To Save a Soul

Summary

• Story Arc
• Visit Ouroborus to Flashback to this story
• Madeleine Casey (Founders' Falls)
• 40 - 45

Temporary Powers

Psychic Cleaver
Ranged, Moderate DMG(Special)

Check out the Carnival of Shadows party

I've got a tip on one of those Carnival of Shadows parties. It's a very exclusive shindig, going on in some warehouse in Brickstown. I'd like you to check it out, Red Tomax. The Carnival likes to have a good time, but sometimes that means that their guests wind up hurt.

Why do you always get to have all the fun, Red Tomax? If I had my way, I'd get in on the action one of these days.

Almost everybody at that party died? Red Tomax, how awful! that woman you rescued sounded so apathetic afterward. It's not natural. The carnival did something to her, I know it! You know, I think I have an idea about how to investigate. But I'd rather not tell you just yet.

Get the pendant back from the Carnival

You're going to be mad at me, Red Tomax, but I decided to take matters into my own hands. I went to one of the Carnival of Shadows parties last night! I wanted to help you investigate those mysterious deaths that occured at their last party. Anyway, I'm sorry, but I actually don't remember much about it. I could learn to live with my lost memories, but when I came home, I was also missing my grandmother's ruby pendant. The Carnival must have taken it! Please get my pendant back for me, Red Tomax. It's all I have to remember Grams.

Thanks Red Tomax, I'll never forget this.

There's an aura of tension in this room, as though a great plan was nearing fruition.

Objective: You found the pendant!

Ruby pendant

This large ruby pendant was handed down to Madeleine Casey from her late grandmother. The unusual setting is shaped like a long-fingered golden hand. The fingertips seem to caress the deep crimson stone, in a gesture that is at once haunting and evocative.

Mission Complete: You defeated the Carnival's minions and recovered Madeleine Casey's pendant.

Oh, my pendant! Thank you, Red Tomax! Let me just slip it on; I promise it'll never leave my neck again.

Forever and ever, you will serve my indomitable will.

Oh. Oh, my! Red Tomax, when I put that pendant on, I was overcome. Memories, emotions. Some of them were mine, but most weren't. I could almost glimpse the Carnival's plan! They must have infused my pendant with some of their power!

Go to Nathan Crane's office and find out why the Carnival would want him dead

The Carnival of Shadows definitely did something to my pendant while it was in their possession. Ever since you returned it to me, I've been recoveringmore and more of my memories about that party. Red Tomax, this is awful, but I think some people died! One of them, I think his name was Nathan Crane. Yes! Yes, I'm sure that's right. I'd really like you to go over to his office and see if you can find out why the Carnival would want him dead.

I'm feeling pretty shaken, Red Tomax. I was there, while the Carnival was killing people! And I couldn't do anythinng about it.

The abrupt bleat of a horn makes you jump.

Objective: You found some files on the Canrival!

Partial files

From these files, it is apparent that the late Nathan Crane was secretly a Midnight Squad researcher. His last notes seem to have something to do with the Carnival of Shadows; however, the Carnival minions have made off with the most important pages.

Mission Complete: You defeated the Carnival and found an interesting file.

So, Nathan Crane was investigating the Carnival, huh? I guess that's why they murdered him. Maybe he was getting close to something. We'll have to keep digging, Red Tomax. I've got to find out why he died!

Take to the streets

If we can find Nathan Crane's stolen files, maybe we can find out why the Carnival murdered him. I'm sure he must have been on the trail of some big secret. Red Tomax, take to the streets at once. One of those Carnival minions knows where those files are. And I aim to find out which one!

I guess I've been a little curt lately. Sorry about that. I really don't know what's gotten into me.

Mission Complete: On one of the Carnival minions, you found a note,

Note

You found this note on one of the Carnival minions you defeated. It reads:

'The researcher's files will be stored in our large Brickstown warehouse. As for the other plan, it is proceeding swiftly.'

Do you need me to hold your hand through everything? You know where ther files are! Get moving!

Get Nathan Crane's files from the Carnival of Shadows

Red Tomax, I really must apologise. I don't know what's gotten into me lately. I guess it's the thought that I was actually at a party while the Carnival was killign people. It's messing with my head. Anyway, I appreciate your work on this Carnival of Shadows problem. Now that you know where they're keeping Nathan Crane's files, we can go in and get them.

Thanks, Red Tomax. You've been great through all of this. Just get in, find those files, and get out. They're probably being stored in a desk or file cabinet somewhere.

Ever since you recovered Madeleine Casey's pendant from the Carnival of Shadows, she's been acting more than a little odd. You can only hope it isn't permanent.

Mission Complete: You found Nathan Crane's stolen files.

Complete files

These bulky files comprise the whole of the late nathan Crane's research into the Carnival of Shadows. his notes cover many subjects: the Carnival's penchant for parties, their psychic skills, and the mysterious deaths they have caused. From the last few pages, it seems that Crane had become increasingly interested in the porcelain masks worn by the Carnival's henchmen. He believed they might be linked to the Carnival's powers.

Excellent. Nathan Crane's files on the Carnival are certainly comprehensive. I thought we had managed to keep most of this stuff a secret. Ah well, he won't be talking now. What's the matter, Red Tomax? Why are you looking at me like that?

Go to one of the Carnival's bases and recover one of their masks

Based on the notes of Nathan Crane, it looks like the Carnival's masks may hide more than just their faces. If they really are linked to the Carnival's powers, we have a unique opportunity to learn more about our foes. I need you to go to one of the Carnival's bases and recover one of their masks.

You see, I'm much more myself now. I tell you, my bad mood was just stress. There's no need to be so concerned.

The door was open, the party music audible from the street. You can't shake the feeling that you were expected.

Mission Complete: You took a mask from one of the Carnival minions you defeated.

Carnival mask

This well-crafted porcelain mask feels light as an eggshell. The painted face upon it wears a sneer that is both repellent and captivating. After you defeated the carnie who wore it, you felt a strange pull toward the mask. It was almost as though it was begging you to pick it up.

Ah, the mask. Isn't it lovely? Can you imagine looking upon this visage while your psyche was torn to shreds?

Take the mask to Cadao Kestrel

I've contacted Cadao Kestrel, the voodoo master. I think he may be able to help us unravel the mysteries of that mask you recovered from the Carnival. Would you care to pay him a visit?

I have to admit, I'm reluctant to part with this lovely mask. Ah, well. All in the name of heroism, I suppose.

So, the Carnival mistress grants her minions a portion of her power by putting a fragment of her soul into each mask. Interesting, Red Tomax, very interesting. I'd like to know more.

Take the mask to Sister Psyche

Cadao Kestrel recommended that you take that Carnival mask over to Sister Psyche. Perhaps she can communicate with the souls Cadao sensed trapped inside it.

Sister Psyche's one of the smartest women I know. Even if she is a little prissy.

Sister Psyche

There are fragments of a dozen souls imprisioned within this mask! Most are mere shadows of souls, to small to have much substance. Come closer, and I will let you speak to those souls that are more assertive. There is one in particular who wishes to help you with your quest.

Soul of the Carnival Mistress

When Sister Psyche allowed you to contact the souls within the mask, you felt the soul of the Carnival's leader probe your mind with deadly psychic fingers. The mask contains only the merest scrap of the Carnival Mistress' soul, but you sense that it is enough to do great harm to an unguarded mind.

Nathan Crane's soul

From its prison inside the Carnival mask, the soul of Nathan Crane told you:

'The Carnival minions all use the power of the Carnival mistress, and it weakens her. In ordere to fuel her powers, she must drink the sould of other humans. Usually the carnies merely tug at the shadows of souls: the hidden fears, the guilty pleasure, all the subconscious emotions that rarely come to light.'

'Occasionally, though, they drain the entire soul from the body. That's what happened to me. I have been stored in this mask along with these scraps of others' souls, until I can be delivered to the Carnival Mistress' psychic table. I thank you for rescuing me from that fate. In return, I will give you a clue to the Carnival's plan.'

'Just before I died, I learned that the Carnival was researching an ancient artifact called the Sicillian Stone. If you like, I will guide you to a secret Midnight Squad library where we can find some tomes on the Stone. Perhaps together, we can learn the Carnival's plan.'

So, the Carnival is supping on souls, eh? Sweet, delicious souls.

You know, Red Tomax, I really wish you'd quit giving me that look.

Get the tomes from the secret library

So, the soul of Nathan Crane believes it can lead you to a secret Midnight Squad library? I guess it's worth a shot. After all, if the Carnival really is interested in this Sicilian Stone, it can't hurt for us to learn more about it. All right, Red Tomax, you've got my blessing. Go get your hands on those tomes.

The mask should lead you right to the spot.

Imprisioned within the porcelain mask, the soul of Nathan Crane reaches out to you. You feel a sudden warm wash of nostalgia for this secret library, where Nathan spent many happy hours.

Objective: You found the tomes!

Tomes on the Scilian Stone

These heavy volumes chronicle the history of the Scilian Stone, its uses, and its dangers.

Mission Complete: You defeated the Carnival and found some tomes of the Sicilian Stone.

Good work getting those tomes, Red Tomax. It sounds like you snagged them right from under the nose of the Carnival of Shadows. We might have to enlist Cadao Kestrel again; maybe his practiced eye can tell us why the Carnival is so interested in this strange Scilian Stone. you say you faced the Madame of Mystery again? That's odd. I though she had been defeated for good.

Take tomes to Cadao Kestrel

I'd like you to take those tomes you recovered to Cadao Kestrel for study. It seems that he may be able to help us figure out why the Carnival is after this strange Scilian Stone.

You know, Red Tomax, I've been thinking the Carnival isnt so bad after all. After we wrap up this one, what do you say we turn our attention to other matters?

Job well done, Red Tomax. I'm sure Cadao will be able to tell us more about the Carnival's motives in short order. You might as well go save some of those pesky citizens you love so much. I'll be here waiting whe you get back.

Talk to Cadao Kestrel about his findings

Cadao Kestrel just called. He's finished studying those books you found on the Sicilian Stone, and he wants to talk to you about his findings. I think he may have learned why the Carnival of Shadows is after the Stone.

Cadao wouldn't say much to me on the phone. When you see him, tell him I thought he was mighty rude.

According to Cadao, the herbs he needs only grow on the bones of the unburied dead. A chilling thought.

Objective: These bones were covered with Cadao's rare herb!

Herb

This strange herb, found only on the bones of the unburied dead, is a bright purple colour. Cadao Kestrel hopes to use it to help you recover Madeleine's soul from the Sicilian Stone.

Mission Complete: You got the herb.

You and Cadao can have your little joke, but it's not very nice to leave your own contact out of the loop. I'm your best chance of delaing with the Carnival of Shadows. Why won't you talk to me?

Talk to Cadao Kestrel

Cadao Kestrel wants to see you again, and, as usual, he won't tell me what it's about. I don't appreciate all this secrecy, Red Tomax.

I don't understand why you and Cadao feel you have to keep me in the dark.

Cadao Kestrel

Drink this draught, Red Tomax. It will grant you the power you need to defeat the Madame of Mystery, Madeleine Casey's psychic self, once and for all. When you have done so, the Carnival's hold on her soul will be broken. I must warn you, by now Madeleine's soul is nearly consumed. That means the Madame will be far, far stronger than during your earlier encounters.

Psychic Cleaver
Ranged, Moderate DMG(Special)

Somewhere in this warehouse, Madeleine Casey's psychically projected self awaits you. You square your shoulders. You're going to have to kick her butt.

Madame of Mystery [Arch-Villain] After facing her three times, you have learned that the Madame of Mystery is actually the psychic projection od Madeleine Casey's soul. Unless you can destroy the Madame completely, Madeleine's soul will continue to serve the Carnival forever.

Mission Complete: You defeated the Madame of Mystery, freeing Madeleine Casey's soul from the Carnival's control.

You're saying all this time, my soul was being sucked into the pendant? Oh, Red Tomax, I don't know what to say! You saved me! You saved my soul from being bound to the Carnival forever! Words can't describe my gratitude; somehow, i've got to make this up to you.