Winning Over the Wyrm

Winning Over the Wyrm

Quest giver

Alphinaud

Location

The Dravanian Forelands (X:16, Y:23)

Quest line

Dragonsong Main Scenario Quests

Level

60

Experience

 5,000

Gil

 5,000

Previous quest

An Ally for Ishgard

Next quest

An End to the Song

Patch

3.3

---

Main Scenario Progress: 357 / 960 (37.2%)

   

Heavensward Progress: 116 / 138 (84.1%)

   

“

Alphinaud seems eager to press on.

— In-game description

Rewards

Choose one of the following options:

• 5   Max-Potion
• 5   Max-Ether

Unlocks

• 
  Sohr Khai

Steps

• Speak with Ser Aymeric outside Moghome.

• Blow the horn on the top floor of Zenith.

• Speak with Ser Aymeric.

• Speak with the imperious wyvern.

• Enter Sohr Khai.

• Speak with Alphinaud.

Journal

• Despite Vidofnir's predictably gloomy appraisal of your chances, Alphinaud is resolved to lead Ser Aymeric to the summit of Sohm Al. Rejoin your companions outside Moghome, and signal your readiness to depart to the lord commander.

• As Ser Aymeric shares his wonder at the incredible vista, you are suddenly hailed by Moghan, the moogle who first guided you to Zenith. Upon learning of your purpose in the Churning Mists, he assures you that the winds are perfect for carrying your call to Hraesvelgr's ears. Make your way to Zenith, and blow the moogles' horn once more.

• You look on as Hraesvelgr descends from the clouds, just as he did when first you came to Zenith -- and wince inwardly as he greets your request for aid with the selfsame scorn. Undaunted, Aymeric and Alphinaud strive to win the great wyrm round with eloquence and reason, but it is not until Midgardsormr himself appears that Hraesvelgr finally assents to test you and your companions' resolve. Consult with Ser Aymeric on how best to approach the forthcoming trial.

• Ser Aymeric informs you that he observed a wyvern landing just outside the palace, and concludes that it must be one of the “children” of whom Hraesvelgr spoke. Accost the waiting dragon.

• It would seem that the wyvern has come to bear you to the scene of your ordeal. Steel yourself, body and mind, for the trials of so ancient and powerful a being as Hraesvelgr are not like to be simple... nor less forgiving.
  • ※Challenge Sohr Khai with other players via the Duty Finder, or with a party of NPCs via Duty Support. Both systems are accessible from the main menu as well as the dungeon's entrance point.

• You have weathered the trial of the great wyrm. Before returning to Zenith, it would seem wise to speak with Hraesvelgr.

• Hraesvelgr commends you and your companions for your unwavering determination, and pledges to aid you in the coming battle with Nidhogg. Inquire of Alphinaud how he fared in his own trial.

• Your trials completed, Alphinaud ponders how much time you have to prepare for Nidhogg's assault. Scarcely have the words left his lips, however, when a thunderous roar echoes across the sky, signaling the advance of the Dravanian Horde. The time has come for the final reckoning with Nidhogg -- to bring an end to his wrathful song.

Dialogue

Speak with Alphinaud

Alphinaud: Though I expected no better answer from Vidofnir, I take little pleasure from having been proven right. 'Twould seem that our presence at Zenith will be every bit as unwelcome as I had anticipated. But what is the ire of one great wyrm to a trio of self-confessed fools such as ourselves? Let us begin our ascent. 
Aymeric: After you, Master Alphinaud.
Alphinaud: Scout ahead if you wish, [Forename]. We shall join you outside Moghome!

Speak with Ser Aymeric outside Moghome

Aymeric: I had heard tales of the world above the clouds, but never did I dream... One's mind paints a pale picture of its majesty. 
Alphinaud: Few live to see such wonders. I am reminded of my first visit to this peak, when Estinien and Ysayle yet walked at our side...
Churning Mists Moogle: Kupopo? Is that you, [Forename]?
Alphinaud: Ah, if it isn't Mog... Mog... uh...
Churning Mists Moogle: Don't tell me you've forgotten my name, kupo!? After all we've been through together! (turns to Warrior of Light). But at least you remember me! You...you do remember me, don't you, [Forename]?
Warrior of Light: (How could I forget you, Moglin! / Of course I do, Moghan! / Apologies, friend, but all moogles look the same to me...) -> Of course I do, Moghan!
Churning Mists Moogle: Phew! You seemed a bit hesitant for a moment there! But i'm sure you were just fondly recalling the time we camped near Zenith, right, kupo? But putting our shared history to one side, what brings you and your friends to Moghome, kupo? (Warrior of Light motions). Ah, another audience with old Hraesvelgr... Well, I hope you've brought the horn, kupo! With the winds as gentle as they are, a good loud toot should reach the great wyrm's ears easily enough! 
Alphinaud: That is good to hear, Moghan - thank you. We had best press on to Zenith, while the winds are in our favor.  
Moghan: Now that was unexpected, kupo. Chieftain Moglin will want to hear about this!

Blow the horn on the top floor of Zenith

Hraesvelgr: You dare summon me again, mortals? 
Alphinaud: Great Hrasevelgr, 'tis not lightly that we beg this audience. Pray hearken to our words, for they concern the future of man and dragon both. 
Aymeric: Greetings, Hrasevelgr. I am AYmeric de Borel, acting ruler of the nation of Ishgard. I am come before you to parley on behalf of my people. 
Hraesvelgr: ...to parley? Thinkest thou thy purpose unclear to me? Thou art come to beg mine aid in the battle against the shade of my brood-brother. 
Aymeric: You...foresaw mine intent. 
Hraesvelgr: I but read that which is writ plain in thine eyes. Would that thou had wit enough to scry the answer in mine. My beloved Shiva did once build a bridge 'twixt man and dragon - a bridge which thy treacherous forefathers saw fit to tear down, as thou well knowest. (Warrior of Light looks down). Thinkest thou Nidhogg was alone in despairing at the murder of our brood-sister? Thinkest thou mine own soul did not cry out for vengeance? Know then that upon that accursed day, my heart did wither in my breast, and thy kind became unto me harbingers of despair. 'Tis only Shiva's gentle dream that preventeth me from flying at Nidhogg's shoulder. Be grateful that I swore to abjure aggression ere I consumed her. I permit my children to offer or deny thee aid as they see fit; to warn thy people of my brood-brother's coming. That thou wouldst dare ask more of me but affirmeth thine incurable arrogance. 
Alphinaud: We understand that in your despair at man's betrayal, you seek only the refuge of solitude. But despite your protestations of spent faith, do you not still nurture the smallest flame of hope? 
Hraesvelgr: Perceivest thou such light in the dusk of mine existence? 
Alphinaud: I do. If you claim I see falsely, then tell me: why did you consent to bear Ysayle upon your back? 
Hraesvelgr: (closes eyes briefly). Ysayle... Piteous, deluded Ysayle. The child did lament her past sins, and sought to balance the scales with her remaining days. 'Twas her unquenchable passion, so alike to that of my beloved, which did spur me into flight. And for mine own part, I would countenance no longer the hands of evil men to use my brood-brother's eye for ill. 
Alphinaud: So you do distinguish between those who acknowledge and repent their sins, and those who perpetuate them. Interesting. It seems to me that oyu have not, in fact, lost faith i mankind as a whole. Rather, you weigh our respective merits by how we allow the past to influence our future. 
Hraesvelgr: Spare me thine idle sophistry. Even were there a mote of truth in thy reasoning, what of it? Wouldst thou have me slay mine own sibling to save a city of mortals? 
Aymeric: Should we suffer ties of blood to bind our hands then? Nay. If the crime is one of unconscionable evil, we must needs condemn it - even should the transgressor be our closest kin. When my father corrupted himself and his followers with the power of a primal, I beseeched the Warrior of Light to slay him - an act alike to patricide. That he did not die by my hands matters little - if anything, it heaps greater disgrace upon my name. But had my father not fallen, he would have drawn countless thousands into a holy war of hellish proportions - which I hold the greater crime. Thus did I order his execution, sparing the lives of my people and yours. Alas, your brother wyrm now prepares to murder those whom I sought to spare. What is more, he has taken my comrade's body for his own - but if I must slay my dearest friend to defeat my direst foe, I will not flinch fro my duty!  
Hraesvelgr: Thou wouldst strike down thy friend and, by example of thy righteousness, persuade me to break mine oath and kill my kindred? 
Midgardsomr: Heed me, my child. The servants of Hydaelyn envision a different outcome. They intend salvation not only for Ishgard, but for the doomed dragonslayer as well. Believest thou this shade to be Nidhogg returned? Is it not merely a manifestation of his vengeance - the shadow cast by thy blood-brother's rage? I would not command thee, but ponder well thy course lest it lead thee unto greater remorse...
Warrior of Light: ( While this shade of vengeance remains, the future will ever be uncertain.  / Help us save our companion / ...) -> While this shade of vengeance remains, the future will ever be uncertain.
'Hraesvelgr: (eyes close briefly). Nidhogg's transformation into rage incarnate is, in part, of mine own doing. I rendered unto him mine eye, and empowered his revenge thereby.... But 'tis the purity of my blood-brother's wrath that lendeth him his all-surpassing might. Hast thou the strength of will to stand against so terrible a shadow, I wonder? 'Twould seem I must put thee and thy companions to the proof. I shall await thee in the ruins wherein Ratatoskr once dwelled. Heed well the words of my children, and hasten thee to the place of thy trial!

Speak with Ser Aymeric

Aymeric:  I believe I spied a wyvern landing just outside the palace. It is doubtless one of the "children" of whom Hrasevelgr spoke. Come, my friends; let us not keep our escort waiting.

Speak with the imperious wyvern

Imperious Wyvern: My broodmates and I will bear you to the place of your trial. Make your preparations. 

(clicking to queue for Sohr Khal)

Imperious Wyvern: Great Hrasevelgr honors you with this trial. Prepare to be sorely tested...

Post Battle

Hraesvelgr: Even bereft of an eye, my brood-brother was a fearsome foe indeed. But having tasted thy strength firsthand, I do begin to see how thou didst bring him low. Hydaelyn chooseth Her servants well. Very well. I shall trust in the seed of man one last time. By thy deeds shall the flickering hope that lingereth yet within my heart be kindled anew...or extinguished forever.  That you yet stand is ready proof of your determination, mortals. Let us fight as allies, then, and together banish my brood-brother's vengeful shade. On my oath, the wrath that once more was Nidhogg shall meet its end!  This I swear on the memory of my beloved Shiva, and on the soul of lost Ysayle...

Speak with Alphinaud

Alphinaud: Oh...ohhh... Oh, my poor ribs... That was a painful reminder of a great wyrm's might....
Aymeric: And had he truly meant us harm, we would not be standing here now. Plainly his intent was to teach. His onslaught forced me to recall my training - about the speed of the dragon, his balance, his blind spots.... It was, in short, a very thorough lesson. 
Moglin: Ow-ow-ow-ow-ow...kupo. [Forename],let me begin by congratulating you on the completion of your trial. For one with a name more befitting a jester, you fight with the savagery of a rabid demon. Do you see how my wings are kinked? Even my pom aches! After this drubbing, I fear my loyal subjects will have to bear the load of my personal chores for quite some time, kupo. Possibly indefinitely.
Moghan: What!? When I told you about [Forename]'s trial, I didn't mean for the rest of us to suffer...
Moglin: ...That's triple shifts for you, Moghan.
Moghan: <splutter> Triple!? But that's not fair!!! There's no justice, kupo... None at all! (Aymeric and Alphinaud shrug)

Alphinaud: Our negotiations proved rather more strenuous than I had anticipated, but the results seem well worth the effort.
Aymeric: The battle was indeed hard-won. Thank you, my friends - I would never have earned Hraesvelgr's cooperation had you not seen fit to grant me yours. 'Twas your stalwart heroism that moved the great wyrm at the last. Any gratitude I can offer is but poor reward for your continued service to Ishgard.
Alphinaud: 'Twould seem our final reckoning with the dread wyrm is at hand. I only wish we had some inkling as to when he means to strike. Oh gods! 
Midgardsormr: The cry heraldeth is coming. Nidhogg's shade hath taken wing. 
Aymeric: It has begun. We must away to Ishgard!