The World Locked in Ice

We have much to learn about this world. Let us see what else Visna has to share.

For a while I wasn't sure how we would fare, but it seems luck was on our side. Now we have an airship...albeit with a slew of caveats.

Accepting the quest

Start of voiced cutscene.

I'm happy to tell you all about myself and the crew, but I'm not sure where to start...

In that case, permit me to take the initiative.

Earlier, you stated that all of the surface is frozen. To confirm, you meant that the entire world is locked in ice?

That's right. One day, the world began to grow cold. Cold and still.

Do you see the expanse of clouds below? That's the Frostglaer, a dangerous stratum that's heavily infused with ice energies.

Long ago, it came to cover the whole world. Everything beneath was frozen solid.

And so, in order to seek refuge in the skies, mankind constructed colossal flying vessels—the realmships.

You're a fast learner! Now, it's still cold as sin up high, but thanks to the vessels' wards, we can live in relative comfort.

That is well.

These “brands” that had you in a lather earlier... What is their significance?

So, from the moment we're born, we're magically bound to our realmship.

Take Glaðr's crew, for example. Everyone calls Naglfar home.

Point a reading rod at any one of us, and the proof of our bond becomes visible—the water brand.

So they signify affiliation. Given your reaction, I thought the situation was rather more dire.

Oh, you'd better believe it was!

We don't normally think about our brands. But if you get too close to someone who bears a different one—that is, those from another realmship...

Your heart seizes up! And nine times out of ten, you're dead.

Everyone is born with this terrifying enchantment!?

It is what it is.

Every vessel has strict protocols in place for the management of resources. Outsiders aren't allowed to come and go as they please, otherwise we wouldn't be able to sustain our way of life.

This system of binding makes it easier to regulate populations and their movement. It was introduced soon after we began living in the skies, and it continues to this day.

Thank you for enlightening us. Is there aught else you believe we should be aware of?

Hmmm, let me think...

Ah!

The creatures that attacked you—they're thralls of the jötnar.

They harry Naglfar from time to time. And when they do, safety should be your first priority.

I see. But...what are the jötnar?

You'll see one for yourself soon enough.

Giants eclipsing the clouds, driven by an insatiable hunger. The thralls hunt men so their masters may feast.

The jötnar themselves chase after the realmships like a shadow, so we have to constantly be on the move.

We've encountered a number of giant species in our travels, but none quite like what you describe.

I grow more curious... Why did this world come to be as it is?

Why indeed...

Oh, uh...what I meant to say is...

When we get to Naglfar, you should probably avoid asking people about the past.

You can ask me whatever you like, but others might find your curiosity a little...uh, odd.

Some things, we just don't talk about.

We shall bear that in mind.

With that settled, let's make for Naglfar via Glaðr!

...After I get permission from Ketill, that is. He's the captain and all.

I'm pretty sure he'll say yes, though. I'll tell him I want to take you to my master...

We should personally make an appeal as well.

End of cutscene.

Optional dialogue

Back in the First, we had the Crystal Exarch to smooth over our introductions. Having no such assistance here, I must confess to feeling somewhat nervous.

Speaking of inhabitants of other reflections...the voidsent of the Thirteenth. They're generally aware of the Source and its peoples, but I suppose having no familiarity with those from another world would be the norm.

Speak with Visna.

Right, let's go speak with Ketill! ...Is what I would say, but my crewmates still appear to be wary of you all.

Seeing as that wariness is why I'm getting an extra cut, just to be considerate, it'd be best if you stay put. I'll have the captain come over instead.

Captain! There's something I want to discuss with you!

Come over here! It's perfectly safe, I promise!

Start of cutscene.

Well, I'll be damned... To think that there were unbranded folk...

See? It's fine, just like I said!

So, what'd you want to discuss?

First of all, we wish to apologize for any trouble we have caused. And if I may, I would explain our situation.

Uh huh... Frankly, I don't know what to think about all this “other world” stuff...

But it's true that you don't have brands. You're clearly not ordinary folk, and I reckon you could do worse than meeting Visna's master.

That being the case, we'll take you to Naglfar—as the stranded survivors you are.

We are truly grateful!

Huzzah!

That said, we won't be setting off just yet. This isle here's perfect for our needs.

It's our duty to gather resources in this expanse.

Naglfar has ships dedicated to securing materials, you see. Each vessel is assigned crew members—the captain, the pilot, the runesmith, and so on.

And it's our merry band that's been assigned to Glaðr!

So you will mine resources from this isle.

If you are not averse to the offer, might we assist with your work?

While poor repayment for our debt, we wish to be of service rather than sit idly by.

Well now, I won't turn down extra pairs of hands. Here, take these.

They're warm... Are these fire-aspected crystals?

Aye. Far from the purest stuff, but they've been treated to produce more heat.

As preparation for the extraction, I'd like you to set these crystals all over.

I'll have to move Glaðr away from the isle for the next step, so Visna will supervise here. You have any questions, you can take them to her.

Understood. We shall begin at once.

End of cutscene.

Optional dialogue

From my cursory knowledge of the subject, the mining process here appears to differ from that of the Source. It will be interesting to see how it unfolds.

While there are those in Eorzea who dwell amidst the clouds, they may descend to the surface as necessary. To think that it has been impossible here for centuries...

While you set the fire crystals, the two of us will inspect the isle. Come and find me once you've finished.

Oh, and take care not to slip and fall off the edge. You might get lucky and land on another isle...but I wouldn't bet my life on it.

Lively Skyfarer

In light of the battle, we need to assess the integrity of the isle's bedrock. Wouldn't want the whole thing to suddenly fall apart!

Place low-quality fire crystals at the designated locations.

Optional dialogue

I've finished setting my allocation of crystals. If you have as well, let us report to Visna.

I wonder why Glaðr had to move away from the isle. If they're extracting resources, would it not make more sense to leave the ship where it was?

Lively Skyfarer

The bedrock appears to be sound, I'm happy to report. We can safely proceed!

Speak with Visna.

Oh, you've finished already? That was fast... Do you do this sort of thing often?

An adventurer? I've never heard of such a profession. Traveling the world and taking on odd jobs... Such a life would be unthinkable here.

Tell me... Where you're from, are people free to travel as far as they like?

Or is it because you're capable that you can do that? Can travel so far, you can even come to another world...

...Sorry. We've only just met, and you're still trying to make sense of everything, yet here I am bombarding you with strange questions.

Thanks for taking care of the crystals so quickly! The captain should return very soon, so sit tight for now!

Start of voiced cutscene.

Looks like you've finished setting the crystals. Good work.

All's set on our end too, so we're gonna cast off now.

Already? Were you not extracting resources from the isle?

Oh, but we are... In due course!

It's a needlessly difficult process when the isle's still frozen, so we normally haul it back to the mother ship while thawing it out.

Strike zones set? Then fire the anchors!

Brusque Skyfarer

Sir!

Candid Skyfarer

Anchors away!

Anchor is secured, Captain!

Raise output to the wind engine! Set course for Naglfar, cruising speed!

It calls to mind the battle against Bismarck, does it not?

Well? What do you think?

These isles are a precious resource. There's always the danger of being attacked by thralls, but the risk is worth the reward.

Right, those not on watch, go get some rest!

All that's left is to wait until we arrive. Relax, and enjoy the ride.