Mission:Experts in the Field (Villain) - Part Two: History Lessons
Part Two: History Lessons
Briefing
Listen, man / lady. If you think you can do what that crackpot says you're gonna do, then go for it. Anything that gets you closer to Pandora's Box means I'm closer to finishing this assignment. Just... don't expect me to help you out, ok? This goes a little far outside my range of expertise, if you know what I mean.
- That's fine Harriman. Just stay put
Now that I can do. I'll hold down the fort here. Just... don't go changing history or anything, got it? I mean... that's how it works, right? You do something weird in the past, and then we all end up dinosaurs or something. I don't like the idea of my whole life getting rearranged because you stepped on some ancient butterfly or something.
Harriman makes a face, and shudders.
Whatever. Forget I said anything. I don't think I'll ever understand what you Rogue Isles types do, but if it gets results then have at it.
If time travel is the key to learning about Pandora's Box, you're pretty sure a trip to Ouroboros is in order. Perhaps you'll be able to find someone there that has knowledge of the Box's history... which as far as you know, begins in ancient Greece.
Speak with Prometheus
Unnecessary Solicitation
If you're going to travel to the past, please hurry... although, with time travel, I suppose you never really need to hurry, do you?
Mission Objective(s)
- Speak with Prometheus
Prometheus greets you with a smug expression and a raised eyebrow.
Boldly done, Character. You have come seeking answers, but do you fully grasp the gravity of your situation? You have approached Prometheus, the very benefactor responsible for mankind's rapid ascent to power. Few denizens of your world have the hubris to interrogate a god.
Yet, you are wise to seek my counsel. I possess the knowledge you seek, for I have witnessed events that you know only through the writings of your ancestors. Ask, Character, and perhaps I shall grant you my wisdom.
- I've come seeking information on the artifact called Pandora's Box.
Prometheus grimaces at you.
I am well acquainted with the artifact you seek. Pandora's Box represents an ancient power, easily as old as your world... a power that can match even the Flames that I have granted to your kind.
The origin of the Box is known to me, though the circumstances surrounding its creation far exceed your limited grasp of reality. I doubt any explanation I provide would assist you.
- What about more recently? Pandora's Box is mentioned in human mythology...
Prometheus nods.
When I granted my Flames to mankind, I set in motion a series of events that... redirected the potency of your world. Mankind's potential is vast, and with my Flames as a focus, mortals began to harness powers that had once been beyond their reach... and this angered those who would keep that power to themselves.
Zeus sought to undo what I had wrought, but could not contain the spread of knowledge and power that my Flames had granted. So, instead, he claimed a tool that was not his to claim, and prepared a foil to my plans.
Despite the power that mankind was destined to wield, Zeus declared that he would always hold dominion over this world. He wished his power to live on, imposing his will on mankind, age after age. And so he placed his very essence within the artifact you now call Pandora's Box, to manifest itself again and again, always overshadowing the powers of mortals.
- So, you're saying... that Pandora's Box contains the power of Zeus?
It has in the past, as it does now. Zeus bound his power to the Box, and should a host perish, that is where his power will always return. You live in a time of great tribulation, Character. Wars have been fought over such power, and it has raised men to godhood. You must prepare yourself accordingly.
- Do you know where the Box is located?
Prometheus smirks at you.
That... is knowledge that I cannot share. However, there is another in this place that may be more forthcoming. You should seek the counsel of Mender Silos. He has knowledge that you would find useful in your search.
- Very well then.
Talk to Mender Silos
Unnecessary Solicitation
Well? If you're going to go travel through time, I guess you'd better do it then.
Wait... you didn't... go already, did you? Is that how this works? It was only a few moments for me... how many years have you been gone?
Greetings, Character. There is much to be done before we are prepared for what lies beyond... but in this sanctum, time is on our side. What do you seek?
- Prometheus suggested I ask you about Pandora's Box.
At the mention of Pandora's Box, Mender Silos becomes visibly uncomfortable.
Did he, now...
I'm afraid that is not a subject I can pursue at great length, Character. Pandora's Box represents a crucial point in your timeline, and any alterations could have... undesirable effects. Much as it pains me, I cannot give you the information that you seek. You must continue the search of your own accord, lest...
Silos looks away from you, clearly distressed.
I'm sorry. I can't help you.
- There isn't any guidance you can provide?
Mender Silos frowns thoughtfully.
I cannot aid you directly, Character, but I suppose I can enable you to acquire knowledge yourself. Use a crystal within this sanctum, and seek out the time and place where Pandora's Box first appeared in human myth, in the ancient region of Achaea. If you can trace the Box's path through history, you may be able to glean its location in your own time.
Mender Silos tries to wave you away in an exasperated motion.
Please, go. I cannot speak of this any more. This moment in your timeline is extremely delicate, and I fear I may have already caused a disturbance by assisting you.
- Leave
Find Pandora's Box
Unnecessary Solicitation
Well? If you're going to go travel through time, I guess you'd better do it then.
Wait... you didn't... go already, did you? Is that how this works? It was only a few moments for me... how many years have you been gone?
Mission Objective(s)
You've arrived in an ancient temple of some sort... there must be something here that Mender Silos wanted you to see
- Find Pandora's Box
- Search the caves
- Speak with Imperious
You spoke with Imperious, but appear to be no closer to finding Pandora's Box.
Enemies
Notable NPCs
- Imperious (Cimerorans Hero, Enemy)
Imperious's breathing has become ragged from exertion.
You... fight admirably, warrior... though your style and methods are alien to me. Even with my newfound strength, you appear to be my match in combat.
I may have attacked you prematurely. Though your presence here is... suspicious, I do not believe that your appearance is the handiwork of the traitor Romulus.
Yet, the question remains... what is your purpose here?
- I came seeking the location of Pandora's Box.
Imperious nods solemnly.
I expected as much. You and I seek the same prize, warrior, but it appears that our efforts were in vain. Someone - perhaps Romulus, perhaps someone else - has removed the Box from this chamber since I was here last.
- You've been here before?
I have. I first arrived in this region at the behest of the Oracle, with no army at my back and no knowledge of this cavern's contents. I was accompanied only by my closest companion, the man known as Romulus Augustus. Here we fought monsters spoken of only in myth, and eventually found our way here, to this very altar.
It was here that we first discovered Pandora's Box, the ancient device left behind by the almighty Zeus. When we opened the box, I experienced... a vision, but more. It was a message from the gods, and it granted me their power.
I emerged a changed man. More than a man, but not quite a god... I believe that I was chosen, by Zeus himself, to be his avatar among men.
I was not the only one to experience this change, however. Romulus felt the same surge of power, the same vision... but darker, somehow. His strength grew beyond measure, but he began to show a cruelty I had never known in him before. I believe... I believe that moment may have been the beginning. I cannot help but wonder if Romulus would have betrayed me, had we not come here so long ago.
- Where do you think the box has been taken?
Imperious lets out an exasperated sigh.
If only I knew, warrior. This could be the work of the traitor, but... I believe that there may be other forces at work, here. We would never have found this cavern, had we not been first guided to it. Perhaps we were destined to receive its power... or perhaps, someone is manipulating the gifts of the gods to their own ends.
Whatever the reason, I know that it is no longer here. With this setback, I fear my search must end. The traitor is amassing his armies, and I must make preparations to confront him.
Imperious bows his head slightly to you.
You fought valiantly, warrior. I wish you fortune in your quest.
- Leave
Debriefing
You're back. Did you find anything good? No?
Harriman breathes a sigh of relief.
That means you're done with the whole time exploration gig then, right? I gotta say, I'm kind of glad. A lot of the stuff you're up to, it's a little over my head, you know? I mean, I like to work in the here and now. It's what I'm used to.
Speaking of which, while you were off playing Time Cadet, I've been working on scrounging up some leads. I may have found one...