Shadowstar
Overview
| Shadowstar | |
|---|---|
 Warshade Facilitator | |
| Zone | Galaxy City |
| Coordinates | (696.5, 64, -953) |
| Level Range | 1-50 |
| Introduced By | Coyote |
| Introduces | Kip Cantorum |
| Enemy Groups | |
Shadowstar is a hero contact in the Freedom Court neighborhood of Galaxy City at coordinates (696.5, 64, -953) Shadowstar is a Science origin contact.
Introductions
Contact Introduced By
- None, Shadowstar is the initial contact for all Warshades.
New Contact(s)
There's an engineer named Kip Cantorum who knows a lot about illegal technology. You should go see him; he might have some good leads for you on the Vahzilok zombies. Kip's business is in Galaxy City.
Kip should be able to help you.
Information
Warshade Facilitator
Long before the Peacebringers arrived on Earth, Nictus who sought to change their ways passed along the legend of the Shadowstar. It was said that one of the first to turn away from the path of the Nictus found refuge in a priestess of an ancient Egyptian moon-cult, and that the two of them discovered the path of the Warshade as a way to defend themselves from the Nictus that hunted them. The stories say that this same being has survived through the millennia, passed from mother to daughter along an unbroken family line stretching back to the old kingdoms of the Nile. Nictus who sought a new life would often go in search of the Shadowstar, hoping to learn the way of the Warshade from her.
It is not known if the Warshade who calls herself Shadowstar has been inspired by this myth to help her fellow Kheldians, or if the legend is true and she is the latest in an ancient line. Either way, Shadowstar works tirelessly to help Warshades find their true path and start their new lives. Though she has no official rank or power among her fellows, many Warshades defer to her, and the wise listen to her advice.
Initial Contact
When a Nictus leaves that dark path behind, the universe itself sings with joy. I greet you on the first day of your new life.
Below Level Requirement
I have something, but I don't think you're powerful enough to handle it yet. Come back when your security level is higher, and I'll see what we can do. It is generally a good idea to check in with me about every 5 security levels or so. I may have heard of new developments in existing cases.
Store
Shadowstar sells the following items:
- Inspirations
- Level 1 Training Enhancements (100% base costs)
An Absence of Shadows (Story Arc)
Souvenir
Levels: 5 - 10
An inscribed crystal
This strangely inscribed crystal was once used by the Circle of Thorns to hold the Kheldian half of a Warshade they abducted in the case called:
An Absence of Shadows
At the behest of Shadowstar, you set out to search for a fellow Warshade named Shadowcatcher who had gone missing while trying to foil a kidnapping by the Outcasts. You rescued the kidnapping victim, a man called Henry Meyers, who told you that Shadowcatcher had been struck down with bright beams of light from unknown attackers. This testimony seemed to implicate the Peacebringers.
With this information, you confronted Sunstorm, the leader of the Peacebringers. He denied any Peacebringer involvement, and told you that the Outcasts had kidnapped Henry Meyers on behalf of someone else. You defeated the Outcast boss Broken Claw, who told you that the Outcasts had been hired to kidnap Henry Meyers again to set up another Warshade for capture.
You walked into the old warehouse knowing that it was a trap, and discovered the truth: Henry Meyers was actually an acolyte of the Circle of Thorns! You defeated him, and found the location where more Circle acolytes waited to trade the Outcasts mystic artifacts for a captured Warshade.
You found many things in the caverns where the Circle of Thorns waited with the Outcasts' payment for helping to capture Warshades, but the most important was that the Circle's plan was to study captive Kheldians to improve their own possession techniques. They had picked the Warshades figuring that no one would miss them. The one thing you didn't find was a clue to Shadowcatcher's location. Things looked grim.
Sunstorm asked to speak with you again, you assumed to demand an apology now that the real abductors had been found. In fact, one of Sunstorm's contacts had seen the circle with someone who looked like Shadowcatcher. You checked it out, and managed to rescue Lars Mendelson, the human part of Shadowcatcher. The Circle had separated him from Altered Umbra, the Kheldian half of Shadowcatcher, and now holds it in the lost city of Oranbega.
You stormed the ruins of the Circle's lost city, defeating the researcher in charge of their Kheldian project and rescued Altered Umbra, the Kheldian half of Shadowcatcher.
Rescue Henry Meyers
An Absence of Shadows
Part: One
I have a very important matter that needs investigation, and I would like to ask you to attend to this grave mission. Recently, one of our fellow Warshades called Shadowcatcher has disappeared while investigating a routine kidnapping by the Outcasts. He has not been seen in any of the city hospitals, and none of the Freedom Phalanx I have spoken with have seen him during the course of their duties. It is as if he has disappeared from the city. I worry that something terrible has befallen him, and so I would like to ask you to find our missing comrade, and bring him back safely through whatever troubles have come of him.
I thank you. You do us great credit by your bravery. You should begin your investigation by completing the mission Shadowcatcher was on. The Outcasts have kidnapped a local businessman named Henry Meyers. Defeat all of the kidnappers, rescue Mr. Meyers, and see if he knows what may have become of Shadowcatcher.
Mission Objective(s)
missing entrance text
- Defeat all Outcast kidnappers
- Rescue Henry Meyers
missing completion text
After you rescued Henry Meyers, he told you:
'Yeah, I saw your friend Shadowcatcher. He was just about to reach me, when they attacked from nowhere! There were all these bright beams of light, and I heard Shadowcatcher fall. When my sight came back, Shadowcatcher was gone. By then, the Outcasts had recovered and I was trapped again.'
An ambush? Shadowcatcher cut down by blinding flashes of light? I can think of only one explanation, but it is impossible. Sunstorm gave his word. He promised me that this would not occur. He promised that our truce would hold. We will have to see if he is keeping his assurance that we would not be attacked by Peacebringers, despite our Nictus histories. This is not over. This has barely begun.
Confront Sunstorm
An Absence of Shadows
Part: Two
If there is any truth to Henry Meyer's story, then the Peacebringers are the ones responsible for Shadowcatcher's disappearance. When the Peacebringers arrived, I had feared that they would see no difference between us and the Nictus, eradicating us despite the fact that we have turned away from the spiral of destruction. But Sunstorm, their leader, was willing to believe in us. He promised that he would control the more zealous of the Peacebringers. Now, we must know if he was telling the truth. You must confront Sunstorm, and tell him what we have learned.
I am not entirely certain which would be worse. If Sunstorm has gone back on his word, or if he cannot control the more zealous Peacebringers in his command. We will soon know if we are faced with an open war or a hidden assassin. I council you to be careful. Be careful, and hope that we are wrong.
Mission Objective(s)
- Confront Sunstorm
This is a grave accusation, and I would like to thank you for bringing it to me. Before we came to Earth, it would have been a likely scenario. When I was just the Kheldian Perihelion, I sought the destruction of all Nictus without reservation or regret. Thinking back, I probably slew some who were trying to change their path like you Warshades have. But I am both Perihelion and Officer Benjamin Carter now, and because of that, I regret my earlier lack of forgiveness.
There are still zealots in our ranks, but I know them, and I can control them. I can assure you that no Peacebringer was involved in the disappearance of Shadowcatcher. However, I may still be able to help you. Benjamin Carter still has friends on the police force, and they've heard that an Outcast boss called Broken Storm ordered that kidnapping, but that he was doing it for someone else.
I never met Shadowcatcher, but I have heard good things about him. I hope you find him alive.
Mission Objective(s)
missing entrance text
- Defeat Broken Storm
- Defeat Broken Storm & guards
missing completion text
After his defeat, the outcast leader Broken Storm told you:
'It's just as well. I don't like this kind of work for hire stuff. We were being paid to set up those kidnappings. We were instructed to take Henry Meyers specifically, to make sure that word of his abduction was relayed to Shadowstar through her contacts, and to wait for a Warshade to come. I do not know why this was set up, or who wanted it done. But if you want to find out, I do know that we were paid to take Mr. Meyers again, and to follow the same plan. I'll even make it easy for all of us, and tell you where to go.'
This is a grave accusation, and I would like to thank you for bringing This becomes stranger. Who could be paying the Outcasts? Why would they want to target us? And what makes poor Henry Meyer so important? We are left with many questions, and the only answers will come by walking into the Outcasts' trap.
Spring Outcast Trap
An Absence of Shadows
Part: Three
Through your diligent efforts, we are now closer to learning what has become of Shadowcatcher, and who is employing the Outcasts. Unfortunately, the only way to find out is to spring the Outcasts' trap, and attempt to rescue Henry Meyers again.
It is certain that the Outcasts or whoever are employing them are preparing some vicious surprise to use against you, so I advice you to take care. I do not want you to disappear like Shadowcatcher has.
Mission Objective(s)
missing entrance text
- Spring the Trap
- Find Henry Meyers
missing completion text
You found this small scroll on the Circle of Thorns mage who called himself 'Henry Meyers' after you defeated him. It details the location where the Outcasts are to receive their payment for helping to set up the abduction of 'Henry Meyers' and help in capturing Warshades.
It is unbelievable, but now that we know the truth it makes sense. We assumed that Henry Meyers was a credible innocent caught up in this plan, when in fact he was a part of it. He lied to you when you rescued him to put you on the wrong track and help to distance us from the Peacebringers. Through your brave efforts, Mr. Meyers' deception has failed, but this is far from over.
Find Information about Shadowcatcher
An Absence of Shadows
Part: Four
The scroll you found on the Circle sorcerer who called himself 'Henry Meyers' tells us where the Circle are waiting to pay off the Outcasts for their assistance. It seems too much to hope that we might find Shadowcatcher there, but there may be answers, or a clue to his location. It is also the only lead we have. Therefore, you must go to the caverns where the Circle awaits, and battle them for what information you can find.
You must search for information, but you must also make certain to defeat all of the Circle's mystics and creatures lurking in those caverns. If there is any information about Shadowcatcher's location or the motives for his abduction, we must not let the Circle know that we know, lest they obscure his location any more.
Mission Objective(s)
missing entrance text
- Defeat all Circle in Caves
- 2 pieces of information to find
missing completion text
These large, barbed thorns look like they were cut from some giant demonic rose. Each is wrapped in silk and covered in strange magical writing, and feels warm to the touch. They are almost certainly of magical origin.
These must be what the Circle were planning to pay the Outcasts with. They'd be sure to fetch a good price with the artifact-trading Warriors of Talos Island, and help cement their allience with the Outcasts.
These notes appear to be part of a larger work in progress, titled 'On the attributes of Kheldian possession techniques. It describes several theories about how the merger between Peacebringers, Warshades, Nictus, and humans all work. The aim of the work seems to be comparing them to other techniques of possession known to the Circle of Thorns in order to improve their own abilities.
Of the three Kheldian groups, the Circle has decided to target the Warshades. They cite the fact that Warshades have neither the support structure nor the allies of the Peacebringers and the Nictus, making them easier targets.
These notes you discovered are more vile than words can say! The Circle of Thorns wants to study us to improve their own techniques of possession? That alone is abhorrent, but that they seek to study us Warshades, the very ones who have turned our backs on the vile forced possessions of the Nictus compounds this horror. I weep to think of what Shadowcatcher has already been exposed to.
However, there is not much more we can do yet. We are out of leads now, and the Circle is unlikely to give us the clues we need. There must be a way, but I cannot see it yet.
Rescue Lars Mendelson
An Absence of Shadows
Part: Five
Sunstorm, the leader of the Peacebringers, has asked to speak with you. I don't know why, but it will likely be to demand an apology from both you and I for the accusations brought against him and his Peacebringers.
If that is his request, it is a fair one. Do not let it give rise to anger. As the Circle rightly realized, we Warshades have few allies, and we cannot afford to make new foes.
Mission Objective(s)
- Speak with Sunstorm
I thank you for coming to see me. I know that relations between Peacebringers and Warshades are not always easy, but I am glad that we can speak.
I have a number of friends within the Paragon Police who give me information. One of them recently spotted several suspected Circle of Thorns Acolytes escorting a man to a private section of seaside parkland. The person they were escorting matches the description of Lars Mendelson, the human half of your missing Warshade Shadowcatcher. I'll give you all that I know. It may be a lead to help find your missing man.
And you can tell Shadowstar that I wouldn't ask her for an apology. Before we were Sunstorm, Benjamin Carter was a cop, remember? It was a logical accusation to make. I can't blame you for that.
Mission Objective(s)
missing entrance text
- Rescue Lars, stop ceremonies
- Find Lars Mendelson, 4 rituals to stop
missing completion text
Lars Mendelson, the human part of the Warshade Shadowcatcher told you a harrowing tale after you rescued him from the Circle of Thorns:
'They caught me and took me to some city underground. They used their magic, and they pulled us apaprt. They pulled Altered Umbra out of Lars Mendelson, and trapped it in a crystal. The Kheldian is gone, and so is part of me. I can still feel Altered Umbra, my Kheldian half, out there somewhere. The rituals they're doing here will sever that connection forever. You've got to stop them! And you've got to rescue Altered Umbra! I know where he is. I wish I could help you, but I'm... I'm not Shadowcatcher anymore. I'm not sure I'm even Lars Mendelson.'
When Shadowcatcher went missing, I never imagined it would lead us to something like this. Lars will receive expert care. What has happened to him is horrible, but it can still be mended. If we can reunite him with Altered Umbra, then human and Kheldian can merge again, and heal as Shadowcatcher. From the description of the Circle's intentions, the only even that is possible is your determined work.
I must send my thanks to Sunstorm, and my apologies as well for having so little faith in him.
Rescue Altered Umbra
An Absence of Shadows
Part: Six
Lars Mendelson thinks he knows where the Circle is holding the crystal with Altered Umbra in it. He's recovered enough that he's been able to provide enough detail to mount a rescue. Unfortunately, it is within the depths of a ruined sunken city, a place called Oranbega where the Circle of Thorns are strong. You have rescued half of Shadowcatcher. Now the time has come to finish this and save Altered Umbra as well.
You must rescue Altered Umbra, but Lars also told us about the Circle researcher called Aeoch who was leading their project. You must defeat him as well to prevent the Circle from learning any more about our people to use in their own sick schemes.
Mission Objective(s)
missing entrance text
- Defeat Aeoch and researchers
- Find Altered Umbra
missing completion text
This inscribed crystal has a single point of light deep within its perfectly carved surface. When you touch it, you feel the presence of the Kheldian Altered Umbra trapped within, full of nervousness and anxiety. You summon to mind the knowledge that Lars is safe and that the two will be reunited soon, and feel Altered Umbra calm down.
You have performed admirably. I have spoken with MAGI, and they believe that they can free Altered Umbra from the crystal. Soon he and Lars Mendelson will reunite and be reformed as Shadowcatcher. The Circle's plans have been defeated, and I have organized some extra raids against the Outcasts to dissuade them from participating in this sort of mercenary work again.
We Warshades have already risked much, and have made many enemies. However, I do not despair at that though. For when I see new Warshades like you rising among us, I know that any challenge will be faced and overcome.
Warshades and Peace (Story Arc)
Souvenir
Levels: 10 - 15
A copy of [email protected]
You kept a copy of the computer disk that saved the lives of many Peacebringers and helped to bring the Peacebringers and Warshades together during a case you called:
Warshades and Peace
It all started when a very upset Shadowstar told you about a young reporter named Lillian Issan who had been investigating the Void Hunters. Miss Issan had gone missing while investigating the connection between the Void Hunters and the Trolls. You pressed the Trolls for information, and they told you that all gangs in the city had been offered a reward for her capture by the Council! They also said that the Outcasts had beaten them to her capture. Some defeated Outcasts confirmed it, and told you that a Lead Shocker named Broken Storm would be making the trade soon.
You struck the Outcast hideout and defeated Broken Storm, but the Outcasts had already traded Lillian to the Council. Then Shadowstar revealed the shocking truth: Lillian Issan was her daughter, and the next in line to become Shadowstar. The Council, however, didn't seem to know this fact.
You rescued Lillian from the Council and defeated her captors, but she told you some disturbing information: It seems that the Council had gathered a list of the secret identities of all the Peacebringers in the city. Several Peacebringer had already been marked as "Test Cases", no doubt for assassination.
You warned the Peacebringer coordinator Sunstorm about the threat to his people. He asked for your help to get the word out to the Peacebringers in the most danger. You went to warn a Peacebringer named Freeflight, but were too late. The Council had already cut her down.
Working together, a plan was developed to infiltrate the Council's database and confuse their records. The only thing missing was some vital codes to gain access to the Council's computer system. You captured a Council technician, solving that problem.
You infiltrated a Council computer base and introduced a subtle program into their systems, scrambling their list of known Peacebringers. Goodwill between Warshades and Peacebringers is at an all time high due to your selfless actions.
Shadowstar asked you to speak with her again when you were around Security level 15. She felt that there would be more to come, but wanted you to be strong enough to handle it.
Pry information about Lillian Issan from the Trolls
Warshades and Peace
Part: One
There is something I must talk to you about. Someone, a reporter, has gone missing. Her name is Lillian Issan, and I am very concerned for her health. She was investigating the Void Hunters by looking into their connection with other groups. When she disappeared, she was investigating the Trolls. They might know what happened to her. I would like you to force any information they have from them. You should be able to find them in Skyway City.
I am very worried about Miss Issan. I ask you to be quick in your search, and I hope that you can find what happened to her.
Mission Objective(s)
- Defeat 15 Trolls
missing completion text
After you defeated them, one of the Trolls was all too willing to talk:
"It not be us! It wuz da Outcasts! All gangs heard Council wanted girl captured, pay big reward! Money, free mercs, and quantie guns. But Outcasts got her before us. Now they gonna get reward."
From the sound of things, Miss Issan may be in more trouble than you suspected. The Outcasts may know more. You can find some to interrogate in Steel Canyon.
Mission Objective(s)
- Defeat 15 Outcasts
missing completion text
One of the Outcasts you defeated tried to taunt you, but gave away the information you needed.
"Yeah, we got that reporter. The Council is offering a big reward for her alive. With what they're willing to pay for her, we didn't ask why. Broken Storm is gonna make the trade real soon, now. Then we'll have all the mercs and quantum guns we need to take care of you alien freaks!"
So, Broken Storm has Lillian. No doubt he seeks revenge for the last time his schemes were foiled by a Warshade. I thank you, though I will soon need to ask a great favor of you once more.
Oh, Lillian, what did you get yourself into?
Rescue Lillian Issan from the Outcasts
Warshades and Peace
Part: Two
The reporter Lillian Issan is still being held by the Outcasts. They plan to cash the bounty on her head to the Council, and take their payment in quantum guns and mercenaries. I know that I have already asked much of you, but I must now ask even more. I must ask you to rescue Lillian from the Outcasts before the Council take her.
The Outcast leader, Broken Storm, has crossed paths with we Warshades before. He will no doubt be looking forward for a chance to revenge. Remember, however, that your goal is to find Lillian, or to find out what has become of her.
Mission Objective(s)
This place used to be a commodities broker. Now a much grimmer kind of deal is about to occur here.
- Locate Lillian Issan
missing completion text
You recovered this contract for the bounty on Lillian Issan's kidnapping from the Outcast leader Broken Storm after you defeated him. It says that Miss Issan is wanted for prying into Council operations and spying on Void Hunter activity, and places a sizable bounty in quantum weapons and free use of Void Hunter mercenaries in exchange for her capture.
After you defeated them, you were able to persuade one of the Council troops to tell you what you wanted to know:
"The reporter made herself a target. She saw something she shouldn't have while she was prying into our business. It was our mistake that we never figured Issan would have friends like... you. It doesn't matter. The deal is done, and she's already enjoying our hospitality. Archon Conway has her now, and you'll never see her again!"
They already have her? They must not know who she is, or else Arakhn would have contacted me to gloat. This Archon Conway must not know the truth. You have my thanks for even going this far, but I will have to ask you for more help. I cannot make a move to save Lillian Issan from the Council myself lest I give away her secret and put her in further danger. You see, Lillian Issan is my daughter, and the next in line to become Shadowstar.
Rescue Lillian Issan from the Council
Warshades and Peace
Part: Three
My daughter, Lillian Issan, has been taken captive by the Council. She was investigating the Void Hunters, and the Council took notice. Fortunately, it seems that they do not know that Lillian is my daughter, and this gives us a chance to rescue her. I cannot act myself, or they might suspect her connection with me, and she would never be safe again. So I must again ask for your help. I must ask you to rescue my daughter from the Council.
From the Council agents you captured, we were able to learn where Lillian is being kept, and the name of that base's leader. Rescuing Lillian is my top priority, but you'll also need to make sure that nothing that could prove her true identity remains behind. To do that, you'll also need to access their computer systems, and defeat the base leader, Archon Conway.
Mission Objective(s)
missing entrance text
- Access computer network
- Find Lillian Issan
missing completion text
You found a link to this file attached to an email on a Council computer. It's a complete list of every Peacebringer in Paragon City. Along with their name and power level, it also lists their human identity. With this information in the Council's hands, no Peacebringer in Paragon City is safe.
Several Peacebringers have been singled out as "Test Scenarios". Whatever that means, it can't be good.
Lillian Issan had some important information for you once you rescued her from the Council:
"The rescue was right on time, but the danger I was in was a small price for what I found out. I was investigating the Void Hunters when I found out that they're being mobilized for a major operation. I found out that the Council got a list of all the Peacebringers from a group of renegades they were working with. They're going to hunt them down in their civilian identities! It'll be mass murder! We'll have to warn them, but I just don't know how to stop it"
My daughter is safe, thanks to you, and for that I am forever in your debt. However, what she found out is disturbing indeed. The Council now knows the identity of every Peacebringer in the city, and plans to target them. If the Peacebringers fall, we will soon follow. But how to stop them?
Take the information to Sunstorm
Warshades and Peace
Part: Four
The information my daughter uncovered is important beyond words. If the Council knows the true identities of all the Peacebringers, they are certain to draw plans against them. Sunstorm must be given this information at once.
Sunstorm and his Peacebringers have been very fair to us. We should do our best to assist them in this crisis. Not to mention that if the Council should eliminate them, our own prospects become much more dire.
Mission Objective(s)
- Take information to Sunstorm
Thank you for bringing this to us. Let me see the list.
This is bad. They're actually missing some of our newer Peacebringers, but this is still too much information. We had several Peacebringers go renegade and side with the Council recently. They planned to start a war between us and the Warshades. We put a stop to that, but it looks like they got more than we thought from the rogues. This list would fit what they would have known.
This section of "Test Scenarios" is really troubling. They're probably targets for test assassinations. I can pull in everyone at risk, but some of them are in the field, and I don't know if we have enough people. I'm going to need your help. Could you warn one of the at-risk Peacebringers? Her name is Freeflight, and she's investigating the Vahzilok. According to the list, she's one of the prime test targets.
Mission Objective(s)
missing entrance text
- Find hostage
- Find Freeflight
missing completion text
When you went to try and warn Freeflight, you were too late. Freeflight was killed by what appears to be Nictus powers.
Do not feel that Freeflight's death was your fault. Many more would have died without your work, and my daughter would be at the mercy of the Council. I have been speaking to Sunstorm, and we have been developing a plan to handle this situation. We will likely need to call on you again to help implement it.
Help confound the Council
Warshades and Peace
Part: Five
I have been speaking with Sunstorm, and we've developed a plan to counter the Council's list of known Peacebringers. The problem is that none of his Peacebringers will be able to carry it out. They're all either too well known to the Council, or not powerful enough to accomplish the task. Therefore, I am asking you for your help to confound the Council.
The plan is in two parts. First, we need you to capture a specific Council computer engineer, a man named Ernie Stover. He's currently examining a potential site for a new Council base beyond Boomtown. Stover has access to the Council database, and can provide us with the access we'll need for the next part of the plan. Take the train to the area where he is, and search for him there.
Mission Objective(s)
missing entrance text
- Capture Lt. Ernie Stover
missing completion text
With Ernie Stover in custody, we should be able to get access to the Council's database until they can change their encryption codes. It will be a short window of opportunity, but that should still be enough time. Tell me when you're ready and we shall put an end to the Council's murderous plans.
Infiltrate a Council base and run the program
Warshades and Peace
Part: Six
Excellent work again on the capture of Lt. Stover. He has been most cooperative in exchange for a reduced prison sentence. Using his information and the hard work of SERAPH's computer scientists, we are now ready. We need you to infiltrate a Council computer center and run the program we've created on their database server. It will infiltrate their network, and radically alter their list of Peacebringers. Hundreds of superheroes, policemen and city workers have volunteered to be placed on the list. The Council will know that the list was altered, but with so many false matches, they won't know who to target. All we need is a brave Warshade to go in and run the program.
In addition to running the program on the database server, you'll also need to destroy several back-up computers that contain copies of the database, and are not on the Council's network. There should be 4 of those. When all of that is done, the threat will be over.
This disk contains a powerful program designed to over-write certain sections of the Council's database, messing up their list of Peacebringers.
Mission Objective(s)
missing entrance text
- Modify Computer
- 4 back-ups to destroy
missing completion text
It's done. The Council's plans are in disarray. Communication between Warshades and Peacebringers is at an all-time high, and my daughter is safe, at least until she finds some new way to get herself into trouble. You have performed admirably, and I am in your debt. There will be much that will come out of this incident. I have spoken with Sunstorm, and we agree that the dangers facing us must be met together. Any remaining enmities between our groups must end. From this point forward, we shall battle together. You will still get missions from me, but both Warshades and Peacebringers will work towards common ends from this day forward.
Still, the danger has not passed, and I sense that we will face greater threats soon. Speak with me again when you are strong enough, probably when you are around security level 15. There will no doubt be more battles for you then.
Shadow Science (Story Arc)
Souvenir
Levels: 15 - 20
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 it's 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
Briefing
The Council has begun alarge-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.
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.
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
Notable NPCs
- Joshua Lucietto (NPC Hostage)
Thank you, thank you. All that I've been through. All that I've seen. You've got to know!
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 doesen'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. 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
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'd might like to lead the operation.
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.
Mission Objective(s)
- Rescue the captives
You rescued the captives, and discovered some disturbing information
Enemies
Notable NPCs
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 travelling between worlds, they'd force them into us because we were too weak to force them out until they could get strong again."
One of the captives you rescued told you:
"Those things, those Nictus, they jump inside youand 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."
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."
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 judgement, 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. Nictus can't force a permanent possession on somenone, 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
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.
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.
Mission Objective(s)
- Search base for information
- X Clues to find
You found some important information in the base, especially that Requiem is also investigating Arakhn's experiments
Enemies
Notable NPCs
- Penumbra Archon (Boss)
You recovered this pass card from a slime monster. It's covered in a sticky gelatinous ooze.
You found this pass-card on a Vahzilok. You really don't want to know what it's spattered with.
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.
These orders have been type-written on Requiem's personal letterhead:
"Search this place from top to bottom for any remeining 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 usto lend it to Arakhn. It was tunneled by Vandal's machines, stocked to Nosferatu's orders and protected by our brave soldiers.
Still, excerise caution. Arakhn has the Center's ear, and unlik 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."
You found this computer report on a dis-used mainframe. Skimming over it, you see:
"A Nictus that has been starved off life energy for long enough or that has sustained enough damage in it 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 disspipate. 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 an 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 monstruous, 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 gleam from the information you found. It might help lead us to more captives, and deeper into Arakhn's research.
Strike the Council research base
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.
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.
Mission Objective(s)
- Raid Council base
- Defeat Archon Tanner
Enemies
Notable NPCs
This memo is written on Council letterhead. It warns:
"To: Archon Tanner
RE: RequiemTanner, 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 acceptit. He still resents losing his little kingdom."
-Arakhn"
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 labelled "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 records 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
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. It is the perfect chance to capture the Council's research, and I thought you might like to spearhead the operation.
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 they cannot warn their allies that we know their plans. You'll have to be thorough, but I know you can handle it.
Mission Objective(s)
- Defeat all foes in tunnels
- X pieces of information to find
You captured the Council's data before they could take it off-shore
Enemies
Notable NPCs
- Ogre (Boss)
- Penumbra Archon (Boss)
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.
This report gives a brief overview of how normal Nictus Fragments can be used. A "Galaxy" soldier can br 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.
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 equipint 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.
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 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
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.
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, youmust also defeat the base' scommander, and make certain that their records are destroyed.
Mission Objective(s)
- Defeat Archon Douglas and his men
You rescued the last people being held by the Council for experimentation
Enemies
Notable NPCs
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 off you my thanks.
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 olf 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 Security Level 20. We should be able to pick up the investigation then.
Template:Story Arc Common Winslowe and the Cosmotron
Template:Story Arc Common Fear and Loathing on Striga Isle
Template:Story Arc Common Scary Monsters
Side Missions
Start on the path of a Warshade
Are you feeling dizzy? Disoriented? That's to be expected. The first true merger is difficult both for the host and the Kheldian. And now that you've experienced a true merger, that's what you are now. By accepting an equal merger instead of a hostile possession, you are a Nictus no more. I will not ask you what you did in times before when you were one of the Nicuts. Now that you've turned from that path, a new life is before you. A life where you can do great good and protect the people of this world instead of preying on them.
I am called Shadowstar, and I help out our people who have turned away from the path of the Nictus. I pay close attention to many things, and should be able to find much for you to do. I know that you are eager to begin your new life, so let us start you on your new path.
Since you've only recently joined us as a Warshade, this presents us with some unique opportunities. The Council has recently changed their encryption codes, making their communications unreadable without extreme effort. However, I know of two bases where parts of their cypher are being kept. Since you're new to our ranks, it is unlikely that the Council knows much about you, and so you may be able to recover the codes before they even know you're after them and can erase them. You'll also need to defeat the commander of both bases in order to keep this secret.
Mission Objective(s)
missing entrance text
- Defeat Lt. Norman & crew
- Find Encryption cypher
missing completion text
Enemies
Notable NPCs
- Lt. Norman (Council Nebula Buckshot, Lieutenant)
Wait a moment! You're not a Nictus! You're a Warshade!
This disk contains a test sample of the Council's new encryption code. This, combined with the decryption codes could help to crack the Council's new cypher.
Mission Objective(s)
missing entrance text
- Defeat Lt. Saxon & crew
- Find Decryption cypher
missing completion text
This disk contains a test sample of the Council's new decryption code. This, combined with the encryption codes could help to crack the Council's new cypher.
These new codes will help greatly. I'll make certain that the proper people receiving them, and that you get due credit for your bravery. It's no secret that we have many foes, and many potential allies who will find it difficult to trust us. Though we've severed our ties to the Nictus and now oppose them, it will take time for others to believe that we have changed. You face a long battle ahead of you, but you've already won the greatest battle by turning to a new path. The path of a hero.
I remember when you came to us, you were so confused and uncertain. Now when I look in your eyes that uncertainty is gone. In it's place is a growing confidence that will see you through many dark days ahead. I will be glad to help you with anything you need.
Clear Clockwork Base
I've got a good lead on what might be the Clockwork's base of operations in Galaxy City. If we can shut it down completely, we may manage to derail their production for a short time. That means fewer robots, fewer attacks, and a lot less work for you! Will you clear out the Clockwork base? I know you can get the job done.
If you can find out anything about the Clockwork's future plans, I'd appreciate it.
Mission Objective(s)
missing entrance text
- Defeat all robots in warehouse
- Find clue to Clockwork plans
missing completion text
You found these human bones in a Clockwork base. Many of the bones are broken, and the skull has been sawed in two.
I wonder: could these bones be the remains of the Clockwork King himself? I guess you've seen those pictures of the King that Maggie Greene published in the Paragon Times. A human brain, housed in a massive robot body. I wonder what could have driven him to such an act!
Rescue Mensa Member
I have an unconfirmed report of Clockwork invading a Mensa meeting. I'll bet the Clockwork King wants to force those intellectuals to help him with his mad designs. Will you rescue the Mensa members from the Clockwork? There's no telling what the King might do to them if they won't cooperate.
According to reports, the Clockwork are being led by an especially strong robot called Hinge. It'll be even more dangerous than the rest.
Mission Objective(s)
missing entrance text
- Defeat Hing and its guards
- 3 Mensa members to rescue
missing completion text
So, the Clockwork King wanted the Mensa members to keep him company? He must have thought those intellectuals would be a fitting court for a brilliant engineer such as himself! I guess the King must be pretty lonely, with nobody but robots for company. Actually, I kind of feel sorry for him.
Learn about Fallen Heroes
I think you need to learn about the fallen heroes of Paragon City. It's just a little reading, but it might give you some perspective.
This city zone is named after a hero called Galaxy Girl. Go read the plaque under her statue. She was really a remarkable woman.
Mission Objective(s)
missing entrance text
- Read Galaxy Girl's plaque
missing completion text
I know that you're new to this hero gig, so it's important to remember that you're not fighting alone. The people of the city know and remember all of those who have fought for them.
Template:Mission Common Find the Council's ciphers Template:Mission Common Talk to Maurice Feldon