Marsak has new intelligence on the imperials' whereabouts.

Quest description

A New Playing Field is a Quest in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.

Journal[]

• Resistance scouts have confirmed the IVth Legion has abandoned Castrum Lacus Litore, and are now consolidating their forces at Zadnor. Despite the presence of the imperial fleet, Bajsaljen intends to confront the enemy, with Camp Vrdelnis as the staging ground.
• As per Marsak's instructions, you speak with Sjeros, who is to act as your escort to Zadnor.
• Thanks to the Ironworks' ingenuity and contributions from the Dalmascan resistance, Cid was able to erect a barrier to protect Camp Vrdelnis from aerial assaults. Bajsaljen has a mind to push the front line forward, however, and any outposts established hereafter will also require similar protection. Thankfully, the Ironworks already has a plan of action, which Lilja is eager to explain.
• The Resistance seeks to secure new outposts closer to the imperials' base of operations, but to do so will require further barriers and a sufficient source of energy to power them. To that end, Cid and Lilja ask you to place devices in the field to redirect the flow of aether towards the proposed outposts.
• Using the Ironworks' latest creation, the Resistance should be able to obtain all the power they need to maintain a barrier surrounding each outpost, assuming, of course, the devices actually work. You steel yourself for yet another foray into the battlefield, that you may carve the first foothold in enemy territory.

Objectives[]

• Speak with Sjeros.
• Speak with Bajsaljen at Zadnor.
• Speak with Lilja.
• Speak with Mikoto.

Script[]

A New Playing Field script
Marshak	Blade [Player Name]. We have at last determined the whereabouts of the IVth Legion's remaining installation here in Bozja. Our scouts reported sightings of their forces rallying at Zadnor to the north, which seems to indicate that Castrum Lacus Litore has been abandoned.
Marshak	We deployed our vanguard to advance on the enemy stronghold, but the way is barred by a fleet of warships.
Marshak	Now that Queen Gunnhildr no longer poses a threat, Bajsaljen intends to deploy the troops previously held in reserve. We will be joining them in Zadnor shortly.
Marshak	Our first port of call is Camp Vrdelnis. When you are ready, Sjeros will escort you there.
Seraoush	I've been expecting you, Blade [Player Name]. If your preparations are complete, let us depart for Camp Vrdelnis.
Baishaen	Thank you for coming. I understand this is your first time in Zadnor, yes? Even before the IVth Legion relocated here from Castrum Lacus Litore, it was hardly the most hospitable of places.
Baishaen	To see it now, one can scarcely believe it was once a rich and fertile land. Sadly, it was not spared the ravages of the Fourth Umbral Calamity.
Baishaen	In the wake of the disaster, this plateau became rich in earth-aspected crystals. Miners were keen to seize the opportunity, and they quickly exhausted the supply of this valuable resource. As the settlers had no other reason to continue living in such harsh environs, the region eventually became uninhabited.
Baishaen	Until the imperials decided to establish an outpost here, that is. Just when we thought ourselves prepared for their next assault, they usher in a fleet of ships from Dalmasca led by the Dalriada. It has yet to move since dropping anchor.
Baishaen	There is no denying the strategical advantage of their present location, but we are not yet convinced it is fit to serve as a new base of operations.
Baishaen	Regardless, rather than speculate over the imperials' schemes, we must take decisive action. Now is the time to deliver the final blow to the IVth Legion.
Baishaen	If we are to succeed, we will first need to deal with the warships stymieing our attempts to advance.
Cid	Well, it's a good thing you have us to help with that.
Cid	See those floating rock formations? One might think them a result of the Fourth Umbral Calamity, but they were actually caused by the Bozja incident.
Cid	When Dalamud struck the citadel, vast quantities of energy permeated the site, likely carried to every corner of Bozja via aether currents. Certain regions were affected more severely than others, and, well...the results are self-explanatory.
Cid	Thankfully, we've managed to tap into that energy to erect a barrier to protect from aerial strikes, much like Seiryu's Wall.
Baishaen	As you can see, the barrier only extends to the boundaries of this encampment, but it should keep us safe for the time being. Words can ill express my gratitude to Cid for all he has done for us.
Cid	I can't take all the credit. This wouldn't have been possible without the equipment supplied to us by the Dalmascan resistance.
Cid	What's more, the idea to use the land's residual energy came from Lilja, one of my newest engineers. So you see, it was a collaborative effort.
Cid	But as you said, the barrier can only cover so much ground. If the Dalriada decides to do more than loom ominously in the distance, our troops on the front line won't stand a chance.
Bwagi	If only it were a matter of combating their fleet with one of our own. As things stand, the Eastern alliance is in no position to lend us any of their ships, and the Bozjans have next to none in the first place.
Lilja	We may not have a fleet, but we do have an abundance of residual aether at our disposal.
Lilja	If only there was someone who could help us. Perhaps a world-class engineer and master of innovation or some such... <cough> <cough>
Cid	And pray tell, where might we find one of those?
Cid	Yes, yes, point taken. After all, I can't have newcomers like you stealing my thunder. I'll see if I can turn that idea of yours into a workable solution.
Baishaen	We would be lost without the aid of Garlond Ironworks and the Eastern alliance. Their goodwill must be repaid with naught less than victory.
Lilja	Now that you're here, we've a favor to ask of you. I volunteered to do it myself, but a certain someone insisted I stay put.
Cid	Your enthusiasm is appreciated, but I'd rather go myself than put any of my workers in harm's way. Besides, this is no job for an engineer. Long story short─the Resistance means to advance on the enemy's position, and to do that, they'll need protection.
Cid	We aim to erect additional barriers at each outpost they establish along the route to the IVth Legion's base of operations. The trouble is, the residual aether alone may not be enough, so we plan to divert the currents further afield.
Lilja	Although the theory is sound enough, we haven't had a chance to put it into practice.
Cid	This is where we were hoping you might be able to help. We need you to take this prototype device and activate it at a specific location.
Cid	Why, however did you guess? As before, you only need set the device in place and we can handle the rest.
Lilja	I know you're only joking, but please don't say such things. I couldn't bear the thought of someone thinking you actually meant that.
Mikoto	While the technology involved differs somewhat, in terms of what you actually have to do, it is more or less the same as the task you performed on the southern front.
Lilja	Think of it as redirecting the streams of aether with a dam.
Lilja	And to that purpose, allow me to introduce our newly patented defluxion aether manipulator, or “D.A.M.” for short!
Cid	Yes, well, questionable naming aside, I can vouch for its workmanship. All that remains is to put it through its paces.
Mikoto	Though I am loath to ask you to bear this burden, our greatest chance of success lies with you.
Mikoto	While you make your preparations, we shall attempt to locate a suitable current.
Cid	As for me, I'd best get back to the workshop. I'll see if there's aught that can be done about the Dalriada.
Marshak	If you have finished your discussion, might I suggest also speaking with our secretariat? He has a wealth of information concerning Zadnor, which I am sure will serve you well.
Mikoto	Once you set foot beyond the Ironworks' barrier, you will face not only imperial troops, but aerial assaults.
Mikoto	Until we find a way to contend with their warships, I beg of you─be careful.
Quest complete.