Noble Savage

This article is about the signature character. For the designer, see Noble Savage (Developer).

Overview

Noble Savage
Forlorn Leader
Zone	First Ward
Coordinates	(1826, 102, -2429)
Level Range	20-29
Introduced By	Palatine
Introduces	Katie Douglas
Enemy Groups	Apparitions The Awakened D.U.S.T. The Possessed
Requires First Ward Zone Pack.

Noble Savage is a hero, villain, and Praetorian contact in the Eltentown neighborhood of First Ward at coordinates (1826, 102, -2429) . His level range is 20-29. He also is located in the back of the Resistance Base in Underground Neutropolis.

Praetorian characters may find him:

• in Aaron Walker's arc The Savage Man (Levels 15-20)

All characters may find him:

• multiple times in Palatine's arc, Abused and Scorned Tho' We May Be, as an Elite Boss and an Ally (Levels 20-29)

Introductions

Contact Introduced By

• Palatine

Contact Introduces

• Katie Douglas

Look, Character, Katie Douglas is a bit of a...problem child. I know, I shouldn't judge, right? But if the stories are true, her psychic powers and her history have left her a bit unhinged and, no, I don't care if you're still telepathically-eavesdropping on us, Katie. Anyhow, Character, keep an eye on her, okay? We need her on our side.

Well, look at that. She was listening all along.

Psychics. You can find her near the Sunken City.

Information

Praetoria City:

+++ Missing Information +++

First Ward:

Forlorn Leader

Distraught over his transformation into a cybernetic monstrosity, the Noble Savage has teamed up with Demetrios Vasilikos to help those whose lives were also ruined by Praetor Berry's experiments. He sees himself as the defender of the defenseless, the sheriff of First Ward, and the protector of both the Forlorn and Ghouls alike. He will not rest until justice has been done, and Praetor Berry pays for his crimes against humanity. But one thing at a time, for now he has to concentrate on keeping his people safe.

Prior to Introduction

Missing Prior to Introduction Dialogue

Initial Contact

Praetoria City:

You talk to me like I am still a man. But I'm not anymore. Now I'm a monster! A MONSTER!!! I can no longer help Praetoria. Men, women, and even children scream in terror when I venture above these tunnels. They show me that I am no longer human. I can never be a man again, so why should I act like one? If they see a monster, then I WILL BE THAT MONSTER THEY FEAR!

No. No, I will not become that which I hate. But I can not live like this either. You you have more humanity than I do. Please. Please use that humanity and grant one small request.

First Ward:

Character! Between you and me, I'm not sure what to make of all this. First, Demetrios' death gives me leadership of the Forlorn, and now the Palatine of the Compound appoints me as its new Hetman. Had you heard that? The 'new Hetman' bit, I mean. The last time my kind had made an alliance with those that opposed the Emperor's regime...

...let's just say it didn't end well. We found ourselves trading one kind of enslavement for another. But this - this feels different.

Greeting

• How's it going, Character?
• You've got some time?

Too Busy

Missing Too Busy Dialogue

Too Low Level

Missing Too Low Level Dialogue

No More Missions

Praetoria City:

I have no more requests, Character. Now it is time to repay your kindness by helping the people of Praetoria City. Perhaps we shall see each other again.

First Ward:

I can't of anything else you can do for me, Character. You've done plenty already.

Descriptions

Praetoria City:

The form of a savage monster hides the heart of a noble hero. Betrayed by those he trusted, the Noble Savage has risen above thoughts of vengeance and still seeks to serve the people he swore to protect. Even if they believe he is who they need protection from.

First Ward:

Distraught over his transformation into a cybernetic monstrosity, the Noble Savage has teamed up with Demetrios Vasilikos to help those whose lives were also ruined by Praetor Berry's experiments. He sees himself as the defender of the defenseless, the sheriff of First Ward, and the protector of both the Forlorn and Ghouls alike. He will not rest until justice has been done, and Praetor Berry pays for his crimes against humanity. But one thing at a time, for now he has to concentrate on keeping his people safe.

Store

• None

Story Arc

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 9 Reward Merits.

The Only Good Day Was Yesterday (20-29)

Souvenir

It started as a simple scavenger mission...

The Only Good Day Was Yesterday

...insofar as anything in First Ward is simple, at least. Soon, however, it became clear that D.U.S.T. had a crisis on its hands in the Free-Fire Zone. But after investigating several of their facilities, which were overrun with mutated Seers called the Awakened and the angry spirits of the Apparitions, it started to get...unclear. Noble Savage, the new Hetman of the Compound, decided to bring in an expert on psychic phenomena and set you to recruit Katie Douglas, perhaps more famously known as Seer 1381. But you weren't the only one looking for Katie. And Apparition, known only as the 'Surgeon', had piggybacked along with you, and now that you had led him to Katie he wanted to claim her for himself. Free of the Surgeon's influence you were able to dispatch the thing, though it didn't do much in the way of making a good first impression.

Part One: Ashes to Ashes

Briefing

The former Hetman's military uprising left both the Forlorn and the Compound in dire need of supplies; our defenses, weapons, and rations are depleted at levels that discomfort me. To this end, the Palatine and I have been sending out scavenger teams into the Ward, but they have met with little success.

Our last scavenger team never returned and I'd like you to find out what happened to them. And to bring back whatever they were after.

Well...one of them did return-- named Gully-- but he's one of the new Forlorn, his mind just recently restored. He's only managed to give the Palatine and I scattered details of what happened. Start by speaking with the Palatine...I think Gully's too afraid of upsetting me to give his full report.

• I'll speak to Anna about the lost scavenger team.

Good. I would have her advice both as my Palatine and someone that has traveled First Ward far and wide through the Shadowed Paths. Her insight is a rare thing... very rare indeed.

Speak to Anna Palatine

Unnecessary Solicitation

Character, there's really no time to waste. Speak to the Palatine about our lost scavenger team.

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak to Anna Palatine

Palatine

Briefing

Character, it warms my heart to see you again. So...what do you think of the new Hetman?

• Noble Savage is a bold choice. The Compound and the Forlorn are united.

We are friends with the Carnival of Light again, as well. This unification came about only through your help, my friend, as did my crown. Your humility in these matters does you credit; indeed, all of First Ward is blessed to have found a protector in one like you.

What can I do for you now?

• Noble Savage mentioned the Compound is running short on supplies.

We are, as are the Forlorn. The first scavenger teams found little to bring back, though they did not sortie far. The last team felt the mounting desperation, and perhaps this is why they are lost.

• Savage mentioned that one returned.

Yes, a Forlorn named Gully. His team was so bold as to enter the Free-Fire Zone to accomplish their mission. And though I advised that they use the Shadowed Paths, they abandoned them for reasons that are still unclear. He is shaken by the experience and, though Noble wants me to, I have not the heart to press the matter just yet.

See if you can find out what happened to the scavenger team, Character. You should know... this Gully sees you as his savior. Perhaps he will open up to you.

• I'll talk to Gully and find out what happened.

Speak to Gully, Last Word Scavenger

Unnecessary Solicitation

Get whatever intel there is from the Forlorn scavenger that returned, then move on it, Character.

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak to Gully, Last Word Scavenger

Gully

Briefing

Character, it is an honor to meet you. I am Gully, recently returned from the feral red haze of...of, well, my previous....

I guess I don't have to think about that anymore, thanks to your efforts with Dr. Helix.

• Tell me what happened to your scavenger team, Gully.

I am. I...and I must admit something to you, good sir. The Genetic Resequencer restored my mind, but it also restored my cowardice. I'm afraid that I abandoned my cohorts shortly after we got into the FFZ. We were using the Shadowed Paths to raid a D.U.S.T. munitions depot when...when something went wrong.

• What exactly went wrong?

The Shadowed Paths weren't safe, at least not for us, and contrary to all the stories we have heard. The scavenger team came under attack by an Apparition and I ran for my life. When I stepped back into the real Ward, even more Apparitions swirled about me, running rampant through the FFZ.

• And what about D.U.S.T.? They control the Free-Fire Zone.

Not anymore, not from what I saw. D.U.S.T. soldiers were firing on one another all in a panic. When I saw an Apparition possess one of them, I knew why.

The Free-Fire Zone has been compromised by the Apparitions and what remains of the scavenger team is trapped there.

Here, take this, it's the same kind of tac-scanner that you used before...only it's still pretty busted up from the battle with the old Hetman. I've tried to repair it, though, and key it to the frequencies of my... of my old team members.

• I'll pick up their trail and find what's happened to them.

Signal Drop

The Compound made sure their scavenger team had a tracer-beacons with them, but their last tac-scanner has seen better days. According to its readings, though, whatever remains of the scavenger team is still at the D.U.S.T. munitions depot.

Search the Munitions Depot

Unnecessary Solicitation

Well, we know where the last scavenger team went missing. An old abandoned warehouse in the FFZ that D.U.S.T. has been using as a munitions depot. Tell me what you find there when you return.

Mission Objective(s)

File:Map ABANDONED WAREHOUSE 45 LAYOUT 03 01.png

Map: ABANDONED_WAREHOUSE_45_LAYOUT_03_01

You hear the familiar sounds of D.U.S.T. gunfire and Apparitional scream-whispers. According to the damaged tac-scanner, the only surviving scavengers are Rare Earth Magnet and VanderMeer...but something strange is interacting with the signals of their tracer-beacons.

• Search the Munitions Depot
  • 2 ammunition caches to be retrieved
  • Rescue Rare Earth Magnet
  • Rescue VanderMeer
  • Lead Rare Earth Magnet out!
  • Lead VanderMeer out!

While you managed to find the surviving members of the lost scavenger team, it looks like the Free-Fire Zone has more problems than a few Last Worders trying to steal some food and supplies from the area. A D.U.S.T. munitions depot was infested with Apparitions and Possessed. The whole of the D.U.S.T. Cell was in disarray, firing on their former allies.

Enemies

The Possessed

Apparitions

D.U.S.T.

Notable NPCs

• Rare Earth Magnet (Forlorn Hostage)
• VanderMeer (Forlorn Hostage)

Rare Earth Magnet Dialogue

Before Combat:

Rare Earth Magnet: No, please..! Don't do this!

Combat Start:

Rare Earth Magnet: Get it away from me!

Upon Rescue:

Rare Earth Magnet: Thanks for the save, but these guys are everywhere!

If Lost:

Rare Earth Magnet: Where'd you go?!

If Recaptured:

Rare Earth Magnet: They got me again!

If Found:

Rare Earth Magnet: Sorry about that.

VanderMeer Dialogue

Before Combat:

VanderMeer: Stay out of my head..!

VanderMeer: These memories...they're not mine!

Combat Start:

VanderMeer: WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME?

Upon Rescue:

VanderMeer: You really think you can get us out of this?!

If Lost:

VanderMeer: Hey! Where'd you go?

If Found:

VanderMeer: Thanks. Sorry I held us up.

D.U.S.T. Dialogue

Before Combat:

D.U.S.T. Ranger: D-SEC isn't listening, switch channels!

Combat Start:

D.U.S.T. Ranger: ARCLIGHT isn't responding either!

D.U.S.T. Ranger: We're on our own here!

---

Before Combat:

D.U.S.T. Ranger: D-SEC? Are you on the line?

D.U.S.T. Ranger: We are still in need of assistance!

This ammunitions cache is devoid of anything useful. It looks like it's been ransacked recently by the D.U.S.T. Rangers currently battling their possessed cell members.

You find an assortment of high-impact rounds, a few thump grenades, and a few special-issue D.U.S.T. micromunitions that might be able to be retrofitted for the Last Worders' weapons.

Ambush! Upon retrieving a batch of ammunition, you will be ambushed by a wave of D.U.S.T. and The Possessed. They will be hostile toward you and each other.

Debriefing

Your report of the Free-Fire Zone is troubling, Character. I've seen the Apparitions only from afar, or when my diagnostics deem it essential for my mortal mind to dream.

I'm surprised that D.U.S.T. can't hold the Apparitions off. They're crack troops, with persona safeguard training. That you saw so many of them possessed...we're missing something here, but I have some suspicions on where to start looking for possible answers. None of it negates resupply of the Compound, however.

Now don't get all misty-eyed when I say this, Character, but you're all right in my book. Granted, I hear the movie's better, but...well, yeah. You know what I'm trying to say. Come on, we've got more stuff to do.

Part Two: What We Bring With Us

Briefing

Theory time, Character. For years, D.U.S.T. has been using the Free-Fire Zone as a training ground, which loosely translates into live fire exercises against any and all targets that they can find there. They do this with the full but undisclosed support of some agency within the Cole regime back in Praetoria proper; one that funds them, equips them, and refills their ranks with fresh supersoldiers when necessary. They couldn't do this without being in contact with said agency.

Word from the FFZ is that a D.U.S.T. special operation science lab codenamed ARCLIGHT suddenly went Black Channel. Either their comms are down or there's no one home. Get into ARCLIGHT and find their communication records. We need to know what D.U.S.T. has told its upper command about the situation here and if they ever got a response. Someone in Praetoria may have a way to contain the Apparitions... or they may simply be sending in heavier forces. If things are really bad, then they may just be abandoning their cells out here altogether. In any case, we can't afford to be in the dark.

• We'll need something to bypass the Black Channel for this to work at all.

You're right. When you're inside ARCLIGHT, find a way to temporarily override the communications lockdown. Here, take this ghostband transceiver with you. With it, I'll be able to advise you from here. Good hunting, Character.

The Ghostband

Noble Savage gave you a ghostband transceiver that will allow you both a semblance of contact while you're in ARCLIGHT. He'll help you as best he can while you attempt to temporarily bypass the facility's Black Channeled communications network. From the look of the ghostband transceiver, it looks like Gully has been working hard on the Compound's technical gadgets to shed some of the guilt he still has from abandoning his scavenger team in the FFZ.

Unnecessary Solicitation

We've got to concentrate on ARCLIGHT right now, Character.

Mission Objective(s)

File:Map P TECH 30 LAYOUT 09 01.png

Map: P_TECH_30_LAYOUT_09_01

For a brief moment, your ghostband transceiver explodes into a chorus of screams and commands that you cannot parse. The insidious power of the Apparitions is at work here.

• Search ARCLIGHT
  • Override communications channel
  • 2 more comm arrays to access
  • Download files from Comm Station Array 01
  • Download files from Comm Station Array 02

You managed to enter ARCLIGHT and temporarily bypass the communications blackout long enough to download transmissions sent to and from various D.U.S.T. spec-ops cells in the Free-Fire Zone.

Enemies

The Possessed

Apparitions

The Awakened

Override successful.
Power temporarily restored to communications arrays.

Ambush! After overriding the communications channel, you will be ambushed by one wave of The Awakened.

Comm Array Station Guard Dialogue

Combat Start:

Suspicious Ranger: Keep him / her away from this terminal!

Ambush! After defeating the first set of Comm Stations guards, you will be ambushed by one wave of The Awakened and one wave of The Possessed.

Comm Array Station 01

Briefing

Black Channel Protocols temporary bypass: Some archived transmissions corrupted. This comm station array only contains the last incoming transmissions from ARCLIGHT. For last outgoing transmissions, please try another terminal.

• (Check last incoming transmission.)

PROJECT ARCLIGHT: Transmissions Log [Incoming]

Colonel Vargas, CO D-SEC, to Captain Jennings, CO ARCLIGHT

Captain, our Mother just called. It seems some very special Seers either escaped or were broken out of the Asylum recently. Current reports from the cell Captains in the FFZ pinpoint them as being in the Sunken City. I need you to send a squadron out and retrieve them. Bring the Seers back to ARCLIGHT and contain them until further orders. Be advised, the Asylum are referring to these Seers as 'Awakened', but I have no idea what that means. Evidently, they exhibit strange mutations, often physical, and give off a psychic resonance quite unlike the Seers we are familiar with. Your men should have ample enough persona psychic defense training to deal with them, but the Asylum notes that these 'Awakened' may put up a fight. Under no circumstances are you to damage the package. This comes from on high. We mustn't disappoint Her. Vargas out.

• (Keep scanning last incoming transmissions)

PROJECT ARCLIGHT: Transmissions Log [Incoming]

Colonel Vargas, CO D-SEC, to Captain Jennings, CO ARCLIGHT

Well done, Captain. I've relayed your success to the Asylum. They should be sending out one of own their spec-ops teams to ARCLIGHT for immediate exfil of the package. Between you and me, I really hope it's not the IDF, or this thing is going to move from Strange Request to Something Really Bad Happened. Vargas out.

• (Keep scanning last received transmissions)

PROJECT ARCLIGHT: Transmissions Log [Incoming]

Colonel Vargas, CO D-SEC, to all Cell Commanding Officers of special operations in First Ward

Be advised that the 'Awakened' are a Red-level threat. Shoot them on sight. They are also working with the Apparitions in the FFZ for reasons that remain unknown. Several D.U.S.T. soldiers have already been compromised, either through possession or mind-control. Shoot them on sight; they cannot be saved. We have our science team at BETTERMOUSETRAP looking into the hows and whys, but until you hear different, consider us at battle stations throughout the Ward. I have relayed all of this to the Asylum. When I hear from Mother, I will update you all. Stay safe and stay strong. We will get out of this. Vargas out.

• (Keep scanning last incoming transmission)

PROJECT ARCLIGHT: Transmissions Log [Incoming]

Colonel Vargas, CO D-SEC, to all Cell Commanding Officers in First Ward

Colonel Vargas to all D.U.S.T. special operatives through the Ward: ARCLIGHT is compromised. BETTERMOUSETRAP is compromised. The FFZ is a ghost zone. D-SEC? We have our own problems. The less I say about the Seer Network the better. Someone in Praetoria has just enacted the Black Channel Protocols. You all know what that means. We will be cut off from one another. Mother has decided to abandon her children.

The Black Channel is set to drop now,so I've got one chance to say it: There is no help coming. Repeat: there is no help [transmission ends, presumably because the Black Channel Protocols went into effect]

• (Download files and leave)

Compound Theory

From what you can piece together from ARCLIGHT's incoming transmissions, the Asylum ordered the retrieval of escaped Awakened from the Sunken City. The mission was a success, but shortly thereafter almost all of the D.U.S.T. facilities in or around the FFZ, including BETTERMOUSETRAP and D-SEC were compromised by the Apparitions. And when that happened, the Asylum-- or more properly, Praetor Tilman-- enacted the Black Channel Protocols, which effectively cut all communications down across the organization.

After entering next level:

Ambush! After defeating the second set of Comm Stations guards, you will be ambushed by one wave of The Possessed.

Comm Array Station 02

Briefing

Black Channel Protocols temporary bypass: Some archived transmissions corrupted. This comm station array only contains the last outgoing transmissions from ARCLIGHT. For last incoming transmissions, please try another terminal.

• (Check last outgoing transmissions)

PROJECT ARCLIGHT: Transmissions Log [Outgoing]

Captain Jennings, CO ARCLIGHT, to Colonel Vargas, CO D-SEC

Colonel, I'm happy to report that the 'Awakened' were retrieved from the Sunken City and brought back to ARCLIGHT as per your orders. The operation went smoother than expected, with no casualties, despite the warnings from the Asylum that the 'Awakened' may be unnaturally antagonistic in their confusion. Instead, they gave my men no trouble at all and came to ARCLIGHT willingly, as if they wanted our protection from the rest of First Ward. Mother should be pleased.

• (Keep scanning last sent transmissions)

PROJECT ARCLIGHT: Transmissions Log [Outgoing]

Captain Jennings, CO ARCLIGHT, to Colonel Vargas, CO D-SEC

The attack continues. These 'Awakened' are mind-controlling my men to wander into the FFZ and get possessed by Apparitions. ARCLIGHT is full of ghosts and these crazy Asylum Seers. Please send help, Colonel. I'm concerned that my whole cell will be compromised by nightfa

[transmission ends abruptly].

• (Keep scanning last sent transmissions)

PROJECT ARCLIGHT: Transmissions Log [Outgoing]

Major Loeb, (acting CO) ARCLIGHT, to Colonel Vargas, CO D-SEC

Captain Jennings was compromised, sir, and put down, but the Apparition inside him simply jumped to Specialist Holloway. There are only four of us left now. Our persona training is useless against these ghosts, especially when the Awakened keep hitting us with psychosocratic logic loops. I am hereby shutting ARCLIGHT down. Do not send help. Repeat: do not send help. I can already feel like I'm haunted in some way. I pray that the efforts at BETTERMOUSETRAP can find a way to end this.

Tell Mother we tried.

• (Keep scanning last sent transmissions)

PROJECT ARCLIGHT: Transmissions Log [Outgoing]

ARCLIGHT to Colonel Vargas, CO D-SEC

Loeb is one of them. Fields is one of them. No one can find Foster. Why aren't you responding to us, Colonel? Why are we going under Black Channel? Only Praetor Tilman can authorize that! I'm about to TOXIC AND GUTTED AND NO APOLOGIES oh no, I didn't say YOU WILL PAY US IN THE MEAT AND WE ALL HAVE UNFINISHED BUSINESS I'm not saying this [transmission ends after the sound of a sidearm firing].

• (Download files and leave)

BETTERMOUSETRAP

This section of ARCLIGHT's outgoing logs is the most troubling: 'Our persona training is useless against these ghosts, especially when the Awakened keep hitting us with psychosocratic logic loops.'

If D.U.S.T. can be compromised so easily, what chance does the Compound have? When you're finished here, it looks like your next stop is the D.U.S.T. medical facility code-named BETTERMOUSETRAP to see what their science teams discovered before the Black Channel cut them off from the rest of the Ward.

Debriefing

We'll get Gully and some of our more technical guys on these data retrievals, Character, but it's pretty evident that ARCLIGHT's last operation was a disaster. And that the next step is the BETTERMOUSETRAP medical facility. The Asylum is certainly frightened of these 'Awakened'.... enough for Praetor Tilman to condemn the very soldiers that reported their existence. We're going to need to stretch our resources even further.

Part Three: Visitation Rites

Briefing

So we know that a different spec-ops team from D.U.S.T. took some Awakened to the medical facility codenamed BETTERMOUSETRAP. According to the files you brought back, they were hoping to use its equipment to figure out how the Awakened could take over their Seers so easily... and whether there's any kind of procedure to remove or prevent it. We need to know if D.U.S.T. has any medical records on file regarding the Awakened and, if so, we need to retrieve them.

Trust me, once those psychic monstrosities are done with D.U.S.T. they're going to move out into the rest of First Ward. The Compound simply can't handle them.

• I'll find whatever medical records are there.

I hate to ask this of you, Character, but I need you to bring back any medical supplies you can find, as well. And one more thing: that ghostband transceiver we used at ARCLIGHT? Well, turns out that all its time in proximity to those Apparitions in there fried it. Gully has no idea why, but you're going to be without my help on this one.

Unnecessary solicitation:

Character, get your head in the game. I need you to retrieve any medical records D.U.S.T. may have on the Awakened.

Mission Objective(s)

File:Map P TECH BIO 30 LAYOUT 02 02.png

Map: P_TECH_BIO_30_LAYOUT_02_02

It looks like D.U.S.T. abandoned this medical facility. The unnerving sensation of the Awakened moving freely about may explain why.

• Search BETTERMOUSETRAP
  • 2 medical supply caches to be retrieved
  • Access the Medical Records Terminal
  • Download Awakened medical records
  • Destroy the Surgeon and his Apparitions

You retrieved the medical supplies the Compound needs and, perhaps more importantly, all pertinent medical records regarding the Awakened, but they're fragmentary and mostly inconclusive. You have the feeling that you're going to have to call in an expert psychic to get much further.

Enemies

Apparitions

The Awakened

The Possessed

Notable NPCs

• The Surgeon (The Possessed Peculiar Leader)

The Awakened Dialogue

Before Combat:

Psychotic: I can sense an intruder.

Psychotic: And a powerful one, this time. That's...good.

You collect a sample of universal anti-toxins derived from some sea-creature native to the Sunken City.

Ambush! After retrieving the first sample, you are ambushed by one wave of The Awakened.

The Awakened Dialogue

Before Combat:

Burnout: The intruder is searching for something.

Burnout: It's searching for why we exist. Just like Fletcher did

This supply cache contains an array of epidermal hyper-sealants and a few useful field medi-packs.

Ambush! After retrieving the second sample, you are ambushed by one wave of The Awakened.

The Awakened Dialogue

Before Combat:

Burnout: It has seen Awakened before.

Burnout: Correction: it has destroyed Awakened before.

Medical Records Terminal

Briefing

You find a series of local medical transcripts regarding the Awakened Seers

• (Scan the report on their first appearance)

Dr. Jonas Fletcher, Field Surgeon in Residence to D.U.S.T. special operations in First Ward, BETTERMOUSETRAP

Just before the Black Channel fell, Colonel Vargas, the CO of D-SEC, ordered one of our squadrons from BETTERMOUSETRAP to capture as many of the the Seer-subjects designated 'Awakened' as we could. What started as a seemingly innocuous request from Mother has turned into a four-alarm fire. But that's not really the point of these reports. Forgive me. The stress is getting to all of us.

We did not suspect any associations between the Awakened and the Apparitions at the time ARCLIGHT was sent to the Sunken City, and still do not have any verifiable evidence to support such a claim.

What we do know is that the presence of the Awakened caused nearly all of the Seers attached to the D.U.S.T. cells here in First Ward to turn on us, as well. The current theory is that the Awakened carry some kind of 'psychic contagion' which normally healthy Seers can catch, and readily so. Again, what any of this has to do with the Apparitions is still under investigation.

• (Scan diagnosis reports on Awakened mutations)

Dr. Jonas Fletcher, Field Surgeon in Residence to D.U.S.T. special operations in First Ward, BETTERMOUSETRAP

The mutations that manifest in the Awakened seem to be psychomorphic in nature, indicative of exposure to enormous amounts of Nth-Gen psychic stress. Though we do not have an exact pattern yet, these mutations come in degrees of physical severity, from barely noticeable to almost supraterrestrial-level physiology. Whatever the pattern, the severity of physical mutations in Awakened do not seem to correspond to their levels of psychic power. The reasons for this are currently unknown.

We may never make the connection between the Awakened and the Apparitions. Once our initial reports were sent to Colonel Vargas at D-SEC, who then relayed such findings to the Asylum, it resulted in an immediate call for Black Channel Protocols across all D.U.S.T. special operations in First Ward.

• (Scan purpose of the Black Channel Protocols)

Dr. Jonas Fletcher, Field Surgeon in Residence to D.U.S.T. special operations in First Ward, BETTERMOUSETRAP

Mother has deemed that this secret medical facility be condemned and quietly disappeared. How nice. The Black Channel will lock us all down, so I fear this may be my last report. In that case, I would like to formally put, on the record, that I believe that a magician should've been sent here instead of a doctor. The Awakened I can work on-- correction, could have worked on had the Asylum given us adequate protection-- but just what am I supposed to do about the Apparitions? What advice can I give that doesn't end up straying into the occult, a subject I never studied? How am I supposed to perform an autopsy on a ghost?

• (Download all pertinent medical reports)

You have copies of all pertinent and available medical transcripts regarding the Awakened Seers.

• Leave

The Surgeon Dialogue

Combat Start:

The Surgeon: VISITING HOURS ARE OVER!

The Surgeon: THOSE WERE CLASSIFIED FILES!

Upon Defeat:

The Surgeon: We're losing him!

The Surgeon: If you could hand me the tyndallers, please.

The Surgeon: This was only supposed to be a residency!

The Surgeon: I'll find another host! You just watch me!

The Residency

The possessed monstrosity that referred to itself as the 'Surgeon' was carrying a D.U.S.T. security clearance card. It identified the host body as one Dr. Jonas Fletcher, a graduate of the Neutropolis Academy of Applied Extragenics.

Debriefing

What the..? The medical records only really show that D.U.S.T. is playing theory time, too. The words 'inconclusive' and 'possible' are used about every third sentence. Hrmm.

There has to be some truth to it, though...between the dispatches you found at ARCLIGHT and these medical records is a connection that the Asylum doesn't want getting out at all.

Character, there is a reason that my...people call themselves the Forlorn. Even in the armpit of Cole's regime, where there's a monster around every corner, we're often looked on as the worst of 'em all. And we can't forget what we did back when we were...when we were rabid...so sometimes, at your worst, you start to believe the rest of the Warders. Look, I'm embarrassing myself. Your actions here in the gumbo have given the Forlorn some hope. I just wanted you to know that.

Finale: The Girl That Got Away

Briefing

We need to consult an expert on psychic phenomena. I know about mind control, but after that? Next to nothing. I'm going to assume that these Awakened are an immediate threat to the Compound, and our only psychic allies are those in the Carnival of Light. I understand the last Hetman shook that alliance up pretty bad, so I'd like you to speak to them on my behalf.

The one named Candlestick used his powers to confirm that the Palatine was real, correct? Start by talking to him.

• YESSIR, SIR! I CAN'T WAIT, SIR!

Um...

...good, I guess. I hope you're feeling all right, Character. We can't afford to lose you.

Speak to Candlestick about the Awakened

Unnecessary Solicitation:

So what did the shiny clown have to say? What, you're not finished speaking with him? Get back to it, Character. C'mon.

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak to Candlestick about the Awakened

Candlestick

Briefing

Eckery ackery, me ol' friend, you've come to get the skinny on those new bone polishers runnin' amok in the personascape, aren't ya now?

• What? I'm here to ask about the Awakened.

Thas' what I said now, ennit? Look, my coins are on it all bein' a con, these Awakened. They're Seers of a sort, and the Seer Network is one of the biggest cons of all.

• LOOK, JUST SPIT IT OUT, YOU FREAK!

Anger Management

What's wrong with you? That's twice now you've yelled at someone like a lunatic. Is First Ward and its inherent insanity getting to you? Are you taking on too much? In your last outburst towards Candlestick, you even insulted him, calling him a freak. And while that's relative, you'd think with the kinds of people you run with, you'd be used to his... colorful appearance. Maybe you're just tired. That must be it.

Hey now, boyo / girlie! Don't cut yerself with that tongue, hear me? Right rude, you are.

Now listen, the psychics of the Carnival, including yours truly, we're not even about to dare Fate by probing the thoughts o' those Awakened. It could become a two-way street, an' I like my mind right where it sits, y'know? Seers are serious business, and these whackjobs are off their leash.

The most famous of the Seers that got away from the Network is Katie Douglas. Maybe you already know her. A celebrity, she is. Well, to some folks, anyhow.

• Candlestick...I want to apologize for my... outburst. (optional)

S'all right, lad / lass. Don't fret. All of us First Warders get the shouts sometimes and just yell the fool. The gumbo can get to a body, ya know?

• Thanks. Where can I find Katie Douglas?

For a jail bird that wants to stay off the grid, Katie Douglas doesn't exactly take great pains t'hide her whereabouts. Scuttlebutt's that she and a few Seers she's rescued from the Network have holed up in Office 1381.

The name of said domicile is both an inside joke an' a dare to anyone Coleside that might be thinkin' of comin' after her. Look for Katie Douglas there.

But be warned. She's not too fond of the Compound, and wants zero to do with the Carnival. That said, if you need an expert on Seers, and the skinny on the Awakened, Katie's yer best bet.

• I'll find her.

• How can I find her?

For a jail bird that wants to stay off the grid, Katie Douglas doesn't exactly take great pains t'hide her whereabouts. Scuttlebutt's that she and a few Seers she's rescued from the Network have holed up in Office 1381.

The name of said domicile is both an inside joke an' a dare to anyone Coleside that might be thinkin' of comin' after her. Look for Katie Douglas there.

But be warned. She's not too fond of the Compound, and wants zero to do with the Carnival. That said, if you need an expert on Seers, and the skinny on the Awakened, Katie's yer best bet.

• I'll find her.

Office 1381

You spoke to Candlestick, a powerful psychic of the Carnival of Light, about the Awakened. He and his fellow psychics fear the monstrosities, refusing to probe the 'personasphere' too deep to learn about them. Candlestick did point you to Katie Douglas, however, the first Seer to escape the Seer Network in Praetoria proper. And it turns out that Katie Douglas is hiding out at Office 1381 here in First Ward. There's only one problem: Katie Douglas wants nothing to do with the Compound or the Carnival.

And what was that voice in your head just then?

Explore Office 1381

Unnecessary Solicitation

You're supposed to be seeing if this Katie Douglas person can help us out.

Mission Objective(s)

File:Map FW FLOODEDOFFICE SEER1381.png

Map: FW_FLOODEDOFFICE_SEER1381

Judging by the dead bodies of ex-Seers littering the hall, someone else got here before you. And you can sense it's the Apparitions.

• Explore Office 1381
  • 2 banquets of envious Apparitions using D.U.S.T. hosts to EAT
  • Secure the mind of Katie Douglas for your own
  • FEAST on the remaining Apparitions using D.U.S.T. hosts in vain
  • Rescue Katie Douglas
  • Speak to Katie Douglas
  • Destroy the Apparitions
  • Convince Katie Douglas to Help

During your search for Katie Douglas, the Apparition of the Surgeon piggy backed on your psyche, causing all manner of confusion and violence. Katie's ex-Seers were all dead, victims to possessed D.U.S.T. Rangers. It seems that other Apparitions were after the famous Seer 1381, too. The Surgeon jumped from your towards Katie Douglas when it felt she was near, and you had to rescue her from another possession. In the end Katie agreed to help you search for the answers behind the Awakened, insane and mutated Seers now threatening the whole of First Ward.

Enemies

The Possessed

Apparitions

Notable NPCs

• Possessed D.U.S.T. Officer (The Possessed Peculiar Leader)
• The Tattered Surgeon (Apparitions Boss)

Piggyback

You're hearing the Surgeon's voice in your head. Actually, you're hearing two: the voice of the now-dead, formerly-possessed Dr. Jonas Fletcher and whatever insane Apparition used his body as a host. Their thoughts and personalities have somehow merged...and attached themselves to you. You're starting to show the first signs of possession. And you have no idea for a cure...outside of death.

Aura of Possession

Aura of Possession

You are possessed by an Apparition!

The Possessed Dialogue

Before Combat:

Possessed D.U.S.T. Officer: Like clockwork, they have come for her.

Combat Start:

Possessed D.U.S.T. Officer: Surgeon, you go against all that she desires!

Possessed D.U.S.T. Officer: Kill the Surgeon's host!

---

Before Combat:

Possessed D.U.S.T. Officer: It's Fletcher's host! You know what to do!

Combat Start:

Possessed D.U.S.T. Officer: THE WARD IS OURS!

Possessed D.U.S.T. Officer: You know you can't have Katie Douglas!

Unwanted Baggage

The Surgeon has relinquished his possession of you, his Apparition rushing to claim the soul of Katie Douglas!

Katie and the Surgeon

Before Combat:

The Tattered Surgeon: KATIE DOUGLAS! IT'S SUPPERTIME!

Katie Douglas: Hey, some HELP over here! This Apparition has attracted others!

Combat Start:

Katie Douglas: Help me!

50% Health:

The Tattered Surgeon: Someone alert the trauma team for possible incoming!

Upon Defeat:

The Tattered Surgeon: Prep the ER!

Katie Douglas

Briefing

And just want do you want?

• I need your help.

Help you..?! After you bring Apparitions into my house and they kill my sisters? Do you know what you've done?

• I had no idea the Apparitions were after you until I arrived.

Katie Douglas scans your mind.

You're...you're telling the truth. But you...you had some idea they might be. Wait, you had one inside you! Or was it two?

Oh, and I guess that string of confusion I'm now reading in your head is what you call an excuse. Yeah, so, that's so not going to work with me--

Wait. Can you hear that? More are coming!

• Then no more excuses. Get ready.

You're going to owe me for this, Character.

• (Fight)

Ambush! A group of Apparitions attack!

Katie Douglas

Briefing

Okay, killer. Your mind says you're here about the Awakened.

What do they have to do with all of these Apparitions everywhere?

• That's what I was hoping you could tell me.

Katie Douglas scans your mind again.

Fine, I'll help you out. It looks like you've been trying to figure out the connection between the Apparitions and the Awakened for a while, and I see that you've been doing some good for First Ward along the way. Things are going to get ugly before we reach the end of this road.

But let's be clear: I won't forget what was done to my sisters and I will always associate it with you.

Go back and tell Noble Savage that I'm on board. I'll be in touch after that.

• It's a deal.

Debriefing

Well done, Character. Katie Douglas was something of a legend in Praetoria proper. If anyone can help us get to the bottom of the Awakened and how D.U.S.T fell so easily to their power, she's our best bet.

Watch yourself around her, though. She's got a personal agenda that doesn't always play nice with others.

Let me know when you're ready to meet up with Katie again.

Gallery

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  Concept Art

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  In-Game Model

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  In the Resistance Base