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Difference between revisions of "Mission:Destiny Follows - Part One: Hi, My Name is (Character), and I'm a Villain"

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m ({{UL|Part One: Hi, My Name is (Character), and I'm a Villain}}: tweak)
({{UL|Part One: Hi, My Name is (Character), and I'm a Villain}})
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Good luck, {{Character}}. If we can get you into their good graces, we'll be able to plan our next move from a much more advantageous position.
 
Good luck, {{Character}}. If we can get you into their good graces, we'll be able to plan our next move from a much more advantageous position.
  
* {{green|Leave}}
+
{{Mission Clue|Name=Psychic Damper|Text= Bane Spider Ruben gave you this small device, which you have hidden beneath your outfit. Supposedly, it will protect you from 'low-frequency psychic messages'. It should prevent you from being converted alongside the other Destined Ones.}}
  
 
'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''
 
'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''
Line 20: Line 20:
 
We need them to trust you, {{Character}}. If you can't achieve that, then this whole operation will fall apart around us.
 
We need them to trust you, {{Character}}. If you can't achieve that, then this whole operation will fall apart around us.
  
{{Mission Objective|Entrance= It looks like Ruben was right. This place isn't tidy by any means, but it's far less abandoned than its outside appearance suggests.|Primary= Gather information from other Destined Ones|Additional= **Meet with Baron Zukor
+
{{Mission Objective|Entrance=It looks like Ruben was right. This place isn't tidy by any means, but it's far less abandoned than its outside appearance suggests.|Primary=Infiltrate the Meeting Grounds|Secondary=Gather information from other Destined Ones|Additional=**Wait for your name to be called
** Return to the Main Hall|Completion=You managed to infiltrate Baron Zukor's cult}}
+
**Meet with Baron Zukor
 +
**Return to the Main Hall
 +
**Speak with Giga Watts
 +
**Investigate the disturbance
 +
**Defeat Mangle!
 +
**Return to Giga Watts|Completion=You managed to infiltrate Baron Zukor's cult.|Map=WAREHOUSE_MEETING_GROUNDS}}
  
'''NPC Text'''
+
{{NPC Text|title=Towering Inferno Dialogue|text
 +
'''Towering Inferno:''' Please wait with the other attendants below. Your name will be called when the Baron is ready to meet with you.}}
  
{{Missing}}
+
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Mangle|Text=
 +
'''{{darkorange|Mangle is staring off into the distance, looking sullen. He turns his nose up at you as you approach.}}'''
  
Clicking on Miss Thystle gets:
+
And who are you supposed to be?
: Hey, {{Character}}, right? I've heard of you.
+
:So what do you know about this Zukor guy?
+
:* {{green|Not much. Up until now I didn't even know his name.}}
+
''Miss Thystle frowns in thought. ''
+
:I was hoping you'd know something I didn't. All I've heard is that he's going to try to convince us to work as Heroes. Can you imagine?
+
:''Miss Thystle looks at you skeptically.''
+
: I mean, it can't be that simple, can it? We can't just... switch like that, right?
+
:* {{green|I guess we find out soon enough.}}
+
  
Clicking on Blood Thorn gets:
+
*{{green|I go by {{Character}}.}}
:''Blood Thorn appears increasingly distressed as her conversation with Shock Treatment continues. When you approach, she turns and waves you over frantically. ''
+
:Oh, thank god! Someone who looks like they might be sane. I was starting to worry that everyone was this unhinged!
+
:Please, pretend to know me! I can't talk to this psycho anymore!
+
:* {{green|Sorry, you're on your own}}
+
  
Clicking on Shock Treatment gets:
+
Yeah? Well let me enlighten you a bit, {{Character}}. Being in the same room as me? It's not good for your health.
: ''Shock Treatment is talking rapidly at Blood Thorn. ''
+
:And so then I was like, 'Back off, you good-for-nothing excuse for a toaster oven! I told you that I'm not interested, so just leave me alone!'
+
:But the thing doesn't let up, it keeps buzzing at me like I'm going to change my mind! I think it's been talking with the refrigerator behind my back, so I...
+
:* {{green|(Leave)}}
+
  
Clicking on Blast Furnace gets:
+
*{{green|I'll take my chances. (Leave)}}
:''Blast Furnace appears to be deeply engaged in a conversation with Zephyr. ''
+
*{{green|*My* health should be the least of your concerns, Mangle.}}
:"...but then I meet people who have such interesting origin stories, you know?  I mean, I'm just a guy that happens to be on fire. I'm not the wind or some alien survivor... sometimes I just wonder if I should just get some help. Like, a psychiatrist or something
+
  
Clicking on Echidna gets:
+
:'''{{darkorange|Mangle stiffens a bit, then looks away.}}'''
:"Hmph. I'm sure this is just another scam. Every time something interesting happens in the Isles, it's just another renegade mage or Wyvern deathtrap. It's never anything good."
+
:* {{green|Why are you here, then?}}
+
:"Sh-shut up! I just felt like accepting the invitation, that's all! I... I'm always rejecting invitations to things, all the time! I just felt like saying yes to one of them, you know, out of pit.
+
:...
+
:Leave me alone!"
+
  
Clicking on Zephyr gets:
+
:Hmph. Not worth my time, anyway.
:(Character)! Dude! Bro! Looking good!
+
:How you been, bro? It's been, like, WAY too long!"
+
:* {{green|Hm. I'm not sure I agree.}}
+
  
Clicking on Comatorium gets:
+
:*{{green|Smart man.}}}}
:''Comatorium leans close to you as you approach.''
+
:"Which one? Plutonium or nerve gas?"
+
Plutonium.
+
Never gas.
+
Excuse me?
+
Comatorium puffs hiimself up slightly, seeming pleased.
+
"Which one do you think... would <b>kill</b> the most people?"
+
Oh, then plutonium.
+
That's easy. Nerve gas.
+
Is that question intended to creep me out or something?
+
Comatorium deflates and steps away from you.
+
"N-no... why? I mean, were you scared? Even a little?"
+
This is the Rogue Isles, man. You'll have to try harder.
+
  
 +
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Echidna|Text=
 +
Hmph. I'm sure this is just another scam. Every time something interesting happens in the Isles, it's just another renegade mage or Wyvern deathtrap. It's never anything good.
  
 +
* {{green|Why are you here, then?}}
 +
 +
Sh-shut up! I just felt like accepting the invitation, that's all! I... I'm always rejecting invitations to things, all the time! I just felt like saying yes to one of them, you know, out of pit.
 +
 +
...
 +
 +
Leave me alone!}}
 +
 +
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Blast Furnace|Text=
 +
'''{{darkorange|Blast Furnace appears to be deeply engaged in a conversation with Zephyr.}}'''
 +
 +
"...but then I meet people who have such interesting origin stories, you know?  I mean, I'm just a guy that happens to be on fire. I'm not the wind or some alien survivor... sometimes I just wonder if I should just get some help. Like, a psychiatrist or something}}
 +
 +
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Zephyr|Text=
 +
{{Character}}! Dude! Bro! Looking good!
 +
 +
How you been, bro? It's been, like, WAY too long!"
 +
 +
* {{green|Hm. I'm not sure I agree.}}}}
 +
 +
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Comatorium|Text=
 +
'''{{darkorange|Comatorium leans close to you as you approach.}}'''
 +
 +
Which one? Plutonium or nerve gas?
 +
 +
*{{green|Plutonium.}}
 +
 +
:'''{{darkorange|Comatorium steps away from you, looking disappointed.}}'''
 +
 +
:Hmph. It figures you'd say that.
 +
 +
*{{green|Nerve gas.}}
 +
 +
:'''{{darkorange|Comatorium steps away from you, looking disappointed.}}'''
 +
 +
:Hmph. It figures you'd say that.
 +
 +
*{{green|Excuse me?}}
 +
 +
:'''{{darkorange|Comatorium puffs himself up slightly, seeming pleased.}}'''
 +
 +
:Which one do you think... would '''kill''' the most people?
 +
 +
:*{{green|Oh, then plutonium.}}
 +
 +
::'''{{darkorange|Comatorium steps away from you, looking disappointed.}}'''
 +
 +
::Hmph. It figures you'd say that.
 +
 +
:*{{green|That's easy. Nerve gas.}}
 +
 +
::'''{{darkorange|Comatorium steps away from you, looking disappointed.}}'''
 +
 +
::Hmph. It figures you'd say that.
 +
 +
:*{{green|Is that question intended to creep me out or something?}}
 +
 +
::'''{{darkorange|Comatorium deflates and steps away from you.}}
 +
 +
::N-no... why? I mean, were you scared? Even a little?
 +
 +
::*{{green|This is the Rogue Isles, man. You'll have to try harder.}}}}
 +
 +
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Omnicore|Text=
 +
{{Character}}?!? What are YOU doing here?
 +
 +
I thought that I would finally be RID of you, but you keep reappearing! What pleasure do you gain in tormenting me?
 +
 +
If you persist, know that I WILL destroy you!
 +
 +
*{{green|Nice to see you too, Omni.}}
 +
 +
*{{green|You've tried before, and failed. But you're welcome to try again.}}
 +
 +
:'''{{darkorange|Omnicore grits her teeth in frustration, but says nothing to you. She returns to fiddling with her cybernetic implants.}}
 +
 +
:*{{green|That's what I thought.}}}}
 +
 +
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Stardusk|Text=
 +
GOD, I'm so bored! I've been sitting here for ages!
 +
 +
'''{{darkorange|Stardusk turns idly in your direction.}}'''
 +
 +
Hey, {{Character}}. Wanna start a fight or something? Would liven the place up a little...
 +
 +
*{{green|Maybe later, Stardusk.}}
 +
 +
'''{{darkorange|Stardusk shrugs lazily, looking off into the distance.}}'''
 +
 +
Suit yourself.}}
 +
 +
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Crosscut|Text=
 +
Oh, it's {{Character}}! My most favorite friend! Have these people invited you to their playdate, too? Can we play together?
 +
 +
*{{green|Sure, Crosscut. We'll play in a bit.}}
 +
 +
*{{green|I... think I'm done 'playing' with you, Crosscut. You should find new friends.}}
 +
 +
:Oh, I have '''''lots''''' of friends, {{Character}}. They just don't last as long as you do.
 +
 +
:If you don't want to play today, that's okay. We can play... some other time.
 +
 +
:*{{green|And this is the part where I leave.}}}}
 +
 +
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Ayame Higarashi|Text=
 +
'''{{darkorange|Ayame and Icecap appear to be engaged in conversation.}}'''
 +
 +
Wow, Nepal, huh? And you were all by yourself?
 +
 +
Did... did the spirits actually raise you?}}
 +
 +
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Icecap|Text=
 +
'''{{darkorange|Ayame and Icecap appear to be engaged in conversation.}}'''
 +
 +
No... well, not really. I was already in my teens at that point, so I could take care of myself for the most part. Besides, pretty soon after the pact I started some small-time jobs in Kathmandu, and by then...}}
 +
 +
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Savage Siren|Text=
 +
I can't believe this. We get called in here like it's some big opportunity and then they make us WAIT to go talk to some self-appointed Baron? Who do these people think they are?
 +
 +
*{{green|You have somewhere more important to be?}}
 +
 +
'''{{darkorange|Savage Siren glares at you.}}'''
 +
 +
Great. And now I've got '''''wannabes''''' talking trash to me, while I wait. This day just couldn't get any better.}}
 +
 +
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Miss Thystle|Text=
 +
Hey, {{Character}}, right? I've heard of you.
 +
 +
So what do you know about this Zukor guy?
 +
 +
* {{green|Not much. Up until now I didn't even know his name.}}
 +
 +
'''{{darkorange|Miss Thystle frowns in thought.}}'''
 +
 +
I was hoping you'd know something I didn't. All I've heard is that he's going to try to convince us to work as Heroes. Can you imagine?
 +
 +
'''{{darkorange|Miss Thystle looks at you skeptically.}}'''
 +
 +
I mean, it can't be that simple, can it? We can't just... switch like that, right?
 +
 +
* {{green|I guess we find out soon enough.}}}}
 +
 +
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Shock Treatment|Text=
 +
'''{{darkorange|Shock Treatment is talking rapidly at Blood Thorn.}}'''
 +
 +
And so then I was like, 'Back off, you good-for-nothing excuse for a toaster oven! I told you that I'm not interested, so just leave me alone!'
 +
 +
But the thing doesn't let up, it keeps buzzing at me like I'm going to change my mind! I think it's been talking with the refrigerator behind my back, so I...}}
 +
 +
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Blood Thorn|Text=
 +
'''{{darkorange|Blood Thorn appears increasingly distressed as her conversation with Shock Treatment continues. When you approach, she turns and waves you over frantically.}}'''
 +
 +
Oh, thank god! Someone who looks like they might be sane. I was starting to worry that everyone was this unhinged!
 +
 +
Please, pretend to know me! I can't talk to this psycho anymore!
 +
 +
* {{green|Sorry, you're on your own}}}}
 +
 +
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Martial Gloom|Text=
 +
Whoever has organized this meeting, I do not believe them to be wise.
 +
 +
*{{green|Why is that?}}
 +
 +
They summon us to meet with this Baron, and I am led to believe that it is a private meeting.
 +
 +
This man is clearly valuable to their cause. Once I am granted an audience, I shall simply break this Baron with my fists, and will demand payment in exchange for his life.
 +
 +
*{{green|Sounds like you've got it all planned out.}}}}
 +
 +
{{NPC Text|title=Giga Watts Dialogue|text=
 +
'''After Speaking with Martial Gloom:'''
 +
:'''Giga Watts:''' Martial Gloom! You're up next. Go on in and meet with the Baron.
 +
:'''Martial Gloom:''' Hmph. Your 'Baron' may soon be granted an unpleasant surprise.
 +
'''After Martial Gloom meets with the Baron:'''
 +
:'''Martial Gloom:''' Unbelievable... Baron Zukor is truly a remarkable man.
 +
:'''Giga Watts:''' {{Character}}! The Baron will see you now.
 +
:'''Savage Siren:''' Hey pal, some of us have been waiting for ages. What's the deal?
 +
:'''Giga Watts:''' Everyone will get a chance to see the Baron, in time. Please be patient.}}
 +
 +
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Martial Gloom|Text=
 +
''After speaking with Baron Zukor''
 +
 +
I... I cannot describe him properly, {{Character}}. He is like the face of inspiration itself.
 +
 +
Under his gaze, I have seen my life as it truly is, and I have found it lacking. I believe it is time that I mended my ways.}}
 +
 +
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Baron Zukor|Text=
 +
Hello, my friend. You are... {{Character}}, are you not?
 +
 +
*{{green|That's me.}}
 +
 +
Fantastic. I've been looking forward to speaking with you, {{Character}}. To be honest, I did not expect you to seek me out so soon... but I believe that you and I have much to discuss.
 +
 +
*{{green|Such as...?}}
 +
 +
'''{{darkorange|Baron Zukor begins to stare at you intently.}}'''
 +
 +
Your reputation precedes you, {{Character}}. The deeds you have performed in your budding career... as a '''''Villain'''''... have caused quite a stir. But I say to you now... this life is '''''not''''' what was meant for you. You have been led '''''astray'''''.
 +
 +
'''{{darkorange|As Zukor speaks, the device in your ear begins to buzz. The feeling is almost imperceptible.}}'''
 +
 +
I think that you should '''''reexamine''''' your life, {{Character}}, and perhaps try to '''''find a new path'''''. I think that would be for the best, don't you?
 +
 +
'''{{darkorange|The buzzing in your ear becomes steadily stronger, until you begin to worry that Zukor might take notice of the device.}}'''
 +
 +
Well? Don't you?
 +
 +
*{{green|(Lie) Yes... I think I should change my ways.}}
 +
 +
'''{{darkorange|Baron Zukor relaxes, and smiles at you. Immediately, the buzzing in your ear fades to silence.}}'''
 +
 +
Good. I'm glad we agree. Go now, and contemplate your newfound wisdom. I believe we will be able to do great things together, when the time comes.
 +
 +
*{{green|Yes, Baron.}}}}
 +
 +
{{divbox|gray| |You hear muffled shouting and rapid footsteps from the other room. It sounds like something serious is happening back in the Main Hall.}}
 +
 +
{{NPC Text|title=Giga Watts Dialogue|text='''Giga Watts:''' {{Character}}. Come talk with me for a second.}}
 +
 +
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Giga Watts|Text=
 +
'''{{darkorange|Giga Watts leans in close to you.}}'''
 +
 +
Listen, {{Character}}. You've spoken with the Baron, so I know you're on our side, now. I'm gonna need to ask for your help.
 +
 +
*{{green|Sure, what do you need?}}
 +
 +
It looks like there's a bit of a commotion going on in the waiting area. I'd check it out myself, but it's very important that Pyra and I maintain our posts - we can't risk exposing the Baron to anyone who might seek to harm him.
 +
 +
Can you go take a look at what's happening, and see if you can get things back under control?
 +
 +
*{{green|Leave it to me.}}}}
 +
 +
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Mangle|Text=
 +
'''{{darkorange|Mangle snarls at you as you approach.}}'''
 +
 +
This Zukor character is a joke! You people just walk in there and two minutes later you're singing his praises and acting like samaritans?
 +
 +
I don't buy it!
 +
 +
*{{green|You don't want to push this, Mangle.}}
 +
 +
I do, Brooot. I really, ''really'' do!
 +
 +
*{{green|Oh, this will be fun.}}}}
 +
 +
{{NPC Text|title=Mangle Dialogue|text=
 +
'''Combat Start:'''
 +
:'''Mangle:''' Idiots! You all make me sick!
 +
'''Upon Defeat:'''
 +
:'''Echidna:''' Well. That was long overdue, if you ask me.
 +
:'''Ayame Higarashi:''' Seriously! That guy has been giving me the creeps since we got here!}}
 +
 +
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Giga Watts|Text=
 +
{{Character}}, you're back. Have you handled the problem?
 +
 +
*{{green|Mangle was causing a commotion. I had to take him down.}}
 +
 +
Good work, {{Character}}. The Baron needs capable people that he can trust, and it looks like you're one of them. You do good work.
 +
 +
Why don't you go meditate on your conversation with the Baron? I know that after he spoke with me, I had a lot of thinking to do. I don't want to interrupt your spiritual journey with mundane tasks. When we need your help, we'll send for you.
 +
 +
*{{green|Thanks, Watts. I'll see you around.}}}}
  
 
'''Debriefing'''
 
'''Debriefing'''

Revision as of 23:50, 6 November 2012

Part One: Hi, My Name is (Character), and I'm a Villain

Briefing

We don't have a lot to work with, but my agents have managed to scrounge up some details on where the Destined Ones are being converted. So far, the only info we've been getting has been rumors and word-of-mouth, but I'm fairly sure we've located the place they're calling the Meeting Grounds. It's an old warehouse on the outskirts of the city - we've got some scouts keeping tabs on the place, and it's been seeing a lot of traffic lately.

From the reports I've been getting, it sounds like you'd fit right in with the crowd there. You should be able to get in without having to make up too much of a story. Word's been spreading fast.

  • Alright, so I can get in easily. Then what?

Once you're in, keep your head down and do what you think is expected of you. Right now we're just looking to gather some info. Fortunately, I'm guessing that whoever's running the show won't be too concerned about spies. They'll be expecting hostility - they're recruiting Villains, after all - but they're probably confident enough in their conversions that no one will be able to cause trouble.

With the Psychic Damper, you should be mostly immune. If you hear the device starting to buzz a little bit, that means it's absorbing incoming psionic signals. In other words, it means someone's trying to fiddle with your mind. As long as you stay alert, you should be able to act like you've been converted at the appropriate time.

Good luck, Character. If we can get you into their good graces, we'll be able to plan our next move from a much more advantageous position.

Icon clue generic.png
Psychic Damper
Bane Spider Ruben gave you this small device, which you have hidden beneath your outfit. Supposedly, it will protect you from 'low-frequency psychic messages'. It should prevent you from being converted alongside the other Destined Ones.

Unnecessary Solicitation

We need them to trust you, Character. If you can't achieve that, then this whole operation will fall apart around us.

Mission Objective(s)

Map: WAREHOUSE_MEETING_GROUNDS

It looks like Ruben was right. This place isn't tidy by any means, but it's far less abandoned than its outside appearance suggests.

  • Infiltrate the Meeting Grounds
    • Gather information from other Destined Ones
    • Wait for your name to be called
    • Meet with Baron Zukor
    • Return to the Main Hall
    • Speak with Giga Watts
    • Investigate the disturbance
    • Defeat Mangle!
    • Return to Giga Watts

You managed to infiltrate Baron Zukor's cult.

Briefing

Mangle is staring off into the distance, looking sullen. He turns his nose up at you as you approach.

And who are you supposed to be?

  • I go by Character.

Yeah? Well let me enlighten you a bit, Character. Being in the same room as me? It's not good for your health.

  • I'll take my chances. (Leave)
  • *My* health should be the least of your concerns, Mangle.
Mangle stiffens a bit, then looks away.
Hmph. Not worth my time, anyway.
  • Smart man.


Briefing

Hmph. I'm sure this is just another scam. Every time something interesting happens in the Isles, it's just another renegade mage or Wyvern deathtrap. It's never anything good.

  • Why are you here, then?

Sh-shut up! I just felt like accepting the invitation, that's all! I... I'm always rejecting invitations to things, all the time! I just felt like saying yes to one of them, you know, out of pit.

...

Leave me alone!


Briefing

Blast Furnace appears to be deeply engaged in a conversation with Zephyr.

"...but then I meet people who have such interesting origin stories, you know? I mean, I'm just a guy that happens to be on fire. I'm not the wind or some alien survivor... sometimes I just wonder if I should just get some help. Like, a psychiatrist or something


Briefing

Character! Dude! Bro! Looking good!

How you been, bro? It's been, like, WAY too long!"

  • Hm. I'm not sure I agree.


Briefing

Comatorium leans close to you as you approach.

Which one? Plutonium or nerve gas?

  • Plutonium.
Comatorium steps away from you, looking disappointed.
Hmph. It figures you'd say that.
  • Nerve gas.
Comatorium steps away from you, looking disappointed.
Hmph. It figures you'd say that.
  • Excuse me?
Comatorium puffs himself up slightly, seeming pleased.
Which one do you think... would kill the most people?
  • Oh, then plutonium.
Comatorium steps away from you, looking disappointed.
Hmph. It figures you'd say that.
  • That's easy. Nerve gas.
Comatorium steps away from you, looking disappointed.
Hmph. It figures you'd say that.
  • Is that question intended to creep me out or something?
Comatorium deflates and steps away from you.
N-no... why? I mean, were you scared? Even a little?
  • This is the Rogue Isles, man. You'll have to try harder.


Briefing

Character?!? What are YOU doing here?

I thought that I would finally be RID of you, but you keep reappearing! What pleasure do you gain in tormenting me?

If you persist, know that I WILL destroy you!

  • Nice to see you too, Omni.
  • You've tried before, and failed. But you're welcome to try again.
Omnicore grits her teeth in frustration, but says nothing to you. She returns to fiddling with her cybernetic implants.
  • That's what I thought.


Briefing

GOD, I'm so bored! I've been sitting here for ages!

Stardusk turns idly in your direction.

Hey, Character. Wanna start a fight or something? Would liven the place up a little...

  • Maybe later, Stardusk.

Stardusk shrugs lazily, looking off into the distance.

Suit yourself.


Briefing

Oh, it's Character! My most favorite friend! Have these people invited you to their playdate, too? Can we play together?

  • Sure, Crosscut. We'll play in a bit.
  • I... think I'm done 'playing' with you, Crosscut. You should find new friends.
Oh, I have lots of friends, Character. They just don't last as long as you do.
If you don't want to play today, that's okay. We can play... some other time.
  • And this is the part where I leave.


Briefing

Ayame and Icecap appear to be engaged in conversation.

Wow, Nepal, huh? And you were all by yourself?

Did... did the spirits actually raise you?


Briefing

Ayame and Icecap appear to be engaged in conversation.

No... well, not really. I was already in my teens at that point, so I could take care of myself for the most part. Besides, pretty soon after the pact I started some small-time jobs in Kathmandu, and by then...


Briefing

I can't believe this. We get called in here like it's some big opportunity and then they make us WAIT to go talk to some self-appointed Baron? Who do these people think they are?

  • You have somewhere more important to be?

Savage Siren glares at you.

Great. And now I've got wannabes talking trash to me, while I wait. This day just couldn't get any better.


Briefing

Hey, Character, right? I've heard of you.

So what do you know about this Zukor guy?

  • Not much. Up until now I didn't even know his name.

Miss Thystle frowns in thought.

I was hoping you'd know something I didn't. All I've heard is that he's going to try to convince us to work as Heroes. Can you imagine?

Miss Thystle looks at you skeptically.

I mean, it can't be that simple, can it? We can't just... switch like that, right?

  • I guess we find out soon enough.


Briefing

Shock Treatment is talking rapidly at Blood Thorn.

And so then I was like, 'Back off, you good-for-nothing excuse for a toaster oven! I told you that I'm not interested, so just leave me alone!'

But the thing doesn't let up, it keeps buzzing at me like I'm going to change my mind! I think it's been talking with the refrigerator behind my back, so I...


Briefing

Blood Thorn appears increasingly distressed as her conversation with Shock Treatment continues. When you approach, she turns and waves you over frantically.

Oh, thank god! Someone who looks like they might be sane. I was starting to worry that everyone was this unhinged!

Please, pretend to know me! I can't talk to this psycho anymore!

  • Sorry, you're on your own


Briefing

Whoever has organized this meeting, I do not believe them to be wise.

  • Why is that?

They summon us to meet with this Baron, and I am led to believe that it is a private meeting.

This man is clearly valuable to their cause. Once I am granted an audience, I shall simply break this Baron with my fists, and will demand payment in exchange for his life.

  • Sounds like you've got it all planned out.


Briefing

After speaking with Baron Zukor

I... I cannot describe him properly, Character. He is like the face of inspiration itself.

Under his gaze, I have seen my life as it truly is, and I have found it lacking. I believe it is time that I mended my ways.


Briefing

Hello, my friend. You are... Character, are you not?

  • That's me.

Fantastic. I've been looking forward to speaking with you, Character. To be honest, I did not expect you to seek me out so soon... but I believe that you and I have much to discuss.

  • Such as...?

Baron Zukor begins to stare at you intently.

Your reputation precedes you, Character. The deeds you have performed in your budding career... as a Villain... have caused quite a stir. But I say to you now... this life is not what was meant for you. You have been led astray.

As Zukor speaks, the device in your ear begins to buzz. The feeling is almost imperceptible.

I think that you should reexamine your life, Character, and perhaps try to find a new path. I think that would be for the best, don't you?

The buzzing in your ear becomes steadily stronger, until you begin to worry that Zukor might take notice of the device.

Well? Don't you?

  • (Lie) Yes... I think I should change my ways.

Baron Zukor relaxes, and smiles at you. Immediately, the buzzing in your ear fades to silence.

Good. I'm glad we agree. Go now, and contemplate your newfound wisdom. I believe we will be able to do great things together, when the time comes.

  • Yes, Baron.


Briefing

Giga Watts leans in close to you.

Listen, Character. You've spoken with the Baron, so I know you're on our side, now. I'm gonna need to ask for your help.

  • Sure, what do you need?

It looks like there's a bit of a commotion going on in the waiting area. I'd check it out myself, but it's very important that Pyra and I maintain our posts - we can't risk exposing the Baron to anyone who might seek to harm him.

Can you go take a look at what's happening, and see if you can get things back under control?

  • Leave it to me.


Briefing

Mangle snarls at you as you approach.

This Zukor character is a joke! You people just walk in there and two minutes later you're singing his praises and acting like samaritans?

I don't buy it!

  • You don't want to push this, Mangle.

I do, Brooot. I really, really do!

  • Oh, this will be fun.


Briefing

Character, you're back. Have you handled the problem?

  • Mangle was causing a commotion. I had to take him down.

Good work, Character. The Baron needs capable people that he can trust, and it looks like you're one of them. You do good work.

Why don't you go meditate on your conversation with the Baron? I know that after he spoke with me, I had a lot of thinking to do. I don't want to interrupt your spiritual journey with mundane tasks. When we need your help, we'll send for you.

  • Thanks, Watts. I'll see you around.


Debriefing

Baron Zukor, huh? I haven't heard of him, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's small-time. My operations are mostly confined to Cap.

I'm intrigued by your interactions with the other Destined Ones, Character. Direct mind control is almost a form of puppetry, but it sounds to me like Zukor's followers retain their basic personalities, even after meeting with him. What's more, your Psychic Damper was only active for about a minute, and then all psychic influence ceased.

I'm not aware of any psychic powers capable of that level of mind-control, Character. For him to be able to retain his followers' loyalty, without directly altering their minds or maintaining psychic pressure... well, he's either very good or he's using something other than mind-control.