Gala Elisanne/Stories

General Stories Misc

Quotes

On Sortied

The Grand Paladyn has come!

On Entering a Room

I am the avatar of the heavens!

When Quest Begins

I shall guide you! Follow me!

I shall ever be the exemplar of the goddess's will!

Response to Beginning of a Quest

Let us bring purity to this place!

Understood. My heart will not hesitate.

When Controlling Character in Quest

I shall cleanse the wicked!

When Receiving a Heal

You saved me.

My thanks.

When Entering a Boss' Room

This is the decisive battle. Let's go, everyone!

I swear upon the goddess, I will not falter this day.

Response to Entering a Boss' Room

I shall grant no quarter!

I shall do honor unto the goddess!

Upon Getting to Low Health

I cannot fall like this...

I must not let hope falter...

Upon Opening a Chest

Some manner of holy relic...? Hmm. It seems not.

This has a mysterious glitter to it.

Boss on Low Health

We've come this far. Now let us conquer our foe!

Our victory is in sight!

Boss Enters Break State

Ready yourself, villain!

Now reap the pain you have sown!

Rare Enemy Spawns

That color... Has it received some manner of blessing?

Was it Ilia's will that led us to this fateful encounter?

Upon Death

The rest...is in your hands...

Though I fall, my prayers are with you...

Upon Revival

I am blessed, I am eternal!

When Using Shared Skills

Mark the fury of the goddess!

Ilia is within me.

The blessings of Ilia upon you!

You shall be purged.

I shall aid you.

The Grand Paladyn is indomitable!

Player Uses Damaging Skill

Surely, the goddess works through you.

What an excellent performance!

When Shape Shifting is Ready

I call upon the dragon's blessing!

I shall show you how human and dragon become one!

Shape Shifting into Dragon

Descend, o dragon!

Idle During Quest

Curious. I'm not tired at all.

Have you sorted your feelings?

Quest Clear

You've nothing to fear with the Grand Paladyn at your side!

Quest Failure

Where lies the will of the goddess...?

Home Screen Walking

Onward, with dignity!

I will see that the sun never sets on this land.

I will safeguard all of our tomorrows!

I am the Grand Paladyn.

Give me the strength to guide the lost!

Someday, we shall all rest beneath Ilia's star.

Home Screen Inside

When the prayers of the Church's two factions clash, the people must decide what to believe.

When I became the Grand Paladyn, I understood your thoughts on being worshiped.

The Grand Paladyn brings victory without conflict. My presence itself must be enough!

If one becomes lost, they must return to the holy text; strength of faith comes from those words.

To bring salvation through destruction is ever the fate of a Grand Paladyn.

I must endeavor to avoid excessive purity lest I become a fiend myself.

Home Screen Portrait

I oft wonder why my dream of all people knowing happiness cannot be made manifest.

My armament matters not. The Grand Paladyn's true weapon is the will to see her foes destroyed.

I am not the Goddess's warrior but her agent. Such as demanded of me upon the battlefield.

Praying alone will do no longer. Now I must become she who answers prayers.

Kingdom and faith are one. I must represent the Goddess at the side of His Highness.

Collection Portrait

I am the youngest Grand Paladyn ever, and shall endeavor to make youth my blade.

The Goddess dwells within all of our words. We must learn from how we speak to one another.

I feel not shame at being young. Indeed, it allows me to see what I might not otherwise.

I dream of forging a world where all can be happy beneath the Goddess's watchful gaze.

Perhaps, it was not mere luck that we met, Your Majesty, but fate.

At The Halidom

I am prepared to protect both heaven and earth.

This is the Halidom— a sacred place.

Might you join me for some axe training?

New Mana Circle Unlocked

I move ever close to Ilia's side!

On Mana Circle Fully Unbound

Strength and mercy are one and the same! I see now the mind of Ilia.

Adventurer Story Episodes

Episode 1

The Fateful Conclave

Please note that this story contains spoilers for Chapter 8 of the main campaign. Thank you all for gathering here today, devout disciples of Ilia. I hereby proclaim this Chivalric Conclave in session. ...... Several hours earlier... Having been summoned by the Church, Elisanne and Julietta arrived at the cathedral for a gathering of Paladyns. So... Another Chivalric Conclave. The first since last year—when the Church officially approved the Scrolls of Perdition. Timorous Paladyn Julietta A day I won't soon forget. Tensions grew to the point of bloodshed... And in that moment, the sacred bird was divorced from its wings. Yes... The Church was split in two: those who believed the Other was Ilia's child, and those who didn't. The Church has not known peace since. If anything, the conflict has only grown fiercer. Which makes this an unusual time to gather—although it seems the summons came from Grand Paladyn Johannes himself. That much is reassuring, yes. He is admired by both factions, so he should serve as a truly neutral moderator. There should be no bloodshed this time, at least. Pray let that be true. May Ilia watch over us both. O Holywyrm, grant us your protection on this day. ...All right, let's go.

---

We seem to be among the last to arrive. I recognize some faces, but we should probably keep to ourselves. Agreed—especially considering over half of all Paladyns now accept the Scrolls of Perdition as truth. The perditionists have certainly been boisterous of late... People rarely reject protection when it's offered freely. After all, there can be no prayer without peace. *gasp* I know you! It's good to see you again, Elisanne. Yes. It does me good to see you well. Who is this guy, Elisanne? Julietta, this is Tobias. We studied to become Paladyns together. Tobias... *gasp* Elisanne, get behind me! What are you— That man is dangerous. There are rumors abound of his recent exploits. Oh? I certainly hope they're good ones. Maybe to some—but not to any in our faction. You are no friend of ours. But we are all Paladyns, no? We share the same goals. Our goals do not involve spreading heretical nonsense. Save your lectures and answer me this: What proof do we have of the Other's evil, aside from the word of historians? Why should we blindly follow edicts, never questioning our own beliefs? Is such faith not superficially held? Did you just call our faith in Ilia "superficial"?! It seems a fitting description, considering no one on your side seems open to alternative accounts. Now, if you'll excuse me; it seems the conference is about to begin. Rrgh... ......

---

Thank you all for gathering here today, devout disciples of Ilia. I hereby proclaim this Chivalric Conclave in session. Forgive me, Your Eminence, but we appear to be one Paladyn short. That is our first topic of discussion. The absentee you note is the man who called you here today—the Grand Paladyn Johannes himself. (He sent summons and then didn't attend...?) Unfortunately, he fell suddenly ill late last month, and was soon called to Ilia's great halls. (The Grand Paladyn has died?! Oh, this will not aid tensions...) Thus, we shall select the next Grand Paladyn from among those gathered here today. Johannes's successor will be decided in an upcoming session of the Ecclesiastical Council, where His Holiness will be in attendance. O Ilia, grant your blessings unto us! May our prayers be heard! What a disaster... I'm sorry for his death, but it couldn't have come at a worse time. The selection of his successor will define the balance of power going forward. The most likely candidates seem to be Orfen, as second in command, and the acting cardinal of Kleifheim, Sarima. Depending on who is chosen, the Church may become even more unstable. Several weeks later... The Ecclesiastical Council has made its selection. (My heart is fit to burst... The Church's future hinges on this announcement.) (Who will it be...?) I hereby decree the next Grand Paladyn to be... Elisanne! ...What? Step forward! Y-yes, Your Eminence! Elisanne. From this moment forward, you shall hold the post of Grand Paladyn. May you give every fiber of your being to this post, as expected of the Goddess's children. I swear it on Her name! (...This doesn't make any sense...) Congratulations! That's some promotion. Thank you... I just don't understand why I was chosen. I think they want you to usher in a new age. The old guard are too set in their ways to affect real change in the Church's current predicament. But they seem to think you can lead us into the light—and I agree. It sounds like an awful lot of pressure for one person... But I will not shy away. I MUST not. This is the will of the Goddess—and it shall be done. Then...? Yes. I shall accept my new post, and the responsibilities that come with it. And I will endeavor to find a way to use my new status in a way that benefits all. ...Hmph.

Episode 2

Childhood Dreams

Despite her young age, Elisanne was given the rank of Grand Paladyn; the leader of all Paladyns. It is now her duty to demonstrate and uphold the ways of the Church in her every word and action. I have made up my mind, Julietta: My goal should be to unify everyone under the Goddess once more. I can think of no greater mission as Grand Paladyn. It's a noble goal, to be sure—but the two sides are fundamentally opposed. This may have all started from a difference in interpreting scripture, but too much blood has been spilled now. That is precisely why I have to act. It is my duty to cast light where darkness preys. Despite our differences, we are all children of the Goddess. If I can just earn their trust, I'm sure there is hope for reconciliation. Well, if that's your plan, then you have my support. Thank you, Julietta. Let us meet with the perditionists then. I wish to speak with Tobias.

---

You're not wanted here! Please, at least hear me out! You must know something of the Church's history, yes? Our history is our greatest sin— and that is why we must correct it. What do you mean? We prayed and prayed, and what did we see in return? Naught but conflict and disaster. Why? Because the Church preaches lies. The history you tout is a blight on this religion! No! If we simply pray together as we once did, the Goddess will guide us to prosperity. I'm sure of it! Your delusions know no end, do they? All your faction does is spout hate for the Other, never stopping to think of where that hatred stems from. So long as you continue on that path, nothing will ever change. If you truly seek a future defined by happiness, we must cast the past aside and write our own future. Is there really no hope for reconciliation...? Not without change from your side. Otherwise, we will keep fighting until only one faction remains. That can't be the only way... I say this as someone who once trained alongside you: Don't let your new position cloud your judgment. If you try to wield it like a weapon to get what you want, it will cost you your life. There are many in the Church who do not approve of your appointment. It was not made with pure intentions. ...What are you saying? Merely that our beliefs are becoming more and more popular within the Church—and the leadership know it. So they installed one of their own as Grand Paladyn, in hopes of rallying the people to their cause. You were the natural choice. ...Why me? You hail from the fallen kingdom of Alberia, which recognized the Ilian Church as its official religion—and you now fight alongside one of its princes. Beyond that, you're the picture of youth, strength, and integrity—a recipe for popularity if ever there was one. You make for a picturesque Grand Paladyn. The people will flock to your side, though to us, they look like pitiable fools, dancing to the tune of liars and frauds. And what proof do you have of this?! Why else would Elisanne be chosen over such obviously superior candidates? Still, what's done is done—and it's made you very unpopular within the Church. So I would keep my head down, if I were you—unless you want to lose it. Come, everyone. We're leaving. ...Are you all right, Elisanne? I'm fine. I had my own suspicions, in truth, but it makes his words no less painful. Still, the role is mine now. There must be some good I can do with it. Yes, I'm sure there is!

---

...... (I should be overjoyed at becoming Grand Paladyn... So why do I feel so empty?) Why did I become a Paladyn in the first place...?

---

Mother, Father—I've made up my mind. I will become a Paladyn. Oh? Please, explain. Paladyns are protectors, and I want to protect everyone. Not just you and Father, but Alex, the priests, the bishops... Prayer alone is not enough. I can do more. I WILL do more. I want to protect everyone's happiness. It's not an easy path, Elisanne; there will be many hard times ahead. Is your dream strong enough to get you through them? I know it is—I swear it on Ilia's name!

---

(...I was so naive. And I fear I still can't tell dreams from reality...) (A shadow has fallen over my path, and it only grows darker with each step I take.) (And yet still I cling to my dream. I want so badly to believe it was not devoid of reality.) (I want to be the light for those mired in darkness—no matter what I have to lose along the way.) Several days later... This is awful... Mommy! Mommy! Water... Please... Those perditionists are gonna pay for what they did to my family! What happened here? It seems the perditionists attacked these people without warning. We were too late. Why does this keep happening...? We all worship the Goddess to find happiness, but... ...... *sob* Mommyyy! What's wrong? Can you not find your mother? She... *sniff* She's not moving... ...! She prayed to Ilia every day, but she... *sniff* She... She still DIED! WHYYY?! *sob* ...... (More lives lost to the schism within the Church...) (The Grand Paladyn is meant to guide the people...but what path is there out of this despair?) (How can I deliver these people from darkness?)

Episode 3

Different Perspectives

...Hm? I wonder if I might have a moment of your time. Heh. Come to claim my life, have you? You know me better than that. I merely wish to talk. By which I assume you mean "sway me to your side." No—and I apologize for attempting as much when last we met. I should not have tried to force my own views onto you. What's more, I've realized my understanding of your own beliefs is only skin deep. I have done far more talking than listening. That's why I came to talk: to learn about your beliefs, your goals, your concept of justice. ...What do you hope to gain, exactly? Merely better understanding. Nothing more. Without indisputable evidence supporting either side's views, it's not my place to call anyone a heretic. So in lieu of such absolutes, I must focus more on our commonalities than our differences. Please, Tobias. Teach me. Hm. You've certainly given this some thought. ...Very well. Our goal is to rediscover the roots of our faith. How do you mean? As followers of Ilia, we have long offered our faith and prayers in pursuit of a brighter future. But conflict continued unabated, and peace seemed to drift further away each day. Naturally, we began to wonder: why? And that is when truth came to us. We had been misunderstanding our Goddess all this time. We understood not her nature, nor the Other's, nor in fact the world in which we live. We understood nothing. How could we? But so long as the truth evades us, our society will never know peace. And thus, we return to our roots: to correct our mistakes, and fortify the Church's foundation. That is our mission. Our justice. ...I see. I think I understand now. And I feel just the slightest sense of hope. Is that so? To be honest, I thought the perditionists were a group who worshiped the Other. A cult bent on destroying our world and forming their own in its place. But it seems I was greatly mistaken. There are those among you thinking hard about the Church's plight, as well as its future. So I believe there is potential for us to stand together once more. We both seek the same— You are stuck in your dreams, Elisanne. The Church has already begun to change. We are at a turning point, and only those with the requisite courage deserve to know Ilia's true intentions. Those without are welcome to die with their delusions. Is such extremity truly necessary? Can we not seek to find the common ground between us? Yours is the side full of old men too stubborn to change. Do you truly believe the Goddess desires bloodshed? Do you truly think that just? Ours is an age of revolution. The future we desire will not come free. And what of those who die along the way? What of their futures? ...... ...Well, thank you for sharing your beliefs with me, Tobias. It gladdens me to know there are some that we share. But if you would hear one of mine: You should give more thought to the sanctity of human life. Is a better future for all not the core of religion? Perhaps—but ideals and reality are not the same. We live atop shattered dreams. Be that as it may, our duty has not changed. Paladyns are leaders of the people, with unmatched resolve. At least, that's what they are to me. ...... ...Anyway, thank you. I'm glad I could hear what you had to say. I finally feel ready to face some truths I'd long avoided seeing. There may yet be a light to quell this darkness. Farewell. Light... Pardon me, Your Eminence. You wished to see me? Yes. Thank you for coming. I understand you wished to discuss something...sensitive. I will be frank with you, Tobias. We need Elisanne to die. ...Is that so? Indeed. Her sacrifice is necessary to secure our supremacy. I...see. Will your past with her impede your duty? No, Your Eminence. Your will shall be done. Good. The act itself will fall to another; you need only lure her out. Not only will our success benefit the Church, but you shall also be personally rewarded. Might I ask how? With the mantle of Grand Paladyn, of course. ...! Several days later... Tobias? What business do you have here? I've merely come to deliver a warning. What do you mean? I just received word that hundreds of Church followers are locked in battle on the Rendahm Road. I thought there might be someone here naive enough to care. We have to stop them! Let's go, Julietta! ...... (I acted justly. I know I did.) (There can be no revolution without sacrifice. And with you out of the picture...)

Episode 4

A Deadly Trap

Rendahm Road Strange... This is definitely the right place, but... I see no signs of battle. What is— Get down! ...! What was...? It's an ambush! Jeez, that's a whole lot of imperials... ...It was a trap. Then Tobias...? The empire and the perditionists are both quite fond of the Other. It's not hard to imagine them working together. Clever girl. I assume you've also put together you'll be dying here today. Will I? We two are Ilia's chosen, facing a pack of craven dastards. History states that none with Ilia's blessing shall fall to those without it! Oh? Well, then we shall go down in legend! Your story ends here, fool! Haaaah! Stay close, Julietta! All right! Haaah! Urgh... How can they take so many of us at once?! *pant* *pant* The Grand Paladyn appears to be approaching her limit. Finish her! ...! I'm not...done...yet! Leave me, Julietta! If you take another blow, you'll— I will pay any price to keep you safe! You are the Grand Paladyn. Hope lives and dies with you. So I will not let you fall here! I won't let my Elly die! HAAAH! Stop! Come back! Aaaagh! JULIETTA! Heh. One down. You may be the Grand Paladyn, but even you can't handle us all alone. Get her! Hyaaah! Urgh! Nn... Agh... (Is this the end...?) (I've seen all of my childhood dreams granted and tainted in turn, and yet still I fight for them.) (I've learned much through that struggle... and I believed it would eventually lead me down the right path.) (...Only to die here?) Say your final prayer, Grand Paladyn! ...! Urgh! What?! Huh...? Forgive me, Elisanne. Tobias?! You dare betray us?! This is no betrayal. The Goddess has use of her yet. Though our beliefs may differ, she opened her heart and tried truly to understand mine. She may prove quite useful in building the world we desire. You... You FOOL! You can die with her, then! Elisanne, are you all right? I-I'm fine... I owe you an apology, but right now we need to focus on battle. Will you lend me your strength? Surely your journey as Grand Paladyn doesn't end here. ...You're right. I still have much work to do! Men, ATTAAAACK! Let's go, Tobias! We will make it through this, and bring hope to this world! Gladly! Haaaah!

Episode 5

A Guiding Light

Nn... Hm? My room... Welcome back. Cleo...? Then...I'm alive. Yes, and by no small miracle. Wait... What of Julietta?! She is undergoing treatment as we speak. She's going to be fine. Oh, thank goodness... Your usual visitor should be around shortly. Hm? Who...? Ah, here he is now. Come in. Thank you. It does me well to see you awake, Elisanne. Tobias? He was the one who brought you here. He thought it too dangerous to take you to the Church, considering recent events. And he has visited you without fail each— *ahem* Thank you, Cleo. Yes, well. Credit where it's due. Now, I shall go tell the others that you're awake. I'm sure you two have plenty to discuss. ...Thank you, Tobias. I owe you my life. I'm not so sure of that. It was I who sent you into that trap, after all. Yes, I have not forgotten. These are turbulent times. Those who cling to the past and refuse to engage with current discourse cannot save anyone. And I thought if we simply silenced the conservatives' talisman... ...No. No, in truth I merely succumbed to my own selfish desires. The cardinal claimed that with you gone, I would be named the next Grand Paladyn. But after sending you to your death, I found myself questioning whether killing you would truly benefit the Church. So you came to my rescue. Indeed. Oh, Elisanne... I'm so sorry. It is in the past now. What? This is your LIFE we're talking about! You have more than just cause to punish me. Julietta and I are both alive. That is all that matters. Besides, it can't have been easy for you to act against the cardinal's orders. You had much more to lose than you did to gain. And yet nonetheless you came, and we're alive because of it. You have my gratitude for that. You are uncommonly forgiving... Heh, maybe so. How have things been at the Church in the days since? There has been no mention of the events on the Rendahm Road. I imagine that was the plan from the start. Cowards... Here now, it's not like the perditionists have a monopoly on corruption. The conservatives are— Don't worry, I know how prolifically corruption exists in our world. Until recently I had been too blind to see it—or perhaps too unwilling. But from here on, I will decide on my own definition of justice. I will no longer be led by the hand like a child. My job now is to guide. Yes, I suppose you're right. I shall leave the perditionists to you, Tobias. What? I imagine there are still plenty among your allies who distrust me. Such people are unlikely to listen, regardless of my message. But you can unify them. Lead them towards your ideal. I'll do whatever I can to support you, but it remains to be seen how much that will actually be. Do you really believe me capable? As you said, my position within my faction is not exactly stable at present. I do. You have a dream, and you mustn't give up on it here. Heh. You really are something. You're willing to hear and consider all perspectives—which was the original ideal of the perditionists. Yet we chose to drive out the old guard through any means, while you strove to include everyone. I might actually be glad you were chosen as Grand Paladyn. Truly...? Yes. I'll give it my all as well, of course— just in service to my own beliefs. In the end, though, we'll both be working toward making everyone happy. I'm delighted to hear that. Our future is in your hands, Grand Paladyn. I will do all I can to light the way forward. (This sacred white armor I wear is no doubt destined to be stained by blood on the path ahead.) (But I will not falter. I will continue to lead the way with my head held high.) (I will become light itself, even if it costs me my very soul.)