Mission:The Hearts of Darkness - Price of Victory: Cross Purposes
Cross Purposes
Briefing
Character, it is time for you to face Crosscut.
He is as mortal as any man. He has neither gone into hiding, nor has he prepared an elaborate trap for you. The way to him is open and clear.
We have heard reports that he is currently residing in a warehouse in Cap au Diable. I can specify the location for you.
- Sounds like this will be simple enough, then.
Simple, yes, but hardly easy. I would caution you not to underestimate Crosscut, Character. It is my belief that we have yet to see Crosscut's true skills in combat.
He has a tendency to... play with his opponents, to satisfy his perverse and sadistic desires. I do not know how he will react if his life is truly threatened.
Regardless of the risk, you must complete this task. If you can kill Crosscut, Character, then you may be strong enough to...
Dr. Graves stops abruptly, and stares at you for an uncomfortable amount of time.
I have said too much already. Go now. You know what you have to do.
Unnecessary Solicitation
I can see why you would be hesitant, Character. Crosscut is formidable. If you'd rather opt out of this mission, I can tell our benefactor that you would like to withdraw. I'm sure that you will be awarded a quick and painless demise.
That is not to your liking? Then slay Crosscut as I have asked.
Mission Objective(s)
Ugh. Snakes again. Crosscut must be toying with someone new.
- Defeat Crosscut
- Rescue Crosscut's latest victim
- Speak with Crosscut's victim
- Confront Crosscut with your lackey
- Fight Crosscut
- Speak with Crosscut
You managed to convince Crosscut to help you take down Dr. Graves.
Enemies
Notable NPCs
- Skull Thug (Skulls Ally)
- Crosscut (Hearts of Darkness Boss)
Oh, man. I am glad to see you.
Well, I guess not you, specifically. Just anyone that's not Crosscut. That guy... that guy is bad news.
- Yes, I know. I'm looking for him. Why are you here?
I don't know, man. I was smashing up some loser's car when I started to get a whiff of this smell. It was like window cleaner or something.
Next thing I know, I wake up here and this guy Crosscut is standing over me. Tells me I need to play some kind of game with him. Then he makes like a spook and all these snake-things show up... man, I just don't know what's going on.
- Wow. Sounds like a blast.
I know, right? I think my karma's out of whack or something.
Look, man. I can't take these things, and I certainly don't want to tangle with Crosscut mano a mano. You seem like you can handle these snake-dudes, and you say you're looking for Crosscut...
Mind taking me with you?
- Ha, no. I don't need you weighing me down.
I won't, man, I promise! I know these things are a bit much for me to handle, but I won't be fighting them by myself! I can support you, you know?
Think about it, man. You can get one of them distracted, and I can blast him from behind! We can be like partners, or-
At the word 'partners', you level a stare at the thug so withering that he stops short of finishing his sentence.
No no no, not partners. I misspoke! It would be more like, um...
I could be your lackey!
- Ugh. Just don't get in my way.
When teaming up with other players of different levels, players can become Lackeys or Malefactors so that they can fight at similar combat levels.
Lackeying happens when a low-level player joins a high-level player's team. The low-level player becomes the team leader's Lackey, and their combat level increases to the team leader's level minus one.
Example: A level 10 player that joins a level 30 team will become combat level 29 while they remain in that team.Malefactoring happens when a high-level player joins a low-level player's team. Essentially the opposite of sidekicking, the high-level player (or Malefactor) has their combat level brought down to the team leader's level. Also, if the difference in levels is large enough, the Malefactor may temporarily lose acces to some of their high-level powers.
Example: A level 30 player joining a level 10 team will become combat level 10 while they remain in that team. They will also lose access to all powers they gained after level 15 while they are part of the team.Lackeying and Malefactoring can allow players of different levels to play play together as near-euqals. But remember, after the team is disbanded, everyone's level returns to normal. Make sure you're in a safe place before you leave your team!
Crosscut is severely wounded, but doesn't seem to be registering a significant amount of pain.
Character... You've been a very naughty boy / girl. You interfered with my game, and broke my toys. You even took my favorite one, and kept it for yourself.
That doesn't make me smile, not one bit.
- I've got a new game for you, Crosscut. Much more fun than this one.
Oh, I don't know, Character. I've been having a lot of fun in here, and now you're here to play with me too!
If you'll stay with me, I'm sure we could have some wonderful times together...
Unless, of course, your game is as fun as you say.
- How would you like to play with Dr. Graves? I'd join in on the fun.
Crosscut recoils from you.
You want to play with the Doctor? Why? He never smiles, not one bit!
It's no fun playing with someone that doesn't smile. And his eyes aren't pretty at all!
- I hear he can't be killed. You could play with him forever!
Crosscut nods eagerly at you.
Ohhhhh, that does sound fun, Character! You think of the best games! I want to play with the Doctor, too!
But... before we play, I would like one favor from you. Please, Character? Pretty please?
- W-what is it, Crosscut? I swear, if you try to-
I just want my toy back, Character. He's my favoritest toy ever, and I don't want to start a new game until I'm finished playing with him.
Crosscut giggles at you, his entire body shivering with delight.
I promise, it won't take long...
- Oh, that's all? Sure, go ahead. Knock yourself out.
Crosscut immediately snaps his gaze to the Skull eccompanying you.
Oh, thank you, Character. I won't be long...
- Right. I'll see you around.
Debriefing
So, Character. You are alive.
I will be honest, I did not expect you to survive your encounter with Crosscut. He was a dangerous man - far more dangerous, I think, than the other contestants realized. I expected him to win the Killing Game by a wide margin.
And yet, you beat him in the contest, and you have beaten him in personal combat. I have underestimated you, Character. You are far more formidable than I originally estimated. You may be just the man / woman I've been waiting for.