Sister Valeria

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

General Sideris and Achlys Dialogue

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.

Chapter Two: The Cave

Briefing

It is good to see you again, Warrior of Fate. I have conferred with my attendants, the sybils, and held a brief audience with Sister Solaris about the nature of this map.

There is agreement amongst us that the map makes little sense; there are no true routes between these points. However, it is possible that these routes may have been carved into the earth itself.

Sister Valeria points to a spot on the map, just off the Cimeroran coast.

I will ask you to investigate this area next - to determine what, if any, truth is to be learned from this map.

This cavern was once the site of a fierce battle with a Dark One, vanquished shortly after Imperious' cohort purged a set of stones from the ancient caves. Evil fled there once, it could be there anew.

Be on your guard, friend.

I'll head there now.

Excellent news, friend / sister. Make sure to bring back anything of interest.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Report back when you have news for me.

Mission Objective(s)

Darkness and faint laughter surround you.

Explore the coastal cavern
- Search the caverns for anything of interest
  - Secure the cavern exit
  - Defeat the crystal's guardians

The map makes more sense now - the Nictus are growing new crystals and using them to move troops about! But who are these newcomers, and why do the Nictus seem so eager to ally with them?

Enemies

Notable NPCs

??? (Archvillain) (Teleports away when aggroed)
Nictus Shadow Crystal (Object)
Shadowy Defender (Nictus Greater Unbound Nictus)
Shadowy Brood Leader (Nictus Greater Unbound Nictus)
Guardian Empusa (Ravenna Conclave Sybil)
Tachyon (Nictus Dark Dwarf)

Cimeroran Traitor Dialogue

Legatus and Monster Dialogue

Meanwhile, at the sacred site...

???: It is as he said. A combination of heat, minerals, and a well-timed death...

A newly created Shadow Crystal

???: You feel familiar, but changed. Did we know each other?

The faint sounds of laughter and anguish emanate from the crystal.

???: Rest in peace, friend. Your death brings us an alliance.
???: Ah, the irresistible temptation of future knowledge. There's nothing else quite like it.

Ambush! Reducing the Nictus Shadow Crystal to 75% health triggers an ambush by one wave of Nictus, including the Shadowy Defender.

Shadowy Defender: The path is under attack!

Shadowy Defender: Kill the godlings!

Troop Transports

These Shadow Crystals are acting as some kind of transport endpoint. You realize that if this is true, Nictus could flood from anywhere to Earth!

Ambush! Reducing the Nictus Shadow Crystal to 50% health triggers an ambush by one wave of Nictus, including the Shadowy Brood Leader.

Shadowy Brood Leader: A thousand years of science still cannot prepare me for that method of travel.

Shadowy Brood Leader: The god-spawn are here! Kill them all!

Unfamiliar Sensations

The second troop transport commander was less accustomed to this method of travel.

Ambush! Reducing the Shadow Crystal to 25% health triggers an ambush by one wave of Nictus, as well as the Guardian Empusa.

Guardian Empusa: Do not impede the crystal's growth!

Guardian Empusa: You will suffer for this!

Femme Fatale

A Sybil, acting like a guardian to the crystal, lamented that you were depriving it from growing... But wasn't it already fully grown?

Ambush! Destroying the Nictus Shadow Crystal triggers an ambush by two waves of combined Cimeroran Traitors and Nictus and one wave of combined Nictus and Ravenna Conclave. These waves contain multiple bosses even at low notoriety, and each of the first two waves also includes a Cyclops or Minotaur elite boss.

Cimeroran Traitor Minion: Only eternal darkness awaits!

Cimeroran Traitor Minion: They shall be lost to the shadows!

Priestess of the Path: They cannot be allowed to escape with what they have seen!

Exit Defender Dialogue

Ambush! Entering the cavern exit chamber triggers an ambush by one wave of combined Ravenna Conclave and Nictus.

Priestess of the Path: They cannot be allowed to escape with what they have seen!

Debriefing

This is dire news, warrior / friend. Romulus and his obsession with the Dark Ones are a plague upon the spirit of the people, and mere mention of it brings great fear and trepidation to those who hear of it.

I am putting my soldiers on high alert - if anyone sees these traitorous females in their darkened garb, eliminate them on sight!

It is not my desire to deliver news that the Dark Ones grow once more, but our mission is clear now - we must finish what Imperious started, and eliminate these cursed gems at all costs!

I will not rest until I know where these new threats hail from. You have my word.

Chapter Three: Trojan War Tactics

Briefing

I am at a loss for how to proceed, warrior / friend. As I study the map, I am more and more convinced that attempting to destroy these crystals is not a problem that can be solved with standard warfare.

If these things be connected, then the speed in which we take them out would be insufficient to get them all without raising alarm.

No, what this requires is a more subtle approach. Something with more finesse and less brutality. We're going to infiltrate.

I'm up to try anything.

Good. I have already procured the necessary change of attire for you.

Head over to this section of the city and enter this point, here, while disguised. Find out what you can and report back.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Report back when you have news for me.

Mission Objective(s)

Dicaeopolis you are not, but the chorus will be none the wiser.

Infiltrate a Shadow Crystal tunnel
- 2 clues left to uncover
- Find any useful information
  - Shatter the crystal
  - Defeat the Faithful
- ???

When the dust settled, you once again had more questions than answers.

Enemies

Notable NPCs

Transport Sentry (Nictus Greater Unbound Nictus, Ally)
Companion of Shadow (Nictus Greater Unbound Nictus, Ally)
Umbral Sentry (Nictus Greater Unbound Nictus, Ally)
Shadow Crystal (Object, Ally)
Dark Praefectus 3x (Cimeroran Traitors Praefectus Castrorum, Ally)
The Fires of Enlightenment (Nictus Dark Nova Alpha, Ally)
Shadowy Brood Leader (Nictus Greater Unbound Nictus)
Hector (Ravenna Conclave Hoplite of Umbra)
Dorjan's Faithful (Nictus Dark Nova Alpha)

Editor's Note:

Characters receive a Cimeroran Disguise on entering the mission. The appearance depends on body type: an Immunes Engineer for male, a female Centurion for female, or a Praefectus Castrorum for huge. All powers, abilities, and attacks are disabled until the Fires of Enlightenment dispels the disguise during its dialogue, which immediately turns all enemies hostile and removes the disguise.

Nictus Friendly Dialogue

Haunting Notes

Despite not being able to read the notes carved upon the tablet, when you ran your fingers over them, strange sensations shot up your arm. In the deepest reaches of your mind, you thought you heard whispers. Shortly thereafter, you felt like you gained a limited understanding of the notes. They felt like they might be research, but you can't be sure. You took a rubbing to bring back to Valeria.

Dark Smithing

The weapons you found in the cavern seem to have been delicately and deliberately infused with dark crystals during the smithing process. While not channeling the kind of power or malice that other Nictus might, nonetheless they looked to shimmer with energy akin to the dark ones, concentrated heavily at the grip.

The Fires of Enlightenment

Briefing

As you approach the Nictus monstrosity, it trembles with anticipation.
Good... good! More soldiers to defend this endpoint. Who sends you to me on this day, noble warrior?

I was sent by General Sideris.

The Nictus begins to vibrate with some kind of otherworldly thrumming. After a moment, you realize it might be... laughing.

Oh, dear soldier, it has been many years since I have laughed at someone's ignorance.

Do you take me for a fool? General Sideris has been captured by Sister Valeria. His attempts to follow in the Elders' footsteps and broker knowledge for power got the better of him, and now he rots in a jail cell instead of strengthening the alliance. News travels quicker than ever with these crystals growing into harmony. So who sent you is less important now than... who are you?

The Nictus reaches out with a tentacle and attempts to touch you.

Dodge being touched by the tentacle!

Despite your best efforts, the Nictus's appendage was too wily and elusive to be able to avoid. It makes contact with you briefly, and in a second there is a brief exchange of images and sounds, and you find yourself in your original outfit!

Ah, a puppet of Valeria! No matter, I will cut your strings and toss you aside like a spoiled child's toy.

Well, it would appear this disguise has failed me.

I was sent by General Geminius.

The Nictus begins to vibrate with some kind of otherworldly thrumming. After a moment, you realize it might be... laughing.

Oh, dear soldier, it has been many years since I have laughed at someone's ignorance.

Do you take me for a fool? News travels quicker than ever with these crystals growing into harmony. General Geminius failed at the hands of Imperious's cohort months ago, captured while begging for forgiveness in Vespillo Pass. A brave and mighty ally he was not, and any whelp in these lands either calls his name reverently out of ignorance or out of an apalling lack of skill in subterfuge. I rescind my question of who sent you and put forth a better one... who are you?

The Nictus reaches out with a tentacle and attempts to touch you.

Dodge being touched by the tentacle!

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

I was sent by Romulus himself.

The Nictus begins to vibrate with some kind of otherworldly thrumming. After a moment, you realize it might be... laughing.

Oh, dear soldier, it has been many years since I have laughed at someone's ignorance. And the audacity to think that I would believe you were speaking with Romulus when most do not even know where he's retreated to. You must think, as you humans like to say, that I was born yesterday. I can assure you I was born far before your mortal reckoning.

Such wild and gutsy lies require little consideration for your wellbeing, godling. Let's see who you really are.

The Nictus reaches out with a tentacle and attempts to touch you.

Duck being hit with the tentacle!

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

Nobody sent me. I seek power on my own terms.

The Nictus begins to thrum with some kind of deep vibrations. You see the colors within his essence shift, and he turns his attention to you fully.

Ah, dear soldier, you are either the bravest or most foolish of the conscripted. Nobody ever told you that the Path of the Dark is an invite-only affair, did they? And if so, you'd know also that your sponsor must bring you. I see no such person with you, so the question turns to... who are you?

The Nictus reaches out with a tentacle and attempts to touch you.

Dip away from the advancing tentacle!

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

I sent myself here, in devotion to the Nictus!

The Nictus begins to thrum with some kind of deep vibrations. You see the colors within his essence shift, and he turns his attention to you fully.

Only an absolute fool would approach a being such as myself with such a jovial irreverence. Do you mock me, mortal? Or are you truly so limited in cognitive faculties that you thought strolling into a Nictus cave spouting sycophantic fanaticism would buy you into power?

The Nictus peers at you.

Or perhaps it's a third option... Not disrespect, not ignorance... but deception! Who do you work for, soldier? Or more interestingly, since your tunic appears to be mis-sized... who are you, and whose clothes are you trying to wear?

The Nictus reaches out with a tentacle and attempts to touch you.

Dive away from the incoming tentacle!

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

The Fires of Enlightenment

You came face to... face? With an oversized Nictus nova calling itself the Fires of Enlightenment. In its death throes, you were given a brief glimpse of the end of your journey with Valeria, successful in your task and being awarded accolades for your efforts. But as the vision fades, it suddenly fades back in to a new scene, looking down at ancient Europe and showing tendrils of corruption growing from the future sites of Barcelona, Prague, Stockholm, Constantinople, Berlin... and a focused dot of pure black in Italy that seems out of place.

Praefectus and Nictus Enemy Dialogue

The Homeland?

One Nictus was overheard speaking about the homeland being secure. But what was the homeland? Kheldia? Earth? Or something else?

The Fires of Enlightenment Dialogue

Ambush! Reducing the Shadow Crystal to 75% health triggers an ambush by one wave of Nictus, including the Shadowy Brood Leader.

Shadowy Brood Leader: They found another!

Shadowy Brood Leader: Kill them all!

Ambush! Reducing the Shadow Crystal to 50% health triggers an ambush by one wave of Nictus, as well as Hector.

Hector: You cannot stop us, only delay us!

Hector: No prisoners!

Ambush! Reducing the Shadow Crystal to 25% health triggers an ambush by one wave of Nictus, including Dorjan's Faithful.

Dorjan's Faithful: The homeland is secure. Your efforts matter little to us now.

Dorjan's Faithful: Dorjan will devour your very essence!

The Dorjan Mythos

Dorjan's name was thrown around aggressively as the person who would rip your essence asunder and consume it in a vicious, feral fashion. Whomever or whatever he is, he's commanding enough reputation to be thrown around by his subordinates as the end-all be-all of pain and suffering, so he's got to be further up the chain of command.

Debriefing

I am greatly concerned by these Dark Ones taking up names. The Fires of Enlightenment, that creature certainly was not!

Whatever it is, or they are, they are ancient, and cunning, but still underestimating our tenacity. What truly gives me pause is the one name I hoped never to hear again, let alone have to speak it in good company.

Valeria spits as she utters the name.

Dorjan. The vile tempter who coaxed Romulus into the caves to seek out power many years ago. He who allowed him to drink from the well of evil and become a man obsessed with deposing Imperious as Emperor. He... who will not be easy to find. We need to hunt down someone with knowledge.

Return to me after you have rested. I will arrange new plans.

Chapter Four: Operation Sciritae

Briefing

Character. It is, as always, a sigh of great relief that accompanies your presence. Please, make yourself comfortable. We have much to discuss.

Sister Valeria pulls a bit of parchment out from under her tunic.

This note contains the name and location of a stubborn and powerful Cimeroran traitor that we have been trying to capture for months. Of the few phalanxes left uncaptured, he would be the closest to the top leadership, so our best attempt to locate Dorjan is likely with him.

I need you to capture General Gorgidas alive! And if any crystals grow within, please destroy them with impunity!

I'll take care of it.

You may be curious of the secrecy in this note. I went to great lengths to personally exchange favors to obtain this information from sources that I could trust - and I still do not trust more than half the people I spoke with to do anything more than cleaning my sandals.

Many prisoners of war were persuaded to assist in a manner that would be ill-fitting a civilized democracy. Alas, the ends will justify the means if you are able to capture Gorgidas and locate Dorjan.

If you or I were caught with this information in a more formal setting, the consequences would be dire. When you are certain you have the location, burn the note.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Remember, we need him alive!

Mission Objective(s)

Once inside, you burn the note as Valeria asked.

Capture General Gorgidas
- Capture Gorgidas alive!
  - Shatter the crystal
  - Defeat Logic Knot!

General Gorgidas seemed poised to assist you, but was overtaken by a Nictus buried in him and instead you tangled with a Dark One! After dealing with the one called Logic Knot, you were able to collapse another Shadow Crystal. This time, you got lucky, and were able to recover a shard of it not devoured in its collapse. Someone's got to be able to do something with this.

Enemies

Notable NPCs

Dark Praefectus x6 (Cimeroran Traitors Praefectus Castrorum)
General Gorgidas (Cimeroran Traitors Legatus Legionis)
Logic Knot (Nictus Hostless Nictus Aspect)
Shadow Crystal (Object)
Shadowy Defender (Ravenna Conclave Priestess of the Path)
Dark Cimeroran Outlander (Ravenna Conclave Hoplite of Umbra)
Guardian Circe (Ravenna Conclave Sybil)

Dark Praefectus Dialogue

Gorgidas Dialogue

General Gorgidas

Briefing

General Gorgidas looks up at you with steely resolve. You can tell from his posture that he no longer poses a threat to you, but the man looks every bit as dangerous as the moment you locked eyes.
You have beaten me in combat. You have earned my respect and I submit to you in defeat.
Now, I suppose, you have a choice. What is to be my fate?

On your feet, soldier. We speak as equals.

General Gorgidas rises to his feet, confused. He grabs your forearm for a Cimeroran handshake in a show of gratitude.

Well met, God-spawn. I was not expecting mercy today. Or any day, since the coward Romulus disappeared with his Dark Mentor from elsewhen. If I am not to be executed today, then what purpose do I serve for my life-debt?

You glance in the direction of the Shadow Crystal.

Tell me about these crystals, and the Dark Mentor.

The Dark Ones are not unified, Character. I do not feign understanding, for it is dark magic and beyond my mortal comprehension. The ones who came under the banner of the Dark Mentor, they are not from this time. They are from elsewhen, silver-tongued tricksters with promises of power and conquest.

They lured Romulus, that young fool, into joining them. And when they were routed, the Dark Mentor that you call Requiem, he became mad with rage. He slipped into a state of inky nothingness and was gone for weeks.

In his absence, Dorjan revisited us. I had seen Dorjan many a time in my youth, staunch of heart and tempered of soul, but it had been many seasons since I last saw him, when Romulus was but a whelp. He appeared suddenly, as if no time had passed, but was utterly corrupted by the forces of the Dark Ones.

It broke my heart, O Mighty One, to see someone so revered become such a pale imitation of one's self in virtue.

Continue...

Gorgidas continues, as you have not interjected.

Dorjan must have known that his faith in Romulus was misplaced, and sought to rectify the state of affairs left in his absence. He rushed to us, like a hero with glorious purpose, speaking quickly and convincingly that the Dark Ones were not here to bring about the twilight of humanity, but to usher it into a new dawn. I was skeptical, but my healing wounds from the intolerant Valeria convinced me to try the prettier of two evils.

I followed the man I once loved as a leader and respected as a friend back into the foothills, where I was greeted by a camp of comrades a thousand strong, but changed. They burned with a fire in their soul that many of them never had before. They could... wield magic. I wanted to flee, but valor prevented me from expressing such cowardice. Deeper into their camp I went, and settled in. Weeks passed before I saw something that changed me forever.

What was that?

General Gorgidas puts his hand up quickly.

I am a modestly educated man, Character. But I cannot begin to try and describe the nature of what I saw. It was at once fire, and ice, and stone, and pure dark magic. When Dorjan approached it, he could draw more Dark Ones from it. It seemed to be endless, how he could find Dark Ones and gift them to the troops for empowerment.

When the time came for me, I drew my sword and refused. I wanted nothing more than to prove my worth without the assistance of these vile clouds.

Gorgidas looks down at the ground.

It was in that moment that I felt truly powerless, as I slashed at the air and howled in rage, impotently. The Dark One rushed me like I was not even there, and then it was gone. I felt it creep upon my soul and I steeled my nerves for a battle I had never fought before. As I collapsed into a fevered dream, the Dark One that called itself 'Logic Knot' attempted to overcome me. I fought it for what felt like months, in that quiet solitude.

Then, suddenly, it gave up. I awoke and mere minutes had passed. I have been relegated to camping with these infernal crystals ever since.

Why are you telling me this?

General Gorgidas laughs and licks his lips.

When a victory is all but assured, you are permitted to monologue, are you not? Ha ha ha... I've told you as many truths as I have lies as I get to know my prey... you've been enormously entertaining to watch and analyze. It doesn't matter how much you know and if you live to tell the tale, the research is complete and the loop is closed. All you can do now... is struggle against inevitability.

Gorgidas was an interesting host.

I understand why these animals are so revered amongst their kin. They are honed, relentless warriors, with hearts of gold and brains of steel. A perfect combination to corrupt. It's a shame he had to keep on living, not knowing the gift I could have been. But in the end, it brought you to me, and now I can have the host I've been looking for!

Logic Knot, I presume?

Gorgidas looks at you with a feral appetite.

It is time that you embraced the eternal dominion of the Nictus! We are legion, and you cannot hope to stop us!

Fight Logic Knot!

Okay, get to the point Droneicus...

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

Dorjan was...?

Gorgidas looks at you with a realization that you truly are an outlander.

Dorjan... he could have been Emperor. Never had I ever known a man more spirited, fair, just, and strong than he. And somehow, he was corrupted so utterly that the person before me was but a demon wearing his flesh. So twisted was the Dorjan I met that my stomach nearly turned.

Dorjan must have known that his faith in Romulus was misplaced, and sought to rectify the state of affairs left in his absence. He rushed to us, like a hero with glorious purpose, speaking quickly and convincingly that the Dark Ones were not here to bring about the twilight of humanity, but to usher it into a new dawn. I was skeptical, but my wounds from the intolerant Valeria convinced me to try the prettier of two evils.

I followed the man I once loved and respected back into the foothills, where I was greeted by a camp of comrades a thousand strong, but changed. They burned with a fire in their soul that many of them never had before. They could... wield magic. I wanted to flee, but valor prevented me from expressing such cowardice. Deeper into their camp I went, and settled in.

Weeks passed before I saw something that changed me forever.

What was that?

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

Fate? Hmm, I haven't decided yet.

General Gorgidas stays bowed, a look of confusion taking over his body. He glances up at you again with a look of concern on his face. He stands up slowly and without aggression.

Your methods and motives are elusive, God-spawn. Unlike the coward I once served and his Dark Mentor from elsewhen, I find little enjoyment from those in power withholding information for amusement.

If I am not to be executed today, then what purpose do I serve for my life-debt?

You glance in the direction of the Shadow Crystal.

Tell me about these crystals, and the Dark Mentor.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

Any ally to Romulus is an enemy of mine.

General Gorgidas stares up at you again with a look of rage on his face. He rises to his feet, defiantly.

Romulus? Bah!

Gorgidas spits at the ground with the utterance of the name.

That coward is no ally of mine. I rode with him when he campaigned for the honor of seating himself on the throne of Cimerora. A man of action, he was. Where he went, great deeds followed. Then the Dark Mentor came along, with promises of power and conquest in lands unheard of and time yet to pass. Romulus was drunk with the idea of power and glory since the Fates chose Imperious to be their champion, and he lost his vision.

He was no longer fighting for his land, his people. He was only fighting for himself and glory. Should I ever see him or his harpy allies, his fell beasts, I would slay him on sight! Now, if your quarrel is with this coward, let me be the first of assistance.

You glance in the direction of the Shadow Crystal.

If you detest Romulus, why do you continue to raid Cimerora?

Gorgidas nearly chokes on your accusation.

Ah, I see. I've been branded a fiend, a scofflaw, a traitor. And when we came to repent, to atone for our wayward decisions, we were treated like animals. The red cloth we bore on our breasts were enough to exclude us from any consideration. We were attacked on sight! We were not a raiding party, until they made us one.

But on the day in which Sister Valeria stuck me with her pilum, I heard a whisper. Down into the cave of a Dark One I retreated, bleeding at every step.

Gorgidas rubs his midsection idly while telling the tale.

It was there I found bewildered, lost, and masterless Dark Ones. They set upon me immediately, but upon seeing my red cloth, I was welcomed as a champion. O God-spawn, you must know what it feels like to be welcomed home by strangers as one of their own. To be lauded and appreciated as the savior, for doing nothing more than what you believed was right.

But it was a farce, as all brokers of powers cling to. Soon, I felt the bonds of servitude creeping upon my soul, and my resolve faltered.

Go on.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

Tell me about these crystals, and the Dark Mentor.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

Logic Knot Emerges

The Death of Gorgidas

In a stunning turn of events you'd never seen before, General Gorgidas had been unknowingly harboring a Nictus within him, blind to the truth of his fate. When he let his guard down for long enough, the Nictus tore itself from his body in rage, killing him. It could not allow you to live with the knowledge he had given you, and tried to stop you at all costs.

Ambush! Reducing the Shadow Crystal to 75% health triggers an ambush by one wave of Nictus, as well as the Shadowy Defender.

Shadowy Defender: The path is under attack!

Shadowy Defender: Kill the godlings!

Ambush! Reducing the Shadow Crystal to 50% health triggers an ambush by one wave of Nictus, as well as the Dark Cimeroran Outlander.

Dark Cimeroran Outlander: You cannot stop us! We are already here!

Dark Cimeroran Outlander: This cycle is doomed to repeat forever... and we have far more patience!

Ambush! Reducing the Shadow Crystal to 25% health triggers an ambush by one wave of Ravenna Conclave, including the Guardian Circe.

Guardian Circe: Do not impede the crystal's growth!

Guardian Circe: You will suffer for this!

Femme Fatale

A Sybil, acting like a guardian to the crystal, lamented that you were depriving it from growing... But wasn't it already fully grown?

Debriefing

Sister Valeria listens to you with great focus and intent.

So, Gorgidas was consumed by a Dark One, and you slew the beast within him? This is vexing news that leaves me unfulfilled.

On one side of the argument, you've slain a Dark One and nobody could be happier about that. But on the other side, Gorgidas sounded like he could have been the key to finding Dorjan and the center of this net.

We need a new plan of attack.

I said I would not rest until I knew the name of our threat. I whisper it to you now, in confidence it will not leave your lips...

The enemy calls themselves The Path of the Dark, and they hail from Ravenna. They are not to be underestimated - their leader, Livia, is a social and political force. We must foil their plot without destabilizing the entirety of the empire in the process.

You explain to Valeria that you have obtained a cold, odorous fragment of the Shadow Crystal in Gorgidas's cave.

By the Gods! Why would you carry that around with you? Its evil emanates from all sides, and assaults all of my senses! Get rid of it, before it brings eternal...

midnight... upon us. Midnight! The Mystics of Midnight that protect the God-Path, they are the ones who brought you all to us. Ask the Mystics of Midnight if they have any insight!

Briefing

We have no time to waste, Character. If there's information to be learned from that vile rock, then the Mystics of Midnight would know how to get it.

If there is a greater threat, we need to know now or all could be lost! Go, go now!

I'll bring the crystal to them.

Valeria begins to walk towards her attendant, glancing over her shoulder periodically at you. It seems she may be preparing for the worst, just in case.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Valeria is unable to assist you at this moment.

Mission Objective(s)

Bring the Shard to the Midnighters

Midnighter Ritualist

Briefing

The Midnight Squad mage looks at the crystal and breathes deeply of its essence.
It's always interesting to meet a being that is so engrossed in its own philosophy that it cannot see past its own faults. Not unlike the Rikti, this being is devoted to the world of science, leaving no discussion available to the alternatives. This leaves them dreadfully vulnerable to the potency of magic, which they can no longer comprehend - power through faith.
You'd be wise to remember this lesson, Character - nobody is perfect, and the best of us do not dismiss a dissenting opinion with derision. To succeed in all things is to be able to see and understand all sides of the issue.

Hopefully there's a spell to disrupt the network?

You tap your foot anxiously, hoping the Midnighter can work some hefty magic through this crystal shard. After a minute, he looks up at you with a cheerful smile, though you can tell he's going to be giving you news you don't want to hear.

Alas, friend, I cannot disrupt the crystal network, for it is too vast and complex for the time we have or the means at our disposal. I can, however, offer you an alternative - through the fabric of this being's power I have traced where the single Shadow Cyst exists.

The ritualist pauses for a moment.

I may have spoken too soon. I recall a movie that was based on the Rikti War. An enterprising scientist uses the Rikti's own programming language against the mothership to disable the shields long enough for Statesman to take it down.

The ritualist floats the crystal in front of him as flecks of blue and purple energy swirl into it from the edges of your peripheral vision.

This should work. I have harnessed enough ambient Nictus energy from these lands to corrupt this crystal with a hexagonal lattice of energy compressed within. When it makes contact with another crystal, it should exponentially inflate and decompress.

Bring this close enough to the Cyst, and it should merge, inflate, and collapse the Cyst. The last bit relies on hope, however - every crystal connected to the Cyst should also be destroyed in the process.

Lastly, Dorjan will most likely be guarding this cave himself. If you dont know about Dorjan, I can offer you a replica of his Midnighter dossier. He's been a subject of interest since we arrived here, but he's a ghost in the sands of time.

Thanks.

(You tap your foot anxiously) Can we sever the network, please?

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

Midnighter Dossier: Dorjan

Little is known historically, even to the Midnighters, about a Cimeroran General named Dorjan. Despite him being a faithful and effective leader under Imperious's and Romulus's leadership, Dorjan is only mentioned a few times in written history. Luckily, the Midnighters were able to record some oral tradition passed down by descendants of the traveling merchants and nomads that trace their lineage back to this time, and they speak of a 'Dorjan' as a ruthless agent of chaos and evil. He's painted in the same light as the snake from Genesis, tempting Romulus to give in to his fears and seek out power in the worst ways. Oral tradition is the finest form of embellishment, but something tells you there's a lot of truth in this hearsay.

The ritualist was able to confirm your worst fear. A shadow crystal has matured into a cyst!

Debriefing

Sister Valeria listens to the recounting of your story.

Intriguing. So, the Mystics of Midnight are relying on war tactics from a battle yet to come, aggrandized in the realm of theatre?

You'll forgive me if I am skeptical. At the least, they were able to divine where the central crystal, a 'cyst', is located? Let me check this information against the map.

Valeria unfurls the map and begins to triangulate with her compass. After a few minutes, she breathes a sigh of relief.

Yes, the Fates smile upon us all today. The location is true, the Cyst is likely accessible from a place just to the east of the Castellum Quarter. If this plan from the Mystics bears fruit, we are going to live on, we are going to survive this war.

Today we may celebrate our freedom from the darkness!

Finale: Ride of the Valkyrie

Briefing

Dorjan and these outlanders are a pox on the very soul of Cimerora. I will not abide or endure this treachery and subterfuge any longer!

Go, Character, with the blessing of Bellona upon you, and the wisdom of Phoebas guiding your path. The Gods smile upon you today, and you will be bestowed with glory and fortune for your ordeals.

I will join you on this task. I cannot stand aside and let you do this alone. May the minstrels sing of this day for eternity. Come now, friend. WE RIDE!

To hell and beyond, if need be!

Sister Valeria is settling her affairs before meeting you at Dorjan's cavern.

Unnecessary Solicitation

There is nothing left to say. Let us find and destroy the Cyst!

Mission Objective(s)

This place is fairly well lit for a cave of 'Dark Ones'. Sister Valeria greets you when you enter.

Destroy the Shadow Cyst
- Shatter all growing crystals
  - Dive deeper into the cavern
    - Eliminate the hot spring Nictus overseer
      - Breach the cavern depths
        Defeat Dorjan, Livia, and the First Cyst

At the end of your journey, you feel supremely unsure that you've done anything but stall the inevitable - but at least the 'inevitable' isn't happening two thousand years ahead of schedule.

Enemies