Coerthas Central Highlands

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

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow. (Skip section)

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.

Spoilers end here.

Locations

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

The only Aetheryte is located at Camp Dragonhead.

Areas

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

First Dicasterial Observatorium of Aetherial and Astrological Phenomena

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

Camp Dragonhead.

A large fort under command of Lord Haurchefant of House Fortemps, who is welcoming of adventurers.

Whitebrim Front

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

The Coerthas Central Highlands' climate may exhibit any of the following weather conditions:

Weather	Frequency
Snow	40%
Blizzards	20%
Clouds	15%
Fair Skies	10%
Fog	10%
Clear Skies	5%

Places of interest

Steel Vigil

This vigil was sacked by the dragon Svara shortly after the Calamity struck.

The Weeping Saint

A watery grotto to the northeast of Dragonhead.

Gates of Judgement

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

Main article: Stone Vigil

This vigil was seized by the Dravanian Horde. House Durendaire has been trying to reclaim it.

Behemoth's Dominion

A clearing known to be the home of the dreaded Behemoth.

Snowcloak

Main article: Snowcloak

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

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

A large snow-covered partial dome made of debris from Dalamud.

Monument Tower

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

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

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

Duties

The Stone Vigil Dungeon Level 41 Stone Vigil (x7 y11)

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?

Dzemael Darkhold Dungeon Level 44 Dzemael Darkhold (x18 y26)

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.

The Aurum Vale Dungeon Level 47 The Aurum Vale (x14 y35)

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.

The Stone Vigil (Hard) Dungeon Level 50 Item level 70 Stone Vigil (x7 y11)

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?

Snowcloak Dungeon Level 50 Item level 80 Snowcloak (x3 y21)

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...

Xelphatol Dungeon Level 60 Item level 210 Providence Point (x33 y15)

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.

The Steps of Faith Trial Level 50 Item level 90 Gates of Judgement (x18 y14)

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!

A Relic Reborn: the Chimera Trial Level 50 Item level 52 The Weeping Saint (x32 y7)

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?

Battle on the Big Bridge Trial Level 50 Item level 50 Griffin Crossing (x31 y31)

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.

The Howling Eye (Hard) Trial Level 50 Item level 52 Natalan (x34 y24)

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.

The Akh Afah Amphitheatre (Hard) Trial Level 50 Item level 80 Snowcloak (x3 y21)

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.

The Howling Eye (Extreme) Trial Level 50 Item level 65 Natalan (x34 y24)

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.

The Akh Afah Amphitheatre (Extreme) Trial Level 50 Item level 95 Snowcloak (x3 y21)

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.

Guildhests Level 10 First Dicasterial Observatorium of Aetherial and Astrological Phenomena (x25 y29)

FATEs

Name	Level	Location	Time limit	Objective
	Description Spawn conditions (if any)
Twelve Ilms of Snow	35-40	Dragonhead (x23 y28)	15 minutes	Defeat the snow wolf pups.
	A pack of starving snow wolves has descended from its hunting grounds on the Nail to prey upon those who reside in and around the Observatorium. Drive the pack back to the mountains before there are any more casualties.
Gavial	35-40	Skyfire Locks (x25 y22)	15 minutes	Defeat Gavial.
	Nobles and their pets. One day they will see some tiny creature from the window of their pillowed carriage and simply have to have it...that is, until it grows too large and violent for their quaint seaside villa, at which time they order their majordomo to toss it back into the wild, it now having learned to loathe all who might take advantage of it once again, until it finally has to be put down.
A Log Up	35-40	First Dicasterial Observatorium of Aetherial and Astrological Phenomena (x26 y27)	15 minutes	Protect the astrocope logs from the thrustaevis.
	The Dravanian Horde launched a brutal assault on the Observatorium just as her astrologians began moving this moon's astroscope logs to the lower library. Adventurers are needed to fend off the attack while protecting the scattered logs from the thrustaevis's all-consuming flames.
Baa Baa Black Sheep	36-41	Skyfire Locks (x27 y23)	15 minutes	Defeat Downy Dunstan.
	A legend amongst local Coerthan shepherds, Downy Dunstan is said to have wool as black as night and as soft as cloud. The problem is, most are never able to get close enough to the sheep to shear him properly, and those who are usually end up sacrificing a finger or two in the attempt. If someone were to pacify the beast, there would surely be those who would pay generously.
Whiteout	36-41	Dragonhead (x25 y19)	15 minutes	Defeat the highland goobbues.
	A blinding snowstorm on Abalathia's Spine has caused a pack of goobbues to lose its way and wander down into the more heavily populated areas of the Coerthas highlands. The creatures have already begun feeding on the locals' stock, and if not dealt with soon, there will be nothing left with which to survive the coming winter.
Croc-y Road	36-41	Dragonhead (x25 y20)	15 minutes	Defeat the feral crocs.
	A porter on his way to Camp Dragonhead has had his way blocked by a bask of feral crocs. He doesn't dare stray too far from Haldrath's March for fear of being assaulted in the wild, but unless the crocs are dealt with, he will be unable to proceed to his destination.
Wish Upon a Star	36-41	First Dicasterial Observatorium of Aetherial and Astrological Phenomena (x26 y27)	15 minutes	Escort the Ishgardian astrologian to Camp Dragonhead.
	The previous evening's star readings are complete, and an astrologian from the Observatorium seeks well-armed adventurers to escort him as he delivers the findings to a courier at Camp Dragonhead, who will take them into Ishgard. Spawn conditions: Speak with the Ishgardian astrologian.
A Fire in the Distance	37-42	Providence Point (x32 y12)	15 minutes	Defeat the will-o'-the-wisps.
	Nothing is worse than being caught in a snowstorm at night than being caught in a snowstorm at night and falling into a bottomless ravine because you thought you spied a lantern in the distance...which actually turned out to be a will-o'-the-wisp. The wisps must be slain, for the safety of travelers throughout the realm.
Coming to a Head	37-42	Dragonhead (x27 y15)	15 minutes	Defeat the thrustaevis.
	The Dravanian Horde has begun surrounding Camp Dragonhead. The knights stationed at the outpost seek aid in driving back the scalekin, for they do not believe their reinforcements from Ishgard will arrive in time.
The Grey	38-43	Providence Point (x27 y11)	15 minutes	Protect the injured Fortemps sentry from the snow wolf pups.
	Since getting his leg caught in an iron trap, a sentry of House Fortemps has been tracked by a pack of wolves following the scent of his blood. The pack is right on his heels and without aid, he will not make it back to Ishgard alive. Spawn conditions: Speak with the injured Fortemps sentry.
Simply Red	38-43	Providence Point (x24 y14)	15 minutes	Defeat the redhorn ogres.
	A party of redhorn ogres has left its mountain lair to raid the smallfolk villages. It is not enough that they steal their food, but they kidnap their women and children as well. The poor farmers have no means of stopping these voidsent creatures, their fate balanced on the kindness of strangers.
Spring Forward, Fall Back	38-43	The Weeping Saint (x32 y6)	15 minutes	Deliver phials of Daniffen's tears to the Coerthan merchant.
	A Coerthan merchant come to the Weeping Saint to collect holy water has found the spring guarded by mischievous sprites. Not willing to return to Ishgard empty-handed, he is offering to purchase any phials filled from the pool.
Svara's Flight	38-43	Camp Dragonhead (x26 y15)	15 minutes	Escort the House Fortemps engineer to the Steel Vigil.
	The Observatorium reports that the dragon Svara has been seen flying in the direction of the Steel Vigil. Protect the engineer moving into position to ready the siege machine. Spawn conditions: Speak with the House Fortemps engineer.
Svara's Fear	38-43	Steel Vigil (x26 y8)	15 minutes	Defeat the thrustaevis.
	The engineer is in position and has begun readying the dragonslayer cannons; however, deadly threats approach from all sides. Fend off the encroaching horde so that the engineer can finish his preparations. Spawn conditions: Complete Svara's Flight.
Svara's Fall	38-43	Steel Vigil (x26 y8)	15 minutes	Defeat Svara.
	The mighty dragon Svara has landed and begun its relentless attack on the Ishgardian defenses. Fight alongside Bertha to turn the tide of battle in your favor. Spawn conditions: Complete Svara's Fear.
Svara's Fury	38-43	Steel Vigil (x26 y8)	15 minutes	Defeat Svara.
	The mighty dragon Svara has landed and begun its relentless attack on the Ishgardian defenses. The cannon that was meant to aid the Ishgardian forces, however, has been destroyed. It appears your blades are the only thing that can prevent utter defeat this day. Spawn conditions: Fail Svara's Flight or Svara's Fear.
Bellyful	39-44	The Ogre's Belly (x34 y13)	15 minutes	Defeat Gargamelle.
	A ferocious fiend named Gargamelle, rumored to have devoured twelve sick orphans being carried to the Warmwine Sanitorium for treatment, has been spotted hiding in an ice cave known as the Ogre's Belly. Put a blade through its black heart before it can claim any more innocent victims.
A Freeze Is Coming	39-44	Whitebrim (x15 y20)	15 minutes	Defeat Lutin.
	The fall of Dalamud brought an endless winter to the hills of Coerthas, and with the cold there came creatures of pure ice whose mere existence further rimes the land. Lutin is one of those creatures.
Judge, Jury, and Executioner	39-44	Whitebrim (x18 y17)	15 minutes	Defeat the dragonflies.
	Dragonflies of the Dravanian Horde have gathered before Ishgard's final line of land defense─the Gates of Judgement. If the bastion is compromised, the Horde's wingless ground troops will gain entry to the city–state and thousands of lives will be lost. The gates must be defended at all costs.
Roc of Ages	39-44	Whitebrim (x21 y17)	15 minutes	Defeat Roc.
	Skyfishing is the sole means of survival for countless Ishgardian skyfishers, the strange denizens of the Sea of Clouds crucial to maintaining the fishers' livelihoods. This is why when a giant bird with a seemingly insatiable appetite appears and begins devouring them all, the skyfishers take notice.
The Eyes Have It	39-44	Whitebrim (x15 y20)	30 minutes	Defeat Steropes.
	After proving his might on the shores of Turtleback Island, the cyclops Steropes has returned to Eorzea, but this time with a personal army of giants who call themselves the Second Eyes. Defeat Steropes before he can cause any real damage.
Giant Seps	40-45	Whitebrim (x8 y12)	15 minutes	Defeat Seps.
	Many fine Ishgardian knights have fallen to the Dravanian Horde, but one dragon in particular has claimed more lives than most─its name, Seps. The winged aberration must be slain if the souls of its victims are to rest in peace.
Riddle Me This	40-45	Whitebrim (x9 y19)	15 minutes	Defeat the giant loggers.
	Giants demanding answers to their riddles three are preventing a party of naturalists from returning to Snowcloak. The problem is that even though the naturalists─learned men and women by trade─(somewhat) correctly answered all three riddles, the giants still refuse to let them pass. The only remaining solution is clear─answer the riddles with steel. Spawn conditions: Speak with the House Fortemps guard.
The Taste of Fear	40-45	Whitebrim (x4 y21)	15 minutes	Defeat Sebek.
	Since breaking its way into one of the Skyfire Locks and devouring an entire family of refugees as they escaped the flames of the Dravanian Horde, the horrible scalekin Sebek has been sought by the knights of Ishgard to pay for its heinous crimes.
Front and Center	40-45	Whitebrim (x10 y15)	15 minutes	Defeat the dragonflies and thrustaevis.
	The Dravanian elders have ordered their minions to attack Whitebrim Front. Hold the line until Ishgardian reinforcements arrive or the elders sound the retreat.
If This Wall Could Talk	40-45	Whitebrim (x12 y18)	15 minutes	Defeat the ice sprites.
	With a team of naturalists from across the realm working day and night to discover the origins of Snowcloak and how it might be destroyed, there is one thing they have uncovered─that energy from ice sprites actually works to increase the thickness of the wall. The research team seeks volunteers to clear the area of the pesky sprites.
In the Saint's Wake	45-50	Daniffen Pass (x12 y23)	15 minutes	Defeat Rongeur.
	Every year, pilgrims enter Coerthas to trace the steps of Saint Daniffen, who, long ago, journeyed across the realm, aiding the less fortunate. And, every year, a lustful creature known as Rongeur hides in the shadows along the roads to prey on these pilgrims.
Tower of Power	45-50	Boulder Downs (x11 y29)	15 minutes	Defeat the loggers and readers.
	As if Ishgard already did not have its hands full with the Dravanian Horde, hostile bands of giants from the north have also descended on Coerthas to wreak their havoc. House Haillenarte guards seek assistance in driving one such band from the area surrounding Monument Tower. Spawn conditions: Speak with the House Haillenarte guard.
The Bigger They Are	46-50	Boulder Downs (x13 y26)	15 minutes	Defeat Klythios.
	Klythios, a leader and champion amongst the giants, has been spotted in the Coerthas highlands. If he is defeated, his dull-witted brethren are certain to think twice before venturing too deep into Ishgardian territory. Find the colossal warrior and send him toppling.
Turn Off Your Hearthlight	47-50	Boulder Downs (x19 y30)	15 minutes	Defeat the giant loggers, luggers, and readers.
	Giants in search of fire to cook their prey have begun a chaotic march toward the hearths within the Observatorium. Join the House Durendaire guards in repelling the onslaught.
What's on Your Mind	47-50	Boulder Downs (x9 y28)	15 minutes	Defeat the pure energies.
	Very little is known about the void other than that the laws that govern our realm do not always apply. In addition to one-eyed monstrosities, peculiar balls of fur, and nightmarish demons, oddities such as floating orbs of energy also periodically break through the boundaries that separate this realm from the void. Make no mistake, however, everything through those rifts does not belong in Eorzea and must be destroyed.
Does Anyone Hear It	48-51	Natalan (x33 y21)	15 minutes	Destroy the clearcut lumber.
	The Ixal are looking to expand their settlement of Natalan and have begun clear-cutting the nearby forests for wood. Infiltrate Natalan and destroy the lumber so as to slow the expansion's progress.
The Four Winds	49-52	Natalan (x34 y21)	15 minutes	Defeat the Huelocs.
	The four sisters of the Hueloc high clan are feared even by their fellow Ixal for the lack of mercy they show their victims. Though it would be doing the beast tribe a favor, it will not only be the Ixal who benefit from the slaying of the Huelocs.
Inspector Hatchet	49-52	Natalan (x33 y23)	15 minutes	Defeat Gozol Itzcan the Hatchet.
	Gozol Itzcan the Hatchet is infamous for his endless raids into the Twelveswood to fell ancient sentinels. Track down the feathered fiend while he is perched in Natalan, and see that he never swings an axe again.
The Storm Caller	49-52	Natalan (x34 y23)	15 minutes	Defeat Kozol Nomotl the Turbulent.
	Kozol Nomotl the Turbulent, chief among the rank of Ixali occultists, has come to Natalan to personally preside over the summoning of the primal Garuda. Slay the Ixal that the land might be spared a stormy fate.
Behold Now Behemoth	50-70	Whitebrim (x6 y22) Does not appear on the map.	30 minutes	Defeat the behemoth.
	The legendary behemoth has left its mountaintop dominion to hunt...and we are his prey. Gather your blades and your wits and pray to the Twelve for strength, for you will need it to quell the beast's infinite rage. Spawn conditions: 36 hour spawn window begins after server reset; after 36 hours have passed since failure of this FATE; or after 36 hours have passed since last appearance of He Taketh It with His Eyes.
He Taketh It with His Eyes	50-70	Behemoth's Dominion (x4 y15) Does not appear on the map.	30 minutes	Defeat the behemoth.
	The behemoth has taken flight back to its dominion. Make chase and finish the legendary beast once and for all. Spawn conditions: Complete Behold Now Behemoth.

Enemies

• 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

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