Dragoon Quest Journal

[Itseotle]

Not sure if this was posted elsewhere/before, but going to drop it here for people who may be interested in the background story behind the Dragoon job quest. If anyone else has more details or info to add, please be sure to add it

First off, lets define a dragoon based on your class trainer, Alberic.

The dragoons are an elite contingent of Ishgardian knights who serve to protect our nation from the wrath of the fearsome wyrms that would raze us to the ground.

The first─and greatest─of the dragoons was none other than Haldrath the Dragonseye, hero of the Founding Wars. It was he who drove back the great wyrm Nidhogg, claiming the powers of the Eye for Ishgard.

Dragoons must display complete mastery of their chosen weapon, the lance, that they might stand against their immense foe. The leader of the dragoons is known as the Azure Dragoon, and is chosen by the Eye, a relic guarded within the Holy See which bestows upon the chosen one the power of the dragon.

And yet this power is as a double-edged sword, for if the dragoon does not maintain absolute control over his emotions, he shall fall under the thrall of the very wyrms that he would slay. But so it always has been─no great power comes without a cost.

An Ishgardian friend of Ywain's requires aid, and the [Lancer] guildmaster would have you provide it, Make your way to the Observatorium and seek out the man, a knight by the name of Ser Alberic.

Ser Alberic has enlisted your aid in tracking down the Eye, a priceless Ishgardian relic that has been spirited away be a rogue dragoon named Estinien. Consult with Logedanrel for insight as to where the fugitive may have traveled.

Logedanrel suggests that you speak to the sentry Idristan at Florentel's Spire and inquire as to qhether he has seen a man matching Estinien's description.

Idristan of Florentel's Spire insists that no dragoon in black armor has crossed the border. Return to Logedanrel and inform him that your trip was unfruitful.

Logedanrel suspects the fugitive might still be in hiding with Ishgardian borders. Search the cavern east of the Observatorium for signs of a visitor.

Watch it here

Upon searching the campfire, you were ambushed by a dragoon clad in black steel. Return to Ser Alberic and tell him of your encounter.

Upon heaing of your encounter, Ser Alberic confesses to you the truth. The dragoon you encountered was indeed Estinien, who is no ordinary thief, but rather the Azure Dragoon-the chosen one-and former pupil of Ser Alberic's. Convinced that you have been chosen by the Eye, Ser Alberic tasks you with retrieving the relic from Estinien.

The fugitive is known to be one of the most formidable dragoons in Ishgardian history. To fully prepare you for the pursuit of such a dangerous opponent, Ser Alberic would have you undergo further training. Make your way to Witchdrop in the central highlands of Coerthas, and seek out the knight Ser Brucemont.

You have successfully passed the surprise trial set on you by Ser Brucemont. Speak with the knight once more to see what he has to say.

Your passing the trial has earned you Ser Brucemont's grudging respect. Return to the Observatorium and inform Ser Alberic of what has transpired.

Ser Alberic observes that the soul of the dragoon grows ever stronger within you. Continue to hone your skills, that one day you may face Estinien as his equal.

After further enlightening you on the history of Ishgard and the dragoons, Ser Alberic sends you off to undertake your next trial. Travel once again to Witchdrop and seek out Ser Heustienne.

After meeting with Ser Heustienne of Ishgard, you are set upon by a bevy of banemites. The beasts have proven no match for your skill with the lnace, however, and they have been put down. Speak again with the knight.

Ser Heustienne is impressed with your abilities, which remind her of Estinien himself. Return and inform Ser Alberic that you have passed your trial.

Ser Alberic is pleased to see you pass your most challenging trial yet. He encourages you to continue your training in earnest, assuring you that the day when you stand before Estinien as his equal is not far off.

Much to Ser Alberic's surprise, the fugitive Estinien has initiated contact, saying that he has an important matter to discuss with the two of you. Travel to Boulder Downs and await his arrival at the designated rendezvous point.

Watch it here

Estinien explains that he did not steal the Eye out of treachery, but rather to spare Ishgard from Nidhogg's wrath when the great wyrm returns. Upon realizing that you have been chosen as a second Azure Dragoon, he proposes that the two of you slay the dragon together. Return to the Observatorium and speak with Ser Alberic for instructions on how to procure the armor necessary for the task.

Ser Alberic explains that you must earn your drachen armor as the Azure Dragoons before you did-by trial. Travel to the Ogre's Belly and seek out Ser Brucemont.

You have passed the first trial. Speak with Ser Brucemont and obtain your reward.

The trial continues. Advance to the next chamber and speak with Ser Heustienne and obtain your reward.

Yet another challenge awaits you. Advance further within the cavern and speak with Ser Brucemont.

You have triumphed over the third trial set to you. Speak again with Ser Brucemont.

You have obtained the third piece of drachen armor. Return to the Observatorium and tell Ser Alberic of your success.

Ser Alberic informs you that one final trial awaits you. Travel ti the graveyard northwest of the Steel Vigil, blow a single note with the flute provided to you, and see to the visitor that arrives.

You have slain a mighty dragon of the Dravanian Horde and claimed its skull. Present it to Ser Alberic as proof of your victory.

Upon receiving the skull, Ser Alberic offers congratulations and presents you with the fourth piece of drachen armor. Though the fifth piece remains beyond your grasp, the old dragoon assures you of your readiness to complete your training. However, he would ask you to reaffirm your commitment before proceeding. If you are truly prepared to embark with Estinien to do battle with the great wyrm Nidhogg, speak with Ser Alberic once more.

After telling you the tale of how he came to abandon the power of the dragon and warning you against being consumed by the same, Ser Alberic sends you off to further your skill with the lance. Play the flute at the specified location and slay the dragon that it summons forth.

You have slain the winged terror Archaeoaevis in a battle you will not soon forget. Return the flute to Ser Alberic and recount to him every last detail.

The soul of the dragon having fully awakened within you, you now stand as a full-fledged Azure Dragoon. Make your newfound powers your own, that you may be fully prepared to join Estinien in battle with the great wyrm.

Ser Alberic has received a message from Estinien, who intends to strike against Nidhogg straightaway. Travel with Ser Alberic to the Steel Vigil, that you might share the truth of Ferndale with the young dragoon before the battle is joined.

Watch it here

You and Ser Alberic locate Estinien, but the fugitive dragoon has already learned the truth of the past on his own. Enraged at what he perceives to be Ser Alberic's failure to defend his home, Estinien turns upon you. Your virtuous spirit and the mastery of the lance, however, prove more than a match for your adversary, and the being of darkness vanishes from sight, take the fallen dragoon with it. Return to the Observatorium to hear Ser Alberic's thoughts on the matter.

Shaken but no worse for the wear, Ser Alberic welcomes you back. Nidhogg's aura now subsided, his scalekin will return to slumber for the time being. Though concerned for Estinien's fate, Ser Alberic is heartened by your accomplishments, which give him newfound hope for the future. Until such time as the great wyrm wakes again, go forth as the Azure Dragoon and use your newfound strength in the name of justice.