I have no particular love of the Church, and others among my friends agree. If Crests disappeared tomorrow, most people I know would be better off. That said, the war that consumes our continent began when the heir to our neighboring country took the crown from her father and declared war upon the Church and the rest of the continent regardless of whether anyone might agree with her views or not. Which makes the Church our allies by necessity.

[He shakes his head.] It wouldn't be so bad without the current Archbishop. Her second in command is much more reasonable. But she's got everyone wrapped around her little finger with her insidious benevolent leader act.

As for the relics, no one knew about the consequences until recently. They were always kept under lock and key in the Church's vaults or kept safely by the head of a noble house. Everyone knew they were sacred. Besides, it doesn't happen immediately. Only while wielding one in battle. No one had the audacity to try stealing one until...

[He looks elsewhere.]

Until one of those disowned elder children without a Crest turned bandit and stole his family's relic.