Dr. Graves

Dr. Graves
Zone	Mercy Island
Coordinates	(-1066, 239, -9)
Level Range	5-19
Introduced By	None
Enemy Groups	Skulls; Rogue Island Police; Longbow; Gold Brickers; Arachnos; Luddites; Snakes;
Badges	Dark Heart; Blackened Soul; Face Of Evil
	v • d • e

Work in Progress

This article is currently a work in progress. As such, it may contain some editing notes in addition to information. Please be patient, it is being worked on and will be in a finished state before long! The editor who marked this article as WIP added the following note:

NPC texts and choices needed
More mission texts will follow in the next days

Date noted: 2011-09-15

Overview

Dr. Graves is a villain contact in the Mercy neighborhood of Mercy Island at coordinates (-1066, 239, -9). His level range is 5-19. He is one of the Ongoing Training Missions contacts.

Introductions

Contact Introduced By

Contact automatically introduced with a pop-up after a character reaches level 5 and completes training.

Dr. Graves has been skulking around Mercy Island...

A message appeared on the wall in front of you.

'You, Character, have been chosen to partake in an offering of power unimaginable. Seek out Dr. Graves in Mercy Island and he shall guide you to this prize.'

The message vanishes, making you wonder if it was ever even there.

This contact has now been added to the active tab of your Contact window.

Contact Introduces

+++ Missing Information +++

Information

The Eternal Surgeon

Somewhere between man and monster, Dr. Graves no longer practices 'formal' medicine. Practically impossible to kill, since he's technically already dead, Dr. Graves realizes that his name has become the butt of numerous jokes. However, when he needs a new kidney, spleen, heart, or other 'disposable organs', not too many people take time to appreciate the irony of his career path.

Initial Contact

Missing Initial Contact Dialogue

Greeting

Missing At Least One Greeting Dialogue

Too Busy

Missing Too Busy Dialogue

No More Missions

Missing No More Missions Dialogue

Story Arc

The Hearts of Darkness - Rogue's Contest (5-9)

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 2 Reward Merits.

Souvenir

Souvenir: Remote Detonator

This leftover detonator reminds you of your initial victories in Dr. Graves's game...

The Hearts of Darkness - Rogue's Contest

It began whit a summon from Dr. Graves, a grim surgeon with a short temper. He gathered you and four other Villains together and proposed a contest. The prize: unimaginable power and a resource at the winner's disposal, courtesy of your unnamed benefactor.

You started by making sure that Arachnos took little notice of you. You played dumb for the Arbiters and got them fighting amongst themselves, and returned to Graves.

During the first round of the contest, you managed to trick Dollface out of finishing a race to the finish, and stole the win yourself. Graves, though displeasedm was forced to concede the first victory to you.

For the second round, each contestant was required to formulate a plan of their own design, to display their villainous prowess. After investigating the others' plots, you came upon inspiration: you would destroy a Longbow base, lighting it up for all Mercy to see!

As you engaged in your plan, a mysterious voice began to assis you. It directed you on the specifics of when and how to destroy the base.

As you were about to evacuate the base and let the explosives run their course, the voice revealed itself: Scirocco of Arachnos had assissted you! He directed you to continue participation in Graves's illicit contest, in the hopes of tracking down and capturing your unnamed benefactor.

Register for Dr. Graves's tournament

Healthy Competition

Briefing

You would believe me to be a ghoul? And I assume your self-image is that of a misunderstood protagonist, is it? Or maybe the snarling monster with a secret heart of gold? Or perhaps someone cursed to a life they didn't want?

Bah. I am not here to trade barbs with someone of your like. However, what I am going to do is offer you, Character, a formal invitation to a very exclusive, albeit unsanctioned... competition.

Before you dismiss this opportunity, know this - the victor of the trial shall be granted the privilege of being apprenticed, if you will, to a person with very important connections.

Dr. Graves looks around at nearby Arachnos guards in a rather dramatic fashion before fixing his soulless eyes upon you.

Very, very important... connections.

Mission Acceptance

I'm glad to see that your ambition overshadows your attitude, Character. You'll need both if you expect to surpass the others in the eyes of the one who is truly watching. With that said, let us tarry no longer with this conversation. Actions speak louder than words, and if you try hard enough, sometimes louder than screams. I will give you the location you are to 'register' at. Use the registration console within the gathering place to prove your intent and I shall then speak to you further.

Unnecessary Solicitation

I do not have time to waste catering to your personal schedule. You are to meet me at the provided location,,, or forfeit your chance at gaining an enviable position of power. Now go!

Mission Objective(s)

This appears to be the location Dr. Graves instructed you to meet at. You'll need to find the registration console he spoke of.

Register for Dr. Graves tournament
- Use the Identity Verification Console
- Talk to Dr. Graves
- Talk to Omnicore
- Talk to Zephyr
- Talk to Dollface
- Go look for Crosscut
- Talk to Crosscut
- Talk to Dr. Graves

You have signed on as one of the contestants in the tournament of darkness. Little do the others know that you have no intention of losing this contest...

Enemies

Longbow

Notable NPCs

Dr. Graves (Hearts of Darkness Ally)
Omnicore (Hearts of Darkness Ally)
Zephyr (Hearts of Darkness Ally)
Dollface (Hearts of Darkness Ally)
Crosscut (Hearts of Darkness Ally)
Longbow Intervention Team (Longbow)

Identity Verification Console interaction

This looks like the registration console Dr. Graves told you to use when you showed up. Large flashing words indicate that you should use one of the buttons below the screen.

Applicant will provide a biological sample to prove they are not in the employ of organizations as Longbow.

Insert sample of bio-organic composition.

Insert blood sample
Insert hair sample

...Analyzing...

Source material - Hair.

Spectral Analysis Readings - No trace of pollutants known to be found in Paragon City.

Texture Analysis - Sample shows chemicals found in low-quality haircare products.

Cellular Analysis - Abundance of dead epidermis clusters suggests sample source is afflicted by severe dandruff

Hey! I don't have dandruff!

Refuse to provide sample

Words begin streaming across the display.

All candidates must submit biological samples or face immediate termination.

A mechanical arm extends from the console. At the end of the arm is what appears to be something that could only be described with one word - 'probe'. Before you can react, the arm goes to work procuring a rather... painful... sample from your body.

Analyzing...

Matter Composition - No traces of known Longbow nutrition supplements detected.

YOU. WILL. PAY!!!!

Genetic Analysis - Subject missing one strand of DNA within early strand sequence. Anomaly recorded.

Wait... Did you just say I'm missing DNA???

Genemap Database Query Results - Subject matches no known genetic match from S.A.M. database. INTERPOL records show two known matches. Further inquiries prevented due to Triple Black Secret Clearance information lockdown.

Two matches? How... How is that even possible.

Psychological Profile - Subject shows signs of narcissism normally associated with sociopathic disorders. Additional negative traits evidenced are the following - Delusion of Grandeur, Persecution Complex, Poor Impulse Control, and Exceptional Gullibility.

Whan have I ever been gulli - hold on... Uh oh.

Final Analysis - Subject has failed the first test. initiate self-destruct sequence.

[Quickly step away from the console!]

1st Dr. Graves dialogue

Omnicore dialogue

Upon approach

Omnicore: Doctor! How much longer am I to wait?

Omnicore: And who is this cretin?

After interacting with Omnicore

You are to be one of my rivals? You? If you are an indicator of the type of competition I am to expect, then it would seem this contest has ended before it even has begun.

And you believe I view you as a threat?

I couldn't care less what simple beliefs you hold, - what was it again - Character. The fact remains that I am by far your superior on an intellectual level, and by the looks of you, on a physical level as well. These indisputable facts are all that are important.

You may wish to spare yourself the humiliation of me besting you by just leaving - now.

So... You plan to beat me with pathetic, hollow threats?

Dr. Graves: Both of you - cease this bickering at once!

Zephyr: Heyyyy... Sounds like somebody's about to get in a fight.

Zephyr: You guys are totally going to fight, right?

Dr. Graves: I will not warn both of you again.

Dr. Graves: If either of you continue this arguing, I will have both of you disqualified IMMEDIATELY!

Zephyr: That sucks... I was hoping to see her pull off that torso trick.

Omnicore looks at Dr. Graves with what you believe to be glaring hatred from behind her mask. A moment later she screams in frustration, then looks back at you.

I will not let someone like you ruin my chance at gaining unimaginable power. We'll finish this at another time, Character.

I'm looking forward to it, Omnicore.

Omnicore jerks her face towards the direction of the newcomer, Zephyr.

And what exactly are you supposed to be? You look like the lame excuse for being a fog machine.

Zephyr: Whooooaaa... Do you have any idea who you're dealing with, you mechanical freak?

You should hear what I think *you* look like, Omnicore.

WHAT!? How dare you... Both of you. I will no longer tolerate this from either of you.

Omnicore glares at Dr. Graves.

I may not be allowed to kill these miscreants, but I will not lower myself to speaking with them any longer.

It's about time you shut up, Omnicore.

You turn around to talk with with Zephyr.

Upon leaving

Omnicore: Ugh... Both of you disgust me. I will no longer subject myself to your idiocy.

Omnicore: Doctor, come find me when this is to begin.

Zephyr dialogue

Dollface dialogue

Upon approach

Dollface: Um... I think I'm lost. Would someone please help me?

Dollface: This place is scary.

After interacting with Dollface

Oh! You... You're not going to hurt me, are you?

That depends. Are you Dollface?

Who's Doll-

Dollface stops short as she is interrupted by Dr. Graves.

Dr. Graves: This is indeed another one of your fellow competitors.

*hmpf*

Yeah, I'm Dollface. You're one of the other contestants, I'm guessing?

Look, kid, this contest is for the grown-ups. Why don't you run along home.

Dollface glares at you.

Hey, pal. I'm older than I look, ok? Probably older than you, from the looks of it.

And who the heck are you anyway, turning your nose up at me, huh?

I am known as Character.

Hmph. Yeah, I can see you calling yourself that. So what makes you so special that you think you can beat someone like me? Do you shoot frogs from your eyes or something?

I have no desire to reveal my powers to you.

Okay, okay! Calm down. I was just asking because I wanted to know if I was going to get grossed out if I ever have to fight against you. First of all, it's not nice to hit a girl. But if you're going to start throwing pukes at people or growing spikes from your body... well, I just don't want to see that kind of thing, okay?

Then how do you expect to win?

Oh, that's easy! I'm going to convince everyone that I'm the best for the job. I'm very talented at what I do. I wouldn't say I'm the best at what I do, but I'm pretty darn good at it. And if that doesn't work, then maybe I'll just stab you in the neck or something.

...tee hee...

I'm just kidding. But you got real scared, didn't you? Didn't they, Mr. Doctor? They got so scared they were going to run away!

Just like how you're scared you're going to run away right now.

Like now.

I doubt the Doctor is going to listen to -

Dr. Graves: Um... I'm... I have to leave you all... I, um, have to go find Crosscut...

...tee hee...

He is so silly, and a very nice man. And he listens really well, too.

Really well.

Don't worry, though, I don't know you guys well enough yet. I don't know what you like to hear. But maybe I will one day, you know?

And then we can have a real fun time playing together.

What did you just do to him?

What? Little old me, do something?

...tee hee...

All I did was suggest to him that he had a better place to be. And I guess I was right, huh? It's a coincidence, you know?

Sure it was. A coincidence...

Dr. Graves said there was another person, too? Maybe we should go find them. What was it, Cross-slice or something like that?

Dollface looks right into your eyes.

I think it would be fun if we all went and looked for that guy, don't you agree?

Yeah... I think I would be... A lot of fun...

Crosscut dialogue

2nd Dr. Graves dialogue

Debriefing

I hope you paid attention to the rules, Character. They are quite important. I am giving you my contact information so that you can learn when your trial is to begin.

Oh, and another thing. Good luck... You'll need it.

Avert Arachnos attention

Undisciplined Disciple

Briefing

Character. Before this first round of the competition begins, we must be certain that the ever present grasp of Arachnos has not taken notice of our... festivities. Thus, I have assigned each of you the task of reducing your profile - your importance, if you will - in the eyes of those who govern the pecking order in the Rogue Isles.

In other words, make the Arbiters believe you're not someone worth paying attention to for the time being.

Mission Acceptance

You have most likely already spoken with the arbiters that grant you permission to increase your powers. Although they appear to regard you as just one of the teeming throng that litters the streets of Mercy Island, this is not truly the case. I would suspect they have already taken a silent interest towards your activities, making your movements not as slight as you may believe.

You will need to make them think you're not worth considering for the time being. As part of your challenge, I will leave the details up to you. However, if I were to offer a suggestion, perhaps you may want to convince them that you're woefully inexperienced.

Dr. Graves pauses for a moment as he reads your face.

In other words, tell them you're a 'noob'.

Talk to Arbiter Richards in Mercy Island

Arbiter Richards dialogue

What is it that you want, citizen? I am not required to speak with you unless you feel you need training. Out with it already!

So, umm... You're a trainer, right?

What kind of foolish question is that? Of course I'm a trainer!

Arbiter Richards stares at you with extreme annoyance.

Hold on a moment... You're Character, are you not? You've already been granted the right to increase your powers several times now. As a matter of fact, I believe I may even have granted you that right personally. What is this all about?

I don't remember... I think I may have been, um, mindwiped.

Mindwiped? I'm unaware of any local individual who has been authorized use of those powers, let alone deign to use them on you. Now speak up! Who was it that mindwiped you?

I don't remember. I was mindwiped, remember?

How convenient. Alright then. I'll play along... For now.

Arbiter Richards glares at you.

To answer your original question, yes... I'm a trainer. An arbiter, to be exact. You will come to me when you feel you can demonstrate increased powers through undertaking tasks that please Arachnos and Lord Recluse. If you can exhibit enough gained experience I, or another Arbiter, may judge you worthy of the privilege of increasing your powers.

I forgot what experience means.

WHAT?! How could you forget something as simple as that? Experience is gained by combating those that Arachnos deems an enemy. Or by undertaking special missions, as well. Only a simpleton would ask such a ridiculous question!

...oh yes... I forget...

You've been mindwiped.

Oh no! Maybe you've been mindwiped, too?

I HAVE NOT --

Arbiter Richards viciously snarls as if he is seriously considering striking you. After a deep breath, he regains his composure.

I have an idea... let me help you, Character. I want you to go to speak with Arbiter Unger in Port Oakes. I'm quite certain that he will be more than happy to answer any and every question you have for him. Please be sure to ask him, oh I don't know, any little thing you're even the slightest bit curious about. Perhaps you would like to know why the sky is blue? Well then, you be sure to ask, alright? That'll be fun, won't it?

Travel south beyond the wall until you arrive at the Ferry at which point you can take it to Port Oakes West. Now... leave my presence...

Immediately.

Thank you so much for your help, Arbiter. Have a nice day!

Trainers

Trainers are capable of helping your character grow stronger. Whenever you gain enough experience to Level Up, a flashing arrow will appear near your Experience Bar. When you see this arrow, speak with a trainer!

Depending on your character's level, Trainers can allow you to learn new Powers, or can help you add Enhancement Slots to Powers you already have.

Visiting Trainers every time you Level Up is an essential part of your character's growth - remember to train whenever you get the chance!

Unnecessary Solicitation

Missing Unnecessary Solicitation Dialogue

Mission Objective(s)

Go take a ride on the Ferry to Port Oakes West
- Use your map to locate the Rogue Island Ferry

You've reached the Rogue Island Ferry leading out of Mercy Island. Take a trip to Port Oakes West and find Arbiter Unger in the Arena District.

Talk to Arbiter Unger

Arbiter Unger dialogue

Citizen. If you are standing before me, that must only mean you are claiming your right to increase your powers? You in no way would be here to waste my time, am I right? I mean...

That would be quite dangerous, wouldn't you agree?

Actually, Arbiter Richards directed me to you.

Oh he did now, did he? What is it that you need from me that he could not deal with himself?

I wanted to know how the Ferries worked.

You wanted to know how the ferries work...

And he sent you to me. To ask me 'how the ferries' work.

Let me make sure I understand this correctly. Arbiter Richards, rather than answering this pathetic question himself, sent you to ME. And he very specifically said, to you, that you were to speak to Arbiter Unger... am I understanding this right?

No sir... He said 'speak to that brown-nosing Unger'.

...Brown.... nosing?...

Arbiter Unger clenches his teeth.

I see. Very well. I'll answer your question, citizen.

The ferries are but one means of transportation throughout the islands that make up the Rogue Isles. By the grace of Lord Recluse, these ferries are free to use and will take you to a number of different ports. You can use them any time you wish, reducing the time it would take to travel there through conventional means.

Know this. Although Arachnos has provided you the means of transportation, we do not provide you protection in your journeys. If you wander into a neighborhood with individuals far more powerful than you, your body will be unceremoniously dumped into the ocean.

Similar to what I have in mind for Richard when I next see him?

You're going to kill him? Are Arbiters allowed to do that?

What? Oh no, you mistake me. I would never lay a hand upon one of my fellow Arbiters, even a buffoon the likes of Richard.

However, I understand he is still dealing with the problem of a corrupt police force within his purview. Were the Rogue Island Police force to start winding up in the hospital after a spate of mysterious attacks... well, I'm quite certain their Police Chief will want answers from Richard personally...

And when that's all done, I'd be curious to see whose nose is browner.

Now then... I've answered your question. Unless you have real business with me, I would suggest that you go about your day - somewhere - else.

I understand. I'll be on my way now.

Mission Objective(s)

Assault the corrupt cops in Mercy Island
- Defeat 10 Rogue Island Policemen

You have successfully beaten down enough cops to keep the Arbiters busy for a while. Now it is time to inform Dr. Graves of your success.

	Ferries
	The Rogue Isles Ferry is the best method for Villains to move about the Rogue Isles. Each Ferry leads to every other City Zone that also has a Ferry. Note that some zones also have a Black Helicopter. Like the Ferry, the Black Helicopter is a good way to quickly reach any zone with its own Black Helicopter.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Although your idea is rather effective, this is not what you've been instructed to do. However, if you insist, I will not get in your way of inflicting grevious bodily harm upon those hypocritical authoritanians. You should find more than enough of them at Darwin's Landing or in Mercy City.

Debriefing

I'm not sure what was going through your head when you decided to raise the ire of the Rogue Island Police, Character. This runs directly counter-intuitive from your directions to reduce your profile.

You have, however, managed to keep the eyes of the police off of our activities; perhaps even Arachnos, themselves. Because of this, I will not request that our faceless benefactor disqualifies you... this time.

Beat the other Contestants!

Skeletons in Your Warehouse

Briefing

It is now time for the trials to begin. This shall be the first of several competitive events that you will be used to gauge your strengths, and potentially cull the weak. Let us hope for your sake that you are not the first to be culled.

Mission Acceptance

While you and the rest were avoiding the eye of Arachnos, I have put into motion all of the situations you will encounter and be judged by. You and the others will return to the impromptu training-grounds and utilize the registration terminal to begin the competition. The first to the finish line will be determined as the winner of Round One.

Oh, and you may wish to hurry. For you see, the competition has already begun...

Unnecessary Solicitation

I would highly suggest that you graced us with your presence in the Trial Ground, Character. The longer you wait, the more you have given your fellow competitors that much more headway towards the finish line.

Mission Objective(s)

You can hear various yells and explosion sounds coming from deeper inside the building. It looks like you may have gotten here too late!

Beat the other Contestants!
- Register at the Terminal
- Trick Zephyr into following you!
- Stop Crosscut from getting ahead of you!
- Trick Crosscut into following you!
- Get the Intercom Override controls
- Fight the Skull blockade
- Find the Marker before the others do!
- Talk to Dr. Graves
- QUICKLY! Use the Marker!!!
- Deal with the angry Skulls!

You made it to the Marker before anyone else did!

Well, officially, that is... and that's all that counts now, isn't it?

Enemies

Skulls

Notable NPCs

Dr. Graves (Hearts of Darkness Ally)
Omnicore (Hearts of Darkness Ally)
Zephyr (Hearts of Darkness Ally)
Dollface (Hearts of Darkness Ally)
Crosscut (Hearts of Darkness Ally)
Skull Opportunist (Skulls)
Skull Opportunist Leader (Skulls)

Skull dialogues

Interaction with Trial Marker

Zephyr dialogue

Crosscut dialogue

After defeating the Skulls

Crosscut: How disappointing...

Crosscut: I was hoping these ones would have lasted longer...

Upon interaction

I have been trying to get them to say trick or treat for the past hour, and not one of these little spookies will play along.

Now what ever I am to do with my little trick I had planned for them?

I'm afraid to ask, but what was this trick?

I have this earpiece that lets me talk over the unused intercom system. It's like the little bird that sits on your windowsill that you tell all of your secrets to.

But this little bird tells your secrets to everyone here. My trick was to tell everyone my secrets... some of my dirty, dirty secrets...

Can I tell you my secrets, Character? Oh please... let me breathe my secrets into your ear...

If you give me the earpiece and tell me how to use it, I'll think about it.

Ohhh... I will like telling them to you. Just me and you... alone... sharing my secrets with you...

Here is the earpiece. All you do is say your secrets into the mic. Then, when you think it's the perfect time to drip your secrets inside everyone, you just say - 'Open Wide'. You will first need to override the system, but that should be easy enough.

Now... let me think... what secrets should I tell you? Maybe I'll tell you about the bad things I've done with seta belts? or with the doggy door? Ah... the retirement party... I've never told anyone where all of the went... yesssss... that one...

I said MAYBE I'll let you! Remember that, Crosscut!

After hacking the Intercom Override controls

Pirate transmission

Candidate Omnicore. Due to your speed in this trial, you are under suspicion of tampering with the Trial Marker.

You are hereby obligated to join with Character in the earlier sections of the trial grounds.

Any objections on your part will result in your disqualification. Character has no tolerance to your whining, so you had better keep your mouth shut, got it?

Omnicore, after hearing the message

Omnicore: I do not know what you did to make this happen, Character...

Omnicore: But when I find out, I will have you disqualified, then...

Omnicore: I will kill you.

Dr. Graves & Dollface dialogue

Interaction with Final Checkpoint Marker

Debriefing

To say that I am infuriated by the manner in which you stole the victory from under the clear winner is... well, we'kk just say that's an understatement.

I was looking forward to the look on your face when I told you that you had been disqualified.

...

However, it would seem our benefactor has deemed your actions withing bounds of the contest. Therefore, as much as it pains me to say - you have officially won the first round, Character

Learn of your competitor's plans

Villain without a plan

Briefing

You are blessed with a luck like no other, you know that Character? Were it not for the intervention of our faceless benefactor, I would have isqualified you for the manner in whcich you stole your victory. However, since it was deemed alright by the one patronizing these proceedings, I must award you the winner's spot in the first round.

That may not be to your liking, as you shall soon see. Let us now move to the next trial, shall we?

Mission Acceptance

How fitting you say that, for that is almost precisely what you will be experiencing. You see, being the winner in the first round puts you in a rather undesirable position. The next round of the contest will require you to pull off an act of mayhem and discord by your own design. The loser of the last round has been given the opportunity to stake claim to a location where they will perform their deed... first.

You, being the winner, will get to pick last.

However, I am giving you the list of where the others have chosen to undertake their plans, which our benefactor has provided as your 'prize' for winning the first round. Perhaps you can glean some insight from them that will help your own plan to outdo theirs. Now go.

Talk to Crosscut

Mission Objective(s)

Go to the Hospital and talk with Crosscut

Unnecessary Solicitation

Crosscut indicated he will be near the hospital. That is all I am allowed to offer.

Crosscut conversation

Talk to Dollface

Mission Objective(s)

Go to the Arachnos Training Grounds and talk with Dollface

Unnecessary Solicitation

Dollface indicated she will be near the landing that Arachnos uses for training drills. That is all I am allowed to offer.

Dollface conversation

Talk to Zephyr

Mission Objective(s)

Go to the Docks and talk with Zephyr

Unnecessary Solicitation

Zephyr indicated he will be near the Docks. That is all I am allowed to offer.

Zephyr conversation

Talk to Omnicore

Mission Objective(s)

Go to the Black Market and talk with Omnicore

Unnecessary Solicitation

Omnicore indicated she will be near the Black Market. That is all I am allowed to offer.

Omnicore conversation

Why are you bothering me, Character? Are you here to interfere with my plan the way you stole the first round away from Dollface?

No, I'm not worried about you winning.

Well then you are an overconfident fool! I should be the highest on your list of concerns. When I'm done with my master plan, it will be quite obvious to everyone that only I deserve to rule by the side of our hidden patron!

You think your silly plan will work?

Only the fool laughs in the face of defeat, Character. You don't even know my plan, yet you already feel you have won. You may have won the first round through deceit, but I will win the next round through superior intellect and careful planning!

And skulking around in an alleyway like common trash, right?

I will not SUFFER YOUR INSULTS, Character. I am neither skulking nor am I associating with the vermin that crawls within these walls. I am waiting for the perfect moment to strike at these smugglers of contraband. Contraband that will fetch a very high value once I seize it from their grubby hands!

And when I have won the contest, I will allow you to come begging on hand and knee for the scraps taht are beneath my notice.

And I will deny you even that!

You're seriously planning on attacking the entire Black Market?

No, Character. I have already begun doing so even before you swaggered up to me. What I'm doing now is waiting for my homing devices to show me the whereabouts of their wealthiest distributors and hold them at ransom. Once done... I shall BUY the Black Market's inventory and then sell it for a price that pleases me.

You do not possess the technological superiority to pull off a plan such as I have, Character. You should spend time within Aeon's foolish video game he calls Architect Entertainment. Maybe in a hundred years, you might come up with something one-tenth as cunning as I have.

Who am I kidding? You'll be in one of Longbow's holding cells within days of me defeating you in this contest.

Believe me... I'll see that it happens.

Sound and fury, Omnicore. We'll see if you can back it up.

Visit the Architect Entertainment building

Mission Objective(s)

Go to the AE Building and try to formulate a plan
- Travel to the AE Building

You scan the Architect building for inspiration, but find the possibilities to be lacking. However, Omnicore has given you have a much better idea...
You're going straight for Longbow -- In their own base!

Day Job Locations

Day Job Locations are places where you can recieve bonuses based on the amount of time your character spends offline. If you log off in a Day Job Location, you will begin to accure a Day Job Bonus associated with that location. Each Day Job Bonus only lasts a limited amount of time, based on how long your character was offline in the related Day Job Location.

Below are some example Day Jobs:

Hospital: Grants an out-of-combat Regeneration bonus.

Arachnos Base: Grants an Experience bonus for each completed mission.

Docks: Grants a bonus Enhancement reward for each completed mission.

Black Market: Grants a Temporary Power that allows you to teleport to the Black Market.

Architect Entertainment: Grants bonus Architect Tickets for each completed Architect mission.

Debriefing Now that you've staked out the AE building, it is time to put together your plan. I would expect --

What is that? A Longbow base?! You must be stark raving mad to do something...

No, no... I mispoke.

That is a WONDERFUL idea.

Blow up the Longbow Base!

Longbow Goes Boom

Briefing

I will not be the one to stop you from getting yourself killed, Character. If you wish to walk into a Longbow base without an army backing --

You hear a sharp ringing in your ears that drowns out all other sounds. A calm voice rises above the cacophony, speaking to you:

Wait until nightfall. It will be arranged to leave only a skeleton crew on staff. There will be explosives hidden away in a crate, waiting for you. Use them to destroy the base.

Mission Acceptance

The ringing subsides as quickly as it appeared.

--idea what explosives you're blabbering on about, Character. It would seem as if you didn't fully work through your plan. It will be a shame to not longer see your face in the competition, but I will say you very well may gain a great deal of respect from your fellow prisoners in the Zig.

Let us both see what your future holds, shall we? The next round of your trial begins -

Now.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Time is running out, Character. If you are to carry out this foolish endeavor of a direct assault on a Longbow base, I would suggest you head there now. Already one of your fellow candidates have completed their plan. Try not to keep them waiting?

Mission Objective(s)

You hid away until nightfall as your mysterious advisor suggested. From what you can tell, there is only a skeleton shift guarding the base. Take out the witnesses and find those explosives!

Blow up the Longbow Base!
- 3 Nighshift Supervisors to defeat
- Find the Explosives in the entry room!
- Defeat the interception team before they warn the others!
- Defeat Interception Team Bravo
- Plant the Bombs!
- Activate the bombs at a remote terminal!
- Speak with your mysterious helper

You pulled off your plan, and wound up working for another side in this contest.

Enemies

Longbow

Notable NPCs

Longbow Nightshift Supervisor (Longbow Sergeant)
Longbow Interception Alpha Team (Longbow Sergeant)
Longbow Interception Bravo Team (Longbow Sergeant)
Scirocco (Arachnos Elite Boss Ally)

Nightshift Supervisor dialogues

Interception Team Alpha dialogues

Interception Team Bravo dialogues

Remote Access Terminal interaction

Scirocco dialogue

Debriefing

I do not know how on Earth you were able to do what you dod, Character. Were it not for numerous eyewitness reports of you being the one to escape from the base moments it blew, I would suspect you of trickery.

It would seem... It would seem you have won this round, as well.

Do NOT look so smug, Character. The next set of trials will not be so easy.

The Hearts of Darkness - Heroic Measures (5-14)

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 2 Reward Merits.

Survive Zephyr's Insidous Plan

Zephyr's Gust

Briefing

The aftermath of the execution of your plan has caused us to keep the details of what we are doing more hidden from the eyes of the Arachnos. Due to this, our competition had to be adjusted. Our benefactor has agreed to alter the proceedings to more - intimate - events. And with you being the maind catalyst to these alterations, it would be most fitting if you continued to play the role for the remainder of the competition. Of course, you can always concede your current victory to the others if you do not feel up to the task for the remaining events.

Mission Acceptance

Very wenn. From here on out the contestants will be required to come up with ingenious means by which they can capture, torture, and ultimately defeat those that would impede our benefactor's goals. Since one of you will become the protege to the master, you will use this time to show that our masters' attentions will not be wasted on the victor. Each of these plans will require vicious cunning, a complete disregard of ethics and cultural mores, and a touch of dramatic flair by the means in which the unfortunate 'hero' is beaten, broken, and eventually destroyed.

You, Character, will be given the honor of playing the role of said hero in your fellow contestants' plans. All you need to do is survive what they have in store for you. Simple enough for someone so daring, yes? Zephyr, in last place, will be given the first go at you. He awaits. Now go.

Unnecessary Solicitation

I am not in the mood to wait any longer for this. Zephyr is waiting, as are the rest. Wait too long and we will list you as 'FORFEIT' in regards of the competition.

Mission Objective(s)

This is the location Dr. Graves directed you to. When it comes to planning, Zephir is not much of a threat. However, it would be best to stayon guard.

Survive Zephyr's Insidous Plan
- Tell Zephyr you're ready to begin.
- Defeat the first of Zephyr's new goons
- 3 Channeling Altars remaining
- Find Zephyr
- Gloat over Zephyr

You survived Zephyr's foolish plan of giving his newly acquired minions significant potions of his power... with the help of Arachnos, of course.

Enemies

Gold Brickers

Notable NPCs

Zephyr (Hearts of Darkness Lieutnant)
Zephyr's Hired Lackey (Gold Brickers Boomer)

Zephyr dialogue

Upon approach

Zephyr: I thought you were gonna chicken out.

Upon interaction

Okay, dude. Here's the plan. I'm all about brute force, right? So the way this is going to go down is that you're gonna need to bust the chops of all these dudes I've paid to beat you up. Pretty good plan, eh?

No. That's actually pretty boring, Zephyr.

You know, I thought you were gonna say that. So since I didn't want you to get all whiney, I figured I'd give all these dudes a bit of my power. You know, like the way a god or something does to his worshippers? 'Cuz I'm cool like that.

You can hand out your powers to other people?

Yeah, totally! All they've gotta do is wear one of these bracelets that look like my totally sweet belt, and *whamo!*, they're sporting cool wind powers and all that.

So your powers come from your belt?

Wha... huh? My belt? Dude... why should my powers, uh, come from my belt? That's like, you know, totally dumb, dude. Why gotta be so stupid, you know?

Hm... looks like I touched a sore spot.

Okay, you know hwat dude? I don't like your attitude. So 'cuz of that, I'm gonna crank up the voltage, like, totally big time, right? Now these dudes are gonna get even more of my powers. Like, the part where I can't even be killed because I'm the freakin' wind, dude.

Haha! You are so gonna get your butt kicked now!

So... they can't be killed?

Well, it's gonna take a bit for all that to transfer over to them, alright? But I can tell you one thing for certain - you ain't fast enough to take down all these dudes before that super invulnerability stuff starts working.

Wow... why didn't I think about doing that from the start? That was kinda dumb...

So your plan is to make your henchman invulnerable?

Yeah, what's wrong with making all my little slaves as powerful as me?

All I had to do was channel all of my Enhancements into these altars. It's not hard to do.

So now, you're like my hero captive and all, and you gotta bust your way out from my hordes of invulnerable lackeys.

I'll find a way, Zephyr.

After interacting

Zephyr: Good luck, amigo...

Zephyr's Hired Lackey dialogue

Scirocco's transmissions

Zephyr is a bad loser

Enhancements

Enhancements are items that will improve the effects of your character's powers. You can make you attacks more accurate, your health more powerful, or even make your powers recharge faster. How you choose to Enhance your powers is up to you, but make sure you keep your Enhancements up-to-date.

Each Enhancement has a Level associated with it. Caharcters can equip Enhancements that are up to three levels above them, or down to two levels below them. Enhancements that are beyond this range will not have any effect on your character. This means that as your character levels up, you will need to update your enHancements to keep your powers top-notch.

You can increase the level of your Enhancements in two ways: You can equip new, higher-level Enhancements that drop of the enemies or are bought at a Store. or you can combine Enhancements. If two Enhancements of the same type and similar levels are combined, they will increase in level!

Experiment with different Enhancements to see what improvements you want out of your powers, and make sure to keep them up-to-date. You won't regret it!

Debriefing

So you survived, did you? I would have been rather shocked if you hadn't. Zephyr has shown himself to be a complete idiot, so your success shows that you can fight your way out of a wet paper sack. Be lucky that I did not authorize any of you the right to attack each other. As much of an idiot as he may be, he does seem to be rather impervious to all forms of damage - allowing him that would have been to have just handed him a victory. I may not like you, Character, but I truly like him less.

Foil Dollface's Dastardly Plan

Dollface's Devices

Briefing

You are required to submit yourself before Dollface and endure her 'dastardly' scheme. So far you have managed to foil Zephyr's foolish plan, which isn't saying much. I am unaware of what her plan will entail, but I doubt it's pleasant.

Mission Acceptance

You would do well to know that your arrogance, no matter how far it has brought you thus far, will likely be the cause of your ultimate faulire. Dollface has been given special privileges by our patron, so do not be surprised if there is more than meets the eye in her personal plan. Now go. She awaits you.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Dollface is still waiting for you. Failing to submit to her test will result in your forfeiture in the tournament.

Talk to Dollface

Dollface dialogue

Get code-phrase from Arachnos

Mission Objective(s)

Defeat an Arachnos Patrol in Port Oakes!
- Defeat 3 Arachnos agents.

You found the code phrase on the last agent. He had a very far-away, glazed look in his eyes which tells you this was the one Dollface had beguiled.

Travel to Cap au Diable

Mission Objective(s)

Travel to Cap au Diable via Ferry
- Go to the University in Cap au Diable

You've made it to the Ferry station. It doesn't look like you have much time left. You had better get to that University pronto!

Talk to Dean Yu

Dean John Yu dialogue

Well, this is very serious, indeed. This phrase - 'ego sum res fraudatio' - definitely has the ability to remove the common, every day mental time-bomb. You see, it's Neo-Latin for - 'Better than a faker.' This was the old way of saying - 'Hatters gotta hate'.

However, this will not help with a mental time-bomb in the ehad of one of you super-powered types. No, no, you'll need more than that.

Hurry! My head could blow at any moment!

In order for you to deactivate it, you will need to think of the phrase - 'ego sum res fraudatio' - whilst you dispatch a good number of Luddites that have been making my job very difficult as of late.

Oh! And, of course, they've been interfering with mental deactivationizing... I think I heard a group down south in the Devil's Coat Tails talking about just that!

So, go knowck around a number of those Luddites and you should be right as rain.

Whew! Thanks! I might actually live another day!

Defeat Luddites

Mission Objective(s)

Dispatch Luddites in the Devil's Coat Tail Neighborhood
- Defeat 10 Luddites

You have done away with the number of Luddites needed to turn off the mental time-bomb. It looks like you're finally safe.

Debriefing

Congratulations on your stunning victory over Dollface's heinous plan. I was quite worried that your head was going to blow up at any moment, possibly causing an explosion rivaling that of your ego.

The pride you've earned for beating her at her own tricks, is well, stupendous indeed.

Dr. Graves

Overview

Contents

Introductions

Contact Introduced By

Contact Introduces

Information

Initial Contact

Greeting

Too Busy

No More Missions

Story Arc

The Hearts of Darkness - Rogue's Contest (5-9)

Souvenir

Register for Dr. Graves's tournament

Avert Arachnos attention

Talk to Arbiter Richards in Mercy Island

Talk to Arbiter Unger

Beat the other Contestants!

Learn of your competitor's plans

Talk to Crosscut

Talk to Dollface

Talk to Zephyr

Talk to Omnicore

Visit the Architect Entertainment building

Blow up the Longbow Base!

The Hearts of Darkness - Heroic Measures (5-14)

Survive Zephyr's Insidous Plan

Foil Dollface's Dastardly Plan

Talk to Dollface

Get code-phrase from Arachnos

Travel to Cap au Diable

Talk to Dean Yu

Defeat Luddites

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