Mission:Venture Militarism - Part 3: Strange Bedfellows

Part Three: Strange Bedfellows

Briefing

Whatever that light surrounding Castillo was, Character, it appeared to significantly increase his combat potential. Castillo claims that he is unaware of the source of this power, and even seems to claim that he was simply 'inspired' while fighting you.

I was able to observe your confrontation with Castillo using the ship's onboard sensors, and the ship's telemetric monitors went haywire at the very moment Castillo's 'inspiration' took him.

I've had some people monitoring the area for similar spikes, and I do believe we've found something.

• Investigate the Energy Anomaly

This particular incident appears to be centered around an Arachnos base here in Sharkhead. We've intercepted emergency alerts coming from the base, so I can only imagine that whatever's going on in there is bad for Arachnos.

If you can search the base for any evidence of a phenomenon similar to Castillo's current... condition, then we may be able to pin down what, exactly, is causing these surges in power.

At the very least, being able to predict these events could be to our advantage, if only to prepare for them. If we could harness this newfound energy, however... you may be able to confront Arachnos more quickly than I anticipated.

Unnecessary Solicitation

The Arachnos base is still sending off a general alert, Character, but there's no telling how long that will last. If you want to investigate this phenomenon, then you're going to need to do it soon.

Mission Objective(s)

Map: SHARKHEAD_FREAKSHOW_TALONS

The sounds of rampant destruction echo ahead of you. Whoever's in here, they're not being very discreet.

• Investigate the Energy Anomaly
  • Search the Arachnos base
  • Speak with Captain Castillo (optional)
  • Defeat Clamor
  • Find a Fortunata

You've defeated Clamor, and learned the secret behind this strange energy source...

Enemies

Arachnos
Freakshow
Talons of Vengeance

Notable NPCs

• Captain Castillo (Sky Raiders Boss, Ally)
• Clamor (Freakshow Archvillain, Enemy)

Captain Castillo Dialogue

At Entrance:

Captain Castillo: Here we are, Character. I believe that it is time for us to take action, yes?

Captain Castillo

Briefing

So, how shall we proceed, Character? Can I expect that we shall begin a glorious and deadly campaign, shining warriors in the darkness? Or do you prefer to lay a cunning trap, and reveal yourself only when your opponent has fallen into it?

Both ways have their merits, yes? But of course, I defer to you, my inspiration. What would you have me do?

• Stick close to me, Castillo. We don't know what we're up against.

Excellent, my friend! We shall boldy stride into the darkness, ready for any threat. I am most honored to fight by your side!

• Come on, then.

• I'm not sure I trust you yet, Castillo. I'll do this alone.

Castillo scowls at you.

You wound me, Character. I will admit, one day I hope to face you in combat once more, but today is not that day. Today, I am your man, and I am thinking that you may be in need of my support.

Whatever enemies lurk in this darkness, they have Arachnos running scared, no? You would do well to proceed with caution, and there is nothing more cautious than having an ally by your side.

Still, if you insist, I will step aside and allow you the glory of this task.

• I see your point. Come along then.

Excellent, my friend! We shall boldy stride into the darkness, ready for any threat. I am most honored to fight by your side!

• Come on, then.

• I'm afraid I must insist, Castillo.

Captain Castillo Dialogue

If Refused Help:

Captain Castillo: Very well, Character. I shall leave this endeavor in your capable hands.

First Talons Spawn Defeated:

Captain Castillo: Ladies, I could really do without you all having these monstrous qualities!

Second Talons Spawn Defeated:

Captain Castillo: These are not the type of ladies I normally associate myself with...!

Clamor: Yes, YES! Clamor: Bring the destruction, bring the carnage! Clamor: Such a beautiful song! I must hear MORE!

Clamor Dialogue

75% Health:

Clamor: Destruction! Chaos! Like never before!

Captain Castillo: If only you weren't a winged monster! ... Or a Freakshow. ... Or insane.

50% Health:

Clamor: I thought it couldn't get any better than the Freakshow... this is amazing!

25% Health:

Clamor: You cannot stop what's coming, Character!

Upon Defeat:

Clamor: You'll never... stop it...

Fortunata Mistress

Briefing

Stay back! STAY BACK!

The Fortunata cowers away from you, clearly terrified out of her mind.

Don't come near me! I don't want to see them anymore!

• Calm down. What is it you don't want to see?

The Fortunata seems to let her guard down somewhat, after realizing you're neither a member of the Freakshow or a Talon of Vengeance.

Their minds. The Freaks are just idiots filled with rage and cruelty, but... but those creatures...

They have dark thoughts, Character. Sadism doesn't even begin to describe them... and they know things. They are aware of the forces that twist this world, the very fates that bind them. They can see their own destinies, as easily as you can look at your own hands.

• Interesting. Come with me.

Wha... what? What do you want me to...

The Fortunata recoils from you.

No, NO! I know what you want, I can see it, and I won't! I CAN'T!

Please... don't make me...

• (Forcibly drag the Forunata with you)

Captain Castillo: Ah ha! This one is as inspired as I! It is a pity I could not face her in single combat. Lastri: We need this one intact, Captain. I'm not entirely certain you could have restrained yourself. Lastri: It's time we took a look. Miss? If you don't mind. Fortunata: ...Must I? Lastri: Yes, I'm afraid so. You'll be free to go once you've told us what we want to know. Fortunata: Very well... Fortunata: Augh... no! Stay out! Captain Castillo: My goodness! What is happening? Fortunata: The time of chaos is at hand... all will be remade in the shape of power. Fortunata: You who would seek power for your own gain... listen well. Fortunata: Pandora's Box is opening. Fortunata: The power must have a host... Fortunata: ...a vessel... Fortunata: ...a Champion. Fortunata: Please... Fortunata: No more...

Debriefing

This... is an unexpected turn of events, Character. Pandora's Box is an artifact of legend. If it is capable of granting power to people like Clamor or Captain Castillo... well, I don't expect Recluse to take this news lying down. Others will be looking to control this power, and Arachnos will be no exception. Frankly, sir / ma'am, neither should you.

If we can find Pandora's Box before your rivals, and can learn to control it, you could have the Rogue Isles in the palm of your hand.

I'm already diverting some of my resources towards research. If they turn up anything on Pandora's Box, I'll inform you immediately.

Lastri smiles at you.

It has been a pleasure working with you thus far, sir / ma'am. I have a feeling that these next few months will be quite eventful, to say the least.