Ah, the Church of Vows. You know, most of the chapels and sacred sites scattered across the Lands Between look like they've been through a blender of divine despair, and this one is no shining exception. It's a crumbling, dilapidated ruin that wouldn't win any architectural awards in 2026. But trust me, as a fellow Tarnished who's been around the block a few times, you don't want to judge this holy site by its broken facade. Behind those weathered stones lies one of the most peculiar and heartwarming encounters in the entire game—and a chance to clear your guilty conscience, which, let's be honest, we all have plenty of.

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This place is the humble abode of Miriel, the Pastor of Vows, whom the community has affectionately (and accurately) dubbed the Tortoise Pope. He's not just a giant, talking turtle in a fancy hat; he's a beacon of peace, wisdom, and forgiveness in a world gone mad. Plus, inside the church, you'll find a statue of the sorceress queen, Rennala. Interacting with this effigy allows you to atone for your sins—a fancy way of saying you can reset any hostile NPCs you might have accidentally (or 'accidentally') aggroed. Very handy for those of us with a twitchy trigger finger.

So, you want to pay a visit to the pope? His church is nestled in the eastern reaches of Liurnia of the Lakes. The standard route involves conquering Stormveil Castle and Godrick first, but I'm all about efficiency. There's a nifty shortcut that lets you skip the whole castle drama.

  1. Head to the broken bridge east of Stormveil (where the Finger Reader Crone hangs out).

  2. At the bridge's end, look for a small, jumpable plateau on your left.

  3. Follow the mountain path that winds around the castle. It's like taking the scenic bypass straight to Liurnia!

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Once you emerge behind the castle, hang a right and stick to the main road. You'll pass a Site of Grace. Now, here's a pro-tip: you'll see the Church of Irith nearby. It's worth a quick detour to chat with the sorcerer Thops if you haven't already. Helping him out nets you some sweet rewards later, including a crucial gesture for unlocking a magic tower. But if you're on a direct pilgrimage, just breeze past it.

Follow the road down the hill, past a pesky bandit camp (feel free to sprint or fight, your call).

The Lake Crossing and the Long Road North

After the camp, veer right and head down to the lake's edge. You'll need to traverse the water. On the far shore, nestled against the cliff, is a Spirit Spring. Use it to get a turbo-boost jump up to the Liurnia Highway South area.

(There's a riskier, platforming-heavy route down the cliffs below Stormveil, but unless you're a parkour prodigy, the scenic lake route is much safer and lets you grab that optional church visit.)

From the Liurnia Highway South Site of Grace, your journey continues north along the road. You'll pass the Liurnia Highway North checkpoint—just keep those ruins on your left and keep moving. The path then demands you take a right onto a northern dirt track.

This leg of the trip isn't a leisurely stroll. Be prepared for:

  • A grumpy Giant Crab lurking in the waters.

  • The spooky, boat-riding Tibia Mariner optional boss.

  • Various other spectral and mundane nuisances.

Persevere, and you'll eventually spot landmarks like the imposing Carian Study Hall and the quaint Artist's Shack.

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The Final Approach

Behind the Artist's Shack, you'll find a stone bridge. Cross it, and look to the northwest. There it is! Perched majestically on a hill, the Church of Vows awaits. Just trek across the open field, ascend the slope, and you've made it.

Why Bother? The Gifts of the Pope

Walking into that ruin and hearing Miriel's calm, scholarly voice is a genuine delight. Here’s what this venerable tortoise offers:

Service Benefit Cost
Absolution (Atonement) Resets aggression from NPCs you've angered. A true 'oops' button. Celestial Dew
Incantation Teacher Sells powerful Incantations, including crucial healing and utility spells. Runes
Lore & Peace Provides fascinating lore about the Golden Order and Radagon. Priceless. Your time & attention

He's also a key figure if you're trying to mend the relationship between sorceress Sellen and the warrior Jerren, though that's a tale for another day.

In a realm filled with betrayal, monstrosities, and relentless combat, the Church of Vows stands as a sanctuary—not because of its architecture, but because of its inhabitant. Miriel represents a sliver of unwavering kindness and erudition. So, make the journey, cleanse your sins, learn some powerful magic, and enjoy a chat with the most enlightened reptile in all the Lands Between. It's one pilgrimage that's absolutely worth the trouble. 🙏