Sword of Bellenesse

Difficulty:  80+ to survive, 100+ to solo, 100+ to use rewards
Level Restriction:  None
Timer:  27 Days 
Can be Solo'd?  Yes
Rewards:  Replica Sword of Bellenesse or Shield of Silyun or Shield of Sanamar, 3.5M XP

The Sword of Bellenesse is the mighty blade Eleonora used prior to her flight to Dereth and the weapon that was later used to cut out her heart.  It's a relic sought after by the Silyun Rebels, the Varicci loyalists, and even Queen Elysa.  Recover it from the thief who stole and and then pick which side you prefer.

Step 1:  Preparation.  If you like, you can begin your quest by talking to one of the three NPCs interested in the sword, but it isn't necessary to visit them just yet.  If you do talk to them, they'll give you coords to the dungeon where the thief is hiding, which is south of Beach Fort in northwest Osteth.  To get there, head to Mayoi and find the Lady Maila Estates portal.  Head in - you should probably buff in the settlement.  You will be fighting Grievvers and Eaters, so slash is the best weapon choice.  Bane against physical and acid damage.  There are a couple Fire Elementals too, but you don't need to fight them.  When you are ready, head to 71.1N 50.2W.  Instead of a portal, you will find an entrance into the ground.

Step 2:  Cave of the Escaped Thief.  The easiest way to navigate through the dungeon is to hug the left wall.  After disposing of a few Grievvers, you will enter a large room with a wide ramp in the middle.  Keep hugging the left wall and you will make your way down a long ramp and into a large room with a path leading down in the middle of the floor.  Keep on the left wall and you will reach the final room and the Escaped Thief.  Take him out and check his corpse for the Sword.  Once you have the sword, you may leave.

Step 3:  Rewards.  Now you need to choose which faction to side with.  The most useful reward is probably a Replica Sword of Bellenesse, which is the reward from Elysa's faction.  If you want this sword, head to Bhravarn ibn Salizim - 21.5S, 1.6W in Yaraq.  The Replica is a potent weapon!  Aside from having good stats, it is has the special property "Viamontian Knight Slayer" in addition to Biting Strike and Crushing Blow.  Unfortunately, Knights aren't particularly weak to piercing or slashing, but it's still a nice weapon nevertheless.  If you don't want the sword or don't want to ally yourself with Queen Elysa, you can earn a shield from either the Silyun Rebels or the Varicci Loyalists.  The Shield of Silyun offers Moderate Endurance while the Shield of Sanamar casts Moderate Strength.  The Loyalist NPC is located in Sanamar at Turien di Furza - 71.9N, 61.2W and the Rebel NPC is in Silyun at Lucari di Bellenesse - 87.3N, 70.5W.