The Shadow Awaits

Windurst-Mission 5-2

Walkthrough

 * Note: Players from different nations currently on Mission 5-2 can join in the battlefield, as it is the same for all 3 nations. All players participating in the fight must be on this mission or higher with their current nation to get in, even if they have done the fight before for another nation.
 * A character may enter again to do the fight more than once in a row before going back to the Star Sibyl, if another character that did not complete the fight is to initiate the battle.


 * Trading 2 stacks of crystals will unlock this mission.
 * After accepting this mission, return to Star Sibyl in Heavens Tower for a Cut-scene. After it, you will receive the title: "Star-ordained Warrior"
 * A full party of level 50+ players is recommended for the fight that will take place at the Castle Zvahl Baileys in Xarcabard.
 * However, the fight is soloable and easily duoable by most jobs at level 75. Though, it is recommended to at least have a melee fighter and a mage due to the Shadow Lord's behaviour. It is also recommended to have Sneak and Invisible for lower level party members to reduce unwanted battle on the way up. Thus, having a stack of Prism Powder and Silent Oil might be a good idea, if needed.

Directions

 * Upon zoning into Castle Zvahl Baileys, go straight until you encounter the first intersection and make a left. Go down a small flight of stairs and then turn right and follow the left wall and you will enter the Beastmen section of the castle, finding Orcs first.
 * Go through the area by going left, then turning a sharp right to go up the stairs. Stay on the upper area and move right. You will start to see Yagudo. Continue forward, and, keeping to the upper area, make your way to the right. You will find Quadav in this corner. Do not continue on to the Goblin area. When you reach the Quadav, keep going straight, and go down the stairs. Head to the right, and try to make your way south, towards the center of the room. You should enter a room, and find the pathway that leads west, to the zone for Castle Zvahl Keep.
 * Once you enter Castle Zvahl Keep, you will have to open several gates, very often in front of mobs that detect on sight.
 * You will encounter a series of teleport devices. These devices will cancel the Invisible effect after they are used.  Once you use the last device, run to the west exit of the map where you will find a zoneline to the Throne Room.

The Fight

 * When ready, gather in front of the door. When you enter, a Cut-scene will take place the fight begins:
 * This fight is level capped at level 75, which means buffs will wear upon entry.
 * You have 30 minutes to win the battle.
 * The Shadow Lord does not attack until you approach, so there is room to cast buffs before actually starting the battle.
 * The Shadow Lord has 2 phases:
 * In the first phase, he alternates between physical and magic immunity. He has magic immunity until around 50% HP, then starts to switch to physical. From this point he will switch about every 5 minutes or 1000 damage.
 * When he's immune to magical damage (his magic stance), he will mainly cast BLM spells such as elemental debuffs and tier 2 AoE nukes. He also has a weaponskill, Dark Nova (AoE dark damage).
 * Dark Nova seems to indicate that he will switch to melee stance very soon, after casting a spell or two. So use your TP quickly.
 * When he's immune to physical damage (his melee stance), he uses a variety of weaponskills: Giga Slash, Kick Back, Umbra Smash. Mages should start dealing magical damage during this stance. Monks can use Formless Strikes to bypass the immunity.
 * After the first phase is defeated, a brief Cut-scene leads you to the phase two. He will immediately attack after this Cut-scene, so there's no time for a rest.
 * In this phase, the Shadow Lord will do nothing but his Implosion attack. This attack hits everyone in the battlefield, but he only has 4000 HP and should go down rather quickly.
 * Melee should use their two-hour abilities, and Icarus Wing, if possible, to have TP for their best weaponskill. Mages should cast their Curaga spells, and try to keep Stoneskin and other possible buffs such as Phalanx up, if available.
 * Since hate is mostly irrelevant in this phase, mages should feel free to spam spells.
 * The battle ends after the second phase. The Shadow Lord gives experience points for a Level 60 monster.


 * After the Shadow Lord is defeated, another Cut-scene occurs. Afterwards you will be transported back to the entrance of Castle Zvahl Baileys and you will obtain the key item: Shadow Fragment
 * Note: At this point, you can take up Lion's offer and visit Norg to begin the Zilart missions. In addition, when you enter Xarcabard you will get the initial Cut-scene to be able to begin Dynamis.


 * Report back to Star Sibyl for another Cut-scene. You will then be promoted to Rank 6.

Game Description

 * Mission Orders:As written in the stars and interpreted by the Star Sibyl, you are destined to journey to Castle Zvahl, which towers over Xarcabard, the end of the known lands. There, you are to witness what fate has in store for our world.