Template:StoryArc An Unnatural Order

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An Unnatural Order (25-29)

Souvenir

Will of the Earth Sample

You've kept this sealed sample of the Devouring Earth's strange mutagen, the Will of the Earth. It's a reminder of the adventure you've come to think of as:

An Unnatural Order

It began when your contact sent you to investigate a Devouring Earth raid. After stopping the destruction, you learned that the creatures were after some biotechnology equipment. So it came as no surprise when your contact sent you to protect Lomad Labs, a biotechnology firm, from the creatures. However, you were appalled to learn that, in addition to equipment, the Devouring Earth was making off with Lomad's scientists.

You hastened after the kidnapped scientists and managed to rescue many of them. One of the hostages informed you that the Devouring Earth had also abducted several mystics from the area. Your contact sent you to a nearby Council base to seek clues to the location of these missing magicians. A Council file tipped you off to the Devouring Earth's base location, and you saved the missing mystics. However, you learned of two more hostages the Devouring Earth still held in its clutches.

You set off at once to rescue Professor August P. Lovelethe and Dr. Achilles Theron. Although you saved the professor, you learned that Dr. Theron might not want to be rescued. Indeed, it seemed he was in league with the Devouring Earth!

The doctor planned to help the Devouring Earth release a terrible mutagen into the city's water system. You prevented this vile plan, and recovered a sample of the mutagen, the Will of the Earth. It was strange stuff, this mutagen. You could hear a mental voice emanating from it. By listening to this voice, you were able to track down the last remnants of the mutagen. In doing so, you came face to face with the treacherous Dr. Theron. You defeated the doctor, now a hideous Devouring Earth creature, and recovered the Will of the Earth.

Defeat the Devouring Earth before they can mount a full attack

An Unnatural Order Part One

Briefing

I have something that needs your attention. Devouring Earth creatures have been spotted massing in a warehouse. They're trashing the place, but I don't think that's the sum of their plan. There's a good chance that their masters are planning some kind of raid and are using the place as a rally point. If you can defeat the Devouring Earth before they can mount a full attack, we could save a lot of people and property.

Mission Acceptance

Keep on the lookout for any clues that might explain why the Devouring Earth is attacking that warehouse.

Unnecessary Solicitation

I want that raid stopped, Character! Today!

Mission Objective(s)

From the number of muddy trails tracked through this lobby, you guess the Devouring Earth have a big project going on here.

• Stop Devouring Earth raid
  • 2 workers left, 7 crates to find

You defeated the Devouring Earth and rescued their victims.

	Packing slip
	You found this packing slip in a crate the Devouring Earth had ransacked. According to the slip, the crate used to hold research equipment scheduled for delivery to Lomad Labs, a biotech company in Paragon City.

	The warehouse worker's story
	One of the warehouse workers you rescued told you: 'I'm real glad to see you! And I think I might have something that'll help you out. The whole time those things were here, I kept my eyes open. And they were rooting through boxes, taking all kinds of stuff! Fact is, I think that's why they came.'

Notable NPCs

• 2 Workers (Hostages)

Enemies

• Devouring Earth
  

Debriefing

You saved a lot of lives today. It's kind of odd, though. You say the Devouring Earth stole a shipment of technological devices? Usually they just destroy anything man made.

Stop the Devouring Earth attack

An Unnatural Order Part Two

Briefing

Apparently that Devouring Earth technology theft wasn't merely random violence. The creatures are after the same company they stole from, Lomad Labs. This time they've struck one of the company's lab facilities. They're tearing the place apart and kidnapping scientists. You've got to stop the Devouring Earth attack!

Mission Acceptance

The Devouring Earth hate technology and everything man made, so it's no surprise that they'd stage an attack on a biotech company. But they must have something against Lomad Labs. After all, they were destroying Lomad's shipments when you fought them in that warehouse.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You've got to save Lomad Labs from the Devouring Earth!

Mission Objective(s)

The lab's high tech security system is still sending out a desperate screech.

• Stop Devouring Earth attack
  • 3 scientists to save

You have defeated the Devouring Earth and saved many of the Lomad Labs researchers.

	Scientist's concerns
	One of the scientists you rescued told you: 'I'm glad you came to save us, but those creatures already took a number of my comrades away. They gathered us up, and sorted through everyone. They seemed to identify us by scent! They picked a few people out and took them away. I hate to think what will happen to them.'

	Scientist's observation
	One of the scientists you rescued told you: 'I know it seems like they were just here to kidnap and destroy, but I saw them steal lab equipment! It was strange, but they seemed to know exactly what they were looking for.'

Notable NPCs

• 3 Scientists (Hostages)

Enemies

• Devouring Earth
  

Debriefing

You did as well as you possibly could, but it sure seems like the Devouring Earth have something against Lomad Labs. That's two strikes they've made against the company so far! I know that you're worried about the scientists those creatures kidnapped, but it's not over yet. Those people may still have a chance.

Save the scientists from the Devouring Earth

An Unnatural Order Part Three

Briefing

I got some info on those scientists the Devouring Earth kidnapped from Lomad Labs. One of them was able to get a call out on his cell phone. The police are gathering forces to mount a rescue, but I don't think we have time to wait. Save those scientists from the Devouring Earth!

Mission Acceptance

The Devouring Earth moved the scientists into a series of shallow caverns. They're probably waiting for things to quiet down so they can move the scientists to their main habitat out in Eden.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You need to rescue all of the missing scientists. Once the Devouring Earth has moved them to Eden, they won't survive for long.

Mission Objective(s)

You hear a shouted order and frown. When did the Devouring Earth learn 'Attack Maneuver Theta?'

• Rescue kidnapped scientists
  • 3 scientists to rescue

You have rescued the kidnapped researchers from Lomad Labs.

Scientist's warning

One of the kidnapped scientists you rescued told you: 'You need to know that we weren't the only prisoners they had. There was also a woman named Raquel Thibodaux, a mystic anthropologist who had recently arrived in Paragon City. She said she was kidnapped a few nights ago, and had met several other mystic researchers who had also been kidnapped by the Devouring Earth. But they moved all of us after the Council attacked.'

	Scientist's story
	One of the kidnapped scientists you rescued told you: 'They wanted us alive. They even said they would wait to change us until we had helped their leader. I said I'd never help them, but they said that the Hamidon would change our minds or devour us. I don't even know what this Hamidon is, or what it wanted us to help it with. I'm just glad you came when you did.

Notable NPCs

• 3 Hostages

Enemies

• Council
  
• Devouring Earth
  

Debriefing

Kidnapped scientists, and now missing mystics too. It seems the Devouring Earth have been busy. I checked around; a French mystic named Raquel Thibodaux did arrive in town last week, but she hasn't been to any of the conferences she came here to attend. We need some way to locate her and any more kidnapped people before it's too late.

Seek information in Council base

An Unnatural Order Part Four

Briefing

It seems those scientists you rescued were right: the Devouring Earth have kidnapped a lot more people than we had guessed. I've been able to link several missing persons cases to recent Devouring Earth raids. They've been taking mystics from all over the area. Right now, our best chance at finding them is to get information on their movements from some of their enemies. One of the scientists you rescued in the caves mentioned an attack by the Council. There's probably a Council base near those caves. I need you to go to that base and see if they have any information about where the Devouring Earth are taking the kidnapped people.

Mission Acceptance

Whatever the Devouring Earth is up to, it's big. Some of the kidnapped were from cities normally outside their range. Let's just hope that the Council's habit of careful record keeping work for us this time.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Check computers, check files, check reports. The Council files everything. All you have to do is find the information on the location of the Devouring Earth.

Mission Objective(s)

The Council always keeps close tabs on other groups. It's a sure bet that they have info on the Devouring Earth.

• Seek info at Council base
  • Locate any evidence

You've found the information you need to locate the remaining kidnapping victims.

	Report on the Devouring Earth
	This printed report details the estimated movements and actions of the Devouring Earth, as seen by the Council. The report notes that the Devouring Earth have recently gathered a number of prisoners in a well-secured cave system and are holding them there.

Enemies

• Council
  

Debriefing

Thanks for getting this information. Now maybe we can find those people the Devouring Earth kidnapped.

Rescue the hostages from the Devouring Earth

An Unnatural Order Part Five

Briefing

That information you recovered pinpoints the last known location of the mystics the Devouring Earth kidnapped. However, it looks like there may be one more person to look for. I just got a call from Lomad Labs. Seems one of their researchers, a Dr. Theron, disappeared from his home last night. They must have grabbed him after you rescued those other Lomad techs. I need you to rescue the hostages from the Devouring Earth. You're the best chance they've got.

Mission Acceptance

Kidnapped scientists, missing mystics, and stolen lab equipment. I still have no idea what the Devouring Earth are planning, but it can't be good.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You need to locate those victims before the Devouring Earth can move them again.

Mission Objective(s)

Shuffling human footprints mark the ground. Looking at them, you can almost feel the hostages' weariness and desperation.

• Defeat all creatures in cave
  • 3 mystics to save
  • 3 mystics to lead out

You have defeated the Devouring Earth and rescued most of their victims.

Notes

• You do not have to lead each mystic out individually. You can collect them all before heading toward the exit, though you will have to deal with ambushes along the way.

	Raquel Thibodaux' story
	When you rescued Raquel Thibodaux, she told you: 'You have arrived in time to save our lives, but those foul creatures still have two prisoners. The monsters moved Professor August P. Lovelethe and Dr. Achilles Theron to another location. I will consult with the spirits to divine their location. I will contact you as soon as that location is clear in my mind.'

Notable NPCs

• Kidnapped mystic X2 (Hostages)
• Raquel Thibodaux (Hostage)
• Lesser Devoured X3 (One guarding each hostage)

Enemies

• Devouring Earth
  

Ambush! After freeing each hostage you will be ambushed by a single group of Devouring Earth creatures

Kidnapped Mystic One dialogue

Devouring Earth minion: Foul human Kidnapped mystic: Leave me alone!

(aggroed)

Lesser Devoured: Hrraaaahhhh!

(once free)

Kidnapped mystic: Thank you for saving us from those twisted perversions of nature.

(when reaching the door)

Kidnapped mystic: You are a remarkable hero.

Kidnapped Mystic Two dialogue

Devouring Earth minion: Stupid human. You ours forever. Kidnapped mystic: I foresee a change of fortune in near future

(aggroed)

Kidnapped mystic: Told you so.

Lesser Devoured: Die!

(once free)

Kidnapped mystic: I knew someone would come. Can you get me out of here?

(when reaching the door)

Kidnapped mystic: I see great things in your future.

Raquel Thibodaux dialogue

Devouring Earth minion: Hrrh Raquel Thibodaux: Leave me alone!

(aggroed)

Lesser Devoured: Human filth!

(once free)

Raquel Thibodaux: I may know something that could help you. Can you get me out of here?

(when reaching the door)

Raquel Thibodaux: Thank you, Character. But we're not the creature's only hostages, I'm afraid. You will have to be brave if you carry this further.

Debriefing

Those people you saved are in protective custody now. I only wish we could have found all the Devouring Earth's kidnapping victims! Ms. Thibodaux has promised to try and divine the location of the two missing scientists. After that, it'll be all up to you.

Save Dr. Theron and Professor Lovelethe

An Unnatural Order Part Six

Briefing

Raquel Thibodaux, one of the mystics you rescued from the Devouring Earth, just contacted me. She says she's divined the location of the last two people taken by the Devouring Earth. With luck, we can still save Dr. Theron and Professor Lovelethe.

You had better take along some spare emergency teleporters, just in case.

Mission Acceptance

Raquel said that this area may contain answers for you. She was pretty vague about it, but you better keep your eyes peeled.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You need to find at least some trace of Dr. Achilles Theron and Professor Augustus P. Lovelethe.

Mission Objective(s)

It's bitterly cold in this wilderness, cold enough to make you shudder in sympathy for the Devouring Earth's hostages.

• Rescue missing scientists
  • Find doctor, Seek clues, Find Professor

You've rescued Professor Lovelethe and discovered the Devouring Earth's plan.

Dr. Theron's journal

After reading a few entries from this tattered journal, you can feel Dr. Theron's growing disgust with humanity and society. In the latter half of the book, there are vague references to meetings with the 'New ones.' The last few entries deal with Dr. Theron's growing desire to help his new friends, and perhaps even become one of them. As he puts it: 'To leave this sickening species behind me and be reborn in the biological crucible of the Hamidon. To shed my old flesh and live forever as part of a new ecology. To join myself, body and soul, with the Devouring Earth! How I long for that day!'

Professor Lovelethe's story

When you rescued Professor Lovelethe, he told you: 'I have failed. I am sorry, but I have failed this city and its people. The Devouring Earth wanted Dr. Theron and me to help them make something they called the Will of the Earth. A terrible stuff, a mutagenic bacterium infused with magical power. I refused and waited for death. But Dr. Theron convinced me we could sabotage their plan if I would help him. 'I agreed, but I was a fool. Theron betrayed me. He was working for them the entire time! They only have a sample, but the havoc it could wreak is incalculable. I think they plan to release it into the sewer system as a test. You must stop them!'

Notable NPCs

• Professor Lovelethe (NPC Ally)
• Spawn Chamber X3 (Object)

Enemies

• Devouring Earth
  

Devouring Earth Minions dialogue

Devouring Earth minion: Kill all humans!

Devouring Earth minion: Vermin! Scum!

Professor Lovelethe dialogue

(while captured)

Professor Lovelethe: Leave me alone, you vile lettuce!

(once free)

Professor Lovelethe: I can help you defeat these rampant rutabegas!

(if refound)

Professor Lovelethe: Thanks for coming back

Debriefing

A magical mutagen? Dr. Theron in league with the Devouring Earth? This has to be stopped, and quickly. Fortunately, I think you may have found all the clues needed to put a halt to this.

Prevent the Devouring Earth from releasing the Will of the Earth into the water system

An Unnatural Order Part Seven

Briefing

According to that scientist you rescued, Professor Lovelethe, the Devouring Earth plan to release this mutagen of theirs into the sewers. We may not have much time. You've got to stop the Devouring Earth from releasing the Will of the Earth into the water system.

Mission Acceptance

The mutagen is contained in giant crystal structures. You'll need to destroy all of them.

Unnecessary Solicitation

The Will of the Earth mutagen is your top priority. Don't worry about anything else.

Mission Objective(s)

Not far away, you hear the shuffling of Devouring Earth creatures.

• Stop release of mutagen
  • 5 crystals to destroy

You have recovered the Devouring Earth's magical mutagen and prevented its release.

Will of the Earth

This canister contains a sample of a glowing violet bacteria, the living mutagen called the Will of the Earth. When you hold the sealed canister, you sense a faint presence in your mind, as if the substance is speaking telepathically. A million tiny mental voices unite into a single chorus of thought, but it's not talking to itself. You sense that it's communicating with another colony of Will of the Earth some distance away.

Enemies

• Devouring Earth
  

Notable NPCs

• Will of the Earth x5

Will of the Earth Guards dialogue

Devouring Earth minion 1: Must release the Will!
Devouring Earth minion 2: Wait for signal!

(aggroed)

Devouring Earth minion 1: You cannot defy our Will!

Debriefing

Holding this Devouring Earth mutagen is the strangest experience. I swear, I can hear its voice chattering away inside my head! It seems to be talking to a larger colony of mutagenic bacteria. If there's a larger colony, then this still isn't over.

Destroy the Will of the Earth

An Unnatural Order Finale

Briefing

Okay. You've already gone beyond the call of duty to destroy this Devouring Earth mutagen, the Will of the Earth. But it looks like there's more of this stuff out there, and the Devouring Earth might be getting ready to unleash it on the populace. You need to destroy the Will of the Earth, once and for all. Thankfully, this sample of the mutagen seems to have some sort of telepathic connection to the rest. It should lead you in the right direction.

Mission Acceptance

It's only a matter of time before the Devouring Earth unleash this mutagen on the city.

Unnecessary Solicitation

I need every last sample of that mutagen under lock and key.

Mission Objective(s)

This magical mutagen seems to truly have an intelligence of its own. Its voice whispers insidious comments inside your head.

• Defeat all creatures in cave
  • 3 crystals to destroy

You have defeated the Devouring Earth and contained their mutagen.

Notable NPCs

• Will of the Earth X3
• Dr. Theron (Devouring Earth Lesser Devoured)

Enemies

• Devouring Earth
  

Will of the Earth Guards dialogue

Devouring Earth minion 1: Must release the Will!
Devouring Earth minion 2: Wait for signal!

(aggroed)

Devouring Earth minion 1: You cannot defy our Will!

Dr. Theron dialogue

Combat start: You cannot stand before the will of Hamidon!

Debriefing

You did it. You stopped the Devouring Earth from releasing their mutagen! I can't even imagine what might have happened if you hadn't been there, but congrats. You did a bang up job. I'll make sure that all of the Will of the Earth you recovered gets to the proper labs. Maybe one day, we'll find a way to reverse the changes it can cause.

This has taught us a lot about the Devouring Earth that we didn't know before. Until now, everyone always thought the leaders of the Devouring Earth were people who were producing monsters. But Dr. Theron's transformation seems to indicate that any person who was once a member is now a monster himself! I wonder what this leader of theirs is like, this strange Hamidon. But I guess that's a worry for later.