The Serpentlord: A Comprehensive Guide to Summoning and Mastering the Serpentine Beast of Final Fantasy XIV

The Serpentlord, a formidable summon first introduced in the Heavensward expansion of Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV), possesses the power to unleash devastation upon its foes with its venomous fangs and crushing coils. This guide will delve into the intricacies of summoning and controlling this ancient beast, providing strategies, tips, and insights to empower summoners in their quest to harness the Serpentlord's immense power.

Summoning the Serpentlord

To summon the Serpentlord, summoners must first acquire the ability "Summon III" by completing the level 50 quest "A New Era Dawns." Once obtained, the following steps should be taken:

1. Activate the Summoning Bell: Locate and activate the Summoning Bell found in major cities or designated summoning areas.
2. Select the Serpentlord: From the summoning menu, select the Serpentlord as your chosen summon.
3. Cast Summon III: Activate the "Summon III" ability to initiate the summoning process.

Utilizing the Serpentlord's Abilities

Venomous Bite: An instant direct damage attack that inflicts additional damage over time.
Crushing Coil: A channeled ability that wraps the enemy in coils, causing significant damage while preventing them from moving.
Serpent Sting: A ground-targeted area-of-effect ability that deals damage to multiple enemies.
Venomous Fang: A powerful finishing move that unleashes a concentrated burst of venom, dealing massive damage to a single target.

Strategies for Effective Summoning

• Positioning: Utilize the Serpentlord's Crushing Coil ability to immobilize and control enemies, allowing your party to focus on other targets.
• Timing: Time the Serpentlord's Venomous Fang to coincide with your party's burst damage phase for maximum impact.
• Stacking Buffs: Coordinate with other party members to stack buffs that increase damage dealt by the Serpentlord's abilities.
• Crowd Control: Use the Serpent Sting ability to manage multiple enemies, preventing them from overwhelming your party.

Stories from the Coil

Story 1:

In the depths of the Crystal Tower, a novice summoner named Verra faced her first encounter with the Serpentlord. As she unleashed its Crushing Coil, she realized with horror that she had accidentally immobilized the entire party. The ensuing laughter from her comrades taught her the importance of careful positioning.

Moral: Check your surroundings before casting area-of-effect abilities!

Story 2:

A seasoned summoner known as Draxon entered a dungeon with a group of strangers. As the battle against the final boss raged, Draxon noticed the Serpentlord's Venomous Fang was on cooldown. In a moment of inspiration, he cast "Summon III" again, replacing his current summon with a fresh Serpentlord, instantly reducing the boss's health by nearly a quarter.

Moral: Don't be afraid to sacrifice your summon for a timely burst of damage!

Story 3:

A group of adventurers were raiding the Alexander raid when they encountered a mechanic that required them to spread out. However, the Serpentlord's Venomous Bite debuff had them tethered together, making it impossible to comply. They quickly realized that one unlucky soul had to take on the full force of the debuff while the rest escaped to safety.

Moral: Teamwork and adaptability are crucial in overcoming unexpected challenges!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What level do I need to be to summon the Serpentlord?

A: Level 50

Q: How long does the Serpentlord stay summoned?

A: 15 minutes

Q: Can I use the Serpentlord in PvP?

A: No

Q: What are the best materia for the Serpentlord?

A: Critical Hit Rate and Determination

Q: How do I increase the Serpentlord's damage output?

A: By stacking party buffs, optimizing gear, and using damage-enhancing abilities.

Q: What are the Serpentlord's weaknesses?

A: High mobility and abilities that interrupt channeling.

Tables

Table 1: Serpentlord Abilities

Table 2: Serpentlord Damage Optimizations

Table 3: Serpentlord Encounters