Welcome, Player. I know you just arrived, but don't get too comfortable--you need to go to the Convent of Marchutan and meet someone very important.

Have you ever heard of Agehia? She is a Priest of Destiny serving Empyrean Lord Marchutan... also well known as a Shadow Judge before she became a high priest.

She asked me to recommend someone reliable, and you came immediately to mind.

Player: "Has something happened?"

There's still so much to learn about the mysterious power known as Ide, and we think the information can be obtained in Gelkmaros, and other parts of Balaurea. Agehia has been looking for someone suitable to send there.

If you think you can help, please go speak with her.

Do you know how to get to the Convent? You'll find two teleport statues at the entrance of Vifrost Bridge. Use the gold one. It is connected to the Convent of Marchutan.

Player: "Got it."

You are Player, right?

What brings you here?

Player: "Vidar said I might be of service..."

So, you're the one Governor Vidar recommended? A [%userclass]... Hmm. That's just like him.

You may already know this, but Empyrean Lord Marchutan has gone to Balaurea to deal with an important matter. The very destiny of Atreia hangs in the balance, and the harsh environment of Balaurea is causing a lot of problems for our legions there.

As you may have heard from Vidar, your mission is to investigate Ide. Tigrina will help you get to Balaurea. Go to the Airship Dock and board the battleship heading for Gelkmaros. May the darkness smile on you.

Player: "Blood for blood."

You're the Daeva heading to Gelkmaros? Do you know what you're getting into?

You've gotta be careful out there. It's entirely different from Asmodae. Not only that, but rumor has it everyone captured by the Balaur has gone insane.

The airship will depart soon... you still want to go?

Player: "Yes, you've made it sound so lovely."

Ha! Just being honest with you, friend.

I hope you can hold out longer than most. Hop on board!

Player: "No turning back now..."

I've been keeping tabs on you.

And now, here we are, face to face in the land of destiny.

I am Richelle, Lord Marchutan's Agent.

Player: "It's... nice to meet you."

You will carry out many missions here and, inevitably, you will stand at the crossroads of choice.

At all times, remember the will of Aion.

It will be your only guide on the tempestuous journey you are embarking on.

Player: "Darkness guides my way."

Tiamat is dead, but the war goes on.

There is much you will need to understand and prepare for.

Go see Merhen. He will tell you about the situation in Gelkmaros.

Player: "Thank you."

I'm Merhen. Heh, you look surprised. Yes, Richelle said "he"--I prefer male pronouns. It's not that uncommon.

Hogidin and I are in charge of establishing strategies for occupying Gelkmaros. If you have a moment--which I'm assuming you do--I'll need to brief you on the current state of things here.

Player: "Please do."

We are facing greater difficulties in Gelkmaros than ever before. The Naduka Legion are just outside our walls, unrelenting in their assault, and the Elyos are not much better. Many of our troops were deployed to the new land, leaving us vastly understaffed. But, as they say, it is a poor artist who blames his tools.

Our intelligence has reported suspicious movement among the Balaur Followers and the remains of Tiamat's troops. We suspect they may have acquired a large volume of Aether.

I have more to say, but I'll let Hogidin fill you in. Hogidin! Give this Daeva the full report.

Player: "Thank you, Merhen."

What I am about to tell you is strictly confidential.

If it is leaked out to the Elyos or anyone else, we may lose this fortress. You must keep this secret at all costs. Is that clear?

I wouldn't be telling you at all, if not for Merhen's say so.

Player: "His trust is not misplaced, I assure you."

Nor is mine.

The situation in Balaurea is constantly changing. Beritra's army infiltrated this region and began swallowing up the lands made vacant after the fall of Tiamat.

Then one day, an important strategic location in this region... Do you know of the Silentera Canyon?

Player: "Yes, but what about it?"

In the past, the Silentera Canyon only opened when the fortress was captured.

Now, it stays open at all times. We don't know what happened, but I believe it's something Beritra ordered done. My theory is that there's something inside the Silentera Canyon, and Beritra wants it.

I think the permanent opening of the Corridor presents a good opportunity for our military. That's all you need to know for now. You should go see Fatebound General Valetta and tell her that you've been given the full briefing.

Player: "Well, I didn't get the FULL briefing, but okay."

Ah, Governor Vidar said I should be expecting someone.

I heard Merhen and Hogidin briefing you. I know there's more you'd like to know, but I assure you, that time will come.

For now, the problems at hand. We may have defeated Tiamat, but Beritra's army is still a force to be reckoned with.

Player: "I'm ready for action."

Great. Do you remember the battle with the Balaur when you arrived in Gelkmaros? We haven't wiped out those troops yet, and we have reports that they are camped near the fortress, preparing for an attack.

The Naduka Legion have rallied around Trifire, so your first mission is to eliminate him. I'm certain that will cause the rest of them to crumble before long.

Eliminate any of the runaway troops that get in your way and then use a Watching Eye at the Dredgion Crash Site to locate and defeat Trifire. Then report back here.

Player: "Blood for blood!"

Is that a look of triumph on your face?

Player: "Is it that obvious?"

Perhaps I am just perceptive.

Your efforts will make it much easier to mop up the rest of the Balaur troops. You know, Agent Richelle referred to you as the one in the prophecy, and now I think she may be right.

She wanted to speak with you again, now that the task is done.

Player: "Yes, General."

You've completed your first mission successfully, and I've received a full report from General Valetta of your other accomplishments.

You must be exhausted, and there are still many difficult missions ahead... why don't you rest at the fortress for a bit? Take your leisure now. There is more yet to come.