Difference between revisions of "Provost Marchand"

Briefing

It's an honor to meet a fine, upstanding member of the Powers Division such as yourself. No doubt that my good friend Marchand spoke with you? Yes, yes of course.

I'm pleased to begin our working relationship, just as much as you are, I imagine. Shall we get started?

• Let's get started.

Briefing

Hello, Character. My name is Washington, I assume that Marchand has already given you the introductions.

I'll cut to the chase. If you're here talking to me, it means that you're out to help keep Praetoria safe. I can use more people like you by my side. There are too many show-offs in the Powers Division and even the PPD. You can see it reflecting in the state of Praetoria - Destroyers lounging around, even those 'Resistance' scum making their way to the surface.

Someone needs to enforce the law and keep the peace - that's going to be us.

• Let's get started

Briefing

Pleasure to meet you, Character, absolute pleasure. I've heard all about you, all about you. I think you and I will go very far in our business together, very far.

• Perhaps we will.

Briefing

Marchand informed me that you might be lending me a hand on this case, Character. I appreciate it, really.

The boys in the PPD seem to forget that we're all in this mess together, and if we're going to make a real difference, it's going to happen because of teamwork. The bad guys seem to understand this, I just hope it isn't too late for our side.

Well, I don't aim to make this case a publicity stunt, but it may well just turn out that way. We've got ourselves a serial killer on the lose, and TPN is having a field day with it.

Let's get to work.

• Agreed, let's get moving.

Briefing

Don't worry, unlike that butcher, Neuron, I believe in extensively testing my inventions before implementation. Do you think I'd rewire my own brain without testing the equipment first? Unlike Neuron, I actually have something to lose upstairs.

Good to know

Briefing

I am welcoming you to the utopia of Neutropolis. Praetor Berry has designated me to file all issues that the people of this prosperous city send to me! Please state in a clear and slow tone what you need.

I am hearing that you were sent here by Provost Marchand to aid in the clearing of my task list? Affirmative! I shall begin loading up said tasklist for you now.

Alright then.

Briefing

Character, I'm here on behalf of Provost Marchand to help make your transition into Primal Earth a smooth one. He commends your choice for moving forward to help keep the peace on Praetoria.

There are a few things you need to know before going into Primal Earth.

What do I need to know?

Primal Earth is a somewhat more... chaotic place than Praetoria. Specifically, Paragon City is faced with many threats a daily basis. We will be placing you on the center of the action, as they say, in a place called Talos Island. There, you will be on your own to help, protect the people of Paragon and prove that we are a force of good. I will give you a quick combat analysis of some of the groups you will be facing in Paragon City.

Alright, who will I be facing?

One of the chief threats, as you may have seen already, is Arachnos. I'm sure you're fairly familiar with them. Next we have two warring groups, , the Council and the 5th Column. Both seek complete domination of the world and have attempted to do so numerous times.

The two groups are constantly fighting each other in Paragon and many innocent civilians are dragged into their battles. Taking the fight to them will help lower the chaos and destruction that Cole sees in Primal Earth.

Who else will I be facing?

There is the Freakshow, a group of anarchists who love nothing more than destruction. I assume you're seeing a pattern here, correct? They fight with cybernetic implants and constantly recruit those youths in Paragon who share their same ideals. As you can see, the youth in such a world are worse off than our own.

Here, they only risk being recruited by the Resistance. In Primal Earth, nearly every major group seeks to bolster their ranks by manipulating those too naive to see through their lies. I should mention, also, that Primal Earth also faces a threat that we are all too familiar with: Hamidon.

Hamidon is in Primal Earth as well?

Yes, though it is contained to a place called The Hive. At least, the center of the beast is. Many of its creatures roam through Paragon City, seeking to destroy the very fabric of it. I sincerely believe it is only a matter of time until they face the same catastrophic events that we encountered during the Hamidon Wars.

Those are the main groups you should be aware of.

If you find yourself in Paragon City and do not have anyone direct to help, you can check a police scanner that you will receive when you go through. The scanner will allow you to pick up any crimes in the area that are happening. As you can see, their police force is much more... loose than ours in handling crime. By following the scanner long enough, you will surely be able to find the source of a major plot by one of the hundreds of villains running rampant in Paragon. Doing so will gain you the attention of a number of people who could use your help. It's a primitive way of doing things, but that's why we call them Primals.

Understood. Anything else I should be aware of?

Only one thing. We have intelligence to believe that there is a group on the other side called SAM who are already on the look out for you. It appears there is someone who looks exactly like you causing chaos in Primal Earth.

I would seek out this agent as soon as you enter Talos and put a stop to this as soon as you can. Clearly, someone is aware that we seek to improve the image of Praetoria in Paragon and is moving against us as we speak.

I'll make sure to do that

Briefing

Hello, Character. I have to say it's surprising to see one of the Powers Division here in Primal Earth. I can only assume that Marchand wants to make an attempt to form peace here.

Emperor Cole? What are you doing here?

That's my own business, Character. I have to wonder, however, about your own loyalty to Praetoria. Are you truly fine with putting our fair city at risk of being invaded first by these creatures of destruction in Primal Earth?

1- I have killed good people in the name of Praetoria, Cole. Don't question -my- loyalty
2- My own loyalty? You have -no- idea, what I've been through.

1- I have killed good people in the name of Praetoria, Cole. Don't question -my- loyalty

And yet here you are now, seeking to stop more deaths from happening. Your hands are already stained with blood, Character, much like mine. But we both have done all of these things to protect what we believe in, to protect Praetoria.

That is why I fought Hamidon, to protect the world. That is why I have made Praetoria as it is today, to protect the people from themselves.

From themselves?

2- My own loyalty? You have -no- idea, what I've been through

I believe I can have some semblance of what you've been through. Much like myself, I imagine. Hardships, pains, difficulties. And all of it was in the name of Praetoria, was it not? To protect the people, to protect the city?

I have done all the same, Character, only for myself, it was to protect the world. That is why I stepped forward to save this world from Hamidon, and that is why I have taken such measures to protect the people of Praetoria from the chaotic nature of humanity.

You're protecting the people from themselves?

Yes, Character. People are weak. At least when it comes to doing the right thing. That is why you cannot give them the choice to do what is wrong. I have done so in Praetoria, and look at how it has flourished. Primal Earth, however, allos this to continue, even with some of the worst examples of humanity. That is why it must be wiped away. They know of our perfect world and already, as you have seen, they seek to destroy us.

People, when left to their own free will, will seek only to destroy that which is good, that which is pure, Character. I will not give them the option to do that. I will strike them down before they can actand ensure that no others ever get the chance to make that choice, the choice to destroy. Humanity cannot be trusted with that choice of destruction; only someone like myself can.

1- They may be weak, Cole, but they deserve a chance to live.
2- Maybe you don't believe in humanity anymore, Cole, but I still do.

1- They may be weak, Cole, but they deserve a chance to live.

Those who are in Praetoria deserve the chance to live, Character. But not the people in Primal Earth. They have gone for far too long believing in their own way of life. I cannot simply go in there and have them change. No, doing so would be far too difficult and would risk the lives of those in Prateoria.

The only way this can end is for all those in Primal Earth who can stand against me to be wiped out. The others will be assimilated into the new Praetorian society on Primal Earth. I will not hesitate to have my army turn on you, Character, if you choose to fight in the side of Primals. But I believe that your time in Primal Earth will show you the true, rotting nature of humanity and the horrors that it's capable of.

And you? What are you going to do?

2- Maybe you don't believe in humanity anymore, Cole, but I still do.

Cole smiles for a brief moment before his face returns to a neutral expression

You remind me of myself, Character, so long ago. I, too, once believed that humanity was good, that it could band together and be saved from the horrors that it was capable of. But this isn't true, Character. I have learned this the hard way. You, too, shall learn this the hard way as well. Your time on Primal Earth will show you the true nature of humanity. That I am sure of.

And what are you going to do?

I have other matters to attend to, Character. This will be the last time you will see me for some time. When we meet again, it will be either be with you by my side as we enter Primal Earth, or you staring down one of the War Walkers. Make your choice wisely.

I already have, Cole.

Briefing

Character, I see you've chosen to go to the Rogue Isles. I'm with you in your thoughts, believe me. Primal Earth is full of nothing but chaos and destruction, but it doesn't mean that it isn't ripe for opportunity.

I'll give you a brief rundown of what you can expect when you go through to the Rogue Isles.

Alright then.

The Rogue Isles are 'ruled' by Arachnos. I use that term in the loosest sense possible, given how powerful our Emperor Cole is. You will, unfortunately, have to deal with them many times while you are in the Rogue Isles. Luckily, we have an agent on the inside, one you will meet shortly. But suffice to say, you will have to put up with a lot from this organization while you are in the Isles.

Just know, however, that they are all beneath you and every single Praetorian that inhabits this city.

I'll keep that in mind. What else?

If you find yourself lacking someone to... let's say, 'help you move forward', you can use the newspaper in the Rogue Isles to look for plenty of opportunities. These can range from simply beating down anyone who would seek to take you down to stealing valuable items to use for yourself. Doing enough of these tasks will lead you to people who you can properly use to further your own power within the Rogue Isles, though I would keep my eye on them. They all think like Primals and would try to take advantage of you just as soon as you'd take advantage of them.

So, I will have no allies in the Rogue Isles?

You may have some allies, yes. You can try to build your own base of power, but I would be careful. Many have tried, but only few have succeeded. Even if you do so, you may be seen by our great Emperor as a threat to be disposed of when the invasion happens.

I'll bear that in mind. Anything else?

That would be it. We have an ally of ours waiting on the other side of the rift. Proceed through to meet with them.

I'll do that.

Briefing

Hello. You would be Character, correct? Good to meet you.

I am Viridian, spymaster for Arachnos and the head of Project: Praetoria. Not the most creative of titles, but I'm not a man who is concerned about 'creativity'. I've been informed that you wish to enter the Rogue Isles. I am in place to help bring you in.

I'm not working for Arachnos, if that's what you're proposing.

I don't imagine you'd work for anyone, Character. I'm here to ensure that Arachnos remains a lucrative ally for you and any other Praetorian that is coming through to Primal Earth. I'm well aware of your Emperor Cole's plans for an invasion. To have you not on his side will benefit all of us in the end.

So, what are you going to offer me?

First, the title of 'Destined One'. I've put your name into the list that Kalinda has. Not a real difficult thing for me to accomplish, as you may imagine. Being a Destined One within the Rogue Isles will grant you certain priveleges and also a certain air of power. Some in Arachnos will respect you for it, though most will still be willing to bash your head in.

You can do whatever you want with this title. Ignore it, go along with it, or anything. But it is yours, should you wish to utilize the benefits that come with it.

Fair enough. What else?

I've seeded word of your name into various groups that work within the Rogue Isles. Though they may not have encountered you, they already believe you're a force to be reckoned with. It may not be the best start, but there is a man who will help you get started on your path in Sharkhead Isle. His name is Dean MacArthur. He will be able to get you whatever it is you want as you get started within the Isles.

Alright. And what about you?

Myself? I'll be working from the shadows, Character. Perhaps in the future, you and I will work together. There is a lot going on behind the scenes in this project of mine, much of which is not exactly... fully revealed to the Arbiters.

Should an opportunity arise that can benefit both you and myself, I will contact you. But for now, I shall keep your true origin a secret, so long as you agree to keep this little meeting of ours secret. Lord Recluse is not extremely happy with the idea of Praetorians in the Rogue Isles, given how Cole operates. It is best to keep your true nature a secret until you've built up enough power.

Oh, and just so we keep this formal. Welcome to the Rogue Isles.

... Thanks.