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Descent to the Foundation
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Descent to the Foundation
- Quest giver
- Shale
- Location
- The Backroom (X:6.0, Y:6.3)
- Quest line
- Post-Dawntrail Main Scenario Quests
- Level
- 100
- Gil
6,000- Previous quest
The Meeting- Next quest
- Shared Paths
- Patch
- 7.2
Main Scenario Progress: 966 / 968 (99.8%)
Dawntrail Progress: 113 / 115 (98.3%)
“Shale is eager to get on with it.
— In-game description
Rewards
- Unlocks
Steps
- Speak with Shale in the government sector.
- Enter
The Underkeep. - Confront Zelenia in
Recollection. - Speak with Sphene.
Journal
- Shale is eager to get on with it.
- Shale informs you that she has secured passage to the foundation sector, and that she will accompany you to gather data on the uncharted area. You and your companions head to the government sector, where the lift to Everkeep's depths is located.
- Your party assembles at the lift, and before you board Shale hands you a communicator. The adapter will use the coordinate data it provides to guide you as you delve into Everkeep's depths, where the old castle is said to be preserved.
- ※To enlist your companion NPCs for this duty, speak with them near the entrance or access Duty Support via the main menu. Use the Duty Finder if you wish to complete the instance alongside fellow players.
- After disembarking the lift and pushing through a sandy area crawling with beasts, the former castle of Alexandria comes into sight. You and your allies approach its timeworn doors, only to be assaulted by mechanized guardians, and during the melee you hear the voice of Calyx beckoning you deeper into the castle, where he intends to further test your combat capabilities. Cutting through more foes, you reach a chamber occupied by an ancient but hostile machine, and after a fierce battle you stand victorious. Shale and Sphene catch up, and together you prepare to search the fortress in earnest.
- ※In the event that you leave the area, you may return by talking to the lift attendant in the government sector.
- During your exploration of the castle, Sphene reminisces about her time spent there in centuries past─a heartfelt moment interrupted when you both are suddenly transported to a decrepit room. The moldering surroundings are soon replaced by virtual overlays recreating the throne of Alexandria in its former glory. At the center of the chamber are Calyx and the simulant, the former stating that he has one last trial with which to test your mettle, before a hulking mass of metal descends onto the arena. The simulant addresses it as Zelenia, who was second-in-command of Alexandria's royal knights. Overcome with rage at this affront, Sphene begs your aid in destroying the ignoble machine, even though it means you will be playing right into Calyx's hands.
- ※Recollection can be accessed via the Duty Finder.
- The imitation of Alexandria's finest proves to be a formidable opponent, but yet again you manage to pull through. Calyx seems unperturbed by the destruction of his creation, and appraises you with a look that suggests he possesses knowledge you do not.
- ※In the event that you leave the area, you may return by speaking with the lift attendant in the government sector.
- Calyx reveals that he covets the key that he might use it to harvest aether from reflections to sustain a growing population of Endless, and in so doing facilitate the evolution of mankind. He then states he will bestow upon you a “gift” before ending the transmission and stripping the room of its illusory grandeur, leaving you and Sphene standing before a dilapidated throne, upon which a tiara rests.
- Although Sphene is torn by the reminder of Zelenia's loss, she is grateful for you striking down the creation that disgraced her memory. As you look around the chamber, it remains unclear just how far into the castle's depths you have been thrust...
Dialogue
Quest Acceptance
Shale: Right. I believe I've plotted a viable route to the foundation sector. Shale: As we don't have much information on the area, I'll come along and gather geographic data on-site. You can leave the navigating to me.
Gulool Ja: I'll stay behind this time, but let me know if there's anything I can do to help!
Shale: Oblivion is fortunate to have a capable adapter like you, Gulool Ja. And no matter what the future holds, your knowledge of electrope is bound to serve you well. Shale: With such dependable support here, we may embark on our mission. Come, let's head to the lift in the government sector.
Optional Dialogue
Krile: Though it was but from a distance, I remember the sight of Alexandria's castle in the virtual domain. I wonder how it looks now compared to then...
Sphene: From here, we head to the very bottom of Everkeep. I can't help but feel nervous, returning there after so long...
G'raha Tia: Calyx has all but invited us, so we must assume that we are expected...
Wuk Lamat: Oblivion's gotten us permission to use the lift. It's nice when things can move quickly.
Lift Attendant: Everything has been arranged for your passage to the foundation sector!
Speak with Shale in the government sector
Krile: Though it was but from a distance, I remember the sight of Alexandria's castle in the virtual domain. I wonder how it looks now compared to then... Sphene: From here, we head to the very bottom of Everkeep. I can't help but feel nervous, returning there after so long...
G'raha Tia: Calyx has all but invited us, so we must assume that we are expected...
Wuk Lamat: Oblivion's gotten us permission to use the lift. It's nice when things can move quickly.
Lift Attendant: Everything has been arranged for your passage to the foundation sector!
Shale: There's no direct lift to the foundation sector, so we'll have to transfer to another on the way. Shale: If we take the wrong lift, we'll end up in the wrong sector, so be sure to follow her instructions. Shale: According to Teeshal Ja's records, the tower is divided into inner and outer sections below Origenics. The castle is at the heart of the inner section.
Krile: So upon arriving at the foundation sector, we need to make our way inwards.
Shale: CHARACTER_NAME, take this communicator with you. Shale: It's been modified to track your coordinates, so I'll be guiding you as I collect data.
Wuk Lamat: Sounds like we're all set. Let's get going!
Optional Dialogue / Small Talk
Krile: It would be nice if this foray was uneventful, but that would be a naive hope. Better to expect the worst.
Sphene: I shall follow close behind with Shale.
G'raha Tia: Though we are taking a risk, the far greater danger would be to wait. This time, let us take the battle to Calyx.
Wuk Lamat: Calyx uses the people's love for Sphene to further his own schemes. We can't allow him to do so any longer. Whatever it takes, we'll find and stop him!
Shale: We're heading into a trap, so watch your step.
Lift Attendant: I'll be your guide for the descent to the foundation sector, after which Shale will take over. Please take care not to lose the communicator!
Voiced Cutscene (After Dungeon)
Krile: Calyx was measuring our strength. Is that why he contrived to lead us here?
Wuk Lamat: It looks like we've cleared away the machines and beasts, but who knows what else he might have in store... Wuk Lamat: From here on out, Sphene and Shale will move with us. Let's find that terminal, but stay alert for more threats.
Sphene: Before my illness left me bedridden, I used to walk through here on my way to watch Otis and Zelenia train. Sphene: You knew Otis, if I am not mistaken? Zelenia was his second-in-command in the royal knights of Alexandria. Sphene: Oh, how I loved to see the two of them spar. I once dreamed of fighting by their side, so I studied the magical arts under my tutor. Sphene: But when I was fifteen, the Storm Surge broke out, and both my father and mother passed away. Sphene: As the new queen, I was forbidden from taking to the battlefield, for our nation would fracture had I died without a successor. Sphene: Though in the end I could barely move, I regret that I didn't go out there and fight. At least while I still could. Sphene: My Endless self lamented not being able to protect the realm with benevolence. 'Tis a feeling to which I can relate...
Wuk Lamat: Sphene...
Sphene: Ah, forgive me! 'Twas not my intent to darken the mood. Come, let us press on.
Wuk Lamat: This is one big castle, though... How far does this hallway go? Wuk Lamat: Do you know, Sphene? Wuk Lamat: What...?
Sphene: What...what happened!?
Simulant: Oh? It seems our guest brought company.
Sphene: So this was your doing.
Simulant: It was. We installed a teleporter that is triggered by the presence of the key, you see. Simulant: Ah, I'm afraid aetheric transmissions cannot penetrate the walls of the throne room. It will take your friends a good while to find you.
Calyx: I confess, the Valia Pira did not suffice to assess your capabilities. Calyx: So I shall try something else. Calyx: You are free to use anything at your disposal. The better you fight, the more accurate my data. Calyx: Attaining a precise measure of your strength─that is the most expeditious way... Calyx: ...To reclaim the key to which you so stubbornly cling.
Simulant: Ah, noble Zelenia, dashing as ever. These villains mean to do us harm. Strike them down, I bid you!
Sphene: What? This machine is Zelenia!?
Simulant: Indeed it is. We couldn't preserve her memories while she lived, so she has been reconstructed from our recollections of her.
Sphene: The Endless me being created in answer to the earnest desires of Alexandrians... That, I can accept. Sphene: But to twist the memories of those I held dear and treat them as playthings... Sphene: ...This disgrace I cannot abide!
Sphene: Loath though I am to comply with their demands, this monstrosity must be destroyed. Not least of all for Zelenia's honor. Sphene: If she was indeed created from my memories, even if I cannot fight, I may be able to offer you counsel. Sphene: So please, lend me your strength and end this farce!
Calyx: Ah, there it is...