Heather Townshend

Overview

Heather Townshend
Architect
Zone	Dark Astoria
Coordinates	(4542, 42, 1213)
Level Range	50
Introduced By	Captain Nolan
Enemy Groups	Knives of Vengeance

Heather Townshend is a hero contact in the Scintillating Prism neighborhood of Dark Astoria at coordinates (4542, 42, 1213) . Her level range is 50.

Introductions

Contact Introduced By

• Captain Nolan

Contact Introduces

None.

Information

Architect

Heather Townshend is an architect who used to live in Dark Astoria before it was overrun by the Banished Pantheon. She has now returned to Dark Astoria, seemingly called there by the city itself.

Initial Contact

Heather Townshend's initial contact is part of the arc given by Captain Nolan.

Greetings

• There's a lot to be done to save Dark Astoria, but I think we can make a dent.

No More Missions

Missing No More Missions Dialogue

Store

• Inspirations

Story Arc

Burden of the Past

Souvenir

+++ Missing Information +++

Part One: Vengeance

Briefing

I'll be completely blunt, Character. I don't know a lot about what's going on. However, Kadabra Kill and Sigil seemed to at least have an idea of what to do first.

They told me that they would check back periodically with me. Sigil stated that they were trying to find out what was going on with those monsters I mentioned to you, the ones who were attacking the assassins.

Kadabra Kill mentioned that they had tracked some of them down to a nearby cave system.

• So if I find Kadabra Kill and Sigil, I'll find some answers.

Yes, I would assume as much. They'll be happy to have someone like yourself on their side, that's for sure.

I'm going to be staying here to see if I can find anyone else who is wandering within Dark Astoria. Before you came along, I saw several other individuals running through the streets. I tried to call out to them, but they could not hear me, and I could not risk leaving this safe area.

I'd be on the lookout yourself for any missing supers in your time here. / If you care, I would be on the lookout for any missing supers while you're here.

Find Kadabra Kill and Sigil

Unnecessary Solicitation

Nothing else here, Character.

Mission Objective(s)

File:Map Granite Caves 45 02.png

Map: Granite_Caves_45_02

You descend into a system of large caverns beneath the city of Dark Astoria. You see the woman, Sigil, nearby.

• Find Kadabra Kill and Sigil
  • Check on Sigil
  • Find the missing Hand of Artemis
  • Defeat the Knives of Vengeance assassin!

Enemies

Knives of Vengeance

Notable NPCs

• Sigil (Midnight Squad Boss) (Ally)
• Hand of Artemis (Knives of Artemis Boss) (Ally)
• Assassin (Knives of Vengeance Boss) (Boss)

Sigil

Briefing

Oh, Character, you are a sight for sore eyes! My husband and I were hoping that someone else would show up to help us, but we never imagined it would be you!

Montague has asked that the rest of the Midnight Squad stay out of the affairs in Astoria for the moment. We can't risk losing any more members to this until we know more about what's going on.

• Understandable. What's the situation here?

My husband and I have been investigating what's going on. Have you seen them in the streets? The monstrous beings that are terrorizing the area along with the Banished Pantheon. We think they might be members of the Knives of Artemis, but transformed. They might have something to do with all of this, but we can't be sure.

I was going to try to push forward through these caverns; there's a member of the group that ran into here. However, there's just too many for me to take on alone.

If you're serious about trying to stop this, Character, then I would try to track down that woman and see what she knows. In the meantime, I'm going to meet back with my husband and tell him that we have your help.

• Alright, I'll take care of things here.

• Do you know what happened to the missing supergroup?

We encountered a member from a supergroup that was called here. He mentioned how the rest of his group was lost to the city.

The man looked like a shade of himself. My husband told him that we could help him, but he refused, saying something about being beyond help, how he couldn't bear the burden any more. He ran off around a corner. We heard a scream and chased after him. He was gone, Character.

During our time here, we've seen a few supers, and even a detective, but none of them stayed still long enough for us to talk with them.

• Got it. What else can you tell me about the situation here?

My husband and I have been investigating what's going on. Have you seen them in the streets? The monstrous beings that are terrorizing the area along with the Banished Pantheon. We think they might be members of the Knives of Artemis, but transformed. They might have something to do with all of this, but we can't be sure.

I was going to try to push forward through these caverns; there's a member of the group that ran into here. However, there's just too many for me to take on alone.

If you're serious about trying to stop this, Character, then I would try to track down that woman and see what she knows. In the meantime, I'm going to meet back with my husband and tell him that we have your help.

• Alright, I'll take care of things here.

Editor's Note:

The following is alternate dialogue from Sigil. It's unclear what the trigger is for the different intro text, possibly owning the The Thief of Midnight Badge.

Sigil glares at you.

You! I remember you all too well, Character. Are you still just a lackey for Darrin Wade, even with all of your power, or have you broken away and become your own man / woman?

Or are you working for whatever creature is trying to destroy the world?

• That's in the past. I'm here to stop whatever is happening.

You're here to stop what's happening? Hrmph... I suppose stranger things have happened.

My husband and I have been investigating what's going on. Have you seen them in the streets? The monstrous beings that are terrorizing the area along with the Banished Pantheon.

• What about them?

We think they might be members of the Knives of Artemis, but transformed. They might have something to do with all of this, but we can't be sure.

I was going to try to push forward through these caverns; there's a member of the group that ran into here. However, there's just too many for me to take on alone.

If you're serious about trying to stop this, Character, then I would try to track down that woman and see what she knows. In the meantime, I'm going to meet back with my husband and tell him that we have your help, even if it is... unusual.

• Alright, I'll do that.

• Look, Sigil, I'm sorry for what happened in the past.

What? You're sorry? For attacking my husband and I? For breaking in to the Midnighter's mansion? For working with Darrin Wade?

• That would be it, yes. I'm here to help now with what's happening.

Sigil stares at you for a few moments before sighing.

I'm suspicious, but I'll give you a chance, Character. My husband and I have been investigating what's going on. Have you seen them in the streets? The monstrous beings that are terrorizing the area along with the Banished Pantheon. We think they might be members of the Knives of Artemis, but transformed. They might have something to do with all of this, but we can't be sure.

I was going to try to push forward through these caverns; there's a member of the group that ran into here. However, there's just too many for me to take on alone.

If you're serious about trying to stop this, Character, then I would try to track down that woman and see what she knows. In the meantime, I'm going to meet back with my husband and tell him that we have your help, even if it is... unusual.

• Alright, I'll do that.

Hand of Artemis

Briefing

You see a member of the Knives of Artemis, surrounded by what appears to be former members of the Knives of Artemis. They look normal, at first glance, but upon closer inspection you can see monstrous details that set these women apart.

The member of the Knives of Artemis looks worn out, tiredly grasping onto her blade, the edge of it looking dull from too much use.

Character, the famous hero / infamous villain. I remember receiving many hits to kill you.

That's all changed now, however. The end is here, and we're all witnesses to the collapse of our world. They're all gone, now, beyond my grasp. I had to kill them, put them out of their misery.

• What's going on here? Who are these monsters?

These were my sisters. Something happened to our inner circle, but I do not know what.

They chose to be transformed, to become something higher, as they say. I do not know who or what caused this... I only know that they've broken from the organization. They call themselves the Knives of Vengeance. They tried to get me to join them, but I refused.

They called me traitor and chased me down. They wanted to kill me, Character, but I killed them first. We were trained not to care for the deaths of our fellow assassins, but nothing prepared me for killing them when they've become... monsters.

• Why do you say it's the end of times?

The organization is gone, Character. The monster within Astoria is awakened. Forces of nature beyond our comprehension attack us from every side.

I kill five, ten more show up... there's no end to this. My hands are covered with the blood of my sisters, twisted and disfigured.

I can't go on any further, Character. There's no hope left for this world, don't you see?

You see a strange presence beginning to gather around the Knives of Artemis assassin...

• What the...?

Knives of Vengeance Dialogue

Before Combat:

Vanquisher: There is much to be done in this world, now that our eyes have been opened.

Vanquisher: No longer will we be bound by Malta's words.

Combat Start:

Vanquisher: You will be one of many to fall, Character!

---

Before Combat:

Dervish: The one who betrayed us is here.

Dervish: She will be made to pay.

Combat Start:

Dervish: You will not stop us from destroying the oathbreaker!

---

Hand of Artemis: No... hope...

The Hand of Artemis is devoured by a strange creature that bursts through the floor and disappears again.

Knives of Vengeance Assassin Dialogue

Before Combat:

Assassin: She is gone, justice has been served. But there are still those here who require our work.

Combat Start:

Assassin: Character, you will fall!

Knives of Vengeance

The cave you delved into contained more than you could've imagined. You watched as a member of the Knives of Artemis was swallowed by some sort of monstrous... mouth, after she was proclaiming that the world was doomed. She told you that the Knives of Artemis had transformed into these monsters called the Knives of Vengeance.

You were then attacked by one of their assassins, who spoke of others that they had to deal with. Is this the result of the monster that has awakened within Dark Astoria?

Speak with Heather Townshend

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak with Heather Townshend

Heather Townshend

Briefing

Character, what did you find out?

You explain to Heather what happened in the caves beneath Dark Astoria.

That's... that's horrible. I didn't even know about these Knives of Artemis until today... but that must've been the assassin I had seen. You said she was swallowed by some sort of mouth? I wonder... was it because she gave up hope? I don't know, it's a crazy theory.

Do you have any idea what caused these women to transform?

• No, not in the slightest.

Hrm, well, I think the most we can do at this point is to try and figure out more about why this woman was eaten. If we find out more about the power at work here, we can stand a chance at stopping it.

• I'm all ears if you have an idea.

Editor's Note:

The following is an alternate dialogue choice that appears in addition to "No, not in the slightest." that seems to be triggered by completing the story arc Revenge: Serve Chilled from Master Midnight.

• I have a feeling it's a group called the Talons of Vengeance.

The Talons of what?

You explain to Heather your experience in First Ward with the Talons of Vengeance and you believe they're somehow connected with the Knives of Vengeance, down to the name and motives.

So... they're out seeking some sort of perverse justice? In a place like Dark Astoria, they're bound to find plenty to label as guilty, not that you need to worry yourself, Character.

So, we know the Talons of Vengeance are somehow involved, but what does that have to do with the mouth that devoured that woman? We need to find out more about that power if we stand a chance at stopping it.

• I've told you everything I know. Anything on your end?

Part Two: No Escape

Briefing

The only idea I have still lies with Kadabra Kill and Sigil. Something... bizarre happened while you were gone, Character.

Kadabra Kill approached me, without his wife. There was something different in his voice, a sort of... hopelessness in his tone. Sort of how that woman was talking to you. He told me that he was going to investigate a nearby office for clues towards the nature of the monstrous women and the beast that had awakened.

However, he didn't seem all too convinced that he would find anything.

• Did Sigil follow him?

Yes, she ran off right away when I told her what happened. She seemed to have an idea of what might've been going on. I tried to follow her, but, well, I'm just a plain civilian. I'm not going to risk leaving these runes.

Heather sighs, rubbing the bridge of her nose.

I'm just an architect, Character, I was never supposed to be involved in something big like this. I know it's not much to go on, but I think you can find something else out if you go to this building.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Be careful, Character. Dark Astoria has no safe havens outside of these runes.

Mission Objective(s)

You saw winged creatures flying around the building before you entered it, like sharks circling in on their prey.
The Knives of Vengeance must be after Kadabra Kill and Sigil, but are they somehow controlling the power that devoured the Knives of Artemis assassin?

• Investigate the Dark Astoria building
  • 3 Knives of Vengeance leaders to find clues from
  • Find Sigil and Kadabra Kill
  • Defend Sigil from the Banished Pantheon
  • Get information from Sigil

You've learned the name of the slumbering beast in Dark Astoria - Mot. The Tsoo might have more information for you to use.

Enemies

Knives of Vengeance

Banished Pantheon

Notable NPCs

• Conqueror (Knives of Vengeance Boss) (Boss)
• Tempest (Knives of Vengeance Boss) (Boss)
• Detective Hopp (Hostage)
• Sigil (Non-Assisting Ally)
• Kadabra Kill (Non-Assisting Ally)

Knives of Vengeance Leader Dialogue

Before Combat:

Conqueror: He cannot run from us. He has done too much.

Combat Start:

Conqueror: Character! We know you quite well, you will be punished!

---

Before Combat:

Tempest: Kadabra Kill will be made to pay. The city has brought him here for this.

Combat Start:

Tempest: You have been brought here to pay as well, Character!

---

Before Combat:

Guardian: There is too much work to do. How will we ever finish it all?

Combat Start:

Guardian: We are but one of many, Character!

Detective Hopp Dialogue

Before Combat:

Detective Hopp: Mmmrph... I'm not gonna be taken down by some... freaks like you!

Tempest: You were brought to this city for a reason. We will make sure you die by the proper judgment.

Combat Start:

Tempest: Do not get in the way, Character!

Upon Rescue:

Detective Hopp: I gotta say, I wasn't expecting you to be here.

Detective Hopp

Briefing

No time to talk, Character. I've got business I need to handle in this city. Name's Detective Hopp, though. Maybe we'll run into each other again.

Detective Hopp runs off, but you remember that Captain Nolan mentioned he was one of the officers sent to investigate the suicide cases. It looks like he's alive and well, for the time being.

After Talking: Hey! Character!

Sigil and Kadabra Kill Dialogue

Before Combat:

Sigil: Kadabra! What's wrong? Talk to me!

Kadabra Kill: I've caused you too much pain, Sigil. It has to end here.

Sigil: Pain? I chose all of this, stop talking nonsense!

Kadabra Kill: You've paid too much for my sin, Sigil. It has to end here.

Tempest: Your husband belongs to us now, Sigil. We will make sure he is punished for his sins against you.

Sigil: Like HELL you will!

Tempest: Mot's attention moves towards us. Character, we will return for you.

Sigil: KADABRA!!

Ambush! After Kadabra Kill is swallowed and the mysterious whisperer talks, a group of Banished Pantheon will attack.

After Combat:

Sigil

Briefing

No... Kadabra... why did you think that you caused me pain?! I chose all of this... it wasn't your place to decide that it wasn't right!

• What did he mean when he talked about pain? (A)

When we were young, we had gotten into some... Trouble. I won't bother with the details, but in the end, I chose to give up my soul so that Kadabra would keep his.

He and I have been seeking a way to recover my soul ever since. I suppose these Knives of Vengeance believe that Kadabra somehow cheated, that he should have been the one to have his soul taken. They seem to think that they're doing me a favor in all of this, but I chose for this to happen.

I would do anything to help my husband, and he anything for me. But now it seems the darkness here has twisted his mind, making him believe that he was in the wrong.

• The darkness - Mot? What does he have to do with the Pantheon? (B)

I've only heard rumors, nothing substantial. There may be others who can help you, though.

The Tsoo have been fighting in Dark Astoria for years. If anyone would have information about Mot, it would be them.

I need to recover myself and find my husband, Character. I can't let him be taken by these women or this city. If I need your help, I will let that woman, Heather, know. I know we can count on you to help us in our time of need.

• What, what is it that your husband did? (Repeat A)
• Alright, I'll look into the Tsoo.

• Who's this Mot, and what does he have to do with the Pantheon? (Repeat B)

Too Much to Do

The Knives of Vengeance that you fought said something about there being too much work for them to do. Have they been created specifically to bear someone else's burden?

Purpose of Vengeance

You defeated one of the monstrous women in the Knives of Vengeance and tried to get information out of her. However, the woman's eyes glazed over before dying seconds after you defeated her.

It seems that the Knives of Vengeance have only one purpose, and if they are defeated, then their purpose is used up.

The City of Punishment

You defeated one of the leaders of the Knives of Vengeance, who mentioned that people seem to be summoned to Dark Astoria to pay for their sins. She specifically mentioned Kadabra Kill, Sigil's husband.

Are the Knives of Vengeance focusing on Dark Astoria because of this?

Debriefing

Kadabra Kill has gone missing now, too? I can understand, I think...

The longer I stay in this place, the more my mind has been wandering to my past, to those memories I regret. I thought I'd made peace with it, but... there's just something about this city, Character. Maybe it's all just from this Mot creature.

Sigil was right, though. I think the Tsoo can help us, and I think we were lucky enough that I saw some of them before.