The Unending Journey

With the battle against Castrum Meridianum's soldiers concluded, Moenbryda is now free to conduct her experiments in the field. Find the scholar at Dalamud's Talons, and see how her research progresses.

After witnessing Moenbryda perform a successful trial upon a corrupted crystal formation, you are visited by an Ascian who introduces himself as Nabriales. The Paragon soon senses that you have lost Hydaelyn's blessing and teleports away, seemingly intent on taking advantage of the Scions' vulnerability. Moenbryda realizes that the staff Nabriales spoke of is likely Tupsimati, the relic once wielded by Louisoix himself. Hurry back to the Rising Stones and protect Minfilia from the Ascian's intrusion.

You return to the Rising Stones to find Nabriales already in the solar with Minfilia, the Antecedent clutching the shards of the broken Tupsimati. With dismissive contempt, the Ascian reveals his plans to use the power yet hidden within the staff to bring about a new Rejoining. He then tears open a dimensional rift, through which he escapes with both Minfilia and the relic she holds. Follow Nabriales into the rift, and put a stop to his nefarious plans.

※The Chrysalis trial.

You have defeated Nabriales and rescued Minfilia. Return to the Rising Stones.

Upon your return to the Rising Stones, you are once more visited by Nabriales, who taunts you with his immortality. Before he can flee into the void, however, you succeed in trapping the soul of the weakened Ascian within the chunk of white auracite. But try though you might, without Hydaelyn's blessing, you are unable to summon enough aether to truly destroy him. As she witnesses light struggle to triumph over dark, Moenbryda finally comes to understand her mentor Louisoix's dedication to his duty. The wounded scholar then expends her own life energy in a brilliant burst of aether, allowing your glowing blade to at last pierce Nabriales's essence. A step too late, the rest of the Scions enter the solar to be greeted by the tragic news of Moenbryda's sacrifice. Somewhat comforted by the knowledge that his dear friend was, at the last, liberated from doubt and confusion, Urianger departs to grieve at the Waking Sands. Speak with the Antecedent to discuss the aftermath of the battle.

Though assailed by her own grief, Minfilia yet worries more for Urianger and the loss he must be feeling. The Antecedent then voices her intention to hold a memorial service for the Scions' fallen friend, and honor all that Moenbryda has accomplished.

Wishing to hold a simple service to honor the fallen Moenbryda, Minfilia suggests a gathering at the nearby monument ─ a stone sacred to Thaliak, the guardian deity of Sharlayan. Travel to Rathefrost in Mor Dhona, and wait at the mark of the Scholar for the other Scions to arrive.

You kneel before the mark of the Scholar, and offer a prayer for Moenbryda's soul. Now, more than ever, the Scions are determined to bring an end to the Ascians' destructive crusade. Return to the Rising Stones and speak with Minfilia.

Though her resolve threatens to crumble under the weight of yet another companion lost, Minfilia reminds herself of her duty to the fallen. She cannot surrender to her grief while Eorzea remains besieged on all sides. The Scions look to their leader for strength, and the Antecedent, in turn, confesses her reliance upon you. With the myriad perils yet menacing the realm, she will yet have need of your steadfast presence...

Minfilia expresses concern over Yda's emotional state following the loss of Moenbryda. Seek out the melancholy pugilist at the Rising Stones, and see if there is anything you can do to lighten her burden.

Yda explains how Moenbryda would disapprove of her gloominess, and outlines a plan to cheer herself up. You learn that she has ordered a rare flower in memory of her friend, which is currently awaiting collection at Rowena's store. Unfortunately, it would seem Yda finds the merchant rather trying, and is therefore reluctant to pay for the goods in person. Head to the store in your fellow Scion's stead, and use the purse provided to purchase the moon daisy.

You have collected the moon daisy ─ as well as a flurry of unsolicited advice ─ from Rowena. Take the flower to the mark of the Scholar at Rathefrost, and hand it to the waiting Yda.

As Yda places the moon daisy before the mark of the Scholar, the skies over Rathefrost are suddenly darkened by the passing of Dravanian wings. Moments later, you are contacted by an audibly anxious Alphinaud, who bids you return to Revenant's Toll at once. Hasten back to the Rising Stones and speak further with the young commander.

Upon returning to the Rising Stones, you are informed that events are coming to a head in Ishgard, and that an envoy from the Holy See is already en route to the Scions' headquarters, bearing an urgent report...

The envoy from Ishgard turns out to be Lucia, Ser Aymeric's second-in-command. The knight brings grim tidings, and has come to seek the aid of the Crystal Braves and the Grand Companies in bolstering her city's defenses. She also bears a personal request from the lord commander, who wishes to speak with you. Travel to Camp Dragonhead in the Coerthas central highlands, and rendezvous with Alphinaud prior to the meeting with Ser Aymeric.

You join Alphinaud in Camp Dragonhead, but it appears that Ser Aymeric has yet to arrive. As you wait together, the Crystal Braves' commander notes the unusually agitated mood in the camp ─ Dravanian invasion or no ─ and suggests that further investigation might be in order. Make your way to the Gates of Judgement, and question the unsettled knights.

You learn from the knights stationed at the Gates of Judgement that they were attacked by Lady Iceheart and her followers. Inform Alphinaud of this development.

Shortly after apprising Alphinaud of your discovery, you are accosted by Lucia, who confirms that which you have already learned: a heretic force has broken through the outer defenses and dispelled the first layer of arcane wards protecting the city of Ishgard. Now is not the time to debate the ramifications of this event, however, as Ser Aymeric is waiting for you back in Camp Dragonhead.

Eager to begin his meeting with Ser Aymeric, Alphinaud puts the Gates of Judgement behind him. Return to Camp Dragonhead and ask Lord Haurchefant where the audience is to be held.

After welcoming you with his customary warmth, Lord Haurchefant informs you that Ser Aymeric awaits within the nearby intercessory. Speak with the House Fortemps guard to gain entry to the audience chamber, and announce your arrival to the lord commander.

Shortly after greeting Ser Aymeric in the intercessory, you are joined by Estinien, the Azure Dragoon. Owing to his prolonged contact with the Eye, Estinien is able to hear Nidhogg's "voice," and confirms that the roar that recently shook the heavens was the vengeful wyrm's call to battle. It would appear that Iceheart, if not directly in league with the creature, at least shares Nidhogg's desire to invade the city and lay claim to the Eye.

Swayed by Ser Aymeric's grim prediction of a desolate Coerthas providing a new staging point for the Empire, Alphinaud agrees to aid the beleaguered lord commander. Speak with the young Scion and hear his thoughts concerning the Ishgardians' request.

The Dravanians converge upon the city of Ishgard in their thousands, and there is no guarantee that her defenders will be able to repel them-- even with outside assistance. Nevertheless, Alphinaud seems grateful for this opportunity to bring the nations of Eorzea together as allies once more.

Though resolved to aid Ishgard in her hour of need, Alphinaud thinks it wise to report back to the Antecedent before preparing for war. Return to the Rising Stones and speak with Minfilia.

Along with the Crystal Braves, the Scions of the Seventh Dawn have committed themselves to the defense of Ishgard. As your companions depart the chamber with singular purpose, however, it appears that Riol is more concerned by the private words passing between Ilberd and Yuyuhase...

Hoping to rally support for Ishgard, Minfilia has once more dispatched your comrades to every corner of the realm. The tasks she has in mind for you, however, will keep you close to Revenant's Toll. In addition to recruiting volunteers from among the adventuring population, the Antecedent wishes you to consult with Slafborn regarding the town's state of readiness. Speak first with Tataru, and invite the receptionist to join you and the Adventurers' Guild representative in discussing the troubles that might spill over the border from the conflict in Coerthas.

You explan Minfilia's request to Tataru, who immediately begins to plan for every possible eventuality. Follow in the enterprising young receptionist's wake, and join her in consulting with Slafborn.

Though Slafborn readily acknowledges the importance of elevating the Toll's state of readiness, he is unwilling to make any formal commitment to assist in the coming conflict. Consult with Tataru regarding the possibility of approaching adventurers directly.

Tataru seems more than happy to recruit volunteers face-to-face. Speak with the adventurers in Revenant's Toll and attempt to rally them to Ishgard's cause.

You have approached a number of adventurers, and been greeted with responses ranging from cautious interest to barely concealed hostility. After being rebuffed by a particularly reluctant Roegadyn, you are suddenly pulled aside by Riol, who proceeds to explain the suspicious circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Wilred, the youth from Little Ala Mhigo. With battle looming on the horizon, however, there is little time for you to delve into this latest mystery. Return to Tataru and inform her of the results of your recruiting efforts.

You compare notes with Tataru, and are pleased to find that her recruitment efforts have met with similar results. Should those who expressed an interest be true to their word, the forces of Ishgard will soon be bolstered by a small but experienced contingent of adventurers...

Tataru has received word from Alphinaud that the Alliance council has convened to discuss Ishgard's plight, and that your presence has been requested at the meeting. Travel to Ul'dah, and rendezvous with Alphinaud on the Royal Promenade.

You look on in silence as Alphinaud delivers an impassioned plea for assistance to the Alliance leaders. But despite his best efforts, he is unable to persuade them to pledge more than a token force to aid in Ishgard's defense. Citing local concerns more deserving of their resources, the leaders refuse to provide meaningful assistance, and suggest instead that you assemble a contingent of elite adventurers, similar to the company that proved so effective during Operation Archon. With that, the council is dissolved, and you are ushered out onto the Royal Promenade. Trouble Alphinaud for his thoughts on the day's proceedings.

Alphinaud's lamentations are interrupted by a linkpearl call from Captain Ilberd. It would seem the Dravanians have begun their assault on Coerthas. Wasting no time, the Crystal Brave commander dispatches his forces, and requests that you and your fellow adventurers assemble on the Steps of Faith, ready to repel the Horde. Make your way to the Gates of Judgement in the Coerthas central highlands, and report to Ser Marcelain.

Upon arriving at the Gates of Judgement, Ser Marcelain hurriedly briefs you on the skirmishes that have broken out around the central highlands. Before digging in for the main siege, you are to aid the Crystal Braves and your fellow adventurers in repelling the Dravanians' advance forces. Head first to Whitebrim, and slay the dragons that threaten the area.

You have defeated the Dravanian forces harrying Whitebrim. Travel next to Providence Point, and slay what dragons remain.

You have eliminated the Dravanian presence at Providence Point. Return to the Gates of Judgement and report to Ser Marcelain.

Ser Marcelain is dismayed to learn of the fate of the recently arrived reinforcements, and calls upon you to avenge your fellows in the battle to come.

Ser Marcelain explains that the damage Iceheart inflicted on Ishgard's arcane barrier has allowed the dragons to land directly upon the Steps of Faith-- the bridge which spans the Sea of Clouds between the Gates of Judgement and the city proper. You are to take up position on the Steps of Faith, and aid the Temple Knights in defending the vital structure against the Dravanian Horde.

※The Steps of Faith trial.

You have succeeded in driving the Dravanian Horde from the Steps of Faith. Return in Triumph to the Gates of Judgement.

As the remnants of the Dravanian Horde take to the skies in disarray, Ishgard's weary defenders breathe a sigh of relief. The siege is ended. Speak with Alphinaud at the Gates of Judgement and find out how your allies fared in the battle at the Steel Vigil.

Minfilia greets your return with a mixture of triumph and relief. Having snuffed out the Dravanian threat, it is time to enjoy a well-earned rest.