Hi Souns! I was hoping for some lore on hearers, Gridania, and elementals; how do people talk to the elementals, and what can they have the elementals do? If anything.
The Elementals, the Hearers, and the Greenwrath
Elementals, the fragments of Nophica
Encyclopedia Eorzea - Elementals: “Guardians of the Twelveswood and creators of the Hedge - a protective barrier which wards the forest from evil - the people of Gridania see these beings of pure aether as spiritual fragments of Nophica, the Matron Herself. It is said that the elementals can communicate with man but have chosen to only do so through the Padjal - intermediaries chosen by the wood to serve as its voice. The elementals will suffer man’s presence in the Twelveswood unless they are angered, at which time they will resort to violence to see the perpetrator cast out.”
Encyclopedia Eorzea - The Elementals: “The ephemeral guardian spirits of the Twelveswood. With bodies comprised entirely of aether, these entities are nevertheless possessed of an intelligence and intent that can be sensed by those blessed with preternatural awareness. The elementals perceive the aether-draining nature of white magic as a direct threat to their existence, and for centuries did they seek to prevent its secrets from reentering the world.”
Well-bundled Adventurer: “If you are planning to stay a while, you might want to learn a bit about the elementals. They reside within all creation, and are the organizing principle at work throughout the world. The ancient elementals of the Twelveswood are much more powerful and wise than those from other parts of the world.”
Nuala: “The Twelveswood is a vast forest set aside just for the elementals by the Matron, Nophica. It was here long before we came, and will remain long after we are gone. You are their guest, and may tread only where allowed. Adventurers are not permitted beyond the hunting grounds. See to it your feet do not stray.”
Georjeaux: “Pray all you like to the elementals, they’re not like to listen. It’s the same as any Eorzean praying to the Twelve, is it not? The elementals protect us, as we protect the forest. Knowing this gives Gridanians a sense of happiness that others cannot possibly fathom.”
Serpent Marshal Brookstone: “Your visit means much to us, truly. Allow me to offer these words of counsel by way of thanks - harbor no wicked thoughts nor ill-will here, for the elementals see all. They are the wood, and the wood is they. Honor them as you would the gods. Revere them. Fear them. Strive to know their mind. The fires of war which now spread through the forest have woken the greenwrath. The elementals now pose as dire a threat to our way of life as the Garleans or the Ixal.”
Geva: “The Twelveswood around Gridania is full of elementals. They reside in all things, like little clumps of life. They keep watch over all of us—both we forestborn and the beasts of the wood. We cannot simply hunt things down in the wood because they hunt us. In all things, the permission of the elementals is needed. Not that anybody would expect you to know any of that. It’s just something you can gain an innate awareness of after living in Gridania for a while. That said, this treant vine isn’t something that I’m eager to take. We have our reservations about using materials obtained without the permission of the elementals.”
Hereward: “We ain’t in this trade to be nice. The masters’ll tell you true. Treant vines may be rare enough, but if they ain’t quality, they’re of no use to us. Take your gil and be happy. If the conjurers find some rare elemental within, mayhaps they’ll send some more coin your way.”
Biddy: “Items from which life has gone, but within which the elementals remain, are said to bring good fortune to their bearers.”
Sylbyrt: “Have you heard of the magical tree stump within the Twelveswood? One need only place a broken item upon it - be it toy, tool, or weapon - and it will be mended shortly after. It is the work of the moogles, who speak to the elementals within. Or so the Gridanians would have you believe.”
Beli: “I’d give anything to have the power of the moogles - to be able to call upon the elementals within things to restore them. Gods, don’t tell anyone I’ve said that. Most in these parts think it near heresy to want the powers of nature for oneself.”
Papalymo Totolymo: “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. There are elementals in all sorts of things. Rocks, rivers, flowers. They are the unifying force of this entire forest.”
Evrardoux: “The wind elementals gather here at Quarrymill. Their presence livens the wings of the small creatures carrying pollen, and our gardens and orchards are the end result. Alas, the appearance of Garuda threatens my fruits - my very livelihood. The primal is said to hold dominion over the winds, you see, and the elementals cannot help but disperse at her coming.“
Lougblaet: “We built our little hamlet here with the consent of the elementals. Among the different kinds of elementals, none are more intimate with men than those who abide in the trees.”
Encyclopedia Eorzea - Blessed Bud: “Thought to be the dwelling of an elemental, the Blessed Bud sprouted from a stump. It is said that passersby can feel the force of its vitality.”
O-App-Pesi: “Where were we…? Ah, yes, of course. We were speaking of the elementals. They are a part of this world, great and powerful. And they do not oft trouble themselves with the inconsequential affairs of man. They do show themselves from time to time, though. When one beckoned by the wood arrives to hear their bidding, say, or should the greenwrath be wakened.”
Brother Telent: “Bah, forgive me. I am weary. The Oak Atrium has had me listening to their damnable logs since sunup. I suppose it’s all this old man is good for. At any rate, the elementals were good today. A giant tree was hauled today, and they agreed to remain within, even after it is cut and hewn. In return for their sacrifice, they asked only that we quell the evil beasts lurking about the wood east of the Blue Badger Gate. There have been coywolves, prowling of late, they told me, fiery of eye and belly. Their terror must be ended - for their own good as well as the wood’s.”
Kinborow: “The order may come from Brother Telent, but it is the will of the elementals, sure as sunrise. Go forth with pride, brother. The elementals do not distinguish between man and beast. They may give their consent to battle, but the outcome is of little consequence to them.”
Maroile: “Simply observe, and you will learn much of our way of life here in Gridania. Did you see, for example, the arbor giant just recently arrived at the Oak Atrium? The conjurers will ask the elementals within for their blessing. If granted, the carpenters will then fashion it to serve the common need. Into an abode, perhaps - a place a Gridanian will call home for the rest of their days.”
Encyclopedia Eorzea - Everschade and the Guardian Tree: “Having seen over a thousand summers, the Guardian Tree is purportedly the oldest arbor in all the Black Shroud, and home to the great one - an elder elemental who watches and presides over the forest’s denizens. The fruit borne by the tree resembles a plum and is sought after across the Three Great Continents for its curative properties.”
Encyclopedia Eorzea - Claustrum: “Within the Guardian Tree, eldest sentinel in the Twelveswood, dwells the great one. It is said the elemental shook free a bough from the canopy, which was taken and carved into the legendary staff Claustrum. The weapon’s name comes from a word meaning ‘key,’ as it is able to dispel all wards set by the elementals.”
Zerig: “Ohoho, the realm of the elementals eludes mortal comprehension, brother. One may as well ask whence life comes in birth, and whither it goes in death. Answers there must be, for sure, but they are not for us to know.”
Even-tempered Knight: “Something strange happens on every scouting into the Shroud. I tell you - it’s not right, that place. They say just a glimpse of an elemental is enough to drive a man mad!”
Brother Telent: “Did you see the elemental during the speech? One of the great ones, that. They’ve been keepers of this wood for thousands of years. There’s no need to fear so long as they watch o'er the forest, no matter what may come. What needs doing now is bringing the Elder Seedseer’s words to life.”
Fulke: “Recall the words of the great elementals - we must hold to our righteousness and trust to our bravery. So long as we protect our forest, Nophica will never abandon us to the darkness.”
Raya-O-Senna: “The trees are the elementals, the elementals are the trees─the lush verdure of the wood is inseparable from the spirits that dwell within it. But you do not need to hear this from me. Doubtless you felt it for yourself, when you healed that tree. Above all else, the elementals prize harmony. When they sense a threat to harmony, they summon forth all the powers at their disposal to expulse it. To soothe the forest’s wounds, and restore harmony─that is our duty as mages of the white, and it is a responsibility that transcends race or nation.”
Bardo: “Never seen such a fearsome spectacle. Some sort of creature appeared, bright as the sun to look at, and went form the Garlean bastards like a bloody fury. One of ‘em ran it through with his sword, though, and whatever light was in the beast took to fadin’, till finally it was gone. And just then, I felt the whole forest go cold. Chilled me to the bone, it did. As to what in the seven bloody hells the beast was, I couldn’t rightly say. Maybe the elementals called it up to fight for ‘em. Maybe not. But whatever it was, the forestforlk need to be told of it.”
Raya-O-Senna: “Now, these misbehaving elementals would have long been pacified, but for the fact that most incidents transpire outside the Twelveswood. I am duty-bound to the forest, you see, and cannot attend to the matter, while Stillglade Fane has not the manpower to spare at present for an undertaking beyond our borders. But you, Sounsyy─you may do what we Gridanians cannot. So I bid you journey forth to quell the keening of the elementals throughout Eorzea.”
Pukni Pakk: “When the elementals are on edge, they close off certain parts of the Twelveswood… like the sun-dappled clearing with my favorite flower bed. Just where am I supposed to take my afternoon naps now, kupo!?”
Encyclopedia Eorzea - Sprites: “The unearthly creatures known as sprites come into being given specific aetheric conditions. Whether or not they constitute a true form of life is a subject of much debate among scholars. Sprites were once thought to be kin to elementals worshiped in the Black Shroud, but it has since been proved that they are, in fact, unrelated and wholly devoid of sentience.”
What happened to the elementals in ARR?
Oswold: “The elementals are the eternal guardians of the Twelveswood. Since time immemorial, they have watched over the forest and all life within, ensuring that the balance of nature is preserved. By an ancient covenant, man was permitted to reside in the Twelveswood. Thus was the nation of Gridania born, some five centuries ago. Alas, the elementals were gravely weakened during the calamitous events that ushered in the Seventh Umbral Era. Mere mortals though we be, it now falls to us to protect the forest with body, mind, and spirit.”
Alixie: “We once relied on the elementals to protect the Twelveswood, but with their power now diminished, it falls to us to shoulder this burden. The Bannock was built for this very purpose. It is a tangible symbol of the commitment both the Elder Seedseer and the Order of the Twin Adder have made to maintaining the balance of the forest.”
Encyclopedia Eorzea - Amdapor Keep: “Created for the defense of Amdapor, this stone stronghold was long hidden within the tangle of the Twelveswood. This was by the will of the elementals, who sought to keep it away from the prying eyes of men since the Sixth Umbral Calamity. However, even their wards could not withstand the most recent Calamity, and now Amdapor Keep is once again visible in the forest.”
Part I of this post on Nophica, the Matron can be found here!
Lore on Gridanian Militaries, such as the Wood Wailers, Gods’ Quiver, and Order of the Twin Adder can be found here!
Elemental Law, Hearer, Padjal, Fane, Hedge, Greenwrath, Woodsin, Purification Ceremonies, and Wildling Lore can be found in the Read More below.
Hope this helps, anon! ^^
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