Sunstorm

This article is about the contact Sunstorm. For the developer, see Sunstorm (Developer).

Overview

Sunstorm
Peacebringer Coordinator
Zone	Atlas Park
Coordinates	(-16, -18, -351.5)
Level Range	1-50
Introduced By	Coyote
Introduces	Detective Jose Brogan Vic Johansson Rachel Torres
Enemy Groups	Skulls Hellions Council Void Hunters Sky Raiders Hydra The Lost Trolls The Family Warriors Banished Pantheon Tsoo Freakshow Circle of Thorns Vahzilok Nictus

Sunstorm is a hero contact in the Atlas Plaza neighborhood of Atlas Park at coordinates (-16, 18, -351.5) Sunstorm is a Natural origin contact.

Villains face him in the Take out Sunstorm mission from Abyss for levels 45-50.

Description

When the Kheldian warrior called Perihelion arrived on Earth, it sought a human warrior with courage and strength to match it's own as a host. Sgt. Benjamin Carter was a Paragon Police Department officer who was facing down a Vahzilok menace, and Perihelion saw this as the opportunity to bond with him and form a powerful Kheldian Peacebringer. They became the being called Sunstorm, and handily defeated the surrounding Vahzilok. While he has no real rank over the rest of his kind, Sunstorm usually coordinates the activities of his fellow Peacebringers on Earth, mainly due to his great experience and wisdom.

Quotes

During the mission Take out Sunstorm, from Abyss, he will say the following:

Before combat: Character took out Kyros, and Abyss took out Brightshade. Looks like they are taking out the Kheldians here in the Rogue Isles, so I'm going to have to lay low.

Combat start: Character? You might have bested Kyros, but you won't roll over me that easy!

See also

• Sunstorm's Peacebringer (Enemy Group) profile for a list of his powers.

Introductions

Contact Introduced By

Nobody. Sunstorm is the initial contact for Peacebringers.

Contact Introduces

Single contact option

+++ Missing Information +++

• Detective Jose Brogan

You should think about talking to Detective Jose Brogan. He's pretty intense, but he's a great cop and a good person to know if you are looking for information on the Lost. His beat is Atlas Park.

Detective Brogan will let you in on some interesting cases.

• Vic Johansson

Vic Johansson's good police. He'll steer you towards some interesting opportunities involving the Lost, and help smooth things over with law enforcement. His beat is Kings Row.

Vic is good people, Character. You will enjoy working with him.

• Rachel Torres

There's a detective who you should meet. Rachel Torres knows all about the happenings on the streets, and can probably give you good leads on the Lost. She can be located in Atlas Park.

Detective Torres is tough and efficient; you might learn a thing or two from her.

Information

Peacebringer Coordinator

When the Kheldian warrior called Perihelion arrived on Earth, it sought a human warrior with courage and strength to match its own as a host. When it spied a uniformed human facing certain death against insurmountable odds to stop a tide of unliving monsters, it thought that it had found a soldier who would be a perfect match. It offered the embattled Sgt. Benjamin Carter the opportunity to bond, and form a powerful Kheldian Peacebringer. The two joined in that moment to form the being called Sunstorm, and handily defeated the surrounding Vahzilok.

What Perihelion didn't realize was that Sgt. Carter wasn't a soldier like it expected, but an upstanding member of the Paragon Police Department. As a result, Sunstorm is not as martial and merciless as Perihelion, having been tempered by Carter's high ideals. This has turned out to be quite a blessing. Sunstorm is often able to see new solutions to problems.

Sunstorm usually coordinates the activities of his fellow Peacebringers on Earth. While he holds no real rank over the rest of his kind, wise Peacebringers listen to what he has to say.

Not a Peacebringer

Yes, Character. I am a Peacebringer. I know you're concerned by our presence, but I assure you, we're here to help. Since every Peacebringer is formed by fusing a Kheldian alien and a human from Earth, in many ways this is our home world, too. We want to see Earth free and peaceful just as much as you do.

Initial Contact

Welcome to the start of your new life as a Peacebringer. I know you probably have a lot of questions, so let's get started.

Greeting

• Your powers are integrating well, Character.
• Are you ready to do your duty as a Peacebringer?
• There's a lot of work out there for Peacebringers, Character.

Too Busy

You've been keeping busy, Character, but don't overdo it. You need to finish all of your other tasks before I can give you more to do.

Too Low Level

I'm going to need your help for something soon, but I'd feel better if you developed your powers more before I gave it to you. Check back with me at roughly 5 Security level intervals. There may be new things for you to do.

No More Missions

Missing No More Missions Dialogue

Store

• Inspirations (Luck, Catch a Breath, Enrage)
• Level 1 Training Enhancements (100% base costs) (Power 10 only)

You're well on your way as a Peacebringer, Character. As always, I'm ready to provide whatever support you'll need to carry on the fight.

• Inspirations (all)
• Level 1 Training Enhancements (100% base costs)

Story Arcs

The Peace Slayers (Level 5 - 10)

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 23 Reward Merits.

Souvenir

A non-functional Quantum Array Gun

When you bonded with a Kheldian energy being and were transformed into a Peacebringer, you knew that these great new powers you'd been given could earn you new enemies. It was on a mission to find out about some of the new enemies you'd encountered that you discovered the origins of

The Peace Killers.

It all started when you were asked to investigate the origins of the mysterious new Quantum Array weapons designed specifically to hurt Kheldians. The First step in your investigation took you into battle with the Skulls. A Skull leader had been bragging about the new weapons he was about to get. You applied some pressure, and found out where the Skulls were storing their Quantum Array Guns.

Moving on that information, you hit the warehouse the Skulls were stockpiling their new gear in, only to find that the Hellions were also on the scene. In your battle to secure the warehouse, you learned from one of the defeated Hellions that they were about to make a weapons buy themselves.

Wasting little time, you went it to break up the deal. You found Council operatives on the scene making the deal with the Hellions, and learned that a new shipment of weapons had just come into town and was just being tested before the sale.

You found the Council's test site and defeated them, securing the shipment of Quantum Array weapons in the process. You also discovered that the weapons were being manufactured by the Council themselves.

With information gained in your last adventure, you were able to locate the base where the Quantum Array Guns were being sent. You cleaned out the base, and learned two interesting facts. First, that the Council is having a lot of trouble producing Quantum Array Guns to Arakhn's specifications. Secondly, that the Void Hunters Mercenaries are being sent out by the Council to work with many villain groups as a second way to strike against the Kheldians.

You bravely struck a Council base that had been supporting Void Hunter Mercenaries. You captured the base commander, and discovered that the Void Hunters had been created specifically to attack Kheldians, using something called a 'Nictus fragment'

The full details and ramifications of what you discovered may take some time, but for now you've shed light on the forces arrayed against you and all other Peacebringers. With a foe as implacable as the Council, it's a battle that is sure to last for a long time to come.

Find the source of the Quantum Array weapons

The Peace Killers
Part: One

Briefing

Reports from our people and from the Warshades we keep in contact with have confirmed that someone has been supplying the city's criminal organizations with new weapons designed specifically to harm us, and empowered mercenaries whose abilities are inimical to our existence. It is imperative that we discover who is supplying these Quantum Array weapons and why.

I have received a lead from friends on the police force that the Skulls have just received a shipment of these weapons. Finding that shipment could be the first step in finding the source of these weapons.

Mission Acceptance

I am sending you to a small cavern hideout owned by the Skulls. Your goal will be to confront Wrack, a well-connected lieutenant in the Skulls who has been talking about the new weapons he is about to receive. Get what information you can from him, and we will proceed from there.

Unnecessary Solicitation

needs data

Mission Objective(s)

• Get information from Wrack

You got the information you were looking for from Wrack's group.

Enemies

Skulls

Notable NPCs

• Wrack (Skull Bone Daddy, Lieutenant)

Wrack: You gonna get beaten!

We gots all the quantum guns we need!

After you defeat him, the Skull Bonedaddy called Wrack told you:

'Yeah, we gots all the quantum guns we need. We have 'em stored up in a warehouse we got squared away. We Skulls will be tops when we get 'em onto the street. When we have that kind of protection, you freaks will have to go beat on the Hellions. So the way I figure it, we win!'

With a bit more persuasion it wasn't difficult to get him to tell you where the warehouse was located.

Debriefing

This information will be certainly helpful to us. Now that we know where the Skulls' new shipment of quantum array weapons are waiting, the next move will be to take them out.

Capture the shipment of armaments before they hit the streets

The Peace Killers
Part: Two

Briefing

Since you discovered the location where the Skulls are storing their caches of new weapons, it is only right that the honor of taking those weapons from our enemies goes to you as well. I have every confidence you will be able to capture this shipment of armaments before they hit the streets of the city.

Mission Acceptance

You will need to defeat all of the foes protecting the warehouse where the weapons are being kept. The Skulls keep several of the doors locked at all times, so you will need to defeat guards to find keys in order to progress.

Unnecessary Solicitation

needs data

Mission Objective(s)

This warehouse is in remarkably good shape for a Skulls hang out. They must not have been here long.

• Defeat all foes in warehouse
  • 2 keys to find, Get information

This crate is full of deadly Quantum Array weapons

Enemies

Skulls

Hellions

A set of keys

One of these keys probably fits a locked door around here.

Security Keys

One of these security keys probably fits a locked door around here.

This whole thing's a waste of our time.

One of the defeated Hellions told you:

'This whole thing's a waste of our time. We have our own shipment of quantum array guns coming in after we finish the deal. I don't even know why they sent me here. Unless they want to get rid of me because I'm getting too powerful! That's it! Those jerks! Well, I'll show them! I'll tell you where the deal's going down, Hero. That'll teach them not to mess with my power!'

The information you received may be accurate, but you need to finish this mission first.

Debriefing

Securing that shipment of quantum array weapons will certainly be a great help to all of us. What may be even more important, though, is discovering that upcoming deal the Outcasts are making for more of these weapons. It may be a lead to help discover where they are coming from.

Stop the Hellions' arm deal and find out where the Quantum Array weapons are coming from

The Peace Killers
Part: Three

Briefing

As you discovered, the Hellions, like all of the gangs and villains in the city, seek their own source of quantum array weapons. You have already proven your ability to handle these situations against the Skulls, and you were the one who discovered the deal. It's time to continue the investigation, stop the deal, and find out where these weapons are coming from.

Mission Acceptance

Though the majority of foes you'll face on this mission will be Hellions, your primary goal will be to find out who they are meeting with to get these weapons. Whoever this source may be, you must keep word of your investigation from getting back to them, so you will need to defeat or capture all of the enemies at the meeting.

Unnecessary Solicitation

needs data

Mission Objective(s)

• Defeat all foes at weapons deal
  • Find information

You defeated all of the Hellions, and found a clue on one of the Council soldiers.

Enemies

Hellions

Council

An array of tests

Though none of the Council soldiers you captured were willing to talk, you found a sheet of instructions for testing quantum array weapons on one of them. Even better, the instructions were printed out on the letterhead of a company long suspected to be a Council front.

Debriefing

So, the Hellions were dealing with the Council. It's not quite absolute proof that the Council are the ones supplying these quantum array weapons, but it's close. From the information you found, it looks like they're running quality tests on a new shipment of these guns. That will be the next place to investigate.

Intercept the quantum array weapons shipment undergoing testing

The Peace Killers
Part: Four

Briefing

The information you found tells us that the Council is testing a shipment of quantum array weapons that have just arrived in the city. This shipment must be intercepted, both to stem the flow of these weapons and to look for proof about who is producing them.

Mission Acceptance

You need to secure the quantum array weapons in order to keep them out of the hands of our enemies. You'll also need to find and defeat a Dr. Rotheman, who's in charge of the weapon testing. Finally, you need to look for information about where these weapons are coming from, and if the Council is truly responsible.

Unnecessary Solicitation

needs data

Mission Objective(s)

• Defeat Dr. Rotheman and his men
  • 4 crates of weapons, Find information

You defeated Dr. Rotheman, secured the quantum array weapon shipment, and found out where the shipment was going to and coming from.

Enemies

Council

Notable NPCs

• Dr. Rotheman

Shipping orders

These shipping records detail the shipments of Quantum Array weapons into Paragon City. Dozens of shipments have come in, though you notice that many are sent back due to malfunctions. Most importantly, the weapons are being shipped from, and faulty ones returned to the same place: Striga Isle, home base of the Council.

Debriefing

The information you found confirms it. These weapons were made on Striga Isle, the Council's stronghold. The Council are the ones behind the new weapons, but why? They already have the mercenary Void Hunters in their employ, so why would they need the quantum array weapons as well? Perhaps the answers can be found at the Council base those weapons were headed to.

Strike Council Base and scour it for information

The Peace Killers
Part: Five

Briefing

The next step will be strike at the Council base the weapons you captured were intended to reach. We now know where the Quantum Array weapons are being manufactured and who is doing it, but there's still much we don't know. The only way to find out more will be to strike that base and scour it for information.

Mission Acceptance

You must secure the entire base, defeating all foes within it, as well as search for any information about the Council's programs against us. I know that you will succeed.

Unnecessary Solicitation

needs data

Mission Objective(s)

The outer defenses of this Council base were down, like they were waiting for a delivery of weapons that will never arrive.

• Defeat all Council in base
  • 2 pieces of information to find

You secured the base and found several pieces of valuable information.

Enemies

Council

A report on manufacturing

The text of this extensive report, written by the leader of the base, details the numerous problems that Council engineers are having producing Quantum Array weapons to Arakhn's specifications. According to the report they are having difficulty working with the strange quantum engineering the weapons require. This has kept them from producing quantum array guns in sufficient numbers to flood the streets.

Freelancer report

This report details the successes and failures that a Colonel Zaus, the leader of a Council Void Hunter support base, has had selling the services of the Void Hunter mercenaries in his command. The report talks about negotiations with groups ranging from the Circle of Thorns to the Devouring Earth, and even the Rularuu! Luckily, there's enough detail in the report to reconstruct some details of where Colonel Zaus's base may be located.

Debriefing

From the information you found, it seems that the Council is having some trouble manufacturing these Quantum Array Guns. However, they still have the Void Hunter mercenaries. I have a suspicion that I can't confirm, but the answer may be waiting at the base controlled by this Colonel Zaus. Combined with that I already know, you may have found enough information to locate his lair.

Strike the Void Hunter base and defeat Colonel Zaus and his men

The Peace Killers
Part: Six

Briefing

The Void Hunter base you discovered is your final target. Taking it out won't stop the Void Hunters, but will set them back and at the same time help us to learn more about this enemy.

A word of warning. I have good information that there is a Void Hunter at that base, but he's not your goal. You will not need to defeat the Void Hunter to finish this. It may be better to avoid him if it's possible. There's no need to fight a Void Hunter on his own ground when you can get the information we want by defeating Colonel Zaus.

Mission Acceptance

Remember that your target is Colonel Zaus and his aides. The worst case scenario is that there will be a Void Hunter liaison on his staff, but I trust that you'll be able to handle any such situation.}}

Unnecessary Solicitation

needs data

Mission Objective(s)

Hidden deep beneath the streets, this Council base has been set up to support the Void Hunter Mercenaries

• Defeat Col. Zaus & his men
  • 2 pieces of information to find

You have taken the Void Hunter support base, and captured its commander.

Enemies

Council

Void Hunters

Notable NPCs

• Colonel Zaus (Council Nebula Buckshot, Lieutenant)

Colonel Zaus: Don't worry. Our Void Hunters should be able to stop them with ease.

A list of candidates

These pages of names list Council soldiers selected as potential candidates for various enhancement programs. There are pages of potential Cor Leonis and Vampyr subjects listed, but the last set of names draws most of your interest. It's a list of candidates for a process called 'Nictus Fragment Integration'.

There are two lists: one set to be transformed into some un-named form, and a second list of prospective candidates for the process that's been annotated by Colonel Zaus. Zaus' notes separate the candidates into two groups. Those whom he thinks will have the flexibility to work with other groups as Void Hunter mercenaries, and those he thinks should work within the Council, due to their loyalty.

Production reports

These appear to be production reports, surreptitiously sent to Colonel Zaus from a friend of his in the Council's Engineering corps. The reports show that the Council hasn't been able to increase the manufacturing rate of Quantum Array weapons, and so are recommending a greater reliance on Void Hunter mercenaries.

Debriefing

Now we know. The Council is producing and distributing both the Quantum Array weapons and the Void Hunter mercenaries. The Quantum array guns are bad enough, but what really worries me is the 'Nictus Fragment Integration' process they are using. That can't be good. It's a two pronged attack, pointed directly at the throat of every Kheldian not allied with the Council, and it's being masterminded by Arakhn herself. You have done very well in uncovering this. Now that we are aware of our true enemy, I know that with Peacebringers like you rising through the ranks, we shall overcome any challenge the Council throws in our way.

War and Peacebringers (Level 10 - 15)

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 22 Reward Merits.

Souvenir

The Renegade Dossier

The names are plainly listed in this dossier: Coldstar. Moonbow. Lightburner. FullAlbedo. Brightshift. 5 Peacebringers. 5 Renegades. 5 Names that will live in infamy among Peacebringer and Warshade alike. You've kept this dossier on the 5 Peacebringers who all went renegade to remind you of a dirty incident in Peacebringer history you recall as:

War and Peacebringers

It all started when Sunstorm asked you to investigate the recent disappearance of several Peacebringers. You spoke with Shadowstar, who told you that the Circle of Thorns had shown some interest in Kheldians. The mystic in charge of that project had recently escaped from Zigursky Prison, so you pressed on Circle mystics on the streets to track him down.

You found and defeated the Circle mystic Aeoch, but he told you that he had nothing to do with the missing Peacebringers. However, Aeoch did point you towards a Lt. Morely of the Council, who was researching Warshade movements and organization under Requiem's orders.

You investigated the base, and found not only Lt. Morely and his report on Warshade activity, but Coldstar, one of the missing Peacebringers. Instead of thanking you for the rescue, Coldstar called you a traitor and attacked!

After his capture, Coldstar claimed that all the missing Peacebringers had started working with the Council to wipe out the Warshades, who they thought were a threat to the resolve of the Peacebringers in the war against Nictus. To see if he was telling the truth, you investigated the location where Coldstar had said that Moonbow, another of the missing Peacebringers, was supposed to be. Moonbow's attack confirmed it, as did a list of the renegades. The list also had the name of a 5th rogue!

Now that you had a list of the Renegades, you went to Shadowstar so that she could warn the Warshades. She told you with mounting horror that the 5th Rogue, Lightburner, had taken Shadowstar's daughter, the reporter Lillian Issan, on a mission against the Vahzilok! You followed them and were able to rescue Lillian and defeat the renegade, who revealed that they only wanted Lillian as bait for Shadowstar!

You tracked down the last two rogues, defeating them and putting an end to their plan to assassinate Shadowstar, but many questions remain. Who in the Council was working with the rogues and why? What did Requiem have to do with the operation, and who or what is the mysterious Arakhn? Sunstorm asked you to come back when you were around security level 15 to continue the investigations.

Talk to Shadowstar

Talk to Shadowstar

War and Peacebringers
Part: One

Briefing

I'm glad to see you. With all that's happened, I thought that maybe you'd become a victim as well. You see, several other Peacebringers have disappeared in the last few days, and I don't know what might have happened to them. I'm almost out of leads, but I was thinking about another recent case, and it gives me an idea. One of Shadowstar's Warshades was abducted and then recovered from the Circle of Thorns. These incidents might be related. Could you talk to Shadowstar and get the details of that incident?

Mission Acceptance

We Peacebringers have made a lot of enemies here, but the Warshades aren't among them. If Shadowstar knows anything that can help, she's sure to tell us.

And take this. It's a list of the missing Peacebringers, and when they were last seen. You should familiarize yourself with it. It may help out.

The missing Kheldians

This dossier has the names of the four missing Peacebringers:

Coldstar
Last seen investigating the Circle of Thorns by himself. Never reported back to his contact.
Investigation was inconclusive.

Moonbow
Last seen during a raid on a Vahzilok facility. Teammates say he went to search for a captive and disappeared.
Investigation was inconclusive.

Fullalbedo
Last seen hunting Council squads in Boomtown. Teammates report that she simply dropped off of their radar and they never saw her again.
Investigation was inconclusive.

Brightshift
Last seen by Ms. Liberty after achieving a new security level.
Investigation was inconclusive.

Unnecessary Solicitation

needs data

Mission Objective(s)

• Talk to Shadowstar

Shadowstar

Briefing

I was told you were coming, and I am glad to see you have arrived safely. One of our number was abducted recently, but we were able to find those responsible and recover the victim. The Circle of Thorns captured one of our number called Shadowcatcher, and sought to divine the secrets of Kheldian integration by splitting him back into his human and Kheldian components. Both the human and Kheldian parts of Shadowcatcher were rescued, and are even now learning to re-integrate, so we thought that this was ended. However, I have learned that the leader of the project, a mystic called 'Researcher Aeoch' has escaped. He may be trying to start his experiments again. I suggest that you seek out members of the Circle of Thorns and pry Aeoch's location from them.

Thank you for coming to speak with us. I hope you find your missing ones.

Defeat 10 Circle of Thorns

Unnecessary Solicitation

needs data

Mission Objective(s)

• Defeat 10 Circle of Thorns

One of the defeated Circle cultists was willing to tell you all that you wanted to know.

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

A cultist's confession

After you defeated them, one of the Circle Cultists buckled and told you:

'I'll tell you where to find Aeoch! After he escaped from Zigursky, he made it back to the city below. Our home, Oranbega. He's there now, preparing his reports for his masters. I'll tell you where to go, but all you'll find there is your death.'

Disturbing though his words were, the cultist's directions seem to be legitimate.

Debriefing

It's no guarantee, but this Aeoch might be the right place to start. I'm putting this part of the investigation into your hands. I know you won't let me down.

Defeat Aeoch & Cronies

War and Peacebringers
Part: Two

Briefing

The information you found about this 'Researcher Aeoch' from the Circle of Thorns and his experiments on Warshades make him a prime suspect in the disappearance of our fellow Peacebringers. You have his current location, the job now is to bring him in.

Mission Acceptance

Aeoch is certain to be well guarded, and is likely not a pushover even on his own. Be careful. We don't want to lose any more people today.

Unnecessary Solicitation

needs data

Mission Objective(s)

You followed the cultists instructions until ancient caves gave way to monolithic stones older still.

• Defeat Aeoch & Cronies

You defeated Aeoch and clobbered his cronies.

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• Guardian Hazebek (Circle Of Thorns Energy Mage, Lieutenant)

Guardian Hazebek: You shall go no farther!

• Researcher Aeoch (Circle Of Thorns Madness Mage, Lieutenant)

Researcher Aeoch: Whatever you wanted, you shall find only my fury.

'It was not I, but...'

After you defeated him, the Circle Of Thorns mystic called Aeoch tolf you:

'I'm sorry to disappoint you. I have nothing to do with your missing Peacebringers. Our research is concluded. We had hoped to learn more about how you creatures integrate with humans, and those experiments are complete. So it was not I, but I might know something that can help you.'

'Shortly before you arrived we were visited by a representative from the Council who sought any information about Warshade organization and movements we might have gleaned. He was insufferable in his demands and we gave him nothing in return, but he was here under Requiem's protection, so we allowed him to leave alive to avoid a conflict. We did, however, dispatch a spirit to follow him. I'll tell you where to go. I have no doubt that this calamity I find myself in somehow is his fault.'

'His name was Lt. Morely, by the way. Tell him I said hello.'

Debriefing

I don't like to take the word of a criminal cultist at face value, but this is still a lead. We know the Council are interested in us, and they are at the top of the list of suspects. Aeoch's visitor might know something. I'll see if I can confirm any of this information before you go in. I don't want to lose any more people.

Take out the Council base and search it for information

War and Peacebringers
Part: Three

Briefing

I've checked Aeoch's information out with some of my contacts and while no one can confirm it, the location he gave does look like it might be a Council base. I'm reluctant to ask you to investigate, but it's the only lead we have. I don't know what you might find in there, but right now the only option to find our missing fellow Peacebringers is to take out that Council base and search it for information.

Mission Acceptance

You will need to take out all the Council troops in the base and check and check its computer system for any clues. Be careful, though. Something about all of this still feels wrong to me.

Unnecessary Solicitation

needs data

Mission Objective(s)

• Defeat all Council in base
  • Access Council Computer

You secured the base and located the information on the computer, but the most shocking revelation was the foe you battled.

Enemies

Council

Nictus

Notable NPCs

• Lt. Morely (Council Penumbra Archon, Lieutenant)

Lt. Morely: It's definitely a Peacebringer. Warn Coldstar that they've discovered him.

• Coldstar (Nictus Bright Nova, Boss)

Coldstar: I'm not missing! I've finally found the truth, traitor!

A report on Warshade activity

This well researched report details the activities of many Warshades, pinpointing which ones have the most well connected social networks, and which ones are relative loners. It indexes this against the estimated difficulty to terminate them, and the damage it would cause to the Warshades to do so.

Debriefing

Coldstar? Coldstar was the second to go missing. He's one of the most dedicated and tireless in the battle against the Nictus. I can't believe that he was working with the Council. I don't know what this could all mean. Maybe he was mind controlled or brainwashed. We'll talk to him. We'll find the truth. This is all wrong, this is all wrong.

Verify some of Coldstar's confession

War and Peacebringers
Part: Four

Briefing

I can't believe that Coldstar was working with the Council, but what he's said after you captured him is even worse. Coldstar claims that all of our missing Peacebringers have gone over to the Council, because the Council agreed to help them eradicate the Warshades. Coldstar and the others feel that the Warshades are a huge threat to the war against the Nictus because they're undermining our resolve. Coldstar's said a lot of things, but we still can't be sure he's telling the truth. Not until his claims are checked out. That's what I need to ask you to do.

Mission Accpetance

Coldstar let the location of Moonbow slip out. We have to know if Moonbow is a captive, or one of them. Your objective will be to find Moonbow, and either free her or capture her. You'll also need to look for any more evidence that corroborates or disproves Coldstar's story.

It could be a trap, or it could tell us whether Coldstar's telling the truth. For all of our sakes, I hope that he's lying. I thought that the Peacebringer extremists might have been tempered by merging with humans, like I was. Or that they would at least give the Warshades a chance.

Unnecessary Solicitation

needs data

Mission Objective(s)

According to Coldstar, this warehouse is a staging ground where the rogues and Council plan to strike at the Warshades.

• Bring Moonbow Home
  • Find evidence, 2 keys to find, Defeat Moonbow

You found Moonbow and defeated her in battle, confirming Coldstar's story. You also found a list of renegades.

Enemies

Council

Nictus

Notable NPCs

• Moonbow (Nictus White Dwarf, Boss)

Moonbow: The Warshades' very existence imperils our cause. They must be wiped out.

Warehouse key

This key should open a locked door over here.

Security key

This key should open a locked door over here.

The renegade dossier

This Council document lists the rogue Peacebringers who have pledged to help eradicate the Warshades. Coldstar, Moonbow, Fullalbedo and Brightshift are all listed, though no locations are mentioned. However, this document also names a fifth renegade, named Lightburner, who hasn't yet disappeared from the ranks like the rest.

Debriefing

It's all true. These rogues, these renegades, they've decided that even the thought that a Nictus might convert and defect to the Warshades is enough to weaken our resolve to stop the Nictus. They probably see themselves as tragic heroes, sacrificing themselves by working with the Council in order to save our mission. They're idiots. But dangerous idiots. I'll try to bring in Lightburner before he can do any harm, but this is far from over.

Deliver the warning to Shadowstar

Talk to Shadowstar

War and Peacebringers
Part: Five

Briefing

Now that we know about these Renegades, we have to warn the Warshades. I'm trying to track them down, particularly Lightburner, the only one who hasn't disappeared on his own yet. Until that's done, can you deliver the warning to Shadowstar? She has to know who the rogues are and what they're after if she's going to protect her people.

Mission Acceptance

Thank you. This has to be done in person, there's no way of knowing if the rogues have compromised our communications.

Unnecessary Solicitation

needs data

Mission Objective(s)

• Talk to Shadowstar

Shadowstar

Briefing

This is grave news, but it is lightened by your warning. Please accept my thanks for this warning. I will send word should one of the rogues turn up.

Wait a moment!

I see the name 'Lightburner' on the list of rogues! This Lightburner, he was just here! He was talking to Lillian, my daughter. She's a reporter, and when she told him she was investigating the Vahzilok, he invited her along on a mission against them. I gave her permission to go, thinking she would be safe with a Kheldian to guard her and that she should meet more Peacebringers and learn about them. Now I fear for her safety. You must help me. I beg you, help me find my daughter Lillian.

Defeat Lightburner & cronies

Unnecessary Solicitation

needs data

Mission Objective(s)

Pieces of paper torn from a steno pad with the word 'Help!' written on them float in the water.

• Defeat Lightburner & cronies
  • Find Lillian, Defeat Lightburner

You defeated Lightburner and rescued Shadowstar's daughter Lillian from the Vahzilok.

Enemies

Council

Vahzilok

Nictus

Notable NPCs

• Lightburner (Nictus Bright Nova, Boss)

Lightburner: If it means anything, we won't hurt the girl. She's just bait for her mother.

'The girl was just bait'

After you defeated the rogue Peacebringer Lightburner he told you:

'I'm kid of glad you came. This whole thing didn't sit well with me. The girl was just bait, anyway, to draw in her mother. Fullalbedo and Brightshift are supposed to finish her off as soon as we get the Quantum guns from the Council. Arakhn said she'd have them for us, but I heard Requiem delayed the shipment to spite her. They're all scum, but we had to work with them. Every second the Warshades exist is a second they make us question our purpose. And every time we question, we grow weaker against the Nictus'

Debriefing

Shadowstar's daughter Lillian is safe, and now we have 3 of the 5 rogues, all thanks to your efforts. That only leaves 2, Fullalbedo and Brightshift. These were our people before they became fanatics, but that doesn't excuse their actions. They have to be stopped before they can make an attack on Shadowstar.

Recapture the remaining Kheldian Renegades

War and Peacebringers
Part: Six

Briefing

We've been able to piece together the location of the last 2 renegades. They're at a Council base waiting for a shipment of Quantum Array Guns. They plan to use them to ambush Shadowstar. Initially they were planning to draw her in using Lillian, but thanks to you that plan's not going to happen. This gives us the opportunity we need. We can put a stop to the Renegades' plans if we strike them now, but it won't be easy.

Mission Acceptance

Your main goal is to capture Fullalbedo and Brightshift, but they are sure to have a full contingent of Council troops there to aid them. There may also be some Quantum array guns that have been shipped in. Capture any of those you can.

Unnecessary Solicitation

needs data

Mission Objective(s)

The depths of this Council base hides the last two renegades.

• Capture the Renegades
  • Defeat Fullalbedo, Defeat Brightshift

You defeated the last two Renegades, and stopped the plot to assassinate Shadowstar.

Enemies

Council

Nictus

Notable NPCs

• Fullalbedo (Nictus White Dwarf, Boss)

Fullalbedo: You won't stop us! Shadowstar will die!

• Brightshift (Nictus Bright Nova, Boss)

Brightshift: I apologize for nothing! I regret nothing! The only change I'd make would be to kill you first!

Quantum Array weapons

You found this crate of disassembled Quantum array weapons while hunting down several renegade Peacebringers. These were no doubt going to be used in their planned assassination of Shadowstar

Debriefing

You've brought the renegades down before too much damage was done, and for that we're all in your debt. When word of the rogues first got out, there were many among the Warshades who thought it was a sign of our true intentions against them. But your success against the renegades has proven otherwise, and also helped to remind our fellow Peacebringers that we all must work together.

I've spoken with Shadowstar about this whole event, and we've come to the conclusion that both sides need to work together more in future so that incidents like this don't happen again. From this point forward, we'll be sharing more information and working together on some cases. It's the start of a new era in the war against the Nictus. This planet has proven once more that we needn't fight alone.

I'll keep looking into this, but things are only to get more dangerous. Talk to me again when you're around Security level 15. There may be more for you then.

Shadow Science (Level 15 - 20)

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 22 Reward Merits.

Souvenir

An inert N-Fragment

This strange souvenir was once part of a Nictus, but has been rendered inert while being studied by SERAPH. You keep it as a reminder of the lengths the Nictus will go to, and how one brave man's escape uncovered the secrets of the Council's

Shadow Science

It began when you were told that the Council was conducting a manhunt near the Hapatak River. You went to investigate and found Joshua Lucietto, who'd been held prisoner by the Council and used in sick human experiments with Nictus bond-forming techniques. Lucietto had forced a Nictus possessor out, and made a run for freedom.

Joshua Lucietto's harrowing tale of human experimentation led you to a hidden facility where other people were being kept in a weakened state so that damaged or partially dissipated Nictus could possess them without fear of being forced out. You freed the captives, ending their long nightmare.

The stories of the captives and the documents you recovered led you to an abandoned Council base that had once belonged to Requiem's old organization, but had been used by Arakhn for Nictus experiments. You found old documents that showed just how far Arakhn had progressed with her research into using pieces of decayed Nictus, called 'N-fragments', years ago.

The information you recovered led you to another base, where you freed more captives and captured several N-fragments.

You pressed the attack as the Council began to move the last of its N-Fragment research out of the city. You learned about a series of tunnels where the Trolls were helping the Council move their research out of the city. You struck during this window of vulnerability, capturing documents that spoke about how N-Fragments were being used to make Galaxy troops, Void Hunters, and possible even the Warwolves.

The documents you found led to one final location: the last of the people held captive by the Council for human experimentation. You stormed the Council base, and liberated the last of the captives. The Council's research had been driven off-shore and you have uncovered much about where the Council's Galaxy troops and Void Hunter mercenaries had come from. The real victory, though, was rescuing all of the people who had once been victims of the Council's Shadow Science.

Still, there is much yet to learn about the Nictus and the Council. You were asked to come back around Security Level 20, so that you'd be powerful enough to survive the investigation.

Find the Council escapee

Shadow Science
Part: One

Briefing

The Council has begun a large-scale excursive north of the city along the Hapatak river. They appear to be conducting a manhunt, and this matches with reports from our sources on Striga Island that a prisoner escaped from a Council lab, and may have escaped the island. If this man has escaped from the Council, it is important that we find him before they can recapture him. I would like to ask you to take charge of locating him before the Council can take him back to Striga Island.

Mission Acceptance

Our sources say that this man may be one Joshua Lucietto, an insurance adjuster thought lost after the Rikti War when he went to examine a ruined building, and may have run into an exposed Council base. If he's been in the Council's hands since then, I cannot imagine what he's had to endure. I trust that you'll be able to find him and bring him back safely.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Joshua Lucietto is depending on you to bring him back to safety before the Council can capture him again.

Mission Objective(s)

The Hapatak river is a tributary of Lake Salamanca, north of Paragon City. Unfortunately, the Council troops probably aren't here for the excellent fishing

• Rescue Joshua Lucietto
  • Find Joshua Lucietto

You rescued Joshua Lucietto from the Council

Enemies

Council

Notable NPCs

• Joshua Lucietto (NPC Hostage)

Joshua Lucietto

(when rescued): Thank you, thank you. All that I've been through. All that I've seen. You've got to know!

'You can force the horrors out...'

After you rescued Joshua Lucietto, he told you his harrowing tale:

'I was there for years. Not just me, there were others. They used us in experiments. There were these creatures, living shadows. They called them Nictus. The things would try to bind with you, you could feel them in your mind. They'd take you over, but you could force them out. They'd whisper in your head, twist your thoughts 'till you didn't want it out, 'till you joined with it willingly. They're very good at that. But I forced it out. If they don't undermine your mind, if you stay determined, you can force the horrors out. Now I'm free. There were others, there still are others. But I'm free.

Thank you, hero. I'm afraid I don't know your name, but thank you.'

Debriefing

Mr. Lucietto is receiving proper medical care. From his story it sounds like the Council have been using captives for human experiments with Nictus bonding techniques. Normally, as he said, a person who doesn't want to be possessed by a Nictus can force it out. If they are experimenting with new techniques, or other methods, this could be very important. Character, I think it's very important that we follow up on this. Speak with me soon, I have a feeling that this is the start of a longer investigation.

Rescue the test subjects from the Council

Shadow Science
Part: Two

Briefing

Joshua Lucietto, the man you rescued, has been able to tell us about a hidden facility in Boomtown where the Council is holding other captives for their human experiments. There is no telling what horrors these people have had to endure, and it is vital that they're freed before the Council can move them. Since you performed so admirably in Mr. Lucietto's rescue, I thought that you might like to lead the operation.

Mission Acceptance

Your first priority is to rescue those people. It will also be important to scout the base for files or computers that might help us find another base where they could be conducting these experiments.

Nictus science has been depraved ever since it first transformed a Kheldian into a life-consuming horror. It should be no surprise that they've begun to experiment on sentient beings, but I am sickened just the same.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Your first priority is to rescue those people. It will also be important to scout the base for files or computers that might help us find another base where they could be conducting these experiments.

Mission Objective(s)

The wreckage of this abandoned office building hides an entrance to a hidden Council facility.

• Rescue the captives
  • 2 clues to find
  • 4 captives to free

You rescued the captives, and discovered some disturbing information.

Enemies

Council

Patrol Chatter 1

Penumbra Elite Fire (before aggro): All prisoners secure.

Penumbra Elite Fire (on aggro): It's Character! Sound the alarm!

Patrol Chatter 2

Nebula Cor Leonis Fire (before aggro): I'm not seeing any sign of that security breach, over.

Nebula Cor Leonis Fire (on aggro): Control! I've spotted intruders!

Captive 1

(on rescue): Someone found us!

Captive 2

(on rescue): I knew we'd be found someday.

Captive 3

(on rescue): I've been down here so long!

Captive 4

(on rescue): The nightmare's finally over.

"They kept us weak..."

One of the captives you freed told you:

'I've been in here so long. They keep us weak so we put up less resistance. Those things, those Nictus, they need to be inside a person to live. They get weaker and weaker outside a host. If you're strong and don't want to merge with it, you can force it out. So they kept us weak. They used us like hospital beds. Weakened ones, Nictus that had been traveling between worlds, they'd force them into us because we were too weak to force them out until they could get strong again.'

They talk to you in your head

One of the captives you rescued told you:

'Those things, those Nictus, they jump inside you and try to merge with you. You can fight them off if you're strong enough, but the whole time they'll be talking to you. They'll promise you everything. They'll pick through your mind and find every time someone did you wrong, then tell you how they'll help to fix it. They seduce you with power, and tempt you until you don't want them to leave. Then you join with it. Then you become one of them. I've seen it happen. I've seen it happen too many times.'

Order for transfer

You found this series of transfer orders among some Council files. According to them, they've been rotating captives in and out of this for years. From the notes on the orders, it seems like they were keeping people here on low rations, trying to keep them weak, but alive. The only transfers out of the base are to an experimental facility. The rest are marked with the ominous phrase 'Will subverted. Integration successful.'

A report to Arakhn

This is a report from the lead guard at the base to someone called 'Arakhn'. Part of it reads: 'It is not mine to question your judgment, My Lady, but why are we still performing these tests? Even weakened, captives resist being hosts to a Nictus, often to the bitter end. I know that the Nictus we work with are weakened from their long journey, but surely there is already enough experimental data. I know that there are many volunteers within the ranks waiting for the opportunity that's being wasted on these wretches. I apologize if I'm out of line, but I feel it must be said.

Also, in response to your concern, we have had no contact with any of Requiem's toadies. We will alert you immediately if that should change.'

Debriefing

What you found in that place sickens me, Character. Nictus can't force a permanent possession on someone, and no Kheldian can survive forever outside a host. But to keep people captive and weakened so that Nictus can forcibly posses them long enough to recover their strength? It's depraved. We can just hope that what you found will help us free some of the other people who've been held by these monsters.

Investigate the old lab and search it for information

Shadow Science
Part: Three

Briefing

The captives you rescued and the documents you recovered have allowed us to find the location of an old research lab. It used to belong to Requiem's old organization, but from the records you found it seems that Arakhn forced him to let her use it for a time even before the change-over. It hasn't been used in years, but there could still be valuable information at the lab that could tell us more about what the Council has been working on. I'd like you to investigate the lab, and search it for information.

Mission Acceptance

We don't know what you'll find down there, but the important thing is to look for some information about what the Council has been experimenting with. The first Nictus were created by unethical experiments. Who knows what Arakhn's been working on with the scientific resources of the Council under her control.

Unnecessary Solicitation

We don't know what you'll find down there, but the important thing is to look for some information about what the Council has been experimenting with.

Mission Objective(s)

Something about this place makes your skin crawl.

• Search base for information
  • 3 Clues to find
  • 2 Keys to find

You found some important information in the base, especially that Requiem is also investigating Arakhn's experiments.

Enemies

Council

Hydra

Vahzilok

Notable NPCs

• Penumbra Archon (Boss)

Mortificator

(before aggro): This place could do nicely for us.
(on aggro): No! This is our place now! OUR PLACE!

We can settle this later!

(before aggro):
Reaper: We can settle this later! To the attack!
Penumbra Archon: We're here on Requiem's orders. You'd best leave if you know what's good for you.

(on aggro):
Reaper: Is that a Kheldian? I wonder what their innards are like.
Penumbra Archon: We're doctors. We can decide what's good for us.

An ooze-covered pass-card

You recovered this pass card from a slime monster. It's covered in a sticky gelatinous ooze.

A spattered pass-card

You found this pass-card on a Vahzilok. You really don't want to know what it's spattered with.

Old transfer orders

These yellowing forms detail movement of something called 'N-Fragments' to another research facility. The forms are dated several years ago, but they could still be vital information.

Orders from Requiem

These orders have been type-written on Requiem's personal letterhead:

'Search this place from top to bottom for any remaining traces of Arakhn's research. We must know how she is creating her Galaxy troops. Brook no interference in your task. Remember that this was our base before the Center forced us to lend it to Arakhn. It was tunneled by Vandal's machines, stocked to Nosferatu's orders and protected by our brave soldiers.

Still, exercise caution. Arakhn has the Center's ear, and unlike me, she is Nictus first and Council a distant second. No doubt the Center has been influenced by her claims over the years, and now he lets her do whatever she wants.'

Nictus Decay Salvage: A Report

You found this computer report on a dis-used mainframe. Skimming over it, you see:

'A Nictus that has been starved of life energy for long enough or that has sustained enough damage in its natural form will begin to decay. It will grow weaker and weaker until it can no longer maintain a cohesive negative-energy form, and will begin to dissipate. Usually, it will no longer have the strength to possess all but the most weak-willed host, and thus will begin a downward spiral leading to its final dissipation.

We have discovered that it is also possible to force a dissipating Nictus to break apart multiple smaller pieces, forming Nictus Fragments. These can then be sustained with a controlled flow of energy. We are now researching the effects of implanting these fragments into human test subjects. You will also note that our early research indicates that it may be possible to harvest fragments from a healthy Nictus without permanent harm. We hope to soon have a technology that can match Requiem's, or even surpass it.'

The dates of this report are already several years old. There's no telling how much farther the Council's come since then.

Debriefing

The more I find out about these depraved experiments, the worse I feel to be a Kheldian. These Nictus Fragments are monstrous, but I'm afraid that we may know what they were able to create with them. Arakhn has lost her mind. It seems that even Requiem thinks so, but I doubt he'd do anything we'd like if he got the same technology. I'll see what we can glean from the information you found. It might help lead us to more captives, and deeper into Arakhn's research.

Strike the Council research base

Shadow Science
Part: Four

Briefing

All of the information you gathered at the abandoned lab along with the information from the captives you've rescued has revealed the location of what we think is a current research base. They will likely become aware of their vulnerability soon, so we must take this moment to strike. I naturally thought you might want to take this base out, considering your involvement in the case.

Mission Acceptance

If the information we have is right, there will be plenty for you to do. First off, we believe that there may be one or more captives being held there you must rescue. There will also no doubt be much useful information to find. In addition, the base commander and his staff must be dealt with, or he'll be able to raise an alarm. And finally, there may be actual Nictus Fragments at this facility. You must take them out of the Council's hands.

Unnecessary Solicitation

I know you have a lot to handle, but I'm sure you'll be able to take care of it.

Mission Objective(s)

The facade and records may seem legitimate, but this place is crawling with Council troops.

• Raid Council base
  • Find info
  • N-Fragments
  • 3 Captives
  • Defeat Tanner

You have finished the raid on the research base.

Enemies

Council

Notable NPCs

• Archon Tanner (Council Nebula Elite Archon)

Patrol

Nebula Cor Leonis Fire (before aggro): This is patrol reporting in. All clear.
Nebula Cor Leonis Fire (on aggro): Intruder! Attack!

Captives

(on rescue): Character! You've saved us!

Archon Tanner

(before aggro): Arakhn will have my head if we lose this place.
(on aggro): My base will not fall to the likes of you!

A memo

This memo is written on Council letterhead. It warns:

'To: Archon Tanner
RE: Requiem

Tanner, Keep an eye out for infiltrators from Requiem. He's been trying to pry into all the secrets of our Galaxy troops, and has stepped up efforts to gain full control of the Void Hunter mercenaries. You were right, Tanner. He may have agreed to share control of the Void Hunters with me in front of the Center, but he will never accept it. He still resents losing his little kingdom.

-Arakhn'

Nictus Fragments

This crate is filled with clear glass tubes, capped with energy generators. Inside each tube a shadowy sphere hangs suspended in some kind of fluid. The sphere seems to bend light around it, and occasionally snakes out an inky tendril that touches the glass with increased hungered ferocity the closer your hand comes.

Each tube is labeled 'N-Fragment', along with a number, the name of the Nictus it was made from.

Perhaps more importantly, it has a shipping manifest, revealing where it was going to be sent.

Debriefing

Taking out that research facility will definitely strike their plans a grievous blow, and those people you rescued will be thanking you for the rest of their lives. I'll get our people working on the information you found at the lab. The shipping record for those N-fragments could lead us to another facility. The fragments themselves, we're going to turn over to SERAPH. They'll be eager to study them.

Capture Council research in Troll Tunnels

Shadow Science
Part: Five

Briefing

Your recent successes have forced the Council's hand. They have begun to clean out any bases or labs attached to their Nictus work that remain in the city, and are moving the assets from them off-shore. This gives us a great opportunity, but little time to work on it. Fortunately, some Trolls captured in a raid by other heroes revealed that the Council is moving some equipment through their tunnels. This is the perfect chance to capture the Council's research, and I thought you might like to spearhead the operation.

Mission Acceptance

While the main point of this operation is to capture more Council research data before they can take it off-shore, you will also have to make sure that no enemies escape capture so that they cannot warn their allies that we know their plans. You'll have to be thorough, but I know you can handle it.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Remember that along with capturing the Council's research and defeating all of them to keep it quiet, there may still be captives held somewhere in the city. Any information you find could help free them.

Mission Objective(s)

The natural beauty of these caverns has been trampled by the current villainous inhabitants.

• Defeat all foes in tunnels
  • 4 pieces of information to find

You captured the Council's data before they could take it off-shore.

Enemies

Council

Trolls

Notable NPCs

• Ogre (Boss)
• Penumbra Archon (Boss)

Ogre

(before aggro): We be security. Nobody get past, we get paid.
(on aggro): Nobody get past, we gets paid!

Trollkin Patrol 1

(before aggro): No heroeses here!
(on aggro): Arrgh! Heroeses! Attack!!

Troll Patrol 2

(on aggro): We beat you, we gets paid big-time!

You pay big!

(before aggro) Trollkin Gunner: We hit you, you pay big!
Penumbra Archon: Me not understand what you want exactly.

Council Lab paperwork

Reams of paper and dozens of spindles of back-up disks hold the mundane records of the bases that Arakhn was running even before Requiem's old organization was re-absorbed into the Council. A lot of important information could be gleaned from this.

Basic N-Fragment utilization

This report gives a brief overview of how normal Nictus Fragments can be used. A 'Galaxy' soldier can be created by implanting a sufficient number of Nictus Fragments in a willing human host and subjecting that host to careful training. These Galaxy soldiers are capable of using Nictus-like powers, but are not true Nictus themselves.

The report is maddeningly short on details, offering only the faintest hints on how the implantation process actually works.

Altered N-Fragment Uses

This report gives a brief overview of how Nictus Fragments can be altered using quantum energy techniques. By implanting these altered fragments into a willing host, subjecting that host to a specific training regimen, and equipping the implanted soldier with the proper equipment, the Council can create a Void Hunter. The report is short on specific details about how the fragments are altered, the implantation process, and the training regimen, but it does spend several interesting pages expressing the scientist's concerns. They worry about the long term effects, and mention that they have no idea what would happen if something called a 'Total Integration' were to occur to a Void Hunter.

Hypothetical N-Fragment uses

This report outlines several uses for N-Fragments that the researchers would like to explore. Skimming over it, you see:

'We believe that we are on the verge of several breakthroughs. We may have even run across the method that Requiem is using to create Warwolves. We understand that Arakhn has clearly stated no interest in reverse-engineering Requiem's Warwolves, but we think that the benefits of this research could lead us to a whole new era of N-Fragment technology.'

Debriefing

The information you recovered will be invaluable. This was probably our last chance to capture the Council's data before they got it off-shore, and you really came through. SERAPH will be pouring through this for months. There may still be one last operation left to wrap this up. Talk to me soon.

Rescue the final group of the Council's captive human test subjects

Shadow Science
Part: Six

Briefing

It seems that there's one last element of the Council's Nictus experimentation that they haven't yet gotten off-shore. The Council has not yet been able to smuggle out the last captives it used for human experimentation. If it weren't for the documents you found, we never would have found out about it before it was too late. Now those people may have a chance, if you are willing to rescue them from the Council.

Mission Acceptance

These people are in desperate danger. If the Council thinks that they cannot smuggle them out, they will probably terminate them to keep them quiet. You could be their last chance at freedom. And in order to keep their identities safe afterwards, you must also defeat the base's commander, and make certain that their records are destroyed.

Unnecessary Solicitation

These people need your help, Character. You are their last chance for freedom.

Mission Objective(s)

This sprawling Council controlled complex houses the last of the captive human test subjects left on the mainland.

• Defeat Archon Douglas & his men
  • Erase Records
  • 4 captives to free

You rescued the last people being held by the Council for experimentation.

Enemies

Council

Notable NPCs

• Archon Douglas (Council Penumbra Archon)

Captive 1

(on rescue): I never gave up hope!

Captive 2

(on rescue): I thought we were going to die!

Captive 3

(on rescue): You saved my live, Character.

Captive 4

(on rescue): Thank you, Character!

Archon Douglas

(before aggro): How do they keep finding us?
(on aggro): Your battles end here!

An emailed warning

As you were erasing the records of the captives from the Council's computers, you noticed that someone had left the email program open. One message had been composed and was ready to go, but the author was probably called away before he could hit the "Send" button. It reads:

"Arakhn:
Ma'am, I have been going through our recent set-backs, and while looking through the records of the Void Hunter program, I think I found something unrelated, but important. The candidates for the Void Hunter process we've received from Requiem are almost always old loyalists from his old organization. I think he may be seeding the ranks of the Void Hunters with men who will follow him should push come to shove. I will continue my research into this.

Archon Douglas"

Debriefing

The last of the captives are safe, the Council's experiments have been driven out of the city, and now we know in theory at least how the Galaxy, Void Hunters, and Warwolves are made. Joshua Lucietto's escape opened the door, but you were the one brave enough to face what was on the other side. For all of your fellow Kheldians, Peacebringers, and Warshades; and for the people of the city, let me offer you my thanks, Character.

We now know that Arakhn, the leader of the Nictus within the Council, has been conducting experiments on people, and that she created the Galaxy and Void Hunters of the Council. That still leaves us with many leads and questions, which you may not be powerful enough to follow up. Speak to me again when you're at least Stature Level 20. We should be able to pick up the investigation then.

Winslowe and the Cosmotron (Level 20 - 25)

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 18 Reward Merits.

Souvenir

A piece of the Cosmotron

This strange piece of polished metal is all that remains of a device that caused a great deal of conflict. It reminds you of the case of a man who meant to help the world, and a machine he made which unknowingly threatened every Kheldian and Nictus on Earth in a case you call

Winslowe and the Cosmotron

When the Sky Raiders attacked the Paradyne Labs on the eve of a major new announcement, it drew your attention. There had long been rumors that the Council was secretly funding the research of Dr. Winslowe, and now Winslowe and his new invention were the targets of the Sky Raider attack. Though the Sky Raiders did escape with Dr. Winslowe and his device, you stopped them from blowing up the building to cover their tracks. You were also warned that a Peacebringer had recently disappeared, so you needed to be careful.

You pursued the Sky Raiders to a cargo ship where they'd hidden themselves after the raid. You were able to rescue Dr. Winslowe, who told you about the amazing device he'd built, the Cosmotron: A machine capable of tapping the inherent energy of the cosmos to provide limitless clean power. He knew nothing about secret Council funding, and was horrified at the idea of his invention's power in their hands. The Sky Raiders still had the Cosmotron, but you were getting close. There was also a report of a Warshade who'd gone missing, but Winslowe and the Cosmotron seemed a higher priority.

The Sky Raiders attempted to sell the Cosmotron to the highest bidder, drawing gangs and villains from all over the city. You crashed the auction, but in the confusion Council agents made off with the device. When you got back, you found out that another Council team had kidnapped the Professor as well!

You went to Striga Island and broke Dr. Winslowe free from the Council. He told you the awful truth he'd learned: His device wasn't tapping a cosmic power source, but was actually draining energy from Kheldians and Nictus! Some had even been drawn into the device and consumed! You also learned that different Council factions were fighting over Winslowe and the Cosmotron. Arakhn and Requiem were both fighting over it, but there seemed to be evidence of a third faction, as well.

A lucky break revealed where the Council was keeping the Cosmotron, but only because the Sky Raiders were going to try and steal it back! You fought through the chaos, and found that a mysterious faction within the Council had already disassembled the device for study. What's more, they were planning on building a massive version of it to destroy all Kheldians on Earth, including the Nictus.

A quick plan was put together. SERAPH still had working codes to the Council computer network, and the information about the Cosmotron had been confined to the anti-Kheldian conspirators within the Council. By using a computer worm, that information could be wiped out. Dr. Winslowe, overcome by grief at what he'd made, tried to do it himself, but was captured. You rescued the Doctor, and ran the program from inside a Council base. Archon Swann, the madman in charge of the Cosmotron affair, warned you that there were more like him who wanted to see all the Kheldians and Nictus on Earth purged, and that they still had further plans.

The investigations may take some time, and you were encouraged to continue to improve your powers in the mean time. The next phase of the investigation should be ready when you're around Security Level 25.

Stop the Sky Raider attack and talk to Dr. Winslowe

Winslowe and the Cosmotron
Part: One

Briefing

The police are reporting a Sky Raider attack in progress that I think you should know about. The Sky Raiders are attacking Paradyne Labs, a research firm that's supposed to be on the verge of some major announcement about a new energy system created by a Dr. Winslowe. The attack alone is enough to draw attention, but some records captured from Council research labs indicate that Paradyne might have been getting some of its funding from the Council through back channels. The attack must be stopped, but this could also be a chance to discover why the Council is interested in Paradyne and Dr. Winslowe's energy system.

Mission Acceptance

The Sky Raiders can be very dangerous. They will likely have taken hostages, and may have planted bombs to delay your progress while they accomplish their goals.

There's one more thing you should know about. A Peacebringer has disappeared. We don't think she's gone renegade, but we don't have any clues to what may have happened to her. It could be the Circle of Thorns, the Council, or another threat we don't know about. So be careful, and stay focused.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You cannot let the Sky Raiders get away with this. When you're done in there, we'll work out the next step.

Mission Objective(s)

Paradyne Labs has been preparing for a big announcement lately. No doubt that's what drew the attention of the Sky Raiders.

• Defeat Lt. Phineas & his men
  • 4 bombs left
  • 2 hostages left

You saved Paradyne Labs, but the Sky Raiders had already absconded with Dr. Winslowe and his device.

Enemies

Sky Raiders

Notable NPCs

• Lt. Phineas (Sky Raiders Captain)

Saboteurs 1

(before aggro)
Wing Raider: All 4 bombs are set.
Inferno Raider: Round up the hostages.

(on aggro)
Wing Raider: Concentrate on the Kheldian!

Saboteurs 2

Wing Raider (before aggro): We'll be rich after this one.
Wing Raider (on aggro): You know the drill! Everybody get ready!

Hostage 1

(on rescue): I think they took Dr. Winslowe!

Hostage 2

(on rescue): They were after Dr. Winslowe and his machine!

Lt. Phineas

(on aggro): A costumed clod like you don't have a chance, Character!

Entry pass card

This pass card should get you into the lab's main facilities.

Security pass card

This pass card should get you into the lab's secured section.

Raid Time Table

You found this time table on Lt. Phineas during the attack on Paradyne labs. According to what's been checked off, the Sky Raiders have already taken Dr. Winslowe and a device called the 'Cosmotron'. There may be enough information on here to piece together where the Raiders have taken them.

Debriefing

While the Sky Raiders did get away with Winslowe, you stopped the attack on the labs and saved the lives of many people. The information you found on Lt. Phineas should help locate where the Sky Raiders are keeping Winslowe and his machine. I have a feeling that this is the beginning of something big.

Strike Sky Raider fall-back point to rescue Dr. Winslowe

Winslowe and the Cosmotron
Part: Two

Briefing

We've been able to pinpoint the location of the Sky Raiders' fall-back point using the information you discovered in the Sky Raider attack in Paradyne labs. We think that they're lying low there until they can get Dr. Winslowe and his device out of the country. The Sky Raiders aren't going to give him and his machine up without a fight, but this could be the last chance to save Dr. Winslowe and get his machine out of the Sky Raiders' hands.

Mission Acceptance

The Sky Raiders have taken over a cargo ship in Talos Island. You'll need to defeat all the enemies on that vessel to secure it. Dr. Winslowe and his machine should be aboard, unless something else has gone wrong.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You'll need to defeat any and all enemies on that cargo ship to secure it and make sure Dr. Winslowe is safe.

Mission Objective(s)

The Sky Raiders are known to use cargo ships as forward bases, often without the owner's knowledge.

• Defeat all foes on cargo ship
  • Rescue Dr. Winslowe

You rescued Dr. Winslowe, but the Sky Raiders escaped with the Cosmotron in the chaos of the three way battle with the Council.

Enemies

Sky Raiders

Council

Notable NPCs

• Dr. Winslowe (NPC Hostage)

Dr. Winslowe

(on rescue): Oh, thank you Character! They've got the Cosmotron!

Raider Chatter

(on aggro): Prepare to repel boarders!

Council Chatter

(on aggro): We'll finish this after taking care of the heroes!

Signed orders

These orders are from a Council base on Striga Island. They tell this unit of Council troops to secure Dr. Winslowe and his machine to all costs. There's an additional note in beautiful cursive letters written on the orders:

Brave soldiers of the Council:
Know that this mission is of particular import to me. Should you succeed in capturing Dr. Winslowe alive and delivering him to me, you will all be well rewarded. But if he should perish, then I shall be gravely disappointed. It is important that we convince the good Doctor to tell us why Requiem has been so interested in his research. Who knows what that pompous egomaniac has been up to without proper guidance all these years.

'It could bring limitless destruction'

After you rescued him, Dr. Winslowe told you:

'You must listen! They still have my machine, the Cosmotron! I had no idea that any of the money was coming from the Council, or I never would have gone to the prototype phase. The thought of all that power in the wrong hands shakes me to the core.

The Cosmotron works using advanced applications of M-Theory, tapping the vibrations of the 10th-dimensional membrane of our universe to derive limitless clean power. It will change the world! But in the wrong hands, it could bring limitless destruction.

The Cosmotron must be recovered!'

Debriefing

Dr. Winslowe is safe, but that may be the least of our worries. If what he says about this "Cosmotron" is true, then it could change the world if used responsibly. In the wrong hands, it might enslave the world or destroy it. We've had a Warshade go missing and I was going to ask you to look into the disappearance, but I think this takes priority.

Recover the Cosmotron from the Sky Raider auction

Winslowe and the Cosmotron
Part: Three

Briefing

We have discovered that the Sky Raiders are planning to sell the Cosmotron to the highest bidder. This will attract gangs and villain organizations from all over the city, but it's imperative that none of them end up with the Cosmotron. From what we know, there will be representatives from the Freakshow, the Family, the Warriors, the Council and of course the Sky Raiders all there. It's dangerous, but we need you to go in and try to get the Cosmotron before one of those groups walks away with it.

Mission Acceptance

You'll have to locate the Cosmotron and defeat whoever is guarding it. Then get out of there alive. We've lost contact with several more Peacebringers and Warshades, and neither of us wants to lose any more people.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You'll have to locate the Cosmotron and defeat whoever is guarding it. Then get out of there alive. We've lost contact with several more Peacebringers and Warshades, and neither of us wants to lose any more people.

Mission Objective(s)

It's likely that the true owners of this warehouse are blissfully unaware of what it's being used for right now.

• Recover the Cosmotron
  • Find the Cosmotron

By the time you had gotten there, the Council had finally absconded with the Cosmotron. But there was worse news to come.

Enemies

Council

The Family

Freakshow

The Lost

Sky Raiders

Tsoo

Warriors

Sky Raiders

(before aggro)
Wing Raider: We're gonna be rich when this is over.
Raider Engineer: If we can keep this place in one piece.

(on aggro)
Wing Raider: Oh, great! A hero! Just what we don't need!

Tsoo

Green Ink Man (on aggro): A worthy challenge to alleviate this bickering.

Family and Warriors

Button Man Buckshot (before aggro): You Family thugs don't know when you're beaten!

Warrior Slicer (on aggro): Hey! We got hero trouble!

Lost

(before aggro)
Mutate Gunner: We could get so much power. Enough for all our needs.
Mutate Slugger: Enough power to accomplish all our plans.

(on aggro)
Mutate Gunner: The power won't fall into the hands of unbelievers!

Council

Vortex Cor Leonis Sonic (before aggro): The plan is underway.

Vortex Cor Leonis Sonic (on aggro): You won't spoil our operation, Character!

Freakshow

Mad Freak Chopper (before aggro): Yeah! Endless power to do... To do... Hey? What are we going to do with this thing?

Freak Slammer (on aggro): Ah, violence! And here I was worried about thinking!

Penumbra Cor Leonis Adjutant

(on aggro): This has always belonged to us!

Sealed orders

You found these orders on a defeated Council Lycanthrope

'Your goal is the recovery of Dr. Winslowe's device, the Cosmotron. As your unit is comprised of men who have been with me even before we returned to the Council, I have every confidence you will return the Cosmotron to me. The recent disappearances among Nictus toadies of Arakhn's makes me think that my theories are correct.

Of course, if the way to the regroup point is blocked by heroic action, then take the device to Striga and deliver it to the Center's troops. He can be trusted with its care until we can recommence our research.'

Cosmotronless

When you opened the crate, you found that the Cosmotron had already been taken. However, a brass insignia from a Council Cor Leonis trooper that had fallen inside the crate gives you a good idea who now has the device.

Debriefing

The Council has the Cosmotron, but it gets worse. While you were fighting them to try and recover it, another Council squad kidnapped Dr. Winslowe. We believe that they're taking him to Striga Island. The Council now has both the Doctor and his device, but they haven't won yet.

Rescue Dr. Winslowe on Striga Island

Winslowe and the Cosmotron
Part: Four

Briefing

The Council now has both Doctor Winslowe and his device, but from what we've been able to track, it seems that they're not being held in the same place. It's as if the Council troops who took the Doctor and the troops that took the Cosmotron aren't communicating with each other. That's bad for them, but good for us. It should make getting both to safety much easier. The first step is going to be rescuing Dr. Winslowe on Striga Island.

Mission Acceptance

We know where Dr. Winslowe is being held. Your main objective will be to free him from his captors. Hopefully, they won't be expecting a rescue attempt so soon.

Unnecessary Solicitation

This mission shouldn't take too long. Just make sure to get Dr. Winslowe out safely.

Mission Objective(s)

Dr. Winslowe seems to have an affinity for getting in trouble. Hopefully it won't be the end of him.

• Rescue Dr. Winslowe

You rescued Dr. Winslowe and discovered, as he had, the terrible truth about the Cosmotron.

Enemies

Council

Notable NPCs

• Dr. Winslowe (NPC Hostage)

Dr. Winslowe

(on rescue): What have I done? What has science wrought!

What have I made?

When you rescued him, an overwrought Dr. Winslowe told you:

"You have to tell them I'm sorry. I had no idea! No idea what it was really doing! I was so horribly wrong, but it seemed to be working. The Cosmotron was drawing power, but I was wrongabout the source! My calculations were off, but I just accepted the result. What have I done? The Cosmotron!
It's not drawing power from the universe! It'sdrawing power from you! From all the Kheldians! It's tapping into your cosmic linkages and sucking the life out of you! I've been over the readings! It's already swallowed some poor souls whole. Now the Council wants to tune it, make it into a weapon.

These majestic visitors from the universe are being eaten alive in the cosmic maw of my own creation! What have I done? What have I done!"

A copied email

This piece of email is adressed to Arakhn, but seems to have been copied surreptitiously. This kind of spying is common among the Council. The letter reads:

'My dear Arakhn,
Something has been brought before me that I can no longer ignore. This spat between you and Requiem seems to be flaring up again over this device. And others are noticing. Arakhn, how long have we known each other? I still remember when first I saw you back in 1926 when I tried to get you to join us. I still remember the many long talks we'd share, sipping wine late into the night. And I also remember when Requiem first appeared, and this fight between you first started. You have not aged a day my sweet friend, but I have grown old, Arakhn, and even my patience wears thin. You are both Nictus. Can you not, as a favor to your oldest friend, as your duty to this organization, and to your own best interest, just stop fighting each other? Maestro has not been the only one to express displeasure at this bickering, and though I treasure our friendship, do not think that I won't take over this operation if you two can't work together.

-The Center'

From the looks of things, whoever copied this email also forwarded it to another address.

Debriefing

Dr. Winslowe is safe and back in the city, and he's told us everything. I can't believe it. All the missing haven't been kidnapped, they were consumed during test runs of the Cosmotron. If the Council can find a way to tune it and make it a weapon, then it could be the end for us all.

Recover the Cosmotron during the Sky Raider attack

Winslowe and the Cosmotron
Part: Five

Briefing

We've had another break, but it's not necessarily lucky. An undercover police officer working the Sky Raider beat may have uncovered the location of the Cosmotron. Unfortunately, the Sky Raiders are being paid to attack and recover it. We have the location on Striga Island, and the time that they plan to make the attack. If you can infiltrate the Council base where the Cosmotron is being held and recover it during the chaos of the battle, we may be able to put an end to this once and for all.

Mission Acceptance

From what we now know, Dr. Winslowe's Cosmotron could be the biggest threat to our people since the Nictus themselves. In order to stop it, you will need to recover the device, defeat the leaders of the base where it was kept, and check the Council network to see what they know about it.

Unnecessary Solicitation

In order to stop the threat to all Kheldians that the Cosmotron represents, you will need to recover the device, defeat the leaders of the base where it was kept, and check the Council network to see what they know about it.

Mission Objective(s)

The halls of this base echo with gunfire and explosions. The battle has already begun.

• Secure the Cosmotron
  • 6 computers
  • Find the Cosmotron
  • Defeat Leader

You recovered the original Cosmotron, but discovered that the Council now has the ability to make one themselves!

Enemies

Council

Sky Raiders

Notable NPCs

Council

Penumbra Cor Leonis Force (before aggro): You'll never have it!

Penumbra Cor Leonis Force (on aggro): We're under external attack! Redeploy!

Raiders

Wing Raider (on aggro): Heroes! It's on!

Council and Raiders

Wing Raider (before aggro): We stole it first!

Galaxy (on aggro): We have more pressing foes to battle.

Leaders

(before aggro)
Wing Raider Officer: We're just doing a job. Nothing personal.

(on aggro)
Galaxy Archon: The battle is on!
Wing Raider Officer: It's too much! Fall back!

A report on the Cosmotron

You found this report on Dr. Winslowe's Cosmotron, written by an Archon Swann to another party within the Council. In the report, Swann confirms that the Cosmotron could probably be turned into a weapon. Swann even proposes a much larger version of it that could wipe out all the Kheldians on Earth within minutes. Interestingly, this report was only ever sent to one other person. It's not linked to the Council's database. It's almost as if this Archon Swann wanted to keep the report confidential.

A forwarded email

This piece of email was adressed to Requiem, but it seems that it was forwarded to an account on this computer surreptitiously. This kind of spying is common among the Council's upper echelons. It reads:

'Requiem:
I had hoped that I would not have to speak with you about this. I had hoped that working on your own, as the head of your own organization for so many years would have helped. But I cannot ignore the constant in-fighting between you and Arakhn any longer. It has jeopardized this entire operation with Dr. Winslowe's device, and several within the Council have noticed it. I know that you are unhappy under Arakhn's command, but I also know that you understand the political necessity of it. There are many who do not trust you and who have never trusted you just because of their fear of the Nictus, but I am not among their number and will not be among their number unless you force me. Remember that I was the one who funded your old organization. If the only repayment I received was that you and Arakhn could learn to work together, I would be more than satisfied.

-The Center'

It appears that this message was forwarded on to another person as well, but you have no clue who.

The Cosmotron, disassembled

The parts in these boxes once made up the Cosmotron. Now the deadly device has been taken apart and thoroughly examined. The Council surely understands how to build one of their own now.

Mission Orders

These plans outline the Sky Raider attack to recover the Cosmotron. The most interesting thing about them is that they have been ordered by their employer to take the Cosmotron to another base on Striga Island. They've even been given a flight path to avoid patrols by any other Council troops. It's as if some other faction within the Council wanted to get the Costmotron without either Arakhn or Requiem knowing about it.

Debriefing

You've recovered the Cosmotron, and that was very good work. Unfortunately, now that the Council's studied it, we're still not safe. From the look of the report, though, that information may have been contained within a small faction of the Council. That could help us a great deal. We have a plan, but it's going to be dangerous. We're almost ready to go for the end game, and we're going to need your help to do it.

Corrupt the Council's Cosmotron files and save Dr. Winslowe from his own foolishness

Winslowe and the Cosmotron
Part: Six

Briefing

We had a plan to handle the fact that some faction within the Council now has the plans for the Cosmotron, but there's been a problem. SERAPH has been able to develop a computer worm that can track down all references to the Cosmotron in the Council's databases, and change them just enough so that they won't be able to build a working one. The plan was to send you in to use the program at the base the Sky Raiders had been ordered to deliver the Cosmotron to. At least that was the plan until Dr. Winslowe decided to take matters into his own hands. He's gone to Striga to try and fix it himself. You'll have to save him before he gets himself killed.

Mission Acceptance

Your three objectives are to get Dr. Winslowe out alive, to infect the Council computers with the virus, and to defeat Archon Swann, so he can't spread what he knows.

Dr. Winslowe is still overcome with guilt and shame for the deaths he unknowningly caused. While it is true that we would be safer if he were to perish along with his invention, I know that his family needs him. Sometimes we have to sacrifice our safety to do the right thing. That's why we are Peacebringers and Warshades, and not Nictus.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You need to bring Dr. Winslowe back alive, and get the worm onto their computer system, and don't forget Archon Swann. He's certain not to go down without a fight.

C0sM0tR0n.exe

This disk contains a powerful program designed to over-write certain sections of the Council database, distorting data and subtly sabotaging plans for the Cosmotron or any device like it.

Mission Objective(s)

The threat of the Cosmotron will end here and now.

• Defeat Swann & his men
  • Save Winslowe
  • 4 computers left

You have brought an end to the threat of the Cosmotron and got Dr. Winslowe home safely.

Enemies

Council

Notable NPCs

• Archon Swann (Council Vortex Elite Archon)

Archon Swann

Upon Approach: We'll get what we want from Winslowe, even if I have to rip out his teeth.
During Combat You're a Kheldian, aren't you Character? I knew all of you were working together!

Dr. Winslowe

(on rescue): I thought I could do it on my own. I'm sorry to have been such a burden.

'We have more plans. Just wait.'

After you defeated Archon Swann, he sneered the following hate-filled words at you:

'Don't think this is the end of it. We know all about you Kheldians. We know the truth, and we won't let any of you win. The Center may not see it, but we won't let that old fool stand in the way. We'll drive the Nictus from the Council, and then we'll drive all of you to extinction. The Cosmotron was nice, but we already have other inventions in the works. We have more plans. Just wait. You'll never know when the end will come.'

Debriefing

The threat of the Cosmotron is over. Dr. Winslowe has apologized to the families of the Kheldians accidentally slain by the device, and is trying to make amends as best he can. There are still a number of questions though. Swann mentioned that there were others within the Council that were out to purge both Arakhn's and Requiem's factions, and we weren't too much farther down their list. What are their plans? We may have to wait until another clue comes our way to find out and unravel this new mystery.

You should seek to improve your already considerable skills until then. Talk to me again when you're around level 25. I have a feeling that by the time you reach that point, we'll be ready for the next step.

Fear and Loathing on Striga Isle (Level 25 - 30)

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 15 Reward Merits.

Souvenir

A prototype Quantum weapon

Dr. Winslowe and his team at SERAPH gave you this non-functional prototype, based on designs captured from a conspiracy within the Council itself. Winslowe thinks he may be able to perfect the design one day, but for now you keep it as a memento of the strange case you remember as:

Fear and Loathing on Striga Isle

After a captured Council Archon had revealed he existence of a rabidly anti-Nictus and anti-Kheldian faction within the Council, monitoring of the evil organization was stepped up dramatically, looking for further clues. The clue you were looking for came when Moonfire, the Kheldian agent on Striga Island, discovered that a group of Council soldiers was secretly testing new weapons against the Banished Pantheon. The weapons were being tuned for use against Nictus, but you found both a War Wolf and a Galaxy soldier working to help test them.

Searching for clues about why the Galaxy Archon Booker would help against the Kheldians, you investigated his old base. There you discovered that he had learned something dire about Arakhn's plans, and was feeling himself transforming into an alien being from his Nictus Fragment implants. These combined led him into the conspiracy.

One of the names mentioned in Booker's journals was an Archon Coster, the head of a research base. You infiltrated the facility, but found it already under attack by the Banished Pantheon, who sought revenge for being used as test subjects. Coster had been killed by the Pantheon by the time you arrived, but his notes not only had the names of the remaining conspirators, but showed that Coster had been a double-agent, and had assembled those names for Arakhn herself.

You rescued the scientists that the Council conspirators had forced to work on their anti-Nictus weapons, and captured Archon Stone, the third conspirator. From this point forward, it would be a race to capture the last conspirators before Arakhn could hunt them down.

You captured Lt. Wester and Archon Turley, two more members of the conspiracy, before Arakhn could assassinate them. You also discovered that the remaining conspirators planned to escape Striga Island and defect to another organization.

As you rushed the capture of the last two conspirators for all valuable information they held, you learned that Arakhn had alerted the Center to the conspiracy. With no time to lose, you captured Archon Saager and Archon Voight before they could escape from Striga on a cargo vessel. With all the conspirators safely captured, Arakhn's attempts to assassinate them were foiled, and much new information about Nictus activity within the Council could be gained. It may take some time for the conspirators to talk, so you were encouraged to improve your powers until then so you'd be ready to investigate whatever was revealed. You were told to come back when you were about Stature Level 30 to continue.

Speak to Moonfire on Striga Island

Speak with Moonfire on Striga

Fear and Loathing on Striga Isle
Part: One

Briefing

In the wake of Archon Swann's revelation about an anti-Nictus faction within the Council at the end of the Cosmotron incident, we've been monitoring the Council very closely, looking for any trace of this group within the Council. Now Moonfire thinks that she's found something, and has asked for you to speak to her on Striga Island.

Mission Acceptance

I'll let Moonfire tell you what she's found herself. This could be very interesting indeed.

Unneccesary Solicitation

I think Moonfire may be onto something big. You should speak with her as soon as you can.

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak with Moonfire on Striga

Moonfire

Briefing

I am glad that you have chosen this task, Character. I have been closely monitoring Council communications, seeking some evidence of a conspiracy against the Nictus within their ranks. I have discovered that a group of Council soldiers have been tasked with a deadly experiment: To employ newly developed weapons against the Banished Pantheon in a live-fire test. What drew my interest was that this test is being concealed from nearly all factions of the Council, but particularly from Requiem, Arakhn, and the Center.

It is my belief that these new weapons may be under development with their sights set on the Nictus. Therefore it is imperative that they are recovered and examined. You should also look for the leader of these solders, a man named Captain Dawson, and defeat him to find any information he carries.

Investigate weapons test

Unneccesary Solicitation

Moonfire's correct that this could be something important. We need to see what those weapons are, and what this Archon Dawson knows.

Mission Objective(s)

Large sections of Striga have been overrun by the Banished Pantheon, and these caverns appear to be full of the creatures.

• Investigate weapons test
  • 1 weapon to locate, Defeat Captain Dawson

You defeated Captain Dawson and recovered some strange weapons.

Enemies

Banished Pantheon

Council

Notable NPCs

• Archon Booker (Council Vortex Cor Leonis Archon)
• Captain Dawson (Council Equinox Adjutant)

Note: Captain Dawson spawns as unnamed Equinox Adjutant or Vortex Cor Leonis Adjutant.

Another Spawn

Dry Chamber: Luh...Geh..bu...
Penumbra Cor Leonis Fire We're cut off!

Archon Booker

(before aggro): Dawson's team is cut off. He's really up the creek.
(on aggro) This just got worse! It's Character!

Captain Dawson

(before aggro): Everyone get back! I've got to unleash the beast if we're going to escape!
(on aggro): We need these weapons! You don't know what they've done to me!

Dawson's Orders

These Orders are maked for Captain Dawson only. They lay out the plan to test these new weapons against 'Possesion-capable entities', like the Banished Pantheon before trying them out against a 'Hostile Alien'.

Quantum Dispersal weapons

These weapons are based off of the Void Hunter's Quantum Array guns, but have been tuned very differently. These weapons are specifically designed to work against Nictus, and people with implanted Nictus fragments.

Debriefing

Moonfire was correct. These weapons appear to be tuned specifically to fight beings like the Nictus. I guess that they'll have a strong effect against creatures of the Pantheon as well, since they are controlled by an energy being of sorts. What I don't understand is why a Warwolf and a Galaxy Archon were helping to test them. There's more going on here, and I think that this is just the beginning of something big.

Infiltrate a Galaxy base to learn about Booker

Fear and Loathing on Striga Isle
Part: Two

Briefing

We have some people looking at the Quantum Dispersal weapons you recovered, but there are still a lot of unanswered questions about what was going on in those caves. One of the things that troubles me is if they were testing anti-Nictus weapons, why were Warwolves and Galaxy troops helping them? We've done some investigation, and found the base where Archon Booker was stationed. There may be some clues to his motivations there if you can get in and retrieve them.

Mission Acceptance

Booker isn't talking, but others did metion that he kept journals. If you can find them, it might help us figure out why he's conspiring against the Nictus. It might also identify other members of the conspiracy. You only need to find Booker's journals. If you want to fight or you have to fight, you can, but it's not necessary.

Unneccesary Solicitation

Booker's journals could tell us a lot. You don't have to fight if you can avoid it.

Mission Objective(s)

This base is being used exclusively by Arakhn's Galaxy troops

• Investigate Booker's journals
  • 2 journals to find

You have recovered the journals.

Enemies

Council

(Galaxy Soldiers)

Booker's early journal

This hand-written journal was written by Francis Booker, and details his early years in the Council. He spends pages talking about the first time he met Arakhn after distinguishing himself in battle, and the honor he felt when he was selected to become one of the Galaxy troops. He also spends several pages describing his disgust for Requiem, whom he regarded as an egotist and Arakhn's enemy. It is not until the last few entries that a note of discord is struck:

'Arakhn told us all today. Now I know the truth, and it sickens me. I can't believe I once relished this power. I feel it growing in me, changing me. The others don't seem to mind, but I feel it like a cancer eating away at who I once was. Alien thoughts and feelings, welling up every second I don't fight to push them back. I don't even know if I'm human, but now that I've learned the truth of their plans I know that human or not I have to fight them while I still can.'

Unfortunately, Booker makes no further mention of what the 'Truth' he learned was.

Booker's recent journal

This hand-written journal was written by Archon Francis Booker. This journal covers the last year or so of his life to the present. He describes being contacted by Archon Swann about his growing dissatisfaction and unease as a Galaxy solder:

'Went to the meeting place to find Swann talking to a War-wolf. Fighting nearly broke out until Swann got us all to realize how much we had in common. After we talked, we found we had a lot in common. Like we all felt the monsters in us now.

The next night, Swann took us all to meet with Archon Coster. He told us about the group. He told us about their plans. All of us agreed. The Nictus must be stopped, no matter the cost.'

Much of the rest of the journal talks about bringing in more Galaxy troops who feel uneasy with their transformations, all the while carefully avoiding the majority who exult in their new power.

Debriefing

These journals are interesting reading. Booker clearly feels like he's being transformed into something he doesn't like by the Nictus fragment implants he received. He chose to fight against it by joining this group, knowing full well that if they succeed it could be the death of him. I just wonder what he learned about Arakhn that made him snap.

More practically, we know about Archon Swann, and have him in custody. However, Archon Coster is a new name to this investigation, and from the journal it sounds like he was closer to the conspiracy than Swann. We'll start investigating immediately.

Catch Archon Coster in his lab

Fear and Loathing on Striga Isle
Part: Three

Briefing

We've done some research on the name you found in Booker's journal, 'Archon Coster'. It turns out that Coster runs a research-oriented facility on Striga Island. A research facility that was working on new applications of Arakhn's Quantum technology. I think we may have learned what those new applications are. We've been able to locate Costers' facility, and I would like you to go in and catch him there.

Mission Acceptance

Catching Coster is the most important thing. He can tell us more about the conspiracy, and anything he says about those Quantum Dispersal guns could help Dr. Winslowe and his team to reverse-engineer them. He may not be willing to talk, so also keep an eye out for any other information you can find.

Unneccesary Solicitation

Coster and the information in the base is the most important thing. It could lead us right to the heart of the conspiracy.

Mission Objective(s)

You realize that something's gone wrong the moment you walk in. Several dead guards and bullet-riddled zombies alert you to the Banished Pantheon's presence.

• Catch Archon Coster
  • 2 pieces of information to find, Find Coster

Though Archon Coster was dead, you found out several important things, about the Conspiracy, including the names of its leaders.

Enemies

Banished Pantheon

Council

Banished Pantheon 1

Rotting Chamber (on aggro): We hunger!

Banished Pantheon 2

(before aggro)
Rotting Husk: M'Teru...
Rotting Chamber: Luhgebhu...

(on aggro)
Rotting Chamber: We hunt!
Rotting Husk: We hunger!

Hostage Scientist

(on rescue): Thank you, Character! I have important information!

'It's science at gunpoint!'

When you rescued a scientist held captive by the anti-Nictus conspiracy within the Council, he told you:

'By Fermat's last theorem, I thought I was done for until you arrived, Character! Those Council thugs have been holding myself and several other scientists captive, forcing us to work on new weapons under a man called Archon Swann. It's science at gunpoint! Fortunately, when Swann was captured, they didn't have anyone left who could tell what we were doing, so we were able to slow down our research without raising suspicion. They still have the others, but I'll help any way I can!'.

Scientist Transfer Orders

You found these orders on Archon Swann's computer. They authorize the transfer of several captive scientists to another facility controlled by a fellow conspirator named Archon Stone. From the date, the move was very recent.

No honor among conspirators

You found this report on Archon Coster's body. Its shocking contents read:

'My Lady:

I have the last name. As you suspected, it is Archon Stone. I transferred the scientists to his care, and now he trusts me completely. The full list of conspirators against you is: Voight, Stone, Saager, Turley, and Swann. With Swann's set-up and capture engineered so well, their technical progress has ground to a halt, and none of the remaining four suspect a thing.

As you surmised, My Lady, the Pantheon have begun to retaliate for the tests against them. I have purposefully played down this possibility to keep the others off guard. We shall soon be able to clean up the remainders. I would like to stress, however, that the Kheldians have been getting closer. We may need to deal with them soon. I await your next orders, Lady Arakhn.

Ever your servant,

Archon Coster'

Debriefing

I should have seen it coming. The conspirators had a traitor in their midst. That's politics as usual within the Council. However, that puts us on an accelerated time table. Once Arakhn knows that her man has been killed, she's sure to act before the remaining conspirators escape. If she captures those scientists or the conspirator's weapons, we may never see them again. From now on, this is a race to the bottom of this conspiracy.

Rescue scientists at over-run base

Fear and Loathing on Striga Isle
Part: Four

Briefing

The information you recovered from Archon Coster's base has led us to the location of the base where the scientists the Conspiracy had kidnapped are being held. We have been monitoring the base to plan a strike. Now that Arakhn's double agent in the conspiracy has been killed, she'll likely move quickly to round up the conspirators. We were hoping we could find the right chance to send you in, but our monitors have intercepted distress calls from the base. They're being overrun by the Banished Pantheon! It's imperative that those people are rescued from the Council before something happens to them.

Mission Acceptance

There's another target to consider, along with rescuing the scientists. Archon Stone, one of the other conspirators, is the commander of this base. If you can capture him before Arakhn's operatives or the Banished Pantheon can get to him, he could be a valuable source of intelligence.

Unneccesary Solicitation

You need to rescue the scientists and capture Archon Stone before the Banished Pantheon finishes them, or Arakhn realizes what's going on.

Mission Objective(s)

This base is in chaos. The Banished Pantheon's attack seems to have caught its defenders off-guard.

• Attack Stone's Base
  • 4 scientists to rescue, Capture Archon Stone

You captured Archon Stone and rescued the kidnapped scientists!

Enemies

Banished Pantheon

Council

Notable NPCs

• Archon Stone (Council Vortex Cor Leonis Archon)

Note: Archon Stone spawns as an unnamed Galaxy Adjutant

Council 1

(before aggro)
Vortex Cor Leonis Marksman: I was only away on patrol for half an hour!
Vortex Cor Leonis Marksman: Those things have swamped us!

(on aggro)
Vortex Cor Leonis Marksman: Character! That's one of those Kheldians!

Council 2

(before aggro)
Vortex Cor Leonis Fire: Arakhn demands your surrender!
Vortex Cor Leonis Force: We'll stop you monsters!

(on aggro)
Vortex Cor Leonis Fire: Attack!

Banished Pantheon 1

Rotting Husk (before aggro): Hunger...
Rotting Husk (on aggro): Kill!

Banished Pantheon 2

Rotting Husk (on aggro): Slay!

Council and Banished Pantheon

(before aggro)
Rotting Chamber: Destroy!
Vortex Cor Leonis Marksman: They just keep attacking!

(on aggro)
Rotting Chamber: Revenge!
Vortex Cor Leonis Marksman: We have to fight our way out!

Hostage Scientist

(on rescue): Thanks for saving me, Character! I thought I was done for!

Archon Stone

(before aggro): Coster said they wouldn't retaliate! What was he thinking?
(on aggro): Form up! Defeat all attackers!

Debriefing

Archon Stone is in captivity and we've gotten all the scientists to safety. Arakhn is certain to be on the trail of the remaining conspirators now. We don't have much time before this explodes.

Disrupt Arakhn's intelligence and locate the conspirators

Fear and Loathing on Striga Isle
Part: Five

Briefing

Arakhn is moving against the conspirators. That isn't necessarily a bad thing now that we've rescued the kidnapped scientists, but any of the conspirators we capture could be valuable sources of information. They've been watching Arakhn and Requiem for years, and may know a lot about their activities. We need time to find the remaining conspirators, and as long as Arakhn is hunting them, we won't get it. We have to disrupt her intelligence long enough for us to find and capture the conspirators, and we're going to need your help to do it.

Mission Acceptance

It turns out that Archon Coster wasn't Arakhn's only spy among the conspirators. We found references to him among Archon Coster's papers, and have been able to identify him. His name is Lt. Wester, and he works for Archon Turley, one of the conspirators at large. Your mission is to catch both of them, netting us one conspirator and blinding Arakhn's operation.

Unneccesary Solicitation

Catching Turley will net us another conspirator, and catching Wester will blind Arakhn's operations against the conspiracy long enough for us to find the rest.

Mission Objective(s)

This base appears to be in a state of hurried packing. You see several boxes packed full of papers ready to be moved.

• Catch Archon Turley & Lt. Wester
  • Capture Lt. Wester
  • Capture Archon Turley

You captured Archon Turley and Lt. Wester, and discovered that the remaining conspirators are planning to evacuate Striga Island.

Enemies

Council

Notable NPCs

• Lt. Wester (Council Galaxy Adjutant)
• Archon Turley (Council Vortex Cor Leonis Archon)

Lt. Wester

(before aggro): Yes, I'll be right there after I file a report.
(on aggro): This situation is already out of your control, Character!

Archon Turley

(before aggro): Make sure all the papers are packed. I may want to write memoirs some day.
(on aggro): I will not be captured by Arakhn, by you, or by anyone!

'She told The Center everything'

After you defeated Lt. Wester, he told you:

'Arakhn knows that you're hunting down the conspirators. She's made plans to handle it. She told the Center everything. Even now his troops are preparing, soon they'll take care of all the conspirators for us. Best of all, any accusations they make will look like desperate lies. You won't be able to move fast enough, Kheldian. They'll be out of your hands forever.'

Evacuation plans

You found these plans on Archon Turley after you defeated him. It looks like the remaining conspirators think the cause is lost, and plan to take what they've learned and leave Striga Isle. What's more, they mention that they've made contact with another villain organization called Arachnos, and plan to defect to it with all of their new weapons.

Debriefing

Good work, you captured both of them before they could get away or Arakhn could get to Turley. If they're planning to leave Striga and defect to another organization, we have to stop them.

Catch the last two conspirators before they leave Striga

Fear and Loathing on Striga Isle
Part: Six

Briefing

The two remaining heads of the Conspiracy are preparing to escape Striga Isle, and the Center's personal guard are leading the attack to re-capture them now that Arakhn has let him know about the conspiracy. This is the last chance we're going to have to catch them ourselves. After this is over, the'll be beyond our reach, one way or another.

Mission Acceptance

Archon Saager and Archon Voight are the last two leaders of the conspiracy still free, and they're planning to keep it that way. They've loaded up a tanker-ship with their loyalists, and plan to take it to the Rogue Isles. We can't let that happen. The information they know about the Nictus activity within the Council could change everything. What they know about Arakhn's schemes and Requiem's plots will keep the heroes of the city busy for months, and set the Council back years.

Unneccesary Solicitation

You need to hurry to that ship. Saager and Voight could escape at any moment.

Mission Objective(s)

The interior of this vessel rings with the sounds of battle.

• Catch Archon Saager & Voight
  • Capture Archon Saager
  • Capture Archon Voight

You captured Archon Saager and Archon Voight, the last of the Council conspirators.

Enemies

Council

Notable NPCs

• Archon Saager (Council Vortex Cor Leonis Archon)
• Archon Voight (Council Vortex Cor Leonis Archon)

Fighting Council 1

(before aggro)
Vortex Cor Leonis Adjutant: Do your duty to the Center!
Galaxy Adjutant: We're the ones loyal to the Council!

Fighting Council 1

(before aggro)
Equinox Adjutant: It's over for you traitors.
Equinox Adjutant: The Nictus are the threat!

Ascendants

(before aggro)
Ascendant: Find the last of the traitors.
Ascendant: This area is almost secured.

(on aggro) Ascendant: The Center controls all!

Archon Saager

(before aggro): Is this the end of all our plans?
(on aggro): If this is the end, I feel an odd relief. Come, Character, let us fight.

Archon Voight

(on aggro): I would rather be captured by you than the Center, but I will not let it be easy.

'Many, many more secrets...'

After you defeated Archon Voight, he said:

'You fought well. I can accept this loss, because I know that you'll keep fighting the Nictus even after I'm in the Ziggurat. The Council is a lost cause, though. Keep up your investigation. There are many more secrets than even we discovered. Many, many more secrets...'

Debriefing

We now have Swann, Stone, Turley, Saager, & Voight all in custody. The few things they've already talked about have already lead to arms smuggling rings and several hidden bases. That intelligence alone has been valuable. They've also said some very disturbing things about what the Nictus withing the Council have been planning. There's a lot to investigate, and none of it could have happened if it weren't for you, Character.

It may take some time to reach the next stage of this. Your power has grown immensely since you began your life as a Kheldian, but to continue the fight against the Council, you should concentrate and train yourself further. Come back and talk to me when you are around Security Level 30. I think you'll be strong enough then.

Scary Monsters (Level 30 - 35)

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 20 Reward Merits.

Souvenir

Data disc

You've kept this copy of Arakhn's experimental data as insurance in case you once again have to face her:

Scary Monsters

It began with reports of strange activity around a Council base. Galaxy troops had been seen escorting Hydra Men, Freakshow, and Devouring Earth creatures into the base. You investigated, and found a Freakshow gangster who had acquired the abilities of the Galaxy. He had been implanted with Nictus fragments, as part of some sick experiments of Arakhn's.

You knew you had to find out more about what Arakhn was doing. A report of more Freakshow activity in a Council base in Brickstown got your attention. You journeyed there and fought several Dark Freaks. You also discovered an unsent e-mail from Arakhn herself! It was to an ally of hers within the Council, but you were unable to determine who that ally might be.

Arakhn's e-mail indicated that she was about to take her experiments to Stage Two. Desperate for answers, you took to the streets. After defeating many Council agents, you learned of a base where Arakhn's efforts continued. You went there and discovered several Galaxy troops with the ability to shift into War Wolves. You defeated them and found another interesting e-mail: not from Arakhn, but from her mysterious ally.

It was essential that you learn the man's identity. You went to a Council communications hub, where you learned the e-mail's base of origin.

With the information in hand, you went to the base and learned that it was under the purview of none other than Requiem! He and Arakhn had been working together! Moreover, their experiments had created a race of Shadow Vampyri: vampyri with all the powers of a Galaxy soldier.

Your new knowledge weighed heavily upon you, but still, you needed to know more. You journeyed to the lab where Arakhn kept her experimental data and confiscated all of it, erasing it from the computers' hard drives afterward.

Even today, you cannot be sure how successful you were in eliminating the Shadow Vampyri. Although you arrested many of them and now hold the data that is necessary to their creation, it is unknown how many shadowy legions Arakhn and Requiem may already have created. You can only maintain your efforts against them, and steel yourself against the future showdown that will surely come between the evil Nictus and Kheldians such as yourself.

You know that you'll need to become stronger in order to face whatever the Nictus have planned. You were encouraged to return after you had mastered more of your powers, around Security Level 35.

Find out what's going on in Arakhn's base

Scary Monsters
Part: One

Briefing

I've been trying to nail down Arakhn's main bases of operation, Character, and I think my informants have finally hit on one. It's located in Brickstown, and there's been heavy traffic reported there for the past few days. But here's the strange part: that traffic isn't all Council. According to my reports, Council members have been seen escorting Freakshow and stranger things into the base. We need to know what's going on there, Character. We need to know now.

Mission Acceptance

We need hard data on Arakhn's plans. I've never known her to do anything without a dark purpose in mind.

Unnecessary Solicitation

I'm counting on you to find out what Arakhn's up to in that base.

Mission Objective(s)

You hear a sound. Could it be... techno?

• Learn Arakhn's plans

Deep within Arakhn's base, you have defeated a gangster with Nictus powers.

Enemies

Council

Freakshow

Notable NPCs

• Shadow Tank Freak

Shadow Tank Freak

(before aggro): I feel... funny.
(aggroed): Now, this is what I call power!

The Dark Freak

Deep within Arakhn's base, you defeated a creature most foul. The Freakshow gangster you encountered seemed to have the powers of a Galaxy soldier, powers that, as far as you know can only be gained by the infusion of a Nictus fragment into the host.

Debriefing

A Freak? With Nictus powers? That's strange, Character. Strange and terrifying. With any luck, this base was performing isolated experiments.

Defeat the villains and search for clues

Scary Monsters
Part: Two

Briefing

You recall that strange Freakshow gangster you battled in Arakhn's base? The one with the Nictus powers? Well, I was hoping we'd seen the last of them, but it seems that hope was in vain. I've learned that a group of Freakshow are inhabiting a Council base over in Brickstown. I need you to get over there, defeat all the villains you find, and search for clues. We have to find out if Arakhn has any more of these Dark Freaks squirreled away somewhere.

Mission Acceptance

I'd like to assume this is just a lark for Arakhn, an experiment merely for the sake of curiosity. I'd like to, but I can't. I think this is the start of something big.

Unnecessary Solicitation

I need you to defeat every last one of those Dark Freaks.

Mission Objective(s)

A hyena-like laugh echoes off the walls.

• Defeat all villains in base
  • Seek clues

You defeated the villains and found an interesting e-mail.

Enemies

Freakshow

Shadow Freaks

(before aggro)
Shadow Freak 1: Nictus fragments are like cybernetics for the soul!
Shadow Freak 2: Tell it!

(on aggro)
Shadow Freak: We got more than enough power to deal with you!

E-mail from Arakhn

This e-mail doesn't seem to have been sent yet. It reads:

'My friend:

'The initial tests on the Freakshow seem to be going as planned. With your approval, I will be proceeding to Stage Two.

'Arakhn'

Debriefing

So, these Nictus-infused Freakshow are part of a larger plan. It seems that Arakhn is content with her efforts thus far, and is ready to push the project forward. I only wish I knew who she was writing that letter to. Whoever her partner in crime is, we'll have to root him out. If he has access to the same Nictus fragments Arakhn is using to enhance the Freakshow, he's as great a threat as she is.

Find out where Arakhn's experiments are taking place

Interrogate Council agents

Scary Monsters
Part: Three

Briefing

I'm pretty troubled by that e-mail you found, Character. It seems Arakhn's experiments on the Freakshow are just part of a greater plan, and she's ready to move onto the second stage. That means we need information, and we need it fast. We need to know where Arakhn's latest experiments are taking place.

Mission Acceptance

You've got to take to the street and interrogate some of Arakhn's soldiers. You can usually find Council agents in Brickstown.

Unnecessary Solicitation

We still don't know where to go looking for Arakhn's labs.

Ambush! Upon accepting the mission there will be an ambush by the Council.

Mission Objective(s)

• Interrogate Council agents
  • Defeat 30 Council

On one of the defeated agents, you found some orders.

Enemies

Council

Council orders

You found orders on one of the council agents you defeated. They read:

'The equipment is to be moved to Arakhn's new base at once, on my authority. Do not question me again.'

There are also a set of coordinates.

Defeat all villains in base

Unnecessary Solicitation

We know where Arakhn's new base is. Now we have to figure out what she's doing there.

Mission Objective(s)

An animal scream echoes up from the depths of these caves.

• Defeat all villains in base
  • Seek clues

You defeated the Council and found a clue.

Enemies

Council

Galaxy Adjutant 1

(before aggro): "Arakhn's ambitions have served us well."
(on aggro): "Strike me down, Character. I dare you."

Galaxy Adjutant 2

(before aggro): "I must admit I feel more powerful."
(on aggro): "You will not lay hands on our lady!"

Galaxy Archon

(before aggro): "We are a new breed of soldier. No! A new breed of Nictus!"
(on transformation): "I feel the beast burning inside my very soul!"

Anonymous e-mail

You found this e-mail on a computer in Arakhn's base. It reads:

'My dear: Your successes, as always, are legion. With your ambition and my cunning, I truly believe we can depose that old buffoon and take the Council for ourselves.

I must share a concern, however. The constant attacks of the Peacebringers and Warshades are impacting us greatly. Our numbers are dwindling. You must improve the conversion rate for those implanted with N-Fragments, and quickly.'

Regrettably, there is no signature.

Debriefing

Well, the plot thickens. I've never seen enemies like the ones you described! And I imagine no one else has either. But what's even more troubling is this alliance Arakhn seems to be building with some unnamed Council rogue. If they're truly planning to take over the Council together, we've got a problem of unparalleled proportions on our hands!

Figure out where Arakn's ally sent the e-mail from

Scary Monsters
Part: Four

Briefing

We need to know who Arakhn's ally within the Council is. If she's truly plotting a coup with this person, his identity is essential to thwarting it! I've located a Council communications hub. If you get inside, you may be able to figure out what base Arakhn's ally sent that e-mail from. That'll get us one step closer to fingering him.

Mission Acceptance

There won't be any strange creatures for you to defeat this time. Just get in, get the information, and get out.

Unnecessary Solicitation

The communications hub may get us closer to unmasking Arakhn's ally within the Council.

Mission Objective(s)

The communications hub is well-staffed, and security is tight. Getting this info won't be easy.

• Get info about Arakhn's ally
  • Find origin of e-mail

You have the information you came for.

Enemies

Council

The ally's base

After hacking into the computer network at the Council's communications hub, you have uncovered the origin of the e-mail from Arakhn's ally.

Debriefing

Good work, Character. Now we know where Arakhn's ally sent his e-mail from. I suppose there's only one more thing to do: you've got to go to that base and see who this mysterious ally of hers is.

Unmask Arakhn's ally

Scary Monsters
Part: Five

Briefing

Thanks to your perseverance, we know the location of Arakhn's ally. Now all you need to do is unmask him.

Mission Acceptance

We need conclusive evidence of this person's identity. Knowing who's working with Arakhn will be critical to preventing that black-hearted woman from taking over the Council.

Unnecessary Solicitation

We're no closer to learning the identity of Arakhn's mysterious ally.

Mission Objective(s)

You have a few suspicions about Arakhn's mysterious ally. You just hope they're not correct.

• Learn identity of Arakhn's ally
  • Defeat Archon Vyzir

You defeated the base's leader, and learned that his master is none other than Requiem!

Enemies

Council

Notable NPCs

• Archon Vyzir (Council Dark Equinox Archon)

Galaxy Soldiers

(before aggro)
Galaxy 1: The nictus fragments have rendered Vyzir even more powerful!
Galaxy 2: Under the dark lord and his lady, we shall cover the Earth!

(on aggro) Galaxy 1: You shall not pass!

Archon Vyzir

(before aggro): The master's new gifts are most impressive!
(aggroed): I will defeat you for Requiem!

The Shadow Vampyr's story

When you defeated Archon Vyzir, he snarled:

'You are nothing compared to the combined might of Arakhn and Requiem! Someday they will topple the world, and you, foolish hero, will be lucky if you are alive to see it.'

Debriefing

So, Arakhn and Requiem are working together! I feared as much, Character, but I hoped that I was wrong. It looks like we have a long road ahead of us in combating their unified might. But first, we have to deal with these Shadow Vampyri you've discovered. They're a threat we can't afford to see loosed on this humble city. I'll see what I can learn from the vampyri you captured.

Get data about Arakhn's experiments

Scary Monsters
Part: Six

Briefing

Under interrogation, Archon Vyzir has revealed the location of a disused Rikti base used by both Requiem and Arakhn to house their experimental data. This base is unknown even to the Center, or so I am told. If you can infiltrate the base, you can likely recover critical data regarding Arakhn's implantation of Nictus fragments into various hosts. At the worst, that data will provide us with valuable information about how to fight them. At best, it'll cripple her efforts entirely.

Mission Acceptance

According to Vyzir, Arakhn's experiments were rife with complications. So, there's a real chance that confiscating that data will set her back to square one.

Unnecessary Solicitation

We need that data on Arakhn's experiments. We have to know what we're up against!

Mission Objective(s)

Arakhn and Requiem have no doubt had to be cautious to keep their alliance from the Center. This old Rikti base provides them the perfect getaway.

• Infiltrate underground lab
  • 6 computers to hack

You have recovered all the data!

Enemies

Council

(Galaxy members only)

Dark Equinox Archon

before aggro: "Someone has trespassed within our base."
on aggro: "We Dark Vampyri may be few in number, but our power is great!"

Arakhn's experiments

The data you stole from the secret lab details the experiments Arakhn has performed with her Nictus Fragment technology. Not only are there details about the Dark Vampyr project and the Shadow Freaks, but there are details of other horrible projects as well. One section of the paper notes that the conversion rate of those implanted with Nictus Fragements into full Nictus is approaching 40%. The paper projects that soon, the Nictus will be able to replenish their numbers with converted Galaxy soldiers alone.

Debriefing

Excellent work, Character. I don't know how many Shadow Vampyri remain in the field, or whether Arakhn will be able to make more of them without the data you've captured. But I do know one thing: thanks to you, we're in a far better position to handle whatever she can throw at us.

This data is highly valuable, but the most important secret you've uncovered is Arakhn's alliance with Requiem. I have no doubt that together they will provide a most formidable challenge. I'm glad I have you to rely on in facing them down.

It would be a good idea to concentrate on improving your abilities for a while, though. Speak to me again when you're around Security Level 35. You should be powerful enough then to face the next set of challenges.

The Nictus Alliance (Level 35 - 40)

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 18 Reward Merits.

Souvenir

Letter from Arakhn

You've kept the hard copy of a letter from Arakhn to Requiem, ordering him to kill his oldest friends. It's a chilling reminder of the time you helped expose:

The Nictus Alliance

It began with an infiltration mission. Although you already knew Requiem and Arakhn were working together, you had no hard evidence. You needed to find something concrete, so you could expose their alliance to the world. You found a list of their assets, but it was well-encrypted.

On a search for the decryption key, you entered another of Requiem's bases. You didn't find the key, but you did find a note from a potential Council defector. He seemed willing to help you tear the Nictus alliance apart.

You went to meet the defector, Adjutant Lanney, but you were too late to save him from his Council brethren. Fortunately, Lanney had the forethought to leave you a note. It explained that he had decided to betray the Council to save the life of Lillian Issan, a bold reporter who had tried to dig too deeply into the Council's affairs. You were appalled. In addition to being a reporter, Lillian also happened to be Shadowstar's daughter!

You went at once to the lab where Lillian was being held, only to discover that she had already been moved. Luckily, she too had left you a message. She had uncovered the Council's latest decryption key, and had left it for you to find. With the key in hand, you were able to translate the entire list of Requiem and Arakhn's assets, which was quite lengthy and detailed.

You were ready to expose the information, but there was one step left. The list revealed one of Requiem's front companies was being used to store various personal documents, including records of his dealings with Arakhn. If you could get your hands on that information, you could unravel many twisted Nictus plots, including, perhaps, the kidnapping of Lillian Issan. You journeyed to the company and found Requiem's troops locked in battle with the loyal servants of the Center. You recovered several incriminating documents, but, alas, Lillian was nowhere to be found. She was in the Center's hands!

The Center had no intention of allowing his failure to control his minions to become public knowledge. He had kidnapped Lillian away from Requiem's men, with the intention of killing her unless you returned all the evidence you had uncovered.

You had no choice but to infiltrate the Center's base and extract Lillian Issan, for you could not make a deal with someone as untrustworthy as the Center. Now, Lillian is safely home with her mother, Shadowstar. The Center is licking his wounds. And Arakhn and Requiem are gearing up for the biggest showdown the Council has seen in quite some time.

When this hits, it's going to be big. You were strongly encouraged to increase your own power to match the threats you'll soon face, and were encouraged to return with you'd been tested at around Stature Level 40.

Expose the Council's greatest secret

The Nictus Alliance
Part: One

Briefing

Character, you are in a unique position to recognize the grave threat that Requiem and Arakhn represent to this planet. Humans may understand the evil of the Nictus, but I do not believe they truly comprehend their abilities. For a long time, I have hoped that the obvious enmity between the Council's Nictus would keep them from joining forces against us. Now, that hope is gone. According to what we have learned, Requiem and Arakhn are working together, and have been for some time.

We can operate in a vacuum no more. To stop the Nictus from destroying this world, we must have the assistance of all her heroes. We must expose the Council's greatest secret for all the world to see.

Mission Acceptance

I have learned of a Council base where Requiem stores much of his most sensitive information. I hope that there you may find some proof of his relationship to Arakhn.

Unneccesary Solicitation

We must expose the Nictus alliance! Even a shred of proof will help.

Mission Objective(s)

Requiem runs a tight ship. You can expect to meet a firm resistance

• Search base for information
  • Seek Clues

You have the information you seek.

Enemies

Council

Encrypted list

You found this encrypted list in one of Requiem's bases. It seems to contain a great deal of information, some of which is almost certainly the coordinates of bases loyal to Requiem and Arakhn. Unfortunately, you'll need a decryption key before it's of any use.

Debriefing

It's not much, Character, but it's a start. I commend you. With this list, we're one step closer to exposing the Nictus alliance. Now, if only we had the decryption key!

Find a decryption Key

The Nictus Alliance
Part: Two

Briefing

That encrypted list you found looks like it contains a lot of information. The only trouble is, we can't read it. I'm going to have to send you in to another of Requiem's bases. If we don't find some kind of decryption key, this information you found will be useless forever.

Mission Acceptance

If the Council knows what we're looking for, they're likely to alter or destroy the decryption key. So you had better arrest every villain in the place, to keep them guessing about our true intent.

Unneccesary Solicitation

Have you found anything yet?

Mission Objective(s)

An alarm sounds. Security has definitely been tightened.

• Defeat all villains in base

After defeating the villains, you found a note in your pocket.

Enemies

Council

The defector's note

After defeating a base full of Council villains, you found a strange note in your pocket. It reads:

'I have served Requiem and Arakhn loyally, for more years than I care to remember. Though it is difficult for me, I am ready to tear their alliance down. I have information I believe will be of utmost interest to you.

'Adjutant Lanney'

There is also a time and meeting place on the note.

Debriefing

You didn't get the decryption key, but that note you found may well lead us to it. If we can believe this Adjutant Lanney, he has potent information about his masters. Now, we have to get to him before the Council does!

Meet with the defector

The Nictus Alliance
Part: Three

Briefing

I don't know whether we can trust this Adjutant Lanney, but his offer of information is the best lead we have. I want you to meet with the defector and see what information he can offer us. But be wary, Character. If the Council has learned of his plans, they will certainly come after him.

Mission Acceptance

Adjutant Lanney asked that you meet him at the old Gallatin Investments office. You had better hurry.

Unneccesary Solicitation

Have you found Adjutant Lanney yet?

Mission Objective(s)

The moment you step through the door you know something is wrong. The Council is already here!

• Find Adjutant Lanney
  • Seek clues

You were too late to save Adjutant Lanney, but at least you found his last message to you.

Enemies

Council

Lanney's last words

Behind a painting in the abandoned office, you found this note from Adjutant Lanney:

'I hope I will be able to tell you this myself. But the Council is watchful, and I mean for this information to survive. I was first approached by the reporter, Lillian Issan. I am certain you have heard of her. She had become intrigued by the alliance between Requiem and Arakhn, which she had learned of from her mother. She hoped to be the one to bring the story to the world.

'I was charmed by her confidence, enough to conceal her interest from my masters. Sadly, the others she approached were not as kind. Lillian Issan has been kidnapped by the Council! In saving her, I hope to redeem my own sorry existence.'

Debriefing

Did you say Lillian? Lillian's been kidnapped? That is terrible! We can't abandon our mission, Character. But one thing is certain: I won't see Lillian Issan fall victim to the Council!

Get Lillian back

The Nictus Alliance
Part: Four

Briefing

Lillian's been kidnapped. Requiem and Arakhn are conspiring. We still don't have proof of their activities, and a man lost his life trying to help us! I'm glad I have you to rely on in a time like this, Character. Fortunately, Adjutant Lanney left us a clue to Lillian's location before the Council disposed of him. If we can get her back safe and sound, we can concentrate on exposing the Nictus Alliance.

Mission Acceptance

According to Lanney's note, Arakhn is having Lillian moved to a secret lab for experimentation. I don't mind telling you, I'm deeply concerned for her. If we don't get Lillian back safely, I'm not sure I'll be able to live with myself.

Unneccesary Solicitation

We need Lillian back, Character. Tell me, what have you learned?

Mission Objective(s)

This underground lab contains all the equipment Arakhn will need to continue her ghastly Nictus fragment experiments.

• Find Lillian Issan
  • Locate Lillian Issan

You didn't find Lillian, but at least she managed to get the decryption key to you.

Enemies

Council

Notable NPCs

• Archon Yuir (Council Dark Vampyri Archon) (Boss)

Archon Yuir Dialogue

Before Combat: "We may have to keep moving Issan. Character isn't the only one interested in her."
Start of Combat: "You will never find the reporter!"

Decryption key

Though Lillian Issan was moved before you arrived at her prison, she did manage to leave behind a Council decryption key she had uncovered during her investigations.

Debriefing

That Lillian. Well, I've got to hand it to her: the girl has spirit. The decryption key she left should give us everything we need to translate that list of bases that are part of the Nictus alliance. We're one step closer to exposing Requiem and Arakhn, thanks to her.

Get the data

The Nictus Alliance
Part: Five

Briefing

I've run that list you found through the decryption program Lillian left for us. Character, the amount of information on that list is staggering! Bases that are part of the Nictus alliance. Front companies for Requiem's financial dealings. Sources for Arakhn's scientific equipment. The list goes on and on! This is exactly the sort of proof we've been looking for, Character. But there's one more thing for you to do.

According to this list, Requiem kept a lot of his personal mail at a front company called Frontline Securities. It seems he didn't fully trust Arakhn, and he wanted to keep a record of their dealings in case she one day betrayed him. Once we expose this list, I'm sure Requiem will crash the place. So if we're to ever get our hands on that data, we have to do it now.

Mission Acceptance

The information at that front company could tell us a lot about the recent activities of the Nictus. It may even tell us where Lillian's been taken!

Unneccesary Solicitation

We need to investigate that front company before Requiem has a chance to crash it.

Mission Objective(s)

The place is in a flurry of activity. It appears Requiem has already learned of your investigations.

• Defeat all at front company
  • 3 files to find

You have defeated the Council and gained precious information.

Enemies

Council

Notable NPCs

• Archon Kalmer (Council Galaxy Archon)
• Archon Yvir (Council Dark Equinox Archon)

You cannot escape

Vortex Cor Leonis Grenade (before aggro): The Center sees all. You cannot escape his wrath!
Vortex Cor Leonis Grenade (on aggro): You will never recover the girl!

Battling Council

(before aggro)
Archon Kalmer: For Lord Requiem!
Vortex Cor Leonis Adjutant: For the Center!

Archon Yvir

(on aggro): You will never find the reporter!

A chilling missive

You found this disturbing letter while ransacking Requiem's files. It reads:

'My friend:

The time of our victory approaches, but there is a regrettable matter I must put before you. That matter is Nosferatu and Vandal. They are powerful allies now, and I think you are right that they will support us against the Center when the time comes, but they are not like us and may waver should they come to know the full extent of our plans. This cannot be allowed. The only solution will be to eliminate them before it comes to that. Eliminate them, or convert them to Nictus.

I know that the three of you share a strong camaraderie, and dare I say even friendship, but their power could upset everything. When the time is right, I trust I can rely on you to perform this most important task. I know you have the strength to perform this most regrettable duty.

Your friend and mentor,

Arakhn'

Kidnapped again!

When you defeated Archon Kalmer, he snarled:

'The Center has your precious reporter! He will not permit word of his minions' duplicity to reach the public! You will surrender all the evidence you uncovered, or Lillian Issan will die!

Debriefing

You did well, Character. We now have precious information that will help us to thwart Requiem and Arakhn. Of course, that's small consolation for the fact that Lillian is now in the Center's hands! We've got to get her back!

Extract Lillian

The Nictus Alliance
Part: Six

Briefing

The Center has Lillian, and he says he'll kill her if we don't surrender the evidence about Requiem's alliance with Arakhn. I guess he doesn't want the world to know he's been duped. Now, we can't risk Lillian's life. But we also have an obligation to prevent the danger Requiem and Arakhn pose to this planet. In my heart, I know that if we give into the Center now, we'll be compromising our integrity and our ability to defend this world. So, you're going to have to extract Lillian. I don't expect it to be easy; the Center's special guard, the Ascendants, are sure to be there in force. But it's the only way to live up to all our obligations.

Mission Acceptance

I urge you to be most cautious, Character. Lillian is a very special person.

Unneccesary Solicitation

Please hurry, Character. Lillian's life is in danger.

Mission Objective(s)

You'll have to be cautious. If Lillian is killed you don't know how you can ever face Shadowstar again.

• Rescue Lillian Issan

You rescued Lillian!

Enemies

Council

Notable NPCs

• Lillian Issan (NPC Hostage)

Lillian Issan

(on rescue): Hey, Character! Did you get that key? Did my mom send you?

Debriefing

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you, Character. Lillian is safe, and we are free to publish our information about the Nictus alliance. I imagine this will change things within the Council drastically. Most likely for the worse. I hope I can rely on your help in the troubling times ahead. I know there's no one I'd rather have at my side.

We may have a little time yet before one side or the other takes action. You should take this time to improve your powers and find new abilities to better face this maelstrom. With luck, you may be able to reach Security Level 40 before events begin to unfold.

The Nictus Insurrection (Level 40 - 45)

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 13 Reward Merits.

Souvenir

A Map of Nictus Earth

This 70 year old map shows the Nictus's plans to change Earth into a new homeworld for their kind. You keep it now as a reminder of

The Nictus Insurrection

It began when observers noticed a frenzy of activity within the Council. Now that the Center had learned of Arakhn and Requiem's plans, the Nictus had moved them forward, and rumors of an underground civil war within the Council were surfacing everywhere. You recovered confirmation of the growing battle from a Council base. Both Vandal and Nosferatu had joined with the Nictus out of loyalty to Requiem, and the Center's troops were already sorely pressed. Even if it meant leaving the Center in power, you knew that the Nictus could not be allowed to take over control of the Council.

You already had evidence proving that Arakhn and Requiem planned to either kill or convert both Vandal and Nosferatu once they had cemented their control over the Council. The trick would be to get it where they could find it. You infiltrated a Council base under attack by Vandal's machines and planted the information. You learned soon afterwards that Vandal and his robots had switched sides, and were now working with the Center against the Nictus insurrection.

Before you could plant the evidence for Nosferatu, the Nictus made a bold counter-move by taking an office building hostage and demanding that you return the evidence. You met them head on and defused the situation instead of buckling in to their demands.

You next planted the evidence of the Nictus's planned betrayal for Nosferatu. Strangely, he didn't defect afterwards. Had the evidence been intercepted by one of Arakhn's agents?

You next received a letter from Nosferatu himself. It seems that he was sort of interested in becoming a Nictus, but was willing to change sides if you could defeat him in a fight. Afterwards, Nosferatu was true to his word. Though it stung to let him go free, he switched his support immediately. He also told you about a place where the Nictus kept many of their secrets.

You entered an old cavern where Galaxy troops guarded a map of the world. The secret map, over 70 years old, laid out Arakhn and Requiem's true plan: to use their forces to create a total Nictus dominion on Earth. A new Nictus homeworld under their control. Though you were able to put an end to their plans for now, you can only wonder what lengths they'll go to now to achieve their dire goals.

The final battle is coming. You were encouraged to increase your power to unheard of levels to face it, and asked to return when you were at least level 45.

Infiltrate a Nictus base and find out what's causing them so much trouble.

The Nictus Insurrection
Part: One

Briefing

Our people watching the Council tell us that there has been a frenzy of activity, and even open conflict. Now that the Center has learned of their treachery, Arakhn and Requiem have stepped up their plans. I fear that they may have begun their bid for control of the Council. If they win, humanity will lose. We have to know if the Nictus have started their insurrection, or if we still have some time. The only way to know for sure will be to infiltrate a Council communication base, and see what they're saying internally.

Mission Acceptance

If Arakhn has begun to make her play for power, we have to know. We can't let her win, even if that means helping the Center to keep control. The Center is a threat to freedom here on Earth, but Nictus are a threat to all life in the galaxy.

Unneccesary Solicitation

You can sneak through this one if you want, the important thing is getting the information.

Mission Objective(s)

The Council soldiers in here all look nervous, and you notice that there are no Vampyri, Warwolves, or Galaxy troops to be seen.

• Confirm Council rebellion
  • Snoop Council transmissions

You captured Council transmission records, proving that the Nictus have begun their insurrection.

Enemies

Council

Council activity records

You recovered these computer records of Council activity from one of their bases. They show a grim picture indeed. From the troop movements and actions assigned in the records, it looks like multiple bases have joined the Nictus. Both Vandal and Nosferatu have sided with their old leader, taking their robots and vampyri to aid Requiem and Arakhn's bid for power. The Void Hunters haven't chosen a side, and from the cash transfers made to their leaders, it looks like they've chosen to work for whoever will pay them. A few Galaxy troops and Warwolves have sided with the Center, but the vast majority of them are naturally aligned with their Nictus leaders. The Center's forces of soldiers and Ascendants are trying to prepare their defenses, but from what you can see it doesn't look like they'll have much of a chance.

Debriefing

The information you recovered has confirmed it. Sides have been chosen, and the battle for control of the Council has begun. Both Vandal and Nosferatu have sided with Requiem, their old boss, unbalancing the sides even further. It's unlikely that even the Center's crack Ascendant troops will be able to stop the Nictus' plans.

Unless we do something about it.

Drive a wedge between the Council factions

The Nictus Insurrection
Part: Two

Briefing

The Nictus have begun their battle for control of the Council. With Vandal's machines and Nosferatu's monsters added to their own Galaxy and Warwolf forces, Arakhn and Requiem are almost certain to win. We must deprive the Nictus of their allies in order to swing the fight around, and we've developed a plan to do just that. We recently discovered that Arakhn and Requiem had long-range plans to do away with both Vandal and Nosferatu once they'd established their hold over the Council. It's clear that neither Vandal or Nosferatu are aware of this. If we can plant this information where they're sure to find it, they'll change sides.

Mission Acceptance

We're sending you into an Ascendant base currently under attack by Galaxy troops supported by Vandal's robots. Your mission will be to plant proof of the Nictus' treachery where Vandal is sure to find it. You also must make sure that the rebels capture the base, so that Vandal has a chance to find the evidence, so you'll need to weaken the base's defenses by defeating the base leader and his direct underlings.

Unneccesary Solicitation

You have to plant the evidence, and quickly.

Take these files, and be sure to plant them at the base.

Evidence of Betrayal

These files show that Requiem and Arakhn had already planned to kill Vandal once he was no longer useful to them and take control of his robots, or convert him into a Nictus like themselves.

Mission Objective(s)

Battles rage throughout this base.

• Plant evidence of betrayal
  • Plant evidence, Defeat Archon Dunwin

You planted the evidence and weakened the base's defenses.

Enemies

Council

Notable NPCs

• Archon Dunwin (Council Vortex Cor Leonis Archon, Boss)

Ambush

Galaxy #1 (before aggro): They're putting up a strong defense.
Galaxy #2 (before aggro): Their defenses will fall soon.

Galaxy: (on aggro) This is a Council matter, Character. We'll take care of you Kheldians later.

Battling Council

Darkwolf (before aggro): This battle will soon be over. Vortex Cor Leonis Sonic (before aggro): We will fight to the end!

Darkwolf (on aggro): You should not be here! Vortex Cor Leonis Sonic (on aggro): This is a Council matter!

Archon Dunwin

(before aggro): This base must hold!
(on aggro): I'll defeat any foe!

Debriefing

We've gotten reports that Council robots have started switching sides in mid-battle. Vandal must have found the evidence you planted and made up his mind already. That leaves Nosferatu. If we can make him change sides, we might be able to stop the Nictus' rebellion and let the Center clean up the mess.

Defeat Council office invasion

The Nictus Insurrection
Part: Three

Briefing

We've just gotten a report that War Wolves and Galaxy soldiers have overrun an office building in Peregrine Island! The leader has stated that you have information they deem critical, and are threatening to massacre civilians and set off bombs unless you present it to them. Obviously, Requiem and Arakhn have realized that we planted the evidence of their plot against Vandal, and now they want to get the rest of the evidence before we can get it in front of Nosferatu. We can't let them have that evidence, but we also can't let them kill those people. The only choice is to stop them. If you can eliminate one of the major threats, other heroes and the police can handle the rest, and we can get back to defeating the Council.

Mission Acceptance

There are three ways to handle this:
You could find and defuse the bombs. There should be 8 of them, located all around the city area.
You could rescue the hostages. We think that there are about 6 hostages who weren't able to evacuate in time.
Or you could defeat the War Wolf leaders. That should throw their packs into disarray, making them easier to defeat. There should be about 4 pack leaders scattered throughout the battlefield.
Any one of those should be enough. I'll leave the choice up to you.

Unneccesary Solicitation

Have you taken care of the situation on Walsh street?

Mission Objective(s)

All other floors of this building have been cleared out. Clearing out this floor is up to you.

• Stop Council office invasion
  • 6 hostages, 8 bombs, 4 Pack Leaders

You've eliminated a major part of the Council office invasion threat. Other heroes can handle it from here.

Enemies

Council

(Warwolves)

War Wolf Pack Leader

War Wolf Pack Leader (before aggro): I smell Character!
War Wolf Pack Leader (on aggro): Graaah! Kill Character!

Hostage text 1

Hostage: Thanks, Character. If you ever need investment advice, let me know!

Hostage text 2

Hostage: You saved me, Character!

Hostage text 3

Hostage: Here I thought the worst thing today was going to be my 10 o'clock meeting.

Debriefing

The situation in the office building has been taken care of, thanks to you. Now, we must return our attention to breaking up the Nictus' alliances within the Council. If we can now get Nosferatu to change sides, the Nictus' coup will fail for certain.

Plant evidence of betrayal for Nosferatu

The Nictus Insurrection
Part: Four

Briefing

The time has come to deliver the evidence of the Nictus' planned betrayal to Nosferatu. That should make him switch sides as well, which will put an end to Arakhn and Requiem's plans. This may almost be over. We could be back to fighting the Council normally in a matter of days.

Mission Acceptance

Once the evidence has been planted, we should see Nosferatu pull his Vampyri back quickly. You've done this before, so this should be no problem for you.

Unneccesary Solicitation

Once the evidence has been planted, we should see Nosferatu pull his Vampyri back quickly.

Take these files, and be sure to plant them at the base.

Evidence of Betrayal

These files show that Requiem and Arakhn had already planned to kill Nosferatu once he was no longer useful to them and take control of his Vampyri, or convert him into a Nictus like themselves.

Mission Objective(s)

This base is in the middle of a pitched battle.

• Plant evidence for Nosferatu
  • Plant evidence, Defeat Archon Bransen

You planted the evidence and weakened the base's defenses.

Enemies

Council

Notable NPCs

• Archon Bransen (Council Vortex Cor Leonis Archon, Boss)

Ambush

Galaxy #1 (before aggro): They are pushing us back!
Galaxy #2 (before aggro): We must get re-inforcements!

Galaxy: (on aggro) Character! We must stop the Kheldian!

Battling Council

Darkwolf (before aggro): We must secure the area!
Vortex Cor Leonis Sonic (before aggro): need info

Darkwolf (on aggro): Your presence is unwanted here!
Vortex Cor Leonis Sonic (on aggro): The Center will hold against all!

Archon Bransen

(before aggro) Need Info
(on aggro): We would have won if you hadn't shown up!

Debriefing

You planted the evidence, but we haven't seen any change. Maybe Nosferatu didn't find it? Maybe Arakhn had an agent in place who found it first? I don't know. Something's gone wrong, and unless we find it and fix it, the Nictus could win with Nosferatu's help.

Change Nosferatu's mind by force

The Nictus Insurrection
Part: Five

Briefing

We found out why Nosferatu didn't change sides after you planted the evidence of the plot against him. He already knew about the plot. We received this:

"Character,
I thank you for your concern, but to tell the truth, I am somewhat interested in becoming a Nictus. Unlike Vandal, I do not see that as a kind of death, but as an interesting new state of being.
However, I am not locked into the idea. I would like to see just how good you Kheldians really are. Also, I could use a good fight to test the limits of the work I've done on my own body. So, let us arrange a simple test: If you can defeat me and allow me to remain free, I will change sides in this struggle and assist the Center. Until you do, I shall support Requiem, and by extension Arakhn and the Nictus. I have enclosed a location I can be found at.
Bring allies.
You will need them.
-Nosferatu"

If we want to stop the Nictus insurrection, you're going to have to defeat an Arch-villain. Can you handle it?

Mission Acceptance

Nosferatu is the first of the Vampyri, and is still the strongest. He's used all his experimental techniques on himself first. On top of that, he has over half a century of experience and cunning on his side. Bring all the allies you can, he won't give any quarter.

Unneccesary Solicitation

Bring all the allies you can for this. Nosferatu won't give any quarter.

Mission Objective(s)

A feeling of dread washes over you as you step into this darkest of places

• Defeat Nosferatu
  • Defeat Nosferatu

You defeated Nosferatu, convincing him to switch sides!

Enemies

Council

(Vampyri)

Notable NPCs

• Nosferatu (Archvillain)

Nosferatu

(before aggro): I am waiting, Character. I hope that this battle will be a good one.
(on aggro): I have been following your exploits, Character. I hope your abilities were not overstated.

'A bit of warning, friend...'

After the battle with Nosferatu, he had a few words before you parted ways:

'The battle was well fought. I haven't had such a workout in a long time. I will keep my word. My Vampyri will change sides, and help to bring the Nictus down. Confidentially, I think it is probably best. I think of Requiem as a leader, but Arakhn has such power over him. I do not like seeing Requiem following another. From what little I remember of human emotion, I would think perhaps he's smitten with her. The hold Arakhn has over him, I find it disturbing.

Particularly with what I've learned about their long term plans. Let me tell you of a place where the Nictus keep some of their many secrets. I will leave investigating it up to you.

Now you must excuse me. I have a betrayal to plan.'

Debriefing

Nosferatu was true to his word. The Vampyri are switching sides, and the Nictus are on the defensive. The Center should be able to put down the rebellion on his own now. However, this gives us an opportunity to check out what Nosferatu told you about this 'place where the Nictus keep secrets'. Give us some time to make sure it's not a trap, and then let's see if we can discover what Nosferatu was hinting at.

Investigate the caves Nosferatu told you about

The Nictus Insurrection
Part: Six

Briefing

Arakahn and Requiem's rebellion is ending. Now that Vandal and Nosferatu have turned against them, the Nictus no longer have the forces to defeat the Center. Speaking of Nosferatu, the location he told you about doesn't seem to be a Council base. It wasn't anyplace we'd heard of. It seems to be some natural caverns and nothing more. However, there are reports coming in from the Coast Guard of Council troops fighting the Nictus in the area. Nosferatu may have been telling the truth, but the only way to find out is to investigate.

Mission Acceptance

Nosferatu said there were secrets in those caves, but not what kind of secrets, or who guarded them. If the Center's troops are moving on the same location then we can assume Nosferatu also told him about these secrets, and that the Center thinks it's important enough to send forces out there. You must capture those secrets, and then keep them safe by defeating any opponents in those caverns who could reveal that what we found.

Unneccesary Solicitation

You must find the secrets that Nosferatu talked about and clear the caves out so that neither the Nictus nor the Center know what we've found.

Mission Objective(s)

These caves are dry and cool. Their ancient silence is broken by the sounds of gunfire.

• Clear secret caves
  • Find secrets

You uncovered the secrets of the cave, and found the true plan behind the Nictus' rebellion.

Enemies

Council

(Galaxy troops)

Notable NPCs

• Archon Venner (Galaxy Archon, Boss)

Ambush

Equinox Parasite #1 (before aggro): I am curious what they fight so hard to protect.
Equinox Parasite #2 (before aggro): We shall pry their secrets from them!

Equinox Parasite: (on aggro) It is Character! We must stop the Kheldian!

Battling Council

Galaxy (before aggro): You shall get no further!
Equinox Parasite (before aggro): Everything and everyone here belongs to the Center. He is your master!

Galaxy (on aggro): Leave no one alive!
Equinox Parasite (on aggro): The Center will hold!

Archon Venner

(before aggro) Tell Arakhn that we have been discovered!
(on aggro): We have guarded these records for years. We will not fail now!

A map of a new Earth

This map of the world is over seventy years old, and printed in Italian. It shows the entire world, with locations marked all over, forming a pattern. Each of these locations have notes written by them in Khelda, the native language of the Kheldians and Nictus. The notes contain estimations based on several factors: The estimated number of shadow seeds needed to ensure coverage of the region, an estimation of the population who could survive conversion into a Nictus, the rate at which Nictus can arrive through the shadow cysts, and the estimated window during which Earth's defenders would have a chance to stop them, all factor in to the estimated time for total Nictus control of the Earth.

Debriefing

Arakhn and Requiem's bid for control of the Council is over. The two of them have gone into hiding, their forces are on the run, and the Center is cementing his control over the Council again. The Nictus were stopped, and the Council as a whole has been weakened. Perhaps not the cleanest victory, but we did what was necessary for our people and the people of Earth.

We had never known exactly what Arakhn's master plan was, but now I think I understand. The Nictus needed the Council as a power base they could use to establish themselves all across the world. Now that that plan's been foiled, I wonder what they'll do next?

They'll no doubt bide their time for a while. You'll need to be more powerful than ever in order to take them on. Return when you're at least Security Level 45. We can only hope that you'll be ready then.

The Final Darkness (Level 45 - 50)

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 22 Reward Merits.

Souvenir

A Shattered Shadow Seed

These pieces of a Shadow Seed crystal bring back memories of a desperate final battle against the Nictus that you remember as:

The Final Darkness

It all began when Journalist Lillian Issan, Shadowstar's daughter and the next in line to assume the role, took it on herself to find where Requiem and Arakhn had gone into hiding after their failed attempt to take over the Council. Unfortunately, she drew their attention, and now needed an emergency rescue. You went to save her, but found that she had already been abducted from the Nictus troops by the Center's Ascendant personal guard. You also found some angry correspondence between Requiem and Arakhn. In the wake of their failure, signs of real stress were showing in their relationship.

You were able to rescue Lillian from the Center, but what she'd discovered was shocking. Arakhn and Requiem had smuggled Shadow Seeds into Paragon City. If they could plant the seeds and protect them long enough for them to grow into full Shadow Cysts, they could bring their brethren down from the Cosmos and flood Paragon City with Nictus. You also found an intercepted message from Arakhn to Requiem filled with pointed words.

You investigated the cargo ship the Nictus had supposedly smuggled the Shadow Seeds into the city aboard. There, you found Galaxy troops and Warwolves waiting for you, and something far worse: a Shadow Cyst crystal, already growing! You destroyed the crystal, but knew that there were more.

You rushed to search for the Shadow Seeds, and found two more of them already growing in a Council base that was still under Nictus control. You destroyed two shadow seeds before they could grow into a full Cyst, and found the location where the next crystals were. You also found out that those Crystals would be guarded by Requiem himself.

Celebrations are sprang up all over the world when the news of your capture of Requiem hit the press. Though the recognition was nice, the more important aspect of your victory was the destruction of the four Shadow Seeds requiem was guarding, and the angry letter he was in the process of writing to Arakhn that also told you where you could find her, and the last of the Shadow Seeds.

You faced Arakhn in a nearly complete Shadow Cyst, and prevailed. Both she and Requiem are in custody, awaiting a trial that could turn the whole city into a media circus. Though the remaining Nictus are returning to the Council, it will be years before the Council can present a threat like it once did. Some Kheldians are staying on Earth to continue the battle here; others are planning to leave Earth to continue the battle with the Nictus on other worlds. All of them will carry the tale of your courage with them, an example of heroism to last to the end of time.

Rescue Lillian Issan from whatever trouble she's found.

The Final Darkness
Part: One

Briefing

Lillian Issan will be the new Shadowstar one day, if she can keep herself from being killed. In the aftermath of the Nictus insurrection within the Council, Arakhn and Requiem have gone into hiding, and Lillian has taken it upon herself to find them. Not the wisest course at any time, but absolutely foolish right now. She's dropped out of contact after she said she was going to investigate an old base that had been cleaned out weeks ago. I fear that Lillian has gotten herself in more trouble than she anticipated, and needs to be found.

Mission Acceptance

Since Lillian will assume the role of Shadowstar one day, she takes it upon herself to go beyond her job as a reporter and dig into the plans of the our enemies. It probably makes her feel like she's doing her part, I just wish she'd use more caution. You must find Lillian and bring her back safely. Also, look for any clues that might help her investigation. She puts herself in too much danger, but we do need to know what the Nictus are up to.

Unneccesary Solicitation

Lillian's safety is the most important thing, but you must also recover the information she was after. She puts herself in too much danger, but we do need to know what the Nictus are up to.

Mission Objective(s)

You can feel an all-too familiar energy in this place. There are Nictus here.

• Rescue Lillian Issan
  • Find Lillian Issan, 1 piece of information

Editor's Note:

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

You discovered that Lillian has been taken from the Nictus by the Center!

Enemies

Council

(Darkwolves and Galaxies)

Galaxy Archon

(before aggro): Where did the reporter go? Requiem said we were to keep her alive, and I shall be very cross if she is otherwise.

(on aggro): As if we hadn't had enough trouble today. Is killing Character too much to ask?

Personal Papers

These documents you found in a Council base contain some of Requiem's personal documents, including recent messages to Arakhn:

'My Lady Arakhn,
I know that we are on an accelerated schedule, but you ask too much of my men. Perhaps if we'd had a more accurate time for the Peacebringers to arrive, or if you had found or made an opportunity to assasinate the Center as we had planned, we would not have been brought to such a wretched state now. You forced me to draw plans against my own men, yet you never took the Center's life in all these years. All the opportunities you had to silence him, all these years you were close enough to put a blade to his throat, and yet you spared his life at every turn. There is only one explanation: You have feelings for him. You always have, do not deny it. Even before you joined Arachnos, I saw how you and he would court over wine at your villa. In my old life as Ridolfo Uzzano, as a flunky to Il Duce, I watched the two of you. I was there. I saw. I know.
Requiem'

An operation failure report

This solemnly worded report explains how the Reporter Lillian Issan infiltrated the base before they could receive an unnamed shipment, was captured, and was then abducted by the Center's Ascendant troops. The author takes full responsibility for the failure, but does point out that he was able to trace where the Ascendants took Lillian.

Debriefing

Why did the Center take Lillian? It doesn't make any sense. If he did capture her instead of killing her, then it means he has a plan for her, and needs her alive. That gives us some time to find her.

Rescue Lillian and find out what the Center wanted with her.

The Final Darkness
Part: Two

Briefing

We know where the Center has had his men take Lillian. What we don't know is why he did it or what he had planned for her. You must rescue Lillian before it's too late, and find out what the Center had in mind when he took her.

Mission Acceptance

Lillian will be the next Shadowstar someday, so her safety is paramount. However, we must also know why the Center was so interested in her, and why would he want her taken alive?

Unneccesary Solicitation

I'll feel much better once Lillian is safe and we know what this was about.

Mission Objective(s)

This small Council base is filled with the Ascendants, the personal guard of the Center.

• Save Lillian Issan
  • 2 clues to find, Rescue Lillian Issan

You rescued Lillian Issan and found out what she had discovered.

Enemies

Council

(Ascendants)

Ascendant Archon

(before aggro): I know that the Center is upset at our unit, but he gave us an easy assignment like this. Weird.

(on aggro): Oh, now I get it. You're here for the girl, right Character? This ain't so easy after all.

Lillian Issan

(on rescue): I sure seem to have a way with getting in trouble, Character.

'He called them Shadow Seeds'

After you rescued Lillian Issan, the intrepid reporter and future Shadowstar told you:

'Thanks for the rescue. This is getting to be a bad habit. Who would have guessed that snooping around the private armies of would-be world conquering megalomaniacs would be such a dangerous career?

Anyway, I found out something important. Arakhn and Requiem have been in hiding, but they haven't stopped their plans. I saw Requeim overseeing the arrival of something major, something they think will let them win even without the Council's troops behind them. They called them Shadow Seeds. They brought them in on a ship, but I don't know which one. I was caught before I was able to find out. Then the Center's troops came after me, I guess to find out what I'd learned,too.'

An intercepted personal message

This message from Arakhn to Requiem was intercepted and copied here by the Center's intelligence group. From the sounds of it, the Nictus aren't taking their defeat well:

'My Requiem,
I must assume that our recent set-backs have set your mind aflame, for there is no other reason I could conceive that would cause you to speak to me with such a tone. Has this alteration to our plans so snuffed out your wits? Of course I preserved the Center. Think past your crude world of strife, past your philosophy of battles pitting strength against strength. The Center's powers added to our own would have ensured our plans. I sought to preserve a resource you wished to throw away for what? Yes, the Kheldians have stopped our plans, and yes, the Center's men now seek us out. But we have more plans, my Requiem. We are not yet done.'

Shipping records

These shipping records show the lists of cargo ships entering and exiting Paragon city over the last few days. One ship in particular has been highlighted, a cargo vessel that left from Italy and arrived in Paragon City a few days ago. The words 'This is where they brought them in' are written next to the ship's name.

Debriefing

Shadow seeds? The nictus have smuggled shadow seeds into the city? This is worse than I'd thought. A shadow seed is made by melding together an encysted Nictus with certain rare crystals. If fed the right energy, it can create a 'Shadow cyst', a place where Nictus can live without a host. They can also cross between cysts instantly, even across interstellar distances. We'd suspected that there was a cyst somewhere in Italy, but if they're trying to make another one here in Paragon City, the results could be a disaster. We'll have to investigate that ship.

Investigate the cargo ship.

The Final Darkness
Part: Three

Briefing

The Nictus may be preparing to set up Shadow Cysts in Paragon City. If they were to accomplish this, they could flood the city with Nictus, creating a catastrophe on a scale beyond imagination. We have to know if they've been able to get shadow seeds into the city, and where they may have taken them. Thanks to your hard work, we know that the Center was very interested in a ship that came to Paragon from Italy, where there's long been rumored to be an active Shadow Cyst. We now have to find out if they've really got the seeds over here.

Mission Acceptance

If we have any luck at all, they won't really have any Shadow Seeds, just the threat of them. You can't take any chances though. If they do have a seed or a cyst, you must destroy it. Also keep your eyes open for any clues or information that might tell us about the next phase of their plan.

Unneccesary Solicitation

Be very thorough in that cargo ship. Who knows what could be lurking in there?

Mission Objective(s)

A growing shadow seems to gnaw at the interior of this lurching vessel.

• Search cargo ship
  • 2 clues to find, Destroy the Shadow Cyst

You destroyed one of the Shadow Cysts, and found vital information.

Enemies

Council

(Darkwolves and Galaxies)

Darkwolves

Darkwolf 1 (before aggro): I can feel it already! Darkwolf 2 (before aggro): Soon we'll be able to sweep through the city!

Darkwolf 1 (on aggro): There is no stopping the Nictus, Character!

Directions to danger

This slip of scratch paper was left in an empty packing container that once held at least one shadow seed. The paper has some scribbled directions written on it, showing where to take whatever was in the crates. You could probably use this to track down where the contents were taken.

Email on a damaged laptop

Though this email was supposed to be deleted, it looks like whoever was reading it didn't hit the return button, and instead blasted the laptop with some kind of power. The laptop is still working, and you can read the following:

'My Lady Arakhn,
'When I presented my plan to you, when I came crawling before you as a mere human seeking power, you knew that the Center's death would have to be part of that plan. We would need his resources, his talents, but we could never trust him to share our power. When you told me where to look to find the Shadow Cyst below Ravenna, you knew that this course could not be altered. And when I arrived before Il Duce, when I presented my services as Requiem and we began our plans, you accepted what the end of it all would be. A new world. A new rule. Our rule. I have never reneged. I have never forgotten. I am uncertain, however, if the same can be said for you.
- Requiem'

Debriefing

It's true. They do have Shadow Seeds. It will only be a matter of time before they plant them and let them take root. They've probably been planning this for weeks. With all the destraction and destruction caused by their attempted coup of the Council, no one saw it coming. They were probably hoping to have the full strength of the Council on their side to protect the seeds as they grew, but now they're desperate. This is going to be close, but the Nictus are desperate. This may be our chance to end their threat for a long time.

Look for Shadow Seeds in Nictus base.

The Final Darkness
Part: Four

Briefing

We think that the information you found has shown us a Council base still under Nictus control where the Shadow Seeds were taken. If we are lucky, they'll still be there. If we aren't lucky, then you'll need to find out where the Nictus have taken them.

Mission Acceptance

We don't know what you'll find in there, but if they have created a Shadow Cyst you must destroy it. You must also find out if they've already planted any more Shadow Seeds, and where they might have put them.

Unneccesary Solicitation

We don't know what you'll find in there, but if they have created a Shadow Cyst you must destroy it. You must also find out if they've already planted any more Shadow Seeds, and where they might have put them.

Mission Objective(s)

Long shadows cling to every corner of this base.

• 2 clues to find, 2 Shadow Cyst Crystals

You destroyed shadow cysts and found information to lead you to the final shadow seeds!

Enemies

Council

(Darkwolves and Galaxies)

Placement plans

The drawing here show the plans for placing one of two Shadow Cysts beneath the City. The location of only one of the two cysts is shown here.

An annotated letter

This letter was written by hand, and has numerous notes angrily penned over parts of it in another hand. Parts of the letter are almost obscured by angrily written phrases like 'She would dare!' or 'Curse her Harpy tongue!' Despite this, you can make out the following:

'My Requiem,

At times I now almost regret sending Ridolfo Uzanno to Ravenna. I had hoped you would gain enough strength. I had hoped you would survive. I had not dreamed that you would join with a Nictus as powerful as Dirge of Entropy, and perhaps that is the problem. Perhaps the bond between a Nictus so strong and a man so weak has created a creature too emboldened by it's power. Remember that I am the ruler of the Nictus, Requeim. I am the one who led us to this Earth. I refined fragmentation, I created the cysts where we can survive. You had plans only for temporal power within this world, I had plans to change this world forever and make it a new home for our kind. The Center's genius could have been our greatest asset, and you would tell me what to do with it! You short sighted fool! It is no wonder that our plans have come to naught with you at their helm!

- Arakhn'

Debriefing

You performed excellently in destroying the Cysts growing in that place, but I think those were just decoys. The plans you found show that they plan to place two more major cysts. We only know the location of one, but that's at least a start. What I fear is that the Nictus are desperate enough to guard those Cysts themselves. You may be facing some of the most powerful Nictus this galaxy has ever seen. You'd better get ready.

Defeat Requiem and destroy the Shadow Cyst he guards.

The Final Darkness
Part: Five

Briefing

We've found where the Nictus are setting up a major Shadow Cyst, based on the information you found last time. 4 Seeds, deep under the city. It gets worse, though. We think that Requiem himself is there, protecting them. In order to stop the Nictus, you will have to destroy those seeds and then battle Requiem himself.

Mission Acceptance

You will need allies, and good ones if you want to have any chance against something like Requiem. I wish you the best of luck.

Unneccesary Solicitation

You will need allies, and good ones if you want to have any chance against something like Requiem. I wish you the best of luck.

Mission Objective(s)

Darkness and cold inhuman malice seep from every wall of this place.

• Find information, 4 Shadow Cyst Crystals, Defeat Requiem

You defeated Requiem himself and destroyed the shadow cyst crystals!

Enemies

Council

(Darkwolves)

Notable NPCs

• Requiem (Archvillain)

Requiem

(on aggro): Character, I shall make of your death a requeim composed of your final agony.

An unfinished letter

This is a draft of an unfinished letter, written by Requiem to Arakhn. It reads:

'My Lady Arakhn,

You speak of the Center's power as if it were irreplaceable. Now I realize that nothing has changed in these 70 years. Even now you let your feelings for him cloud your mind. I, who have burned away all trace of my former human weaknesses am now brought low because I trusted you had done the same. You said you would convert him or kill him. You have done neither, and he has instead helped the Kheldians to shatter our plans and tear our schemes assunder.

Until now.

When we are done and this world is under our rule, the Nictus will need a leader if we are to stave off the certain Peacebringer assault and quell the growing number of Warshades. If you show such weakness again, you shall not live to challenge me for the title.'

More important than the text is that it has the location a courier is to deliver the letter written on it. This could lead you right to Arakhn and the rest of the Shadow Seeds.

Debriefing

This is a day of celebration around the world, if for no other reason that Requiem's capture. Unfortunately, our job still isn't done. We've been going over the manifest of the cargo ship, and found that there were originally 13 shadow seeds aboard. After you destroyed the Cyst Requiem was protecting, that leaves 6 unnaccounted for. The instructions on the letter you found may tell us where they are, and what you'll have to face to destroy them.

Destroy the last Shadow Cyst

The Final Darkness Part: Six

Briefing

Celebrations over Requiem's capture have broken out all over the world, but it will be a short-lived celebration if we can't stop Arakhn. We have the location where she's overseeing the last of the Shadow Seeds, trying to create another cyst. That cannot be allowed to happen. You must defeat Arakhn and destroy the last Shadow Cyst. Take all the allies you can find. This is the end.

Mission Acceptance

Arakhn's back is to the wall, this is her last chance and she knows it. Be ready for anything. And good luck.

Unneccesary Solicitation

Arakhn's back is to the wall, this is her last chance and she knows it. Be ready for anything. And good luck.

Mission Objective(s)

You feel a strange dark energy reaching through this place into the dark spaces of the void.

• 6 Shadow Cyst Crystals, Defeat Arakhn

You Defeated Arakhn and destroyed the last Shadow Seed.

Enemies

Council

(Galaxies) Notable NPCs

• Arakhn (Archvillain)

Arakhn

(before aggro): It is almost done, and soon I shall welcome the cleansing flood of shadow from the stars.

(on aggro): You have defied our power for too long, Character. Now I shall end this miserable existance with the full power of the Nictus!

Debriefing

It's over. The Nictus have been captured, and their centuries of plotting foiled. The Council is rebuilding, and the leaderless Galaxy and War wolf soldiers are re-joining it, but they may never be as strong again. People all over the world are celebrating your victory, Character. There's still much to do on Earth, but some of us will leave this world soon. There are other places in the cosmos where the Nictus gather and grow strong. In each of those places, when things look bleak, I know that your name will be spoken, and the story of your battle against the Nictus on Earth will be retold to inspire a thousand generations to come.

Missions (Level 1+)

Start your new life as a Kheldian

Stop Vahzilok/Council meeting

Briefing

Allow me to welcome you, Character, to the elite ranks of the Peacebringers. All of the Peacebringers on Earth, like you, are formed fromformed form the fusion of a Kheldian energy being and a willing human host. Both the human and the Kheldian become more than they were separately, forming a new being called a Peacebringer. As a Peacebringer you will learn to wield immense power in the service of justice and the endless battle against our dire enemies, the Nictus.

I am Sunstorm, and I serve as the coordinator of our efforts here on Earth. I'm not your leader or your boss, my main function is to make certain that our efforts are well directed, particularly for the newer members of our ranks. I should have plenty for you to do. I'm sure you can't wait to test your new powers, so let's get started.

Mission Acceptance

I know about a situation with the Vahzilok that I think you can handle. One of their Mortificators, a madman calling himself 'Sepsis', has offered to sell their secrets to the Council. While the Vahzilok disseminate much of their techniques using illegal internet sites, they reserve their deeper secrets to more trusted individuals. We cannot let these secrets get into the hands of the Council's own cadres of mad scientists.

Unnecessary Solicitation

I know that as your first task, this must seem pretty big. But I think you can handle it. Remember, all you have to do is defeat the ones at the meeting to succeed.

Mission Objective(s)

These dank sewers won't hide the dire plans of the Vahzilok.

• Defeat Negotiators

You defeated both Sepsis and the Council negotiator, but discovered that Sepsis' notes are already in Council hands!

Enemies

Vahzilok

Notable NPCs

• Sepsis
• Council Negotiator

NPC Text

Before combat:

Sepsis: I trust you've found the information satisfactory?

Council Negotiator: Actually, that's what I've come to talk about...

Combat start:

Sepsis: A Hero! Here to foil me, I know it!

Council Negotiator: Be careful! This is one of those Peacebringers!

A madman's contract

Though this contract was originally written by the Council, it's now been covered in so much insane scrawling about the 'nature of humanity' from Sepsis that it's barely legible. It does seem to indicate that Sepsis has already provided the Council with the secret texts of the Vahzilok! Fortunately you can see that Sepsis scrawled directions to the Council base he delivered the texts to among his rambling notes.

Defeat all Council & get notes

Unnecessary Solicitation

Every minute the Council has those notes brings them one step closer to using those secrets against the heroes of this city. Recover them as quickly as you can.

Mission Objective(s)

This Council base now holds an additional secret: the mad medical knowledge of the Vahzilok.

• Find Sepsis' notes

You recovered Sepsis' Vahzilok texts from the Council.

Sepsis' texts of the Vahzilok

These convoluted handwritten notebooks are filled with the crazed diagrams and scrawled ravings of a madman. These appear to be Sepsis' personal notes about the Vahzilok's revivification technology, and while you can see tracts and sections that could be useful, much of it probably only makes sense to Sepsis himself. Still, it's good to have this out of the hands of the Council's own science teams.

Enemies

Council

Debriefing

You did an incredible job, Character. These texts look like the rantings of a madman, but I'm certain the Council could have gleaned any number of horrible secrets from them. You've done this city a great service, and you're only getting started.

Deliver the data disc to Henry Peter Wong (1-5)

Take data to Henry Peter Wong

Briefing

Hero Corps has pulled some strings, and they're asking for all the data we've collected on the Vahzilok. I need someone to deliver this data disc to Henry Peter Wong. He'll see that Hero Corps gets the info.

Mission Acceptance

I'm sure Dr. Vahzilok would love to get his hands on this disc. Watch your back, Character.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Hero Corps is waiting for that data, Character

Data on Vahzilok

This data disc contains all the data SERAPH has on the Vahzilok menace.

Mission Objective(s)

• Take data to Henry Peter Wong

Henry Peter Wong

Debriefing

Hero Corps thanks you for your cooperation in this matter, Character. Hero Corps doesn't like to be beholden to any organization, so I'll return the favor SERAPH did for us immediately. There is a cave in Galaxy City that the Vahzilok have been using as a secret research lab. I'm sure a powerful hero like yourself will have no problem wiping it out and getting some more info for SERAPH and Hero Corps to share.

Defeat lab leader and his crew

Unnecessary Solicitation

Henry Peter tipped you off to a secret Vahzilok lab? You better go check that out.

Mission Objective(s)

The foul stench of the sewers lingers in this cave.

• Defeat lab leader and his crew
  • 2 hostages remaining

You defeated the Vahzilok and rescued the hostages.

Morbid research data

The research data you recovered from the Vahzilok cave is very disturbing. Apparently they are using the cover of night to conduct 'involuntary organ donations' in Kings Row.

Enemies

Vahzilok

Notable NPCs

• Skull Fracture (Vahzilok Mortificator)

Boss Dialogue

Before combat:

Skull Fracture: Dr. Vahzilok is most pleased.

Combat start

Skull Fracture: Ho ho! Character is here to save the day? I think not!

Hostage Dialogue

Kidnapped citizen: Good job taking out those nut jobs!

Debriefing

Looks like Hero Corps steered us in the right direction. You did a great job, Character, but I don't understand why Hero Corps didn't take care of this cave themselves.

Investigate the conference (1-5)

Briefing

I just got a tip that some men calling themselves the disciples of Vahzilok are planning a conference in a secondary sewer section. While their exact aims are unclear, it seems likely that they're linked to these bio-mechanical zombies that have been terrorizing the populace lately. Will you investigate this conference?

Mission Acceptance

While you're down there, look for any information on the aims of Vahzilok's minions.

Unnecessary Solicitation

I asked you to break up that conference.

Mission Objective(s)

Medical notes float in the filthy water, alongside medical paraphernalia and waste.

• Defeat all Vahzilok in sewer
  • Rescue the hostage!, Learn purpose of conference

You disrupted the conference, rescued a hostage, and found some notes.

Medical notes

These wild medical notes were not made by any doctor who cares for the sanctity of human life. They describe horrible techniques for using artificial stimulus and cybernetic parts to animate the body. You notice that these notes are based on recent research.

NPC Text

(After rescue)
Hostage: I'm so glad you saved me! They said they were going to vivisect me at their conference!

Enemies

Vahzilok

Debriefing

Thanks for breaking up that horrible conference. It's terrifying to contemplate the depths this Vahzilok has sunk to. Human experimentation, animating the dead! He must be a madman indeed.

Investigate the disappearances (1-5)

Briefing

Several wealthy citizens have disappeared in the last couple of days. That's hardly unusual in this town, but this time no ransom notes have been delivered. I want you to investigate these disappearances, Character. I have a bad feeling that those people are in serious trouble.

Mission Acceptance

One more thing: all of the missing people had fatal illnesses. That connection has to mean something, but I can't figure out what!

Unnecessary Solicitation

You must do everything in your power to rescue those missing people.

Mission Objective(s)

Sick laughter echoes in the distance.

• Rescue the missing citizens
  • 3 people to rescue

You rescued the kidnapped citizens from the Vahzilok.

Hostage Dialogue

(After rescue)
Kidnapped citizen: I don't want to be a zombie! Kidnapped citizen: I've got to tell you what they tried to do! Kidnapped citizen: They said they'd cure me! Hah! They wanted to turn me into a zombie!

The kidnapped woman's story

The woman you rescued from the Vahzilok told you:

'They approached me because of my money, and because of my illness. You see, I'm dying of cancer. This strange Vahzilok said he could give me eternal life! And all he wanted was the bulk of my fortune!

'I was desperate, so I gave in. But that was before I knew what they wanted to do to me. They wanted to turn me into a zombie, a walking corpse!'.

Enemies

Vahzilok

Debriefing

So, Vahzilok convinced those people to hand over their fortunes in exchange for eternal life. Trouble is, it was a life few people would consider worth living: a life as one of his disgusting zombies! It's really sad that he would prey on the desperately ill like this. But I suppose that's what I should expect from such a demented person.

Learn about the fallen heroes of Paragon City (1-5)

Briefing

As a new hero, you should know about those who have come before you. I think you need to learn about the fallen heroes of Paragon City. It will be a short history lesson, but an important one.

Mission Acceptance

Go read the plaque under the statue of Atlas. He was a great man, and the city remains thankful to him to this day. Atlas Park is named in his honor, you know.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You should read the plaque under Atlas' statue.

Mission Objective(s)

• Read Atlas' plaque

You learned some of Paragon City's history.

Atlas Statue

Inscription

This statue commemorates the heroic death of the mighty Atlas. On December 7th, 1941, the Forces of the original 5th Column launched a surprise attack on Paragon City. Atlas single-handedly fought back a large group of advancing 5th Column soldiers, and prevented them from gaining a foothold beyond Independence Port. His brave sacrifice held the area until the Freedom Phalanx arrived and drove back the invaders.

Debriefing

Atlas was a great man. He protected the city from a devastating surprise attack in 1941 by the 5th Column. Without his sacrifice, who knows how many lives might have been lost? I've noticed many people pause in the shadow of his great statue; it's as if they feel safer there.

Meet Sarah Peters and talk to her about the theft (1-5)

Visit Sarah Peters in Atlas Park

Briefing

I just spoke to Sarah Peters, an FCC investigator who tracks illegal broadcasts. She's intercepted some messages from Council soldiers. It seems they're planning to steal a powerful artifact that the government's been trying to protect for decades. Please meet Sarah Peters and talk to her about the theft.

Mission Acceptance

Sarah seems pretty upset. If the Council is involved, that's certainly understandable.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You should talk to Sarah Peters. If it involves the Council, it may be important.

Mission Objective(s)

• Visit Sarah Peters in Atlas Park

Sarah Peters

Briefing

Oh, Character! Contact told me to expect you. You should hurry; I hear those Council soldiers are already on the move. You've got to get to the warehouse and find crate 878-932 before they do. Get it to Azuria in City Hall; it'll be safe there. Good luck, Character. And whatever you do, don't look inside the crate!

Locate crate 878-932

Unnecessary Solicitation

It's up to you to find that crate before the Council does.

Mission Objective(s)

In the distance, you hear shouted orders and the sounds of heavy boots on cement floors.

• Locate crate 878-932

This is crate 878-932! You got to it before the Council found it.

Enemies

Council

Council Soldier Dialogue

Zone-In:

Council Soldier 1: I can't wait to get my first look at it!

Council Soldier 2: Ssh. Did you hear something?

This message was repeated 2x more by other soldiers.

You look for the ID number on the crate.
You have found an ID number.

Crate 878-932

This large crate is labeled 878-932. According to Sarah Peters, it contains a powerful artifact that the Council intended to steal. You have an almost irresistible urge to peek inside.

Take the crate to Azuria

Unnecessary Solicitation

You need to get that crate to Azuria for safekeeping.

Mission Objective(s)

• Take the crate to Azuria

Azuria

Debriefing

Thank you. I shall place this within the vault and guard it with the strongest wards. The artifact within is not a thing for mortal or immortal use. You didn't look upon it, did you?

Debriefing

Azuria tells me that that contents of crate 878-932 are safe in the MAGI vaults.

She didn't want me to speak of this to many people, but you've earned the right to know: the artifact within is known as a Looking Lens. By peering through it, you can see the very desires of the people around you. That's why you had to keep the crate closed, Character. There is some information that no one is meant to have.

Secure the painting before it's stolen (1-5)

Defeat all painting thieves

Briefing

We got a call from McCorman Industries last night. They reported a squad of Council soldiers scouting their office. It turns out that McCorman recently acquired a painting called 'The Lonely Horseman.' It's a decent painting, but, more importantly, it's rumored to be painted over a map to a boatload of gold bullion that sank somewhere off the Atlantic coast. I think these Council goons may be planning to steal it. Can you secure the painting before it's stolen?

Mission Acceptance

After you've secured the painting, take it to a lady named Iris Parker. She can get it back to McCorman Industries without incident.

Unnecessary Solicition

You have to stop the thieves and retrieve that painting.

Mission Objective(s)

You hear crisply barked orders over the sound of distant terrified screams.

• Defeat all painting thieves
  • Find the painting

You defeated the thieves and secured the painting.

Enemies

Council

You got the painting!

A painting called The Lonely Horseman

This somber painting shows a single horseman looking toward a distant church tower, his lance tip pointing at the ground. According to your contact, this painting obscures a map to a lost cache of gold bullion.

Ambush! Upon exiting the mission, there will be an ambush by the Council.

Take painting to Iris Parker

Unnecessary Solicitation

You need to get that painting to Iris Parker. She'll make sure it gets back to the rightful owner.

Mission Objective(s)

• Take painting to Iris Parker

Iris Parker

Debriefing

You really came through on this one, Character. I'll make sure this painting gets back to the rightful owners.

Debriefing

The Council is a very dangerous organization, Character, and they've been around long enough to know what they're doing. They attacked Paragon City back in the 50's, and were only stopped by the might of Atlas. If they're up to their old shenanigans, we'll have to keep our eye on them.

History

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

• The Nictus Insurrection story arc was originally worth 29 merits. As players were able to complete the story arc in a relatively short time, the merit reward was changed to 4 merits.