Vows of Virtue, Deeds of Cruelty

This article is about the quest. For the name of the major patch, see patch 5.1.

Vows of Virtue, Deeds of Cruelty

Quest giver

Alphinaud

Location

Eulmore (X:11.7, Y:11.7)

Quest line

Post-Shadowbringers Main Scenario Quests

Level

80

Experience

 22,440

Gil

 4,200

Previous quest

Moving Forward

Next quest

Old Enemies, New Threats
Where Eagles Nest
One Final Journey

Patch

5.1

Links

EDB GT

---

Main Scenario Progress: 657 / 960 (68.4%)

   

Shadowbringers Progress: 116 / 157 (73.9%)

   

“

Alphinaud wears a satisfied smile, seemingly content with the state of Eulmore.

— In-game description

Rewards

Unlocks

•   Black and White

Walkthrough

Upon speaking with Tataru the first time, several cutscenes and Solo Duty will commence in sequence.

Solo Duty

You will start as Estinien. You will fight your way out of the Garlean imperial palace. Make sure to avoid the area of effect attacks from enemies, and press forward, following Gaius. Once you reach the large bridge, you will enter a small event where you are split up. Follow the path to the left through Imperial Way, through the Principle Dynamics until a cutscene shows. Here you will take on the volatile prototype, Arch Ultima.

Volatile Prototype: Arch Ultima

1st Phase:

You start with 5 options on the pet bar (and will also be on your primary action bar). Ala Morn is your main attack, and will restore some of your HP with each attack. Star Diver is an diving attack, with a relatively medium sized AoE attack. Horrid Roar is also another AoE attack. Drachenlance is a standard 500 damage attack.

Firstly, continue to attack the Arch Ultima, and make sure to always keep moving. The column AoE attacks from Arch Ultima do not have a long cast time. It is recommended you maintain your position towards the flanks (sides) and rear.

After a while, the Garlean scientists will appear and will channel new data to Arch Ultima. Use Horrid Roar get rid of them.

2nd Phase:

When the Lembus Praetorianus ADDs show up, use Horrid Roar to AOE them down, while also dodging the AoE from the Arch Ultima. These ADDs will drop circular AoES, following you. Once destroyed, continue to damage Arch Ultima.

3rd and Final Phase:

This phase is a DPS check, so act accordingly. First, the Arch Ultima will spawn Ultima Bits. You must destroy one of these first to provide a spot to shelter, in order to avoid the radiating AoE from both Arch Ultima and the Ultima Bits. Once the first attack from Arch Ultima is cast and complete, you must go around to each Ultima Bit and destroy each one. Failure to do so will result in a wipe from the following Self-Destruct from each Ultima Bit. More Garlean scientists will appear on the bridge and you will have to AoE them down using Horrid Roar.

Once you get the Arch Ultima down to less than 20%, use the Limit Break to finish the Arch Ultima off using Nidhogg's Fury. After that, the duty is complete.

Steps

• Speak with the Crystal Exarch in the Ocular.
• Speak with Tataru.
• Speak with Tataru at the Rising Stones.
• Speak with Tataru.

Journal

• Alphinaud wears a satisfied smile, seemingly content with the state of Eulmore.

• Eulmore is in Master Chai's capable hands, the future looks bright, and even the long-suffering Kai-Shirr seems to have found both a place and purpose. Yet there are still problems that remain to be solved, not least those of your fellow Scions. Alphinaud suggests returning to the Crystarium, hopeful that Beq Lugg has made headway in their research.

• You arrive to discover that work on the white auracite has not gone as intended. In fact, your comrades have decided to pursue an alternative solution, having realized that their original plans would inevitably have broken the link between mind and soul. While they labor on, Y'shtola suggests you return to the Source and apprise Krile and the others of all that has transpired.

• Back at the Rising Stones, Tataru greets your return with customary enthusiasm. Though she is eager to hear of your exploits in the First, she insists you wait for Krile, who is in the process of completing routine ministrations on your stricken comrades. No sooner have you told your tale than you are joined─to your considerable surprise─by the elusive Estinien, who brings troubling tidings from the Empire.

• Estinien's account of his journey into imperial territory is interrupted when both you and Krile are overcome by the power of the Echo. In a series of visions from the dragoon's recent past, you bear witness to the murder of Emperor Varis; a grueling battle with Zenos himself; and an encounter with a mechanical monstrosity bearing a striking resemblance to the Ultima Weapon. When you eventually return to your senses, Estinien presses on with his report, concluding at length that the Empire poses no threat for the present, though it remains to be seen where Zenos will next resurface. His contract with Tataru thus fulfilled, your old friend gruffly takes his leave to the disappointment of all present.

• Everyone else has resumed their work, leaving you the rare opportunity to enjoy a moment's respite. But can there ever truly be rest for the righteous? The presence of Zenos alone is proof that powerful forces are yet at play, waiting unseen to pounce on any weakness. Until they see fit to reveal themselves, however, you can do naught but steel yourself for what is to come.

Dialogue

Quest Acceptance

Alphinaud: Truly, to see Kai-Shirr thus inspired by our actions is inspiring in itself.
Alphinaud: Yet however much I may wish to stay and see what comes of his efforts here in Eulmore, we have matters of our own to attend to. Come, we should return to the Crystal Tower. Mayhap Beq Lugg's studies have borne fruit in our absence.

Optional dialogue in the Ocular

Alphinaud: 'Twould seem Alisaie has yet to return from the Inn at Journey's Head. I do hope she doesn't overtire herself...

Beq Lugg: I take it you are ready to resume our work?

Urianger: My congratulations, [Forename]. Glad tidings from Eulmore did precede thy coming. I will see that Thancred and Ryne hear of these momentous events, that they too might take joy in that which thou hast helped to bring about.

Y'shtola: In the course of preparing more auracite, we made a significant discovery. We thought it best to wait for your return before sharing our findings.

Speak with the Crystal Exarch in the Ocular

Crystal Exarch: Welcome back. We are given to understand a new mayor has taken office in Eulmore.

Alphinaud: Indeed. Our good friend Master Chai was elected by popular vote, and─after some considerable soulsearching─chose to accept the post.
Alphinaud: It is a shame you weren't able to attend his inaugural speech. Though I have no doubt you will see more of him in the future.
Alphinaud: But tell me, how fared you in preparing the white auracite?

Y'shtola: Our work...did not proceed quite as expected.
Y'shtola: In your absence, we had a frank discussion on the principles of soul transference, and concluded at length that white auracite was ill-suited for our purposes.

Alphinaud: But Urianger─did you not say that, compared to the massy soul of an Ascian, the stone could house one of ours with ease?

Urianger: That I did. And armed as we are with Beq Lugg's invaluable insight, 'twould indeed prove a trifling matter─were we to disregard the inviolable link 'twixt mind and soul...
Urianger: ...A link which would─we did belatedly realize─be weakened most perilously in the process of rendering our souls dormant, as auracite doth require. Thus, the shedding of these fleshly simulacra, and the surfeit of aether which compriseth them, would in all likelihood deprive us of our psyches as well.

Beq Lugg: It would, theoretically, be possible to channel your minds into the auracite instead, but we would more than likely sacrifice your souls in the process.
Beq Lugg: Which is why we have abandoned that plan, and instead devoted our time to finding a means by which mind and soul might be transported together.

Alphinaud: Then we are no closer to a solution than when we first began...

Beq Lugg: It is a vexing conundrum indeed. But one for which the Crystal Exarch has posited a most intriguing solution.

Crystal Exarch: When our discussions turned to the transference of memories and the psyche, I could not help but be reminded of a technique with which I have personal experience.
Crystal Exarch: [Forename], do you recall what we learned of my eyes from our encounter with Doga and Unei?
Crystal Exarch: I speak of the Royal Eye of the Allagan imperial line, gifted to my forebears through the blood and memories of the ancient Allagans. It is by this gift that I am able to control the Crystal Tower.
Crystal Exarch: To explain─in the latter days of the Allagan Empire, the last of their kind devised a means to pass on their blood and memories to my forebears. It is through these gifts that I am able to control the Crystal Tower.

Beq Lugg: If we were to gain an understanding of the technology by which the Allagans were able to accomplish this transference, perhaps then we could keep mind and soul together.

Urianger: Imagine, if you will, a device like unto a soul crystal, replete not only with our worldly memories, but also the bountiful energies of the soul.

Crystal Exarch: That is our current avenue of investigation. And we will follow it wheresoever it leads.

Y'shtola: While we are thus engaged, I think it best that [Forename] return to the Source and inform Krile and the others of our findings.

Alphinaud: Agreed. I imagine Tataru will be relieved to hear we've made progress of a sort.

Urianger: Then I would beg leave to relay our findings unto Thancred and Ryne, and to assist where I may in their investigation of the Empty.

Crystal Exarch: Yes, please do. Should we have need of your counsel we will not hesitate to summon you.

Alphinaud: Give our regards to Tataru, won't you?

Optional dialogue

Alphinaud: With the benefit of our combined knowledge, and the aid of the First's leading authority on soulcraft, we must surely be able to find a solution. Surely...

Beq Lugg: I pray the link to their bodies in your world will endure awhile longer. Should it fail, our efforts will be for naught.

Crystal Exarch: Mark my words, [Forename]─we will unlock the secrets of the Allagan Eye, and see the others returned home.
Crystal Exarch: There was a time when I thought these eyes a curse, you know... But for what they have enabled me to do, and what they may yet make possible, I see now they are a blessing.

Y'shtola: Beq Lugg insists we resume our work forthwith, but I grow weary at the thought... <sigh> What I would not give for a cup of tea, and perhaps a vanilla tart.

Speak with Tataru

Tataru: [Forename]! You're back!
Tataru: How did everything go in the First? Wait─don't tell me. Krile will be here shortly, and she'll want to hear too. She's just tending to the others. Their bodies, I mean. Gods, I don't think I'll ever get used to saying that... Anyway, you can tell us everything the moment she gets here!

Cutscene

Krile: Sorry to keep you waiting.
Krile: I have carried out the treatment as per Master Matoya's instructions. It should slow the destabilization of their corporeal aether quite significantly.
Krile: But tell me, how fare our friends in the First?

Tataru: So this Beq Lugg's the First's leading authority on soulcraft, are they? Sounds promising!

Krile: And Urianger's proffered solution of white auracite is rather ingenious now that I think of it.
Krile: Well, while they press on with their preparations, you may rest assured we will continue to do our part here.

Estinien: Oh. You're back.
Estinien: And none the worse for wear, I see.

Tataru: Estinien! Oh, thank the gods. We've been worried sick! Did you lose your linkpearl or something!?

Estinien: The situation in Garlemald has become more complicated. I was making my escape from the capital when I ran into one of yours─Riol. He thought it best we come straight here.

Tataru: More complicated how?

Estinien: Hm. Where to begin?
Estinien: After entering the Empire via Radz-at-Han, I went about my mission of investigating Black Rose.
Estinien: It was then, inside a provincial factory, that I encountered the one who styles himself Shadowhunter. Gaius Baelsar.
Estinien: Our goals being apparently aligned, we joined forces and ventured on into the heart of the capital─to the very imperial palace itself.
Estinien: There, we found a man whom all assumed dead.
Estinien: But his soul lives on. And he has wrested back his flesh.
Estinien: Zenos yae Galvus.
Estinien: Nor did the surprises end there. For no sooner had we arrived than he murdered his sire in cold blood. The Emperor is dead. This sent Gaius into a rage, and he charged in, blade drawn...
Estinien: What's wrong!?

Echo flashback

Estinien: I've seen him in action. His body at least. You will not best him alone.

Gauis: Nay...death will not come easily to that thing. If you would join me, then by all means...

Estinien: For what good it will do...

Zenos yae Galvus: The Black Wolf...and the Azure Dragoon. I suppose this might suffice.
Zenos yae Galvus: Come, then.

Zenos yae Galvus: Ah, the simple pleasure of one's own flesh. Truly, there is no place like home.

Gauis: Abomination...

Estinien: Whatever he is, [Forename] was barely a match for him. If we stay here much longer─

???: Emperor Varis! Your Radiance, are you all right!?

Estinien: ...We may wear out our welcome.

Julia: Your Radiance... No!

Zenos yae Galvus: <sigh> Must even the most middling of sport be spoiled? The world conspires to bore me.
Zenos yae Galvus: But I have no cause to remain. I leave these vermin to you.

Gauis: Zenos!!!

Estinien: Well? Any bright ideas?

Gauis: Just one.

Julia: Gaaaaaah!

Annia: Your Radiance...

Julia: The intruders have taken flight. I repeat, the intruders have taken flight.
Deploy all available magitek armor. We cannot let them escape!

Solo Duty dialogue

Escape the imperial palace

Julia's Voice: Alert! Alert! Intruders detected in the Imperial Way! All available units, converge!

Gauis Baelsar: It seems there is no turning back. We must force our way through.

Centurio Praetorianus: The Black Wolf is among the intruders! Deploy magitek armor!

Hoplomachus Praetorianus: There they are! Stop them!

Gauis Baelsar: Let's keep moving.

Estinien Wyrmblood: Ugh, there is no end to them...

Julia quo Soranus: You won't escape, Gaius Baelsar!

Annia quo Soranus: You will pay for your crimes, traitor!

Gauis Baelsar: I was wondering when the imperial guard would appear... Focus on the magitek armor first!

Julia quo Soranus: Annia─on my mark!

Gauis Baelsar: I think not!

Annia quo Soranus: Damn it...

Gauis Baelsar: This way. Quickly!

Gauis Baelsar: We make ourselves easy marks by moving together. I suggest we split up.

Estinien Wyrmblood: All right, then. I'll take the low road, so to speak.

Gauis Baelsar: I will see you outside. Stay safe.

Cutscene

Estinien: Well, well... Someone's been busy.

Estinien: And you would bar my way, would you? ...So be it.
Estinien: Come, Nidhogg! Lend me your strength!

Defeat Arch Ultima

Signifer Praetorianus: It seems we've been afforded an impromptu field test.
Ready all battle data, and begin test sequence 2.0!

Synthetic Auracite System: Initiating synthetic auracite system...
All systems now fully functional!

Signifer Praetorianus: We haven't much time! I said ready the battle data, damn you!

Synthetic Auracite System: Now loading data sample XIV...

Estinien Wyrmblood: If you would bar my way, then you will feel the fury of Nidhogg!

Signifer Praetorianus: It's not working! Ready another sample─the one taken from Castrum Abania!

Synthetic Auracite System: Now loading data sample XII...

Signifer Praetorianus: Increase generator output to maximum! Activate the magitek field─full power!

Signifer Praetorianus: It works, it works! Hahaha! Arch Ultima is unstoppable!

Estinien Wyrmblood: Unstoppable? We shall see about that.
Estinien Wyrmblood: Nidhogg! Show them your fury!

Estinien: Garleans and their machina...
Now...where are you, Gaius?

Speak with Tataru at the Rising Stones (cont.)

Post-Echo flashback cutscene

Tataru: Are you all right!?

Estinien: Peer into my past, did you?

Krile: Well, I didn't quite relive the experience as you did, but I bore witness to it all.

Estinien: I'm still not sure what I think of this gift of yours. But no matter.
Estinien: Our confrontation was cut short when the imperial guard arrived. It was then that Zenos took his leave. Citing boredom.

Krile: To think their research into the Echo could bear such fruit...
Krile: Escaping death, jumping from one body to the next, and returning to his own after all this time... He is an Ascian in all but name.

Estinien: It beggars belief, aye. But no more than a hero traversing the rift between worlds.
Estinien: My concerns are far more prosaic. With the Emperor dead and the crown prince missing, the Empire is in disarray.
Estinien: Until order is restored─assuming it even possible─we needn't fear an imperial reprisal. And for reasons of his own, Zenos took it upon himself to rid the world of Black Rose.
Estinien: Riol has already gone to apprise the Alliance leaders of these developments. We may leave the matter in their hands for now.

Krile: Then perhaps we have seen the last of the fighting at Ghimlyt. Though if it comes to civil war, I cannot help but fear for the provinces...
Krile: Ah, I'd nearly forgotten to ask─what became of Gaius? Did he not escape with you?

Estinien: That he did, but we parted ways shortly after leaving Garlemald. He claimed another threat had arisen which demanded his attention.
Estinien: He didn't elaborate, but the absence of some device or other in the capital gave him reason to believe they're planning something.
Estinien: Lest you worry, I believe he has well and truly shed the Black Wolf's pelt. Conquest is no longer his objective. We may safely leave him to his own devices.

Tataru: Well, it's nice to have one less foe to worry about...even if we do have a mysterious new threat to look out for instead.
Tataru: Speaking of which, I'll see that Riol and our shinobi are made aware. Though we still know next to nothing, it can't hurt to be vigilant.

Estinien: Well then, with Black Rose nipped in the bud, I believe I've fulfilled my part of the bargain.

Tataru: That's...true, buuut...with the Archons still slumbering away, we were hoping you might agree to stay with us for a little bit longer...

Estinien: Sorry, but I'm not inclined to extend my contract. Gaius isn't the only one with business to attend to.

Krile: Thank you for your help then, Estinien. I see why Alphinaud admires you so.

Estinien: Farewell, my friend. See that you don't make a habit of dozing off in battle.

Krile: Hmm. I suppose we should all be getting on, then. As ever, we will see to the Archons' needs. In the meantime, why not get some rest? You've more than earned it. Go on.

Optional dialogue

Krile: Though they have yet to find a workable solution, Y'shtola and the others are making progress, and we cannot ask for more than that.

Speak with Tataru

Tataru: You must be shattered after all that hopping back and forth between worlds. Why not stay here and rest for a while? I'm sure Beq Lugg can manage without you. They've got enough Scions to help them, if you ask me!

Cutscene

Meanwhile, in Garlemald...

3rd Legion Centurion: Traitors! You would dare deny Lord Nerva the throne!?
3rd Legion Centurion: Aaah!

1st Legion Centurion: Onward! Before this day is done, victory shall be ours!

Zenos yae Galvus: Boring, boring, boring...

???: Do you think? I find it amusing. Like dogs herding cattle to the slaughterhouse.

Zenos yae Galvus: That hue. Your soul is... Who are you?

White-robed Figure: Before your majesty, I am but another dog. Lost, in want of a new master. A hunting dog if you should wish it so.
White-robed Figure: For I know full well the prey you would seek next.
White-robed Figure: ...Zodiark.

Cutscene 2

Meanwhile, in Eulmore in the First...

Begrimed Townsman: Did you hear? The mayor's reopening Daedalus Stoneworks, and they're looking for laborers!

Tatty Townswoman: There's talk of resettling some of the old, abandoned villages too. They're even laying on free Talos to help anyone willing to make the move.

Begrimed Townsman: Free Talos? Hah! We'd best get packing.

Tatty Townswoman: Steady work, board and lodging... If that's not a recipe for hope, I don't know what is.

???: Hope...?
Wayward Warrior: Yes. So long as I yet live, I would see that feeble flame rekindled.
Wayward Warrior: It is my destiny. To see our dream fulfilled.