Who is the God of the Ascians?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The Ascians, enigmatic and powerful figures in the world of Final Fantasy XIV, do not worship a god in the traditional sense. Their ultimate goal is the restoration of their original world and the return of their creator god, Zodiark. He is not merely a deity to be worshipped, but a fundamental force of existence that they seek to resurrect. Zodiark is the embodiment of darkness and stability, created by the ancient Amaurotines (the precursors to the Ascians) to save their dying world.
The Nature of Zodiark
Zodiark’s Creation
In the distant past, the world of Final Fantasy XIV was known as the “Source,” a vibrant and unified land inhabited by the Amaurotines. This advanced civilization faced an apocalyptic threat: the world’s aether was becoming imbalanced, leading to ecological collapse. To stabilize the planet and ensure its survival, the Amaurotines, sacrificing themselves, summoned Zodiark. He absorbed the excess aether, halting the impending doom and saving the world.
The Sundering
However, the summoning of Zodiark came at a cost. His existence required vast amounts of aether, which he consumed from the very lifeblood of the planet. A faction of Amaurotines, led by Hydaelyn, the opposing primal force of light, deemed Zodiark’s existence unsustainable. To prevent the planet from being drained entirely, Hydaelyn shattered Zodiark and, in the process, sundered the Source into thirteen separate reflections, or “shards.” The Amaurotines who had sacrificed themselves to become Zodiark were also splintered and reborn across these shards, their memories and purpose fragmented.
The Ascians’ Mission
The Ascians are the remnants of the unsundered Amaurotines, beings whose memories of their past and their purpose remain largely intact. Their mission, passed down through generations, is to rejoin the thirteen shards back into the Source, thus restoring Zodiark to his former glory. They believe that only through Zodiark’s restoration can the world truly be saved and the “perfect” existence of the unsundered world be reclaimed. They achieve this by manipulating events across the shards, engineering calamities known as “Rejoinings” that flood the shards with aether, which then allows them to be reabsorbed into the Source.
Understanding the Ascians’ Perspective
Not Worship, but Restoration
It’s crucial to understand that the Ascians’ relationship with Zodiark isn’t simply one of worship. They view him as a necessary element for the planet’s survival, a being that must be brought back to fulfill his original purpose. They see themselves as his stewards, tasked with enacting his resurrection, regardless of the cost to the individuals living on the shards.
The Cycle of Calamity
The Ascians’ methods are undeniably destructive. Each Rejoining brings about immense suffering and loss of life on the shards. However, they justify these actions by claiming that the fragmented existence of the shards is inherently flawed and that only by returning to the unsundered state can true peace and prosperity be achieved.
The Conflict with Hydaelyn
The Ascians’ mission is directly opposed by Hydaelyn, who represents the forces of light and believes in the inherent value of life and diversity, even in its fragmented state. The ongoing conflict between the Ascians and those who align with Hydaelyn forms the central narrative conflict throughout Final Fantasy XIV.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between Zodiark and a primal?
While Zodiark is often referred to as a “primal,” he differs significantly from the primals summoned by the beast tribes. Primals are beings of immense aetherial power brought into being by the fervent belief and prayers of their summoners. Zodiark, on the other hand, was created through a complex and deliberate process involving advanced technology and the sacrifice of a significant portion of the Amaurotine population. He is a being of immense power, but his origin and purpose are fundamentally different from those of traditional primals.
2. How many Ascians are there?
The number of Ascians isn’t precisely known, but the most prominent and frequently encountered are the Unasundered: Lahabrea, Elidibus, and Emet-Selch. These three held immense power and influence, acting as key figures in the Ascian’s plans. Other Ascians exist, both unsundered and sundered (reborn on the shards), but their roles and importance vary.
3. What does “unsundered” mean in the context of the Ascians?
“Unasundered” refers to those Ascians who retained their original form and memories from before the Sundering. They were spared the fragmentation that befell most of the Amaurotine population and possess a direct connection to Zodiark and their original purpose.
4. Were the Ascians always evil?
The morality of the Ascians is a complex issue. While their actions are often destructive and lead to immense suffering, they genuinely believe they are acting in the best interests of the world. They see the fragmented existence of the shards as a perversion of the natural order and believe that restoring Zodiark is the only way to achieve true salvation. From their perspective, they are not evil, but rather tragic figures burdened with a terrible responsibility.
5. What are the Rejoinings?
Rejoinings are cataclysmic events engineered by the Ascians to merge the thirteen shards back into the Source. These events involve manipulating the aether of a shard to cause widespread destruction and suffering, ultimately allowing it to be absorbed back into the Source.
6. What is the Source?
The Source is the original, unsundered world, the unified land that existed before Hydaelyn shattered Zodiark and split the world into thirteen shards. The Ascians seek to restore the Source to its former glory by rejoining all the shards.
7. Why do the Ascians wear masks?
The Ascians’ masks serve multiple purposes. Firstly, they conceal their identities, allowing them to operate in secret and manipulate events without being easily recognized. Secondly, the masks act as conduits for their aetherial power, amplifying their abilities and allowing them to perform feats of magic that would otherwise be impossible.
8. Who is Elidibus?
Elidibus is a unique Ascian, initially serving as the “Emissary” or heart of Zodiark. He embodies the will of Zodiark and acts as a crucial link between the Ascians and their creator. His role evolves significantly throughout the story, eventually leading him to pursue his own goals independent of the other Ascians.
9. How are Ascians defeated?
Ascians are incredibly difficult to defeat due to their immense aetherial power and their ability to manipulate reality. However, they are not invulnerable. Overcoming them typically involves disrupting their aetherial flow, weakening their connection to Zodiark, or finding ways to exploit their vulnerabilities.
10. What is the significance of Amaurot?
Amaurot was the capital city of the ancient Amaurotine civilization and holds immense significance for the Ascians. It represents their idealized past, a time before the Sundering when the world was unified and harmonious. The Ascians long to return to this state of perfect existence.
11. What happened to Zodiark?
Ultimately, after numerous trials and tribulations, Zodiark was defeated by the Warrior of Light and their allies. While his physical form was vanquished, the echoes of his existence and the Ascians’ legacy continue to resonate throughout the world of Final Fantasy XIV.
12. Is there a way to stop the Rejoinings?
The ongoing struggle to prevent the Rejoinings forms a central theme in Final Fantasy XIV. Throughout the expansions, the Warrior of Light and their allies develop new strategies and forge alliances to counter the Ascians’ plans and protect the shards from destruction.
13. What are the implications of restoring Zodiark?
Restoring Zodiark would have catastrophic consequences for the inhabitants of the shards. It would involve the destruction of countless lives and the obliteration of the unique cultures and civilizations that have evolved on each shard. It would essentially undo the Sundering, returning the world to its original, albeit aether-drained, state.
14. What role does Hydaelyn play in all this?
Hydaelyn is the opposing force to Zodiark, representing the forces of light and the value of life. She shattered Zodiark to prevent the planet from being drained of its aether and seeks to protect the shards from being rejoined. Her conflict with the Ascians and her relationship with the Warrior of Light are central to the overarching narrative.
15. What is the future of the Ascian legacy?
While Zodiark was ultimately defeated and the Ascians diminished, their influence continues to be felt throughout the world of Final Fantasy XIV. Their actions have shaped the course of history and left a lasting impact on the cultures and civilizations of Eorzea and beyond. The ramifications of their actions continue to be explored in subsequent storylines, demonstrating the enduring power of their legacy.