Temple Champion - 2

Ah, the Limbs of the Temple...

...

We wish to distribute our manifesto -- which argues that the advent of the angel proves the Temple's legitimacy and authority -- to the various breakaway groups.

This will give them a final chance to repent of their apostasy and return to our loving fold, and in so doing escape eternal punishment.

But it will be very difficult to disseminate the manifesto to each group -- many lie in dangerous areas and many more will suspect a trick and refuse to meet with any representative we send...

However, an experienced adventurer might be able to both reach these groups and convince them to hear him out.

Will you help us?

• "I will."

Ah... Although I have no doubt that you are an experienced adventurer, I don't think you are ready for this mission.

Come back after you have had more training...

(Only characters level 36 and above are permitted to undertake this quest.)

You, adventurer, are not one of the Temple Champions.

That means that you cannot carry out certain important missions.

There is classified information involved... You understand, I'm sure?

(Only characters who have completed the first Temple Champion quest may undertake this quest.)

Thanks to your efforts, we were able to recreate the missing inspector's report.

Based on his findings, we have written a manifesto showing that the advent of the angel proves the authority and legitimacy of the Temple.

We wish to distribute this document to the groups who have broken ties with us.

If you give this to Preacher Sla, he will be able to disseminate it to those groups.

But...

• "But?"

Thanks to your efforts, we were able to recreate the missing inspector's report.

Based on his findings, we have written a manifesto showing that the advent of the angel proves the authority and legitimacy of the Temple.

We wish to distribute this document to the groups who have broken ties with us.

If you give this to Preacher Sla, he will be able to disseminate it to those groups.

But...

• "But?"

But it may be difficult for you obtain an audience with Preacher Sla. His philosophy differs somewhat from ours...

First seek out Priestess Pupina, who will be able to guide you in contacting Preacher Sla.

But it may be difficult for you obtain an audience with Preacher Sla. His philosophy differs somewhat from ours...

First seek out Priestess Pupina, who will be able to guide you in contacting Preacher Sla.

(Tell him that you met Preacher Sla and gave her the manifesto, and have returned with a message from her.)

Only a strong and unified Temple can bring peace to this continent, and only concentrated power can protect the people.

Besides, the angel of Einhasad has obviously come down to empower us in our holy mission. What else would it mean?

But even with this clear evidence, I see they will not accept the truth. I just do not understand them...

We are now attempting to determine the angel's exact whereabouts.

Once we contact the angel, surely even the apostates must accept our authority.

• "Is the investigation under way?"

We have commissioned Shadow Fox, the information dealer, to gather information about the angel from his sources...

I dislike the secrecy associated with using an outsider like that, but I accept the need for it at this delicate juncture.

If you wish to help search for the angel, contact Shadow Fox.

He will not reveal himself directly, so you should ask Warehouse Keeper Mia in Heine how to contact Shadow Fox...

She has already told him that an experienced adventurer would be an asset in the search.

Tell Warehouse Keeper Mia that I sent you and she should speed you on your way to Shadow Fox.

You have served us well in this matter. May Einhasad guard you on your journey!

Greetings, adventurer who carries out the mission of the Temple...

May the light of the goddess shine upon you.

Greetings, adventurer who carries out the mission of the Temple!

Do you wish to meet Preacher Sla?

As you know, the preachers' goals differ somewhat from the goals of the Temple priests.

Preachers believe that the Temple's rigid rules and ceremonies often serve as a barrier to a true understanding of and relationship with the goddess.

And given the Temple's close association with the aristocracy, many preachers are critical that the priests are more concerned with personal status and wealth than true service.

• "I see."

I believe that the Temple is a vital part of our religion, but that it also is in need of reform.

As you can guess, such a view has cast me into some disfavor with my superiors.

I also maintain friendly relations with many preachers, something else that is in practice frowned upon.

Since you occupy a high position in the service of the Temple, if you wish to speak with Preacher Sla you will need to prove that your views are not those of the conservative Temple hierarchy.

• "Then what should I do?"

Those hypocrital Temple priests pray, study, heal and give money to charity, to be sure -- but they refuse to risk dirtying their robes by actual venturing out among the poor and downtrodden.

If you can show that you do not share their aloofness, I will write you a letter of recommendation that you may give to Preacher Sla.

• "I will prove myself."

Those hypocrital Temple priests pray, study, heal and give money to charity, to be sure -- but they refuse to risk dirtying their robes by actual venturing out among the poor and downtrodden.

If you can show that you do not share their aloofness, I will write you a letter of recommendation that you may give to Preacher Sla.

• "I will prove myself."

Grand Master Angus in the Town of Giran is charged with the raising of Dark Elves.

We have heard word that one of the Dark Elven trainees was involved in a serious accident.

I think Angus may need help to deal with it. I will ask him for more information, but I must warn you that in rendering him aid you will almost certainly be violating the rules of your order.

Angus knows Preacher Sla well, however, and if you help him I am sure that he will write a letter of recommendation on your behalf.

Knowing that you may be asked to break the Temple code, do you still want to undertake this task?

• "I cannot. I must abide by the rules of the Temple in all things."
• "I believe that Einhasad prefers mercy to blind obedience. I will certainly help if I can."

I understand.

I do not question your decision, but I must tell you that with that attitude, even if you meet Preacher Sla, he will not converse with you.

If you change your mind, please let me know...

Good!

Then go help Grand Master Angus in the Town of Giran. After you have obtained his letter of recommendation, return to me here.

Go help Grand Master Angus in the Town of Giran. After you have obtained his letter of recommendation, return to me here.

Ah, I see you have brought me a letter from Angus...

Let me see...

Hmm...according to this, you assisted in a ritual to Shilen, whom Einhasad imprisoned long ago. There can be no doubt that you have violated the rules of the Temple in this matter -- and gravely.

• "Every race has its own rituals and customs. As an adventurer all too familiar with death, Angus' sorrow touched me, as did his desire to lay the trainee's soul to rest. What I did in no way helped Shilen, but it did give a measure of peace to the dead man's friends. I would hope they would do the same for me."

That is well and wisely said! Both your actions and your words prove that you are very different from those arrogant Temple priests, obsessed with the letter of the law rather than its spirit.

You have proved that you are indeed a reasonable person.

I will write you the letter of recommendation. Show it to Preacher Sla in the wilderness, and perhaps he will treat you as a friend.

May the light of Einhasad shine upon your journey and guard you from every danger...

That is well and wisely said! Both your actions and your words prove that you are very different from those arrogant Temple priests, obsessed with the letter of the law rather than its spirit.

You have proved that you are indeed a reasonable person.

I will write you the letter of recommendation. Show it to Preacher Sla in the wilderness, and perhaps he will treat you as a friend.

May the light of Einhasad shine upon your journey and guard you from every danger...

You will be able to speak with Preacher Sla if you show him my letter of recommendation.

Hmmph! By the look of you, you must be associated with the Temple of Einhasad.

I have nothing to say to such a person.

Even if we were to talk, I know how it would end...

Hmmph! By the look of you, you must be associated with the Temple of Einhasad.

I have nothing to say to such a person.

Even if we were to talk, I know how it would end...

• Show her Pupina's letter of recommendation.

What's this, then? Hmm...

(She reads Pupina's letter of recommendation.)

Well, well. You might be a person worth talking to after all. Very well, stranger, tell me: why are you here?

• Give her the Temple Manifesto.

What's this, then? Hmm...

(Preacher Sla reads Pupina's letter of recommendation.)

Well, well. You might be a person I can civilly converse with after all. Tell me, stranger, why are you here?

• Give him the Temple Manifesto.

(Preacher Sla reads the manifesto.)

So...the angel of Einhasad has fallen to earth... Amazing...

• "Then do you admit that the Temple holds the truth in these matters?"

(Preacher Sla reads the manifesto.)

So...the angel of Einhasad has fallen to earth... Amazing...

• "Then do you admit that the Temple holds the truth in these matters?"

See here...

According to my studies, there is a distinct possibility that Einhasad is not the creator of the Humans after all...

I have uncovered certain ancient sources that predate the Elmoreden period and survived Emperor Shunaiman's purges. They suggest that humanity was in fact created in another fashion altogether.

In my opinion, the Humans who conquered this continent needed a myth in order to dignify themselves and secure their control over the empire...

The Temple of Einhasad was accordingly formed chiefly for political reasons.

Think about it. It certainly explains why the Temple has fostered such an intimate relationship with the Rulers of Dawn, the ones with secular power.

• "But isn't it true that an angel with 3 pairs of wings delivered both a message and a measure of the goddess' power to Emperor Shunaiman?"

Yes, I admit that miracle actually happened.

Much of Emperor Shunaiman's recorded actions and abilities cannot be explained apart from whatever power he received from Einhasad.

But I think the deal went both ways. I have discovered that Einhasad possibly required some kind of assistance from this Human who had conquered the continent.

In his turn, Shunaiman needed legitimacy, which he gained through performing miracles.

I think the two of them concluded some sort of contract with each other...

• Keep listening.

It seems that Einhasad desperately wants to stop something...what exactly, we still don't know.

Perhaps it has to do with the elimination of the followers of Shilen and the monsters spawned by the dark goddess...

That makes sense, considering how harshly Emperor Shunaiman persecuted Dark Wizards, Shilen's disciples and the followers of Gran Kain. Interestingly, by the way, those persecutions began after his first miracle... Coincidence? I'm inclined to think not.

My research is still in progress, so there are still many questions.

But I was able to find some evidence that may show a linkage...

• "What does this have to do with the manifesto I showed you?"

Since the beginning, the Temple has been deeply involved in politics, even as it continues to stubbornly insist on its divine legitimacy.

But look closer at this manifesto...

The possible presence of the angel here could either support their claims or be their ruin.

What if the angel offers a glimpse of the divine that is vastly different than what the Temple has maintained is the truth?

Its entire foundation will collapse...

The only way to be sure, of course, is to find this angel and learn why he has come...

• "I understand. I will deliver your message to my superiors."

Since the beginning, the Temple has been deeply involved in politics, even as it continues to stubbornly insist on its divine legitimacy.

But look closer at this manifesto...

The possible presence of the angel here could either support their claims or be their ruin.

What if the angel offers a glimpse of the divine that is vastly different that what the Temple has maintained is the truth?

Its entire foundation will collapse...

The only way to be sure, of course, is to find this angel and learn why he has come...

• "I understand. I will deliver your message to my superiors."

I can see you're confused...

That's understandable, but take care that you don't lose faith! Remember that the healing power of Einhasad is everywhere, regardless of rank or race.

I don't know what happened between Einhasad and Emperor Shunaiman, but...

I refuse to believe that the goddess is somehow in error -- it must be those mortals who pervert her good name for their own advancement that are to blame.

Now go tell High Priest Sylvain what I just told you!

Don't lose your faith in the goddess. Regardless of race or rank, Einhasad's light and healing magic is still very much present in our world.

I do not know what happened between Einhasad and Emperor Shunaiman, but...

It is my belief that it is not the goddess who is at fault for the misfortunes that have befallen her people; it is rather the fault of those who exploit her name for their own power and advancement.

Go tell High Priest Sylvain what I just told you.

Yes? What is it?

I am too busy right now for idle chatter. A trainee was killed in an accident...

Come back later!

(Angus looks very sad...)

Hmm...

You wish to help me?

Well then... One of the Dark Elven trainees was accidentally killed during an actual fighting drill in Death Pass.

I am preparing a ritual that will permit his soul to return to Shilen in peace.

I do this in accord with the customs of his people...

To perform the ritual, however, we will need his belongings, which were lost in Death Pass.

You belong to the Temple of Einhasad, do you not?

Are you sure that you wish to provide aid to a follower of Shilen?

• "Every race has its own customs. I have faced dangers and lost friends as well, and I am touched by your sorrow. I will help you if I can."

Oh! You are very different, I see, from those arrogant priests of the Temple of Einhasad.

Thank you!

Please go to Death Pass and defeat Wyrms, Guardian Basilisks, Road Scavengers and Fettered Souls. Bring back 10 Relics of the Dark Elven Trainee.

Hurry! Please go to Death Pass and hunt Wyrms, Guardian Basilisks, Road Scavengers and Fettered Souls. Bring back 10 Relics of the Dark Elven Trainee.

You have returned with all of his belongings! Shilen be praised!

Thanks to your help, we will be able to send the soul of the dead Dark Elven trainee to rest with Shilen.

We are in your debt.

I will write you a letter of recommendation so that others of my faith will not treat you like one of those arrogant priests of the Temple of Einhasad.

You are looking for Preacher Sla? Take my letter of recommendation to Priest Pupina.