Behind the Helm

Behind the Helm

Quest giver

Tepeke

Location

Thavnair (X:25.7, Y:34.0)

Quest line

Dawntrail Role Quests

Level

98

Required quest

Floundering Fame
The Long Road to Xak Tural

Requirements

Magical Ranged DPS

Experience

 1,102,080

Gil

 2,000

Previous quest

Floundering Fame

Next quest

Heroes and Pretenders

Patch

7.0

Links

EDB GT

“

Tepeke wishes to share the contents of a recent delivery with you.

— In-game description

Rewards

• 1   Roast Rroneek

Steps

• Speak with Tsuuhe in Tuliyollal.
• Search for Nettse on the Pyariyoanaan Plain.
• Aid Nettse.
• Speak with Tepeke at Radz–at–Han.
• Speak with Virazahn's father.
• Speak with Tepeke at Yedlihmad.

Journal

• Tepeke wishes to share the contents of a recent delivery with you.
• Tepeke is in high spirits, for she but recently received news that her father has awakened and has traveled to Tuliyollal. While she wants nothing more than to go there and seek his wise counsel, she has already committed to helping the Radiant Host search for Virazahn. She asks you to go to Tuliyollal in her stead to seek her father out, suggesting that her mother Tsuuhe can tell you his whereabouts.
• While slightly surprised that her daughter is not at your side, Tsuuhe is nonetheless glad to see you. She informs you that her husband Nettse has indeed arrived in Tuliyollal, and spends his days trying to find information that can aid his daughter from afar. If you wish to find him, Tsuuhe tells you to go to the Pyariyoanaan Plain, where he is engaged in a search for vital clues.
• You search the Pyariyoanaan Plain until you come upon a man being attacked by a ferocious owl. After dispatching it, you see that he wears the characteristic accoutrements of a magic user. Help him get back on his feet.
• Luckily, the man is not seriously hurt, and you soon find out he is indeed Nettse. You exchange stories about all that has transpired since Virazahn absconded with the treasure. He shares with you a theory that the owl tural vidraal within the Perch of the Apex activates its power when it senses danger, and also relates a forgotten legend that details its fate. You should return to Radz–at–Han to share this new information with Tepeke.
• Back in Radz–at–Han, Tepeke hurriedly informs you that Virazahn has been sighted nearby. You rush to his location just in time to catch another of his grand speeches, in which he denounces the rumors of wrongdoing and declares his intent to become king. Those present are nonplussed by his theatrics, which are then interrupted by the appearance of his father. The merchant pleads with his son to give up and turn himself over to the Radiant Host, but Virazahn unleashes the treasure's power, bringing rocks hurtling from the sky. He then leaves, declaring that he shall soon challenge you to a battle. As you watch your quarry go, Tepeke turns your attention to the aftermath, and particularly Virazahn's father.
• Virazahn's father is unharmed, and Tepeke asks him to explain Virazahn's odd expression after the rocks fell. He says that it was often worn by Virazahn when he was scolded or otherwise forced to stop playing make-believe. While it is worrying that such a childish pretender has possession of the Perch of the Apex, Tepeke knows the only course of action is to return to Yedlihmad, where she can finally hear of your journey to Tural.
• Tepeke admits that her father's theory corresponds with Virazahn's actions, and thinks that perhaps the old legend hints that the tural vidraal's power increased in proportion to the danger it sensed. This explains Virazahn's eagerness to face you in battle, but Tepeke means to take advantage of his arrogance and overwhelm him with sheer magical power. She only needs to find a suitable place for an epic duel, a task for which she will recruit the Radiant Host's aid. In the meantime, prepare yourself for a battle worthy of legend.
  • ※The next role quest will be available from Tepeke upon reaching level 100 in any magical ranged DPS class.

Dialogue

Speak with Tepeke

Tepeke: It seems Virazahn has been laying low since our last encounter. I'm sad to say, however, that my investigations have uncovered little. But still there's cause to celebrate, for I've received a letter from my mother with good tidings.
Tepeke: My father has finally awakened after the grievous wound dealt to him by Virazahn. He's well enough to travel to Tuliyollal, in fact, and may have already arrived!
Tepeke: Of course, I'd love nothing more than to go to him, but I pledged not to return until I had the Perch of the Apex in hand. Besides, I'm soon to depart with the Radiant Host to try and sniff out Virazahn's whereabouts before he acts out of desperation.
Tepeke: That's why I ask that you go in my stead. As the treasure's guardian, no one living is more knowledgeable about its history than he.
Tepeke: If you share with him all that's transpired since we began our search, he may be able to point out something that we've missed.
Tepeke: I know it's a lot to ask, Forename, but the safety of Thavnair depends on it. And please, give my family my regards.
Tepeke: My mother should be able to tell you where in Tuliyollal my father is staying. Once you're finished, let us meet in the aetheryte plaza in Radz-at-Han to share what we've learned.

Optional Dialogue

Tepeke: My father may know something about the treasure that we've yet to uncover ourselves. Please, go to Xbalyav Ty'e and ask my mother where to find him.

Speak with Tsuuhe in Tuliyollal

Tsuuhe: Oh, if it isn't Forename! But...I don't see Tepeke with you. Did you come alone?
Tsuuhe: I'm glad to hear my letter arrived safely, and that Tepeke seems to be as tenacious as ever in her search.
Tsuuhe: Her father Nettse has already arrived here in Tuliyollal, but has barely stayed in one place since. He seems desperate to help Tepeke from a distance in whatever way he can.
Tsuuhe: He told me he was traveling to the Pyariyoanaan Plain in search of information he assured me was quite vital. If you wish to speak with him, he'll doubtless be in the area.

Aid Nettse (cutscene)

Nettse: Thank you, traveler...I overextended myself. I've but recently recovered from a severe injury, and was a fool to confront such a beast alone.
Nettse: So, you're the Forename I've heard so much about! I owe you many thanks for all you've done to recover the Perch of the Apex.
Nettse: News of your progress in Thavnair is most heartening. Despite my position as its guardian, I never knew it could rain down stones from the heavens.
Nettse: Since arriving in Tuliyollal, I've done what I can to shed light upon the tural vidraal sealed within the treasure.
Nettse: After the nations of Tural were unified, some left our village to build new homes in the city. I've sought them out to see if they know anything of use.
Nettse: Unfortunately, none could offer insight into the treasure's magicks, but one of them told me that owls lurked around this place.
Nettse: And since the tural vidraal sealed within the Perch of the Apex was once an owl, it seemed logical to pursue such a quarry.
Nettse: I thought perhaps I could glean something about the ancient beast from their behavior. Like as not, some fundamental aspects remain the same even after transformation.
Nettse: But having heard your account, there is one fundamental difference that stands out. As far as I'm aware, no owl native to these lands possesses the ability to hurl rocks, large or otherwise. No doubt the tural vidraal gained this power following its metamorphosis.
Nettse: I do believe, however, that it would retain an owl's core instincts. That one you fought didn't strike unprovoked─instead, it watched me from afar with fear in its eyes.
Nettse: While this is normal behavior for most animals, I was surprised by how suddenly it descended upon me the moment I started approaching.

What will you say?
> It sensed danger and attacked preemptively.
> Maybe owls prefer to fight rather than run.

Nettse: I had the same thought. The owl sensed a threat and chose to confront it rather than run from it. And this same impulse may have driven the tural vidraal...
Nettse: Indeed, that correlates with something I heard from one of my countrymen who had relocated to Tuliyollal. He spoke of a continuation to the tales passed down from the elders.
Nettse: “No hunter's arrow could fell the apex. It was struck down in a storm of its own wrath, made wild by a heart affright. Thus was it sealed away at last.”
Nettse: Now, judging from the owls' behavior, I can theorize that the treasure is activated when its bearer senses danger. And according to the story, this power can easily get out of hand if its bearer is panicked.
Nettse: Of course, this theory must be tested first. Virazahn will certainly use the Perch of the Apex again. When he does, I ask that you and Tepeke pay special attention to the circumstances leading to its activation.
Nettse: You have my thanks. Loath though I am to admit it, I've yet to recover from my long convalescence, and I would only be a burden to you. I wish I could aid my daughter another way, but you more than make up for my absence.
Nettse: Please lend her every bit of knowledge you have, Forename. I pray that my daughter will soon return home, treasure in hand!

Optional Dialogue

Nettse: Pray return to Tepeke, and give her my regards. I only hope an old man's wild theory can help you in your quest.

Speak with Tepeke at Radz–at–Han

Tepeke: Forename, you came just in time!
Tepeke: Virazahn has shown his face in Radz-at-Han! You can tell me about your journey to Tuliyollal later─for now, come with me!

Cutscene

Virazahn: Hahaha! Are you surprised? Thanks to the sage counsel of a fellow hero, I have decided to doff my mask. Although my face may be unfamiliar, I believe you know who I am!
Virazahn: I was once the Justiciar, but now you may call me Virazahn! I am Thavnair's protector! Its savior! Its hero!
Virazahn: You may have heard salacious rumors that I have orchestrated the very attacks which I so valiantly drive back. That I was behind the catastrophe at the Uznair canals. I am here to assure you...
Virazahn: ...that those are false aspersions all, cast by those who are envious of their betters! I give my life for this fair city and its people, and I would give more still if I could!

Anxious Radiant: What should we do? It might be best to lock him up before this gets out of hand...

Exasperated Radiant: Wait─we don't want him raining down rocks with all these bystanders around. For now, keep a careful eye on him.

Virazahn: All I ask for is your respect, your adoration! A dream held by all, but realized only by the few!
Virazahn: And I would be one of those few! I have proven myself worthy of being your savior, and now, with an entire city watching with bated breath, I shall declare my intent to reach even higher!
Virazahn: Yes! For I can protect you all the better as your ruler! I shall retire the mantle of hero and take up the crown, as the king of Radz-at-Han!

Hannish Citizen: The bastard's gone mad.

Virazahn: I wield power unassailable. With me on your throne, you would never again have cause to fear.
Virazahn: All would live in peace. All would shower me with love─they would shout it to the heavens! And from that love would spring a new Radz-at-Han! A greater Radz-at-Han!

Tepeke: Enough of your lies, Virazahn! The power you wield protects none but yourself. To everyone else, it brings only ruin!

Virazahn: Of course, the road to greatness is ever paved with necessary sacrifices. Yet so long as your ruler lives, Radz-at-Han shall know naught but prosperity!

Hannish Citizen: You think you're better than Master Vrtra? He bore this city and its people on his back, while you look fit to collapse under the weight of your own armor! You're no leader─you're a damned joke!

Virazahn: Does this man speak for you all!? Is there not one among you who would follow me into a brighter future!?

Virazahn: Ah, but I am nothing if not magnanimous. Until you find the wisdom to accept me as ruler, I shall continue to stand vigilant as your eternal shield!

Virazahn's Father: Stop this, Virazahn! You're only making it worse for yourself.
Virazahn's Father: Can't you see you've become a laughingstock!? Give up this facade, and answer for your sins. Do so now and the Radiant Host may yet grant you mercy!

Virazahn: My sins? Are you not the one poisoning the people against me? Do your worst, I dare you─it will only make me more powerful!

Virazahn's Father: I know not what is in your heart, but please, end this madness. End it, and return to me, my son...

Tepeke: Don't get any closer!

Virazahn's Father: You two? Why are you─
Virazahn's Father: Wha─!?

Anxious Radiant: Don't! If we fight here, there's no telling how many innocents will be wounded!

Virazahn: Pathetic, as ever. I tire of this farce.
Virazahn: I have declared my intent to become king of Radz-at-Han. As for you two...this is no place for a battle between heroes. We shall meet again, mark my words─and then we shall decide who is the mightier.

What will you say?
> We can't risk a confrontation in the city.
> We must focus on restoring order.

Tepeke: <sigh> You're right, of course. As much as I hate to see Virazahn walk free, we've yet to ascertain the extent of his power. For now, we must bide our time.
Tepeke: I noticed that despite all his proclaimed love for its people, he didn't even look back at them as he retreated. Perhaps he couldn't bear to look them in the eyes...or one of them, at least.

Optional Dialogue

Tepeke: I've just had a thought. We should speak with Virazahn's father, Forename.

Speak with Virazahn's father

Virazahn's Father: That was a disaster... Virazahn is truly lost. At the very least, he's committed himself to fomenting unrest within Radz-at-Han.
Virazahn's Father: And although he's my son, I cannot condone his actions. His words are grand but empty, and that ridiculous armor is nothing more than gaudy decoration. He is truly the embodiment of false heroism.
Virazahn's Father: What's more, this latest debacle has surely made him a criminal in the eyes of the Radiant Host. All I can do now is beg them to grant my son some small degree of clemency.

Tepeke: Before you go, may I ask you something? After Virazahn called down the rocks, did you see his expression? I thought it peculiar, but I'm curious as to what his father saw in that face.

Virazahn's Father: Aye, it was a familiar look. When I used to scold him for losing himself in make-believe, he would get that same cast in his eyes.
Virazahn's Father: A look of petulant rage, as if he resented me for pulling him out of his reverie and into harsh reality. He hasn't changed... Apologies, but I must go.

Tepeke: Just as I thought...even clad in his shining armor, he can't bear to be told “no.” And now his childish games have taken a malevolent turn.
Tepeke: ...But for now, we should return to Yedlihmad. I still have yet to hear what you learned in Tuliyollal, after all.

Speak with Tepeke at Yedlihmad (cutscene)

Tepeke: Now that we have some room to breathe, I'd like to hear about your journey to Tural. Did my father have anything to share?
Tepeke: I'm heartened to know he's well enough to go chasing after owls and such...though I wish he'd take more care. Thank you for saving him and for bringing me his theory concerning the treasure.
Tepeke: If it really is triggered by a sense of impending danger, that might explain why Virazahn had trouble using it the first time. He wasn't truly afraid of that small fungi until it was almost upon him...
Tepeke: It also explains how he can wield the apex's powers despite having no training in magicks. It responds to emotion, not intent!
Tepeke: So much is falling into place... He goaded the Radiants into apprehending him because he knew the threat would be answered!
Tepeke: You saw how nonchalantly he quit that plaza, almost as if defying someone to stop him. Virazahn truly believes himself to be untouchable!
Tepeke: I think his words and deeds align with the theory well enough. As for that curious fragment of a story...
Tepeke: It seemed to imply that the tural vidraal lost control in a panic. Perhaps its strength grows in proportion to the danger it senses. And when that danger is too great, well...
Tepeke: You saw what happened at the Uznair canals and Radz-at-Han. You were present both times, as were others who wished Virazahn ill. And both times, we saw stones much larger than we've seen before.
Tepeke: Now I understand why he's so eager to face you.
Tepeke: An opponent of your caliber will strike fear into Virazahn's very core, and that fear will summon a power greater than any he's ever known. Power enough to bring a hero to his knees.
Tepeke: Or so he thinks─but we know better! We'll use that arrogance to our advantage, and bring him crashing down to the earth!
Tepeke: Although we may have to contend with falling rocks for a time, in a straight fight he'll be outmatched. So we strike fast and we strike hard, until that fancy armor is nothing more than mangled steel!
Tepeke: Although you may prefer to put your foes to sleep and whatnot, we know he has an arsenal of alchemical concoctions at his disposal. That's why I suggest a bit of good old-fashioned brute force!
Tepeke: While you unleash your most fearsome destructive spells, I'll be your shield. Don't even think of holding back!
Tepeke: I look forward to fighting by your side! Now we simply have to find a suitable arena.
Tepeke: I shall consult the Radiant Host as to the location. Once that's decided, we'll confront Virazahn for the final time!