Floundering Fame

Floundering Fame

Quest giver

Tepeke

Location

Thavnair (X:25.7, Y:34.0)

Quest line

Dawntrail Role Quests

Level

96

Required quest

The Seeds of Popularity

Requirements

Magical Ranged DPS

Experience

 1,075,220

Gil

 1,000

Previous quest

The Seeds of Popularity

Next quest

Behind the Helm

Patch

7.0

Links

EDB GT

“

Tepeke appears pleased with the blow dealt to the Justiciar's credibility.

— In-game description

Steps

• Gather information from the youths in Radz–at–Han. 0/3
• Speak with Zasshal.
• Speak with Tepeke.
• Speak with Tepeke at Palaka's Stand.
• Stand watch at the designated location.
• Wait at the designated location, then follow the furtive youth without being seen.
• Speak with Tepeke.
• Speak with Tepeke in Yedlihmad.

Journal

• Tepeke appears pleased with the blow dealt to the Justiciar's credibility.
• It seems that spreading the truth of Justiciar's character has had the desired effect, as Tepeke informs you that public opinion has shifted since his questionable actions were brought to light. She also shares a rumor that mysterious letters have been circulating among his most ardent followers in Radz–at–Han, and she is determined to ascertain the contents. She asks you to aid her by questioning residents in the western quarter of the city, where the impressionable youth are said to gather.
• While most in the western quarter seem to know only rumors of the letters or seem reticent to speak with you, one boy tells you that he overheard Zasshal the merchant mention the Justiciar in the vicinity of Mehryde's Meyhane, where he may yet be. You decide to head there and ask the merchant what he knows of the elusive charlatan.
• You come upon Zasshal cheering to the Justiciar's generosity, and after a bit of prodding from you, the merchant shows no scruple in spilling his client's secrets. He says that he was approached by the Justiciar, who purchased all the merchant's maps. Not soon after did letters appear in Radz–at–Han with a copy of a map leading to the Uznair canals. Although the details are yet unclear, it is plain that Virazahn is planning something there. Return to Radz–at–Han to share this discovery with Tepeke.
• Impressed at your investigative abilities, Tepeke guesses that the Justiciar's followers might gather at Palaka's Stand before departing for Uznair. She asks you to follow her there with haste, before the trail goes cold.
• You notice a few more youthful faces than usual around Palaka's Stand, and Tepeke has observed several clutching maps. Her presence has been noted, however, as none of the youths will allow her to approach, let alone speak with them. She concocts a plan to take advantage of their wariness─she will keep a half-hearted vigil in the hopes that one among their number attempts to slip past her gaze. You are to watch from a hidden vantage point and follow anyone who attempts to leave Palaka's Stand.
• As Tepeke surmised, one of the Justiciar's followers attempts to sneak past her and heads to the settlement's outskirts. Follow close behind to see where he might lead you.
  • ※In the event of failure, return to the designated location to reattempt the objective.
• You follow the young man to the entrance to Uznair before confronting him, and he confesses that he was there to learn the truth of the rumors for himself. Deciding he would be better off at home, he entrusts the map to you. You and Tepeke then enter the canals, eventually reaching a chamber full of large rocks strewn about and a group of wounded people. In the center of all this stands Virazahn. He gives a grandiose speech, declaring his intent to become known as Radz–at–Han's greatest hero, before retreating behind a hail of stone, leaving the wounded behind to tell their tale. Apparently, the majority came as followers of the Justiciar, but when a duo of thieves brandished their weapons, he wielded the apex's powers against them, wounding friend and foe alike. For a blessing, none were mortally wounded, but Virazahn has once more escaped the hand of justice. After leaving the canals, Tepeke asks you to wait while she guides the people into the care of the Radiant Host.
• Having guided the wounded safely to the Radiant Host, your first encounter with Virazahn has ended with less-than-favorable results. However, the story of what happened in Uznair may deal a grievous blow to the Justiciar's reputation, and Tepeke is optimistic as she departs to Yedlihmad, bidding you to follow.
• As usual, Tepeke is unflappable in the face of Virazahn's escape, and seems almost heartened that your encounter has confirmed several theories about the treasure's powers. Certain that Virazahn's charade will soon come crashing down, Tepeke intends to cooperate with the Radiant Host to track him down before he lashes out in desperation. In the meantime, she asks you to stand ready to act once new information presents itself.
  • ※The next role quest will be available from Tepeke upon reaching level 98 in any magical ranged DPS class.
  • ※In order to undertake the subsequent quest, you must first complete the main scenario quest “The Long Road to Xak Tural.”

Dialogue

Speak with Tepeke

Tepeke: Greetings, Forename. Virazahn's father has been as good as his word, and has confessed the truth of his son's actions to whomever will listen.
Tepeke: Even among the younglings, far fewer sing the Justiciar's praises. The tide is turning in our favor at last, and the Radiant Host are making ready to tighten the net.
Tepeke: Speaking of which, they had curious news to share. They've been examining the stones left behind by the Justiciar, and noticed a pattern: they were all varieties of rock commonly found near the site of each encounter.
Tepeke: For instance, near the Giantsgall Grounds, the Justiciar seems to have called down a hail of what else but giantsgall. I have my own theories about what this means, but I'd like to hear your thoughts, Forename.

What will you say?
> The rocks weren't summoned, but moved.
> It's safe to say the artifact doesn't create rocks from nothing.

Tepeke: Indeed. The Perch of the Apex likely lifts whatever stones are nearby, and brings them crashing down to earth. If our suspicions are correct, we're one step closer to unraveling its mysteries!
Tepeke: But despite these favorable developments, the Justiciar's popularity remains a problem. Even with the recent blow to his credibility, his most ardent followers still idolize him.
Tepeke: In fact, I hear he's handing letters to the youth of Radz-at-Han, though their contents are a closely guarded secret. All the more reason to investigate, don't you think?
Tepeke: Once we get to Radz-at-Han, if I question people around the marketplace, could you cover the city's western quarter? That's where his younger followers tend to gather.
Tepeke: After we've collected enough information, let's meet to share our findings. See you again in Radz-at-Han, Forename

Gather information from the youths in Radz–at–Han

Sulking Youth

Sulking Youth: The Justiciar gave me that invitation himself, only for some thief to snatch it right out of my hand!
Sulking Youth: Huh? You believe in the Justiciar, too? Well, I didn't have a chance to read the whole letter before it was stolen, but he's gathering his most devoted for a special audience.
Sulking Youth: The bastard who stole my invitation is clearly up to no good. He even muttered something about getting revenge...but who could hate someone so noble?

Optional Dialogue

Sulking Youth: The letter was stolen before I could read it all, but it looks like the Justiciar is gathering his followers for a special audience.

Surly Youth

Surly Youth: Oh, you're the one who's always following that Tepeke around. I heard she's spreading rumors about this city's savior.
Surly Youth: I won't let her harm his reputation any more than she already has, so I've nothing to say to her lapdog.

Optional Dialogue

Surly Youth: Ask me again, and the answer will be the same. Now get out of my sight.

Downcast Youth

Downcast Youth: Yeah, I know about the letters. Me and my friends didn't get one, though. The grown-ups get angry if we talk about the Justiciar!
Downcast Youth: But guess what? I heard Zasshal talking about him over by Mehryde's Meyhane. He had a big grin on his face, too!
Downcast Youth: Does that mean the Justiciar isn't a bad man like the grown-ups say?

Optional Dialogue

Downcast Youth: That merchant Zasshal seems to like the Justiciar─not like the other grown-ups. If you're looking for him, he might still be in Mehryde's Meyhane.

System: The most useful clue points to the merchant Zasshal having some connection to Virazahn. He was last seen near Mehryde's Meyhane.

Optional Dialogue

Speak with Zasshal (cutscene)

Zasshal: Haha! It's true what they say─a fool and his gil are soon parted!
Zasshal: Huh? Why, if it isn't one of the heroes of the Final Days. Heh... This isn't about that map I sold to your companion, is it?
Zasshal: You'll find it points the way to the vaults of Alzadaal III, exactly as described. I may have employed a few...ah, creative methods to entice my customers, but what merchant doesn't?

What will you say?
> I'm not here about the map.
> I see you're as unscrupulous as ever.

< I'm not here about the map. >
Zasshal: You're not? ...But of course! Why would you be? Hahaaa... W-Well, what can I do for one of our vaunted heroes?

< I see you're as unscrupulous as ever. >
Zasshal: Now, now, a man can't fill his belly on virtue and honesty. Anyroad, something tells me that's not why you're here.

Zasshal: You're after the Justiciar? Your choice of quarry is...unusual, to say the least.
Zasshal: But perhaps I can help you along, eh? A young man came asking for a map to open the way to Uznair. I sold him every map I had, assuring him that the one he needed was among them.
Zasshal: I suppose he found it, as I hear these letters that were handed out contain a copy of a map. I daresay that young fellow was the Justiciar himself, and he's planning a clandestine meeting in the Uznair canals.
Zasshal: Mind you, it appears he has no shortage of enemies. No doubt they'll try to interfere.
Zasshal: Thankfully, Radz-at-Han isn't known for large-scale criminal organizations, but that hasn't kept the less scrupulous citizens from dirtying their hands when times are desperate.
Zasshal: From what I hear, bandits seeking to rob trade caravans keep running into the Justiciar during his fiend-felling exploits, causing their raids to end in failure. Like as not, they'll try to infiltrate his group of followers and settle the score.
Zasshal: And that's where my knowledge of the matter ends! If you're wondering where the meeting place is, all I remember is that the spot marked on the copied maps is somewhere in the Shroud of the Samgha. So...does that answer your queries?

Optional Dialogue

Zasshal: The location is somewhere within the Shroud of the Samgha. I can't remember much beyond that, so perhaps you could stop bothering me now?

Speak with Tepeke

Tepeke: Those in support of the Justiciar didn't seem surprised when I told them of his misdeeds, but still they were reluctant to betray him. In short, I've had no luck. What about you, Forename?
Tepeke: Your investigative abilities never cease to amaze me! As for this gathering Virazahn is planning, I expect it's some scheme to prop up his flagging popularity.
Tepeke: Even so, many of his devotees are younglings ill-equipped to make the perilous journey to the meeting place. If they've any sense, rather than attempt to travel there directly, they'll stop at settlements along the way to rest and confirm the route.
Tepeke: You said the map led into the Shroud of the Samgha, yes? That means Palaka's Stand is the closest settlement. I hear many took refuge there during the Final Days, and it's now a bustling town in its own right.
Tepeke: The arrival of more people would hardly raise eyebrows, making it the perfect place to avoid unwanted attention while they make ready. We should head there before they leave on the final leg of their journey!

Speak with Tepeke at Palaka's Stand

Tepeke: I was right, Forename! Many of the youths are carrying pieces of parchment. Those must be the letters!
Tepeke: Yet it seems my reputation has preceded me. Our suspected followers clearly avoid me whenever I try to approach them.
Tepeke: Still, we can use this to our advantage. None of them would dare leave Palaka's Stand while there's risk I might follow after.
Tepeke: I'll keep watch over their comings and goings, but will make sure to leave obvious blind spots. If one of the Justiciar's followers attempts to escape the village, I need you to go after them! 
Tepeke: Now, find a vantage point that affords a good view while keeping you hidden. Once you've started pursuing our unwitting target, I won't be far behind!

Optional Dialolgue

Tepeke: What are you doing!? If they find out that we're working together, this will all be for nothing! Watch from a hidden vantage point, and follow anyone you see trying to leave Palaka's Stand─quietly.

Stand watch at the designated location (cutscene)

Follow the young man from a safe distance. The objective will end in failure if you are noticed, or if you fall too far behind.
Should you fail, return to the starting point to reattempt the objective.

Follow the furtive youth (cutscene)

Furtive Youth: The portal should be nearby...and then I'll finally meet him!
Furtive Youth: Wha─!? You...you're the hero who saved us in the Final Days! What're you doing here!?
Furtive Youth: So you're working alongside that woman I saw at the village? I've heard about the rumors she's spreading, but I had no idea she'd enlisted your aid.
Furtive Youth: The Justiciar saved me, you see. I was transporting goods for a local merchant who was too miserly to even hire a proper escort. A ferocious creature ambushed me, but my savior appeared from nowhere, and saw off the beast. I owe him my life.
Furtive Youth: That's why I came here─to see if there's any truth to the rumors.
Furtive Youth: But now I understand I'm in over my head. I'm going back home. Here, you can have the map. I trust you to take the measure of the Justiciar, and to share the truth with us all.

Tepeke: Apologies for watching from the shadows, but I was afraid my presence might have startled the lad. I was able to hear what he said, though, and his gratitude towards the Justiciar seemed genuine. I daresay the other followers feel similarly.
Tepeke: Well, now that we have a map of our own, let's open the portal and confront Virazahn!
Tepeke: What a sight... Did the treasure cause this?

Justiciar: Oh my, if it isn't the hero who saved Radz-at-Han─nay, the world itself! I never expected someone so vaunted to attend my audience, but I am honored nonetheless!

Tepeke: Enough of your games, Virazahn! Stop this madness at once!

Justiciar: After giving you such a warm welcome, these are the thanks I get? While 'tis true that I was once known by that name, 'twas merely a guise I wore until I discovered my true self.
Justiciar: So long as I am the masked hero of Radz-at-Han, I shall not suffer any to call me Virazahn!

Tepeke: But...that is your name, isn't it?

What will you say?
> A hero should take pride in their name.
> The game is up─we've exposed your true identity.
> Why don't you drop the act, and try being a true hero?

< A hero should take pride in their name. >
< The game is up─we've exposed your true identity. >
Justiciar: 'Twould seem the Justiciar's meager alter ego has been brought to light. But will he shrink once more into the shadows of mundane obscurity, or embark on the next chapter of his legend?

< Why don't you drop the act, and try being a true hero?>
Justiciar: A true hero, you say? Indeed... Perhaps casting aside this mask is the price I must pay for the adoration I am due.

Virazahn: Very well, my name shall ring throughout Radz-at-Han! Let it be known that the Justiciar is Virazahn, and Virazahn is the Justiciar!

Tepeke: What are you saying!? You unleashed Perch of the Apex upon your own followers!?

Virazahn: You know its name? Wait...I remember you. The girl from Xak Tural, yes?
Virazahn: Your village's artifact is not discriminating in its wrath. Some among my “followers” harbored wicked intentions, and it brought sorrow unto my enemies. The true of heart caught in the aftermath were merely...unfortunate.

Tepeke: But they believed in you, even though you tricked them! What kind of hero are you!?

Virazahn: You, too, would oppose me? I had thought that as fellow saviors, we might find some common ground, yet it would seem we are destined to walk different paths.
Virazahn: Now faced with unknown peril, a great fervor rages within me!
Virazahn: However, here is not where we shall match wits. No...a more fitting battleground is in order. We will meet again soon, you have my word!

Tepeke: Agh! Shut up!

Virazahn: Gah!

Tepeke: So, can you tell us what happened here?

Harrowed Girl: He gathered us all around and made a grand speech. Claimed he was the hero that would drive back the flood of fiends threatening Thavnair...
Harrowed Girl: Then, he spoke of his anger at the recent rumors. He told us to go forth and repair his damaged reputation, so that the people would love him again. He became quite impassioned, in fact.

Uncouth Thug: As for us two, we were here to teach him a lesson, bidin' our time until his back was turned. But we couldn't stomach his self-righteous drivel any longer...
Uncouth Thug: He acts like he's a god come to grace Thavnair, but most people have grown wise to his tricks, includin' the Radiant Host. We stepped forward and told him as much, then demanded that he admit he's been pullin' the wool over everyone's eyes.
Uncouth Thug: That's when he started wavin' that thing about. We soon learned that the rumors of its power were true, and rocks started fallin' down around us.

Harrowed Girl: Even us true believers were not spared! There was nowhere to run!
Harrowed Girl: The Justiciar said such power cannot be fettered, and that sacrifices are unavoidable. And all the while...he was laughing!
Harrowed Girl: We pleaded with him for mercy, but that just made him angrier. He flourished the object again, and yet more rocks assailed us.
Harrowed Girl: It was horrible! Stones big and small raining down endlessly. Until you two appeared, that is.

Tepeke: Thank you for telling us what happened. I only wish we could have arrived sooner.
Tepeke: Now, just to set things straight─it was you two that brandished your weapons first, yes?

Uncouth Thug: Well, I won't deny that, but we were only tryin' to bring the truth of his misdeeds to light. Though we might've had some personal scores to settle on top of that...

Tepeke: Before I left Palaka's Stand, I asked the Radiant Host there to look out for anyone returning from the wilderness.
Tepeke: I suggest you head there and seek their aid. While you're there, share with them what you just told us. And as for the pair of you, don't even think about running away, or you'll have us to deal with.

Speak with Tepeke

Tepeke: Everyone has returned to the care of the Radiant Host. As for those ruffians who meant to attack Virazahn, it seems they had a history of violence for which they may soon answer.
Tepeke: Several among Virazahn's followers were dealt serious wounds, but we can be grateful that none lost their lives.
Tepeke: It's exactly as the old saying describes: “The master of the apex shall be showered with good fortune, yet leave only sorrow in their wake.” The part about sorrow certainly seems true, at least.
Tepeke: We can but hope that Virazahn's spell over the people will be broken at last when word of what transpired here becomes common knowledge. Let that buoy our spirits as we return to Yedlihmad.

Speak with Tepeke in Yedlihmad

Tepeke: Well, that was certainly an ordeal. Although Virazahn got away, we can look back upon what transpired to plan our next course of action.
Tepeke: It appears that the treasure takes rocks from the surrounding environment and makes them rain down upon the wielder's surroundings.
Tepeke: However, the power seems to be somewhat...haphazard. While Virazahn himself wasn't struck, the boulders assailed friend and foe alike.
Tepeke: Something else has been nagging at me, as well...the stones we saw in the canals seemed quite a bit larger than the others. I don't know what to make of it, but I will give it some thought.
Tepeke: We still don't know exactly how he controls the apex's abilities, either. We must focus on these mysteries as we continue our investigation.
Tepeke: As for Virazahn himself, he was just as his father said, wasn't he? His so-called heroism is an empty charade, like a child playing at being a hero from their storybooks.
Tepeke: He seems motivated by a vain desire to gain the love of the people, yet he cares nothing for their well-being.
Tepeke: He'll learn his lesson soon enough, though. None will sing his praises after word of what happened at Uznair spreads. Even he must know this.
Tepeke: I worry that his desperation will drive him to worse misdeeds. If the treasure is used with reckless abandon, it could cause untold harm.
Tepeke: I must discuss this with the Radiant Host. Together we might be able to capture Virazahn before he attempts anything drastic. Stand by for now, Forename─I'll be in touch the moment I have something to share!