Hard Luck
Overview
| Hard Luck | |
|---|---|
 Casino Enforcer | |
| Zone | St. Martial |
| Coordinates | (-2133, -160, 2120) |
| Level Range | 30-34 |
| Introduced By |
== Broker == Ian the Shark Isabel the Knife |
| Introduces |
== Level 35-39 == Basse Croupier |
| Enemy Groups | |
| Badges |
 Bad Luck |
Hard Luck is a villain contact in the Babylon neighborhood of St. Martial at coordinates (-2133, -160, 2120) Hard Luck is a Natural origin contact. His level range is 30-34. He is located inside the Golden Giza Casino.
Introductions
Contact Introduced By
Contact Introduces
I got someone who wants to meetcha.
Level 35-39
Basse Croupier used to be an up-and-coming crooner, once upon a time. He hit a big streak of bad luck which ended his career. Johnny Sonata offered him a job as a pit-boss at the Golden Giza, and now he's loyal as they come. If Basse has something for you to do, you know that it's because Johnny wants it done. He can get you Natural and Technology Enhancements.
Basse won't steer you wrong. Oh, and his name is pronounced 'Bay-see'. He'll never correct you on it, though. He's funny that way.
Information
Casino Enforcer
A few big winners are good for the casino's press, but when too many people start winning, profits take a hit. That's when Hard Luck comes in -- to hit back. Hard Luck will do whatever it takes to break the lucky streaks of people chipping away at the casino's profits. He's not afraid to get dirty, and he feels no remorse for the people he hurts. After all, they should know that the house always wins.
Prior to Introduction
You and me, we don't know each other. You want to talk to some brokers, maybe that can change. They're on the map.
Initial Contact
The name's Hard Luck, and that's just what I bring. You stick with me, and we'll make sure no one goes home happy. That sounds all right to you?
Greeting
- Hope you're ready to get your hands dirty.
- I got work for ya.
- So you're back.
Too Busy
You're too busy to work for me.
No More Missions
We've got nothing more to say to each other.
Store
- Inspirations
- Level 30 Natural/Technology Dual Origin Enhancements (200% base costs)
Ok, you've done a good job here, and I can respect ya. Even help ya. You can call me, ok? Just don't get on my nerves.
- Level 30 Natural Single Origin Enhancements (200% base costs)
We work good together, huh, Character? Stick with me, and we'll be making big money in no time! Money you can spend on the best Enhancements!
- Level 35 Natural Single Origin Enhancements (200% base costs)
Badge Mission
The Unlucky artifact
Merit Rewards: This activity awards 2 Reward Merits.
Briefing
I've got a hot situation on my hands, Character. There's a high roller in the casino who's been throwing sevens all night. He's too important to threaten, and way too important to kill, so we gotta break his luck another way. I've heard of a mystic who has some sort of lucky talisman. Or unlucky talisman, rather. It's an artifact that brings bad luck to all around the owner. We gotta get that artifact, Character. And by we, I mean you. Now, the guy carrying the Blood of Xiang Xi may try to run. If he gets away, this job'll be a failure.
- Get the unlucky artifact
Way I hear it, this guy lives out in the Flop. Get down there, get the artifact, and bring it back to me.
Unnecessary Solicitation
I need that artifact!
Mission Objective(s)
These caves are chill and damp.
- Steal artifact from Tavaris
- Don't let Tavaris escape
Failure - Tavaris escaped with the Blood of Xiang Xi.
Success - You retrieved the Blood of Xiang Xi.
Enemies
This glass vial is clouded with age, but you can discern a few drops of blood within it, still bright and liquid. According to Hard Luck, this unlucky talisman should bring bad luck to all those around the owner.
Notable NPCs
- Tavaris (Circle of Thorns Agony Mage) (Boss)
Badge
Successful completion of this mission earns a villain the Accomplishment Bad Luck Badge.
Debriefing: Mission Failure:
Nice. Tavaris escapes, the Blood of Xiang Xi is gone, and Mr. Money Bags keeps chipping away at our profits. Good one, Character. Maybe you'd like a job working for the heroes.
Debriefing: Mission Success:
Great. I'll be sure to hang out in the casino when Mr. Money Bags is playing his next game of craps. This ought to have him throwing some snake eyes.
Story Arc
Breaking the Streak
Merit Rewards: This activity awards 7 Reward Merits.
Souvenir
Souvenir: Luckless' Lucky Chip
You took this two dollar chip of the Freak's Luckless after you defeated him. It's a reminder of the little adventure you like to call:
Breaking the Streak
It began with a tip from Hard Luck. A member of the Freakshow was having remarkable success with the slot machines, and Hard Luck wanted his luck changed. You took to the streets and beat down Freaks until you learned the location of Luckless' hideout.
You went after him, but Luckless had already made his escape. You did, however, encounter a strange machine which gave you a solid chock when you tried to examine it.
Hard Luck put his ear to the ground, and learned that Luckless had sought refuge among the Carnival of Shadows. You didn't have a problem clearing a path through them. When you took down Luckless, he confessed his plot. Electrical bombardment at the hands of Crey Industries had granted him the ability to influence the slots' outcome. He had used the machine in his hideout to periodically recharge his abilities.
It's hard to say what Hard Luck and his goons have done with Luckless. But it's safe to assume that Freak won't be coming back to the Golden Giza.
Find out where Luckless is staying
Briefing
I've got a Freaky problem, Character. It seems there's a member of the Freakshow who keeps winning at slots. We're not sure how he's doing it, but I've got to get it stopped. So here's what you're going to do. You're going to take to the streets and take down Freaks until you find out where this Freak, Luckless, is staying. Get it?
- Find out where Luckless is staying
This guy's cleaned over 500 K from the machines already. We got to take him down. You should be able to get some tips on his hideout in Double Down.
Unnecessary solicitation
I need that Freak's address, comprendes?
Mission Objective(s)
- Seek hideout in St. Martial
- Defeat 10 Freakshow
One of the Freaks you defeated whined, 'Ok, ok, I'll tell you where Luckless hangs out. You don't have ta be so mean about it!
Enemies
One of the Freaks you defeated whined, 'Ok, ok, I'll tell you where Luckless hangs out. You don't have ta be so mean about it!
Debriefing
Okedoke. We got the location of Luckless' base. Now you gotta take him down.
Defeat Luckless
Briefing
All right, we know where Luckless makes his bed. Now all you need to do is get over there, bring him to his knees, and make sure he never sets foot in the Golden Giza again. Got it?
- Defeat Luckless
See if you can figure out how he's making so much money off the slots. They're supposed to be rigged in our favor!
Unnecessary solicitation
Luckless has a lesson to learn.
Mission Objective(s)
This Freakshow hideout smells of axle grease and body odor.
- Seek Luckless
- Learn Luckless' methods
You have learned something of Luckless' methods, but Luckless himself is missing!
Enemies
Notable NPCs
While investigating a machine deep within Luckless' hideout, you received a terrible electric shock. You're beginning to develop a few theories about Luckless' remarkable success with the slot machines.
Debriefing
Well, you sure look like you took a walk on the wild side. Got quite a shock from Luckless' machine, eh? I think I've got an idea how he's skewing the odds in his favor. Let's see if we can track him down.
Take down Luckless
Briefing
It wasn't easy, but I managed to track down Luckless. The moron thought he could hide from Giza security by seeking shelter from the Carnival. Big mistake. The Carnival's been in our pocket for years. You take down Luckless, and you'll be on easy street.
- Take down Luckless
That boy has got to go down!
Unnecessary solicitation
I'm waiting for news of Luckless' defeat.
Mission Objective(s)
You hear a high-pitched giggle, followed by a deep bellow of laughter.
- Defeat Luckless and his guards
You have defeated Luckless, and learned his secret!
Enemies
Notable NPCs
When you defeated Luckless, he gasped:
'I'll tell you my secret, ok? Just don't hurt me! Not too long ago I was kidnapped by Crey. They bombarded me with electric current; it gave me this sweet hair-do, yeah? Anyway, when I broke free, I found that I could manipulate the slot machines. I could make them do my will!
Ever since them, I've been getting regular shocks to keep my power up. It's been a great ride!"
Debriefing
So, Luckless was using his stored electrical current to influence the slot machines. Good thing ya caught him. Otherwise, we'd be out a pretty penny. Here's your reward, Character. Don't go reading anything into it. You earned it, but I'm still out for the casino and no one else. Mess with us, and I'll mess you up right back.
Missions
Get Lucky Dragon's beard
Briefing
So, Character, is it? Never heard of ya. Now, don't get touchy. We here in St. Martial see a lot of action. You help us out, and I can cut you in for a piece of it.
To start off, we've got ourselves a Tsoo warrior up to no good in the Golden Giza. He's cleared six hundred G's at craps this week alone. Now, I don't know that he's cheating, and I don't much care. The point is to send a message. Let people know that if you mess with the casino, the casino messes with you. I want you to get Lucky Dragon's beard.
- Get Lucky Dragon's beard
This will send a message to everyone who thinks they can get rich off the Golden Giza. Got it?
Unnecessary solicitation
I want Lucky Dragon's beard as a trophy. Understood?
Mission Objective(s)
This Dragon's luck is about to run out.
- Beat Lucky Dragon & his guards
- Cut off Lucky Dragon's beard
You have defeated Lucky Dragon and cut off his beard as a trophy.
Enemies
At Hard Luck's request, you cut off the beard of the Tsoo warrior, Lucky Dragon. It will serve as a trophy to remind people of what happens if they get on the wrong side of the Golden Giza.
Notable NPCs
Debriefing
Nice beard, Character. Snazzy. When I show this around, people will get the message. You don't try to put one over on the Golden Giza, not ever. If you like your reward, stick around. There's more money to be made for those who know which side their bread is buttered on.
Save Hard Luck's brother
Briefing
I've got a personal problem I'd like some help with. My brother just called. He's been working with the Council since way back, since they were under their previous leadership. Anyway, he told me something great was about to happen for him. And I need you to stop it.
What am I saying? Well, Character, it's pretty simple. I'm not called Hard Luck for nothin'. Every time it seems like something's about to go right in my life, it goes wrong. I know something bad's going to happen to my kid brother. You have to save him.
- Save Hard Luck's brother
You come through, you'll get paid well. And I'll make sure Kenny gives you any inside Council info he's got.
Unnecessary solicitation
My kid brother's in trouble, Character. You don't get him out, so are you.
Mission Objective(s)
You have the feeling of some dark presence watching you.
- Save Hard Luck's brother
- Escort Kenny out
You have rescued Hard Luck's brother.
Enemies
Notable NPCs
- Galaxy Archon
- Kenny Luciano (NPC Ally, Pet-rank, must be escorted to exit, must survive)
Ambush!
After rescuing Kenny Luciano, there will be an ambush by Council. They will be silent, so you will have no warning.
When you rescued Hard Luck's brother from the Council, he told you:
'Boy, am I glad you showed up! I was told I'd been singled out for promotion. I thought, good deal! About time! But then I learned I wasn't going to be an Archon. Uh uh. I was going to be a War Wolf! They were going to use a Nictus Fragment to change me into a beast.'
Debriefing: Mission Success
My kid brother's safe, thanks to you. I can't guarantee that he'll stay that way, after all, being near me usually means a heavy dose of rotten luck. But at least he's got a chance.
Silence the programmer
Briefing
All right, Character. I've got a serious situation here. The video poker machines at the Giza... well, they're not always, how would you put it? Honest. They skew the odds a little in our favor, see? Problem is, the programmers who made the games know it, and one of them's threatening to talk. You know what that means, Character: You got to shut him up.
- Silence the programmer
This guy's been looking for protection from the Freakshow. Fortunately, you know how to deal with them.
Unnecessary solicitation
I need that geek on ice.
Mission Objective(s)
The Freaks have never been smart about picking their friends.
- Kidnap the programmer
You kidnapped Ziegler!
Enemies
Notable NPCs
- Tank Swiper
- Martin Ziegler (Captive, must be taken to entrance)
Debriefing
I'll take care of Ziegler. Rest assured, he won't be babbling the Giza's secrets any longer. You did a good job, Character, and I won't forget it. You're exactly the kind of material I like to work with: quick, efficient, and ruthless.
Eliminate the oversight office
Briefing
The Family's got problems, Character. Big ones. See, Arachnos expects a certain kickback in exchange for protection here on the Rogue Isles. Problem is, the Giza's been pulling in a little more money than we've let on. Now one of the Arachnos oversight offices has found about it, and there's definitely going to be fallout. The only way to fix this is to work fast. Eliminate that oversight office. You only have 45 minutes to wipe out everyone there.
- Eliminate the oversight office
Everyone has to go down.
Unnecessary solicitation
You haven't got much time, Character. If you don't move quick, the Family stands to lose a lot.
Mission Objective(s)
Beating up on Arachnos personnel is a dangerous, if diverting, pastime.
- Defeat all operatives in base - 45:00
You eliminated the entire oversight office.
Enemies
Debriefing
You've managed to keep a lid on the situation, for now at least. Arachnos will never hear about the Family's extra profits, and that means they can keep them. It also means more jobs for you, Character. You're someone we can really depend on.