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== Story Arc ==
== Story Arc ==
=== The Red and the Black===
=== The Red and the Black===
'''Souvenir:''' A Letter of Apology from W.M. Dietrich
'''Souvenir:''' [[A Letter of Apology from W.M. Dietrich]]


You were pretty stunned when you received this letter from Captain Wilhelmina Marlena Dietrich of Longbow. In it she expressed, in her crisp and slightly condescending manner, her sincerest apologies for the unfortunate series of events that led to her attempt to shut Vanguard down. Those same events also nearly led to the end of the world during an adventure you remember as:
You were pretty stunned when you received this letter from Captain Wilhelmina Marlena Dietrich of Longbow. In it she expressed, in her crisp and slightly condescending manner, her sincerest apologies for the unfortunate series of events that led to her attempt to shut Vanguard down. Those same events also nearly led to the end of the world during an adventure you remember as:


'''The Red and the Black'''
'''The Red and the Black'''


It all began with a request for help from Gaussian. Unlike many cloak-and-dagger types you've encountered in your super-powered career, Gaussian came straight to the point: he wasn't just Vanguard's premier tactician, he was also the commander of Vanguard's secret covert operations division, known as the Sword. He was concerned that a faction of the Sword may have gone renegade and wanted your help to investigate the situation. You found a Rikti Diplomat that had been kidnapped and stopped his execution by the Sword soldiers on the scene. Gaussian covered up te situation to the Rikti, but you and he both knew the truth: this wasn't an isolated squad. This was a conspiracy and needed to be rooted out.
It all began with a request for help from Gaussian. Unlike many cloak-and-dagger types you've encountered in your super-powered career, Gaussian came straight to the point: he wasn't just Vanguard's premier tactician, he was also the commander of Vanguard's secret covert operations division, known as the Sword. He was concerned that a faction of the Sword may have gone renegade and wanted your help to investigate the situation. You found a Rikti Diplomat that had been kidnapped and stopped his execution by the Sword soldiers on the scene. Gaussian covered up the situation to the Rikti, but you and he both knew the truth: this wasn't an isolated squad. This was a conspiracy and needed to be rooted out.


Your investigation continued into the Renegade Swords, but by the time you arrived, the situation was already out of control. Lt. Sefu Tendaji of Longbow was on the scene looking for a missing diplomat. Though he helped you fight past the renegades, when you found the diplomat already assassinated, you knew that despite Sefu's good attitude towards Vanguard things were about to get much worse between your organizations. You had little time to worry, though, as documents you confiscated on the scene pointed to the Renegade Swords' next target: Lady Grey herself!
Your investigation continued into the Renegade Swords, but by the time you arrived, the situation was already out of control. [[Lt. Sefu Tendaji]] of Longbow was on the scene looking for a missing diplomat. Though he helped you fight past the renegades, when you found the diplomat already assassinated, you knew that despite Sefu's good attitude towards Vanguard things were about to get much worse between your organizations. You had little time to worry, though, as documents you confiscated on the scene pointed to the Renegade Swords' next target: Lady Grey herself!


Lady Grey was willing to help lay a trap for the Renegades, using herself as bait. Together, you were able to smash their attack, crushing much of the Renegade Swords' combat forces. You were on the verge of victory over them, when something went terribly wrong.
Lady Grey was willing to help lay a trap for the Renegades, using herself as bait. Together, you were able to smash their attack, crushing much of the Renegade Swords' combat forces. You were on the verge of victory over them, when something went terribly wrong.


At first, things seemed like they were going to be fine. The remaining Renegades were in a panic and had left one of their main intelligence officers exposed. You swept in to capture him only to be confronted by Longbow forces! Ms. Liberty and Longbow's leadership had blamed the extreme actions of the Renegade Swords on Vanguard as a whole and were now demanding that the Vanguard stand down or be put down. In this mess, you found that the Renegade Sword officer you were looking for had swallowed a poison capsule rather than be captured, and you even found yourself facing Lt. Sefu Tendaji as a foe! You prevailed in battle, but before he used his medical teleport, Lt. Tendaji told you about a secret Longbow spy-base that might have the information you were hoping to get from the Renegade officer.
At first, things seemed like they were going to be fine. The remaining Renegades were in a panic and had left one of their main intelligence officers exposed. You swept in to capture him only to be confronted by Longbow forces! Ms. Liberty and Longbow's leadership had blamed the extreme actions of the Renegade Swords on Vanguard as a whole and were now demanding that the Vanguard stand down or be put down. In this mess, you found that the Renegade Sword officer you were looking for had swallowed a poison capsule rather than be captured, and you even found yourself facing Lt. Sefu Tendaji as a foe! You prevailed in battle, but before he used his medical teleport, Lt. Tendaji told you about a secret Longbow spy-base that might have the information you were hoping to get from the Renegade officer.


Armed with Sefu's tip, you infiltrated the Longbow base. You found the files, and they revealed that the Renegades were planning something completely insane: to destroy the dimensional conduit between our world and the Rikti world, separating the two realities forever. It may have sounded like a good idea to the desperate, but as both Gaussian and the Longbow report pointed out, the interdimensional backlash of such a rash and destructive action could cause both dimensions to collapse, annihilating both universes!
Armed with Sefu's tip, you infiltrated the Longbow base. You found the files, and they revealed that the Renegades were planning something completely insane: to destroy the dimensional conduit between our world and the Rikti world, separating the two realities forever. It may have sounded like a good idea to the desperate, but as both Gaussian and the Longbow report pointed out, the interdimensional backlash of such a rash and destructive action could cause both dimensions to collapse, annihilating both universes!


The final battle with the Renegade Sword's leadership was hectic as it became a three-way melee when Longbow joined the fight. In the end you defeated the last of the Renegade Swords, captured their portal technicians, destroyed their disrupter device, and even sent Captain W.M. Dietrich packing. The world was safe, even if you'd had to save it from itself.
The final battle with the Renegade Sword's leadership was hectic as it became a three-way melee when Longbow joined the fight. In the end you defeated the last of the Renegade Swords, captured their portal technicians, destroyed their disrupter device, and even sent Captain W.M. Dietrich packing. The world was safe, even if you'd had to save it from itself.


Once Longbow had proof that the Renegade Swords really were acting on their own, Captain Dietrich took it to Ms. Liberty herself. She may not like Vanguard much, but she's honest and admits when she's wrong. Gaussian thanked you for all your help, but here had to part ways with you. Though the situation had been handled, it had happened on his watch. He took responsibility and would accept the heat for it as he tried to get the Swords back into shape after all of this. However, before you left, he told you that the Dark Watcher wanted to see you. The Watcher isn't known for making requests lightly, so this should be interesting.
Once Longbow had proof that the Renegade Swords really were acting on their own, Captain Dietrich took it to Ms. Liberty herself. She may not like Vanguard much, but she's honest and admits when she's wrong. Gaussian thanked you for all your help, but here had to part ways with you. Though the situation had been handled, it had happened on his watch. He took responsibility and would accept the heat for it as he tried to get the Swords back into shape after all of this. However, before you left, he told you that the Dark Watcher wanted to see you. The Watcher isn't known for making requests lightly, so this should be interesting.


==== {{UL|Accept Gaussian's Mission}} ====
==== {{UL|Accept Gaussian's Mission}} ====
'''The Red and the Black<br />Part: One'''
'''The Red and the Black<br />Part: One'''


{{Mission Briefing|Type=Briefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=The mission I have is dangerous, but unlike some cloak-and-dagger types, I actually like it when the people I work with know what's going on. Deniability is great, sure, but I prefer people to be able to react to a changing situation. So if you're in, I'll give you the low-down. But don't make me wait too long.
{{Mission Briefing|Type=Briefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=The mission I have is dangerous, but unlike some cloak-and-dagger types, I actually like it when the people I work with know what's going on. Deniability is great, sure, but I prefer people to be able to react to a changing situation. So if you're in, I'll give you the low-down. But don't make me wait too long.


Okay, here's the situation:<br />You know about the branches of [[Vanguard]], right? The Helm, Shield, and Gauntlet? Well, there's another branch. The one I run: the Sword. We handle counter-intelligence, special forces actions, all that kind of stuff. It can be some ugly work, but it's necessary.
Okay, here's the situation:<br />You know about the branches of [[Vanguard]], right? The Helm, Shield, and Gauntlet? Well, there's another branch. The one I run: the Sword. We handle counter-intelligence, special forces actions, all that kind of stuff. It can be some ugly work, but it's necessary.


Now here's what this has to do with you:<br />Some actions have gone... wrong lately. Frankly, I suspect that some of the Sword have been compromised. I can't investigate it myself, so I need someone to do it by proxy. That would be you. And this is the incident I want you to check:<br />One of those [[Traditionalist]] Negotiators is missing. One of the Sword teams I suspect was in the vicinity, lead by Captain Flint, someone I used to trust. I want you to check out their location. If the diplomat's there, bring him back alive. I'll be waiting for your report. Oh, and the negotiator's name is Sah'Teece. Apparently he was a [[Rikti]] sports hero before he became a diplomat. Some kind of racing, I guess.}}
Now here's what this has to do with you:<br />Some actions have gone... wrong lately. Frankly, I suspect that some of the Sword have been compromised. I can't investigate it myself, so I need someone to do it by proxy. That would be you. And this is the incident I want you to check:<br />One of those [[Traditionalist]] Negotiators is missing. One of the Sword teams I suspect was in the vicinity, lead by Captain Flint, someone I used to trust. I want you to check out their location. If the diplomat's there, bring him back alive. I'll be waiting for your report. Oh, and the negotiator's name is Sah'Teece. Apparently he was a [[Rikti]] sports hero before he became a diplomat. Some kind of racing, I guess.}}


{{Mission Objective|Entrance=This really looks like the kind of place someone could dump a body.|Primary=Locate Missing Negotiator|Secondary=Rescue Sah'Teece
{{Mission Objective|Entrance=This really looks like the kind of place someone could dump a body.|Primary=Locate Missing Negotiator|Secondary=Rescue Sah'Teece
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* Sword Sorcerer ([[Vanguard Sword]], Boss)
* Sword Sorcerer ([[Vanguard Sword]], Boss)
Sword Sorcerer: ''Stand down and walk away, Character! This doesn't involve you!''<br>
Sword Sorcerer: ''Stand down and walk away, Character! This doesn't involve you!''<br>
Sword Sorcerer: ''This is your choice, then.''
Sword Sorcerer: ''This is your choice, then.''


* [[Negotiator Sah'Teece]] (Returning Human, Defector)
* [[Negotiator Sah'Teece]] (Returning Human, Defector)
Negotiator Sah'Teece: ''Protest: Innocence! Occupation: Diplomat! Prior Actions: Non-Hostile!''
Negotiator Sah'Teece: ''Protest: Innocence! Occupation: Diplomat! Prior Actions: Non-Hostile!''


* Lt. Davidson ([[Vanguard Sword]], Boss)
* Lt. Davidson ([[Vanguard Sword]], Boss)
Lt. Davidson: ''It's not persona. . . Character!'' ''Send a message to Captain Flint!''
Lt. Davidson: ''It's not persona. . . Character!'' ''Send a message to Captain Flint!''


* Captain Flint ([[Vanguard Sword]], Boss)
* Captain Flint ([[Vanguard Sword]], Boss)
Captain Flint: ''You don't go any farther.''<br>
Captain Flint: ''You don't go any farther.''<br>
Captain Flint: ''No one can stop the power of Flint!''
Captain Flint: ''No one can stop the power of Flint!''




{{Mission Clue|Name=Assassination List|Text=If you weren't a member of Vanguard, this Cipher would take serious effort to decode. But with your training, it only takes a few moments to read the names of the negotiators and diplomats this squad has been assigned to murder. The evidence is plain, but leaves you with more questions.}}
{{Mission Clue|Name=Assassination List|Text=If you weren't a member of Vanguard, this Cipher would take serious effort to decode. But with your training, it only takes a few moments to read the names of the negotiators and diplomats this squad has been assigned to murder. The evidence is plain, but leaves you with more questions.}}


{{Mission Briefing|Type=Debriefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=Sah'Teece has been on Earth for a while. We told him that his kidnappers were really [[Nemesis Automatons]], and he bought it without reservation. Guess you can get used to anything. But you and I know that those were real people, soldiers of the Vanguard who've gone renegade. They're taking orders to illegally murder people with an eye towards destabilizing the peace with the Traditionalists. This isn't just Flint and a rogue squad. This is a conspiracy. And I'm going to need your help rooting it out.}}
{{Mission Briefing|Type=Debriefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=Sah'Teece has been on Earth for a while. We told him that his kidnappers were really [[Nemesis Automatons]], and he bought it without reservation. Guess you can get used to anything. But you and I know that those were real people, soldiers of the Vanguard who've gone renegade. They're taking orders to illegally murder people with an eye towards destabilizing the peace with the Traditionalists. This isn't just Flint and a rogue squad. This is a conspiracy. And I'm going to need your help rooting it out.}}


==== {{UL|Investigate Renegade Safe House}} ====
==== {{UL|Investigate Renegade Safe House}} ====
'''The Red and the Black<br />Part: Two'''
'''The Red and the Black<br />Part: Two'''


{{Mission Briefing|Type=Briefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=Working with the data you've collected and the testimony of the traitors you brought in, we've found the location of a rally point for the renegades. I want you to go in and try to get any intelligence you can gather. We need to know what they're planning and how they were turned against us.
{{Mission Briefing|Type=Briefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=Working with the data you've collected and the testimony of the traitors you brought in, we've found the location of a rally point for the renegades. I want you to go in and try to get any intelligence you can gather. We need to know what they're planning and how they were turned against us.


So far, we've kept the presence of the Renegades within the Sword quiet. I'd like to keep it that way and end this quickly.}}
So far, we've kept the presence of the Renegades within the Sword quiet. I'd like to keep it that way and end this quickly.}}


{{Mission Objective|Entrance=Nothing good has happened in this abandoned place in a long time.|Primary=Strike Renegade Safe House|Secondary=3 clues
{{Mission Objective|Entrance=Nothing good has happened in this abandoned place in a long time.|Primary=Strike Renegade Safe House|Secondary=3 clues
**Defeat Captain Grool|Completion=You're finished at the safe house. Time to tell Gaussian what you've learned.}}
**Defeat Captain Grool|Completion=You're finished at the safe house. Time to tell Gaussian what you've learned.}}
[[Image:LongbowLtSefuTendaji1.jpg|right|100px|thumb|<div style="text-align: center;border:none">Lt. Sefu Tendaji</div>]]
[[Image:LongbowLtSefuTendaji1.jpg|right|100px|thumb|<div style="text-align: center;border:none">Lt. Sefu Tendaji</div>]]
'''Enemies'''
'''Enemies'''
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* [[Lt. Sefu Tendaji]] ([[Longbow]], Pet, Ally)
* [[Lt. Sefu Tendaji]] ([[Longbow]], Pet, Ally)
Lt. Sefu Tendaji: ''What is going on? Well, you have earned my trust, so let us find the truth together.''
Lt. Sefu Tendaji: ''What is going on? Well, you have earned my trust, so let us find the truth together.''


* Captain Grool ([[Vanguard Sword]], Boss)
* Captain Grool ([[Vanguard Sword]], Boss)
Captain Grool:''Character and Tendaji have joined forces? Bah! The fools!''<br>
Captain Grool:''Character and Tendaji have joined forces? Bah! The fools!''<br>
Captain Grool: ''Helping Longbow? You show your true colors at last, Character!''<br>
Captain Grool: ''Helping Longbow? You show your true colors at last, Character!''<br>
Captain Grool: ''We'll show you...''<br>
Captain Grool: ''We'll show you...''<br>
''You're too weak to do...''<br>
''You're too weak to do...''<br>
Line 148: Line 148:
{{Mission Clue|Name='It is even more troubling'|Text=After you met up with him, Lt. Sefu Tendaji took a moment to speak to you:
{{Mission Clue|Name='It is even more troubling'|Text=After you met up with him, Lt. Sefu Tendaji took a moment to speak to you:


'I came here to find a missing diplomat. We discovered that he had been taken here by Vanguard agents. I thought that there would be no problems, but this is madness! I have fought alongside the Vanguard, I have even defended the Vanguard to my superiors, but to be attacked like this? It is even more troubling that you seem unsurprised.
'I came here to find a missing diplomat. We discovered that he had been taken here by Vanguard agents. I thought that there would be no problems, but this is madness! I have fought alongside the Vanguard, I have even defended the Vanguard to my superiors, but to be attacked like this? It is even more troubling that you seem unsurprised.


Well, I know I can still trust you. Let us find the diplomat, together.'}}
Well, I know I can still trust you. Let us find the diplomat, together.'}}


{{Mission Clue|Name=The Next Target|Text=Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, you find this. It was Captain Grool's next set of orders. It doesn't name the target, but from the location and amount of forces they're preparing, the only possible victim of the next assassination attempt must be [[The Lady Grey|Lady Grey]] herself!}}
{{Mission Clue|Name=The Next Target|Text=Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, you find this. It was Captain Grool's next set of orders. It doesn't name the target, but from the location and amount of forces they're preparing, the only possible victim of the next assassination attempt must be [[The Lady Grey|Lady Grey]] herself!}}


{{Mission Clue|Name=A personal journal|Text=This laptop belongs to Lt. Ceres. It's full of mad, paranoid ranting about how the [[Vanguard]] has lost its way, and may now be too 'weak' to do the job that the writer feels must be done.}}
{{Mission Clue|Name=A personal journal|Text=This laptop belongs to Lt. Ceres. It's full of mad, paranoid ranting about how the [[Vanguard]] has lost its way, and may now be too 'weak' to do the job that the writer feels must be done.}}


{{Mission Clue|Name=The Diplomat's Body|Text=The Diplomat's name was Bill J. Wylde, a former astronaut and one of the chief proponents of opening talks with the [[Rikti Traditionalist faction]]. He was definitely killed by Vanguard weapons, from behind at close range. This was an assassination, and whether or not the people responsible were renegades, Bill Wylde's death is going to cause a lot of trouble with [[Longbow]].}}
{{Mission Clue|Name=The Diplomat's Body|Text=The Diplomat's name was Bill J. Wylde, a former astronaut and one of the chief proponents of opening talks with the [[Rikti Traditionalist faction]]. He was definitely killed by Vanguard weapons, from behind at close range. This was an assassination, and whether or not the people responsible were renegades, Bill Wylde's death is going to cause a lot of trouble with [[Longbow]].}}


{{Mission Clue|Name=An Unfinished Letter|Text=This handwritten letter is unfinished and discarded, probably an early draft. It's addressed to a woman named 'Martha", and attempts to explain the deep regrets the author feels regarding the harsh actions he and the rest of the Sword must undertake for the good of humanity. It's unaddressed and unfinished, so there's no way to know who Martha was, or if she ever recieved it.}}
{{Mission Clue|Name=An Unfinished Letter|Text=This handwritten letter is unfinished and discarded, probably an early draft. It's addressed to a woman named 'Martha", and attempts to explain the deep regrets the author feels regarding the harsh actions he and the rest of the Sword must undertake for the good of humanity. It's unaddressed and unfinished, so there's no way to know who Martha was, or if she ever recieved it.}}


{{Mission Briefing|Type=Debriefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=From what you've found, the situation with the renegades is worse than I suspected. And now Longbow has a stake in it. Tendaji's a good guy, but the murder of Mr. Wylde is too much. He's going to go to '[[Captain Dietrich|W.M. Dietrich]]', and then there's going to be trouble. But we have to concentrate on putting down these renegades first and that means stopping the assassination on Lady Grey. Or does it? Hmm... You know, I've got an idea...}}
{{Mission Briefing|Type=Debriefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=From what you've found, the situation with the renegades is worse than I suspected. And now Longbow has a stake in it. Tendaji's a good guy, but the murder of Mr. Wylde is too much. He's going to go to '[[Captain Dietrich|W.M. Dietrich]]', and then there's going to be trouble. But we have to concentrate on putting down these renegades first and that means stopping the assassination on Lady Grey. Or does it? Hmm... You know, I've got an idea...}}


==== {{UL|Spring the trap on the Renegade Swords}} ====
==== {{UL|Spring the trap on the Renegade Swords}} ====
'''The Red and the Black<br />Part: Three'''
'''The Red and the Black<br />Part: Three'''


{{Mission Briefing|Type=Briefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=Here's the plan, ''Character''. The Renegades are gathering a large number of their forces for an assassination attempt on Lady Grey. I've talked to her and she's going to walk right into the trap. Only now the trap is for them, not for her. You're going to be there as her back-up, you and any allies you want to bring. We're going to break this conspiracy and put an end to this today.
{{Mission Briefing|Type=Briefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=Here's the plan, ''Character''. The Renegades are gathering a large number of their forces for an assassination attempt on Lady Grey. I've talked to her and she's going to walk right into the trap. Only now the trap is for them, not for her. You're going to be there as her back-up, you and any allies you want to bring. We're going to break this conspiracy and put an end to this today.


The Renegades planned to get Lady Grey alone and then swarm her with hit-squads. They might have had a chance, too, but not anymore. You have two objectives: first, you have to get Lady Grey to safety. If she falls, even if we're able to miniport her back out, that still will count as a victory for the Renegades. Your secondary objective is to eliminate all the assassin squads. Good luck.}}
The Renegades planned to get Lady Grey alone and then swarm her with hit-squads. They might have had a chance, too, but not anymore. You have two objectives: first, you have to get Lady Grey to safety. If she falls, even if we're able to miniport her back out, that still will count as a victory for the Renegades. Your secondary objective is to eliminate all the assassin squads. Good luck.}}


{{Mission Objective|Entrance=Lady Grey is waiting as the bait in this trap. Time to spring it!|Primary=Trap the Renegades|Secondary=Find Lady Grey
{{Mission Objective|Entrance=Lady Grey is waiting as the bait in this trap. Time to spring it!|Primary=Trap the Renegades|Secondary=Find Lady Grey
**3 assassin squads|Additional=**Escort Lady Grey to Safety|Completion=(If successful) You protected Lady Grey and defeated all of the assassins.<br />(If failed) Lady Grey fell in battle. Though she was teleported to a hospital, the Renegades have still achieved a psychological victory.}}
**3 assassin squads|Additional=**Escort Lady Grey to Safety|Completion=(If successful) You protected Lady Grey and defeated all of the assassins.<br />(If failed) Lady Grey fell in battle. Though she was teleported to a hospital, the Renegades have still achieved a psychological victory.}}


'''Enemies'''
'''Enemies'''
Line 180: Line 180:


* [[Lady Grey (Ally)|Lady Grey]] ([[Vanguard]], Henchman)
* [[Lady Grey (Ally)|Lady Grey]] ([[Vanguard]], Henchman)
Lady Grey: ''We are becoming most exasperated by these attempts on Our person.''
Lady Grey: ''We are becoming most exasperated by these attempts on Our person.''


* Lt. Donai ([[Vanguard Sword]], Boss) (Guarding Lady Grey)
* Lt. Donai ([[Vanguard Sword]], Boss) (Guarding Lady Grey)


* Lt. Further ([[Vanguard Sword]], Boss)
* Lt. Further ([[Vanguard Sword]], Boss)
Lt. Further: ''My triumph will be glorious!''<br />Lt. Further: ''Come on, Men! Get Character!''
Lt. Further: ''My triumph will be glorious!''<br />Lt. Further: ''Come on, Men! Get Character!''


* Captain Nin ([[Vanguard Sword]], Boss)
* Captain Nin ([[Vanguard Sword]], Boss)
Captain Nin: ''There you are!''<br>
Captain Nin: ''There you are!''<br>
Captain Nin: ''Time for a little help!''
Captain Nin: ''Time for a little help!''


* Captain Skung ([[Vanguard Sword]], Boss)
* Captain Skung ([[Vanguard Sword]], Boss)
Line 202: Line 202:
:No one gets out alive!}}
:No one gets out alive!}}


{{Mission Briefing|Type=Debriefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=Good job! The Renegades are sure to get desperate now, and that may draw them out and give us a chance to put an end to them. That is, unless someone does something stupid...}}
{{Mission Briefing|Type=Debriefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=Good job! The Renegades are sure to get desperate now, and that may draw them out and give us a chance to put an end to them. That is, unless someone does something stupid...}}


==== {{UL|Capture Captain Racer}} ====
==== {{UL|Capture Captain Racer}} ====
'''The Red and the Black<br />Part: Four'''
'''The Red and the Black<br />Part: Four'''


{{Mission Briefing|Type=Briefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=With their attempt on [[Lady Grey]] a failure, the Renegade Sword units are on edge. They're making mistakes and now one of their key intelligence officers, Captain Racer, is exposed. Your mission is to catch him and bring him in.
{{Mission Briefing|Type=Briefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=With their attempt on [[Lady Grey]] a failure, the Renegade Sword units are on edge. They're making mistakes and now one of their key intelligence officers, Captain Racer, is exposed. Your mission is to catch him and bring him in.


We need to know what the Renegades are doing and what they plan to do next. You'll have to take care of any opposition on-site, but keep on-task. We need to find out their plans.}}
We need to know what the Renegades are doing and what they plan to do next. You'll have to take care of any opposition on-site, but keep on-task. We need to find out their plans.}}


{{Mission Objective|Entrance=The minute you walk in, you hear the sounds of fighting. Something's very wrong.|Primary=Catch Captain Racer|Secondary=Find Captain Racer
{{Mission Objective|Entrance=The minute you walk in, you hear the sounds of fighting. Something's very wrong.|Primary=Catch Captain Racer|Secondary=Find Captain Racer
**Defeat Racer's Captor|Completion=You didn't find what you were looking for, but Lt. Tendaji did give you a clue.}}
**Defeat Racer's Captor|Completion=You didn't find what you were looking for, but Lt. Tendaji did give you a clue.}}


Line 221: Line 221:


{{Enemy Vanguard}}
{{Enemy Vanguard}}
''Can't you see? This is the only way!''<br>
''Can't you see? This is the only way!''<br>
''We're so close! Can't lose now!''
''We're so close! Can't lose now!''


'''Note:''' Longbow and Vanguard will be hostile to each other during this mission.
'''Note:''' Longbow and Vanguard will be hostile to each other during this mission.
Line 229: Line 229:


*'''[[Lt. Sefu Tendaji]]''' (Longbow, Hero)
*'''[[Lt. Sefu Tendaji]]''' (Longbow, Hero)
''This is on Ms. Liberty's order. The Vanguard have gone too far!''
''This is on Ms. Liberty's order. The Vanguard have gone too far!''




{{Mission Clue|Name='I am very worried, my friend'|Text=Always an honorable man, Lt. Sefu Tendaji took a moment to talk to you after you defeated him.
{{Mission Clue|Name='I am very worried, my friend'|Text=Always an honorable man, Lt. Sefu Tendaji took a moment to talk to you after you defeated him.


'I am very worried, my friend. I know that these are renegades, but people are afraid, and there are many Longbow who have never trusted the Vanguard. In fact, we've had a secret monitoring station in the area for some time, listening in on Vanguard communications. It has been busy recording all of the activity among the Renegades lately, particularly after you stopped their assassination attempt.
'I am very worried, my friend. I know that these are renegades, but people are afraid, and there are many Longbow who have never trusted the Vanguard. In fact, we've had a secret monitoring station in the area for some time, listening in on Vanguard communications. It has been busy recording all of the activity among the Renegades lately, particularly after you stopped their assassination attempt.


Unfortunately, I do not have access to the listening station, but I believe that whatever the Renegades are up to can be found in those records.'}}
Unfortunately, I do not have access to the listening station, but I believe that whatever the Renegades are up to can be found in those records.'}}


{{Mission Clue|Name=Racer's Remains|Text=You found some of the information you were looking for, but not everything, and you can't ask Captain Racer for more. He swallowed a poison capsule, opting to die rather than reveal his secrets to Longbow... Or you.}}
{{Mission Clue|Name=Racer's Remains|Text=You found some of the information you were looking for, but not everything, and you can't ask Captain Racer for more. He swallowed a poison capsule, opting to die rather than reveal his secrets to Longbow... Or you.}}


{{Mission Briefing|Type=Debriefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=This is what I was afraid of. Knowledge of the Sword Renegades is out and people are scared. [[Incandescent]] is doing her best, but Longbow is [[Ms. Liberty]]'s force and the people love her. Now Ms. Liberty has decided that Longbow should handle the [[Rikti]] situation and that Vanguard should join up or stand down. She's said that we're superfluous, a danger, and that Longbow has the troops and gear to take on the Rikti better than we can. After all of this, I can see where she's coming from. She may have a point. More than that, she may be right. But I don't look good in red and white. We have to handle this.}}
{{Mission Briefing|Type=Debriefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=This is what I was afraid of. Knowledge of the Sword Renegades is out and people are scared. [[Incandescent]] is doing her best, but Longbow is [[Ms. Liberty]]'s force and the people love her. Now Ms. Liberty has decided that Longbow should handle the [[Rikti]] situation and that Vanguard should join up or stand down. She's said that we're superfluous, a danger, and that Longbow has the troops and gear to take on the Rikti better than we can. After all of this, I can see where she's coming from. She may have a point. More than that, she may be right. But I don't look good in red and white. We have to handle this.}}


==== {{UL|Raid hidden Longbow data center}} ====
==== {{UL|Raid hidden Longbow data center}} ====
'''The Red and the Black<br />Part: Five'''
'''The Red and the Black<br />Part: Five'''


{{Mission Briefing|Type=Briefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=Longbow's been wrapping up all of our leads as they're trying to seize control of the situation and get enough rope to hang us. But we're not out of it yet. Lt. Tendaji strongly hinted to you about a Longbow listening base they have hidden in the zone, and we've found it. If they have the information that Tendaji implied that they did, it could help us confirm what we think the Renegades are up to. We need all the information we can get to stop them and we can find it in only one place: that Longbow Base.
{{Mission Briefing|Type=Briefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=Longbow's been wrapping up all of our leads as they're trying to seize control of the situation and get enough rope to hang us. But we're not out of it yet. Lt. Tendaji strongly hinted to you about a Longbow listening base they have hidden in the zone, and we've found it. If they have the information that Tendaji implied that they did, it could help us confirm what we think the Renegades are up to. We need all the information we can get to stop them and we can find it in only one place: that Longbow Base.


All we want in there is the data. Unfortunately, the base will be staffed, and most likely there will be security responses each time you get some of the information. Still, it would be best if you could do this without any unnecessary action. I have my own problems with Longbow, but we're all on the same side against the Rikti.}}
All we want in there is the data. Unfortunately, the base will be staffed, and most likely there will be security responses each time you get some of the information. Still, it would be best if you could do this without any unnecessary action. I have my own problems with Longbow, but we're all on the same side against the Rikti.}}


{{Mission Objective|Entrance=It looks like Sefu wasn't kidding. There's a complete Longbow base hidden here!|Primary=Steal data from Longbow|Secondary=3 data thefts|Completion=You got the information you were looking for.}}
{{Mission Objective|Entrance=It looks like Sefu wasn't kidding. There's a complete Longbow base hidden here!|Primary=Steal data from Longbow|Secondary=3 data thefts|Completion=You got the information you were looking for.}}


'''Enemies'''
'''Enemies'''
Line 258: Line 258:
*'''Security Squad Leader''' x4(?) ([[Longbow#Longbow Warden|Longbow Warden]], Boss)
*'''Security Squad Leader''' x4(?) ([[Longbow#Longbow Warden|Longbow Warden]], Boss)


Security Squad Leader: ''Something's happened to that patrol!''
Security Squad Leader: ''Something's happened to that patrol!''


*'''Lt. Rush''' ([[Longbow#Longbow Warden|Longbow Warden]], Boss)
*'''Lt. Rush''' ([[Longbow#Longbow Warden|Longbow Warden]], Boss)


Lt. Rush: ''BWAH-HA-HA! Let's fight, then!''
Lt. Rush: ''BWAH-HA-HA! Let's fight, then!''


{{Mission Clue|Name=Captured Vanguard Gear|Text=This crate is filled with gear captured from Vanguard agents. There's also a lot of technological items re-captured after being stolen by Sword Renegades. There's enough here to build some kind of portal-related device.}}
{{Mission Clue|Name=Captured Vanguard Gear|Text=This crate is filled with gear captured from Vanguard agents. There's also a lot of technological items re-captured after being stolen by Sword Renegades. There's enough here to build some kind of portal-related device.}}


{{Mission Clue|Name=A Tactical Projection|Text=This unfinished but well-researched report details one Agent Ikah's theories about recent Vanguard activity. Ikah lays out the probability of a renegade branch within the Vanguard and then analyzes their recent actions. His conclusion is that if they make an attempt on Lady Grey's life and fail, they'll likely take a desperate measure to cut off what they see as the source of all their problems at the source, and made an attempt to destroy the conduit between our world and the Rikti homeworld. It sounds like a good idea, but as Ikah points out, the barriers between Earth and Rikti Earth are so weak right now, such an action could have unimaginably bad consequences.}}
{{Mission Clue|Name=A Tactical Projection|Text=This unfinished but well-researched report details one Agent Ikah's theories about recent Vanguard activity. Ikah lays out the probability of a renegade branch within the Vanguard and then analyzes their recent actions. His conclusion is that if they make an attempt on Lady Grey's life and fail, they'll likely take a desperate measure to cut off what they see as the source of all their problems at the source, and made an attempt to destroy the conduit between our world and the Rikti homeworld. It sounds like a good idea, but as Ikah points out, the barriers between Earth and Rikti Earth are so weak right now, such an action could have unimaginably bad consequences.}}


{{Mission Clue|Name=Transmission Logs|Text=There is a massive amount of data here, a record of every transmission made by a Vanguard Unit. It looks like they sorted them all by branch. There are even separate files for the Renegades' transmissions. The listening post must have assumed they were a new branch.}}
{{Mission Clue|Name=Transmission Logs|Text=There is a massive amount of data here, a record of every transmission made by a Vanguard Unit. It looks like they sorted them all by branch. There are even separate files for the Renegades' transmissions. The listening post must have assumed they were a new branch.}}


{{Mission Briefing|Type=Debriefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=This is bad. If Longbow is right, and I think they are, the Renegades are about to cause a catastrophe. If they manage to use the device they're building to destroy the inter-dimensional corridor between our world and the Rikti Homeworld, it won't seal the thing off, it will open them up. To EVERYTHING. It could change the laws of physics, free the Rularuu, and worse. They have to be stopped.}}
{{Mission Briefing|Type=Debriefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=This is bad. If Longbow is right, and I think they are, the Renegades are about to cause a catastrophe. If they manage to use the device they're building to destroy the inter-dimensional corridor between our world and the Rikti Homeworld, it won't seal the thing off, it will open them up. To EVERYTHING. It could change the laws of physics, free the Rularuu, and worse. They have to be stopped.}}


==== {{UL|Stop the Renegades}} ====
==== {{UL|Stop the Renegades}} ====
'''The Red and the Black<br />Part: Finale'''
'''The Red and the Black<br />Part: Finale'''


{{Mission Briefing|Type=Briefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=We've been tracking the movements of a large group of Renegades, but didn't know their objectives. However, the information you found has made their aims abundantly clear. I believe this group is armed with a portal destroyer, and are going to try and use it in a last-ditch attempt to stop the Rikti invasion forever. Which wouldn't be a bad idea, except that trying to destroy the inter-dimensional conduit between our world and the Rikti homeworld could make the universe collapse. So we gotta stop them.
{{Mission Briefing|Type=Briefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=We've been tracking the movements of a large group of Renegades, but didn't know their objectives. However, the information you found has made their aims abundantly clear. I believe this group is armed with a portal destroyer, and are going to try and use it in a last-ditch attempt to stop the Rikti invasion forever. Which wouldn't be a bad idea, except that trying to destroy the inter-dimensional conduit between our world and the Rikti homeworld could make the universe collapse. So we gotta stop them.


It's a crazy world, ain't it? This is the Renegade's last push, so they've gone all out. You'll need to capture two of the Renegades' top technicians, defeat the Renegades' leader, and destroy the disrupter before they reach their target. They'll be a bit distracted from all the Rikti, so you have a good chance. Oh, and to make it even more complicated, Longbow will probably be there. They're a lower priority, but if W.M. Dietrich is there, you'll need to defeat her, too, before they'll give it up.}}
It's a crazy world, ain't it? This is the Renegade's last push, so they've gone all out. You'll need to capture two of the Renegades' top technicians, defeat the Renegades' leader, and destroy the disrupter before they reach their target. They'll be a bit distracted from all the Rikti, so you have a good chance. Oh, and to make it even more complicated, Longbow will probably be there. They're a lower priority, but if W.M. Dietrich is there, you'll need to defeat her, too, before they'll give it up.}}


{{Mission Objective|Entrance=This branch of the tunnel system is headed towards the crashed saucer. Do the Renegades know about another way into the cavern underneath?|Primary=Stop the Renegades|Secondary=2 Capture Technicians
{{Mission Objective|Entrance=This branch of the tunnel system is headed towards the crashed saucer. Do the Renegades know about another way into the cavern underneath?|Primary=Stop the Renegades|Secondary=2 Capture Technicians
**Defeat Captain Dietrich
**Defeat Captain Dietrich
**Renegade Leader
**Renegade Leader
**Destroy Disrupter|Completion=}}
**Destroy Disrupter|Completion=}}


Vanguard Ranger: ''How do we put this together?''
Vanguard Ranger: ''How do we put this together?''


Vanguard Ranger: ''We've got to protect this!''
Vanguard Ranger: ''We've got to protect this!''


'''Enemies'''
'''Enemies'''
Line 296: Line 296:
*'''[[Captain Dietrich|Capt. W.M. Dietrich]]''' ([[Longbow#Captain Dietrich|Longbow]], Hero)
*'''[[Captain Dietrich|Capt. W.M. Dietrich]]''' ([[Longbow#Captain Dietrich|Longbow]], Hero)


Capt. W.M. Dietrich: ''Has there been any sign of Character?''
Capt. W.M. Dietrich: ''Has there been any sign of Character?''


Capt. W.M. Dietrich: ''I was wondering when you'd show up!''
Capt. W.M. Dietrich: ''I was wondering when you'd show up!''


Capt. W.M. Dietrich: ''What is your real agenda? You will answer me!''
Capt. W.M. Dietrich: ''What is your real agenda? You will answer me!''


Capt. W.M. Dietrich: ''Vanguard will be revealed for the traitors you all are!''
Capt. W.M. Dietrich: ''Vanguard will be revealed for the traitors you all are!''


Capt. W.M. Dietrich: ''Even if you defeat me now, I'll still know the truth!''
Capt. W.M. Dietrich: ''Even if you defeat me now, I'll still know the truth!''


Capt. W.M. Dietrich: ''Sefu was right, you are dangerous...''<br />Capt. W.M. Dietrich: ''But how could he believe you could be trusted?''
Capt. W.M. Dietrich: ''Sefu was right, you are dangerous...''<br />Capt. W.M. Dietrich: ''But how could he believe you could be trusted?''


*'''Renegade Leader Gen. K. Alito''' ([[Vanguard#Vanguard Sorcerer|Vanguard Sorcerer]], Boss)
*'''Renegade Leader Gen. K. Alito''' ([[Vanguard#Vanguard Sorcerer|Vanguard Sorcerer]], Boss)


Renegade Leader Gen. K. Alito: ''Fool! You will not interfere with my plans!''
Renegade Leader Gen. K. Alito: ''Fool! You will not interfere with my plans!''


*'''Technician Kan''' ([[Vanguard#Vanguard Sergeant|Vanguard Sergeant]](?), Lieutenant)
*'''Technician Kan''' ([[Vanguard#Vanguard Sergeant|Vanguard Sergeant]](?), Lieutenant)


Technician Kan: ''Aaah!''
Technician Kan: ''Aaah!''


*'''Technician Stoji''' ([[Vanguard#Vanguard Sergeant|Vanguard Sergeant]](?), Lieutenant)
*'''Technician Stoji''' ([[Vanguard#Vanguard Sergeant|Vanguard Sergeant]](?), Lieutenant)


Technician Stoji: ''Aw, man!''
Technician Stoji: ''Aw, man!''


*'''Su'Uul''' ([[Rikti#Rikti Magus|Rikti Magus]], Boss)
*'''Su'Uul''' ([[Rikti#Rikti Magus|Rikti Magus]], Boss)


Su'Uul: ''Pondering: Hmmmm''
Su'Uul: ''Pondering: Hmmmm''


{{Mission Clue|Name=Wreckage|Text=This batch of destroyed equipment was going to be the portal disrupter that the Renegade Swords were planning to use. If it had been assembled and triggered, it might have been able to break the interdimensional conduit between our world and the alternate reality the Rikti come from. Unfortunately, that would have also shattered the barriers betwen the two universes, collapsing them in on each other, or worse. You have to wonder just how often the entire universe is placed on the brink of destruction by something like this.}}
{{Mission Clue|Name=Wreckage|Text=This batch of destroyed equipment was going to be the portal disrupter that the Renegade Swords were planning to use. If it had been assembled and triggered, it might have been able to break the interdimensional conduit between our world and the alternate reality the Rikti come from. Unfortunately, that would have also shattered the barriers between the two universes, collapsing them in on each other, or worse. You have to wonder just how often the entire universe is placed on the brink of destruction by something like this.}}


{{Mission Briefing|Type=Debriefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=You really saved the day, ''Character''. The surviving Renegades are all in custody and the dimensional barriers are safe. A quick trip to the hospital cooled off Dietrich, and once she had proof that this was a Renegade group acting on their own, she took it to Ms. Liberty, who's back off on calling for us to be disbanded. WMD may not like us, but she's honest, I'll give her that. Overall, things worked out okay.
{{Mission Briefing|Type=Debriefing|Contact=Gaussian|Text=You really saved the day, ''Character''. The surviving Renegades are all in custody and the dimensional barriers are safe. A quick trip to the hospital cooled off Dietrich, and once she had proof that this was a Renegade group acting on their own, she took it to Ms. Liberty, who's back off on calling for us to be disbanded. WMD may not like us, but she's honest, I'll give her that. Overall, things worked out okay.


Well, except for me. All of this happened on my watch, so I've got a lot of people in Vanguard pretty angry at me. I need to spend some time and clean up my organization. In the meantime, the Watcher asked me to send you his way. I don't know what's up, but whatever he things of me right now, he's heard a lot of good things about you.
Well, except for me. All of this happened on my watch, so I've got a lot of people in Vanguard pretty angry at me. I need to spend some time and clean up my organization. In the meantime, the Watcher asked me to send you his way. I don't know what's up, but whatever he things of me right now, he's heard a lot of good things about you.


I'll see you later. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to get the Swords sharp again.
I'll see you later. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to get the Swords sharp again.


The Dark Watcher doesn't make requests lightly.}}
The Dark Watcher doesn't make requests lightly.}}

Revision as of 20:05, 20 November 2007

Work in Progress
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Overview

Gaussian
Gaussian.jpg
Vanguard Tactician
Zone Rikti War Zone
Coordinates (424, -1192, -2225)[Copy]
Level Range 45-50
Introduced By Serpent Drummer
Introduces Dark Watcher
Enemy Groups
v • d • e

Gaussian is a hero and villain contact in the Vanguard Compound neighborhood of Rikti War Zone at coordinates (424, -1192, -2225)[Copy] . His level range is 45-50.

Introductions

New Contacts

Whatever the Watcher is working on, it's big. Good luck!

The Dark Watcher is, well, the Dark Watcher. He's been acting as Lady Grey's advisor ever since Vanguard was founded. He rarely asks anything from anyone, so I think this is a pretty big deal.

Contact Introduced By

Information

Vanguard Tactician

Gaussian is Vanguard's main tactician, coordinating intelligence efforts across Divisions to form a united front against the Rikti. Many believe that his ability to keep vanguard organized is the only thing that's prevented the Rikti from overwhelming Vanguard's forces, but Gaussian prefers to downplay his role and instead credit the steadfast determination and fighting skill of the volunteer troops.

Initial Contact

This isn't over yet, but with you around I think we just might have a chance.

Alright, let's get this out of the way. My title is tactician, but I'm also in charge of Vanguard's cloak-and-dagger stuff. I've been watching your work, so I know you can handle weird situations, and that you have a tendency to come out on top despite the odds. That sounds like just the kind of person I need right now.

Below Level Requirement

Drummer said that you had an impressive record, and I agree. However, I need something just a bit more impressive. Like, about 45 security or threat levels worth of impressive. I'll see you when you're ready.

Store

Gaussian sells all Enhancements at 200% of their base cost.

Story Arc

The Red and the Black

Souvenir: A Letter of Apology from W.M. Dietrich

You were pretty stunned when you received this letter from Captain Wilhelmina Marlena Dietrich of Longbow. In it she expressed, in her crisp and slightly condescending manner, her sincerest apologies for the unfortunate series of events that led to her attempt to shut Vanguard down. Those same events also nearly led to the end of the world during an adventure you remember as:

The Red and the Black

It all began with a request for help from Gaussian. Unlike many cloak-and-dagger types you've encountered in your super-powered career, Gaussian came straight to the point: he wasn't just Vanguard's premier tactician, he was also the commander of Vanguard's secret covert operations division, known as the Sword. He was concerned that a faction of the Sword may have gone renegade and wanted your help to investigate the situation. You found a Rikti Diplomat that had been kidnapped and stopped his execution by the Sword soldiers on the scene. Gaussian covered up the situation to the Rikti, but you and he both knew the truth: this wasn't an isolated squad. This was a conspiracy and needed to be rooted out.

Your investigation continued into the Renegade Swords, but by the time you arrived, the situation was already out of control. Lt. Sefu Tendaji of Longbow was on the scene looking for a missing diplomat. Though he helped you fight past the renegades, when you found the diplomat already assassinated, you knew that despite Sefu's good attitude towards Vanguard things were about to get much worse between your organizations. You had little time to worry, though, as documents you confiscated on the scene pointed to the Renegade Swords' next target: Lady Grey herself!

Lady Grey was willing to help lay a trap for the Renegades, using herself as bait. Together, you were able to smash their attack, crushing much of the Renegade Swords' combat forces. You were on the verge of victory over them, when something went terribly wrong.

At first, things seemed like they were going to be fine. The remaining Renegades were in a panic and had left one of their main intelligence officers exposed. You swept in to capture him only to be confronted by Longbow forces! Ms. Liberty and Longbow's leadership had blamed the extreme actions of the Renegade Swords on Vanguard as a whole and were now demanding that the Vanguard stand down or be put down. In this mess, you found that the Renegade Sword officer you were looking for had swallowed a poison capsule rather than be captured, and you even found yourself facing Lt. Sefu Tendaji as a foe! You prevailed in battle, but before he used his medical teleport, Lt. Tendaji told you about a secret Longbow spy-base that might have the information you were hoping to get from the Renegade officer.

Armed with Sefu's tip, you infiltrated the Longbow base. You found the files, and they revealed that the Renegades were planning something completely insane: to destroy the dimensional conduit between our world and the Rikti world, separating the two realities forever. It may have sounded like a good idea to the desperate, but as both Gaussian and the Longbow report pointed out, the interdimensional backlash of such a rash and destructive action could cause both dimensions to collapse, annihilating both universes!

The final battle with the Renegade Sword's leadership was hectic as it became a three-way melee when Longbow joined the fight. In the end you defeated the last of the Renegade Swords, captured their portal technicians, destroyed their disrupter device, and even sent Captain W.M. Dietrich packing. The world was safe, even if you'd had to save it from itself.

Once Longbow had proof that the Renegade Swords really were acting on their own, Captain Dietrich took it to Ms. Liberty herself. She may not like Vanguard much, but she's honest and admits when she's wrong. Gaussian thanked you for all your help, but here had to part ways with you. Though the situation had been handled, it had happened on his watch. He took responsibility and would accept the heat for it as he tried to get the Swords back into shape after all of this. However, before you left, he told you that the Dark Watcher wanted to see you. The Watcher isn't known for making requests lightly, so this should be interesting.

Accept Gaussian's Mission

The Red and the Black
Part: One

Briefing

The mission I have is dangerous, but unlike some cloak-and-dagger types, I actually like it when the people I work with know what's going on. Deniability is great, sure, but I prefer people to be able to react to a changing situation. So if you're in, I'll give you the low-down. But don't make me wait too long.

Okay, here's the situation:
You know about the branches of Vanguard, right? The Helm, Shield, and Gauntlet? Well, there's another branch. The one I run: the Sword. We handle counter-intelligence, special forces actions, all that kind of stuff. It can be some ugly work, but it's necessary.

Now here's what this has to do with you:
Some actions have gone... wrong lately. Frankly, I suspect that some of the Sword have been compromised. I can't investigate it myself, so I need someone to do it by proxy. That would be you. And this is the incident I want you to check:
One of those Traditionalist Negotiators is missing. One of the Sword teams I suspect was in the vicinity, lead by Captain Flint, someone I used to trust. I want you to check out their location. If the diplomat's there, bring him back alive. I'll be waiting for your report. Oh, and the negotiator's name is Sah'Teece. Apparently he was a Rikti sports hero before he became a diplomat. Some kind of racing, I guess.

Mission Objective(s)

This really looks like the kind of place someone could dump a body.

  • Locate Missing Negotiator
    • Rescue Sah'Teece
    • Defeat Captain Flint

You prevented the assassination and captured the plot's leader!

Enemies

Vanguard
An unexpected enemy

Notable NPCs

Sword Sorcerer: Stand down and walk away, Character! This doesn't involve you!
Sword Sorcerer: This is your choice, then.

Negotiator Sah'Teece: Protest: Innocence! Occupation: Diplomat! Prior Actions: Non-Hostile!

Lt. Davidson: It's not persona. . . Character! Send a message to Captain Flint!

Captain Flint: You don't go any farther.
Captain Flint: No one can stop the power of Flint!


Clue
Assassination List

If you weren't a member of Vanguard, this Cipher would take serious effort to decode. But with your training, it only takes a few moments to read the names of the negotiators and diplomats this squad has been assigned to murder. The evidence is plain, but leaves you with more questions.

Debriefing

Sah'Teece has been on Earth for a while. We told him that his kidnappers were really Nemesis Automatons, and he bought it without reservation. Guess you can get used to anything. But you and I know that those were real people, soldiers of the Vanguard who've gone renegade. They're taking orders to illegally murder people with an eye towards destabilizing the peace with the Traditionalists. This isn't just Flint and a rogue squad. This is a conspiracy. And I'm going to need your help rooting it out.

Investigate Renegade Safe House

The Red and the Black
Part: Two

Briefing

Working with the data you've collected and the testimony of the traitors you brought in, we've found the location of a rally point for the renegades. I want you to go in and try to get any intelligence you can gather. We need to know what they're planning and how they were turned against us.

So far, we've kept the presence of the Renegades within the Sword quiet. I'd like to keep it that way and end this quickly.

Mission Objective(s)

Nothing good has happened in this abandoned place in a long time.

  • Strike Renegade Safe House
    • 3 clues
    • Defeat Captain Grool

You're finished at the safe house. Time to tell Gaussian what you've learned.

Lt. Sefu Tendaji

Enemies

Vanguard


Notable NPCs

Lt. Ceres: Don't bother us with your petty concerns, Longbowman.

Lt. Sefu Tendaji: What is going on? Well, you have earned my trust, so let us find the truth together.

Captain Grool:Character and Tendaji have joined forces? Bah! The fools!
Captain Grool: Helping Longbow? You show your true colors at last, Character!
Captain Grool: We'll show you...
You're too weak to do...
What must be done...


Clue
'It is even more troubling'

After you met up with him, Lt. Sefu Tendaji took a moment to speak to you:

'I came here to find a missing diplomat. We discovered that he had been taken here by Vanguard agents. I thought that there would be no problems, but this is madness! I have fought alongside the Vanguard, I have even defended the Vanguard to my superiors, but to be attacked like this? It is even more troubling that you seem unsurprised.

Well, I know I can still trust you. Let us find the diplomat, together.'

Clue
The Next Target

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, you find this. It was Captain Grool's next set of orders. It doesn't name the target, but from the location and amount of forces they're preparing, the only possible victim of the next assassination attempt must be Lady Grey herself!

Clue
A personal journal

This laptop belongs to Lt. Ceres. It's full of mad, paranoid ranting about how the Vanguard has lost its way, and may now be too 'weak' to do the job that the writer feels must be done.

Clue
The Diplomat's Body

The Diplomat's name was Bill J. Wylde, a former astronaut and one of the chief proponents of opening talks with the Rikti Traditionalist faction. He was definitely killed by Vanguard weapons, from behind at close range. This was an assassination, and whether or not the people responsible were renegades, Bill Wylde's death is going to cause a lot of trouble with Longbow.

Clue
An Unfinished Letter

This handwritten letter is unfinished and discarded, probably an early draft. It's addressed to a woman named 'Martha", and attempts to explain the deep regrets the author feels regarding the harsh actions he and the rest of the Sword must undertake for the good of humanity. It's unaddressed and unfinished, so there's no way to know who Martha was, or if she ever recieved it.

Debriefing

From what you've found, the situation with the renegades is worse than I suspected. And now Longbow has a stake in it. Tendaji's a good guy, but the murder of Mr. Wylde is too much. He's going to go to 'W.M. Dietrich', and then there's going to be trouble. But we have to concentrate on putting down these renegades first and that means stopping the assassination on Lady Grey. Or does it? Hmm... You know, I've got an idea...

Spring the trap on the Renegade Swords

The Red and the Black
Part: Three

Briefing

Here's the plan, Character. The Renegades are gathering a large number of their forces for an assassination attempt on Lady Grey. I've talked to her and she's going to walk right into the trap. Only now the trap is for them, not for her. You're going to be there as her back-up, you and any allies you want to bring. We're going to break this conspiracy and put an end to this today.

The Renegades planned to get Lady Grey alone and then swarm her with hit-squads. They might have had a chance, too, but not anymore. You have two objectives: first, you have to get Lady Grey to safety. If she falls, even if we're able to miniport her back out, that still will count as a victory for the Renegades. Your secondary objective is to eliminate all the assassin squads. Good luck.

Mission Objective(s)

Lady Grey is waiting as the bait in this trap. Time to spring it!

  • Trap the Renegades
    • Find Lady Grey
    • 3 assassin squads
    • Escort Lady Grey to Safety

(If successful) You protected Lady Grey and defeated all of the assassins.
(If failed) Lady Grey fell in battle. Though she was teleported to a hospital, the Renegades have still achieved a psychological victory.

Enemies

Vanguard
File:LadyGrey1.jpg
Lady Grey

Notable NPCs

Lady Grey: We are becoming most exasperated by these attempts on Our person.

Lt. Further: My triumph will be glorious!
Lt. Further: Come on, Men! Get Character!

Captain Nin: There you are!
Captain Nin: Time for a little help!

Colonel Toros: Don't let them escape!


Colonel Toros:

Character is helping Lady Grey escape!
We must strike now!
No one gets out alive!
Debriefing

Good job! The Renegades are sure to get desperate now, and that may draw them out and give us a chance to put an end to them. That is, unless someone does something stupid...

Capture Captain Racer

The Red and the Black
Part: Four

Briefing

With their attempt on Lady Grey a failure, the Renegade Sword units are on edge. They're making mistakes and now one of their key intelligence officers, Captain Racer, is exposed. Your mission is to catch him and bring him in.

We need to know what the Renegades are doing and what they plan to do next. You'll have to take care of any opposition on-site, but keep on-task. We need to find out their plans.

Mission Objective(s)

The minute you walk in, you hear the sounds of fighting. Something's very wrong.

  • Catch Captain Racer
    • Find Captain Racer
    • Defeat Racer's Captor

You didn't find what you were looking for, but Lt. Tendaji did give you a clue.

Enemies

Longbow

All Vanguard troops are to stand down!
All Vanguard personnel are to stand down!

Vanguard

Can't you see? This is the only way!
We're so close! Can't lose now!

Note: Longbow and Vanguard will be hostile to each other during this mission.

Notable NPCs

This is on Ms. Liberty's order. The Vanguard have gone too far!


Clue
'I am very worried, my friend'

Always an honorable man, Lt. Sefu Tendaji took a moment to talk to you after you defeated him.

'I am very worried, my friend. I know that these are renegades, but people are afraid, and there are many Longbow who have never trusted the Vanguard. In fact, we've had a secret monitoring station in the area for some time, listening in on Vanguard communications. It has been busy recording all of the activity among the Renegades lately, particularly after you stopped their assassination attempt.

Unfortunately, I do not have access to the listening station, but I believe that whatever the Renegades are up to can be found in those records.'

Clue
Racer's Remains

You found some of the information you were looking for, but not everything, and you can't ask Captain Racer for more. He swallowed a poison capsule, opting to die rather than reveal his secrets to Longbow... Or you.

Debriefing

This is what I was afraid of. Knowledge of the Sword Renegades is out and people are scared. Incandescent is doing her best, but Longbow is Ms. Liberty's force and the people love her. Now Ms. Liberty has decided that Longbow should handle the Rikti situation and that Vanguard should join up or stand down. She's said that we're superfluous, a danger, and that Longbow has the troops and gear to take on the Rikti better than we can. After all of this, I can see where she's coming from. She may have a point. More than that, she may be right. But I don't look good in red and white. We have to handle this.

Raid hidden Longbow data center

The Red and the Black
Part: Five

Briefing

Longbow's been wrapping up all of our leads as they're trying to seize control of the situation and get enough rope to hang us. But we're not out of it yet. Lt. Tendaji strongly hinted to you about a Longbow listening base they have hidden in the zone, and we've found it. If they have the information that Tendaji implied that they did, it could help us confirm what we think the Renegades are up to. We need all the information we can get to stop them and we can find it in only one place: that Longbow Base.

All we want in there is the data. Unfortunately, the base will be staffed, and most likely there will be security responses each time you get some of the information. Still, it would be best if you could do this without any unnecessary action. I have my own problems with Longbow, but we're all on the same side against the Rikti.

Mission Objective(s)

It looks like Sefu wasn't kidding. There's a complete Longbow base hidden here!

  • Steal data from Longbow
    • 3 data thefts

You got the information you were looking for.

Enemies

Longbow

Notable NPCs

Security Squad Leader: Something's happened to that patrol!

Lt. Rush: BWAH-HA-HA! Let's fight, then!

Clue
Captured Vanguard Gear

This crate is filled with gear captured from Vanguard agents. There's also a lot of technological items re-captured after being stolen by Sword Renegades. There's enough here to build some kind of portal-related device.

Clue
A Tactical Projection

This unfinished but well-researched report details one Agent Ikah's theories about recent Vanguard activity. Ikah lays out the probability of a renegade branch within the Vanguard and then analyzes their recent actions. His conclusion is that if they make an attempt on Lady Grey's life and fail, they'll likely take a desperate measure to cut off what they see as the source of all their problems at the source, and made an attempt to destroy the conduit between our world and the Rikti homeworld. It sounds like a good idea, but as Ikah points out, the barriers between Earth and Rikti Earth are so weak right now, such an action could have unimaginably bad consequences.

Clue
Transmission Logs

There is a massive amount of data here, a record of every transmission made by a Vanguard Unit. It looks like they sorted them all by branch. There are even separate files for the Renegades' transmissions. The listening post must have assumed they were a new branch.

Debriefing

This is bad. If Longbow is right, and I think they are, the Renegades are about to cause a catastrophe. If they manage to use the device they're building to destroy the inter-dimensional corridor between our world and the Rikti Homeworld, it won't seal the thing off, it will open them up. To EVERYTHING. It could change the laws of physics, free the Rularuu, and worse. They have to be stopped.

Stop the Renegades

The Red and the Black
Part: Finale

Briefing

We've been tracking the movements of a large group of Renegades, but didn't know their objectives. However, the information you found has made their aims abundantly clear. I believe this group is armed with a portal destroyer, and are going to try and use it in a last-ditch attempt to stop the Rikti invasion forever. Which wouldn't be a bad idea, except that trying to destroy the inter-dimensional conduit between our world and the Rikti homeworld could make the universe collapse. So we gotta stop them.

It's a crazy world, ain't it? This is the Renegade's last push, so they've gone all out. You'll need to capture two of the Renegades' top technicians, defeat the Renegades' leader, and destroy the disrupter before they reach their target. They'll be a bit distracted from all the Rikti, so you have a good chance. Oh, and to make it even more complicated, Longbow will probably be there. They're a lower priority, but if W.M. Dietrich is there, you'll need to defeat her, too, before they'll give it up.

Mission Objective(s)

This branch of the tunnel system is headed towards the crashed saucer. Do the Renegades know about another way into the cavern underneath?

  • Stop the Renegades
    • 2 Capture Technicians
    • Defeat Captain Dietrich
    • Renegade Leader
    • Destroy Disrupter

Vanguard Ranger: How do we put this together?

Vanguard Ranger: We've got to protect this!

Enemies

Longbow
Vanguard

Notable NPCs

Capt. W.M. Dietrich: Has there been any sign of Character?

Capt. W.M. Dietrich: I was wondering when you'd show up!

Capt. W.M. Dietrich: What is your real agenda? You will answer me!

Capt. W.M. Dietrich: Vanguard will be revealed for the traitors you all are!

Capt. W.M. Dietrich: Even if you defeat me now, I'll still know the truth!

Capt. W.M. Dietrich: Sefu was right, you are dangerous...
Capt. W.M. Dietrich: But how could he believe you could be trusted?

Renegade Leader Gen. K. Alito: Fool! You will not interfere with my plans!

Technician Kan: Aaah!

Technician Stoji: Aw, man!

Su'Uul: Pondering: Hmmmm

Clue
Wreckage

This batch of destroyed equipment was going to be the portal disrupter that the Renegade Swords were planning to use. If it had been assembled and triggered, it might have been able to break the interdimensional conduit between our world and the alternate reality the Rikti come from. Unfortunately, that would have also shattered the barriers between the two universes, collapsing them in on each other, or worse. You have to wonder just how often the entire universe is placed on the brink of destruction by something like this.

Debriefing

You really saved the day, Character. The surviving Renegades are all in custody and the dimensional barriers are safe. A quick trip to the hospital cooled off Dietrich, and once she had proof that this was a Renegade group acting on their own, she took it to Ms. Liberty, who's back off on calling for us to be disbanded. WMD may not like us, but she's honest, I'll give her that. Overall, things worked out okay.

Well, except for me. All of this happened on my watch, so I've got a lot of people in Vanguard pretty angry at me. I need to spend some time and clean up my organization. In the meantime, the Watcher asked me to send you his way. I don't know what's up, but whatever he things of me right now, he's heard a lot of good things about you.

I'll see you later. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to get the Swords sharp again.

The Dark Watcher doesn't make requests lightly.

See Also

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