The Diadem

The Diadem is an Exploratory Mission introduced in Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward, first appearing in Patch 3.1.

The Diadem has seen several redesigns over its life. Initially designed for both combat and gathering disciplines, it saw its first comparatively minor rework in patch 3.4 with the Diadem Hunting Grounds, a combat-only version while retaining the original. Patch 3.5 would see all prior versions of the Diadem removed to be replaced in patch 3.55b by the Trials of the Fury and Matron, focused on combat and gathering respectively in what would be a prelude to exploratory missions being divided into adventuring forays and gathering forays. The 3.55b Diadem also introduced the first open dungeon in the Emergency Mission, a large scale dungeon that could be challenged by multiple parties at once. Its most recent redesign saw it removed in patch 5.1 and replaced in patch 5.21 with a purely gathering version for the Ishgardian Restoration.

Original (3.1)

As airship technology spread throughout Eorzea, pioneers took to the skies to challenge a new frontier. There they came upon a breathtaking sight: a chain of pristine isles clustered about a massive floating crystal─no less a diadem fit for gods. These isles promise untold wealth and danger, and to lay claim to one you must brave the other. But ware those who would aid House Haillenarte in its explorations, for recent storm winds have littered the Diadem with artifacts of ancient origin. With these unstable relics twisting the aether and corrupting the wildlife, you can only guess at what new terrors now lurk in the darkness...Duty description

Hunting Grounds (3.4)

Trials of the Fury and Matron (3.55b)

As airship technology spread throughout Eorzea, pioneers took to the skies to challenge a new frontier. There they came upon a breathtaking sight: a chain of pristine isles clustered about a massive floating crystal─no less a diadem fit for gods. These isles promise untold wealth and danger, and to lay claim to one you must brave the other. But take care upon setting foot in this forsaken land, for the recent arrival of errant floating ruins has sent its denizens into a fury the likes heretofore unseen. Perhaps this is why House Haillenarte offers the richest of rewards for information on the phenomenon.Duty description

Trials of the Fury

The Trials of the Fury were designed to be fought as disciples of war or magic. However, players could still change to gathering classes once the mission objectives were completed. Mission objectives were set randomly upon entering the Diadem.

Missions were comprised of three phases, each with a primary objective and secondary objective. Primary objectives simply had players proceed to the location displayed on the map and complete the indicated mission. Secondary objectives required the completion FATEs that spawned randomly throughout the map to fill the mission evaluation gauge.

By completing FATEs, players were also be able to obtain damaged lockboxes. Players had to first collect forty damaged lockboxes and deliver them to the picker of locks NPC in order retrieve their contents.

Upon completing a mission, an aetherial gap would appear and allow you passage into previously inaccessible areas. These areas contained stronger enemies, new fishing locations, and unspoiled gathering locations.

Players could obtain lockboxes and other rewards by completing the objectives displayed when they entered the Diadem. Players could open their lockboxes by handing them over to the picker of locks NPC found in one of the settlements of the Diadem, in the Pillars in Ishgard, and each city's residential district. Lockboxes awarded upon completing all objectives were obtained from treasure coffers carrying personal rewards.

Trials of the Matron

The Trials of the Matron were designed for disciples of the land, although players could freely switch to other roles at any time.

After entering the Diadem, players had to explore the area and fulfill any assigned mission objectives. By doing so, they were be able to obtain steel sky pirate spoils, which could be redeemed for a variety of goods by speaking with the Spoils Collector at one of the settlements found in the Diadem, the Pillars, as well as in each city's residential district. The Steel sky pirate spoils awarded upon completing all objectives were obtained from treasure sacks carrying personal rewards.

Missions were comprised of three phases, which had to be completed as players explored the area.

Emergency Mission: The Missing Gem

Occasionally, the Emergency Mission would commence. This mission could appear in both the Trials of the Fury and the Trials of the Matron. This mission would cause a Mhachi Portal to activate at the Missing Gem in the center of the zone, where players could do battle against the Beastking Buer. Exclusive rewards awaited those who successfully cleared the mission. Players who failed to contribute to the battle would not receive a reward. The Emergency Mission ended after 15 minutes. In the event the Emergency Mission occured, the time limit for the Diadem would be extended by 15 minutes.