Mission:Glory and Dark Tidings - Chapter One: Dark Comedy

Chapter One: Dark Comedy

Briefing

Good day to you, sir. / Blessings be upon you, lady. It would seem the Fates have convened to once again place a warrior at my doorstep, in time of great need.

Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sister Valeria, and in this chaotic time of transition and upheaval in Cimerora, I have burdened myself with the task of cleansing the land of the evils that plague us, once and for all.

If you be strong, brave, and relentless, together we shall restore Cimerora to order and peace.

The events of this arc take place after the events of the Imperious Task Force and during the conclusion of events in Dark Astoria.

• What needs to be done?

Cimerora has been through much in these last few years, sir / my lady. With Romulus's plans and Cimerora itself both laid to ruin in less than a season, our people are worn thin like old clothing trying to repair, regrow, and restore their way of life.

This is made even more difficult by the impending departure of Marcus Valerius to the Abyss, who otherwise keeps the city's borders secure. Romulus's men still skirmish on the outskirts of town; they take upon themselves massive wounds of war and return stronger than before, each time.

Foul magic is afoot not far from here. I need you to flush out these cowards and find the source of their power.

Unnecessary Solicitation

I have written the information down for you on where they can be found. Do not idle about!

Mission Objective(s)

This oppressive darkness seems all too familiar.

• Find Romulus' garrison
  • Search for clues
  • Defeat the garrison leader
  • Find the source of dark power

You cleared out the cavern where the Cimeroran traitors were skirmishing from - you found a Sybil, a Shadow Crystal... and a map!

Enemies

Cimeroran Traitors

Ravenna Conclave

Nictus

Notable NPCs

• General Sideris (Cimeroran Traitors Legatus Legionis)
• Achlys (Ravenna Conclave Sybil)
• Shadow Crystal (Object)

A Nonsensical Map

This looks like a map of Cimerora, with several points of interest dotted on it. The map suggests there are routes between them, but it doesn't explain how they connect.

Cimeroran Traitor Dialogue

Before Combat:
Cimeroran Traitor 1: The chosen ones have arrived.
Cimeroran Traitor 2: Let them come.
Combat Start:
Cimeroran Traitor 1: Halt their advance!
Cimeroran Traitor 2: Have at you, god-spawn!

---

Before Combat:
Cimeroran Traitor 1: A new era is dawning for us.
Cimeroran Traitor 2: Indeed. The Dark Ones provide.
Combat Start:
Cimeroran Traitor 1: Too late, god-spawn!
Cimeroran Traitor 2: Don't let them destroy the crystal!

General Sideris and Achlys Dialogue

Before Combat:
General Sideris: I do not understand. There are more of you?
Achlys: Yes.
Achlys: More than you could ever imagine.
Combat Start:
Achlys: The conduit is under attack. Prepare to eliminate the invaders!
General Sideris: By your command, it will be done.
First Blood:
General Sideris: Have at thee, godling!
Achlys: Hmph. Insolent parasite.
75% Health:
General Sideris: Your strength is formidable, but my resolve will endure!
Achlys: I am growing tired of your insistence on living.
50% Health:
General Sideris: You are trained unlike anyone I've ever met before.
Achlys: You will be donated to the most ambitious of research projects.
25% Health:
General Sideris: No! I pledged my life to Romulus and the Dark Ones, and it cannot end here!
Achlys: It doesn't end with me, Character. You're a long way from finished.
Upon Defeat:
General Sideris: Please... tell the sybils... to care for my wife... She's innocent of my sins.
Achlys: I'll be back. Nictus are eternal!

A Disturbing Echo

As the Shadow Crystal collapsed, you are certain you heard fading laughter from where it once stood. It sounded human, but... affected by something.

We Are Legion

At the end of your journey into the cave, you came upon General Sideris, engaged in some kind of dialog with a... sybil?

Debriefing

I am saddened to hear of the loss of Sideris. He was once a proud, noble man, and now it seems that he only remembered that in a moment of clarity during his final moments. I will attend to his wife and bring her to the Temple if she needs protection and sanctuary.

I am deeply disturbed by your reports that he was treating with a sybil. As of this morning, all of our wards had been accounted for, so whoever that person be, they were not one of ours. Be wary, friend, because treachery and deception seem to be at their apex when the Dark Ones are in motion. Trust nobody, and if you must trust someone, ask for blood. A Dark One bleeds lavender, and cannot hide from that.

Sister Valeria pulls a small dagger from her belt and runs the edge across her left palm. She holds it up to show she bleeds true. A sybil rushes up with bandaging, her hands wrapped in similar cloth. Valeria refuses her for the moment.

In lighter news, a sense of dread seems to be receding from the people with your victory. Be it short lived or long, you have made good progress for the people today.

Please turn over anything of interest from that cave to my attendants - I will see what our next plans are.