Two Sides of a Coin

Two Sides of a Coin

Quest giver

Alphinaud

Location

Coerthas Central Highlands (X:33, Y:15)

Quest line

Post-Heavensward

Level

60

Experience

 5,000

Gil

 1,912

Previous quest

Shadows of the First

Next quest

Unlikely Allies

Patch

3.4

---

Main Scenario Progress: 363 / 853 (42.6%)

   

Heavensward Progress: 122 / 138 (88.4%)

   

“

Alphinaud would like nothing more than to get out of the snow.

— In-game description

Steps

• Speak with Aymeric at the Congregation of Our Knights Most Heavenly.
• Speak with Alphinaud.
• Speak with Urianger at the Waking Sands.
• Speak with Bloeidin at Camp Overlook in outer La Noscea.

Journal

• A few brief moments standing in the snow is more than enough for Alphinaud to realize that this is neither the time nor the place to think deeply on recent events. While the House Fortemps knights return to Camp Dragonhead and prepare a report, he would head for the Congregation both to brief Ser Aymeric and to see if his sister's condition has at all improved.

• Ser Aymeric escorts you and Alphinaud to Alisaie's room, where Thancred, Y'shtola, and Tataru are already waiting. There, Alphinaud is relieved to find that his sister has regained consciousness and is well on her way to a full recovery. Per Y'shtola's request, you proceed to give your account of all that occurred in Xelphatol, prompting a debate as to the credibility of the Warrior of Darkness's claims. When all have had their say, however, the Scions agree only that their foes' attempts to spur the beast tribes to summon ever stronger primals cannot be allowed to continue.

• Thancred then reveals that he and Alisaie have uncovered evidence suggesting that the Ascians are behind a plot to furnish several beast tribes with a steady stream of crystals. On the understanding that severing their supply lines would do much to slow the escalation, it is decided that the others -- Ser Aymeric included -- will attempt to determine the Ixal and the Gnath's source. You and Alphinaud, meanwhile, will visit Urianger to find out if his wealth of knowledge concerning primal beings might be put to good use. When Alisaie subsequently insists that she be allowed to accompany you, Alphinaud seems poised to refuse her, only to relent in the face of her steely-eyed determination. All that remains is to wait for her to finish changing into her new outfit -- yet another original creation of Tataru's fecund imagination.

• After a brief moment of reflection -- and a missed opportunity to hear an anecdote about Alphinaud's boyhood indiscretions -- you and the twins are finally ready to depart. With luck, your visit to the Waking Sands will prove fruitful.

• To your delight, Urianger appears to be well aware of the Warriors of Darkness and their recent activities, and he provides you with a promising new lead: the kobolds of Vylbrand are rumored to be on the verge of summoning Titan once more. Satisfied, you and Alphinaud prepare to depart for Camp Overlook in outer La Noscea, but your departure is delayed by Alisaie, who requests that Urianger look into some of the specific claims made by the Warriors of Darkness. She suggests that The Gerun Oracles may hold the answers -- though the frosty manner in which she addresses the scholar raises a host of other questions...

• In Camp Overlook, you find a grim Commander Bloeidin muttering to himself about the need for reinforcements. Upon learning of your intent, however, his face splits into a wide grin. It would seem that the Scions of the Seventh Dawn have arrived in Vylbrand in the nick of time.

Dialogue

Speak with Alphinaud

Alphinaud: Forgive me, this is neither the time nor the place for idle introspection. The knights can apprise Lord Edmont of our success, and we the lord commander. More importantly, I should like to see if my sister's condition has improved... You may take a moment for yourself if you wish. I will be at the Congregation. 

Speak with Aymeric at the Congregation of Our Knights Most Heavenly

Aymeric: It brings me joy to see you safely returned to us, [Forename].  What news from Xephatol? (Warrior of Light beckons). ...Then we were not too late. On behalf of Ishgard, I offer you my deepest thanks. As for who remained behind - Mistress Y'shtola has been tending to Mistress Alisaie in your absence...and I am pleased to report that she has regained consciousness. I imagine you have many questions, especially given your recent encounter with the Warriors of Darkness. I know I do. Come, let me show you to her room. Do not worry, her condition is much improved. She is a resilient one, much like her brother. 

Alphinaud: Alisaie! How are you feelings? 
Alisaie: Well enough, Brother, thanks to the kindness of our hosts. They told me you had departed for Xelphatol while I was still abed. I slept much better knowing that. Thank you. 
Y'shtola: I take it your mission was a success? (Warrior of Light motions)
Thancred: ...As if we needed any further confirmation that they are in league with the Ascians. ...But to save another world? I think not. 
Alphinaud: I too thought his story fanciful at first. But it is possible that there may be a kernel of truth in all of this. At the very least, none of his claims contradict the Word's account.
Y'shtola: You were following these people, Alisaie. Why? 
Alisaie: During my travels, I had oft enjoyed tales of the Scions and their exploits. But after a time, I began to hear whispers of a gifted, and theretofore unknown, band of adventurers. Adventurers who had supposedly sworn to travel the realm slaying primals in the Scions' stead. 
Alphinaud: The Warriors of Darkness...And in the course of investigating these rumors, you stumbled upon the Ascians' involvement. 
Alisaie: Yes. Exactly. 
Aymeric: Forgive me, but if these Warriors of Darkness mean to bring about another Calamity, to what end do they hunt primals? 
Alisaie: To prompt an escalation. To deepen the beast tribes' feelings of helpless and despair, and thereby drive them to summon ever more powerful gods. And lest we forget, these events do not occur in isolation. With their patron deities being slain left and right, the news of man's victory over Nidhogg must surely have sown panic in the minds of the beastmen. 'Tis no wonder they wish to defend themselves. 
Aymeric: Power answered with greater power, death with more death. A vicious cycle fueled by fear and hatred. I know its like all too well.
Alisaie: Indeed. The Ascians sow discord and desperation, and the Warriors of Darkness reap the harvest. And so it continues. Yet that is not the extend of their ambitions. The Ascian himself observed that once the powerless realize that the old gods have failed them, they will have little recourse but to look to a new one.  
Y'shtola: ....We cannot let that happen. 
Thancred: It should come as no surprise, but Alisaie and I have uncovered evidence that the Ascians have been manipulating certain parties to ensure that a constant stream of crystals flows into the hands of the beast tribes. If we sever these supply lines, we should at least be able to slow the escalation. 
Y'shtola: Agreed. Krile and I shall journey to Xelphatol and learn what we can of the Ixal's source. 
Aymeric: Hm. Then I, for my part, pledge to lead a similar investigation into the origin of the Gnath's supply. 
Alphinaud: Ser Aymeric? 
Aymeric: As a member of the Eorzean Alliance, Ishgard is honor-bound to play an active role in maintaining the security of the realm. You might also say that I have some personal motivation, given the Ascians' dealings with my father. However, I make no secret of the fact that my knowledge of primal beings is scant at best. As such, I should be most grateful if one of your order were to assist me. 
Thancred: Allow me, Ser Aymeric. I have dealt with the Gnath before. 
Alphinaud: (To the Warrior of Light). Let us consult with Urianger, then. Given his dedication to the study of primal beings, I should be surprised if he could not tell us something of value. 
Alisaie: Allow me to accompany you, Brother. And before you think to refuse, know that I am not the girl I once was. I shall not be a burden - you have my word. 
Alphinaud: But Alisaie, you... ...You are more than welcome. After all, it was you who set us upon this path. 
Tataru: Wait a minute! I'm afraid I can't allow you to leave just yet - not until you try on the new outfit I prepared for you! 

Speak with Alphinaud

Alphinaud: It was good of you to accompany my sister on her forays into the coils. The knowledge that you were with her did much to put my mind at rest. Though I know not what she found at the end of her search, Deks and Sinis did inform me that she had taken to the road on her own, apparently on a journey of self-discovery... And what came of that I can only speculate. I am glad our paths crossed, regardless. I considered involving myself with her venture for a time, but as you know all too well, circumstances conspired to keep us apart. I can only assume she carried on in our absence...
Alisaie: (Alisaie appears in a new outfit). My apologies for keeping you waiting. Right, then. shall we be off? 
Alphinaud: Tataru never ceases to impress...Though, for a moment, I feared she might furnish you with an identical outfit. 
Alisaie: Praise the Twelve she did not! Mother and Father were rather too fond of making us wear matching clothes. Do you remember that time at the Studium when that girl of yours crept up behind me and whispered - 
Alphinaud: Sister, please! She was not my - Ahem, can we not have this conversation in front of the Warrior of Light!?
Alisaie: So be it. Another time, perhaps. (Alisaie turns to Warrior of Light). I should thank you again for your assistance with my expeditions, [Forename]. Though we left matters somewhat unfinished, I am nevertheless prepared to focus on the task at hand and aid you to the fullest extend of my ability. As you helped me to brave the coils, so too will I help you to defeat the Warriors of Darkness. 
Warrior of Light: (A pleasure to have you with us. / I've been meaning to ask about the carriage... / Welcome to the fight.) -> I've been meaning to ask about the carriage...
Alphinaud: Ah, yes, the carriage that so fortuitously arrived to spirit us away from Ul'dah after the banquet. The driver informed me that I had my sister to thank for his presence in Ul'dah. How did you know to send help? 
Alisaie: Oh, drunken Brass Blades are even less discreet than sober ones. Unfortunately, by the time I learned of the plot, it was too late to do anything more. Frankly, I'm still amazed Bremondt managed to find you. 
Alphinaud: New garments aside, I must say that you seem different - more...resolute than when we last met. You have the look of a woman who is ready to fight for the future of Eorzea. 
Alisaie: To the extent of my abilities, perhaps, but I have no delusions of grandeur. Nor will I pretend to have "found myself" or any such thing.  I am here today because I would regret if I weren't. That is all. 
Alphinaud: Fair enough. Let us depart for the Walking Sands, then, and see if Urianger can be of assistance. 

Speak with Urianger at the Waking Sands

Alphinaud: Urianger - apologies for calling upon you unannounced. 
Urianger: Why, Master Alphinaud. Would that the Scholar had seen fit to grant me knowledge of thy coming. What bringeth thee and thine here this day? 
Alphinaud: The Warriors of Darkness have returned. Pray allow us to explain...
Urianger: ...I too have heard tales in recent days of primal beings rising up only to be cast down by forces unknown. Alas, as thou didst observe, this serveth but to spur the beast tribes to pursue their goals with redoubled fervor. 
Alphinaud: We have two objectives at this time: to identify and remove the source of the beast tribes' crystals, and to take direct action to prevent any further summoning rituals from reaching completion. 
Alphinaud: The second is easier said than done, of course. While we were fortunate enough to learn of the Ixal's plans before they came to fruition, I should be surprised if the Warriors of Darkness and the Ascians did not have similar designs elsewhere of which we have no knowledge.
Urianger: Thou wet wise to come hither, for this very day did I receive tidings most troubling from across the Strait of Merlthor.   O'Ghomoro stirreth, and there are whispers that the Lord of Crags neareth his return. Mere rumors, mark thou - but in light of thine own discoveries... ...Thou canst ill  afford to turn a deaf ear to their claims. 
Alphinaud: Aye - we must ascertain the truth of the matter for ourselves. Let us consult with the Maelstrom forces stationed at Camp Overlook, [Forename]. Thank you for your counsel, Urianger. Pray inform us should you learn aught else. 
Urianger: I shall. 
Alisaie: (Crosses arms, approaches Urianger). If I may, Brother - Urianger, is there anything else you would like to say? 
Alphinaud: Alisaie? 
Alisaie: ...If not, then never mind. I only ask because you are normally rather more... verbose. (Alisaie approaches Urianger even closer). Nothing to add? Very well. Ere we depart, I wish to make a request. The Warriors of Darkness spoke of how the Ardor had the power to "break down the barriers between planes," that our worlds might be rejoined. I would ask that you research this for us. Being nowhere as well-read as you, I'm sure I wouldn't know where to begin. That said, I have heard tell of a promising tome: The Gerun Oracles. Mayhap you could start there.  
Urianger: ...By thy leave. 
Alisaie: Camp Overlook, was it? Very well.

Speak with Bloeidin at Camp Overlook in outer La Noscea

Bloeidin: Seven hells, at this rate, I'll have to appeal to Maelstrom Command for reinforcements... Hm? Whatever it is, we don't want any. Well, fancy that! Just when my kobold problems look like coming to a head, the Scions of the Seventh Dawn turn up, itching to pitch in! Bloody brilliant timing is what it is! Right, then - let's get to it!