Templar Hope/Stories

General Stories Misc

Quotes

On Sortied

Your Church Knight in training is here!

On Entering a Room

Here comes the Templar!

When Quest Begins

We go forth to save everyone!

Are you all ready to save some lives?!

Response to Beginning of a Quest

I'll make sure we all stay safe!

I'll show you what this sword can do!

When Controlling Character in Quest

Look at me, I'm a Templar!

When Receiving a Heal

Thanks for the help!

I'm aliiive!

When Entering a Boss' Room

Let's take this thing down a peg!

This is a knight's job, and I won't fail!

Response to Entering a Boss' Room

We will strike down this evil in the name of the Goddess!

Yeah! Let's beat 'em like a carpet!

Upon Getting to Low Health

Oh, man... I'm getting dizzy...

I came here to help, but I'm just dying instead...

Upon Opening a Chest

Could I use this in my training?

Oooo, treasure... Wait, no! Knights must not be greedy!

Boss on Low Health

So close! Let's finish it!

Let's take this thing out in style!

Boss Enters Break State

Time to show off my knight skills!

We'll deal out divine punishment together!

Rare Enemy Spawns

I'll get in my daily practice on this guy!

Well, THAT'S a weird color. Did it molt or something?

Upon Death

I can't save anyone like this...

I never got to be...the knight I wanted to be...

Upon Revival

I'll do my best, Ilia!

When Using Weapon/Shared Skills

Damage: I've been practicing!

Buff Self: Oh I'm serious now!

Buff Ally: I've got courage to spare!

Debuff Enemy: Oh no you don't!

Heal Ally: Healing is kind of my thing.

Heal Self: I'm not done yet!

Player Uses Damaging Skill

The Goddess would be impressed with that!

Whoa, that was awesome...

When Shape Shifting is Ready

Dragon light fills me!

I'll chomp my way through everything in my path!

Shape Shifting into Dragon

I've got another trick up my sleeve!

Idle During Quest

I've got plenty of homework I could be doing.

Phew! This armor is NOT light.

Quest Clear

I'm gettin' the hang of this knight stuff.

Quest Failure

Looks like I need more practice.

Home Screen Walking

I'll be a knight one day!

My sword calluses hurt.

I pray for strength each and every day.

Right! Time to do my priestly duties.

My teacher scares me.

Might as well train while I have the time.

Home Screen Inside

My teacher says you don't need special qualifications to save people—only resolve.

Aaaaauuugggh! I can't believe I'm wearing Templar gear!

Class makes me sleepy, but I'm gonna keep working hard and... and... Zzzzzzzz...

Sword in the right hand, staff in the left hand... Geez, dual-wielding is just so COOL!

I bet it's easy for the Goddess to hear knights' prayers—they're all really good at shouting!

The trick to Templar hymns is to sing more bravely than normal.

Home Screen Portrait

If I master being a priest AND a knight, I'll be super strong!

My classroom time doubled when I started taking knight classes, can I just opt out of the priest ones?

I know there's lances and axes and stuff, but swords are definitely the best.

Even the Church has factional disputes. Must be tough on the people in charge!

No more running, I'm going to be the awesome knight I've always wanted to be!

Collection Portrait

The days have just zipped by ever since I started knight training.

Apparently I have good stamina for a newbie. Maybe those practice swings worked?

Every morning I train with knights and read with priests. It's a lot of work!

I like to change up my between practice snacks. Today is chocolate!

Even if I try hard and fail, that's not a reason to stop trying.

At The Halidom

If you need anything, I'm right here!

This knight stuff is harder than I thought.

...You wanna confess something? Sure! Come to me when I'm on priest duty.

New Mana Circle Unlocked

That's another step on my journey

On Mana Circle Fully Unbound

I'm a full Paladyn now! ...Wait, I'm not? ...Well, at least I'm confident!

On Promotion to 5

I'm a full Paladyn now! ...Wait, I'm not? ...Well, at least I'm confident!

Adventurer Story Episodes

Episode 1

Yearning to Be a Heavenwing

Attention! Archbishop Bern reports
the Hillheim diocese is recruiting new
Templars! All current applicants
will be exempt from entrance
examinations. Enlist today!

Recruitin' Templars again? Weren't they just doing that in the Leppo district? Cor, and without even an entrance exam! Might give it a shot m'self, just for the laughs and a fine story. Ha! You can't even lift a sword, mate! Still, it makes a fella wonder what they need all the warm bodies for. The bishop has no concept of true tactics. Those damnable perditionists are simply becoming ever more desperate! And so does the land of the goddess fall ever deeper into waste. If only Heavenwing Silvain were still alive... Hillheim Diocese
Templar Training Grounds
One! Two! One! Two! One...two...one... *pant* P-Paladyn Tobias, sir? Exactly how long must we continue performing practice swings? You have 500 reps remaining—and I have other business to attend to. Be certain they are done by the time I return. He's no Paladyn, but a damn devil! Aw, there's nothing more fun than training! Besides, what's 500 more? My heart leapt in my chest when I heard new
applicants were exempt from entrance exams,
and now I spend every waking moment training!
And the best part? The person overseeing my
training is a Paladyn! A true Paladyn! You better
believe I won't throw away THIS chance...
One! Two! One...twoooo... Whew! I'm all kinds of tuckered, but it's worth it to make my dream come true. Okay, Hope! Just 476 to go!

---

My opinion on the matter has not changed, Your Grace—I cannot advise further thoughtless ballooning of our ranks with these legions of new recruits. Such new blood is as useless as a hat on a fish without proper training. And because of the manpower such training requires, security in other locations all across the land is now sorely lacking. I am aware you would have us make ready for conflict with the conservatives, but this current plan of action is placing the cart well before the horse. Your feelings are well understood, Tobias. However, a great cause calls for extensive preparation; we are merely sowing seeds for harvest at a later date. It is not one hero which determines the current, but an army. I should think you understand that point as well as anyone? ...... I expect great things of you, Tobias. You are, after all, his one and only child. ...... Sir! Sir! There you are, sir! Where were you? Merely seeing to an errand, er... I'm sorry, are you one of the new Templar recruits? Yes, sir! And the name's Hope, sir! Also, I finished my 500 practice swings and was wondering what to work on next. I see. Er, and where are your fellow recruits, if I may ask? Collapsed on the ground, sir! They all said they couldn't take it anymore and starting crying and... Well, other things. From a mere 500 practice swings? Fie! This is why we need a stringent entrance exam instead of allowing any feckless oaf to stumble through our door. ...But very well. Though you may be without any of your peers, I would still take the measure of your strength. Come. I'll give it my best, sir!

---

Hyah! ...Weak. Aaaaah! Hmm, about what I'd expect. Hardly impressive, but there is potential there. You'll improve with training. Seriously?! Ehehehe... I knew it, maybe I'm just a naturally talented knight. Heck, I knew I had the capacity to be more than just a priest! Explain. Well, my first profession was in the priesthood, but now I'm studying to be both a priest AND a knight. And why would a boy of the cloth harbor the ambition to become a Templar? Because I want to help people! Er, not that priests aren't helpful, per se. I just want to help them DIFFERENTLY. Also, I've always wanted to be a knight. I mean, the more ways I have to help people out, the better, I always say. It's a dream I've had ever since I was saved by a Heavenwing some years ago. Heavenwings are just the BEST!  ! A Templar who is skilled in battle, healing arts, AND a parish leader? I mean, what's better than that?! Anyway, when I heard the Heavenwing post was vacant here, I figured I'd show up and give it my best shot. The path of a Heavenwing is not some trivial idea to be tossed about, boy! Huh? You seem to mistake the knighthood for some flashy existence. Helping people is an act of great responsibility—something which I am unsure you comprehend. Would you truly navigate the path before you with such a frivolous attitude? Um, yes? I mean, er... Look, I know what you're saying, and I understand this isn't going to be easy. But I have more determination than anyone, so I know I can do it! Whatever hardships I might face, my resolve and passion will see me through. (I've seen that fearless look before. It's the same one I once saw in my master's eyes...) (Though I suppose his type can also grow into... No. If this sprout has the potential to grow strong, then now is not the time to be selective.) Enough, boy! All the gumption in the world will not help a weak thing like you become a Templar of even modest rank, let alone a Heavenwing. If you truly desire such a path for yourself, I must train you like you have never been trained before. Are you prepared for this? That's exactly what I was HOPING you would do, sir!

Episode 2

Courage and Recklessness

Hyah! Blessed Sword! S-sir! Did you see that, sir? I did it! How grand to see you finally manage to perform even the most rudimentary task. Still, I suppose it is enough for me to assign your first duty as a Templar. Your task will be to serve as escort for an important man traveling by horse and cart to the central diocese. Know that I will be watching—and judging—your performance most closely. Really? I'm escorting someone? Do you feel yourself above such a task? Are you kidding me? I'm THRILLED! It feels like I've been training forever, and I'm ready for some real action! Yes, well, keep up that positive attitude. Now then, the man you are escorting is... Don't be TOO strict with our new recruits now, Tobias, or we may find ourselves completely bereft of them. Hope, this is your charge for today: His Grace Archbishop Bern. Th-the Archbishop?! Er, I mean, I'm Hope, Your Grace! H-how positively awe-inspiring for a priest like me, the lowest of the low, to meet you, Your Grace! ...Er, wait. I suppose I'm more of a knight today. The priest who would be a knight, eh? I've heard tell of you, son—is it true you wish to become a Heavenwing? If so, it's no wonder our dear Tobias is working you with such vigor. It is time to depart, Your Grace. The cart is just over there. Ah, yes. Of course. Time and tide wait for no man, it seems.

---

...Therefore, I would have us endeavor to make the central diocese our forces' focal point. And yet, to do that would magnify even more the damage to the surrounding areas, abasing the authority of the Church in the eyes of her people... They've been talking serious business ever since we set out on the road. I guess I expected a bodyguard job to involve more... I dunno. Bodyguarding? Oh well! I should probably just be grateful for a soft first landing and— Graaagh! Me and my big mouth! Right. Time for Hope the Templar to snap into action! Hyah! Yah! Hraah! Graaagh... Ha! That's the power of training for you! If I can keep doing great work like this, I'm gonna be an AMAZING Templar! Blargh! Graaagh! Oh, heck! Where'd that guy come from?! Welp, no choice but to take it on... Hraaaagh! Uraaah! Buh? Graaagh! Nnngh! Okay, that hurt... Hurt a lot, actually... But there's no way I'm gonna give up! Graaaa— Huh? Fool of a boy! You are no match for a foe of this strength! Why did you not call for aid the moment you saw it?! S-sir?! Bah. I see now this was a fool's errand. Now ready yourself and do as I say! Y-yes, sir!

---

*pant* *wheeze* Well, that was a lot more exciting than maybe I needed it to be, but I managed to carry out my duty. Fine job, my lad! Fine job indeed. You've energy to spare for certain. Th-thank you, Your Grace! I expect great things from you. ...Tobias, see to it we continue to recruit useful additions such as he. ...... Ah, but I'm afraid I must say my farewells and hurry along to my meeting. Ta-ta! Yesss! I got complimented by the Archbishop himself! He recognized my determination! I am SO happy right now! If I keep working hard like this, I know I'll become a knight who can save everyone! I really worked hard today, didn't I, sir? Oh, and I passed the assignment, right? You did not. Wait, WHAT?! Why not? The fact you do not know makes me worry all the more. You overestimated your strength, boy, and in doing so showed a most critical lack of judgment. True, you completed the escort safely. However, you foolishly chose to take on an enemy well above your level, and did not think to summon aid. To risk one's life without a semblance of a plan is not bravery, but base recklessness. Such is not an action befitting a knight of our sacred order. I fear you may forever lack the wisdom to serve as one of Ilia's vanguard. B-but... Is that a quivering lip I see before me? Do you plan to abandon your cause now? ...No. In fact, I'm going to work TWICE as hard as before. I'm going to keep working until I prove my value to you! ...I see. A lukewarm passion is worse than none at all, and my passion is BOILING hot! Well, I can't just sit around here twiddling my priestly thumbs—I'm gonna go run laps until I puke, then do it some more! I have not the slightest idea if he understood my concerns or not. As a knight of Ilia, your judgment will only be further called into question from this point on. Both what you believe in... and who you align with.

Episode 3

Hard Truths

Father, the Stolz district is under attack by fiends and low on manpower! Urgent aid is requested! Again? What are the knights in charge of that blasted district even DOING? I imagine the dispute has caused a shortage of knights in every district. You mean the one with the conservatives? Hmm, perhaps you're right—and alas, such knights are not so easily replaced. We must endure until we can put those adherents who refuse change into check. In the meantime, we've no choice but to have our Paladyn somehow manage. Ah, speak of the devil! They really have their work cut out for them.

---

Take THIS! Blessed Sword! Gyaaaagh! Graaaagh! Doesn't matter how many of you there are, fiends! You won't stop us! Keep moving, Hope; our objective is not extermination, but rescue. Oh, right. Hang on, everyone! Stolz District
Village Square
The Templars have come to save you! It's all gonna be o...kay? Huh? ...We were too late. Ah, but this is a terrible spectacle to behold. No... It can't be... Sentiment cannot help you now, boy. Compose yourself and search for survivors.

---

...S-sir! I heard something underneath that debris! Urgh... Oof, that wound looks serious. Better use some healing magic... It's not working—the wound is too deep! Am I really not strong enough to help? Heal him... Heal him... WORK, DAMN YOU! It's...all right... No, don't speak! Save your strength! I've...not long left... But thank you...good sir knight... for easing my departure... Nnngh... Wait, no. Don't die! Come on, there MUST be a way for me to save you! AAAAAAAAH! Enough, Hope. Do not grieve overlong. Instead, offer your respects to a life which was called home too soon. O unsullied soul, be taken upon the flow of mana and go with the favor of the goddess. May you find peace in her arms. I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... If only I could've come sooner... If only I would've been stronger! ...... I need to push harder if I want to save everyone. I must find a way to be better! I'm going to work twice as hard and become five times as strong! Enough, boy. Such impossible dreams do naught but cloud your judgment. S-sir? It is folly to think one can stand against the wheel of fate by will alone. Then how am I supposed to motivate myself if that's true?! You believe strength of will to be enough in all circumstances, yet this is not so. A single person's spirit—no matter how great—cannot change the world entire. We are not omnipotent—there are places beyond the reach of our aid, and unseen tragedies which occur continuously at the fringes of existence. We can save some. But many will go unnoticed, and even when we do find them, we will often be unable to save them, just like today. Even so, an Ilian knight must wear the guise of hope and sally forth—including while they attend to the dead and dying. You must embolden your pragmatic nature. Saving people means facing the hard fact that there will be those you cannot save. Wha...! If you are to succeed as a Templar, you must understand the harsh nature of the world. This is the duty of all who would fight in the name of their faith. Are you prepared to face this reality? But...if I just do my best... The best effort of the greatest will still sometimes not be enough. This is a truth you must come to understand. Why are you saying this when I'm trying so hard?! Because it is truth. Those without resolve will find themselves becoming mentally and emotionally fatigued. And once this happens, they are forever lost. This was the case with even the former Heavenwing, and it will be so with you. The former Heavenwing?! He was strong. Compassionate. A nearly flawless hero who stood the equal with the long history of the Grand Paladyns. Yet at the end of it all, he could not stand the weight of the lives he failed to save, and his spirit was ground into dust. You once told me that you would use your resolve and passion to see your way through hardship, did you not? Having now seen the truth, do you still believe such to be the best path forward? I... I don't know. I really don't. Right now, I feel like anything I do is futile, no matter how hard I try. I once believed I could save everyone if I just gave it everything I had... But now I know that even a Heavenwing can't save everyone, and that's... Well, it's a hard thing to hear. My dream was so shortsighted. So small. And maybe what I was trying to do was ultimately...pointless. If you believe so in your heart, then perhaps it truly was. I... I honestly don't know. I don't know anything anymore...

Episode 4

Failure and Surrender

I'm indebted for everything you've done for me, sir. Then I suppose I know your answer. Yes. I know I haven't been putting my best into my training lately—or anything else, for that matter. I just haven't been able to get what happened that day out of my head. My dream used to be so clear to me, and now it's hopelessly muddled. Maybe this is what I deserve for having an impossible dream. You won't have to worry about me again. I'm going back to my hometown church. Then I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors as a priest. Southern Grastaean Frontier
Hope's Hometown
*sigh* (It's been a few weeks since I gave up on being a knight. I donned my vestments, gave sermons, and heard confession as any other priest would.) (I dislike the slow pace of rural priestly life, but at least it's safe and peaceful.) So peaceful, in fact, that it feels like a lie. We don't even have fiends in this sad little backwater burg! Did I really see all those dead and dying people on the front? It feels more like a dream—or maybe a nightmare. Father Hope, look! A butterfly! Why, so it is. I wonder what this little fellow is doing here? Well, you've been sighing a whole bunch since you came back, so I brought it over to try and cheer you up! I heard the grown-ups saying it was 'cause your dreams were smushed or something. Are you okay? I suppose that describes it as well as anything. Though can a dream really be smushed if it was impossible from the start? Huh? Never mind, child. This is turning into a depressing conversation indeed. ...Hmm? I hear people talking. Apparently there's been another incident in the Zatras district—and more casualties. Again? It seems tales from the central diocese are filled with nothing but trouble these days. From what I've heard, no matter how many Templars they recruit they're always short- handed, and the Hillheim district's Paladyn ends up being sent out to fight every day. It's hard to imagine with how peaceful things are here. May the goddess watch over and protect them in these trying times. The Hillheim district is where Tobias was assigned. He's probably fighting on the front lines right now. Please be okay, Tobias... Okay, that's enough morbid thoughts! He's strong enough to take care of himself—and it's not really my concern anymore regardless. Gosh, but I feel so very low.

---

I can't get this weight off my shoulders, and lying down just makes it worse. My hometown is tranquil. Peaceful. So why am I feeling this way? I don't have to look on the dead anymore! I don't have the pain of being unable to help them—so why do I still HURT? There was nothing I could do no matter how hard I tried, so why can't I stop thinking about it?! Why am I...? Urgh...

---

Graaargh! Someone help me! Heeeelp! ...Huh? Do you often wander into fiend nests by your lonesome, child? You'd be dead in moments if not for me. M-my dog got lost. I had to save him. Well, I suppose that can't be helped. So you're not mad at me, mister? No. A certain hardheaded pupil of mine would likely deem it a pointless endeavor, but I'm rather fond of your courage myself. Listen here, child: Trying and being unable to do something is different from not trying in the first place. So don't give up. I can't tell you if your dog is all right, but it's not the sort of thing you should write off just because you're not sure. If you have the desire to help someone, you should go out there and try to do it. Nothing good comes from surrender. You can't lie to your heart, after all. Doing so will only come back to cause pain at a later date. Do you understand? I get it, Mr. Heavenwing!

---

Was that a dream? ...No. A memory. When I was younger, I didn't worry about whether or not I'd ACTUALLY be able to save people. My heart just told me I wanted to. That I HAD to! But now I've put a lie to those feelings. I tell myself it's pointless if I might not be able to save someone, and suppress my true thoughts... Trying and being unable to help and not trying at all are different... Which is why I have to go! Better check my sword... Good, no rust. Ooof! Feels heavy, though—probably because I've neglected my training. I don't want to live with regret, so please give me your strength once more... Zatras District Vicinity
Mountain Path
*pant* *pant* Can't believe I made it... Such heavy rain would be trouble even in the best of times, but for a place that's suffered so much damage... Gya! By the goddess, look at all the bodies... I don't see a single survivor. It's not like I can make a difference all by myself if I go there now... Hah hah. It's strange. I can't stop shaking, but I can't stop walking forward, either. After all, my heart is crying out for me to find people and save them. And I won't lie to my heart anymore! Hold on, sir... I'm coming!

Episode 5

Someday I'll Soar

Zatras District
Mountain Village
Hah! ...Finally. That seems to be the last of them for now. I've never seen so many fiends. I went ahead alone to get here as fast as I could, but by the look of things... ...Damn. It's as bad as I feared. I pray there are at least some survivors... Ngh... Mama... Ah! She still draws breath, but in this cold and with a wound like that, I fear the goddess will take her home ere long. I've already used all my healing power, and reinforcements are still far away. I can do nothing but offer last rites... O Ilia, I beseech you beckon forth this pure soul, that she might find her way into your abundant light. Healing Hand! That voice... It can't be! *pant *pant* D-did I make it in time? Hope? Why are you here? Nnngh... By the goddess, she lives still! Can you stabilize her? Yes, sir! Come on, little one! You can do it! Nnngh... Zzzzzz... I think she's going to make it. What a relief! If I was able to save even a single person, then... Why DID you come back, boy? I thought you surrendered this dream when you learned you couldn't save everyone. I didn't want to lie to myself. Explain. I stopped being a knight because it was too painful, yet I've been suffering that same pain ever since I returned home. I couldn't stop thinking about it. That's when I realized that not doing anything was the worst pain of all. ...... You told me I can't save everyone, and I know you're right. But not being able to save people and not TRYING to save them are different things! And I won't ever stop trying! The person who appeared to me in my dreams made me remember that feeling. He told me nothing good will ever come from surrender. ...And he told you not to lie to your heart. How did you know that?! It was a favorite saying of my own master. He wasn't wise in the slightest, but he excelled in his power to attract people. Perhaps there's a kind of power possessed by those fit to become Heavenwings. Your master was the previous Heavenwing?! That's enough ruminating on the past, boy. We should focus on how you remembered something important, rethought your position, and returned to the battlefield. So then? How do you wish to live now as you look out over the battlefield and its inexhaustible supply of despair? I want to become a knight. I see. It's okay if it's a hard road, or painful. No matter what, I don't want to give up on helping people in need. I'm not going to run away anymore. So please give me one more chance to become a knight! Very well, lad. You pass. Huh? To chase the light even in the midst of darkness is the mark of Ilia's vanguard. You have the heart of a proper knight. I will reconsider my previous harsh assessment of your escort mission— and with that being the case, I would ask you take up the mantle of Templar. Templar Hope! Your urgent duty is to find and purge all the fiends in this area. Are you equal to the task? Sir, yes, sir!

---

...Hyah! How about that?!

---

I see that young man is back and burning with even greater motivation. He still lacks proper experience, but his outlook has broadened somewhat. He intends quite earnestly to become a Heavenwing, and trains without pause in both knightly and priestly arts. Perhaps there is yet a future where he does not end up a mere pawn. A lone apprentice can hardly make waves on their own, but his bladework no longer shows hesitation. If he can blossom, that would be an entertaining development...

---

...Yesss! I've mastered a new technique! Maybe now I'm just a little bit closer to being like him. I hope you're watching, wherever you are. I'm still crawling around in the dirt, but someday I'll soar through the sky!