Estinien Varlineau

Estinien Varlineau , also known by the epithet Estinien Wyrmblood , is a character in Final Fantasy XIV, introduced in the Dragoon job quests in A Realm Reborn and appearing throughout the main scenario of subsequent expansions as an ally of the Warrior of Light.
==History==
===Early life===
Twenty years ago, born in the town of Ferndale, Estinien lost his family to the dragon Nidhogg's flames and resolved to become an Azure Dragoon to avenge them. At the age of twelve, Estinien was taken in by Alberic Bale, then holder of the title of Azure Dragoon. When his training was complete, Estinien joined the Temple Knights. So focused was he on the fight against the Dravanian Horde that he scarcely remembered the names of his companions. His sole friendship was with Aymeric de Borel, a knight of similar age who shared Estinien's passion for the cause. Estinien's prowess saw him rise through the ranks, first becoming a dragoon, and later inheriting the title of Azure Dragoon once held by his foster father.
===Final Fantasy XIV (version 1.0)===
When his inner dragon sensed Nidhogg's awakening, Estinien stole the Eye to lure the dragon. The Eye is an Ishgardian relic that grants the power of the dragon to a chosen soul who becomes known as the Azure Dragoon. Estinien hid in Twelveswood where he met the adventurer, a Wood Wailer Alberic had hired to locate Estinien in the forest. To Estinien's surprise, the Eye awakened in the adventurer's presence and for the first time granted its powers to a second Azure Dragoon in the same generation.
Estinien believed it meant they both had the same goal and invited the adventurer to join him in his hunt for Nidhogg. Eventually the Eye revealed the truth about Ferndale's devastation and Estinien turned his spear against Alberic. The adventurer defended Alberic, but Estinien gave into Nidhogg's power and disappeared.
:Legacy quests involving Estinien, including "Unfading Scars" and "Double Dragoon", were later repurposed into the A Realm Reborn Dragoon questline. The majority of the plot and dialogue were unchanged. The timing of Nidhogg's reawakening was also put forward to just prior to the first expansion, Heavensward. Therefore, this period of Estinien's story may no longer be canon.
===Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn===
When rumors of Nidhogg's awakening reached him, Estinien stole the Eye of Nidhogg from the Holy See to draw the dragon's focus on him rather than Ishgard. Estinien encountered the Warrior of Light when Ser Alberic requested the hero's aid to get Nidhogg's eye. The aftermath of their confrontation at a small Ixal encampment east of the Observatorium convinced Ser Alberic to train the Warrior as a dragoon. Estinien sent word to Alberic asking for a parley at Boulder Downs and revealed his reasons for stealing Nidhogg's eye. He hoped to join forces with the Warrior of Light, as he believed two Azure Dragoons could put an end to Nidhogg. Alberic and Estinien sent the Warrior of Light on trials to obtain Drachen armor.
By the time Nidhogg was about to awaken, Estinien requested a rendezvous with the Warrior of Light at the Steel Vigil. Though Ser Alberic wanted to admit the truth of what happened in Ferndale, Estinien pointed his spear at his mentor while revealing the eye had shown him the events of that day. Estinien began to lose control of his emotions with the Warrior of Light clashing with him at the ruined vigil. Losing the duel, Estinien called out for power and—in response—Nidhogg offered it. The spirit of first Azure Dragoon, Haldrath, appeared in the Warrior of Light's place, and banished the wyrmking's influence in a burst of light with Estinien nowhere to be seen.
Estinien resurfaced and joined Ser Aymeric at the defense of Ishgard. If the Warrior of Light had completed the Dragoon job quest, Estinien acknowledged them as a fellow Azure Dragoon, and was not prepared to cross blades with them again. Following Vishap's defeat at the Steps of Faith, Estinien noted that Nidhogg did not join the assault, and vowed to hunt down Lady Iceheart for damaging the wards around the city-state.
===Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward===
After learning that the Warrior of Light and Alphinaud Leveilleur were planning to meet with Lady Iceheart to parlay with the Dravanian Horde, Estinien volunteered to accompany them. After making contact with Iceheart, who went by her true name of Ysayle Dangoulain while with the group, the four began the long journey through Ishgard and Dravania. Estinien clashed with Ysayle over their differing views of the ongoing war between Ishgard and Dravania. They met with Hraesvelgr, Nidhogg's brother and the beloved of Saint Shiva, who told them the true history of the war.
After learning Nidhogg was motivated by vengeance, and thus could never be reasoned with, the group concluded the only path was to slay him. Estinien traveled to Nidhogg's lair, the Aery, alongside the Warrior of Light, on manacutters provided by Cid, Biggs, and Wedge. The two faced Nidhogg with Estinien using the dragon's stolen eye against him. Although Nidhogg threatened to possess him again, Estinien resisted his influence and slayed him. His armor stained by Nidhogg's blood, Estinien remarked that, though killing Nidhogg had been his life's goal, he found no satisfaction in it; learning his mortal enemy's past made him realize they had a common link in being driven by vengeance for their families. Nidhogg had been blinded by Haldrath, and was powered by of one of Hresvelgr's eyes all this time, and Estinien was concerned with the true fate of Nidhogg's other eye.
After the group returned to Ishgard they shared the truth of Ishgard's past with their allies. When Ser Aymeric insisted on confronting the Archbishop with this knowledge, he was arrested and imprisoned. Estinien joined the Warrior of Light and others in a rescue and later accompanied the group to Azys Lla as they needed the power of the Eye of Nidhogg to power the aetheric ram used to break the floating island's barrier. When he was forced to hold off a group of Garlean soldiers under Regula van Hydrus, Estinien loaned the eye to the Warrior who used it to destroy Igeyorhm.
After Thordan's fall, Estinien retrieved Nidhogg's right eye and intended to take both it and the left eye somewhere they could not be found by man or dragon. Nidhogg's spirit exploited Estinien's moment of weakness and consumed the Azure Dragoon's mind, using his body to regain physical form with both eyes restored.
In the guise of the Azure Dragoon, Nidhogg interrupted the peace conference between Ser Aymeric and Vidofnir. Leaping from the battlements, he impaled the white dragon with a spear before deflecting Ser Aymeric's arrow. He had the two eyes grafted onto his form, one of his right arm and the other on the left shoulder. Returning to the battlements, he condemned Vidofnir for trying to make peace with the sons of Thordan. He declared to all present—with Estinien's distorted voice—that the final chorus would begin and none shall escape his vengeance. He shifted to his great wyrm form and flew off.
As Nidhogg prepared for his final assault against Ishgard, Alphinaud was determined to free Estinien from Nidhogg's possession even at the risk of his own life. After gaining Hraesvelgr's help, the Warrior of Light confronted the Nidhogg-Estinien amalgamation at the Steps of Faith. Nidhogg shifted between his dragon form and a dragon-human hybrid, but was defeated, reverting to Estinien's form. Estinien regained control of his body long enough to keep Nidhogg from attacking, and implored the Warrior and Alphinaud to slay him while they had the chance. The two instead tried to pry Nidhogg's eyes from his body. With the assistance of the souls of Haurchefant and Ysayle, they succeeded and destroyed Nidhogg's soul for good while freeing Estinien.
Estinien was expected to make a full recovery. He thanked his friends for all they did for him, albeit in his usual gruff demeanor. The possession had made him realize that he had a lot in common with the dragon, being driven by vengeance, and had he not gained the friendships that he had, the two would have been identical in spirit. His hunt for Nidhogg over, Estinien relinquished his title as the Azure Dragoon.
Bereft of his dragoon armor, Estinien observed Aymeric's ceremony that changed Ishgard from a theocracy to a republic. Flowers in hand he departed Ishgard for Azys Lla and left them there in Ysayle's memory. The Warrior of Light could find the flowers while retracing their steps since first coming to Ishgard, recalling the burdens they bore together.
Estinien departed for Sohr Khai and laid flowers there, in honor of Ratatoskr and by way of apologizing for his and his ancestors' involvement in the Dragonsong War. Sensing Hraesvelgr nearby, who was grateful for the gesture, the great wyrm remarked that Estinien's fight was not over. Following Hraesvelgr to the remains of barracks on the edges of Sohr Khai, the wyrm presented him with a pristine suit of azure armor blessed by Ratatoskr and used by the first dragoons who had fought alongside the dragons. He donned the suit of armor and named it Iceheart in honor of Ysayle, and left the ruins to the battlefield once more.
===Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood===
Estinien searched for signs of Shinryu, the primal created using Nidhogg's eyes. He single-handedly disabled the main cannon at Castrum Abania, allowing the Warrior of Light and their allies to attack the stronghold. After the Warrior of Light destroyed Shinryu, Estinien found Nidhogg's eyes, which had fallen to the ground after the primal's defeat, and destroyed them, closing Nidhogg's violent legacy.
Estinien later told the Warrior of Light and Orn Khai that he had been acting as an intermediary between man and dragon now that Ishgard had no need of an Azure Dragoon, and had been hired to hunt down an enraged dragon in the Azim Steppe named Faunehm. Rather than slay her, Estinien suggested to Orn Khai he should roar to restore Faunehm's sanity after having resisted Nidhogg's Dragonsong for so long while he and the Warrior of Light weakened her. The effect was temporary and she again fell to madness. Vedrfolnir appeared, and with his roar, she returned to her senses. Faunehm revealed to the dragoons she was Vedrfolnir's mate and they were Orn Khai's parents. Before the war began, Vedrfolnir had bade that Faunehm flee to the east to escape Nidhogg's Dragonsong as she wanted no part in it, vividly remembering the days of old when she had flown together with her mate along with their knight.
Estinien told Orn Khai that he had wanted to see Faunehm saved, hearkening to his experiences as Nidhogg's vessel. Orn Khai gave the two his eternal thanks and granted them a new title as Crimson Dragoons, Estinien in particular warming up to the name. He departed hoping to see Orn grow strong like his father one day.
During the war between the Eorzean Alliance and the Garlean Empire, Warrior of Light fought Elidibus (in Zenos's body), but faltered from a voice calling them and collapsed. Seeing his friend in danger, Estinien jumped in at the last minute to defend them from a killing blow, but at that moment, Elidibus was called away before he could advance. Aymeric arrived and helped escort the Warrior to their chirurgeons, and Estinien left soon after, ensuring his friend's safety. Aymeric remarked that he "wasn't one for emotional reunions".
===Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers===
Estinien traveled to Kugane with Orn Khai to investigate the legends surrounding Seiryu, only to run out of money while doing so, forcing him to work at the Shiokaze Hostelry as a greeter, with the owner believing that Orn Khai would attract business. They encountered Tataru and Krile; Estinien escaped to Kugane Ohashi hoping to evade the two, only to run into them once more. Krile faked an Echo vision to blackmail Estinien into accepting their request to investigate Black Rose. The next day, he left Kugane for Radz-at-Han on the way to Garlemald.
Estinien infiltrated a Black Rose production facility to destroy the batch of poison gas created there, only to discover from Gaius Baelsar it was moved to another facility. Gaius offered Estinien an alliance and the two journeyed to Garlemald to investigate further. They infiltrated the Imperial Palace in time to witness the resurrected Prince Zenos kill Emperor Varis. Zenos overpowered the pair before taking his leave as Garlean soldiers arrived. With the Garleans assuming Gaius and Estinien had killed Varis, the two escaped the city with the former encountering an Arch Ultima before he and Gaius parted ways. Estinien met with Riol and reported back to Krile, Tataru, and the Warrior of Light at the Rising Stones to brief them of the events that had transpired. With his bargain with the Scions of the Seventh Dawn complete, despite their attempt to prolong his services, Estinien departed.
Later learning of Lunar Bahamut, Estinien joined the Warrior and the Scions in visiting the dragon Tiamat. They freed her and defeated the Telophoroi together. Afterwards, Estinien decided to join the Scions as an official member.
===Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker===
Estinien and his fellow Scions left for Sharlayan to learn more about the oncoming Final Days. When an immigration officer asked for his name, Estinien gave his full name as Estinien Varlineau.
Later, he accompanied the Warrior of Light, Thancred Waters, and Urianger Augurelt to a mission in Thavnair because he was already there on his last mission to Garlemald. He helped his fellow Scions recover from aether sickness by buying some drinks, although the Warrior was forced to rein in Estinien's bad habit with money. After gathering information on a port town, the group headed to Great Work where the Hannish alchemists were based, led by Nidhana, an Arkasodara. Due to his spear containing dragon blood, Estinien became a research subject for an amulet to protect against Telophoroi's enthrallment. After Nidhana's testing on the warding scale, which led to Fandaniel capturing her in the tower, Varshahn invited the group to the satrap's residence. Not to be fooled, Estinien demanded an end to the charade, revealing Vrtra, one of the first brood who had made Radz-at-Han his abode for hundred of years. Estinien did not hold any grudge with dragonkins and left before his friends. 
Later, joined by a Sharlayan group, the Scions stormed the Tower of Zot where Estinien was chosen as the attacking force while some others stayed behind to heal the kidnapped Arkasodaras. The group won against the Magus Sisters and Estinien destroyed the tower's core. The satrap invited the Scions back in Radz-at-Han.
Due to the Scions' victory at Thavnair, the Eorzean Alliance grew bold and suggested they bring the war against Telophoroi to Garlemald itself. Estinien joined his fellow Scions at Ala Mhigan Quarter, where he was surprised that his old master, Alberic Bale, had joined the Ishgardian delegations. Arriving in Garlemald proper, Estinien defended the supply convoy alongside his comrades and later joined Thancred's scout group alongside Bozjan and Dalmascan delegates. After dealing with the survivors of Ist Imperial Legion, Estinien joined the Scions at attacking the Tower of Babil.
After the Warrior of Light destroyed Zodiark on the moon, they reunited at Sharlayan. Estinien came to the Warrior's room at night for a heart-to-heart, where he expressed his gratitude after everything that happened in the Dragonsong War. The next day, Final Days fell upon the Source. Estinien departed to Thavnair where he fought alongside his comrades in the forest of Vanaspati. He rode Vrtra to fight the beasts of the Final Days on the sky and between fighting, implored at the dragon to reveal himself to his subjects at Thavnair, for the people there desperately needed his leadership. Back at Radz-at-Han, Vrtra made his presence public and was well received among his people, Estinien smiling proudly. As the group discussed their next move, Estinien volunteered to defend the smallfolks and hunting the beasts.
Some days later, Estinien and some Scions prevailed against the beasts in Garlemald, even getting some help from the Garleans. He and his fellow Scions were transported back to Old Sharlayan where the Warrior of Light explained everything that had happened in Elpis. After the Eorzean Alliance helped improving the spaceship Ragnarok, the Forum let the Scions enter the aetherial sea in search of Hydaelyn.
Before they could seek out the primal who had created their world, they had to brave through Aitiaspace, where Estinien met the spirit of Haurchefant who empowered them, and Ysayle who protected them against an undying Amon. When they came head-to-head with the goddess herself, Hydaelyn tested the Scions' determination before she would help them locate Meteion, the cause of the Final Days. Estinien fought alongside his comrades against the goddess. Victorious, Hydaelyn showed them where Meteion made her nest and they headed to Ultima Thule, riding the spaceship Ragnarok.
In Ultima Thule, Estinien found himself in a simulacrum of the dragons' homeworld and confronted the despairing dragons whose kind still survived in Hydaelyn. He was consumed by dynamis and opened a way for his comrades to progress further. Later, Emet-Selch and Hythlodaeus revived Estinien and his fellow Scions, and together they braved the doomed worlds Meteion had recreated to finally reach the dying sun where she made her nest. Alas, Meteion was too strong and Estinien alongside his comrades were blown away, only for the Warrior of Light to return them to safety in Ragnarok. Estinien gave his strength via a prayer to the Warrior of Light in the climactic battle against the Endsinger and welcomed the surviving Warrior back at Ragnarok upon their victory.
The day the Scions disbanded and left Rising Stones, Estinien explained his plans to continue wandering the world, seeking people to help. He promised the Warrior of Light he would come help them as their lance, as always. He was invited by Vrtra to Radz-at-Han for an unknown task, however was given boarding while waiting for an audience.
Estinien and the Warrior of Light would later reunite in Radz-at-Han. Estinien attended an auction hosted by a con artist merchant hoping to sell a dubious treasure map. While Estinien was aware of the scam, he noticed that the boy the merchant employed was indeed impoverished. Estinien bought the map in hopes that a part of the profit would help alleviate the child's struggles. Estinien and the Warrior of Light traveled to a nearby fishing village to get a boat for their journey. Estinien, aware that the young child from the market was following them, intentionally took a longer path to avoid aggressive wildlife. He eventually confronted the child, reassuring him that the Warrior of Light and himself were strong enough to take care of themselves; however, Estinien noted that some additional help may put the boy's nerves at ease. Estinien escorted the child back to Radz-at-Han while the Warrior of Light gathered more allies.
When the Warrior of Light returned with Y'shtola, G'raha, and Urianger in tow, Estinien and the group ventured into Alzadaal's Legacy, destroying the vault's defenses. The group discovered a sealed device in the final chamber. Vrtra, in his vessel of Varshan, hurriedly arrived, having been alerted to intruders in the vault. Estinien admitted they were there to obtain the treasures to help rebuild Thavnair, which had suffered the brunt of The Final Days' effects. The group asked Vrtra about the contents of the strange device, and Vrtra revealed it contained a portal to the void. Vrtra had come across this portal as a result of his efforts searching for his long lost sister Azdaja. Estinien and the group returned to Radz-at-Han where Vrtra requested the Warrior of Light and Estinien to talk to the people around Thavnair to learn what the money from the treasure could best be spent on.
After Vrtra decided to put the money to use funding an orphanage, Vrtra, Estinien, and the Warrior of Light returned to Alzadaal's Legacy to see Y'shtola begin her research on how to safely enter and survive the void. Estinien remained vigilant for any voidsent that may cross through. After the experiment, the Warrior of Light and Y'shtola left to enlist the help of the Garlond Ironworks to optimize the anti-tempering wards to also protect the holder from turning into a voidsent. Estinien sensed that, despite Vrtra's denials, the dragon was torn between ruling and protecting Radz-at-Han and leaving to search for Azdaja in the void. He informed His Radian Host of Vrtra's turmoil, and their commander emphatically reassured Vrtra that the force would keep the voidsent at bay while Vrtra searched for Azdaja.
Estinien, Vrtra, Y'shtola, and the Warrior of Light spent time preparing for their expedition, which began with an infiltration of the Fell Court of Troia. They destroyed all openly hostile voidsent, including Scarmiglione, and the remaining voidsent witnessed their strength and opted not to fight. The investigation of the domain led to a meeting with Zero, who joined the group as their guide to the void. Estinien and the group soon fought off Scarmiglione again, which ended in Scarmiglione's permanent defeat after Zero got involved. Estinien and the group got a clue of Azdaja's fate through the Warrior of Light's vision, as well as learning of a being named Golbez. They traveled to Zero's domain to see if any of the voidsent residing there knew more about Golbez. They were interrupted when another of Golbez's archfiends, Barbariccia, invaded the domain. The group defeated her, but were forced to retreat back to Radz-at-Han after Zero collapsed from exhaustion.
The group decided the best course of action was to recover in the Source, with Zero staying as an honored guest. Estinien was tasked to train His Radiant Host soldiers to better fight voidsent.
Some time later, after the group had recovered, they planned to continue their search for Azdaja. As they were about to leave Radz-at-Han, Vrtra momentarily sensed Azdaja's presence in the Source. Estinien noted this was suspicious, as Azdaja was supposed to be a prisoner of Golbez. The party departed to the ruins of Garlemald where they investigated Lapis Manalis, the origin of the Garlean reaper's voidsent partners. Estinien served as an engineer's bodyguard as he repaired the vehicle that would deliver them to the location. Afterwards, they explored the forgotten cave and defeated the archfiend Cagnazzo. They learned that what Vrtra sensed was Azdaja's Eye, which disheartened Vrtra. Estinien offered some words of sympathy and encouragement, and left Vrtra alone to collect his thoughts.
Upon the party's return to Radz-at-Han, they were caught off guard by a massive explosion and pillar of fire coming from Alzadaal's Legacy. Estinien accompanied Y'shtola to secure the portal. The two discovered that the portal had been destroyed, done by archfiend Rubicante. After Rubicante's defeat, the group needed to come up with a new way to travel to the void. Estinien departed to continue his training.
The group reconvened when the Warrior of Light visited to check on their progress. Y'shtola arrived soon after with Urianger. The two had come up with a way to reach the void: they would create a portal on the moon. Estinien traveled with Y'shtola, Nidhanna, and other alchemists to make preparations in Mare Lamentorum. The group opened the gate and traveled to The Thirteenth's moon, where Golbez's lair lie. Vrtra reunited with the imprisoned Azdaja. Estinien attempted to get her to try and break free, but the only way to free her was to slay Golbez. They were forced to watch Golbez forcibly turn Azdaja into a voidsent servant, and Estinien held off Golbez's minions while the Warrior of Light defeated Golbez. The group was too late to stop him from summoning Zeromus, and were forced to retreat. They returned to Radz-at-Han, where they discussed how to deal with the new threat. Afterwards, Estinien and Zero headed out to train.
When Y'shtola returned with aetheric transmitters, she asked Estinien to escort Hannish alchemists to Mare Lamentorum while the Warrior and Zero traveled to the First to acquire Light from the Flood to be used in the Thirteenth. After they were ready, Estinien joined the expedition to deal with Zeromus. After fighting their way through Golbez's domain and a through memory of the original Golbez, they encountered the current Golbez, Durante. Estinien, Y'shtola, Zero and Varshahn held off Golbez to allow the Warrior to deal with Zeromus. They were able to befeat Golbez and convince him that Thirteenth can still be saved without the need to invade the Source. They then jumped to the Warrior's aid, and with Zero's gathered Light, Zeromus was eventually sealed in memoria and Azdaja was saved. Zero bade farewell to her friends as she remained within Thirteenth to help restore it. Estinien took part in Vrtra's homecoming party fro Azdaja, afterwards he left to pursue other deeds. He went to Limsa Lominsa to board a ship. When he was asked of destination, he claimed that as he had seen north and east already, he was going to head west this time - to Tural.
=== Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail ===
Estinien arrived in Tural some time before the Warrior of Light, Alphinaud, Alisaie and Krile arrived there as retinue for Wuk Lamat, who were about to participate in Tuliyollal's rite of succession. The retinue were surprised to see Estinien in Tuliyollal's palace, sparring with Gulool Ja Ja. They stopped fighting, and Gulool Ja Ja claimed Estinien was his most formidable sparring opponent for many years. Estinien told Gulool Ja Ja if he wishes a formidable opponent, all he needs to do is to take a look at the Warrior. Estinien took his leave and didn't take part in the rite.
Estinien wandered around Tural as the rite went on. After it ended and Wuk Lamat and Koana became the new Dawnservants, Estinien was in Shaaloani. He witnessed the exchange Zekova and deputy sheriff Vihuwte, with Zekova accusing him of framing his friends. Zekova was about to pull his weapon, but Estinien told him to stand down, which he reluctantly did. The Warrior and Erenville also witnessed the event and exchanged words with Estinien before he went on his own again.
When the dome appeared in Yyasulani and Alexandrian armies led by Zoraal Ja invaded Tuliyollal, Estinien defended the people of Shaaloani, partnering up with Zekova. While the Warrior, Wuk Lamat, G'raha Tia , Alisaie and Krile assaulted the dome, he remained in Shaaloani to defend the people, should the assault resume.
After securing Tuliyollal, Estinien joined Alphinaud and Y'shtola to reinforce the heroes inside the dome at the top of Everkeep in order to defeat Zoraal Ja. When they entered Zoraal Ja's throne room, they noticed the massive gate above them. Estinien claimed it even dwarfed the voidgate Zeromus opened between the Source and Thirteenth. Y'shtola clarified that it wasn't a voidgate, nor did it lead to the Thirteenth but to another Reflection distinct from the First and Thirteenth. Y'shtola dispersed the clouds in the room to reveal Zoraal Ja slouched upon his throne, having absorbed a mass amount of souls to himself, much like voidsent do, but with a terrible price to himself. The heroes fought him, and in the middle of it he transformed into a monstrous form. Even this wasn't enough for him to defeat the heroes, and he fell, totally feeling no remorse for his actions against his own people, even his own family. Estinien commented that Zoraal Ja's desire to surpass his father surpassed everything else. The heroes then witnessed Alexandrian Queen Sphene, despite aiding them in toppling Zoraal Ja, declared her intention to drain the Source of living aether to sustain the Endless, facsimiles of her people made out from the memories of deceased Alexandrians within Living Memory. In this, Sphene revealed that she was a recreation of the original Queen Sphene by a group called Preservation and programmed her to protect and maintain the Endless, whatever the cost, thus making it impossible to reason with her. When the heroes decided to use the gate found in the Skydeep Cenote to follow her to the Golden City or the Unlost World as Wuk Lamat named it, Estinien volunteered to remain behind to guard the gate alongside Thancred, encouraging the Warrior to go through and do what they do best: save the world.
After a heart-wrenching struggle, the Warrior and their allies put an end to the Endless and defeated Sphene before she could enact her plan to drain the Source of aether, saving Tural and the rest of the world. Estinien took part in the celebrations in Tuliyollal, getting pestered by several Mamool Ja children much to Alphinaud's amusement. 
==Characteristics==
===Appearance===
Estinien is a male Elezen wearing a full set of black Drachen scale armor with golden details. Though his helmet usually obscures his facial features, he has gray eyes. He has shoulder-length white hair, which was first mentioned in Tales from the Dragonsong War, and later shown in-game following the end of the Dragonsong War.
During the battle with Nidhogg in the Aery, Estinien's armor is severely scratched up and loses a horn before it is stained crimson in a shower of the dragon's spilled blood. This is a catalyst of blood magic, completed when Estinien takes hold of both of Nidhogg's eyes, where his most "human" form shows red glowing veins on his face and the two eyes fused to his mail. Parts of his lance become blood red, and its blade becomes jagged and claw-like. He later names his weapon after his late arch-nemesis.
During Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood, Estinien discards the red mail for a blue colored Trueblood Armor set with gold trimmings, and forgoes any headwear. The "From Azure Ashes" chapter of Tales from the Storm reveals that he named his armor Iceheart, in honor of Ysayle Dangoulain. In Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker, Estinien began tying his hair back upon arrival in Thavnair, as a means to contend with the region's heat.
As a Trust party member, Estinien's alternate outfit that he wore when infiltrating Garlemald is unlocked immediately.
===Personality===
Estinien is stoic and speaks in a brusque manner. He has little respect for those he sees as weak, and barely conceals his disdain when speaking to them. Estinien has a reputation for scorning social gatherings in Ishgard and detests the notion of keeping up appearances. He has spent the majority of his life being driven by his desire of vengeance against Nidhogg, and thus sees little need for companionship or hobbies. He has little respect for Ishgard's zealous leadership, criticizing their decisions and lack of care for the citizens. For the most part he keeps these opinions to himself, but is more open about it with his friends and companions.
His personality softens after traveling with the Warrior of Light and their companions. Though his rude manner of speaking never changes, Estinien admits that he has moved past revenge being his sole motivation. Though often insulting toward him, Estinien befriends Alphinaud Leveilleur. Aymeric de Borel suggests that Estinien sees Alphinaud as a reflection of the younger sibling he lost to Nidhogg's flames, while Alphinaud views Estinien as the older brother he wishes he had. Estinien respects the Warrior of Light as a trusted comrade and speaks highly of Ser Aymeric, believing him to be Ishgard's best hope for a new future. 
In contrast, Estinien often argues with Ysayle due to her leading the Heretics and her idealistic desire for peace conflicting with his grim views and desire for retribution against Nidhogg. He is yet willing to work with Lady Iceheart for Ishgard's sake, and over time, the two come to an understanding if even a friendship, he even named his armor after her. 
Later on, Estinien develops a respectful camaraderie and partnership with former Legatus Gaius Baelsar, working together during their shared mission in Garlemald. He would, however, get on the wrong foot with Alphinaud's twin sister, Alisaie, after the Dragoon mistook her for her brother, much to her immense annoyance.
As his vengeance against Nidhogg drove him for the majority of his life, Estinien originally felt little else. Upon learning the full history of Nidhogg and the founding of Ishgard, he realized what he was becoming: a creature like Nidhogg, what he was hunting, a beast who knows nothing but hate and revenge. Unlike Nidhogg, Estinien has friends who care for him and guide him to see beyond his vengeance. He foregoes any grudges he had with dragonkinds, as he befriends the dragonlet Orn Khai. In Endwalker, he suggests Vrtra reveal himself to the population of Thavnair and is proud after the dragon does so. 
After joining the Scions, Estinien keeps his aloof behavior among his peers, only opening a little to the Warrior of Light and Alphinaud. He doesn't quite understand all the business about Ascians and the elder primals, but is prepared to fight for the future of Hydaelyn and is not above helping civilians, even laying his life for his comrades. He has a dry sense of humor, and often teases his fellow Scions good-heartedly. 
According to Krile, Estinien is "very bad with coin", which is proven to be as he did not bother to haggle with Thavnair's merchants upon arriving with his fellow Scions. He would later buy a treasure map leading to Alzadaal's Legacy from a conman in Radz-at-Han in hopes that his impoverished accomplice would get his share of the profits, while being fully aware that it was a potentially a scam. His doubts about the map's authenticity would be alleviated upon learning that it was real from the accomplice, who lost both his parents during the Final Days. Additionally, Estinien has shown to be a poor liar, as when the Scions were first entering Old Sharlayan through immigration, the dragoon could not come up with a believable cover story and would have been caught had not Krile covered for him.
During his stay in Kugane, Estinien develops a taste for dried squid and makes references of it throughout the story, eventually becoming a Thavnairian local legend for purchasing an enormous supply of dried squid to keep him satiated during the journey to Ultima Thule.
==Gameplay==
In version 1.0, Estinien was faced alongside a Greywine in the Dragoon quest "Into the Dragon's Maw". The Greywine periodically glowed purple and the player should stop attacking it and move away from it to avoid counter attack damage. Estinien would count down and perform a dragoon maneuver. Estinien also used Dragonfire jump and his attacks had the effect of en-bind and en-stun.
In A Realm Reborn, Estinien is dueled during the level 50 Dragoon quest . Aside from other Dragoon abilities, he possesses a unique "Skydragon Dive" skill that leaves a ring of fire in its area-of-effect.
In Heavensward, Estinien aids the player during the instance duties in the quests and . In Patch 6.2, Estinien was added to Duty Support within and , functioning as a DPS Dragoon role. During , Nidhogg is fought while using Estinien's body as a vessel.
In Shadowbringers, Estinien becomes a temporary playable character during the instanced duty in the quest . He inherits some of Nidhogg's abilities, such as Ala Morn and Horrid Roar. His Limit Break is Dragonshadow Dive, which is used to end the duty.
In Endwalker, Estinien was added to the Duty Support system, making him selectable in all dungeons, except . He also can participate in trial. In , the possessed Estinien is fought again, with the players first battling his mutated humanoid form and then fighting the eyes themselves to permanently halt Nidhogg's influence.
In Dawntrail, Estinien can participate in the trial.
==Other appearances==
===Pictlogica Final Fantasy===
PFF Estinien Illust.png|Portrait.
PFF Estinien.png|Sprite.
===Final Fantasy Record Keeper===
Estinien is a playable character who could be initially recruited during the Challenge Event The Dragonsong War - Dreams of Ice as a First Time Reward for completing the event's The Aery stage on Classic difficulty.
===Final Fantasy Trading Card Game===
Estinien appears in Final Fantasy Trading Card Game as Lightning-elemental Forward cards.
Estinien 6-088L from FFTCG Opus.jpg|Estinien [6-088L] Opus series card.
Estinien 6-089R from FFTCG Opus.jpg|Estinien [6-089R] Opus series card.
===Final Fantasy Portal App===
Estinien appears as a Triple Triad card.
===LINE===
Estinien appears on a sticker set for the LINE communications app. The sticker set he appears in is titled "FINAL FANTASY XIV Vol. 2".https://www.line-stickers.com/final-fantasy-xiv-vol-2/
FFXIV Line Sticker Set 2 4.png|"Don't worry, I'm in control."
FFXIV Line Sticker Set 2 5.png
FFXIV Line Sticker Set 2 30.png
==Voice==
Estinien is voiced by Robert Vernon in the English version, Kenji Hamada in the Japanese version, Michael Pink in the German version and Gilduin Tissier in the French version.
Robert Vernon would later voice the Knight of the Blinding Dawn in Final Fantasy XVI, the first Dragoon to appear in the game.
==Gallery==
FFXIV Estinien 1.png|Estinien's first appearance.
FFXIV Estinien 2.png|Estinien following The Aery.
FFXIV Estinien 3.png|Estinien's appearance after The Final Steps of Faith.
FFXIV Estinien 4.png|Estinien's Stormblood appearance.
FFXIV Estinien 5.png|Estinien's travel outfit.
FFXIV EW Estinien (Trust).png|Estinien's Trust render.
FFXIV HS Estinien (Trust).png|Estinien's Trust alternate render.
FFXIV SB Estinien (Trust).png|Estinien's Trust another alternate render.
FFXIV TFDW Young Estinien.png|A younger Estinien from Tales from the Dragonsong War: Through Fire and Blood.
FFXIV TFDW Aymeric Estinien.png|Younger Aymeric and Estinien from Tales from the Dragonsong War: Through Fire and Blood.
FFXIV Estinien Jump.png|Estinien using Jump.
FFXIV HW Official Complete Guide cover.png|Estinien in Heavensward Official Complete Guide artwork.
FFXIV Duality artwork.jpg|Duality album artwork.
FFXIV TFS Estinien flowers.jpg|Estinien laying azure flowers in Tales From the Storm: From Azure Ashes.
FFXIV TFS Estinien Hraesvelgr.jpg|Estinien with Hraesvelgr in Tales from the Storm: From Azure Ashes.
FFXIV TFTS Estinien Orn Khai.jpg|Estinien and Orn Khai in Kugane from Tales from the Shadows: Echoes of Delusion.
FFXIV TFTS Estinien Orn Khai 2.jpg|Estinien in Tales from the Shadows: Echoes of Delusion.
FFXIV Endwalker trailer screenshot 13.png|Estinien alongside Vrtra in the Endwalker expansion trailer.
File:Estinien END CGI.jpg|Estinien and Vrtra Endwalker CGI.
==Etymology==
==Behind the scenes==
Estinien's surname was not officially given until Endwalker, according to Natsuko Ishikawa in response to a question asked during the 2016 Fan Festival.https://fanfest.finalfantasyxiv.com/2021/na/message-board/
Estinien was originally an NPC ally during the ending encounter with Nidhogg in , where he used Nidhogg's eye to suppress the great wyrm's power. When Nidhogg prepared his ultimate attack, Massacre, several dragons had to be be eliminated so Estinien could focus a draconic barrier to shield the party from annihilation. Due to the implementation of Duty Support in Patch 6.2, this encounter was overhauled and Estinien was removed as an NPC.
==Citations==
Category:Characters in Final Fantasy XIV
Category:Dragoons
Category:Elezen
Category:Guest characters
es:Estinien Varlineau