Handlers are a guide over the course of a mission that is heard over Michael Thorton's headset providing insight and advice. The handler in question monitors the details of Michael's mission - his goals, his options, and his surroundings, and gives their assessment and opinion as they analyze the situation from an overlooking point of view, using their off-site capabilities to deduce things Michael himself cannot in the field. Rarely, the handler in question can also be someone in the field with Michael as well.
Each mission usually has a single handler Michael Thorton has already met, though some missions will come to a point where a change in handlers may be beneficial or preferred. In the latter circumstance, Michael begins to communicate with a different individual. This occurs either when someone else has knowledge that the current handler does not, making the switch beneficial, or when circumstances make a new handler a more viable option.
The handler assigned to missions is pre-determined, though the player can choose their handler at the conclusion of Alpha Protocol. Each handler offers unique and temporary perks, referred to as handler bonuses. These perks provide a boost to certain aspects of Michael's performance in gameplay. These perks change depending on the player's reputation with the handler in question.
With Mina's reassuring presence on your earpiece, you feel like you could walk through a hail of bullets.
Neutral to Liked
Constant Encouragement
Endurance +10
Mina's presence on your earpiece drives you forward - giving you an extra dose of willpower to shrug off pain and distraction.
Dislike
Too Busy to Play Nice
-5% cooldown on all Abilities
Your dislike of Mina keeps you unconcerned with her judgments of your conduct - and more focused on getting things done.
Animosity or Hatred
Too Busy to Play Nice II
-10% cooldown on all Abilities
Having completely divorced yourself from Mina's observations and judgment calls, you are completely focused on your work whenever she's handling your missions.
With Darcy watching your back, you have the advice of a trained tech specialist at your disposal. His guidance will improve the effectiveness of your technological weapons.
Neutral
Tech Savvy
Gadget Damage +10%
Darcy may have an attitude, but he knows his tech. With him in charge of the mission, you'll get the most out of your ordnance.
Neutral (Negative)
Who's the Better Agent?
Endurance +5
Knowing that your death would imply Darcy might have been a better choice to go on the mission, your resolve is strengthened.
Disliked
Who's the Better Agent? II
Endurance +10
Your will to live is strengthened by the knowledge that dying would make Darcy happy. That can't happen - not at any cost.
Though Albatross isn't a trusting man, he's grown to like you. With him as your handler, you have a master of infiltration watching over you and giving you pointers.
Neutral to Trusted
The Subtle Approach
Enemy Sight Range -5%
Albatross is a veteran of countless covert operations. As your handler, he imparts some of his cautious methodology on you.
Disliked
Competition
Endurance +5
You don't trust Albatross, and he doesn't trust you. This animosity keeps you going when pain might slow you down.
Animosity or Hatred
Competition II
Endurance +10
The only thing worse than Albatross' voice in your earpiece is the thought of his smug grin if you died. That thought alone leaves you unwilling to give up in the face of grievous harm.
The German mercenary with the over-sized gun is helping you on this mission. She can pass on several pointers on handling large hardware, whatever that means.
Neutral to Trusted
Size Matters
SMG and Assault Rifle Recoil Control +1
With SIE assisting you over the earpiece, you're picking up several pointers on how to properly lay down suppressive fire.
Disliked
Never Show Fear to a Cougar
Damage Resistance +5%
There's something about SIE's androgynous voice over your earpiece that makes you less inclined to die - it's probably the fear that if you were wounded on your mission, she'd rescue you and lick your wounds.
Animosity or Hatred
Never Show Fear to a Cougar II
Damage Resistance +10%
Like it or not, you're working with SIE for this mission. At least her annoying accent and awkward innuendos distract you from the pain of injury.
She may not be an international woman of mystery, but Madison will do whatever she can to keep you safe. While she's helping you on this mission, she'll impart her cautious nature, giving you a slight edge in staying out of sight.
Neutral (Negative)
Redirected Frustration
Favored Weapon Damage +1
Having a civilian handler like Madison makes you long for a competent agent feeding you information. This frustration is easily vented on anyone crossing your path.
Dislike (Further negative)
Redirected Frustration II
Favored Weapon Damage +2
Madison's irritating presence over your earpiece may be a distraction, but putting that extra bullet in someone's head sounds like a good way to overcome the annoyance.
Heck and you share a bizarre rapport - maybe it's because you're both men of mystery, or more likely because you both enjoy getting your hands dirty. Either way, having Heck as your Handler brings out your violent tendencies.
Neutral to Trusted
Fighting Dirty
CQC Strike Damage +1
Heck is your handler on this mission, and he's imparting a fair bit of his know-how on the subject of hands-on violence.
Disliked
Ignore the Sociopath
Enemy Sight Range -5%
Given the choice, Heck would solve most problems with cacophonous violence. As long as he's over your earpiece, you are more inclined to be subtle.
Animosity or Hatred
Ignore the Sociopath II
Enemy Sight Range -10%
The more you hear Heck's voice over your earpiece, the more you want to kill him in his sleep. You can't help but feel the contrarian urge to ignore his ravings and exercise caution.
