Positron Task Force Part One
This article is about the first part of the revamped Positron Task Force. For other parts & versions, see Positron Task Force.
Overview
 The Rule of Three | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Contact | Positron |
| Zone | Steel Canyon |
| Suggested Team Size | 3 players |
| Coordinates | (-3136, -80, -501) |
| Level Range | 8-15 |
| Merits | 11 |
| Badge |
 Rule of Three |
| Enemy Groups | |
The Positron Task Force is the first of six Freedom Phalanx Task Forces, and the completion of all six grants the Task Force Commander Badge. The other five task forces are started by Synapse, Sister Psyche, Citadel, Manticore, and Numina.
In order to get the Positron's Ally Badge, a player must complete both Part One and Part Two, which each grant their own unique badges as well (meaning the revamped Positron Task Force awards three badges).
This task force is not designated as a Signature Task Force. As such, missions will spawn at the level of the star holder, but no higher than level 15.
Merit Rewards: This activity awards 11 Reward Merits.
Introductions
Initial Contact
Character, What can I do for you?
Discuss events in Steel Canyon.
Discuss events in the rest of the city.
Missions
Agree to form a task force.
The Rule of Three
Part One: Dead Lead
Briefing
Character, I'm glad you're interested in what's going on around here. I've heard a lot about what you've been doing around the city - I think I can trust you to have my back in this current situation. We're getting odd movements all over by the Clockwork, Circle of Thorns, and Vahzilok. I could use the help of you and your team in finding out what they're all up to. Are you in?
Mission Acceptance
Glad to hear it. You're going to need a name I can refer to your group by, let's use Task Force Name, shall we?
First things first. The Vahzilok recently tried to poison the water of Paragon City. I've done a little recon in the area, searching for Vahzilok who were involved in that caper, and I came across a nest of Vahzilok led by an Eidolon that goes by the monicker 'Epidural'. There's also another group of Vahzilok that I've picked up in the sewers here beneath Blyde Square.
We'll split up and take both groups down. I'll handle the group here in Blyde Square, I need you to go track down Epidural!
Unnecessary Solicitation
You need to look into that Vahzilok nest!
Mission Objective(s)
The noxious air forms an oily vapor that sticks to everything. Even your own costume, unfortunately.
- Defeat Epidural!
You have defeated Epidural and recovered a clue to the Vahzilok's next plot.
Enemies
Notable NPCs
- Epidural (Vahzilok Eidolon)
Debriefing
Good to see you're back, Task Force Name. The lead I chased after came up empty - how did you do?
Ah...I see. Interesting. I'll have a look at that sample you recovered to see what's in there. It's concerning to hear that Dr. Vahzilok might have something else planned for the city, but what else is new?
I'm sure that we'll be able to stop whatever he's planning - once we figure it out. In the meantime, we have a problem cropping up with the Clockwork.
Here Task Force Name, use this signal to contact me from anywhere in Paragon.
Stop the Clockwork Operations in Steel Canyon!
The Rule of Three
Part Two: Gears in a Clock
Briefing
My scanner indicates that the sample you brought me is a 98% match to that previously used by the Vahzilok, but the other 2% is... hmmm, this will take some time to isolate the unknown variables...
I'm sorry, there I go rambling again. Thank you for this curious sample.
Anyway, regarding the Clockwork. We've got a major situation on our hands. There are reports that the Clockwork are building a massive army right here in the heart of Steel Canyon! I need you all to get to the location of their warehouse and put a stop to them!
While you're there though...
Can you find me a piece of Clockwork that is still functioning? Everyone else that I ask tends to bring in pieces that are battered, melted, frozen, slashed, gashed, and shot to pieces. I just need some pieces that aren't totally destroyed.
Mission Acceptance
Excellent, I knew you'd be up for it Task Force Name. I scanned the area, and I found an abandoned warehouse that's infested with Clockwork.
Word on the street has been that an Assembler Prince by the name of Gearteeth has been running a clockwork manufacturing operation in Steel Canyon for some time. My calculations support the hypothesis that a part from an Assembler Prince has the greatest chance of remaining functional after deactivation - as long as you're careful not to destroy it.
Take down Gearteeth and bring me back some of his parts. Also, see what he's really up to, the clockwork don't build a small army for nothing.
Unnecessary Solicitation
I know if anyone can do this, it'll be Task Force Name.
Mission Objective(s)
The grinding of Clockwork gears is almost deafening. It seems you have stumbled onto a major operation. What exactly constitutes a 'major operation' from a group composed of makeshift miniature robots is something you'll have to find out.
- Search for clues to Gearteeth's plans
- Defeat Gearteeth
You have defeated the Clockwork prince, Gearteeth. Unfortunately, no working Clockwork pieces could be salvaged. You did, however, discover something that Gearteeth was working on.
Enemies
Notable NPCs
- Gearteeth (Clockwork)
You found these heavy steel components in a Clockwork nest, but they're clearly not from any Clockwork construct. The robots defended them with vigor, so the parts must mean something to them.
After you smashed Gearteeth, the metal automaton collapsed into a pile of rusted metal. The once animated killing machine instantly transformed into nothing but worthless scrap.
Debriefing
You didn't find a working piece, eh? That's too bad, but this unusual part you found more than makes up for it. I'd like to examine this; it isn't like anything I've seen the Clockwork King use before.
And he mentioned Faultline? Hrm...I wonder what he could be up to.
This combined with Dr. Vahzilok's plans worry me, Task Force Name. The city is faced with threats daily, but we may have some problems if two major villains are planning two plots at the same time.
I'll worry about that. For now, we have another problem to handle - the Circle of Thorns.
Recover the Book
The Rule of Three:
Part Three: Elder Magic
Briefing
Azuria contacted me regarding the Circle of Thorns. When I asked her why she contacted me, the scientist of the Phalanx, she said it was because, 'Numina told me that my path and the path of Task Force Name were destined to cross.' So I hope you all don't mind looking into this, or else I'll never hear the end of it from Numina.
Anyway, some of the MAGI mystics have divined that the Circle are in possession of the Book of T'Jer'imikanu.
According to Azuria, it's a very powerful spell book that contains Elder Magic. From what Azuria has said, this is the same kind of magic wielded when the Mu first fought against the people of Oranbega thousands of years ago.
Their mystics within MAGI indicated that the Circle of Thorns have it somewhere inside their magical city of Oranbega.
Mission Acceptance
Great, I knew I could count on you.
When you find the Book of T'Gerima... T'Geruni... the magic book, be really careful with it. It's the only known copy. According to MAGI It was thought to be destroyed in the Chicago fire of 1871.
Now get on over to MAGI and talk to Azuria, she'll get you where you need to go.
Teleport Assault into Oranbega
Unnecessary Solicitation
I have no idea how to get into Oranbega. Azuria over at MAGI said she could teleport you to where the MAGI diviners located the Book of T'Geronimo... The Book.
Character, with Task Force Name, correct? I'm glad you came.
I have the spell ready to send you into Oranbega.
Along with retrieving the book, you'll need to defeat the chief mages within and also destroy any obelisks you find. The obelisks...are key to the Circle empowering other magical spells that they have.
Are you ready?
- Send me into Oranbega
Find the Book of T'Jer'imikanu
Unnecessary Solicitation
+++ Missing Information +++
Mission Objective(s)
Azuria's translocation magic leaves you disoriented for a moment, but when your senses clear you find yourself in the mythical city of Oranbega, home to the Circle of Thorns.
- Find the Book of T'Jer'imikanu
- 3 Obelisks to destroy, 2 Chief Mages to defeat
You found the Book of T'Jer'imikanu!
Enemies
Notable NPCs
- Tarses (Circle of Thorns Madness Mage)
- Rollister (Circle of Thorns Madness Mage)
These blueprints are for the Paragon City Dam. You recovered them from the body of Rollister, a Circle of Thorns mage you encountered in the depths of Oranbega, but you don't know why they would want them.
The Circle Mages you encountered deep in Oranbega mentioned something called 'The Lance of Storms'.
This ancient text is written in a language you don't understand. This book, the last of its kind, was presumed lost in the Chicago fire of 1871.
Deliver the Book to Azuria Atlas Park
Unnecessary Solicitation
I believe Azuria and the mystics working at MAGI would do greater good with that book than I.
The Book of T'Jer'imikanu! You've found it! It is in superb condition... I don't know how to thank you.
What is this about a Lance of Storms? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with such a thing. Perhaps T'Jer'imikanu wrote of it. I shall look into it immediately!
As for those blue prints, I think Positron could help you decipher those schematics better than I. I'll get in touch with you if I discover anything about that lance.
Debriefing
Excellent job with fighting the Circle of Thorns, Task Force Name.
What's this? Blue prints? Interesting...
These blue prints are detailed schematics of the Faultline Dam. I wonder what the Circle of Thorns were doing with these? Hrm...Clockwork and the Circle of Thorns, both connected to Faultline in some manner...I'll look into this for you, Task Force Name. For now, we have to deal with the Vahzilok. I've made a breakthrough on that chemical you found earlier.
Check out the fake company.
The Rule of Three
Part Four: Two Percent
Briefing
It turns out that chemical from the Vahzilok is a complex bonded molecular compound with twisted valences. Very high tech stuff. I was intrigued by their ability to... oh, sorry. Alright, here's some information you can use now.
One of the chemicals in the compound was polyfluidic morscarpium. Pretty specialized. Only two distributors in the area even make it. I checked their shipments for the past couple weeks, and traced one to a company here in Steel Canyon that shouldn't exist. [yellow]
What's more is that I still can't identify that mystery two percent of the compound. Maybe you can find some answers in that distribution facility.
Mission Acceptance
The name on the lease is Dr. Morben, but I'm betting he's either dead, or working with the Vahzilok. I'd like you to arrest him or whoever is operating there now.
And Task Force Name, stay sharp, it's likely that the Vahzilok have found out about the raid on Epidural's hideout, so they might be expecting someone to come looking.
Unnecessary Solicitation
You should be checking out Dr. Morben's operation.
Mission Objective(s)
A chemical odor burns your nasal passage, but not thoroughly enough to make you immune to the stink of the Vahzilok and their walking corpses.
- Find a blood sample
- Rescue any Vahzilok victims
- Arrest whoever is in charge
You have stopped the Vahzilok operation and recovered some evidence.
Enemies
Notable NPCs
You received this blood sample from the unfortunate test subject of a Vahzilok poisoning experiment.
You overheard Doctor Buzzsaw talking to someone on the phone about 'phase 3'. You couldn't get any more answers out of Buzzsaw, but whatever the Vahzilok are up to, it sounds like it is big.
Doctor Buzzsaw mentioned that she needed someone to get her some Excelsior and then she would handle the rest. What good could possibly be done with such a potent and frightening drug?
Debriefing
Good job in bringing in Doc Buzzsaw!
Phase three...and the Faultline project? This doesn't bode well, Task Force Name.
At any rate, this blood sample is a great step forward. Hopefully I can work out a counter-agent to the Vahzilok poison before they get to phase three.
Wait, what was that about Excelsior?
Of course! Now it all makes sense! That 2% of the formula! I knew I'd seen it somewhere before. It's Excelsior! Or rather, small traces of it.
The Vahzilok must be experimenting with mixing their chemical compound with Excelsior in order to increase the success rate of grafting different tissues together. Or worse yet, grafting cybernetics to their walking corpses.
I'll have to study this blood sample and see how it has reacted with the victim's blood. Only then will I be able to figure out what the Vahzilok are aiming to do. This can't be good though if it has to do with Faultline as well.
We should see about that Clockwork lead of -
Positron's communicator goes off with an SOS signal.
Save Atlas Park!
The Rule of Three
Part Five: Reflection
Briefing
Task Force Name, we've got a serious problem! I was just contacted by Ms. Liberty. Somehow the Circle of Thorns have attacked the very heart of Atlas Park and are now on a mad rampage throughout the city!
She doesn't know how it happened but she needs help, fast!
I need you all to get down to Atlas Park and get the situation under control with Ms. Liberty! In the meantime I'm going to head to Faultline to make sure this isn't some sort of distraction by the Circle!
Mission Acceptance
Take the trolley, Task Force Name, it'll get you straight there! Once you arrive, seek out Ms. Liberty at once.
If I need your backup at the dam, I'll be sure to send you a message.
Ambush! After accepting this mission you will be ambushed by Circle of Thorns.
Unnecessary Solicitation
There's no time to waste, Task Force Name!
Mission Objective(s)
You're here... And so are the Circle of Thorns!
- Save Atlas Park!
- 4 Heroes to Rescue
- Defeat the incoming Circle of Thorns!
- Speak with Azuria
City Hall is safe, but the Circle have gotten away with the book and Azuria has been hospitalized due to the attack. You should get back to Positron to see what he has found on his end.
Enemies
Notable NPCs
- Snow Maiden
- Ranger
- Strongheart
- Dragon's Tail
- Azuria
- Tarses (Circle of Thorns Madness Mage)
- Rollister (Circle of Thorns Madness Mage)
- Shadow Simulacrum x number of players (Doppelgangers Boss)
Ambush! After rescuing the fourth hero, you spawn several ambushes upon reaching the doors of City Hall.
Rollister:
- You were foolish to steal the book from us, Azuria.
- We'll be sure to make you pay for your interference...
- And now, one final annoyance to deal with.
Shadow Simulacrum:
- Destroy the interlopers!
These shadowy doubles of you and your team were summoned by Rollister, the Circle Mage responsible for the theft of the Book of T'Jer'imikanu. If this magic were done to someone like Statesman, the devastation would be immense!
Debriefing
I heard all about what happened in Atlas Park, Task Force Name. I'm glad you were able to save Azuria and City Hall from the Circle of Thorns. The theft of the book of...of that book helps put together the last piece of the puzzle in this.
The Circle want that book to power what they call 'The Lance of Storms'. To do this, they need a large amount of electricity - something that's generated by the Faultline Dam! Looking over the blueprints you found from the Circle, that object you found from the Clockwork is actually a demolition device - set to destroy the foundations of the Faultline Dam!
City Hall may be safe, but it seems we've got an even larger problem looming on the horizon. The Clockwork, Vahzilok, and Circle of Thorns are all planning something with the Faultline Dam. If this isn't contained, one of them will succeed - or they'll all destroy each other and the dam in the process! When you're ready, come speak to me again. We have a dam to save!
Completing this mission will award characters the Rule of Three Badge.
- Hero
- You've joined the Freedom Phalanx's Task Force Program. In the process of proving yourself to Positron, you uncovered three villainous plots involving the Faultline Dam.
- Villain
- You've ditched the Freedom Phalanx's Task Force Program. You proved yourself to Positron by uncovering the Faultline Dam plots, but then turned your back on him.
Souvenir
Azuria's Thank You Card
You received a thank you card from Azuria when she was released from the hospital in Atlas Park. Reading it over, it reminds you of an experience you know as...
The Rule of Three
Positron sought out you and your team to help out with some issues around Steel Canyon. Your first investigation was into the Vahzilok. You went into one of their lairs within the sewers and arrested Epidural, one of Dr. Vahzilok's lieutenants. You found on him some odd chemicals, which Positron took to analyze.
While Positron was working on his analysis, you investigated an army of Clockwork being formed in a warehouse within Steel Canyon. You defeated an Assembler Prince named Gearteeth and found some odd parts lying around the warehouse. They weren't parts that belonged to the Clockwork, however. You also overheard the Clockwork speaking about some operation they were planning in the Faultline Dam.
You gave the parts to Positron, who had another task for you. Numina had contacted Azuria, saying that she was destined to work with your team. Your presence was requested by Azuria to recover the Book of T'Jer'imikanu from deep within Oranbega. You were able to storm Oranbega and make it out safely with the book.
Now that Azuria had her book and Numina was appeased, it was time to get back to business. Positron located another Vahzilok cell within Steel Canyon. He asked you to storm it and find out anything you could about the chemical you recovered earlier. You did so and discovered that part of the chemical was Excelsior, used mainly by the Freakshow to make it easier to graft their parts onto their bodies. Positron proposed that perhaps Dr. Vahzilok was trying to make the bodies of ALL the people in Paragon like this. But why?
Before that question could be answered, Positron received an SOS call from Ms. Liberty. The Circle of Thorns had attacked the very heart of Atlas Park! Your team went in to fight them off, saving the trapped heroes that were there as well as the heart of city hall itself. You all had fought a shadow version of your very task force as well! Unfortunately, the Circle of Thorns had made off with the Book of T'Jer'imikanu. Despite that loss, your team had single-handedly saved Atlas Park and MAGI from the Circle of Thorns. For that, you'll all always be remembered.
Like all good things though, your time for victory would be short. The Vahzilok, Clockwork, and the Circle of Thorns all had plans for Faultline's Dam, and there was only one team who could stop them - yours.
History
This section contains information about changes that took place in City of Heroes/Villains. It is provided for historical purposes.
In Issue 17, the Positron Task Force was updated and split into two task forces, like it was originally planned. The original incarnation was a single task force because the developers could not figure out how to make a contact give two task forces. This made it long, arduous, and often painful for a large number of players, and it was one of the least liked task forces in the game.