Katie Hannon Task Force

Overview

A Tangled Plot
Contact	Katie Hannon
Zone	Croatoa
Suggested Team Size	6 players
Coordinates	(1095, 108, -1095)
Level Range	30-34
Merits	26
Badge	Cabalist
Enemy Groups	The Cabal Red Caps

The Katie Hannon Task Force is a hero Task Force that is part of the Croatoa storyline. The Task Force is started by Katie Hannon. All of the missions take place in Croatoa.

The Katie Hannon Task Force was the most heavily repeated task force in City of Heroes prior to Issue 13. It can be completed in generally under 30 minutes (depending on difficulty) by a veteran team, which used to lead to a Pool C Recipe reward more quickly than any other task force. All of Katie Hannon's missions are against Arcane-drop foes, and all but the first mission can be run in a handful of minutes without much risk.

This task force is also designated as a Signature Task Force. As such, missions will always spawn mobs at level 34 or higher, regardless of team members' levels.

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 26 Reward Merits.

Editor's Note:

This task force will be unlocked by a Hero, Vigilante, or Rogue who has finished Buck Salinger's story line, and cannot be started by someone who has not done so. The story arc can only be done while of Hero or Vigilante alignments, but will remain unlocked if the character changes alignments afterward. The character does not need to be within the level range to start the task force, as long as it has been unlocked.

Missions

A Tangled Plot

Agree to form a task force

Briefing

Hi! I guess you know by now that we sorceresses have been fighting with the Red Caps for a long time. A long, long time. Ever since they came to our settlement in Roanoke, back in 1588. That was shortly after the Fir Bolg came to our lands. They were running away from their enemies in Ireland, the Tuatha de Dannan. We formed a cautious friendship, but we had no idea that the Red Caps had followed them all the way across the sea!

They trapped us here, killed all the men, and watched our suffering for the last four hundred years! And we finally found a way to get rid of them!

But if you really think the spell we're going to use may hurt other magic life, you might be able to convince our leader to change her plans. Of course, it won't be easy. My elders have had several centuries to harden their hearts against outsiders.

If you can defeat our leader, Mary MacComber, we'll listen to what you have to say. Otherwise, we'll go ahead with our plan.

Mission Acceptance

Mary will really test you, Character. I think she'll surprise you quite a bit.

If you can survive long enough, you'll show Mary you're a force to be reckoned with. If you manage to survive the entire ordeal, we'll have something special for you.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Mary still wants to see you.

Mission Objective(s)

You feel a wise presence watching over you as you step into the spirit realm.

• Defeat Mary MacComber (10 times)

You defeated Mary MacComber for good!

Primary Enemies

The Cabal

Notable NPCs

• Mary MacComber (Cabal Archvillain)

Editor's Note:

This initial mission is by far the longest and most difficult part of the task force. After defeating some number of mobs to get Mary's attention (or alternatively, knocking on a certain door on the map), she and a small army of endurance-draining Mavens will spawn, returning nine more times with increasing power each time. On +0 notoriety the first waves are level 34 and the last are level 37, which will be nearly impossible to beat if your team is much below the level 34 cap. On the highest difficulty, +4, Boss-class enemies will already con purple from the very first wave to level 34 players, with the final wave consisting of level 39 enemies. Be very prepared if playing on this difficulty level.

As is usual for Archvillain fights, have a Brute or Tanker (with healer/buffer backup) hold Mary's aggro while the rest of the team wipes out her supporting mobs. Be stingy with your Inspirations in the early battles; you will need them a lot in rounds 9 and 10.

Badge

Ten Times the Victor

You have impressed Mary MacComber, leader of the Cabal, by defeating her ten times. Though some members of the Cabal may still fear you, others will work as your allies.

Costume Part

Upon gaining the Ten Times the Victor Badge, the Witches Hat costume part will be unlocked.

Debriefing

Great job, Task Force Name! You must really be warriors of renown! Mary's decided we can trust you. Of course, there will always be some women who are blinded by hate, not all of us will be on your side. But enough will. Especially since I am! I'm the youngest of the Cabal, and I guess you could say I'm kind of important to the rest of them. Like a symbol of hope, you know? Anyway, I can't guarantee everyone will be nice to you, but I can promise we will cease work on our spell. In return, perhaps you'd be willing to aid us against the Red Caps.

We're friends, right? I really believe in you guys. Keep in touch!

Free Amy from the Red Caps

Briefing

You've earned Mary's trust, and now there's a task she'd like your help with. One of our most powerful sorceresses has been captured by the Red Caps. Her name's Amy. If you could free Amy from the Red Caps, it would go a long way toward improving your reputation with the Cabal.

Mission Acceptance

Amy's one of my favorite Aunts. Please take good care of her.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Where's Amy? She's not still in the Red Cap's hands, is she?

Mission Objective(s)

The moment you step into the Red Caps' den, you know you're being watched.

• Free Amy from the Red Caps

You freed Amy.

Editor's Note:

This mission was changed with Issue 19 - She must be rescued and brought to the door.

Primary Enemies

Red Caps

Notable NPCs

• Amy Jonsson (Cabal, Hostage, Ally, must escort to exit)

Amy's story

When you rescued Amy from the Red Caps, she told you:

'Thank you, kind heroes. The Red Caps have held me captive for many months. They have been practicing some spell on me, to drain my strength, and I have just barely managed to hold on. I suspect they have darker plans in mind. To cause suffering is more than enough motive for these creatures, but they often have long term goals.

Debriefing

Thank you so, so much! If I lost my aunt Amy, I just don't know what I'd do! You're really proving yourself a friend to the Cabal. Listen, I don't mean to be rude, but could you leave me alone for a little while? I'm feeling pretty tired.

You are the best heroes I've ever seen!

Get rid of the Red Caps

Briefing

According to Amy, the Red Caps are trying something really nasty. I don't know what it is yet, but I was just told that they've invaded my house! If you could get down there and get rid of the Red Caps for me, I'd sure appreciate it. Maybe you'll learn something while you're there.

Mission Acceptance

I hope you hurry back. I've been feeling real tired lately, and I just can't take the stress.

Unnecessary Solicitation

I heard those Red Caps are still in my house!

Mission Objective(s)

This underground den smells of cinnamon and cloves.

• Defeat all Red Caps

You removed the Red Caps from Katie's home, but learned something terrible.

Primary Enemies

Red Caps

Notable NPCs

• Wormtail (Red Caps Fiend) (Boss)

Editor's Note:

This one is a Defeat All mission, but the map isn't terribly large, and the mobs (including Wormtail) are ordinary Red Caps.

The Red Caps plot

When you defeated Wormtail, he smirked:

'It's the end for your witchy friends! Katie is ours! When we have her soul, Cabal lose everything. All hope, all happiness! We take their last child!'

Debriefing

So that's why I've been so tired lately? The Red Caps are sucking out my soul? That's terrible! And not just for me, Character. I am the very last of the Cabal. If something happens to me, well, it'll take all hope away from my friends and aunties. There's no telling what they'll do if the Red Caps succeed.

Free Katie's soul

Briefing

Listen closely, Character, because I don't have much strength left. I believe the Red Caps have taken almost all of my soul. And I need you to free it. Go to the Grim Vale, where the Red Caps have battled my people all these centuries. I am certain that my soul is trapped there, in the spirit realm. My people will help you in your quest, but I believe only you have the strength to set me free.

Mission Acceptance

Thank you, Character. I'll try to hang on.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Please, help me! I don't believe I have much time.

Mission Objective(s)

A thunderous growl echoes across the vale

• Free Katie's soul

You saved Katie's soul from the Red Caps!

Primary Enemies

Red Caps

Notable NPCs

• Mona or Jessica (Cabal Sorceress of the Winds) (Boss, Hostage, Ally)
• Katie's Spirit (Cabal, Hostage, Ally, Hero)

Editor's Note:

This is a stealthable mission by sending 1-4 team members with Flight Powers up and over the mobs of this outdoor zone directly to the hostage location. There should not be substantial guards at Katie's location except for the magic stones that make up her cage, but as she has a huge aggro range, it may be worthwhile to kill any Red Cap groups within a reasonable range to prevent Katie from immediately engaging in combat upon rescue.

Katie will follow whoever destroys the final stone. This team member should fly straight up until Katie is well out of aggro range, then escort her back to the zone exit. Ambushers will try to attack any team member on the ground or within weapon range. If Katie gets in range of enemies she will stop following and dive to attack, forcing the team into a brutal fight. However, as she is a true Hero-class NPC, she should be able to adequately defend herself from any mob on the map.

Temporary Power:

Upon completing this mission, you will earn Amy's Ward temporary power.

Amy's Ward

Summon Amy Jonsson

This small amulet, given to you by the young witch Katie, will allow you to summon the astral projection of Amy Jonsson five times. You may only manifest one projection of Amy at a time. If you try to summon a second while the first is still active, the amulet will fail and lose a charge.

Badge

Completing this mission earns you the Cabalist Badge.

Cabalist

You aided the Cabal in their struggle against the loathsome Red Caps.

Mona or Jessica dialogue

Upon rescue: "Thank you for coming. We have to save Katie!"

Katie's Spirit dialogue

Upon approach: "Please! Help me!"
Upon rescue: "Thank you! Now we have to get out of here!"
If recaptured by enemies: needs data
If lost: "I can't keep up!"
If refound: "Thank you so much!"
Upon reaching exit: "You've done so much. For me, and my people. I won't forget it."

Debriefing

Thank you, Character. You've brought hope back to my people. There will always be some who do not trust you, but I will always be in your debt. I hope someday we will find a way to be free of the Red Caps forever. Until then, at least I know that there are people in the world who can balance the Red Caps' cruelty with unflinching virtue.

I'm not the only believer, either. Amy wants to help you in your future travels. She's asked me to teach you a spell that will allow you to summon her five times. I hope she can help to protect you from the demons that always haunt the paths of the righteous.

History

This section contains information that no longer applies to the current version of City of Heroes/Villains. It is provided for historical purposes.

• In earlier Issues of the game, players were able to finish this Task Force in a very short time (less than half an hour) by dropping the first mission. The long fights could be skipped and the task force would continue, leading to unfairly quick recipe rewards. This has since been changed in Issue 10 by requiring players to defeat Mary MacComber all 10 times to proceed.
• During the period of time when Task Forces awarded recipes instead of Merit Rewards, this Task Force was the most popular choice, since it required the least amount of time for the same reward as completing a Dr. Quaterfield Task Force, which takes more than four hours to complete (even up to or more than six hours).
• This Task Force was worth 7 Reward Merits prior to a patch on February 10, 2009.
• In June 2010, a bug that had afflicted this Task Force since Issue 15, where Mary MacComber and her witches did not increase in level with each successive spawn, was fixed.