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

Part Two: History Lessons

Briefing

Character, I'm going to be brutally honest with you. Time travel, causality, cosmically powerful artifacts... they're all a few steps above my pay grade. I'm trying my best here, but I think at this stage of the game, you've got more useful resources to tackle this problem than I do.

If you think you can do what Echo says you did - or is that 'will do?' - then I think you should go for it. I just... don't think I can really lend much assistance.

• We'll see if it works soon enough, Tony.

Well, for both our sakes I hope it does. If your expedition doesn't turn up some kind of lead, this investigation may hit a serious dead end.

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.

Speak with Prometheus

Unnecessary Solicitation

If you're going to travel to the past, please hurry... although, with time travel, I suppose you never really need to hurry, do you?

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 Pandora'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.

Talk to Mender Silos

Unnecessary Solicitation

If you're going to travel to the past, please hurry... although, with time travel, I suppose you never really need to hurry, do you?

Mission Objective(s)

• Talk to 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

Find Pandora's Box

Unnecessary Solicitation

If you're going to travel to the past, please hurry... although, with time travel, I suppose you never really need to hurry, do you?

Mission Objective(s)

Map: CAVES_MEDITERRANEAN_ACHAEA

You've arrived in an ancient temple of some sort... there must be something here that Mender Silos wanted you to see.

• Find Pandora's Box
  • Search the caves
  • Speak with Romulus

You spoke with Romulus Augustus, but appear to be no closer to finding Pandora's Box.

Enemies

Cimeroran Traitors

Notable NPCs:

• Romulus Augustus (Cimeroran Traitors Archvillain, Enemy)

Romulus Augustus Dialogue

Before Combat:

Romulus Augustus: RrrrrraaaAAAARGH! Imperious, you self-righteous, arrogant-

Combat Start:

Romulus Augustus: WHO DARES?!? I shall have your head on a spike!

Romulus Augustus: You... you are not one of mine. Did that coward Imperious send an assassin?

Romulus Augustus: You have gravely underestimated me, worm. Your life is MINE!

75% Health:

Romulus Augustus: Why do you serve the fool Imperious, when you wield such power?

50% Health:

Romulus Augustus: No, this is not right. You... you are something... different.

Romulus Augustus

Briefing

Romulus breathes slowly, clearly attempting to keep his rage in check. After a few moments, he lets out a long, guttural growl, and begins to speak.

You are not one of Imperious's lapdogs. I know him well, and to send an assassin without showing his face... that is simply not his way.

So, if you are not his servant... who are you? Why are you here? Clearly you do not come from this land, and your methods are unknown to me.

• I came seeking the location of Pandora's Box.

Romulus's fists clench tightly.

Then we seek the same prize. But, as you can see...

Romulus makes a sweeping gesture with his hand.

...it is not here. You were right to come here, for the Box was here for a time. Clearly, someone has acquired and moved it. Again, I suspect Imperious, though I am beginning to believe that he is not as cunning as I once believed.

• You've been here before?

Romulus looks down at you with contempt.

Have I... been here before? Little man / woman, I was reborn here. It was here that I was bathed in the golden power of the gods.

You could not possibly comprehend the feeling of raw strength, coursing through every fiber of your being. When Imperious and I first came here, we both were empowered, as was our destiny.

It was only after we had been given our due that Imperious thought to control me. He could not bear the sight of me, as blessed by the gods as he was. I was his peer. No... no, more than that. I was his better, and he saw it clearly. So he tried to limit me, to prevent me from using my newfound strength... and now he will witness his own empire crumbling around him, as I tear it apart brick by brick. The ruins of his shattered society will lay the foundation for my rule.

• And the box? Where do you think it is now?

Romulus shakes his head.

I cannot say. If Imperious has acquired the Box for his own purposes, then my coup may be short-lived. However... I believe that this is not to be. The Box granted us the blessings and powers of the gods, so perhaps it is the gods themselves that have taken the Box from this place. I cannot say.

Romulus looks at you coldly.

Regardless, it is not here. If you seek the Box, seek elsewhere. I have a nation to conquer.

• Leave

Debriefing

Antonio grins at you.

Welcome back, chrononaut. I trust your sojourn into history was fruitful?

Antonio's grin fades as you relate your recent journey to Achaea.

Well, it's not as much info as we'd like, but it's something. We know that Pandora's Box was in Ancient Greece at one point, and someone elected to move it... still, it doesn't really help us pinpoint its location. I think we're going to need to call in a specialist for this job.