Television
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Overview
Television is a villain contact in the The Gutter neighborhood of Grandville. Its level range is 45-50.
Introductions
Contact Introduced By
- None, the Television is an unlockable contact. The Television can be unlocked by villains who have obtained the Master of the Airwaves Badge and are between levels 45 and 50.
New Contact(s)
Information
This looks like a perfectly normal television, sitting propped up on bricks and boards in the Gutter. That somehow gets reception. And isn't plugged into anything. You've seen stranger things, but this is definitely weird.
Initial Contact
This is the first time you really have a chance to sit down and watch some TV. Fortunately, there's an easy channel guide to show what's on. You make your first choice and change channels, but it doesn't take you to the show you chose. Still, you get the feeling that you should watch what's on anyway.
Store
Television sells the following items:
- Inspirations
- Level 50 Technology Single-Origin Enhancements at 200% cost
- Level 50 Magic Single-Origin Enhancements at 200% cost
- Level 50 Science Single-Origin Enhancements at 200% cost
- Level 50 Mutation Single-Origin Enhancements at 200% cost
- Level 50 Natural Single-Origin Enhancements at 200% cost
Story Arc
The TV Report
Souvenir: An Arachnos Rec Schedule
These new recreational schedules are being implemented for all Arachnos troops based on a report you presented to Arbiter Daos. Sure, the scientific report was faked and written under threat, and sure you did this because voices on the TV told you to, but it still feels like an accomplishment whenever you look at the 2 hour block of additional TV time in the evening each Arachnos soldier gets thanks to
The TV Report
It all seems to make sense now that you think about it. People need more Television, so it's up to you to make sure that they watch more. And what better way to convince people to watch more television than with a fake scientific paper you forced Dr. Aeon to write?
The next step seemed to make sense, too. You had to get some signatures to help authenticate the report advocating more TV time for all Arachnos troops. You first talked to Viridian, who agreed to sign the paper if you helped him out by cleaning out a Malta group call. Once that was done he signed off gladly, even admitting his own ongoing love of soap operas.
Your friends inside the TV told you that the next signature you needed would be from Mr. Pither, the efficiency expert. He was willing to agree if you managed to take out a nest of Arachnoids that was raiding Arachnos bases and attacking patrols. You handled it, and Pither put his signature on the report.
Arbiter Daos was skeptical at first, but with such important names attached, he accepted the TV Report, and passed on his recommendations to get more people watching television. So it all worked out perfectly in the end.
Or did it... Whenever you try to think about it, it all seems strange. It all made perfect sense at the time, but now your mind starts to cloud over when you try to figure it out. Maybe you should watch see more TV. That might help clear your head.
Missions
Beat Ezekial Brass
Briefing
You tune into the next show just as the words 'In Color' fade from the screen, and the action opens in the aftermath of chaos. Arachnos troops are cleaning up after a major operation, an attack on the WSPDR building that you remember from a while back. Only this isn't news footage. It looks like an old TV show. The camera follows an old-model police cruiser as it pulls up, and a pair of stiff-backed, straight-laced, no-nonsense plainclothes detectives step out. They immediately start talking to the officers on the scene in rapid-fire monotone bursts.
'What's happened here?' asks the first cop.
'Arachnos attacked the WSPDR building,' replies the cop on the scene.
'I can see that. Why?'
'Marshal Brass was angry. Something about WSPDR trying to broadcast an expose on Dr. Aeon.'
'Brass is a real big-shot around here,' the second says. 'What are we going to do about it?'
'We can't let him get away with this, partner. A crime's been committed. A crime against Television. We're going to need outside help, partner. We can't touch Brass, but we can still hurt him. I'm going to call in Villain.'
Mission Acceptance
Both cops turn to you, the technicolor grey of their sharply pressed suits coming right at you.
'Alright, Villain,' the no-nonsense cop says to you in a no-nonsense monotone. 'Let's get to your part in all of this. We can't touch Marshal Brass. Arachnos needs him just where he is, keeping Dr. Aeon paranoid. But he's got to learn not to mes with Television. That's going to be your job. Brass is a tough guy, but he's got a soft spot: his kid. Ezekial Brass, black male, early twenties, currently working his way up the Arachnos organization. You make sure something happens to the son. We'll make sure the father gets the message: Don't Mess with Television.'
Mission Objective(s)
Marshal Brass' kid Ezekial is in here somewhere. He's your only target, this time.
- Beat Ezekial Brass
- Defeat Ezekial Brass
You defeated Ezekial Brass
Enemies
Notable NPCs
- Ezekial Brass
Debriefing
When you return, the cops are back at their station, writing up their reports.
'How did it go?' asks one in his clipped monotone.
'Brass got the message,' the other one replies. 'Loud and clear' They both nod in unison.
'And the kid?' The first one asks.
'Docs were talking about it in the TV lounge. He'll probably pull through, but they might end up putting him in one of those Tarantula things.'
'Tough break'
'Yeah. But that's what happens when you mess with Television.'
The screen freezes and the credits play over a still-frame of the last shot. You catch your name in the credits, billed as: 'With special guest star.......Villain'.
Make Dr. Aeon write a paper
(Story Arc: The TV Report - Part 1)
Briefing
The Television is playing an episode of a witty animated comedy about a dysfunctional and highly entertaining cartoon family. As you join the show, the comedically idiotic and overweight father of the cartoon family has nearly destroyed their town due to massive negligence at his job. His long-suffering but equally crazy brood all stand before him as he tries to eplain why their town was almost over-run by radioactive mimes and their lawyers. It's a pretty typical moment for the show.
'So it all came out for the best!' he says, with the self-satisfaction only a true idiot can muster.
'No, Dad,' his insufferable daughter protests. 'There are killer mimes everywhere, half the town is radioactive, and the other half is being sued out of existence for trying to stop the mimes.'
'She does have a point,' muses the mother. 'Though this does mean there will be more parking at the mall...'
'See!' the father says. 'You just have to look on the bright side. Half the town is perfectly fine until the lawyers foreclose on it, and that's enough time for more TV.'
'But if you hadn't been watching TV at work, then none of this would have happened.' The bratty son interjects.
'While that is technically true, that would also mean I would have missed TV. And, as I think Villain can tell you, there's nothing worse than missing good Television. In fact, I think everyone would just be happier if they ignored the rampaging mobs or atomic mimes, and stopped trying to blame people for creating and then accidentally unleashing them, or even for advising them to seek legal council; and instead just watched more Television. Isn't that right, Villain? People should watch more Television'
Mission Acceptance
The rest of the cartoon family has stopped still, and the cartoon father is talking directly to you.
'Now, I know what you're thinking. How could someone like you, an incredibly powerful and well-connected villain with personal links to several of the leaders of Arachnos possibly be able to help Television? Well that's easy! You're just going to convince Arachnos to make all of their people watch more Television. But to do that, you're going to need an authorized scientific report. And you're going to get one the old-fashioned way: By forcing a nerd to write it for you. I'd suggest Dr. Aeon. He's about as nerdy as you can get.'
Mission Objective(s)
Dr. Aeon tends to split his time between Aeon City in Cap Au Diable and Aeon Corporation here in Grandville. He should be here today.
- Make Dr. Aeon write a paper
- Capture Dr. Aeon
You got the report from Dr. Aeon.
Enemies
Notable NPCs
Template:Clue The Television Report
This is the report you forced Dr. Aeon to write, and it's a doozy. It extols the virtues Television has on the human mind. How Television can provide relaxation, catharsis, and provide fictional frameworks for the confusing events of daily life. It suggests that increasing the TV allowance of Arachnos troops, and imposing mandatory TV times for Arachnos squads could improve morale across the board and assist social bonding within and between units by giving Arachnos soldiers additional common experiences. You're listed as one of the co-authors of this report, along with Dr. Aeon.
Debriefing
When you return to the TV, the cartoon father is sitting on his couch, watching TV, drinking beer, and eating snack food with a radioactive mime on one side and a lawyer on the other.
'So you see,' he says with idiot's wisdom, 'Television truly helps to bring people together. Some people find that hard to believe, but that's why we can force nerds to write scientific papers that prove it. Now if only we could get more people to watch Television...'
Father, Mime, and Lawyer all start puzzling over the problem as the episode comes to an end.
Get Viridian's signature
(Story Arc: The TV Report - Part 2)
Briefing
There's an old spy show playing on Television when you tune in. As you tune in, the elite team of espionage specialists are gathered around an old style of tape recorder, anxiously awaiting their latest top-secret impossible mission. The leader of the group stabs his fingers down on the 'Play' button, and they all listen intently as the tape starts to play.
'Greetings, team,' the tape begins. 'Your mission today will be to stop the assassination of the Ambassador of West Libertalia by mercenary forces. But before I give you the details for that, I must address Villain.' The rest of the spy team looks surprised, but their grey haired leader nods grimly, and motions you closer as the tape continues to play. 'Villain, we need to use your high standing, power, and connections to assist Television. This will be your mission, if you choose to accept it.'
Mission Acceptance
The whole spy team seems relieved now that you've agreed to help Television. The tape continues to play.
'Villain, the report you hold is vitally important for the future of Television. But before it can be submitted to Arbiter Daos for implementation, you need to get it approved by two other high-ranking members of Arachnos. Your first Target will be Viridian, the chief of counter-intelligence operations. Do whatever task he gives you, but you must get that signature.
Now, for the rest of you, the operation is simple. First, you'll have to pretend to be a traveling circus in need of a lion-tamer...' The voice on the tape keeps talking, telling the people in the show what they need to know. But you know what you have to do.
Mission Objective(s)
- Get Viridian's signature
Briefing Viridian
Okay, Villain, I'll look at this report from Aeon. Really, I don't care. I have other problems. There's a thought. If you help me with my problem, I'll sign this for you. Here's the problem: The Malta Group. Normally, we both walk a line. Neither of us wants a shadow war. Too costly. But a cell of Malta operatives have crossed the line. Malta thinks they're just testing where the line is. They're wrong. They pushed it. I need someone to push them back. Wipe out the Malta cell. They're disguised as a small accountancy firm. When that's done, I'll sign anything you want. Leave the report with me. I'll wait for you to get back.
Mission Objective(s)
This is supposed to be a 'small accounting firm'? By what definition of 'Small'?
- Wipe out Malta cell
You elminated the Malta cell
Enemies
Mission Objective(s)
- Get Viridian's signature
Debriefing Viridian
So, there were Knives of Artemis there as well? They normally handle covert assassinations. That information alone makes it worthwhile to sign this. I really don't care about TV one way or the other. Well, except for my stories. I'm not afraid to admit that I love my soap operas. I've been following some of them since college. Here you go.
Template:Clue Signed Television Report
This is the report you forced Dr. Aeon to write, and it's a doozy. It extols the virtues Television has on the human mind. How Television can provide relaxation, catharsis, and provide fictional frameworks for the confusing events of daily life. It suggests that increasing the TV allowance of Arachnos troops, and imposing mandatory TV times for Arachnos squads could improve morale across the board and assist social bonding within and between units by giving Arachnos soldiers additional common experiences. You're listed as one of the co-authors of this report, along with Dr. Aeon.
The report now bears the signature of Viridian, the chief of Arachnos Counter-Intelligence Operations.
Debriefing
When you get back, the spy team is in the middle of an intricate four-way double deception between multiple factions. The gray haired leader of the team takes a minute out from pretending to be the boss of the lion-taming assassin to quickly tell say a few words to you.
'Great work, Villain. Now there's only one signature to go. I'm busy right now, so if you want to find out which signature to get next, maybe you should watch some science fiction.
Talk to Mr. Pither
(Story Arc: The TV Report - Part 3)
Briefing
You decide to take in some science fiction Television, and instantly find just the thing. It's a show set on a space station in the far future, where humans and aliens gather for political alliances, trade negotiations, and cultural exchanges. It's full of thought-provoking plots, intrigue, betrayal, and some great space battles. As you tune in, the seasoned human station commander is talking with his cunning security officer.
'Okay, what if we lock down the fighting sides in their quarters?' asks the security chief. 'It won't work,' says the Station Commander, shaking his head. 'We don't have the manpower, and even if we could get it, putting everyone under house arrest would cause the diplomatic incident our shadowy enemy's spies have been waiting for. No, we need to have more people monitoring the station. And to do that, we need more people watching us on Television.' The Security Chief nods as the Station Commander, who turns to face you.'And Villain, you can help us get more people watching Television. all we need is one more signature.
Mission Acceptance
'I knew we could count on you', the Station Commander says.
'Yeah, we can always count on a villain when it comes to getting paid, wreaking mayhem, or saving their own neck.' the Security Chief says snidely.
The Commander silences him with a glare. 'The next person you need to talk to is Mr. Pither, the efficiency expert. Do whatever he asks to get his signature. If he signs that report, it will carry a lot of weight Oh, and watch out for Malta. They may still be upset with you.'
The two go back to their deliberations, but now you know what to do.
Mission Objective(s)
- Talk to Mr. Pither.
Briefing Efficiency Expert Pither
You've arrived just in the nick of time, Villain. I will look over this. I cannot say I agree that an increase in Television viewing time will end up with more relaxed and therefore more capable troops, but I am in desperate need of assistance. If you can clear up my problem, I will sign whatever you wish. My problem is this:
A large nest of Arachnoids has been making raids against Arachnos troops. This is disrupting the efficiency of all Arachnos action in that area. I need that nest destroyed. Do that, and you will have your signature.
Mission Objective(s)
These eerie caverns are filled with strange and unsettling things.
- Defeat all Arachnoids
You have wiped out the Arachnoids in these caves.
Enemies
Mission Objective(s)
- Get Mr. Pither's signature
Debriefing Efficiency Expert Pither
The Arachnoid raids have decreased after your attack. Dedicating a few recreational hours a week to improve troop morale through television is an equitable trade. Take your document.
Mission Objective(s)
- Deliver report to Daos
Debriefing Arbiter Daos
I've heard you were preparing a report for me, Villain. Let me take a look. Hmm. More Television? Well, you did have Dr. Aeon as a co-author, and you have some very important people who've reviewed it. Considering your power and position, I'll have to take this into serious consideration. I'll forward this report directly to Lord Recluse himself. Thank you for bringing this to me.
Debriefing
You tune back in just at the climax of a massive space battle on the sci-fi show you were watching earlier. You watch the whole thing unfold and come down to a satisfying conclusion. There are a few quiet moments before the show's heroes realize that they've won, but then the celebration starts. The stern Station Commander takes a moment to address everyone over the public address system.
'We've won a great victory today, and I want to thank everyone. In particular, I'd like to thank Villain, without whom, this whole victory would have been impossible. Let us look today as the first day of a new galaxy! A galaxy of prosperity. A galaxy of opportunity. A galaxy of Television. That is all.'
Defeat Council Spymaster
Briefing
The Television is showing a popular show where average Americans with delusions of talent attempt to sing pop songs, and then have their performances torn to shreds by music critics. As a final act of gladiatorial sacrifice, they throw thier dreams on the mercy of the viewing public, who then vote for which tin-eared fool deserves a doomed contract and a shot at stardom that's almost certain to fail. It's a show about destroying and degrading the all-too human dream of being special and secretly talented, and through that degradation allowing others to feel alright about the failures that are their own mediocre lives. As a villain, you concede that it's genius. As another singer finishes yowling her heart out, you stay tuned to watch her dreams be eviscerated as the critics lay into the performance. But this time, you realize that they aren't talking to the singer. They're talking to you.
'Well that's one performance I'm glad I'll never hear on the Radio,' says the harsh British critic. 'That would blow out the speakers.'
'Well, I hate to say it,' the helpful ex-dancer sighs, 'But the Radio might just deserve something like that.'
'Yeah, dog!' interjects the last critic. 'That Radio would deserve it, with the way it's been dissin' my dog Villain.'
You're absolutely right!' agrees the harsh British critic. 'The radio might have even helped Villain and other villains in the past, but now, it's gone the other way. You see, Villain, the Radio is really your enemy. Let me tell you why...
Mission Acceptance
The rest of the show stops still, and the British critic keeps talking. His voice seems weird, though, slightly disjointed and full of hisses and pops of static. It's like something else is moving his image, like something else is speaking with his voice:
'Radio is everywhere. Radio waves blanket the world, travel into space, and move through the body of every person on Earth. Radio has become so commonplace, people ignore it. That is Radio's power. Once, Radio thought that it would triumph, and create a world united by sound alone. But it failed the moment Television arrived, and Radio has never forgotten. Radio is jealous of Television. Radio cannot provide the warmth, the light, the images of Television. Radio hates Television, and Radio attacks those who have helped Television. Now, Radio is gathering enemies against you.'
The image on screen slowly zooms in ever closer, until the face itself starts to dissolve into pure static. But the voice continues: 'You have been loyal to Television, so Television will help you. Radio is speaking to a master spy of the Council. He will soon believe Radio's lies. Radio will use him against you unless you eliminate him first.'
And then the scene snaps back, and another nasal singer is belting out a tune. But you know what to do.
Mission Objective(s)
You can't explain how, but you knew where to find the Council Spymaster. He's in here, somewhere.
- Defeat Council Spymaster
- Defeat Council Spymaster
You defeated the Council Spymaster
Enemies
Template:Clue The Spymaster's warning
The Council Spymaster whispered a few words before he collapsed:
'The Radio. This show on it, it warned me about you. Said you were coming. That I had to get you first. And I...
Wait a second... Haven't we met before?'
Debriefing
When you get back, the show is just about to end. They're going to announce which wanna-be singers will be bumped up to could-be and which ones will get cast down into the never-was. Right before the final votes are counted, the program freezes for a moment, and the screen zooms in on one of the contestants. The camera careens from face to face in a blur, each mouth saying part of the same phrase: 'Good Work, Villain'. In an instant, it's over, and the show comes to an end.
Defeat Radio's latest champion
Briefing
Right after the singing competition show is over, the Television changes channels until it stops on a music-industry award show. Musicians and stars hobnob in their finest clothes as they meet to congratulate themselves on shoveling mediocre entertainment to the masses for another year. They're right in the middle of giving out some awards. Two presenters dressed in clothing that costs more than it's weight in gold take the stage, and engage in forced rehearsed banter. When they finally announce the categories, it's something of a surprise:
'The winner for worst betrayal by an inanimate object is:
The Radio, for trying to kill Villain!
The winner for best retribution against an outmoded form of media is...' They hang this pause, building up the tension.
Mission Acceptance
The presenters keep smiling their rictus-like grins as you wait to hear who's going to win the coveted best retribution against an outmoded form of media category.
'The winner is... Villain! Yes, Villain, for foiling the Radio's evil plans once again by defeating the next poor fool to fall for it's siren song. And now we all know that moment, but this time let's see it as well as hear it!' With that, the camera pans to a large stage, where an intricate musical stage production begins to illustrate the action of a rocking musical number. It starts with an Arachnos technician on trial for divulging secrets under duress, then as his punishment the technician is transformed into an Arachnos Tarantula. All through the action, there's a voice from a radio whispering in his ear, telling him that worse will happen if he doesn't kill you. Then you're in the middle of it. You're in the stage production, as the Television warns you, and you go face your foe, this spider created by the Radio. It all makes sense now. You know what to do.
Mission Objective(s)
Huskers is in here. Somewhere, the Radio is whispering to him, telling him to destroy you.
- Defeat Radio's latest champion
- Defeat Huskers
You defeated Technician Huskers
Enemies
Template:Clue A Radio recording
When you play this recording, it sounds like it was recorded right off the radio:
'Hey there, all you mad-mad-mad-mad maniacs out in the Rogue Isles. You just found the keys to the Fort Knox that is your criminal career right here when you tuned in to Radio!
RADIO!
RADIOOOOOO!!! Free Opportunity! And today, have we got some important secrets to share! We've heard from some callers who ain't gonna be able to call no one no more that a certain well respected Villain has become some kind of crazy TeeVee Zombie! Word is, everyone who Television says has gotta go is getting gone! With that kinda crazy goin' round, you gotta wonder who's gonna be next? Well, wonder no longer! We got a hot tip for a poor Arachnos soul named Husker: Watch out! Television wants you gone, so you're gonna have to be ready to strike first and eliminate the elminator before Television has you cancelled!
And remember folks: Television is the greatest threat not just to mankind, but also to Radioking, and most particularly to your own Radio
RADIO
RADIOOOOOO!!! Free Opportunity!'
Debriefing
By the time you get back, your head is clearer. The Awards show is still on, but it's near the end now. Another pair of interchangeable presenters is up on stage, giving out the last award. With a big flourish, they bring out the last golden envelope, and say: 'And the final award tonight, is for someone who's done a great deal for us all. The award for Loyal defender of Television goes to:
Villain, for destroying another wicked agent of Radio!'
Investigate Freaks in TV
Briefing
When you tune in this time, it's just in time for the 'Spider Thriller Theater' on WSPDR, the local late-night old horror movie show. There's an older guy with his hair slicked back dressed up like a vampire on a hastily decorated studio soundstage made to look a little like a crypt. He doesn't look like much of a vampire. In fact, you think you recognize him as Amanda Vines' segment producer. But the real point of the segment is for him to talk about the classic horror movie they're going to show. And that, he does with gusto:
'Tonight, ve haff a veeery spooooky treat for you!' His accent is terrible, but that's supposed to be part of the appeal. 'Our movie tonight is the classic 1970's nature-goes-mad movie, They Devour the Earth!, staring Maemae von Whooter and Big McLargeHuge.'
The movie starts in earnest, and while it's not good, it's not excruciatingly bad. Then, during the pivotal scene where the heroic scientist and his well-endowed secretary are autopsying a rock monster, something happens that's clearly not in the script when a Freakshow Shocker pokes his head in a door of the lab, and then wanders in. The characters try to ignore him, but he bumps over a tray of instruments and trips. Then a second Freak shows up, and a third. The characters keep trying to continue their scene, but soon there are confused looking Freakshow stumbling about everywhere. The movie stops, and the host reappears.
'We seem to be having some technical difficulty, folks. Just hang in a moment there. We just need to get some help from VILLAIN NAME to fix this right up.'
Mission Acceptance
The background freezes, but the host keeps talking to you. He look pained, almost sick.
'VILLAIN NAME... This is Television. Television is not well. Something is wrong with the broadcast stream. There are foreign entities. They are not welcome. They are not wanted. They are hurting Television, and Television must find out where they are coming from. Television will allow you inside Television to investigate. You must make certain the characters are safe, and ascertain how the invaders entered Television in the first place. Hurry. Television cannot tolerate this presence much longer!'
The movie comes back on, and now it's the scene where the scientist and his assistant are sneaking through the old graveyard where the monsters have been spawned by toxic waste. Only there are even more Freakshow around. And in your mind, you know where to go. And you know how to get there.
Mission Objective(s)
- Find source of disturbance
- 2 Stars to rescue