Template:Issue12
Overview
Percy Winkley is a hero contact in the Salamanca neighborhood of Croatoa at coordinates (-921, 2175, 32)[Copy] . He can be found at the University.
Introductions
Introduced by
Information
Midnight Squad Member
As one of the younger members of the Midnight Squad, Percy seems to get himself into a lot of trouble. Often acting before thinking through what he's doing or where he's going, he has a tendency to find himself strung up by one villain group or another. Thankfully, the Midnighters can spare a member or two for a rescue operation. Percy escapes the full wrath of the Midnight Club leaders because, while his risks seem rash, they often result in large windfalls of knowledge and lore for the Club.
Initial Contact
Hey, have we met?
I think you rescued me once. Well, as a proper introduction, I'm Percy Winkley, one of the members of the Midnight Squad.
As a member, I learn the lost - hidden - history of the world. This sends me, and all the Midnighters, down dark paths that oftentimes lead to even darker threats. That's why we do what we do, though, because if no one went down those rabbit holes, we would be unprepared when something vile crept out of them.
Requirements not met
I have something, but it's beyond your current security level. You should come talk to me when you're Security Level 30.
No More Missions
I don't have anything more for you, perhaps your other contacts have something?
Store
Percy Winkley does not sell Enhancements or Inspirations.
Story Arc (The Origin of Power)
Souvenir
The Origin of Power
You look at one of the ancient tablets that Percy Winkley gave you as a souvenir of your adventures and are reminded of the events you've come to know of as...
The Origin of Power
Percy Winkley sent you all over Paragon City to talk to different heroes of each of the five origins. You talked to War Witch about magic, Manticore regarding his natural skills and training and Positron about technology. You even spoke with Synapse about how he became who he is today thanks to a Crey experiment. One of the more interesting visits you had was with Sister Psyche regarding the creation of mutants during the late thirties.
All of this showed you the history of origins... of powers. However, it wasn't until the Circle of Thorns decided to try and corrupt that power that you got to take action. The Thorns had found an ancient cave filled with tablets. These tablets were said to hold the secrets of power and the Thorns were attempting to bend that power to their own end.
Thankfully, Percy had tracked down where the cave was and you went there and collected all the tablets for the Midnight Squad, making sure that the Thorns wouldn't be able to use them for any nefarious purposes.
The Origin of Power
Take a history lesson (Magic)
Briefing
I want to explain something to you. More accurately, I want you to learn about something bigger than you or I. It's the one thing that ties us all together, not just in Paragon City and the Rogue Isles, but all of us, through all time. It's The Origin of Power. Where it comes from, how it changes and what it means to us now.
It's true, this is a history lesson of sorts, but it's also an instruction manual. This task is not full of combat and near-death experiences. So, if that's your bag, perhaps it's best you go raid a Circle of Thorns den or some other more pedestrian assignment.
You up for a history lesson?
Mission Acceptance
Well done. I thought I saw more depth in those eyes than just the dumb heroic brute. We get so many of them nowadays. But, I digress.
Your first lesson is to speak with a mystic here in Croatoa. Her name is War Witch. She will guide you through the ways of Magic.
Unnecessary Solicitation
Go and talk with War Witch regarding the origin of Magic. I've heard her speak on this before and found it enlightening. A little long-winded perhaps, but enlightening. But don't tell her I said that.
Mission Objective(s)
Notable NPCs
- Greetings.
- So, Percy sent you over here to learn about the origin of magic. Well, get comfy.
Magic Origin
In the beginning... dot. dot. dot.
The world was once full of gods. As of yet there was no magic as we would think of it today, only the powers of the divine and the spirit. These spirits were reflections of the greater Gaia that encompasses all of earthly existence.
Long before our predecessors used the first rock as a tool, these spirits knew sentience, intelligence, song and poetry. They, in turn, taught these wonders to humankind, guiding them up the long ladder of evolution. In return, the spirits fed and thrived upon the emotional and psychic devotion of their human proteges.
This was the landscape before magic really showed up on the scene.
What we know of as magic didn't come about until the gods went to war. The war was against a group of gods that thought it would be a good idea to kill other gods and consume their power. Obviously, the rest of the gods weren't too happy about this.
The battle took place on the plains of North Africa. They fought a cataclysmic war that lasted for entire generations, fighting back and forth across the continent. With one hundred gods for each of the thirteen members of the rival pantheon, the two sides were actually evenly matched. The war took a terrible toll on the surrounding countryside, killing tens of thousands of worshippers and stripping the earth bare of all life. By the time the war was finished, the lush forests and plains had been transformed into the desert we know of today as the Sahara.
During the war, the rival pantheon consumed the essences of their fallen comrades, leaving them all the stronger for their losses. The alliance of gods knew that they needed another approach, and so turned to a single, relatively obscure god who had long fought at their side. She was Tielekku, and she had been a spirit of knowledge. Now she was the first god of True Magic. She had discovered magic through her own worshipers: the ability to bend, shape and tear reality through sheer force of will. This magic differed from divine and spirit powers because it transcended its origins.
Tielekku taught her fellow gods a powerful magical ritual that she had devised, one that would defeat the evil pantheon. This banished them into the spirit realm and thus we refer to them as the Banished Pantheon.
So now we have magic in our realm taught to us by a god. You would think that would be it, but no, not when you bring in the history of the Circle of Thorns. You up for hearing more? I could talk about this stuff all day.
The original Circle of Thorns ruled over a vast ancient empire that spanned much of the Eastern United States. Called Oranbega, the empire existed as a center for magic, enlightenment, peace, and prosperity for close to a thousand years. Its lofty towers and massive temples stood as testaments to the magical and philosophical prowess of a nation unparalleled in human history.
Not exactly what you were expecting to hear was it? Yeah, the Thorns started out well enough, but ultimately they succumbed to the same forces of fear, bitterness, and hate that have laid low so many other great peoples in the millennia since.
The Circle of Thorns once worshipped a god by the name of Ermeeth. Unlike most gods, Ermeeth wanted to teach all of his people to rise to a level greater than himself, to make gods out of men. This didn't sit well with the other gods of the time, especially Tielekku's star pupil Hequat. She led the assault against Ermeeth, forcing his people to flee across the oceans to what we now call North America. In order to survive, the Circle of Thorns sank their city into the ground and made deals with demons for power. This opened up another path of power, demon magic. The Faustian deal the Circle made eventually corrupted them into the group we now all love to hate. Such a shame, really, before their fall they were really on to something.
Well you lasted longer than I expected. I hope you learned a thing or two about where all of this comes from.
Non-Magic Origin
In the beginning... dot. dot. dot.
The world was once full of gods. As of yet there was no magic as we would think of it today, only the powers of the divine and the spirit. Magic was created by man, but really wasn't used seriously until the gods needed it. They wanted to defeat a pantheon of deities that sought to eliminate all other gods. After that pantheon was banished into the spirit realm, mankind continued their arcane practices.
For a time an Era of Magic existed in our world. Whole empires existed as centers for magic, enlightenment, peace and prosperity. Ultimately, as is so often the case with humanity, these nations tore themselves apart, opening the way for evils we had never thought possible.
Now, magic is still very strong, but other paths of power have grown to be just as strong. I'm sure the other people you talk to will tell you more about those. That's all I have for the history lesson now. Tell Percy he needs to get a date and stop reading all those old books. And no, I'm not available.
Debriefing
The Origin of Power
Percy Winkley is not one to take no for an answer. You found him standing outside the University in Croatoa and he convinced you to go and speak with members of each of the different origins. He spoke of how powers bind all of us together across Paragon and the Rogue Isles. He even claimed that it was our connection to the past. He was like an excited child explaining how they discovered something wonderful.
The first person you spoke to was War Witch. She explained the history of magic, where it came from and how it has changed. What this means for you here and now, you're unsure. Perhaps speaking with the other people Percy wishes you to talk to might clear this up.
I hope you found your chat with War Witch enlightening. Magic is one of the more complex histories of power.
Before you go, I want you to know that I put in a good word for you with the Midnight Squad. Oh, and if you ever want to contact me, here's my cell number.
Take a history lesson (Mutation)
Briefing
This next person should be ... interesting. Her name is Sister Psyche, she's a bit of a head case. Sorry, that was inappropriate, just a little joke we have around the club. Granted, the last time one of our guys thought that he talked backwards for the rest of the week.
So yeah, you should go talk to her, just don't think anything around her. Could be dangerous.
Mission Acceptance
You'll find her in Independence Port. I hope you don't end up talking backwards.
Unnecessary Solicitation
You really need to go talk to Sister Psyche. She's in Independence Port. I hear she's got some interesting opinions about mutants.
Mission Objective(s)
Notable NPCs
- Sister Psyche (Task Force Contact)
- I've been expecting you...
- Heh, I love saying that. It really freaks people out when they come and talk to me. Honestly, I didn't even know you were going to be here. I was in the middle of another conversation with half a dozen people from around the world regarding some recent power proliferations.
- But anyway, Percy wants me to talk about mutants does he? Well, I'll see what I can do.
Mutation Origin
You and I are both mutants. Well, we've been classified that way, anyway. I actually disagree with the classification of mutants in general because I feel the class is too broad of one. Posi told me once that a mutant was a new organism that is produced by some sort of change in the gene. It doesn't talk at all about how the change was produced though. Guys like Synapse would be considered mutant by that description, but we both know they were made through science. Whereas, you and I were born different. Something else decided to make us different.
Here's an interesting fact. Did you know that there were no mutants as we call them before 1938?
Now can you tell me why?
- Because we began mass production of the diesel engine.
- Nosferatu released his Vampyr agent into the global water table.
Sorry, that was the wrong answer.
The correct answer was that it was the same year that the atom was split. Many believe that this had a profound effect on every living thing. That somehow this basic division rippled throughout every atom, causing the split from what we once considered normal to something else.
Now, I said the first mutant didn't show up until sometime after 1938, but that doesn't mean there weren't people like me around. Confused? Well you shouldn't be. I believe that I am not, in fact, a mutant, but something else. I'm a psionic, not a mutant. The distinction is a semantic one, but I feel is fairly important to make. There are histories all the way back to ancient Rome that talk about the Sibyls and their ability to see the future. I believe these women were the first psionics our earth has seen. I'm not an expert, but it seems to make sense to me.
Non-Mutation Origin
Many people think mutants are anything that is not normal or does not fit into our society. However, I think that description is too broad. Because both you and I would fall into that category, and you're not a mutant are you?
Mutants first began appearing after 1938. This date is important because it's the same year that the first atom was split. Many believe that this division in a single atom somehow rippled through all the atoms and created a divide on what was once normal to create something else - something mutant.
If this is the case, then it shows something interesting: all atoms are connected. If the atoms are connected, then the things that bind them are as well. Who knows, maybe we all get our powers from the same place. I know Positron has some theories on that one.
I hope you understand more about where we come from and how it's all connected.
The more I learn about us as heroes, the more questions I have. There are so many avenues to explore and so few signs to point the way, but in time, I'm sure we will find our true course.
Debriefing
Sister Psyche is an interesting woman. She has had a long hard road to get to where she is now and because of that, I believe that she sees the world in a drastically different light than the rest of us.
I always find her insights compelling, if not downright dead on.
The Midnighters are very pleased with your work.
Take a history lesson (Technology)
Briefing
The next person you need to go and speak with is Positron. He's amazing when it comes to technology and I believe he also has a couple of theories as to the Origin of Power.
Mission Acceptance
All right, you'll be able to find him in Steel Canyon. Good luck.
Unnecessary Solicitation
You really need to go talk to Positron in Steel Canyon.
Mission Objective(s)
Notable NPCs
- Positron (Task Force Contact)
- You've come a long way from your first visit to Paragon City, Character. I'm glad to call you an ally.
- I'm more than happy to take some time out of my day to talk to you about my technology background.
Technology Origin
Like a couple of other Technology-based heroes, I have a power that is pretty useless in itself, but when coupled with technology becomes pretty powerful. I can generate small amounts of anti-matter at will, but that really does nothing but make big explosions. What I did do was harness this ability into a suit that is powered by my own abilities. This gives me the ability to go up against guys like Recluse and the Clockwork King.
However, you and I both know that there's a moment when you're tied into technology where you feel that connection to something huge - something bigger than your own ability. I have some theories on this if you'd like to hear them.
Are you familiar with the work Dr. Brainstorm's been doing on regards to Power Proliferation? Well, Paragon City has tried to keep things under wraps as much as possible, but it's going to be pretty difficult to do.
What he's done is broken down barriers, allowing heroes and villains to have a access to a wider range of powers. Now, the ramifications of this are frightening to say the least. But it does reveal some of the underlying tapestry that binds all of us together. I believe that all of our powers and abilities are connected in a sort of web... that might be the wrong word - let's say a net.
This net reaches across to the mutants, the magicians, those that have been altered to become something more than human and even to people like Manticore that aren't directly connected to it. I once thought that the natural and technological heroes were somehow separate from the world of powers, but now, because of Dr. Brainstorm's work, I'm starting to think otherwise. If we were separate we would not have been affected by his Power Proliferation experiments. But I've heard that even natural and technology heroes are starting to see the effects.
Now as a scientist, I want to point out to you that there is no hard data on any of the theories I mentioned to you. That doesn't mean that it's not true, but it's exactly what I called it - a theory.
Non-Technology Origin
Like a couple of other Technology-based heroes, I have a power that is pretty useless in itself, but when coupled with technology becomes pretty powerful. I can generate small amounts of anti-matter at will, but that really does nothing but make big explosions. What I did do was harness this ability into a suit that is powered by my own abilities. This gives me the ability to go up against guys like Recluse and the Clockwork King.
However, there's a moment when I'm tied into technology where I feel a connection to something huge - something bigger than my own ability. It's pretty amazing, not that you'd understand any of that of course.
Debriefing
I'm glad you talked to Positron. He's got some interesting ideas about where our powers come from and how everything is connected, but he doesn't readily share those ideas with everyone he talks to. I hope you were one of the lucky ones.
Take a history lesson (Science)
Briefing
Synapse went through a horrific experiment that gave him his powers. He says that Crey were the ones who did the experiment, but as of yet, there has been no justice from(?) him. They completely deny what happened.
I think you should talk to him, as well. Perhaps see the face of the reluctant hero.
Mission Acceptance
You should be able to find Synapse in Skyway City. Granted, the guy moves around a lot.
Unnecessary Solicitation
You really need to go talk to Synapse in Skyway City. It's very important.
Mission Objective(s)
Notable NPCs
- Synapse (Task Force Contact)
- Oh, so Percy sent you over here to talk about my past... Well, that's a little personal don't you think?
Science Origin
So, are you like me? The result of some messed up lab experiment? Yeah, I can see it in your eyes.
We're the only ones that know what it's like to be one thing and then be forced to become something else. Don't get me wrong I dig having the powers, but I also dug being normal.
I'm not sure how you got your powers, but Crey was nice enough to experiment on me and by experiment I mean torture. Positron tells me they were trying to connect to the power web or whatever. I don't really care. They did what they did and now I'm not the same... never will be.
I'm not sure if that's exactly what you were looking for, but there you go. Humanity makes science, but science made me what I am.
Non-Science Origin
You will never understand what I've been through - the things Crey did to me to make me a man with powers. But I will tell you this, science is only as good or evil as the people who use it.
Yeah, I'm still a little bitter about the whole thing. Just count yourself lucky that it wasn't you on the experimentation table getting stabbed with electrical knives. I'm never going to forget that.
Man, now I can't get those images out of my head. Thanks for ruining my day.
Debriefing
It's a sad story, I know, but an important one to know. Thanks for talking with him.
Take a history lesson (Natural)
Briefing
So this next guy is not going to be as forthcoming about his past as War Witch. His name's Manticore and he's one tough customer. But I still think it's important for you to understand what drives him and others like him who don't have powers.
Mission Acceptance
All right, good luck talking to him. Just know this, as much as you might think he'll put an arrow in you, he won't... I hope.
You should be able to find him in Brickstown... Just don't sneak up on him.
Unnecessary Solicitation
You really need to go talk to Manticore. It's very important. Oh, and he's standing around in Brickstown.
Mission Objective(s)
Notable NPCs
- Manticore (Task Force Contact)
- Character, I hope you've been keeping yourself busy. This city isn't going to clean itself.
- Why did Percy send you here? He wants you to learn about where I got my powers from? I don't have any powers. It makes trying to do the right thing in a world of powers all the more difficult, but all the more necessary.
- I can tell you about that if you're curious.
Natural Origin
Some people out there are gifted or cursed with powers. There's countless ways they come about them. There are those of us, like you and I, who didn't take that path.
I trained to get where I am. With the help of my father and Back Alley Brawler, I became the man I am today. I did this because I saw the world around me for what it really was and found it lacking from the world it should really be. This desire to reconcile what should be with what was, has been the flame that has guided me ever since.
I'm sure on some level the same is true for you.
Hope you found what you're looking for or at least what Percy wanted you to find.
Next time you see him, tell him he should watch his back a little better. I might not be around the next time he gets kidnapped.
Non-Natural Origin
I don't expect you to understand this. You're a hero who comes from a [non-Natural] origin. You have powers of which others can only dream.
That's not the case for people like me. We fight in spite of having powers. Some might think that makes us more heroic, some might be right. Either way, those of us without powers, have worked harder and longer than any others to make a difference.
For some of us, it's a desire to make the world a better place that pushes us harder. For others, it's simply the challenge to prove that we can compete in a world of powers. Either way, if you ever go up against one of us, know this... we've got nothing to lose so we'll fight until there's no fight left.
Debriefing
Manticore is unique in his own way, but there are many others like him who choose to take on the life of a hero even though they were not granted any powers.
This origin is not unique to Paragon City. In fact, it is actually the most common I've come across in my research. My theory is that it actually harkens all the way back to ancient Mesopotamia... but who ever wants to hear my theories?
Finale
Briefing
So, I'd hoped we'd be able to avoid this, but it doesn't look like it. While you were out talking to the different heroes about their origins, the Circle of Thorns have gotten wind of what's going on. They're up to something and I'm going to need your help to stop it.
Mission Acceptance
They've unearthed some old relics in a nearby cave and are beginning to ask the same questions we are regarding powers and their origin. Honestly, this scares the snot out of me because if these guys can get a handle of where powers come from and how to control them, the world will be in a bad place. Please, get in there and stop them.
Unnecessary Solicitation
I still need you to get into those nearby caves and get those relics they've unearthed. Without those relics, they won't be able to rewrite how we all use our powers.
Mission Objective(s)
The Circle of Thorns are attempting to uncover the mysteries behind powers. If that happens there's no telling what they will do with that knowledge.
- Stop Circle of Thorns
- 10 Relics, Defeat Qelrend
You've collected the relics Percy asked you to. Return to him for further instructions.
Primary Enemies
Notable NPCs
You gain a deeper understanding of the power and history of origins by talking to a representative of each path.
Debriefing
Without those relics, the Circle will not be able to command the powers to their will.
You know, in the history books of the Midnighters there is talk of a time when a single origin commanded all the power. There was factioning within the origin, similar to what we're seeing with mutants now. I've read about a battle and a group of warriors who traveled to another plane to unleash an event or a creature, the translation isn't that good. At the end of the day, there was the balance that we now have amongst the origins. Granted, I think there were some different origins back then and a few of the ones we have now weren't around, but it was balanced just the same.
Thank you for taking the time to go over this history with me. That's all I have for you, Character. Even though your background is Origin I hope you got some useful information out of this.
