Overview
Riol Forrest is a 37-year-old Hyur Midlander male who appears throughout Final Fantasy XIV as a skilled intelligence operative. Originally a member of the Company of Heroes, he later joined the Crystal Braves before ultimately pledging his loyalty to the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. Across multiple story arcs, Riol serves as a dependable source of information and a coordinator of the Scions' spy network, proving himself a man of quiet integrity whose contributions, though rarely visible on the battlefield, consistently shape the course of events.
History & Lore
Early Life and the Company of Heroes
Before the Calamity reshaped Eorzea, Riol served with the Company of Heroes, where he carved out a role as a specialist in reconnaissance and information gathering. His talents proved decisive when he uncovered a hidden route into the Kobolds' stronghold, enabling the Company to confront the primal Titan. This early career established the foundation of the methodical, intelligence-driven approach that would define his later work.
When the Company of Heroes disbanded in the Calamity's aftermath, Riol struck out on his own, taking up work as a freelancer and mercenary. Though no longer bound to any single organization, he retained the skills and contacts that would eventually draw him back into the orbit of Eorzea's defenders.
A Realm Reborn: Aiding the Warrior of Light
Riol resurfaced at Camp Bronze Lake in Upper La Noscea, where the Warrior of Light had to signal his presence by whistling at a prearranged meeting spot. There, he shared what he knew of the Company of Heroes' old methods, explaining how the group had once used Kobold Aetherytes to reach the Navel beneath the O'Ghomoro Mines and challenge Titan. This intelligence allowed Y'shtola to manipulate a nearby Aetheryte and open a path for the Warrior of Light to confront the Lord of Crags.
When Alphinaud Leveilleur began assembling the Crystal Braves, Riol was drawn to the vision behind the new company and enlisted. He attended the organization's inauguration at Revenant's Toll and took charge of its intelligence-gathering unit. It was in this capacity that he first noticed troubling inconsistencies, observing that Ilberd and Yuyuhase were offering contradictory accounts regarding a shipment of black-market arms intercepted at the Burning Wall. Later, as suspicions deepened, Riol quietly began auditing the Crystal Braves' financial ledger and discovered a web of obscurely named sponsors that he traced back to Mirage Trust, a business tied to Monetarist figure Teledji Adeledji. He warned the Warrior of Light that the Sultana's upcoming banquet in Ul'dah could become the stage for something dangerous.
Heavensward: Loyalty Affirmed
After the treacherous faction within the Crystal Braves was expelled from the Rising Stones, Riol gathered alongside the remaining loyal members. When Alphinaud moved to formally dissolve the Crystal Braves, Riol was among those who refused to simply walk away, openly declaring his continued allegiance. This collective act of loyalty led the group to formally merge with the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, cementing Riol's place within that organization.
Stormblood: Intelligence Work Continues
During the Stormblood era, Riol received word from Thancred regarding his hurried return from Garlemald. When Thancred was subsequently incapacitated, Riol stepped in to carry forward his colleague's plan, taking responsibility for seeding rumors of Zenos yae Galvus's death throughout the Garlean provinces. The task was a natural fit for someone of his background, requiring patience, discretion, and a well-maintained network of contacts.
Shadowbringers: Reflection and Purpose
As the Garlean Army began withdrawing from the Ghimlyt Dark and other fronts across Eorzea and Othard, Riol kept his spy network active, tracking enemy movements and adapting his focus as new threats emerged. When the Telophoroi came to the attention of the Scions and allied beast tribes, he redirected his operatives toward scouting and investigating this new danger.
A quieter but meaningful moment came when Alphinaud, prompted by Kan-E-Senna's request, approached Riol and his colleague Alianne at Castrum Oriens to ask why they had chosen to remain with the Scions after the Crystal Braves' collapse. Riol explained that it was Alphinaud's willingness to accept responsibility for what had gone wrong, combined with the Scions' genuine commitment to protecting the world, that had kept him loyal. He drew a parallel to a creed his old crew had lived by, that the strong exist to protect the weak, and reflected that the Scions embodied that principle in ways that went far beyond physical strength.
Endwalker: Final Duties
In the events of Endwalker, Riol contributed to the reformed Company of Heroes by acting as a scout, relaying the location of a blasphemy to those tasked with dealing with it. When the Scions ultimately disbanded following the resolution of the Final Days, Riol chose to look outward, setting his sights on reaching either Meracydia or Tural as his next destination.
Personality and Relationships
Riol is a composed and dependable professional whose value lies in what he knows and who he knows rather than in any show of force. He coordinates the Scions' intelligence network and maintains communication between field operatives, roles that suit his measured temperament. His integrity is evident in the risks he took during the Crystal Braves period, quietly investigating financial irregularities and warning the Warrior of Light despite the personal danger involved.
His bond with Alphinaud deepened over time, rooted not in blind admiration but in a genuine respect for the young leader's accountability and idealism. Outside of his duties, Riol is known to enjoy gambling and is reportedly skilled enough at cheating that few ever notice. He has never been observed in combat, and the nature of any martial training he may possess remains unknown.
