Devouring Earth (Praetorian)

This article is about the Praetorian Earth group. For the Primal Earth group, see Devouring Earth.

Overview

The Hamidon Wars

Excerpt taken from Tyrant's background info

A new global threat loomed over the world, a threat no super-powered being could defeat and no weapon could stop, except for the bomb. This threat was the Devouring Earth, dubbed so because the consumption of humankind was its agenda.

Cole's return gave humankind its first glimmer of hope in years. If Cole had survived the atomic blast in Korea, then surely he was more powerful than the Devouring Earth creatures. Cole set his sights on this new enemy, an enemy that had driven humanity to the verge of self-annihilation at the hands of its own nuclear weapons. Cole was the only other solution.

The entire world was at war with the Devouring Earth. The Devouring Earth launched a surprise attack on Washington, DC, and NORAD. The attack destroyed the capital, killing President MacArthur, the vice president, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Cole publicly vowed to avenge this attack, to discover what hateful intelligence had laid them low. It was now apparent that the creatures of the Devouring Earth were cunning, and Cole meant to destroy every one of them. He had no idea that this brief speech to America's people would get him elected as the next president by a staggering 98% majority.

Cole cut a swath through the Devouring Earth creatures, driving them from city after city, restoring hope and rallying supers behind him. It was bitter, grisly work, but Cole had once again found his calling. In a year's time, Cole and America's Super Corps stopped the Devouring Earth dead in its tracks in America. At the same time, the rest of the world was fighting a losing war. The detonation of dozens of nuclear weapons killed off more of humanity and appeared only to enrage the enemy. Desperate, the world's refugees flooded into America, hoping that Cole could protect them.

Cole addressed what was left of the United Nations Security Council. In that momentous speech, Cole spoke of the Roman Empire, and how in times of greatest peril, Rome would elect one man to lead its people and its armies against its enemy. "Divided," said Cole, "humankind will fall, but united in this conflict, it will triumph." To silence cries of "Dictator!," Cole stated that he could not pursue this leadership role because he needed to be on the front lines. The Security Council exploded into conflict. No one could agree on who should become the consul. The members descended into petty bickering, distracting any of them from the looming threat.

Cole's booming voice silenced the Security Council. At that moment, it became clear to everyone in the assembly that only Cole could truly lead humankind against this, its greatest threat. Cole's appointment was immediately proposed, and he took the office grudgingly. Never one for details, Cole delegated many of his tasks to more capable commanders in the world's combined Super Corps. He dubbed this new fighting force the Praetorian Guard. Cole's mandate to this new force was that it was to cut off the head of whatever was leading the Devouring Earth monsters.

The Praetorian Guard attacked in a massive combined strike against the Devouring Earth, obliterating it. However, it was soon apparent that that the strike had not done the trick, as a giant monster appeared in South America. It began destroying every Praetorian Guard unit that it encountered. The monster leveled entire cities and was moving steadily north across Central America. When it crossed into Mexico, the Mexican government attacked with a small tactical stockpile of nuclear weapons it had purchased from America. The attack had no effect.

This challenge was what Cole was destined for. Not wishing to see more of his Praetorian Guard killed, he faced off alone against the beast. The battle was brief, and at first, indecisive. Cole's attacks damaged the creature, but the same physiology that had rendered it immune to a half-dozen nuclear weapons was able to deal with Cole's powers. Likewise, Cole was too tough for the flailing tentacles and claws of the monster to do much to him other than swat him around. Desperate to kill the beast, Cole called upon a reserve of energy he had not ever suspected lay within him and unleashed a devastating bolt of power that nearly laid the beast low. Now Cole had its undivided attention.

The creature quickly healed the injury and responded by projecting a tangible beam of psychic energy at Cole, rendering him limp and helpless. A battle of wills ensued, and the world held its collective breath.

Then with a clap of thunder, the energy field around Cole shattered, and the great beast shuddered, lumbered away, and collapsed. Cole had defeated the beast. He had also learned much from it with his brief commingling with its mind.

The effect of the monster's death was immediately apparent to the world. Devouring Earth attacks decreased dramatically. In some places, they halted all together. The war had turned a corner. The people cried out for the creature to be killed, and Cole agreed. However, nothing anyone tried could kill the creature. It seemed to be tied to the Earth itself. The best anyone could do was contain it.

Attack on First Ward

Excerpt taken from the First Ward history

First Ward was to be the seed from which the city of Praetoria would blossom, the first of the new cities in Marcus Cole's bright vision of the future. Built in the shadow of the bluff atop which sits the Mother of Mercy Psychiatric Hospital, First Ward was a picturesque city. From the towering Westerman Building and the surrounding skyscrapers that made up the city’s heart to the quiet neighborhoods of Eltentown and Mercyview, everything about First Ward said "home." It was even surrounded by the newest technology developed to turn back the rampaging Devouring Earth: sonic fencing. But this technology was a prototype, and it had flaws.

When the Devouring Earth came, the sonic fencing worked as designed. The tidal wave of Devouring Earth creatures--accompanied by mammoth Seeds that floated lazily above them--was held back. Had that been the extent of the attack, the defenders could have dispatched the creatures at their leisure. But Hamidon was clever.

Hamidon's true weapon had been lying in wait beneath First Ward, biding its time and testing the city's new defenses. When the real attack came, this weapon didn't thrash impotently against First Ward’s sonic fencing, it came up in the middle of the city. Great tentacles the width of jumbo jets erupted from the streets and tore into the buildings. The homes and business of the people of First Ward turned into a death trap as hundreds of tons of steel and concrete were pulled down upon the city's residents. Their city became their tomb, and its defenders, deployed along First Ward's perimeter, could only watch in horror as the city was destroyed from within.

The attack was Cole’s first no-win scenario as Emperor. Most of his aides informed him that nuclear weapons were the only answer. But one aide promised him another solution, one that would not kill everyone in the city and offered a chance for some to survive.

Praetor Keyes, inventor of the sonic fencing, had seen the flaw in his system and found a way to plug the hole. He would turn the sonic fencing in on the city, causing a catastrophic frequency loop. This solution would leave everything in the center of the city dead, but unlike nuclear weapons, it offered a chance of survival to those outside of the city’s center. Cole approved the operation.

No records remain of what happened next. What is known to the average Praetorian citizen is that the Devouring Earth attack was stopped and that, save for the Mother of Mercy Psychiatric Hospital, the rest of the city was categorized indefinitely as a disaster area. Although a few survivors were relocated to Neutropolis, tens of thousands were dead or missing. Others were quarantined due to exposure to Tellurian Plague, a fatal disease transmitted by close proximity to the Devouring Earth.

The Infestation Below

The events of The Underground Trial reveal that an infestation of Devouring Earth still exists beneath First Ward, that the Imperial Defense Force knows about it, and that no attempt has been made to clear it out. Desdemona later discovers through Vanessa DeVore's mask that the psychic battle between Cole and the Hamidon wasn't a battle at all, but a negotiation. Cole convinced the beast to call off its attacks and give him time to prove that humanity is not the scourge on the planet that the Hamidon perceived it to be. Through the Seer program, censorship and martial law, Cole was well on the way to providing humanity's salvation from the Devouring Earth. Answering to the Avatar, Cole was successful in placating the Hamidon's wrath.

When Primal Earth came into the picture, Cole's plan was imperiled and unless he could control it as well, he would fail to meet the terms established in the negotiation with the Hamidon. Once the Avatar was defeated, the truce was broken and the threat of the Hamidon and the Devouring Earth became real once again.

Enemy Types

Underlings

Guardian Shard

Even Shards from a fallen crystalline creature can prove deadly.

Powers

Brawl Melee Smash
Small Devouring Earth fragments pack a mighty punch for their size.

Crystal Shards Ranged Smash/Lethal
The Crystal Beast can fling Crystal Shards dealing smashing and lethal damage.

Resistance Auto Res Energy, Negative
Devouring Earth Crystal Beasts are resistant to energy and negative energy damage, but are very vulnerable to smashing damage.

Minions

Deathblossom

These horrid perversions of normal flora have become one of the most identifiable monsters in the Devouring Earth's maniacal menagerie. In addition to their astonishing mobility, they can fire swarms of thorns at their enemies, tearing flesh to shreds in an instant.

Levels: 30-54

Powers

Pummel Melee, Heavy DMG(Smash), Foe Knockdown
Devouring Earth brawling attacks.

Thorn Blast Ranged (Cone), Moderate DMG(Lethal), Foe Knockdown
The Plant can throw a bunch of Thorns in a narrow cone arc and impale a group of foes. Impaled foes may be knocked down.

Spur Ranged, High DMG(Lethal), Foe Immobilize
You have been pinned to the ground by the Spur. You are Immobilized.

Call Swarm Summon 2 Swarms
All Devoured can summon The Swarm.

Tree of Life Summon Tree of Life: PBAoE, Team +Regeneration
Devoured Tree Beasts can plant a Tree of Life.

Resistance Auto, Res( S40 F-20 N-20 T40 )
Devouring Earth Plant and Mushrooms are resistant to smashing damage, but vulnerable to fire damage.

Deathcap

Fungus run amok' is probably the best way to describe these loathsome creatures. Like their inanimate ancestors, mushroom men prefer dark, dank places. In combat they can release clouds of deadly spores that choke and disable nearby enemies.

Levels: 30-54

Powers

Pummel Melee, Heavy DMG(Smash), Foe Knockdown
Devouring Earth brawling attacks.

Spores Ranged (Targeted AoE), Moderate DoT(Toxic), Foe Hold
The poison spores have infected you, leaving you paralyzed and taking Toxic damage over time.

Spore Burst PBAoE, Foe Sleep
The Spore Burst has rendered you unconscious! Any damage will awaken you, however.

Resistance Auto, Res( S40 L-20 N-20 T40 )
Devouring Earth Mushrooms are resistant to smashing damage, but vulnerable to lethal damage.

Granite

The leaders of the Rock Troops are tougher, smarter, and better equipped to take on whatever foes the Devouring Earth sets them against. In addition to the rock wielding skills of their subordinates, they have the ability to summon forth deadly Swarms of insects.

Levels: 30-54

Powers

Pummel Melee, Heavy DMG(Smash), Foe Knockdown
Devouring Earth brawling attacks.

Hurl Boulder Ranged, High DMG(Smash), Foe Knockback
The Rock can rip a Boulder out of the ground and Hurl it a moderate distance. The Hurled Boulder deals medium damage and can Knockback foes.

Cairn Summon Cairn: PBAoE, Team Res( All50 )
Devoured Rock Beasts can plant a Cairn.

Rubble Post Death Special: Summon 0-2 Rubble
When the Rockbeast falls, he crumbles and may form into several smaller versions of himself.

Resistance Auto, Res( L40 N-20 T40 ), Def( All16% ), Prot( Im 3.0 ), -Speed
Devouring Earth Rock Beasts are resistant to lethal damage.

Sentry

The leaders of the Rock Troops are tougher, smarter, and better equipped to take on whatever foes the Devouring Earth sets them against. In addition to the rock wielding skills of their subordinates, they have the ability to summon forth deadly Swarms of insects.

Levels: 30-54

Powers

Pummel Melee, Heavy DMG(Smash), Foe Knockdown
Devouring Earth brawling attacks.

Hurl Boulder Ranged, High DMG(Smash), Foe Knockback
The Rock can rip a Boulder out of the ground and Hurl it a moderate distance. The Hurled Boulder deals medium damage and can Knockback foes.

Cairn Summon Cairn: PBAoE, Team Res( All50 )
Devoured Rock Beasts can plant a Cairn.

Rubble Post Death Special: Summon 0-2 Rubble
When the Rockbeast falls, he crumbles and may form into several smaller versions of himself.

Resistance Auto, Res( L40 N-20 T40 ), Def( All16% ), Prot( Im 3.0 ), -Speed
Devouring Earth Rock Beasts are resistant to lethal damage.

Lieutenants

Guardian

These Crystal captains command their sparkling soldiers in combat, chattering amongst one another with voices like breaking glass. In combat they rain down shards of razor sharp crystal and pummel their opponents mercilessly. Like their followers, these creatures fear smashing attacks.

Powers

Crystal Shards Ranged Smash/Lethal
The Crystal Beast can fling Crystal Shards dealing smashing and lethal damage.

Pummel Melee Heavy Smash
Devouring Earth brawling attacks

Resistance Auto Res Energy, Negative
Devouring Earth Crystal Beasts are resistant to energy and negative energy damage, but are very vulnerable to smashing damage.

Quartz AoE Buff Acc
Devoured Crystal Beasts can plant a Quartz.

Shatter Summon Crystalbeast
When the Crystalbeast falls, he shatters and may form into several smaller versions of himself.

Herder

The older, more mature plant creatures serve as leaders for their deadly cousins. They're stronger, tougher, and more deadly than the lesser plant creatures. They also have the ability to summon forth Swarms to further trouble their enemies.

Powers

Pummel Melee Heavy Smash
Devouring Earth brawling attacks

Spur Immobilize
You have been pinned to the ground by the Spur. You are Immobilized.

Thorn Blast Cone Lethal, Med Damage, Knockback
The Plant can throw a bunch of Thorns in a narrow cone arc and impale a group of foes. Impaled foes may be knocked down.

Tree of Life AoE Heal
Devoured Tree Beasts can plant a Tree of Life

Call Swarm Summon Swarm
All Devoured can summon The Swarm

Resistance Auto Res Smash
Devouring Earth Plant and Mushrooms are resistant to smashing damage, but vulnerable to fire damage.

Bosses

Greater Devoured

The ultimate eco-warriors, the Greater Devoured incorporate the biomass of fallen heroes into their monstrous forms. They rend foes with their slashing talons, spitting poison on those they can't reach. A Greater Devoured is a formidable foe, resistant to most kinds of attacks.

Levels: 30-54

Powers

Pummel Melee (Cone), Heavy DMG(Lethal), Foe Knockback
Devouring Earth claw attacks.

Spit Ranged, Moderate DMG(Toxic), Minor DoT(Toxic)
You are taking Toxic damage over time from the Toxic Spray.

Hurl Boulder Ranged, High DMG(Smash), Foe Knockback
Devoured can rip a Boulder out of the ground and Hurl it a moderate distance. The Hurled Boulder deals medium damage and can Knockback foes.

Foot Stomp PBAoE, Moderate DMG(Smash), Foe Knockback
Devoured shakes the very Earth itself with a super Foot Stomp, attacking everything in a nearby area.

Call Swarm Summon 2 Swarms
All Devoured can summon The Swarm.

Resistance Auto, Res( S20 E20 N-20 T40 ), Prot( Im 2.0 St 2.0 Sl 2.0 Kb 100 Fr 2.0 ), Res( Ho 33% )
Devoured are resistant to Disorient, Immobilize, Hold, Knockback, effects as well as Smashing and Energy Damage. They are vulnerable to Negative Energy.

Malignant Seedling

The Malignant Seedling is a specialized Seedling which is capable of surviving for a long period of time in an enormous range of conditions. They are often dispatched into areas where the Seed of Hamidon cannot be sent, where they wreak havoc on the environment before beginning the process of converting it to an infested wasteland.

Levels: 30-54

Powers

Fly Flight
Some members of the Talons of Vengeance have grown wings and are capable of flight.

Bullrush Melee, Minor DMG(Lethal), Moderate DoT(Toxic)
The Seedling charges you and impales you with its thorny exoskeleton.

Thorn Blast Ranged (Cone), Light DMG(Lethal), Foe Knockback
The Seedling can scatter a blast of Thorns in a narrow arc and impale a group of foes. Impaled foes may be knocked down.

Ectoplasmic Burst Ranged, Moderate DMG(Toxic)
The Ectoplasmic Burst is a jet of material from within the Malignant Seedling which decomposes the body of the affected target.

Bulwark Seedling

Bulwark Seedlings are the Seed's primary source of defense against Cole's forces and wayward superpowered beings. Every Bulwark Seedling alive increases the Seed of Hamidon's defenses against all types of attack.

Powers

Fly Flight
Some members of the Talons of Vengeance have grown wings and are capable of flight.

Bullrush Melee, Light DMG(Lethal), Moderate DoT(Toxic)
The Seedling charges you and impales you with its thorny exoskeleton.

Thorn Blast Ranged (Cone), Moderate DMG(Lethal), Foe Knockback
The Seedling can scatter a blast of Thorns in a narrow arc and impale a group of foes. Impaled foes may be knocked down.

Decomposition Ranged, Extreme DMG(Special/Toxic), Special(Divisible)
You have been targeted for a Decomposing Burst. The Bulwark Seedling will spray digestive acid at your location in six seconds. Gather allies near to yourself to help you survive the Decomposition!

Seedborne Post Death Special: Low MaxHP DMG(Lethal) to Seed of Hamidon
The death of a burr has a negative effect on the Seed itself, causing it to take damage.

Resilient Auto, Self +MaxHP
+Max HP

The Seed's Shell Special: +Seed Dominion to Seed of Hamidon
The presence of the Bulwark Burr strengthens the protective shell around the Seed of Hamidon, maintaining it after the initial period of impenetrable defense has worn off.

Damage Resistance Res( S20 L20 F10 N20 )
The Seedlings of Hamidon are naturally resistant to several types of damage.

Contaminating Seedling

Contaminating Seedlings infect the brains of nearby enemies with rapidly evolving strains of the Tellurian Plague, seriously impairing the victims' mental faculties. For each Contaminating Seedling it spawns, the Seed of Hamidon lowers the recharge and endurance of anyone within its spore cloud.

Powers

Fly Flight
Some members of the Talons of Vengeance have grown wings and are capable of flight.

Bullrush Melee, Light DMG(Lethal), Moderate DoT(Toxic)
The Seedling charges you and impales you with its thorny exoskeleton.

Thorn Blast Ranged (Cone), Moderate DMG(Lethal), Foe Knockback
The Seedling can scatter a blast of Thorns in a narrow arc and impale a group of foes. Impaled foes may be knocked down.

Hypnotic Thorn Emanation The Contaminating Seedling is beginning to pulse a Hypnotic Thorn Blast!
The Seedling is about to pulse with Toxic power!

Hypnotic Thorn Blast PBAoE, Extreme DMG(Psionic/Toxic), Foe -DMG, -ToHit, -Range, Knockback
The Hypnotic Thorn Blast is an extremely powerful psionic attack used by the Contaminating Seedlings. Move out of the way to avoid its effects!

Seedborne Post Death Special: Low MaxHP DMG(Lethal) to Seed of Hamidon
The death of a burr has a negative effect on the Seed itself, causing it to take damage.

Resilient Auto, Self +MaxHP
+Max HP

The Seed's Might Special: +Enervating Cloud to Seed of Hamidon
The presence of the Bulwark Burr strengthens the protective shell around the Seed of Hamidon, maintaining it after the initial period of impenetrable defense has worn off.

Damage Resistance Res( S20 L20 F10 N20 )
The Seedlings of Hamidon are naturally resistant to several types of damage.

Hematic Seedling

Hematic Seedlings are the Seed's cardiovascular entities. Every Hematic Seedling alive allows the Seed to drain the vitality from the bodies of anyone who would oppose it, lowering their Resistance and Defense as well as weakening the effects of all healing on them.

Powers

Fly Flight
Some members of the Talons of Vengeance have grown wings and are capable of flight.

Bullrush Melee, Light DMG(Lethal), Moderate DoT(Toxic)
The Seedling charges you and impales you with its thorny exoskeleton.

Thorn Blast Ranged (Cone), Moderate DMG(Lethal), Foe Knockback
The Seedling can scatter a blast of Thorns in a narrow arc and impale a group of foes. Impaled foes may be knocked down.

Consumption Emanation The Seedling is beginning to Consume all nearby life! Back away to survive!
The Seedling is about to consume all nearby life!

Consumption Autohit, PBAoE, Extreme DMG(Special), Foe Knockback
The Hematic Burr is able to consume the life force of nearby enemies, but moving out of its reach allows you to avoid its attack entirely.

Resilient Auto, Self +MaxHP
+Max HP

The Seed's Protection Special: +Corrosive Blast, +Degenerating Cloud to Seed of Hamidon
The presence of the Hematic Burr allows the Seed to drain the life essences of all nearby enemies, decreasing their defense and resistances and making them heal more slowly.

Seedblood Post Death Special: High MaxHP DoT(Lethal) to Seed of Hamidon
The death of a Hematic Seedling destroys the blood of the Seed itself, causing it to take significant damage.

Damage Resistance Res( S20 L20 F10 N20 )
The Seedlings of Hamidon are naturally resistant to several types of damage.

Maturing Seedling

Maturing Seedlings are the Seed's antibodies. Every Maturing Seedling alive provides the Seed with a fairly substantial amount of healing over time.

Powers

Fly Flight
Some members of the Talons of Vengeance have grown wings and are capable of flight.

Bullrush Melee, Light DMG(Lethal), Moderate DoT(Toxic)
The Seedling charges you and impales you with its thorny exoskeleton.

Thorn Blast Ranged (Cone), Moderate DMG(Lethal), Foe Knockback
The Seedling can scatter a blast of Thorns in a narrow arc and impale a group of foes. Impaled foes may be knocked down.

Malignant Infection Autohit, Ranged (Chain AoE), Extreme DoT(Toxic)
You have been infected with a strain of the Tellurian plague! You are taking extreme Toxic damage over time. Additionally, the plague will spread to any nearby allies, so be careful where you stand!

Seedborne Post Death Special: Low MaxHP DMG(Lethal) to Seed of Hamidon
The death of a burr has a negative effect on the Seed itself, causing it to take damage.

Resilient Auto, Self +MaxHP
+Max HP

The Seed's Vitality Special: +Seed Regrowth to Seed of Hamidon
The presence of the Maturing Burr allows the Seed of Hamidon to regenerate its internal components, causing it to heal significantly over time.

Damage Resistance Res( S20 L20 F10 N20 )
The Seedlings of Hamidon are naturally resistant to several types of damage.

Respiring Seedling

Respiring Seedlings allow the Seed of Hamidon to thicken the cloud of spores surrounding its body. For each Respiring Seedling alive, it becomes more difficult to hit the Seed and the range at which it can be attacked is lowered.

Powers

Fly Flight
Some members of the Talons of Vengeance have grown wings and are capable of flight.

Bullrush Melee, Light DMG(Lethal), Moderate DoT(Toxic)
The Seedling charges you and impales you with its thorny exoskeleton.

Thorn Blast Ranged (Cone), Moderate DMG(Lethal), Foe Knockback
The Seedling can scatter a blast of Thorns in a narrow arc and impale a group of foes. Impaled foes may be knocked down.

Toxic Shock Emanation The Seedling is beginning to pulse a Toxic Shock!
The Seedling is about to pulse with Toxic power!

Toxic Shock PBAoE, Extreme DMG(Toxic), Foe Hold, Knockback
The Toxic Shock is an extremely powerful toxic attack used by the Respiring Seedlings. Move out of the way to avoid its effects!

Seedborne Post Death Special: Low MaxHP DMG(Lethal) to Seed of Hamidon
The death of a burr has a negative effect on the Seed itself, causing it to take damage.

Resilient Auto, Self +MaxHP
+Max HP

The Seed's Control Special: +Confounding Cloud to Seed of Hamidon
The presence of the Respiring Burr increases the density of the Spore Cloud around the Seed of Hamidon, making it difficult to hit.

Damage Resistance Res( S20 L20 F10 N20 )
The Seedlings of Hamidon are naturally resistant to several types of damage.

Tellurian Seedling

Tellurian Seedlings function as the Seed's antibodies, used against Cole's forces and superpowered beings who dare venture near the massive beast. Every Tellurian Seedling spreads a particularly virulent strand of the Plague, capable of melting the victim's mind in mere seconds.

Powers

Fly Flight
Some members of the Talons of Vengeance have grown wings and are capable of flight.

Bullrush Melee, Light DMG(Lethal), Moderate DoT(Toxic)
The Seedling charges you and impales you with its thorny exoskeleton.

Thorn Blast Ranged (Cone), Moderate DMG(Lethal), Foe Knockback
The Seedling can scatter a blast of Thorns in a narrow arc and impale a group of foes. Impaled foes may be knocked down.

Plague Outbreak Ranged, Superior DMG(Toxic), Foe Confuse
The Toxic Shock is an extremely powerful toxic attack used by the Respiring Seedlings. Move out of the way to avoid its effects!

Resilient Auto, Self +MaxHP
+Max HP

Damage Resistance Res( S20 L20 F10 N20 )
The Seedlings of Hamidon are naturally resistant to several types of damage.

Elite Bosses

Greater Devoured

The ultimate eco-warriors, the Greater Devoured incorporate the biomass of fallen heroes into their monstrous forms. They rend foes with their slashing talons, spitting poison on those they can't reach. A Greater Devoured is a formidable foe, resistant to most kinds of attacks.

Levels: 50-54

Powers

Pummel Melee (Cone), Heavy DMG(Lethal), Foe Knockback
Devouring Earth claw attacks.

Spit Ranged, Moderate DMG(Toxic), Minor DoT(Toxic)
You are taking Toxic damage over time from the Toxic Spray.

Hurl Boulder Ranged, High DMG(Smash), Foe Knockback
Devoured can rip a Boulder out of the ground and Hurl it a moderate distance. The Hurled Boulder deals medium damage and can Knockback foes.

Foot Stomp PBAoE, Moderate DMG(Smash), Foe Knockback
Devoured shakes the very Earth itself with a super Foot Stomp, attacking everything in a nearby area.

Call Swarm Summon 2 Swarms
All Devoured can summon The Swarm.

Resistance Auto, Res( S20 E20 N-20 T40 ), Prot( Im 2.0 St 2.0 Sl 2.0 Kb 100 Fr 2.0 ), Res( Ho 33% )
Devoured are resistant to Disorient, Immobilize, Hold, Knockback, effects as well as Smashing and Energy Damage. They are vulnerable to Negative Energy.

Malignant Seedling

The Malignant Seedling is a specialized Seedling which is capable of surviving for a long period of time in an enormous range of conditions. They are often dispatched into areas where the Seed of Hamidon cannot be sent, where they wreak havoc on the environment before beginning the process of converting it to an infested wasteland.

Powers

Fly Flight
Some members of the Talons of Vengeance have grown wings and are capable of flight.

Bullrush Melee, Minor DMG(Lethal), Moderate DoT(Toxic)
The Seedling charges you and impales you with its thorny exoskeleton.

Thorn Blast Ranged (Cone), Light DMG(Lethal), Foe Knockback
The Seedling can scatter a blast of Thorns in a narrow arc and impale a group of foes. Impaled foes may be knocked down.

Ectoplasmic Burst Ranged, Moderate DMG(Toxic)
The Ectoplasmic Burst is a jet of material from within the Malignant Seedling which decomposes the body of the affected target.

Arch-villains

Avatar of Hamidon

Main article: The Underground Trial

The Avatar of Hamidon

The Avatar of Hamidon has lived in the depths of the Underground for years, though why no action has been taken against its presence or the clear infestation of the Devouring Earth is a mystery.

Powers

Crush Melee, High DMG(Smash/Toxic)
You have been crushed.

Crush Melee, High DMG(Smash/Toxic)
You have been crushed.

Devour PBAoE, Moderate DMG(Negative), Minor DoT(Toxic), Self +ToHit, +DMG
Using this power, you can drain the essence of all nearby foes, increasing your own strength. Each affected foe will lose some Hit Points and add to your Damage and chance to hit.

Devour PBAoE, Moderate DMG(Negative), Minor DoT(Toxic), Self +ToHit, +DMG
Using this power, you can drain the essence of all nearby foes, increasing your own strength. Each affected foe will lose some Hit Points and add to your Damage and chance to hit.

Infection Autohit, PBAoE, Foe -Defense, -Resist(All)
Your Defense and Damage Resistance are reduced by 1/3 per stack of this power.

Preparing to Cripple The Avatar Prepares to Cripple the Group! Get Behind the Avatar!
The Avatar's ectoplasmic fluid has the ability to drain the energy out of an individual. It can, however, be avoided, as it can only affect targets in a narrow cone in front of it.

Cripple Autohit, Ranged (Cone), Foe -Endurance, -Recharge, -Recovery
The Avatar's ectoplasmic fluid has the ability to drain the energy out of an individual. The affected target is drained of all Endurance and receives a debuff to Recharge Rate and Recovery for 15s. Though this can be devastating, Cripple can be avoided, as it can only affect targets in a narrow cone in front of it.

Grant Corruption Power Acquired
The Avatar has gained Corruption!

Corruption Corruption
The Avatar is uniquely attuned to Desdemona's magic through his defeat of Vanessa. He will continuously do damage to her as long as the battle rages. This damage in increased by the number of allies she is currently protecting with her Ember Shroud, as this weakens her personal defenses.

Grasp of Gaea Ranged, Extreme MaxHP DMG(Special/Toxic)
You are being consumed by the Will of the Earth. The Avatar of Hamidon will draw life essence from your location in six seconds. Stand apart from allies to help survive the blast!

Scaling Auto, Self +MaxHP, +Regeneration, +DMG for each player on map
Special

Damage Resistance Res( S50 L33 F10 C33 E33 N33 P33 T80 )
Archvillain resistance.

Avatar of Hamidon

Main article: Number Six

The Avatar of Hamidon has lived in the depths of the Underground for years, though why no action has been taken against its presence or the clear infestation of the Devouring Earth is a mystery.

Powers

Crush Melee, High DMG(Smash/Toxic)
You have been crushed.

Crush Melee, High DMG(Smash/Toxic)
You have been crushed.

Devour PBAoE, Moderate DMG(Negative), Minor DoT(Toxic), Self +ToHit, +DMG
Using this power, you can drain the essence of all nearby foes, increasing your own strength. Each affected foe will lose some Hit Points and add to your Damage and chance to hit.

Devour PBAoE, Moderate DMG(Negative), Minor DoT(Toxic), Self +ToHit, +DMG
Using this power, you can drain the essence of all nearby foes, increasing your own strength. Each affected foe will lose some Hit Points and add to your Damage and chance to hit.

Summon Seedlings Summon 3 Tellurian Seedlings
Construct one to three Battle Drones (depending on your level) to do your bidding. Drones start out with only basic weaponry, but can be upgraded with heavier energy weapons. Drones can Super Leap. You may only have 3 Drones under your control at any given time. If you attempt to construct more Drones, you can only replace the ones you have lost in battle. If you already have three, the power will fail.

Archvillain's Might Resistance
Arch-villains are very powerful individuals, and as such have significant resistance to many status effects. They are not immune, however, and can be vulnerable for brief windows of opportunity.

Giant Monsters

The Seed of Hamidon

Main article: The Seed of Hamidon

The Seed of Hamidon can be seen from miles away, spreading the Hamidon infestation throughout the Sunken City. The Seed surrounds itself with a thick cloud of spores and uses its Seedlings to manipulate their properties, giving it massive powers of control over everything in its vicinity.

Powers

Fly Flight
The Seed of Hamidon soars high over the rubble of First Ward, casting its ominous shadow across the Sunken City.

Corrosive Blast Ranged, High DMG(Toxic), Foe -Fly, Knockback, Minor DoT(Toxic) per Hematic Seedling
The Seed of Hamidon blasts you with a digestive enzyme, striking you with great force and knocking you from the sky! This attack deals more damage for each Hematic Seedling that is alive.

Create Seedling Summon Seedlings
The Seed of Hamidon periodically plants Seedlings to assist it in its assault on civilization.

Tellurian Outbreak Summon 2-4 Tellurian Seedlings
The Seed of Hamidon can create Seedlings out of concentrated Tellurian Plague and use them to defend itself from would-be attackers.

Seed Regrowth Special: Self Heal Over Time per Maturing Seedling
The Seed of Hamidon's Maturing Seedlings help their creator to rebuild its own organelles, allowing it to recover health at a rapid rate.

Seed Dominion Special: Self Def( All25% ) per Bulwark Seedling
For each living Bulwark Seedling, the Seed of Hamidon's defenses increase against all attacks.

Enervating Cloud Special: Autohit, Auto, PBAoE, Foe -Recovery, -Recharge, -Endurance per Contaminating Seedling
The Seed of Hamidon's dominion over its Contaminating Seedlings provides it with significant power, so long as they remain alive and nearby.

Confounding Cloud Special: Autohit, Auto, PBAoE, Foe -Range, -ToHit per Respiring Seedling
The Seed of Hamidon's dominion over its Respiring Seedlings provides it with significant power, so long as they remain alive and nearby.

Degenerating Cloud Special: Autohit, Auto, PBAoE, -Defense, -Resist(All), -Heal per Hematic Seedling
The Seed of Hamidon's dominion over its Hematic Seedlings provides it with significant power, so long as they remain alive and nearby.

No Regeneration No Regeneration
The Seed of Hamidon relies entirely upon its Maturing Seedlings for regeneration.

Resistance Prot( Ho 1000 Im 1000 St 1000 Sl 1000 Kb 1000 Co 1000 Fr 1000 Rp 1000 ), Resist(Effects, Debuffs)
This Archvillain is exceptionally powerful. It is resistant to all types of status effect to the point of immunity.

Damage Resistance Res( S33 L33 F10 C33 E33 N33 P33 T80 )
The Seed of Hamidon is naturally resistant to most types of damage.

Objects

Devoured Crystal Energy Trap

This crystal channels a powerful energy that is tuned to the psychic link between Desdemona and Vanessa DeVore. As long as the crystals remain active, Desdemona is in peril.

Powers

Resistance Inherent
Inherent resistance of all inanimate objects. Inanimate objects cannot be moved, knocked back, Healed with normal Heal powers, Disoriented, Held, Slept, Confused, Feared, Taunted or debuffed. They are always Immobilized. Since they have no mind, they inherently take less damage from Psionics.

Secured Crystal Crystal Defense
The crystal cannot be damaged for long if Devouring Earth are found around it.

Not yet in the game

Hamidon

See article: Hamidon

Related Badges

The following Badges are related to the Praetorian Devouring Earth:

Full Spectrum

The Seedlings come in all sorts of pretty colors and make a satisfying 'pop' when squished. If they weren't murderous devastating corrupting beasts intent on your annihilation, you might consider one as a pet. You have defeated one of each variety of Seedling spawned by the Seed of Hamidon to earn this badge.

Germinator Terminator

The Praetorian Hamidon should know by now that sending one colonizing Seed isn't enough to retake First Ward. You dread the day it does... You have taken down the Seed of Hamidon to earn this badge.

See Also

• The Infested
• The Seed of Hamidon
• The Underground Trial
• Full Spectrum Badge
• Germinator Terminator Badge
• Issue 21
• Devouring Earth
• Praetoria