Manticore Task Force

Overview

Following Countess Crey
Contact	Manticore
Zone	Brickstown
Suggested Team Size	7 players
Level Range	30-35
Merits	32
Badge	Manticore's Associate
Enemy Groups	Crey

The Manticore Task Force is the fifth of six Freedom Phalanx Task Forces, and the completion of all six grants the Task Force Commander Badge. The other five task forces are started by Positron, Synapse, Penelope Yin, Citadel, and Numina.

This task force is also designated as a Signature Task Force. As such, missions will always spawn mobs at level 35 or higher, regardless of team members' levels.

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 32 Reward Merits.

Introductions

Initial Contact

To form a task force, you need seven or more heroes in your group.

You need at least 7 members on your team, all of them at least Level 30. If they are over Level 35, they will be automatically exemplared to Level 35 for the duration of the Task Force.

Missions

Agree to form a task force

Briefing

Listen, Character, I don't care what you read in the paper, Countess Crey isn't the humanitarian she pretends to be. I need you to help me find out what's going on behind Crey's closed doors. I've been contacted by a man named Drake who wants out of one of their facilities. Get over to this location, shut the place down, and get Drake to safety.

Mission Acceptance

If you walk this path with me, you may often find yourself in the shadows. I don't operate like Positron and the others. I hope you're ready for it.

Task Force Name, I think. Yes, that's a good name.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Crey isn't going to wait on you, Task Force Name.

Mission Objective(s)

The security code Manticore provided works like a charm.

• Defeat all security forces
  • Find Drake

You freed Manticore's informant, Drake!

Drake's story

When you rescued Manticore's informant, he told you:

'Thanks for pulling me out of there. You would not believe the lengths Crey is willing to go to, in order to stay at the head of the research world. Their public relations department is brilliant, but their ethics are non-existent. If Manticore can promise me protection, I can divulge the location of another one of their facilities. I have heard that some very shady computer research is being done there.'

Enemies

Crey

Notable NPCs

• Simmons (Crey Protector)

Simmons Dialogue

Before Combat:

Simmons: We have a security breach. Use deadly force.

Combat Start:

Simmons: Steady, men, we have the firepower to deal with this.

Debriefing

At least you are as good as your reputations. Drake's grateful that you got him out of that Crey facility, and he's told me a lot about the sinister goings-on at Crey. I think we may be getting into deep waters here. Countess Crey won't be happy about someone coming after her.

Task Force Name, it's a privilege to work with you. You keep in touch, understood?

Shut down the research facility

Briefing

That ex-Crey employee gave me one last bit of info before I shuffled him off to my version of witness protection. According to Drake, there's a Crey research facility that's trying to meld Rikti technology into a computer network. I'm not sure what they're trying to accomplish, but it can't be good. Shut down that research facility and bring back any records you can salvage.

Mission Acceptance

Security is bound to be heavy at this place, watch your backs.

Unnecessary Solicitation

I know you have somewhere else to be.

Mission Objective(s)

Once again, Manticore's security code works perfectly. With a twinge of unease, you enter the facility.

• Defeat all forces in lab
  • Seek clues

You stopped the illegal Crey research and found a clue.

Editor's Note:

Locations:

• Atlas Park
• Kings Row
• Steel Canyon
• Skyway City
• Perez Park
• Brickstown
• Talos Island
• Founder's Falls

Friedkin's message

The message that appeared on the computer screen said:

'You may or may not have heard of me. I am sometimes called the doctor, but my name is Friedkin. Let's just say I used to work for Countess Crey, and it didn't go so well. I recently intercepted a file containing her itinerary. I am now burning an encrypted file onto a disc. It contains the location of a Crey facility where the countess will be conducting an inspection. The facility is engaged in illegal genetic research; if you catch her there, she will no longer be able to deny her involvement in Crey's nefarious activities. I wish you better luck than I've had.

Enemies

Crey

Notable NPCs

• Hawkins (Crey Protector)

Hawkins Dialogue

Before Combat:

Hawkins: What we do here, stays here.

Combat Start:

Hawkins: Do whatever you have to! Our secrets must be maintained!

Debriefing

So Friedkin contacted you through the computer, huh? I have to admit, I've heard of this character before. The most common theory is that she has become some sort of AI. Since I know her body was found in the sewers, it seems like the only possible situation. I hope you're ready to go after the big fish. Now that Friedkin's passed on Countess Crey's itinerary, we may be able to catch her while she's involved in one of Crey's illicit acts.

Catch Countess Crey

Briefing

According to the file Friedkin passed on, the countess will be touring one of their illegal operations in Crey's Folly today. Get over there and catch her with her hand in the cookie jar.

Mission Acceptance

If she's on site, expect heavy security. Watch out for her personal bodyguard, Hopkins.

Unnecessary Solicitation

We won't have many chances to catch the countess red-handed. This is one of them. Don't blow it.

Mission Objective(s)

The floor has been freshly waxed and buffed. Everything is spotless for the countess' inspection.

• Defeat security chief, his men

You defeated the Crey minions, but the countess escaped.

Editor's Note:

Agent Wilson is the Security Chief. Defeat him and his minions for mission complete.

Locations:

• Dark Astoria
• Boomtown
• Brickstown
• Faultline
• Kings Row
• Steel Canyon

Enemies

Crey

Notable NPCs

• Agent Andrews (Crey Protector)
• Agent Fleming (Crey Protector)
• Agent Wilson (Crey Protector)

Agent Fleming Dialogue

Before Combat:

Agent Fleming: Security has been breached. Keep your eyes open.

Combat Start:

Agent Fleming: I've got masks in Sector Alpha! Code Red!

Agent Andrews Dialogue

Before Combat:

Agent Andrews: This is no drill; implement Protocol D.

Combat Start:

Agent Andrews: They're in Sector Gamma! Code Red confirmed.

Agent Wilson Dialogue

Before Combat:

Agent Wilson: I just got word from Hopkins. The countess has left the facility; neutralize the threat.

Combat Start:

Agent Wilson: You're too late, Task Force Name. Tell Manticore we'll be coming for him when we're done with you!

Debriefing

If you had caught Countess Crey at that lab, we would have been able to get an indictment for sure. Don't feel bad, though. You came closer than anyone ever has to pulling her down off her ivory tower. Task Force Name, you have to press the advantage. She's on the run, and we're out of leads. You will have to hit the streets see if you can dig up any dirt. Give me a minute to pick a target rich environment.

See what you can beat out of the Crey forces

Briefing

Brickstown is full of Crey these days. See what you can beat out of them. What's the matter, not used to the harsh language? Get moving, it's your hide.

Mission Acceptance

Don't kill anyone. Even I can't make a murder rap go away.

Unnecessary Solicitation

I have no time for this, get moving!

Mission Objective(s)

• Interrogate Crey forces
  • Defeat 25 Crey

One of the Crey minions you defeated revealed the locations of a Crey facility in Brickstown.

Editor's Note:

Though it doesn't show on the mission objective, this hunt must be done in Brickstown. Crey killed in other zones will not count.

Interrogation results

One of the Crey agents you captured revealed the location of a Crey facility in Brickstown.

Debriefing

It's not much, but the location of the Brickstown facility is the only lead we have. Maybe you can hack into the computers there and get a location on the countess.

You are quickly becoming one of the city's favorite groups.

Get data from the Crey facility

Briefing

All right, Task Force Name, I'm sending you to that Crey facility in Brickstown. Get in and get out as fast as you can. More data is the goal here. We want to know where the countess is and what she's doing; don't waste any time on the muscle she has working for her.

Mission Acceptance

Move as quickly as you can, Task Force Name. The longer the countess is free, the more damage she can do.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Time is not on your side here.

Mission Objective(s)

You quietly enter the facility, intent on finding the computer systems as quickly as possible.

• Infiltrate base
  • Hack the computer

You received another message from Friedkin.

Editor's Note:

Clicking the computer (glowie) is all that is needed to complete this mission.

Location: Brickstown

Friedkin's second message

The message on the computer screen said:

'I have located the countess again. She will be at one of their office complexes, signing some important documents. I am burning you another CD with the locations; don't let her slip away this time.'

Enemies

Crey

Crey (Patrol) Dialogue

Before Combat:

Researcher: Task Force Name is on our tail. I want everyone armed to the teeth.

Radiologist: Done and done, sir.

Combat Start:

Vigilant: I'm going to take you out by myself!

Radiologist: I'm going to take you out by myself!

Paragon Protector: I'm going to take you out by myself!

Patrol Guard: The countess will be pleased to see you dead!

Crey Cryo Tank: The countess will be pleased to see you dead!

Crey Voltaic Tank: I'm going to take you out by myself!

Debriefing

Looks like it's your lucky day. Friedkin's second message couldn't have come at a better time. According to her, the countess is about to take part in another shady deal. You've got to catch her this time!

Catch the countess

Briefing

You have obviously made Countess Crey very angry by daring to go up against her. Anger leads to mistakes. Let's hope she makes one. We have to catch the countess while she's involved in something illegal. You only have 90 minutes to find the countess.

Mission Acceptance

Watch your backs; I have a bad feeling about this one.

Unnecessary Solicitation

This is our only lead. So follow it!

Mission Objective(s)

As you uneasily enter the offices, Manticore's words echo in your mind: 'I have a bad feeling about this one.'

• Defeat security chief, his men - 1:30:00

Mission Failure - You managed to elude the Crey trap.
Mission Success - You managed to defeat the Crey security chief.

Editor's Note:

Defeating Security Chief Manning and his spawn/room is all that's needed to complete this mission.

Location: Brickstown

Enemies

Crey

Notable NPCs

• Agent Bennet (Crey Protector)
• Agent Gilmore (Crey Protector)
• Agent Jenkins (Crey Protector)
• Agent Lewis (Crey Protector)
• Agent Michaels (Crey Protector)
• Agent Miller (Crey Protector)
• Agent Nelson (Crey Protector)
• Agent Rivera (Crey Protector)
• Agent White (Crey Protector)
• Agent Wood (Crey Protector)
• Security Chief Manning (Crey Protector)

Agent Dialogues

Before Combat:

Agent Bennet: Be ready. They are in the facility.

Combat Start:

Agent Bennet: This is your last attack on Crey, Task Force Name.

---

Before Combat:

Agent Gilmore: You must remember not to allow the enemy to flank us.

Combat Start:

Agent Gilmore: So, you've sprung the little trap we set for you. Feel the full might of Crey!

---

Before Combat:

Agent Jenkins: Scanners indicate Task Force Name is here.

Combat Start:

Agent Jenkins: The package has arrived. I repeat, the package has arrived.

---

Before Combat:

Agent Lewis: If everyone does their jobs then no one will have anything to worry about.

Combat Start:

Agent Lewis: You thought you could capture the countess, but the joke's on you, Task Force Name.

---

Before Combat:

Agent Michaels: No, King Neptune was the sea god! Wait. Did you hear that?

Combat Start:

Agent Michaels: Looks like you are between a rock and a hard place, Task Force Name.

---

Before Combat:

Agent Miller: Task Force Name walked right into this one.

Combat Start:

Agent Miller: It's go time!

---

Before Combat:

Agent Nelson: This is going to be an enjoyable fight.

Combat Start:

Agent Nelson: You walked right into our trap, Task Force Name.

---

Before Combat:

Agent Rivera: We need to do this by the numbers.

Combat Start:

Agent Rivera: Use your most effective attacks.

---

Before Combat:

Agent White: Stay sharp. If Task Force Name escapes, it'll be our hides.

Combat Start:

Agent White: This is not your lucky day, eh, Task Force Name?

---

Before Combat:

Agent Wood: Stay calm and do your jobs.

Combat Start:

Agent Wood: Put the enemy down, quickly and efficiently.

Security Chief Manning Dialogue

Before Combat:

Security Chief Manning: I will not allow this situation to get out of control.

Combat Start:

Security Chief Manning: You are banned from this facility!

Debriefing Mission Failure

I knew something felt wrong. You are lucky to have gotten out of there alive. Either Friedkin set you up, or someone else is pulling our strings. I'm going to get Citadel to analyze the disc with that last message from Friedkin. Maybe he can figure this out.

Debriefing Mission Successful

I have to admit, I'm impressed. That was an overwhelming force and they clearly knew you were coming. I knew something didn't feel right. Either Friedkin set you up, or someone else is pulling our strings. I'm going to get Citadel to analyze the disc with that last message from Friedkin. Maybe he can figure this out.

Go to Ms. Liberty

Talk with Ms. Liberty

Briefing

Well, I had Citadel take a look at the disc with the last message from Friedkin. It turns out it was sent by a different person entirely! The countess lured you into a trap; now, the chess game continues. Ms. Liberty just contacted me. Apparently Crey isn't through with you yet. A member of the Paragon City Council has been kidnapped, and the following note was left: 'If Task Force Name doesn't respond to this threat, we will kill Councilman Birch.' You better get over to Ms. Liberty as soon as possible.

Mission Acceptance

Get that politician back safely, Task Force Name, or your reputation will suffer.

Unnecessary Solicitation

There is a life at stake here. Get to Ms. Liberty.

Mission Objective(s)

• Talk with Ms. Liberty

Editor's Note:

Even though the objective location says Fort Trident, you may still talk to Ms. Liberty in Atlas Park.

Ms. Liberty

Briefing

You have shown great bravery by coming here. Here is the note I received, it should explain everything. Be careful.

Note from kidnappers

We are holding Councilman Birch captive. If Manticore's puppets don't respond to this threat, we will kill him.

Rescue Councilman Birch

Unnecessary Solicitation

There's no time for chat. Find Councilman Birch!

Mission Objective(s)

The dust in this old warehouse has been disturbed by numerous feet.

• Rescue Councilman Birch

You foiled the Crey kidnapping plot.

Editor's Note:

Defeating the spawn guarding Councilman Birch is all that is needed to complete this mission.

Location: Kings Row

Enemies

Crey

Notable NPCs

• Councilman Birch (non-escort Hostage)

Crey (Patrol) Dialogue

Before Combat:

Vigilant: Birch is in big trouble.

Riot Guard: Not as much trouble as Task Force Name!

---

Before Combat:

Geneticist: This operation seems like a real mess.

Vigilant: What do you expect, with so many of our resources expended on that trap for Task Force Name

Combat Start:

Geneticist: There they are! Attack!!

Councilman Birch Dialogue

Upon Rescue:

Councilman Birch: Thanks for risking your neck for me.

Debriefing

I think Crey kidnapped the councilman just to make you look bad. If you hadn't responded as quickly as you did, your reputation in this town would have taken a huge hit. I have the feeling things are going to get worse before they get better.

Take out 40 Crey men in Crey's Folly

Take on Crey in Crey's Folly

Briefing

You are not going to believe this. Countess Crey's personal bodyguard, Hopkins, just contacted me. He says if you can take out 40 of his men over in Crey's Folly, he'll take you on himself. Apparently he is taking your interest in his employer personally.

Mission Acceptance

Hopkins is a tough cookie. Don't underestimate him.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Get back in the fight.

Mission Objective(s)

• Take on Crey in Crey's Folly
  • Defeat 40 Crey

You have defeated 40 Crey minions. The last to fall handed you a note from Hopkins.

Note from Hopkins

You are good against agents, and brave enough to go after women. Let's see what you can do against me. I am waiting for you at Crey's import/export warehouse. Come find me, if you dare.

Defeat Hopkins and his minions

Unnecessary Solicitation

This is your fight.

Mission Objective(s)

Hopkins' reputation is of extreme skill and courage. This could be the fight of your career.

• Defeat Hopkins and his minions

You defeated Hopkins!

Editor's Note:

After defeating Hopkins, Countess Crey will spawn, Hopkins will respawn, and they must both be defeated.

Locations:

• Atlas Park
• Brickstown
• Dark Astoria
• Faultline
• Independence Port
• Kings Row

Enemies

Crey

Notable NPCs

• Hopkins (Archvillain)
• Countess Crey (Archvillain)

Hopkins Dialogue

Before Combat:

Hopkins: I will show them what happens when they threaten the countess.

Combat Start:

Hopkins: Going after Countess Crey is the last mistake you will ever make!

First Blood:

Hopkins: You're going down!

unknown?

Hopkins: You won't take me down so easily!

Countess Crey and Hopkins Dialogue

First Blood:

Countess Crey: How dare you strike a lady?

Hopkins: Yes, ma'am...

Hopkins: Countess, maybe you should let me handle this?

Countess Crey: Oh, like you handled it before?

Countess Crey: You'll never take me in!

On Defeat

Countess Crey: Hopkins, you're FIRED!

Debriefing

I always knew Crey would be a tough nut to crack. You made a good start. You may not have taken down the countess, but at least you got her personal bodyguard, Hopkins. With any luck, you've weakened the Crey structure substantially. I don't say this very often, but thanks.

Completing Following Countess Crey Task Force from Manticore awards the Manticore's Associate Badge.

Manticore's Associate

Manticore was proud to present you with this medal, in recognition of the valor and honor you showed while helping him.

Souvenir

Note from Hopkins

You've kept this note from Countess Crey's faithful servant, Hopkins. It's a reminder of the time you spent:

Following Countess Crey

From the first grim words Manticore spoke, it was apparent that this would not be a standard job. After you pulled an informant named Drake out of a Crey facility, it became clear that Manticore was right. Countess Crey was walking in the shadows.

Using Drake's information, you shut down a Crey facility trying to merge Rikti technology with high-powered computer systems. A mysterious tip on a computer screen pointed you toward a possible encounter with the countess herself. The message's sender claimed to be Dr. Friedkin, a former Crey employee now consigned to life in a machine.

Friedkin's tip did lead you to the countess' location, but your quarry escaped.

With no good leads to work from, you took Manticore's advice and rousted some Crey agents. One of them divulged the location of another Crey facility.

You went to the facility, and it seemed that luck was on your side. You found another message from Dr. Friedkin.

But it was a trap. The countess had discovered that Friedkin was helping you, and the second message was nothing but Countess Crey's ruse. Despite the overwhelming forces she summoned to defeat you, you prevailed.

The countess then tried a different tactic. Her forces kidnapped City Councilman Birch and threatened to kill him unless you could save him in time. She hoped that you would fail, thus ruining your reputation, but you rescued the councilman in the nick of time.

But it wasn't over yet. It seemed Hopkins took your actions against Countess Crey as a personal affront. He put a test before you, and the reward was a battle with him.

Having passed Hopkins' test, you were guided to his location. After defeating him, you were faced with the countess herself. You took on both the countess and her most trusted minion, and won.

Though Countess Crey was eventually released after an expensive court battle, Hopkins remained behind bars.