Diviner Maros

File:Diviner-maros.jpg

Diviner Maros

Overview

Diviner Maros is a villain contact in the Port Recluse neighborhood of Sharkhead Isle. Diviner Maros is a Magic origin contact. His level range is 25-29.

Introductions

Contact Introduced By

• Crash Cage

Description

Information

Circle of Thorns Mystic

Diviner Maros is a figure of awe and terror, even among his fellow cultists within the Circle of Thorns. Though not the most powerful of their mystics, Marcos has the ability, or curse, to see the past and future. Rumours say that his spirit was split across time after an accident during some arduous mystic research, but no one really knows the truth. Many within the Circle fear him, because his predictions come true all too often. When rumours arose that he was seekign freelancers to perform tasks there was a great outcry within the Circle, but no one dared try to stop him.

Initial Contact

I am glad to meet you. I have been savoring the completion of this moment for a long time. I am Diviner Maros, and I am a Seer. Past and future are to me a lattice-work of interconnected events, probabilities merging one to another, forming blossoms or realities where they connect. The talent is rare even among the Circle, and to use it with skill is more rare still. For this reason I am allowed some autonomy to associate as I choose. I will choose you, now, and offer you riches in Oranbegan gold to play a part in what I have foreseen.

Story Arc

Souvenir: Souvenir title

Intro text of souvenir

Story arc title

Text of story arc description

Store

Diviner Maros sells the following to villains:

• Inspirations
• All level 25 dual-origin natural/magic enhancements
• All level 25 single-origin magic enhancements
• All level 30 single-origin magic enhancements

Diviner Maros does not buy enhancements or inspirations.

Missions

Speak with Tarixus

Briefing

It seems so strange to me now, but I understand the perceived need that everything must have a beginning. So here and now will be the start of this, though this has all happened for a very long time.

Upon this island is a wrathful spirit called Tarixus. Perhaps you've worked with him already, perhaps not. Speak with this Tarixus, present him with the letter I gave you, and tell him that you and I are working together. Ask him for a task, and he will ask you to battle my own kind. Do so, and you can learn much.

Tarixus knows me. Once all is clear, he won't have interfered.

Mission Acceptance

The letter I gave you for Tarixus, let me give it to you now. Now, go to Tarixus. Do the task he asks of you. If you want to understand, pay attention. All of the rest will happen when it does.

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak with Tarixus

Debriefing

(see briefing for next mission)

Defeat Circle in cavern

Briefing

(cont'd from last mission)

And what do you bring to Tarixus? A letter? From a member of the Circle of Thorns. My arcane senses detect no threat. Hold it for me, that I may see it.

Maros! I know that name. So, you are working with him. That should prove most interesting. No doubt he sends you to me to ensure that I will not act against him. Then, you may return this answer.

I will agree not to interfere with Maros's plans, as long as he does a task for me. Several of his fellows from the Circle of Thorns have gathered in an old mine nearby. No doubt they plan against me. I would see them removed. No, destroyed. Tell that to Maros, tell him that is the price to keep our affairs separate.

Mission Acceptance

n/a

Mission Objective(s)

• Defeat circle in cavern

Clue: Ohmtown's mission

After you rescued the Freakshow Juicer called Ohmtown from the Circle of Thorns, he told you:

'Wassup. I'm Ohmtown, Freak Juicer representin' Talos Island out in Paragon. My main man Drek, he sent me out here to find out what's going down here in Sharkhead. Bunch of our boys is gettin all kinda crazy ideas. Talking 'bout cults and corals and golems and stuff. I just got off the boat, an' was on my way to talk to this Doc Buzzsaw chick, when these Circle psychos jumped me. Started askin' what I knew, which was nothin. 'Least, nothin' yet.'

Debriefing

And it begins. For you, this may seem like a starting point, but there is so much that has gone on before. So much that has happened, that could have happened. It all narrows now, as it draws to its point. So small a thing, a beginning. But there is much that will begin before the end. So much still to begin.

Steal Scroll of Tielekku

Briefing

There is a matter I will need to have had your assistance with. It's a small thing, a minor theft of a precious artifact from the insane cultists of mad gods, who now defend this treasure with a religious fervor. Stealing it and delivering it into my hands will set up a chain of events whose final effects will be beyond your sight, but will lead to the eventual destruction of those cultists.

So are you interested in a little theft?

Mission Acceptance

I knew you would agree. The item in question is called 'The Scroll of Tielekku'. It's a valuable artifact of a lost goddess. The enemies of that goddess now plan to use it to trap her. I want it so that I can surreptitiously place it in the estate of a late member of the old Midnight Squad.

But that doesn't matter, really. I don't care if you sneak through without alerting any of their dead souls. I don't care if you wipe out every last cultist and zombie in the place. All I want is the scroll. The details are yours to determine.

Maros is a strange one, but his information about the location of this "Scroll of Tielekku" was accurate

Mission Objective(s)

• Steal the Scroll

Clue: The Scroll of Tielekku

This ancient papyrus scroll is simply breathtaking. The central picture shows a powerful woman seated on a throne of gold, surrounded by faded pictograms. It would take an expert in esoteric lost languages to decipher these markings.

Debriefing

I must commend you, the Scroll is in perfect condition. I'll handle dropping clues to its new location through other agents, I don't want to try your patience.

It's curious that the Cult of the Banished Pantheon is not more common in the isles. I think it's jealousy, really. Recluse probably wants no one worshipping anything other than himself.

We have passed a threshold now. All is as I will foresee.

Get Coral for Maros

Briefing

The Red Coral, shards of strange crimson crystals. On this island, their bloody light is more valuable than gold and far more dangerous. They glow from the depths of the mines, and they bring bloody red visions into the minds of those that who hunt them. From his fortress in the governor's mansion, Captain Mako dreams about their ruddy light.
I have need of this red coral crystal. I need a great deal of it. And I know where to get it. Get it, bring it to me, and I will reward you well in Orenbegan gold, and information you may use to prevent your imminent horrible death

Mission Acceptance

The Freakshow are gathering coral from the hearts of the Slag Golems. They've found a spot where the creatures congregate down in the mines, and there seek the crystals. Take them, gather them, and return the red coral to me.

I'm sorry, did I mention your imminent death? I shouldn't have. There's still much time yet, and I don't want to distract you. Oh, and it was not a threat. You are already beyond the repercussion of any threat I could make.

All the sound seems baffled in here, save for the distant ringing of metal striking stone

Mission Objective(s)

• Get Coral Shards
• Get Coral Heart (Defeat the mission boss to get it)

Clue: Coral Crystals

These strange red crystals were dug from the remains of Slag Golems.

Clue: Coral Heart

This enormous shard of red coral served as the heart of a Slag Golem you destroyed. When you hold it, you feel alien thoughts brush against your mind, calling to the sea.

Debriefing

Did you hold the Coral Heart you recovered? The feel of it, the weight of it...
Did you hear it call to you, did you hear it call to the sea? I suppose it doesn't matter. The future will proceed either way. I guess it might change whether you will understand it.

The next phase is ready. I am now supposed to wonder why the Freakshow would want the Coral. The next thing to do will be for you to find out.

Strike Freakshow Cultists

Briefing

I've realized that you probably don't know how this all ends yet. I'm sorry about that. I forget these things. Evere since the tower fell, I have been at all places between two points. I forget that it's all linear to most people. Effects follow causes and causes precede effects. And I still live all those moments.

I'm sorry. I was rambling. The Freakshow in the cult are going to try to kill you now, but since you don't yet know where to go to take the fight to them, they have the advantage. However, we can edit out all of the tedious searching for hideouts and interrogation. I will tell you where to go. There, you will find out about the cult that's overtaken the Freakshow on the island. It will bring you a step closer to escaping the horror at the end.

Mission Acceptance

They call themselves the cult of...
Oh, I'm sorry. Causes, then effects. Go to the abandoned place I've shown you. Defeat the leader, find his journals, and you'll find out.

Chanting in voices at the edge of human echoes through the halls

Mission Objective(s)

• 3 cult clues
• Get Coral Shards

Clue: Coral Crystals

These strange red crystals were dug from the remains of Slag Golems.

Clue: The Cultists

After you rescued him from the Freakshow cultists, Ohmtown told you what he'd learned:

'Yo money, whassup? You know it, I been on a mission from my main man, Drek. He asks me to check out what's goin' down on Sharkhead Isle, right? So I get jumped by these Freaks who's talkin' all crazy, an I mean crazier than normal, know what I'm sayin'? You got me out of that, so we cool.
So I kept up investigatin', and I found out that these crazy freaks, they a cult now. They still kinda small, but a lot of freaks are gettin' sucked in. If it's this bad, I'm gonna have to get some face-breakahs out here to handle it.'

Clue: The Gatherer's babblings

The mad Tank Freak called The Gatherer wouldn't stop talking, even after he was defeated:

'The forms of old, the ancient ratios, they will come soon. All is ratio, there is no shape. We will become a blend, we shall change to new forms, Metal Shift has told us. He is the disciple. Metal Shift is the head on the body ever-changing, ever-growing. There will be no end, no future, all will be as one! We are the cult of the Shaper! We are without form! We are immortality!'

Clue: Orders from on high

The Gatherer's half-mad ravings are scrawled over many pages of notes, but among them you find a recent message sent to him from someone called 'Metal Shift':

'Our enemies on the mainland, the poor deluded fools who still follow Dreck and Bile and Clamor and even Upstart, they have found a way to tap our communication. We cannot let them know of the Holy One's plan. And there has been a change to that plan. The Holy One tells me that there is one in particular we must find. A Villain, but one is being watched even now by Lord Recluse and his spies. This may have been the same interloper who freed the Heretic Ohmtown. The Holy One has given us a descritpion of the Heretic. Destroy the unclean one without delay. Fates have bounds us together, and the Holy One has foreseen this as well.'

You know before you even start reading the description that it matches you perfectly.

Debriefing

I can now tell you Metal Shift's name. You've learned it. You've learned that they will hunt you now. You've learned that they are fanatics. You've learned that they are outcast even from the Freakshow. And you've learned that they are desperate to fulfill their master's wishes. We learn nothing, but through relevation.

Defeat Metal Shift

Briefing

The Red Coral, shards of strange crimson crystals. On this island, their bloody light is more valuable than gold and far more dangerous. They glow from the depths of the mines, they glow from the chests of...

No, wait, that isn't right. We've already done that by this point. I have the coral I need. So this isn't now, this is then. No, this is the now. Yes, I now know when I am.

You've just learned about 'Metal Shift', the one who sends his minions to kill you. I can tell you where he is. I can tell you what to look for. And I can tell you that this will not be the end.

Mission Acceptance

Metal Shift is the leader, from him you will learn the name of their Holy One. From that you will learn the Holy One's true name and true nature. Then, you will be close. Close to either horrific dissolution, or the next point, the second point I have waited for for so long.

Looks like the Freaks have been here long enough to modify it some

Mission Objective(s)

• Defeat Metal Shift

Clue: Metal Shift's master

You extracted some information from the Freakshow leader called Metal Shift after you defeated him:

'This isn't a victory, heretic! The Holy One, the Shaper Lord, he sees all. He has been, and is to come. He tells us to change ourselves, and we change. He tells us to gather Coral, and we gather it. Calystix the Shaper will re-create us all, and we shall change anew, forever! But you! You will fall into the maw of the sleeper below, and be consumed for all time!'

Amid all the babbling, the name 'Calystix the Shaper' stands out. It might be worth investigating.

Clue: The Sea Huntress

Barracuda is the lieutenant of Cap'n Mako, who is one of Lord Recluse's inner circle. You're a little surprised to meet her, but she doesn't seem hostile at the moment. She even told you some of what she was doing here.

'I'm not here to fight you. I think we're both looking for some information. I heard that the Freakshow have been gathering Coral Shards. Cap'n Mako demands first bid on all Coral Shards recovered on Shakhead Island, so I thought I'd investigate. Turns out most Freaks don't know anything about it, but this group, they're swimming in them. What I couldn't figure out was why weren't they selling them?

So I kept digging and I heard about this weird cult. Something tells me that there's more to this than the normal weirdness the Freakshow get into. Look, I have a feeling that this is going to be kind of personal for me, so do yourself a favor, and don't get in my way. There are some things about this cult I need to know, and so long as you don't interfere, we'll be okay.'

Debriefing

Calystix the Shaper. How long have I waited to hear you speak that name? It all collapses now. It all converges to the second point. From a blossom of futures into the arrow of time. It's almost over.

So close to the end, I find I feel sad, in a way. I was there, I was part of it all when we first tried to build a tower to the heavens. When it happens again, what will become of me afterwards? Free, either way, I suppose. But that doesn't matter to you. Yuo have your own horrific demise to avert.

Incidentally, how did you like meeting Barracuda? It's unfortunate that you'll have to fight her next time you meet.

Time's cascade moves us forward, but there is much that you've done in time to come that you have not accomplished yet.

Force info from Legacy Chain

Briefing

You know the name 'Calystix', but you know nothing more. I will correct that. The Legacy Chain's mystics have a great deal of information. Force one of their researchers to reveal all that they know about this Calystix to you. Once you are armed with understanding, we will proceed.

Mission Acceptance

The funny thing is, most of what I know about Calystix I remember from what you're about to tell me.

Your trained aye can see the details that mark this innocuous office as different. A sigil here, a few strange carvings there. Powerful protective magics, but from your presence, obviously not powerful enough

Mission Objective(s)

• Kidnap researcher
• Take Haversham to Tomes

Clue: Of Calystix and sacrifice

In a shaking voice, the researcher reads from an ancient tome:

'Calystix the Shaper, also called Calystix the Zealot. The first records of a priest called Calystix date from ancient Rome, where a Legion discovered an ancient temple to a Cult of the Shaper. This cult was led by a high priest called Calystix, who ordered the townspeople to slay the Legion. The soldiers were nearly overcome, but they won and put the temple and the town to the torch for their abhorrent practices. Later records of a Cult of the Shaper led by Calystix re-occur in the middle ages, and again during the Enlightenment.The last know occurance of the Cult was in a small Massachussetts fishing village in the 1920s, though it's unknown if it was lead by a priest called Calystix, as the cult was destroyed by the American Navy for crimes of piracy and cannibalism.

Perhaps most disturbing is that recently discovered records of the ancient civilization of the Mu also speak of a 'Calystix the Shaper'. These records from 14,000 years ago tell of another race who lived on the island of Mu before it was raised from the sea, and talk of a priest of these sea-people called Calystix, who sought to unleash a great leviathan to devour the Mu. The legends say that the leviathan was entombed beneath the Island by the Mu Goddess Hequat, but that Calystix escaped into the sea.'

It should be noted that in each attempt, it was said that the cult sought to sacrifice the life of a particularly wicked and important individual to show their god or goddess that humans deserved to be destroyed. We of the Legacy Chain know that this new Cult of the SDhaper has been watching you. Perhaps they've already chosen their sacrifice?'

Debriefing

Old records owned by the Circle corroborate much of what you've told me. I'd go and read them, but knowing that you'd tell this to me, I already have. This Calystix must be attempting to restart his cult. But this time, he may be able to complete his aim. Particularly if he sacrifices you. And yes, that is one of the horrible fates I mentioned. And though it's not the only one, it would probably be a good idea for you to stop this from happening. For both of our sakes.

Destroy Shaper Cult

Briefing

We're almost done. All the branches are narrowing. Events have fewer nodes to other events. We're approaching the second rise of the tower, the second attempt. We're close now to determining which, if any, horrific fate will befall you. You still have a chance. But you still have to mold the reality that-could-be from the greater skein of what-can-be. All that could lead to the second singularity collapses in on itself.

I apologize, I'm rambling again, and there's not much time. Which is funny, from my point of view.

I'm sorry, I must concentrate. You must find Calystix. Metal Shift has returned. Ohmtown has brought re-enforcements. And Barracuda seeks the secret of her own history. Your part is to find Metal Shift once more. Find him, learn from him where his Holy One has gone. Then we'll see which horrid fate will be yours.

Mission Acceptance

You're going to have a lot to do. Ohmtown needs to take control of his Freaks. I'd suggest getting him out of trouble. That should curtail growth of the Cult and curtail retaliation against you.

Barracuda is desperate for information, but should she come too close to Calystix, he would control her with ease. She must be stopped before she can get any further towards the truth of her own creation.

And Metal Shift needs to be disposed of. His last boasts will tell you where to find his master.

And that will nearly be the end.

One way or another, the mad Cult of the Shaper will meet their end today

Mission Objective(s)

• Defeat Barracuda
• Defeat Metal Shift

Clue: Metal Shift's Lament

Metal Shift continued to ramble even after you defeated him:

'I've failed you, Holy One. I did the best I could. I only hope that you'll remember me as you devour the sacrifice and the world.'

As his power faded, you could make out a few important points in his rambling. In particular, you think you may be able to figure out where Calystix is from certain details.

Clue: What am I supposed to be now?

Before Arachnos's medical system recalled her to safety, Barracuda stuttered a few angry words at you:

'All you had to do was not interfere. I just want to know what happened to me. What made me like this. And I remembered that name: 'Calystix'. I have to know. I was just a diver. I just wanted to be in the ocean. I never wanted to be like this. I never wanted to be a monster like...
Like...
Like all of you!

I used to be normal. What am I supposed to be now?'

Clue: Cult's over, yo

After you got him out of a jam, Ohmtown told you what the situation was with the Cult of the Shaper and the Freakshow:

'Thanks for the hand, man. Those cult suckas cut me off from my crew. Who have all been told you a friend in here, so we cool. Meantime, I tol' Drek what's up, and he got it taken care of. Cult's over, yo. Nothin' left but clean up the Freaks who won't give it up.'

Debriefing

All things are converging and everything falls into place. If what you are about to tell me is correct, you were able to find where Calystix has gone. The Shaper will try to unleash the Leviathan. He wants to send it to consume you so that the sacrifice of your wicked life will aloow him to command it. And if you die now, it will all fall apart. A horrible fate awaits you. Now it is time to confront it.

Stop Calystix

Briefing

I've done everything I can to spare you the fate Calystix has planned, but you must take the final step. I will tell you that what you think may be Calystix's location is correct. The Shaper has retreated under the guard of his last few Freaks, and will soon attempt to rouse the Leviathan. Now is the time. Gather your forces for the battle ahead will be difficult, but you must prevail. Calystix the Shaper must be destroyed.

Mission Acceptance

I can already feel the Leviathan stirring, its hunger calling out along the mystic plane. If only I had enough of the Red Coral, I could interfere from here and give you time to stop it.

Wait a moment...

It's fortunate that I had you gather red Coral Crystal for me. I can use that to interfere with the Shaper's ceremony and give you time to stop it. You must defeat Calystix himself before he can awaken the creature. That will end this for the moment, and move you towards the point I've been waiting for.

Something feels terribly wrong. It's too warm and humid, and the breeze changes in a slow rythm, like the fetid breath of some massive sleeping thing

Mission Objective(s)

• Defeat Calystix

Clue: Not Human

After defeating Calystix the Shaper, you had a few moments to look at the body. Whatever he was, he was clearly not a human being. Strange masses of polyps lost cohesion to fan out, and small cilia still beat the air. Calystix's body seemed to be unfolding into a miniature coral reef before your eyes. To be honest, you weren't even sure if it was the end of him, but the ceremony was over and your job was done.

Debriefing

The Shaper falls, and the way is clear. The Freaks will return to their normal ways, and Calystix will not summon the Leviathan this time.

You have averted one of the fates that could overcome you, but it is not the only one that awaits you. There's little more I can tell you without making events fly too far off course. You need to not know certain things, but I will tell you this: When the time comes, when you must face the goddess in your preparations to make Recluse's Victory become true, you must remember that Recluse's Victory may not be your own.

Now I've talked too much of fates and endings. I've said too much of what hasn't occurred and what may never happen. Let us be done with talk of destiny, and prophecy, and the rest.

At least, for a while.

Room where you encounter Calystix the Shaper.

Steal Citadel's plans

Briefing

A great event is coming into being, but it needs a guiding hand. Are you aware of the android hero who styles himself Citadel? He is a creation unrivaled in this time. But in a short while, he will not be. His technology is already in evil hands: those of the Sky Raiders. But their use of it is disappointing at best. You must steal the plans for his technology from a Sky Raider base, then take it to those who can profit most from it. The Council. They will pay us well, and put into motion events that will have consequences far beyond our own present.

Mission Acceptance

The lives this scheme will touch and change number in the thousands. First you will have stolen the plans, but then you will discover that Longbow has learned of this, and seek to ambush you. They will have taken the Council base by the time you get there, but I trust you'll be able to handle yourself once you arrive.

Mission Objective(s)

• Steal Citadel's plans
• Take plans to Council

Clue: Plans for Citadel

You recovered these plans from a secret Longbow base. They show how to replicate the technology of Paragon City's android hero, Citadel.

Debriefing

The Council has the plans. Excellent. Soon, their work will begin. Soon, heroes will be dispatched by the android Citadel. Soon, one of those heroes will arrive at his destiny. And oyu have brought me closer to mine.

Get book from Legacy

Briefing

I need your assistance to precipitate the horrible downfall of several power-hungry young men, and begin a chain of events that could place the fate of the world in question. Like so many of these things, it will begin with a theft of knowledge and end in destruction and an apparent betrayal, all orchestrated by your actions to implement this purpose. But to make this happen, I need you to get events started by stealing a certain tome from the Legacy Chain and then planting it at a deal between the Warriors and my own people that you will crash.

Mission Acceptance

As I mentioned, the theft of this book will only be the first part. Once that's done, I'll need you to plant the book. The Warriors are currently trying to make a deal with my own people, the Circle of Thorns. After you silence all the witnesses to make it look as if the deal went astray, you'll place the book where the Warriors are sure to find it when their reinforcements arrive to investigate.

But first, the Legacy Chain. Get the book and cripple their ability to respond by taking out the man called Abernathy.

Mission Objective(s)

• Find Magic Tome
• Defeat Abernathy
• Beat all Circle & Warriors at Deal

Clue: Book of Ancient Magic

This handwritten book contains descriptions, chants, and eldritch formulae for a number of dark magic rituals. It has no listed author, but is dated 1592. An aura of malevolence clings to each page.

Debriefing

The Warriors will unleash a creature from the darkest abyss when they attempt the rituals in that tome. It should prove interesting. More importantly, it will keep my fellows within the Circle distracted so that they will not be able to move against me.

Steal Theron's devices

Briefing

There is one in Paragon City who believes his destiny is clear. He could well be correct, if we do not move to intervene. The man's name is Dr. Theron. He is a brilliant man, a man of science. We must turn science against him, forcing him to move closer to nature. Currently, some of Theron's more remarkable devices are in the hands of Longbow. As long as they control these weapons, they will use them for the cause of good. We must turn the devices to evil to set Theron on his true path.

Mission Acceptance

A submarine does not know why it waits for you now in Port Oakes. They will completely forget even the location of the undersea Longbow base they will take you to.

Alas, poor Theron. Even now, Dr. Theron is a confused soul, who believes that by devising ultimate weapons, he can undo the grievous harms of the world and make war unthinkable. In this, he is a fool, and not the first of that kind. The loss to come, and the horrors his creations will yield, shall shatter him utterly.

The sub's crew act like they don't even know you're there. They moved like puppets, but they did bring you to this hidden undersea base

Mission Objective(s)

• 3 items to steal

Clue: Theron's weapons

These weapons you stole from a Longbow base were clearly designed by a brillant mind.

Clue: Theron's armor

This stolen armor looks like it could stop even the most advanced weaponry.

Clue: Theron's explosives

Your seasoned eye can tell that these explosives would pack quite a punch.

Debriefing

Well done. No, I am afraid you cannot keep the items, for it did not happen, and therefore it will not. I will get them to the Sky Raiders. In a short time they will use these devices to bring ruin to a small city in West Libertalia. The loss of life will be truly staggering. Theron, I am afraid, will never recover. He will turn away from the world of technology forever, and become a thing quite unlike himself. We have done well. And so we shall again.

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