Talk:Vanessa DeVore (Contact)

Story Arc

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Blood Begets Blood Part One: Rebuilding the Golden Cage

I cannot thank you enough for all you have done, Bitronica. So it is with weighted conscience that I ask for your help once more in undoing the villainy of that sorceress, Serene.

I have been observing the psychic ebb and flow of First Ward for many days now, and I have discovered, in part, Serene's plan. Unfortunately, most of it has already been accomplished.

If Serene is to be stopped we will need to undo the damage she has done, regain our footing, and then strike back against her and stop this nightmare from spreading any further.

The first step is reactivating the Seer Network...

Blood Begets Blood Part One: Rebuilding the Golden Cage

I know, it seems illogical, but trust me. Serene is more powerful now with the Network disabled than if it were reactivated. As long as the Network is deactivated the Seers throughout First Ward are easy prey for the Talons of Vengeance. When the Network is active and they are linked into it, they can rely on one another for mental suppo

The Network only failed before because Serene managed to infect the Network with a particularly vicious Apparition. We know to look for them now, so the Network remaining deactivated is only strengthening the ranks of the Talons and further cementing Serene's position. You must move quickly.

As we speak the Talons are sweeping across First Ward, hunting down psychics and turning them into more agents of destruction.

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!Reactivate the Seer Network

• Access the Network Control Console
• Stop Katie Douglas, Access the Network Control Console
• Access the Network Control Console, Reintegrate Katie into the Network

(Katie as interactable object) Katie is unconcious and you can clearly see that her cranial implants are disabled [text is not exact] ->Reactivate Katie's cranial implants

(Network Control Console) [missing text]

->Reintegrate Katie into the Network Seer 1381 has been reintegrated into network. Network disabled. [text is not exact]

->Reactivate network Network reactivated. Rebooting... ...reboot completed. Seer Network 00-04 reinitializing... All subjects display optimal Theta wave patterns. Seer Network 00-04 has been successfully reestablished. Reestablishing links with personnel... ... .......... Links successfully reestablished. Network is at 17% capacity.

• Listen to Sorceress Serene's Ramblings

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Chatter:

[NPC] Zealot: There's no use hiding... You will join us, or die a coward's death. [NPC] Zealot: Yes, there is nothing to fear. Embrace your rage and put an end to pain and suffering. (Vanessa)[Caption] Listen, Bitronica, when you get to the Network I'll make certain that it isn't corrupted by the Talons or any apparitions under their sway. [NPC] Zealot: And their blood will wash clean the world... [NPC] Zealot: Join us. [NPC] Zealot: All dead. [NPC] Zealot: Not this one! [NPC] Spiritualist: Death is the only answer. [NPC] Captured Scryer: I... Hate... Everyone? [NPC] Captured Scryer: I'll kill you! [Caption] I'm sensing a familiar presence trying to contact you, Bitronica. [Caption] ...It's Katie. [NPC] Oracle: You will join us in death. (Katie)[Caption] What? Bitronica! You plan on reactivating the Seer Network?! How... how could you do that!? [Caption] I can't allow you to do this, Bitronica! I WON'T ALLOW THIS! [Caption] If you try to steal from them what little they have left, I'll kill you! [Caption] This crime can't be allowed to continue unanswered any longer! [Caption] I will make them pay... I will make them all pay! [NPC] Captured Scryer: I won't go back... [NPC] Captured Scryer: I won't go back... [NPC] Captured Scryer: You can't make me go back! [NPC] Spiritualist: Let the corpsssesss be a warning to all oathbreakersss. [NPC] Zealot: Come to join the honored dead? [NPC] Captured Scryer: No! [NPC] Captured Scryer: They will pay! [Caption] Nobody in this world is innocent anymore, Bitronica! [Caption] Least of all YOU! 100%[NPC] Katie Douglas: This is how it ends, Bitronica... [NPC] Katie Douglas: WITH BLOOD! 75%[NPC] Katie Douglas: There must be blood, Bitronica! [NPC] Katie Douglas: There must be vengeance! 50%[NPC] Zealot: More lambs to the slaughter! [NPC] Katie Douglas: Everyone is guilty! Everyone is responsible! %25 - turns to interactable object[NPC] Katie Douglas: I. (Vanessa)[Caption] I really hate to even suggest this, Bitronica, but I think Katie will be safer inside the Seer Network for the time being. [NPC] Katie Douglas: Will. [NPC] Katie Douglas: Not. [NPC] Katie Douglas: Go. [NPC] Katie Douglas: Back! [NPC] Fanatic: Let the world burn! [NPC] Katie Douglas: Seer 1381 reporting successful reintegration into Network. [NPC] Katie Douglas: Standby... [NPC] Katie Douglas: Warning: Hostile thought patterns manifesting. [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: Ahahahahahahaaaaaa! [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: Bitter tears have been shed before, Bitronica. [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: And bitter tears will continue to fall so long as oathbreakers remain unpunished. [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: A great wrong has been done, Bitronica. [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: Do you truly wish to stop justice from being passed upon those who have defied the Fates? [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: It could have wider complications than you realize. [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: If you really think enslaving poor Katie Douglas and the others like her will save them... [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: Then why don't you do the same for DeVore and her Carnival of Fools? [Caption] Serene is trying to confuse us, Bitronica. I don't sense the Talons moving in any great numbers against us right now. [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: It certainly would save me the trouble... [Caption] We need to stay focused on stopping her. [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: You'd better hurry though... [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: I'd hate for you to miss the party. [Caption] I want you to check in with Master Midnight and see if he's discovered anything of use.

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Blood Begets Blood Part One: Rebuilding the Golden Cage

Thank you for restarting the Seer Network. I'm sorry about having to put Katie Douglas back into that horrible place, but right now it is the only defense against the corruption of the Talons of Vengeance. Once we have delt with them, rest assured, I will destroy that hateful place myself and free all the sisters who are trapped within.

As for Serene's taunting, I cannot tell if she was being truthful. There is no sign of an imminent attack, so my guess is that Serene was merely trying to halt our efforts to stop her by convincing us she was going on the offensive. We must be doing more to unravel her plans than it appears.

I have had waking dreams of this moment before, Bitronica. I saw long ago that you and I would be great friends and that moment is here and now. If you ever need my guidance, just think of me, and I will answer.

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Blood Begets Blood Part Two: An Ivory Tower.

Sorceress Serene has gone to great lengths to ensure that her power goes unchecked in First Ward, but she underestimated the ability for us to put aside our differences in order to achieve a common goal; survival.

Master Midnight may be rough around the edges, but he is still a potent ally. While you were securing the Seer Network in order to stop the Talons from swelling their ranks, Midnight has been pouring over the Chronicles of Doom for any clues as to what Serene is up to and how to stop her plans from coming to fruition. I want you to check in on Midnight's progress.

Accept

Blood Begets Blood Part Two: An Ivory Tower.

The Talons feed on suffering, Bitronica, they seem drawn to it, and when they find the source, that person is inevitably drawn to the siren song of the Talons.

This is what happened to Katie Douglas. The promise of revenge was too alluring for her and even though she knew better, she was powerless to resist its effect. This is how the Talons spread. It is their single greatest strength, and their single greatest weakness.

My guess is that Serene's abduction of Diabolique was for a greater purpose than revenge, but at this time, I cannot imagine what that purpose is.

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!See if Master Midnight has discovered anything

Bitronica, I've been studying the Chronicles for any hints on Serene's plans and I think I've determined what they are.

As near as I can figure she is planning on using an ancient sacrificial ritual to summon the Furies... You know, the Furies, the creatures of myth and legend?

The Furies are sort of like divine judges who determine the sentence for oath breakers.

->The Talons don't seem to discriminate who they 'judge'.

The Talons of Vengeance aren't the Furies, they're just mortal and monstrous agents of them... just... allow me to explain.

In ancient times people warned against breaking oaths, for it would call down the Wrath of the Furies on everyone. This was effective in convincing people that it was a good idea to create and pass their own laws. They're the basis of morality as it were.

As it turns out, the Wrath of the Furies wasn't just a fable to scare people straight. History is filled with stories of villages, cities, or even whole civilizations that cast aside basic decency and then were destroyed by the 'wrath of heaven' or what not.

That 'wrath of heaven' is the Talons of Vengeance at work. The Talons of Vengeance ARE the Wrath of the Furies.

->But the people of First Ward aren't oath breakers.

You're right, but it doesn't matter. Once the wrath is called down, everyone is a target. Whenever the Talons have struck in the past, the city or civilization found itself alone, their neighbors having turned their backs to them or even joined in their destruction in order to avoid the same fate.

The Furies make examples of people and either the world listens and rights the wrongs themselves, or the Talons keep destroying. The Wrath of the Furies is something that ancient peoples learned to staunch and avoid whenever possible.

->So all we need to do is figure out who the oath breakers are?

Precisely, and pass judgment on them. We need to kill them, Bitronica, or we may all end up dead.

Interestingly enough, the Furies and Talons contradict one another in this respect. The Furies throughout history and myth have always frowned upon mortals killing one another for any reason; it creates blood feuds, which persist throughout ancient history and even up to modern day. But in order to avoid the wrath of the Furies, it seems, blood must be spilled.

I guess the lesson here is not to break an oath, because if you do, then you find yourself in quite the pickle.

->Serene went through a lot of effort to capture Diabolique... Why?

Diabolique betrayed Serene's coven, the writers of the Chronicles of Doom.

Serene might be looking for revenge, but Diabolique can't die, she's already a spirit...

A perfect, flawless, ageless, beautiful spirit...

->Hey, focus! If she can't die then...

Then how do you kill her?

She's bound to this world by a magical artifact, a talisman. Destroy the talisman and her spirit is set free...

->Then we need to get that Talisman.

Ooooh, no no no... There's no way we can get the Talisman.

->Why not? Where is it?

It belongs to one man.

The man.

The big cheese himself...

The Emperor, Marcus Cole.

If we want to get that Talisman, we're going to need to get into Cole's Tower.

->Of course... This couldn't be easy.

I can get you in and out of Cole's Tower, but there is no way you are going to be able to get the Talisman out before Praetor White turns you into paste.

If you can figure that part out, then I'm on board, otherwise, no way.

->Alright, I'll find the way.

!Talk to Vanessa DeVore Diabolique's Talisman...

You will not be able to obtain this item without sacrifice, I'm afraid. You will need help, and to do that you must ask men to die.

->What? Why? ->No Problem

(What? Why?)The Tyrant's Tower is too well defended to infiltrate without help. That help must come in the form of a distraction, a distraction that must buy you as much time as it can at the cost of lives.

->A suicide mission...

I cannot foresee whose lives you will touch in this affair, but you must find people who choose to do this for us all. Only people so dedicated can be entrusted to pay the ultimate price so that others many live.

They must be lead by one who is truly...

->Noble... Noble Savage and the Forlorn.

Their fate was determined long ago, Bitronica. Go now and see whether it ends at the Tyrant's Tower. You can point them to this path, but it is they who must choose to walk it.

->I'll see what can be done.

!Talk to Noble Savage Bitronica, things are getting bad. The apparitions are worse than before, the Shepherds are doomsaying, and the Talons of Vengeance are stalking the streets even in the daylight. We've got to do something.

->I have a plan, but you won't like it.

At this stage I think I'm open to any idea. Anything is better than awaiting the innevitable.

->I need a distraction to get into Cole's Tower.

Cole's Tower? What, are you going to ask for his help?

As much as I admire what the man has done in the past, he's a different person now, Bitronica. Cole has thrown us in the garbage, we'll get no sympathy from him.

->There's a magical talisman in the tower, it could end this.

Alright...

Alright, I'll help you, but only because without it you'll fail...

->Thanks, Noble.

Praetor White has jurisdiction over Nova Praetoria, with strict orders to defend the Magisterium and chiefly to defend the Tower.

However, I know for a fact that the PPD HQ in Magisterium is the highest value target in the area, and that Praetor White knows that too.

->So you hit the HQ while I sneak into the tower.

Precisely.

The Tower is mostly administrative offices above ground, but below ground there are some maximum security doors that even I couldn't get into back in the day.

That talisman you're looking for is probably down in those storage areas, near the Tower's reactor system. Cause the reactors to fail and the emergency override system will unlock all the doors in the Tower for safety reasons.

->So while the people are getting out, I get in.

I'll assemble a team and get ready for the attack on the PPD HQ.

When you're ready, contact me, we'll be in position...

->Noble, this might be a one way ticket.

Bitronica, if we do nothing, then we die for sure. This way we can at least give everyone else a chance against the Talons.

->I'll contact you when I'm ready.

!Infiltrate Cole's Tower (Talk to Master Midnight) So, you've gathered your forces and are ready to venture forth.

Just between you and me, I really don't think you have a chance, but, best of luck anyway.

When you're ready to go die, let me know, just do me a favor and don't tell anyone who opened a magical door into the lobby of Cole's Tower, ok?

->I'm ready to go to Cole's Tower. (Enter Mission) ->I'm not ready yet... just, wait. (Leave)

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(The attack on the PPD HQ has left a usually heavily guarded front entrance unguarded. You will have to act quickly though, before they return.)

• Find the basement door

• Unlock the reactor door, gain access to the reactors, disable main power (Team Noble)

• Unlock the reactor door, gain access to the reactors, Free Prisoners(Team Noble)

• Unlock the reactor door, gain access to the reactors, Raid PPD armory (Team Noble)

• 4 reactor controls to disalbe, plant explosives (noble)
• 4 reactor controls to disalbe hold out for as long as possible (noble)
• Find talisman, Enter secure storage
• Deal with dominatrix
• Get to the surface

1. Maurader is coming#

(Not sure if I failed or completed this mission. Maurader KB'd (and defeated) me to the top of some stairs not 2 seconds before Midnight ported me out)

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Chatter: [Caption] This is Noble. Bitronica, I've neutralized basement security. Praetor White is on his way and HQ is on full alert. [NPC] PPD Suppressor: What's going on? [NPC] PPD Trooper: What's going on? [NPC] PPD Trooper: Hey! Stop! [NPC] PPD Suppressor: Hey! Stop! [Caption] Make it quick, over. [NPC] PPD Enforcer: PPD HQ is under attack? [NPC] PPD Enforcer: PPD HQ is under attack? [NPC] PPD Trooper: Is there another Resistance attack happening? [NPC] Warrant Officer: The Tower alarm! [NPC] PPD Suppressor: Is that the alarm? [NPC] Warrant Officer: We're under attack! [NPC] PPD Trooper: Don't worry, nobody would be stupid enough to assault Cole's Tower. [NPC] PPD Suppressor: Stop that woman! [Caption] The PPD are responding slower than standard procedure... [Caption] I'm going to take the initiative, standby. [Caption] Main power is offline, backups are up. [Caption] Normally I would be against this, but given the circumstances I don't think me freeing the prisoners will reflect much worse on me in the eyes of the law. [Caption] I see White... This is going to get interesting...! [Caption] PPD T.E.S.T. has responded to our forces in the basement... [Caption] They baited me, Bitronica, now I'm cut off and trapped in the HQ. Stand by. [Caption] They left the armory under light guard. I think I found a way out... [NPC] Ranger: Nobody leaves the tower. NOBODY. [Caption] They must have found an old Destroyer ammo dump, there is some serious weight in high explosives here. [Caption] Stand by, I don't want to prematurely set off the detonators with comms signals. [NPC] Ranger: Destroy them! [Caption] I've rigged the third floor to blow. [Caption] Hey, Bitronica... You do what has to be done. Don't you worry about us... [Caption] We'll hold out for as long as we can, you just get the job done. [NPC] Dominatrix: Looking for Diabolique's talisman, hmmm, Bitronica? [NPC] Dominatrix: Oh, don't look so hurt, I'm just teasing you a little. [NPC] Dominatrix: I could care less what you want to do with this trashy jewelry... [NPC] Dominatrix: Hit me, Bitronica. Harder! [NPC] Dominatrix: That'll do... (Midnight)[Caption] You got the Talisman! [NPC] Dominatrix: Mmm, that was very good, Bitronica. [NPC] Dominatrix: I'm impressed. [Caption] I just need a few moments to cast the teleportation spell and get you back. [NPC] Dominatrix: As promised, here is the talisman. [NPC] Dominatrix: Now, if I were you I'd hurry out of here. [Caption] Oh no... I was worried about this... [NPC] Dominatrix: If Michael catches you then I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to do much to stay his hand. [Caption] You're too deep underground, Bitronica. My spell can't reach you. [Caption] You're going to need to get closer to the surface. If you can get to the sub-basement then I'm pretty sure my spell can reach you. [NPC] Dominatrix: After all, I'm just a delicate little girl who needs all these big strong men around to protect me. [Caption] You'd better hurry though. Praetor White is on his way! [Caption] Alright, just hold tight for a few more seconds! [NPC] Marauder: I'll find you, you little maggot! [Caption] Alright, just hold tight for a few more seconds! [NPC] Marauder: Even if I have to tear down this entire damn tower to do it! [Caption] Gotcha! You got Diabolique's Talisman from Dominatrix, but at what a cost. Noble Savage and Team Rampage most certainly suffered at the hands of Marauder, and the man came close to crushing you as well if not for Midnight's magic and Dominatrix's questionable methods of manipulating the image of her fellow Praetors. She's a dangerous one, and not to be underestimated.

Talk to Master Midnight and see what he can do with this damn necklace.

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!Talk to Master Midnight

I'm usually not one to brag, but that was pretty good on my part. A second or two longer and Praetor White would have crushed you like a grape!

But enough about you, I'll look into the ensorcellment on this talisman and see if there is a way that I can release Diabolique's spirit before Serene can. Hopefully that will quell the wrath of the Furies and put an end to all this.

->You've got to hurry, Midnight.

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Blood Begets Blood Part Two: An Ivory Tower.

You got the talisman? Thank the stars. I was monitoring Noble's mind during the attack and I thought for a moment that there would be no coming back from that, and then Praetor White turned his attention to finding you in the tower. Noble managed to get out of the PPD HQ, but he lost a lot of good men doing it...

Bitronica, their sacrifice is worth it, for the good of everyone they gave their lives to put an end to Sorceress Serene's sinister machinations. I just hope that Noble will be able to forgive himself for leading those men to their fate. But for now our attention needs to be focused on stopping Serene. We can grieve when this is all over.

It is difficult for me to grow close to anyone, Bitronica. I have foreseen the moment of death for all I am fated to meet... except my own. But I have foreseen through you that when my time comes, you are near, and I am in your thoughts, and that is comforting.

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Blood Begets Blood Part Three: The Darkest Hour

Serene is aware of our efforts to stop her and has now chosen to make her move. I'm sensing the enraged minds of the Talons of Vengeance surging this way, and just beyond our wards the troubled thoughts of the Apparitions press against our defenses, eager to possess new hosts. But don't worry, the Apparitions aren't a threat... yet.

If I were Serene, the job of the Talons would be to tear down our wards and then let the Apparitions overwhelm us. I need you to help make sure that they do not succeed.

->I'm on it.

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Blood Begets Blood Part Three: The Darkest Hour

Good. While Makwa and Nadia lead the ritual to keep the wards up, you and I will need to lend our aid wherever the Talons grow most bold in their offensive. Even the Talons have limits, and if they cannot break the wards they will retreat before long.

The Carnival of Light is weaker than ever right now, Bitronica, you really are our only hope.

Good luck, to all of us.

---

!Defend the Chapel of Enduring Light

The Talons will be here soon, Bitronica. The Wards must be protected, or the Apparitions will overwhelm us all.

->What do you need me to do?

There are four Wards placed around the Chapel. As long as they are intact the Apparitions will not be able to cross the boundaries.

The Talons of Vengeance, however, are not bound by such mystical laws. They will do everything in their power to undo the magic of the Wards and then the Apparitions will be able to flood in and overwhelm us.

Stop the Talons at all costs!

->Alright, let's get to work. (Start Mission) ->I need a moment to get ready. (Leave)

---

The air crackles with magical energy as the wards work overtime keeping the malign essence of the apparitions at bay. A woman's scream rises from the southern edge of the Cemetery, but it is not a scream of pain or terror, it is one of absolute unfettered bloodthirsty rage. The Talons have arrived.

• 4 Wards to defend
• confront Sorceress Serene
• Confront Sorceress Serene, Defeat Master Midnight
• Defeat Master Midnight, Defeat Midnight Masters
• Defeat Master Midnight, Survive 4 waves of Carnival of Vengeance

(The above aren't exact - transitions happened too quickly and while I was being attacked)

Chatter

[NPC] Vanessa DeVore: Bitronica, they're here! [NPC] Zealot: This magic is strong, what did they use to create it!? [NPC] Oracle: When this ward is destroyed then the Carnival will soon follow. [NPC] Oracle: Kill Bitronica! [NPC] Vanessa DeVore: I'm sorry, sisters, but you must be stopped. [NPC] Devotee: Blood and vengeance! [NPC] Vanessa DeVore: Such anguish. Please sister, do not force me to destroy you. [NPC] Huntress: This magic is strong, what did they use to create it!? [NPC] Devotee: When this ward is destroyed then the Carnival will soon follow. [NPC] Devotee: Kill Bitronica! [NPC] Spiritualist: Death will sssoon come to you all! [NPC] Oracle: Destroy the Wards! [NPC] Huntress: This magic is strong, what did they use to create it!? [NPC] Oracle: When this ward is destroyed then the Carnival will soon follow. [NPC] Oracle: Kill Bitronica! [NPC] Devotee: They shall join us or die! [NPC] Zealot: This magic is strong, what did they use to create it!? [NPC] Oracle: When this ward is destroyed then the Carnival will soon follow. [NPC] Oracle: Kill Bitronica! [NPC] Blind Makwa: Maintain your concentration. [NPC] Blind Makwa: Devore and Bitronica will protect us. [NPC] Gorgon: Let the carrion feassst begin! [NPC] Spiritualist: Death and Dessspair! [NPC] Master Midnight: Serene, my sweet, where are you? [NPC] Master Midnight: Destroy them! [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: I am here, Percy... As promised. [NPC] Master Midnight: ...and who is... OW! [NPC] Master Midnight: You hit me in the middle of my monologue! [NPC] Master Midnight: It appears I have underestimated the strength of your attacks. I will have to redouble my efforts. [NPC] Master Midnight: I told you never to call me by that name! [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: Enough of your inanities, where is the Talisman? [NPC] Master Midnight: I have it here, my sweet, as promised. [NPC] Oracle: Kill them! [NPC] Oracle: Kill them all! [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: Good. [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: Now that your betrayal is complete, I leave you to your fate... [NPC] Master Midnight: Fine... One last quest to earn my love's affections. [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: You have proven only that you are untrustworthy, Percy Winkley. [NPC] Wrathful Acolyte: Blood and vengeance! [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: But don't fret. I've called on some old friends to help you... [NPC] Master Midnight: Now, Bitronica, we shall see who is worthy of both Serene AND Diabolique... [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: Should you succeed, you know where to find me... [NPC] Vanessa DeVore: The mind controls the body, pain is an illusion. [NPC] Master Midnight: Ok, this is just not fair, this fight is totally unbalanced. [NPC] Master Midnight: Minions! To me! [NPC] Master Midnight: Wait, wait, wait... Wait. [NPC] Master Midnight: Ok, minions! [NPC] Master Midnight: Destroy them! [NPC] Master Midnight: You'll never catch me!

While you defended the Wards from the Talons of Vengeance, Master Midnight's betrayal ruined all your efforts. Though you drove him off, your victory is due in part to Sorceress Serene's own betrayal of Midnight once she had Diabolique's Talisman delivered to her by that traitor.

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Blood Begets Blood Part Three: The Darkest Hour

I... I'm sorry, Bitronica...

My foresight never showed me this, I... I saw Midnight as a hero and yet he was working with Serene this entire time.

Now all my visions are suspect...

Or are they?

Midnight did everything he could to acquire Diabolique's Talisman to give it to Serene not out of vengeance, but out of some misplaced love... Perhaps it is this love that will ultimately lead to Midnight's redemption. I cannot tell for sure, but I know that I will not give up on him.

---

Blood Begets Blood Part 4: Darkest Before the Dawn

Serene's abandonment of Master Midnight has exposed a weakness we can exploit.

Master Midnight will doubtless wish to visit revenge upon her, but we cannot let him do that, for he would become one with the Talons of Vengeance. You need to confront Master Midnight and learn all you can from him about Serene's plan, and what she seeks to do with the Talisman he foolishly gave to her.

No doubt he did so in the hopes that Diabolique would be made his, but surely after making dealings with her he must have some idea of where to find Serene before it is too late. There must be some way to get inside Midnight's Mansion, but with Cerulean dead, his magical portal is no longer at our disposal...

->Katie could do it.

Blood Begets Blood Part 4: Darkest Before the Dawn

Of course! Katie Douglas.

She has the ability to teleport anywhere she can see. While she has never seen the interior of Midnight's Mansion, you have. Katie can read your mind as you imagine the Mansion and then take you there. Of course, if anything happens to Katie while you are in there you may never be able to find your way out again.

I'll instruct Katie to aid you through the Seer Network.

I'm afraid that now, more than ever, her mind must remain safely inside that damndable prison. Any animosity she has toward you when this is all over I ensure will instead be directed toward me.

---

---

!Force Midnight to help you stop Serene

Entering the Seer Network Facility is like walking into a freezer in the middle of an Alabama summer. A wave of calm energy gently washes over your mind, and for the first time in a long time you feel at ease. The stark contrast alarms you and you are now aware at just how completely the fury of the Talons has saturated First Ward.

• (Talk to Katie to get transported to the Midnight Mansion)
• Defeat Master Midnight, (Talk to Katie to get transported back)

(talk , Talk to Master Midnight

WAIT! Please! Don't... Don't kill me. I... I made a mistake, I realize that now. I... I bow to your superior power...

->I'm not going to kill you Percy ->Give me one good reason I shouldn't end you

Oh... thank you, thank you! I just... I just need a chance to redeem myself.

->You can start by telling me everything you know about Serene's plan.

Serene said she needed the Talisman to summon the Furies. She told me that she would use the amulet to trap them here in this world so she could control them, and in return for me helping to get the talisman that Diabolique's soul would be freed from the Talisman. Now I understand that she plans to destroy her, the woman I love.

->Percy, there is still a chance to save her, but I need to know where she is.

Yes... Yes of course! The Forbidden Crags are honeycombed with ancient caverns. Serene and Diabolique's old coven, the Ravenwing Cabal, used to conduct ceremonies in one of those caverns. It lies at a magical leyline knot where there is great magical power. I can tell you exactly how to get there, but... the place is going to be crawling with the Talons of Vengeance.

->I'll worry about the Talons, you think about what you've become.

Mission Complete: You learned where Sorceress Serene is and that she plans on summoning the Furies into the world.

--- Chatter: [NPC] Katie Douglas: I can see Midnight's Mansion clearly in your mind, Bitronica. I will take you there. [NPC] Katie Douglas: We're here, Bitronica. [NPC] Reanimated Acolyte: Destroy... [NPC] Reanimated Acolyte: Interlopers. [NPC] Reanimated Acolyte: Join us, or die! [NPC] Master Midnight: You DARE defile my inner sanctum with your muddy shoes and obsession with PUNCHING!? [NPC] Master Midnight: Midnight Masters... Master Midnight commands you to destroy the intruders! [NPC] Master Midnight: Where as before I was only using a shadow of my eldritch mastery, now I shall show you the majesty of my matchless mystical might! [NPC] Master Midnight: Now face my full POWER! [NPC] Reanimated Acolyte: The master summons us! [NPC] Reanimated Acolyte: The master summons us! [NPC] Reanimated Acolyte: The master summons us! [NPC] Ghoulish Mystic: The master summons us! [NPC] Master Midnight: MINIONS! TO ME! [NPC] Master Midnight: No... Wait, that's the wrong power stone. Hold on... [NPC] Reanimated Acolyte: To the master! [NPC] Reanimated Acolyte: To the master! [NPC] Shambling Archmage: To the master! [NPC] Master Midnight: Ah! My shielding sphere! You shattered it! [NPC] Master Midnight: WAIT! [NPC] Master Midnight: Please! [NPC] Master Midnight: Don't... Don't kill me. I... I made a mistake, I realize that now. [NPC] Master Midnight: I... I bow to your superior power... [NPC] Master Midnight: Oh... thank you, thank you! [NPC] Master Midnight: I just... I just need a chance to redeem myself. [NPC] Master Midnight: Serene said she needed the Talisman to summon the Furies. [NPC] Master Midnight: She told me that she would use the amulet to trap them here in this world so she could control them. [NPC] Master Midnight: And in return for me helping to get the talisman that Diabolique's soul would be freed from the Talisman. [NPC] Master Midnight: Now I understand that she plans to destroy her, the woman I love. [NPC] Master Midnight: Serene said she needed the Talisman to summon the Furies. [NPC] Master Midnight: She told me that she would use the amulet to trap them here in this world so she could control them. [NPC] Master Midnight: And in return for me helping to get the talisman that Diabolique's soul would be freed from the Talisman. [NPC] Master Midnight: Now I understand that she plans to destroy her, the woman I love. [NPC] Master Midnight: Yes... Yes of course! [NPC] Master Midnight: The Forbidden Crags are honeycombed with ancient caverns. [NPC] Master Midnight: Serene and Diabolique's old coven, the Ravenwing Cabal, used to conduct ceremonies in one of those caverns. [NPC] Master Midnight: It lies at a magical leyline knot where there is great magical power. [NPC] Master Midnight: I can tell you exactly how to get there, but... [NPC] Master Midnight: The place is going to be crawling with the Talons of Vengeance.

---

!Stop Serene from summoning the Furies

The caverns thrum with divine power. Everything about this place fills you with a boiling rage. The wrath of the Furies is growing in strength and must be stopped before it consumes everyone.

(Ambushes on entrance)

• Stop Sorceress Serene!

defeat leut sorceress serene cutscene, defeat av sorceress (Diabolique friendly)

Mission Complete: You defeated Sorceress Serene, but at great cost. Serene and Midnight have been consumed by the wrath of the Furies, and Diabolique has escaped with the Talisman that anchors her spirit to this world. Still, the Talons of Vengeance have been thwarted and the First Ward is a safer place... for now.

Chatter [NPC] D.U.S.T. Provost: Target sighted. [NPC] Zealot: I see prey! Let the hunt begin! [NPC] Zealot: Your fate is sealed, Ra'idi! [NPC] Huntress: Blood for blood! Death for death! [NPC] Huntress: Blood for blood! Death for death! [NPC] Zealot: Blood for blood! Death for death! [NPC] Zealot: Don't let them interfere with the ritual! [NPC] Zealot: Kill Bitronica! [NPC] Huntress: Don't let them interfere with the ritual! [NPC] Zealot: Blood for blood! Death for death! [NPC] Zealot: Kill Bitronica! [NPC] Zealot: Don't let them interfere with the ritual! [NPC] Zealot: Kill Bitronica! [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: I call to thee, keepers of fate, judgers of mortals, and feared by the gods! [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: Come forth and deliver unto me your power! [NPC] Diabolique: I'll kill you, Serene, just like I killed your pathetic little coven and enslaved them to my will! [NPC] Diabolique: Only, being a slave is too good for you, I'm just going to destroy your soul completely! [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: You can't stop it, Bitronica. [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: Vengeance will descend like a tidal wave... [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: The world's sins will be washed away by the blood of oath breakers. [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: Don't blame me, Bitronica. I'm just the herald of revenge. [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: Blame the Furies if you must, but it is your inaction that has brought this upon the world! [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: Gah! [NPC] Projection of Sorceress Serene: Fine! If you want a painful death then so be it! (Cutscene) [NPC] Sorceress Serene: You idiots! [NPC] Sorceress Serene: Enough of this! [NPC] Sorceress Serene: The time has come for the Furies to be brought into this world... [NPC] Sorceress Serene: Thanks to Tammy's talisman, the Furies will have a permanent anchor... [NPC] Sorceress Serene: ...an anchor that will also keep them chained to my will! [NPC] Sorceress Serene: And with the power of the Furies at my command, I will have my final vengeance! [NPC] Sorceress Serene: Sadly, the current soul anchored to the talisman will be destroyed... [NPC] Sorceress Serene: Good bye, Tammy Arcanus. Good bye and burn in hell! [NPC] Sorceress Serene: Furies! I call to thee! [NPC] Sorceress Serene: I summon thee! [NPC] Sorceress Serene: I bind thee to this material world! [NPC] Sorceress Serene: Come forth with all your power and take this wicked soul before you as sacrifice! [NPC] Master Midnight: NOOOO! [NPC] Master Midnight: Diabolique, my love... [NPC] Master Midnight: I give my life... for yours. [NPC] Master Midnight: AAAAAAH! [NPC] Master Midnight: AAAAAAAAH!!! [NPC] Master Midnight: AAIIIIEEE! [NPC] Sorceress Serene: NO! [NPC] Sorceress Serene: You fool! Your meddling has ruined everything! [NPC] Diabolique: Serene... you evil little witch! [NPC] Diabolique: You tried to sacrifice me to the Furies... [NPC] Diabolique: ...and you tell ME to burn in hell?! [NPC] Diabolique: I'm going to shatter your soul into so many pieces that every daemon in hell will get a piece of you!!! (end cutscene) 75%[NPC] Sorceress Serene: The Furies were to be mine to command, MINE! 50%[NPC] Sorceress Serene: And now you have stolen my destiny! 25%[NPC] Sorceress Serene: I still have a chance to exact vengeance upon you, Tammy Arcanus! [NPC] Diabolique: How do you like them apples? [NPC] Diabolique: The only reason you still live is because if not for you I would have surely been destroyed. 0%[NPC] Sorceress Serene: Wait! What's happening? [NPC] Sorceress Serene: No... Noooo! [NPC] Diabolique: ...Thank you. [NPC] Sorceress Serene: NOOOOO!!! [NPC] Diabolique: The next time we meet, do not expect me to be so charitable.

---

Bitronica, thank the light you are alive. I feared the worst had happened when I sensed the power of the Furies emerging, and doubts began to creep into my mind... nothing is certain anymore...

My foresight has not seen this moment. How did you stop them in the nick of time?

Vanessa DeVore listens to your account of the battle.

I see, so Midnight and Serene are dead and Diabolique is even more powerful than before... Do not fret, Bitronica, a great catastrophe has been averted, and I know for a fact that Diabolique's ire will be directed toward a certain mutual foe rather than against your self or my Carnival of Light.

Though this is a great moment I do feel somewhat sorry for young Master Midnight... only through an act of real love was he finally able to do the right thing and save the woman he obsessed over. In the end, his heroic act, a first step toward redemption, cost him his life... and that really is a tragedy.