View source for Faathim the Kind Task Force

== Overview ==
{{Infobox TF
|name=The Saga of Lanaru
|image=[[File:Faathim the Kind.jpg|center|100px]]
|contact=[[Faathim the Kind]]
|zone=[[The Chantry]]
|x=-30.5
|y=-1995
|z=4
|size=8
|levels=44-50
|merits=73
|enemies={{Enemy Soldiers of Rularuu}}{{Enemy Nemesis}}{{Enemy Rikti}}{{Enemy Circle of Thorns}}{{Enemy Malta Operatives}}{{Enemy Knives of Artemis}}{{Enemy Lanaruu}}
|badge=[[File:Badge task force SlayerOfMadness.png|22px]] [[Slayer of Madness Badge|Slayer of Madness]]
}}


The '''Faathim the Kind Task Force''' is a hero [[Task Force]] that is part of the [[Shadow Shard]] storyline. The Task Force is started off by [[Faathim the Kind]] in [[The Chantry]]. The missions take place in [[The Chantry]], [[The Storm Palace]], and [[Paragon City]].

This is the final Shadow Shard Task Force. It is preceded by the [[Dr. Quaterfield Task Force]], the [[Sara Moore Task Force]], and the [[Justin Augustine Task Force]].

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{{ArcAward|m=73}}

== Missions ==

'''Souvenir'''

The [[Saga of Lanaru]]

The natives speak of the Madness that broke the world. That madness has a name, and was called Lanaru. [[Faathim the Kind]] sought champions to battle the crazed god [[Lanaru the Mad]] before he gained enough strength to break the world again, or draw the full power of Rularuu down on this part of the [[Shadow Shard]]. You proved your might and mettle, fighting against the armies of [[Soldiers of Rularuu|Rularuu]], against the villainous factions who all sought the Mad One's power, and against Lanaru the Mad himself. There are now new verses in the Saga of Lanaru, verses written by your actions: 

=== {{UL|Agree to form a task force}} ===
==== {{UL|Defeat all Rularuu in first cave}} ====

'''Briefing'''

I am Faathim, called [[Faathim the Kind]]. You are beings of great power, both potent in might and dedicated to protection of the defenseless. I have watched your battles, and I have watched your triumphs, and I have come to think that you may be the ones who can stop a great destruction. The Madness that broke the world is gaining power beyond imagining, and may soon break the world once more. Or worse.

Go now, and fall upon the armies of the [[Soldiers of Rularuu|Rularuu]]. Destroy all of them within the three caverns I have located for you, and then return to me.

There may be more to find within those caves than the [[Soldiers of Rularuu|Armies of Rularuu]]. I will say no more for now.

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=You have entered the first of 3 caverns filled with Rularuu Faathim spoke to you about.|Primary=Defeat all Rularuu in first cave|Secondary=|Additional=|Completion=You have cleared out the first cavern.}}

'''Primary Enemies'''

{{Enemy Soldiers of Rularuu}}

==== {{UL|Defeat all Rularuu in second cave}} ====

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=You have entered the second of the 3 caverns filled with Rularuu Faathim spoke to you about.|Primary=Defeat all Rularuu in second cave|Secondary=|Additional=|Completion=You have cleared out the second cavern.}}

'''Primary Enemies'''

{{Enemy Soldiers of Rularuu}}

==== {{UL|Defeat all Rularuu in third cave}} ====

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=You have entered the third of the 3 caverns filled with Rularuu Faathim spoke to you about.|Primary=Defeat all Rularuu in third cave|Secondary=4 unknown captives|Additional=|Completion=You have cleared out the third cavern and found some interesting information.}}

'''Primary Enemies'''

{{Enemy Soldiers of Rularuu}}

{{NPC Text|title=Hostage dialogue|text=
'''Upon rescue:'''  ''"I surrender, Rescuer! Just get me out of here!"''}}

{{NPC Text|title=Hostage dialogue|text=
'''Upon rescue:'''  ''" I'll tell you whatever you want, Rescuer. Just get me out of here!"''}}

{{Mission Clue|Name=A lost Nemesis soldier|Text=After you rescued him from the Rularuu, a [[Nemesis]] soldier told you his story:

'We were working for [[Nemesis (Archvillain)|Lord Nemesis]] on one of his great plans. Something about some crazy god-like thing up in a big sky-fortress that Lord Nemesis wanted to control. But then, these two people came. They looked like those heroes, [[Sister Psyche]] and [[Malaise]], but they called themselves [[Praetorians (Enemy Group)|Praetorians]]. Next thing we know, they'd used some kind of mental powers on us, and we did anything they said. Even fought against Lord Nemesis.'

'Then we were fighting the Rularuu, and they took some of us. I'm lucky to still be alive.'

I'll go quietly to jail. I haven't got any fight left in me.}}

'''Notable NPCs'''
* Hostage *4 (Nemesis soldiers)

'''Debriefing'''

I greet you as Faathim, called Faathim the Kind.

You have done well. Rularuu's eyes are blinded now to our movements, and we are free to act. However, the tale you learned from the captive members of the Brass-hearted army worry me greatly. If the Prince of Brass is involved, and if these 'Praetorians' are involved, then the situation may be more dire than I feared.

=== {{UL|Battle Malaise and activate the Key of Anger}} ===
==== {{UL|Defeat Malaise and activate key}} ====

Location: Storm Palace: Lock of Anger

'''Briefing'''

[[Rularuu the Ravager|Rularuu's]] forces are now oblivious to your movements, but this is not now the time to begin the task. There is much that must be done, first. Other forces seek to control the master of the [[Storm Palace]], and they cannot be allowed to do so. you have already learned of 2 such forces, the [[Nemesis]] Army and the [[Praetorians (Enemy Group)|Praetorians]]. These threats must be dealt with first.

The Praetorians called [[Praetorian Malaise|Malaise]] and [[Mother Mayhem]] have taken control of two caverns around the Storm Palace. There, they have taken control of two sets of key stones. Should they gain control of all six, they will gain access to the Storm Palace. This cannot be allowed. Defeat them all, and activate the keys yourself. I will tell you how.

You shall travel along the path of madness, and then find your way to the floating island called the Lock of Anger. There, Malaise seeks to control and unlock the Key of Anger. Defeat him and all of the mind controller thralls in his power.

To activate the Keys in each lock, you will need to have 4 of your number activate the keystones at once. When that is done, you shall gain the key for that lock. There are seven such keys that are needed to open the gates of the Storm Palace. The first two are now before you.

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=Everything in this cavern feels wrong. it must be the presence of Malaise, the Praetorian.|Primary=Defeat Malaise and activate key|Secondary=4 keys to simultaneously activate|Additional=|Completion=You defeated Malaise and got the Key of Anger.}}

{{Gametip|game=n|tip=Despite what the mission objective text says, the requirement to activate objectives simultaneously was removed in Issue 25 allowing this task to be completed solo.}}

{{EdNote|note=This mission requires you to clear the "Boss Room" as well as clicking all 4 objectives. Malaise will not necessarily spawn in the "Boss Room". If the cave map has 3 branching paths, the "Boss Room" is due North but Malaise may spawn at the end of a different path.}}

'''Primary Enemies'''

{{Enemy Nemesis}}

'''Notable NPCs'''

* [[Malaise (Praetorian)]] (Archvillain)

{{NPC Text|title=Warhulk dialogue|text=
'''Before combat:''' ''"For... Lord Malaise? That doesn't sound right..."''<br />
'''Combat start:''' ''"We are under attack!"''}}

{{NPC Text|title=Malaise dialogue|text=
'''Before combat:''' ''"Why won't this key work for me!"''<br />
'''Combat start:''' ''"I mustn't fail Mother Mayhem. She wanted you dead with all of her heart."''}}

{{Mission Clue|Name=Verse of Anger|Text=You found these words engraven upon monuments around the Storm Palace. the ancient script shifted before your eyes to a language you could understand. It read:

'And he rose up into the air,<br />
And there he forged himself a great palace,<br />
And the air itself he charged with storms,<br />
For [[Lanaru the Mad|Lanaru's]] mind was itself clouded with anger.'}}

{{Mission Clue|Name=Key of Anger|Text=This piece of carved stone is some kind of key. Though the language on it is alien to you, you can feel unrelenting anger locked within it.}}

==== {{UL|Defeat Mother Mayhem and activate key}} ====

Location: Storm Palace: Lock of Anger

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=The pulsing psychic fury of Mother Mayhem echoes in your brain.|Primary=Defeat Mother Mayhem and activate key|Secondary=4 keys to simultaneously activate|Additional=|Completion=You defeated Mother Mayhem and got the Key of Malice.}}

{{Gametip|game=n|tip=Despite what the mission objective text says, the requirement to activate objectives simultaneously was removed in Issue 25 allowing this task to be completed solo.}}

{{EdNote|note=This mission requires you to clear the "Boss Room" as well as clicking all 4 objectives. Mother Mayhem will not necessarily spawn in the "Boss Room". If the cave map has 3 branching paths, the "Boss Room" is due North but Mother Mayhem may spawn at the end of a different path.}}}

'''Primary Enemies'''

{{Enemy Nemesis}}

'''Notable NPCs'''

* [[Mother Mayhem]] (Archvillain)

{{NPC Text|title=Warhulk and Fake Nemesis dialogue|text=
'''Before combat:'''
Warhulk:  ''"You will bow to Mother Mayhem"''<br />
Fake Nemesis:  ''"Your mental powers shall not prevail!"''<br />
'''Combat start:'''
Fake Nemesis:  ''"Lord Nemesis shall abide no interference! Attack!"''}}

{{NPC Text|title=Mother Mayhem dialogue|text=
'''Before combat:''' ''"Soon we'll control Lanaru's power."''<br />
'''Combat start:''' ''"It's only right that Lanaru's madness will be ours to control."''}}

[[File:Mother Mayhem (old).jpg|thumb|100px|Mother Mayhem]]

{{Mission Clue|Name=Verse of Malice|Text=You found these words engraven upon monuments around the [[Storm Palace]]. The ancient script shifted before your eyes to a language you could understand. It read:

'And then Kindness entered the Storm Palace to give warning,<br />
And Kindness said that Rularuu would re-assert control,<br />
And Kindness retreated then in horror,<br />
For now Lanaru saw method to halt their master.'}}

{{Mission Clue|Name=Key of Malice|Text=This piece of carved stone is some kind of key. Though the language on it is alien to you, you can feel absolute malice locked within it.}}

'''Debriefing'''

I greet you as Faathim, called Faathim the Kind.

The Praetorians' threat has been quelled, but the threat of the Nemesis Army grows. You will next have to face their forces to gain control of the Key of Torment and the Key of Hatred.

=== {{UL|Defeat the Armies of the Prince of Brass, and activate the keys of Torment and of Hatred}} ===
==== {{UL|Defeat Nemesis Army and activate key}} ====

Location: Storm Palace: Lock of Torment

'''Briefing'''

The Army of the [[Nemesis (Archvillain)|Prince of Brass]] seek dominion over the power of the Storm Palace's master. They cannot be allowed to gain it. Already they have gained control of 2 sets of keystones. They must be defeated before they can activate them, or worse, before their keystones fall into the possession of another group. I charge you with this task. Defeat the Armies of the Prince of Brass, and activate the keys of Torment and of Hatred.

You will have to face two great forces of the [[Nemesis]] Army. The first such host will be within the Lock of Torment.

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=Shouted orders echo down the corridors of these caverns.|Primary=Defeat Nemesis Army and activate key|Secondary=4 keys to simultaneously activate|Additional=|Completion=You defeated the Nemesis Army and recovered the Key of Torment.}}

{{Gametip|game=n|tip=Despite what the mission objective text says, the requirement to activate objectives simultaneously was removed in Issue 25 allowing this task to be completed solo.}}

{{EdNote|note=The "Nemesis Army" is the room where the Fake Nemesis with Dialog spawns, you must clear this room for mission completion.}}}

'''Primary Enemies'''

{{Enemy Nemesis}}

{{NPC Text|title=Warhulk dialogue|text=
'''Before combat:''' ''"Be wary. Task Force Sharydia is about."''<br />
'''Combat start:''' ''"For Lord Nemesis!"''}}

{{NPC Text|title=Fake Nemesis dialogue|text=
'''Before combat:''' ''"Lord Nemesis is depending on us!"''<br />
'''Combat start:''' ''"For Lord Nemesis!"''}}

{{Mission Clue|Name=Verse of Torment|Text=You found these words engraven upon monuments around the [[Storm Palace]]. The ancient script shifted before your eyes to a language you could understand. It read:

'The hatred roiled through his fevered thoughts,<br />
And madness broke his mind upon its wrack,<br />
And [[Lanaru the Mad|Lanaru]] felt [[Soldiers of Rularuu|Rularuu]] retreat from him,<br />
For it feared the growing insanity of his soul.'}}

==== {{UL|Defeat Nemesis and activate key}} ====

Location: Storm Palace: Lock of Hatred--Upper Middle Island

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=Somewhere down these caverns, the Nemesis Army plans their attack.|Primary=Defeat Nemesis and activate key|Secondary=4 keys to simultaneously activate|Additional=|Completion=You defeated Nemesis and got the Key of Hatred.}}

{{Gametip|game=n|tip=Despite what the mission objective text says, the requirement to activate objectives simultaneously was removed in Issue 25 allowing this task to be completed solo.}}

{{EdNote|note=This mission requires you to clear the "Boss Room" as well as clicking all 4 objectives. Nemesis? will not necessarily spawn in the "Boss Room". If the cave map has 3 branching paths, the "Boss Room" is due North but Nemesis? may spawn at the end of a different path.}}}

'''Primary Enemies'''

{{Enemy Nemesis}}
{{Enemy Rikti}}

'''Notable NPCs'''

* [[Nemesis#Nemesis.3F|Nemesis?]] (Archvillain)

{{NPC Text|title=Warhulk dialogue|text=
'''Before combat:''' ''"Alien Monsters! You shall not oppose us!"''<br />
'''Combat start:''' ''"The battle is joined!"''}}

{{NPC Text|title=Nemesis? dialogue|text=
'''Before combat:''' ''"It is only fitting that I shall control the true power of this place."''<br />
'''Combat start:''' ''"You shall fail here, Task Force Sharydia. Nothing can beat the power of Nemesis."''}}

[[File:Nemesis.jpg|thumb|100px|Nemesis?]]

{{Mission Clue|Name=Verse of Hatred|Text=You found these words engraven upon monuments around the [[Storm Palace]]. The ancient script shifted before your eyes to a language you could understand. It read:

And [[Lanaru the Mad|Lanaru]] felt [[Rularuu the Ravager|Rularuu's]] purpose wander,<br />
And Lanaru felt the anger in him grow,<br />
And Lanaru would not forgive his resurrection,<br />
For slavery to Rularuu was no life to him.'}}

{{Mission Clue|Name=Key of Hatred|Text=This piece of carved stone is some kind of key. Though the language on it is alien to you, you can feel unreasoning hatred locked within it.}}

'''Debriefing'''

I greet you as Faathim, called [[Faathim the Kind]].

You have done well, and crushed the threat of the Prince of Brass. However, the creatures you encountered, these [[Rikti]]. I know of them. They came here in years past, and sought to gain the favour of Rularuu. They think that the Ravager will help them to re-open the gates to their world, should they help Rularuu against his enemies.

They are wrong. Rularuu knows no allies but Rularuu. In their ignorance, these Rikti could present a great threat.

=== {{UL|Recover keys before Rikti can activate them}} ===
==== {{UL|Defeat Rikti and activate Key of Fury}} ====

Location: Storm Palace: Lock of Fury

'''Briefing'''

The [[Rikti]] are difficult to locate. Their minds are at once human and alien. I have found them, but it is nearly too late. The Rikti's alien circles of thought have nearly unlocked one of the keys in their possession. But I sense great turmoil amongst them, and that something is terribly wrong with the other keys. You must hurry.

The Rikti control the caverns in the Lock of Fury and the Lock of Destruction. There is another presence in the Lock of Destruction, that worries me, but the Rikti will have the Key of Fury soon. You must strike there first.

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=These caverns are silent, save for the faint hum of alien machinery.|Primary=Defeat Rikti and activate Key of Fury|Secondary=4 keys to simultaneously activate|Additional=|Completion=You defeated the Rikti and recovered the Key of Fury, but there's no time to lose in getting to the Key of Destruction!}}

{{EdNote|note={{Defeat All}}}}

{{Gametip|game=n|tip=Despite what the mission objective text says, the requirement to activate objectives simultaneously was removed in Issue 25 allowing this task to be completed solo.}}

'''Notable NPCs'''
* Belfry Green 3-2-3

'''Primary Enemies'''

{{Enemy Rikti}}
{{Enemy Knives of Artemis}}

{{NPC Text|title=Belfry Green 3-2-3 dialogue|text=
'''Before combat:''' ''"This is Belfry Green 3-2-3. Infiltration succesful."''<br />
'''Combat start:''' ''"Command! We have an MHI! We'll try to handle it."''}}

{{NPC Text|title=Chief Mesmerist dialogue|text=
'''Combat start:''' ''"No need: Deliver explanation: To you"''}}

{{Mission Clue|Name=Verse of Fury|Text=You found these words engraven upon monuments around the [[Storm Palace]]. The ancient script shifted before your eyes to a language you could understand. It read:

'And [[Lanaru the Mad|Lanaru]] toiled in slavery to his master,<br />
And as executioner he did work his rage,<br />
And every day his mind broke further,<br />
For pride would not let him stay a slave.'}}

{{Mission Clue|Name=Key of Fury|Text=This piece of carved stone is some kind of key. Though the language on it is alien to you, you can feel primal emotions of fury locked within it.}}

==== {{UL|Defeat Rikti and activate Key of Destruction}} ====

Location: Storm Palace: Lock of Destruction

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=The faint hum of Rikti machinery is almost drowned out by the sounds of violence from somewhere ahead.|Primary=Defeat Rikti and activate Key of Destruction|Secondary=4 Keystones?|Additional=|Completion=You fought the Rikti and the Malta group, but found that the Key of Destruction has been taken!}}

{{EdNote|note={{Defeat All}}}}

'''Primary Enemies'''

{{Enemy Rikti}}
{{Enemy Malta Operatives}}

'''Notable NPCs'''

* Belfry Blue 2-2-1 ([[Malta Operatives#Gunslinger 2|Gunslinger]], Boss)

{{NPC Text|title=Chief Soldier dialogue|text=
'''Before combat:''' ''"We have: Failed"''}}

{{NPC Text|title=Belfry Blue 2-2-1 dialogue|text=
'''Before combat:''' ''"The Key's away! This operation has been a success!"''<br />
'''Combat start:''' ''"Wiping out some heroes will be the icing on the cake!"''}}

{{Mission Clue|Name=Missing Key: Destruction|Text=You've found that the Keystones that together create the key of Destruction have been taken, apparently by the mysterious Malta Group.}}

'''Debriefing'''

I greet you as Faathim, called Faathim the Kind.

You have fought well, but the capture of the Key of Destruction by the Malta group is worrisome. It explains the strange shifts I have felt, but I am not gladdened by this answer. The Key of Destruction, and I believe also the Key of Madness have both been taken back to your world. If they are allowed to remain in the hands of the wicked, they could cause untold calamity.

=== {{UL|Recover the key of Destruction from the Malta Group}} ===
==== {{UL|Find Key of Destruction}} ====

Location: Peregrine Island, Steel Canyon, Founder's Falls, Skyway City

'''Briefing'''

Two of the Keys to the [[Storm Palace]] are now on your world. They must be found and recovered before they can be used. The [[Malta Operatives|Malta group]] has already extracted the key, though I do not know how they would accomplish this thing.

The Key of Madness is still hidden from me. I have sent messages to mystics of your world through dreams. Seek out [[Azuria]] once you have recovered the Key of Destruction. She may have learned the location of the last key by then.

The danger is great. The Minds of the Malta Group are clouded with their desire for power and control. I fear that something is using them to its own advantage, and could wreak havoc upon us all.

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=The shadows of [[Oranbega]] press in all around you.|Primary=Find Key of Destruction|Secondary=Key of Destruction|Additional=|Completion=You retrieved the key of Destruction from the Malta Group, and found out who was advising Malta's operations.}}

{{EdNote|note={{Defeat All}}}}

'''Primary Enemies'''

{{Enemy Malta Operatives}}
{{Enemy Knives of Artemis}}

'''Notable NPCs'''

* Belfry Black 4-5-4 ([[Malta Operatives#Gunslinger 2|Gunslinger]], Boss)
* Dr. Phorrester ([[Circle of Thorns#Possessed Scientist .28Dark.29|Possessed Scientist]], Lieutenant)
* Belfry Green 4-6-4 ([[Knives of Artemis#Hand of Artemis|Hand of Artemis]], Boss)

{{NPC Text|title=Belfry Black 4-5-1 dialogue|text=
'''Combat start:''' ''"C'mon, Boys! Let's waste these guys!"''}}

{{NPC Text|title=Dr. Phorrester dialogue|text=
'''Before combat:''' ''"You have all been most excellent dupes."''<br />
'''Combat start:''' ''"You may destroy this body, but know that the Circle of Thorns already posses the last keystones!"''}}

{{Mission Clue|Name=Verse of Destruction|Text=You found these words engraven upon monuments around the [[Storm Palace]]. The ancient script shifted before your eyes to a language you could understand. It read:

'And [[Lanaru the Mad|Lanaru]] rose again into the air,<br />
And Lanaru broke the world in his madness,<br />
And [[Rularuu the Ravager|Rularuu]] raged with powerless anger,<br />
For Lanaru would gain might with each failed attack.'}}

{{Mission Clue|Name=Key of Destruction|Text=This piece of carved stone is some kind of key. Though the language on it is alien to you, you can feel a strong desire for destruction locked within it.}}

==== {{UL|Speak with Azuria}} ====

Location: Atlas Park

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=|Primary=Speak with Azuria|Secondary=|Additional=|Completion=}}

{{Mission Briefing|Type=Briefing|Contact=Azuria|Text=You would be the ones working as Task Force now, right? I knew you were coming. I was told in a dream by the being called [[Faathim the Kind]] that you would be coming, and that I should help you. Faathim explained what was at stake.

From what you saw, it looks like the [[Circle of Thorns]] used the [[Malta Operatives|Malta group]] to take two of these 'keys', by possessing one or more of their scientists. Now we just need to find this last key, but I think I have good news. [[Peter Stemitz]] just called to tell me that he felt the Circle preparing some great ritual deep in [[Oranbega]]. And [[Dr. Cheng]] has confirmed the location, so I think it's a good bet. I'll give you the location. Good luck.

Sometimes even I get surprised by the things I forsee or the entities that seek me out. I believe that this Faathim you're working with may not be telling the full truth. If the power of [[Soldiers of Rularuu|Rularuu]] is as great as I fear, then Faathim may be hiding hust how dangerous this situation actually is.

But I can not imagine why.}}

==== {{UL|Find Key of Madness}} ====

Location: Talos Island, Brickstown or Peregrine Island.

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=The shadows of Oranbega press in all around you.|Primary=Find Key of Madness|Secondary=Key of Madness|Additional=|Completion=The Key of Madness may be missing, but you have a clue where to find it.}}

'''Notes'''
{{Stealth Mission}}

'''Primary Enemies'''

{{Enemy Circle of Thorns}}

{{NPC Text|title=Death Mage dialogue|text=
'''Combat start:''' ''"None shall intrude upon our work!"''}}

{{NPC Text|title=Death Mage dialogue|text=
'''Before combat:''' ''"Task Force Sharydia is already too late."''<br />
'''Combat start:''' ''"The ritual is about to begin, Task Force Sharydia! You are too late here!"''}}

==== {{UL|Speak with Azuria}} ====

Location: Atlas Park

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=|Primary=Speak with Azuria|Secondary=|Additional=|Completion=}}

{{Mission Briefing|Type=Briefing|Contact=Azuria|Text=I saw everything in a vision, but was too late to help. [[Peter Stemitz|Peter]], [[Dr. Cheng]], and [[Cadao Kestrel]] have all reported a great and evil power now growing in one of the old cemetaries outside the city. I think this is where the Circle plans on activating the Key of Madness. If it is as I fear, they will attempt to use it as a bridge to draw a great and terrible power to Earth, then bind it for their own use. The city has set up an emergency force-field to contain the threat, but unless they are stopped, it could be the end of the world.

To foil the Circle's plot, you will need to activate the keystones before they can, and destroy the great demon [[Baphomet]] that they have summoned to battle and entrap this terrible power. I wish you the best of luck.

I remember back when you all first started. To think that the fate of the world now rests on your shoulders. You have all made this city so proud. I thank you.}}

==== {{UL|Defeat Baphomet and get Key}} ====

Location: Board Train

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=The gloom of this old graveyard is tinted with an unearthy reddish light.|Primary=Defeat Baphomet and get Key|Secondary=4 keys to simultaneously activate|Additional=**Defeat Baphomet<br />|Completion=You retrieved the Key of Madness from the Circle of Thorns.}}

{{Gametip|game=n|tip=Despite what the mission objective text says, the requirement to activate objectives simultaneously was removed in Issue 25 allowing this task to be completed solo.}}

'''Primary Enemies'''

{{Enemy Circle of Thorns}}

'''Notable NPCs'''
* [[Baphomet]] (Archvillain)

{{NPC Text|title=Baphomet dialogue|text=
'''Combat start:''' ''"Your souls will burn!"''}}

[[File:Baphomet.jpg|thumb|100px|Baphomet]]

{{Mission Clue|Name=Verse of Madness|Text=You found these words engraven upon monuments around the [[Storm Palace]]. The ancient script shifted before your eyes to a language you could understand. It read:

'And [[Lanaru the Mad|Lanaru]] stoked the fires of his madness,<br />
And in his madness he found greater power,<br />
And he cast down the Iron Fist of [[Rularuu the Ravager|Rularuu]] when he came,<br />
For reason was only a shadow in Lanaru's mind.'}}

{{Mission Clue|Name=Key of Madness|Text=This piece of carved stone is some kind of key. Though the language on it is alien to you, you can feel agonizedd torment locked within it.}}

'''Debriefing'''

I greet you once more as Faathim, called [[Faathim the Kind]]. You have in your possession all seven of the keys that will open the way to the [[Storm Palace]], the throne of [[Lanaru the Mad]]. Before you go to face his power, listen a moment. You have also gathered the parts of a tale. The tale you found is true, and in it's full form reads as thus:

'And he rose up into the air,<br />
And there he forged himself a great palace,<br />
And the air itself he charged with storms,<br />
For Lanaru's mind was itself clouded with anger.'

And Lanaru felt [[Rularuu the Ravager|Rularuu's]] purpose wander,<br />
And Lanaru felt the anger in him grow,<br />
And Lanaru would not forgive his resurrection,<br />
For slavery to Rularuu was no life to him.'

'And Lanaru toiled in slavery to his master,<br />
And as executioner he did work his rage,<br />
And every day his mind broke further,<br />
For pride would not let him stay a slave.'

'The hatred roiled through his fevered thoughts,<br />
And madness broke his mind upon its wrack,<br />
And Lanaru felt Rularuu retreat from him,<br />
For it feared the growing insanity of his soul.'

'And Lanaru stoked the fires of his madness,<br />
And in his madness he found greater power,<br />
And he cast down the Iron Fist of Rularuu in battle,<br />
For reason was only a shadow in Lanaru's mind.'

'And then Kindness entered the Storm Palace to give warning,<br />
And Kindness said that Rularuu would re-assert control,<br />
And Kindness retreated then in horror,<br />
For now Lanaru saw method to halt their master.'

'And Lanaru rose again into the air,<br />
And Lanaru broke the world in his madness,<br />
And Rularuu raged with powerless anger,<br />
For Lanaru would gain might with each failed attack.'

Now you know the land and sky of the Storm Palace. Now you know how Lanaru became Lanaru the Mad, and how he broke the world. Now you must prepare to face his power, before he breaks the world once more.

=== {{UL|Use the keys on each monument and then face Lanaru the Mad}} ===
==== {{UL|Use key on Monument of Madness}} ====

'''Briefing'''

Now comes the end. You must travel to the [[Storm Palace]], and use the keys on each of the monuments. When that is done, the way to the Storm Palace shall be opened, and it shall be time for you to confront [[Lanaru the Mad]].

There is little time. Lanaru has felt the threats arrayed against him, and even now is preparing to lash out in anger. If he should do so, it could break the world again or worse. It could re-forge the world, and bring the full power of [[Soldiers of Rularuu|Rularuu]] down upon us all. This cannot be allowed to happen.

It is time. You have done more than any could have hoped. Fight well. May victory be yours.

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=|Primary=Use key on Monument of Madness|Secondary=|Additional=|Completion=You insert the key of Madness into the monument, and hear a great rumbling in the distance.}}

==== {{UL|Use key on Monument of Destruction}} ====

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=|Primary=Use key on Monument of Destruction|Secondary=|Additional=|Completion=You can understand some of the wording on the strange monument.}}

==== {{UL|Use key on Monument of Anger}} ====

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=|Primary=Use key on Monument of Anger|Secondary=|Additional=|Completion=You can understand some of the wording on the strange monument.}}

==== {{UL|Use key on Monument of Torment}} ====

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=|Primary=Use key on Monument of Torment|Secondary=|Additional=|Completion=You can understand some of the wording on the strange monument.}}

==== {{UL|Use key on Monument of Fury}} ====

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=|Primary=Use key on Monument of Fury|Secondary=|Additional=|Completion=You can understand some of the wording on the strange monument.}}

==== {{UL|Monument of Hatred}} ====

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=|Primary=Use key on Monument of Hatred|Secondary=|Additional=|Completion=You can understand some of the wording on the strange monument.}}

==== {{UL|Monument of Malice}} ====

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=|Primary=Use key on Monument of Malice|Secondary=|Additional=|Completion=You can understand some of the wording on the strange monument.}}

==== {{UL|Defeat Lanaru the Mad}} ====

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=Crackling energy courses through the very air. You stand at the corner of the Storm Palace before Lanaru the Mad.|Primary=Defeat Lanaru the Mad|Secondary=Defeat Lanaru the Mad|Additional=|Completion=You have defeated Lanaru the Mad within the Storm Palace.}}

'''Primary Enemies'''

{{Enemy Soldiers of Rularuu}}
{{Enemy Lanaruu}}

'''Notable NPCs'''

* [[Lanaru the Mad]] (Archvillain)

{{NPC Text|title=Lanaru the Mad dialogue|text=
'''Before combat:''' ''"Rularuu, can you hear me? Father, Brother, Self! I am coming for you!"''<br />
'''Combat start:''' ''" I stand at the center of the storm, and I shall smash this world asunder!"''}}

'''Debriefing'''

I greet you as Faathim, called [[Faathim the Kind]]. Lanaru has fallen before you, and I feel sorrow. Though he was mad and violent, he was as my brother, and as myself, he will re-form...
He will return in strength...<br />
For he is of Rularuu.<br />
And while Rularuu is, we are, forever.

But do not despair. Through your actions the threat is gone for now, and the peoples of the shard can live, and the Ravager is kept from us.

Lanaru rose up and broke the world, and in doing so he made this place safe for a time. Soon Rularuu's power may return, but it is my hope that might like yours will be ready to face the Ravager should he come again.

== Badge ==

Completion of the task force earns a hero the [[Slayer of Madness Badge]].{{clr}}

{{BadgeBox|Slayer of Madness}}

Defeating Lanaru the Mad while in Supergroup mode can earn progress toward the [[Rikti Plasma Turret Badge]].

{{BadgeBox|Rikti Plasma Turret}}

== Notes ==

[[Faathim the Kind]] is an aspect of a god, and as such does not have access to a cell phone. The leader of the team will always have to return to Faathim to get new missions.



{{Navbox Trials and Task Forces}}
[[Category:Trials and Task Forces]]
[[Category:Shadow Shard Lore]]
[[Category:Content That Unlocks Things]]