A Rush of Cold Wind
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A Rush of Cold Wind
- Quest giver
- Estinien
- Location
- Unmoored Isle (X:6.2, Y:6.7)
- Quest line
Post-Dawntrail Main Scenario Quests II
┗ Winter's Prelude Quests- Level
- 100
- Requirements
- Any Disciple of War or Magic (excluding limited jobs)
- Experience
0- Gil
2,845- Previous quest
- A Winter's Dream
- Next quest
- The World Locked in Ice
- Patch
- 7.56
- Links
- GT TC
Main Scenario Progress: 994 / 996 (99.8%)
Dawntrail Progress: 141 / 143 (98.6%)
Estinien is eyeing the surroundings carefully.
— In-game description
Steps
- Investigate the surroundings.
- Speak with Estinien.
- Speak with Estinien again.
- Speak with Estinien again.
- Speak with Alphinaud.
Journal
- Estinien is eyeing the surroundings carefully.
- At Estinien's bidding, you confirm that you are able to use the golden path to return to the Source, but neither he nor Alphinaud can so much as perceive the portal. Setting aside the question of passage home, you and your comrades look to make the most of your presence in the Fourth, to which end you split up to explore the isle.
- Your examination of the isle turns up nothing of note, but perhaps the others have had better luck. You go to seek out Estinien to share your findings─or lack thereof.
- Estinien reveals that he has similarly discovered nothing, but no sooner does he comment on the need for a means of transport than he notices silhouettes in the distance that appear to be growing larger. Whether they are the answer to your prayers or trouble, however, remains to be seen...
- To your dismay, the approaching silhouettes turn out to be a horde of hostile creatures. After fending off wave after wave of attackers, you are set upon by what appears to be their leader. It is at this moment that an airship appears out of the blue. A young skyfarer on board offers to provide you with cover fire, and with her aid you succeed in vanquishing the enemy. With the dust having settled, a word of gratitude would surely not go amiss.
※In the event that you leave the area, you may return from Dawn's Respite in the Rising Stones.
- What should be a simple expression of thanks turns into a tense encounter due to your ignorance of local customs. But to your relief, the situation is defused when the young skyfarer, Visna, chooses to take a leap of faith and believe your claim that you do not bear “brands.” Astonished that you hail from another world, she explains to you that the people of the Fourth reside on massive vessels─realmships─and offers to take you to hers. There she will introduce you to her master, a man whom she says is knowledgeable about a great many things.
- Alphinaud is struck by the harsh circumstances of the Fourth, and is grateful to have met a kind soul such as Visna. He hopes to learn more about how she and her fellow skyfarers live in this world, not least of all to avoid further incidents.
Related NPCs
Cutscene NPCs
Walkthrough
This quest also has a solo instance split into two parts. The player will receive a checkpoint at the start of the second part if they die there. They will be accompanied by Alphinaud and Estinien for each part.
Stage 1: Thrall Impalers and Thrall Captors
The first stage consists of multiple waves of relatively weak enemies with low HP.
- The first wave consists of 15 Thrall Impalers.
- After defeating them, a second wave of 8 Thrall Impalers will spawn, who will use Harping Aether, telegraphed line AoEs in alternating opposite directions.
- The third and fourth waves each consist of 4 Thrall Impalers.
- The fifth wave has four Impalers and five untargetable Impalers, who will use a five-hit stack AoE on the player (Thrall's Water III). After the stack finishes, the Impalers will become targetable.
- The sixth wave has four targetable Impalers and eight untargetable Impalers, who will each telegraph a line AoE through the middle. Estinien will dispatch all the Impalers with an attack.
- The seventh wave has five Thrall Captors, who will be untargetable initially and begin charging up an room-wide attack (Liquid Atgeir). The player will be stunned, and they will need to complete a short Active Time Maneuever. Defeat the Captors after they become targetable.
- The eighth wave has three Impalers and two Captors. Defeat them normally, and a cutscene will play.
Stage 2: Thrall Subjugator
The Thrall Subjugator is a stronger boss enemy compared to the other thralls. The young skyfarer will assist at certain points in the battle.
- Vatnsfloð: Summons five sets of water geysers. These will explode as late-telegraphed circle AoEs in the order they spawn.
- Thrash: The boss moves to one side of the room and uses a telegraphed 180 degree frontal cleave.
- Thrall's Water IV: Magical room-wide damage and covers the arena with water.
- Rainy Day: Summons three sets of rings that gradually shrink, denoting large, late-telegraphed circle AoEs at the epicenter once they disappear. The water on the arena will then disappear.
- Thrall's Water III: Stack AoE on the player, dealing magical damage.
- Will-o'-the-Water: Spawns three telegraphed circle AoEs that will each turn into an untargetable Aqueous Orb. The orbs will begin bouncing in the air in arced movements, and once they near the ground, they will explode as late-telegraphed circle AoEs. There are four sets of AoEs, then the orbs disappear.
- Underwater Cell: Summons growing domes of water over certain parts of the arena. Once the domes become large enough, they will use a late-telegraphed circle AoE underneath them. There are four sets of the AoEs, with the first set having one dome, the second set having two, and the last two having three.
- Raiding Force: Summons numerous untargetable Thrall Captors around the edge of the arena.
- Quelling Tactics: The captors will begin powering up. However, Visna will dispatch all of them with her crossbow.
- Osmotic Sting: The boss begins powering up.
- Destroy the subjugator's heart! The boss becomes untargetable while its heart become targetable. A duty gauge (Well of Power) will also begin filling. The party must defeat the heart before it fills. During this sequence, the boss will use a five-hit magical room-wide attack (Wild Sea).
- After the heart is defeated, Estinien will finish off the boss, and the duty is complete.
Dialogue
Optional dialogue
Whilst not as frigid as Garlemald, it is still quite cold here. Would that I had brought warmer garments...
Accepting the quest
Start of cutscene.Forename. Can you still use the path created by this “Ethos”?
Our circumstances are more complicated if not even you can return, so we should confirm this before aught else.
Somehow, you sense the presence of your comrades beyond the rift. It should be possible to travel to Dawn's Respite via the path.
While 'tis heartening to know that you can return, I fear the two of us cannot so much as perceive the portal.
But we can worry about our passage home later. For now, let us endeavor to make the most of our presence here.
Whether we seek Calyx and Halmarut or the Winterer of this world, it begins with assessing our own situation. To that end, I propose we split up and explore the isle.
End of cutscene.
Optional dialogue
Travel to Dawn's Respite? (Yes/No)
Back at Dawn's Respite
My friend... Dare I hope the incantation was a success, and thou wert transported to the Fourth?
Forename, I'm glad you're safe! But, where are Alphinaud and Estinien?
Forename, did you return alone? Alphinaud and Estinien disappeared as well...
So that is the way of it. Alas, it seems this time I'm to be one of the restless waiting.
...You've returned temporarily to assure us, then. Very well. We shall await further word with bated breath.
Though it appears you can come and go freely, traversing the rift is never a simple affair. Pray exercise all due caution.
So this is Ethos's power... I wonder, when my ancestors invoked it to flee the Source, did they also abruptly disappear from sight?
Gods, that was a shock! Just when we thought you were gone, we noticed Alphinaud and Estinien had disappeared as well!
Ethos, was it? 'Tis as extraordinary a relic as the tales had suggested.
Glad to hear the invocation was successful. Though I presume you have matters well in hand, we shall nonetheless remain for a while, just in case you require our assistance.
I-It's really you, yes? N-Not some ghost come to haunt me for my wicked thoughts?
To think that you can travel between reflections just like that! It's amazing!
You are returned! While we had faith that all was well, without knowing for certain, we could not help being anxious.
Travel to the unmoored isle? (Yes/No)
Optional dialogue
As I suspected, the wind crystals are not merely frozen over─they've been corrupted by ice.
Such a phenomenon is only possible through extreme and prolonged exposure.
The isle is smaller than I thought. There will be little game to be had...
Investigate the surroundings.
Icebound Tree (X:6.5, Y:6.5)
The tree is entirely covered in ice. Though it bathes in the light of the azure skies, it shows no signs of thawing.
In this state, it will not yield so much as firewood.
Icy Surface (X:5.8, Y:5.9)
The ground is frozen solid. There are no footprints or anything else that suggests the presence of others.
At the very least, no one has visited this isle for a long while.
Vantage Point (X:6.6, Y:5.8)
Thick clouds stretch out as far as the eye can see, covering the world's surface like a blanket.
A number of small isles float in the vicinity, but you cannot detect any signs of life on them.
Speak with Estinien.
By your expression, I take it you also found naught of note. Quite the quandary...
If we're to get anywhere, we must have some means of transport. If there were at least a large bird or the like...
What's this? Silhouettes in the distance, and they seem to be moving towards us. The answer to our prayers...or trouble?
Optional dialogue
Something makes its way to the isle, you say? Understood, I shall join you forthwith.
Speak with Estinien again.
Five shadows... No, more. The numbers grow as we speak. I mislike the looks of this.
Your progress through the battle will be saved at certain points. In the event that you are defeated, you will be able to try again from the most recent of these.
Please note that if you enter battles associated with other quests or log out from the game, this progress will be lost.
Solo Instance
Start of voiced cutscene.A swarm of blue inorganic entities approach.
Watch out! Something comes!
I've never seen their like. There's no telling what they can do, so have care.
One thing is clear enough.
We needn't stay our hand.
With me!
End of cutscene.
Initial waves of Thrall Impalers
What are these creatures...?
Questions can wait till after the battle!
They are clearly not wild animals!
Look out!
Come, then!
There!
Ready for another round?
Of course. Leave the healing to me.
I'll raise a barrier! Stand close!
My thanks.
Fight freely, my friends!
Allow me to return the favor!
Try this!
I will do my part too.
Enough. Have at you!
Thrall Captors appear
More of them...
Ugh!
I shall fortify our defenses!
They're up to something. Be ready!
Some manner of magick!?
The hells!?
Aberrant light pierces through the barrier!
What are they playing at?
Let him go!
Thank you.
After defeating the Thrall Captors
'Tis curious, though... They made no attempt to strike us while we were bound.
Could it be...their true objective is our capture?
After defeating the final Thrall Impalers
What now...
It appears the onslaught has halted...
Start of voiced cutscene.Was that the last of them?
Nay... Just the beginning.
This one's their leader, I take it.
This sound...
An airship!
Confirmed─three survivors on the isle, Captain! A large thrall is attacking them!
Per article six of the Pact of Four, we must render aid in open skies! Engaging the thrall!
We're here to help! Keep your wits about you!
Whoever they are, they couldn't have come at a better time. Let's finish this!
End of cutscene.
Solo Instance Part 2
I'll watch your backs from here! Do as I say and you'll be fine!
She does seem to know what she's doing...
After the Thrall Subjugator uses Vatnsfoð
There's a surge in water energies! Keep your distance!
This is nothing!
Mind your footing!
Too obvious!
We must get clear!
As the Thrall Subjugator uses Rainy Day
It's harnessing water!
Get clear before it bursts!
This way!
Watch out!
I will be more careful.
We can weather this!
Everyone, to me!
I shall tend your wounds!
Predictable.
After the Thrall Subjugator uses Will-o'-the-Water
Be careful how they bounce!
A troublesome magick...
No mercy!
Only getting started!
After the Thrall Subjugator uses Underwater Cell
This concentration of magic... Quickly, get back!
You do not want to be caught in that!
A clever trick...
It's forming a barrier with water!
As the Thrall Subjugator uses Quelling Tactics
They're trying to bind us again!
Oh no you don't!
Thank you for the timely aid!
Impressive!
Deal with the big one! I'll handle the rest!
After the Thrall Subjugator uses Osmotic Sting
It's...siphoning the isle's aether!?
It's gathering power! Throw everything you have at its heart!
Hmph. This calls for a heavier hand.
Yes, it's reeling! Now's your chance!
Unleash your rage, Nidhogg!
It's in your hands!
Down with you!
After completing the solo instance
Start of voiced cutscene.Haaa...
A thrall prepares to strike Alphinaud when his back is turned.
Alphinaud!
Go, Sigrnef!
The young skyfarer summons a bird, which interrupts the thrall's attack. The young skyfarer then shoots the thrall with a crossbow, killing it.
Not bad.
No sign of more thralls...
You can rest easy now!
We're grateful for your assistance! Is there any way we might repay this debt?
Don't be ridiculous─it's only natural to help each other in open skies!
Though...I do like the sound of “repay”!
The party approach the young skyfarer.
Stop! Don't come any closer!
Your brand! Show your brand first!
My apologies, but what do you mean by “brand”?
What!? Next you'll be telling me you don't know what a reading rod is!
Forgive us if we have caused offense. We are travelers from far away, and truly do not understand your meaning.
Quit the act! Show me your brands─now!
This is quite the predicament...
I had hoped to refrain from disclosing our origins until we had a better grasp of the situation, but it seems we have no choice.
What's going on? There a problem?
We've dealt with the thralls, but these people─they claim they don't know what a brand is, and it doesn't sound like they're lying...
You can't be serious.
I'm going to examine you. Stay still!
The young skyfarer examines the party with a reading rod, but nothing happens.
That's odd... Why isn't it responding?
Brusque Skyfarer
Looks like someone's been neglecting maintenance.
That's rich, coming from the neglecter-in-chief! I always check and double-check all my runeworks before departure!
Captain, could you face me?
Sure.
The reading rod reacts with the captain and reveals his water brand.
See!? It's working just fine.
But that would mean...these people really don't have brands?
Well, there's only one way to know for sure. We'll have to get up close.
Brusque Skyfarer
Are you mad!? It's all over if you're wrong about this! Who'd want to take that risk!?
If they're genuinely stranded and we leave them here to die, we'll be punished for breaching the pact.
None of us want that. But if you aren't game to go over there...
Then I'll do the honors, and take an extra cut for my troubles! Thirty percent on top, say?
Then it's settled!
I trust you heard that, Captain! No feigning ignorance later!
H-Hey!
Candid Skyfarer
She's really doing it... Does she have a death wish or something?
The young skyfarer closely examines Alphinaud. Nothing happens.
Rotten rime!
How is this possible!? Who are you people? Why are you here!?
Where to begin...
Take the lead.
What will you say?
Forename Surname, at your service!
And I am Alphinaud Leveilleur.
Best if you handled this, Alphinaud!
Wh-What!?
Let's begin with introductions, shall we? I am Alphinaud Leveilleur, and these are my comrades...
Estinien.
What unusual names!
I'm Visna, a runesmith of Naglfar!
Huh? Don't know what a runesmith is?
Put simply, I craft tools imbued with magic. This requires both knowledge of sorcery as well as the skill to fashion the instruments.
So you are versed in arcane arts. Little wonder you displayed such mastery over a familiar.
There are of course many schools of magic. In the course of your studies, did you ever learn about the existence of other worlds?
Other...worlds?
No, can't say I did.
J-Just to be sure... When you say “other worlds,” you mean it literally, not figuratively, right?
I do. Difficult though it may be to believe, they indeed exist─and we hail from one.
We were deposited here by an unconventional teleportation magick. Hence, what is natural to you may be wholly foreign to us.
We cannot thank you enough for coming to our aid.
Huh... Strange things do happen...
Far be it from us to ask more of you, but would you tell us about yourselves?
We would also appreciate being directed to a place where we might lodge. I expect Estinien and I will not be able to return home for some while.
Certainly!
How decisive...
“Prosperous are they who accept burdens others avoid.”
A personal mantra─and the key to making my fortune!
Besides, you don't bear a brand or look like unsavory sorts. To begin with, I'll take you to meet my master.
Your master?
That's right! He's an incredible man who knows things that aren't even written in the Havamal, and teaches me this and that whenever he has time.
He's even familiar with all manner of forgotten magicks, so if anyone has knowledge about other worlds, it'd be him!
Thank you, Visna. Without you, we would have no means of descending to the surface.
Descending...
You really aren't from around here, are you?
We won't be descending. We can't.
The surface─all of it─has been frozen for five hundred years. We live up here now, in the skies.
What? But how do you...
Airships. Enormous ones. They're called the Fimm Himnar─the five firmaments left to mankind.
My master and I reside on one of them. The realmship of water, Naglfar.
End of cutscene.
Optional dialogue
Speak with Alphinaud.
This world is far harsher than I had dared to imagine.
To have met someone like Visna was fortunate indeed. We must endeavor to familiarize ourselves with the customs of her world.
Doubly so if we are to meet her master. It wouldn't do to have a repeat of the earlier incident.
Video Archive
Trivia
- The solo instance is a reference to an early part of teaser trailers for Evercold, where the player, Alphinaud, and Estinien arrive through the Ethos portal on a floating island in the Fourth and begin fighting a swarm of thralls.