Mission:Experts in the Field (Villain) - Part Two: History Lessons

Part Two: History Lessons

Briefing

Listen, man. If you think you can do what that crackpot says you're gonna do, then go for it. Anything that gets you closer to Pandora's Box means I'm closer to finishing this assignment. Just... don't expect me to help you out, ok? This goes a little far outside my range of expertise, if you know what I mean.

• That's fine Harriman. Just stay put

Now that I can do. I'll hold down the fort here. Just... don't go changing history or anything, got it? I mean... that's how it works, right? You do something weird in the past, and then we all end up dinosaurs or something. I don't like the idea of my whole life getting rearranged because you stepped on some ancient butterfly or something.

Harriman makes a face, and shudders.

Whatever. Forget I said anything. I don't think I'll ever understand what you Rogue Isles types do, but if it gets results then have at it.

If time travel is the key to learning about Pandora's Box, you're pretty sure a trip to Ouroboros is in order. Perhaps you'll be able to find someone there that has knowledge of the Box's history... which as far as you know, begins in ancient Greece.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Well? If you're going to go travel through time, I guess you'd better do it then.

Wait... you didn't... go already, did you? Is that how this works? It was only a few moments for me... how many years have you been gone?

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak with Prometheus

Prometheus

Briefing

Prometheus greets you with a smug expression and a raised eyebrow.

Boldly done, Character. You have come seeking answers, but do you fully grasp the gravity of your situation? You have approached Prometheus, the very benefactor responsible for mankind's rapid ascent to power. Few denizens of your world have the hubris to interrogate a god.

Yet, you are wise to seek my counsel. I possess the knowledge you seek, for I have witnessed events that you know only through the writings of your ancestors. Ask, Character, and perhaps I shall grant you my wisdom.

• I've come seeking information on the artifact called Pandoras's Box.

Prometheus grimaces at you.

I am well acquainted with the artifact you seek. Pandora's Box represents an ancient power, easily as old as your world... a power that can match even the Flames that I have granted to your kind. The origin of the Box is known to me, though the circumstances surrounding its creation far exceed your limited grasp of reality. I doubt any explanation I provide would assist you.

• What about more recently? Pandora's Box is mentioned in human mythology...

Prometheus nods.

When I granted my Flames to mankind, I set in motion a series of events that... redirected the potency of your world. Mankind's potential is vast, and with my Flames as a focus, mortals began to harness powers that had once been beyond their reach... and this angered those who would keep that power to themselves.

Zeus sought to undo what I had wrought, but could not contain the spread of knowledge and power that my Flames had granted. So, instead, he claimed a tool that was not his to claim, and prepared a foil to my plans.

Despite the power that mankind was destined to wield, Zeus declared that he would always hold dominion over this world. He wished his power to live on, imposing his will on mankind, age after age. And so he placed his very essence within the artifact you now call Pandora's Box, to manifest itself again and again, always overshadowing the powers of mortals.

• So you're saying... that Pandora's Box contains the power of Zeus

It has in the past, as it does now. Zeus bound his power to the Box, and should a host perish, that is where his power will always return. You live in a time of great tribulation, Character. Wars have been fought over such power, and it has raised men to godhood. You must prepare yourself accordingly.

• Do you know where the Box is located?

Prometheus smirks at you.

That... is knowledge that I cannot share. However, there is another in this place that may be more forthcoming. You should seek the counsel of Mender Silos. He has knowledge that you would find useful in your search.

• Very well then.

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak with Mender Silos

Mender Silos

Briefing

Greetings, Character. There is much to be done before we are prepared for what lies beyond... but in this sanctum, time is on our side. What do you seek?

• Prometheus suggested I ask you about Pandora's Box.

At the mention of Pandora's Box, Mender Silos becomes visibly uncomfortable.

Did he, now...

I'm afraid that is not a subject I can pursue at great length, Character. Pandora's Box represents a crucial point in your timeline, and any alterations could have... undesirable effects. Much as it pains me, I cannot give you the information that you seek. You must continue the search of your own accord, lest...

Silos looks away from you, clearly distressed.

I'm sorry. I can't help you.

• There isn't any guidance you can provide?

Mender Silos frowns thoughtfully.

I cannot aid you directly, Character, but I suppose I can enable you to acquire knowledge yourself. Use a crystal within this sanctum, and seek out the time and place where Pandora's Box first appeared in human myth, in the ancient region of Achaea. If you can trace the Box's path through history, you may be able to glean its location in your own time.

Mender Silos tries to wave you away in an exasperated motion.

Please, go. I cannot speak of this any more. This moment in your timeline is extremely delicate, and I fear I may have already caused a disturbance by assisting you.

• Leave