What Happened to Azem During the Final Days?
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Azem, a pivotal figure in the history of Etheirys and its sundering, played a crucial role during the events leading up to the Final Days. While the exact details remain shrouded in mystery, what we know is this: Azem vehemently opposed the summoning of Zodiark, viewing it as a dangerous and unethical solution to the burgeoning despair threatening the star. Refusing to participate in the collective act of sacrifice and creation, Azem did not join the convocation in their desperate endeavor. Instead, they are believed to have actively attempted to find alternative solutions, seeking to quell the rising tide of despair and restore balance without resorting to the creation of a primal deity powered by immense sacrifice. This dissent ultimately led to their seat on the Convocation of Fourteen being left vacant, and, eventually, their soul being rejoined with the Source as one of the fragmented shards of the original being, Venat.
The Convocation’s Dilemma and Azem’s Disagreement
The Final Days were a period of immense suffering and societal collapse. The ancient Amaurotines, grappling with a creeping sense of existential dread and fueled by the corrupting influence of dynamis, succumbed to despair, giving birth to destructive creations that ravaged their world. The Convocation of Fourteen, the ruling body of Amaurot, desperately sought a solution to avert total annihilation.
The proposed solution, spearheaded by figures like Emet-Selch and Lahabrea, involved sacrificing a significant portion of the population to summon Zodiark, a primal being of protection and restoration. Zodiark would then be used to stabilize the planet and heal the damage inflicted by the Final Days.
Azem stood in stark opposition to this plan. They believed that sacrificing lives, even for the greater good, was morally reprehensible. They also understood the inherent dangers of primal creation, recognizing that Zodiark, born of sacrifice and despair, could become a source of further imbalance and potential tyranny.
Azem’s Efforts to Find an Alternative
Instead of participating in the summoning, Azem embarked on a quest to find alternative solutions. The specifics of their actions remain largely unknown, but it is speculated that they focused on addressing the root cause of the despair plaguing Amaurot. This likely involved:
- Searching for the source of the dynamis influence: Attempting to understand and neutralize the forces that were corrupting the minds of the Amaurotines.
- Seeking ways to restore hope and faith: Trying to rekindle the spirit of innovation and collaboration that had once characterized their society.
- Exploring alternative uses of aether: Investigating methods of healing the planet without resorting to the creation of a primal entity.
Unfortunately, Azem’s efforts proved insufficient to stem the tide of despair. The Convocation, driven by desperation and the desire for immediate action, proceeded with the summoning of Zodiark, solidifying Azem’s choice to remain separate.
The Vacant Seat and the Sundering
Azem’s refusal to participate in the summoning of Zodiark left their seat on the Convocation vacant. This vacancy became a symbolic representation of the division within Amaurotine society – those who embraced the path of sacrifice versus those who sought a more ethical solution.
Following the creation of Zodiark and the subsequent summoning of Hydaelyn to counter him, the world was sundered, splitting the original star and its inhabitants into multiple reflections. Azem’s soul, like those of all Amaurotines, was fragmented and scattered across these shards.
While the Azem of the Source, as the player character in Final Fantasy XIV comes to discover, is a reincarnation carrying the echo of the original, their memories and understanding of the Final Days are initially obscured. Through the course of the game, the Warrior of Light slowly uncovers the truth of their past life and the choices that Azem made during those fateful times.
The Legacy of Azem
Despite the tragic outcome of the Final Days, Azem’s legacy endures as a symbol of compassion, moral courage, and unwavering belief in the potential of humanity. Their refusal to compromise their principles in the face of immense pressure serves as an inspiration to those who strive for a better world, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. Their perspective on the dangers of primal creation and the importance of ethical solutions continues to resonate throughout the narrative of Final Fantasy XIV, urging players to question the motivations and consequences of their actions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly is the Convocation of Fourteen?
The Convocation of Fourteen was the governing body of Amaurot, comprised of the most powerful and influential individuals in their society. Each member held a specific title and responsibility, reflecting their expertise in various fields.
Why did the Amaurotines decide to summon Zodiark?
The Amaurotines believed that summoning Zodiark was the only way to save their world from the encroaching destruction of the Final Days. They saw it as a desperate measure to restore balance and heal the planet.
What were the Final Days?
The Final Days were a period of widespread despair and chaos that plagued Amaurot. The corrupting influence of dynamis caused the Amaurotines to succumb to fear and negativity, leading to the creation of monstrous beings that threatened their civilization.
What is Dynamis?
Dynamis is a force that responds to emotions, particularly negative ones like despair and fear. It stands in contrast to aether, which is the life force of the planet and responds to will and intention. Dynamis was a key factor in the creation of the monsters during the Final Days.
How did Azem’s actions impact the Convocation?
Azem’s refusal to participate in the summoning of Zodiark created a significant division within the Convocation. Their vacant seat served as a constant reminder of the differing viewpoints on how to address the crisis.
Was Azem the only one who opposed the summoning?
While Azem was the most prominent dissenting voice within the Convocation, it is likely that others shared their reservations. However, fear and the overwhelming sense of urgency led many to support the plan, despite their doubts.
What happened to Azem after the Sundering?
After the Sundering, Azem’s soul was fragmented and scattered across the different shards. Each shard carried a portion of their original self, eventually reincarnating into new individuals throughout history.
How does the Warrior of Light connect to Azem?
The Warrior of Light is a reincarnation of Azem, carrying the echo of their original soul. As the Warrior of Light progresses through the game, they gradually unlock memories and abilities associated with their past life.
Why is Azem referred to with they/them pronouns?
In the English localization of Final Fantasy XIV, Azem is referred to with they/them pronouns to reflect the fact that their soul has been reincarnated into both male and female bodies across the different shards. It is a deliberate choice to avoid assigning a fixed gender identity to the original Azem.
What is Azem’s Crystal?
Azem’s Crystal is a relic that contains a portion of Azem’s soul and memories. It serves as a key to unlocking the Warrior of Light’s connection to their past life and accessing their unique abilities.
What were some of Azem’s unique abilities?
Azem was known for their exceptional ability to connect with others and to inspire hope in even the darkest of times. They possessed a strong sense of justice and a unwavering commitment to helping those in need. They also had an innate understanding of aether and the delicate balance of the world.
How does Azem’s story impact the overall narrative of Final Fantasy XIV?
Azem’s story is central to the overarching narrative of Final Fantasy XIV, providing context for the events leading up to the Sundering and the ongoing conflict between Hydaelyn and Zodiark. It also explores themes of sacrifice, ethical decision-making, and the importance of hope in the face of adversity.
Where can I learn more about Azem’s role in the Final Days?
Further information about Azem’s role in the Final Days can be found by playing through the Endwalker expansion of Final Fantasy XIV. In-game lore books and dialogue also provide additional insights into their character and motivations.
Is it possible Azem knew the future?
While there’s no definitive evidence Azem possessed the ability to see the future in a literal sense, their strong understanding of aetherial energies and the potential consequences of primal creation may have given them a unique insight into the dangers of the Convocation’s plan. This foresight, combined with their ethical convictions, likely fueled their opposition to the summoning of Zodiark.
Will Azem’s story be further explored in future expansions?
Given Azem’s significance to the Final Fantasy XIV lore, it is likely that their story will continue to be explored in future expansions. The writers have consistently revisited key events and characters from the past, providing deeper insights and expanding upon existing narratives. The potential for future revelations about Azem’s actions and motivations remains a compelling aspect of the game’s ongoing story.