Doorman

Overview

Doorman
Guardian of First Ward
Zone	Underground Imperial
Coordinates	(-1727, 3367, 1359)
Level Range	20-29
Introduced By	Mistress Eva Carter Mordesen
Introduces	Nadia
Enemy Groups	Carnival of War
Requires First Ward Zone Pack.

Doorman is a hero, villain, and Praetorian contact in the Sector C neighborhood of Underground Imperial at coordinates (-1727, 3367, 413597) . His level range is 20-29. He guards the door to First Ward. He is at the south end of Underground Imperial.

Heroes can use the portal beside Mistress Eva in Talos Island and villains can use the portal next to Carter Mordesen in Cap au Diable, both of which will place the character in the tunnel room in which the Doorman is found. Praetorians should use the southernmost tunnel entrance, Underground Access A, in Imperial City; it is a short run to Doorman's tunnel room.

Introductions

Contact Introduced By

• Mistress Eva
• Carter Mordesen

Contact Introduces

• Nadia

Information

Guardian of First Ward

Leon Varris is one of the more well-known members of the Carnival of Light outside of First Ward, as he is one of the primary representatives of the Carnival to the Resistance. As such, he is one of those responsible for keeping the lines of communication open between his leaders and theirs. Additionally, Vanessa DeVore entrusted him with the duty of Guardian of First Ward, and he maintains a constant vigil over the doorway leading between Underground Imperial City and First Ward. Over time, this lead to his acquisition of the sobriquet, 'Doorman,' from the Resistance.

Prior to Introduction

I will not stop you from entering First Ward, but the Carnival will not work with just anyone.

Initial Contact

Heroes

Hero Doorman Introduction

Doorman

Briefing

Mistress Eva sent you?

• She said the people of First Ward needed my help.

First Ward is a place that does not exist for your average Praetorian citizen. It is a place where those who would upset the status quo of Praetoria are taken to disappear. This is why some call it Nowhere.

It's more than just the people of First Ward who need your help, Character. All of Praetoria may be in grave danger.

• Grave danger? back up, tell me what's going on!

Something powerful has happened in the First Ward. It has become a nexus point of chaos. If that chaos is allowed to take root, then there may be nothing in this world, or any other, that can stop it.

• What evil is behind this chaos?

You must look beyond the labels of good and evil in First Ward, Character. The only way to put an end to this chaos is to come together, one and all. If we stay divided then we shall all surely fall.

• What are you saying exactly?

You have been chosen by Mistress Eva not because of your loyalties but because you are strong enough to change the tide before it is too late for us all.

The Carnival has recruited others who are just as strong to help. We must all come together to face this threat before it is too late.

• Then you've recruited Praetorians and Villains?

You will find that in First Ward where you came from matters less than what you can contribute.

You do not have to work directly with those you would call enemy, but if we are to prevail then maintaining neutral relations will suffice.

We can use all the help we can get.

• This sounds serious, I will help in whatever way I can.

I knew I could count on you from the moment we first met. You're going to need to talk to Jester.

He's the first person to have been exiled to First Ward that wasn't a Seer in Praetor Tilman's Seer Program. He can fill you in on the details.

When you are ready to proceed to First Ward, let me know.

• It sounds as if there is little time to lose.

Editor's Note:

A second dialogue option in the last conversation tree, "This a lot to take in at once. I need a minute." closes the dialogue window resets the Doorman to the initial introduction dialogue option.

Villains

Villain Doorman Introduction

Doorman

Briefing

Mordesen hired you, I presume?

• And what if he did?

There is no need to play cagey, Character. I have no interest in betraying you, quite the contrary. Your strength would be unwise to oppose and it is that very strength that we in the Carnival have need of.

• What have you heard?

What I've heard will matter less than what is true. If your strength is as great as I've heard, then you have nothing to worry about.

• You let me worry about that, what's on your mind?

First Ward is a place that does not exist for your average Praetorian citizen. It is a place where those who would upset the status quo of Praetoria are taken to disappear. This is why some call it Nowhere.

You have come before me not because of loyalties but because you are strong enough to change the tide before it is too late for us all.

• That sounds dicey... what's your angle?

Something powerful has happened in the First Ward. It has become a nexus point of chaos. If that chaos is allowed to take root, then there may be nothing in this world, or any other, that can stop it.

My angle is that I, like you, want to survive this. But the only way to ensure that is to work together, or, at the very least, not against one another.

You were recruited for your cunning as well as your strength, so I know that you and I see eye to eye on this.

• Right, dying last means I still die. I get it.

You will find that in First Ward where you came from matters less than what you can contribute.

You do not have to work directly with those you would call enemy, but if we are to prevail then maintaining neutral relations will suffice.

We can use all the help we can get.

• Alright, I'm in. But I don't like it.

You don't have to like it.

You're going to need to talk to Jester. He's the first person to have been exiled to First Ward that wasn't a Seer in Praetor Tilman's Seer Program. He can fill you in on the details.

When you are ready to proceed to First Ward, let me know.

• Jester huh? He should like a decent fellow.

You will need to talk to Jester. He has been in First Ward longer than anyone. It's said when the second person came to First Ward, they asked Jester where they were and he said, Nowhere. You will hear many such tales in your travels throughout the destroyed city. Most of them are wild speculation, but any of them could be hiding a truth about how this chaos came to be.

• I'll keep that in mind.

Editor's Note:

A second dialogue option in the last conversation tree, "missing" closes the dialogue window resets the Doorman to the initial introduction dialogue option.

Remember, Character, not everything is as it seems in First Ward. The bizarre is the normal, and the sane are the insane. But most of all, watch your back.

Travel into First Ward and speak with Jester, a long time survivor of First Ward who can shed more light on what exactly is going on.

Loyalists

Loyalist Doorman Introduction

Doorman

Briefing

No need for violence between us, Character. Listen to what I say before you pass sentence.

• Give me a good reason not to arrest you.

The lies you have heard about First Ward are not all true, Character. But know this, there is more going on than Tilman's Seer Program. Far more, and all of it unsettling.

• Why are you telling me this and why should I believe you?

Something powerful has happened in the First Ward. It has become a nexus point of chaos. If that chaos is allowed to take root, then there may be nothing in this world, or any other, that can stop it.

I'm not asking you to believe me, Character. I want you to see it for yourself.

• I'm listening...

You will find that in First Ward where you came from matters less than what you can contribute.

You do not have to work directly with those you would call enemy, but if we are to prevail then maintaining neutral relations will suffice.

We can use all the help we can get.

• If what you say is true, then people are in danger. Yes?

All of Praetoria is in danger, Character. I'm not asking you to change your loyalties, I'm asking you to set them aside for the common good of us all. If we fail here, then who was loyal won't matter anymore, only who was lucky enough to die first.

• What do you want me to do?

All I ask is that you trust your own eyes.

You're going to need to talk to Jester. He's the first person to have been exiled to First Ward that wasn't a Seer in Praetor Tilman's Seer Program. He can fill you in on the details.

When you are ready to proceed to First Ward, let me know.

• Alright, I'll do it.

You will need to talk to Jester. He has been in First Ward longer than anyone. It's said when the second person came to First Ward, they asked Jester where they were and he said, Nowhere. You will hear many such tales in your travels throughout the destroyed city. Most of them are wild speculation, but any of them could be hiding a truth about how this chaos came to be.

• I'll keep that in mind.

Editor's Note:

A second dialogue option in the last conversation tree, "Give me a minute here." closes the dialogue window resets the Doorman to the initial introduction dialogue option.

Remember, Character, not everything is as it seems in First Ward. The bizarre is the normal, and the sane are the insane. But most of all, watch your back.

Travel into First Ward and speak with Jester, a long time survivor of First Ward who can shed more light on what exactly is going on.

Resistance

Resistance Doorman Introduction

Doorman

Briefing

The Carnival has need of your help, Character. The Resistance, perhaps even all of Praetoria is in grave danger.

• What danger do you speak of?
• Point me at the enemy, and I'll take care of the rest.

Something powerful has happened in the First Ward. It has become a nexus point of chaos. If that chaos is allowed to take root, then there may be nothing in this world, or any other, that can stop it.

The conspiracies are true. First Ward is a place that does not exist for your average Praetorian citizen. It is a place where those who would upset the status quo of Praetoria are taken to disappear. This is why some call it Nowhere.

You have come before me not because of loyalties, but because you are strong enough to change the tide before it is too late for us all.

• I'll do everything in my power, but will it be enough?

I believe so, but not everyone in the Carnival feels the same way. We've gathered others to our cause, some of whom you may consider enemies.

• What makes you think those loyal to Cole will help?

You will find that in First Ward, where you came from matters less than what you can contribute.

You do not have to work directly with those you would call enemy, but if we are to prevail, then maintaining neutral relations will suffice.

We can use all the help we can get.

• Alright. For the good of Praetoria, we have little choice.

Believe me, I understand your hesitation, but as you said, we have little choice.

You're going to need to talk to Jester. He's the first person to have been exiled to First Ward that wasn't a Seer in Praetor Tilman's Seer Program. He can fill you in on the details.

When you are ready to proceed to First Ward, let me know.

• I'm ready.
• I'm not ready.

• If this is as bad as you claim, let's use it against tyrant!

If we could, we would have, but there is no controlling it. We must work together to stamp it out now.

All of us must work together...

• Are you suggesting we work with Tyrant's cronies!?

Only so far as we have to. Hear my words, Character. This is bigger than all of us. If we don't stop it, I don't know who will. You must put aside your differences. Whether you work with them is your decision, but working against them will do nothing but get us all killed.

• Fine, but once this is over. They. Will. Pay!

You will find that in First Ward, where you came from matters less than what you can contribute.

You're going to need to talk to Jester. He's the first person to have been exiled to First Ward that wasn't a Seer in Praetor Tilman's Seer Program. He can fill you in on the details.

When you are ready to proceed to First Ward, let me know.

• Jester, sure. Sounds like a cool dude.
• I got a few things to take care of, first.

Too Busy

One should only proceed through a door if they have a purpose in doing so, and right now you have far too much doing to have much of a purpose going anywhere else. Refocus and then we shall see where your purpose will take you.

No More Missions

Missing No More Missions Dialogue

Too High Level

+++ Missing Information +++

Missions

Introduction to First Ward

Enter First Ward and talk to Jester

Briefing

You will need to talk to Jester. He has been in First Ward longer than anyone. It's said when the second person came to First Ward, they asked Jester where they were and he said, Nowhere. You will hear many such tales in your travels throughout the destroyed city. Most of them are wild speculation, but any of them could be hiding a truth about how this chaos came to be.

• I'll keep that in mind.

Remember, Character, not everything is as it seems in First Ward. The bizarre is the normal, and the sane are the insane. But most of all, watch your back.

Unsolicited contact

Speak with Jester. He has watched the chaos grow in First Ward for years. He will tell you all you need to know.

Mission Objective(s)

• Enter First Ward and talk to Jester

Jester

Doorman recommends that you talk to Jester, a man who knows The First Ward better than anyone.

Jester

Briefing

Ah.

The actors begin to take the stage.

I am Jester and I welcome you to this patch of rough we call home. Still, it's got its charms.

Well, the swirling vortex in the sky is less impressive during the day, but the picture book history of the Hamidon Wars is well preserved in the ruins, and continuing to play out even today.

Not quite what you expected, hmmm?

• What is that swirling vortex in the sky?

Jester doesn't even look at the vortex, but instead he giggles, bizarrely.

We have no idea.

What I know is that when the vortex appeared, that's when First Ward got very interesting. That's when the Seeds of Hamidon started arriving, and when the people and the alliances that kept them civil started to disintegrate.

• Tell me about the Seeds of Hamidon.

Years ago, First Ward was attacked and nearly destroyed by the Devouring Earth. Though the creatures were eventually pushed back and defeated, it was decided to abandon First Ward and rebuild in Neutropolis.

Now, with the coming of the vortex, the Seeds of Hamidon renew their assault and colonization of the city.

If they are allowed to take root here, then the city will be forever lost.

• About that. What is that swirling vortex in the sky?

Restart from beginning of dialogue.

• What other dangers are there?

• Tell me about the ruins and the Hamidon Wars.

Years ago, First Ward was attacked and nearly destroyed by the Devouring Earth. Though the creatures were eventually pushed back and defeated, it was decided to abandon First Ward and rebuild in Neutropolis.

Now, with the coming of the vortex, the Seeds of Hamidon renew their assault and colonization of the city.

If they are allowed to take root here, then the city will be forever lost.

• What other dangers are there?

Jester looks about as if for danger.

Well, the biggest threat is dust.

• Dust? I mean, I suppose it could be toxic...

Jester laughs.

No, no, no. Not -dust-. Dust!

He sounds out each letter of the acronym D.U.S.T.

It stands for Dimwitted Urban Strike Team, but my definition might be slightly skewed.

Make no mistake, Character. D.U.S.T. is dangerous. Few people encounter them and are ever seen again.

• What are they doing here?

That's a fine question. A fine question indeed!

As far as I've been able to determine, D.U.S.T. is here to conduct live combat training, using those exiled to First Ward as the most dangerous prey.

They are an urban combat team; their goal is to pacify urban areas by neutralizing all resistance, civilian or otherwise.

For now they remain in the area designated the Free Fire Zone, but they do make forays out into other regions of First Ward, and rarely take prisoners.

D.U.S.T. is the reason we created the Shadowed Paths...

• What are the Shadowed Paths?

The Shadowed Paths are places where this world and the spirit realm overlap. I don't know the specifics of how they were made or why they can exist, but I do know that it has to do with a weakening of the fabric between the realms of the living and the dead.

The Shadowed Paths conceal those within them from the world of the living, and so we can move unseen by D.U.S.T. and maintain communication throughout First Ward without fear of D.U.S.T. interference.

Still, it is not a perfect system and there are gaps. If you are mindful, however, you can get around unnoticed. As far as the Survivor Compound even.

• Tell me about the Survivor Compound.

The Survivor Compound is located in western Eltentown and is the stronghold from which civilization clings on against the odds. This is also the crux from which the chaos that threatens to undo us all is manifesting.

Mistress Nadia of the Carnival of Light has been overseeing the rapidly degrading situation. If you are to make a difference, it is with her that you must start.

I recommend using the Shadowed Paths to make your way to Nadia; D.U.S.T. controls the territory between here and there.

Speak with Meredith; she is the walker of the Shadowed Paths and will show you the way.

• I'm ready to go.

The Vortex

The Vortex is an enigma. It showed up in the sky one evening and hasn't abated since. Some put the blame of First Ward's recent troubles squarely on the Vortex; others call it a sign of the apocalypse. Only one thing is certain: it's arrival has changed everything.

Seeds of Hamidon

The Seeds of Hamidon are enormous creatures that were apparently built as siege breakers. They showed up early during the Hamidon Wars, lazily floating into cities and converting the area into a Devouring Earth paradise. If the Seeds are allowed to take root here in First Ward, it will only be a matter of time before the entire region is overrun with the Devouring Earth.

D.U.S.T.

D.U.S.T. are the next generation of T.E.S.T. troopers. Hand-picked by their commanding officers for their loyalty and brutal efficiency, D.U.S.T. teams appear to be in First Ward simply to use the place as a kind of battlefield training ground. The survivors in First Ward are live targets, and D.U.S.T. is not interested in taking prisoners.

The Shadowed Paths

Passageways that cut through the fabric of reality and skirt the realm of the dead, the Shadowed Paths were created by Vanessa DeVore's Carnival of Light and allow safe travel through First Ward without attracting the attention of the living. Without them, the Carnival would not have been able to maintain order after D.U.S.T. arrived and created the Free-Fire Zone.

The Survivor Compound

The closest thing to civilized free people left in First Ward live in the Survivor Compound. Together, the people here work hard to scrape out a living in a ruin that increasingly tries to kill them. According to Jester, that civility is starting to crumble at an alarming rate, and most people blame it squarely on the Vortex's arrival.

There is currently a crisis unfolding in the Survivor Compound that could jeopardize the already strained relationship between the survivors and the Carnival of Light. Mistress Nadia is in great need of outside help, and you are it.

Find Meredith and the Shadowed Paths

Unnecessary Solicitation

Meredith walks the Shadowed Paths. You can find her there between here and the spirit realm.

Mission Objective(s)

• Find Meredith and the Shadowed Paths

Meredith

Briefing

Welcome to the place that should not exist, Character. I am Meredith, a guide to the world between worlds.

We are between worlds now, half spirit, half material, yet still whole.

The Carnival, too, is split in two, yet remains whole, for now. The events at the Survivor Compound have jeopardized the tenuous peace which First Ward has relied upon for years merely to survive.

The Carnival of Light is now mirrored by the Carnival of War. Both seek the same thing, but their methodology is very different. Violently different. As we speak, the Carnival of War's actions threaten to cut the last threads of sanity here in First Ward. I beg of you to stop them before it is too late.

The Carnival of War has trapped some survivor scavengers in an abandoned office not far from here. They seek to make an example of them in the hopes that the people of the Survivor Compound will lay down their arms against the Carnival, but we all know that it will merely incite open conflict. Stop the Carnival of War and rescue the scavengers they have captured before it is too late.

Stop the Carnival of War

Unnecessary Solicitation

If the Carnival of War retaliates against the survivors, then it will be the flashpoint that tears First Ward apart at the seams.

Mission Objective(s)

File:Map Flooded Office 30 Layout 13 01.png

Map: Flooded_Office_30_Layout_13_01

The heady aroma of mildew hangs heavy in the air.

• Stop the Carnival of War
  • 5 scavengers to rescue

You rescured the scavengers from the Carnival of War!

Enemies

Carnival of War

Notable NPCs

• Captured Scavenger x5 (Non-escort hostage)
• Anchorite of War (Carnival of War Lieutenant)
• Eremite of War (Carnival of War Lieutenant)
• Mistress of War (Carnival of War Boss)

Carnival of War Chatter

Before Combat:

Acolyte of War: I still think a prisoner exchange would be the wiser choice.

Acolyte of War: If Nadia won't move against the Monarch to save our people, then we must.

Anchorite & Eremite Dialogue

Before Combat:

Eremite of War: We got five of them, that should send the Monarch a message.

Anchorite of War: If they're to execute our men, then theirs will die in turn.

Combat Start:

Eremite of War: Powers Division? Here!?

Anchorite of War: Looks like D.U.S.T. has brought in the big guns.

Captured Scavenger Dialogue

Upon Rescue: Them damn Carnies was gonna kill us.

---

Upon Rescue: Powers Division? Here? Uh... Thanks, I guess.

---

Upon Rescue: You... You saved my life.

---

Upon Rescue: I guess I owe you one, eh?

---

Upon Rescue: I don't know what Powers Division is doing out here, but thanks.

Mistress of War Dialogue

Before Combat: Brothers and sisters, we have company.

Prepare for battle!

Combat Start: Destroy him! / her!

First Blood: D.U.S.T. needed help from Powers Division, hmm?

75% Health: I see you are no stranger to the ways of battle.

50% Health: We are not mewling weaklings like DeVore and her Carnival of Light.

25% Health: There is a storm of blood and steel coming, and you cannot stop it!

Upon Defeat: Blood begets blood. It will never end!

Return to Meredith

Unnecessary Solicitation

Talk to Meredith.

Mission Objective(s)

• Return to Meredith

Meredith

Briefing

You did an excellent job there, Character, but I'm afraid all you've bought is some time. You'll need to speak to Mistress Nadia if we are to put an end to the hostilities.

• They called me Powers Division, what does that mean?

Meredith smiles at your costume

Here, in Praetoria, one such as yourself is assumed to be a part of the Powers Division; a world spanning collection of super powered individuals working for the good of Praetoria. In the past, they were a force for good, but now many consider them to be nothing more than tools of Emperor Cole's regime.

That you would be here or come to anyone's aid will no doubt raise many questions in the people's minds.

• Where can I find Nadia?

Follow the Shadowed Paths west to Nadia. You can find Nadia outside of the Survivor Compound keeping watch from her vantage point. To her, they are still her responsibility, even if they don't want her help any longer.

• I'll go speak with her.

Talk to Mistress Nadia

Unnecessary Solicitation

Mistress Nadia can help explain what is going on.

Mission Objective(s)

• Talk to Mistress Nadia

Nadia

Briefing

The loa told me they felt a powerful presence coming to aid me, and now he / she stands before me.

• You are Nadia?

You come to ol' Nadia for answers, don't you, child? Did Jester not answer enough? Speak to me - speak to us. The loas have gathered to hear your questions.

Editor's Note:

From here, Nadia gives her own missions. Doorman serves to introduce a character to First Ward's contact chain.