Matthew Burke
After the restructuring of beginning contacts in Issue 21 and the restructuring of beginning contacts, Matthew Burke no longer offers missions to villains.
This article contains information that no longer applies to the current version of City of Heroes/Villains. It is provided for historical purposes.
Overview
| Matthew Burke | |
|---|---|
 Mercenary | |
| Zone | Mercy Island |
| Coordinates | (-1352, 239, 587) |
| Level Range | 1-4 |
| Introduced By |
Arachnos Pilot Alan Desslock |
| Introduces |
== Level 5-9 == Doctor Creed |
| Enemy Groups | |
Matthew Burke is a villain contact in the Mercy neighborhood of Mercy Island at coordinates (-1352, 239, 587) . His level range is 1-4.
Introductions
Contact Introduced By
Contact Introduces
I know this guy named Doctor Creed here on Mercy. He's a bit of a nut, but he's always looking for volunteers to help him with his 'experiments' on the Infected.
Be prepared to face a lot more of those Infected freaks. Doctor Creed seems to be obsessed with them.
Information
Mercenary
Matthew Burke's been around the Rogue Isles a long time. Long enough to see Arachnos grow in power, and long enough to resent their interference in his work. Most people on the Isles tend to roll over when Arachnos gets too close to their territory, but not Matt. Instead, he's learned to fight back. With his network of contacts and his long line of experience in the dirty business of mercenary work, Matt's managed to stay one step ahead of any Arachnos assassins who might want to take him down. How long this can last is anybody's guess.
Prior to Introduction
I haven't met you, and I'm not sure I want to. I only work with people fresh out of the Zig who have the guts to steer clear of Arachnos.
Initial Contact
Character. Interesting handle. I can tell one thing about you already: you're nobody's puppet. That's why you're here with me instead of toadying up to Kalinda. I can get you some jobs and help you make your way in the Rogue Isles. Just remember: you have to decide how much to deal with Arachnos. Don't let them decide for you.
Not High Enough Level
I've got something, but I'm not trusting it to anyone below Threat Level 20.
Greeting
- We've got a job.
- There's work for you.
- Let's get down to serious business.
Too Busy
You're too busy to go looking for more work.
No More Missions
I've got nothing more for you, Character. Try another contact.
Store
You're earning my respect, and that's saying something. Take my private comm number. And help yourself to the best Enhancements I have to offer.
- Inspirations
- Level 1 Training Enhancements (?% base costs)
Unlocked after completing Matthew Burke's story arc.
Character, I'm starting to think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. You need Enhancements, I'm your guy.
- Level 5 Training Enhancements (?% base costs)
Story Arc
Merit Rewards: This activity awards 6 Reward Merits.
The Origins of the Snakes
Souvenir: Snake shell fragment
You kept this Snake shell fragment from the Snake hatchery you violated in search of Stheno. It's a reminder of your investigation into:
The Origins of the Snakes
It began with a new client for Matthew Burke. The client wanted information on the nature of the strange snake creatures that plague Mercy Island, and Burke had agreed to get it. You went to recover a Snake skin, and came away with some interesting information. The Snakes you fought had referred to a creature called 'almighty Stheno,' and you and Burke resolved to seek it out.
Burke tracked down some rumors, so he sent you to another Snake den. There, you recovered the Book of Stheno, which helped clear up the mystery. Stheno was a Gorgon, the sister of the legendary Medusa.
Burke was determined to track down Stheno himself, if he could. He learned of a Snake hatchery in the area and sent you there. Although you failed to find Stheno herself, you did destroy every egg in the hatchery. So it's a safe bet that Stheno might now be looking for you.
Get away with an op under Arachnos' nose
Briefing
I'm sure you know that Arachnos likes to think they own everything on this grubby little island. Well, they're wrong. For starters, they don't own me. And if you're smart, you won't let them own you either. So here, in the shadow of Fort Darwin, I'm asking you to help me get away with an operation right under Arachnos' nose. Think you can handle that?
Mission Acceptance
I've been hired by an interested party to investigate the origins of the Snakes. Now, Arachnos doesn't want anybody but themselves knowing what goes on with those slimy little worms, but I happen to think that knowledge belongs to the person strong enough to grab it. So, I've picked out a snake hole for you to investigate. Bring me back a Snake skin, and we'll get to work.
Unnecessary Solicitation
Hey, you got that Snake skin, or what?
Mission Objective(s)
You hear the scraping of scales on stone in the distance. Get a Snake skin and bring it back to Burke!
- Bring back a snake skin
- Defeat Sithius and guards
You defeated Sithius and his guards! You have a Snake skin!
Enemies
Notable NPCs
- Sithius (Cobra)
You collected the snake skin that Matthew Burke requested, but you also found something else. The words of Sithius echo in your head: 'Almighty Stheno.' Who could this creature be?
Debriefing
Almighty Stheno? I don't know who or what that is, but I'd be willing to bet money it's important to the Snakes. Which means it's important to my client. Which means, Character, it's important to you and me.
Learn more about Stheno
Briefing
All right, Character, I've tracked down a few rumors about this Stheno character. Apparently she's the Snakes' leader. More than that, I've got a lead on a place where you may be able to learn more. It's another snake den, so you'll want your heavy boots.
Mission Acceptance
Whatever you learn, let me know as soon as possible. My client is getting antsy.
Unnecessary Solicitation
My client wants to know more about the origin of the Snakes, Character. So hop to it.
Mission Objective(s)
The air smells of Snake breath: damp and disgusting.
- Defeat all Snakes
- Seek clues
You found a clue to Stheno's nature, and learned of one of her haunts!
Enemies
Notable NPCs
needs data
This ancient tome refers to Stheno, the sister of the Gorgon, Medusa. It seems she is the goddess worshipped by Mercy's Snakes. It speaks of a time when Stheno will return to spawn new and powerful progeny.
One of the Snakes you defeated gasped:
'Leave me be! You will never learn of my lady'sss den from me!'
After a judicious interrogation, however, the Snake revealed the location of a Snake hatchery.
Debriefing
Nice work, Character. Looks like we'll have to check out this Snake hatchery. Could be we'll find something worth selling.
Check out the Snake hatchery
Briefing
I can't say for certain whether we'll find Stheno at that hatchery, but I'd say it's worth looking. Be careful, Character. If the reports about Medusa are to be believed, her sister won't be any pushover.
Mission Acceptance
My client will want to know about everything you find.
Unnecessary Solicitation
You've got a hatchery to clear out, or don't you remember?
Mission Objective(s)
You hear a swift and sudden crack.
- Defeat all Snakes in hatchery
You have cleared out the Snake hatchery, but found no sign of Stheno.
Enemies
Notable NPCs
- Cobra Trueborn (Snakes Cobra) (Boss)
- Snake Egg x 5 (Object)
Viper Blade 1:
- The eggsssss will be hatching ssssssoon!
Viper Blade 2:
- Yessss! And with the new blood Sssstheno's trueborn progency bringssss ussss, we will grow sssstronger!
Viper Blade 1:
- What wassss that?
Viper Blade 2:
- We musssst protect the eggssssss!
You recovered these Snake shell fragments from the Snake hatchery. Though you were unable to find the Gorgon Stheno, these fragments should be worth a lot to Burke's secretive client.
Debriefing
No sign of Stheno, eh? Well, them's the breaks, I guess. I guess my client will have to be content with these Snake shells. I just hope the information we've gathered on the Snakes doesn't get back to Arachnos. I'd hate to think we'd done all this work for their benefit.
Missions
Level 1-4
Find out about Arachnos
Briefing
You think you know all about Arachnos, huh? Sure you do. Big, fancy posters, lotsa pomp 'n' circumstance. Well, let me tell you, Character: you don't know jack. That's ok, though. You're about to find out.
Mission Acceptance
I like to keep tabs on my neighbors, so I need you to plan these little bugs on the flyers inside Fort Darwin. Easy peasy. It'll give you a chance to see what Arachnos is like in combat. Heck, you might even impress 'em! Arachnos is always looking for the latest good material to come out of the Zig. They use this whole island as a proving ground for their fresh meat.
Here's an access code to get into Fort Darwin. Wait until the coast is clear, then plant the bugs on the Arachnos flyers.
Unnecessary Solicitation
Still got a few bugs, ain'tcha? Got to plant 'em all.
Mission Objective(s)
All you've got to do is plant these bugs. If you choose to take out a few Arachnos operatives--well, that's just a bonus.
- Plant bugs on flyers
- 4 flyers to bug
You have bugged the flyer. All of Burke's bugs are set.
Enemies
Notable NPCs
- Wolf Spider Huntsman (Arachnos Wolf Spider Huntsman) (Boss)
Debriefing
Good job, Character. Arachnos has been a thorn in my side ever since I set foot on Darwin's Landing. They think they own everything and everyone here. Most of the time, they're right. Just don't you let them be your masters, ok, Character? You've got what I'd call a bright future ahead of you.
Steal book from Ghost Widow
Briefing
Glad to see you, Character. We've got a job. Seems someone's hired us to steal some old book from Ghost Widow's faction. The book is called the Mu Codex. Who's hired us, you ask? Why, Mako's faction! That's right, those Arachnos factions are always at each other's throats. You'd best remember that if you ever decide to get involved with their lot. Trust no one.
Mission Acceptance
Oh, there's one more thing I didn't tell you. I'm planning to keep this book for myself. So wipe out everyone in the Arachnos lab, won't you, Character? It's the only way we can get away clean.
Unnecessary Solicitation
You've got a book to steal, ain'tcha?
Mission Objective(s)
Burke's weaving a dangerous web by trying to play two Arachnos factions against each other. Better make sure you don't get caught in the crossfire.
- Defeat all operatives in base
- Steal the Mu Codex
You have wiped out Ghost Widow's men and secured the Mu Codex.
Enemies
Notable NPCs
need data
You have the Mu Codex.
Mako hired Burke to steal this book from Ghost Widow's faction. He's hoping to keep it for herself, though, which is a dangerous proposition.
Debriefing
Ah, the Mu Codex. This'll fetch a pretty penny. Oh, don't worry, Character. Mako will believe that Ghost Widow managed to keep the Codex from us. It'll give him a good excuse to call her out, which is what those elite Arachnos operatives like more than anything. They just love their petty intrigues!
Of all of them, only the Arbiters are above all that in-fighting. Heck, even I respect the Arbiters to a certain degree. You may want to check them out.
Go after the good guys
Briefing
You know my code of honor, Character? None. I'll steal from anyone if the price is right. From Arachnos, from Longbow, even from the Snakes if they had anything worth taking. But on this particular day, we're going after the good guys. Longbow. Saviors of Paragon City, thorn in the side of Arachnos. Truth is, I don't mind Longbow so much. They irritate Arachnos, which I can't help but find entertaining. Trouble is, Longbow's got something I want.
Mission Acceptance
Longbow's got some of the best cryptographers this side of Paragon City. One of them is known as Agent Kurst. I need Kurst's files. Not only do they contain a wealth of knowledge about Arachnos ciphers, they also are likely to contain a mention or two about the codes my clients use. Which means, I'm sorry to say, Kurst isn't long for this world.
Unnecessary Solicitation
I need Kurst's files, Character. And now.
Mission Objective(s)
Longbow must have some serious funding.
- Defeat Kurst and his guards
- Steal Kurst's files
- Defeat Agent Kurst and guards
You have defeated Agent Kurst and guards!
You have defeated Kurst and stolen his files.
Enemies
Notable NPCs
- Agent Kurst (Longbow Longbow Sergeant) (Lieutenant)
You have Kurst's files!
These files, composed by Longbow Agent Kurst, detail the many ciphers he has successfully broken while working on Mercy Island. Although many of these ciphers originated with Arachnos, some of them are the codes Burke uses to correspond with his clients.
Debriefing
Excellent job, Character. These files will serve me well. They should let me eavesdrop on secret Arachnos conversations—at least, until these ciphers are rotated out of use. It's important to keep an eye on Arachnos. They're always testing everybody here on Mercy, myself included. Trying to figure out who's strong enough to survive and who's weak enough to crush under their boot heels. When someone's watching you, Character, it's a good idea to watch them right back.
There's a rather odd fellow I'd like you to meet: Doctor Creed. He's a strange man, but he knows a lot about the Infected, and he's looking for a lab assistant.
Level 20
Steal cape from hero (Cape Mission)
Speak with Lorenz Ansaldo
Briefing
So it's you again, Character! I see you've made a name for yourself on the Rogue Isles. That's good, 'cause a merc is only as good as his rep.
You probably already know Lord Recluse has forbidden any of his so-called Destined Ones to wear a cape until they've proven themselves. Now, I don't really care what Recluse or his footsoldiers want, but I understand there's certain status symbols which people strive for. In this case, you're gonna need to play by Arachnos rules. If you want to earn yourself a cape, I'll tell you what you need to do to get it. Head over to Paragon City, destroy a couple of their hero statues and steal the cape from any hero who tries to stop you!
Mission Acceptance
You will need to secure passage to Paragon City and be smuggled over to one of their statue parks. Go speak with Lorenz Ansaldo at the Port Recluse docks on Sharkhead. He'll fix you up.
Unnecessary Solicitation
Lorenz is part of the Family. They are quite good at smuggling people and goods to and from the mainland.
Mission Objective(s)
- Speak with Lorenz Ansaldo
You need passage to Paragon City? Yah, I can hook you up. I got an arrangement going with Arachnos to handle any 'special delieveries' they might have between the Rogue Isles and the mainland. But that don't mean there ain't no price...
We got a lot of them Longbow agents snoopin' around the docks here lookin' for contraband. I was planning on getting a few of my boys ready to beat some sense into them, but then you happen to show up! Take down all the Longbow agents snoopin' around our warehouse here at the docks and destroy any crates of contraband they may have found.
Defeat all agents, destroy contraband
Unnecessary Solicitation
Lorenz is allowed to make such demands of you in trade for his services. I suggest you do as he says.
Mission Objective(s)
Longbow constantly looks for evidence to shutdown Family smuggling operations in the Rogue Isles. It's time to convince Longbow to mind their own business!
- Defeat all agents, destroy contraband
- 3 crates to destroy
You cleared out the warehouse for the Family! Lorenz has set up a boat to take you to Paragon City, and a truck to take you to the statue park.
Enemies
Notable NPCs
- Longbow Commander (Longbow Longbow Warden) (Boss)
- Contraband x 3 (Object)
You find on the Longbow Commander a hand-held computer. It contains information on villain activities in the Rogue Isles, including Family smuggling operations and movement of villains into Paragon City. You're included on the watch list! It looks like Longbow might be monitoring your activities!
Steal cape from Hero
Unnecessary Solicitation
If you want to get your cape, you need to take down a hero. Go to it!
Mission Objective(s)
You wait for the appropiate moment to launch your assault. Paragon City will soon fear your name!
- Steal cape from Hero
- 2 statues to destroy
- Defeat hero & allies
You destroyed the hero statue!
You destroyed the hero statue!
You wrest the cape from the back of the fallen hero!
You have defeated a Paragon City hero and taken his cape!
Enemies
Notable NPCs
- Hero Statue x 2 (Object)
- Longbow Commander (Longbow Longbow Warden) (Boss)
- One Hero out of the following:
Ambush! "Stop in the name of Longbow!"
Upon attacking the guards around a statue, there will be an ambush by Longbow. There is one ambush for each statue.
Ambush! "Longbow agents attack!"
After defeating the ambush from destroying both statues, there will be another ambush by Longbow. The Longbow Commander is within this group.
Ambush! "Character! Stop your evil ways!"
After defeating the Longbow Commander ambush, there will be one last ambush by Longbow. The random Hero is within this group.
This is a cape taken from one of the heroes of Paragon City you defeated in combat! Take this back to Fortunata Kalinda back in the Rogue Isles to prove yourself worthy as a destined one of Lord Recluse!
Debriefing
Alright, I hooked you up with a cape. Now get outta here!!
Level 30
5.3.1 Unlock the power of the Destined ones
Mission Briefing
Matthew Burke: So you're back again, Natasha Sirob! I hear you've been tearing up to the streets of the Rogue Isles! But that's not what you're here for, is it? Nah, you've probably heard something about 'unlocking the true power of the Destined One' or something. Well I'll tell you, I don't buy it. But if you're still interested in pursuing this, I can hook you up with someone who can help you with it. There is a powerful and ancient Archmage known as Tarixus who lairs on Sharkhead Isle. Speak with him about unlocking your potential energies.
Unneccesary Solicitation
Have you spoken with Tarixus yet? He will be able to aid you in unlocking the power of the destined one.
Breifing by Tarixus
I sensed your arrival, Natasha Sirob. You seek to follow your destiny and show to everyone you are truly marked by the Powers for greatness. To do this you must give proper homage to the Powers, the great mystical entities who grant power to those who know how to unlock their secrets. To give proper homage to the Powers you must sacrifice arcane energies at a nexus, one of the places where the veil between this world and the mystic planes is weak. There is a group known as the Carnival of Shadows who occasionally dabble in the arcane. They have acquired some of my artifacts in order to work their chaos magic. If you recover these magical artifacts, I will allow you to use them to unlock your energies as a destined one - if that is indeed what you are. Magical orders such as the Circle of Thorns often built great temples around nexus points in order to tap into their power and to draw energies from the Powers. Go now to find the artifacts, then offer up their arcane energies to the Powers upon an Orenbegan altar!
5.3.1.1 Find the Mystic Artifacts
The air in this warehouse seems to shimmer with weird energies.
- Mistress of Chaos will have the artifacts. Defeat her and her minions to complete
5.3.1.2 Offer the Artifacts of Power
- Offer the artifacts of Power
- Fend of attackers
- Three waves of Circle of Thorn ambushes will attack after the glowie is cliucked. the final wave will have the Temple Protector. Depending on team size and difficulty Temple Protector may be a Boss.
Mathew Burke: Did you find what you were looking for, Natasha Sirob? Whatever it was, I hope it was worth it!
- Upon competion players gave access to Auras at the tailor shops.