Freedom Phalanx
Overview
The Freedom Phalanx is a signature hero group led by Statesman.
History
The Freedom Phalanx was founded on July 4, 1932. The founding members included (in order of their appearances in Paragon City) Statesman, The Dark Watcher, Elementar, the team known as Vambrace and Maiden Justice. The name was suggested by James St. John-Smythe (the tech and wheel-chair bound member of the two man team Vambrace) and was quickly ratified by the others.
The group faced its first official combat on the date of Monday, July 11, 1932. This date is otherwise known as "Brass Monday".
In the 1930s, the Statesman became one of the first established heroes in Paragon City. Inspired by his example, other heroes soon emerged as well, including the Dark Watcher, the Dream Doctor, and Maiden Justice. Although each individual hero made some headway against Paragon City's criminal element, they also faced increasingly more dangerous and organized villains. The Statesman soon recognized the need to rally the other heroes into a coordinated fighting force.
In the spring of 1931, the Statesman gathered Paragon City's other heroes in his downtown apartment. There he issued his fellow heroes a challenge: to make a difference, not only on the streets and in the city, but also around the world. Thus was formed the first worldwide hero organization; dedicated to fighting evil, injustice and tyranny wherever they might hide.
The Statesman, inspired by the shoulder-to-shoulder discipline showed by ancient Greek soldiers in the face of Persian tyranny, called his new team of heroes the Freedom Phalanx. Throughout the 1930's the Phalanx fought the good fight and cleaned up Paragon City. The city council and mayoral elections of 1936 swept a platform of pro-hero candidates that resulted in the passage of the Citizen Crime Fighting Act of 1937. This law made it legal for vigilantes to bring criminals to justice as long as they followed the same restrictions police officers used. Thus in the space of just five years, the Freedom Phalanx went from an ad hoc band of would-be heroes to a legally recognized, nationally praised crime fighting organization.
Despite any public or political pressure, the Freedom Phalanx continues to battle any threat to humankind and remains "the world’s premiere independent hero organization." They still make it a firm policy to have no official ties to any government or law enforcement institution. They are one of the most open organizations in existence, allowing any would-be hero to volunteer for service with the esteemed group. Unlike other groups, the Freedom Phalanx is entirely open about everything, from its membership to its funding and current activities. This frankness carries through on down to the lowest levels, where even beginning heroes must reveal their true identities and pasts to the organization and the world. Statesman takes great pride in these "sunshine policies", saying they go a long way towards inspiring confidence in the Freedom Phalanx’s personnel and motives.[Citation needed]
Architect Entertainment Description
Founded by Statesman and other heroes in 1932, the premiere hero team in Paragon City is hated and feared by villains all over the world and beyond. If you find yourself up against a member of the Freedom Phalanx, you've hit the big time.
Members
Current Members
Former Members
- Maiden Justice (co-founder, deceased)
- The Dark Watcher (co-founder)
- Elementar (co-founder)
- Team Vambrace (co-founders)
- Queen Comet
- Wavelength (retired)
- Luminary I (retired)
- Star Strider (presumed deceased)
- Dr. Brian Webb (deceased)
- Dream Doctor (presumed deceased, resurfaced years later to fight Mot)
- Statesman (co-founder, leader, deceased)
- Sister Psyche (deceased)
- Aerofoil
- Johnny Moniker
- Arquebus
Other
- Back Alley Brawler
- Back Alley Brawler is a member of the Regulators, but is commonly included in content regarding the Freedom Phalanx.
Enemy types
Heroes
Back Alley Brawler
Main Article: Back Alley Brawler
One of the most veteran heroes in Paragon City, the Brawler is in semi-retirement, training the next generation of heroes. Though he rarely goes into the field these days, his power and fighting skills are still as potent as ever.
NOTE: Despite being a member of the Surviving Eight, Back Alley Brawler is not actually a member of the Freedom Phalanx, according to lore. However, due to developer mishandling, he often shows up in content that generalizes the heroes as "members of the Freedom Phalanx". Back Alley Brawler is actually the founding member of the Regulators.
Powers:
Jab Melee, Minor Damage (Smash), Foe Disorient
Punch Melee, Moderate Damage (Smash), Foe Knockback
Hand Clap Point Blank Area of Effect, Smash, Foe Disorient, Knockback
Knockout Blow Melee, Extreme Damage (Smash), Foe Hold
Hurl Ranged, Moderate Damage (Smash), Foe Knockback
Foot Stomp Point Blank Area of Effect Melee, Moderate Damage (Smash), Foe Knockback
Bone Smasher Melee, High Damage (Smash/Energy), Foe Disorient
Total Focus Melee, Extreme Damage (Smash/Energy), Foe Disorient
Back Alley Power Punch Melee, Point Blank Area of Effect, High Damage (Smash/Energy), Foe Knockback
Assault Toggle, Point Blank Area of Effect, Ally +Damage +Resistance: Placate, Taunt
Temp Invulnerability Toggle, Self +Resistances (Smash, Lethal)
Unyielding Toggle, Self +Resistance (Disorient, Hold, Sleep, Slow, Knockback)
Citadel
Main Article: Citadel
Citadel was the first android hero. In the initial Rikti onslaught, he took heavy damage and was almost destroyed. With Positron’s help, scientists at D.A.T.A. created a second version of Citadel using the old model’s original memory core and the remnants of a power suit, once worn by the hero Horatio. Citadel does not fully understand human ways, but he is a valiant defender of Paragon City. He has recently undergone a major upgrade to his systems.
Powers
Barrage Melee, minor damage(Smash/Energy), Foe: Disorient
Energy Punch Melee, moderate damage(Smash/Energy), Foe:Disorient
Bone Smasher Melee, high damage(Smash/Energy), Foe: Disorient
Whirling Hands Point Blank Area of Effect Melee, Moderate damage(Smash/Energy)
Energy Transfer Melee, Extreme Damage (Energy/Smash), Foe: Disorient, Self: -Health
Power Burst Close, High Damage(Energy/Smash), Foe: Knockback
Explosive Blast Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), Moderate Damage(Smash/Energy), Foe: Knockback
Energy Torrent Ranged (Cone), Moderate Damage(Energy/Smash), Foe: Knockback
Overload Self +Defense(all but Psionics), +Recovery, +Max Health, +Resistance(Defense Debuff), +Special
Nova Point Blank Area of Effect, Extreme Damage(Energy/Smash), Foe: Knockback, Self: -Recovery
Entropy Shield Self +Resistance(Knockback, Repel, Disorient, Hold, Sleep, Immobilize, Teleport, Defense Debuff)
Resistance Protection against Stun, Hold, Fear, Confuse, Knockback (high),
Resistance to all debuffs (high)
Flight Self: Fly
Manticore
Main Article: Manticore
Justin Sinclair was raised in a huge mansion in the outskirts of Paragon City by his English nanny, Virginia Bowman. The sole beneficiary of a huge trust fund, Manticore received training in all manner of mental and physical pursuits, but excelled in archery. when he turned 18, Miss Bowman revealed to him his true heritage. Manticore's father had once been a costumed vigilante in England, until he and his wife died at the hands of a German villain called Protean. Deeply affected by the story, Manticore took up his father's mantle and vowed to bring the 5th Column down.
Powers
Fistful of Arrows Ranged (Cone),
Moderate damage (Lethal)
Blazing Arrow Ranged, high damage
(Lethal), Minor Damage over Time (Fire)
Explosive Arrow Ranged (Targeted
Area of Effect), Moderate damage
(Lethal/Smash), Knockback
Stunning Shot Ranged Disorient,
Minor Damage (Smashing)
Rain of Arrows Ranged (location AoE),
extreme DoT (Lethal)
Entangling Arrow Ranged, Target: Immobilize, -Fly
Ice Arrow Ranged, Foe: Hold, -Speed, -Recharge
Poison Gas Arrow Ranged AoE, Foe: -Damage, Sleep
Acid Arrow Ranged AoE Minor DoT (Toxic), Foe: -Resistance(all), -Defense
EMP Arrow Area of Effect, Foe: Hold, Special vs. Robots, Self: -Recovery
Teleport Arrow Ranged, high damage (Lethal), Knockback, does not require line of sight
Stealth Self: Stealth, +Defense(all)
Maneuvers Point Blank Area of Effect, Team: +Defense(all)
Resistance Protection against Stun, Hold, Fear, Confuse, Knockback (high),
Resistance to all debuffs (high)
Numina
Main Article: Numina
Numina was born Tammy Arcanus, daughter of Tommy Arcanus of the Midnight Squad. Tommy delved so deeply into the metaphysical that his very being was affected, and Tammy was born with magical powers. In the 1960s, Tammy and the Midnight Squad were sent into a series of caverns surrounding the Earth’s molten core, where a Soviet villain known as the Red Threat intended to destroy the world. To save the Earth, Tammy possessed the body of the Red Threat. Her body was destroyed, but her consciousness survived, trapped within the Red Threat. During the Rikti Invasion, the Red Threat was destroyed, and Tammy’s astral form was at last free. She renamed herself Numina, and threw herself into the war against the Rikti. In the war’s aftermath, Numina uses her abilities to nurture the next generation of heroes.
Powers
Levitate Ranged, moderate damage
(Smash)
Dominate Ranged, Moderate Damage(Psionic), Foe: Hold
Total Domination Ranged (targeted Area of Effect), Foe: Hold
Telekinetic Blast Ranged, Moderate Damage (Smash/Psionic), Foe: Knockback
Will Domination Ranged, High Damage(Psionic), Foe: Sleep
Psionic Tornado Ranged (targeted Area of Effect), Moderate Damage over Time(Psionic), Foe: Knockback
Psychic Wail Close (Area of Effect), Extreme Damage(Psionic), Foe: Disorient -Recharge, Self: -Recovery
Heal Other Ally: Strong Heal, Self: Moderate Damage(Special)
Resurrect Ally: Rez
Fortitude Ally: +Defense(all), +Damage, +Accuracy
Adrenaline Boost Ranged, Ally: +Endurance, +Regeneration, +Recharge, +Resistance(Slow)
Ethereal Self: Stealth
Resistance Res( N20 P30 )
Archvillain Resistance.
Resistance Protection against Stun, Hold, Fear, Confuse, Knockback (high), Resistance to all debuffs (high)
Fly Self: Flight
Penelope Yin
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Main Article: Penelope Yin (Freedom Phalanx)
Penelope Yin is one of the most powerful psychics in the world. Heroes first met her when she was eighteen in Faultline and still adjusting to her powers. Now, several years later, Penelope Yin has entered the scene as a true super-powered hero. Her psychic abilities are impressive, though it isn't known who exactly helped her to train and focus her powers in such a manner.
Powers
Psionic Blast Ranged, High DMG (Psionic), -Rech(Foe)
You fire a psionic burst at the target, causing damage and increasing recharge time.
Psionic Crush Ranged, DoT (Psionic), -Endurance(Foe), Hold(Foe)
You imprison your target in a field of collapsing psionic energy. They are held in place and suffer continuous damage and endurance loss.
Psionic Torment Ranged, High DMG (Psionic), Minor DoT (Lethal), -Regen (Foe), -Rec (Foe), -Rech (Foe)
You create painful visions within the mind of your target, causing psionic damage. These visions manifest as wounds that cause lethal damage over time. Affected targets also suffer reduced regeneration, recovery and attack speed.
Psionic Drift PBAoE, High DMG (Psionic), Minor DoT (Psionic), Stun/Fear/Confuse(Foe)
You induce a dream state in all nearby targets around you while also dealing continuous psionic damage. These dreams can manifest as nightmares, lucid dreams or deep sleep, which manifest as fear, confusion or stun.
Psionic Pulse PBAoE, Moderate DMG (Psionic, Smashing), Knockup(Foe)
You unleash a powerful psionic shockwave that ripples through the air around you, dealing Psionic and Smashing damage to any hit by the wave. The shockwave also has a chance to knockback its targets.
Psionic Blade Melee, Moderate DMG(Psionic), Moderate DoT (Lethal), -Def(Foe, All)
You create a blade of crystalline psionic energy around your hand and use it to stab your target with a quick attack. The target suffers psionic damage, followed by a bleeding wound and reduced defense.
Psionic Thrust Melee, High DMG (Psionic), Moderate DoT (Lethal), -Res(Foe, Psionic)
You create a blade of crystalline psionic energy around your hand and viciously stab your target. The target suffers psionic damage, followed by a wound that causes lethal damage over time and reduced resistance to further psionic damage.
Psionic Nexus Summon
You create a a nexus of psionic energy at your location.
- Psionic Nexus
- Penelope Yin has created an ally out of pure psionic energy. These allies unleash psionic storms as their primary means of attack. However, they will gradually build up a psionic link with Penelope Yin the longer they are alive. Eventually, they will establish the link, allowing the nexus to heal both itself and Penelope Yin.
Psionic Lightning Ranged, High DMG(Psionic), -End(Foe)
You cause a bolt of psionic energy to strike your foe, dealing heavy damage. These bolts also have a chance to drain the enemy's endurance.
Psionic Tornado TAoE, Moderate DoT (Psionic), Knockup(Foe), -Rech(Foe)
You unleash a whirling vortex of psionic energy at your target, causing the target and those near them to be afflicted with moderate damage over time. Additionally, all affected targets are knocked into the air and suffer reduced attack speed.
Psionic Link (Charging) Special
You are establishing a psionic link to your creator.
- Psionic Link PBAoE, Heal (Self and Owner)
You have established a link to your creator, allowing you to exchange energy between each other. This causes healing for both entities.
Impenetrable Mind Psionic Affinity Res( P40 ) Def( P20 )
You are naturally protected from psionic damage, gaining a boost to your psionic resistance and defense.
Positron
Main Article: Positron
Dr. Raymond Keyes developed a high-tech battle suit that allowed him to channel bolts of anti-matter into fierce attacks. He used his powers to help defeat the Rikti, but at a terrible cost: Injuries he sustained at that time caused him to lose full control of his powers. Now, to protect others from himself, he remains imprisoned within his battle suit. He is constantly searching for a cure for his condition, but that does not stop him from contributing to the defense of Paragon City and contributing many other technological breakthroughs for the good of all.
Powers
Neutrino Bolt Ranged, Minor damage(Energy), Foe: -Defense
Irradiate Close (Area of Effect), Moderate Damage over Time(Energy), Foe: -Defense
Electron Haze Close, Moderate Cone
Damage(Energy), Foe: -Defense, Knockback
Cosmic Burst Close, Extreme Damage(Energy), Foe: Disorient, -Defense
Neutron Bomb Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), Moderate damage(Energy), Foe: -Defense
Atomic Blast Area of Effect, Smashing
(moderate), Energy (high), Foe: Stun, -Defense
Enervating Field Ranged (Targeted
Area of Effect), Foe: -Damage, -Resistance
Lingering Radiation Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect) Foe: -Speed, -Recharge, -Regeneration
Your attack rate, running speed, and regeneration rate have been reduced by the Lingering Radiation.
Choking Cloud Point Blank Area of Effect, Foe: Hold
EM Pulse Point Blank Area of Effect, Foe: Hold, -Endurance, -Regeneration, Special vs. Robots, Self: -Recovery
Overcharge Self: +Defense(All but
Psionics), +Recovery, +Max Health, +Resistance(Defense debuff), +Recharge, +Damage(Smashing, Energy)
Resistance Res( S20 L20 E20 )
Archvillain Resistance.
Resistance Protection against Stun, Hold, Fear, Confuse, Knockback (high), Resistance to all debuffs (high)
Fly Self: Fly
Positron can fly.
Sister Psyche
Main Article: Sister Psyche
Even in her childhood, it was obvious that Sister Psyche was blessed. The tremendous scope of her mental powers was far beyond that of any hero, past or present. When the Rikti war descended, Sister Psyche knew she had to make her gift count. She did, but at a price. She exhausted her powers so thoroughly that she fell into a coma. A young heroine named Aurora Borealis offered to play host to Sister Psyche´s projected mental self. Of course, this situation could not last forever. Now back in her own body, Sister Psyche has dedicated herself to shape the tremendous gifts of the young Aurora. It's a responsibility she takes seriously, as well as a consolation for the loss of her former protege, Malaise. When the psychic link between the two women was first disrupted, Sister Psyche lost her mental control over Malaise's dual personalities. The evil Malaise reasserted himself, and quickly made his departure. His present whereabouts are as yet unknown.
Powers
Mesmerize Ranged, moderate damage(Psionic), Foe: Sleep
Levitate Ranged, moderate damage(Smash)
Dominate Ranged, moderate damage(Psionic), Foe: Hold
Mass Hypnosis Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), Foe: Sleep
Total Domination Ranged (targeted Area of Effect), Foe: Hold
Psychic Shockwave Close (Area of Effect, High Damage(Psionic), Foe: Disorient, -Recharge
Force Bolt Ranged, minor damage(Smash), Foe: Knockback
Power Blast Ranged, moderate damage(Energy/Smash), Foe: Knockback
Energy Torrent Ranged (Cone), Moderate Damage(Energy/Smash), Foe: Knockback
Power Burst Close, high damage(Energy/Smash), Foe: Knockback
Explosive Blast Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), Moderate damage(Smash/Energy), Foe: Knockback
Force Shield Ally: +Defense(all)
Personal Force Field Self: +Defense, +Resistance(all)
Resistance Self: +Resistance(Negative Energy and Energy, Psionic)
Resistance Self: Protection against Stun, Hold, Fear, Confuse, Knockback (high), Resistance to all debuffs (high)
Fly Self: Fly
Sister Psyche can fly.
Statesman
Main Article: Statesman
Marcus Cole, who would eventually become Statesman, was a rogue and mercenary throughout the early part of the 20th century. During WWI, he became ill after being exposed to mustard gas. While traveling with his childhood friend Stefan Richter, Marcus discovered the Well of the Furies. Both men drank from the well and were granted incredible powers. Marcus went on to become Statesman and Stefan, Lord Recluse.
Powers
Jab Melee, Foe:Disorient
Statesman has disoriented you with his jab.
Punch Melee, moderate Damage(Smash), Knockback
Haymaker Melee, high damage(Smash), Knockback
Hand Clap Point Blank Area of Effect, Foe: Disorient, Knockback
Statesman has disoriented you with his hand clap.
Knockout Blow Melee, extreme damage (Smash), Foe: Hold
Statesman has hit you with a knockout blow. You are held.
Hurl Ranged, high damage(Smash), Foe: Knockback, -Fly
Foot Stomp Point Blank Area of Effect Melee, moderate damage(Smash), Foe: Knockback
Hammer of Justice Melee Area of Effect, High Damage(Smashing), Foe: Knockback
Statesman calls upon the power of the gods to strike down upon you.
Dull Pain Self: Heal, +Max Health
You can activate this power to increase your maximum Hit Points for a short time.
Unstoppable Click, Self: Res( S49 L49 F49 C49 E49 N49 T49 ) (Disorient, Sleep, Hold, Immobilize, Knockback)
When you activate this power, you not only become extremely resistant to most damage, but also to Disorient, Immobilization, Hold, and Sleep effects. Endurance recovery is also increased. Unstoppable costs little endurance to activate, but when it wears off you are left exhausted, and drained of almost all Health and Endurance.
Zeus’ Lightning Bolt Ranged Area of Effect, High Damage(Energy), Endurance Drain (high)
Statesman can call upon the power of Zeus in time of need.
Resistance Res( S90 L90 F90 C90 E90 N90 P90 T90 ), Resistances to all debuffs (high); Protection against Fear, Stun, Confuse, Knockback, Immobilize, Taunt (high), 200% recovery
Resistance.
Fly Self: Fly
Statesman can Fly!
Synapse
Main Article: Synapse
Steven Berry was just an average man, until Crey Industries got hold of him. The Crey scientists were testing a number of radical procedures for inducing super powers. Steven was blasted with high doses of electricity for days. It amplified the electrical energy in his body, giving him the ability to harness it into super speed and electrical blasts. Synapse escaped Crey's clutches by shorting out the lab where he was kept prisoner. To this day, Crey executives deny any knowledge of the project in which Synapse was an unwilling participant.
Powers:
Charged Bolts Ranged, moderate damage (energy), foe -endurance
Lightning Bolt Ranged, high damage (energy), foe -endurance
Ball Lightning Ranged (targeted AoE), moderate DoT (energy), foe -endurance
Thunderous Blast AoE Melee smashing energy (high), endurance drain (high)
Havoc Punch Melee, moderate damage (smash/energy), foe sleep, -endurance
Lightning Clap PBAoE, foe disorient, knockback
Thunder Strike Melee (AoE), high damage (smash/energy), foe disorient, knockback
Synaptic Strike Melee smashing and energy
Whirlwind PBAoE, foe knockback
Resistance Protection against stun, hold, fear, confuse, knockback (high), resistance to all debuffs (high), increased recovery, resistance to endurance drains, taunt, run speed debuffs, immobilize, jump height debuffs, recharge debuffs, defense boost
Related Badges
You have claimed victory over the greatest heroes of Paragon City, the Freedom Phalanx!
You have helped defeat all the Signature Heroes in Recluse's Victory, making you a Blackguard.
You have helped defeat Synapse in Recluse's Victory.
You have helped defeat Manticore in Recluse's Victory.
You have helped defeat Positron in Recluse's Victory.
You have helped defeat Penelope Yin in Recluse's Victory.
You have helped defeat Ms. Liberty in Recluse's Victory.
You have helped defeat Back Alley Brawler in Recluse's Victory.
Publications
Comic Book
The Freedom Phalanx is the starring group of most issues of Top Cow's City of Heroes comic book.
Novel
The Freedom Phalanx by Robin Laws contains information about the history of the Freedom Phalanx, spanning from its original formation to its recreation before the Rikti War.