’ Quiver Bowman:“In case you’re unfamiliar with them, the cult emerged shortly before the Calamity put an end to the Sixth Astral Era. The cultists took the lesser moon, Dalamud, for their god, believing that it would deliver them from the devastation. And so they were rather disappointed when Dalamud exploded into a thousand flaming pieces before it could complete its descent.
Now, having seen their god turn to ash, one would think that the cultists might feel moved to question their faith. On the contrary, it served only to stoke the flames of their fanaticism.
The Lambs of Dalamud are convinced that “heretics”─that is to say, everyone but them─interfered with the coming of their lord and savior, and that it’s now their sacred duty to avenge him.”
Heretic Sects of Centuries Past
The threat of dragonfire and heretics is not always a constant in Ishgardian history. In fact, the Dragonsong War has abated for many decades in between the eight awakenings of Nidhogg. Given dialogue in the MSQ regarding the recent rise in heretical action against Ishgard, we can infer that sects of these organized factions of heretics come and go roughly concurrent with heightened Horde activity. That said, the number of “heretics” found guilty by the Halonic Inquisition likely remain about even throughout history.
Alberic:“Tell me, Sounsyy – do you believe that these events truly transpired? Or are you inclined to think them faerie tales? I ask you this because few folk have seen dragons in the flesh besides we Ishgardians, and most would as soon dismiss them as products of the imagination. Alas, dragons are no less real than you and I, with Nidhogg perhaps the most real of all. In the course of its history, Ishgard has suffered under the creature on eight separate occasions. Each time the great wyrm rouses, the blood of countless Ishgardians is spilled.”
Maenne:“You pulled this from the beast’s corpse? Hmmm…this armor dates back to before any of us were born, but there can be no mistake─it was forged in Ishgard! This must mean that dragon was once a heretic, and drank of the dragon blood until he… The gilding on the armor indicates it’s hundreds of years old… What would drive a man to choose to become…that? To a heretic, does such a transformation indicate transcendence?”
Gandarewa:“It isn’t only the dragons who have brought heretics into our midst, you know. Five hundred years ago, another heretical sect gained traction among the smallfolk of Ishgard. The heathens adopted the customs of the Near East, bathing themselves in perfumes brewed from strange flowers and forging idols from rare metals that they used in their bizarre and unholy rites. Naturally, the Temple Knights were quick to clamp down on the sect’s activities. Its leader, a peasant who styled himself the great guru Gandarewa, fled to the next holiest place he knew─the sacred mountain of Dravania. There he supped on the blood of a dragon, and was forever changed…”
The Fate of the Heretics Caught
Death, usually. Though after a thousand years of war, the Halonic Inquisition has become graphically creative in their methods of imprisonment, torture, and sentencing of their captured heretics. Heavensward levequests issued by Holy Inquisitor, Gaidelie the Just paint a pretty gruesome picture. It’s little wonder that many heretics and exiles attempt to flee to Gridania, however, they will find no refuge to be had there.
In Gridania:
Cassandra:“Of course, how could I have been so blind? Nonolato called upon the might of Ishgard to flush out the heretics hiding in the wood.”
Nonolato:“It is comforting to know the heretics have been apprehended. Gods knows what madness could have driven them to take refuge in the Twelveswood. This is the belief of the outsider – that the forest exists to provide for him. That to take and not to give is the way of things. In their desperation, they broke branch and bush for shelter, and foraged carelessly to fill their foul bellies. Summoning the Temple Knights was an act of compassion. I spared them a far worse fate.”
Keelty: “There are those who oppose the Conclave – condemned by Ishgard for their crimes. Such sinners cannot escape the eyes of the conjurers. If Siward were to return to the forest, he too would face a similar fate.”
In Ishgard:
Encyclopedia Eorzea – Witchdrop:“Those accused of heresy under Ishgardian law are sometimes made to answer to a higher power, and are thus cast into this gorge. If they are deemed innocent in the eyes of Halone, their death will be quick, and their soul gently guided to Her halls. However, if the accused is indeed guilty of consorting with dragons, then they will surely spread their fiendish wings to save themselves from the sharp crags below. Their absconsion will surely be fleeting, though, as the presiding inquisitor is often accompanied by a skilled bowman to shoot any who try to escape.”
Holy Inquisitor Cyr Blyme:“Receive your orders, detain your heretic, meet your quota… Fury take me, it used to be so simple.”
Oncenedl:“O adventurer! I claim your time in the name of the Holy See. Search the body downstairs for personal effects and deliver the lot to the Gates of Judgement. He was a heretic in life; you need not be gentle.
Usually we leave the carcass for the crows, but…as you well know, there has been some trouble of late and now we’re told to rifle through these lousy pockets.”
Chaunollet:“Ah, the leavings of unbelievers, most excellent. You have served with honor. Let us hope there is to be found here a clue… Long have I hated unbelievers, but no more, for they too serve the Fury─if not in life, then in death. What ruth has Halone to grant them such a chance!”
Alive and Unwell:“The special inquisitors’ office of the Holy See of Ishgard writes that they are in need of single-spell wands “to preserve life in the heretics until such a time as their ultimate fate can be determined by the laws of gods and men.” I am bound to honor our contract. All the documents are in order.”
Necrologos: Of Sallow Vizards:“I had a criminal executed for his public display of heresy, but I fear he may have sown seeds of discipleship. When I granted reprieve for a moment of quiet repentance ere the cold steel’s cut, the miscreant drew a copy of the sacrilegious tome, the Necrologos, concealed within the folds of his robes. His obsession led him to rip out the pages, scattering them to reach of strong winds and cackling about his “followers” until I ordered his lunacy be brought to an end. Retrieve the torn pages and exhaust the monstrosities within so no others might succumb to the void’s taint.”
It’s All About Execution:“I am in need of a tool of execution for a heretic found to be in perjury after dragon spawn was found in her cellar. An axe, you say? Perish the thought! None of the forsaken should be afforded the luxury of a quick clean death for offending the Fury. A longsword wrapped in barbed twine makes for so much the better, as the barbs interfere with the blade, unraveling and entangling with muscle, allowing for three whacks. That should give the convicted enough time to contemplate their birth, adolescence, and death before reaching the gates of the first hell. Mayhap you disagree with my methods? ‘Twould be best to satisfy with taking coin than through the looking glass at judgment upon yourself.”
Ferdillaix: “Boyle wants another sacrifice, eh? That crazy unbelieving son of a trull, he won’t shut up when he gets in this state. Makes these dungeons a living hell, believe you me.
Here, just give him this dead rat. That’ll keep him quiet for a bit. He does these…rituals, you know. Fair turns the stomach, but anything for a little peace.
Finally, some peace! I tell you, some of these unbelievers seem normal enough at first, but they show their true face after the inquisitors get to work on them. Best not consort with them that’s in the dungeons, eh?”
Heustienne:“Aye… I have already turned… Were I to set foot in Ishgard, I would be charged with heresy of the worst order. If I alone must suffer, then so be it. But you know as well as I how the inquisition works. Should I be declared a heretic, suspicion is like to fall upon my parents as well. I will not allow that to happen.”
Falcon’s Nest Elder:“No. I wouldn’t let anyone see me at that gathering. I’d be branded a heretic and sent to Witchdrop. Or worse, they’d just slit my throat and toss me out to the beasts. Like as they did that other astrologian from the Old World.”
So going off all of this, it’d appear that there are four types of heretics?
Ysayle’s group, those few who know the truth of the history of the war, and want to end it. Though appear to have worked in tandem with other, more violent heretic factions at times?
I get the impression the majority of dragon-related heretics, though, fall into the category of the Bloodbearers and similar groupings- people who serve a specific dragon for promises of freedom and power, this power being the ability to drink dragon blood and change. I assume there are/were multiple such groups scattered throughout Dravania that each serve different dragons and are not entirely unified?
Then there’s your classic run-of-the-mill heretics that consort with voidsent and do all sorts of nasty things. Not limited to Ishgard, and present all over Eorzea, but thrown under the same label, “heretic,” as all the rest in Ishgard.
And lastly, any common criminal or anyone who went against Halonic doctrine in any way.
Don’t mind me, just have an Ishgardian main and trying to categorize.
Great lore for pre-end of 3.0 Ishgard, but remember! Halonic doctrine is no longer viewed as accurate, confirmed by the 3.0 MSQ and the Scholasticate questline. The Scholasticate and Church are both hurting for people to attend anymore to the point of going out and actively recruiting while putting their focus on re-interpreting Halonic texts to be relevant in a post-theocracy Ishgard. With the separation of Church and state in place in the Republic as well, heresy would be a thing of the past. There are likely still old-guard’ers that won’t let go of the way things used to be–and why would they, because the lies that created Ishgard are what brought them into power? But by far and large Ishgard would no longer be concerned with ‘heretics’. Especially in the Dravanian sense as Ishgard and Dravania are now allies.
The only current mention of heresy in XIV post 3.0 is from a L36 MSQ NPC in Camp Dragonhead whom hasn’t had their click dialogue updated since 3.0.
A very old post of mine from 3.0 with screenshots of Garlean titles from the Great Gubal Library
has gained quite a lot of notes recently. The information in that post has now been outdated for some time, and also contained some errors. It’s a bit annoying that the way Tumblr works means I can’t really edit the original post in a meaningful way so I thought I’d make a new and more comprehensive one instead, with the relevant page from the lore book.
If you want a more simple reference, the FF Wiki’s page on Garlemald has a written list, but I wanted to post this as it contains some additional information not listed on the wiki.
Here are translations of various Hingan signs, both within Kugane and The Swallow’s Compass.
…That’s the simple explanation, anyway. The full post below involved a lot more research than I expected, but I don’t really know how else I should describe what I’m doing here. I imagine that this will be fairly interesting to those loremongers with a special interest in Doma and Hingan culture, so if you really like Kugane, or you write a Doman character or something, come on in!
Bell = Hour (1 Hour in game time = 2m 55s in real life) Sun = Day (24 Bells) Sennight = Week (8 Suns) Fortnight = 2 Weeks (16 Suns) Moon = Month (32 Suns) Year = Year (12 Moons) Epoch = 12 Years or one full Zodiac.
Astral Era = Time when mankind builds up his civilizations. (Seem to average 1000-1500 years.) Umbral Era = Time when mankind tears down his civilizations. (Length of time varies greatly.)
“For today’s lecture we will discuss the Six Hells and Heavens. We will then go over their corresponding Element, Deity and Major Arcanum. Please bring out your Divining Decks and turn your tomes to the diagram: Essences & Permutations of the Six Elements.”
Roses And Grimoires 