Rhalgr's Beacon

Quest giver: Raubahn
Location: The Fringes (X:9.3, Y:11.3)
Quest line: Stormblood Main Scenario Quests
Level: 67

Experience: 107,000
Gil: 2,215
Previous quest: While You Were Away
Next quest: The Fortunes of War
Patch: 4.0

Main Scenario Progress: 476 / 853 (55.8%)

Stormblood Progress: 97 / 162 (59.9%)

“

You, Raubahn, and your allies have much to discuss.

— In-game description

Rewards

Choose one of the following options:

Walkthrough

Phase One

Relatively straight forward, kill everything. Focus down the Artillery cannons at the bridge while dodging AOE from the 12th Legion predators.

Phase Two

You must duel Fordola rem Lupis. The fight mechanics are nothing you haven't seen in pre-4.0 content.

Fordola will drop puddle AOE at set positions around the arena that should be avoided until they disappear as they will apply a bleed debuff while standing in them. Gunblade is a knockback, when it is casting attempt to position yourself so you don't end up in one of the bleed puddles.

Plan B will summon 4 magitek bits at the centre of the arena that perform cone attacks when The Order is cast by Fordola.

Eventually Fordola will dash around the arena and cast stationary X marks, initially 3, later 4, in the direction of the player. These will remain as cast until The Order is cast to activate them at which point they will rush forwards doing damage should they hit the player. Despite the lack of a ground indicator these are easily avoided by paying attention to which way they are facing.

Steps

Speak with Conrad in Rhalgr's Reach.
Speak with the swarthy Resistance fighter.
Speak with the Ala Mhigan Brigade officer.
Speak with the hot-blooded youth.
Speak with Conrad.
Speak with Conrad in Castellum Corvi.
Head for Castellum Velodyna!
Defeat Fordola rem Lupis!
Speak with Lyse.

Journal

You, Raubahn, and your allies have much to discuss.

Having returned to Gyr Abania after a lengthy absence, the Alliance and Resistance leaders are eager to hear you recount the tale of your adventures in the Far East. And so you tell them of your many trials and tribulations, culminating with the liberation of Doma. The news has already spread throughout the Empire, doubtless leading to unrest and unease within the imperial ranks. The time to strike is now. The Alliance and Resistance will resume their campaign to retake Ala Mhigo, beginning by capturing Castellum Velodyna.

Preparations are underway in Rhalgr's Reach for the forthcoming operation, but Conrad would not have you assist with them. Instead, he requests that you take a moment to speak with several of the men under his command who have each suffered great personal tragedy. Perhaps a visit from the Warrior of Light will serve to raise their spirits.

To your surprise, you learn that in various small ways you have touched these soldiers' lives and helped to make them the men they are today. Another reminder, if any were needed, that we can never predict the ways in which our actions will influence those around us...

Though Conrad was aware of the part you played in shaping his soldiers' destinies, that was not his only reason for asking you to speak with them. Hailing from vastly different walks of life, each one had his own unique motive for joining the Resistance, and he has come to question his ability to represent their interests equally. But who could possibly serve in his stead? None other than Lyse Hext, Conrad believes─though it will be for her to decide whether or not to accept this burden when the time comes.

You and the Resistance forces gather at the ruins of Castellum Corvi to await the signal from the Alliance. Once General Aldynn and his men lure the bulk of the garrison away from Velodyna, you are to make for the bridge and engage the remaining defenders. Yet this too is but a feint, as the success of the operation rests on the shoulders of M'naago, who will fly to the top of the castellum with the aid of her griffin, and there employ a number of modified glamour prisms to create the illusion that the massive imperial banner has been replaced by that of the Resistance. The sight of the banner should serve to sow chaos and confusion in the imperial ranks, if all goes to plan, allowing the Allied forces to rout the enemy and claim Castellum Velodyna at last...

The plan is executed to perfection. When M'naago blows her horn to draw all eyes heavensward, the imperials begin to break and run, believing the day lost. Fordola, having remained at the bridge, urges her men to stand their ground, but soon retreats herself after realizing there is naught to be done. At Conrad's urging, Lyse lets her go, for while capturing the Skulls commander would represent a fine achievement, the greater goal has been accomplished: Castellum Velodyna is yours.

Ala Mhigo was not built in a single day, and neither will it be liberated in one. But the fall of the castellum marks a turning point in the campaign, for the imperials have been all but driven from the Fringes.

Dialogue

Quest Acceptance

Raubahn: There you are - and there is Commander Kemp, I see. I know you are eager to speak of our next move, but we would first hear more of your last. Tell us of your deeds in Doma.

Pipin: Pray join me in welcoming our Scion allies, but recently returned from their mission to the Far East. We have been most eager to hear a firsthand account of your time there, eventful as we understand it was. 
Alisaie: Very well, allow me...

Raubahn: ...Such victories are rarely won without sacrifice. But the prize is worth the price. Doma free, after all these years.
Conrad: Bloody hells... Flooding their own castle for a better chance at victory... We could learn a thing or two from that lad.
Pipin: Our agents report a flurry of communications between Garlemald and Ala Mhigo in recent days. 'Tis plain they are in the midst of deliberating their response to the Doman uprising.
Raubahn: Good. Every imperial unit in occupied territory will be on the lookout for civil unrest. The fear of leaving critical locations undefended will make commanders think twice about committing their forces - giving us a chance to seize the initiative.
Conrad: We have a chance, aye - mayhap the last one we're ever gonna get. While we've done our best to rebuild the Resistance, the imperials have only increased their efforts to root out sympathizers. If we keep on playing for smaller prizes, it's only a matter of time before they crush us again. And that we won't come back from.
Pipin: A swift advance seems best for all concerned. Not least poor Mistress Krile.
Raubahn: Then let us waste no more time. The campaign for Ala Mhigan liberation begins now! Our first objective will be to capture Castellum Veldoyna. Take the bridge, and the whole Fringes will be ours. From there, we can push east towards the Peaks. I name this operation Rhalgr's Beacon. For as Rhalgr once sent His star to guide our ancestors to these lands, so too shall it see us home!

Raubahn: The success of this operation is paramount. So long as the Empire holds Castellum Velodyna, the main host cannot advance. Zenos knows this, which is why he has ordered Fordola and her men to see to the bridge's defense.
Lyse: So we'll get to fight the Skulls again...
Raubahn: The Butcher is not to be underestimated. She is decisive, ruthless, and feared by foes and friends alike. But we have a plan to defeat her. First, we send an Alliance force down the main road, signaling our intention to mount an all-out assault. The garrison will muster their forces and prepare for a protracted battle... However, they will soon find that we are ill prepared for their counterattack. Our men will begin to break ranks and flee.
Conrad: I see...Show them your backs and give them a target too tempting not to pursue.
Raubahan: Aye, Fordola is too aggressive not to press the advantage. She will order her men to give chase. We lure them as far as East End, where the commanders will rally their forces and attempt to hold their ground. If all goes to plan, we should be able to keep the greater part of their garrison occupied.
Conrad: ...Leaving us to tackle the bridge's remaining defenders. Very clever, I'm sure. But what are we to do if the imperials smell a rat and return before we've taken the place?
Raubahn: I don't need you to take Velodyna, Commander Kemp. All I need is for you to fly your flag from its tower.
Alphinaud: You mean to trick them into believing that the bridge has fallen!
Raubahn: Aye. We convince them Velodyna is lost, hit them hard with our reinforcements, and watch them go running for the hills. Then, when the dust has settled, we regroup at the castellum. What say you?
Conrad: It's a bold plan...but a good one. We'll do it.
Alphinaud: In that case, we shall support both the Resistance and the Alliance forces. [Forename], Lyse, Arenvald - I ask that you accompany Commander Kemp. Alisaie and I will remain with the Flame General.
Conrad: We will return to Rhalgr's Reach and make our preparations. As soon as they are complete, we will join you in the field. Godsspeed!

Speak with Conrad in Rhalgr's Reach

Conrad: In case you haven't noticed, the flag flying above Velodyna is bloody massive. It'd take a dozen men to change it, and far too long besides. But there's no need for all that - right, M'naago? 
M'naago: Not so long as I have my griffin and a satchel of glamour prisms, no! 
Conrad: Arenvald, you're in charge of the runners between us and the Alliance. No linkpearls. Lyse, I want you to look in on the squadrons - make sure they've got everything they need. Everybody clear? 
All: Aye, sir! 
Conrad: All forces are to depart for Castellum Corvi when ready. That will be all. [Forename], stay with me a moment, if you would. There's a few men I'd like you to look in on personally. Each of them has lost people, and I can tell that it weighs on their hearts... There have been a lot of new faces since last you were here, so its best if I just tell you where to look. One's an officer you'll find in the Barber, another's an older fellow who likes to pass the time on the shore of Starfall. The last is a fiery young lad from Little Ala Mhigo, who I'm told trains by himself by the river to the Fringes. You'll know them when you see them. Come and find me when you've finished.

Speak with the swarthy Resistance fighter

Swarthy Resistance Fighter: I say, if it isn't the lass who helped me find the Ward I misplaced! Ah, but there I go again treating you as an equal! It wasn't till after you'd gone that one of my comrades pulled me aside and told me it was only the bleedin' hero of Eorzea who'd taken time out of her busy day to help me! Well, what is done is done. But know that I will fight with every onze of my strength in the coming battle, and the next and the next! Mayhap that will serve to repay the favor. Fare you well!

Speak with the Ala Mhigan Brigade officer

Ala Mhigan Brigade Officer: Wait, I know you! Lieutenant [Surname]! It is an honor to meet you! I was living hand-to-mouth in Ul'dah, but decided to enlist in the Flames after I heard tales of your derring-do. And now, as fate would have it, I've been sent here to join in the fight for my homeland's liberation. Ah, but this is no time to talk. I've got to prepare for the operation! Take care, Lieutenant! We'll give those imperial whoresons what for!

Speak with the hot-blooded youth

Hot-blooded Youth: ...[Forename], am I right? I doubt you remember me, but I'll never forget you - saved my life in Little Ala Mhigo, you did. Wilred and the rest of us had got it into our heads that if we had enough crystals, we could summon Rhalgr like the Amalj'aa summoned their god. Thankfully, you put a stop to it. Ever hear about what happened to Wilred? Joined the Braves when they came calling, only to turn up dead one day. Never found out how or why, but I reckon it doesn't matter. Dead's dead, after all. But at least he died doing what he thought was right. And maybe that's the best folks like us can hope for, eh? Not that I'm in any hurry, mind!

Speak with Conrad

Conrad: You've had a word with the men I mentioned, then? As I'm sure you've noticed, they've another thing in common aside from tragedy: you've touched each of their lives in one way or another. But that's not the reason I wanted you to speak with them. A man who's lived in Gyr Abania his entire life, who bore witness to the realities of the occupation for twenty unbroken years... A man who fled Ala Mhigo in search of a new life, who swore to serve another nation, only for fate to conspire to send him back here...A youth born on foreign soil, who never knew his parents' homeland, yet nevertheless felt kinship with our cause...Three men, three stories, three reasons. Yet all belong to the Resistance. In growing larger, we've grown more diverse, and while there is good in that, there's also the potential for strife and discord. It'd take a special sort to lead such men to Ala Mhigo, don't you think?
What will you say? Good thing they've got you. / Someone like Lyse, you mean? / ...Leader of the Resistance, eh? Don't I have enough titles already? -> ...Leader of the Resistance, eh? Don't I have enough titles already?
Conrad: Hah, now wouldn't that be a sight? The Slayer of Gods and Savior of Ishgard leading the Resistance into battle. You're not short of relevant combat experience, I'll give you that! Being serious though...I've been thinking about asking Lyse to be my successor. She's young and worldly, strong and kind. A bit daft at times, but not so much that it worries me - especially given what I've seen of her since she returned. Look after her, [Forename]. She's our future, and my hope. I trust I needn't say that this conversation is just between you and me? Good [boy/girl]. Right, then - we'd best head to Castellum Corvi. Or what remains of it, rather.

Speak with Conrad in Castellum Corvi

Conrad: We'll lead the way while the other units launch their own separate attacks. Remember that we need to hold out until M'naago sees to the flag. Got your gear in order? Any moment now...

Conrad: It's begun, then. 
M'naago: Good. It's the waiting that drives me mad. Standing around, knowing what's to come. I'll never get used to it. 
Lyse: Calm down, Naago. You're making [him/her] nervous. We've come this far, haven't we? We just need to make it the rest of the way! 
M'naago: Right! 
Conrad: Looks like the bastards went for the bait. The bridge is ours for the taking! Now remember, M'naago: I want you to make for the tower as soon as you see an opening and get that flag flying. We'll see to the fighting. 
M'naago: I won't let you down, sir! 
Conrad: Come, then! Rhalgr's star shall burn bright this day!

Head for Castellum Velodyna

Defeat Fordola rem Lupis

Fordola: think you're clever with all your little tricks? Think again! None of you are leaving here alive!

Post-Battle

Fordola: Gods damn you! 
Lyse: No more running. No more hiding! Let's finish this! Look! The flag!  (M'Naago blows the horn after the flag has been changed).
Conrad: The bridge is ours! Ala Mhigo, Ala Mhigo, Ala Mhigo! (Everyone cheers).
Fordola: Stand your ground! It's not over yet! (Fordola throws a smoke bomb)
Lyse: Damn it! 
Conrad: Let them go, Lyse! We've done what we came here to do. That's enough for now.

Elsewhere

Imperial Pilus Prior: Velodyna is fallen!? Impossible! 
Raubahn: We have them on the run! Forward! No mercy! 
Imperial Pilus Prior: Regroup, regroup....We have to regroup! All units - Fall back! (Raubahn looks up at the flag and cracks a smile)

Elsewhere, where Fordola had retreated

Skull Swordsman: Commander! the 4th Cohort has been routed! We'll be at the mercy of the enemy's reinforcements if we don't fall back now! 
Fordola: Idiot! We have the stronger force by far! Don't be taken in by their tricks! Or would you rather tell Zenos you lost to this rabble!? 
Skull Swordsman: No, but if the snakes betray us in the confusion, we'll have no way out! I'm begging you, Commander - give the order, or we'll all die here!  
Fordola: ...As common traitors who drank of muddied waters. For all the good it did us. Skulls, with me! The day is theirs, and so is this bastard bridge. Someone bring the snake!

Back with Lyse and Conrad at the bridge

Lyse: ...I suppose. It's our first victory, isn't it? and that has to be worth something.

Speak with Lyse

Lyse: It's a shame Fordola got away, but we did what we came here to do. I have to remind myself it's just the first step...but it's a big one. We're going to take it back...all of it - one ilm at a time if we have to!