Coerthas Central Highlands.
The Coerthas Central Highlands is a location in Final Fantasy XIV.
In A Realm Reborn, it was one of the largest zones, and has consistently remained popular due to its level range.
Story[edit | edit source]
Coerthas Central Highlands is first visited to search for Cid nan Garlond's airship, leading to to Ishgard's first involvement in the plot. It becomes the focus again during Dreams of Ice, when the heretics attempted to summon Shiva as a primal.
Locations[edit | edit source]
The Coerthas Central Highlands exist directly south of the Holy See of Ishgard. Zone connections in the south lead to North Shroud and Mor Dhona. Players with Heavensward can enter the city-state through the Gates of Judgement.
Aetherytes[edit | edit source]
The only Aetheryte is located at Camp Dragonhead.
Areas[edit | edit source]
The Coerthas Central Highlands contains the following areas:
- Dragonhead - The hilly path along Haldrath's March.
- Providence Point - The area north of Camp Dragonhead, surrounding the Steel Vigil.
- Whitebrim - Northwestern corridor.
- Boulder Downs - A low lying area in the southwestern section.
- Natalan - The stronghold of the Ixali.
Settlements[edit | edit source]
The First Dicasterial Observatorium of Aetherial and Astrological Phenomena[edit | edit source]
The Observatorium is home to scholars and knights alike, housing well kept records of the observations made through a gigantic telescope, under Chief Astrologian Forlemort. These records are highly classified, and not readily available to travelers. Its functions are instrumental to Ishgard's war against the Dravanian Horde.
Camp Dragonhead[edit | edit source]
Camp Dragonhead.
A large fort under command of Lord Haurchefant of House Fortemps, who is welcoming of adventurers.
Whitebrim Front[edit | edit source]
A fort operated by Lord Drillemont of House Durendaire. As the first line of defense against the Dravania Horde, it is one more well secured settlements.
Weather[edit | edit source]
Coerthas's alpine climate may exhibit any of the following weather conditions:
- Sunshine
- Fog
- Overcast
- Snow
- Blizzards
Places of interest[edit | edit source]
Steel Vigil[edit | edit source]
This vigil was sacked by the dragon Svara shortly after the Calamity struck.
The Weeping Saint[edit | edit source]
A watery grotto to the northeast of Dragonhead.
Gates of Judgement[edit | edit source]
This imposing gatehouse controls access to the city-state of Ishgard. Only those authorized may pass across the Steps of Faith into the Holy See.
Stone Vigil[edit | edit source]
This vigil was seized by the Dravanian Horde. House Durendaire has been trying to reclaim it.
Behemoth's Dominion[edit | edit source]
A clearing known to be the home of the dreaded Behemoth.
Snowcloak[edit | edit source]
A colossal glacier blocking the way to the Coerthas Western Highlands. A side-effect of the Calamity, this remains the most extreme symptom of the glaciation that has gripped Coerthas.
The Nail[edit | edit source]
A large mountain in center of the Central Highlands. According to legend, the goddess Halone drove the Nail through both the sky and earth, binding the two together. Despite having immense shrapnel ejected from Dalamud currently embedded into its southern slope, the Nail remains a prominent landmark and symbol of perseverance.
Boulder Downs[edit | edit source]
A large snow-covered partial dome made of debris from Dalamud.
Monument Tower[edit | edit source]
A grand tower very close to the Fury's Gaze. Like the tower at the Observatorium, it has a spiral staircase that changes directions near the top. It's purpose was to protect Fury's Gaze and provide respite for pilgrims.
The Fury's Gaze is a mountain formation with a gaping hole through it, making it an impressive landmark. The mark of its namesake, Halone the Fury, once existed in front of the cave beneath its spot in the Eastern Highlands, but when the landmark itself was moved to the Central Highlands (the only available Coerthas zone post-calamity), the mark was moved to a stalactite in a crystallized cave underneath. The cavern remains a sacred landmark for the Holy See of Ishgard.
Natalan[edit | edit source]
The prime stronghold of the Ixal, located along eastern cliffs. Since the beast-tribe has directed most of their attention to Gridania, the Holy See has chosen to ignore them.
Castrum Aquilonis[edit | edit source]
While not accessible to players, this Garlean castrum can be seen in the distance from Monument Tower. Construction on the stronghold was halted due to the harsh conditions in the region, and it has lain abandoned in the years since.
Activities[edit | edit source]
Duties[edit | edit source]
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| One of four watchtowers built along the Sea of Clouds by the city-state of Ishgard, the Stone Vigil was overrun and occupied by the Dravanian Horde not long after the Calamity. The following years have seen the knights of House Durendaire make several attempts at reclaiming the fortress, but to no avail. What could it be that thwarts their every effort? | |
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| Seeking to utilize an existing labyrinth of natural caves, the Ishgardian house of Dzemael began construction on their eponymous Darkhold near the end of the Sixth Astral Era, intending it to serve as a refuge for those fleeing the flames of the Dravanian Horde. When the house's digging uncovered an entrance to the void, allowing an army of voidsent into this realm, however, they immediately abandoned their plans and withdrew from the subterrane, sealing it off so that they might contain the otherworldly invaders within. Despite all this, the house is unwilling to relinquish its claim to the caves, and believes that if they can be cleared of the voidsent, they might still be able to see their original plan brought to fruition. | |
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| Soon after its discovery, miners from across the realm flocked to the Aurum Vale, driven by rumors that deep within lay endless veins of mythril. What they found instead was gold, but not the sort which would make them rich. Believing the substance precious aurum, miners unknowingly stumbled into deep pools of glowing venom thereafter known as goldbile. Not only did the liquid burn their skin, but the noisome fumes given off by the foul ooze cooked their lungs when inhaled, bringing on a quick, yet excruciating death. These truths, however, have done little to prevent new miners from braving the suffocating shafts, now even more driven to find what those who entered before could not. | |
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| Too long has the Stone Vigil been ravished by the Dravanians and their thralls; too long has House Durendaire suffered this infamy. Time has come for its dragoons to retake the fortress, ten hundred lances and a thousand dreams of vengeance strong.
Though the knights of Ishgard breach the gate to find a lodgment within the Vigil, the enemy is well defended and amply supplied. This deadlock must be broken─and who better than those who once made free of the fortress under the dragons' very noses, and lived to tell the tale? | |
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| Formed in the aftermath of the Calamity, the great ice wall has long been thought an impenetrable barrier between central and western Coerthas. In truth, however, the wall is riddled with hidden tunnels, which Iceheart and her followers have used as a base of operations. You have been tasked with exploring one such tunnel in the hopes that it will lead you to the heretics' leader─yet what dangers await are anyone's guess... | |
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| Forced to flee the Black Shroud for fear of the elementals and their boundless wrath, the Ixal settled the windswept mountains of Xelphatol more than five hundred and fifty years ago. Since that day, they have labored tirelessly to eke out an existence in these harsh and unforgiving lands, slowly but surely expanding their dominion over the entire region. Yet the Ixal have never forgotten that which was once denied them, and so they seek divine intervention once more─to summon Garuda and beseech her strike down their enemies. In the shadow of the First Mountain, the ritual nears completion, and only you and your comrades can hope to deliver the realm from destruction. | |
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| The Steps of Faith─the sole means of approaching the city of Ishgard. As well as providing passage across the Sea of Clouds, this great stone bridge also serves to anchor the series of arcane wards known as Daniffen's Collar.
Long has the Holy See relied upon these barriers to shield the city from Dravanian assault, but it did not reckon upon the brazen actions of Lady Iceheart. The outermost layer of protection has been dispelled, allowing the mighty dragon Vishap to land upon the far end of the Steps of Faith. Leading an army of lesser kin, the massive creature is intent on destroying the exposed foundations of the remaining wards. Take up position alongside the Temple Knights, and defend the structure from the ravaging forces of the Horde! | |
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| There are as many theories as the dhorme chimera has heads about why the creature consumes alumina. Some say the uniquely fine alumina salts to be found in its capacious stomach are an accident of friction and heat, while others claim intent. Those such as Gerolt, who forge anew the arms of eld, have a simpler question: will you slay the fire-breathing enigma? | |
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| In his quest to acquire the strongest of weapons, the notorious duelist Gilgamesh has long eluded authorities─until now. Forced to take a stand at the impassable Griffin Crossing, he has challenged you to a "duel." Triumph, and he shall yield his latest prize. But should you fail, your weapons will be forfeit. | |
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| Not to be outdone by the Amalj'aa, the Ixal have also taken advantage of the Ultima Weapon's destruction and again summoned their patron deity. What is worse, this most recent incarnation of Garuda is said to possess a nigh-insatiable appetite for destruction. If Coerthas and the Twelveswood are to be spared further destruction, you must return to the Howling Eye and seek an audience with the Lady of the Vortex. | |
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| For as long as their nation has warred with Dravania, there have been Ishgardians who instead chose to ally themselves with the dragons. Shiva is said to have been among the first, hence why the heretics revere her as a saint. That Iceheart and her followers intend to summon Shiva with the crystals they have stolen is plain. But is this unprecedented act even possible? If so, then Ishgard─if not the entire realm─is in grave danger. | |
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| An attack by the primal Garuda has annihilated an entire Twin Adder brigade, with the sole survivor left to tell a tale writ in terror and misery. Garuda's powers are far greater than they should be; left with few options and all but one of them almost certain failures, the Order of the Twin Adder turns to the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, so that they may summon a Warrior of Light. | |
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| House Durendaire's efforts to establish an outpost in Snowcloak have met with disaster, owing to a surprise attack by Iceheart's followers. Now in possession of their former fortress, as well as a vast supply of crystals, the heretics are certain to summon Saint Shiva once more. If past experience is any indication, this new incarnation will be stronger than the last. Regardless, it changes nothing─ Iceheart's crusade cannot continue, and only you have the power to stop her. | |
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FATEs[edit | edit source]
- Behemoth - Behold Now Behemoth and He Taketh It with His Eyes are a chain of special FATEs that have a chance of spawning once every few days, in which players can face off against the notorious monster, Behemoth. As a chain, the first FATE must be completed to proceed into the second FATE. Successfully completing this final FATE awards Behemoth Horns based on participation, which can be exchanged for various prizes.
Other[edit | edit source]
Enemies[edit | edit source]
- Ice Sprite
- Snow Wolf Pup
- Highland Goobbue
- Ornery Karakul
- Feral Croc
- Ixali Boundwing
- Ixali Fearcaller
- Ixali Stillbeak
- Ixali Wildtalon
- Downy Aevis
- Redhorn Ogre
- Will-o-the-Wykes
- Taurus
- Vodoriga
- Snowstorm Goobbue
- Bateleur
- Chinchilla
- Dragonfly
- Hippocerf
- Baritine Croc
- Giant Logger
- Giant Lugger
- Giant Reader
- Biast
- Mudpuppy
- Snow Wolf
- Plasmoid
- Natalan Boldwing
- Natalan Fogcaller
- Natalan Swiftbeak
- Natalan Windtalon
- Natalan Watchwolf
- Naul (B-Rank Elite Mark)
- Maracco (A-Rank Elite Mark)
- Safat (S-Rank Elite Mark)
Musical themes[edit | edit source]
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