The Outer Worlds' Secret Canvas: A Journey Through Halcyon's Hidden Murals

Deep within the corporate-controlled confines of Halcyon, a subtle narrative unfolds—not always in official communiques or propaganda posters, but sometimes, just sometimes, on grand, overlooked canvases. And, honestly, you might just miss them if you're not specifically looking. We’re talking about the ‘Partite Pentaptych,’ a collection of five rather intriguing murals scattered across the colony, each one offering a distinctive—and often hilariously skewed—take on Halcyon’s history and its… well, its 'heroes'. Consider this your personal scavenger hunt, a journey for the discerning adventurer with an eye for the overlooked.

Our first stop, you might find, takes us to the gleaming, utterly artificial city of Byzantium. A place where every surface practically screams corporate success, but even here, art, well, it finds a way. Make your way towards the opulent Executive Suites; it's the sort of place you’d expect to find something this grand. And sure enough, nestled within this opulent bubble, you'll discover the first piece: 'The Grand Spectacle of Sophia Akande.' It’s exactly as grandiose and self-serving as you’d imagine, depicting the rather intimidating Vice President in all her corporate glory. A fitting start, wouldn’t you agree?

Still in the polished, if somewhat soulless, streets of Byzantium, our hunt continues. For the next mural, you’ll want to head over to the HPS building. Just near the main entrance on the ground floor, almost a subversive wink in plain sight, you'll discover a rather… revisionist depiction. It’s titled 'The Benevolent Founder, Phineas Welles.' Now, this one’s a real laugh, isn't it? Seeing Phineas—a man certainly not beloved by the corporations—portrayed in such a light is a testament to the artists' sly wit, or perhaps just a very confused painter. It’s these tiny, delightful incongruities that make the Halcyon colony, for all its oppressive nature, quite charming in its own peculiar way.

But enough of Byzantium’s sparkling facade. For our next two masterpieces, we must journey to the more rugged, wild heart of Monarch. Specifically, we're aiming for Stellar Bay, a settlement with a grittier edge, a world away from Byzantium’s curated perfection. Once you’ve navigated the… shall we say, colorful characters of Stellar Bay, head towards the SubLight building. It's impossible to miss, honestly. Right there, near its imposing front entrance, you'll uncover 'The Triumph of Auntie Cleo.' It’s a piece that captures the spirit of that particular corporation with all its aggressive, pioneering—some might say exploitative—zeal. A vibrant, almost menacing ode to industry, truly.

Staying put in Stellar Bay for just a moment longer, because sometimes, you know, these things are closer than you think, your fourth mural awaits. Just a stone's throw from the SubLight building, you’ll find yourself at the C&P Boarst Factory. A beacon of, uh, culinary delights? Perhaps not. But near its main entrance, another piece of the 'Partite Pentaptych' reveals itself: 'The Sacrifice of Chairman Rockwell.' It’s a classic corporate narrative, isn’t it? The brave leader, giving his all for the cause. Though, one does wonder what, exactly, was sacrificed, and for whose benefit, in truth.

Finally, our grand tour takes us back to Terra 2, to the verdant, if somewhat overgrown, Emerald Vale. This region, a far cry from the urban sprawl of Byzantium or the ruggedness of Monarch, holds our last artistic treasure. You'll need to make your way to the Botanical Lab, a hub of… well, botanical experimentation. Once inside the main lab room, venture just a little further, behind the primary workspace. And there it is, the final flourish: 'The Grand Revelation of Adelaide McDevitt.' This mural, in its own distinct style, ties a neat bow on our artistic journey, completing the full set of the 'Partite Pentaptych.' So there you have it, adventurer, every hidden stroke and sarcastic brushwork accounted for. Happy hunting, and do enjoy the view.