Ghost Widow

Ghost Widow

Overview

Ghost Widow is an arch-villain who serves under Lord Recluse in the Arachnos faction.

Information

Description

Beautiful, mysterious, and deadly. Ghost Widow appears to be an actual spirit from beyond the grave rather than a super with some sort of incorporeal power. Some have said she was once a rising star in the Night Widows when she was slain. Her thirst for vengeance must have been great, for she returned from the void and now serves at Recluse's side. There are rumors that her service isn't entirely voluntary, however.

History

Formerly an Arachnos Night Widow, Belladonna Vetrano was killed on a strike mission in 1989. She was leading a team against a troublesome member of The Family on Mercy Island. It is unknown what exactly happened except that the mission was a complete failure. Not only did the team fail to meet the objective, but almost everyone on the strike team lost their life, including Belladonna. The only person to survive was Paolo Marino, the leader of the Wolf Spider squad, who in an altered form called Wretch, now serves as Ghost Widow's loyal guardian and protector.

Ghost Widow is but one of several ghosts who continue to interact with the living world. Other examples include Archmage Tarixus, War Witch, and Woodsman. Ghost Widow tends to be far more active, however. It is believed that ghosts only exist in the lving world when something anchors their spirits here, be it unfinished business, loved ones or vengence. A ghost can only be permanently destroyed once it's anchor is eliminated. Ghost Widow's anchor appears to be Arachnos itself. As long as the organization exists, so shall she.

Character Stats

Secret Identity: Belladonna Vetrano
Origin: ?
Archetype: Dominator
Primary Powers: Mind Control
Secondary Powers: Psionic Assault
Other Powers: Flight, Phase Shift, Soul Storm

Store

Ghost Widow sells the following items:

• Inspirations
• Level 40 Magic Single-Origin Enhancements

Badge

[[|link=|alt=Badge]]

Badge defeatghostwidow.png

Badge defeatghostwidow.png Badge

Story Arcs

Mystic Mayem

Souvenir: The Sand Riddle

This self-perpetuating puzzle was created by Scirocco at the request of your patron, Ghost Widow. While it's now little more than a desktop trophy, it once served as a psychic beacon to draw in one of Paragon City's most powerful defenders. It's still a potent reminder of the adventure you like to call:

Mystic Mayem

It began with a Longbow raid on one of Ghost Widow's hidden bases. Ghost Widow was disturbed by how it came to be found. Its locaion was, after all, a well-guarded secret. Even the fact that some os Scirocco's Mu Mystics had been there to help upset her, and she promised to have words with him.

Scirocco offered to share what he knew, but only if you tried to help one of his Mu Mystics escape from a Longbow captivity. Afterwards, he explained how he knew about the raid: He's been tracking the entity who had found Ghost Widow's base: The ghostly sorceress Numina, of the Freedom Phalanx!

Since Numina's astral form shared certain traits with Gost Widow's undead existence, it makes it difficult for them to fight each other, but Ghost Widow had a plan. First, she needed spell composnnts, so she send you to rob a Circle of Thorns base. You returned with the items she requesteds, and now she spell was ready.

Unfortunately, there was one critical element missing: Numina. You had to figure how to draw the meddlesome spirit out of hiding so that you could destroy her. You broke into a Crey base to access theirs files on the heroes of Paragon City, there you learned that Numina was especially sensitive to psychic emanations. She could sens them from miles away. The trouble is, even if she was drawn in, she could easily escape through the astral plane.

You needed to create a psychic emanations powerful enough to draw Numina out into the open, then find a way to trap her where she could be attacked. Ghost Widow had a plan to trap her, and Scirocco had offered to create a psychic beacon to draw her in. On Ghost Widow's behalf, you approached Scirocco to get the beacon, and also asked him the location of a group of Carnival of Shadows revelers, so that you could bring their masks to Ghost Widow for her trap. Both were soon done, and with the beacon and the maskes, you returned to your patron.

Ghost Widow performed the ceremony that would give you the power to attack Numina's spectral form. Then you took the beacon to a Longbow base and activated it. Though Numina arrived with many guardians in tow, you defeated her, dissipating her spirit. Unfortunately, she managed to escape the trap and final destruction, but your work will keep the Astral Sorceress out of Ghost Widow's plan for long enough. Your stock has risen considerably, within Ghost Widow's organization and within Arachnos. It only remains to be seen what task your patron will have for you next.

Brainpower

Souvenir: Operation: DESTINY files

You retained these Operation: DESTINY files, out of the belief that they may come in useful someday. They're a potent reminder of the adventure you like to call

Brainpower

The schedule for Operation: DESTINY was tightening up, and Ghost Widow needed to make her contribution felt. So she sent you to rendezvous with an Arachnos operative who has some critical files. You met the operative, fended off a Longbow attack, and learned that the files contained the names of three scientists who could be useful to Operation: DESTINY.

The first scientist was Dr. Franks, a SERAPH researcher working in Paragon City. You kidnapped him in Steel Canyon, right under Positron's nose.

The second scientist was Dr. Murphy, a former Portal Corporation technician who had been lured away by the Council. Dr. Murphy was only too happy to go with you, and now there was just one more scientist to acquire.

The last man was Dr. Nelson, also an erstwhile employee of Portal Corporation. You kidnapped him from the Malta Group, over his strident purposes [sic].

You now had three scientists in custody, all of whom had experience with portal technology. Ghost Widow was worried about a Longbow raid, and with good reason. Soon enough you were battling to keep longbow [sic] from recapturing the scientists you'd worked so hard to acquire.

But there was still one more scientist to on [sic] your list. As Black Scorpion sent his troops in to raid Portal Corp to steal technology, you went along with them to kidnap the last scientist needed for Operation: DESTINY.

Thanks to you, the operation was a success. With all the scientists now forcibly recruited, Operation DESTINY was on the way. Even Ghost Widow seemed to be loosing [sic] some of her hostility towards you from your earlier betrayal. You feel like you're on the top of the world, and things are getting better all the time.

Missions (at work)

Stop the attack

(Story Arc: Mystic Mayem. Mission 1 of 8)

Briefing

I have agreed to work with you, Villain's Name, but know this: I do not trust you. Ok it's not that I have anything in particular against you, it's just that I was very short on trust when I died, and the dead cannot change. Though that also means I have little to worry about physical harm, you could hurt my political standing within Arachnos, or worse, you could harm my Lord Recluse. So you must excuse me if I regard our relathionship with some trepidation. Still, you can be useful to me, particulary for more dangerous things. For example, Longbow has attacked a secret Arachnos facility I had constructed on Mercy Island, a facility where I've stored some important things. It would not do to see the items within that base fall into heroic hands.You must go at once and stop the attack.

Mission Acceptance

This base was a closely guarded secret, Villain's Name. I must know how that secret got out. Then, I may have something else for you to do.

Unecessary Solicitation

Why are you here? Longbow is even now rifling through my valued possessions, and I need you to stop them.

Mission Objective(s)

The air in here has the heady, powerful feel of magic recently cast. Someone has been doing spells here.

• Defeat all Longbow in base

Mission Complete

You have stopped the Longbow raid.

Mystic research

You found a great deal of mystic research in Ghost Widow's base. It seems to be mostly about mathods to make a spirit physically manifest, even against it's will. Some of the papers even speculate that it could be possible to give that manifested spirit actual life.

Notable NPCs

• Rescue/Ally: Mu Guardian: You work for the Widow? Yes. Tell her Scirocco send us to her aid.

• Rescue/Ally: Night Widow: Our lady sent you? Good! We've been over run!

Debriefing

There were Mu present? Sent by Scirocco? Interesting. How did he know of my base, or that it was under attack? I will need to speak with him at some length. I do not like this kind of interference in my affairs. Remember that, Villain's Name. Still, what truly upsets me is that Longbow found that base at all.

Free the mystic

(Story Arc: Mystic Mayem. Mission 2 of 8)

Briefing

I have spoken with Scirocco. He says that he had learned of the longbow attack from one of his Mu Mystics, who had been working on a special project. Unfortunately, that mystic's role in that project come to light, and the heroes have captured him. Scirocco tells me that if I have you recover that man, he'll share how he learned what he knows. I need you to free that mystic, Villain's Name.

Mission Acceptance

Try to bring this man out alive, Villain's name. He is the key to learning what Scirocco knows.

Mission Objective(s)

Longbow has managed to dot little hidden bases even near the Grandville coast.

• Rescue the mystic
  • Lead mystic out

Mission Complete

You have freed Scirocco's mystic

Notable NPCs

• Rescue/Ally: Mu Guardian: So the Ghost Widow sent someone after all. Let us proceed.

Debriefing

Excellent Scirocco and I have been talking. It's provided some interesting insights. it seems that he learned of the discovery of my base because he has been trying to keep the discoverer out of his own affairs. That person is no less than Numina, the spirit mystic of the hated Freedom Phalanx! And we have drawn up a plan against her.

Secure the spell components

(Story Arc: Mystic Mayem. Mission 3 of 8)

Briefing

Numina and I are alike, in a way. We are neither of us alive. But whereas I am a ghost, she's an astral form. It makes it difficult for the two of us to hurt each other. But Scirocco's research has uncovered an interesting spell that might be able to effect her. Regrettably, a few of the components are quite rare. However, the Circle of Thorns often keeps what I'll need around for similar spells of their own. And I will need you to get those components from a Circle encampment beneath Thorn Isle in the Nerva Archipelago.

Mission Acceptance

There should be three components you'll need to find. Once we have those, Numina will soon come to regret her interference in Arachnos business.

Unecessary Solicitation

Until we have those spell components,Numina will remain a threat.

Mission Objective(s)

The air is sharp with mystical energy.

• Steal spell components
  • 3 ingredients to steal

You have found a mystic sigil.

You have found the Oracular Octavo.

You have found a pouch of herbs.

Strange herbs

These herbs smell quite foul, but they are a necessary component of Ghost Widow's spell.

Mission Complete

You have the spell components.

Debriefing

Excellent, I feel Numina's time growing short. But so is ours. We must hurry to prevent further interference.

Set a trap for Numina

(Story Arc: Mystic Mayem. Mission 4 of 8)

Briefing

We have the incantation. We have the components. The only thing we're missing for this ritual is Numina. But don't think you can just go busting into Paragon City to find her. No, she's clever, and will have to be lured into our territory, then trapped long enough to hold her to the fight. And while I have an idea of how to trap her, I need to know more about how to lure her in. And that's where my spies have come in handy. It turns out that the Crey Corporation recently did a study of Numina. I wan't you to get it for me. Their more scientific perspective may give me the clue I need to drow Numina into the trap.

Mission Acceptance

Get to the Crey facility on Grandville. There, find out everything they've learned about Numina.

Unecessary Solicitation

We must learn everything before we strike.

Mission Objective(s)

Crey collects data on all heroes, large and small. No doubt they'll have files on Numina

• Find info on Numina
  • 2 pieces of information

You found files on Ghost Widow!

You found files on Numina.

Files on Ghost Widow

You weren't expecting to find this. These are Crey's file on Ghost Widow. They posit that the reason all previous attempts to exorcise Ghost Widow have failed is because her spirit is somehow bound to Arachnos itself. If she was somehow find herself in conflict with Arachnos, it could create enough dissonance within her to force her into a fight she would otherwise escape from.

Files on Numina

These Crey files indicate that Numina is greatly sensitive to psychic emanations. This allows her to locate many supernatural and paranormal dangers before they can become a threat. Many of the files talk about how to protect a project from her discovery.

Mission Complete

You have the spell components. this seems to be an mistake in the mission text

Notable NPCs

• Boss Security Officer.The Malta group is willing to pay for those files, and for Dr. Nelson.
• Boss Headhubter-725.We'll talk about this later

Debriefing

So. Numina is sensitive to psychic emanations, I see. I will need to find a way to take advantage of that. I think I'll also report to Lord Recluse about [[Crey]'s study of me. I doubt he'll be pleased, and that will bring bad business to Crey. That does leave the matter of those Malta group people, ut I don't think that's going to concern us for a while.

Speak to Scirocco

(Story Arc: Mystic Mayem. Mission 5 of 8)

Briefing

Numina is drawn to psychic emanations, but even once she's been drawn in, she'll need to be kept in place to keep her from escaping. I have spoken with Scirocco, and he's been very willing to help me. He's almost... nice... to me, actually. It's strange. But then, neither of us wants Numina poking her astral nose into our affairs. Scirocco thinks he may have a way to draw her in,I want you to speak with him about it. At the same time, ask him if he's found a suitable group of Carnival folk. I have a plan to hold her in place, but I'll need some of the Carnival of Shadows' face-masks for it. I asked for help finding a Carnival of Shadows group, se he'll be able to tell you where to go.

Mission Acceptance

A word before you go. Scirocco has been very helpful to me, but then, so have you. I greeted you with such distrust, and I tell myself that the dead do not change, so that is just my nature. But though death is the strange stasis, one can find that there are parts of one's self that are not gone, but merely disused and forgotten. I mean, I was a whole personne before I died, even though I concentrate mostly on who I was at the moment of my death. What I'm trying tp say is, thank you. You have been a great help.

Unecessary Solicitation

Go. Hurry. Scirocco awaits you.

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak to Scirocco

Mission Complete

Scirocco: Ah, yes. Villain's Name. The rising Star among our legions of darkness. I have heard that Ghost Widow herself has come to depend on you, and I see evidence of this in your presence. As she prepares her trap for Numina, she sends you to speak with me. Yes, I can create a spell that will act as a beacon for Numina's psychic sight. And while I am préparing it, no doubt the Widow seeks a group of Carnival revelers for their masks. I know just the place, out on St. Martial. You'll need to gather about six of the lesser masks that have not been bond ed to a wearer. You should also take the mask of the revelry's leader, a woman named Riallia.

Debriefing

Good! I somehow felt Scirocco would come through. Get those masks from the Carnival revelers I'll need them for the final step.

Crash Carnival revel to steal masks

(Story Arc: Mystic Mayem. Mission 6 of 8)

Mission Objective(s)

Looks like you're just in time to crash the party.

• Crash Carnival evel to steal masks
  • 6 masks
  • Get Rialla's mask

You found a carnival mask.

You pull Riallia's mask off her face.

Riallia Mask

This mask was worn by Riallia, the leader of the revelry at the Carnival of Shadows party you attacked. Her mask is stronger then the others, and just the thing Ghost Widow will need.

Mission Complete

You have stolen the masks you need.

Notable NPCs

• Boss Riallia.Now, who would be fool enough to stop our good time?

Debriefing

Scirocco awaits you.

Speak to Scirocco

(Story Arc: Mystic Mayem. Mission 7 of 8)

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak to Scirocco

Mission Complete

Scirocco: You arrive at just the proper moment. I have created this self-sustaining beacon, I call it the sand riddle. Once set in motion, it will produce a great deal of psychic noise, all of wich will look very ominous indeed to Numina. Take it to Ghost Widow as a token of my good will to her.

But I should warn you. Drawing Numina in, and even holding her in place are but a start. Those actions alone will not guarentee you victory. I seem to recall a story about bells and cats that might be appropriate, but I'll leave it up to you to handle.

The Sand Riddle

Created by Scirocco, this self-perpetuating puzzle will act as a psychic beacon, drawing Numina like a moth to a flame.

Debriefing

Excellent My trust in you has been rewarded. I will take those masks, and the spell. Soon, Numina's Interference will be at an end. And it will all be thanks to you.

Defeat Numina

(Story Arc: Mystic Mayem. Mission 8 of 8)

Briefing

I have forged Scirocco's spell and the most powerful mask you found to make a trap. Once activated, it will lure Numina, but prevent her from leaving. Now, go to a Longbow base and plant the beacon to lure Numina out. Numina will be drawn to it, like a fly to honey. When she arrives, as she surely will, you may do with her as you wish. The spell I have performed will allow you to attack her, end defeat her.

Mission Acceptance

The best place to do this will be inside oe of the hero bases in the Nerva Archipelago. Subtlety is not a necessity here. I will have my own agents place the six lesser masks at hidden points to make certain that Numina will never be able to escape!

Oh, and if you wish to make Numina suffer, that is your own affair. Personnally, it would not grieve me at all.

The Spirit Trap

Created by Ghost Widow using her own dark magics, Scirocco's psychic beacon, and the major Carnival mask you stole, this artifact will not only draw out Numina, but will trap her before she escape..

This Psychic trap will capture Numina for sure!

Unecessary Solicitation

Numina must be defeated, and I have given you the tools to do it. The other masks are in place, and this plan cannot fail. Go!

Mission Objective(s)

Numina won't be the first hero you've taken out, or the first ghost. But it should be a memorable experience nonetheless

• Defeat Numina
  • Plant psychic trap

The psychic beacon should draw Numina, and the trap will keep her.

Blank message ?!? should be a bug

Mission Complete

You have defeated Numina!

Notable NPCs

• Hero Numina How? How is it you can conjure me?

Debriefing

You did your job to perfection. I felt the moment of Numina's defeat. Unfortunately, one of my handmaidens and her guardians were ambushed on the way to place one of the lesser masks by Blue Steel. I fear that Numina's spirit was able to escape, but even so, she will be weakened and of no concern for some time as she tries to re-gather her spectral essence. You have done well, Villain's Name. Well Indeed. You are an asset to my organization, and to Arachnos. I am... I am glad, yes, glad that you chose me as your patron. And now that Numina's interference is done with, I can move forward with my greater plans. Plans that will now include you, I think.

It's difficult for the dead to learn to trust, but you have done much for me. I think I will trust you. Contact me at any time.

Badges

Completion of this mission awards the Spider's Kiss Badge and the Crab Spider Longfang Badge.

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V badge GhostWidowBadge.png Badge

[[|link=|alt=Badge]]

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V badge BattleDomeBadge.png Badge

--Pipounet 06:17, 27 August 2006 (PDT)

Help Ghost Widow get her body back

(Story Arc: ?? Mission ? of ?)

Briefing

We've worked together for a while, you and I, and I think you have proven that I can trust you to help me, in even the most delicate of matters. Tell me, Villain's Name, have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a ghost? Immortal, untouchable, unchanging. By some standards, a perfect being. I won't deny that my existence has it's benefits, but I still long to be human again. I can't help it. The dead cannot change, and when you are dying you want nothing more than life. And now I may have found a way to return from this state and live once again. This is what I have been working towards. Villain's Name, I want your help to bring me back to life.

Mission Acceptance

I am close to developing a ritual that will help me reclaim my body, but I need some more information from the Circle of Thorns. Seek them out, and force them to tell you about a book called the Tome of Tormvodel.

Unecessary Solicitation

If the Circle has the tome, then I will be on the verge of a new life.

Mission Objective(s)

• Question Circle mages.
  • Defeat 30 Circle of Thorns

Mission Complete

One of the mystics you defeated told you what you wanted to know.

The mystic's story

One of the Circle mages you defeated said: The Tome of Tormvodel? I know it. It's secrets are useless to us, but if you truly sought to restore a ghost to it's body, perhaps it could work. We've recently recovered a copy from a seller in the Nerva Archipelago. But if you value your life and soul, you'd never be fool enough to try and take it from us!.

Debriefing

You never disappoint, Villain's Name. I knew I could turn to you for results. Now, we must acquire this Tome of Tormvodel. I trust you will be your usual capable self.

Get the Tome of Tormvodel

(Story Arc: ?)

Briefing

If that Circle mystic can be believed, the Tome of Tormvodel contains the last secret I need to restore my life. You must get it from Nerva Archipelago at once.

Mission Acceptance

I long, Villain's Name, I hunger to once again shuffle on the mortal coil. Come back quickly.

Unecessary Solicitation

Do not keep me waiting. I want that book.

Mission Objective(s)

If the mage was correct, the tome should be somewhere within these ancient halls.

• Get the Tome of Tormvodel

You have the Tome of Tormvodel

Tome of Tormvodel

This ancient tome, stolen from Oranbega, should provide the clues Ghost Widow needs to restore her mortal form.

Mission Complete

You have stolen the tome, as Ghost Widow requested.

Debriefing

The Tome of Tormvodel. The key to my mortality. Soon I will touch it with warm hands of living flesh, and look back on all these dark years lived in death's shadow as no more than a dream. But first, I must make certain that it will work. And oh, do I have a plan for that.

Test the ceremony

(Story Arc: ?)

Briefing

We now have the spell that will turn me human once more. And though I yearn for life with every echo of my ghostly heart, my years in Arachnos have taught me, often painfully, to retain my caution. The Circle was almost too willing to give up that spell, and I think that it might be a trap. So, I will test this new process, and I know just the subject. Unfortunately, Lord Recluse might not be happy with the idea. So, I'm going to need you to get a few things for me.

Mission Acceptance

Our subject will be someone who was once very dear to Lord Recluse. Sometimes I think I feel her spirit around these islands still. It is on her that we shall test the ritual. I know of an Arachnos base where many of her belongings are kept. Go there, and bring me all that you can. In order to keep our secret a little longer, you must leave no witnesses within.

Unecessary Solicitation

I must have the spirit's belongings before I can test the spell on her.

Mission Objective(s)

You have entered these bases both as ally and adversary. You have no illusions that Ghost Widow's blessing will protect you in here.

• Defeat all Arachnos troops
  • 3 items to steal

You have found some spellbooks.

You have found a long, red cloak.

You have found a tall, red hat.

Spellbooks

You stole these books form an Arachnos base. They belonged to the spirit Ghost Widow intends to enchant.

Red cloak

You stole these books form an Arachnos base. It belonged to the spirit Ghost Widow intends to enchant.

Red hat

You stole these books form an Arachnos base. It belonged to the spirit Ghost Widow intends to enchant.

Mission Complete

You have the spirit's possessions

Debriefing

Wonderful. These items once belonged to the woman who stood at Lord Recluse's side. The dreaded Red Widow. She perished in an avalanche while Lord Recluse battled Statesman, or so it is said. Sometimes I think Lord Recluse still thinks of her. With these, we shall test the ritual, and see if we can restore her to life. What happens to her afterward? That is a question I shall have to ponder.

Test the ceremony on Red Widow

(Story Arc: ?)

Briefing

Villain's Name, I have thought it over at some length, and have come to a decision. I wish to test this ceremony, but I do not truly wish to make Red Widow live again. No. Were she to live once more, she would likely be able to wrest control of the Widows and Fortunatas from me. And I cannot allow that to happen. In order to complete the ceremony without rendering her solid, you will need a vessel for her spirit, such as a Circle of Thorns soul crystal. Seek out one of these crystals, perform the ceremony, and bring Red Widow's spirit back to me.

Mission Acceptance

What will I do once I have Red Widow's spirit in my grasp? It is hard to say, Villain's Name. No witnesses or clues remain to implicate us in the theft of her belongings. And once you have the soul crystal, there will be nothing to stop us.

Do you know that Lord Recluse call me by her name, once? He confided his uncertainty about an upcoming operation to me, and then told me that he felt he could trust me above all others. And it was minutes later that I realized he had called me by her name, and not my own. no. It's best not to think of what will become of Red Widow. I think it is better if you do not wonder.

Unecessary Solicitation

I want Red Widow's soul!

Mission Objective(s)

Somewhere herein, you must find a soul crystal. That shall be the trap for Red Widow's soul.

• Test ceremony on Red Widow
  • Utilize Soul Crystal

The Soul of Red Widow

This clear crystal is lit by a reddish light, and contains the captured soul of the Red Widow. You have to wonder whether holding this thing is entirely safe.

Mission Complete

You have captured the soul of Red Widow!

Debriefing

So you were able to draw out her soul? Excellent! Let me have it. Now, I will prepare some basic tests, and quickly.

The soul of Red Widow, at last. Who is my lord's pet now, vile creature? I have always known that you were weaker than me.

Talk to Arbiter Daos

(Story Arc: ?)

Briefing

You must go at once to Nerva Archipelago. Arbiter Daos has summoned you. He would not tell me his purpose, and I have no authority to compel him to answer. Whatever he wants, please dispense with it quickly. He probably has some errand for the glory of Arachnos. Which is important, of course, but not something I can be bothered with. I must work out the extent of the ceremony, and prepare it. This should buy some time to do so.

Mission Acceptance

Daos may know of our actions, but I doubt he knows the purpose. I urge you to tell him nothing he has not already uncovered!

Unecessary Solicitation

Arbiter Daos will not be kept waiting

Mission Objective(s)

• Talk to Arbiter Daos

Mission Complete

Replace Crystals

(Story Arc: ?)

Briefing

Arbiter Daos : Welcome, Villain's Name. I believe you have put yourself in an unfortunate predicament, and I am here to give you the chance to extricate yourself. First of all, do not attempt to act innocent. Yes, I know everything that's happened and I know what's being planned. Ghost Widow has far underestimated my intelligence gathering, and she's going to pay for that. Ghost Widow's actions against Red Widow are unforgivable, and she must be punished for them. Normally, you would be executed for your part in this, but Lord Recluse believes that you may have a greater destiny, and has decided to spare your life and possibly even promote you, if you are willing to betray Ghost Widow and mete out her punishment.

Your first task is to recover the Red Widow's soul. Take ths false crystal, go to the Widow's tower in Mercy Island, and replace the crystal with the decoy. When that's done, return to me.

Mission Acceptance

A false Soul

This Circle of Thorns soul crystal contain one soul. You hear the anguished cry of an innocent woman when you touch it, but it is not the Red Widow. Rather, it's some poor victim of Arachnos used to make this false crystal.

Unecessary Solicitation

Hurry and complete whatever task Daos has given you. I'm deep in my researches. I'll have need for you soo.

Mission Objective(s)

You remember the first time you saw the Widow's Tower, when you arrived at Mercy Island. Who'd have thought it would come to this?

• Replace Crystals

You replaced the real crystal with a fake one.

The soul of Red Widow

This clear crystal is lit by a reddish light, and contains the captured soul of the Red Widow. You have to wonder whether holding this thing is entirely safe.

Mission Complete

You switched the crystals.

Return crystal to Daos

(Story Arc: ?)

Briefing

You have replaced the real crystal with the fake one. Betraying Ghost Widow may not be smart, but it's got to be better than betraying Lord Recluse. Now, to give the real crystal to Arbiter Daos.

Unecessary Solicitation

Are you done with Arbiter Daos's errand yet?

Mission Objective(s)

• Return crystal to Daos

Mission Complete

Arbiter Daos: My Lord Recluse will be glad to have this. And that gratitufe will almost be enough to spare your life, despite your part in all of this. Do one more thing, and not only will you be forgiven your trespasses, but you may well be rewarded. When Ghost Widow attempts to restore her life, you are to use that moment to strike her down once more. Her soul will resume it's ghostly un-life, and once more be bound to Arachnos.

The Red Widow was one of Lord Recluse's most trusted assistants. It was she who assassinated the original leader of Arachnos, leaving our Lord in charge. And, over all the years he has been in power, Lord Recluse has never forgotten this. Remember that. Lord Recluse never forgets. And if you fail to meet out the punishment I decree for Ghost Widow, Lord Recluse will not forget that, either.

I have often thought our poor Ghost Widow might hold a hatred for Red Widow. A rivalry, of sorts, though the two have never met. They are both beautiful ghosts who still haunt Arachnos, though in different ways. Maybe it is jealousy that drove Ghost Widow to this? In the end, it doesn't matter. Just remember your part. Instead of helping return to life, you are to defeat her.

Debriefing

You return, my Villain's Name, and alive. That can only mean that Daos knows nothing. if he suspected anything, he surely would have had you... Dealt with.

Did that sound callous of me? It's difficlut to tell. The dead often forget the perils of the living. It will be so strange to experience it all once more.

I now stand on the cusp of mortality, and I have you to thank. I will not forget this moment, I assure you.

Kidnap Dr. Frank

(Story Arc: Brainpower. Mission 1 of 5)

Briefing

Mission Objective(s)

Kidnap Dr. Frank

Brainpower

Debriefing

Kidnap Dr. Murphy

(Story Arc: Brainpower. Mission 2 of 5)

Briefing

Mission Objective(s)

Kidnap Dr. Murphy

Brainpower

Debriefing

Kidnap Dr. Nelson

(Story Arc: Brainpower. Mission 3 of 5)

Briefing

Mission Objective

Kidnap Dr. Nelson

We have but one scientist left to recover. Dr. Nelson was lured away from Portal Corporation by the Malta Group. I have learned that the lab he works in is right here, on Grandville. Go and get him for me, won't you?

Yes, every one of the men we seek has experience in working on portal technology. That experience will be most critical to Operation: DESTINY.

Clue: Brainpower (part 3)

The last man was Dr. Nelson, also an erstwhile employee of Portal Corporation. You kidnapped him from the Malta Group, over his strident protest.

Debriefing

Excellent. All three scientists are now busily doing the work of Arachnos, with differing degrees of cooperation. But do not imagine that you have worked off your debt to me yet. I have more work in store for you.

Stop Longbow from freeing the scientists

(Story Arc: Brainpower. Mission 4 of 5)

We have only 2 more scientists to go, but my spies have discovered that Longbow is attempting to stop us by stealing our kidnapped scientists back. They must be stopped, and as the Destined One, it falls to you to stop them.

Briefing

Longbow is attacking the research facility where the prisoners--er--scientists are being kept. Your job will be to extract all 3 of them. While you're getting that finished, I'll prepare the final phase of our part of this operation.

Mission Objective(s)

Stop scientist rescue

Clue: Brainpower (part 4)

You now had three scientists in custody, all of whom had experience with portal technology. Ghost Widow was worried about a Longbow raid, and with good reason. Soon enough you were battling to keep Longbow from recapturing the scientists you'd worked so hard to acquire.

Debriefing

You did well. Doctors Frank, Murphy, and Nelson remain in Arachnos custody, and shall do so for the rest of their natural lives. The feelings of admiration and trust in your abilities are spreading among Arachnos. They see you as strong, powerful, and on the rise. And since I am bound to Arachnos, the feelings of the troops influence my opinions. Fortunately for you. But you will have to perform greater services to truly re-earn my trust.

Capture last scientist for Operation: DESTINY

(Story Arc: Brainpower. Mission 5 of 5)

The preparations for Operation: DESTINY continue, but our part is nearly complete. Black Scorpions' forces are preparing to strike Portal Corp to steal technology. I want you to go along with his team, but your target will be different. You are to capture one last scientist during the Portal Corp raid. Then, our part of the preparation will be complete. But before you leave, I do strongly suggest you bring some cronies with you. The heroes surely know what we're up to by now, even if they don't know why. They will likely have someone in place, ready to protect this last asset.

Briefing

You will be joining an assault force on the three main buildings of the Portal Corp campus on Peregrine Isle near Paragon City. Your target is building 112, on the right side of the Portal Corp. campus. But in order to get inside, you'll need to take the codes from the security computer. There should be one in the lobby of both buildings 110 and 111, but I cannot tell you which you'll need to access. Once you're inside, find Dr. Roberta Crow and extract her back to the flyer. Black Scopion's troops have been told not to interfere in building 112, so you should be clear to face any guardian without their interference.

And I would again recommend you bring some allies. I do confess, much as I hope that we will succeed for the greater glory of Arachnos, I would not be saddened to hear that you were humbled. I suppose that's petty, but at least I'll be honest about it.

Mission Objective(s)

Kidnap Dr. Crowe

Clue:

Debriefing

With Dr. Crow added to our newly acquired scientists, we have completed our part of Operation: DESTINY. Or rather, I have completed my part of it. Surely you feel the excitement in the ranks of Arachnos? They all believe Lord Reclus's 'Destined One' is here, and Operation: DESTINY is about to begin. And Operation: DESTINY is all about you. Or rather, how you will finally change Destiny itself and allow my Lord Recluse to change the fate of the world. This is what your entire existence has been leading up to. I hope you won't disapoint.

Go through the portal

Operation DESTINY has reached a critical juncture. And now I must ask you to take a greater role. You must go to the experimental portal here in Grandville and venture through it. Once through the portal, you will be able to assess what the future holds for Lord Recluse and Arachnos. You will be one of our first scouts to a brave new world.

Briefing

In some ways, I envy you. This is a grand adventure you embark on.

Mission Objective(s)

• Enter the portal

Clue:

Debriefing

Mission name

Briefing

Mission Objective(s)

Clue:

Debriefing

See Also

• Ghost Widow's Arachnos profile for a list of her powers