Scirocco

Scirocco

Overview

Scirocco is a villain contact in the ? neighborhood of Grandville Scirocco is a Magic origin contact. His level range is 40-44 as well as 45-50.

Scirocco is also an Archvillain who serves Arachnos under Lord Recluse. He also awards the patron power, Mu Mastery to villains who complete his patron arc.

Heroes can face him in Recluse's Victory as one of the signature villains that show up as reinforcements.

Description

Imad Malak was not always an evil man. Evil came to him from without. He was traveling in the deep desert near the Baka Valley deep in the Middle East. There he discovered an ancient tomb and stumbled inside. The tomb was that of a long-dead desert hero, and contained several objects of power including the bottle of the djinn Serafina. Also within was the hero's scimitar that granted the weilder incredible powers. Malak took the sword and donned the mantle of Scirocco. Unforunately, he fell under a curse and was driven to commit acts of great evil. He sold the other objects off to the highest bidder, the bottle ending up with the Circle of Thorns. Once a hero of the people, he is now a dark stain on their proud heritage. Imad wishes nothing more than to find some way to rid himself of the curse and find redemption.

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See Also

• Scirocco's Arachnos profile for a list of his powers

Introductions

Information

Arachnos Patron

Imad Malak was not always a villain. Once he was a Freedom Fighter, battling against tyranny in the Middle East. But evil came to him from without. He was traveling in the deep desert near the Baka Valley deep in the Middle East, fleeing mercenary death squads when he discovered an ancient tomb and stumbled inside. The tomb was that of a long-dead desert hero, and within Malak found the hero's scimitar, an ancient weapon that granted the wielder incredible powers. Malak took the sword and donned the mantle of Scirocco, the Desert Wind. He intended to use the power to free his people, but unforunately, in taking the items he fell under a curse. Everything he did was now tainted, and only brought greater evil to the world. Once a hero of the people, he is now a dark stain on their proud heritage, and was cast out. Scirocco continued fighting, earning a grim reputation both for his phenomenal powers, and for retaining some vestige of Imad's old principles. He soon came to the attention of Arachnos, and accepted the invitation to join Lord Recluse's inner circle.

Initial Contact

I am told that you have chosen me as your patron. I am glad to hear this, for I have watched you progress for some time, and believe that you may be the destined one for whom Lord Recluse awaits. Allow me to make a proper introduction: I am called Scirocco, the Desert Wind. I serve Lord Recluse and Arachnos, and hold the reins of the Mu Mystics. Unlike some of my fellows, like the mercenary Black Scorpion or the Monstrous Mako, I believe that we do not need to be soulless beasts to achieve our aims. The ends may justify the means, but that does not mean we must end up as madmen. Now, there is much to do. I am in the midst of a great work, and will require your aid.

Store

• Teir 1 Inspirations
• Level 40 Single Origin Magic Enhancements
• Level 45 Single Origin Magic Enhancements

Story Arc

A wind called Serafina

Souvenir: A genie's veil

After her defeat, you found this piece of gauzy, yet nearly indestructible fabric on the sight of the battle. It smells of a warm desert wind laden with perfume and spices, and you can almost hear the mocking laughter of the djinn you defeated on an invisible wind'

A wind called Serafina

Scirocco welcomed you to his camp among the fractious upper echelons of Arachnos, and immediately assigned you a task. Some unknown force had attacked a base where Scirocco had stored a minor mystic artifact, and he wanted you to investigate. You arrived to find the base in shambles, Scirocco's items stolen, and the Arachnos personnel at the base blathering about how much they loved the unknown female thief, and how she's warned them you were coming. The only clue was security camera footage of a woman in a genie-costume searching the base at her whim and using some kind of mind-control on the troops. Scirocco seemed to have an idea of what was going on, but wanted to keep it to himself for the moment.

To confirm his suspicions, Scirocco sent you to ask Arbiter Daos if there had been any similar incidents at other Arachnos bases. He also warned you not to make an enemy of Daos, because of his great power among Arachnos' arbiter corps. Arbiter Daos confirmed that there had been similar attacks by the mystery woman, and that they had all occurred at bases where Scirocco had stored mystic items in the past. In exchange for this information, Daos sent you to cleanse one base that had recently been put under the mystery thief's control. There you learned from the last uncontrolled Arachnos soldier in the base that the mystery woman had a name, and that name was Serafina. Scirocco was expecting that, but not pleased. It seems that this Serafina had been the one to grant him his powers, and now she most likely wanted them back.

Scirocco explained that this Serafina was no mere magician, but djinn, or Genie; a creature made of magic itself. Serafina had been charged with transferring a mantle of power, one of the legendary mantles of the four winds, but after the last heroic to bear the mantle had perished in the Rikti War, he had taken it from the weakened genie. Now some of her power must have returned, and she'd want it all back to give to some hero. To stop her, you'd need allies, and Scirocco sent you to find them. First, he sent you to speak with Black Scorpion's lieutenant, Silver Mantis. Mantis was spoiling for a fight when you found her, and you had to give it to her before she's listen to your message. Unforunately, Black Scorpion wasn't interested, and preferred to stay on the sidelines.

Next you sought out Barracuda, Mako's sidekick. The Vicious mutant would only be willing to side with someone who could demonstrate their power, so it was up to you to beat a surprised Barracuda to show her boss the strength already assembled on Scirocco's side. However, Mako wouldn't bit, preferring to wait and attack whoever came out weaker.

The only one left was Ghost Widow. Scirocco had learned that her bodyguard, the Wretch, was being targeted by the mysterious Malta group. But before you could leave to free Wretch and strengthen Scirocco's proposal to the Widow, Arbiter Daos wanted to speak with you. Daos' words were cautious. He told you that he'd run some of the items Scirocco had stored by his own mystic sources, and had come up with some unsettling results. While Daos wasn't willing to level any accusations, he strongly implied that you should keep an eye on your patron. After that strange meeting you dove into the fray, and this time, finally, it worked. Ghost Widow entered into an alliance with Scirocco, and soon you knew the genie would fall.

The alliance bore fruit almost instantly as Ghost Widow's Forunata's predicted the next place Serafina would attack. Acting on that information, you counter-attacked and caught the djinn off-guard. With most of her power spent controlling the minds of the Arachnos troops in the base, she was weakened enough to attack and defeat.

With that obstacle gone and a new alliance in place, Scirocco confided that he was ready to finally begin the great plan he had been working towards, and he would need your help than as never before.

Missions

Investigate base

(Part 1 of A wind called Serafina)

Briefing

Do not mistake me, I am gratified that you have decided to join my particular branch of our organization. It's just that I am being kept very busy at the moment working on an important project, so I may have to ask you to do certain tasks for me that I cannot otherwise get done. I know well enough that I can trust you to complete any mission I may have for you, and I will have to rely on this trust in some very important matters. Your power is great, and I will need it brought to bear against all manner of foes.

But let us start with something that should prove little problem for you. There is a base where I was storing some items that has stopped responding and sealed themselves off. I want you to find out what's happened there. Vanquish any foes you have to, but most importantly find the base's logs to find out what happened and see what's become of the item I had there.

I had charged this base to look after a trinket I had acquired. Some mystical bauble, nothing more. While you're looking for the cause of their silence, I would be well pleased if you could look for that as well.

Mission Objective(s)

There's a strange feeling of peace and contentment in the air here. It's really kind of creepy.

• Investigate base
  • Find Base Logs
  • Locate Scirocco's 'Item'
    

You found images of the intruder, and that Scirocco's item was missing.

Primary Enemies

Arachnos

Template:Clue Video logs

The visual logs of the Arachnos base are full of the tedium of normal Arachnos life until the last few days. The routine of weapons checks and drills is suddenly interrupted by the appearance of a beautiful woman in strange diaphanous clothes walking through the base, disappearing and re-appearing at her whim, as she's clearly looking for something. You watch a section of the tape where two Mu Mystics soldiers try to stop her, then after a few words they start following her around like obedient servants. In minutes, the whole base is under her thrall and helping her look. The Arachnos troops didn't even get off a shot.

Template:Clue Whispers on a scented wind

When you opened this storage vault, you saw that whatever Scirocco had stored within it was now gone. There were traces on the interior where it looked as if some mystical seals had been burned out. As you peered in to get a closer look, a sudden breeze blew by your face from within the empty vault. The warm dry wind carried the scent of perfume and spices, and as it wrapped around you, you heard the distant lilting voice of a woman. She said:

'I have come to take back that which you bear, and that which you took, and all that is mine.'

The wind was gone without a trace, and you were left looking into an empty Arachnos storage vault.

Debriefing

The base all under the spell of some strange woman, you say? I'll have to review the footage you found, but I do have a suspicion. But it could not be. She wouldn't be here, not now, not yet. But who else could have known?

Ah, but you must forgive me, my loyal ally. I apologize most humbly, it is rude of me to get so lost in thought in front of you. I will review what you found, and determine the proper course of action.

Speak with Arbiter Daos

(Part 2 of A wind called Serafina)

Briefing

I have reviewed the scenes that you recovered, and I have a strong suspicion about what was happening, but I must have confimation lest I act rashly. Thus, I would charge you to speak with Arbiter Daos to see if there have been any similar incidents at other Arachnos bases. As I am suer you are aware, Daos is a very powerful man. As one of the highest ranking arbiters, he has the ear of our Lord Recluse himself. If Arbiter Daos suggests you do something, place yourself at his disposal and attend to it. I can wait to hear about it when you are done.

Remember that though Daos lacks the might of one such as you and I, his power within Arachnos is vast, and more than enough to make his requests worth heed.

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak with Arbiter Daos

Briefing Arbiter Daos

Yes, I've been briefed on why you're here. The incident you ran into isn't the first such case, and it hasn't been the last, either. We've had several bases fall under the influence of this mystery woman, and thus far we have found no defense against her power. The contamination appears to be magical and non-infectious, but is also permanent or nearly so, and strong enough to even overcome Bane-Spider indoctrination. We have also found evidence of a correlation between the locations this mystery woman has struck and bases where Scirocco has secured some of his mystic items in the past as part of his ongoing research. I suspect that this may be a casual relationship, and you may tell Scirocco that. However, first I have been charged to cleanse the site of the latest attack by this mystery woman by my Lord Recluse himself, who is growing annoyed with these events. My Lord Recluse wants them stopped, and if I am correct about the casual link, then I will have to ask for the authority to sever the casual link any way I see fit. However, I prefer it if the great powers among Arachnos stay in balance, and if they can clean up their own messes, all the better. So, I will hold off on my conclusions if you can lighten my workload. Cleanse the latest base to fall to this mystery woman, and I will give you and your patron more time to fix this problem yourselves.

Mission Objective(s)

That same weird feeling of peace is everywhere here.

• Cleanse suberted base

You cleansed the base.

Primary Enemies

Arachnos

Notable NPCs

• Crab Spider Webmaster (Hostage/Ally)

Template:Clue 'It might be some kind of psy-op...'

After you rescued him from his erstwhile comrades, Operative Hughart told you:

'Thanks for the help. I just got back to base and everyone was acting crazy. They keep talking about some woman named Serafina. I realized it might be some kind of psy-op, so rather than blow my cover, I suited up and acted like everything was normal so I could try to figure out what was going on. It looks like this woman just teleported right into the base and started taking over minds, then set everyone looking for something. I checked it out, and the base commander opened the vault for her. She took some mystic thing that we were storing for Scirocco, but before I could find out more, the rest of the guys realized I wasn't one of them.

Look, since I helped you out, can I ask you to put a good word in with Scirocco for me? I heard you're working for Scirocco right now, and after a blunder like this, well, it's good for a guy to know people who can put in a good word for him.

Debriefing

It is as I feared. It is Serafina. It has to be. She once granted me the mantle of these powers, but now I am certain she has come to take them back. No doubt she thinks she has found a worthier successor to the mantle of the Four Winds. Well, that is unfortunate for her, for I feel no desire to relinquish my artifacts, and she does not know about you, my powerful new ally.

Help Scirocco stop Serafina

(Part 3 of A wind called Serafina)

Briefing

Serafina is no mere magician, and we must act carefully to counter the threat she poses. She is not a mere user of magic, like a wizard, but a being of magic itself. Serafina is djinn, or a 'Genie' as they are commonly called. Traditionally, entities like her are confined through clever trickery and ancient charms to being innocuous, helpful, or only mildly devastating. Serafina was charged to assist the transfer of one of the mantles of the four winds. When the previous holder of the mantle died in the Rikti war, I became one of the candidates. But Serafina had supposedly lost much of her power in the battle, and I took the mantle for my own. Now, after regaining some small measure of her former power, she seeks to take back what was once hers to give. I cannot allow this, for she will surely choose some righteous would-be hero for teh role again. And you, will be the secret weapon I shall use to stop her.

Be careful. You'll most likely need to beat some sense into the people I will send you to meet, and they are quite powerful. I suggest you bring allies.

Excellent. Serafina will have defenses against me, and will watch me for any alliances I may try to make. But both you and I can call on the powers of all of Arachnos now. Our first step will be for you to carry proposals of alliance to some of the others. We'll start with Black Scorpion. He is a mercenary, and I have worked with mercenaries in the past. Also, his robotic and cybernetic soldiers might be less susceptible to the genie's powers. Speak with his Lieutenant, Silver Mantis. I believe that she's currently working out her unseemly aggressions on the Nemesis Army. I will warn you, though. Silver Mantis is... 'Excitable'. You will most likely have to defeat her before she will even begin to listen.

If we can forge an alliance with Black Scorpion, then we should have all that we need.

Mission Objective(s)

Apparently, some of Scorpion's machines spotted Nemesis troops using this place as a front, and Mantis went in to clean it out.

• Find Silver Mantis
  • Find Silver Mantis

You think Mantis listened to what you had to say after you defeated her. You were able to contact Silver Mantis.

Primary Enemies

Arachnos

Nemesis

Notable NPCs

• Silver Mantis (Archvillain)

Debriefing

You did well, but I've talked to Black Scorpion. He is unwilling to put himself or his troops on the line. It seems you made quite the impression on Silver Mantis, though. She was willing to help, but Scorpion holds her reins tightly. I fear he's planning some move of his own, and wouldn't mind seeing me fall from power. Still, all it not lost yet. If I cannot form an alliance with the mercenary, perhaps it was time I sought aid from the monster?

Defeat Barracuda to get Mako's attention

(Part 4 of A wind called Serafina)

Briefing

Mako and I are rarely on the same side of anything. His bestial and violent nature do little but gain my enmity. However, the same ruthless murderousness that makes him a monster also makes him somewhat predictable as an ally. If he sees advantage in a course of action, he will follow it. Perhaps now is a time to open a line of communication. Seek out Barracuda, his lieutenant. I believe that she's in the middle of wiping out a Longbow spy vessel. I doubt they'll be happy to see you, but Mako would need proof of your strength before listening to any message you carry. Barracuda's defeat should provide that. Be wary, however, she's quite tough. I would suggest you bring allies.

Barracuda is an... interesting woman. I don't know if you've met her before, but she is truly a fighter. I believe that she was modified by the Coralax against her will. Her tolerance for the depths, conflicted nature, and violent impulses make her a natural ally for Mako. It is a shame, I think. She could be more, but... Well, for now she must be an obstacle in your path that you must overcome.

Mission Objective(s)

Several of these Longbow spy-ships have been spotted recently. Mako's marines have been kept busy dealing with them.

• Defeat Barracuda

With Barracuda defeated, hopefully Mako will be willing to listen.

Primary Enemies

Longbow

Arachnos

Notable NPCs

• Barracuda (Archvillain)

Debriefing

Mako was willing to listen after he heard how you defeated Barracuda. Unforunately, he is still unwilling to act. The sea-going savage can sense that I may be placed in a difficult position, and no doubt is waiting to see what happens. That honorless animal is a simple predator, he's only ready to fight when there's no risk. It was foolish to even think he might be a worthy ally. This leaves me with little recourse. If neither the Mercenary nor the Monster can be trusted, then I must look to the Maiden.

Rescue Wretch from the Malta Group

(Part 5 of A wind called Serafina)

Briefing

Serafina raids my storehouses time and again, and weathers away my protections like a sandstorm. It will not be long before she comes after me directly. Time is short, and we must seek out an alliance to stop her. This leaves me little choice. I must ask you to help gain favor with the Ghost Widow. There is a direct method for doing so. I have it on good information that the supposed Longbow base she is about to send her Henchman Wretch to eliminate has been taken over by a group called 'Malta', who plan to ambush the brute there and capture him. If you can rescue Wretch from this trap, the Ghost Widow is certain to pay greater heed to my request.

Even if Wretch should fall, the attempt should be enough for the Widow. In honest truth, I probably should have gone to her first, but I always find it difficult to speak to her. She is at the center of such tragedy, and yet her curse of un-life prevents her from turly feeling it. I do not know if that is a small measure of mercy she has been granted, or the greatest part of her curse.

Oh, but I have nearly forgotten. Arbiter Daos wanted to speak with you. No doubt to take a statement in his report about this Serafina situation. See him, but try to keep it quick. There is a bit of time before this 'Malta' group springs their trap, but not much.

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak with Arbiter Daos

Briefing Arbiter Daos

I'm glad you came. This conversation will not be about the Serafina issue. I know that Scirocco has had you meeting with the Lieutenants of the others to help build an alliance to fight her, and I'm certain you'll be able to find something. No, my concern is about something else. I've been going over the records of what Scirocco has lost to this Serafina, and it's an interesting list of items. Even more interesting is that he's deliberately been keeping the nature of certain items secret, even from those guarding them. I've checked with some reputable sources in mystic matters, and I believe that Scirocco may be up to something that could compromise the integrity of Arachnos itself.

He's always been a troublemaker. Scirocco is a believer in honor, the sort of person who called himself a freedom fighter instead of a terrorist. Normally, this honor helps to keep him loyal, but I am beginning to become concerned that he may be growing... discontent with his role in Arachnos. And my job is to watch for exactly this sort of discontentment.

All I have now are suspicions, but if Scirocco does anything suspicious, and in particular, should he attempt to acquire certain key items for magical rituals such as the book Malleus Mundi, the Scroll of Tielekku, or the Red Dust Tome, I would like you to report it to me. And of course, if you were to fail to mention something like that to me and I were to discover it through other channels, then I fear the punishments placed on you would be extraordinary.

That is all. Please, do go save Wretch. I'd rather do it now than have to explain to Lord Recluse why we need to send troops to a hidden Siberian base to fetch Ghost Widow's favorite bodyguard and pet.

Mission Objective(s)

You've heard rumors about the Malta group. They're supposed to be all about controlling meta-humans and accruing power. Setting a trap for villains is just their style.

• Rescue Wretch
  • Lead Wretch out

You escorted Wretch to safety.

Primary Enemies

Malta Operatives

Knives of Artemis

Notable NPCs

• Lt. Imindra (Hostage/Ally)
• The Wretch (Hostage/Ally)

Note: Wretch says the following during the mission.

• "Wretch confused. And tired. So tired from zap-guns."
• "Wretch know you. You work for Storm-Man. Storm-Man like Widow. Wretch help you!"
• "You help Wretch. I help back."
• "Wretch thank, Wretch thank! Wretch tell Widow all 'bout help!"

Debriefing

Your success could not have come at a better time. Your actions have helped convince Ghost Widow of my worthiness as an ally, and she has pledged her support in this Serafina situation. With the foresight of her Fortunatas combined with the power of the Mu Mystics under my command, not even a djinn will be able to stand against me.

You have proven yourself a worthy ally.

Defeat the genie Serafina

(Part 6 of A wind called Serafina)

Briefing

Ghost Widow's assistance has already born sweet fruit. Her Forunata Seeresses have pinpointed the next location where Serafina will strike, and though there is little time to prepare, I think that this time it may be possible to defeat her. I would be powerless against her, as would Ice Mistral, and Wretch is still recovering. Therefore, it must fall to you to defeat the genie Serafina. This will be difficult. I will try to have some loyal troops on the scene to help you, but she will most likely control most of the soldiers in the base within moments. I would strongly suggest you locate some more allies to assist you.

Serafina's thefts will end here. I think that she must be after the copy of the Scroll of Tielekku I acquired for my research, and was storing at this base. No matter. Once you have brought this djinn to her defeat, all will be secure and I will be able to continue my work.

Mission Objective(s)

That creepy calm pervades this base, too. It's time to put a stop to it.

• Defeat Serafina

You put an end to Serafina's raids.

Primary Enemies

Arachnos

Notable NPCs

• Fortunata (Hostage/Ally)
• Fortunata (Hostage/Ally)
• Serafina (Hero)

Debriefing

Though Serafina vexed me greatly, in a way I am glad now for her interference. She has proven an excellent test of your mettle, and has brought me an ally in Ghost Widow. And now that I know the stuff of your character, I am ready to ask your help in my next great project. This, my friend, will be something that will truly change the face of the world forever.

Note:

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

Badge

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

[[|link=|alt=Badge]]

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Recover the Malleus Mundi for Scirocco

Briefing

My new alliance with the Ghost Widow has already advanced my work faster than I would have dared to hope. Already, her Fortunatas have located for me the Malleus Mundi, the last item I see to complete my greatest project. The name means 'The Hammer of the World'. It is a tome said to translate the words of creation, the language of the gods, into the tongues of mankind. With it, one can alter the very substance of the world. And now, thanks to my Pale Light in the Darkness, I know where it is. It is in the possession of the Circle of Thorns, and I will have you take it from them. But be warned, whenever the book surfaces, numerous forces seek it out. With your great power, I believe I can trust you to get it, but I must strongly suggest you find for yourself a group of fellow rogues for this, and the battles to come. Numerous forces will converge on the book once its presence is known. Heavily falls the Hammer of the World.

I had at first sent my ward Ice Mistral to retrieve the book, but she reports that the fighting has grown heavy with the addition of a new complication. While you will face the members of the Circle of Thorns, they may not be the greatest threat. With the Malleus resurfaced, the Heroes of Paragon City and the world at large have sent agents to recover the book as well. Powerful agents. I advised you to gather allies, and I would suggest it again. Locate Mistral and use her help to defeat whoever stands in your way and retrieve the book.

Mission Objective(s)

The Circle of Thorns have taken over large sections of the old Mu ruins beneath the Isles. It's almost as if they already knew all the old layouts.

• Locate the Malleus Mundi
  • Find Ice Mistral
  • Defeat Hero Agent

You did your part, but it looks like the Malleus Mundi isn't here.

Primary Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Longbow

Notable NPCs

• Ice Mistral (Ally, Elite Boss)
• Mirror Spirit (Hero)

Template:Clue 'He drives me crazy!'

Ice Mistral spoke to you for a while as you fought together:

'So, how have you liked working for Scirocco? He's so weird, he drives me crazy! It's like, I got these powers and I thought it would make everything so easy. I just get my way whenever I want, only now I don't have to take anyone's attitude any more, because they all know I could annihilate them. I figured it would be the same way for Scirocco, after all, he's got powers from the same people I got mine from, that whole 'Wind mantle' thing. But working for him is such a pain!

He always keeps his word, and I swear, I've even seen him let heroes get away when he could have been toying with them. And he always talks about how he used to be a freedom fighter or whatever. Who wants to be a freedom fighter when you can keep all the little people in line with power? And now he's mooning over that dead witch. It's so sad. I mean, like, she's dead. Duh!

But that's not even the worst part! It's like he's always trying to teach me things, but not useful things like how to destroy stuff. Useless junk about honor and respecting your enemy and understanding your foe and boring things like that. It's so frustrating! I want to be a villain, I want to be feared and always get what I want and never have to work or take any lip from anybody. I thought that was what this was about! So why did I have to get saddled with him for a mentor?'

Ice Mistral was able to continue this line of conversation for some time, expressing her frustrations with Scirocco in no uncertain terms.

Template:Clue Mirror Spirit defiant

Even in defeat, the enigmatic mystic known as Mirror Spirit was still quite polite:

'I am sorry, but your effort is wasted. The Circle has deceived us both. The Malleus Mundi is not here.'

Debriefing

I should have known those vile wizards would have lain protections. But all is not lost. Our spies report that the heroes may know the location of the Malleus Mundi, and your capture of Mirror Spirit might help us learn that from them.

'Meet' with Foreshadow

Briefing

when you pledged your loyalty to me, you must have known that I would eventually test it. Now we come to not one such test, but two. Firstly, Arbiter Daos wishes to speak with you about the capture of Mirror Spirit. I must trust you to keep silent about the objective we sought, lest he grow suspicious and jealous of the status we shall achieve once the Malleus Mundi is in our holding. After you've spoken with him, will come the second test. I need the Malleus Mundi. Longbow needs to free Mirror Spirit. They know the book's location. I know where Arachnos is holding her. An exchange of information would benefit us both, but would betray Arachnos by helping the heroes to recover their own. So we must not let Arachnos and its arbiters know of this exchange. I have arranged for you to meet with Foreshadow, Mirror Spirit's friend and ally. He plans to rescue her, and knows what we need to know. Meet with him to exchange information. And by 'Meet', I do mean that you'll most likely need to beat some sense into his foolish brain before he'll listen and agree to the exchange. He's quite strong, so bring allies with you.

You may ignore any of the other Longbow forces if you wish. I only care for the information Foreshadow possesses. There is no betrayal in this. Though you'll help to free Mirror Spirit in the end, the power of the Malleus Mundi eclipses even her importance. Once the book is in my possession, everything will change.

Mission Objective(s)

• Debrief with Arbiter Daos

Debriefing Arbiter Daos

I understand you're the one we have to thank for the capture of Mirror Spirit. Excellent work. She's incredibly powerful, but still very new. We may be able to tap that power, or brainwash her into a loyal servant, given time. She's like a spiritual Atom Bomb, but a very polite one. Intriguing. Regardless, while she hasn't spoken much, we've gleaned a little. Apparently, she was sent by Numina to recover the 'Malleus Mundi', a book that supposedly has the power to alter the world itself, with a properly skilled user of course. If I recall, I may have even mentioned this book to you before. It was something we knew that Scirocco has been looking for, and that I do not think he should have.

I'll put it plainly. I am not convinced that Scirocco's interest in this Malleus Mundi is in the best interests of Arachnos. Now, it's difficult to say exactly what he's working on. Most of the mystic experts I could consult belong to either Ghost Widow's faction or Scirocco's. I'm just lucky I know how to play Mu'Drakhan's ego so well. And what he's told me of this Malleus Mundi leaves me very suspicious. If I'm right, then you're already in this up to your neck by helping him.

Now, I want you to keep helping him, but I want you to report to me when I request to see you. Scirocco likes to believe in his subordinates. He likes to have a trusted inner circle he can rely on. He won't suspect you. But I want you in place to act on my word and stop him if he gets out of line.

Just report on what you've learned when next I ask to speak with you.

Really, we should have anticipated an alliance between Scirocco and Ghost Widow. Scirocco has the soul of a poet. There was no way he could resist losing his heart to a ghost.

File:Foreshadow 02.jpg

Foreshadow

Mission Objective(s)

This is supposed to be the place. Now it's time to see just how much 'convincing' Foreshadow will need at this 'Meeting'.

• 'Meet' with Foreshadow
  • Defeat Foreshadow

Primary Enemies

Longbow

Notable NPCs

• Foreshadow (Hero)

Template:Clue Foreshadow trades info

While he bandaged his wounds, Foreshadow told you what he knew about the location of the Malleus Mundi:

'Ow, you hit hard. The Malleus isn't on Earth, Numina figured that out. It was pretty easy to locate it then. It's in another dimension, a place called the Shadow Shard. We think the Circle are planning to use it there on something called 'Faathim the Kind', but that's about all we know.

Now, tell me where Mirror Spirit is.'

With the information exchanged, you left your defeated foe behind to plan his own rescue mission.

Debriefing

Longbow has freed Mirror Spirit from the prison where Arachnos held her. They did not waste time, and neither can we, for surely Daos must suspect our involvement. I know something of this 'Shadow Shard'. I will secure you a path there.

Take the Malleus Mundi from the Circle in the Shadow Shard

Briefing

Some research has made this clear. The Circle of Thorns have been active in the strange reality called the Shadow Shard. They seek to bind a being of great power called 'Faathim the Kind' for their own purposes. No doubt they think the Malleus Mundi will help them. I have found a path for you into the Shadow Shard. Go there, and take the Malleus Mundi from the Circle of Thorns. Disrupt their ceremony while you're at it. I would not see them profit by opposing me.

Mission Acceptance

With the aid of Ghost Widow's Fortunatas, we have located the book. The Circle has split it into four parts, and each of those parts are necessary for their ritual. I want you to collect all four of those parts and return them to me. I have used my influence to have the portal in Nerva prepared for you. It will take you to a place in the Shadow Shard called the Chantry, where the being Faathim the Kind dwells. Enter the Chantry, and once there take the book's pieces from the Circle's sorcerers.

Mission Objective(s)

The book is in the large spherical fortress, a place called 'The Chantry'.

• Recover the Malleus Mundi
  • 4 Arch-Mages to defeat

You have recovered the Malleus Mundi!

Primary Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Soldiers of Rularuu

Notable NPCs

• Faathim the Kind (Archvillain/Ally)
• Natterling (Minion/Ally)
• Arch-Mage of Agony
• Arch-Mage of Ruin
• Arch-Mage of Madness
• Arch-Mage of Death

Template:Clue Parts of the book

You gather the parts of the book Malleus Mundi from the defeated Circle Arch-Mage. Once you have all four pieces, it should be enough to re-make the Malleus Mundi.

Template:Clue Malleus Mundi - Remade!

Before your eyes the separate sections of the Malleus Mundi re-formed themselves into a single book that ripples with eldritch power.

Debriefing

At long last, the Malleus Mundi. Now, we can begin the final stage of my greatest project. There are just a few things I must do first. And you, my loyal villain, you shall be the means by which I will set the last pieces in motion. You, my trusted ally, will be the key for this coming ultimate victory.

The Malleus Mundi lies within Faathim the Kind's fortress knows as The Chantry

Steal Ghost Widow's remains from Arachnos.

Briefing

In these moments before the final act of my great project begins, I must have everything in its proper place. Part of this is to arrange rewards for my allies without arousing the suspicion of my enemies. The ally who has been second only to you in aiding me is the lovely Ghost Widow, and I think I know how I can reward her. Within the pages of the Malleus Mundi I think I have found a way to restore her to life! But to accomplish this, I will need her remains. These remains are valuable relics, held by Arachnos to ensure that they are not used against her and against Arachnos. By the power of the Malleus Mundi, I have done what no other could, and found their location. Now, I must send a trustworthy agent to retrieve them. And I know of none better for this task than you.

Mission Acceptance

You will be fighting Arachnos forces for this, and I fear that you must not allow any word to get out. But you will have an ally. My Ice Mistral should be on the scene. I think you'll find she's become much more agreeable lately. I think I've finally gotten through to her about some matters.

Mission Objective(s)

This is certainly strange, but not too far outside what you've done before.

• Defeat All foes in base
  • Find GW's Remains
  • Find Ice Mistral
    

You have recovered Ghost Widow's remains and dealt with any witnesses.

Primary Enemies

Arachnos

Notable NPCs

• Ice Mistral (Ally, Elite Boss)

Template:Clue 'I knew I could trust you'

When you met Ice Mistral again, her attitude seemed to have changed completely:

'Hey there! It's so good to be working with you again! Scirocco sent me out on another one of his important missions, but when I realized things might get kind of confrontational, I think I might have frozen up a bit.

Oops!
Didn't realize I made a joke there!

So, thanks for helping me out. I really don't want to fail Scirocco. He so wants to bring Ghost Widow back to life. It's so romantic! And he does so much to teach me important things, like about honor and understanding our enemy. You know, from the way he talks sometimes, I kind of wonder if maybe it would be better if we were heroes or something. I mean, always doing the right thing and having people love you would just be so great, don't you think? Oh, man, I can't believe I just said that out loud. Look, you'll keep that last part quiet, won't you? Thanks! I knew I could trust you.'

As she continues to gush like a giddy schoolgirl, you realize that something seems very, very wrong with the young villainess.

Template:Clue Ghost Widow's remains

Burnt bones, a charred skull, tattered body armor, and a few wisps of hair. These few things are all that remain of Ghost Widow's body.

Debriefing

With these few graveyard fragments, I will be able to work a dark miracle. Soon, my Pale Light in the Darkness will live once more, will breathe once more. She will step from un-life to re-birth as the moon gives way to the sun. And I will have you to thank. Let no worries crease your brow, my friend. Within the pages of the Malleus Mundi, I am certain I can find reward enough for even you.

Speak to Daos, then get the stolen pages of the Malleus Mundi from Malaise

Briefing

We have suffered a serious setback, my ally! All is almost ready, when some of my loyal Mu Mystics were overcome while transporting the Malleus Mundi to the site of the ritual. The culprit is the renegade known as Malaise. He's been both a hero and a villain, but now works only for himself. He took but a few pages, but they are vital to my work. I must ask you to defeat Malaise and get back these missing pages so that I can complete my great task. Malaise is powerful, I would advise you to take allies with you. Oh, and you'll have to speak to Arbiter Daos first. He asked that I send whoever I choose to challenge the renegade to speak with him first so that he can brief them.

Mission Acceptance

The briefing by Arbiter Daos may be more perilous than the battle with Malaise. Daos must not be allowed to even suspect your complicity in the theft of Ghost Widow's remains. If I did not know I could trust you, my loyal ally, I would be gravely concerned. But Daos cannot know anything, otherwise, you'd surely be dead.

After you've spoken with Daos, defeat Malaise and return the stolen pages to me. Then all will be ready for the final phase.

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak with Arbiter Daos

Briefing Arbiter Daos

I've been waiting for you. Your presence tells me that Scirocco doesn't suspect how much I know. That's good. First of all, I know you were a part of the team that took Ghost Widow's remains. She's as close to upset as she can be about that. I don't think she suspects Scirocco, or why he'd want them. Oh, and you were working with Ice Mistral, weren't you? Did you notice the change in her? It's hard not to. Something unusual has happened to turn that promising young villainess into a near-hero. I don't like it. And I think worse may be on the way for anyone Scirocco feels deserves it. My instincts tell me I should activate you to stop this all immediately, but I still don't know just what Scirocco's plan really is. So we'll have to wait. I want you to get him whatever he wants, but to be ready. I may call on you at any time to stop Scirocco and ruin whatever he's planning. Assuming that it even can be stopped.

Before you go, a warning on Malaise: he's a real head-case. He thinks of himself as an artist, but he's a classic self-centered type at his core. He was briefly under the control of Sister Psyche, but rebelled and went back to his old ways. I don't know why he'd want the Malleus Mundi, though. Whatever the reason is, it might shed some light on Scirocco's final goals as well, so pay attention to anything he says.

File:Malaise 01.jpg

Malaise

Mission Objective(s)

Malaise is trying to lay low among the Carnival in an old office. That won't protect him from you.

• Defeat Malaise
  • Defeat Malaise

You recovered the stolen pages.

Primary Enemies

Carnival of Shadows

Notable NPCs

• Malaise (Hero)

Template:Clue Pages of the Malleus

These are pages torn from the Malleus Mundi. The air itself ripples around the pages, and the ink upon it glows with an inner light.

Template:Clue 'To change the world'

As you took the stolen pages of the Malleus Mundi from him, Malaise told you what he'd planned to do with them:

'I learned about the book and knew I had to have it. I was going to bring my vision to everyone! I was going to change the world. To re-imagine it. To challenge the entirety of creation with their own inner demons. The book could do that. It's written in the language used to make the world. And who better to understand the words of creation than an artist like myself? It takes a true poet to speak a new world into being. And a true artist's vision to imagine changing the old world into a new one with a few simple words.'

Debriefing

Now, at long last, it is ready. Look around at this old world. Soon, it will all change. Oh, I assure you, you'll be quite surprised at the end.

You truly are remarkable. I am glad that I can call upon you, my trusted friend.

Speak with Arbiter Daos

Briefing

The time has come for my greatest work to be complete. I will change the very balance of the world. I must go to the ritual site and prepare it. I wish I could have you at my side, but I have a much more dangerous task that only you can accomplish. I suspect that Arbiter Daos has learned more of my work that I would have liked. I want you to speak with Arbiter Daos, and if he's learned too much, I must ask that you remove him before he can attempt to stop me. Do not worry about the repercussions. Arachnos will be a very different place when I am done, and all old misdeeds will be washed away forever. But he is still a dangerous man. I'd suggest you gather up forces to aid you against whatever you may face.

Mission Acceptance

The whole world will be different soon, and I will guarantee you a place in it. Many things will be different. Many things will be better. And the problems of the world before will all be over. But first, you must ascertain how much Daos knows. Any interference at this stage could be disastrous. Once you've dealt with Daos, seek out Ice Mistral. She'll be able to tell you where to find me when the time comes.

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak with Daos

Briefing Arbiter Daos

I am very glad you came. I now know Scirocco's plan. It's about the balance of good and evil in the world. We had always known Scirocco was uneasy with being a villain. He's long considered himself to be under a curse of some kind related to stealing the artifacts that grant his considerable power. He tried to cast himself as a freedom fighter for years. We had thought perhaps he wanted the Malleus to try and remove this curse he believes he's under. That would be fine. Tempting and corrupting him after that would have finally broken down his last barriers of morality. But we were wrong.

Malaise revealed a great deal before escaping his interrogation. If we'd had any real idea of the book's power, we would have left it in a vault safe from all access. And now he's going to use it. I believe that he is going to change the world. He's going to use the Malleus Mundi to destroy or mentally re-program every villain in the world! We'll all either be annihilated out-right, or at best end up like Ice Mistral. We believe he also plans to spare Ghost Widow by restoring her life, and thus giving her a new balance. But the rest of us will suffer his judgement.

Scirocco must be stopped. You must first locate him. You say Ice Mistral knows his location? She won't give that up freely. Get that location from her by any means necessary. It may be someplace... Strange. You're authorized to use any means to reach it. Once you know his location, you are also authorized to use any degree of force necessary to stop Scirocco in this plan. Go, knowing that Lord Recluse watches you, and approves your actions.

Mission Objective(s)

You have a pretty good idea of just how powerful Ice Mistral is from fighting beside her. This probably won't be easy.

• Defeat Ice Mistral
  • Defeat Ice Mistral

Mistral had the location of Scirocco's ritual on her.

Primary Enemies

Arachnos

Notable NPCs

• Ice Mistral (Archvillain)

Template:Clue The Ritual Site

This map, taken from Ice Mistral after you defeated her, shows the location of Scirocco's ritual. What you had not expected is that the ritual is not in the physical world! Instead, it's being conducting in a location of the Spirit World called the Crossroads of Destiny. There are, however, notes on how to get there using a portal.

Mission Objective(s)

If you don't stop Scirocco, it's the end for every villain in the Rogue Isles, if not the entire world.

• Stop rituals to draw out Scirocco
  • Stop the First Ritual
  • Stop the Second Ritual
    **Stop the Third Ritual
    **Stop the Last Ritual
    **Defeat Scirocco

With Scirocco's defeat and the disappearance of the Malleus Mundi, the ceremony has failed. The world is safe for villainy once more.

Note:

After each ritual is stopped, there will be ambushes by Arachnos forces. After you stop the final ritual, Ice Mistral will ambush you. She will appear again if you have already defeated her on the map.

Primary Enemies

Arachnos

Notable NPCs

• 4 Ritual Incanters (Arachnos Crab Spider, Boss)
• Ice Mistral (Archvillain)
• Scirocco (Archvillain)

Template:Clue The Malleus disappears

After you defeated Scirocco, you tried to take hold of the Malleus Mundi for yourself. But the book faded and disappeared to someplace beyond the world as you know it. Perhaps it traveled to the perfect world Scirocco dreamed of. Or maybe it will return one day to fuel some one else's mad schemes.

Debriefing Arbiter Daos

And that wraps up that. Scirocco's plan has been defeated, and I believe that this resounding defeat at your hands may have finally broken the more rebellious aspects of his spirit. You stopped the ritual before Ghost Widow could be returned to life, which my Lord Recluse judges to be a good thing. As a ghost, her loyalty is guaranteed, far more than were she mortal again. We have top experts hard at work undoing the damage done to Ice Mistral's mind. She should be her old self again soon. And while it is unforunate that the Malleus Mundi appears to have removed itself from this plane of existance, my Lord Recluse feels that it may be for the best. No blame falls on you. Quite the opposite, in fact. You have done excellent work.

My Lord Recluse has judged the case, and come to a decision. Scirocco will not suffer a demotion or imprisonment, as my Lord is impressed that he got so far into his plan. Instead, Lord Recluse made a change. Technically, Scirocco will no longer be your Patron. From this point forward, you may consider him your equal. You have finally reached the pinnacle we had hoped, and are ready for the part you were prophesied to play in Operation: Destiny. Be ready, for Arachnos will call on you and your power soon.

Debriefing

It is said that irony is the true guiding hand of fate, and what we call destiny is the cruel humor playing out its joke on the world. I am defeated, and you have defeated me, and it is all because I believed like a fool that I could trust you. I shall not make that mistake again, but I must say that I respect you. Right or wrong, it was difficult to do all that you did. A single lie is easily told, but to maintain a lie is difficult. And to defeat me, that is harder still. We are no longer Patron and subject, but equals, at best. Where once I was your master, now I am your servant.

The only thing that spares my life is that I nearly succeeded. Irony again plays the strings of fate. Lord Recluse believes my near success only proves my power, and my defeat proves to me that I am still under control. The last light of hope is gone from me, save for the cold glow of my Pale Light in the Darkness. I will aid you, as I am ordered, and I shall help you, as I am ordered, and I shall never be free from the evils I have done.

Mission name

Briefing

Mission Objective(s)

Primary Enemies

Notable NPCs

Debriefing

Notes

• This incarnation of Scirocco is not the same as Serafina's former master. It is most likely that the long-dead desert hero was.
• Scirocco means Desert Wind.

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