Why Do Ascians Summon Primals? The Truth Revealed
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The Ascians, enigmatic figures cloaked in mystery and driven by an unwavering purpose, are responsible for much of the turmoil plaguing Eorzea and beyond. A cornerstone of their machinations is the summoning of primals (also known as eikons or summoned deities). The Ascians summon primals not as an end in itself, but as a means to an even grander, more unsettling goal: the Rejoining, a process that seeks to reunite the Source and its thirteen Reflections into their original, singular form, and ultimately resurrect their god, Zodiark.
The Rejoining: Restoring the Ancient World
The Ascians believe the current world, the Source, is but a fractured shadow of its former glory. Millennia ago, a cataclysmic event known as the Sundering shattered the original world into fourteen pieces: the Source and thirteen Reflections. This sundering weakened the life force of the world, and in the Ascians’ eyes, only by rejoining these shards can true power and paradise be restored.
Primals as Engines of Chaos
How do primals fit into this plan? Primals, beings of immense aetheric power summoned through fervent belief and crystallized aether (crystals), are incredibly destructive forces. The Ascians manipulate events to create situations where populations, fueled by desperation or fervent faith, summon primals to solve their problems. However, primals, by their very nature, drain the land of its aether, destabilizing the balance and causing widespread devastation.
Excessive Aether: A Catalyst for Calamity
This aetheric imbalance is precisely what the Ascians seek. Each primal summoned bleeds aether from the Source, thinning the veil between it and its Reflections. When the aetheric density of the Source reaches a critical low point, a Calamity occurs. These Calamities are not merely destructive events; they are Rejoinings – moments when a Reflection merges with the Source.
Zodiark’s Revival: The Ultimate Goal
The ultimate goal of the Rejoining is not just the restoration of the original world, but the revival of Zodiark, a primal of immense power who was once a key figure in the ancient world. The Ascians believe that Zodiark’s resurrection is necessary to fully restore the world to its former glory and bring about an era of unprecedented prosperity. They see the current state of the world as a corruption, and only Zodiark can cleanse it and usher in a new age.
FAQ: Delving Deeper into Ascian Motives and Methods
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further clarification and understanding of the Ascians and their actions:
1. Who are the Ascians?
The Ascians are a group of immortal beings who survived the Sundering. They are the remnants of an ancient civilization with a long and tragic history, dedicated to restoring the world to its original state. They possess unique powers, including the ability to manipulate events from the shadows and to survive even when seemingly defeated. They are led by a council, and each Ascian holds a specific role in their grand plan.
2. What is Aether?
Aether is the life force of the world, the energy that sustains all living things and binds the world together. It is the raw material from which primals are formed, and it is the essence that the Ascians seek to manipulate. Aether is also used in magic and other forms of energy manipulation.
3. How do Primals Drain Aether?
Primals are beings of pure aether. When summoned, they draw upon the aether of the surrounding environment to sustain their existence. This process depletes the aether of the land, leading to ecological damage and destabilizing the balance of the world. The stronger the primal, the more aether it consumes.
4. What is a Calamity?
A Calamity is a catastrophic event caused by an imbalance in the aether of the world. These events are often accompanied by widespread destruction, ecological disasters, and societal collapse. Ascians manipulate events to trigger Calamities as a means of facilitating Rejoinings.
5. What is a Rejoining?
A Rejoining is the merging of one of the thirteen Reflections with the Source. This process occurs when the aetheric density of the Source reaches a critical low point, weakening the barrier between the worlds and allowing them to merge. Each Rejoining brings the world closer to its original, singular form.
6. Why are some people able to resist primal tempering?
Tempering is a process where a primal exerts its will over those who worship it, essentially turning them into mindless thralls. However, some individuals, particularly those with strong wills or a natural resistance to aetheric manipulation, are able to resist tempering. This resistance is often attributed to innate abilities or blessings from other entities.
7. What is the difference between Zodiark and Hydaelyn?
Zodiark and Hydaelyn are two opposing primal forces. Zodiark was created to sacrifice half the population of the original world to save it from destruction. Hydaelyn was then summoned to oppose Zodiark and, in doing so, shattered the world into fourteen pieces. The Ascians serve Zodiark, while Hydaelyn works through the Warrior of Light.
8. Why do the Ascians hide their true identities?
The Ascians operate from the shadows to avoid attracting unwanted attention and to better manipulate events to their advantage. By concealing their true identities, they can sow discord, instigate conflicts, and influence world leaders without revealing their ultimate goals. This allows them to operate with impunity and further their agenda without direct opposition.
9. Are all Ascians evil?
While the Ascians are driven by a single-minded goal that often leads to destruction and suffering, their motivations stem from a perceived necessity to restore a lost paradise. Whether their actions are ultimately “evil” is a matter of perspective, and depends on one’s understanding of their history and beliefs. Some might argue they are simply misguided.
10. What role do crystals play in primal summoning?
Crystals are crystallized aether, a concentrated form of the world’s life force. They are essential for primal summoning, as they provide the necessary aetheric energy to manifest these powerful beings. The type and quality of crystals used can influence the strength and abilities of the summoned primal.
11. Can Primals be defeated permanently?
Defeating a primal weakens it and sends it back to the aetherial sea, the source of all aether. However, as long as there is belief and aether to draw upon, a primal can be re-summoned. To truly eliminate a primal, the source of its power – the fervent belief of its worshippers – must be extinguished.
12. How do the Ascians influence individuals to summon primals?
The Ascians are masters of manipulation. They exploit existing tensions, sow seeds of doubt, and promise salvation to those who are desperate. They carefully orchestrate events to create situations where summoning a primal seems like the only viable solution, often playing on the fears and beliefs of vulnerable populations.
13. What happens if all the Reflections are rejoined?
If all thirteen Reflections were successfully rejoined with the Source, the world would theoretically revert to its original, singular form. The Ascians believe this would allow them to resurrect Zodiark and usher in an era of unprecedented prosperity. However, the actual consequences of such a complete Rejoining are unknown and potentially devastating.
14. Are there any Ascians who disagree with the plan?
Within the Ascians, there are varying degrees of commitment to the Rejoining. While they all share the ultimate goal of restoring the ancient world, some may harbor doubts or have different ideas about how to achieve it. These internal conflicts can sometimes create opportunities for those who oppose the Ascians’ plans.
15. What is the role of the Warrior of Light in opposing the Ascians?
The Warrior of Light is Hydaelyn’s champion, a being imbued with the power to oppose the Ascians and their plans. The Warrior of Light is tasked with maintaining the balance of the world, preventing the Rejoinings, and ultimately foiling the Ascians’ efforts to resurrect Zodiark. They are the primary force standing against the Ascians’ machinations and the hope for the future of the world.
In conclusion, the Ascians’ summoning of primals is not a random act of destruction. It is a calculated strategy, a key component of their overarching plan to trigger Calamities, facilitate Rejoinings, and ultimately resurrect Zodiark to restore their vision of a lost paradise, consequences be damned. Understanding their motives and methods is crucial to comprehending the threats facing Eorzea and the ongoing struggle for the fate of the world.