Fangs of the Viper

Fangs of the Viper

Quest giver

Keshkwa

Location

Ul'dah - Steps of Thal (X:13.0, Y:12.2)

Quest line

Disciple of War Job Quests
┗ Viper Quests

Job

Viper

Level

80

Experience

 448,800

Gil

 2,455

Previous quest

Enter the Viper

Next quest

Viper in the Vidraal's Shadow

Patch

7.0

Links

EDB GT TC

“

Keshkwa wonders if you have what it takes to master the art of the viper.

— In-game description

Steps

• Gather information outside the Quicksand.
• Speak with Keshkwa.
• Speak with Keshkwa at Spineless Basin.
• Speak with Keshkwa again.
• Speak with Keshkwa.
• Speak with Keshkwa in Ul'dah and have him accompany you.
• Gather information while accompanied by Keshkwa.
• Gather further information while accompanied by Keshkwa.
• Speak with Keshkwa.

Journal

• Keshkwa wonders if you have what it takes to master the art of the viper.
• With the soul crystal and dual blades of the viper now in your possession, Keshkwa wishes to instruct you in the basics of his art. For that, you will need to find suitable prey, so your new mentor suggests asking around Ul'dah for information on potential hunting grounds.
• You soon learn of a spate of incidents in which travelers were attacked by packs of savage creatures near Spineless Basin. This information will surely be of interest to Keshkwa.
• You relay the news of marauding beasts to Keshkwa, who is eager to assist the local community and commence your training. You depart the city in search of your quarry.
• You find Keshkwa assisting some beleaguered adventurers who had barely survived an encounter with your chosen targets. The experienced tracker predicts that the beasts are close by, though before setting out, he expounds upon the origins of the viper's art, and the role of the dual blades in slaying large and powerful foes. Though your opponents are considerably less threatening than a viper's usual prey, they are nevertheless not to be taken lightly.
• Under Keshkwa's watchful gaze, you demonstrate a natural flair for the viper's combat arts, and succeed in vanquishing the hordes of rampaging creatures.
• Satisfied with your remarkable progress, your mentor confides in you the truth behind his journey here from Tural. He and his student had attempted to slay a deadly predator known as Iq Soq Xmajun, only for the fiend to kill Keshkwa's disciple before taking wing and crossing the ocean to Eorzea. In order to track his hated foe, the viper asks that you accompany him to Ul'dah and help gather information as to its whereabouts.
• As Keshkwa's previous attempts at engaging with the citizens of Ul'dah were somewhat disheartening, he asks that you take the lead in making inquiries. In the meantime, he will observe and learn from your methods, and with luck become better equipped to gather information by himself. You cast your gaze over the crowds in search of knowledgeable locals. Emerald Avenue appears to have some promising candidates...
  • ※You must be accompanied by Keshkwa to complete this task. Speak with him again should you become separated.
• Your questioning reveals that while there have indeed been sightings of an unknown creature soaring across the sky, there is little in the way of useful information. Hoping to uncover more details, you head towards the Rudius.
  • ※You must be accompanied by Keshkwa to complete this task. Speak with him again should you become separated.
• The next individual with whom you speak shares rumors of a winged beast, though the finer details are somewhat dubious. Nevertheless, the exercise has proved productive, if only for the purpose of demonstrating to Keshkwa the conversational techniques he so sorely lacked.
• Keshkwa is determined to learn from your example and collect further information regarding Iq Soq Xmajun. However, given his lack of success thus far, this may take some time...
  • ※The next viper quest will be available from Keshkwa upon reaching level 83.

Dialogue

Accepting the Quest

Keshkwa: Well, you sure look the part, but do you feel anything from the soul crystal? 
Keshkwa: Heh, I knew it! Sounds like you got what it takes to be a viper, but the only way to know for sure is to put them new skills to the test.
Keshkwa: For that, we'll need prey. From what I hear, you adventurers have got your own guild, so I'm guessing the folks there'll know the best spots for hunting. Let's go see what they can tell us.

Optional

Keshkwa: C'mon, kid, you telling me you don't know any hunting spots?

Befuddled Boy: I already said I don't know anything about beasties! Who are you, anyway? 

Gathering information outside the Quicksand

Knowledgeable Adventurer: If you're after deadly predators, try Spineless Basin. Lately, there've been sightings of heretofore unknown species. Those that slaughter anything that moves, including travelers.
Knowledgeable Adventurer: What's worse, they work in packs. Even the adventurers hired to cull them ended up meeting a sticky end.
(Optional)
Knowledgeable Adventurer: Spineless Basin has the kind of fiends you're after, but don't blame me if you end up dead.

Speaking with Keshkwa

Keshkwa: You got a lead already? Hmm... Maybe there's something to this whole “asking around” thing after all.
Keshkwa: ...Critters not from around these parts, you say? Either they got chased outta their usual habitat, or they were brung here. Either way, that's bad news for folks unfortunate enough to cross paths with 'em.
Keshkwa: The hunting of tural vidraal is a viper's most important duty, but that doesn't mean we turn a blind eye to lesser threats. Next stop, Spineless Basin!

(Optional)
Befuddled Boy: I don't know what that man was on about... Who'd want to go looking for monsters anyway?

Speaking with Keshkwa at Spineless Basin

Keshkwa: These here adventurers ran into a whole gaggle of the fiends we're after. They got pretty roughed up, but I saw to their wounds already, don't you worry.
Keshkwa: Before we go say hello to the troublemakers, I reckon I ought to teach you about the viper's dual blades.
Keshkwa: Our techniques were created for the sole purpose of killing tural vidraal. Most of 'em are meaner varieties of things you might encounter in the wild, often with special powers to boot.
Keshkwa: To stand a chance against these powerful enemies, our ancestors looked to vipers for inspiration. Always twisting and turning to find the perfect angle of attack to take down bigger prey.
Keshkwa: Two blades─for the twin fangs of a viper, to wield in tandem and strike with precision. They can also be combined into a single weapon that weaves and sways like the body of a snake. By switching between these stances, the viper has the capacity to adapt to any situation.
Keshkwa: Now, the prey we're after tonight ain't nowhere near as fearsome as a tural vidraal, but they'll give you a chance to test out your new skills. Lemme know when you're ready.

System: You have learned all viper actions and traits to level 80. Detailed descriptions can be viewed in the Actions & Traits window, accessed under Character in the main menu.

Speaking with Keshkwa again

Keshkwa: The beasts we're chasing supposedly work in packs. My gut tells me there's a whole bunch of 'em over by that big ol' tree.

Solo Duty

Keshkwa: If there are any meaner beasties, they much be building their time. All I see here is fodder.
Keshkwa: Though for practicing your new skills, they'll do fine.
Keshkwa: I'll stay outta your way, and give you a few pointers.
Keshkwa: Lemme know when you're ready.
Keshkwa: Let's start with the basics. There are two stances, Dual Fang and Viper.
Keshkwa: Dual Fang means wielding your two blades separately. Start by using either Steel Fangs or Reaving Fangs, then press attack.
Keshkwa: To finish the sequence, switch back to Viper and hit 'em with Death Rattle!

System: After using the Dual Fang weaponskills Steel Fangs or Reaving Fangs, their icons will automatically change to the next action in the combo.
System: By performing a second, then a third attack in the combo, you will gain access to the Viper stance action, Death Rattle.
System: If you have Serpent's Tail assigned to your hotbar, the icon will automatically change to Death Rattle when it becomes available.

Keshkwa: Not bad at all! These techniques are some of the most important tools in your kit. 
Keshkwa: C'mon over here, and I'll tell you about attacking from Dual Fang stance.
Keshkwa: Time to perfect your Dual Fang techniques.
Keshkwa: Start with an opener, follow up with a second, then pick one of the four finishers—Flanksting Strike, Flanksbane Fang, Hindsting Strike, or Hindsbane Fang.
Keshkwa: As you can tell by the names, each finisher works best from a certain position. But don't worry about that for now, just give 'em all a try!
Keshkwa: The four combo enders are Flanksting Strike, Flanksbane Fang, Hindsting Strike, and Hindsbane Fang.

System: Using a combo enter applies a bonus effect to the others.
System: Then, using a second attack with the highlighted icon will give access to one of the enhanced combo enders. Now, try performing each of the four combo enders.

Keshkwa: Good work, [Forename]. Looks like you got the hang of Duel Fang stance.
Keshkwa: That roar just now... Almost like it was telling 'em to clear out.
Keshkwa: I reckon there's a big ol' bastard waiting in the wings. And now it's sent us tougher opposition! 
Keshkwa: Lucky for you, I got just the thing for dealing with lummoxes like that. I'll tell you all about it when you're ready.
Keshkwa: All right, now for Viper stance, where you combine your two blades into one to deliver powerful strikes—perfect for tough opponents!
Keshkwa: Open with Vicewinder, then transition with either Twinfang Bite or Twinblood Bite from Dual Fang stance.

System: The Viper stance weaponskill Vicewinder can be followed by Hunter's Coil or Swiftskin's Coil. 
System: Either of these secondary attacks allows the use of the Dual Fang stance weaponskills Twinfang Bite and Twinblood Bite.

Keshkwa: Alright, your got the hang of viper, I'd say.
Keshkwa: That roaring's getting closer. Boss beast must be pissed that it's minions keep getting beat.
Keshkwa: Heh, and there it is!
Keshkwa: Time to take it down a peg or three. Just remember what you're dealing with here—it ain't no pushover like the rest.
Keshkwa: Still, you got all the tools you need at your disposal.
Keshkwa: Show it what a viper can do!
Keshkwa: Unrelenting attacks are the key! Don't give your prey a chance to fight back!
Keshkwa: Some attacks work better from certain positions, so mind your footwork!

Cutscene

Keshkwa: Not bad, not bad at all. Those were just the basics, but your execution was mighty impressive.
Keshkwa: Since you've proven you won't be a liability, lemme tell you about the tural vidraal we're up against.
Keshkwa: We call it Iq Soq Xmajun. It's an offshoot of the br'aax, a deadly jungle predator, and after a series of mutations, this one's grown huge wings. Worse yet, it's smart as a whip and has a mean streak a malm wide.
Keshkwa: After learning of the beast, me and my most promising student set off to slay it.
Keshkwa: Facing it head-on seemed like suicide, so we laid an ambush. Almost worked, too. Almost.
Keshkwa: We thought we had it subdued, and made our approach to deliver the killing blow. But we'd underestimated the fiend's cunning nature. When we got close, it lashed out, lightning quick, before taking to the skies.
Keshkwa: I cradled my brother-in-arms as he breathed his last.
Keshkwa: Revenge is all I've been able to think about ever since. I traveled the length and breadth of Tural looking for that beast, with nothing to show for it but a half dozen pairs of ruined boots. With each passing day, I grew more and more desperate...
Keshkwa: That was until I met some folks who'd crossed the salt on a trade ship from Ul'dah. They claimed they'd seen a huge winged creature flying eastwards over the ocean.
Keshkwa: Knowing how clever Iq Soq Xmajun is, I reckoned it'd gone in search of new hunting grounds, somewhere without an established threat like us vipers. So I bought passage on a ship, and here I am.
Keshkwa: Little did I know Eorzea would be damn near as big as Tural. I'm a fish out of water, and I'm not afraid to admit it─or that I'm gonna need all the help I can get.
Keshkwa: That's where you come in. With you on my side, I might just stand a chance of avenging my fallen comrade. What do you say?
Keshkwa: Thanks, that means a lot. Let's get back to Ul'dah and see if we can't find some clues as to Iq Soq Xmajun's whereabouts.

Speaking with Keshkwa in Ul'dah and having him accompany you

Keshkwa: As you saw at the Weavers' Guild, chatting up folks ain't my strong suit. If you're happy to take the lead, I'm happy to follow, least for now.
Keshkwa: Think you could ask the locals if they've spotted any strange creatures flying around? As for me, I'll study your technique─see if I can't brush up my social graces and whatnot.

System: Keshkwa is now accompanying you. Keep him at your side in order to proceed with quest objectives.
System: You can leave Keshkwa behind by entering a different area, or by speaking with him and selecting the option to part ways.
System: If you wish to have Keshkwa accompany you again, return and speak with him at the original location.
System: While you are accompanied, you may encounter “conversation points” along the way which offer additional topics of discussion.
System: Enter the glowing area and speak with your quest companions to initiate these bonus conversations. Enjoy exploring your surroundings together! 

(Optional)
Keshkwa: It's not that I'm averse to showing the fat with folks, but getting useful information out of 'em sometimes feels like drawing blood from a stone.
Keshkwa: Half the battle is choosing the right person to ask, I reckon. I'll watch how you pick 'em, see if I can't do better when it's my turn.

Rand: A flying beast? Why yes, of late, we've had sightings of such a creature─more and more each day.
Rand: We're looking into it ourselves, but there've been no reported attacks, nor can I provide a more detailed description. As such, I can't say if it's the same one you're after.
(Optional)
Rand: I wish I could be of more assistance, but the eyewitness reports were not particularly informative.

< Discuss the Hunt. >
Keshkwa: Yeah, when I was on the shop here, I heard about this "Hunt" your local companies seem to be running.
Keshkwa: We got a system like that back in Tural too. Mainly for dealing with the tural vidraal.
Keshkwa: Naturally, the bulk of the work was handled by vipers, but the scope's been expanded to cover a wider range of threats.
Keshkwa: These days, pretty much anyone can take on jobs, and there's no shortage of 'em all over. If you're ever in Tural, maybe you oughta give it a try?

< Discuss the crowds of Ul'dah. >
Keshkwa: Whole lotta people here. We got cities of our own back in Tural, but this is something else.
Keshkwa: You know, to become a viper, traditionally you've got to live in this remote village in the mountains, where you learn all you can about the habits of various beasts. Ain't much else to do out there, so anytime you get to yourself you're expected to spend honing your skills.
Keshkwa: Once training's done, you're free to roam where you please. There ain't many Tural vidraal that need hunting, but they can spring up pretty much anywhere in Tural, so many say it's good to keep on the move.
Keshkwa: Me, though, I chose to stick around even after I finished my training. Gave me a chance to work on my swordsmanship. And instead of going out looking for work, folks came straight to us asking for help.
Keshkwa: That's how I got complacent and fell into the habit of letting my elders and students do all the talking and negotiating with outsiders. Even my passage here was arranged by an acquaintance...

Didilata: Wh-What!? A winged creature? Ah, well, I've only heard the rumors... They say it has a dozen faces, ringed with red, wriggling tentacles, and it shoots beams of light from its eyes!
Didilata: O-Of course, it's all too common for those with more money than sense to bring in bizarre species from distant lands. And the trouble with rumors is that they grow ever more fanciful with each retelling!

Cutscene

Keshkwa: Well, damned if I know how you did it, but you and your silver tongue got useful information outta folks.
Keshkwa: Even if none of it amounted to a solid lead, the knowledge that Iq Soq Xmajun hasn't kicked up a proper fuss yet is a clue all in itself. I reckon it's taking its time to get the lie of the land, having only just arrived here.
Keshkwa: Alright, now I've seen a master at work, I'm gonna try my hand at talking to the locals.

< What will you say? >
< Now, now. Don't get ahead of yourself. >
< The best way is to learn by doing! >

< Now, now. Don't get ahead of yourself. >
Keshkwa: I know full well I'll probably make a fool of myself, but no one ever got good at anything by standing around with their thumb up their ass. 

< The best way is to learn by doing! >
Keshkwa: Keshkwa: Couldn't agree more! 'Sides, I've faced meaner foes than a few tight-lipped city folk. And if I make a fool of myself, so what? I'll just ask someone else.
Keshkwa: And it just so happens I brought with me a whole bunch of herbs and knickknacks from back home that I can sell to keep myself fed. It might take a while to find any solid leads, but at least I can get by for the time being.

???: So those are the ones who slew my pets. Interlopers on the hunt for my next darling prize...
???: Little do they know it's lost interest in Thanalan. Heh, just as well. Its fickle nature may yet bring us greater delights..

(Optional)
Didilata: I-I wouldn't put too much faith in hearsay, if I were you. B-But I suppose even exaggerated rumors of a flying creature are of some use to you, yes? 

Speaking with Keshkwa

Keshkwa: I'll be doing my damndest to get more information. Might take a while, though, so come see me later. And don't forget to practice your viper techniques!