When European traders and explorers began to move into North America, as was the case during the colonization of Europe and Asia, there was an immense desire to Christianize the native populations as a means of "civilizing" and helping to ease the natives in to the more preferable, European Lifestyle. The Jesuits were the first to arrive and, generally established their missions around French colonies. The British Conquest in 1760 brought with it the Methodists, Anglicans and Moravians. In western Canada the most active have been the Wesleyan Methodists, the Oblate Priests (Roman Catholics), the Presbyterians after 1860 and, later the United Church.
Various non-player characters (NPCs) in towns and other areas in the Central Wastelands dole out missions. NPCs available for missions have a white shaft of light surrounding them. Missions are the sole best way of advancing in the game and open up new areas to explore (as well as discover some nice equipment). NPCs may ask you to do a certain task, deliver materials, visit other NPCs or retrieve something.