Mission:Destiny Follows - Part Four: Man / Woman of the People

Part Four: Man / Woman of the People

Briefing

Now that we're aware of the Suggestion Engine, I think it's time we made our move. Zukor just recently sent out a summons to all of his cultists to return to the Meeting Grounds. I'm guessing he's getting ready to support Longbow in a major push towards Aeon City.

It's the perfect time to strike, Character. Zukor trusts you, thanks to your attack on our outpost, and you're going to need to capitalize on that trust.

See if you can get Zukor alone. If you attack him out in the open, you'll have the entire cult bearing down on you at once. If you can manage to get another private meeting, though...

• Trust me. I know EXACTLY what to do.

I'm glad we're on the same page, Character.

The Suggestion Engine is focused through a single projector, about the size of a pocketwatch. Zukor will probably be carrying it on him, as he'll want to have the Engine available if he needs to 'convince' anyone on the fly.

Once you've taken down Zukor, see if you can acquire that projector. That will let you influence the rest of the cultists - and that's when Longbow's plan blows up in their faces.

Doublecross Baron Zukor

Unnecessary Solicitation

You really can't hang around here, Character. You need to get to the Meeting Grounds, or you may lose your only chance at this.

Mission Objective(s)

Map: WAREHOUSE_MEETING_GROUNDS

Zukor has no clue what you have planned. With any luck, his cult will have a new leader soon.

• Doublecross Baron Zukor
  • Proceed to the meeting room
  • Attend the inner circle meeting - 1:25
  • Speak to Zukor to interrupt the meeting (OPTIONAL)
  • Speak with Baron Zukor
  • Follow Baron Zukor to his quarters
  • Confront Baron Zukor
  • Defeat Baron Zukor
  • Approach the Meeting Grounds podium
  • Defeat Pyra
  • Speak with Martial Gloom
  • Deliver a speech to the Destined Ones

You've taken out Baron Zukor and claimed his army of Detined Ones for yourself.

Enemies

Rogue Isles Villains

Notable NPCs

• Baron Zukor (The Redeemer)
• Ayame Hiragashi (Rogue Isles Villains Boss)
• Blast Furnace (Rogue Isles Villains Boss)
• Blood Thorn (Rogue Isles Villains Boss)
• Comatorium (Rogue Isles Villains Boss)
• Crosscut (Rogue Isles Villains Boss)
• Double Tap (Rogue Isles Villains Boss)
• Echidna (Rogue Isles Villains Boss)
• Giga Watts (Rogue Isles Villains Boss)
• Hollow Point (Rogue Isles Villains Boss)
• Icecap (Rogue Isles Villains Boss)
• Martial Gloom (Rogue Isles Villains Boss)
• Miss Thystle (Rogue Isles Villains Boss)
• Omnicore (Rogue Isles Villains Boss)
• Pyra (Rogue Isles Villains Boss)
• Savage Siren (Rogue Isles Villains Boss)
• Shock Treatment (Rogue Isles Villains Boss)
• Stardusk (Rogue Isles Villains Boss)
• Towering Inferno (Rogue Isles Villains Boss)
• Zephyr (Rogue Isles Villains Boss)

Martial Gloom Dialogue

Upon Reaching Meeting Room:

Martial Gloom: They're waiting for you in the back room, Character. Go on in.

Meeting Dialogue

The Meeting Proceeds:

Baron Zukor: Character. Thank you for joining us on such short notice.

Baron Zukor: Now that everyone is here, we can begin the meeting. Giga Watts, you have the data regarding our recent incursions?

Giga Watts: Yes, Baron. Of the nine bases we attacked, seven are now completely nonoperational, and are currently serving as outposts for Longbow.

Giga Watts: The two that remain are currently operating with a skeleton crew, due to battle casualties. We don't expect heavy interference from them in the near future.

Baron Zukor: Excellent. Double Tap, how prepared are my followers to assist in the upcoming campaign?

Double Tap: Most of us were ready for large-scale combat when we joined.

Double Tap: I've been working with the few who have... trouble... working in a group environment.

Double Tap: We're not at peak cohesion for a unit this size, but I think we'll be able to coordinate our attack effectively enough.

Baron Zukor: Fair enough. Pyra, what news do we have of Arachnos's reaction to our efforts?

Pyra: Surprisingly, Arachnos has barely reacted at all. I'm a bit suspicious; normally you'd expect some degree of counterattack.

Pyra: Plus, there are the transmissions I mentioned...

Baron Zukor: Pyra, we've discussed this. I know you're trying to watch for danger...

Pyra: But... but Baron! All of the evidence points to a member of the-

Baron Zukor: I need you to TRUST me, Pyra. I have personally ensured the loyalty of every member of our organization.

Baron Zukor: Now. Moving on. Towering Inferno, what forces does Arachnos have remaining in the area?

Towering Inferno: The only Arachnos forces that would pose any immediate threat are centered around Aeon City. The rest have been crippled or captured by our earlier operations.

Pyra: ...

Baron Zukor: Do you have a recommendation for our next target?

Towering Inferno: I would focus our next attack on the main Administration building in Aeon. Once that has been taken, the others will not be able to network effectively, which will allow us to take each one individually.

Baron Zukor: Excellent. I believe that we can adjourn this meeting...

Baron Zukor: Any questions?

Interrupting Baron Zukor:

Giga Watts: ...

Double Tap: ...

Towering Inferno: ...

Pyra: ...

Baron Zukor: Oh, Character... you have something to add?

Baron Zukor

Briefing

You look troubled, Character. Speak your mind.

• Baron, I think we should speak privately. It's rather urgent.

Pyra Dialogue

Pyra: Baron, I feel that I must voice my concern in this matter.
Pyra: I do not believe that it is wise to expose yourself to possible attempts-

Zukor pauses to hear Pyra's entreaty, but soon cuts her off angrily.

Pyra, for the last time. I will not have you sowing doubt amongst my followers. I have spoken with each of you, and I am quite confident in the loyalty of everyone in this room.

Zukor turns to face you.

We can meet in private, Character, but this must be brief. We still have much to do.

• I promise it will not take long.

Baron Zukor Dialogue

Baron Zukor: You are all dismissed. I will send for each of you at the appropriate time.
Baron Zukor: Come, Character.

Baron Zukor

Briefing

Here we are, Character. Now, what is so important that it could not be heard by the rest of my council?

• I wanted to talk with you about the Suggestion Engine.

The device in your ear immediately begins buzzing madly, almost painfully. Zukor is staring at you intently.

I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about, Character. How can you be sure that such a thing even exists?

• Oh, I'm sure. I'll be using it myself, soon enough.

Zukor remains silent, gritting his teeth. After a moment, he speaks in a low, calm tone.

It is clear that my suggestions are not diverting you, for whatever reason. Perhaps a more direct approach will be more effective.

• I doubt it, but you're welcome to try.

Fight Baron Zukor

• Does talking like that help 'convince' people, or is it just how you talk normally?

Zukor remains silent, gritting his teeth. After a moment, he speaks in a low, calm tone.

It is clear that my suggestions are not diverting you, for whatever reason. Perhaps a more direct approach will be more effective.

• I doubt it, but you're welcome to try.

Fight Baron Zukor

Baron Zukor Dialogue

25% Health:

Baron Zukor: No... this should not be happening...

Upon Defeat:

Baron Zukor: Uuugh...

Pyra Dialogue

Upon Leaving Meeting Room:

Pyra: Not so fast, Character.

Pyra: Where's the Baron? What have you done with him?

Pyra: I knew you were not to be trusted!

+++ Missing Information +++

Martial Gloom Dialogue

Upon Approaching Podium:

Martial Gloom: Character? What are you doing up here?

Martial Gloom

Briefing

What's going on? Where's the Baron?

• I'll explain soon, but I need to speak with everyone.

Martial Gloom's brow furrows in suspicion, but he quickly relents. The Suggestion Engine must already be working on him.

Yes... yes I can see that you do. Please, by all means, Character. The podium is all yours.

• Much appreciated.

• Back off, Gloom, or I'll make you wish you'd never been born.

Martial Gloom's eyes widen in fright, and he backs away from you slowly.

Please! Don't hurt me, I didn't mean to stop you! I won't do it again!

From his reaction, it is apparent that the Suggestion Engine works on threats as well.

• Just get out of my way.

Podium (Relic)

Briefing

As you approach the podium, your audience looks up at you, confused. The Suggestion Engine should be enough to convince these people to do what you wish, but you'll still have to give a speech in order for it to work.

You should probably begin with what's already on everyone's minds: Where is Baron Zukor?

• He's elsewhere, and he told me to take over.

The podium projects your voice, causing it to reverberate off the walls of the room.

You tell your fellow Villains that Baron Zukor has chosen to move on to other lands, convincing Villains to change their ways and become champions of justice. You declare that he has asked me to take over the organization, and to lead his followers to great and glorious acts.

You also accuse Longbow of moving to intercept and capture him. You finish with an impassioned plea to your fellows to protect the Baron from Longbow's schemes.

Now would be a good time to talk about what to do next.

• Longbow assassinated him.

The podium projects your voice, causing it to reverberate off the walls of the room.

You warn your fellow Destined Ones that a great tragedy has befallen their cause. You tell them that Baron Zukor has been killed, by one of their own.

You accuse Pyra, one of the Baron's trusted lieutenants, of working as a spy for Longbow. You claim that, on their orders, she assassinated the Baron before you had a chance to stop her. You state that Pyra has been dealt with, but acknowledge that all of you suffer from the loss of your leader.

You state that, in honor of his memory and his deeds, you will lead them in the Baron's stead, and claim that it is what he would have wanted.

Now would be a good time to talk about what to do next.

• He betrayed us, so I killed him.

The podium projects your voice, causing it to reverberate off the walls of the room.

You declare firmly to your de-facto brothers and sisters that you bring grave news: that you have all been betrayed. You explain to everyone that Baron Zukor, the one in whom they placed so much trust, had been plotting against all of them from the beginning.

You detail the deal he made with Longbow, and reveal the fact that he has been using psychic tricks to charm them all.

You state that Zukor cannot control them now, as you have taken care of him yourself. With a sweeping gesture, you declare that their minds are now their own.

Now would be a good time to talk about what to do next.

• I'll follow in the spirit of Zukor and make sure we do good works.

You remind your peers that they are capable of doing great and wonderful things, and that they are capable of changing the world for the better.

You declare that It is Longbow that has shown their true colors, as an enemy of all that is good and just. You state that if you are to follow in the spirit of justice, you cannot allow them to act in such a despicable manner.

It's about time to wrap this speech up. Time for your final statements.

• You're all villains, and you should wake up and start acting like it.

You declare to your fellow Destined Ones that, while you all have dabbled in heroism, deep down you all know that you are not Heroes. You remind them that they are in the Rogue Isles, where the only law is survival of the fittest. You point to the crowd, and cry that you all are the few who stand tall above the rest, who refuse to bow to anyone; not Arachnos, and not Longbow.

You shout that you have fought, tooth and nail, to achieve dominance over your enemies, and you will continue to fight. You declare that you will bring Longbow to their knees, and show them that no one - no one - messes with the Villains of the Rogue Isles.

It's about time to wrap this speech up. Time for your final statements.

• You'll all follow my orders or I'll personally slay all of you.

You begin by asking the crowd if they hope for a leader like Zukor: one that acts with compassion, wisdom, and care. You then firmly warn them to dash those hopes now and forever. You remind them that you are not Baron Zukor, nor will you ever be.

You declare that when you give an order, it is a command, not a request. You warn that you will not sit idly and listen to them whine about their sorry excuses for lives. You order them all to do as they are told, or they will die by your hand.

It's about time to wrap this speech up. Time for your final statements.

• Order an attack on the main Longbow base.

You declare that now is the time to bring the fight to Longbow.

You relate how, soon, you will march upon their base, slay their commander, and slaughter their soldiers.

You instruct them that this will be a day long-remembered. You remind them that each of them has been wronged, and it is time for them to repay Longbow for what they have done.

You point down into the crowd, at Double Tap, and order him to rally your fighters and prepare for an assault on Longbow's headquarters. You then tell the crowd that you will join them shortly... at which point the assault will begin.

• Leave

Debrief with Bane Spider Ruben

Debriefing

Bane Spider Ruben

Briefing

I witnessed your speech through the Network, Character. Good work. You seem to have them all marching to your tune.

If we're going to stop Longbow in time, we're going to need to move quickly. I'll send Double Tap the coordinates for their main base, but you'll probably want to be present to direct the assault.

We still don't know much about the Suggestion Device, and we can't be sure that its effects will last long enough to keep the Destined Ones following your orders. At the very least, your presence there will make them more likely to remain a cohesive force.

• I wouldn't want to miss this, anyway

I'm glad to hear it, Character. You've got the advantage now.

Ruben chuckles softly to himself.

I don't think Longbow stands a chance.

• I'd have to agree.

• And why, exactly, am I be using MY army to fight Longbow?

I'm not disputing your control over the Destined Ones, Character. To be perfectly honest, I don't think I could even if I wanted to. The fact is, however, that Longbow has forced both of our hands.

As we speak, they're mobilizing a force to take control of Aeon City. That's bad for me, because it's bad for Arachnos. But they also have a file on all of Zukor's recruits, and you can bet they'll be gunning for every last one of you.

Now, you could just take your army and try to evacuate Cap, but even if that were to work, you've got the Suggestion Engine's limitations to worry about. Your army won't be loyal to you forever.

As it stands, there's really only one option left to you: take your army of Destined Ones - the only force in the area right now that's capable of contending with Longbow's forces - and destroy them before they destroy you.

• That I can understand.