Missions:Blood Begets Blood - Part Three: The Darkest Hour

Part Three: The Darkest Hour

Briefing

Serene is aware of our efforts to stop her and has now chosen to make her move. I'm sensing the enraged minds of the Talons of Vengeance surging this way, and just beyond our wards the troubled thoughts of the Apparitions press against our defenses, eager to possess new hosts. But don't worry, the Apparitions aren't a threat... yet.

If I were Serene, the job of the Talons would be to tear down our wards and then let the Apparitions overwhelm us. I need you to help make sure that they do not succeed.

• I'm on it.

Good. While Makwa and Nadia lead the ritual to keep the wards up, you and I will need to lend our aid wherever the Talons grow most bold in their offensive. Even the Talons have limits, and if they cannot break the wards they will retreat before long.

The Carnival of Light is weaker than ever right now, Character, you really are our only hope.

Good luck, to all of us.

Unnecessary Solicitation

If the Talons overrun us here at the Chapel then the rest of First Ward will soon follow. We are the only thing standing in Serene's way now.

Vanessa DeVore

Briefing

The Talons will be here soon, Character. The Wards must be protected, or the Apparitions will overwhelm us all.

• What do you need me to do?

There are four Wards placed around the Chapel. As long as they are intact the Apparitions will not be able to cross the boundaries.

The Talons of Vengeance, however, are not bound by such mystical laws. They will do everything in their power to undo the magic of the Wards and then the Apparitions will be able to flood in and overwhelm us.

Stop the Talons at all costs!

• Alright. Let's get to work. (Start Mission)

Mission Objective(s)

Map: IOM_MERCYVIEW_VDEVORE

The air crackles with magical energy as the wards work overtime keeping the malign essence of the apparitions at bay. A woman's scream rises from the southern edge of the Cemetery, but it is not a scream of pain or terror, it is one of absolute unfettered bloodthirsty rage. The Talons have arrived.

• Defend the Chapel of Enduring Light
  • 4 Wards to Defend
  • Confront Sorceress Serene
  • Defeat Master Midnight
  • 3 Waves of Carnival of Vengeance to defeat
  • 2 waves of Midnight Masters to defeat

While you defended the Wards from the Talons of Vengeance, Master Midnight's betrayal ruined all your efforts. Though you drove him off, your victory is due in part to Sorceress Serene's own betrayal of Midnight once she had Diabolique's Talisman delivered to her by that traitor.

Enemies

Talons of Vengeance
Carnival of Vengeance
Midnight Masters

Notable NPCs

• Vanessa DeVore (Carnival of Light Boss Ally)
• Master Midnight (Midnight Masters Boss)

Vanessa DeVore Dialogue

At Entrance: Vanessa DeVore: Character, they're here! Vanessa DeVore: I'm sorry, sisters, but you must be stopped. Combat Start: Vanessa DeVore: Such anguish. Please sister, do not force me to destroy you. 75% Health: Vanessa DeVore: The mind controls the body, pain is an illusion. 50% Health: Vanessa DeVore: Your rage has blinded you, Talon witch! You cannot truly harm me. 25% Health: Vanessa DeVore: Character, I may need your help! Upon Defeat: Vanessa DeVore: You cannot kill a dream. Vanessa DeVore has been forced to retreat from the battle.

Ambush! After starting the mission, you are ambushed by nine waves of Talons of Vengeance.

Talons of Vengeance Ambush Dialogue
Devotee: Blood and vengeance! Spiritualist: Death will sssoon come to you all! Oracle: Destroy the Wards! Devotee: They shall join us or die! Gorgon: Let the carrion feassst begin! Spiritualist: Death and Dessspair! Oracle: Kill them! Oracle: Kill them all! Devotee: They shall stand with us, or fall before us! Gorgon: Ssslay them all!

Ward Guard Dialogue
Before Combat: Huntress: This magic is strong, what did they use to create it!? Oracle: When this ward is destroyed then the Carnival will soon follow. Combat Start: Oracle: Kill Character!

Serene and Midnight Dialogue

Projection of Sorceress Serene: I am here, Percy... As promised. Master Midnight: I told you never to call me by that name! Projection of Sorceress Serene: Enough of your inanities, where is the Talisman? Master Midnight: I have it here, my sweet, as promised. Projection of Sorceress Serene: Good. Projection of Sorceress Serene: Now that your betrayal is complete, I leave you to your fate... Master Midnight: Fine... One last quest to earn my love's affections. Projection of Sorceress Serene: You have proven only that you are untrustworthy, Percy Winkley. Projection of Sorceress Serene: But don't fret. I've called on some old friends to help you... Projection of Sorceress Serene: Should you succeed, you know where to find me...

Ambush! After Serene and Midnight talk, you are ambushed by three waves of Carnival of Vengeance.

Carnival of Vengeance Dialogue
Wrathful Acolyte: Blood and vengeance! Vengeful Attendant: The will of the Furies must be done! Vengeful Attendant: The end is nigh, join us or die!

Master Midnight Battle Dialogue

Before Combat: Master Midnight: Now, Character, we shall see who is worthy of both Serene AND Diabolique... Combat Start: Master Midnight: Serene, my sweet, where are you? Master Midnight: Destroy them! First Blood: Master Midnight: ...and who is... OW! 75% Health: Master Midnight: It appears I have underestimated the strength of your attacks. I will have to redouble my efforts. 50% Health: Master Midnight: Ok, this is just not fair, this fight is totally unbalanced. Master Midnight: Minions! To me! Upon Defeat of Vanessa DeVore: Master Midnight: Ha ha! You've been bested, Vanessa DeVore! When Summoning Second Wave of Minions: Master Midnight: Wait, wait, wait... Wait. Master Midnight: Ok, minions! Master Midnight: Destroy them! Upon Defeat: Master Midnight: You'll never catch me!

Debriefing

I... I'm sorry, Character...

My foresight never showed me this, I... I saw Midnight as a hero and yet he was working with Serene this entire time.

Now all my visions are suspect...

Or are they?

Midnight did everything he could to acquire Diabolique's Talisman to give it to Serene not out of vengeance, but out of some misplaced love... Perhaps it is this love that will ultimately lead to Midnight's redemption. I cannot tell for sure, but I know that I will not give up on him.