Synapse Task Force

Overview

The Fall of the Clockwork King
File:Synapse1.jpg
Contact	Synapse
Zone	Skyway City
Suggested Team Size	4 players
Coordinates	(110, -19, -5155.5)
Level Range	15-20
Merits	58
Badge	Synapse's Cohort
Enemy Groups	Clockwork

The Synapse Task Force is the second of six Freedom Phalanx Task Forces, and the completion of all six grants the Task Force Commander Badge. The other five task forces are started by Positron, Sister Psyche, Citadel, Manticore, and Numina.

The task force's missions are all against Clockwork. One of the later missions spawns the Giant Monster Babbage.

This task force is also designated as a Signature Task Force. As such, missions will always spawn mobs at level 20 or higher, regardless of team members' levels.

Template:MeritAward

Introductions

Initial Contact

To form a task force, you need four or more heroes in your group.

You need at least 4 members on your team, all of them at least Level 15. If they are over Level 20, they will be automatically exemplared to Level 20 for the duration of the Task Force.

Missions

Investigate the electrical anomaly

Briefing

Oh. Good to see you. My electrical senses have been picking up some strange currents. I want you to check out a Warehouse in Steel Canyon and investigate the electrical anomaly. You up to it?

Mission Acceptance

I've been seeing a lot of Clockwork over there, but I don't see how they could cause an electrical disturbance. After all, the Clockwork King operates them telekinetically, not with electricity.

Unnecessary Solicitation

I need to know more about that Electrical Anomaly in Steel Canyon.

Mission Objective(s)

Synapse led you to the right place... a tingle of ozone permeates the air.

• Seek electrical anomaly

On one of the Clockwork you defeated, you found a power routing device.

Power router

This electrical device can be used to harness electrical energy from a large source. You found it on a Clockwork minion.

Enemies

Clockwork

Notes

Even though it isn't a stated mission objective, this mission cannot be completed until all enemies have been defeated.

Debriefing

The Clockwork were carrying some kind of power router, huh? It's interesting, but it still doesn't explain the electrial disturbance in Steel Canyon.

I'll show this power router you found to Positron and ask for his opinion. If I can ever get him to stop sharing it with me, I'll let you know what he thinks the Clockwork may be up to.

You're doing quite well, Task Force Name. Please, call if there's anything you need.

Hit the streets and thin the numbers of the Clockwork

Briefing

Something is definitely afoot with the Clockwork. They are swarming all over the place, especially Steel Canyon. I need you to hit the streets and thin the numbers of the Clockwork. If you're lucky, maybe you'll learn something more about that strange power router you found on that Clockwork robot.

This won't be easy, but I know I can count on you and your comrades.

I'll hang onto that power router you found until I can talk to Positron about it.

Unnecessary Solicitation

The Clockwork are still out in force. Thin their numbers as much as you can.

Mission Objective(s)

• Combat the Clockwork
  • Defeat 30 Clockwork

Second power router

This electrical device could be used to harness electrical energy from a large source. You found it on a Clockwork minion.

Debriefing

One of those little robots was carrying another power router? Ok, this is starting to make me really edgy. That's the second one we've found.

I really think you need the always brilliant, but usually long-winded advice of Positron. He may have some insight on those power routers you found the Clockwork carrying.

Go talk to Positron

Talk to Positron

Briefing

Positron has the scoop on those power routers you found on the Clockwork. I need you to go talk to Positron right now. He'll tell you what to do.

Mission Acceptance

Please do whatever Positron asks of you.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You might as well bite the bullet and talk to Positron. The sooner you do, the sooner you can kick some Clockwork tail.

Mission Objective(s)

• Talk to Positron

Positron

Briefing

I'm glad Synapse sent you my way, guys. These power routers you found are very interesting. They are designed to shunt power from a grid substation and feed it to a place of the controller's choosing. The basic mechanism is quite sophisticated, but there are a number of redundant parts. Quite intriguing.

Oh, you probably want the locations of the power substations, don't you? Here they are; go keep Steel Canyon powered up!

Defeat all Clockwork in station

Unnecessary Solicitation

Managed to tear yourself away from Positron, eh? Protect those grid substations.

Mission Objective(s)

The floor beneath you vibrates with the thrum of vast machinery.

• Defeat all Clockwork in station

You defeated the Clockwork.

Notable NPCs

• Foreman (Clockwork Cannon Prince)

Enemies

Clockwork

Defeat all Clockwork in station

Unnecessary Solicitation

You need to make certain all the substations are safe.

Mission Objective(s)

A tiny, brass cog rests against the baseboard. Once again, the Clockwork have beat you to the station.

• Defeat all Clockwork in station

You defeated the Clockwork.

Notable NPCs

• Powderkeg (Clockwork Cannon Prince)
• City Worker (Hostage)

Enemies

Clockwork

Defeat all Clockwork in station

Unnecessary Solicitation

You need to make certain all the substations are safe.

Mission Objective(s)

After so many battles with the Clockwork, the sound of rotating gears quickens your pulse.

• Defeat all Clockwork in station

You prevented the Clockwork from affecting Steel Canyon's power grid.

Notable NPCs

• Volt (Clockwork Cannon Prince)
• City Worker (Hostage)

Enemies

Clockwork

Debriefing

Positron is beaming with pride over your actions. You protected all those power substations from the Clockwork. All that's left now is to find their headquarters of operation and shut it down.

Positron has been working on some kind of gizmo to help you find the Clockwork's headquarters. Let me know when you are ready to try it out.

Find the Clockwork headquarters

Patrol, scan for Clockwork

Patrol Mission Route

Briefing

We're all grateful that you stopped the Clockwork plot to divert Steel Canyon's power. But the job's far from over. I want you to find the Clockwork headquarters. Positron built a scanner that should help us find them. Start in Steel Canyon, and check in at the patrol boxes as you scan the area.

Mission Acceptance

Just keep moving, and the scanner should accumulate enough data to locate the Clockwork's headquarters.

Makeshift scanner

This scanner was cobbled together by Positron. It detects the large concentrations of metal typically used in the construction of Clockwork. It's also sensitive to the unique mental signature generated by the Clockwork King when he controls his minions telekinetically.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You need to find the Clockwork headquarters in Steel Canyon.

Mission Objective(s)

• Patrol, scan for Clockwork

The scanner is indicating a heavy concentration of Clockwork in an abandoned office building.

Stop all robots in headquarters

Unnecessary Solicitation

Get over to that abandoned office building, on the double.

Mission Objective(s)

Mounds of scrap metal are heaped in the corners of this lobby. Seems the Clockwork aren't the tidiest of housekeepers.

• Stop all robots in headquarters

You cleared out the Clockwork's headquarters, preventing further danger to Steel Canyon's power grid.

Notable NPCs

• Click (Clockwork Cannon Prince)
• Coil (Clockwork Cannon Prince)
• Suppressor (Clockwork Cannon Prince)

Enemies

Clockwork

Debriefing

I really owe you one for clearing up the trouble in Steel Canyon for me. With heroes like you around, the Clockwork will never find a way to steal Steel Canyon's power.

The Clockwork King sure wanted to get his hands on Steel Canyon's power. It seems clear that his base of operations has got to be either there, or in one of the nearby city zones. It's only a matter of time before we find him.

Run a patrol in Steel Canyon

Patrol, seek King's hideout

Briefing

That last Clockwork scheme was scary. If you guys hadn't stopped them, the Clockwork would have rerouted all Steel Canyon's power to their own base! We can't let these activities continue. I think it's time to track down the Clockwork King.

I've made a number of sweeps across Paragon City with a scanner that Positron made, and I think I have the possible locations narrowed down to Steel Canyon and Boomtown. I need you to run a patrol in Steel Canyon. See if you can dig up any leads on the Clockwork King's hideout.

We need a new lead; I am beginning to suspect the King has found a way to shield himself against Positron's scans.

Upon accepting this mission, the team leader will receive the Clockwork Immobilizer MkI temporary power.

Clockwork Immobilizer MkI

Ranged, Clockwork Hold

This device was invented by Positron, specifically to interfere with the signals the Clockwork King uses to animate his minions. this is the prototype model, and has only one shot.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Have you finished that patrol yet? I was really hoping you'd find the Clockwork King's hideout!

Mission Objective(s)

• Patrol, seek King's hideout

Nothing on the patrol, eh? Well, that's all right. We'll find the Clockwork King's hideout, never fear.

In fact, I think I may have a lead. A big Clockwork called Bertha was spotted going into an abandoned office not too far away. Check it out.

Defeat Bertha and its guards

Unnecessary Solicitation

Look into that office, will you? It may not be much, but it's the only lead we have right now.

Mission Objective(s)

Even the doorknobs and switch plates have fallen to the Clockwork scavengers.

• Defeat Bertha and its guards

Something catches your eye in the rubble of the Clockwork pieces. You pick up a strange, distinctive Clockwork part.

Notable NPCs

• Bertha (Clockwork Cannon Prince)

Enemies

Clockwork

Debriefing

This Clockwork piece you found looks very distinctive. I bet we can trace it.

I will do a quick search and find out where this Clockwork part came from. Maybe it can lead us to the King himself.

Go talk to the foreman

Briefing

I was right. After a quick scan, I was able to locate the warehouse where that distinctive Clockwork part originated. Go talk to the foreman. I let him know you would drop by.

This place has been hit by the Clockwork several times. The foreman sounds pretty unhappy about it.

Positron created a better version of his Clockwork Immobilizer; he calls it the Mark II. It's still only good for one shot, but he says it will stun the target for a longer time.

Upon accepting this mission, the team leader will receive the Clockwork Immobilizer MkII temporary power.

Clockwork Immobilizer MkII

Ranged, Clockwork Hold

This device was invented by Positron, specifically to interfere with the signals the Clockwork King uses to animate his minions. This is the upgraded model. It still has only one shot, but should be more effective.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You still need to chat with that warehouse foreman over in Steel Canyon.

Mission Objective(s)

This is where the foreman was supposed to meet you. Suddenly you hear it: the sound of a Clockwork attack!

• Defeat Long Tom and its guards

You defeated the Clockwork and spoke to the warehouse foreman.

Foreman conversation

The foreman you rescued told you, 'This is getting ridiculous! These metal annoyances must have me on some kind of regular route! Synapse said you wanted to know more about that distinctive Clockwork part you found. Well, we manufactured it, all right. We only sent parts like that to three different locations; here they are.

Ambush! After saving The Forman Clockwork will ambush.

Notable NPCs

• Long Tom (Clockwork Cannon Prince)
• Foreman (Hostage)

Enemies

Clockwork

Debriefing

According to the foreman, that part went to only three locations. I guess we better check 'em all; any one could be the Clockwork King's hideout.

Nothing to do now but check out the warehouses that had those unusual parts delivered. I'll bet anything that one of them is a Clockwork operation!

Check out the three warehouses

Investigate the first warehouse

Briefing

We know those Clockwork parts you found were delivered to only three locations. I think we need to check out each of the three warehouses. If we are lucky, this trail will lead to the big man himself: the Clockwork King!

I'm calling the first warehouse to make sure they know you're coming. Wait! They say they're under attack right now, and there are innocents in danger. Get moving!

Upon accepting this mission, the team leader will receive the Clockwork Immobilizer MkIII temporary power.

Clockwork Immobilizer MkIII

Ranged, Clockwork Hold

This device was invented by Positron, specifically to interfere with the signals the Clockwork King uses to animate his minions. This is the Mark III model. It still has only one shot, but should be more effective and last a longer amount of time.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Get over to that warehouse. Task Force Name must save the day!

Mission Objective(s)

An overturned table lies beside several broken mugs. It seems the Clockwork surprised the warehouse workers during their coffee break.

• Investigate the first warehouse
  • 6 warehouse workers to save

You defeated the Clockwork and rescued the warehouse workers.

Notable NPCs

• 6 Warehouse workers (Hostages)

Enemies

Clockwork

Stop Clockwork Lord, its guards

Unnecessary Solicitation

There are two more warehouses that you need to look into.

File:Clockwork Babbage.jpg

Mission Objective(s)

This warehouse is quiet. Perhaps too quiet. You prefer the heat of battle to this eerie, expectant silence.

• Stop Clockwork Lord, its guards

You defeated the Clockwork Lord. By now, Positron should have a new version of his Clockwork Immobilizer ready for you.

Notable NPCs

• Clockwork Lord (Elite Boss)

Enemies

Clockwork

Ambush! After leaving this mission, Babbage will ambush your task force outdoors. Other heroes in the zone (Skyway City) may participate in fighting Babbage.

Clockstopper

You have defeated Babbage, one of the greatest works of the Clockwork King.

Get Immobilizer from Positron

Unnecessary Solicitation

Positron has the Mark IV Immobilizer all juiced up for you.

Mission Objective(s)

• Get Immobilizer from Positron

Positron

Briefing

Here you go, the Mark IV Clockwork Immobilizer. Save this for the King, it only has one charge.

The team member that talks to Positron will receive the Clockwork Immobilizer MkIV temporary power.

Clockwork Immobilizer MkIV

Ranged, Clockwork Hold

This device was invented by Positron, specifically to interfere with the signals the Clockwork King uses to animate his minions. This is the most powerful version, and should be effective against the Clockwork King himself. Positron apologizes that it still only has one shot.

Defeat Clockwork King, his court

Unnecessary Solicitation

I think you are onto something, Task Force Name. Get to that last warehouse. I really think it could be the Clockwork King's lair.

Mission Objective(s)

You know this last battle will be dangerous, but you can't suppress a grin.

• Defeat Clockwork King, his court

Your Task Force defeated the Clockwork King!

Notable NPCs

• Clockwork Duke (Clockwork Cannon Prince)
• Clockwork Baron (Clockwork Cannon Prince)
• The Clockwork King (Archvillain)

Enemies

Clockwork

Clockwork King dialogue

Before combat: "Do not worry, my minions, we are prepared. Fight well, and let this be the final battlefield of those who oppose us. We will not be hounded in our own city!"
Combat start:
"Here you are at last, Task Force Name. You are determined, I will say that much for you. I fear, however, that your dogged pursuit will be your downfall."
"Rise up, my creations, and level our foes!"
First blood: "Your mere flesh is no match for the Clockwork King!"
50% health: "I will not be destroyed by you mental midgets!"
Upon defeat: "My creations will avenge me!"

Debriefing

You did it, you put him down! I never had a doubt.

With the Clockwork King in captivity, perhaps we can find a way to contain his mental powers. I'm sure Positron and Sister Psyche can't wait to get started on that. Paragon City owes you a great debt today. This day will be remembered for a long time.

Completing The Fall of the Clockwork King Task Force from Synapse awards the Synapse's Cohort Badge.

Synapse's Cohort

Synapse has awarded you this medal in recognition of your defeat of the Clockwork King.

Souvenir

Clockwork part

You've kept this small Clockwork part as a reminder of:

The Fall of the Clockwork King

Synapse the Speedster contacted you after detecting an electrical anomaly in Steel Canyon. While checking it out, you found a Clockwork minion carrying an electrical power router. When you found a second power router on another robot, Synapse sent you to Positron for advice. Positron guided you to the three power grid substations in Steel Canyon, where you battled the Clockwork to prevent them from stealing the city's power. Using a device created by Positron, you were able to find the headquarters for the entire operation and shut it down.

Synapse then sent you to Boomtown to search for the lair of the Clockwork King. After defeating a number of his minions, you found a distinctive mechanical piece amid the remains of one of the fallen robots. Synapse traced the piece to a storage warehouse and sent you to investigate. After you saved the foreman from some Clockwork attackers, he told you of threee locations where similar parts had been shipped.

As you investigated the warehouses, it became evident that you were closing in on the Clockwork King. Armed with determination and one of Positron's inventions, you came face to face with the Clockwork King. Through your valiant efforts the King was captured for the first time!