Levantera

Overview

Levantera
Co-Leader of the Vanguard Shield Division
Zone	Rikti War Zone
Coordinates	(328, -1188, -2397.5)
Level Range	35-50
Introduces	== Level 35-50 == Borea == Level 40-50 == Serpent Drummer
Enemy Groups	Arachnos Nemesis Automatons Nemesis Rikti
Badges	Member of Vanguard

Levantera is a hero and villain contact in the Vanguard Compound neighborhood of Rikti War Zone at coordinates (328, -1188, -2397.5) . Her level range is 35-50.

Introductions

Contact Introduced By

Levantera is open to all heroes and villains at level 35 without direct introduction.

Contact Introduces

Serpent Drummer would like to speak with you.

Level 35-50

• Borea

Level 40-50

• Serpent Drummer

Serpent Drummer is the head of the Gauntlet. I believe that he's currently in the middle of some sort of high-end negotiations, but I don't know much more than that. Well, other than that he asked for you by name.

Whatever Serpent Drummer is doing, I know that it's very important. I think you'll have a good time.

Information

Co-Leader of the Vanguard Shield Division

Levantera and her twin sister Borea lead the Shield, the division of Vanguard tasked with protecting the city and its people from the Rikti. The two sisters are both extremely capable fighters, and are the chosen Champions of the Order of the Four Winds. However, the sisters rarely see eye-to-eye with each other, and often argue over the best methods to accompish their goals. While Levantera likes to cultivate a more cultured appearance than her sister, she's also the more offensively-minded of the two. She believes that the best kind of counter-attack is a pre-emptive one. After all, if your enemies are all dead, then they can't hurt your friends.

Initial Contact

You've become something of a sensation among our new recruits. Keep it up and you'll go far.

It's good to meet you, Character. Let me be the first to welcome you to the Vanguard. That is, if you want to join us...

Too Low Level

My, my, my. Aren't you the anxious one? Well, I'd like to accept your offer of assistance, but you're just not ready yet. Maybe when you're about 35th level. Come back then.

Greeting

• Constant vigilance is the price we must pay.
• The Invader seeks our world. I hope you're ready to stop them.
• We must ...'protect' ourselves from the Invader.

Too Busy

You come to me with all these other things to do, and expect me to give you more? I don't know if you're being over-eager or just impertinent. Why don't you just go take care of your other problems, then come back when you're ready to pay attention.

No More Missions

Well, we certainly had quite a time, didn't we? I think there are others who need your assistance now more than I do. We've got things covered.

Store

The items below are available immediately upon contacting Levantera.

• Inspirations
• Level 40 Magic/Mutation Dual Origin Enhancements (200% base costs)
• Level 40 Natural/Technology Dual Origin Enhancements (200% base costs)
• Level 40 Mutation/Science Dual Origin Enhancements (200% base costs)
• Level 40 Technology/Science Dual Origin Enhancements (200% base costs)
• Level 40 Natural/Magic Dual Origin Enhancements (200% base costs)

Story Arc

Welcome to Vanguard (35-50)

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 15 Reward Merits.

Souvenir

Vanguard ID

Every time you look at your official Vanguard Identification card, it reminds you of the series of adventures you remember as

The Vanguard Volunteer

Joining the Vanguard was not a small decision. This all-volunteer force is responsible for fighting the Rikti threat, and with your powers you can make a great contribution towards that goal. To the Vanguard your past doesn't matter, only your willingness to fight for Earth against the Rikti Invaders. Your first mission for the Vanguard was to familiarize yourself with the Vanguard base in the Rikti War Zone and the surrounding area. You got your first piece of Vanguard armor, and you met many of the leaders of Vanguard's division, even the mysterious Lady Grey herself.

Your first real mission for the Vanguard was a combat patrol in the War Zone, fending off a Rikti raid. It was really more about getting used to the area than the combat itself, but you were able to engage the enemy and emerge victorious.

Your next mission was a bit more interesting. It seems that a Longbow recon squad had been captured by the Rikti. While Vanguard and Longbow aren't on the best of terms, Levantera still sent you to help them. If nothing else, it would show them who was better at fighting the Rikti. During the mission you encountered Lieutenant Sefu Tandaji and Captain Wilhelmina M. Dietrich. While Lt. Tendaji was glad for the assistance, you get the feeling that Cpt. Dietrich did not hold the Vanguard in high regard.

Your next mission had you fighting to destroy a Rikti troopship that had been forced down. You captured some important documents from the captain of the ship that you gave to Levantera for translation.

Your next mission saw you fighting to protect civilians from the ravages of war. One of the civilians, a young man named Arnold Decker, however, had a very strange story to tell about a Rikti soldier that seemed to recognize him, and even called him by name.

Whatever the truth behind Arnold Decker's strange story, you were soon too busy to worry about it. The documents you received were plans for an upcoming attack on one of Vanguard's forts. You went to stop the attack, meeting with 2 other Vanguard Volunteers on the scene, and captured some more documents. On your return, Levantera revealed that Vanguard had received a corroborating tip about the upcoming attack from a very strange source: Arnold Decker's brother, PFC Benjamin Decker, a man who had been missing since the Rikti War!

Whatever this strange turn of events may lead to, it provided you with a taste of what you can expect from joining the Vanguard. there can be no doubt that following this path in the fight against the Rikti will lead to action, adventure, and many strange revelations.

Join the Vanguard

Speak with Borea

Welcome to Vanguard
Part: One

I am glad that you have come to talk to me, Character. I am Levantera, and I am part of the Vanguard. We are the only defense our world has against the Rikti, and we are looking for others with great power to assist us in this, regardless of which side of the law they may be from. We have heard of your power, and thus, on behalf of the Lady Grey, I would like to offer you membership to the Vanguard.

Vanguard membership will provide you with many opportunities. In fact, we think you'll find action with the Vanguard very rewarding.

Mission Acceptance

Very good. Then let me welcome you to the ranks of the Vanguard. This is a great honor, and a great day. I will now send you to speak with several others, so that you may understand a bit about how the Vanguard works. But first, a word of note. Here, we fight the Rikti, not each other. The Vanguard has no care for where you came from, and no time to waste on internal strife. Hero or Villain, we are all here to defend our Earth.

Now, Borea will wish to speak to you. You can find her just on the other side of this column behind me.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Though Borea and I have had our... 'Differences' in the past, we are of one mind in our battle against the Rikti.

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak with Borea

Borea

Briefing

Character, right? Good to meet you. I heard you were going to join up. I'm Borea, and I help coordinate Vanguard activity in the Rikti War Zone. Any time you're looking for something to do, come talk to me and I'll see if there's a mission for you. Hey, you know what? I think I have an easy one for you right now. Defeat 10 Rikti anywhere in the zone, then come back to me. I'll even throw in a little something as a reward when you return.

Defeat Rikti in the Rikti War Zone

Unnecessary Solicitation

Borea already gave you a mission? She must think well of you. I suggest you attend to it, then.

Mission Objective(s)

• Defeat Rikti in the Rikti War Zone
  • Defeat 10 Rikti

You have completed your patrol.

Enemies

Rikti

Return to Borea

Unnecessary Solicitation

Well done. I think Borea has a reward for you.

Mission Objective(s)

• Return to Borea

Borea

Briefing

Aren't you talented. That was an easy one, but a good start. Take this requisition form, show it to the Serpent Drummer. He's over by the Armory. He'll get you some Vanguard gear. Remember you can always come back to me if you ever need something to do.

Requisition form

This signed form will get you a piece of Vanguard gear when you present it to Serpent Drummer.

Speak to Serpent Drummer

Unnecessary Solicitation

Serpent Drummer is very dedicated to his task, and incidentally, quite handsome. He should be able to help you get that form filled out.

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak to Serpent Drummer

You may now access the costume part Vanguard Glove at the Tailor.

Serpent Drummer

Briefing

Hello, Character. I am the Serpent Drummer. I lead the Gauntlet, the branch of Vanguard charged with carrying battle to the Rikti. Borea said I am to give you access to your first piece of Vanguard gear, and so I will. Here are a pair of Vanguard Gloves. You can equip them at any tailor. Wear them with pride.

We may work together later, but for now, it might be good for you to understand how the divisions within the Vanguard are set up. Talk to Gaussian. He should be able to provide a measure of enlightenment.

Speak to Gaussian

Unnecessary Solicitation

Gaussian? That's odd. Well, he is our foremost tactician, he will no doubt be able to explain the groups better than I.

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak to Gaussian

Gaussian

Briefing

Drummer sent you to talk to me? He's a funny guy. Keeps trying to prove... Well, that's not important. If you want to know how the Vanguard works, let me lay it out for you:

The Vanguard is split into 4 main divisions: The Helm, The Gauntlet, The Shield, and The Herald.

The Herald is our public relations division, run by a heroine named Incandescent. She's not normally on-site, usually too busy working with the UN.

The Shield is our security division. Levantera and Borea share joint leadership of it. They handle security and most defensive roles.

The Gauntlet division under Serpent Drummer is our main offensive branch. Most troops you see taking action against the Rikti are Gauntlet troops.

The Helm is our intelligence division, run by the Dark Watcher. They gather the information we need to keep the Rikti contained.

The Lady Grey is the overall commander of Vanguard. She's powerful, well connected, and has been around at least as long as Statesman and Recluse. She sets our overall strategy, with the Dark Watcher as her second in command.

Speaking of which, I've been told that the Dark Watcher wants to talk to you.

Speak to the Dark Watcher

Unnecessary Solicitation

The Dark Watcher is a man of great mystery. I would suggest you listen closely to what he has to say.

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak to the Dark Watcher

Dark Watcher

Briefing

Character. I'm glad you've joined us.

I've studied the Rikti for longer than you know. To most people, they are still a mystery. Where are they from? Why did they attack us? The answers are all there, if you know where to look. I'd suggest you keep your eyes open. Many things are about to change. Be ready for it.

That's all I got to say for now. You best head over to Lady Grey. She's requested an audience with you. You can find her by the trainer.

Speak with Lady Grey

Unnecessary Solicitation

The Lady Grey herself? Well, do not be intimidated. She acts very somber, but she actually has quite a sense of humor, you know.

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak with Lady Grey

The Lady Grey

Briefing

It is our distinct pleasure to welcome you into the Vanguard, Character. We have studied your prior adventures, and know that you shall prove yourself admirably against the Invader's forces. When you are ready, We may have a great undertaking for you, but put it out of mind for the moment. Instead, We suggest you now return to Miss Levantera, so that she can provide you with your first real task against our foe.

Member of Vanguard

You are now a member of Vanguard and can earn Merits for defeating Rikti.

Debriefing

Well done, Character. As you complete missions for us you will have a chance to receive Vanguard salvage. You can use salvage to make Vanguard items and costume pieces from our salvage machines located in the base.

I've just received a report... Urgent business upstairs... Looks like you picked the right time to sign up.

Fend off Rikti Raid

Welcome to Vanguard
Part: Two

Briefing

We've gotten reports that the Rikti are about to raid one of our bunkers. I've already sent two of our heroes, but they're both young and inexperienced. I would like you to be there as well.

Mission Acceptance

The main thing you must do is link up with the other heroes. That should be enough of a threat to draw out the Raid's leader. Once he shows himself, or herself I suppose, I can't tell with the Rikti... Anyway, once the Leader pops up, crush him.

Oh, and there's one other thing. Keep a look out for any intelligence. Shortly after you returned from your last mission, we received a tip about the upcoming attack. We don't know who sent it, but the Rikti might.

Unnecessary Solicitation

We're counting on you.

Mission Objective(s)

When you emerge from the ready-room, you find that the fort is already under attack!

• Fight Rikti Raid
  • Rescue Faultline
  • Rescue Fusionette
  • Defeat the Raid Leader

You fought off the Rikti Raid!

Old friends: Faultline and Fusionette

Enemies

Rikti

Notable NPCs

• Fusionette (Vanguard Shield, Pet) (Ally)
• Faultline (Vanguard Shield, Pet) (Ally)
• Chief Soldier x2 (Rikti Chief Soldier, Boss) (One guarding each hero)
• Raid Leader (Rikti Chief Soldier, Boss)

Fusionette dialogue

Before combat:

Fusionette: Jimmy's never gonna let me live this down.

Random Rikti: Enemy escape: Impossible.

Combat start:

Fusionette: Sweet! Back-up!

Random Rikti: Repulse: Attack!

Once free: It's always nice to have help! Let's go!

If lost: need data
If refound: Let's go get'em!

Faultline dialogue

Before combat:

need data

Combat start:

Random Rikti 1: Expression: Dismay!

Faultline: Character! They weren't kidding about re-enforcements!

Random Rikti 2: Enjoin: Battle!

Once free: Thanks for the help. Have you seen Fusionette?

If Lost: Hey, Character! Wait up!
If refound: Thanks. I really feel like a dope.

Raid Leader dialogue

Before combat: Situation Handling: Personally
Combat start: Fray: Enter!

Rikti documents

These documents were on the Raid Leader. The language is indecipherable, but it seems to be about a specific Rikti soldier.

Debriefing

Looks like you signed up just in time, Character. I'd like to say that Bunker raids were uncommon, but here in the War Zone anything's possible.

Rescue captured Longbow soldiers

Welcome to Vanguard
Part: Three

Briefing

As you know, the Vanguard is in charge of containing the Rikti threat. Some are not happy with this. Chief among them is Ms. Liberty and her Longbow Troops.

They interfere, they act on their own authority, and cause us no end of problems. But still, we fight for the same end. So, when some of them get in trouble, we take it on ourselves to help them.

Such a situation has happened, and I'd like you to take care of it.

Mission Acceptance

I've had my problems with Longbow in the past, but as a member of the Vanguard, that is behind me.

Even though their current operation is a slap in our faces, they are still allies, and should be helped. A number of their soldiers have gone missing after a scouting expedition. We think we've located them, but they appear to have been captured by the Rikti. Your job is to help them out.

Well, I know you'll do your best.

The missing squad

Unnecessary Solicitation

We believe there are 4 soldiers in the captured squad. You only have to liberate them. They should be able to take care of themselves after that.

Mission Objective(s)

The War Zone is riddled with caves like this. The Rikti have been using them to move their troops around.

• Rescue Longbow Squad
  • 3 Longbow P.O.W.s

You rescued the Longbow P.O.W.s!

Enemies

Rikti

Notable NPCs

• Longbow P.O.W. (Longbow Rifleman, Pet)
• Lt. Sefu Tendaji (Longbow, Pet) (Ally)
• Captain Dietrich (Longbow, Pet) (Ally)
• Rikti Captor (Rikti Mentalist Chief) (Boss) (Guarding one of the hostages)
• Captor x2 (Rikti Boss Soldier) (Boss) (One guarding each hostage)

Lt. Sefu Tendaji dialogue

Before combat:

Lt. Sefu Tendaji: Invader, you block my path.

Random Rikti: Your Mission: Failure

Combat start:

Lt. Sefu Tendaji: Character? I heard you were with the Vanguard now.

Random Rikti: Annihilate: Intruder!

Once free: I thank you. Now, let us rescue the rest of my squad. If lost: I have lost your position, Character. If refound: I am glad to see you again.

Captain Dietrich dialogue

Before combat:

Random Rikti: Situation: Surrounded! Weapons: Disarm!

Captain Dietrich: Alien scum.

Rikti Captor: Violence: Unnecessary. Your surrender: Preferable.

Combat start:

Random Rikti: Attack: Vanguard!

Captain Dietrich: Great. Vanguard.

Rikti Captor: Attack: Repulse!

Once free:

I did not need your assistance.

Come, let us find the others.

If lost:

Character, we must maintain formation!

Bah! Typical Vanguard incompetence.

If refound:

Your distraction was useful to my escape.

You're good for that, at least.

Longbow P.O.W. dialogue

Before combat:

Longbow P.O.W.: This is it, man! Game over!

Random Rikti: Intention: Take prisoner. Not: Eat you.

Combat start:

Random Rikti: Identity: Character. Affiliation: Vanguard. Imperative: Terminate

Longbow P.O.W.: Character? But you're Vanguard!

Once free: Okay, man, let's do this!

If lost: We're goners, man! If refound: Aw, man! This is it, man!

Ambush! A Rikti ambush will appear shortly after rescuing each hostage.

Captive: Escaping!

Lt. Tendaji's Information

After you rescued him, Lt. Sefu Tendaji thanked you and offered a tip:

'My thanks to you, friend. I see you are a member of the Vanguard. Despite what some think, I do not see a reason for the rivalry between out groups, as we are all fighting to protect out world. In fact, there was some information we recently gained that could be of use to you, but our resources are too thin to handle it. We have word of a Rikti assault group that has managed to sneak past our defenses. I will give you their last known location.

Oh, and do not mention this to Captain Dietrich. She is an excellent and dedicated leader, but she does not see things between our agencies as I do.'

Captain Dietrich's Opinion

After you rescued her, Captain Wilhelmina Dietrich was quite willing to share her opinion of the Vanguard:

'I suppose I should thank you for not bungling this attempted rescue too badly. Other than barging in like a horde of vandals and alerting all Rikti to our investigation, I am certain that you meant well. No more could be expected from undisciplined amateurs. Now, let us see what we can recover from this mess.'

Debriefing

You've done an excellent job protecting our interests and putting Longbow in their place. I'll have the Helm examine the intelligence from Lt. Tendaji. This could be quite a windfall.

Oh, and don't mind anything Captain Dietrich may have said. She's very vocal in her criticism of us. I'd say many here have a story about W. M. Dietrich.

Take out Rikti assault group

Welcome to Vanguard
Part: Four

Briefing

The Helm have confirmed the information Lt. Tendaji gave you. We've located a Rikti assault group. It seems they snuck past our defenses. This is an excellent chance to surprise them before they attack us. Your mission will be to take out the assault group as well as its leader.

Mission Acceptance

We have a helicopter ready for you up top. It will take you to the area, then you will proceed to the site on your own. There will no doubt be other Rikti around, but your main objective is to take out the Rikti Assault group and its leader. Good hunting!

Unnecessary Solicitation

We don't know how much time you have before they attack, so I'd suggest you hurry.

Mission Objective(s)

This looks like a good place for a pleasant stroll, not for a battle with alien invaders. Too bad.

• Strike Rikti assault group
  • Defeat Rikti Leader Sal'tar

You took care of the Rikti assault group.

Enemies

Rikti

Notable NPCs

• Rikti Leader Sal'tar (Rikti Chief Soldier, Boss)

Rikti Leader Sal'Tar dialogue

Before combat: Surprise Conclusion: Urgent. Vanguard Activity: Likely.
Combat start: Expression: Exasperation!
Conclusion: Even With: Advanced Intelligence: No Plan Survives Contact!

Rikti documents

These strange clear documents were in a sealed container carried by the leader of the Rikti assault group. They look important. Levantera will want to see them.

Debriefing

So that intelligence from Tendaji was correct? Interesting. What's more interesting are these documents. Those look like an attack plan. We'll get this to the Helm, they should be able to decipher it. In the meantime, something's come up.

Stop Rikti Bombing

Welcome to Vanguard
Part: Five

Briefing

The Rikti have performed a mass-transport into a section of the Rogue Isles. We don't know why, but we suspect that they're planting explosive devices. Your mission will be to destroy their bombs, and to evacuate any civilians still trapped in the area.

Mission Acceptance

I know the Rogue Isles doesn't seem like a place worth saving, but it is, if only for the fact that the Rikti want to attack it.

The Vanguard's mission is to stop the Rikti anywhere, any time. So, if you thought you signed up for something else, I'm sorry. You should have joined Longbow instead.

You'll have 2 different things to do here. First off, there's the bombs. You need to destroy those. More importantly, there are a number of civilians trapped in the area. Rescuing them will help to make us look good. Or be the right thing to do, I suppose.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Remember, the bombs are good; good to stop, I mean; but the hostages are better. Good luck!

Mission Objective(s)

This normally bustling section of the city is now over-run by alien invaders.

• Stop Rikti Bombing
  • 3 civilians to rescue
  • 4 bombs to destroy

You have rescued the hostages and defused the bombs.

The PTS complex

Enemies

Rikti

Notable NPCs

• Leah Washingtom (NPC, Hostage)
• Ronald King (NPC, Hostage)
• Arnold Decker (NPC, Hostage)
• Rikti Bomb x4 (Object)

Hostages dialogue

After being rescued:

Arnold Decker: You aren't going to believe this, but the most amazing thing just happened!
Ronald King: I thought we were going to die!
Leah Washingtom: At least it wasn't the Vahzilok!

Rikti dialogue

Each bomb will have some Rikti near handling it:

Before combat:

Rikti minion 1: Query: Bomb Status?

Rikti minion 2: Impatience Containment: Suggested.

Combat start:

Rikti minion 1: Interruption: Unwelcome.

Arnold Decker's Strange Story

One of the civilians you rescued, a young man name Arnold Decker, had a strange story to tell:

'It was the weirdest thing. They were rounding us up, I think to keep us away from those things they brought. Never can tell what people can do in this town, you know? Anyway, one of them saw me, and just stopped in his tracks. He pulled me out of the crowd, just lifted me up, and he was looking at me real intense. I thought I was dead for sure, but he set me down again, took off his helmet, and kneeled down to look me in the eye. The, he said my name.

I could barely understand it, their voices are so weird, but he was trying to tell me something. He said, 'Arnold, take care of Mom.' Then he tried to help me run away, but one of the commanders froze him in his tracks with one of those mind-bolts.

I don't know what it all means. How could he have known about my Mom? She's been in a bad way ever since my older brother Ben was lost in the Rikti War.

Debriefing

You handled that situation well. Which is good. Because we've translated the information you've captured. And there's trouble coming our way.

Defend the Base!

Welcome to Vanguard
Part: Finale

Briefing

The Rikti are assaulting the base. We need your help now.

Mission Acceptance

There's no time to waste. You've got to get up there and defend the Vanguard base. Others are joining in the fight as well, but we really need your help on this one.

Unnecessary Solicitation

The base is under attack and you stand here talking to me? Get up there.

Mission Objective(s)

Rikti attacks are a constant threat, but they're really throwing everything into this one!

• Defend Vanguard Base
  • Find Faultline
  • Find Fusionette
  • Defeat Raid Leader

You've defended the Base. Well done.

The Rikti assault

Enemies

Rikti

Notable NPCs

• Fusionette (Vanguard Shield, NPC Ally)
• Faultline (Vanguard Shield, NPC Ally)
• Chief Soldier x2 (Rikti Chief Soldier, Boss) (One guarding each hero)
• Raid Leader (Rikti Chief Soldier, Boss)

Faultline dialogue

Before Combat: Hang on, Fusionette! I'm coming for you!
Combat Start: Character! They weren't kidding about re-enforcements!
Once free: Thanks again, Character.

If lost: Hey, Character! Wait up.
If refound: Thanks. I really feel like a dope.

Fusionette dialogue

Before combat: Jimmy's never gonna let me live this down.
Combat start: Sweet! Back-up!
Once free: We have to stop meeting like this, people will talk.

If lost: Character? Did I lose you?
If refound: Let's go get'em!

Raid Leader dialogue

Before combat: Leader Status: Entering Battlefield.
Combat start: Intention: Assure Victory. Method: Personal!

Debriefing

Once again, you do not disappoint.

The information you recovered should prove valuable, if my theory is correct. You see, that warning about the raid? It was sent to us by someone who identified themself as a man who's been missing in action since the Rikti War. An American soldier named Benjamin A. Decker. Now isn't that interesting?

Serpent Drummer would like to speak with you.

The Strange Case of Benjamin A. Decker (35-50)

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 5 Reward Merits.

Souvenir

A Letter from Agatha Decker

The hand that wrote this letter may have been shaking, but the heart that composed it was full of joy. Agatha Decker sent it to you after you helped recover her missing son, Benjamin. And while Benjamin may not be the man he once was, or even technically human, her heartfelt relief at the return of her missing son is obvious, and every time you look at it, you remember the adventure you recall as:

The Strange Case of Benjamin A. Decker

With no immediate Rikti threats, it seemed like a good time to investigate the strange story of Arnold Decker and the recent tip you'd received from his missing brother, Benjamin. Arnold was being brought to the Vanguard base to elaborate on his story when he was abducted en route by what appeared to be Arachnos forces. You arrived on the scene just as the leader of the Arachnos troops began to ask Arnold a strange line of questions. In the ensuing battle, you discovered that while many of the soldiers were normal Arachnos troops, their leader and several others were Nemesis Impersonator Automatons! What interest Nemesis would have in Arnold Decker and his story was quickly pushed out of your mind by Arnold's stunning news: his brother, Benjamin, was alive but had been transformed into a Rikti soldier! Upon seeing Arnold, Benjamin's mental conditioning had broken, and now he wanted to come home. Levantera was suspicious, but said that she would make the case for helping the defector to Lady Grey.

Lady Grey gave her consent and arrangements were made. Your part was to show up during a Rikti attack on a Vanguard base and find Benjamin A. Decker, now transformed into the Rikti soldier called B'Nadek. When you found him, he told you something of his experience as he fought to bring his conflicting human and Rikti thoughts back under control. As soon as you returned, the Dark Watcher asked to see you, and gave you a dossier full of incendiary information, indicating that individuals with a certain level of security, known as 'Omega Clearance', already knew that the Rikti were transformed humans, and now wholly alien invaders. He asked you to give the file to Levantera after you were done, and left you to draw your own conclusions.

To prove his renewed loyalty to Earth, B'Nadek gave up some very sensitive information about the Rikti war effort. He revealed that the Rikti had dug out a cavern beneath their crashed saucer, and though he didn't know the reason, he knew it was important. You investigated the cavern on a tight time limit with orders to avoid combat. You confirmed the cavern's existence, though much about its purpose is still a mystery. However, it did help to prove that Benjamin Decker really had defected, and that the Rikti were planning something massive.

Levantera thanked you for all that you'd done and told you that you'd be working with the serene Serpent Drummer on an unknown but important task. As the Dark Watcher requested, you left her the dossier he'd given you. The stunned look on her face was priceless, but your thoughts were already turning toward whatever intriguing task Serpent Drummer would have for you next.

Rescue Arnold Decker

The Strange Case of Benjamin A. Decker
Part: One

Briefing

Character, do you remember Arnold Decker? He was one of the hostages who escaped from the Cap au Diable power station a while back. Well, it turns out that he's the younger brother of Benjamin A. Decker, the missing soldier from the Rikti War who tried to warn us about the Rikti raid you fought off. We were bringing Arnold here to talk to him, but Arachnos kidnapped him en route. We think we have his location, but we need someone particularly talented to make sure we get him out in one piece.

Mission Acceptance

The one thing we don't understand is why would Arachnos be interested in all of this. Recluse has been known to work with Rikti Traditionalists, but only as a way to strike against Paragon City. He'd have no reason to interfere like this.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Keep your eyes open while you're looking for Arnold Decker. Something isn't adding up.

Arnold Decker

Mission Objective(s)

This place used to be a warehouse for an online bookseller. Now it's in ruins.

• Rescue Arnold Decker
  • Rescue Arnold Decker!
  • Lead Arnold Out

You've rescued Arnold Decker from his captors!

Enemies

Arachnos

Nemesis Automatons

Nemesis

Notable NPCs

• Capture Team Leader (random Arachnos lieutenant)
• Arnold Decker (Earnest Citizen, Captive)
• Warhulk (Nemesis Warhulk) (Boss)

Arachnos Soldiers dialogue

Before combat:

Arachnos minion 1: Does something about this seem wrong to you?

Arachnos minion 2: The orders come from above us. Are you going to question them?

Combat start:

Arachnos minion 1: Guess it doesn't matter if we still get to hurt people!

Arnold Decker dialogue

Before combat:

Arnold Decker: Nemesis Army? What?

Arachnos soldier: Uh... Commander?

Capture Team Leader: Never mind that! To the attack. men!

Combat start:

Capture Team Leader: For Lord... Recluse!

Arachnos soldier: Yeah... What he said!

Arnold Decker: Character! I'm over here!

Once free: Let's go! I have so much to tell you!

If captured: Character! Help!

If lost: I can't get lost now!

If refound: Thanks a lot, Character.

At the mission exit: I know it's Ben. You believe me, don't you?

Ambush! Upon rescuing Arnold Decker, there will be an two waves of ambushes. First by a Warhulk, and second by Arachnos: Ambush (Warhulk): The operation is discovered! Quickly, men!

Ambush (Arachnos): For Lord... Recluse!

The Brothers Decker

Despite all that's happened to him, Arnold Decker was so excited with his news that he could barely keep from talking once he saw you again:

'He's alive! Ben's alive! He snuck away from their base and visited me! He looks different, okay, but it's my brother Ben! I know it! He said that he was captured by the Rikti during the war and that they did something to him, but he snapped out of the brainwashing when he saw me. I know it's him, and he's back to himself now. But the rest of the Rikti know and he's got to get out. He wants to come home. You'll help him, right? Vanguard will help him, won't they?'

Robotic Remains

When you defeated Arnold Decker's captor, the Arachnos leader fell to the floor with a clatter. Your foe wasn't a normal Arachnos soldier (or at least wasn't what passes for 'normal' among Arachnos troops), but a cleverly constructed clockwork counterfeit: a Nemesis Impostor Automaton!

It must have falsified its orders and appropriated troops to capture Arnold Decker, and then pinned the blame on Arachnos. But why?

Debriefing

The implications of Mr. Decker's tale are astonishing, to say the least. But the real nature of his captors was perhaps even more so. There will be time to consider that later. For the moment, we must decide whether we should act on Mr. Decker's information. I will make the case before Lady Grey. If she agrees, I'll need your help if we are to have any chance of success.

Rescue Benjamin A. Decker

Rescue B'Nadek

The Strange Case of Benjamin A. Decker
Part: Two

Briefing

Lady Grey has agreed to the proposed operation to help Mr. Decker. What surprised me is that Dark Watcher was also in favor. This may still be a trap, but if the story is true, recovering Benjamin A. Decker could be a breakthrough for us.

Mission Acceptance

According to the information he provided Arnold Decker, our defector will be part of a raiding contingent that will attack one of our bases. He Rikti name is B'Nadek. Our forces can fend off the raid; your job is just to recover Arnold's putative brother.

Oh, there's one more thing. The Dark Watcher wants to talk to you once this is done. I don't know why. It seems Lady Grey is the only one he ever explains himself to.

The Sunken Road base

Unnecessary Solicitation

Our forces will only put up token resistance until you've extracted B'Nadek. We'll take care of it after you're done, so don't worry about the fighting. The defector is your only concern.

Mission Objective(s)

The Vanguard are taking a great risk by letting this base go so lightly defended.

• Rescue B'Nadek
  • Locate B'Nadek
  • Extract B'Nadek

You rescued B'Nadek.

Enemies

Rikti

Notable NPCs

• B'Nadek (Returning Human, Defector)
• Chief Soldier (Rikti Chief Soldier, Boss) (Guarding B'Nadek)

Ambush! A Rikti ambush will appear shortly after rescuing B'Nadek.
Random Rikti ambush: Stop: Defector!

Battle dialogue

Rikti minion 1: Press: Attack!
Rikti minion 2: Strike: Fast!
Vanguard soldier: Hold the line!

B'Nadek dialogue

Before combat:

Chief Soldier: ThoughtMode: Errant. ThoughtMode: Human.

B'Nadek: Yes. ThoughtMode: Human! I was: AM Human!

Combat start:

B'Nadek: Character! You came!

Rikti minion: Resolve Situation: Later.

Chief Soldier: Resolve Situation: Later.

Once free: I'm status: Unarmed. Please, let's get: outta here.

If recaptured: No! Expression: Frustration!

If left behind: Don't leave me now! I'm almost home!

If refound: I thought I was: goner.

At the mission exit: I can't believe I'll see Mom again. Thank: You.

'My name is:was Ben Decker'

After you helped him escape, B'Nadek told you some of his story:

'So Immersed: Rikti-Thought. Recognition Near-Failure: Own Brother. Human-Thought: Presently Difficult. Please: Patience.

My name is:was Ben Decker. I was: Soldier: Earth during the Rikti War. I was a prisoner, they took me and: Changed me. They thought Change: Improvement. They all undergo: Change during Gestation/Exo-womb. They think it's a way to lift a man: up, just like some aliens did to them thousands of years ago. And if I never saw: Arnold again, I would have continued: Harmonious Rikti-Thought.

The Rikti think what they do is raise people up to their level of evolution. To them Riktification: Gift. But really, what it does: cage a man.'

Speak with the Dark Watcher

Unnecessary Solicitation

You shouldn't be concerned. B'Nadek is in our care now, and has a great deal to say. For the moment, I'd suggest you speak with the Dark Watcher. I don't know why he wants to talk to you, but he rarely says things he does not think are important.

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak with the Dark Watcher

Dark Watcher

Briefing

Character. About the B'Nadek situation. You've stumbled onto something interesting, but not unexpected. We're bound to see more incidents like this, and I don't like my people to be blind. Take this file. Read it if you want, then give it to Levantera when this thing is wrapped up. Normally, this kind of information is restricted by the FBSA 'Omega Clearance'. Heh.

If you learn it from another source, pretend you never knew it before. Not that it matters to me.

Omega Clearance Briefing

Though this file is in a plain manila envelope, its contents are shocking to any who don't already possess Omega Clearance. Here, it lays out the truth about the Rikti, namely that while obviously morphologically different, they are biologically heavily-altered human beings. The alterations are clearly artificial, and appear to be the result of biomorphic processes that are most likely initiated during gestation, and continued throughout the Rikti's childhood and adolescence. Later documents abound with conjecture about how this could have come to pass on the Rikti homeworld, ranging from an advanced civilization's defense against massive pollution to contact with a much more advanced alien race. Whatever the reason, one thing is certain: the Rikti homeworld isn't an alien planet, but an alternate Earth!

Debriefing

You bring in a Rikti defector and get a private audience with the most mysterious man in the Vanguard. I'd be jealous, but I'm just too busy with what we're learning from our new friend. Speaking of which, there's an opportunity that I think you may be interested in...

Investigate the Rikti cavern

The Strange Case of Benjamin A. Decker
Part: Three

Briefing

Our defector has provided us with some interesting information. According to him, the Rikti have been excavating beneath their crashed saucer, and are working on something major down there. This is either a trap or proof that B'Nadek really is the missing Benjamin Decker, and really has defected. Either way, you'll have 1 hour to check it out. Oh, and by the way, this mission is in the most dangerous part of the zone, near the ship. So you'll have to be quick and careful.

Mission Acceptance

Oh, I should mention that along with the time limit, there are other complications. We can't let the Rikti know how much we know, so you'll have to avoid alerting them too much. Stick to looking for information and avoid fighting Rikti. In particular, I'd suggest avoiding the Security Chief and the Foreman. The Foreman is probably on-site, but the Security Chief will only show up if you alert the patrols, and defeat a squad or two of reinforcements. Well, any fighting at all is really unnecessary. So just be careful if you do.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Remember: 1 hour, and try to avoid making a spectacle of things. Good luck. No, really, I mean that.

Under the mothership

Mission Objective(s)

B'Nadek's instructions were clear and accurate. You traveled through twisting sewers to this point, where you can hear the strange hum of alien technologies.

• Investigate Rikti Dig (60:00)
  • 4 clues
  • Do NOT attack Patrols
  • Do NOT attack Foreman

Success: You have successfully completed your reconnaissance mission!
Failure: You weren't able to avoid alerting the Rikti.

Editor's Note:

Defeating the Security Chief will fail the mission immediately.

Enemies

Rikti

Notable NPCs

• Security Chief (Rikti Chief Soldier, Boss)
  
• Foreman (Rikti Chief Soldier, Boss)
  

Chief Soldier dialogue

Patrol Loss: Investigating.
Location: Breached! Contact: Security Chief!

Security Chief dialogue

Security Chief Report: Handle Personally!

Foreman dialogue

Before combat: Exasperated Declaration: Warrior-Lineage Workmanship!
Combat start: Angered Repudiation: Schedule Disruption!

Scavenged Parts

The parts here are scrounged from every source of technology in the city. Crey circuit boards, Arachnos robotics, Council energy collectors and more, all heavily modified with the Rikti's advanced alien technology. Whatever they're working on, they are trying desperately to get it operational.

Bizarre Chemicals

The strange chemicals in these containers seem to defy the laws of physics. Liquids that flow up, impact-resistant gasses, monopolar liquid magnets, and other strange things abound. You play with them for a few moments, take some samples, and move on.

Rikti Equipment

All of the equipment here is brand new. Not scavenged or repaired, but recently manufactured and unused. Either the Rikti on Earth have found a new supply cache of unused equipment, or something strange is going on. You take a sample or two that won't be missed, and move on.

Chemical Waste

This container is full of organic residue and numerous apparently surgical implements. It's too big to move quietly so you document it and move on.

Debriefing: Success

Well handled, Character. We have lots of new information, a confirmation of Ben A. Decker's story, and the Rikti are none the wiser. It's really a shame I'm about to lose your services. Serpent Drummer has requested your assistance, you see. Well, no matter. I have a lot to do, anyway. It has been very pleasant working with you.

Oh? What's this? A file from the Dark Watcher? Certainly I'll take a look at...

Oh... my...

Please excuse me. I think I need to read this.

Debriefing: Failure

Well, that could have gone better, but, I suppose you've done well enough, all things considered. It would have been nice to learn more, but now we have some idea of what's going on, and we have some evidence. We can trust B'Nadek. You've done enough right that Serpent Drummer wants to work with you. A good thing, I think, considering that I'm going to be very busy for a while.

What's this? A file from the Dark Watcher?

Certainly I'll take a look at...

Oh... my...

Please excuse me. I think I need to read this.

Missions

Levantera does not have any missions out of her story arcs.