Carnival of Light

Overview

The Carnival of Light is a circus-based faction who are aligned with the Resistance in Praetoria. Their appearance in bright colors and porcelain masks is a stark difference to the surroundings of the underground in which they find themselves. The lure of freedom within the Carnival of Light has pulled in what remains of various broken groups including the Praetorian versions of the Midnight Squad and the Legacy Chain. However, due to disputes within the Carnival of Light, at least two splinter groups of Carnival are known to exist: the Carnival of War and the Carnival of Vengeance.

Their Primal Earth mirror is the Carnival of Shadows.

Background

What follows is a summary of D.U.S.T.'s recent investigations into the nature, organization, and threat level of the Carnival of Light. Because the Carnival's own psycho-thaumaturgic counterintelligence measures are extensive, D-SEC chose to approach these field surveys through subtle inquiry rather than by more direct methods of interrogation. Hence, this transmission will contain some disappointingly inconclusive information.

On the surface, the Carnival of Light is a gathering of magicians, mystics, and psychics (most of them Seeker grade or above) with seemingly unlimited access to arcane or interdimensional weaponry. Perhaps most troubling, the Carnival is supported by a widespread network of mundane agents, both in First Ward and in Praetoria proper. Its membership runs the gamut from politicians and celebrities of varying notoriety to vagrants, street vendors, and even, in some cases, common house pets. It should be noted here that these agents often serve the Carnival unwittingly, carrying out orders while under psychic domination or magical influence.

The leadership of the Carnival of Light is, by all reliable accounts, purposely decentralized. However, D-SEC has identified Nadia Umwala (magician), Barnaby of All Colors (specialty unknown), and Cerulean (an attaché from the remnants of the Midnight Squad) as confirmed ringleaders of the organization. It will especially please you to know that Vanessa DeVore has been frequently spotted skirting the edges of the Free-Fire Zone. We have kill teams ready to mobilize against her on your order.

Most of the Carnival's forces have been gathered here in the ruins of First Ward for some time. Publicly, their stated goal is "to focus on the myriad evils left behind after the Hamidon Wars, which Cole prefers to ignore," but this heresy is too broad to provide any real insight into their current plans. They have repeatedly shown an interest in the neighborhood of Eltentown, specifically its so-called Survivor Compound. Subsequent investigations will attempt to uncover that connection.

Finally, some sources have claimed that the Carnival of Light is the true power behind the Resistance, but whether this is fact or another rumor spawned by their misinformation campaigns cannot be verified at present. What can be confirmed is that a schism has recently developed in their ranks, with a splinter group calling itself the Carnival of War appearing throughout First Ward in a much more active, militant role.

That the Empire could use this internal conflict to its advantage is unquestioned. Its similarities to the schism between Crusaders and Wardens are uncanny, and it is my most humble recommendation that we take action on it immediately. Unless given orders to the contrary, I'll be tasking other D.U.S.T. cell commanders with creating disruptive scenarios to further widen this gap between the factions of the Carnival. Vargas out.

Memo of Colonel Vargas, CO D-SEC, Direct Urban Strike Team HQ, Special Operations, First Ward, to Mother Mayhem

Taken from Official site

add extra stuff on group here including famous members/NPCs and their first contact with Primal Earth

Enemy Types

Minions

Luminous Acolyte

Luminous Acolyte

The Luminous Acolytes serve as front line forces for the Carnival of Light. They can trace their origins back to the Legacy Chain, and retain some of their armor and accoutrements. Their mastery of the mystic arts is not as substantial as their superiors, but it far outstrips anything seen elsewhere in Praetoria.

Powers

Luminous Fists Melee Minor DMG(Energy/Smashing), -Res(Foe,Energy), -Def(Foe,Energy)
You pummel your target with your fists, which are wreathed in a brilliant energy. In addition to Smashing and Energy damage, this attack has a chance to reduce your target's Energy Resistance and Defense.

Luminous Bolt Ranged Minor DMG (Energy/Smashing), Knockback
A quick attack that rapidly hurls small bolts of light at foes, sometimes knocking them down. Fast, but little damage.

Luminous Strike Melee, High DMG(Energy/Smashing), Knockdown, -Def(Foe,Energy)
You bring your fists down on your target in a powerful attack. In addition to Smashing and Energy damage, this attack reduces your target's defenses against Energy attacks and has a chance to knock them off their feet.

Damage Resistance Resistance
The Praetorian Carnival forces are naturally resistant to several types of damage, but have a weakness to negative energy.

Shining Attendant

Shining Attendant

The Shining Attendants serve as front line forces for the Carnival of Light. They are drawn directly from the followers of Vanessa DeVore and are trained in the use of the magical staves that channel a great deal of power. Their mastery of the mystic arts is not as substantial as their superiors, but it far outstrips anything seen elsewhere in Praetoria.

Powers

Lightstaff Bolt Ranged Lethal/Negative, Med Dam +KB
The Lightstaff used by the Praetorian Carnival courses with magical energy. Some of this energy can be fired at a ranged target. On hitting the target, this pulse can erupt in a burst of energy damage that has the potential to temporarily blind the target.

Shimmering Smash Melee, Minor DMG(Energy/Smashing), -Heal(Foe)
You bash your target with your staff. This attack deals minor energy and smashing damage, but recharges quickly and has a chance to reduce your target's ability to be healed for a short time.

Shimmering Bolt Melee, Moderate DMG(Smashing/Energy), -ToHit(Foe)
You launch a burst of energy from your staff at a target, causing minor Smashing and Energy damage. There is also a small chance that the target could be blinded by the radiant projectile.

Damage Resistance Resistance
The Praetorian Carnival forces are naturally resistant to several types of damage, but have a weakness to negative energy.

Lieutenants

Mystic Anchorite

Anchorite

The Mystic Anchorites are well-trained in the mystical arts and serve as commanders in the Carnival of Light. Many of them can trace their origins back to the Midnight Squad of Praetoria, but others have been derived from the followers of Vanessa DeVore. It is under their tutelage that novitiates can gain strength and help the organization at large.

Powers

Lightstaff Melee, Smashing/Energy, -End(Foe)
The Lightstaff used by the Praetorian Carnival courses with magical energy. Some of this energy is transferred to a target when hit by the staff, which can occasionally cause the target to lose Endurance.

Lightstaff Bolt Ranged Lethal/Negative, Med Dam +KB
The Lightstaff used by the Praetorian Carnival courses with magical energy. Some of this energy can be fired at a ranged target. On hitting the target, this pulse can erupt in a burst of energy damage that has the potential to temporarily blind the target.

Incandescent Burst Ranged, Minor DMG (Energy/Smashing), -DMG (Foe,All), -ToHit(Foe)
You fire a luminous projectile at the target, dazzling them. This reduces their chance to hit and their damage, while inspiring you and increasing your own damage.

Radiant Burst Ranged Moderate DMG (Energy), Minor DoT (Fire), -ToHit(Foe), -End(Foe)
You channel energy through your Lightstaff, resulting in a massive burst of energy whose brightness temporarily exceeds that of the sun. The energy output is large enough to potentially cause your target to catch fire, and may overwhelm their senses so much that they lose Endurance.

Damage Resistance Resistance
The Praetorian Carnival forces are naturally resistant to several types of damage, but have a weakness to negative energy.

Radiant Eremite

Radiant Eremite

The Radiant Eremites are well-trained in the mystical arts and serve as commanders in the Carnival of Light. They can trace their origins back to the Legacy Chain, and retain some of their armor and accoutrements. It is under their tutelage that novitiates can gain strength and help the organization at large.

Powers

Luminous Fists Melee Minor DMG(Energy/Smashing), -Res(Foe,Energy), -Def(Foe,Energy)
You pummel your target with your fists, which are wreathed in a brilliant energy. In addition to Smashing and Energy damage, this attack has a chance to reduce your target's Energy Resistance and Defense.

Luminous Bolt Ranged Minor DMG (Energy/Smashing), Knockback
A quick attack that rapidly hurls small bolts of light at foes, sometimes knocking them down. Fast, but little damage.

Luminous Strike Melee, High DMG(Energy/Smashing), Knockdown, -Def(Foe,Energy)
You bring your fists down on your target in a powerful attack. In addition to Smashing and Energy damage, this attack reduces your target's defenses against Energy attacks and has a chance to knock them off their feet.

Luminous Torrent Cone Energy/Smash, Knockback, -ToHit(Foe)
You unleash a powerful cone of light that deals Energy and Smashing damage to your target. This torrent has the chance to reduce the targets' chance to hit and to knock them off their feet.

Damage Resistance Resistance
The Praetorian Carnival forces are naturally resistant to several types of damage, but have a weakness to negative energy.

Bosses

Awakened Armor

Awakened Armor

Brought to life by magical incantations retained by the former Midnight Squad and nearly lost to history, these animated golems serve as powerful guardians and sentries for the Carnival of Light. Constructed from scattered pieces of armor found around First Ward, the technologically advanced war machines make use of powerful tech swords which can fire bursts of energy at a target from range or rapidly cut them down in melee.

Powers

Slash Melee, Moderate Dam(Lethal), -Def(Foe,All)
You perform a quick Slash that can reduce a target's Defense, making him easier to hit. This attack causes moderate damage, but has a quick recharge time. Damage: Moderate, Recharge: Fast

Hack Melee, High Dam(Lethal), -Def(Foe,All)
You Hack your opponent for a high amount of damage. This attack can reduce a target's Defense, making him easier to hit. Damage: High, Recharge: Moderate

Spear of Light Ranged, High DMG(Energy)
You discharge a beam of energy from your sword, striking the target for high damage. Damage: High, Recharge: Moderate

Slice Melee (Cone), Moderate Dam(Lethal), -Def(Foe,All)
You Slice your sword in a wide arc, attacking all enemies in front of you. Slice does less damage than Slash, but can hit multiple foes and reduces their defense. Damage: Moderate, Recharge: Moderate

Whirling Sword PBAoE Melee, Moderate DMG(Lethal), -Def(Foe,All)
You perform a Whirling Sword maneuver, attacking all foes in melee range. This attack wounds your opponents, causing them to take minor damage over time and reduces their defense. Damage: Moderate, Recharge: Slow

Luminous Barrier Toggle, +Def(Smashing, Lethal, Energy,Self), Resistance to Defense Debuffs
Luminous Barrier creates an energy barrier that can deflect physical attacks. Your defense to smashing and lethal attacks is increased as weapons and powers like bullets, blades and punches tend to deflect off the shield. This shield also absorbs energy damage, increasing your resistance to those attacks. Luminous Barrier further grants you resistance to Defense Debuffs.

Damage Resistance Res( E15 N-10 P15 )
The Praetorian Carnival forces are naturally resistant to several types of damage, but have a weakness to negative energy.

Hardened Res( S30 L30 F20 C10 E10 N20 P60 )
Automatons of all kinds are resistant to virtually all mind-affecting statuses. Also, due to their unrelenting nature, automatons tend to be resistant to statuses which counteract their momentum, including Repel, Immobilize, Knockup and Knockback.

Resplendent Mistress

Resplendent Mistress

The Mistresses are extremely powerful sorceresses and mystics, able to twist magical energies into a diverse selection of abilities. They represent some of the most loyal of Vanessa's original followers and form the core leadership of all operations within the Praetorian Carnival. They bear the responsibility for integrating the remnants of the disparate magical groups in Praetoria into a cohesive unit. With few exceptions, they are the most talented mystics in the Carnival of Light.

Powers

Shining Blast Ranged, High DMG(Energy), -Rec(Foe), -ToHit(Foe)
You can send a large blast of energy at a foe, dealing heavy damage. There is also a chance that you will reduce your target's chance to hit and their Recovery. Damage: Low, Recharge: Moderate

Judgement Ranged Hold, Moderate DoT(Energy), -Heal(Foe)
You hold your target in Judgement with your whip, preventing them from moving. While they helplessly tremble under your gaze, they suffer energy damage and are healed less effectively.

Radiance AoE, Moderate DMG(Energy), Confuse, -End(Foe), -ToHit(Foe)
You unleash a radiant burst in a short radius around you. This deals Energy damage to all targets in the burst. It also has a chance to reduce each target's Endurance and To Hit chance, as well as a smaller chance of Confusing each target.

Brilliance Ranged, Heal(Ally,Self), +Regen(Self), +Rec(Self), -DMG(Foe, All), -ToHit(Foe), -Regen(Foe)
You channel energy through your body and into a targeted foe. Through transference from the target, some of your health and that of your allies is restored. Additionally, your personal recovery and regeneration are boosted briefly. The targeted foe's regeneration, chance to hit and damage are reduced.

Coruscating Lash Close, High DMG(Energy), Foe -Res, Knockdown, Minor DoT(Fire)
You channel energy into your whip and lash out at your foe, dealing high energy damage and causing fire damage over time. Lash has longer range than most melee attacks. It will reduce the target's damage resistance and also has a chance to knockdown your target.

Coruscating Thrash Short Ranged (Cone), High DMG(Energy), DoT(Fire), Knockdown, -Res(Foe,All)
You channel energy into your whip and make an impressive sweep, causing high energy damage to enemies within a wide cone and also causing some fire damage over time. Coruscating Thrash has a larger range than most melee cones. Targets that are struck will also have their resistance to damage reduced for a short time and may be knocked down.

Blessing of Light Res( N30 )
The Mistresses of the Carnival are a beacon of strength and hope to all who know them. This manifests itself as a significant resistance to Negative Energy attacks.

Damage Resistance Res( E15 N-10 P15 )
The Praetorian Carnival forces are naturally resistant to several types of damage, but have a weakness to negative energy.

Named Lieutenants

Candlestick

Candlestick

Main Article: Candlestick

Candlestick is a talented psychic of the Carnival of Light, given to brashness and ill-conceived plans.

Powers

Luminous Fists Melee Minor DMG(Energy/Smashing), -Res(Foe,Energy), -Def(Foe,Energy)
You pummel your target with your fists, which are wreathed in a brilliant energy. In addition to Smashing and Energy damage, this attack has a chance to reduce your target's Energy Resistance and Defense.

Luminous Bolt Ranged Minor DMG (Energy/Smashing), Knockback
A quick attack that rapidly hurls small bolts of light at foes, sometimes knocking them down. Fast, but little damage.

Luminous Strike Melee, High DMG(Energy/Smashing), Knockdown, -Def(Foe,Energy)
You bring your fists down on your target in a powerful attack. In addition to Smashing and Energy damage, this attack reduces your target's defenses against Energy attacks and has a chance to knock them off their feet.

Luminous Torrent Cone Energy/Smash, Knockback, -ToHit(Foe)
You unleash a powerful cone of light that deals Energy and Smashing damage to your target. This torrent has the chance to reduce the targets' chance to hit and to knock them off their feet.

Damage Resistance Res( E10 N-10 P10 )
The Praetorian Carnival forces are naturally resistant to several types of damage, but have a weakness to negative energy.

Nadia

Nadia

Main Article: Nadia

Mistress Nadia, a powerful sorcerer of the Carnival of Light, watches over the Survivor Compound, striving to keep it safe from the myriad dangers of First Ward.

Powers

Lightstaff Melee, Smashing/Energy, -End(Foe)
The Lightstaff used by the Praetorian Carnival courses with magical energy. Some of this energy is transferred to a target when hit by the staff, which can occasionally cause the target to lose Endurance.

Lightstaff Bolt Ranged Lethal/Negative, Med Dam +KB
The Lightstaff used by the Praetorian Carnival courses with magical energy. Some of this energy can be fired at a ranged target. On hitting the target, this pulse can erupt in a burst of energy damage that has the potential to temporarily blind the target.

Incandescent Burst Ranged, Minor DMG (Energy/Smashing), -DMG (Foe,All), -ToHit(Foe)
You fire a luminous projectile at the target, dazzling them. This reduces their chance to hit and their damage, while inspiring you and increasing your own damage.

Radiant Burst Ranged Moderate DMG (Energy), Minor DoT (Fire), -ToHit(Foe), -End(Foe)
You channel energy through your Lightstaff, resulting in a massive burst of energy whose brightness temporarily exceeds that of the sun. The energy output is large enough to potentially cause your target to catch fire, and may overwhelm their senses so much that they lose Endurance.

Damage Resistance Res( E10 N-10 P10 )
The Praetorian Carnival forces are naturally resistant to several types of damage, but have a weakness to negative energy.

Elite Bosses

Vanessa DeVore

Vanessa DeVore

Main Article: Vanessa DeVore

Vanessa DeVore is the mother of the resistance. It was her warning of what was to come in Cole's new world order that unified a small group of important military leaders into what would one day become the Resistance. Without DeVore's immense psychic power the Resistance would have been tracked down by Mother Mayhem's Seers, and smashed by the PPD.

Powers

Subdue Ranged Psionic, Immobilize, -Recharge
Vanessa has slowed your recharge rate and tried to immobilize you!

Telekinetic Blast Ranged Smash/Psionic, Knockback
Blasts a targeted foe, tossing him like a rag doll.

Psychic Scream Ranged Cone, Psionic, -Recharge
Vanessa's Psychic Scream has slowed your attack speed.

Dominate Ranged Psionic, Foe Hold
Vanessa has dominated you. You are Held, and cannot take any action!

Healing Aura PBAoE, Team +Heal
Healing Aura restores some Hit Points to you and all nearby heroes. Healing Aura is not as potent as Heal Other, but can heal multiple targets at once. Recharge: Moderate

Resistance Res( E25 P50 )
Resistance

Related Badges

Show's Over

When you roll into town, the fractured Carnivals of Praetoria know to close up shop before you force the issue. You defeated several Carnival of Light, Vengeance, or War to earn this badge.