Palatine

Overview

Palatine
Sovereign of the Compound
Zone	First Ward
Coordinates	(1682, -1034, -2284)
Level Range	20-29
Introduced By	Nadia
Introduces	Noble Savage

Palatine is a Praetorian contact in the Eltentown neighborhood of First Ward at coordinates (1682, -1034, -2284).  Her level range is 20-29.

Introductions

Contact Introduced By

• Nadia

Contact Introduces

• Noble Savage

Information

Sovereign of the Compound

The appointed sovereign of the Survivor Compound in First Ward, Anna Palatine's title has been ignored by the Hetman, except for when it has suited his aims.

Prior to Introduction

Missing Prior to Introduction Dialogue

Initial Contact

Character! I was hoping you would show up. My throne is still considered the lipservice of a dead madman, but here in First Ward, that is sometimes enough. I can only do so much as Palatine of the Compound until I have solidified my position in the eyes of the people.

The Hetman rattles his saber so loudly that no one dares oppose him directly. He allows my signature only on mundane affairs, but that's where my current power stops. I'll need the agency of my friends to do anything more...and there is so very much work to do yet.

Greeting

Character, it is good to see you again. The Compound is still beset upon by forces both known and unknown. All of First Ward is awry. What do you seek?

Too Busy

Missing Too Busy Dialogue

Too Low Level

Missing Too Low Level Dialogue

No More Missions

Missing No More Missions Dialogue

Store

Missing Store Unlock Dialogue

Story Arc

Abused and Scorned Tho' We May Be (20-29)

Merit Rewards: This activity awards ? Reward Merits.

Souvenir

+++ Missing Information +++

Part One: Saber-Rattling

Briefing

As you have seen, the Compound is a fragile bastion against the myriad evil running amok in First Ward. Though the Hetman will not admit it, we need to be fostering more alliances with those around us, not alienating the ones we already had. The Carnival of Light will not protect us again until we heal the schism that has risen between us. And we cannot heal that schism until my sovereignty is recognized. It's chess now with the Hetman, and I think I have found my next move.

The Forlorn live below us in the tunnels beneath the Compound. They are former Ghouls who have had their minds restored through the efforts of Dr. Helix and other brave souls at the Battle of Neutropolis. They are a pitiable folk, the Forlorn, trapped in their now-desiccated frames, remembering every hideous act they committed in the red-minded madness of their former affliction. They are pariahs, even here in First Ward. And they would make powerful friends. Find the Hetman and convince him to let you to enter the tunnels and speak to the Forlorn.

He will bluster and mock my efforts to parley with them, but he will not deny you. The Compound is afraid of the Forlorn, thinking them monsters, and perhaps understandably so. But if word got out that the Hetman denied your help in dealing with them, he would lose face. Either way, I edge closer to the seat of my birthright.

• I'll speak to the Hetman about the Forlorn

My thanks, Character. The Hetman will no doubt consider this a political maneuver, and he wouldn't be entirely wrong about that-- but the Forlorn do present a problem to the Compound. He'll listen to you.

Unnecessary Solicitation

I thought you were going to speak to the Hetman about the Forlorn.

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak to the Hetman about the Forlorn

The Hetman

Briefing

Character, have you come to convince me to let your Carnival friends go again?

• The Palatine already made that command. You're still ignoring it.

The only command that I am ignoring is the last one given by a Monarch who wasn't in his right mind.

I don't trust that girl, I don't trust how she magically appeared, and I'm beginning not to trust you, Character. Now speak your mind or go back to the gumbo.

• The Palatine says you've been having trouble with the Forlorn.

And let me guess: you want to help me out. Wait. Silly me, let's say that again with the Color Obvious turned on: the so-called Palatine wants to make a gesture both to me and the people of Last Word by helping out with the Ghoul problem.

And you're her running dog, making sure it all transpires.

• Paranoid much? I'm just here to help.

or

• And you're going to look like a fool for declining my help.

Part Two: Haters Gonna Hate

Speak to the Hetman about the Forlorn

Unnecessary Solicitation

I thought you were going to speak to the Hetman about the Forlorn.

The Hetman

Briefing

*sigh*

I do need the help. Listen. These 'Forlorn' aren't like any Ghouls you may have encountered before. They're more disciplined, able to show a measure of tactical acumen on the battlefield.

If you're detecting a hint of admiration in my voice, it's because you're missing my point completely. The Forlorn are still monsters. Don't forget that. The fact that they can think only makes them worse.

• I can handle them.

Good to hear, because the last recon patrol I sent out to check on them certainly couldn't. They went into the tunnels outside the Compound and vanished.

• Wait, why were you sending recon patrols into the Forlorn tunnels in the first place?

Remember when we first met, Character? D.U.S.T. was poking its nose around too close to the Compound and I had you deal with it. Same story here. It's called keeping tabs on your enemy, genius. While you're playing fetch for that ineffectual, high-talkin' little Shepherd girl, I'm still making sure we're all protected.

Here. The recon patrol had a portable tracer-beacon with them. This tac-scanner will hone in on their trail. Find whatever is left of my people and... take care of any Forlorn you encounter.

• I'll find them.

	The Tac-Scanner
	Two recon patrols from the Compound have went missing in the tunnels of the Forlorn. Luckily, the second patrol had a tracer-beacon with them. The tac-scanner the Hetman gave you should help track down their whereabouts.

Enter the Forlorn Tunnels

Unnecessary Solicitation

Go speak with the Forlorn, not me.

Mission Objective(s)

Map: FW_FORLORN_TUNNELS_01

The tac-scanner is picking up the recon team's tracer-beacon. They're close.

• Enter the Forlorn Tunnels
  • Find the Recon Soldiers
  • Determine Which Recon Soldiers to Set Free
    or
  • 5 Recon soldiers to rescue
  • Lead Recon soldier to safety

For all the Hetman's warnings against them being monsters, the Forlorn were willing to speak to you peacefully. You were even offered the choice of interviewing the captured recon soldiers without intereference. This only proves that Anna's intuition is correct: the Forlorn can be reasoned with... without resorting to violence.

Enemies

Forlorn

Notable NPCs

• Warden Gorzi (Forlorn Boss) (Enemy, then neutral)
• Gyre (Resistance Lieutenant) (Optional Ally)
• Falco (Resistance Lieutenant) (Optional Ally)
• Talbot (Resistance Lieutenant) (Optional Ally)
• Shale (Resistance Lieutenant) (Optional Ally)
• Biddle (Resistance Lieutenant) (Optional Ally)

Random minion dialogue

Before Combat:

Liberated Brawler: The Compound has sent another kill team!

---

Before Combat:

Liberated Brawler: Somebody go warn the Warden! We've got another break-in!

Warden Gorzi dialogue

Combat Start: You topsiders never learn!

25% Health: Stop! This is getting us nowhere!

When Clicked: We could settle this peacefully. The last few visitors we had...well, they weren't willing to do that. They were too busy trying to pump us full of lead. So how do you want to handle this?

Warden Gorzi

Briefing

Okay, everyone just stop! There's been enough violence in these last few days.

And you? You stay right there, topsider. You've got the smell of the gumbo on you... but only slightly. You're a newcomer, but I won't ask what brought you here...or, more likely, who forced you into First Ward. That's your own business.

I will ask, though, what brings you down into our tunnels. The last few visitors we had...well, they weren't willing to answer that. They were too busy trying to pump us full of lead...

...buncha so-called 'recon soldiers' from the Compound. More of a kill team, the way they acted. You know 'em?

• That's who I'm looking for. And I mean you no harm.

Between you and me, the Forlorn have bigger troubles than keeping Compound yahoos captive, so I'll make you a deal. We'll stay here all peaceful-like until you do something uncool.

You can speak to the recon soldiers we have locked up. You can even free them if you want. It's your call. But if any of them do something uncool, then we're going to hold you responsible. Which is to say, we'll beat you down.

And choose carefully which ones you want to save. The ones named Shale and Biddle are itching for a rematch with us.

• Understood.

Warden Gorzi Dialogue

After Chatting:

Warden Gorzi: You can speak to the recon soldiers we have locked up. You can even free them if you want. It's your call. But if any of them start trouble, then we're going to hold you responsible.

Warden Gorzi: Choose carefully which ones you want to save. The ones named Shale and Biddle are itching for a rematch with us.

• That's who I'm looking for. Now stand aside or I'll put you down.

You're just like them. See a former Ghoul, jump for the throat. But, hey, I gave you a chance.

• (Finish him and swipe the prison keys)

The Forlorn Are Angered!

Gyre dialogue

If the Forlorn are friendly:

Gyre

Briefing

How'd you get past the Forlorn?

• Simple. I talked to them reasonably. How are you feeling?

I'm a little scared... who wouldn't be? I keep expecting the Forlorn to exact some revenge for our boneheaded attack on them, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen.

Look, Character, whatever we were told about the Forlorn was more of the Hetman getting as unhinged as the Monarch used to be. The Forlorn...they're just people. Scary-looking, used-to-be-cannibal people, but people, okay? And if you let me go back topside to the Compound, I'll spread the word. Even if it gets me thrown into another cell.

• I'll get back to you on that.

What?

C'mon, Character! Let me out of here! I won't make them angry, I swear! (Leaves dialogue)

• Let's get out of here. And don't cause any trouble with the Forlorn. (Gyre joins the character.)

Music to my ears. I'm gone.

---

If previously opted to think about it and chatting again:

Character, I'm beggin' you, let me out of here. The Forlorn obviously trust you enough that it's your call. And, yeah, speaking of making calls, I made a bad one. Namely, following the Hetman's orders without question. The Folorn aren't the bad guys, I realize that now. Don't make me out to be one, too.

• I'm going to think about it. (Repeats above.)
• Let's get out of here. And don't cause any trouble with the Forlorn. (Gyre joins the character.)

Music to my ears. I'm gone.

At Joining: Time to go home.

---

If the Forlorn are hostile:

Gyre

Briefing

Let me out of here now!

• The Forlorn are everywhere. Stay close.

Falco dialogue

If the Forlorn are friendly:

Falco

Briefing

Have you come from the Compound? Why aren't the Forlorn attacking you?

• I struck a deal with them. Are you all right?

I'm fine, considering the circumstances. The Forlorn haven't touched us since we were taken captive. I mean, yeah, they fought back when my team attacked them, but that's our fault.

We invaded their territory, thinking that they were bogeymen ready to pounce on us at any moment. But that isn't the case. They've got problems of their own. They never even had aspirations of moving in on the Compound. That was just the Hetman's own paranoia. We should have ignored his orders to come down here and just blindfire, you hear what I'm saying?

Are you going to let me get out of here?

• I'm going to think about it.

+++ Missing Information +++

• missing (Leaves dialogue)

• We'll go back and tell the Hetman about that. You're free. (Falco joins the character.)

Thanks, Character! I'll stay at your side and won't cause any trouble. We've done enough to these poor creatures already.

---

If previously opted to think about it and chatting again:

Character, I'm beggin' you, let me out of here. The Forlorn obviously trust you enough that it's your call. And, yeah, speaking of making calls, I made a bad one. Namely, following the Hetman's orders without question. The Folorn aren't the bad guys, I realize that now. Don't make me out to be one, too.

• I'm going to think about it. (Repeats above.)
• We'll go back and tell the Hetman about that. You're free. (Falco joins the character.)

Thanks, Character! I'll stay at your side and won't cause any trouble. We've done enough to these poor creatures already.

At joining: I'm in your debt!

---

If the Forlorn are hostile:

Falco

Briefing

Come on. We need to get out of here.

• Leave.

Talbot dialogue

If the Forlorn are friendly:

Talbot

Briefing

Character, I recognize you from the Compound! Are you going to get us out of here?

• Some of you, maybe. How have the Forlorn been treating you?

Well, it's prison, but I would've thought we'd be executed by now... considering that we came in and started shooting at them without warning. After they subdued us and threw us in these cells, it's been nothing but three meals a day. One of them even bandaged me up. We were wrong about them, Telempathy, the Forlorn aren't evil. The fact that they're letting you decide my fate peacefully should be enough to prove that.

So are you going to let me out of here?

• I'm going to think about it.

Okay, mull it over. I'm not innocent, I know that, but I'm not going to cause any trouble. I promise. (Leaves dialogue)

• Fine, but keep your cool. I want us to get through this without violence. (Talbot joins the character.)

I was hoping you'd say that. Let's make a bee-line for the exit. I swear I won't cause any problems.

---

If previously opted to think about it and chatting again:

Character, I'm beggin' you, let me out of here. The Forlorn obviously trust you enough that it's your call. And, yeah, speaking of making calls, I made a bad one. Namely, following the Hetman's orders without question. The Folorn aren't the bad guys, I realize that now. Don't make me out to be one, too.

• I'm going to think about it. (Repeats above.)
• Fine, but keep your cool. I want us to get through this without violence. (Talbot joins the character.)

I was hoping you'd say that. Let's make a bee-line for the exit. I swear I won't cause any problems.

At joining: Let's get back to the Compound.

---

If the Forlorn are hostile:

Talbot

Briefing

Who are you? What happened?

• On your feet, soldier. We've got to move.

Shale dialogue

If the Forlorn are friendly:

Shale

Briefing

You're from the Compound? Who sent you?

• Long story. Are you hurt?

Not at all. The Forlorn were real gentlemen. But as soon as you get me out of here, I'm going to punch their faces in.

• Nice. You're a chump and a troublemaker. You deserve to stay locked up.

What?! Are you crazy or something?! If you're siding with the Ghouls instead of the Hetman then you can bite me, chomper. Thanks for nothing.

• Enjoy your stay. The Compound doesn't need loose cannons like you.

• Sounds like a plan. Let me get you out of here. (Shale joins the character.)

+++ Missing Information +++

---

If previously opted to think about it and chatting again:

Come to change your mind about me? Don't bother. I'd rather stay down here with these beauty queens than deal with traitorous scum like you.

• Have it your way.

If refused: You'll pay for this, Character!
At joining: +++ Missing Information +++

---

If the Forlorn are hostile:

Shale

Briefing

What's going on outside?

• Come with me. This place is no longer safe.

Biddle dialogue

If the Forlorn are friendly:

Biddle

Briefing

Did the Hetman send you?

• He and the Palatine both did. How are you holding up?

HOW AM I HOLDING UP?!

I'm sitting in a Ghoul cell. Er, sorry, a Forlorn cell. Same difference. What, are you their spokeman or something? Well, here's how it's going to work: you're going to let me out and I'm to carry out my orders. Which are simple: kill these scumbags.

• That's exactly the sort of nonsense I don't need right now. You're staying here.

If you're not going to help me wipe the floor with these monsters, then stay outta my face. Shove off, chomper.

• Keep talking. Maybe a few years down here will cool your jets, tough guy.

• Let's do it. (Biddle joins the character.)

+++ Missing Information +++

---

If previously opted to think about it and chatting again:

Boy, I already told you to get outta my face. I'll wait until the Hetman sends someone that doesn't wanna paint pretty rainbows with Ghouls.

• Suit yourself.

If refused: Coward!
At joining: +++ Missing Information +++

---

If the Forlorn are hostile:

Biddle

Briefing

What's up?

• Grab your gear. The Forlorn are out for blood.

	Prison Key
	You retrieved the prison access keys from the Forlorn Warden.

	Forlorn Justice: Shale
	You have left one of the Hetman's recon team, Shale, in the custody of the Forlorn.

	Forlorn Justice: Biddle
	You have left one of the Hetman's recon team, Biddle, in the custody of the Forlorn.

Report your findings to the Hetman

Unnecessary Solicitation

Character, I'm sure what you found in the tunnels is interesting, but we'll speak of it later. Tell the Hetman what you know. He needs to feel secure that we are working with him, not around him.

Mission Objective(s)

• Report your findings to the Hetman

If Shale and Biddle were not released:

The Hetman

Briefing

Character, give me a status report on the recon patrol that went into the tunnels.

• I brought the innocent ones back to the surface.

'The innocent ones?' Are you telling me you left some of my people down there with the Ghouls..?!

• Only those unrepentant for their crimes against the Forlorn.

Are you beyond insane?! Give me back that tac-scanner, you self-righteous dimwit! I'll send another team to finish the job!

You left them with monsters, Character. Monsters. Get out of my face.

• You're making a mistake, Hetman. Goodbye.

If Shale and Biddle were released:

The Hetman

Briefing

Character, give me a status report on the recon patrol that went into the tunnels.

• I saved everyone that I could.

You have my genuine thanks. You really oughtta reconsider working for the witch girl and throw in your hat with me.

• I stand by the Palatine. Goodbye, Hetman.

Debriefing

So the Forlorn were willing to speak with you? Even after the Hetman antagonzied them so? That bodes well for any future alliance.

Though I have called you it before, Character, my heart in full now demands that I risk its repetition: you are my good, good friend and a boon to all of First Ward.

Part Three: Sweet Mercy

Briefing

Something doesn't quite sit right with me, Character, not after your last sojourn into the tunnels of the Forlorn. The Hetman may have said that his impetus for sending a recon patrol into their territories was to gauge the potential threat of the Forlorn...but your report said the 'recon patrol' had orders to just go in and start shooting. That sounds like a kill team, not reconnaissance, and it doesn't add up. Furthermore, it endangers any chance we have at forming an alliance with the Forlorn.

I need you to speak with the leader of the Forlorn, Demetrios Vasilikos, on my behalf as Palatine of the Compound, and see if some kind of truce can be salvaged from all of this.

• We need an olive branch. The Forlorn have no real reason to trust the Compound.

You're quite right, my friend, which is why I will deliver to them a Genetic Resequencer if they will agree to a truce. The Forlorn will be able to cure their feral cousins with such a device, and that is something I know Demetrios wants dearly.

Mistress Nadia and some of my Shepherds have managed to contact Dr. Helix, who has agreed to come to First Ward if the Carnival can assure her a measure of protection. We're still working on that part, but the Hetman's watchful eye is making things difficult.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Why did you leave the Forlorn tunnels before your mission was done? You must go back.

Mission Objective(s)

Map: FW_FORLORNPERIMETERDEFENSE

Demetrios is just up ahead. He seems pensive.

• Strike an accord with the Forlorn
  • Speak with Demetrios
  • 2 outer gates to be sealed remaining
  • Help Noble Savage seal the gates

The Forlorn tunnels have been sealed against further Ghoul incursions, though you detected signs of sabotage on the outer gates by unknown parties.
It's been obvious that the Forlorn feel for their feral brethren, having experienced that same red-soaked madness before they were cured. While he gave no quarter in his fights against the Ghouls, Noble Savage looked guilty every time one was slain.
The Palatine has promised to Demetrios that she will get in contact with Dr. Helix somehow. If Anna can manage that, the Forlorn might gain access to a Genetic Resequencer and grant a semblance of salvation to the Ghouls below First Ward.

Enemies

Ghouls

Notable NPCs

• Demetrios Vasilikos (Forlorn Boss) (Neutral)
• Noble Savage (Forlorn Elite Boss) (Combat Ally)

Demetrios Vasilikos Dialogue

Upon Approach: More visitors from topside, eh?

Demetrios Vasilikos

Briefing

The Hetman of the Compound has stepped up his game, I see. You're no ordinary kill team.

• The Hetman didn't send me, the Palatine did. And I'm here to strike a truce.

The Palatine, eh..? I've heard of her. Is there some discontent in the rulership of the Compound? Some of you want to kill us, others to strike an accord. How nice.

Go back and tell your Palatine that I will have none of it. And tell your Hetman I will eventually wear his neck-veins as a favorite bracelet.

Do you topsiders even know what the Forlorn have done for you? We are keeping the Ghouls back from being able to access the surface! If it weren't for the efforts of my people, your Compound would've been overrun by my feral cousins ages ago!

• On behalf of the Palatine, I thank you for your efforts. She had no idea.

She can thank us by killing the Hetman.

• She'd like to thank you by offering you a Genetic Resequencer instead.

...

If your Palatine can pull that off, she will have the support of the Forlorn. And if you are truly here on her behalf, then there is something else I will demand. The Ghouls have somehow breached this tunnel section's outer containment gates. My second, Noble Savage, is leading the charge to reseal them, but he needs help. Help Savage seal the outer gates and you shall have your accord.

• It will be done.

Noble Savage Dialogue

Upon Joining: The feral Ghouls have breached the outer gates in the back of the tunnels! We need to seal them up!

First Blood: Is that all you can do?

75% Health: Engaging biometric scans and safeguards.

Approaching the tunnel intersection: There's a lot of my feral cousins between us and those outer gate seals! Get ready!

Approaching the left gate: The left outer gate controls should be nearby!

We have to activate these and the ones on the right side for the outer gates to seal!

Approaching the right gate: We've got outer gate controls on this side!

Both sets have to activated before the outer gates actually seal!

Forlorn Dialogues

Liberated Brawler: I can't believe I used to be one of these things!

---

Liberated Brawler: Someone figured out our containment codes!

---

Liberated Brawler: Help? Down here?

---

Liberated Brawler: We can't hold them back!

---

Liberated Brawler: They're pouring in from the containment gates!

Manslayer Dialogues

Manslayer: We d-d-on't need your help! Just your blood and bones and flesh and RRRARRGH!

---

Manslayer: C-c-containing me only makes me want to eat you m-more!

---

Manslayer: T-t-time to eat!

	Perimeter Key
	You retrieved the perimeter key from Demetrios Vasilikos, leader of the Forlorn.

	Scheming on a Thing
	The controls to the Forlorn's outer gate seals are surprisingly advanced...and certainly too complex for the Ghouls to have activated on their own. Someone else caused the breach. The Palatine is correct. Something doesn't add up.

Debriefing

When you sealed those gates, Character, you cemented a measure of trust between the Forlorn and the Compound. Mistress Nadia and the Carnival have already convinced Dr. Helix to come to First Ward and prepared a safehouse to meet with Demetrios.

Your reports of sabotage, however, trouble me. Could it be that the Hetman's recon patrol was sent into the Forlorn tunnels to find some way to overwhelm Demetrios' forces with Ghouls? And if so, for what purpose? I must ponder this.

For all you have done for First Ward and my place in it, Character, I shall always be in your debt.