Heavensward content

Patch 3.2

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Patch 3.2
"The Gears of Change"
PatchTitleCard-3-2.jpg
Expansion
Heavensward
Release Date
3.2 - 23 February 2016
3.21 - 9 March 2016
3.22 - 16 March 2016
3.25 - 28 March 2016
3.26 - 13 April 2016
Promo Page
Link
Patch Notes
3.2, 3.21, 3.22, 3.25, 3.26
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Patch 3.1
Patch 3.3
All content patches
Concept Art

Introduction

Patch 3.2: The Gears of Change is the second major content update introduced for Heavensward.

Notable Features, Additions, and Changes

New Content

System Changes and Additions

Miscellaneous

Decimal coordinates 3.2.png

Note: Not all content listed here will launch on the same day. This article is about the 3.2x season as a whole.

Main Story Summary (Spoilers)

Lore

In adversity were the people of Ishgard blessed with the promise of peace between man and dragon—a fitting symbol of hope that was Vidofnir’s rescue of an innocent child. Nevertheless, those still bound by the fetters of the past would labor to defend their nation against the forces they feared would destroy it.

The Word of the Mother

As Ishgard continued along the path towards restoration and reformation, the scattered Scions of the Seventh Dawn were gradually returning to the Rising Stones. F'lhaminn, Hoary Boulder, and Coulrenet, who had been forced to flee to Radz-at-Han following the Crystal Braves’ betrayal, enjoyed a heartfelt homecoming, while elsewhere Krile and Thancred conducted an investigation which they hoped would lead them to Minfilia.

At the site of the Antecedent's disappearance in the Sil'dih Aqueducts, the pair identified a unique aetheric signature which they believed was associated with Hydaelyn's intercessions. Though it was something of a logical leap at the time, they surmised that Hydaelyn may have guided Minfilia into the compass of Y'shtola's Flow, and thence summoned her, body and soul, unto her realm within the aetherial sea. Operating on this assumption, the Scions concluded that their search must continue in that near-mythical place. Fortunately, the Sharlayan colonists had built a structure to study the aetherial sea: the Antitower. With the blessing of Matoya, its custodian, the Warrior of Light descended to the deepest depths of the tower, and from there was summoned to the aetherial sea, where he was reunited with Minfilia.

Minfilia was much changed. Speaking at times with her own voice, but at others with Hydaelyn's, she recounted her escape-how she had hearkened to Her fading voice, and made to Her an offering of her own flesh. In so doing, she had become one with Hydaelyn The Word of the Mother, as she called herself, then revealed to the Warrior of Light the truth which lay at the heart of their world. Once, in a time before time, Light and Dark dwelt as one within the aetherial sea. Yet Zodiark coveted more power, and in gaining it disrupted the balance, forcing Hydselyn, in an act of self-preservation, to banish him to the distant heavens as a moon, bound Yet not only was the star sundered in so doing, but the barriers between realities as well, giving birth to thirteen reflections of the Source-thirteen separate worlds.

To restore Zodiark to His former glory did the Ascians ever labor, and each Calamity, each Ardor, marked a Rejoining the obliteration of a reflection, and a triumph of the Dark. Seven times had this come to pass; seven worlds rejoined, their aether returned to the Source, and the Darkness stronger for it.

With a final desperate plea, the Word bade the Warrior of Light bring an end to the Ascians' machinations, before shattering into a thousand thousand pieces before his very eyes

For Those We Can Yet Save

The Warrior of Light and his companions knew not what to make of this incredible tale of the world's genesis, or of Minfilia's choice to sacrifice her everything to see it shared. Before they went their separate ways, they resolved to keep silent on the matter, if only for a time.

Meanwhile, in Ishgard, Ser Aymeric sought to take advantage of the recent shift in public sentiment towards the Dravanians by hosting a peace conference in Falcon's Nest. Alas, preparations had to be suspended for a time when a protest in the hamlet turned violent, casting a pall over the proceedings.

Yet Ser Aymeric would not be deterred from his course. He announced that Ishgard would host a "grand melee" to commemorate the nation's recent return to the Eorzean Alliance, as well as strengthen ties between the neighboring city-states. More importantly, however, it would provide an opportunity for Ishgard, as a nation built on centuries of warfare, to reaffirm their identity and take pride in their achievements, that they might be moved to common purpose once more.

As hoped, the grand melee proved a rousing success. The peace conference in Falcon's Nest was reconvened, and there, during the unveiling of a relief celebrating the union of Saint Shiva and Hraesvelgy, Ser Aymeric and Vidofnir came together and spoke of peace.

The dream endured for all of an instant. Without warning, Estinien leapt down from on high and drove his lance into Vidofnir’s back, the white dragon’s blood painting the relief a deep red. As the dragon collapsed, Ser Aymeric seized a bow and loosed an arrow at his friend’s heart, duty guiding his hand. The dragoon had naught to fear from worldly weapons, however, swatting aside the deadly shaft and regaining his perch atop a nearby tower. All present strained to see the man who once embodied Ishgard's defiance. But when he spoke, it was not with the voice of a man, but a wym. Nidhogg, The wrathful shade declared that the final chorus of the Dragonsong War was nigh, and that all would soon answer for their sins. Throwing wide his arms and letting forth a bestial roar, he then transformed into his draconic form and took wing for distant skies. [1]

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Eorzea: Volume I, page 75