Operative Vargas

Overview

Operative Vargas
Arachnos Operative
Zone	Sharkhead Isle
Coordinates	(-215, 40.6, -775.0)
Level Range	20-24
Introduced By	== Level 20-24 == Lorenz Ansaldo
Introduces	== Level 25-29 == Operative Kirkland
Enemy Groups	Arachnos Council The Family Freakshow Longbow Scrapyarders Sky Raiders Tsoo

Operative Vargas is a villain contact in the Port Recluse neighborhood of Sharkhead Isle at coordinates (-87, 132, -1106) Operative Vargas is a Science origin contact. His level range is 20-24.

Introductions

Contact Introduced By

Level 20-24

• Lorenz Ansaldo

Contact Introduces

+++ Missing Information +++

Level 25-29

• Operative Kirkland

Operative Kirkland keeps tabs on the various factions on Sharkhead Isle, and looks for freelancers willing to do service for Arachnos. Arachnos keeps him supplied with plenty of Natural and Technology enhancements.

Operative Kirkland is an efficient and loyal member of Arachnos. Do good work for him and he can assure you patronage from the Arachnos elite down the line.

Information

Arachnos Operative

Operative Leonard Vargas is one of the brightest rising stars in Arachnos. He joined the organization after completing his Bachelor's degree in business at an Ivy League school, and has since begun a rapid rise through the ranks. While he's lacking in combat experience, his initiative, efficiency, and ability to get things done have attracted a lot of attention, particularly among the Arbiter Corps.

Prior to Introduction

Yeah, look, I don't mean to be rude, and I want you to understand that I have the utmost respect for you, Character, but I'm not certain that a working relationship would optimize either of our potentialities at this time. Perhaps Lorenz Ansaldo could change my mind about that. Why don't you talk to him?

Initial Contact

Character! It is so good to finally get this chance to get to know you. I'm Operative Vargas, but please, just call me Leo. I want to promote a mutual zone of facilitation between us, so we don't have to stand on titles. You're here because you want to improve your prospects and increase the potential for your continued advancement. And I am all about continued advancement. So let's get started, huh?

Greeting

• It's always a pleasure to talk to a fellow professional.
• I am here, ready and waiting, to help you maximize your potential!
• Are you ready to leverage your abilities to their fullest, Character?

Too Busy

I've taken a look at your schedule, and it looks to me like you're over-booked. Now, I like to see that. I like to see initiative. I like to see an empowered individual like yourself trying to realize their full potential. But at the same time, I need to make sure that you can devote your full attention to what I have for you. You finish up with the rest, and I will be ready with projects for you.

No More Missions

At every point, in every working relationship, no: in every partnership; and I do think of our work together as a partnership from which we both benefited, don't get me wrong; there's a point when both factions have to realize that everyone's best interests are served by dissolving that association. And Character: We've reached that point. I know you've been thinking the same thing, so I'll be the bad guy here and be the one to say it. Now, it's not like I'm firing you. We were partners. If anything, I'm firing me. But that's just the realities of business. It's been great working with you.

Store

• Inspirations
• Level 20 Mutation/Science Dual Origin Enhancements (200% base costs)

Working with you has been, wow, what can I say? Enlightening. There. I said it. If you'll take a look-see at my store, I think I can help you actualize your potential. We must speak more often.

• Level 25 Mutation/Science Dual Origin Enhancements (200% base costs)

You have been working so far ahead of projections that I'm considering outsourcing all future contracts to you. And I don't say that kind of thing lightly. If you need any help achieving your dreams, I would be happy to provide you with Enhancements.

• Level 25 Science Single Origin Enhancements (200% base costs)

Story Arcs

A Web of Intrigue

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 11 Reward Merits.

Souvenir: A Longbow codebook

Though the codes in this book are now out of date, it serves as a reminder of the escapade where you captured it from a Longbow underwater base. An escapade you like to remember as:

A Web of Intrigue

When it all began, Vargas seemed upset that all he had to give you was a simple mission of revenge against the Council for an attack on Arachnos. The mission had been given to Vargas at the last minute, and he was fuming about it. The pay was good, but something seemed strange. Your suspicions were confirmed when one of the Council soldiers said that they had only attacked because a computer hacker from Arachnos had raided their systems.

Vargas checked into the Council's claims, but hadn't found any evidence of a scheduled computer strike against them. As you were talking, he received a call from Arbiter Leery with an urgent mission: A gang of Freakshow had over-run an Arachnos base, and Leery wanted them out. Vargas offered you the job, since it would take him too long to organize a strike force. You fought the Freaks, and found out that they had attacked because their computer system had been compromised by Arachnos, too.

It was time to stop being reactive. Vargas had heard through a friend of his in the Sky Raiders about a Longbow agent who sold information on the side, and was now offering some of the information that had been stolen from the Council and the Freakshow. If that information had gotten into the hands of a Longbow agent, then there could be some connection between Longbow and the attacks on Arachnos. The only way to find the renegade Longbow agent was to get the information from Vargas' old friend, Captain Braun. It wasn't pleasant, but you got the information.

You moved swiftly, and caught Glenn Sampson, the renegade Longbow agent. He was willing to talk to spare his life, and told where he had gotten the information he was currently selling. It seems that Longbow had an agent inside Arachnos to hack other groups and direct the blame on them. Sampson told you where the agent was dropping off the next batch of information. You captured the info, and with it were able to find the Agent's identity and where he was stationed.

Vargas went above Arbiter Leery and got a full sanction from Arbiter Daos to capture the Longbow Spy by any means necessary. Since the infiltration couldn't be revealed, Vargas asked you to do it. You caught Longbow's spy, Agent Caspian, inside the Arachnos base where he had secured himself.

Caspian talked in interrogation, and revealed the location of a Longbow underwater base. Vargas decided to take the initiative, and hired you to take it out before someone else could steal his thunder. You entered the underwater base by mini-sub, using codes extracted from Caspian. You forced a captured technician to lower the base's computer security, defeated the security chief who was apparently Caspian's older brother, and captured the base commander. The base fell, and Longbow's spy operations were severely set back.

In the aftermath, Vargas is on the fast track to promotion, and promised to speak your praises far and wide. Somehow, you're not counting on that promise too much. But you were well paid, and Longbow took a big fall. Not bad for some dishonest work.

Take out Council base in retaliation

(Story Arc: A Web of Intrigue. Mission 1 of 6)

Briefing

Okay, I have something for you, but, well, it's not up to someone of your caliber. It's grunt work, and they gave it to me because someone, and I'm not entirely sure who, is trying to sandbag me. Weigh me down with menial tasks. Can you believe it? Someone like me, someone destined for greatness, for the highest ranks. Well, it's a good thing I have resources. I have allies. Allies like you. So, here's the deal. The Council raided one of our bases, and now I have to organize a strike on the base they came from. Getting together forces and authorizing expenditures will take me half a week, and I don't have time for that. Or, I can ask you to handle this for me. Not as a favor. You're a professional, I wouldn't do that to you. It'll be full pay for you and any one you choose. Full pay for all of you. I just need this situation dealt with.

Mission Acceptance

Take out the base. Take out everyone in the base. These Council guys, I swear, what is it with them? I don't know why Lord Recluse doesn't just crush them. Maybe it's because he used to work with them way back in the thirties. And I'm not criticizing Lord Recluse, let me make that clear, but if that's his reason, I think he should reconsider it. Sentiment, as a concept, is outmoded. Just like loyalty or morality, it only holds you back.

Mission Objective(s)

Arachnos and the Council fight a lot, but something seems strange this time.

• Defeat all Council in base

You took out the base, but something the base leader said stays with you

Enemies

Council

Notable NPCs

• Galaxy Archon (Boss)

It was retaliation!

After the battle in the Council base, the base's defeated leader spot out the following under interrogation:

"We did what we had to do to even the battle. Our counter-attack was provoked by the outrages of Arachnos! It was retaliation, pure and simple! We will not allow Arachnos to steal from our computer network without consequence!
For Arakhn!
For Requiem!
And all for the Center!"

Debriefing

That thing is taken care of, right? In the base? Good. I really don't have time for this. Why did Arbiter Leery have to dump this on me? Is he trying to hold me back? I just do not understand.

Don't worry about what that guy said. Of course they're going to claim it was about revenge or something. You know, since you've been such a help to me, I'll see what they stole. If it's worth anything and it's not vital that it's kept quiet, I'll give you a copy. That'll be good closure. Sell it, burn it, whatever, do what you want. I really don't care. I'll pull some strings.

Stop Freakshow attack

(Story Arc: A Web of Intrigue. Mission 2 of 6)

Briefing

Hey, Character? Do you remember what that Galaxy Archon said, about a computer attack? Well, I've been doing some checking, and here's the funny thing, nothing like that's happened recently. And I mean, nothing. Believe me, I know people who know people. I am the one people want to know who want to know people, and I cannot find anything on this. Something weird is going...
Hold on. That's my communicator. Let me get this.
Vargas speaking
Uh-huh
The Freakshow?
But, sir, I'll need time to get troops and...
Yeah, Character's right here
All right. And thank you, sir.

You're not going to believe this, but that was Arbiter Leery. Arbiter Leery! And he wants me to take care of something. The Freakshow are attacking one of our bases, I've been assigned to handle it. Are you willing to handle another job? But, ah, watch out on this one. Apparently the Freaks have brought bombs with them. You'll need to handle this within 90 minutes or they might go off.

Mission Acceptance

Okay, the Freaks in there all need to be dealt with, but this time you have to worry about the base, too. They've brought bombs, and are going to wire the place to blow. Like I said, you'll have maybe 90 minutes on this one. This is really an opportunity for you to shine, and I am glad you have the vision to grab it. I just wish Leery didn't keep dumping this on me. What is going on? It's like he's trying to wreck my career. That's it! He knows I'm going to make Arbiter. He thinks I'm gunning for his job. Well, I'll show him. Isn't that right, Character?

Mission Objective(s)

Most of the Arachnos personel who used to work here are either evacuated or dead by now. It's probably just you and the Freakshow.

• Defeat all Freakshow in base - 1:30:00
  • 4 bombs to disarm

You defeated the Freaks and disarmed the bombs

Enemies

Freakshow

Notable NPCs

• Bob Fuse'y (Boss) (Tank)

You guys started it!

After you defeated the Freaks' leader, it didn't take much to make him talk:

"This wouldn't have had to happen if your fascist Arachnos employers hadn't sent guys against us. You crashed our power grid! You hacked our meat doctors' medical computer! You cut our pirate cable TV! And you stole the formula for our drug, Excelsior! Oh, this ain't over! Just wait until Dreck hears about this! We'll roll over those Arachnos jerks like a wave of steel! And anyone who stands with them, including you!"

Bob Fuse'y dialogue

Before combat:
"The Black wire goes to the:"
"ground lead,"
"The Red wire goes to the"
"Plastique,"
"Now hear that word of C-4!"
"Them bombs, them bombs gonna,"
"Blow things up!"
"Them bombs, them bombs gonna,"
"Blow things up!"
"Them bombs, them bombs they gonna,"
"Blow things up!"
"Now hear!"
"That word!"
"Of C-4!!!!"
"Thank you! Thank you!"
Combat start: "I really love my work."

Debriefing (Mission success)

He said what? That they were retaliating against us? There wasn't any plans against the Freakshow. Nothing had been allocated, nothing had been authorized. It wasn't on any org charts or flowcharts or the meetings of any minutes. It's all coming out of nowhere. Or is it? I got a sneaking suspicion that this is connected to that Council attack.

Those Freakshow, I just don't get those guys. Singing and dancing while setting bombs? Aren't they taking this seriously? Who did this guy think he was, the music man? I swear, anything goes with those guys.

Debriefing (Mission failure)

We've been able to mitigate the damage, but the higher ups are real upset. They've taken the damage done out of your pay. I argued against it because I understand how these situations can escalate, but there was nothing I could do.

But let's not concentrate on that. I found out why the Freaks were attacking. It seems that they thought we'd gone after them first. They thought we'd hacked into their computers, stole the designs for their drugs, shut off their generators, and scrambled their satellite TV. But as far as I can tell, there weren't any plans to do anything like that to the Freakshow on the table.

Help discover the source of the computer attacks

(Story Arc: A Web of Intrigue. Mission 3 of 6)

Briefing

I just got word that I'm about to have another of these futile retaliation control missions dumped on me by Arbiter Leery, and I am getting sick of it. Character, it is time to radically alter the paradigm under which we've been working. So far, I've been getting these strange jobs and you've been handling them for me. The second part of that, that's been great. You've been a real pro. No complaints there. No, what we need to shift into a new success-space is the first part. Before I get another one of these little fires to put out, I want to find out who's been throwing matches around. Both the Council and the Freaks said that they were retaliating for Arachnos actions that, as far as I've been able to find, were never authorized. Computer crimes that they were able to trace back to us, and no one should be able to trace our hackers back to us. I'm starting to think that someone's setting Arachnos up to take the blame for their own actions. This means we have a renegade or an infiltrator. I want to find out who's being doing this, and I want you in on this project. I think I know how to leverage him out into the open, but I'm going to need your help. Otherwise, we're going to be cleaning up these messes for the rest of our careers.

Mission Acceptance

Like I said, I have a plan. I heard from a guy I know in the Sky Raiders that there's a Longbow agent with , shall we say, a very open concept of acceptable business opportunities. Word is that this guy has just secured information on the Freaks and the Council. The same info that got them both riled up. Meaning, he's got access to whoever is behind all of this mess. The problem is that I don't know who this rogue guy is, only that he exists. The one who knows is that guy I know in the Raiders. So what you're going to do is find that Raider I was talking about, and get the information out of him. His name's Bruce Braun. I'll tell you where he is, and leave the rest to you.

Yeah, Bruce is a good guy. I hate to have to do this to him. Or really, to have to have you do this to him. But hey, that's business.

Mission Objective(s)

The Sky Raiders have made quite a base for themselves here. You have to wonder how long it will last before someone like you tears it apart.

• Get info from Bruce Braun
  • Catch Cpt. Bruce Braun

You got the information from Captain Braun

Enemies

Sky Raiders

Notable NPCs

• Cpt. Bruce Braun (Lieutenant) (Captain)

Captain Braun talks

It took some work, but you were able to get a name out of Captain Braun: "Agent Glenn Sampson". It should be all you need.

Debriefing

Agent Glenn Sampson? Huh. I'll put my people on it. This is how you put yourself on a success-oriented track! It's all about goals. I've always understood that. You just can't let yourself get bogged down by things like old friendships. Old means yesterday, and yesterday isn't the place you can stay if you want to succeed. And you and I, we're gonna succeed. The next step is going to be this Agent Sampson. He won't know what hit him.

Poor Bruce, though. Well, that's the price of doing business, I guess. Hey, and now that hot wife of his might need some comforting in her time of need, if you know what I mean.

Catch Agent Sampson

(Story Arc: A Web of Intrigue. Mission 4 of 6)

Briefing

I did some digging. Turns out that this Agent Sampson gets around. Right now, my sources place him meeting with the Scrapyarders, selling them information about the Council operation that matches what was stolen from the Council in that first attack. I gotta admit, he's a real go-getter. A self-starter. I admire his initiative, but what I really want to learn is who is he getting this information from. We find that out, we find out who's been conducting these attacks and pinning it on Arachnos. And that gets you paid and me promoted. The first step is to catch agent Glenn Sampson.

Mission Acceptance

Once you've caught this agent Sampson, find out where and how he gets his information. That should tell us if we have a traitor or a spy inside Arachnos.

Mission Objective(s)

These old mines were abandoned several years ago. That would make them perfect places for the Scrapyarders to hold meetings.

• Capture Agent Sampson
  • Capture Sampson

You captured Agent Sampson and found the location of the Longbow Spy's next information drop

Enemies

Scrapyarders

Longbow

Notable NPCs

• Stolen Explosives (Object)
• Agent Glenn Sampson (Boss) (Longbow Officer)

Agent Sampson tells all

Agent Sampson was smart enough to talk without any extra persuasion:

"Whoa there! No need to get all nasty. I'll talk! I'll sing, I'll dance, whatever you want. I heard that we had a deep-cover guy inside Arachnos who was supposed to be infiltrating other groups computer networks and pinning it on Arachnos. That way, Longbow gets the information and Arachnos takes the heat. I knew that there were people who'd pay for a share of that information so I found a way to get it. The agent is leaving his information at specific drop points according to a schedule. I just made sure I was on the recover team, and made copies. I'll tell you where to go to intercept the next drop. If you're lucky, you can make it there before Longbow."

Mission Objective(s)

According to Agent Sampson, this is the location where Longbow's hacker within Arachnos was dropping off the data he'd stolen. Looks like Longbow is also here to collect.

• Secure stolen information
  • 4 pieces of stolen info

You recovered all of the information and discovered the identity of the agent

Enemies

Longbow

Notable NPCs

• None

Ambush! Upon collecting each piece of info, you will be ambushed by Longbow
"They took some of our data! Attack!"

A partial dossier on Ghost Widow

Though not complete, this file contains some interesting information about Ghost Widow, a member of Lord Recluse's inner circle.

Name: Ghost Widow
Real Name: Unknown
Power Source: Magic (Ghost)
Associates: Wretch

"While I have not been able to determine her original identity, Ghost Widow began as a member of the Night Widows, Arachnos semi-cultist group of female assassins and mystics. She was likely killed in action during Lord Recluse's take-over of the Rogue Isles, but returned as a spectral undead apparition. The process of dying has only increased her powers, and she quickly rose to lead the Widows. She can manifest herself physically at will, and affect the physical world with a variety of supernatural abilities. If she is dispersed she can reform herself over time, making her potentially unstoppable. She seems concerned with controlling other ghostly entities, so this may point to a potential weakness.

How she returned from the dead is unknown, though after seeing her I believe that the Legacy Chain theory is correct: She returned of her own free will as a specter, but bound to the fortunes of Arachnos. She is tremendously loyal to Arachnos and personally loyal to Lord Recluse, though we don't know the reason or origin of this loyalty. She is often accompanied by Wretch, a former Arachnos soldier who we believe was scarred and horribly mutated in the same incident that caused Ghost Widow's original demise"

With the rest of these dossiers, it may be possible to trace back the location and identity of the spy who compiled these reports.

A partial dossier on Black Scorpion

Though not complete, this file contains some interesting information about Black Scorpion, a member of Lord Recluse's inner circle.

Name: Black Scorpion
Real Name: Ernesto Rodriguez
Power Source: Technology (Powered armor / cybernetics)
Associates: Silver Mantis

"Ernesto's began his career as a mercenary, and a very good one. He was highly paid for his ability to eliminate super powered threats to his employers with conventional troops. After he acquired the Black Scorpion armor he was nearly unstoppable. He was hired by Lord Recluse and brought into Arachnos shortly afterwards, but I have reasons to believe that they've worked together in the past. Since he's been brought into Arachnos, Ernesto has continued to improve his armor, as well as modify himself with cybernetic implants. He's probably encouraged in the latter by Silver Mantis, a close associate of his who is herself heavily cybernetically augmented.

I have not been able to ascertain how Rodriguez attained the Black Scorpion suit, but the name "Dr. Quatrexin" has come up several times. Rodriguez's first appearance as Black Scorpion would roughly match the time of Dr. Quatrexin's disappearance several years ago in the American Southwest. Recommend we try to locate Quatrexin immediately to find weakness in the Black Scorpion suit."

With the rest of these dossiers, it may be possible to trace back the location and identity of the spy who compiled these reports.

A partial dossier on Scirocco

Though not complete, this file contains some interesting information about Scirocco, a member of Lord Recluse's inner circle.

Name: Scirocco
Real Name: Imad Malak
Power Source: Magic (Artifacts)
Associates: Ice Mistral

"Malak is a real mystery. As far as I can tell, he began as a freedom fighter against a tyrannical regime in the Middle East, then gained the artifacts that gave him his powers and continued fighting against tyranny. He then began to slip into more questionable work, including selling off some more magical artifacts, probably from the same find. Within a few years, he was an international criminal, and near the top of Interpol's most wanted list. He joined Arachnos soon after. What no one can ascertain is why he went rogue. He still maintains some amount of honor, and has even allowed innocents to escape the line of fire before a battle. From his interaction with the young villainess Ice Mistral, some think he might be trying to reform her, though with little success. There are rumors that he may be under some kind of curse. This may be worth investigating.

Another mystery is where he got his artifacts from, but there are myths of a great hero of Arabian myth with similar powers. This mythic hero supposedly received his magic from a djinn called Serafina

While Scirocco may or may not be ideologically aligned with Lord Recluse, he has never betrayed his master's trust. Whether this is due to Scirocco's personal sense of honor, mercenary ethics, or some other compulsion is unknown"

With the rest of these dossiers, it may be possible to trace back the location and identity of the spy who compiled these reports.

A partial dossier on Captain Mako

Though not complete, this file contains some interesting information about Captain Mako, a member of Lord Recluse's inner circle.

Name: Captain Mako
Real Name: Unknown
Power Source: Mutation (Animalistic)
Associates: Barracuda

"Captain Mako's true origins are unknown. He first appeared as a modern pirate working around the Rogue Isles before Lord Recluse claimed them. Mako and his crew initially fought against Lord Recluse's forces during the take-over, but was either coerced or bought off and joined Arachnos. He's been more than happy to continue working in Lord Recluse's employ since then. Recluse often uses Mako as an assassin and enforcer, sending him to make violent examples out of enemies of Arachnos. Mako's brutal murder of the original Scrapyard on the docks of Sharkhead Isle is a perfect example. Mako is a bloodthirsty predator capable of casual violence, but he still possesses a human intellect, and should not be underestimated.

Mako has recently installed himself on Sharkhead Isle. I have been unable to find out why, though he went to Sharkhead shortly after he began to associate with the villainess Barracuda. I have been unable to find out much about her origin, except that she was once human, but was altered somehow. I've heard the term "Koralax" used, but don't know what it means"

With the rest of these dossiers, it may be possible to trace back the location and identity of the spy who compiled these reports.

The Longbow spy

By putting together clues in all of the information you recovered at the drop points, you think you know the location and identity of Longbow's spy in Arachnos.

Debriefing

Man, look at this stuff! Secret files on all of the big-wigs. Oh, this guy is so going down. And when he does, my stock is going right to the top! That'll show Leery! He can't sandbag me! I'm meant for success!

Catch Agent Caspian

(Story Arc: A Web of Intrigue. Mission 5 of 6)

Briefing

Alright, I've taken the info you got from the drop points, and pinpointed Longbow's spy. He's called Agent Caspian, and he's holed up in one of our own bases. I went over Arbiter Leery's head, and went to Arbiter Daos. He gave me permission to catch Agent Caspian. But there's a catch: I can't let anyone know about it. I mean, I asked about you, and Daos said you were okay. So I guess we're both lucky there. But no one else. So, that means that you're gonna have to go into the base where Caspian is in a, ah, "hostile" manner.

Mission Acceptance

Great! I knew I could count on you. Now, like I said, Caspian's fixed himself into one of our bases. We can't let anyone know we've had an infiltrator inside Arachnos, so we can't tell them that he's there. I can't even tell them that you're coming. And I'm sorry about that, but my hands are tied. So, they're going to be hostile. On the upside, though, you only have to take out Caspian, and arbiter Daos says that any damage you do won't be held against you. Those guys in that base with Caspian? Real underachievers. Daos figures you can teach them a lesson.

Mission Objective(s)

This seems like a normal Arachnos base. Well, one that's about to erupt into violence when they see you.

• Capture Agent Caspian
  • Defeat Agent Caspian

You defeated Agent Caspian.

Enemies

Arachnos

Notable NPCs

• Agent Caspian (Crab Spider Webmaster)

Agent Caspian dialogue

Before combat: Get ready, guys! That maniac Character will be here soon!
Combat start: Character is deranged! That psycho thinks I'm Longbow!
At 80% Life: Die, and die quickly! And quietly! Without any more of your lies!
At 60% Life: Little help here, guys?
At 40% Life: This isn't happening!
At 20% Life: Gotta...
call...
for evac!
Defeated: No wonder...
Wyvern warned us...
about you...

After defeating a player: That will teach you to lie about a loyal Arachnos agent!
I mean, Operative
Loyal Arachnos Operative.

Debriefing

Great job with Caspian. We've got him in an extended debriefing session right now. I want to get everything I can out of him before I have to hand him over to the big boys. I think there's one last thing to do, and I don't want to wrap this up until I've had a chance to make sure it's done. Crossed my "t"s, dotted my "i"s, and ran it by legal, as it was.

Take out the underwater Longbow base

(Story Arc: A Web of Intrigue. Mission 6 of 6)

Briefing

You are not going to believe what we got out of Caspian! Turns out he had a transponder hidden in the base he was located in, and after some intense, ah, "negotiations", he told us how to use it. We found his base. That's right, the base he was reporting to. It's underwater, off the coast. How Mako didn't notice it I don't know, but if we could take out the underwater Longbow base, that would be a major coup. What a way to seal the deal! But this isn't going to be like buying out an old lady's store or something. You're probably going to need to get a whole gang together for this, if you haven't already. Just tell me when you're ready. I can sit on this a while.

Mission Acceptance

Talk about leverage! I'll make Arbiter off this for sure! Oh, Leery'll be burning! He deserves it! Okay, let's not get too excited. This place is sure to be fortified, and there's a lot to do. First off, get a whole gang together if you haven't already. You're going to need them.

I've got a mini-sub waiting for you near Ft. Cerberus on Mercy Island, and we were able to get the codes out of Caspian. Once you're inside, you'll need to find a way to open their computer network. I'd suggest catching one of their computer techs and forcing him to do it. You'll also need to defeat the chief of security, and take out the base commander.

Oh, and the security Chief? He's supposed to be a really tough guy. A vigilante called LeoKnight.

LeoKnight

Mission Objective(s)

The codes they forced out of Caspian worked perfectly. You're in.

• Capture Longbow base
  • Kidnap tech
  • Capture Commander
  • Defeat Leoknight

You have captured the Longbow base!

Enemies

Longbow

Notable NPCs

• Longbow Technician (Hostage)
• Longbow Officer x2 (Boss) (One guarding the Technician, the second as Base Commander)
• LeoKnight (Elite Boss)

Debriefing

YES! How do you like that! This would have been the capstone of some careers, but it's only the first stepping stone in mine! I did it! I deserve this! It's all mine!

I mean, all ours, Character. Don't think I'd ever forget you. You're like a partner to me; no, like a co-owner on this. Don't think for a minute that I will not put your name right next to mine, no, above mine whenever this whole incident comes up, particularly in the upper echelons of Arachnos. And that's because I value you. I will never forget that without all of your help, none of this would have been possible. And I always remember those who helped me.

Missions

Take advantage of Vargas's opportunity

Briefing

Before we really get started, just let me say that I am really looking forward to working with you. You see, I am an individual interested in opportunity. In order to reach my career goals within Arachnos, I need to seek out and achieve successes beyond the limits of my basic responsibilities. To do this, I need to employ talented and self-motivated contractors such as yourself. And you know, I just happen to have learned about a situation that could be leveraged to our mutual benefit involving the Sky Raiders.

Mission Acceptance

Great! I knew you were a real go-getter. A real achiever! So here's the situation: the Sky Raiders are working on a new missile launcher for their Sky Skiffs. Now, one of our people was supposed to sabotage that program, but he made a bad play and dropped the ball. This means we, you and I, have a chance to shine. Here's the plan: I want you to get into the Sky Raiders base where they are holding the prototype launcher, steal it and the plans for it, and then, ah, "negate the future productivity" of the guy in charge of the project. Just bring the launcher and the plans to me afterwards. Great? Great!

Mission Objective(s)

This Sky Raiders facility is charged with activity

• Take prototype launcher
  • Take plans
  • Steal prototype
  • Defeat Captain Dawson

You have crippled the Sky Raiders' weapon research

Enemies

Sky Raiders

Notable NPCs

• Captain Dawson (Lieutenant)

Ambush! Upon taking the plans, you will be ambushed by up to three waves of Sky Raiders
"Character has the data! ATTACK!"

Ambush! Upon stealing the prototype, you will be ambushed by up to three waves of Sky Raiders
"Character has the prototype! ATTACK!"

Ambush! Upon defeating Captain Dawson, you will be ambushed by up to three waves of Sky Raiders
"Captain Dawson's down! ATTACK!"

Prototype missile launcher

This new missile launcher is made to be attached to a Sky Raider Sky Skiff

Prototype plans

This disc filled with CAD files contains all the plans for the Sky Raiders' new prototype missile launcher

Debriefing

Now that is how you attack an opportunity! Ferocious! With that kind of commitment to maximizing a potential opportunity, there is no way that we can fail as a team!

Solve the personnel problem

Briefing

Character, we have a problem. No, not a problem: we have an situation, and it's a situation that requires a solution. The situation is that someone made a bad call, and put the wrong person in the wrong place at the wrong time. That's three wrongs, and that does not make a right. Now, this person, and he is one of our people, he's Arachnos, well, he's become a liability. And it pains me to say that he was trusted to investigate the Freakshow, and now he's started facilitating their operations. He's gone rogue. He's a loose cannon, and he´s become part of the problem. Now everyone is running around looking for a solution.

Mission Acceptance

Look, I'm really looking to owe you for this one. Here's the situation: we had a guy, a respected guy, named Operative Bradley. He was sent in to sound out a possible Wyvern spy inside the Freakshow. Then, well, he stopped reporting in. And now the Freaks have been attacking some of our bases. That's information they only could have gotten from our guys. So, it looks like Bradley, well, he's not playing for our team anymore: he's become disloyal, and we have to sever ties with him. I'm going to give you the last place we knew he was. Clean the place out, and if he isn't there, find out where he is now. Then, ah, terminate his, ah, 'employment.'

Mission Objective(s)

This place is a mess. And from what you've been told, the Freakshow have only been in here for a few days.

• Defeat all Freaks in warehouse
  • Find agent

You located Bradley

Enemies

Freakshow

Notable NPCs

• T3h R0xx0R (Boss) (Tank)

Freakshow email

This laptop is barely working, but it doesn't take you long to find information in the email client. Understanding what they have written is almost impossible, but after a few moments you can piece together what you're looking for. The Freaks did capture Bradley, and were hiding him here. They just moved him out to the area called "The Pit". Probably to hide him from you.

Hell Forge

Mission Objective(s)

The blasted waste of the Pit spreads out before you

• Defeat Operative Bradley & Crew
  • Defeat Bradley & Crew

You dealt with Operative Bradley.

Enemies

Freakshow

Notable NPCs

• Zappa-Tistah (Lieutenant) (Juicer Chief)
• Operative Bradley (Boss) (Wolf Spider Huntsman)

Operative Bradley & Crew dialogue

Before Combat:
Zappa-Tistah: "You ain't got no hope left, little arachno-guy."
"No one's coming to help you."
Freakshow minion: "We're done with you."
Operative Bradley: "You Freaks are maniacs!"
"Maniacs!"

Combat Start:

Zappa-Tistah: "You're gonna be thunderstruck!"
Operative Bradley: "You're not here for a rescue, are you?"
"They did it! They hung me out to dry!"
"This was that worm Vargas' plan, wasn't it!"
"You're working for him, aren't you?"
"AREN'T YOU?"

Debriefing

So, here's the funny part: it turns out that not only wasn't there a Longbow spy in the Freakshow, but that Bradley? He really hadn't given up any information after all. It turns out that one of the technical Freaks just pulled all the data they'd been using off of an old hard drive they'd stolen. That's, what do you call it, irony? Yeah, irony. The important thing, though, is that you and I proved that we could make results happen. We saw a threat, and we took care of it. I think this was a win for us. No, this was a win for you. I just helped to facilitate, and really, that's enough for me.

Remove Council lab

Briefing

I like to think that everyone is born with potential ability. What sets people like you and me apart from everyone else, though, is that we are prepared to take that potential ability and actualize it. Some people, like the Council, have means of actualizing abilities through things like their super-soldier program. And that's where the trouble starts. Arachnos tries to maintain a stable space within the Council so we can choose when to stage conflicts. Right now, there's an instability forming because of the Council's growing ranks of enhanced "Cor Leonis" soldiers. The higher ups haven't said anything, but I know they would be relieved if that instability was removed. Along with a lab that produces chemicals for the Cor Leonis process.

The entire lab has to be liquidated. You'll need to forcibly disrupt their computer network, liquidate their inventory and terminate the contracts of their personnel to the maximum degree. You're a pro, so I know that I can leave this whole thing to your discretion.

Mission Objective(s)

Much of this lab seems geared towards scientific work. Too bad they didn't concentrate more on their defences.

• Defeat everyone in the lab
  • Destroy 2 chemical labs
  • Destroy 1 serum crate
  • Destroy 2 chemicals

Missing Completion Message

Enemies

Council

Notable NPCs

• Raw Chemicals x2 (Object)
• Chemical Laboratory x2 (Object)
• Stored Serum (Object)
• Ascendant Archon Kuhn (Boss)

Council Enhancement Programs

This computer report contains some information on the numerous programs the Council has in place to enhance their soldiers.
The Cor Leonis enhancement line uses drugs, minor cybernetics, advanced surgery techniques, and retro-viral genetic tailoring to enhance a human soldier. It was originally developed by Nosferatu.
The Vampyri are also enhanced human soldiers, enhanced to the point of near inhumanity. These were also developed by Nosferatu.
The Galaxy and Void Hunters were developed using something called Nictus Fragments. Alien technology used by Arakhn.

War Wolves use Nictus fragments in a different, more primal way. They were created by Requiem himself.

Council Patrol dialogue

Before combat:
Random Council 1: I can't believe we have an Ascendant here.
Random Council 2: Yeah. One of the Center's personal guard. We must be doing well.

Combat start:
Random Council 1: You would dare to come here? You're a fool, Villain!

Laboratory Guards 1 dialogue

Before combat:
Random Council 1: I still can't believe that there's an Ascendant here.
Random Council 2: We'll have to be at our top performance.

Combat start:
Random Council 1: Rally and attack!

Laboratory Guards 2 dialogue

Before combat:
Random Council 1: Did you see Ascendant Archon Kuhn?
Random Council 2: Some people are interested in joining the Nictus, but after meeting him I know that I'm aiming to join the Ascendants.

Combat start:
Random Council 1: Here's a chance to prove ourselves!

Serum Guards dialogue

Before combat:
Random Council 1: I know this stuff is the key to our power and all, but I still say it just tastes weird.
Random Council 2: What do you expect it to taste like? Strawberries?
Random Council 1: Actually, that would be kinda nice.
Random Council 2: Are you serious? Strawberry flavored super soldier serum? We'd be a laughing stock!

Combat start:
Random Council 2: Well, at least this will end that conversation.

Ascendant Archon dialogue

Before combat: The Center himself is pleased with your work.
Combat start: You should know, Villain, that I am an Ascendant, one of the Center's personal guard. you won't survive this.

Debriefing

Honestly, I'm jealous of you. You're out there, cracking heads and getting into the action. Me, I mostly just push papers and write the reports. And this report, it's gonna be a good one. The Council has taken a serious hit to their bottom line, and their entire production schedule is going to be out of track for weeks. Now if you'll excuse me, I have the chance of a lifetime to capitalize on.

Wreck Tsoo smugling

Briefing

Now, you know how much I believe in personal initiative, right? I try to maximize every opportunity I can grab hold of. I take that bull by the horns, it's what I do. And I do appreciate when I'm working with someone like you who does the same thing. But what I cannot abide, is when people just decide to go off on their own like a cowboy and disrupt the system. That causes problems for everyone. As a loyal member of Arachnos, when someone is causing problems for my team, I like to solve them. It's what I do.

Which brings me to the current situation. There are some people within the Tsoo who haven't been acting like team players. They've been moving shipments through Sharkhead, shipments of products people want, but which more restrictive governments think are "dangerous" or "illegal". And they've been moving them through here without paying their tariffs. Tariffs and fees that are due to Arachnos. So we're going to take the initiative and show them that if they want to play, they've got to pay.

Great! I am so glad to have you on board for this one. Now, we can't have the Tsoo trace this back to Arachnos, or it will just make them angry, and then they won't want to pay up. So we're going to take a page from their playbook. We're going to associate this with their enemies, The Family. Then Arachnos will step in at the bargaining table, making peace and providing a security force between the two sides. But the first thing we need, is to "liberate" explosives from the Family and emplace misdirecting counter-factual details. When that's done, the next step is to relocate those explosives to the Tsoo warehouse. Make sure no one's left to make sure they saw you on that last part, okay?

Mission Objective(s)

This warehouse is crawling with members of the Verandi crime family

• Incriminate the Family
  • Plant evidence
  • Locate explosives

You've incriminated the Family. Now to strike the Tsoo.

Enemies

The Family

Notable NPCs

• None

Explosives

Several charges of high explosives with time-delay fuses.

Mission Objective(s)

There are a lot of Tsoo here. Too bad for them.

• Empty Tsoo warehouse
  • 4 bombs to set

You set the explosives and got rid of the witnesses

Editor's Note:

Even though it isn't a stated mission objective, this mission cannot be completed until all enemies have been defeated.

Enemies

Tsoo

Notable NPCs

• None

Debriefing

That was just beautiful work. The Tsoo's unlicensed smuggling has been disincentivised, both sides are blaming each other, and I'm going to get everything I want at the bargaining table. My projections are rising, my capitol is up, and it's all thanks to you. I'm sure you noticed that I've wired the money to your account, and you have earned every bit. You're such a go-getter. I feel like I'm running just to keep up with you. And I mean that. Sincerely.

Defeat the Vigilantes

Briefing

You know me, Character. I'm a reasonable guy. But one thing I cannot stand is people who make it their business to obstruct business. Government regulators, unions, environmental agencies, and oh yes, unlicensed vigilantes. Vigilantes. You know, "Heroes". I so hate that term. Just because these people decide to enforce some outmoded paradigm of so-called "morality", they get to be the good guys. You know what? I say that's wrong. You and me, we are the good guys. We're the ones actualizing the outcomes we want to see instead of being mired in tired methodology. I want these vigilantes out of here. I want their allies to see them fail. And I want you to make that happen. This could be tough, but I know that you can and will thrive on this challenge.

Mission Acceptance

The two people you're looking for are a pair of vigilantes called Blue Phazer and Golden Sphinx. Sphinx is supposed to be really tough, and Blue Phazer has some kind of energy powers. Take them both out. You can leave most of the others if you want, I wouldn't mind seeing their whole world-view get thrown out.

Blue Phazer

Golden Sphinx

Mission Objective(s)

Vargas said that this was just a hideout. If this is a "hideout", you'd hate to see a full base!

• Defeat the vigilantes
  • Defeat Golden Sphinx
  • Defeat Blue Phazer

You defeated Blue Phazer and the Golden Sphinx

Enemies

Longbow

Notable NPCs

• Blue Phazer (Elite Boss)
• Golden Sphinx (Elite Boss)

Debriefing

You expedited the retirement of those vigilantes, right? That is such good news. Those two were eating into margins with their own actions, but they were getting to be a pernicious negative influence on the community. People were starting to try and stand up, and we really can't have that. People like that, like those vigilantes, they upset the natural order that people like you and me live in. Some people exist to be used by people like us. If we're the generals, they're the army. If we're the farmers, they're the crops. If we're the predators, they're the prey. Anything that upsets that, well that's just bad for business.