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Mission:The Hearts of Darkness - Price of Victory: Skin Deep

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Skin Deep

Briefing

It is time, Character. If we wish to strike at Dollface, we must do so immediately. Every moment we waste is more time for Dollface to become suspicious of my - and your - whereabouts.

I have put together a plan for the infiltration of Dollface's mansion. It is well-defended, mostly by rubes that Dollface has managed to entrance with her powers. They should not be difficult to defeat for villains of our caliber.

You will be entering through the front, drawing the attention of Dollface's guards... and, by extension, Dollface herself. I will take the others through a back entrance, connectedto a series of underground tunnels.

  • You're setting me up as bait? Have you forgotten whi is in charge here, Graves?

I have not, Character. However, Dollface is expecting you and you alone. If you approach her mansions, seemingly without our aid, she will think that I have sent you to her as a sacrifice. If she is taken unaware by our presence, she will not have the chance to attempt an escape.

I realize you suspect treachery on my part, Character, and I do not blame you for your suspicions. However, rest assured that I am far more concerned withh Dollface's existence than I am with yours. If I do attempt to kill you, it will occur well after Dollface has been dealt with.

Dr. Graves. pauses for a moment.

...That is, if we manage to survive.

Bring down Dollface!

Unnecessary Solicitation

We are preparing to move out soon. Once you've breached the mansion grounds, I will guide the others through the catacombs beneath the mansion. If we are fortunate, we will rejoin you before Dollface is confronted. You do not want to know what will happen if we are unfortunate.

Mission Objective(s)

You have arrived at Dollface's mansion. If Graves can be trusted at all, he'll arrive with the cavalry shortly.

  • Bring down Dollface!
    • Investigate Dollface's records
    • Confront Dollface
    • Speak with Scirocco

You have assisted Scirocco in capturing Dollface, and managed to escape with your life.

Dollface's Guards Dialogue
Badge question mark.png

Briefing

ACCESSING...

BODY CANDIDATE DATABASE INITIATED

SELECT A FILE

A list of five entries appears on the screen.

  • [View Entry: Crosscut]
CANDIDATE: CROSSCUT
ANALYSIS
Crosscut appears to be human, and thus should be an excelent candidate for possession. However, Crosscut's sociopathic tendencies and aberrant behaviors would make possession conspicuous. Acting rationally, interacting with other sentient creatures, and other seemingly normal behavious would represent a radical departure from Crosscut's 'normal behavious' pattern.
RECOMMENDATION: INVALID CANDIDATE
  • [View Entry: Dr. Graves]
CANDIDATE: DR. GRAVES
ANALYSIS
Dr. Graves is human, but his age implies a significant presence of necrotic tissue. Possession would likely be of a shorter duration than another, healthier candidate. Furthermore, Dr. Graves has proven invaluable in extending the lifespan of odies that have already been claimed. Possession would negate this value.
RECOMMENDATION: INVALID CANDIDATE
  • [View Entry: Zepyhr]
CANDIDATE: Zephyr
ANALYSIS
Zephyr's flexible attitudes and behaviours make inconspicuous possession fairly simple. As Zephyr exhibits Rogue-like tendencies, nearly any behaviour would seem appropriate for him. However, it is unclear what biotype Zepyhr actually is. It is certain that he is not human, nor is he biologically similar enough to guarantee successful possession.
RECOMMENDATION: INVALID CANDIDATE
  • [View Entry: Omnicore]
CANDIDATE: Omnicore
ANALYSIS
Omnicore's Villainous attitudes and behaviours would make possession fairly convenient, and her resources would prove a valuable asset. However, it appears that the vast majority of her biological structure has been replaced with powered implants and grafts. It is unclear if, after possession, Omnicore's entire body could be properly controlled. If not, the results would be disastrous.
RECOMMENDATION: INVALID CANDIDATE
  • [View Entry: Character]
CANDIDATE: Character
ANALYSIS
Character appears to be the most physically and mentally capable of the candidates in question. He is a relatively new addition to the Rogue Isles, making his motives difficult to discern. While he exhibits Villainous tendencies currently, it would not be inconcieveable were he to become more Rogue-like. While Character has not been observed long enough to confirm his exact biology, he appears to be susceptible to Psychic attacks, which should imply that he is also vulnerable to possession.
RECOMMENDATION: VALID CANDIDATE


The fight against Dollface

Briefing

Character. You have done well. Arachnos commends you on your efforts.

  • What is this, Scirocco?

I have had an... interest in this creature for some time. She exhibits powers that could prove to be quite useful to Arachnos, if directed properly.

Furthermore, it appears she shares some,... functional similarities to my colleague, Ghost Widow. Having possession of this creature may afford me some leverage with Arachnos in the future.

  • Wait a second. This entire time, you were after Dollface?

That is correct, Character.

I had been aware that this creature waslurking somewhere within your little group, but it was impossible to discern which one was our target. You only recently arrived in the Rogue Isles, and thus I was certain that you were... untainted. This is why I chose you as my agent.

I must admit, however, that you performed well above expectations. I had implemented a number of alternative measures in case you perished, that were, of course, unnecessary. Your survival instincts are superb.

  • So, I'm free to go? No hard feelings about that whole 'contest for power' thing?

Scirocco chuckles softly, and shakes his head

No, Character. Arachnos takes little interest in the games and power plays that occur within the Isles. To be truthful, they are actually encouraged. Lord Recluse respects ambition, and it appears you have it in spades.

You have proved to be crucial in the capture of this... most valuable entity, and for that you have my gratitude.

I sense great potential in you, Character. You have power, and the guile necessary to direct it properly. If you survive long enough in this harsh place, I expect you will prosper.

  • Um... thanks. I think.


Briefing

Dollface is trapped within a whirlwind of magical energy. Upon seeing your approach, she doubles her efforts to break free from her bonds.

Character... please... it hurts so much...

Please... help me...

  • Nice try, Dollface. I'm not buying it.
Dollface's eyes flare with sinister energy.
You would do well to mind yourself, worm. This cage cannot hold me forever.
Mark my words: when I escape the grasp of these wretched wizards, I will find you. The torment I shall provide you will echo across the ages.
  • Enjoy your new home, Dollface. I'm sure Arachnos will take good care of you. (End conversation.)
  • Do you want me to free you? I could do that, if you wanted.
Dollface's eye widen, and she speaks to you softly.
Oh, would you? Would you really?
  • Ha, no. I just wanted to crush your hopes one last time.
Dollface's eyes flare with sinister energy.
You would do well to mind yourself, worm. This cage cannot hold me forever.
Mark my words: when I escape the grasp of these wretched wizards, I will find you. The torment I shall provide you will echo across the ages.
  • Enjoy your new home, Dollface. I'm sure Arachnos will take good care of you. (End conversation.)


Enemies

V badge GoldbrickersBadge.png Gold Brickers
V badge RIP.png Rogue Island Police
V badge NoPipes.png Luddites
V badge Heart.png Hearts of Darkness

Notable NPCs

Speak with Dr. Graves

Mission Objective(s)

  • Speak with Dr. Graves

Briefing

Dr. Graves. maintains the same, grim expression as always. However, his stance is different. It is lower, less aggressive... you would almost say that Dr. Graves appears relieved.

So, Character. It is finally over. The creature that called itself Dollface has been captured, and I am once again a free man.

I do not expect an amiable reception from you, Character. I know you all too well. Still, I feel that I must thank you. Your efforts have managed to achieve what I once thought was impossible.

  • How long were you working for Dollface, anyway?
I do not suffer from the deterioration of age as much as most do, Character. I have been alive for centuries. I do not remember exactly when the creature first approached me, but it spared my life in exchange for my surgical talents. For each body it stole, I was able to keep that body intact for ar longer than otherwise.
I am not a squeamish man, norr a moral one. I have commited terrible sins against my fellow man. But... the horror, the sheer depravity I witnessed whiel bound to Dollface was...
Dr. Graves tails off, turning somewhat pale.
...I'm eager to put that behind me, Character.
  • As am I, Graves. This 'benefactor' scam has ended up being a massive waste of time.
Dr. Graves raises an eyebrow at you.
Has it, Character? The shadowy benefactor was my fabrication, yes. And the promised 'power' you were to be granted did not ::exist, true.
And yet, I have witnessed tremendous growth in your power over the course of the trial. And while the organizer of our contest had malicious intentions, you ended up with a benefactor of your own. Few Villains in these Isles can claim they have assissted a Patron of Lord Recluse himself.
You seem to have come out of this little game with all of the prize, Character.
  • Hmph... if you say so, Graves.
  • You're weak, Graves, Did you ever stop whimpering long enough to look for an advantage?
  • You don't have a problem with the fact that I was working with Arachnos?
Dr. Graves lets out a sigh. As with his laughter, it is a profane sound. You hope to never hear it again.
To be honest, Character, it infuriates me far less to know that you were working for Scirocco than to not know. Your feats during the contest were unexplainable, and you often displayed special knowledge of your opponents that led to your uncontested victory.
Had I not learned of your involvement with Arachnos, I would be left with only the theory that you were omniscient.
Dr. Graves half-smiles, half-sneers at you.
And trust me, Character, that's a difficult argument to take seriously.
  • Do not credit Arachnos entirely, Graves. I had help, but that's all.
As you say, Character. I do not need further proof of your abilities. Securing Arachnos's assistance gave you an edge, but you prevailed in many tasks by virtue of your own power.
Still, do not discount Arachnos in your further career, Character. You have managed to gain the favor of a Patron of Recluse - no easy feat. I would recommend that you not squander the opportunities now laid open before you.
You should by no means trust them, but they have a tremendous number of resources at their disposal. A fact that, were I in your position, I would not hesitate to exploit.
  • I'll keep that in mind, Graves.
  • Funny, Graves. And yet, I managed to deceive you rather easily.


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