In the center of Ciudad De Sangre is an enormous pile of this loot, nearly 15 feet in height and double in diameter. In a similar animation and programming as the Clockwork, a large amount of Conquistadors are emerging from the woodwork to add to the pile, only to wander off again and vanish. The pile of loot is no mere terrain feature; it's a clickable contact, one that gives access to one of the zone's Strike Forces!
This Strike Force is based off of "The Conjuring", with a twist. Marqués Jiménez, a spectral conquistador who has not yet succumbed to madness, is assumed to be a regular contact within the zone.
For those not up on their Conquistadors, "Marqués Jiménez" is Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, the most famous of El Dorado explorers. "Governor Pizarro" is Gonzalo Pizarro, who searched for it before turning on his Emperor, while "Adelantado Sebastián" is Sebastián de Belalcázar, another seeker of El Dorado.
Sizing up the stash, it looks like this huge pile of loot is too much to carry on your own. You'd better come back with at least three other people to help you haul it away.
You need at least 4 members on your team, all of them at least Level 35. If they are over Level 45, they will be automatically exemplared to Level 45 for the duration of the Strike Force.
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The Golden One
Part One
Exemplar Level: 35-45
As you and your "friends" greedily stuff handfuls of gold bullion and treasure into everything you can carry, a piece catches your eye. A rather large locket on a finely-wrought golden chain, it seems to call to you. Beckon to you. Caressing your mind, it tells you to open it.
And you do.
Inside is a mirror, but the reflection isn't you. Or, at least, not as you are now. You look broken in the locket's mirror, decrepit and destroyed, hunched and twisted by the locket's magic. The reflection is of you, defeated and enslaved. If there's one thing you know, it's that those two words should never, ever describe you.
Closing the locket, you noticed a faded engraving of a name on the back: "Marqués Jiménez". Wasnt that the name of one of the ghostly Conquistadors haunting this island? You glance at your associates, and by the looks on their faces each of them seem to have found a similar piece. With a meaningful nod, you all steel your nerves and resolve to find out just whats going on.
Well, maybe after you grab a little more loot.
Agree to form a strike force
Now that you and your allies are all in agreement, you head off to meet this Jiménez character.
Leave
[u]Talk to Marqués Jiménez[u]
Ah, I see you have found the treasure, like most travelers to this island. Yes, I am Jiménez, and yes, I am still sane. I live this wretched existence because I took from the island and called it mine, and yet I am not compelled by the curse because I rid myself of it after I saw what it had done to me. The reflection you saw is an illusion, yes, but also a warning. Do you understand?
Ah, of course not. I see that hunger in your eyes, the same hunger I once had. If you wish, I will tell you where you can acquire more of it. I beg of you, however: live your life free of want of this curse.
Leave
[u]Recover the Treasure[u]
Curse or no curse, that pile of loot is worth a fortune. Why not get more?
Mission Objectives
<ul type="square">[*]10 treasure piles[*]Defeat Governor Pizarro[/list]
Primary Enemies
<ul type="square">[*]Spectral Conquistadors[/list]
Notable NPCs
<ul type="square">[*]Governor Pizarro (Spectral Conquistador Boss)[/list]
NPC Text
<ul type="square">[*]Governor Pizarro: NO! You will not take it from us![/list]
[u]Return to Marqués Jiménez [u]
Ah, you return, as hungry as ever. Though we are but spirits, those cursed by the treasure of this island hunger as well. Do you understand?
You still do not. I cannot be faulted for trying, it seems. If your appetite for this treasure is as great as you say, then seek a cavern to the north. I have drifted past it recently, and though I have seen the sparkle of wealth inside, it is not the only golden thing there. Strange men, buzzing like bees, guard this treasure, searching for something. If your hunger needs sating, go quickly before it is lost.
Farewell.
Leave
[u]Recover More Treasure[u]
Judging by the sounds of clinking coins, it seems the "men clad in gold" are after the same thing you are.
Mission Objectives
<ul type="square">[*]5 treasure piles[*]Defeat all Enemies[/list]
Primary Enemies
<ul type="square">[*]Spectral Conquistadors[*]Gold Brickers[/list]
Notable NPCs
<ul type="square">[*]Charley (Boomer)[*]The Chief (Boomer)[*]Hooper (Boomer)[*]Cutter (Boomer)[*]Down Low (Boomer)[/list]
Clue: The Gold Bricker's Plan
Cowering in fear, one of the Gold Bricker leaders spilled their orders: search for a coin made of the purest gold possible, then return to base. After they return, they would only be given enough time to refuel their equipment before assaulting the main pile itself!
Return to Contact
The glittering loot tugs at your eyes, just as magnificent and beautiful as the last time you saw it. How could you ever give it up? Any thoughts of selling it flee from your mind; only you must possess it. You must have it. You NEED it. The buzz of Gold Bricker rocket packs hums in the distance. They're coming to take it. You won't let them take it! IT'S YOURS!
Then you get an idea. A wonderful, awful idea. Youll set a trap! Those Gold Brickers will never know what hit them.
Set a trap for the Gold Brickers
You spot a nearby hole: a perfect place to wait in ambush for the Gold Bricker fools! With a quick nod to your "allies", the hunger in their eyes obvious, you each spring into action.
Leave
[u]Protect the Treasure[u]
The buzz of Gold Bricker jetpacks is deafening as you leap from your hiding spot. The gold is YOURS!
Mission Objectives
<ul type="square">[*]Defeat all Gold Brickers[/list]
Primary Enemies
<ul type="square">[*]Gold Brickers[/list]
Notable NPCs
<ul type="square">[*]Big Daddy (Boomer)[*]Acton (Boomer)[*]Kirkwood (Boomer)[/list]
NPC Text
<ul type="square">[*]Big Daddy: Hey, watch it! I don't want to drop this thing![*]Acton: Yes, boss, weve almost deposited the coins. Well be finished- what the heck?[*]Kirkwood: Take 'em down, boys! We won't be stopped![/list]
Clue: Strangely Familiar Gold Pieces
This piece of Conquistador treasure looks familiar. Didn't you see similar gold coins when you stole the loot right from under the Gold Bricker's nose? Why were they trying to put this stuff back?
Return to Contact
Your victory over the thieves fresh in your memory, you calm your mind by gazing deep into the pile of treasure. You idly twirl in your hand one of the coins the Goldbrickers were carrying. Surely the 'curse' nonsense didn't get to them, just like it hasn't gotten to you. It's unlikely that they'd-
Your hand suddenly feels stiff. Looking down, you puzzle over why your fingers seem to be covered in a fine sheen of gold until you see the coating slowly creep onto your palm. Your hand is turning to gold! You flail in shock, and the coin clatters to the street below. After what seems like an eternity, the creeping gold recedes back to your fingers, and soon it is gone completely.
What the hell? The ghost didn't say anything about turning into gold, just mumbo jumbo about going crazy for treasure. Is this some new curse, courtesy of the Gold Brickers? You need more information, preferably from someone who knows about crazy magic. Maybe one of those Circle of Thorns weirdoes that skulk around the island knows something about this.
Find out about the strange gold coins
You recall seeing rituals being performed on ghosts near the south shore. Those Circle of Thorns must be up to something: go find out what.
Leave
[u]Interrogate Circle of Thorns[u]
Mission Objectives
<ul type="square">[*]Defeat 30 Circle of Thorns[/list]
Clue: The source of the Circle's curiosity
One of the Circle members succumbed to your "interrogation": the Circle of Thorns have been interested in the Conquistador's curse, as releasing it might offer clues as to their own magical bindings. He also gives up the location of his faction's lair, where a mage called Infiris the Red has been experimenting.
[u]Capture the Circle Leader[u]
Floating mystic sigils, vines covering the walls... This is the place.
Mission Objectives
<ul type="square">[*]Kidnap Infiris the Red[/list]
Primary Enemies
<ul type="square">[*]Circle of Thorns[/list]
Notable NPCs
<ul type="square">[*]Infiris the Red (Hostage)[*]Infiris's Guardian (Behemoth Lord)[/list]
Clue: The mage's analysis of the curse
The terrified mage analyzes the coin, and informs you that it's suffused with powerful, ancient magic, and seems to react with other magic. This new curse spreads and corrupts other curses, amplifying itself as it spreads; were it introduced to a powerful source of magic it would spread like wildfire, turning anything that touches it into gold.
Clue: A tale of golden statues
Before escaping into the fog, Infiris tells you that he's seen a similar magic aura before: a cave not too far from his lair contains a variety of life-like golden statues, but he hadn't gotten around to investigating them.
[u]Investigate the Gold Statues[u]
The halls resonate with the sounds of battle, and an occasional cracking noise you can't seem to identify.
Mission Objectives
<ul type="square">[*]4 strange statues[*]Defeat all Enemies[/list]
Primary Enemies
<ul type="square">[*]Goldbrickers[*]Spectral Conquistadors[*]Legacy Chain[/list]
Notable NPCs
<ul type="square">[*]Big Daddy (Boomer)[*]Acton (Boomer)[*]Kirkwood (Boomer)[*]Adelantado Sebastián (Spectral Conquistador Boss)[*]Guardian Rozworth (Tellus of Earth)[/list]
NPC Text
<ul type="square">[*]Big Daddy: Back again? I won't be humiliated this time![*]Acton: More interruptions? How droll.[*]Kirkwood: Yes, King Midas, we're nearly- what the? Open fire![*]Adelantado Sebastián: Ours! It's OURS! YOU CAN'T HAVE IT![*]Guardian Rozworth: We seek to cleanse this island, and we'll start with you![/list]
Clue: A closer look at the statues
There's no doubt about it, this statue used to be a living person before being turned to gold.
Clue: The Guardian's magical amulet
Though it flickered out when its owner was defeated, Rozworth's amulet seemed to be giving him protection from the Conquistadors, as well as their curse.
Return to Contact
Whether or not the Conquistador's curse is real, you can't allow the main pile to be tainted. Fortunately, you know where the Legacy Chain's hideout is now, and it's obvious that they have some sort of warding against whatever weird magic the Gold Brickers put on the loot they captured. Maybe it's about time you gave them a visit.
Retrieve the Legacy Chains counterspell
Steeling your resolve, you and your "friends" agree to protect the pile at all costs. With one last longing glance at the treasure, you all head out.
Leave
[u]Get the Counterspell[u]
Tainted, cursed, or stolen, you won't let ANYTHING happen to your treasure! Beating up on those Legacy Chain gnats is just a bonus.
Mission Objectives
<ul type="square">[*]Defeat all Legacy Chain[*]Retrieve counterspell[*]Search for clues[/list]
Primary Enemies
<ul type="square">[*]Legacy Chain[/list]
Notable NPCs
<ul type="square">[*]Archivist Hastings (Radiant of Light)[/list]
NPC Text
<ul type="square">[*]Archivist Hastings: You fools! You don't know what you're doing![/list]
Clue: Legacy Chain report
This faded parchment details a planned Legacy Chain assault on a hidden Gold Bricker hideout. It seems that King Midas himself is coming, and the 'good guys' are going to intercept him before he can spread his tainted coins. The report lists attack figures, counterspells, and most importantly, the location of the hideout.
Temporary Power:
Upon completing this mission, you will earn the Legacy Chain Counterspell temporary power.
<ul type="square">[*]
Legacy Chain Counterspell Ranged Special (Spectral Conquistadors)
This rune-covered amulet emanates a powerful ward crafted by the Legacy Chain. When used on a Spectral Conquistador, it disrupts the curse that holds them to this world, defeating them instantly. The Counterspell lasts only 30 minutes before it runs out of Legacy Chain magic.[/list]
[u]Stop King Midas![u]
They say King Midas turns anything he touches into gold, but you don't want just any gold; you want YOUR gold.
Mission Objectives
<ul type="square">[*]Defeat King Midas[/list]
Primary Enemies
<ul type="square">[*]Gold Brickers[*]Spectral Conquistadors[*]Legacy Chain[/list]
Notable NPCs
<ul type="square">[*]Big Daddy (Boomer)[*]Acton (Boomer)[*]Kirkwood (Boomer)[*]Archivist Hastings (Radiant of Light)[*]King Midas (Gold Brickers Archvillain)[/list]
NPC Text
<ul type="square">[*]Big Daddy: Ha ha, bring it on, freaks![*]Acton: You'll never stop us now, and I'll make sure of it![*]Kirkwood: You're too late! King Midas is finishing as we speak![*]Archivist Hastings: You again! I shall strike you down for your impertinence![/list]
Cut Scene
[ QUOTE ]
King Midas: You've come to finish your interference, then. But you have no idea what you're up against.
King Midas: After I discovered what Stefan had done, I searched for it for decades.
King Midas: And when I finally found it, it granted me the power of the king I so wanted to become.
King Midas: But I've grown tired of my power--
King Midas: no, my CURSE!
King Midas: Soon, I shall be rid of it. Soon, I shall have skin once more, rather than metal.
King Midas: Soon, I shall be able to feel again!
King Midas: For you see, Recluse isn't the only one who found the Well of the Furies!
[/ QUOTE ]
King Midas Dialog
<ul type="square">[*]
Start of Battle: I am King Midas! And you all will be nothing![*]
At 75% Life: My skin is gold itself! Your attacks do nothing![*]
At 50% Life: You dare to strike your King?[*]
At 25% Life: You will be nothing but a statue in my collection![*]
Defeated: I felt that... The final blow... My curse has ended...[*]
Defeats Character: I am King Midas! And you are nothing![/list]
Badge
Completing this mission earns you the The Golden One Badge.
<ul type="square">[*]
The Golden One
You've defeated King Midas, the avatar of wealth himself, making you the Golden One.[/list]
Return to Contact
As you reach the pile of loot again, you can feel your skin hardening in its presence. King Midas's curse has already transferred; with the Legacy Chain's amulet gone, it's too late to save the pile, and yourself. Your features crack and twist as your skin begins the process of turning to gold. So much for life in the Rogue Isles.
But wait-- what did that Conquistador say about the treasure? Couldn't the curse be broken by giving it up? Now that King Midas's power is intermingled with the curse, perhaps...
With a heavy sigh, you and your "allies" toss the loot you've accumulated back into the pile. The jingling of gold coins seems despondent, almost, as if crying out in pain. Almost immediately, the distinctive cracking of your skin stops, and feeling begins to return to your extremities. You can't believe your luck: so close to a fortune, yet so far away. Oh, well. You'll just have to find some other way to strike it rich.
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