Mender Tesseract

Overview

Mender Tesseract
Mender of Ouroboros
Zone	Ouroboros
Coordinates	(534.3, 671.9, -703.3)
Level Range	25-34
Introduced By	The Pilgrim Mender Lazarus
Introduces	None
Enemy Groups	Arachnos 60s Generic Heroes Loyalists Snakes Vindicators

Mender Tesseract is a villain contact in Ouroboros at coordinates (534.3, 671.9, -703.3) .

Introductions

Information

Mender of the Ouroboros

Traveling through time is nothing new to Meg Tesseract, one of the higher ranking members of Ouroboros. Her penchant for adventure and slightly darker nature make her the perfect Mender for any morally ambivalent assignments that come up. Mender Tesseract, or 'Tesse', is as beautiful as she is brilliant, with an acerbic wit and almost palpable zeal for intrigue. That's a nice way of saying she wouldn't think twice before tossing you under a hovercraft. Just for fun.

Wrong Alignment

I have nothing for you, I'm sorry. Please speak with Twilight's Son, if you are looking for something to do.

Store

• None - This character does not sell inspirations or enhancements.

Story Arc

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 13 Reward Merits.

The Spider Weaves His Web

Souvenir

Newspaper Clipping

Had someone told you that you would be traveling back in time to 1963 to assassinate President Marchand so that Lord Recluse could assume power over the Rogue Isles, you would have told them they were nuts. But that is exactly what you did. Through trials of misinformation, a mulish contact and surviving the three fates worse than death, you proved your dedication to Lord Recluse and finally made it to the Marchand Building in St. Martial.

There, you took on loyalists utterly dedicated to keep Marchand in power, from local citizens to his staff to government operatives hired on to ensure his safety. They were no match for you. You completed your mission and history has come full circle to ensure Lord Recluse's reign. For your trouble and effort, you hold in your hand an old and weathered newspaper clipping, the words barely visible on decaying paper. The headline reads:

"President Marchand dead. Assassin unknown."

Find Marchand in his hiding place

The Spider Weaves His Web
Part One
Exemplar Level: 25-34

Briefing

Hello, Character. while I realize you've barely mastered the complex art of clothing yourself in the morning, I have an important task for you. Don't gawp, just listen.

Operations are in place to elevate Lord Recluse's authority in the Rogue Isles like never before. In order to accomplish this, there is one minor detail that you will need to take care of.

Back in 1963, President Marchand was a thorn in Recluse's side that had to be removed. you will travel back to 1963 and take care of him. Now, I do not think I need to remind you that discretion is key. But it's you, so I must. There can be NO evidence that leads Marchand's demise back to Lord Recluse.

Mission Acceptance

MOVE, bottom-feeder! Marchand is a slippery little snake. You need to catch him before he slinks away.

To do: Add Challenge Settings Template

Unnecessary solicitation

You have everything you need, Character. Please tell me you don't need me to hold your hand on this. I'd have to remove it first. What I'm really trying to say is, stop standing here and go there so that you can get this job done.

Mission Objective(s)

Marchand was smart to pick caves for a hiding place. He's slippery; no wonder he's hiding with snakes. But now that you're here, it looks like his luck just ran out.

• Go to the Safehouse
  • Search Hiding Place
  • Defeat Ms. Liberty

You land the final blow and Miss Liberty crumples to the ground at your feet.
As you defeat Ms. Liberty, you notice a spark and then a note drops to the ground. Whoops. You just received a note from the Principal's office.
You defeated both Ms. Liberty AND her mother!

Arachnos Assassin

Enemies

Snakes

Generic Heroes

Vindicators

Notable NPCs

• Arachnos Assassin (NPC Ally)
• President Marchand (NPC)
• Miss Liberty (Hero)
• Ms. Liberty (Hero)

Arachnos Assassin dialogue

When discovered: Recluse thought you could use a little help, Character.
Battle Cry: You and me, let's go!
If lost: Hey! Get back here!
If refound: Thanks, Recluse will have my head, too, if you fail.

Marchand's bodyguard

Miss Liberty:

We know you're close by, Character.

I'm waiting for you.

Think you can get Marchand? You're going to have to go through me.

President Marchand:

I'm on to you, hooligan!

Now, Miss Liberty, if you please. How does this thing work again?

Miss Liberty:

You just push the button, sir.

President Marchand:

Oh, thank you, dear. I knew that this newfangled technology always confuses me. Better luck next time, hoodlum!!

Miss Liberty:

My pleasure, sir.

Miss Liberty dialogue

At 75% Life: "You've barely scratched me! Whoever sent you should be fired!"
At 50% Life: "Okay, now I'm annoyed!"
At 25% Life: "You got me on a bad day!"
Defeated: "What? This can't be! I'm Miss Liberty!"
Defeats a villain: "You might want to consider a new career, Character. You sort of stink at this one."

Ms. Liberty to the rescue!

Ms. Liberty:

Get away from my MOTHER, Character!

You think you're the only one with access to Ouroboros?

You are DONE!

Ms. Liberty dialogue

Combat start: "I can't believe you beat up my MOM!!"
At 75% Life: "Ow! Quit it!"
At 50% Life: "You'll never win!"
At 25% Life: "I can't believe you're winning!"
Defeated: "You may have defeated me, but you didn't get Marchand! You FAILED!"
Defeats a villain: "And THAT is for hitting my mother. Punk."

Notice from Recluse

The words on the note fade in and out, as if time itself ages them into nothingness:

'You have been duped by Marchand. Your ineptitude is disheartening. You must prove your worth to me before I will allow you to continue, assassin.'

Below the reprimand is another set of coordinates. This isn't looking good for you.

Debriefing

Marchand wasn't there? Well don't cry about it, I did say that time-travel can be imprecise. So quit your blubbering, it's weak.

Besides, you were able to smack around both Ms. Liberty and her mother. What could be better than that? That'll teach Heroes for interfering with destiny.

So you received a note from Recluse. Hm, I thought that might happen. Apparently, in the fabric of time there have been failed attempts in the past and Lord Recluse has had to test his followers, erm, dedication.

Actually, I'd start worrying if I were you. You're probably going to get beaten pretty badly. But...surprise me.

I see something dark and malevolent in you. Maybe you're not completely useless. Keep it up.

Head to the Underground Lair

The Spider Weaves His Web
Part Two

Briefing

One of the many Arachnos Spectators

Let me see that paper. Hm. It looks like you will be heading to one of those Arachnos underground lairs. My guess? A test of your dedication. If I were you, I'd stock up on - how do I say this delicately - bandages. In fact, consider the bulk size. You look like a bleeder.

Mission Acceptance

Hows, this? I'll lie and tell you everything will be ALL RIGHT. Here goes, 'good luck!'. That tasted foul coming out of my mouth. Put it this way, I'm sure Lord Recluse doesn't hold a grudge. Much.

Unnecessary solicitation

Just be yourself, aim below the belt, and bob and weave. Scratch that. Be someone who will survive the trial. Don't be you.

If Lord Recluse is willing to give you a second chance, you should consider yourself lucky. He could have just had you eliminated. It's what I'd do. See? Bright side. Off you go.

The trial room

Mission Objective(s)

The chill of fear washes over you as you enter. What exactly does Lord recluse have in store? And why is that 'Arachnos Spectator' just staring at you?

• Prove your dedication
  • Survive Recluse's Wrath

Calamity had some final words for you.
You survived the three fates worse than death!

Enemies

Arachnos 60s

Notable NPCs

• Arachnos Spectator (Onlookers)
• Steve (Bookie for other spectators)
• Wrath (Arachnos 60s Elite Boss)
• Misery (Arachnos 60s Elite Boss)
• Calamity (Arachnos 60s Elite Boss)

Ambush!

After defeating Wrath you will be ambushed by one squad of Arachnos troops

Ambush!

After defeating Misery you will be ambushed by one squad of Arachnos troops

Arachnos Spectators' Idle Chat

Idle Chat: "You realize that few people ever make it out of these 'dedication' challenges, right? Recluse's is just gonna get rid of you."
Idle Chat: "You're kidding me. A strong wind could blow you over."
Idle Chat: "Oh man. THIS is what's gonna fight the fates worse than death?"
Idle Chat: "By the looks of you, this isn't gonna take long."
Idle Chat: "I feel your pain, Nah, I'm kiddin'. They're gonna mess you up bad."
Idle Chat: "Man, this thing is dirty. Oh man, Character, you're in trouble."
Idle Chat: "Ha ha! That Dagwood. He's such a weanie."
Idle Chat: "Glad I'm not you."
Idle Chat: "I was just looking in the obits, Character. Won't be long."
Idle Chat: "Yawn. I got better things to do than watch you get walked all over. Unless I'm doing it."
Idle Chat: "So dead. Gonna be pummeled blacker than this coffee I'm drinking."
Idle Chat: "Hm? Oh. Yeah. You'll be gone before I ever finish my drink."
Idle Chat: "Sorry, man, you're gonna get hurt. Bad. Mmm...coffee."
Idle Chat: "Whooo wee. You are going to take such a beating!"
Idle Chat: "You think so? Sorry, mac. It is what it is."
Idle Chat: "How much do I win if this one manages to survive?"
Idle Chat: "Let's see what the odds are that you survive, Character. Nuts! Doesn't look good."
Idle Chat: "I'll make money on you if this coin points to heads. Tails?! Nuts!"
Idle Chat: "This one looks pretty weak. Gimme forty on Team Recluse."
Idle Chat: "Can I have your costume when you lose?"
Idle Chat: "So dead."
Idle Chat: "Gimme ten on Recluse. This one looks like a sucker."
Idle Chat: "Heads you're mincemeat. Tails you survive. Nuts! Tails!"
Idle Chat: "Mmm hmm. Get your own, pal."

Steve's Idle Chat

Idle Chat: "How do you think Meat's gonna do? Yay or nay? Nay it is."
Idle Chat: "You in? Or you out?"
Idle Chat: "You sure you got that much, Mac? Okay. Writing it down."
Idle Chat: "Just tryin' to make a buck here. By the way. Don't lose. I got money on you."

Wrath dialogue

Before combat: "I'm waiting."
Combat start: "Time for you to show some guts."
At 75% Life: "Feel my rage!"
At 50% Life: "See? You, too, feel the fury!"
At 25% Life: "That's the spirit. Fuel the fire!"
Defeated: "You have weathered the Wrath of Recluse. But it's not quite over. A few surprises, still."
Defeats a villain: "I am the Wrath of Lord Recluse. You have buckled under it."

Misery dialogue

Combat start: "Bzzt: Scanning for Targetname: Character. Bzzzzzt: Target Acquired."
At 75% Life: "Ch ch ch! Breeeeep! Systems: Functional."
At 50% Life: "Bzzt. Bzzzzt. Serious damage sustained."
At 25% Life: "Bzzt. Clean-up procedures initiating. Bzzzt."
Defeated: "Bzzzzzzzzzzzz.. System disarmed. Alert: Activated. Reinforcements: Incoming."
Defeats a villain: "Bzzzt. Target eliminated. Recluse notified."

Calamity dialogue

Combat start: "I am here. Chaos will echo from these walls. You will face me now, Character. Prepare yourself."
At 75% Life: "Well now. Nicely executed move. Is there more?"
At 50% Life: "There now! That is more like it!"
At 25% Life: "So the battle has turned, has it?"
Defeated: "My compliments on your victory."
Defeats a villain: "What a pity. Recluse's faith was misplaced."

Stamp of Approval

As Calamity breathed his last, he said to you:

'Well done. You've survived the three fates worse than death. Your dedication to Lord Recluse is without question. Take this sash as proof that you have defeated your final challenge.

Calamity's Sash

The sash from Calamity's outfit. Proof that you have survived Lord Recluse's trial.

Debriefing Mission Failure

Oh. Character. You've returned. Like an annoying younger sibling. The kind one can't 'misplace' without law enforcement sniffing around afterwards.

Editor's Note:

You will be prompted to restart this mission afterwards.

Debriefing Mission Failure

Hello, lamb. Meet wolf. You couldn't stay away, obviously. I knew it, of course.

Editor's Note:

You will be prompted to restart this mission afterwards.

Debriefing Mission Successful

Succeeded did you? I don't believe you. There should be a sash. Show it to me. Well, the good news is, with Recluse's faith in you restored, we may now - finally - move on. Get it right this time. This is becoming embarrassing.

Your service has been reasonably useful to me. Believe me, that's the best you'll ever hope to get.

Take out Marchand once and for all

The Spider Weaves His Web
Finale

Briefing

Your luck has changed, Character and I'm going to tell you why. I received some intel that pinpoints the location of President Marchand on this day back in 1963. Apparently, he secured his entire building in St. Martial! Hide in plain sight, I supposed. So I'm going to send you back in time to put that final nail in his coffin.

So your job is to break into the building and get Marchand. If you think the task will be simple, think again. Marchand had many many supporters, both civilian and staff, who did not wish to see him ousted from his position. If you can make your way past his men and get the key to the secure elevator, then you can get to him. Please feel free to eliminate everything in your path. Should you leave witnesses, well, now that would be bad for Lord Recluse, wouldn't it?

Mission Acceptance

Have fun storming the presidential building!

Unnecessary solicitation

I recommend that you take out all witnesses. Ultimately, it's up to you. But if you get lazy and are caught, I never knew you.

Marchand's presidential room

Mission Objective(s)

You cleverly piped gas into the building through some of the air ducts beforehand. At least it'll knock a few of them out.

You can feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end as you enter the lobby of the Marchand building. It's not every day you attempt to assassinate a president.

• Eliminate President Marchand
  • Find elevator key hidden in file cabinet
  • Get key from Memphis
  • Defeat President Marchand

You found a hand written letter addressed to Character.
You found the stashed elevator key!
You rifle through Agent Memphis's pockets until you find his key.
You have assassinated President Marchand and made sure to eliminate all traces of evidence.

Enemies

Loyalists

Notable NPCs

• Agent Memphis (Loyalists (Primal Earth) Government Operative)
• President Marchand (President, same ranking as Hero or Archvillain)

Loyal Citizens dialogue

Combat start: Traitor!
Combat start: Recluse is a punk, man!

Disoriented Citizen dialogue

Getting up: I don't feel so g-- You! You won't get away with this!

Talking Citizens dialogue

Before combat:

Loyal Citizen 1: Did you see Gomer Pyle last night? That Gomer. 'Shazam'!

Combat start:

Loyal Citizen 2: You' re a bad person!

---

Before combat:

Loyal Citizen 3: I'm not really worried. There is no way anyone could ever hurt the president. It's just not done.

Combat start:

Loyal Citizen 4: How can you try to kill a president as beloved as Marchand? What is WRONG with you?!

Dear Character...

While time traveling into the past, you visit President Marchand's presidential suite and in a file cabinet you find a hand written letter addressed to Character...

I have posed many questions for you in many other times, Character, but perhaps the most important one is this, 'who is Mender Silos? He claims to be from a future so far in time that his own science would make it impossible. He claims that humanity has been wiped out, but doesn't say who did it. He claims that he is here to help, but who is he really helping? You, of all people, should be able to detect a ruse when you see one.

I know that you are currently working for Mender Tesseract. Of all the Menders, I believe her to be the most honest in her ways. If not for Silos' agenda and the dreaded Temporal Scaling, I believe she would have enslaved your time and ruled as empress. Silos claims that she is 'reformed' from her upbringing, but I do not believe it. Her kind was bred to rule, to conquer, to consume. There is no 'high road' along that path. Tesseract is a nightmare given form, a monster with a pretty smile. Pray you never meet her in her own time.

Don't allow yourself to be fooled, but don't let yourself be discovered either. Play their game for now; learn everything you can about these Menders. It will aid you later. For now, look for my other letters, Character. I shall see you in the pillar when the time is right.

Key to the next floor

You now have the key to the elevator that leads to the third floor.

Agent Memphis dialogue

Combat start: "The president is already on his way to the roof and a helicopter en route. You'll never get to him!"

Key to the Presidential Elevator

You now have the key to the elevator that leads to the presidential wing.

Marchand tries to escape a second time

President Marchand:

Memphis! What's the situation inside? Have you taken out the assassin yet? Where's that helicopter!?

Memphis? Memphis? Lock it down! NOW!

They'll never make it up here alive. I have so many people protecting me, it would take a small army to get up here.

Recluse? He's a nobody. He'll never make it out of the sewer he lives in!

Marchand Loyalists dialogue

Combat start: I'll wipe you out before you get to Marchand.

President Marchand dialogue

Before Combat: "I have your assurance that this facility is locked down?"
Combat start: "You can't attack the president of the Rogue Isles!"
At 75% Life: "Where are those aides? Keeping me alive is their job."
At 50% Life: "You treasonous little worm!"
At 25% Life: "You don't know what you're doing! Recluse will destroy the Rogue Isles!"
Defeated: "But my term wasn't up yet..."
Defeats a villain: "Tell Recluse his bid for presidency is TERMINATED."

Debriefing

Tell me you didn't mess this up, too. No? Well it's about time you succeeded at something. All events have fallen into place so that Lord Recluse may, indeed, become the ruler of the Rogue Isles.

Etymology

A Tesseract is the 4 dimensional analog of a cube. For more information see Wikipedia's article on the Tesseract.

Her name could also be a reference to the book A Wrinkle in Time wherein a Tesseract is a means of traveling through space instantaneously. The fact that she shares a first name with the main character of the book seems to support this idea.

Historical

This section contains information that no longer applies to the current version of City of Heroes/Villains. It is provided for historical purposes.

Mender Tesseract was originally a strike force contact, but her strike force is now a regular story arc.