5th Column

Overview

Formed in 1938 by the fascists Requiem, Vandal and Nosferatu, the 5th Column is an organization that has gone through a great deal of change. From their early days fighting the First Hero Brigade to their rebirth during the Rikti Invasion, they have always been one of the most insidious threats in Paragon City. It's truly ironic that their biggest defeat was at the hands of enemies from within. The Center and his Council cronies beat the 5th Column at their own game, or so it would appear. Not all the loyalists were subsumed by the Council's takeover, and it's only a matter of time before a strong leader brings the 5th Column back to power.

In-game storyline:

The 5th Column was one of the most powerful villain groups in the world. Shortly after Issue 3 went live, the Council completed a hostile takeover where the war spilled over into the streets of Paragon City. Any 5th Column members that didn't join the Council were killed or went into hiding. All of the arch-villains in the 5th Column joined with the Council. This included their leader, Requiem, as well as Nosferatu and Vandal.

5th Column banners could still be seen during this period in certain Portal Corporation missions when traveling to Council-controlled alternate Earths, on buildings along with the Council insignia.

Though the villain group was effectively removed with the introduction of the Council in Issue 3, they have made a reappearance with Issue 11. During "The Ouroboros Initiation" story arc given by The Pilgrim, The 5th Column appear as the enemy group when the player travels back in time 15 years. Building upon their re-introduction here, the 5th Column made a somewhat more relevant appearance in Issue 12 when they acted as the power behind Romulus Augustus's sudden rise to power. During the course of the Imperious Task Force, it becomes apparent that the Column is far from defunct; they have simply gone underground into the mists of time, establishing what Requiem refers to as "temporal fortresses" throughout time.

In Issue 15, the 5th Column came back again in a Task Force for heroes and a Strike Force for villains, where an old enemy returned.

In Issue 16, the 5th Column came out of hiding. They once again roam the streets of Paragon City, as well as appearing in the Rogue Isles, often seen fighting with Council members for dominance.

Background

Before they were taken over by the Council, The Fifth Column stood as the last remaining threat from World War II, a group of super powered fascists still fighting a war the rest of the world left behind fifty years ago. The Fifth Column has the nefarious distinction of actually triggering the United States' involvement in the war against Nazi Germany. Hitler first sent the covert super team to Paragon City in 1939, tasked with spying on and sabotaging US shipping and naval development.

In 1941, as the navy's Atlantic Fleet mustered in Paragon Harbor with a convoy of supply vessels destined for England, the Fifth Column struck. The attack force destroyed dozens of ships and injured thousands before they withdrew into hiding. The Nazi spies spent the rest of the war wreaking havoc up and down the Eastern seaboard, fighting countless skirmishes with America's own heroes. Under the leadership of the ruthless and deadly Requiem, the Fifth Column killed hundreds and cost the US millions in war materials. In the closing months of the war they became desperate and careless, and heroes like The Statesman brought most of the covert cadre to justice.

Under the leadership of its founder and former leader Requiem, they spent the next several decades building its resources and power base. There is some evidence that the group helped incite social discord and fostered criminal groups across the country. These activities provided the Fifth Column with a continual supply of new recruits and funds for research.

It is only in the months after the end of the Rikti Invasion, that the Fifth Column resurfaced. An individual claiming the name and authority of the war criminal Requiem appeared to be in charge and may in fact be the same person who originally led the group. He has declared all out war on the United States and Paragon City in particular. The group operates out of underground bases and safe houses secreted throughout the city. Thus far, attacks have generally been aimed at frightening the population and disrupting the city's infrastructure. Captured Fifth Column soldiers have revealed little about their organization's plans except that Requiem has only begun to unfold his intentions for the city.

Current rumors are circulating that the 5th Column will rise again. Even if this was true, under whose leadership will it be?

Architect Entertainment Description

Formed in 1938 by fascists Requiem, Vandal, and Nosferatu, the 5th Column is an organization that has gone through a great deal of change. From their early days fighting the Hero Brigade to their rebirth during the Rikti invasion, they have always been one of the most insidious threats in Paragon City. It's truly ironic that their biggest defeat was at the hands of enemies from within. The Center and his Council cronies beat the 5th Column at their own game, or so it would appear. Not all the loyalists were subsumed by the Council takeover, and it's only a matter of time before a strong leader brings the 5th Column back to power.

Villain Types

Subgroups

Underlings

Nebel Praktikant

Division of Nebel Praktikant

It doesn't take much training or expertise to join the 5th Column. Members who have neither receive basic weapons and are immediately put into service in the ranks of the Nebel, the 5th Column's front-line ranks. After all, the 5th Column believes in survival of the fittest.

Levels: 15-24

Powers

Incendiary Assault Rifle Low-Accuracy, Ranged, Minor Lethal Damage, Light Damage over Time(Fire)
You have been set on fire by Incendiary Rounds!

Brawl Low-Accuracy, Melee, Minor Smash Damage
5th Column brawling attacks

Named Enemies

Field Marshal Metzger (Boss)

Field Marshal Metzger

While most Elites concentrate on learning the basic skills required for special ops, the Obersts receive additional training in tactics. They're also trained in technological skills, such as wire tapping and circumventing security systems. Combined with their prodigious super soldier enhancements, these skills make Elite Obersts well-prepared to plan and carry out small covert ops.

Levels: 15-24

Powers

12 Gauge Ranged (Cone), Moderate Lethal Damage, Moderate Damage over Time(Fire), Foe Knockback
Good at medium range. Longer range and more deadly than most Shotguns, The 12 Gauge Shotgun Fires a cone of buckshot pellets and can knock some foes down. This shotgun includes small thermite charges mixed into it's shot, sometimes causing the target to burst into flames.

Frag Grenade Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), High Lethal/Smashing Damage, Foe Knockback
The explosion from this Fragmentation Grenade affects all within the blast and can knock them back.

Rifle Butt Melee, Heavy Smash Damage
A smash with the butt of your rifle.

Archvillain's Might Resistance
Arch-villains are very powerful individuals, and as such have significant resistance to many status effects. They are not immune, however, and can be vulnerable for brief windows of opportunity.

Elite Bosses

Roderick Mueller

Main Article: Roderick Mueller

Mueller has been a 5th Column sleeper agent, in place for years. He's just been waiting for his chance to help restore his beloved 5th Column to its rightful place. Now, with the return of Reichsman, the time is just right!

Levels: 46-54

Powers

12 Gauge Ranged (Cone), Moderate Lethal Damage, Moderate Damage over Time(Fire), Foe Knockback
Good at medium range. Longer range and more deadly than most Shotguns, The 12 Gauge Shotgun Fires a cone of buckshot pellets and can knock some foes down. This shotgun includes small thermite charges mixed into it's shot, sometimes causing the target to burst into flames.

Rifle Butt Melee, Heavy Smash Damage
A smash with the butt of your rifle.

Frag Grenade Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), High Lethal/Smashing Damage, Foe Knockback
The explosion from this Fragmentation Grenade affects all within the blast and can knock them back.

Resistance Res( All25 )
Slightly resistant to damage.

Ritter Franz

Main Article: Ritter Franz

Ritter Franz is one of the 5th Column's top security experts, which is likely why he's been put in charge of securing this base.

Levels: 46-54

Powers

12 Gauge Ranged (Cone), Moderate Lethal Damage, Moderate Damage over Time(Fire), Foe Knockback
Good at medium range. Longer range and more deadly than most Shotguns, The 12 Gauge Shotgun Fires a cone of buckshot pellets and can knock some foes down. This shotgun includes small thermite charges mixed into it's shot, sometimes causing the target to burst into flames.

Rifle Butt Melee, Heavy Smash Damage
A smash with the butt of your rifle.

Frag Grenade Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), High Lethal/Smashing Damage, Foe Knockback
The explosion from this Fragmentation Grenade affects all within the blast and can knock them back.

Resistance Res( All25 )
Slightly resistant to damage.

Herr Krogh

Main Article: Herr Krogh

Herr Krogh has remained loyal to the 5th Column cause and has risen to a high rank within the resurgent organization.

Levels: 46-54

Powers

12 Gauge Ranged (Cone), Moderate Lethal Damage, Moderate Damage over Time(Fire), Foe Knockback
Good at medium range. Longer range and more deadly than most Shotguns, The 12 Gauge Shotgun Fires a cone of buckshot pellets and can knock some foes down. This shotgun includes small thermite charges mixed into it's shot, sometimes causing the target to burst into flames.

Rifle Butt Melee, Heavy Smash Damage
A smash with the butt of your rifle.

Frag Grenade Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), High Lethal/Smashing Damage, Foe Knockback
The explosion from this Fragmentation Grenade affects all within the blast and can knock them back.

Resistance Res( All25 )
Slightly resistant to damage.

Lt. Wolfgang Ubelmann

Main Article: Lt. Wolfgang Ubelmann

Wolfgang Ubelmann is a time traveler from the 1940s. A man from the past sent to observe the future. With the information he now has, he could change his future, our present. He must be stopped!

Powers

Missile Launcher Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), High Lethal/Smash Damage, Foe Knockback
This devastating weapon has extreme range capabilities. Its slow recharge and high endurance cost is compensated by its massive explosion and Knockback.

Frag Grenade Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), Moderate Lethal/Smash Damage, Foe Knockback
This explosion from this Fragmentation Grenade affects all within the blast and can knock them back.

Thunder Kick Melee, Moderate Smash Damage, Foe Disorient
You can perform a strong Thunder Kick that hits so hard it can disorient your target.

Storm Kick Melee, Moderate Damage(Smash)
You can unleash a roundhouse kick that pummels your foe for moderate damage.

Crane Kick Melee, High Smash Damage, Foe Knockback
A slow, high damage kick that can send your target flying!

Crippling Axe Kick Melee, Moderate Smash Damage, Foe Immobilize, -Speed
Your movement speed has been reduced by the Crippling Axe Kick. It may leave you Immobilized.

Dragons Tail Point Blank Area of Effect, Moderate Damage(Smash), Foe Knockdown, Chance for Critical Hit
This low spinning kick deals the same damage as Thunder Kick, but has a chance to hit all enemies in melee range. Successful hits will trip and knock down your opponents.

Archvillains

Archon Burkholder / Col. Burkholder

Col. Burkholder

Main Article: Col. Burkholder

Archon Burkholder has made a name for himself in the 5th Column. His obsession with robotics led him to carve off his own arm and replace it with one of steel, it also led him to create a terrifying robot factory. There is nearly nothing Burkholder won't do to achieve his own ends.

Levels: 30-40

Powers

Power Blast Ranged, High Damage(Energy/Smash), Foe Knockback
A much more powerful, yet slower version of Power Bolt. Power Blast sends a focused beam of energy at a foe that can knock him back.

Explosive Blast Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), Moderate Damage(Energy/Smash), Foe Knockback
Hurls a blast of charged energy that violently explodes on impact, damaging all foes near the target.

Whirling Hands Point Blank Area of Effect, Moderate Energy/Smash Damage, Foe Disorient
A Whirling Hands attack from Archon has Disoriented you.

Stun Melee, Minor Energy/Smash Damage, Foe Disorient
A Stun punch from Archon has Disoriented you.

Cybernetic Blade Melee, Moderate Lethal Damage
A Cybernetic Blade is a powerful lethal attack.

Resistance Res( S20 L20 )
Archvillain resistance.

Maestro

Main Article: Maestro

As a child, Vincenzo Alferi dreamed of becoming a great composer, but those dreams were shattered when he lost his hearing due to a car accident. The 5th Column offered to perform a radical experiment that might restore his hearing, and Vincenzo agreed without hesitation. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned. An Arachnos attack on the facility resulted in a power surge at the worst possible moment. Instead of restoring him, the resulting explosion created a permanent resonance in Vincenzo's body. He agreed to join the 5th Column if they would give him the opportunity for vengeance against Arachnos.

Levels: 30-40

Powers

Scream Ranged, Moderate Damage over Time(Energy/Smash), Foe -Resist(All)
Your Scream can cause serious damage to a target, while weakening his resistance to further damage.

Shout Ranged, Superior Damage(Energy/Smash), Foe -Resist(All)
You blast your foe with a tremendous Shout, damaging him and reducing his Damage Resistance.

Howl Ranged (Cone), Moderate Damage(Energy/Smash) Foe -Resist(All)
A short range, but powerful sonic attack.

Shockwave Ranged (Cone), Light Damage(Energy/Smash), Foe Knockback
You can call forth a tremendous Shockwave that can knock down foes and deal some Smashing damage in a wide cone area.

Siren's Song Ranged (Cone), Moderate Damage(Energy/Smash), Foe Sleep
You send forth a subsonic pulse which causes your foes to fall unconscious and take some minor damage. Your foes will remain unconscious for a good while, but will awaken if disturbed.

Screech Ranged, Minor Damage(Energy/Smash), Foe Disorient, -Resist(All)
By bursting forth with this hypersonic Screech, you can Disorient a target.

Dreadful Wail Point Blank Area of Effect, Extreme Damage(Energy/Smash), Foe Disorient, -Resist(All)
Your Dreadful Wail is so strong that most foes will be defeated by being subjected to it. Dreadful Wail deals massive damage to all nearby foes, although the damage does vary. Activating this power leaves you drained of Endurance, and unable to recover Endurance for a while.

Sonic Shield Toggle, Self Res( S5 L5 E5 )
This Shield Protects Maestro from all Lethal, Smashing and Energy damage.

Resistance Res( S20 E20 )
Archvillain Resistance

Maestro gains the following during the Dr. Aeon Strike Force:

Living Shadows Ranged (Cone), Extreme Damage over Time(Negative), Foe Immobilize, -To Hit, -Fly
You extend and animate your own shadow causing it to entangle all foes within a long cone pattern in front of you, rendering all affected foes immobilized.

Fearsome Stare Ranged (Cone), Foe Fear, -Recharge
Instills tremendous Fear within a cone area in front of you, causing all affected targets to tremble in Terror uncontrollably.

Haunt Foe Targeted, Summon Shades
You summon a pair of Shades from the Netherworld to harass your target foe. Shades deal moderate damage and they terrorize their victims.

Protean

Main Article: Protean

Protean is a notorious shapeshifter, known for his murders of high profile heroes and their families. His earliest victims were the parents of Manticore. He also is responsible for the death of Dauntless, Galaxy Girl's sidekick. It was rumored that Manticore killed Protean in a fight some time ago but somehow Protean survived. He is now out to continue his reign of terror upon the people of Paragon and the Isles, while aiding the forces of Praetoria!

Powers

Barrage Melee, Heavy Damage(Energy/Smash), Foe Disorient
You perform a quick punch that deals minor damage. Coupled with other energy punches, Barrage can Disorient a foe.

Energy Punch Melee, Moderate Damage(Energy/Smash), Foe Disorient
You perform a powerful Energy Punch that deals moderate damage. When used with other Energy Melee attacks, Energy Punch can Disorient your opponent.

Bone Smasher Melee, High Damage(Energy/Smash), Foe Disorient
A Bone Smasher attack can be slow, but it compensates by dealing a good amount of damage and having a better chance to Disorient than Energy Punch.

Whirling Hands Point Blank Area of Effect, Moderate Damage(Energy/Smash), Foe Disorient
By focusing your energy into the muscles in your arms, you can launch a dizzying flurry of attacks against every foe in melee range. Some foes may be hit hard enough to be Disoriented as well.

Power Blast Ranged, High Damage(Energy/Smash), Foe Knockback
A much more powerful, yet slower version of Power Bolt. Power Blast sends a focused beam of energy at a foe that can knock them back.

Kinetic Shield Auto, Self Def( S17 L17 E2.5 ), 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.

Power Shield Auto, Self Def( F20 C20 E20 N14 ), Resist(-Defense)
This Power Shield creates a Electro-Magnetic shield around you that can deflect non-physical attacks. Your Defense to Fire, Cold, Energy and Negative Energy attacks is increased as these attacks are reflected or refracted off the shield. Power Shield also grants you good resistance to Defense Debuffs.

Overload (Only Level 38 and up) Self Def( S25 L25 F25 C25 E25 N25 ), +Recovery, +MaxHP, Resist(-Defense), +Special
You can Overload your Energy Aura and dramatically improve your defense to all attack types except Psionic Attacks. Overload also grants you high resistance to Defense Debuffs. This Energy Aura is so powerful, that it can even absorb some damage, effectively increasing your Max Hit Points, However, when Overload wears off, you are left drained of all Endurance and unable to Recover Endurance for a while.

Resistance Resistance
Archvillain resistance.

Protean gains the following in Special Agent Jenni Adair's and Leonard's story arcs, Levels 20-33

Power Siphon Warning Message
Displays "Get Away! Protean readies his Power Siphon!"

Power Siphon Autohit, Point Blank Area of Effect, Foe -Endurance, Self Heal, +Endurance
Protean drains the power of nearby foes to recharge himself.

Protean gains the following in Dr. Aeon Strike Force, Levels 50-54

Dark Nova Detonation High-Accuracy, Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), Superior Negative Damage, Foe -Recharge, -Speed, Knockback
Your attack and movement speed has been reduced by the Dark Nova Detonation.

Dark Nova Emanation Ranged (Cone), Superior Negative Damage, Foe -Recharge, -Speed
Your attack and movement speed has been reduced by the Dark Nova Emanation.

Schadenfreude

Main Article: Schadenfreude

Schadenfreude has remained loyal to the 5th Column cause and has risen to a high rank within the resurgent organization.

Levels: 46-54

Powers

Siphon Life Melee, Moderate Negative Damage, Foe -ToHit, Self Heal
The Nosferatu taps the powers of the netherworld to steal life from you. Your accuracy is reduced due to your weakened state.

Smite Melee, Moderate Negative/Smash Damage, Foe -ToHit
You have been hit by Smite! Your Accuracy has been reduced.

Dark Consumption Point Blank Area of Effect, Moderate Damage(Negative), Self +Endurance
The Hero can drain some life from his nearby enemies to recover Endurance.

Mesmerize Ranged, Moderate Psionic Damage, Foe Sleep
The Nosferatu painfully enraptures your mind with psychic energy rendering you unconscious.

Total Domination Low-Accuracy, Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), Foe Hold
Psychic energy tears at your mind rendering you helpless, lost in your own mind and unable to defend yourself.

Life Drain Ranged, Moderate Negative Damage, Foe -ToHit, Self Heal
The Nosferatu taps the powers of the netherworld to steal some life from you and reduces your Accuracy.

Gloom Ranged, Superior Damage over Time(Negative), Foe -ToHit
The Gloom is slowly draining your life and reducing your accuracy.

Reconstruction Self Heal, Resist(Toxic)
Nosferatu can concentrate for a few moments to heal himself.

Dull Pain Self +MaxHP
Nosferatu can activate this power to increase his maximum Hit Points for a short time.

Fast Healing Auto, Self +Regeneration
The Nosferatu naturally heals at a faster than a normal rate. This power is always on and does not need to activated.

Chill of the Night Toggle, Point Blank Area of Effect, Minor Negative Damage, Foe -ToHit
The Chill of the Night is doing Negative Damage Over Time to you and reducing your Accuracy.

Resistance Res( E-25 N25 P25 T25 )
Archvillain Resistance.

Arakhn

Main Article: Arakhn

Very little is known about the mysterious figure known as Arakhn. She is a deadly assassin and is the last thing seen by many enemies of the Council. What most of the Council is unaware of is that Arakhn's powers resulted from the fusion of her human body with a Nictus life form. She is on the front lines of a war with the Kheldians, ancient enemies of the Nictus.

Powers

Ebon Eye Ranged, Moderate Negative Damage, Foe -Recharge, -Speed
Your attack and movement rate have been Slowed by an Ebon Eye.

Gravitic Emanation Ranged (Cone), Moderate Negative Damage, Foe Disorient, Knockback, -Recharge, -Speed
You have been Disoriented and your attack and movement rate have been slowed by a Gravitic Emanation.

Gravimetric Snare Ranged, Moderate Damage over Time(Negative/Smash), Foe Immobilize, -Recharge, -Speed
You have been Immobilized and your attack and movement rate has been Slowed by a Gravimetric Snare.

Gravity Well Melee, Moderate Negative Damage, Minor Damage over Time(Smash), Foe Hold, -Recharge, -Speed
You have been Held and your attack and movement rate have been Slowed by a Gravity Well.

Essence Drain Melee, Moderate Negative Damage, Foe -Recharge, -Speed, Self Heal
Arakhn has Drained your Essence to heal herself. You have lost some life and your attack and movement rate have been Slowed.

Quasar Point Blank Area of Effect, Moderate Damage(Negative), Foe -Recharge, -Speed, Knockback
You can explode in a tremendous blast of Negative Energy, sending nearby foes flying. The Quasar deals massive damage to all nearby foes. Affected foes will be knocked down and their attack rate and movement speed will be slowed.

Stygian Circle Point Blank Area of Effect, Foe -Damage, Self Heal
Arakhn has drained your strength to heal herself. Your damage potential has been reduced.

Twilight Grasp High-Accuracy, Ranged, Minor Damage(Negative), Foe -ToHit -Damage, -Regeneration, Repel, 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.

Inky Aspect Toggle, Point Blank Area of Effect, Foe Disorient, Self -HP
Arakhn is sacrificing her health to keep you Disoriented.

Resistance Res( E-20 N20 )
Archvillain resistance.

Vandal

Main Article: Vandal

The fiend known as Vandal was once a humble tinkerer named Othman Doul. In the late 1930's, the villain Requiem recognized Doul's usefulness and recruited him to the nascent 5th Column. Othman was happy to oblige, since it meant he could indulge his scientific curiosity without restraint. Over the years, Vandal has mechanically augmented himself to prolong his lifespan. Now, he seeks to advance his own position within the 5th Column and perhaps even challenge Requiem for supremacy.

Levels: 28-40, 50-54

Powers

Energy Punch Melee, Moderate DMG(Energy), Foe Disorient
Vandal's Energy Punch has disoriented you!

Bone Smasher Melee, High DMG(Energy), Foe Disorient
Vandal's Bone Smasher attack has disoriented you!

Power Blast Ranged, High DMG(Energy/Smash), Foe Knockback
Power Blast sends a focused beam of energy at a foe that can knock him back.

Missile Launch Ranged (Targeted AoE), Moderate DMG(Fire/Smash), Foe Knockback
Vandal can launch small missiles at long range.

Resistance Res( S25 L25 )
Archvillain resistance.

Vandal gains the following in Hard Mode Imperious Task Force, Levels 50-54

Activate Assault Special: Grant Assault
Your attack damage is improved due to good leadership and teamwork. You are partially resistant to Taunt and Placate.

Assault

Assault Toggle, PBAoE, Team +DMG, Res( Pl 75% Tn 75% )
Your attack damage is improved due to good leadership and teamwork. You are partially resistant to Taunt and Placate.

Scaling Special: +MaxHP, +Regeneration, +Damage for each player on map
Special.

Activate Tactics Special: Grant Tactics
Your Accuracy and Perception is improved due to good teamwork and Leadership.

Tactics

Tactics Toggle, PBAoE, Team +ToHit, Prot( Co 5.0 ), Res( Co 75% Fr 75% ), +Perception
Your Accuracy and Perception is improved due to good teamwork and Leadership.

Nosferatu

Main Article: Nosferatu

Few truly appreciate the genius of Nosferatu's super soldier program, and none more so than himself. Nosferatu was so entranced by his ability to create the super strong Vampyri that he became one of them. He has since improved upon his original design by granting himself several new abilities. He can mesmerize his opponents, leaving them helpless. Some say he can even siphon off the life force of his foes.

Levels: 30-45