It's been a while, Player.

I assume you've heard about the Priest of Destiny, Agehia? She asked you to come to Convent of Marchutan right away.

To my understanding, she was a Shadow Judge before she became a Priest. Anyway, she asked for somebody reliable, so I'm sending you.

Player: "Do you know why?"

Well, they're looking for more information on Ide. There's a strong chance that we can learn more about it in Gelkmaros and other parts of Balaurea, and she's been looking for someone suitable to the task.

I wouldn't worry about it too much. I doubt it's bad news, or anything. You should head over and talk to her! Use the teleport statue at the entrance of Vifrost Bridge. There are two there--the gold one is connected to Convent of Marchutan. Use that statue.

Travel safely!

Player: "You too--Uh, I mean, thanks!"

You are Player, right?

What brings you here?

Player: "Governor Vidar sent me."

Aha, you're who the governor chose! Heh, a [%userclass]. I should have known....

Oh, no--don't read too much into that. I just... believe she sent the right person. As you may know, Empyrean Lord Marchutan is not here right now. He's in Balaurea, dealing with a matter that... well. Let us just say that the destiny of Atreia itself hangs in the balance.

Anyway, as you may have heard from Vidar, your mission is to investigate Ide. After all, you use its power, so this should work out just fine!

Tigrina will help you to get to Balaurea. Go to Airship Dock and board the airship for Gelkmaros. May fate smile on you, my friend.

May destiny smile on you.

Player: "Thank you."

You're the Daeva who is heading to Gelkmaros? ... You've HEARD about Gelkmaros, right...?

It's nothing like Asmodae. OR Reshanta. It's... you need to be careful. Rumor has it that anyone captured by the Balaur there goes mad.

Are you sure you want to go?

Player: "Definitely."

All right, well. I hope you get to keep that confidence.

Right, we're leaving. Stay alert!

Player: (Board the ship.)

Ah, Player. I've been expecting you.

Here we are--in the land of destiny.

Well met. I am Richelle, Agent of Marchutan.

Player: "It's an honor."

There is much to do here. Surely, the actions you take will bring you to the crossroads of choice....

At all times, remember the will of Aion.

It will be the only light shining on the path you carve out.

Player: "Right...."

Tiamat is dead, but still, we fight servants of that creature every day.

You need to be briefed.

Go and see Merhen. Then you can get up to date on the situation here.

Player: "On my way."

Welcome! I am Merhen. I'm one of the ones in charge of laying out our strategy for occupying Gelkmaros.

Player, I've asked to see you so I can brief you on the current state of affairs here. Don't stress too much--we just want to make sure you have the opportunity to adapt here as... efficiently as possible.

Shall we get started?

Player: "Please."

Gelkmaros is more dangerous than ever before. We had to deploy much of our main forces elsewhere, so we're working on a skeleton crew here. Meanwhile, the remnants of Tiamat's forces have been up to... something. We're not sure what yet.

We suspect that the Balaur have gotten their claws on a large concentration of Aether, somehow. Either way, we're going to need your help. ... A LOT of help.

Report to Hogidin, please. He has further information for you.

Player: "Got it."

You already spoke with Merhen, yes? Good. I'm Hogidin. I help Merhen oversee the strategy here.

What I'm about to tell you is strictly confidential. If it leaks, we may lose this entire fortress. Keep this knowledge a secret at ANY cost, understand?

Player: "Understood."

All right. Things are are constantly evolving--I swear, every minute is something new and terrible. It's been that way since we arrived, which is about when Beritra's army showed up.

They've been swallowing up the lands made vacant after the fall of Tiamat.

Then, Sillenterra Corridor became the killing ground it is now....

Player: "What happened?"

Well, it used to only be accessible when the fortress was captured. Now, Sillenterra Corridor is constantly open. We have no idea what happened, but I suspect it has something to do with Beritra's forces.

I have a theory.... If I'm right, Tiamat hid something away in the Silenterra Corridor, and Beritra wants it. Either way, it being so open opens up a whole new world of military movements for us.

That's enough to at least get you roughly up to speed. Report to Brigade General Valetta. Tell her you've been given the full briefing.

Player: "On my way."

Nice to meet you. You're the one whom I've heard so much about, Player.

I received word from Governor Vidar that you'd be on your way here. Have you been briefed? Gelkmaros is a complicated strategic point, to be sure.

This place may still be under Balaur control, but Beritra's forces are not the same....

Player: "Got it."

Well, let's get you your first mission! You were attacked on your way in, correct? We haven't wiped out those Balaur troops yet. Our intelligence says they're camped near the fortress and preparing for an attack.

The Balaur troops have rallied around Trifire. Take him down, and the others will crumble.

Use a Watching Eye in Dredgion Crash Site to find clues to the whereabouts of Trifire. Just remember--you can't use the Eye if the Balaur are around to interfere, so take them out, first.

Good luck. Give Trifire a taste of shadow.

Player: "My pleasure."

We're short on soldiers here, so I hope you've brought back good news.

Did you kill Trifire?

Player: "I've got this to prove it."

Perfect. We can mop up the rest of the troops no problem now.

You know... the agent says you're the prophesied one. She might be right.

I'll report your success.


Player: "Thanks."

Ah, good. I see you succeeded at your first mission! The brigade general is delighted.

You must be exhausted. Catch some rest here for a while, Player.

You've much to do still.