Midnight Squad
Overview
A team of mystics, magicians, and scholars, the Midnight Squad originally banded together in 1933 to defend Paragon City from evil occultists like the Circle of Thorns. Unlike other hero organizations, the Midnight Squad typically operates in secrecy and shadow.
History
Unlike many of the other hero organizations that have blossomed and then faded in Paragon City's past, the Midnight Squad has endured in one form or another since the 1920's. This amazing record of success stems entirely from the fact that the Squad has never been a formal team of heroes like the Freedom Phalanx or Dawn Patrol. Instead it is more like a very exclusive private club, the only requirement for which is that you know a great deal about magic and the occult. Members come and go, but the club remains.
The group originally started as a sort of reading and study group for paranormal investigators in the 1920's. Many of the original members had respectable jobs as professors, historians, museum curators, and scientists. They could not be seen publicly meeting and discussing controversial subjects like demons, magic, ghosts, and spirit worlds. So they met in secret, often late at night in the home of one of their many wealthy patrons and members. Their goal was to gather and digest as much information as they could about the occult, cutting through all of the superstition and lies to reveal the inner truths of the magical world (if indeed there were any).
The group was catapulted into the ranks of hero organizations in 1933 when a mysterious sorcerer who called himself the Dream Doctor approached them. The good doctor was well aware of the secret meetings, although the group's members were not aware of him. A powerful magician in his own right, the Dream Doctor's magical powers came naturally to him. He was not well versed in the history and traditions of the occult. He had come into conflict with a group of evil sorcerers called the Circle of Thorns and he needed help. He paid a visit to one of the private club's midnight meetings and asked for their assistance.
The academics in the group had never thought of themselves as heroes, but they were shocked and horrified at the Dream Doctor's descriptions of the foul Circle of Thorns. The group agreed to help, and many of them were actually quite excited at the prospect. One of the members came up with the name Midnight Squad, inspired by their late night meetings. A few of the members even went so far as to make costumes and wear masks. The group joined the Dream Doctor and helped defeat the Circle of Thorns, at least in part. Thus an ongoing war between the Midnight Squad and the Circle of Thorns began, and continued to be waged for decades to come.
Over the years the Midnight Squad has gone through hundreds of members and many incarnations. For a time in the sixties and seventies its members wore tights and masks and fought like traditional super powered heroes, using magic instead of mutations. But ever since the 1980's the group has become less and less public. In the world of magic it is a very risky thing to let your enemies know too many details about you. Far better to operate in the shadows and keep your presence hidden from prying eyes. By the early nineties the group had largely faded from public life, although it still remained quite active in the war on evil.
During the Rikti War, the Midnight Squad played a tremendously important role, but they also paid an awful price. The Rikti advanced technology was quite vulnerable to mystic assault, and the alien invaders soon realized this weakness. As they fought both the Circle of Thorns and the Midnight Squad they became determined to both learn more about magic and also neutralize its threat. The Midnight Squad became a prime target for Rikti assassins, and the group's main headquarters was destroyed in a fusion bomb blast. Many of its more heroic sorcerers were captured in battle and are still missing to this day, presumed dead.
Today the Midnight Squad is but a shadow of its former self. There are few true heroes left in the organization. All that survives is the knowledge base the group has acquired over the decades. It's much more a research resource than an organization fit to fight. The few remaining members guard their collections of tomes and relics feverishly, fearful of letting their last bit of power slip through their fingers. They're more than willing to help other heroes take up the burden of direct conflict with evil powers, but they have no courage for battle themselves. A few of the members have taken to actually mentoring young heroes interested in using magic to fight evil, but even they do so with care, making sure they don't expose themselves to any of the many dangers they see lurking around every corner. In a way the group has come full circle, reverting back to its origins as a group for academics and occultists who pursue and process knowledge and then give it to others to do good with.
Members of the Midnight Squad
Known Roster
- Alistair McKnight
- Ashley McKnight (Daughter of Alistair)
- Tammy Arcanus (a.k.a. Numina)
- Montague Castanella (Leader)
- Percy Winkley
- Mercedes Sheldon
- Kadabra Kill
- Sigil
- Mortimer Kal
- Ephram Sha
- Exorcist
- All Player Characters with the Midnight Squad Badge
Known Former Members
- Dream Doctor (Founder)
- Pontice Doub (Founder, deceased)
- Tommy Arcanus (Tammy's father, deceased)
- Ross Coldwell (a.k.a. Darkvine, deceased: Killed in the Rikti War)
- John Knox (a.k.a. Crimson Fist, deceased: Killed in the Rikti War)
- Darrin Wade (Ex-member, left to strike out on his own after a falling out)
- Edgar Torvald (Researcher, deceased: Murdered by the Circle of Thorns)
- Nathan Crane (Researcher, deceased: Murdered by the Carnival of Shadows)
Members with Unknown Status
- Wylie Galloway
- The Monolith
- Bentley Berkeley
Researchers
The following people have done research for the Midnight Squad.
- Buck Salinger (Contact in Croatoa)
- Hinckley Rasmussen (Contact in Talos Island)
Common Enemy Types
Minions
Midnight Squad Force Mage
While the Midnight Squad does not heavily practice the dark arts, there are a handful that see it as a useful way to defend themselves against those who would try and do their group harm.
Levels: 14-44
Powers
Crystal Staff Ranged, Moderate Energy/Smash Damage, Foe -Damage, Knockdown, Self +Damage
The Crystal Staff has stolen your strength, reducing your Damage.
Brawl Melee, Light Smash Damage
When all else fails, use your own 2 fists.
Midnight Squad Spirit Master
While the Midnight Squad does not heavily practice the dark arts, there are a handful that see it as a useful way to defend themselves against those who would try and do their group harm.
Levels: 14-44
Powers
Darkness Staff Ranged, Foe Hold
You have been petrified by the Darkness Staff.
Darkness Staff Gloom Ranged, Moderate Damage Over Time(Negative), Foe -ToHit
The Darkness Staff is slowly draining your life and reducing your Accuracy.
Brawl Melee, Light Smash Damage
When all else fails, use your own 2 fists.
Lieutenants
Midnight Squad Hermetic Master
While the Midnight Squad does not heavily practice the dark arts, there are a handful that see it as a useful way to defend themselves against those who would try and do their group harm.
Levels: 14-44
Powers
Falchion Melee, Moderate Lethal/Negative Damage
This small curved short sword has been enchanted to channel negative energy damage to its victims.
Tremor Point Blank Area of Effect, Moderate Smash Damage, Foe Knockback
A tremendous attack. Tremor shakes the very Earth itself, damaging and knocking back everything in a nearby area.
Fault Close (Targeted Area of Effect), Foe Disorient, Knockup
You are Disoriented.
Dispersion Bubble Toggle, Point Blank Area of Effect, Team Def( S30 L30 F30 C30 E30 N30 ), Prot( Ho 2.0 Im 2.0 St 2.0 )
Creates a large bubble which protects all allies inside. While active, the Dispersion Bubble gives all allies within increased defense to all attacks except psionic. The Dispersion Bubble also protects allies inside from immobilization, disorient and hold effects.
Spectre
Summoned and controlled by the Midnight Squad, these Specters are the souls of Midnighters who have chosen to give not just their life to the service of the Midnighter Squad, but their soul as well.
Levels: 14-44
Powers
Fly Self Fly
Banished Pantheon Spirits can Fly!
Smite Melee, Moderate Negative/Psionic Damage, Foe -ToHit
You have been hit by Smite! Your accuracy is reduced.
Siphon Life Melee, Moderate Negative/Psionic Damage, Foe -ToHit, Self Heal
The Spectre taps the powers of the netherworld and its own psychic power to steal life from you and transfer some of it to himself. Your Accuracy has been reduced.
Gloom Ranged, High Damage over Time(Negative), Foe -ToHit
Gloom reduces your Accuracy.
Ethereal Self Invisible, Invulnerable
Spectres can make themselves Ethereal and shift out of the material plane. Ethereal Spectres are invisible, and cannot affect or be affected by those in normal space.
Resistance Auto, Res( S40 L40 E-30 N30 P-30 T30 ), Prot( Im 3.0 Kb 100 ), Res( Im 50% )
Spectres are non corporeal and highly resistant to Immobilization smashing, lethal and negative energy damage. However, they are vulnerable to Energy and Psionic damage.
Bosses
Living Armor
The Midnight Squad protects their treasures well.
Levels: 14-44
Powers
Push Back Melee (Cone), Extreme Damage(Smash), Foe High Knockdown
You attempt to Shatter the bones of your opponent by striking them with all your might. This attack will deal great damage and can knock foes back a great ways. The power of this attack can actually extend a short distance through multiple foes.
Slash Melee, Moderate Damage(Lethal), Foe -Defense, Chance for Critical Hit
You perform a quick Slash that can reduce a target's defense, making him easier to hit. This attack causes moderate damage, but has a quick recharge time.
Slice Melee (Cone), Moderate Damage(Lethal), Foe -Defense, Chance for Critical Hit
You Slice your sword in a wide arc, attacking all enemies in front of you. Slice does less damage than Slash, but can hit multiple foes and reduces their defense.
Whirling Sword Point Blank Area of Effect, Moderate Damage(Lethal), Minor Damage over Time(Lethal), Foe -Defense, Chance for Critical Hit
You perform a Whirling Sword maneuver, attacking all foes in melee range. This attack wounds your opponents, causing them to take minor damage over time and reduces their defense.
Hack Melee, High Damage(Lethal), Foe -Defense, Chance for Critical Hit
You Hack your opponent for a high amount of damage. This attack can reduce a target's defense, making him easier to hit.
Spear Ranged, High Damage(Lethal)
You throw a pilum at a foe, dealing heavy damage.
Energized Shield Toggle, Self Def( S15 L15 F15 C15 E15 N15 ), Res( Ho 300% Im 300% St 300% Sl 300%0 ), Prot( Kb 300% ), Resist(-Defense)
Kinetic Shield creates a harmonic Energy Aura that can deflect physical attacks. Your Defense to Smashing and Lethal attacks is increased as weapons and powers like bullets, blades and punches tend to deflect off the shield. Kinetic Shield also grants you good resistance to Defense Debuffs. The Energy based nature of Kinetic Shield also offers some minimal Defense to Energy attacks.
Resistance Auto, Self Res( S30 L50 F20 C60 E20 N60 P60 ), Prot( St 3.0 Sl 100 Co 100 Fr 100 ), Res( Im 70% ), Resist(Debuffs), +Recovery
Hercules Titans are resistant to all damage. Since they are machines, they are immune to Sleep and Fear powers.
Spectral Lord
Summoned and controlled by the Midnight Squad, these Specters are the souls of Midnighters who have chosen to give not just their life to the service of the Midnighter Squad, but their soul as well.
Levels: 14-44
Powers
Fly Self Fly
Banished Pantheon Spirits can Fly!
Smite Melee, Moderate Negative/Psionic Damage, Foe -ToHit
You have been hit by Smite! Your accuracy is reduced.
Siphon Life Melee, Moderate Negative/Psionic Damage, Foe -ToHit, Self Heal
The Spectre taps the powers of the netherworld and its own psychic power to steal life from you and transfer some of it to himself. Your Accuracy has been reduced.
Gloom Ranged, High Damage over Time(Negative), Foe -ToHit
Gloom reduces your Accuracy.
Midnight Grasp Melee, Extreme Damage over Time(Negative), Foe Immobilize, -ToHit
You are being held motionless by dark tentacles, which are slowly draining your life. You Accuracy is reduced.
Chill of the Night Toggle, Point Blank Area of Effect, Minor Negative Damage, Foe -ToHit
The Chill of the Night surrounds you, reducing your Accuracy, and slowly dealing Negative Damage to you.
Ethereal Self Invisible, Invulnerable
Spectres can make themselves Ethereal and shift out of the material plane. Ethereal Spectres are invisible, and cannot affect or be affected by those in normal space.
Resistance Auto, Res( S40 L40 E-30 N30 P-30 T30 ), Prot( Im 3.0 Kb 100 ), Res( Im 50% )
Spectres are non corporeal and highly resistant to Immobilization smashing, lethal and negative energy damage. However, they are vulnerable to Energy and Psionic damage.
Named Bosses
- Portal Master (Midnight Squad Hermetic Master lieutenant) (Found on Meet with Botis mission from Vincent Ross)
Special Enemy Types
Bosses
Dream Doctor
The man known only as Dream Doctor is the founder of the Midnight Squad. He is a master of sorcery and combat and was a member of the Freedom Phalanx during the 1940's. Dream Doctor is also responsible for sealing Rularuu in the Shadow Shard, an act that saved all of existence. He vanished one day, leaving a note that he went off into dreamspace to look for a way to help save the world from some threat. Dream Doctor's physical presence now can only mean that the threat is near, and that he is ready to help defend the world from it.
Levels: 40-54
Powers
Mercurial Blow Melee, Light Damage(Smash), Foe -Defense
You strike your foe with a lightning fast blow from your staff, dealing light smashing damage and reducing defenses. This attack also has a chance for a critical hit, which deals increased smashing damage.
Precise Strike Melee, Moderate Damage(Smash), Foe Chance for Disorient
You attempt to daze your foe with a heavy staff blow to their head. The target is dealt moderate smashing damage and may be stunned by the blow. This attack also has a chance for a critical hit, which deals increased smashing damage.
Guarded Spin Melee (Cone), Moderate Damage(Smash), Self Def( L15 ), Def( M15 )
You spin your staff like a propeller in front of you dealing Light Smashing damage to enemies in your frontal arc and deflecting any incoming attacks, thus boosting your Melee and Lethal damage briefly. While a form is active, this power will build one level of Perfection.
Eye of the Storm Point Blank Area of Effect, Moderate Damage(Smash), Foe -Resist(All), Chance for Knockdown
You strike all nearby foes with a lightning fast series of blows with your staff. Each foe is dealt moderate smashing damage and has a chance to be knocked down. This attack also has a chance for a critical hit, which deals increased smashing damage.
Mastery of Form Self +Damage, +ToHit
You achieve a state of physical attunement with your body and mind. All of your attacks are more likely to hit and cause more damage for a brief time.
Serpent's Reach Ranged, High Damage(Smash), Foe Chance for Knockdown
You fully extend your staff and release a burst of energy to lash out at a distant target. This deals high smashing damage and has a good chance of knocking your target down. This attack also has a chance for a critical hit, which deals increased smashing damage. Note that Serpent's Reach is unaffected by Range changes.
Innocuous Strike Melee (Cone), High Damage(Smash), Foe -Speed, Chance for Immobilize
You repeatedly batter your foes' feet and legs with a flurry strikes from your staff. This attack deals moderate smashing damage to all foes within its cone, also reducing movement speeds. Each target also has a chance to be immobilized briefly. This attack also has a chance for a critical hit, which deals increased smashing damage.
Sky Splitter Melee, Extreme Damage(Smash), Foe Knockdown, Disorient, Self +Resist(All Dmg), +ToHit, +Regeneration, +Recovery
You leap into the air and hammer your foe with an overhead bash from your staff. Sky Splitter deals extreme smashing damage, knocks the target off their feet and potentially leaves them stunned, while you enjoy boosts to your Regen, Recovery, Damage and ToHit. This attack also has a chance for a critical hit, which deals increased smashing damage.
Flash Low-Accuracy, Point Blank Area of Effect, Foe Hold
Generates a brilliant flash of light around you that blinds nearby foes. Flashed foes are rendered helpless and unable to defend themselves.
Blind Ranged, Moderate Damage(Psionic), Foe Hold, Area of Effect, Foe Sleep
Painfully Blinds a single targeted foe so severely that they are rendered helpless. Blind is so bright that additional foes may also be blinded, though they will not take any damage, and attacking them will free them from the effects.
Phantom Army Summon Decoys: Ranged, Minor Damage(Energy/Special)
You can fabricate 3 Phantom heroes around a targeted foe. These Phantoms are not real, and are indestructible. Their attacks are similar to Spectral Wounds. Though they deal damage, it is illusory and will heal if the victim survives long enough. Phantoms are short lived and cannot be buffed or healed.
Resistance Auto, Res( S15 C-10 E15 T50 )
The highest ranking members of the Tsoo are naturally resistant to smashing and energy damage, but have a weakness to cold attacks.
Mercedes Sheldon
While the Midnight Squad does not heavily practice the dark arts, there are a handful that see it as a useful way to defend themselves against those who would try and do their group harm.
Levels: 20-44
Powers
Twilight Grasp Ranged, Foe -ToHit, -Damage, -Regeneration, Team Heal
You channel Negative Energy from the Netherworld through yourself to a targeted foe. Twilight Grasp drains the power from that target and slowly transfers it to you and all nearby allies. The targeted foe's chance to hit and damage are reduced, while you and your nearby allies are healed.
Gloom (Only Level 30 and up) Ranged, High Damage over Time(Negative), Foe -ToHit
Gloom slowly drains a target of life, while reducing their chance to hit. Slower than Dark Blast, but deals more damage over time.
Smite Melee, Moderate Damage(Negative/Smash), Foe -ToHit
You wrap your fists with Negative Energy channeled from the Netherworlds, then perform a Smite that deals more damage than Shadow Punch, but has a longer recharge time. Smite clouds the target's vision, lowering their chance to hit for a short time.
Smite Melee, Light Damage(Negative/Smash), Foe -ToHit
You wrap your fists with Negative Energy channeled from the Netherworlds, then perform a quick punch that deals minor damage. Shadow Punches cloud the target's vision, lowering their chance to hit for a short time.
Resistance Resistance
Archvillain Resistance.
Elite Bosses
Darrin Wade
Darrin Wade was once a loyal member of the Midnight Squad, a secret organization dedicated to learning everything there is to know about the unknown. However, there was a falling out and he left their organization. He did not leave empty-handed, though, taking some of their more priceless relics and tomes. He's managed to establish himself in the Rogue Isles as a broker of lost information and ancient artifacts.
Darrin Wade (Incarnate)
Darrin Wade was once a loyal member of the Midnight Squad, a secret organization dedicated to learning everything there is to know about the unknown. However, there was a falling out and he left their organization. He did not leave empty-handed, though, taking some of their more priceless relics and tomes. He's managed to establish himself in the Rogue Isles as a broker of lost information and ancient artifacts.
Montague Castanella
While the Midnight Squad does not heavily practice the dark arts, there are a handful that see it as a useful way to defend themselves against those who would try and do their group harm.
Archvillains
Exorcist
While the Midnight Squad does not heavily practice the dark arts, there are a handful that see it as a useful way to defend themselves against those who would try and do their group harm.
Levels: 20-44
Powers
Smite Melee, Light Damage(Negative/Smash), Foe -ToHit
You wrap your fists with Negative Energy channeled from the Netherworlds, then perform a quick punch that deals minor damage. Shadow Punches cloud the target's vision, lowering their chance to hit for a short time.
Smite Melee, Moderate Damage(Negative/Smash), Foe -ToHit
You wrap your fists with Negative Energy channeled from the Netherworlds, then perform a Smite that deals more damage than Shadow Punch, but has a longer recharge time. Smite clouds the target's vision, lowering their chance to hit for a short time.
Shadow Maul Melee (Cone), Superior Damage over Time(Negative/Smash), Foe -ToHit
You wrap your entire arms with Negative Energy channeled from the Netherworlds, then perform a series of blows that deal a lot of damage over a short period of time to multiple targets in front of you. These blows cloud your target's vision, lowering their chance to hit for a short time.
Midnight Grasp (Only Level 30 and up) Melee, Extreme Damage(Negative), Light Damage over Time(Negative), Foe Immobilize, -ToHit
Mastery over the forces of the Netherworld allows you to create dark tentacles that can Immobilize a foe, reduce their chance to hit and continuously drain their life force.
Torment Ally +Damage, Special Disorient
The darkness of Torment increases the damage of the caster and their servants, but stuns those who have dealt in light magics.
Resistance Resistance
Archvillain Resistance.
Mercedes Sheldon
While the Midnight Squad does not heavily practice the dark arts, there are a handful that see it as a useful way to defend themselves against those who would try and do their group harm.
Levels: 20-44
Powers
Twilight Grasp Ranged, Foe -ToHit, -Damage, -Regeneration, Team Heal
You channel Negative Energy from the Netherworld through yourself to a targeted foe. Twilight Grasp drains the power from that target and slowly transfers it to you and all nearby allies. The targeted foe's chance to hit and damage are reduced, while you and your nearby allies are healed.
Gloom (Only Level 30 and up) Ranged, High Damage over Time(Negative), Foe -ToHit
Gloom slowly drains a target of life, while reducing their chance to hit. Slower than Dark Blast, but deals more damage over time.
Summon Exorcist Summon Exorcist
Grant
Resistance Resistance
Archvillain Resistance.
Montague Castanella
While the Midnight Squad does not heavily practice the dark arts, there are a handful that see it as a useful way to defend themselves against those who would try and do their group harm.
Levels: 20-44
Powers
Light Bolt Ranged, Moderate Energy/Smash Damage, Foe Knockback
A quick attack that rapidly hurls small bolts of light at foes, sometimes knocking them down. Fast, but little damage.
Light Blast Ranged, Heavy Energy/Smash Damage, Foe Knockback
Light Blast sends a focused beam of light at a foe that can knock him back.
Light Explosion Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), Moderate Energy/Smash Damage, Foe Knockback
Hurls a blast of charged light that violently explodes on impact, damaging all foes near the target.
Light Torrent (Only Level 40 and up) Ranged (Cone), Moderate Energy/Smash Damage, Foe Knockback
Unleashes a cone of light that knocks foes back.
Hammer of Light (Only Level 30 and up) Melee, High Smash/Energy Damage
A Hammer of Light has Disoriented you.
Radiance Ally Heal, Special Disorient
The light of Radiance heals servants of the caster, but stuns those who have dealt in darker magics.
Resistance Resistance
Archvillain Resistance.