The Circle of Knowing is a group of non-playable characters in Final Fantasy XIV. Also known as Archons, they are prominent figures in the game's Main Scenario quests and Seventh Umbral Era storyline. A player would interact with different members of the Circle depending on which nation they created their character in and which Grand Company they chose. This also determines which member of the Circle defends the player when he or she is later attacked by Gaius van Baelsar.

The Circle of Knowing hails from the city-state of Sharlayan in the northwestern Dravania region. They are marked by the Tattoo on their neck.

Members:

• Y'shtola, who interacts with players who start in Limsa Lominsa and join the The Maelstrom.
• Yda, who interacts with players who start in Gridania and join The Order of the Twin Adder.
• Papalymo, who is paired with Yda for scenes in Gridania and with the Twin Adder.
• Thancred, who interacts with players who start in Ul'dah and join The Immortal Flames.
• Urianger, who crosses paths with adventurers at some point during their journey and is involved in some of the temporary Seventh Umbral Era content for Lodestone achievements.
• Louisoix, who is involved in the Primal quests and leads the group.

Y'shtola, Yda, Papalymo, and Thancred all arrive late in the main storyline to fight Gaius when he attempts to kill the player, though he defeats them and then wounds them and the player relatively easily.

A Realm RebornEdit

It is uncertain which of the Archons will appear in the new version of the game, if any. Louisoix in particular is presumed dead based on the End of an Era video depicting the climax of the Seventh Umbral Era.

TriviaEdit

• Some believe the Archons either caused or rectified the Sixth Umbral Era 1,500 years before the game.
• In the quest Of Archons and Muses, it is said that the Archons are the manifestations of The Twelve. There is mention of a Roegadyn Archon named Ahldbhar, the incarnation of Rhalgr, and Louisoix's staff bears the mark of Thaliak.
• Of the Circle of Knowing members, Urianger is the only one not shown in the End of an Era video.