Enter the Viper

Quest giver: Worried Weaver
Location: Ul'dah - Steps of Nald (X:9.3, Y:9.2)
Level: 80

Requirements: Any Disciple of War or Magic Lv. 80
Dawntrail expansion purchased
Next quest: Fangs of the Viper
Patch: 7.0

“

Assisting this weaver could be the beginning of a whole new adventure.

※This quest will unlock the viper job.

— In-game description

Rewards

1 Soul of the Viper
1 Weathered Twinfangs
1 Weathered Snakebite Attire Coffer (IL 515)

Unlocks

Steps

Speak with the viper outside the Weavers' Guild.
Speak with Keshkwa at Camp Drybone.
Speak with Keshkwa outside the Weavers' Guild.

Journal

Assisting this weaver could be the beginning of a whole new adventure.
- ※This quest will unlock the viper job.
While strolling the streets of Ul'dah, you happen across a perturbed weaver in need of aid. Apparently one of the guild's customers is refusing to pay for his tailor-made ensemble, though the reason for this is not entirely clear. At the weaver's request, you go to investigate the matter and search for a man carrying a pair of swords on his back who refers to himself as a “viper.”
The mysterious man, it transpires, is a professional viper; a Turali hunter that slays dangerous beasts in exchange for goods and services. Having traveled to Eorzea from a continent beyond the ocean to the west, Keshkwa is unfamiliar with local customs and did not anticipate that he would have to pay for the clothing he had commissioned. Although the weaver had not initially agreed to such an arrangement, he takes pity on the traveler and proposes that he dispatch a particularly troublesome beast that has been terrorizing traders near Camp Drybone. Naturally, Keshkwa is glad for the opportunity, but the weaver asks that you accompany him to ensure the work is performed as requested.
Arriving at Camp Drybone, Keshkwa tells you that the weaver's contact has already given him enough information to begin searching for his quarry. He quickly locates the gargantuan scalekin and effortlessly dispatches it with his twinned blades. Noting your undisguised amazement at this impressive display of swordsmanship, Keshkwa asks whether you would be interested in becoming a viper yourself. However, he extends the offer under the sole condition that you help him slay a dangerous creature known as a tural vidraal that has made its way to Eorzea from Tural. As he does not expect an immediate answer, the two of you return to the Weavers' Guild to report Keshkwa's successful felling of the fiend.
By the time you reach the Weavers' Guild, Keshkwa has already spoken to the representative and received his tailor-made ensemble as payment for slaying the beast. Having decided to learn the ways of the viper, you receive a soul crystal from Keshkwa containing the accumulated wisdom of his predecessors, as well as a pair of blades with which to practice your new art. In addition, the guild has provided you with an outfit of your own as thanks for overseeing Keshkwa on his hunt. Once you have equipped yourself accordingly, you may begin your training in earnest.

Dialogue

Quest Acceptance

Worried Weaver: You're an adventurer, yes? There's a spot of bother over at the Weavers' Guild, and we could use a hand sorting it out.
Worried Weaver: We received an order for a full ensemble, but now that the work's been completed, the client refuses to pay.
Worried Weaver: Mind you, I had my suspicions from the start. He calls himself a “viper” of all things. In my experience, people who name themselves after snakes are not to be trusted!
Worried Weaver: In any case, he carries a pair of swords on his back, and I hate to think what would happen if he started wielding them in anger. Could you head to the guild and smooth things over?

Speak with the viper outside the Weavers' Guild

Warrior of Light motions, the Viper turns towards them
So-called Viper: Good day to you, stranger. I was hoping I might make the acquaintance of someone a bit rougher 'round the edges─someone who's seen her fair share of action. Could you tell me what prey's worth hunting in these here parts?
The weaver sighs, exasperated
Perplexed Weaver: Have you any idea what he's talking about? I took no issue with fulfilling his order, but now that it's time for him to pay, it's as though we're talking at cross-purposes!
So-called Viper: Likewise, I don't understand why this fella's being so difficult. All I'm asking for is the outfit I ordered and the name of some critters worth killing.
The weaver sighs again
So-called Viper: Maybe I oughta explain from the beginning. I'm from Tural, a big ol' continent on the other side of the salt west of here.
So-called Viper: Some of the ship's crew called it the “New World,” but there ain't nothing new about it, no ma'am. There, you'll find my village, home to the ancient art of the viper.
So-called Viper: Our duty is to hunt ferocious beasts that endanger the lives of innocent folk. In fact, that's what brought me here.
So-called Viper: Thing is, all that fighting and long days on the road ain't been too kind to my gear. Reckoned it was high time I got me a new getup, bespoke and all.
Perplexed Weaver: Fascinating, I'm sure, but why do you refuse to pay for your order? And why are you so insistent that I “choose my prey”?
So-called Viper: 'Cause how else am I supposed to pay you? Do us a favor, and we'll hunt down any beast you want. That's the code─how we vipers do business.
What will you say? It appears the Weavers Guild doesn't need any fiends felled. / Weavers prefer more conventional forms of compensation. -> Weavers prefer more conventional forms of compensation.

So-called Viper: That so? So you're saying they want something else instead?
Perplexed Weaver: Payment commensurate with the skill and materials required. In gil, preferably.
So-called Viper: Well, didn't see that one coming. Guess that explains our little misunderstanding.
Perplexed Weaver: But surely your countrymen trade in some sort of currency, yes? Or are you vipers so far removed from society as to be unaware of such concepts?
So-called Viper: 'Course we know what money is! We ain't no bumpkins! But, uh, when it comes to requisitioning goods and services, I usually rely on the elders to deal with artisans and the like. Which is to say I ain't in the habit of carrying significant sums...
(The weaver shakes their head)
Perplexed Weaver: <sigh> So be it... If your only form of payment is the slaying of beasts, that shall have to do.
Perplexed Weaver: As it happens, one of my colleagues in eastern Thanalan reports that merchants carrying our supplies were attacked by a wild fiend.
Perplexed Weaver: What's more, the creature is a species of many-headed scalekin, never before seen in this region. It is rumored to have escaped from the Coliseum and has been running rampant ever since.
So-called Viper: Scaly? Lotta heads? Alright, you got yourself a deal.
Perplexed Weaver: “Deal”? Considering the guild has already fulfilled its end of the bargain, you should count yourself lucky! Still, I'd hate for anything to go awry at this juncture.
Perplexed Weaver: Might I ask a favor of you, friend? I'd like you to accompany him and ensure that he attends to the creature as agreed. Besides, I daresay seeing a so-called “viper” at work will be an enlightening experience.
Keshkwa: The name's Keshkwa. Pleasure to meet you.
Perplexed Weaver: The creature was last seen near Camp Drybone, so I advise you to begin there.

Perplexed Weaver: It would appear that viper fellow has already departed for Camp Drybone. I do hope he knows the way, or least has the good sense to ask for directions.

Speak with Keshkwa at Camp Drybone

Keshkwa: So this is Camp Drybone, huh? Fitting name. Anyway, you ready to hunt?
Keshkwa: What's that look for? Aw, lemme guess, you wanna ask around first and see if anyone can point us in the right direction?
Keshkwa: No need. The weaver's friend told me plenty. All we gotta do is track down the beast, which is a viper specialty.

Viewing the hunt target

Keshkwa: It went after traders carrying tailor's materials. Bolts of cloth and whatnot don't sound none too tasty to me, so I'm guessing it's the merchants themselves the beast had its eye on.
Keshkwa: Most predators use their sense of smell to pick out their meals. Scents carry on the wind, so you gotta consider the positions of the rocks and plants to determine how the air tends to flow through an area. Ain't too hard to deduce where a critter's made its lair after you've done all that. (Keskwa unsheathes his weapons)
Keshkwa: Yep, that's a big 'un. Mean looking, too. Must be wreaking havoc on the food chain, never mind the danger it poses to locals. Well, time to do what a viper does best! (Keshkwa slays the beast in front of him, and sheathes his weapons)
Keshkwa: That's that. So, you like the show? Don't play coy─I can see you're intrigued.
Keshkwa: But before I spill all my secrets, I got a question for you. Ever heard of a “tural vidraal”? (Warior of Light shakes their head)
Keshkwa: Thought not. Well, they're a rare breed of beast that wields all kinds of powers they got no right having. A threat to every other living thing that has the temerity to breathe in their vicinity.
Keshkwa: Because of their long lifespans and unnatural abilities, they were dubbed the “tyrants of Tural”. That's more or less what the name means.
Keshkwa: Anyway, someone's gotta hunt the tural vidraal, and that someone is us, the vipers.
Keshkwa: Y'know, I've met a fair few adventurers during my time here, but I can tell you're a cut above the rest. Might even have what it takes to be a viper. (Keshkwa holds out the soulstone)
Keshkwa: If you're interested, I can teach you, on one condition─you'll help me hunt down a tural vidraal that's made its way to Eorzea. What do you say?
Keshkwa: Ha! Hell of a thing to ask outta the blue, I know. Just think on it some, will you?
Keshkwa: Let's head on back to Ul'dah and tell the weaver fella we're square. The journey'll give you time to consider my offer.

Speak with Keshkwa outside the Weavers' Guild

Keshkwa: I just gave our weaver friend the good news, and he handed over this set of fancy duds, as promised. Gotta say, it was worth the trouble.
Keshkwa: So, about my offer. You ready to become a viper, and protect folks from the nastiest beasts that ever lived?
Do you wish to become a viper? (Yes/No) -> Yes
 Keshkwa: A mighty fine answer! I'll make a viper of you, just see if I don't! First order of business: lemme give you this here soul crystal.
Keshkwa: It contains knowledge of our fighting arts, passed down since ancient times from one generation of vipers to the next. Assuming you've got the knack for it, our skills can be yours, too.
Keshkwa: I've also got a fresh set of viper gear for you. The Weavers' Guild wanted to thank you for overseeing our hunt earlier, so they made you your very own outfit. Guess that fella took your measurements by eye or something... Oh, and the blades are a couple of spares I had handy.
Keshkwa: Try it all on for size─and let me get a look at you while you're at it.