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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Warriors of Darkness (''Final Fantasy XIV'')}}
 
{{infobox organization
 
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|name=Warriors of Darkness
 
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|image=FFXIV Warriors of Darkness.png
 
|image=FFXIV Warriors of Darkness.png
 
|type=Group
 
|type=Group
|affiliation=[[The First]]
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|affiliation=[[The First]]<br>[[Ascians]]
 
|founder=
 
|founder=
 
|leader=Ardbert
 
|leader=Ardbert
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}}
 
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{{Q|Mark well our faces, Warrior of Light, for we are the Warriors of Darkness. Walkers of a different path. And we shall meet again.|Hyuran Warrior of Darkness}}
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{{Quote|Mark well our faces, Warrior of Light, for we are the Warriors of Darkness. Walkers of a different path. And we shall meet again.|Ardbert}}
The '''Warriors of Darkness''' are a group of five antagonists from ''[[Final Fantasy XIV]]'', residents of [[The First]] who share the physical appearances of the adventurers in the game's cinematic cutscenes with their gear dyed black. The [[Hyur|Hume]] Ardbert, a counterpart of the [[Warrior of Light (Final Fantasy XIV)|Warrior of Light]], acts as the group's leader and representative, appearing alongside [[Elidibus (Final Fantasy XIV)|Elidibus]] in several scenes.
+
The '''Warriors of Darkness''' are a group of five antagonists from ''[[Final Fantasy XIV]]'', residents of [[the First]] who share the physical appearances of the adventurers in the game's cinematic cutscenes with their gear dyed black. The [[Hyur|Hume]] Ardbert, a counterpart of the [[Warrior of Light (Final Fantasy XIV)|Warrior of Light]], acts as the group's leader and representative, appearing alongside [[Elidibus (Final Fantasy XIV)|Elidibus]] in several scenes.
   
In the ''[[Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers]]'' expansion, the two revealed to be originally the same being, Ardbert returns and helps the Warrior of Light restore balance to The First.
+
In the ''[[Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers]]'' expansion, the Warrior of Light is forced to take up the mantle of a Warrior of Darkness to restore balance to the First.
 
{{See|Warriors of Darkness}}
 
{{See Also|Warriors of Darkness}}
 
   
 
==Members==
 
==Members==
 
{{spoiler}}
 
{{spoiler}}
*{{LA|Ardbert}}: A male Hume [[Warrior (Final Fantasy XIV)|Warrior]] who leads the group. He survived the Flood of Light as a spirit, wandering the wilderness until sending the Warrior of Light's presence on The First. Ardbert merges his soul with the Warrior's to stabilize the light they absorbed from the Lightwardens. Uses the pseudonym "Arbert" in Eorzea.
+
*{{LA|Ardbert}}: A male Hume [[Warrior (Final Fantasy XIV)|Warrior]] who leads the group. Uses the pseudonym "Arbert" in [[Eorzea]].
*{{A|Branden}}: Known as the Knight of Darkness, he is a male Galdjent [[Paladin (Final Fantasy XIV)|Paladin]] who sacrifices himself to help Minfilia cease the Flood of Light. Uses the pseudonym "Blanhaerz" in Eorzea.
+
*{{A|Branden}}: Known as the Knight of Darkness, he is a male Galdjent [[Paladin (Final Fantasy XIV)|Paladin]]. Uses the pseudonym "Blanhaerz" in Eorzea. In the First, he was a knight charged to protect the princess of Voeburt but became disgraced by betrayal.
*{{LA|Renda-Rae}}: Known as the Ranger of Darkness, she is a Mystel [[Bard (Final Fantasy XIV)|Bard]] who poisoned [[Alisaie Leveilleur]] during their initial confrontation and later sacrifices herself to help Minfilia cease the Flood of Light. Uses the pseudonym "J'rhoomale" in Eorzea.
+
*{{LA|Renda-Rae}}: Known as the Ranger of Darkness, she is a Mystel [[Bard (Final Fantasy XIV)|Bard]] who poisoned [[Alisaie Leveilleur]] during their initial confrontation. Uses the pseudonym "J'rhoomale" in Eorzea. In the First, she was a legendary, emboldened hunter who sought after the highest marks for the thrill but sought revenge after Balam-Quitz killed her original comrades.
*{{A|Nyelbert}}: Known as the Magus of Darkness, he is a male Elf [[Black Mage (Final Fantasy XIV)|Black Mage]] who sacrifices himself to help Minfilia cease the Flood of Light. Uses the pseudonym "Naillebert" in Eorzea.
+
*{{A|Nyelbert}}: Known as the Magus of Darkness, he is a male Elf [[Black Mage (Final Fantasy XIV)|Black Mage]]. Uses the pseudonym "Naillebert" in Eorzea. In the First, he and a fellow elf were the product of generations of arranged marriages to create exceptionally powerful mages born of mixed genetics. He lost his friend to a botched rift summoning and sought for a way to bring him back.
*{{A|Lamitt}}: Known as the Devout of Darkness, she is a Dwarf [[White Mage (Final Fantasy XIV)|White Mage]] who sacrifices herself to help Minfilia cease the Flood of Light. Uses the pseudonym "Lamimi" in Eorzea.
+
*{{A|Lamitt}}: Known as the Devout of Darkness, she is a Dwarf [[White Mage (Final Fantasy XIV)|White Mage]]. Uses the pseudonym "Lamimi" in Eorzea. In the First, she forsook tradition to save her sister and other afflicted dwarves from a petrifying disease.
  +
  +
A sixth forgotten member, [[Cylva]], also traveled with them.
  +
  +
The bodies of the Warriors of Darkness, Ardbert and Cylva excluded, have since then become '''Cardinal Virtues''', powerful [[Sin Eater]]s who roam the land of [[Norvrandt]] and are subconsciously driven by their old desires. Their appearances are relatively the same, with the exception of their skin being a plaster-like white, black and red eyes and a ghastly white glow around their bodies.
   
 
==Story==
 
==Story==
 
[[File:FFXIV Warriors Of Darkness In Game.png|thumb|The Warriors of Darkness.]]
 
[[File:FFXIV Warriors Of Darkness In Game.png|thumb|The Warriors of Darkness.]]
Originally from The First, the Warriors of Darkness were adventurers who became their realm's Warriors of Light and fought the Ascians. They unknowingly played into the Ascians' hands and ended up dooming their world to be consumed in a Flood of Light. Renouncing their physical forms and assuming that [[Hydaelyn (character)|Hydaelyn]] forsook them, the Warriors of Darkness allied with the Ascians in the hope that they could restore their world.
+
Originally from the First, the Warriors of Darkness are adventurers who became their realm's Warriors of Light and fought the [[Ascian]]s. From humble beginnings, Ardbert traveled the world in search of adventure and found comrades in Lamitt, a Dwarf healer; Branden, a disgraced knight; Nyelbert, a mage in search of great power; and Renda-Rae, an exceptionally skilled hunter of notorious marks. Their battles brought them knowledge of a hidden mastermind behind the realm's woes, named the Shadowkeeper.
   
  +
The warriors were accompanied by an elf swordswoman named [[Cylva]] who unbeknownst to them, had her own dark agenda. She eventually revealed herself as the Shadowkeeper, who by instructions of the Ascians Mithron and Loghrif, tempered Ardbert and his companions into becoming the Warriors of Light and obtaining their [[Crystal (term)|crystals]] so that they could push the First to the brink of destruction and bring about the [[Rejoining]] by killing her.
In response to the Warrior of Light's actions destroying [[Nabriales]], [[Igeyorhm]] and [[Lahabrea]], Elidibus summons the Warriors of Darkness as a counterbalance by having them terrorize the [[Beastmen]] tribes so they can summon stronger [[primal]]s. The Warriors make themselves known in the Smoldering Wastes at Lost ast Gnath, defeating [[Ravana (Final Fantasy XIV)|Ravana]] before attacking the [[Scions of the Seventh Dawn]]. The group's leader, Ardbert, is about to attack the Warrior of Light when [[Thancred Waters]] intervenes, forcing the Warriors of Darkness to fall back.
 
   
  +
Ardbert refused as Cylva was still a dear friend to them. They turned their weapons on the Ascians responsible, but unknowingly played into the Ascians' hands and ended up dooming their world to be consumed in a [[The Flood|Flood of Light]]. Renouncing their physical forms and assuming that [[Hydaelyn (character)|Hydaelyn]] had forsaken them, the Warriors of Darkness allied with the Ascians in the hope that they could restore their world.
In the aftermath of the [[Dragonsong War]]'s conclusion, Warriors of Darkness retrieved the [[Eyes of Nidhogg]] from the ravine beneath the Steps of Faith for Elidibus, who later gifted them to [[Ilberd Feare]] hoping his actions could produce a Calamity.
 
   
 
[[File:FFXIV WoD vs Thancred.png|thumb|left|Ardbert versus Thancred.]]
When the Warrior of Light intervenes in the summoning of [[Garuda (Final Fantasy XIV)|Garuda]] at [[Xelphatol]], his group is accompanied by a disguised [[Urianger Augurelt]]. Ardbert reveals his origins to the hero and [[Alphinaud Leveilleur]] before they take their leave. [[Urianger Augurelt]] later tells Ardbert that the "man in white" wishes him and his group to focus on killing the Warrior of Light. The Warriors of Darkness wait for the Warrior of Light's arrival while terrorizing the [[Amalj'aa]], the group fighting the Scions before restraining them.
 
 
In response to the Warrior of Light's actions destroying the Ascians [[Nabriales]], [[Igeyorhm]] and [[Lahabrea]], Elidibus—the Ascians' Emissary—summons the Warriors of Darkness as a counterbalance by having them terrorize the [[beastmen]] tribes on [[Hydaelyn|the Source]] so they can summon stronger [[primal]]s. The Warriors make themselves known in the Smoldering Wastes at Lost ast Gnath, defeating [[Ravana (Final Fantasy XIV)|Ravana]] before attacking the [[Scions of the Seventh Dawn]]. Ardbert is about to attack the Warrior of Light when [[Thancred Waters]] intervenes, forcing the Warriors of Darkness to fall back.
   
 
In the aftermath of the [[Dragonsong War]]'s conclusion, the Warriors of Darkness retrieved the [[Eyes of Nidhogg]] from the ravine beneath the Steps of Faith for Elidibus, who later gifted them to [[Ilberd Feare]] hoping his actions could produce a [[Rejoining|Calamity]].
Urianger comes to the Scions' aid as the Warrior of Light and Alisaie Leveilleur use an [[aether]]ial blade to defeat their enemies. When the Warriors of Darkness refuse to surrender and reveal their old [[Crystal (term)|Crystals of Light]], the Warrior of Light acts at Urianger's behest, using the water crystal to bring them to Hydaelyn's realm. Though Ardbert initially attempts to strike down [[Minfilia Warde|Minfilia]] when Hydaelyn offers her to The First, he ultimately accepts Hydaelyn's offer. Returning to their world as the Flood of Light is about to consume [[Norvrandt]], the Warriors of Darkness save Ardbert sacrifice themselves to give Minfilia the power to still the flood.
 
   
 
When the Warrior of Light intervenes in the summoning of [[Garuda (Final Fantasy XIV)|Garuda]] at [[Xelphatol]], his group is accompanied by a disguised [[Urianger Augurelt]]. Ardbert reveals his origins to the hero and [[Alphinaud Leveilleur]] before they take their leave. Urianger later tells Ardbert that the "man in white" wishes him and his group to focus on killing the Warrior of Light. The Warriors of Darkness wait for the Warrior of Light's arrival while terrorizing the [[Amalj'aa]], the group fighting the Scions before restraining them.
A century later, due to the time-difference between the two realities (one hour in the Source equals one hundred years in The First), Ardbert is reunited with the Warrior of Light who is the only one who can see him. During the final battle against [[Solus zos Galvus|Emet-Selch]], revealed to be the Warrior's First Star counterpart, Ardbert merges with the Warrior of Light to help them stabilize the light they amassed from defeating the sin eaters.
 
  +
 
Urianger comes to the Scions' aid as the Warrior of Light and Alisaie Leveilleur use an [[aether]]ial blade to defeat their enemies. When the Warriors of Darkness refuse to surrender and reveal their old [[Crystal (term)|Crystals of Light]], the Warrior of Light acts at Urianger's behest, using the water crystal to bring them to Hydaelyn's realm. Though Ardbert initially attempts to strike down [[Minfilia Warde|Minfilia]] when Hydaelyn offers her to the First, he ultimately accepts Hydaelyn's offer. Returning to their world as the Flood of Light is about to consume Norvrandt, the Warriors of Darkness, save Ardbert, sacrifice themselves to give Minfilia the power to still the Flood.
  +
 
A century later, due to the time-difference between the two realities (time passes faster in the First), Ardbert is reunited with the Warrior of Light who is the only one who can see him. During the final battle against [[Solus zos Galvus|Emet-Selch]], revealed to be the Warrior's First Star counterpart, Ardbert merges with the Warrior of Light to help them stabilize the light they amassed from defeating the Sin Eaters.
   
 
In the final job quest of the [[Dark Knight (Final Fantasy XIV)|Dark Knight]] class, "Our Compromise," Myste creates simulacrums of the Warriors of Darkness alongside the [[Heavens' Ward]] from the Warrior of Light's darkest memories to fight them and Fray. Digging deeper into the Warrior's memories, the last two he summons are Ardbert and Ser Zephirin. In the end, they are destroyed.
 
In the final job quest of the [[Dark Knight (Final Fantasy XIV)|Dark Knight]] class, "Our Compromise," Myste creates simulacrums of the Warriors of Darkness alongside the [[Heavens' Ward]] from the Warrior of Light's darkest memories to fight them and Fray. Digging deeper into the Warrior's memories, the last two he summons are Ardbert and Ser Zephirin. In the end, they are destroyed.
  +
  +
As shown in the Role Quests in ''Shadowbringers'', the corpses of Ardbert's companions were possessed by the corrupting light of [[Vauthry]]'s power, becoming feared as exceptionally powerful Sin Eaters, Cardinal Virtues. They haunt the land of Norvrandt driven by instinct and repeat actions that initially drove their innermost desires in their past life. The Warrior of Light/Darkness can join forces with sinners to hunt down the Virtues and give them rest.
  +
  +
After hunting down all of the Cardinal Virtues, Cylva regales the adventurers' tales to the Warrior of Light while revealing that she had set up the hunt for the Virtues, hoping that the promise of adventure might attract the attention of someone like Ardbert while wanting to avenge the tarnished memory of her friends by Vauthry's hand. She takes the Warrior of Light on a trip across Norvrandt while alluding to the presence of herself as the sixth companion and the role she played. The tale ends at Lakeland where she revealed herself to the adventurers. She begs the Warrior of Light to end her life so that the final villain may at last be punished. The Warrior refuses as she is still a good person who cares for her friends, and urges her to live on so that the legend of the Warriors of Light do not fade from history. Convinced of her newfound purpose, she hangs up the armor and returns to the [[Crystarium (Final Fantasy XIV)|Crystarium]] to live on as Cyella to ensure their stories live on.
   
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
 
The Warriors of Darkness are fought during the quest "One Life for One World" in a solo [[instance]] duty. They revive themselves using the [[Echo (Final Fantasy XIV)|Echo]], and as such can only be defeated by charging up Alisaie's aetheric blade enough to strike them down before the Magus of Darkness can finish them off with powerful magic.
 
The Warriors of Darkness are fought during the quest "One Life for One World" in a solo [[instance]] duty. They revive themselves using the [[Echo (Final Fantasy XIV)|Echo]], and as such can only be defeated by charging up Alisaie's aetheric blade enough to strike them down before the Magus of Darkness can finish them off with powerful magic.
   
In ''Shadowbringers'', each of the Warriors is made temporarily playable at the end of each of the corresponding Role Quests. At least one questline is required to continue the Main Quest Scenario, as completion bequeaths an item needed to continue while also unlocking the weathered relic gear sets for jobs that have reached Lv. 80.
+
In ''Shadowbringers'', each of the Warriors is made temporarily playable at some point in each of the corresponding Role Quests through Echo visions before having a final battle with their Virtue counterparts at the end. At least one questline is required to continue the Main Quest Scenario, as completion bequeaths their broken Crystal, needed to continue while also unlocking the weathered relic gear sets for jobs that have reached Lv. 80.
 
{{Endspoiler}}
 
{{Endspoiler}}
  +
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Line 56: Line 70:
 
FFXIV WoD Leader.png|Ardbert
 
FFXIV WoD Leader.png|Ardbert
 
FFXIV WoD vs Ravana.png|Ardbert attacking Ravana.
 
FFXIV WoD vs Ravana.png|Ardbert attacking Ravana.
  +
FFXIV ShB Warriors of Darkness painting.png|Painting about the Warriors of Darkness.
FFXIV WoD vs Thancred.png|Ardbert versus Thancred.
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
   
 
==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
*The job titles for Ardbert's companions are from the jobs in ''[[Final Fantasy III]]'': the Devout of Darkness is named after the [[Devout (Final Fantasy III)|Devout]], the Magus of Darkness is named after the [[Magus (Final Fantasy III)|Magus]], the Ranger of Darkness is named after the [[Ranger (Final Fantasy III)|Ranger]], and the Knight of Darkness is named after the [[Knight (Final Fantasy III)|Knight]]. However, due to Knight being used as the Japanese name for the Paladin job in ''Final Fantasy XIV'', Brynden's job title in Japanese is instead Magic Swordsman {{j|魔剣士|Makenshi}}, being named after the [[Dark Knight (Final Fantasy III)|Dark Knight]] job in ''Final Fantasy III''. The NES version of ''Final Fantasy III'' had the Magic Swordsman job act very similarly to a Knight or Paladin; it had low-level White Magic as its special ability. The job would instead be recognizable as a Dark Knight—with the Souleater ability—in the DS version.
+
*The job titles for Ardbert's companions are from the jobs in ''[[Final Fantasy III]]'': the Devout of Darkness is named after the [[Devout (Final Fantasy III)|Devout]], the Magus of Darkness is named after the [[Magus (Final Fantasy III)|Magus]], the Ranger of Darkness is named after the [[Ranger (Final Fantasy III)|Ranger]], and the Knight of Darkness is named after the [[Knight (Final Fantasy III)|Knight]]. However, due to Knight being used as the Japanese name for the Paladin job in ''Final Fantasy XIV'', Brynden's job title in Japanese is instead Magic Swordsman {{j|魔剣士|Makenshi}}, being named after the [[Dark Knight (Final Fantasy III)|Dark Knight]] job in ''Final Fantasy III''. In the NES version of ''Final Fantasy III'' the Magic Swordsman acts similarly to a Knight or Paladin; it has low-level White Magic as its special ability. The job would instead be recognizable as a Dark Knight—with the Souleater ability—in the 3D version.
  +
*While the Warriors of Darkness have their gear dyed black, their palettes are unique to them and cannot be replicated with available dyes.
   
 
{{navbox characters FFXIV}}
 
{{navbox characters FFXIV}}

Revision as of 19:22, 20 February 2020

Template:Sideicon

Mark well our faces, Warrior of Light, for we are the Warriors of Darkness. Walkers of a different path. And we shall meet again.

Ardbert

The Warriors of Darkness are a group of five antagonists from Final Fantasy XIV, residents of the First who share the physical appearances of the adventurers in the game's cinematic cutscenes with their gear dyed black. The Hume Ardbert, a counterpart of the Warrior of Light, acts as the group's leader and representative, appearing alongside Elidibus in several scenes.

In the Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers expansion, the Warrior of Light is forced to take up the mantle of a Warrior of Darkness to restore balance to the First.

Members

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow. (Skip section)
  • Ardbert: A male Hume Warrior who leads the group. Uses the pseudonym "Arbert" in Eorzea.
  • Branden: Known as the Knight of Darkness, he is a male Galdjent Paladin. Uses the pseudonym "Blanhaerz" in Eorzea. In the First, he was a knight charged to protect the princess of Voeburt but became disgraced by betrayal.
  • Renda-Rae: Known as the Ranger of Darkness, she is a Mystel Bard who poisoned Alisaie Leveilleur during their initial confrontation. Uses the pseudonym "J'rhoomale" in Eorzea. In the First, she was a legendary, emboldened hunter who sought after the highest marks for the thrill but sought revenge after Balam-Quitz killed her original comrades.
  • Nyelbert: Known as the Magus of Darkness, he is a male Elf Black Mage. Uses the pseudonym "Naillebert" in Eorzea. In the First, he and a fellow elf were the product of generations of arranged marriages to create exceptionally powerful mages born of mixed genetics. He lost his friend to a botched rift summoning and sought for a way to bring him back.
  • Lamitt: Known as the Devout of Darkness, she is a Dwarf White Mage. Uses the pseudonym "Lamimi" in Eorzea. In the First, she forsook tradition to save her sister and other afflicted dwarves from a petrifying disease.

A sixth forgotten member, Cylva, also traveled with them.

The bodies of the Warriors of Darkness, Ardbert and Cylva excluded, have since then become Cardinal Virtues, powerful Sin Eaters who roam the land of Norvrandt and are subconsciously driven by their old desires. Their appearances are relatively the same, with the exception of their skin being a plaster-like white, black and red eyes and a ghastly white glow around their bodies.

Story

File:FFXIV Warriors Of Darkness In Game.png

The Warriors of Darkness.

Originally from the First, the Warriors of Darkness are adventurers who became their realm's Warriors of Light and fought the Ascians. From humble beginnings, Ardbert traveled the world in search of adventure and found comrades in Lamitt, a Dwarf healer; Branden, a disgraced knight; Nyelbert, a mage in search of great power; and Renda-Rae, an exceptionally skilled hunter of notorious marks. Their battles brought them knowledge of a hidden mastermind behind the realm's woes, named the Shadowkeeper.

The warriors were accompanied by an elf swordswoman named Cylva who unbeknownst to them, had her own dark agenda. She eventually revealed herself as the Shadowkeeper, who by instructions of the Ascians Mithron and Loghrif, tempered Ardbert and his companions into becoming the Warriors of Light and obtaining their crystals so that they could push the First to the brink of destruction and bring about the Rejoining by killing her.

Ardbert refused as Cylva was still a dear friend to them. They turned their weapons on the Ascians responsible, but unknowingly played into the Ascians' hands and ended up dooming their world to be consumed in a Flood of Light. Renouncing their physical forms and assuming that Hydaelyn had forsaken them, the Warriors of Darkness allied with the Ascians in the hope that they could restore their world.

File:FFXIV WoD vs Thancred.png

Ardbert versus Thancred.

In response to the Warrior of Light's actions destroying the Ascians Nabriales, Igeyorhm and Lahabrea, Elidibus—the Ascians' Emissary—summons the Warriors of Darkness as a counterbalance by having them terrorize the beastmen tribes on the Source so they can summon stronger primals. The Warriors make themselves known in the Smoldering Wastes at Lost ast Gnath, defeating Ravana before attacking the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. Ardbert is about to attack the Warrior of Light when Thancred Waters intervenes, forcing the Warriors of Darkness to fall back.

In the aftermath of the Dragonsong War's conclusion, the Warriors of Darkness retrieved the Eyes of Nidhogg from the ravine beneath the Steps of Faith for Elidibus, who later gifted them to Ilberd Feare hoping his actions could produce a Calamity.

When the Warrior of Light intervenes in the summoning of Garuda at Xelphatol, his group is accompanied by a disguised Urianger Augurelt. Ardbert reveals his origins to the hero and Alphinaud Leveilleur before they take their leave. Urianger later tells Ardbert that the "man in white" wishes him and his group to focus on killing the Warrior of Light. The Warriors of Darkness wait for the Warrior of Light's arrival while terrorizing the Amalj'aa, the group fighting the Scions before restraining them.

Urianger comes to the Scions' aid as the Warrior of Light and Alisaie Leveilleur use an aetherial blade to defeat their enemies. When the Warriors of Darkness refuse to surrender and reveal their old Crystals of Light, the Warrior of Light acts at Urianger's behest, using the water crystal to bring them to Hydaelyn's realm. Though Ardbert initially attempts to strike down Minfilia when Hydaelyn offers her to the First, he ultimately accepts Hydaelyn's offer. Returning to their world as the Flood of Light is about to consume Norvrandt, the Warriors of Darkness, save Ardbert, sacrifice themselves to give Minfilia the power to still the Flood.

A century later, due to the time-difference between the two realities (time passes faster in the First), Ardbert is reunited with the Warrior of Light who is the only one who can see him. During the final battle against Emet-Selch, revealed to be the Warrior's First Star counterpart, Ardbert merges with the Warrior of Light to help them stabilize the light they amassed from defeating the Sin Eaters.

In the final job quest of the Dark Knight class, "Our Compromise," Myste creates simulacrums of the Warriors of Darkness alongside the Heavens' Ward from the Warrior of Light's darkest memories to fight them and Fray. Digging deeper into the Warrior's memories, the last two he summons are Ardbert and Ser Zephirin. In the end, they are destroyed.

As shown in the Role Quests in Shadowbringers, the corpses of Ardbert's companions were possessed by the corrupting light of Vauthry's power, becoming feared as exceptionally powerful Sin Eaters, Cardinal Virtues. They haunt the land of Norvrandt driven by instinct and repeat actions that initially drove their innermost desires in their past life. The Warrior of Light/Darkness can join forces with sinners to hunt down the Virtues and give them rest.

After hunting down all of the Cardinal Virtues, Cylva regales the adventurers' tales to the Warrior of Light while revealing that she had set up the hunt for the Virtues, hoping that the promise of adventure might attract the attention of someone like Ardbert while wanting to avenge the tarnished memory of her friends by Vauthry's hand. She takes the Warrior of Light on a trip across Norvrandt while alluding to the presence of herself as the sixth companion and the role she played. The tale ends at Lakeland where she revealed herself to the adventurers. She begs the Warrior of Light to end her life so that the final villain may at last be punished. The Warrior refuses as she is still a good person who cares for her friends, and urges her to live on so that the legend of the Warriors of Light do not fade from history. Convinced of her newfound purpose, she hangs up the armor and returns to the Crystarium to live on as Cyella to ensure their stories live on.

Gameplay

The Warriors of Darkness are fought during the quest "One Life for One World" in a solo instance duty. They revive themselves using the Echo, and as such can only be defeated by charging up Alisaie's aetheric blade enough to strike them down before the Magus of Darkness can finish them off with powerful magic.

In Shadowbringers, each of the Warriors is made temporarily playable at some point in each of the corresponding Role Quests through Echo visions before having a final battle with their Virtue counterparts at the end. At least one questline is required to continue the Main Quest Scenario, as completion bequeaths their broken Crystal, needed to continue while also unlocking the weathered relic gear sets for jobs that have reached Lv. 80.

Spoilers end here.

Gallery

Trivia

  • The job titles for Ardbert's companions are from the jobs in Final Fantasy III: the Devout of Darkness is named after the Devout, the Magus of Darkness is named after the Magus, the Ranger of Darkness is named after the Ranger, and the Knight of Darkness is named after the Knight. However, due to Knight being used as the Japanese name for the Paladin job in Final Fantasy XIV, Brynden's job title in Japanese is instead Magic Swordsman (魔剣士, Makenshi?), being named after the Dark Knight job in Final Fantasy III. In the NES version of Final Fantasy III the Magic Swordsman acts similarly to a Knight or Paladin; it has low-level White Magic as its special ability. The job would instead be recognizable as a Dark Knight—with the Souleater ability—in the 3D version.
  • While the Warriors of Darkness have their gear dyed black, their palettes are unique to them and cannot be replicated with available dyes.