Black Scorpion

This article is about the Patron and Signature Archvillain. For the developer, see Black Scorpion (Developer).

Overview

Black Scorpion
Arachnos Patron
Zone	Grandville
Coordinates	(2694, -58.9, 903)
Level Range	40-50
Introduced By	Arbiter Rein
Introduces	None
Enemy Groups	Arachnoids Arachnos Circle of Thorns Crey Ghosts Longbow Malta Operatives Nemesis Paragon Police Department Rogue Arachnos Turrets
Badges	The Stinger Usurper

Black Scorpion is a villain contact in the The Tangle neighborhood of Grandville at coordinates (2694, -58.9, 903) . His origin is both Technology and Science. His level range is 40-44 as well as 45-50.

Black Scorpion is also an Archvillain who serves under Lord Recluse as a Patron of Arachnos. He also awards the patron power pool Mace Mastery to villains who complete his patron arc.

Heroes can face him:

• In the mission Agree to Mender Silos' mission, from Mender Silos (Levels 46 - 50), as an Archvillain and an Enemy.
• In the mission Stop Lord Recluse! (Levels 45 - 50), from Statesman, as an Archvillain and an Enemy.
• in Recluse's Victory (Levels 40 - 50) as one of the signature villains that show up as reinforcements, as an Archvillain and an Enemy.

Villains may find him:

• In the mission Thwart Black Scorpion's plans (Levels 40 - 44), offered by Black Scorpion himself, as an Archvillain and an Enemy.
• In the mission Stop Nemesis attack! (Levels 45 - 50), offered by Black Scorpion himself, as an Archvillain and an Ally.
• In the mission Assault Siren's Call, from Mender Silos (Levels 46 - 50), as a Pet and an Ally.

Information

Character Stats

Secret Identity: Ernesto Rodriguez
Origin: Technology
Archetype: Brute
Primary Powers: Super Strength
Secondary Powers: Black Scorpion armor
Other Powers:

Description

Black Scorpion is a man encased in a large, bulky suit of high-tech battle armor. Huge and menacing, the armor is equipped with a functioning scorpion-like tail on the backside, and the right arm ends in an intimidating blaster cannon.

Ernesto Rodriguez embodies the concept of raw power through technology. Whatever it takes, whatever piece of his body or soul needs to be spliced, altered, or removed to grant him more power, Ernesto seems willing to do it. His unbridled hunger, absolute loyalty, and low intelligence makes him the perfect servant for Lord Recluse.

History

Ernesto Rodriguez was a South American (probably Nicaraguan) mercenary, and a very good one. He was highly paid for his ability to eliminate super powered threats to his employers with conventional troops. Rodriguez hired out for various little wars until he was chased north by the Nicaraguan government, at which point he ended up in Mexico. At that point he began hiring himself out for various jobs across the border into the US. It was on one of these missions that his life changed forever.

On a mission gone wrong that took him into the U.S. Southwest, he was leading a recon mission to investigate a hidden laboratory run by Leonard Bowen. Bowen was known throughout scientific circles for being brilliant but unsafe. Rodriguez and his men were spotted by a sentry, and it quickly turned into a bloodbath: Rodriguez and his team faced a bloody fight with high tech security. Specifics are sketchy at best, but it seems that when he finally got to the lab itself, Rodriguez found an armored battlesuit that Bowen was working on. The mercenary tortured the scientist for information about the suit, then killed him and took the suit. Ernesto became the Black Scorpion.

After he acquired the Black Scorpion armor he was nearly unstoppable. Rodriguez used his newly found power to advance into the super-powered mercenary ranks. As a superpowered mercenary, Black Scorpion fought for money and upgrades to his armor. He was hired for an Arachnos mission by Lord Recluse and realized immediately that having access to their labs and scientists was exactly what he needed. He entered into Arachnos service shortly afterwards. It was during this time he hooked up with the like-minded Silver Mantis, who would start working for Arachnos as well shortly after.

Now known for his unprecedented strength and deadly use of poison blasts, Black Scorpion is legendary for his savage behavior. His only clear goal is to incessantly improve his own armor, gaining raw power through technology, engineering himself into an unstoppable Brute. 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.
Currently Black Scorpion spends a great deal of his time monitoring the scientists of Arachnos. He uses the ever present threat of violence to create the best technology. Since his personal goals serve Recluse's plan, it is believed that the Lord of the Rogue Isles gives him free rein.

Though mistrusted by most Arachnos agents, Black Scorpion’s unbridled hunger for power makes him a relentless warrior. He is a Brute, strong and extremely heavily armored. His tail can launch energy attacks as well as vicious whip strikes. Ernesto Rodriguez embodies the concept of raw power through technology. Whatever it takes, whatever piece of his body or soul needs to be spliced, altered, or removed to grant him more power, Ernesto seems willing to do it. His unbridled hunger for power and low intelligence make him the perfect servant for Lord Recluse.
Although some of the other arch-villains in Arachnos present a more strategic threat, Black Scorpion is rivaled only by Captain Mako for sheer brutality. Perhaps that is the source of the conflict between the two villains. It is possible that their dislike for each other can be used to help defeat them.

Quotes

During the mission Thwart Black Scorpion's plans, he will ambush you:

Combat start: So, you have decided to side with the Arbiters, Character? I knew I should have dealt with you sooner than later!
At 50% Life: You'll pay for that!
Defeated: Impossible! My armor is impervious!

Badge

Defeating Black Scorpion in Recluse's Victory will gain a hero the Wrangler badge:

Wrangler (requires hero/vigilante)

You have helped defeat Black Scorpion in Recluse's Victory.

See Also

• Black Scorpion's Arachnos Archvillains profile for a list of his powers.
• Silver Mantis - his assistant and lover.

Introductions

Contact Introduced By

• Arbiter Rein

Contact Introduces

• None

Prior to Introduction

Who are you? You'd best get lost before I blast ya!

Ask About This Contact

Arachnos Patron

Ernesto Rodriguez embodies the concept of raw power through technology. Whatever it takes, whatever piece of his body or soul needs to be spliced, altered, or removed to grant him more power, Ernesto seems willing to do it. His unbridled hunger, absolute loyalty, and low intelligence makes him the perfect servant for Lord Recluse.

Too Low Level

You're not ready for what I got for you, Character. Come back when you've achieved Threat Level 45.

Initial Contact

You know who I am. I'm the greatest and most powerful of Lord Recluse's lieutenants - Black Scorpion! I alone have the raw power necessary to enforce his will. If you prove yourself strong enough, you will have the chance to enforce my will!

Greeting

• Let's get to work.
• Trust no one.
• Fear me!

Too Busy

Missing Too Busy Dialogue

No More Missions

I know it's only a matter of time before you turn on me again. Since the Arbiters and Lord Recluse are watching you closely, I'm just going to let you walk instead of blasting you away. Now get lost before I change my mind!

Store

You're ambitious, aren't you. I can respect ambition.

• Inspirations
• Level 40 Technology Single Origin Enhancements (150% base costs)
• Level 40 Science Single Origin Enhancements (150% base costs)
• Level 45 Technology Single Origin Enhancements (200% base costs)
• Level 45 Science Single Origin Enhancements (200% base costs)

You're packing some serious power. I respect power more than ambition.

• Level 50 Technology Single Origin Enhancements (200% base costs)
• Level 50 Science Single Origin Enhancements (200% base costs)

Story Arcs

Levels 35-50

Armor Wars

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 13 Reward Merits.

Souvenir
Dr. Quatrexin's Armor Fragment

This is a piece of Dr. Quatrexin's armor, taken from him after his defeat in a story you like to call

Armor Wars

It all started when Black Scorpion sent you to collect payment from Crey for a side job he did. Breaking into the Crey lab, you wreaked havoc and collected Black Scorpion's payment. You also discovered something very important - Crey used the time spent with Black Scorpion to analyze and derive schematics of his power armor! Black Scorpion was furious!

Black Scorpion sent you to one of Crey's main robotics labs in Paragon City to see if you could find the truth behind the schematics theft. You discovered that Crey was working on a new mass-producible variant of the Scorpion armor, designed by non other than Dr. Quatrexin, the designer of Black Scorpion's original suit of power armor!

The Paragon Protector you interrogated in the robotics lab mentioned that Quatrexin was operating right under Black Scorpion's nose, so Black Scorpion sent his operatives on a reconnaissance of Grandville. He received reports of Crey activity in the Gutter beneath Spider City, so you were sent to investigate. There you found Crey field-testing their newest development: Crey Scorpinoid Tanks! You destroyed the Scorpinoid squads and interrogated the research leader, discovering that Crey thought Quatrexin was holding out on them since the Scorpinoids weren't working quite as effectively as they should be.

Black Scorpion's operatives traced the Crey Scorpinoids back to a Crey lab in Grandville. You went in to find Quatrexin, but found Malta headed up by a group of Knives of Artemis taking down everyone in the lab! It turns out Dr. Quatrexin betrayed Crey and went over to Malta!

Black Scorpion conceded to getting the Arachnos Arbiters involved at this point. He didn't feel he could start going after Malta without the consent of the Arbiters since Arachnos has an understanding with Malta about their activities. Black Scorpion sent you to speak with Arbiter Daos, who after some deliberation and berating, allowed you to go after Dr. Quatrexin and his Malta allies. Arbiter Daos gave you the coordinates to the Grandville Malta secret base, where you managed to destroy Quatrexin's main research computer and found the location of Quatrexin himself - in Paragon City!

Black Scorpion traced the location where Dr. Quatrexin had shipped his armor to - a warehouse in Independence Port of Paragon City. You went there and had a final battle with Dr. Quatrexin and his Malta allies, but even Quatrexin's new advanced power armor wasn't enough to stop you from carrying out the wrath of Black Scorpion!

Attack Crey lab

Briefing

Alright, I got a problem with one of my 'business partners'. I did a bit of work for Crey industries on the side a while back, but they still haven't come through on the payment! Head over to the local Crey labs, bust it up, find out what they've been working on, and try to get the money they owe me!

Keep this operation low-key. Arachnos doesn't need to know I'm working for Crey on the side.

Mission Objective(s)

Time for Crey to pay its dues!

• Attack Crey lab
  • Find Crey activities
  • 3 assets to destroy!
    
  • Defeat X93

You busted up the Crey facility!

Enemies

Crey

Notable NPCs

• Equipment x3 (Object)
• Paragon Protector X93 (Paragon Protector Elite (Fire))

Equipment Guards' dialogue

Crey Guard 1: Character is on the rampage! We've got to protect this equipment!
Crey Guard 2: Yes, sir!

(aggroed)

Crey Guard 2: It's Character! Protect the equipment at all costs!

Paragon Protector X93 dialogue

Before combat:
Combat start: This is a Crey-restricted area!

Black Scorpion's Payment

You met the Crey negotiator who promised Black Scorpion his payment, and got it out of him!

Power Armor Schematics

These look like schematics based on Black Scorpion's power armor!

Debriefing

You got the payment? Good. What the...? They've got schematics of my armor? Those little corporate weasels! They're going to pay for that theft! Nobody messes with my armor! NOBODY!

Find info on power armor

Editor's Note:

For those looking to just zip through - you only have to defeat the last Paragon Protector Elite and the surrounding mob and click the glowie for mission completion.

Briefing

I want to know more about what Crey is doing with the schematics to my power armor! They just crossed a line that NO ONE comes back from! Head to the main Crey robotics facility in Paragon City and find out what they are doing with my power armor schematics!

There's a boat waiting to take you to Paragon City. I want to crush the head of whoever is behind this!

Mission Objective(s)

Time to find what Crey is doing with Black Scorpion's power armor schematics!

• Find info on power armor
  • Find research data
  • Interrogate Crey
    

You got the info on the power armor!

Enemies

Crey

Notable NPCs

• (Crey Paragon Protector Elite (Shadow)) x2
• (Crey Paragon Protector Elite (Fire))

Paragon Protectors dialogue

Paragon Protector Shadow 1:

Before combat:
Combat start: Halt, Character! This is Crey property!

Paragon Protector Shadow 2:

Before combat:
Combat start: Halt, Character! This is Crey property!

Paragon Protector Fire:

Before combat:
Combat start: It's Character, one of Black Scorpion's lackeys! They must be on to us!
Defeated: You're too late, Character! Dr. Quatrexin is testing the new power suits right under Black Scorpion's nose!
After defeating a player: Cancel my appointments! I'm busy dancing on this joker's grave!

New Power Armor Schematics

These power armor schematics look very similar to Black Scorpion's power armor, but have a number of subtle design changes and incorporate Crey power armor specifications.

Dr. Quatrexin

The Paragon Protector at the Crey base mentioned something about Dr. Quatrexin doing research on new power suits right under Black Scorpion's nose!

Debriefing

Dr. Quatrexin? New power armor? NOOOOO! Could it be that Dr. Quatrexin is none other than Dr. Leonard Bowen, the engineer who first developed the plans for my power armor? I stole his designs and developed my initial suit of power armor which I've upgraded with Arachnos technology ever since! Now he's working for Crey and developing a new type of armor based on my current suit? I can't allow this to happen!

Look into Crey activities

Briefing

Dr. Quatrexin cannot be allowed to develop new Scorpion armor! I've sent out operatives to seek out any Crey activity in Grandville, and they reported a convoy of Crey researchers heading into the Gutter area of Grandville. Head into the Gutter and find what the Crey researchers are doing there!

If this has anything to do with the new Scorpion armor prototypes, I want to know the truth behind it!

Crey's Scorpinoid

Mission Objective(s)

The putrid smell of the Gutter washes over you. Find what the Crey is up to here!

• Defeat all Scorpinoids and Arachnoids

You discovered the Crey Scorpinoid Tank!

Enemies

Crey

Arachnoids

Notable NPCs

• Scorpinoid Troopers (Minions)
• Crey Scorpinoid Tank x2 (Scorpinoid Deathstalker)

Battling Villains' dialogue

Arachnoid: SKREEEEE!
Crey Scorpinoid trooper: Take them down!

(aggroed)

Crey Scorpinoid trooper: Stop them!

Crey Scorpinoid Tanks dialogue

Crey Scorpinoid Tank 1:

Before combat: These suits aren't working at peak capacity! I think Dr. Quatrexin is holding out on us!
Combat start: It's Character! Shoot to kill!

Crey Scorpinoid Tank 2:

Before combat: Scorpinoid power armor operating at 92% efficiency.
Combat start: Initiate attack formation Delta!

Dr. Quatrexin's Loyalties

The Crey researcher leading the field test of the Scorpinoid armor mentioned that he thought Dr. Quatrexin seemed to be holding out on Crey since the Scorpinoids weren't working as effectively as they were designed to be.

Debriefing

Crey Scorpinoid Tanks! How dare they! I'll crush them! I'll blast them to pieces! They're dead! I'm going to raze their labs to the ground!

Find info on Quatrexin

Briefing

Crey has stolen the secrets of my power armor and Dr. Quatrexin is trying to make suits which rival my own! I'd rather be DEAD than allow this to happen! My operatives traced those Scorpinoid Tanks to the local Crey facility - that might be where Quatrexin is hiding! Head in there and try to find where Quatrexin is hiding!

I want Dr. Quatrexin! I WILL have the most powerful Scorpion armor there is!

Mission Objective(s)

You hear the sound of heavy weapons in the distance. It looks like you're not the only one here to cause trouble!

• Find info on Quatrexin
  • Rescue Protector
  • Lead Protector to comptuer

You found info on Dr. Quatrexin!

Enemies

Malta Operatives

Crey

Notable NPCs

• (Malta Operatives Gunslinger) x3 (One guarding the Paragon Protector)
• Paragon Protector Elite (Ally, Pet)

Battling Villains dialogue

Malta Soldier: Nothing personal, boys! Just doing bussiness.

(aggroed)

Crey Agent: It's Character! The one who took out our field test team in the Gutter!

Gunslingers dialogue

Gunslinger 1:

Before combat: Scorched earth policy, boys! No one gets out alive!
Combat start: Speakin' of people who won't get out alive...

Gunslinger 2:

Before combat: I can't wait for Quatrexin to spruce up our Titans!
Combat start: Woo-Hoo! I was itchin for a fight!

Paragon Protector Elite dialogue

Malta soldier: You're the last. Make peace!

(aggroed)

Paragon Protector Elite: Character! Quatrexin went over to Malta! Help me out and I'll tell you more!
Gunslinger: Take'em down!

Once free: Quatrexin betrayed us to Malta! They must have offered him a better deal. I'll give you all of Quatrexin's research data if you can bring me to the computer!

If left behind: Character! Help me out here!

If refound: Whew! Close one!

At the research computer: Here are Quatrexin's research files.
I must return to the Crey offices!

Debriefing

Quatrexin went over to Malta? No! They have enough firepower and influence so that it is very dangerous to go up against them - even for Arachnos! We might need some outside assistance.

Deal with the Malta problem

Speak with Arbiter Daos

Briefing

So Dr. Quatrexin went over to Malta and is building a suit of power armor to rival my own. I cannot allow this to happen. But Malta is a very powerful group, and Arachnos has an understanding with them. And yet, having Quatrexin running loose and outside of Arachnos control - but more importantly out of MY control - is a dangerous prospect.

I hate to do this, but I think it is necessary. Speak to Arbiter Daos and inform him of our current predicament.

Arbiter Daos will likely be angry because I was working with Crey. At this point, it doesn't matter, because Quatrexin is the larger problem here.

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak with Arbiter Daos

Arbiter Daos

Briefing

I see. Black Scorpion starts making deals on the side with Crey, then comes crawling to the Arbiters with his tail between his legs (so to speak) after things go awry. I swear, all you need to do is dangle money or high-tech equipment in front of Black Scorpion's face and he's yours! Still, he is correct about Dr. Quatrexin being a problem. Arachnos has invested a lot into Black Scorpion, and we don't want a loose cannon like Quatrexin running about. Therefore, we will adopt a 'shoot or recruit' policy with Dr. Quatrexin. If he is not willing to join Arachnos as a research scientist, then we will have to put him down, simple as that. I know Black Scorpion will likely be upset by the 'recruit' option, but the Arbiter's decision in this matter is final.

Luckily for you, Regent Korol managed to psychically track the Malta operatives after their recent attack on the Crey facility. I'll give you the coordinates. Be efficient with this. We just want to show Malta they shouldn't mess with the activities of one of our main operatives.

Assault Malta base

Mission Objective(s)

Find and destroy Dr. Quatrexin's plans for the advanced Scorpion suit!

• Assault Malta base
  • Find location of Quatrexin
  • Destroy research mainframe

You destroyed the plans for the advanced Scorpion suit!

Enemies

Malta Operatives

Notable NPCs

• Research Mainframe (Object)
• (Malta Operatives Zeus Class Titan)
• (Malta Operatives Gunslinger)

Zeus Titan dialogue

Before combat: SCANNING...
Combat start: PROTECT THE RESEARCH MAINFRAME AT ALL COSTS!

Gunslinger dialogue

Before combat:
Combat start: You lookin' for Quatrexin? Sorry, but he's shipped his new power armor to Paragon City for a bit of field-testing! Of course, I cannot allow you to reach him!

Dr. Quatrexin's Field Text

One of the Malta Operatives let the whereabouts of Dr. Quatrexin - at one of Malta's research bases in Paragon City!

Note The "Location of Quatrexin" is not a glowie, but you get it from a Gunslinger Boss and his minion on one of the floors.

Debriefing

The plans are destroyed? Excellent! Only I will possess the Black Scorpion suit!

You're ambitious, aren't you. I can respect ambition.

Defeat Dr. Quatrexin

Briefing

At last we found the treacherous Dr. Quatrexin! We've traced the shipment of the power suit to a warehouse in Independence Port. Now we shall crush him and his Malta allies, and then the secrets of the Scorpion suit will be mind alone! Go to the Malta base in Paragon City and destroy Dr. Quatrexin!

Victory is close at hand! I will be the one true Black Scorpion!

Mission Objective(s)

Somewhere within this warehouse is Black Scorpion's rival, Dr. Quatrexin! Find him and destroy him!

• Defeat Dr. Quatrexin

You have defeated Dr. Quatrexin!

Enemies

Malta Operatives

Crey

Notable NPCs

• Scorpinoid Troopers (Minions)
• (Malta Operatives Zeus Class Titan)
• Dr. Quatrexin (Archvillain)

Black Scorpion armor's designer: Dr. Quatrexin

Dr. Quatrexin:

Black Scorpion was a fool to think he could get away with stealing my power armor!

Now I shall rule as a true villain!

Dr. Quatrexin:

What was that? One of Black Scorpion's lackeys?

You shall not live to see your master again!

Sparring Villains' dialogue

Group 1:

Crey Scorpinoid Trooper: The scorpinoids are excellent tactical deployment suits!
Malta Soldier: These scorpinoids hold up pretty well!

(aggroed)

Crey Scorpinoid Trooper: Ah, another opportunity to show off the scorpinoid combat systems!

Group 2:

Crey Scorpinoid Trooper: As you see, gentlemen, the scorpinoid tank has excellent combat capabilities!
Zeus Class Titan: SPARRING MODE ENGAGED

(aggroed)

Zeus Class Titan: NEW TARGET...

Dr. Quatrexin dialogue

At 75% Life: Argh!
At 50% Life: Impossible! How could you penetrate my armor?
At 25% Life: Must... initiate... nano-repair!
Defeated: Arrrgh! System... shutting... down!
After defeating a villain: You can't stop Dr. Quatrexin!

Debriefing

At last, my old mentor is defeated and the secrets of the Scorpion armor will remain with me! Excellent work, Character.

Perhaps it's time I shared some of my secrets with you. But not all of them! Now you can get powers inspired by me, the most powerful of Recluse's lieutenants. Why, I'm so powerful I'll even grant you the power to mess with your abilities so you can be powerful like me! Just go talk to Arbiter Lupin in Nerva. Tell him you're my new Number 1 guy!

Badge

• Completing this patron story arc will award the The Stinger Badge for the mission holder.

The Stinger

'Pretty soon, nobody's gonna be able to touch me. Stick with me and you'll go places,' Black Scorpion said approvingly.

Note:

Upon completion of this story arc, you will be awarded the single origin enhancement of your choice.

Chink in the Armor

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 13 Reward Merits.

Souvenir
Black Scorpion's Armor Fragment

This is a piece of Black Scorpion's armor, taken from him after his defeat in a story you like to call

Chink in the Armor

It all started when an outraged Black Scorpion sent you to destroy one of Ghost Widow's bases after she upstaged him in front of Lord Recluse. During the attack on Ghost Widow's base, one of the Fortunatas there mentioned how Ghost Widow knew that Black Scorpion feared her, and she would use this to her advantage. Black Scorpion of course denied any such feelings, and was furious at the implication.

Black Scorpion sent you to speak with Operative Grillo about recent developments into Bane armor technology. Operative Grillo reported the work on the 'anti-phase sequencer' armor upgrade which Black Scorpion requested was going quite slowly. Grillo lamented the lack of a genius like Dr. Aeon behind the project to drive the progress forward.

Black Scorpion took Operative Grillo's comments to heart and sent you to kidnap the genius of AeonCorp - Dr. Aeon himself! You attacked Dr. Aeon's lab, fought past his Arachnos guards and managed to take down Dr. Aeon and deliver him to Black Scorpion.

Dr. Aeon produced some results almost immediately, producing a Ghostslayer Rifle and Ghostslayer Bomb. Black Scorpion wanted to test the weapons before incorporating them into his armor, and so got the Arachnos Mu Mystics to find a place of high supernatural manifestations. He ended up sending you to a Paragon City graveyard to take down a ghostly creature known as The Soul Reaper.

Black Scorpion was pleased with the field test of the anti-ghost technology and planned to incorporate it into his armor. But first he wanted to tie up loose ends by eliminating Dr. Aeon! In order to prevent suspicion from the Arbiters, Black Scorpion told you to speak with Arbiter Daos, telling him how Dr. Aeon came to you and Black Scorpion for a strange experiment which went awry and ended with Dr. Aeon's death. Speaking with Arbiter Daos, you discovered Ghost Widow's operatives had already reported the kidnapping of Dr. Aeon. Arbiter Daos wanted Black Scorpion punished and wanted you to carry out the sentence. First order of business was to rescue Dr. Aeon from Silver Mantis. Doing so, you went after Black Scorpion himself, who was already intent on delivering Ghost Widow to a final demise by planting Dr. Aeon Ghostslayer Bombs in her tower on Mercy Island. You intercepted Black Scorpion before he could plant the bombs and took him down, clearing yourself in the eyes of the Arachnos Arbiters.

Destroy Ghost Widow's base

Briefing

Damn Ghost Widow! She had the nerve to upstage me right in front of Lord Recluse! I was discussing increased funding for improvements to my power armor, and she had the nerve to call it a waste of resources which would be better spent increasing the spy network in Paragon City! Waste of resources? Bah! Since when does increasing the raw power of Recluse's most powerful lieutenant a waste of resources? I'm not going to stand for this insult - Ghost Widow needs to be taught a lesson! Ghost Widow has a small base located in Grandville - destroy it!

Try to keep this on the down-low. The Arbiters look down about violations of the patron truce, so don't give them an excuse to start investigating.

This should teach Ghost Widow to respect me!

Mission Objective(s)

It's time to exact Black Scorpion's vengeance!

• Destroy Ghost Widow's base
  • 5 bombs to plant
  • Defeat head Fortunata
    

You destroyed one of Ghost Widow's bases!

Enemies

Arachnos

Notable NPCs

• Fortunata Marlia (Forunata Mistress)

Fortunata Marlia dialogue

Before combat:
Combat start: I sense you are a pawn of Black Scorpion. Ghost Widow knows your master fears her. It is a very useful tool when speaking with Lord Recluse

Black Scorpion's Fears

A Fortunata in Ghost Widow's base said: 'I sense you are a pawn of Black Scorpion. Ghost Widow knows your master fears her. It is a very useful tool when speaking with Lord Recluse.'

Debriefing

What did that Fortunata say? How dare she! Black Scorpion fears no one! You hear me? No one! S-she was just playing mind games with us! There is nothing Ghost Widow can do to me!

Speak with Operative Grillo

Briefing

Can you believe Ghost Widow is telling her minions that I fear her? She's probably just trying to foster fear of her 'spooky ghost' look. Bah!

On a completely unrelated note, Operative Grillo has been developing new armor defenses for the Arachnos Bane Spiders, and I want an update. If it's something worth looking into, I might be looking to adopt the defense into my Scorpion armor. Go speak with Operative Grillo now!

This is all top secret Arachnos business - tell no one of it!

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak with Operative Grillo

Operative Grillo

Briefing

Ah yes. Black Scorpion told me to expect you and to give you a report on the new Arachnos Bane Spider armor defense research. As you may know, Bane Spiders are the elite vanguard of the Arachnos troops, and so are given some of the best armor and weapons. one of the recent research items which Black Scorpion has been pushing our technicians to develop is an 'anti-phase sequencer' - essentially, something to prevent things which are 'out of phase' with our reality from simply bypassing solid matter.

I wish I could report some success in the project, but unforunately such research is predictably slow. Perhaps if we had someone with the genius of Dr. Aeon behind the project, we'd easily be able to make huge strides in development. As it is... not so much.

Anti-Phase Sequencer

Operative Grillo's researchers were looking at developing an anti-phase sequencer to fit into the Bane Spider armor which would prevent phased attacks from bypasing their armored suits. Knowing Black Scorpion, he probably wants to incorporate such a development into his own suit of armor

Debriefing

Damn it! Operative Grillo must be working against me! Perhaps Ghost Widow has subverted his technicians! No, no. Grillo has been faithful to me so far, and his evaluation about the project leader is a good one. Perhaps its time to add new brainpower to the project...

Kidnap Dr. Aeon

Briefing

I'm thinking about what Operative Grillo said about adding the necessary genius to getting the anti-phase sequencer project off the ground. It is true Dr. Aeon is a brilliant man, and he could add considerable brainpower to the task. However, going through official Arachnos channels would take FAR too much time. It's time to cut to the chase! Head to Cap au Diable and kidnap Dr. Aeon from the AeonCrop offices!

Aeon will likely be outraged, but after you beat him unconscious and he wakes up in my Arachnos cells, he'll be more willing to see things my way!

Dr. Aeon

Mission Objective(s)

Dr. Aeon is Arachnos' pet genius, so don't hit him in the head!

• Defeat Dr. Aeon

You have kidnapped Dr. Aeon!

Some of Black Scorpion's operatives show up to take Dr. Aeon to Grandville!

Enemies

Arachnos

Notable NPCs

• Dr. Aeon (Elite Boss)

Dr. Aeon dialogue

Before combat: What do you mean the base is under attack? Stop them!
Combat start: How dare you attack me! I'm Doctor Aeon, the greatest scientist the world has ever known!

Debriefing

My operatives have Dr. Aeon working on the anti-phase sequencer project!

Test anti-ghost weapons

Briefing

Dr. Aeon has provided us with a few anti-phase weapons which he said should prove very effective against ghosts! While he was unable to provide me with an anti-phase sequencer defense system for my armor, the anti-phase weapons should prove to be a good offensive deterrent.

Of course, I would like to test these weapons before I incorporate them into my armor. I've gotten the Mu Mystics to locate a place in Paragon City with high sightings of supernatural manifestations - a graveyard. Head over to Paragon City and test out the anti-ghost weapons!

Yes, they're anti-ghost weapons. Not that I have a problem with ghosts. Just one in particular.

Temporary Power: Ghostslayer Rifle

Ghostslayer Rifle

Ranged Moderate (Lethal) Special versus Ghosts

This is an assault rifle with special ammo. The bullets are specially made to affect ethereal entities like ghosts and spirits. 50 bursts can be fired before the ammo is exhausted.

Temporary Power: Ghostslayer Bomb

Ghostslayer Bomb

Targeted Area of Effect (Lethal/Smash) Special versus Ghosts

This is a special anti-spirit bomb used to destroy ethereal entities like ghosts and spirits. You have enough for 6 charges.

Mission Objective(s)

You make your way to this haunted graveyard in Paragon City. Test Dr. Aeon's anti-ghost weapons by taking out the ghostly leader and his henchman!

• Test anti-ghost weapons
  • Defeat Soul Reaper and minions

You defeated The Soul Reaper!

You travel back to the Rogue Isles and depart the boat.

Enemies

Ghosts

Notable NPCs

• The Soul Reaper (Lost Soul)

The Soul Reaper dialogue

Before combat: With my legion of ghosts I shall rule over Paragon City!
Combat start: You shall not thwart my plans!

Debriefing

I take it the test went successfully? Perfect! I shall look into incorporating the weapons into my armor - and take care of some loose ends.

You're packing some serious power. I respect power more than ambition.

Report to Arbiter Daos

Report to Arbiter Daos

Briefing

Dr. Aeon's anti-ghost weaponry works perfectly! Once I have the final schematics from Dr. Aeon, I will incorporate the changes into my Scorpion armor. Now I have a means to defend against any ghostly intruders - and Ghost Widow will never think to undermine my authority again!

But we must tie up some loose ends. Dr. Aeon has proved most useful, but if he can develop weapons to defeat Ghost Widow's intangibility, he can develop weapons to bypass my armor - this makes him a liability! That's right - we need to eliminate Dr. Aeon!

But we have to be subtle about this. We can't go off assassinating Lord Recluse's assets without good reason, so we need to fabricate a solution. Here's what we'll do: I will send you to report to Arbiter Daos about Dr. Aeon coming to us to perform some strange experiments. When we take down Dr. Aeon, we can say that something in the experiment went awry and Dr. Aeon had to be put down. I'll back you up on this, and the word of Lord Recluse's main lieutenant carries far! Now go and report to Arbiter Daos!

Remember - we just need to convince Arbiter Daos that the visit to Dr. Aeon was part of a regular experiment. If we do this we can probably clear ourselves of any wrongdoing when Dr. Aeon is eliminated!

Mission Objective(s)

• Report to Arbiter Daos

Arbiter Daos

Briefing

So Dr. Aeon came to you for some 'strange experiments', eh? Do you take me for a fool? Ghost Widow's spies have reported the kidnapping of Dr. Aeon, a deed you had a direct hand in! Lord Recluse will not be pleased with having his pet mad scientist kidnapped - if I choose to report this to him.

I'm going to give you a chance to clear yourself of this mess. I know everything you did was at the behest of Black Scorpion. His paranoia has gotten the most of him and he is out of control. He needs to be taught a lesson, and if you know what's good for you, you will assist me.

First order of business is rescuing Dr. Aeon from Black Scorpion's base. He is too valuable to Arachnos to be left in the hands of Silver Mantis, and so Ghost Widow will send a couple of her agents to the base as backup. After we rescue Dr. Aeon we'll deal with Black Scorpion.

Needless to say, Silver Mantis and Black Scorpion will not be an easy fight. I suggest you find some lackeys to assist you in this fight.

Rescue Dr. Aeon

Bug! If you fail to escort Dr. Aeon to the door this will result in having to restart the entire arc over again.

Silver Mantis

Mission Objective(s)

Rescue Dr. Aeon from the clutches of Silver Mantis!

• Rescue Dr. Aeon

Mission Success: You rescued Dr. Aeon!

Enemies

Arachnos

Notable NPCs

• Night Widow (Hostage/Ally)
• Night Widow (Hostage/Ally)
• (Arachnos Toxic Tarantula) (Guarding the Night Widow)
• Dr. Aeon (Ally, Elite Boss)
• Silver Mantis (Arch-villain) (Guarding Dr. Aeon)

Night Widow dialogue

(aggroed)

Toxic Tarantula: What are you doin snooping around here!
Night Widow: Character! Ghost Widow has sent me to help you! Assist me!

Once free: We must rescue Dr. Aeon!

If left behind: Character! Assist me!

If refound: We must rescue Dr. Aeon!

Dr. Aeon dialogue

Dr. Aeon: Release me! Lord Recluse will not be pleased!
Arachnos soldier: Settle down, Aeon! Character has got a surprise for you!

(aggroed)

Dr. Aeon: Character! Realized the error of your ways, eh?
Silver Mantis: Character! You're not here to eliminate Aeon - you're here to rescue him! Over my shiny dead body!

Once free: I guess you're not the pawn I thought you were, Character. Now help me get out of here!

At the mission exit: I'm willing to put this ugly bussiness behind us,Character. Just don't mess with me again!

Ghost Widow's Final Demise

Silver Mantis revealed that Black Scorpion was already en route to plant the Ghostslayer bombs in Ghost Widow's tower!

Note: Upon exiting the mission, the next mission is auto-posted "Thwart Black Scorpion's plans".

Thwart Black Scorpion's plans

Mission Objective(s)

Black Scorpion's operatives have overrun Ghost Widow's tower. Take down Black Scorpion before he plants the Ghostslayer Bombs!

• Thwart Black Scorpion's plans
  • 5 bombs to disarm

You have defeated Black Scorpion!

Black Scorpion

Unneccessary Solicitation

What treachery is this, lackey? I've heard you're working for Arbiter Daos! You think you can take on your superior? None can defeat Black Scorpion! Let's settle this - if you think you can take me!

Enemies

Arachnos

Notable NPCs

• Black Scorpion (Arch-villain)

Note: Black Scorpion will appear and attack after you have disarmed the last bomb. As of 9-22-06, the order in which you disarm them matter. Save the bombs in the final room on the second floor for last.

Ambush!

After defusing one of the bombs you will be ambushed by Black Scorpion

Black Scorpion dialogue

Combat start: So, you have decided to side with the Arbiters, Character? I knew I should have dealt with you sooner than later!
First blood: Die, tracherous scum!
At 50% Life: You'll pay for that!
Defeated: Impossible! My armor is impervious!
Player defeated: Another falls before the mighty Black Scorpion!

Debriefing

You've won this round, Character! The Arbiters have cleared all charges against you, but Black Scorpion will never forget your treachery!

Note: Upon completion of this story arc, you will be awarded the single origin enhancement of your choice. Also, Black Scorpion will be rated as a Comrade in your Contact list. There is a second story arc from this contact level 45-50.

Levels 45-50

The Destiny Raids

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 10 Reward Merits.

Souvenir

A Brass Drill

This is a piece from one of the Nemesis Army's deadly drill-machines, torn off the titanic device during the final beachfront battle of the exploit you remember as:

The DESTINY Raids

It all began when Black Scorpion was ordered to bring you in on Arachnos' biggest plan yet, Operation: DESTINY. Scorpion wasn't happy to be working with you again, but the order had come down from Lord Recluse himself, so he couldn't disobey. Your first job was to take out an underwater Longbow base that would be able to warn heroes about Arachnos raids into Paragon City.

The next step to clear the way for the raid was to take out Longbow's chaser squadrons by hitting their island base. You blew up a lot of chaser aircraft on the ground and in the air, as well as shut down their radar systems. Even though he was still stinging from your earlier betrayal, Scorpion had to admit it was work well done.

Now it was time to make the raid. You went in right after a bombing run had put Paragon City's defenders into chaos. You stole the data needed and destroyed 4 of Portal Corp's major portals, shutting down hero interference in Operation: DESTINY for the time being.

There's no rest for the wicked, however, and you had to help Scorpion wrap up some loose ends. An Arachnos base had gone silent, and hero activity was suspected. You went in to investigate, and were fired on by robotic imposters of Arachnos troopers wielding Nemesis Army weapons! The Prussian Prince of Automatons had replaced everyone in the base with robotic replicas. Black Scorpion's Paranoia went into over-drive, but there was one strange clue: Floating rocks you found in one of the robot's boots. Floating rocks that could only have come from the Shadow Shard!

You used the Nerva portal to travel to the strange parallel dimension known as the Shadow Shard, and there you found a massive build-up of Nemesis Army troops. You located their plans, and discovered that they were marshalling their forces to invade Grandville!

You arrived with the information, but it was almost too late. The Nemesis Army was on the beaches, and you went to help repel them. You destroyed their drill machines to cut off their reinforcements, crushing the invasion before they could get a foothold and throwing the Nemesis Army back into the sea.

With your successful raids into Paragon City and the defense of Grandville against the Nemesis Army, things are definitely looking up. Black Scorpion even seems to have regained a grudging respect for your power, and told you that soon you would be the focal point of the greatest triumph of Arachnos - Operation: DESTINY. You can only wonder what will happen next.

Destroy underwater base

Briefing

Lord Recluse has ordered me to make nice and work with you again. And I will. But the Scorpion never forgets, and Mantis will never let me forget. So remember that I'm keeping my eye on you. All right, we got a job to do, so let's get this done. This is part of the biggest thing Arachnos is doing right now, Operation: DESTINY. Our part of the operation is to clear a path for a major raid into Paragon City. The first step to doing that is to take out a Longbow underwater base that's in our flight path. Your job will be to enter the base, take out the commander, and plant 6 bombs.

Like I said, your job is to plant 6 bombs and take out the base's commander. Even if they can salvage the place, it will keep their eyes off of us for the next phase.

Mission Objective(s)

This should be quick and messy.

• Destroy underwater base
  • Defeat Commander

The base is toast

Enemies

Longbow

Notable NPCs

• Base Commander (Longbow Officer)

Base Commander dialogue

Before combat:
Combat start: You won't get any further, Character!

Debriefing

Alright, you didn't screw that up. Recluse wants you to be the main operative on the next mission. He thinks you can handle it. We'll see.

Destroy Chaser Squadron

Briefing

Now that their early warning is out of action, we can do the next part. See, after the big raid against the Zig in Paragon City, the heroes decided they needed some counter measures. So Longbow's turned a small island into a base for squadrons of those Chaser aircraft. As long as they're flying patrols, it'll be harder to make the strike we want to. So that's where you come in. Without the early warning they would have got from that underwater base, we can catch a bunch of their chasers on the ground and wreck'em before they can become a problem.

We'll deliver you there by sub. Once you're in, you'll have to blow up all the Chasers on the ground and in the air. Once you've done that, enter both of the radar towers and destroy the generators. That'll knock'em out of the sky and keep'em blind long enough for the next step in the plan.

Longbow's Chasers base

Mission Objective(s)

So this is where Longbow has been staging their raids from. Nice place. Time to destroy it.

• Destroy Chasers
  • Grounded Chasers remaining: 30
  • Airborne Chasers remaining: 12
  • 2 generators to destroy

You have crippled Longbow's aerial defenses

Enemies

Longbow

Turrets

Generator Guards' dialogue

Longbow Soldier 1: We're under attack!
Longbow Soldier 2: Don't worry, Character won't get in here

(aggroed)

Longbow Soldier 2: Protect the generator!

Debriefing

You did okay. I could have done that better, of course, but the important thing is that Longbow's air wing will be crippled for long enough. Now that the way is clear, it's time to attack Peregrine Island and take what we need.

Conduct Portal Corp raid

Briefing

Now that you've cleared the path, the next step is to make the attack. We're going to Peregrine Island, off the coast of Paragon City. It's hero-controlled territory, and the home of Portal Corp. Your mission will be to steal vital portal research on their computers, and disable 4 of their portals. Think you can handle it?

Alright, here's the plan. We're gonna bomb 'em first to soften 'em up, then land some attack craft. Arachnos troops will engage the defenders, then your job will be to enter building 110 and 111. IGNORE building 112, the one on the right. That's straight from Recluse himself. Somethin' about that Ghost Witch doing an op of her own in there. I just follow orders. Your job in building 110 and 111 will be to use the programs we give you to steal data from the computers and disable the portals you find in there. The mission will leave from Ft. Cerberus in Mercy Island. So get moving.

This program will help you carry out your mission.

Computer-Hacking device

This thin device is designed to access and break through the security of just about any computer in the world.

Mission Objective(s)

Looks like Longbow and the PPD are putting up quite a fight.

• Raid Portal Corp
  • 4 Computers to disable
  • 4 portal to disable

The raid has been a success!

Enemies

Longbow

Paragon Police Department

Turrets

Neutrals

Arachnos

Notable NPCs

• Portal x4

Stolen Data

The device is filling up with data, programs and algorithms stolen from Portal Corp's memory banks

Debriefing

--Note: This text is based off of not being able to enter building 112-- That went okay, I guess. At least, you didn't betray anyone and then attack them after ratting them out to the arbiters or nothing. At least, not today.

Check out silent Arachnos base

Briefing

Everything we stole from Portal Corp is in the tech-geeks' hands now, which leaves us with some time to wrap-up some loose ends. Much as I would like to settle differences between us, there's more important work to do, For instance, during the raid, one of our bases fell out of contact. It might be nothing, but it might be a hero operation, too. Your job is to check it out and confront the base commander there about it.

The main thing is to find the base commander. And if they've gone rogue or something, take 'em out.

Mission Objective(s)

Somethings really weird here. like nobody's actually been here for awhile.

• Investigate Arachnos Base
  • Find Base Leader

You defeated the base leader

Enemies

Nemesis

Note: All the Nemesis in this mission will appear as Bane Spiders, including the Base Leader, who is actually a Fake Nemesis.

Notable NPCs

• Bane Spiders (Minions)
• Base Leader (Boss)

Bane Spiders dialogue

Bane Spider: How's the evil going? My dark soul is a morass of vileness, thanks.
Bane Spider: Bullying those weaker than me improves my sense of self-worth.
Bane Spider: Blindly following orders is why we wear these helmets.
Bane Spider: I believe everything Lord Recluse says. Don't you?
Bane Spider: I was voted evilest in my graduating class.
Bane Spider: Arachnos flyers are shiny and neat
Bane Spider: I love my nice black uniform.
Bane Spider: It's really good to be evil.

Combat start: For Lord Nemesis!

Base Leader dialogue

Before combat: There is nothing better than lording my authority over my underlings.
Combat start: For Lord Nemesis!

Floating Rocks

These strange floating rocks were caught in the boot of the Nemesis-made robotic imposter you destroyed. Floating stone like this only comes from one place, as far as you've heard: The Shadow Shard.

Debriefing

The place was full of Nemesis imposter robots? That's the last thing we need before Operation: Destiny goes on-line! And if those rocks are really from the Shadow Shard, then this can only mean big trouble.

Investigate Nemesis Army build-up in the Shadow Shard

Briefing

The scientists looked at those floating rocks you found. Thy did come from the Shadow Shard after all. And we've intercepted reports from the heroes of Nemesis Army forces gathering out there. Lord Recluse wants this investigated, and he wants you for the job.

We got a portal conduit set up for you. It's over on Nerva, so you'll have to move some. Now, Nemesis does a lot of weird things, so a build-up of forces isn't too unusual. What we need to know is if this build-up is gonna come down on top of us. Try to find some records or something. Oh, and avoid fighting if you can. I mean, I don't care if you demolish the whole place, I understand that covert actions may not suit people like us. But you don't have to defeat anything in particular to get through this. We just need information.

Nemesis Army's preparations

Mission Objective(s)

The initial sense of dislocation you feel upon entering the Shadow shard is now modified by the disconcerting sound of Nemesis Army drills.

• Search Nemesis Army Base
  • 2 plans to find

You found the Nemesis Army's battle plans.

Enemies

Nemesis

Notable NPCs

• (Nemesis Fake Nemesis)
• (Nemesis Warhulk)

Patrolling Nemesis soldiers dialogue

Before combat:
Combat start: For Lord Nemesis!

Nemesis Colonel dialogue

Before combat: Hurry up! We need these Warhulks in tip-top shape for the attack!
Combat start: For Lord Nemesis!

Fake Nemesis dialogue

Before combat: Make certain the troops are ready
Combat start: Trying to steal our invasion plans? How droll!

Supply listings

These pages of supply records show just how much material the Nemesis Army is planning to dedicate in an attack against Grandville. From the amount of supplies they're going to move in, the invading force must be tremendous.

Marked map of Grandville

These map shows the rough outline of the Nemesis Army's plan of attack against Grandville. A particular beach has been marked as the location where they plan to make their beachhead.

Debriefing

You hit gold, but it ain't good news. These plans are for a huge operation. We're only gonna have one chance to stop the Nemesis Army before they get a foothold on Grandville itself!

Stop Nemesis Attack!

Briefing

From the plan you found, we figured out the Nemesis Army plan of attack. But there ain't any time! The attack's gonna happen any minute, and if they get a foothold, they might be able to take part of the island. We're marshalling everybody! You gotta get down to the beaches! I'll see you there myself!

Mission Acceptance

C'mon! There ain't much time! Get to the rally point there, and I'll meet you on the beach! They're tunnelling up from underground!

Mission Objective(s)

The full fury of the Nemesis army is about to be unleashed on top of you. Let them come!

• Stop Nemesis Attack!
  • 4 Mole Machines to destroy

The Nemesis Army has been defeated!

The Nemesis Army arrives in Grandville

Enemies

Nemesis

Neutrals

Arachnos

Notable NPCs

• Black Scorpion (Archvillain, Neutral)
• Ghost Widow (Archvillain, Neutral)
• Scirocco (Archvillain, Neutral)
• Captain Mako (Archvillain, Neutral)
• (Arachnos Bane Spider Executionner) x3 (Ally)
• Nemesis Mole Machine x4 (Object)
• (Nemesis Warhulk) x4
• (Nemesis Fake Nemesis) x5

Fake Nemesis dialogue

Before combat: All glory to Lord Nemesis!
Combat start: For Lord Nemesis!

Bane Spider Executionner dialogue

Before combat: Hold the line!
Combat start:

Arachnos Patrons dialogue

Black Scorpion: What are you doing!? Get to work!
Scirocco: Do not bother me, I must concentrate.
What a glorious battle.
I'll keep a watch for anything they may attempt to pull.
Captain Mako: It's time to feast
I will watch them bleed!
Ghost Widow: (She will be found torturing a captured Nemesis soldier)
It hurts, doesen't it? Now, tell me your mission.
This wretch has told me of their scheme. You must destroy their drills. You will not be unrewarded for your efforts.

Mission Map
MAPS/MISSIONS/OUTDOOR_MISSIONS/V_OUTDOOR_GRANDVILLE/NEMESIS_BEACH/NEMESIS_BEACH.TXT

Debriefing

You did it! The Nemesis Army are slinking back to wherever they came from! You held 'em off and beat their machines! We may have had some tough times in the past, Character, but you've made good as far as I'm concerned. Now we can turn all our efforts to Operation: DESTINY. And you're gonna have a big part in that, pal. A really big part.

Time after Time

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 13 Reward Merits.

Souvenir:

Lord Recluse's Helmet

You remember the feeling as you ripped this helmet off the head of Lord Recluse himself, as the great master of Arachnos was sprawled at your feet in ruin. That was a good day, and this trophy reminds you of it, and of the adventure that led up to it. An adventure you like to remember as:

Time after Time

The time had finally come to begin Operation: DESTINY, and Black Scorpion told you that you would be the central figure of it. Apparently, Lord Recluse had found a way into a possible future where he had triumphed over Statesman, but couldn't find a way to make that future real. The Fortunatas had used their powers of foresight to tell Recluse that he needed to do two things: First, he had to build a better time-portal, one keyed to a specific individual that could access a wider span of possible futures. Secondly, he had to find a villain destined to rise up from nothing and become one of the most powerful villains in the world. Recluse believes that you are that Villain, and that you are the Destined one who will change his fate and alter the course of history. The DESTINY portal was ready, and Lord Recluse was eager to see his destiny realized.

Unfortunately, it's never that easy. The DESTINY portal was stuck at a particular point in time and space, about 15 years into the future. You traveled to that strange tomorrow tofind a lab in the middle of a ruined city, a lab run by Dr. Aeon! Aeon tried to kill you, but managed to escape before you could bring him down. You still got his journal and some notes on his computers, which was full of information he'd gleaned through laborious study. Information about you and your history in the Rogue Isles. Dr. Aeon deliberately diverted you to this point in time and space, but why?

You got permission from Arbiter Daos to bring Dr. Aeon in for questioning. After you caught him, he said a lot of strange things, about how he'd been told this would all happen by Professor Echo. Echo had also told him to tell you to speak with Diviner Maros, the rogue Circle of Thorns seer. Aeon continued to babble about fate and destiny even after you handed him over to Arachnos. However, Arbiter Daos cleared him of all charges in the attack on you. Something wasn't adding up, and the answers just might be found with a mad Circle Sorcerer.

Talking to Maros was strange, but helpful. Somewhere in the tangled train wreck of non-linear thoought he told you that Lord Recluse had written a journal about you, Operation: DESTINY, and other things. Maros even showed you where it could be found. You entered the facility and stole the journals, as well as the books of ciphers needed to understand them. Black Scorpion later told you that after those journals were stolen it set off alarms all throughout Arachnos, but he was just as curious about their content, and so sent them to be deciphered by outside specialists he knew.

Before the journals could be deciphered, you were sent through the DESTINY portal again, to the anticipated future where Arachnos had triumphed over all. Scorpion arranged for Silver Mantis to meet you then, and suggested you find Dr. Aeon. What you found was a world destroyed. Silver Mantis had survived, somehow, and told you how after you helped Recluse defeat Statesman and the heroes of Paragon City, the entire world was engulfed in war until all that was left were robots, Rikti and a few pitiful survivors. Dr. Aeon escaped into the past, no doubt to begin his career as Professor Echo in a futile attempt to stop your rise to power. But he left behind another journal, this one with a theory for how this might all be stopped if you could somehow defeat Lord Recluse without causing a rift within Arachnos. And when you returned to the past, Black Scorpion's associates had finished deciphering the journals. Lord Recluse had known all along about what might happen, and had decided to risk the fate of the world on being able to kill you when the time came.

If Dr. Aeon was right, you could adjust the DESTINY portal to send you to a point in a possible near future where you could battle Lord Recluse without risking a civil war in Arachnos in the present. It took some false paperwork and a few choice words, but soon it was done.

You stepped through the portal and returned to the blasted ruins of Paragon City in the future you would have been killed to make. The battle was without honor, mercy or pity; but in the end you prevailed. Lord Recluse was defeated. You pried the helmet off his head, and returned to the present day.

Recluse understood the threat. But he was not angry. Instead, he congratulated you. He said that you had become more than a mere tool, but were not a true villain, wielding power over all and beholden to none. And when you look into dark interior of this helm, you know that he was right.

Use the time-portal to change destiny

Briefing

After you helped against the Nemesis Army like that, Lord Recluse has told everybody that he believes you're the Destined One he's been looking for, and so, it's now your time to join Operation: DESTINY. So, here's what you need to know: Lord Recluse found a way into a possible future where he triumphed over Statesman and his heroes, but he can only get to one point, and he can't figure out how to make that future become real. But the Fortunatas told him to do two things. First, he had to build a better time-portal, one that could go anywhere in time. Second, he had to find a villain who'd rise up from nothing to the ranks of the elite, and that villain would be able to change his destiny. Lord Recluse thinks that you're it. Now, the new portal is almost done, and he wants you to test it.

Alright! The portal's up and running, but it only has sent through small stuff. None of us can go through it, because it's been attuned to you. Oh, we can modify it so it can take the rest of your team along, too. The weird thing is, it's locked right now on one point in time, about 15 years from now. The eggheads say it might be some kind of external force, so the first thing you need to do is fix that.

Dr. Aeon's laboratory

Mission Objective(s)

This is 15 years in the future? What's going on here?

• Travel 15 years in the future
  • Un-lock Portal
  • Defeat Dr. Aeon

You un-locked the portal.

Enemies

Rogue Arachnos

Arachnos

Notable NPCs

• Dr. Aeon? (Elite Boss)

Dr. Aeon? dialogue

Before Combat: Success! Oh, no!
Combat start: Do it! We've got to kill Character now or the whole world will die!
At 75% Life: Stupid old junk! We've got to stop Character!
At 50% Life: Our deaths will not matter if Character is eliminated before all this!
At 25% Life: There's no time left...
Defeated: Must escape... to ruined city!
After defeating a villain: I'll only know if it's over when this wasted future ceases to exist.

Mad notes of Dr. Aeon

This journal is nearly incomprehensible. It's been written, then written over several times, all in the same handwriting. As far as you can tell, it's all about you, and stopping you from doing something. There are listings of nearly everything you've done since you came to the Rogue Isles, and labyrinthine notes about how it all comes together until you become the destined one. And then, a bunch of apocalyptic stuff about how the world comes to an end.

Time notes

You found these notes in a file on the computer in Dr. Aeon's lab in the ruined future. Scraps of information and bits of data have been pulled together to try and calculate the exact time that you entered the Destiny Portal, so that Dr. Aeon could divert you to here.

Debriefing

What was going on over there? Dr. Aeon was the one trying to stop you? That's nuts! We gotta get to the bottom of this. Lord Recluse ain't gonna be happy with anything holding up his destiny!

Talk to Arbiter Daos, then catch Dr. Aeon

Speak with Arbiter Daos

Briefing

Whatever Doc Aeon's up to, it needs to be stopped. Operation: DESTINY is too big for him to mess around. Aeon's got protection, but you're the Destined One, right? So, if you tell Arbiter Daos about Dr. Aeon's interference, he's got to listen and give you permission to bring Dr. Aeon in.

Once you have the word from Daos, go in and grab Dr. Aeon.

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak with Arbiter Daos

Arbiter Daos

Briefing

This accusation against Dr. Aeon is dire, but not unfounded. And considering your status as the Destined One, I must investigate it. Character, I grant you the authority to capture and question Dr. Aeon. Find out what part he had in all of this.

Catch Dr. Aeon

Dr. Aeon

Mission Objective(s)

Where ever Dr. Aeon may be hiding, you'll find him and get the answers you need.

• Catch Dr. Aeon
  • Capture Dr. Aeon

You have captured and interrogated Dr. Aeon

Enemies

Arachnos

Notable NPCs

• Dr. Aeon (Elite Boss)

Dr. Aeon's dialogue

Before combat: It's all happening just like that old kook said!
Combat start: Why are you attacking me? I haven't done anything!

I should have listened

After you caught him, Dr. Aeon kept ranting:

"That old fool, Professor Echo, he kept trying to tell me. He told me that this would happen, that you would be the Destined One, and what would happen after. But I didn't believe him! I didn't want to believe him! I should have listened.

He had something I'm supposed to tell you right now. Professor Echo said that if you spoke to someone named Diviner Maros, that Maros would tell you where to go next. Some Arachnos base or something. He said that you'd learn the truth, that you'd find out that the Destined One isn't a position of power, it's a sacrificial bull: I don't know what it means, or if I believe him, but everything else he's told me has come true. Even this. But then, if everything comes true, there's nothing anyone can do to stop it. Is that it, then? Is there really no such thing as free will?"

Aeon kept rambling after that, about fate and free will and destiny. But you learned what you needed to know.

Debriefing

You're not gonna believe this, but Daos himself questioned Aeon, and then let him go! Doctor Aeon's alibi is rock-solid, and Daos said he didn't have anything to do with it. The portal's still offline 'till they understand what went wrong last time, but maybe that'll work, too. Sounds like you got some leads from Aeon to look up.

Talk to Diviner Maros

Talk to Diviner Maros

Briefing

I tracked down some info on that "Diviner Maros" guy Aeon was talking about. Did you know him? He's this weird Circle of Thorns guy out on Sharkhead. I never liked those wizards, and ever since I found out the truth about them, the whole ancient-ghosts thing, I mean, I like them even less. Anyway, the weird thing with him is even most of the rest of the Circle stays away from him, so he works with villains instead. It might be a trap, but if what Dr. Aeon says is right, your best lead is to talk to Diviner Maros.

So this Maros character is supposed to be able to tell you where to go to learn about what Professor Echo told Dr. Aeon? This is making my head spin! Get it sorted out so we can carry on with Operation: Destiny.

We didn't attack Peregrine Island and then fight off the Nemesis Army just to give me a migraine, after all.

Mission Objective(s)

• Talk to Diviner Maros

Diviner Maros

Briefing

How many times have we met? How many times have I talked to you, oh "Destined One"? It's hard to keep track, now. No, you're working with Black Scorpion, so your part was holding off the Army of Brass, not stealing the gate to the Beyond, or capturing the great minds. And have we worked together before? I cannot separate out the history you know from all the sea of whatmight have been. But I know this moment. You were sent to me by Professor Echo, who told his younger self to send you to me, just as he remembered. That's the problem with time travel. The sense of a story can get confused when the events happen in a different order.

Fourteen thousand years ago, we called it The Tower, but really it was a portal. We of Oranbega sought to build a gateway to the heavens to re-awaken our gods in our time of need, we could not have foreseen that it would come to this. When it failed, my mind was opened to every possible moment between then and the future you're racing towards.
Soon, you will enter the portal and decide fate itself. Lord Recluse has learned of this. He's left his notes nearby, in this chain of events. I'll only learn that you found them too late, of course, and I won't be able to stop you. Not that I want to, I am eager to see a world where I don't know what's going to happen, and would hate to see you destroy it in a war with Arachnos.

Now where did I later learn you found those notes? Ah, yes. I remember that when I learned about it, I was surprised it was on this very island. It would be ironic if I didn't already know what's going to happen. I'll show you where I later learned you went.

Investigate base

Mission Objective(s)

This is the place Maros showed you. But what could be here?

• Investigate base
  • 4 crates

You found the information you were looking for

Enemies

Arachnos

Notable NPCs

• Base Commander (Arachnos Bane Spider Executionner)

Base Commander dialogue

Before combat:
Combat start: Intruders! Attack!

Writing in code

These handsome handwritten books are written in some kind of code. There are dozens of them here, some in various states of translation.

Code books

These books store dozens of possible codes used for encrypting sensitive Arachnos information. There are stern warnings to never store them in the same base where important Arachnos secrets are kept. Oops.

Notes

• Every time you click on a safe you'll get the message You found something, but tripped an alarm. Despite these messages, no ambushes will come.
• This mission will spawn only Bane Spiders

Debriefing

So, after you hit that base, alarms went off all over the place. Turns out that those journals you stole belong to Lord Recluse. I'll set up some parsy as the thief, after I copy'em and get'em translated by some people I can trust. Hey, I want to see'em too. But you need to be seen to keep suspiction off you. Fortunately, they're ready to try the portal again.

Visit the future you'll help create

Briefing

They think they've finally got a time portal that can go past Recluse's Victory, so Lord Recluse can find out exactly how you help him win and what will come after. You're supposed to go through the portal, see what happened to the future, and then head back.

And while you're checking that out, I'll get those journals decoded.

I got no idea what you'll find there, but I'll make you a deal. I'll tell Silver Mantis to be ready to meet you then. That way, no matter what happens, you'll have someone there to tell you the truth about what's going on. Oh, and I figure Doc Aeon will also be there, you might want to see if you can squeeze some info out of him.

Mission Objective(s)

You expected fanfares and parades, not the end of the world.

• Visit the future
  • Find Silver Mantis, Find Dr. Aeon

You've learned what you needed to learn in the future

Enemies

Nemesis

Rikti

Arachnos

Malta Operatives

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• Dr. Aeon? (Elite Boss)
• Silver Mantis (Elite Boss, Ally)
• (Malta Operatives Zeus Class Titan) (Guarding Silver Mantis)

Silver Mantis' dialogue

Before combat: Character! Over Here!
Once free: Come on. There is much you must discover.
If refound: Thank you again,Character. I fear the years have not been kind to me.

Dr. Aeon dialogue

Before combat: I only barely escaped! I'll have to go into the past and finish Character there.
Combat start: How did you find me! I've got to make the time-jump!
At 75% Life: There's no time for this. No time at all!
At 50% Life: I'm almost ready to jump back to the past!
At 25% Life: I'm starting the time-jump!
Defeated: Must escape... Into Time-stream!

Ambush! Temporal anomaly identified as Character! Attack!

After freeing Silver Mnatis you will be ambushed by three waves of Circle of Thorns mystics

The sorrow of Silver Mantis

You never thought you'd see Silver Mantis get emotional, but she was happy to see you, and nearly broke down as she told you what happened:

"Ernesto, I mean Black Scorpion told me you'd show up here and now. Welcome to the end of the world. All that's left are the dead and the machines. After you helped Lord Recluse make the future he wanted come true, many in Arachnos saw you as their true leader. Soon, Arachnos was ripping itself apart. Scorpion joined your side, and I went with him. We thought that with the heroes leaderless, we would have time to settle the conflict, but then Nemesis made a bid for world conquest, and The Center moved the Council to counter him. The heroes broke into factions over how best to fight us all, and the wars didn't stop. Group after group was caught up in the calamity, even the Rikti weren't immune. Their seond invasion turned into a genocidal civil war. Now their world is even deader than this one. In the end, all that's left are the intelligent machines, their human slaves, and the surviving Rikti refugees. Even Ernesto is dead... The whole world is gone...

But Ernesto told me that I could show you how it might be undone. We have to find Dr. Aeon! He plans to go back in time and kill you, but that won't work. Recluse will just find another "Destined One". However, Aeon has planned out all the junction points! If you can get that from him, maybe then you'll know how to keep this from happening.

If a future must die, I'd rather it was this one. Ernesto and I loved each other, in our own way, but I could not understand that until he was gone. I would prefer not to live with that pain."

Dr. Aeon's map of time

This notebook contains Dr. Aeon's attempts tomap out all the junctions where he could change history and keep the world from being destroyed. A lot of the are already long past, and there are very few left. However, one looks promising. According to Dr. Aeon's notesif you were selected as the Destined One, and then you were somehow able to show Recluse that he would lose in a battle against you, he would probably halt his plans. The problem is that if you beat Lord Recluse, then Arachnos might splinter anyway, and lead to the end of the world. However, Dr. Aeon has a plan about how it could be done. If you could use the DESTINY portal to fight Recluse in the near future and defeat him, then you could return to the present and show Lord Recluse proof that you could beat him, all without provoking a division within Arachnos right now. It sounds crazy, but it just might work. Maybe keeping Aeon around really was a good idea, after all.

Debriefing

Thw future dies because of all of this? Because of Operation: DESTINY? I knew this plan was a bad idea! But that makes a strange kind of sense. I learned what was in those journals. Lord Recluse knew that what you saw was a possible outcome of all this. Some of the Fortunatas can see into the future and stuff, and they told him. Reading his journal, Recluse figured there were only three ways it's gonna go: Either he gets the future he wants but the world dies, like you saw; or he gets what he wants but then you die before you can become threat; or his destiny might never get fullfilled. Guess which one he wants to make come true?

Get Destiny portal altered

Talk to Naylor in Nerva

Briefing

Let me make sure I understand this: The Dr. Aeon from the destroyed world like 15 years in the future thinks you need to beat Lord Recluse in the near future so you can show the Recluse in the present that it's too risky to fight you over control of Arachnos, which would happen if he uses you in Operation:DESTINY unless he double-crosses you and kills you before that happens. No, I still don't get it. But I do get that you gotta show Recluse who he's messin' with, and you need to get the Destiny Portal altered to do it.

I was thinking about it, and my first plan was for you to kidnap researchers while disguised as Manticore. Then I realized that since you're the "Destined One", you could probably just ask people, and they'd do it for you. To make it even easier, I coiped Recluse's signature out of one of his journals and put it on some paperwork for you. I figure you should probably talk to Grant Naylor first, he's this geek they have out on Nerva who knows a lot about portal stuff. But to get any of it done, you'll have to talk to Operative Grillo.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Grant used to work for me, you know? Back when he was just a soldier. I knew it was a good idea to keep Mantis from killing him because of his accent.

Mission Objective(s)

• Talk to Naylor in Nerva

Official looking papers

These papers look official Arachnos documents requesting that all Arachnos science personnel assist you, and looks like it's been signed by Lord Recluse himself. It won't stop soldiers on the streets from trying to make a name for themselves, but it should make Grant Naylor or even Opertive Grillo help you.

Technician Naylor

Briefing

Good ta' see ya, Character. Now that Operation: DESTINY's in full swing, nobody's tha' interested in my work no more. An' there's so much ta learn. I think the Circle might have tried some really crazy experiments with these portals years and years back. Might have tried to reach the other side, if ya know what I mean. Anyway, what's on yer mind?

Re-adjust the DESTINY Portal? I been tellin Grillo that he needs ta test that thing more, but just because I don't 'ave his fancy degrees, he never wants ta listen to me. Well, I can write up how ta do it for ya, sure.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Grillo's been really useful to me over the years, with all the armor improvements I've made. I'm glad you won't have to rough him up.

Naylor's changes

This short scientific paper details how to alter the Destiny portal to send it to the exact point in time when Recluse achieves his moment of triumph. The paper argues that since this is for calibration, but you know that it would also be the perfect moment to strike.

Take papers to Grillo

Mission Objective(s)

• Take papers to Grillo

Operative Grillo

Debriefing

Ah, Destined One, the portal isn't ready for the next test, but it will be soon. What's this?

Re-alignment test? The idea does have merit, even if it is from Naylor. Well, you do have all the authorization, and that is Lord Recluse's signature. Very well, I'll have the next test altered. It should give us some important data, at least.

Debriefing

They bought it? Great! Now all that's left is gonna be Recluse himself.

Travel to the future and battle Lord Recluse

Defeat Recluse in the future

Briefing

This is it. Look, I've been helping you out because I hate to see somebody get screwed like that. I mean, yeah, we fought and you won, and I'm still angry about that, but the way Recluse has messed with you, that's too much. And he's been playing with everyone's future too. But to travel into the future to attack and defeat Lord Recluse to show him who's boss? That's just crazy. You'll really need to have a gang with you, or it's suicide. Maybe even then!

I get it, I get it. There's no talking you out of this. Well, it's all ready and set up. If you still have any friends, I'd say call' em in. And no, I won't help you on this. I may not be happy with what Lord Recluse has been planning, but I won't double-cross him for this.

But hey, Character?

Good luck.

Unnecessary Solicitation The Destiny Portal is already set up. All you have to do is go through it, fight past the Arachnos troops who'll probably have shoot-on-sight orders for you, and then defeat Lord Recluse himself.

Mission Objective(s)

This is it. If you defeat Lord Recluse here, at his moment of triumph, you can break the cycle of doom. Recluse may have sought you out as one of his Destined Ones, but this moment is your Operation: Destiny

• Defeat Recluse in the future
  • Defeat Lord Recluse

You have defeated Lord Recluse

Enemies

Arachnos

Notable NPCs

• Lord Recluse (Archvillain)

Lord Recluse dialogue

Before combat: I stand now at my moment of TRIUMPH!
Combat start: Haven't I already killed you, Character?
At 75% Life: I will crush you!
At 50% Life: Kneel before my power!
At 25% Life: Face the full power of Arachnos!
Defeated: This is impossible...
I killed you...
Why won't you die?
After defeating a villain: This is your true destiny: To be ground beneath my feet forever.

Lord Recluse's helmet

Dented, scarred and ripped off the head of a defeted Lord Recluse, this is both a trophy and a warning.

Show Recluse your prize

Uneccessary Solicitation

You actually did it. Well, you need to show that to Recluse, I bet.

Mission Objective(s)

It's over. Time to show Lord Recluse your prize.

• Show Recluse your prize

Lord Recluse

Debriefing

That is mine, is it not? I understand your message. The Fortunatas warned me that your growing power might become inconvenient for my plans. And perhaps, one day we will clash for real, in a true final battle. But for the moment, you have earned some measure of my respect. You have grown in strength, you have grown in power, and you would challenge even me to battle without fear. I will no longer attempt to use you for Operation: DESTINY. You have grown beyond a mere tool. No, in you I have created something more. Through your long struggle you have become a true villain, wielding power over all and beholden to none. Go now, and work your terrors upon the Earth!

Debriefing

So I guess that's it. Not much more to say. Well, I still have to return Recluse's journals somehow, but I'll make Mantis do that. We had a pretty good run, didn't we? Yeah, we fought, and I'll still watch my back when you're in the room; but I think it's been a good thing that you worked with me. Now, don't you have some evil to wreak?

Badge

• Completing this patron story arc will award the Usurper Badge for the mission holder.

Usurper

You have claimed victory over the master of villainy himself, Lord Recluse!

Missions

Black Scoripon does not have any missions out of his story arcs.