[Spoiler] Shield

[Astral]

Leaving some space here for people who don't want to spoil content.

Is there a way to get back to the Factory late game? I have a Frost Moon to get there, and it's looking like I'd just need to start a whole new save to get it at this rate. I would deeply appreciate being wrong. Not that most achievements are working anyways, but still.

[Rae]

There's someone you can rescue who when you talk to them in the castle starts a quest to repair the shield.

[Astral]

Figures - that was the last guy I rescued, and didn't talk to him in town since I figured it'd just be more random dialogue. Teach me to not check everywhere. lol

[ChaotickMonkey]

I actually don't know how to advance this quest. Like I talk to them, and they say "Maybe someone around here can help" But.,...noone says anything that further helps? Any idea how to proceed in the quest?

[Rae]

You have to interact with something in the castle. There is an NPC who won't like something you can do and trigger a small sidequest. If you want the straight answer it's spoilered below.

Upgrade the arcane beacon next to the witch while the old man is there. He will be unhappy about it and ask you to make sure the one next his house is purified. Then he will trigger the next step of the shield quest.