View source for Dragon Response Mission: Snowden Drifts

{{Location infobox
| objectives = n
| levels = 80
| within = Snowden Drifts
| location tree = Tyria; Shiverpeak Mountains; Snowden Drifts
| type = Dragon Response Mission
| id = 1388,1389
| loading-screen = Dragon Response Mission Snowden Drifts loading screen.jpg
| requires = lws5
}}

[[Dragon Response Mission: Snowden Drifts]] is a [[Dragon Response Mission]] set in [[Snowden Drifts]]. It is required for the completion of the [[Jormag's World]] story step.

== Objectives ==
'''Vanguard of Prophecy'''
* ''Allies are defending the Kodan village!''
** {{Event star}} Protect Song of Final Exile and reinforce its defenses!
*** Quaggans saved: x/10
*** Light the braziers.: x/10
*** Icebrood killed: x/30
*** Time limit: 5:00
* ''The Kodan Claw is moving to counterattack icebrood forces.''
** {{Event star}} Accompany the Claw of Koda to find the source of the icebrood armies.
*** Claw of Koda
*** {{Event bar}} {{Event shield}}
* ''Allied forces have engaged Ryland Steelcatcher.''
** {{event boss}} Defeat Ryland Steelcatcher
*** Ryland Steelcatcher
*** {{event bar}} {{event boss}}
** {{event boss}} Defeat Ryland Steelcatcher
*** Elite Frost Legion Bruiser
*** {{event bar}} {{event boss}}
*** Elite Frost Legion Bladestorm
*** {{event bar}} {{event boss}}
*** Elite Frost Legion Shaman
*** Defeat Ryland's Centurions: x/3
*** {{event bar}} {{event boss}}
* ''The shrine is secured. Ryland's forces are retreating!''
* ''Completion time: xx:xx''

'''Ally Support '''
* ''If the norn were asked for aid''
** {{Event star}}Faction Aid: Norn
*** Fight alongside the norn shamans to obtain Spirit Blessings.
* ''If the Crystal Bloom were asked for aid''
** {{Event star}}Faction Aid: Crystal Bloom
*** Defend the Crystal Bloom while they charge prismatic crystals, then draw protection magic from the crystal.
* ''If the Ebon Vanguard were asked for aid''
** {{Event star}}Faction Aid: Ebon Vanguard
*** Rally at Ebon Vanguard battle standards to stand together for victory!
* ''If the Deldrimor dwarves were asked for aid''
** {{Event star}}Faction Aid: Deldrimor Dwarves
*** Use dwarven alchemical acid to corrode enemies.
* ''If the kodan were asked for aid''
** {{Event star}}Faction Aid: Kodan
*** Fight alongside champions of Koda by wielding Koda's Flame to counter icebrood.
* ''If the Flame Legion were asked for aid''
** {{Event star}}Faction Aid: Flame Legion
*** Defend Flame Legion shamans while they preform effigy summoning rituals.

== Locations ==
{| {{STDT|sortable pve locations}}
{{Location table header}}
|-
| [[Song of Final Exile]]
|
: {{map icon|wp}} Pact Emergency Waypoint
: {{map icon|point of interest}} [[Tala Point]]
|-
| [[Griffonfall (Snowden Drifts)|Griffonfall]]
|
|-
| [[Reaver's Dale]]
|
: {{map icon|point of interest}} [[Svannijem Hold]]
|-
| [[Owl's Abattoir]]
|
: {{map icon|wp}} Pact Emergency Waypoint
: {{map icon|point of interest}} [[Owl Lodge]]
: {{map icon|mastery icebrood saga}} [[Champions Insight: Snowden Drifts]]
|-
| [[Valslake]]
|
: {{map icon|point of interest}} [[Urgulp]]
|}

== Rewards ==
* One bouncy chest on first daily completion:
** {{rewards item|Scrap of Icebrood Saga Mastery}} (2)
** {{rewards item|Tyrian Defense Seal|qty=10}}
** {{karma|1000}}

* Depending on the amount of challenges completed, one of these rank chests (only one rank chest is received for each completed mission):
** [[Bronze Rank Chest]] (0/3 challenges)
** [[Silver Rank Chest]] (1/3 challenges)
** [[Gold Rank Chest]] (2-3/3 challenges)

The rank chests above are the main acquisition source for the following rare reward:
* {{item icon|Volcanic Stormcaller Weapon Box}}

== Walkthrough ==
=== Allied Factions ===
After the initial event, you will be accompanied by one of the Allied factions. They can be either selected by talking to {{vendor|misc|Event flag blue (map icon).png}} [[Meradh]] near the entrance and paying the fee, or they will be randomly assigned. Many of the NPCs are very weak and die easily, however, some of them have useful utilities.
* {{effect|Ally Support: Norn}}: Fighting near Shamans grants you different boons.
* {{effect|Ally Support: Crystal Bloom}}: Aurene and the Crystal Bloom send a gift, a [[Prismatic Crystal]] granting protection and healing.
* {{effect|Ally Support: Ebon Vanguard}}: Standing near a [[Ebon Vanguard Banner|Ebon Vanguard battle standard]] grants a [[Rally for Victory|special skill]] summoning an Ebon Vanguard soldier.
* {{effect|Ally Support: Deldrimor Dwarves}}: Speaking to the dwarf grants a single use [[Alkar's Alchemical Acid]].
* {{effect|Ally Support: Kodan}}: Speaking to the Kodan grants [[Koda's Flame]] to the player.
* {{effect|Ally Support: Flame Legion}}: Flame Legion arrives to help by summoning [[Flame Legion Effigy]].

=== Challenges ===
Various challenges can be activated by talking to {{vendor|misc|Event flag red (map icon).png}} [[Veadh]] near the entrance. Once the first event finishes, the challenges cannot be further changed.

:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Recall the Vigil strike teams. (Adds a timer to mission failure.)''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Recall the Order of Whispers infiltrators. (Strengthens enemies.)''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Recall the Priory enchanters. (Enemy champions gain strength.)''
:{{dialogue icon|ferocity2}} ''Pull all forces back. I'll handle it. [All challenges on.]''
:{{dialogue icon|charisma}} ''We need all forces on the field. [All challenges off.]''

* The challenge timer is 13 minutes.

You can save time for the boss fight by applying swiftness or superspeed to the Claw of Koda NPC.

At the boss fight, there are overlapping AoEs and high melee damage. At health intervals of 70% and 35% the boss spawns additional enemies that need to be dealt with. Powerful foes (Enemy Champions gain strength) affects the spawns during the split phase of the boss fight including the elite mob but does not drastically increase difficulty.

[[Defiance bar]]s should be handled with normal crowd control skills. {{bug|The use of [[Electromagical Pulse 2.0|Electromagical Pulse]] from [[Portable United Legions Waystation]] is discouraged as it is currently bugged and applies multiple boons to the boss when the defiance bar is instantly broken.{{verify|Bug note added January 2021}}}}

Because the damage dealt by the boss in melee range is extremely high, the player is advised to circle around Ryland to avoid most attacks without having to dodge. During the ice storm, the group can stand inside Ryland to dodge the ice shards while handling the defiance bar.

Ryland periodically gains boons. Some boon removal or corruption is recommended, especially to remove protection.

=== Achievements ===
[[File:Poultry Protector 5.jpg|thumb|400px|Possible locations of chickens for {{achievement icon|page=Poultry Protector}}.]]
<div id="achievementcontrol"></div>{{account achievements widget}}
{{achievement box|Poultry Protector}}
* This achievement can only be done during the timed pre-event. The chickens are labelled as standard Villagers. If you drop the chicken, you cannot pick it up again. Every mission has several chickens in random locations (see the map for possible ones), though for the achievement you need to save only one.

{{achievement box|Champions Insight: Snowden Drifts}}
* Commune with the object during the mission. Can be done after the events/story is over, but still has to be done inside the instance.

{{achievement box|Emergency Dragon Responder: Snowden Drifts}}
* Complete the Dragon Response Mission either in Public or Private instance. Automatically gained while playing through Champions story for the first time.

{{achievement box|Tide Turner: Snowden Drifts}}
* Factions can be either selected at the start of a private instance by talking to {{vendor|misc|Event flag blue (map icon).png}} Meradh, or they are '''randomly''' assigned after the timed pre-event ends but this randomly assigned faction will not progress your achievement.

{{achievement box|Top Dragon Responder: Snowden Drifts}}
* Complete the mission with all challenges active. They can be activated by talking to Veadh only in Private instances.

{{achievement box|Second Response: Snowden Drifts}}
* Complete the Dragon Response Mission either in Public or Private instance.

== NPCs ==
=== Allies ===
;[[Animal]]s
* [[Rabbit]]

;[[Awakened]]
* [[Crystal Bloom Adherent]]<sup>3</sup>

;[[Bird]]s
* [[Barred Owl]]
* [[Villager (chicken)|Villager]]

;[[Charr]]
* [[Flame Legion Fire Shaman]]<sup>5</sup>

;[[Construct]]s
* [[Flame Legion Effigy]]<sup>5</sup>

;[[Dwarf|Dwarves]]
* [[Deldrimor Dwarf]]<sup>1</sup>

;[[Human]]s
* [[Crystal Bloom Blade]]<sup>4</sup>
* [[Crystal Bloom Paragon]]<sup>4</sup>
* [[Ebon Vanguard Soldier]]<sup>2</sup>
* [[Kasmeer Meade]]

;[[Kodan]]
* [[Claw of Koda (NPC)|Claw of Koda]]
* [[Discourager of Hesitancy]]
* [[Farthest Shore]]
* [[Fleeting Serenity]]
* [[Ice Raking]]
* [[Keeper of Words]]
* [[Kodan Snowcaller]]
* [[Melting Heart]]
* [[Silent Snowfall]]
* [[Steady Ground]]
* [[Still Waters]]
* [[The Voice of Koda]]
* [[Voice Attendant]]
* [[Warrior (NPC)|Warrior]]

;[[Norn]]
* [[Braham]]
* [[Crystal Bloom Hunter]]<sup>4</sup>
* [[Leopard Shaman]]<sup>3</sup>

;[[Quaggan]]s
* [[Villager]]

;[[Spirits of the Wild]]
* [[Owl (Spirit of the Wild)|Owl Spirit]]

;[[Sylvari]]
* [[Crystal Bloom Warden]]<sup>4</sup>
* [[Crystal Bloom Weaver]]<sup>4</sup>

:<sup>1</sup> <small>If supported by the [[Deldrimor]] Dwarves</small>
:<sup>2</sup> <small>If supported by the [[Ebon Vanguard]]</small>
:<sup>3</sup> <small>If supported by the norn</small>
:<sup>4</sup> <small>If supported by the [[order of the Crystal Bloom]]</small>
:<sup>5</sup> <small>If supported by the [[Flame Legion]]</small>

=== Services ===
* {{vendor|reinforce armor}} [[Anvil]] [Reinforce Armor]
* {{vendor|misc|Event flag blue (map icon).png}} [[Meradh]] [Factions]
* {{vendor|misc|Event flag red (map icon).png}} [[Veadh]] [Challenges]

=== Foes ===
;[[Icebrood]]
* [[Corrupted Griffon]]
* [[Elite Corrupted Griffon]]
* [[Elite Frost Legion Bladestorm]]
* [[Elite Frost Legion Bruiser]]
* [[Elite Frost Legion Crusher]]
* [[Elite Frost Legion Shaman]]
* [[Elite Svanir Brute]]
* [[Icebrood Elemental]]
* [[Icebrood Goliath]]
* [[Icebrood Kodan]]
* [[Icebrood Quaggan]]
* [[Icebrood Troll]]
* [[Icebrood Wolf]]
* [[Ryland Steelcatcher]]
* [[Svanir Berserker]]
* [[Svanir Brute]]
* [[Svanir Hunter]]
* [[Svanir Mauler]]
* [[Svanir Seer]]
* [[Veteran Corrupted Griffon]]
* [[Veteran Icebrood Colossus]]
* [[Veteran Icebrood Kodan]]
* [[Veteran Icebrood Wolf]]
* [[Veteran Svanir Brute]]
* [[Veteran Svanir Hunter]]
* [[Veteran Svanir Mauler]]
* [[Veteran Svanir Seer]]

== Objects ==
* [[Icebrood Portal]]
* [[Kodan Brazier]]
* [[Prismatic Crystal]]<sup>3</sup>
:<sup>3</sup> <small>If supported by the [[order of the Crystal Bloom]]</small>

== Dialogue ==
;Upon entering the instance
:'''<Character name>:''' Kas! Didn't expect to see you here.
:'''Kasmeer Meade:''' Heard about [[Lake Doric]] on my way back from [[Stronghold of Ebonhawke|Ebonhawke]]. Figured I'd spread the word to potential allies.
:'''Claw of Koda:''' Without her warning, more lives would have fallen to agents of [[Jormag]].
:'''Claw of Koda:''' Our [[Song of Final Exile|sanctuary]] is open to all needing refuge. When the enemy comes, we'll be ready.

;After finishing the first event
:'''Kasmeer Meade:''' Is it me or did this feel like a distraction? Like, not the main event.
:'''<Character name>:''' When Braham called, he said there was something else going on outside the kodan walls.
:'''Claw of Koda:''' Safeguarding the settlement is my chief concern. I can be your guide, but I can't spare forces to aid your expedition.
:'''Kasmeer Meade:''' We would never ask. How about the rest of you?

;Speaking with the Claw of Koda
:'''Claw of Koda:''' We must find the source of the spirit pain. Will you help us?
:{{dialogue icon|ready}} ''I will.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''No, I will not.''

;While traveling
:'''Braham:''' {{flavor|[[Pact Commander|Commander]]? Getting close to Song of Exile.}}{{sic|Song of Final Exile}}
:'''<Character name>:''' We'll meet you on the path, Braham. I brought some friends.
:'''Kasmeer Meade:''' [[Dragon Response Mission: Lake Doric|Same as Lake Doric]]?
:'''<Character name>:''' No. Whole villages were frozen. And we fought [[Sons of Svanir|Svanir]] shamans, not just warriors.

;Meeting with Braham
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' You made it. This way—the screaming's coming from further down the path.
:'''Kasmeer Meade:''' Screaming? I don't hear anything.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' We're getting closer—pain's getting stronger...

;Arriving at [[Svannijem Hold]] 
:'''<Character name>:''' Jormag's not making new [[Frozen (lore)|Frozen]] from the dead. So what are their lackeys doing here?
:'''Kasmeer Meade:''' I still don't hear anything.
:'''<Character name>:''' Braham, you're not sensing [[destroyer]]s again by any chance?
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' No. No. That's pressure building in my ears. This is about the [[Spirits of the Wild|Spirits]]. I can't explain, but I can feel the difference.
:'''Claw of Koda:''' You remind me of our [[Voice of Koda|Voices]]—those touched by [[Koda]]. Perhaps yours is a similar sensitivity.

;When the Elite Svanir Brute appears
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Don't let them distract us!
:'''Elite Svanir Brute:''' Norn of [[Prophecy]]—what do you really think you can do in the face of Jormag's power? You're nothing!

;After defeating the Sons of Svanir
:'''Owl Spirit:''' Braham.
:'''Kasmeer Meade:''' I heard that.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' I know that—Owl?
:'''Owl Spirit:''' I feel you near. Hurry. I cannot hold against Jormag's [[Dragon champion|champion]] much longer.
:'''Kasmeer Meade:''' Is there a village ahead?
:'''Claw of Koda:''' There are no living out this way—only the memories of one who once was.

;Encountering the final group before boss
:'''Veteran Svanir Seer:''' Turn around, Eirsson. This doesn't concern you or your friends.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Year I've had, got no time for this. Get out of the way.

;Defeating the final group
:'''Owl Spirit:''' (agonized scream)
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' I didn't ask to be the Norn of damn Prophecy!
:'''Claw of Koda:''' Voices have no say when a higher purpose calls. They allow the honor to mold them—just as you must.
:'''Kasmeer Meade:''' Or maybe he's the Norn of Prophecy because of everything he's done. Spiritual direction—I get it. [[Facing the Truth|I've needed it]].
:'''Kasmeer Meade:''' But it's your choices and your actions that mattered, Braham. They're what made you who and what you are.

;Arriving at the owl shrine
:'''Owl Spirit:''' I exiled myself once—(agonized screech)—but I will go even further, if I must, to keep power from Jormag.
:'''Ryland Steelcatcher:''' You're gonna help us, one way or another. Why not make it easier on yourself?
:'''Owl Spirit:''' There is no ease in [[Dragon energy|corruption]].
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Ryland's channeling corrupted Spirit energy. He'll pull the life from her!
:'''Ryland Steelcatcher:''' This one promised herself to Jormag once—ruse or not. And my [[Elder Dragon|dragon]] doesn't take promises lightly.
:'''Kasmeer Meade:''' He's too strong! We're not going to be able to bring him down!
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' We can't leave Owl like this. Jormag can't have her!
:'''<Character name>:''' We don't have to kill him. Focus on the connection, Braham. Kas and I'll split his focus.

;At 70% health
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' What you're doing is cruel.
:'''Ryland Steelcatcher:''' What I'm doing is necessary.

;At 35%
:'''Ryland Steelcatcher:''' Maybe if you stopped whining about yourself, you'd actually be someone worth fighting.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' You entitled bastard.
:'''Owl Spirit:''' Don't stop now—he's winning.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' If I force a break, I won't be able to control the backlash!
:'''Owl Spirit:''' Free me, Braham. It's the only way.

;Ryland's defeat and exit
:'''Owl Spirit:''' The Wild together can direct the fall. You are the harness, Norn of Prophecy. Tell them.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' (battle cry)
:'''Ryland Steelcatcher:''' Just stop. You've released Owl. Take the win and go home.
:'''Ryland Steelcatcher:''' We still have three more corrupted spirits we can leverage. Might take longer, but we'll get there.
:'''Ryland Steelcatcher:''' Soon Jormag will be strong enough to face Primordus head on—and win. I'll see you in the world that comes after.

;After Ryland's exit
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Owl—she...she's gone. For good.
:'''Kasmeer Meade:''' Willing to sacrifice herself. Again. Shouldn't be in vain.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' I [[Pantheon of the Wild|opened the gate]] under Jormag's [[Frost Citadel|Ice Citadel]]. That's what brought Owl back. Made her vulnerable.
:'''<Character name>:''' You aren't responsible for Ryland—or Jormag.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Not their choices, maybe. But I am for mine.
:'''<Character name>:''' What did Owl mean, "the Wild together can direct the fall"?
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' I don't know. Why can I sense destroyers? What does Owl's message mean? How do we fight two Elder Dragons at once?
:'''<Character name>:''' Calm down, Braham. We'll figure it out—we always do.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' The Spirits of the Wild have known Jormag longer than any of us. Maybe they can help—before more of us have to die.

== Related achievements ==
* {{achievement|Daily Snowden Drifts Dragon Response Mission}}
* {{achievement|Daily Dragon Responder}}
* {{achievement|Dragon Response Initiate}}
* {{achievement|Dragon Response Adept}}
* {{achievement|Dragon Response Expert}}
* {{achievement|Dragon Response Master}}

{{Dragon Response Mission nav}}

[[es:Misión de respuesta dracónica: Cúmulos de Guaridanieve]]
[[fr:Mission d'endiguement de dragon des Congères d'Antreneige]]