A Eulogy for Statesman By Positron
It falls to me to speak a few paltry words about my fallen friend and comrade, Marcus Cole, the man known as Statesman. He was a beacon of strength, moral fiber, and inner will, a bastion of strength that protected Paragon City. This larger than life man, whose years have spanned further than many realize, was a hero, a paragon. He was also a steadfast family man, a tenderhearted and protective husband, father, and grandfather.
Husband. Father. Grandfather. Hero. Paragon. The man who championed Paragon City as Statesman has been all those things and more. As Marcus Cole, Statesman loved and married Monica Richter, sister of his best friend, Stefan. Monica and Marcus reconnected shortly after he returned to Paragon City in the 1930s. At that time, Marcus revealed to the world that he had unlocked his inner will, and he took on the persona of Statesman. He protected Paragon City alongside with the original members of the Freedom Phalanx from Nemesis's failed invasion on Brass Monday, cementing his place in history.
In the 1940s, Statesman led the US war effort in Europe, fighting for the Allies in World War II alongside Maiden Justice and the rest of the Freedom Phalanx. Allied with the British super group, Dawn Patrol, Freedom Phalanx pushed back the Axis powers on the western front. But Statesman's efforts didn't stop there. He was also seen operating in the Pacific theater on occasion. Whether those sightings were simply tall tales told by GIs to boost morale is unknown, but Statesman certainly did use his power to help no matter where on the globe he was needed.
As he continued to champion and safeguard Paragon City, Monica and Marcus welcomed a daughter into the world. This girl, Alexis, went on to become Miss Liberty in the 1960s. Alexis Cole-Duncan was killed in the disputed territories of Warburg after a peace conference came to blows. Marcus Cole, saver of countless lives, grieved immensely for not being able to save his own daughter, and conflicting reports link Alexis's death to the events surrounding the Statesman's death.
In the late 1980s, I [Positron] recruited Statesman to rebuild the Freedom Phalanx. Together, we fought off Arachnos. Statesman went on to lead the Freedom Phalanx throughout the '90s, and we were instrumental in fighting back the Rikti during the first Rikti War. He led the Alpha Team of heroes, fighting off the Rikti from our side of the Rikti dimensional portals while Hero 1 led the Omega Team and sealed off the portals from the Rikti side. Thousands of heroes died in that battle, but Statesman's team, due to his bravery and unfailing mental and physical strength, came through relatively unscathed.
Statesman only reluctantly let new heroes risk their necks in the perilous streets of Paragon. After the rebuilding of Paragon City, the influx of heroes moved to live in and protect Paragon City swelled, inspired by Statesman deeds and his principles. Paragon City earned the nickname "City of Heroes" primarily due to the influence Statesman held over new heroes. They flocked to fight by his side.
A few years back, Statesman went missing. It wasn't the first time he dropped off the radar, but his close friend and confidante, Maria Jenkins, had a suspicion that he wasn't simply on vacation (as some suggested). Maria enlisted a young, trustworthy, but experienced hero who looked up to Statesman. That hero uncovered a plot by Tyrant, a Statesman from an alternate Earth, to kidnap and steal our Statesman's power to augment his. It was only due to the valiant efforts of the hero Maria recruited that was Statesman was able to be with us in the years that followed to once again mentor his close family to see one of them become a hero of Paragon City. Statesman's granddaughter, the Vindicator known as Ms. Liberty, started off her career as Statesman's sidekick, but she quickly blossomed into a strong leader. Ms. Liberty vowed to continue her grandfather's tradition of mentoring and training new heroes, and her dedication to that continues to this day. Statesman spoke to me several times about how proud he was of his granddaughter, who has grown up to become a role model that is looked up to herself.
Statesman also made a positive impact on many villains, prompting them to shed their former lives and rededicate themselves as heroes in Paragon City. Statesman operated without a sidekick for quite some time until the demon summoner Desdemona crossed his path. This misguided villain believed that Statesman was responsible for the death of her mother. She confronted Statesman only to learn the truth behind her mother's death and that Desdemona had been living on a foundation of lies all her life. Statesman took the distraught young girl under his wing as his new sidekick, and she has quickly followed in his footsteps to prove herself as a full-fledged hero.
We may never know exactly how Statesman died. He was a great man, a great hero, and he doubtlessly died true to himself. Statesman's hand was a hand that lifted us up with inspiration. His back was the strong back of a sheltering protector. His wisdom, that of an insightful teacher and leader. His confidence, driven by a profound optimism about the human spirit.
Paragon City will never see the bright flash as he swoops by against a blue sky once more, never hear him rally us in the face of an uncertain future again, never fight side by side with him to stand for what we believe in our hearts. Yet in reality, we will see him, hear him, experience him in the faces of his family and friends, and in our hearts and minds forever.
Statesman is now one with the spirit of Paragon City. Godspeed, my friend.
Issue 22: Death Incarnate Overview A reenvisoned Dark Astoria beckons its bony claw! Issue 22: Death Incarnate, introduces new powers and costumes, exclusive VIP content, and expanded endgame features, and reintroduces Dark Astoria, a zone corrupted by evil magical forces.
Features
Dark Astoria Reincarnated
Mysterious forces have twisted parts of Dark Astoria into a bizarre, nightmarish land! The undead are now stronger here than ever and new menaces brood within the area.
Zone Level Increase: Dark Astoria transforms into a Level 50 Incarnate co-op zone, with missions that can unlock Incarnate abilities for both Heroes and Villains. Dark Astoria is also now accessible from both Peregrine Island and Grandville.
Repeatable Missions: Dark Astoria repeatable missions feature rewards befitting an Incarnate, including Incarnate Experience and Thread Components.
Ephram Sha of the Midnight Squad has tasks befitting Incarnate-level Heroes in Dark Astoria. Help him push back the forces of Mot!
The Circle of Thorns has an interest in the dark magics swirling around Dark Astoria. It has sent Maharaj, a powerful Soul Mage, to help Incarnate Villains sow chaos in the ranks of their foes.
Content for All Levels
Dilemma Diabolique Incarnate Trial: Diabolique, the evil sorceress, plots to become an avatar of death by seizing the powers of the banished god, Mot. With them, she can bring the living world to its knees! She seeks nothing less than to dominate all life and hold the fate of the many dimensions in her grasping hands. Heroes and Villains must unite to protect our dimension from this terrible fate.
Drowning in Blood New Low-Level Trial: The Shivans that decimated Galaxy City are now attacking Bloody Bay! Using the Team Up Teleporter, groups of up to eight players can fight off this alien invasion. Heroes and Villains each have a separate trial. Drowning in Blood is a PvE encounter available for all characters of level 15 and higher.
New Mission Arcs: Steel Canyon and Cap au Diable feature new mission arcs. Heroes can encounter the latest conflict between the 5th Column and the Council. Villains face off against the Longbow and the Luddites.
New Adamastor Zone Event: Adamastor has broken free of Dark Astoria! Prevent this Giant Monster from going on a rampage in Talos Island and Sharkhead Isle by finding the Ritual of Summoning and using it to summon and defeat the creature.
New Darkness Power Sets and Olympian Guard Costumes
Darkness Control (Free for VIPs): Command the shadows to terrorize your foes, devastating them with spectral minions. The Darkness Control power set is a primary power set for Controllers and Dominators. This new power set is free for VIPs. You will also be able to buy it in the Paragon Market™.
Darkness Affinity and Dark Assault (Free for VIPs): Two more power sets are now available to Controllers and Dominators. Controllers can access Darkness Affinity as a secondary power set, and Dominators can access Dark Assault as a secondary power set. Darkness Affinity and Dark Assault are free for VIP's. You will also be able to buy them in the Paragon Market™.
Olympian Guard Costume Set (Free for VIPs): The technology-themed Olympian Guard costume set is free for VIPs. You will also be able to buy it in the Paragon Market™.
Quality of Life Upgrades
Expansion of the Team Up Teleporter: In addition to granting access to the new Bloody Bay Trial, the Team Up Teleporter can now be used inside missions and to organize groups for existing task forces and strike forces. Characters on solo or group missions can queue up for trials from within those missions. You can also use the Team Up Teleporter to queue up for a task force or strike force.
New Teleporter Pad: The new Hacked Telepad and Magicked Telepads are available for bases. These new telepads cost more Prestige to build, but allow Super Group members to teleport to six zones per telepad instead of two.
Changes to Powers
Controllers
Gravity Control: Increased the damage of Singularity's Lift by 63%.
Controllers/Dominators
Gravity Control: Added a bonus mechanic to player character versions of Lift and Propel. These powers now deal a small amount of additional damage (called "Impact!") to targets that you have recently held with your Gravity Distortion power. In addition, Propel's cast time has been reduced and its projectile speed has been increased.
Stalkers
Stalker Buffed Max HP modifier has been increased from 1 to 1.3. This results in Stalker's potential Buffed Max HP increasing from 1,606 to 2,088 at level 50. This allows powers like Dull Pain and Frostworks, as well as +Max HP set bonuses, to have a greater potential effect.
Assassin Strike (All Versions): This power now functions differently while you are not Hidden. When attacking a foe when Hidden, it behaves normally, dealing tremendous damage with a chance to demoralize nearby foes, but it can be interrupted. However, when you use the power while you are not Hidden, it deals Superior damage and is uninterruptible. While you are not Hidden, Assassin Strike has a base 0% chance to crit.
Assassin's Focus: All damaging powers found in the Stalker's primary power set, other than Assassin Strike, have a chance to grant you a stack of the Assassin's Focus buff. This buff increases Assassin's Strike's chance to critically hit (for +100% damage) while not Hidden by 33.3%. Assassin's Focus stacks up to three times. Using Assassin's Strike when you are not Hidden removes all stacks of Assassin's Focus.
Strike Force Anubis Defeats Arch-Demon Bat-Zul!
On January 10th, 2012, a quartet comprised of two villains, a rogue, and a vigilante sought out Virgil Tarikoss, a mysterious mystic of the Rogue Isles in need of those of questionable ethics to aid him in completing his secret master plan. Forming Strike Force Anubis the team first proved their worth to Tarikoss by defeating scores of Legacy Chain members who sought to uncover the secret plans of the dark mage by performing a powerful augury ritual.
Once their usefulness had been determined, Tarikoss sent Strike Force Anubis to discover the reason the Circle of Thorns had attacked the Power Transfer System, the system that powers all of the Rogue Isles using a dormant volcano for it’s source of energy. The investigation by Strike Force Anubis uncovered that the PTS suffered a massive drop in power, as if the Circle of Thorns had disconnected it from the volcano, even though that was not the case.
Learning that the Legacy Chain were close to discovering his master plan Tarikoss next sent Strike Force Anubis to eliminate the Chain’s lead investigator and retrieve a journal written by an 18th Century French monk that could help the mystic heroes stop his plot. With is dying breath the Legacy Chain’s investigator warned that Tarikoss would betray the team.
Before turning over the journal to Tarikoss, Strike Force Anubis read the book, seeking to learn what exactly they were helping Tarikoss accomplish. Realizing it was time, Tarikoss revealed his master plan to the Strike Force; he would share untold power with each of them if they helped him rebind the great Bat’Zul, an Arch-Demon that has been sealed within the volcano of Cap au Diable for centuries.
The mages of the Circle of Thorns had also learned of Tarikoss’ plan, and hoped to duplicate it for themselves. Attacking the Thorns in their lost city of Oranbega, Strike Force Anubis discovered that the Circle of Thorns had separated Bat’Zul from the Cap au Diable volcano in hopes of keeping him away from the Strike Force while they swayed the demon to their cause.
Magically duplicating Portal Corp technology, Tarikoss was able to transport Strike Force Anubis to the dimensional prison cavern of Bat’Zul. There the Strike Force battled the Legacy Chain lead by the hero Infernal, whom hoped to stop the rebinding of the arch-demon, but fell before the might of the team. Next the team fought and slew scores of mages from the Circle of Thorns and Bat’Zul’s demon spawn in order to free the arch-demon from his prison. Once Bat’Zul was freed the Strike Force descended upon him, seeking to destroy his physical form and rebind him to their will. Although Strike Force Anubis did defeat Bat’Zul, they learned from the arch-demon that Tarikoss had betrayed them, intending all along for the team to be defeated and left imprisoned with Bat’Zul for eternity. With the demon sealed once again within his prison, and with no power obtained from doing so, Strike Force Anubis disbanded.
The members of Strike Force Anubis were: Injustice Mantle, Phorcy (both members of the Injustice Force), Scythus (leader of The Reaper's Assembly), and Acroyear (leader of the Justice Force). To them, congratulations on earning the Binder of Beasts badge!
Home For The Holidays!
On December 29th, 2011, the Justice Force held its annual Holiday Party at Justice Force Headquarters. This year was a quiet celebration as many team members are off-world on a mission across the galaxy or away on holiday vacation. As there were not enough attendees to participate in the planned costume contests and games, those events were set aside in favor of good conversation over hot drinks in the Justice Force Lounge. A freak snowstorm occurred during the festivities as well as a party-crasher in the form of a wandering snow beast (Acroyear plans to have the air condition unit and security systems double checked!).
The evening continued at the Pocket D Ski Chalet where the heroes joined in on holiday missions and attempted to break some speed skiing records.
Thanks to Amy Avalon, Blood Keeper, Destructeon, and Justice Mantle for coming out for the festivities and fun!
Happy Holidays from the Justice Force!
Being able to sip a cup of tea by the blazing fire pit in the Ski chalet or zooming down the ski slopes at dizzying speed are a sure sign that the Winter Event has started! The Winter Event is indeed back starting today, Tuesday, December 13th, 2011 and going until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012, and will allow you to get your fill of holiday cheer with presents and snowmen galore! If that's not enough, a couple of new additions will do the trick! Instant Snowstorm will summon a harmless snowstorm that will follow you for a spell, while Duplicating Gift will perpetuate the gift giving tradition... as long as the person you use this power on uses it on someone else and so on and so forth, so keep passing it on! For more details on the Winter Event 2011, check out our Events section later today! For some serious wintry fun, though, jump in game now!
Praetorians Pushed Back!
On December 7th, 2011, heroes and villains of Primal Earth formed a task force to push back the invading Praetorians with the help of a robot named Tin Mage Mark II. Christened Task Force Cantu by Tin Mage, the team traveled to Nerva Archipelago to retake Crimson Cove from the Praetorians. It was there that the heroes and villains discovered a secret base where War Walkers were being manufactured by the Praetorians. Task Force Cantu destroyed the base and also defeated Director 11, one of the enigmatic members of Malta’s council of Directors, whom was seeking to steal Praetorian technology for his organization.
Tin Mage then set the team of heroes and villains to guard a conference between members of Longbow and members of Arachnos, whom were attempting to form an alliance against the invading Praetorian armies. As expected, the War Works attacked the conference, but Task Force Cantu were able to push them back and secure Portal Corp (their second target) just in time.
Tin Mage then alerted Task Force Cantu that the Praetorians were planning to launch their full army through a portal in Neutroplis. Traveling through the portal at Portal Corp, the heroes and villains attacked the heart of Neutroplis, defeating both Neuron and Bobcat, as well as their initial force of Goliath War Walkers, thus putting a halt to the Praetorians’ initial invasion plans. The war may not be over, but now Emperor Cole knows there are forces on Primal Earth that he cannot easily swat down!
The members of Task Force Cantu were: Acroyear, Blood Keeper, Kay B. Powell (all members of the Justice Force), Kablooypow (member of the Justice Force – Reservists), Dark Medusa (member of the Injustice Force), Crimson Mayhem (member of The House of the Forsaken), and Scythus (leader of The Reaper’s Assembly).
To these heroes and villains congratulations on earning the Alpha Struck badge!
Issue 21 Special Update: Media Blitz!
Issue 21 Special Update: Media Blitz is live with not one but two Incarnate Trials for you to pit your favorite hero/villain/rogue/vigilante/Praetorian against increasingly more Machiavellian foes! In the first Incarnate Trial, you will have to fight your way into the TPN Campus complex in the heart of Imperial City, in order to broadcast the truth about Emperor Cole to the citizenry and gain their support against him. Cole, for his part, sees an opportunity of his own, and sends his elite IDF and DUST forces to TPN, under the leadership of Maelstrom! After the successful broadcast at TPN Campus, however, the people of Praetoria become more loyal to Cole than ever before. Then, members of the Resistance begin turning to support Cole. Soon, nearly all of Praetoria is enthralled in support of Cole, leaving you and a small band of those resistant to the control to investigate the problem. When it is eventually discovered that Mother Mayhem has perfected Mindwashing and is using powerful psychics to project it upon the entire world, you resolve to stop her in the second Incarnate Trial available now! Head on over to the Issue 21 Overview section for more detailed guides to the TPN Campus and the Minds of Mayhem Incarnate Trials! A new power set, Titan Weapons, has also been released to the Live servers and can be purchased in the Paragon Market! Check out the video for Titan Weapons here!
Task Force Razor Cuts Down Battle Maiden!
On November 30th, 2011, several heroes and villains came together to form Task Force Razor to push back invading Praetorians. The Freedom Phalanx had fallen defending Terra Volta due to all but Statesman having had their powers sapped by some unknown force, and many other heroes were reporting their powers being almost non-existent when fighting Emperor Cole’s forces. However, the special Incarnate abilities possessed by the members of Task Force Razor were able to overcome whatever strange effect was affecting the other heroes all over the world. Under orders from the hero Apex, Task Force Razor pushed back the Praetorian Clockwork and giant War Walkers in Kings Row, preventing them from destroying the PPD headquarters. Afterwards, Blue Steel informed the heroes of disturbing news: Blyde Square had been hit by an unknown object from space and all contact was lost with the heroine Valkyrie.
Reports from Vanguard indicated that the object from space was actually Battle Maiden, who was somehow launched into Earth’s atmosphere. She and her army were running rampant in Blyde Square, and only Task Force Razor had a chance of stopping them from destroying the rest of Paragon City. The Vanguard helicopter carrying Task Force Razor crashed landed on a roof in Blyde Square, forcing the team to move to the heart of Steel Canyon on foot. There, the heroes engaged in melee against Battle Maiden, her animated swords, and her massive army. Task Force Razor defeated her and forced her to retreat, allowing Paragon City to rebuild the destruction within Steel Canyon.
The members of Task Force Razor were: Acroyear, Amy Avalon, Blood Keeper, Orrin Sur (all members of the Justice Force), Kablooypow (member of the Justice Force - Reservists), Devil Venom (member of the Shadow Wolves), Scythus (member of The Reaper's Assembly), and Spider Slash (member of S V A G, not pictured).
To these heroes and villains congratulation on earning the Weapon Master, Drone Protector, Burden Bearer/Arm's Length, Already Dead, and Master of Apex's Task Force badges!
Icons Of Justice!
Since its inception the Justice Force has had hundreds of heroes join its ranks. Some have risen to greatness, some have fallen from grace, and some have simply faded away. And a very few have become Icons of Justice.
To recognize those members who have served with distinction, whose actions have made a positive impact on this supergroup, and who have become synonymous with the name “Justice Force,” the special honorary title of Icon of Justice will be bestowed upon select members. Every few months three new Icons of Justice will be chosen. Those bestowed this honor will receive:
The newest Justice Force members inducted into the Icons of Justice are: Cosmic Ray Man, Cyborg Shadow Ninja, and Gilford The Guardian.
Cosmic Ray Man: Kurt Harrison was a renowned scientist and amateur astronaut who worked for Pegasus Inc., a company that was on the cutting edge of commercial space flights. While piloting the newest Pegasus spacecraft on its final test flight Kurt was exposed to super radiated cosmic particles that bombarded his ship from an enormous solar flare. Upon returning to Earth Kurt discovered that his DNA had been irreversibly altered, giving him the ability to fire powerful cosmic rays from his hands.
After much thought, Kurt decided he was given these powers for a reason; to safeguard the citizens of the world from those that would seek to do them harm. After designing a costume and giving himself the code name “Cosmic Ray Man,” Kurt set out to aid the authorities and other super heroes of Paragon City against the forces of evil.
In addition to his energy blasts, Cosmic Ray Man began utilizing several devices and various hi-tech weaponry to give him an edge in battle against super-powered foes. As a result, he is a formidable foe, using both science and technology to win the day.
It was not long into Cosmic Ray Man’s super heroic career that he crossed paths with Acroyear, leader of the Justice Force, and was invited to join the prestigious supergroup. As of today, Cosmic Ray Man is one of the longest standing members of the team, having joined in December 2005. He is now an officer of the JF and currently holds the rank of Captain.
Cosmic Ray Man’s scientific skills surpass all others on the Justice Force, and he is a virtual database of information on numerous subjects. He often provides his teammates with a plethora of facts and statistics on various topics including super powers, hi-tech weaponry, power enhancements, heroic and criminal organizations, Incarnates, time travel, parallel universes, and so on. The members of the Justice Force know that if they need information or insight on any subject relating to the everyday world of the super hero, Cosmic Ray Man is the only man to ask.
As a hero Cosmic Ray Man is one of the most genuine persons one could meet. He is straight-forward, honest, and will not hesitate to help a friend in need no matter the cost to himself. Cosmic Ray Man’s unquenchable scientific curiosity is matched only by his witty sense of humor, and his good natured personality has endeared him to many of his teammates.
Cosmic Ray Man represents the true power of knowledge on the Justice Force. His sharp mind and vast comprehension of all things “super hero” have made him an invaluable member of the team, and on more than one occasion his keen insight has helped the Justice Force overcome seemingly unbeatable obstacles. For these reasons, and many more, Cosmic Ray Man is a true Icon of Justice.
It was his skills in electronics and robotics that Sakato used to build the Ninja Armored Suit, a prototype battlesuit that would allow the user to strike harder, run faster, leap higher, and withstand incredible amounts of physical damage. Sakato’s childhood friend and ninja brother Ryzo learned of this prototype, and convinced Sakato to show him the Ninja Armored Suit in action. Impressed by the battlesuit’s capabilities Ryzo decided he must have it to further his secret plans of world domination. Stealing the schematics for the prototype Ryzo had the battlesuit massed produced for his own ninja clan.
Ryzo, now calling himself the Shadow Ninja Lord, lead his ninja warriors, outfitted in a modified version of the Ninja Armored Suit, in a surprise attack against his former ninja clan. Sakato, desperate to protect his ninja brothers, donned the prototype battlesuit and leaped into the melee against the forces of the Shadow Ninja Lord. The battle was fierce, and Sakato did all he could to save his ninja brothers, but many fell before the might of the attacking army.
Eventually Sakato came face to face with the Shadow Ninja Lord, who revealed himself to be his old friend Ryzo. Angered by this betrayal, Sakato flew into a rage and attacked Ryzo, attempting to slay him for his act of treason against the clan. But Sakato’s anger blinded him, clouding his mind and impeding his ninjitsu abilities. Ryzo used this to his advantage, and cut Sakato to ribbons with his blade. Leaving his former friend for dead, the Shadow Ninja Lord withdrew as the Justice Force arrived to drive off the attacking ninjas.
Rescued by the Justice Force, Sakato lay near death, his body mutilated by the Shadow Ninja Lord. In a effort to save his life members of the Justice Force modified Sakato’s Ninja Armored Suit into a cybernetic life support system for him. After weeks of recovery, Sakato emerged from the infirmary as Cyborg Shadow Ninja. To repay the hero team for saving his life, Cyborg Shadow Ninja now serves the Justice Force as one of their own by fighting crime and injustice in both Paragon City and the Rogue Isles.
A master in the art of combat with dual katanas, Cyborg Shadow Ninja is one of most dangerous members of the Justice Force. Due to his abilities as a ninja, and willingness to cross certain lines in order to complete his missions, Cyborg Shadow Ninja is often deployed on very special operations by Acroyear, leader of the Justice Force.
Cyborg Shadow Ninja represents the harsh vigilantism of the Justice Force. As part machine he coldly views the world in black and white, and those that follow the path of evil deserve nothing but a quick death at his hands. His vigilante mentality is tempered by his human side, which follows the code of the ninja, and knows the value of friends, family, and loyalty. For these reasons, Cyborg Shadow Ninja is a true Icon of Justice.
Returning to school a few weeks later, completely healed of his injuries, Domenick attended football practice. During tackling drills Domenick collided with a senior linebacker and sent him flying across the field. An awkward silence followed as his teammates and coaches tried to rationalize what they had just witnessed.
Domenick returned to the doctors once again, and further testing shown his DNA had mutated further, granting him incredible strength and nigh invulnerability to harm.
Not wanting to be labeled a “freak” for being a mutant, Domenick left home at the age of sixteen. He traveled to Paragon City, Rhode Island, the “City of Heroes,” where he had a feeling he would fit in amongst the super powered populace. He was not in the city long before he came across the hero Statesman battling two dozen soldiers of Arachnos. The young man decided to try out his powers by joining in to assist the superhero. Statesman was surprised by what he saw, and when the battle ended he asked Domenick if he was willing to join the ranks of the heroes of Paragon City. Domenick agreed, but decided to change his name in order to protect his family and loved ones. On that fateful day Gilford the Guardian was born.
Weeks later the Guardian joined scores of superheroes in defending Atlas Park from a Rikti invasion force. After pushing back the invading aliens the Guardian was approached by Flame Red of the Justice Force. The woman was impressed with the great strength and combat ability the Guardian displayed during the battle, and recruited him into the Justice Force on the spot.
During the first month as a member of the famed supergroup the Guardian had a hard time following orders. His brash impulsiveness coupled with his nigh invulnerability often lead him to leap blindly into combat, which often put himself and others at risk. But as his training under Acroyear and Flame Red continued, the Guardian began to understand the importance of teamwork and following orders, so much so that he decided that more than anything he wanted to be an officer within the Justice Force.
His mind set on his goal, Gilford the Guardian became one of the most dedicated members of the team. His hard work paid off and soon he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. But the Guardian had higher aspirations, and continued to push himself, becoming an invaluable member of the Justice Force. As his dedication and commitment grew so did he rise in rank until finally reaching the station of Commander in 2009.
Gilford The Guardian represents the unmitigated perseverance of the Justice Force. He is a man that will let no obstacle stand in the way of his goals and will do whatever it takes to achieve them. No task is too great, no job is to difficult, and no super villain too powerful for the Guardian, as he does not know the meaning of the word “failure.” For these reasons, and more, Gilford the Guardian is a true Icon of Justice.
Time-Traveling Task Force Fails To Free Cimerora!
Traveling back in time to the ancient land of Cimerora, members of the Justice Force, Justice Force – Reservists, Baseline, Shadow Wolves, and The House of the Forsaken attempted to aid the former emperor Imperious in reclaiming his throne from the traitorous Romulus Augustus.
During their battles against the armies of Romulus, the heroes and villains discovered that the 5th Column and the Nictus were behind Romulus’ rise to power. The Column’s end goal was to establish temporal strongholds throughout time and space, and their primary assault was to be on Paragon City and the Rogue Isles. The 5th Column had constructed giant colossi that could only be powered by the Incarnates Statesman and Lord Recluse. The Time Traveling Task Force foiled this evil scheme, then stormed the castle fortress of Romulus to face the villain. Romulus, however, had joined force with a Nictus (the first of humankind to merge with the aliens), and the combined power was more than the Task Force members could withstand. Although they failed to defeat Romulus, the heroes and villains managed to decimate his armies, and forced the 5th Column to retreat from the ancient era, leaving the hope that Imperious will one day be able to reclaim his throne.
The members of the Time Traveling Task Force were: Blood Keeper (not pictured), Cyborg Shadow Ninja, Flame Red (all members of the Justice Force), Kro-Taur, Mecha-Knight (both members of the Justice Force – Reservists), Thunderus (member of Baseline), Marcia Law (member of the Shadow Wolves), and Crimson Mayhem (member of The House of the Forsaken).
Issue 21.5 is now on the Live servers!
Included in the new Issue 21.5 are updates for the Keyes Island Incarnate Trial, new Incarnate Rewards, new Incarnate Powers for Alpha, Interface, Justice, Destiny, and Lore, the new Collection System (for keeping attack of account-bound features), Signature Story Arc Access, Mission Architect updates, Base Editor updates, and more! For the full patch notes on Issue 21.5 click here!
Time-Traveling Task Force Saves Paragon City!
On November 7th, 2011 members of the Justice Force and the Justice Force - Reservists formed a Task Force at the behest of Ouroboros leader Mender Silos. The members of this special Task Force undertook a series of missions into the recent past of Paragon City that held great importance to the timeline. These time-traveling missions involved working with the rogue hero Manticore, and culminated in a massive battle in Siren’s Call against several arch-villains lead by Lord Recluse himself. During this clash of titans the Task Force joined forces with the Freedom Phalanx and Vindicators to not only defeat the arch-villains, but to engage and destroy Lord Recluse’s giant Jade Spider which threatened to destroy Paragon City.
The members of the time-traveling Task Force were: Chantile, Cosmic Ray Man, Cyborg Shadow Ninja, NightNova, Purple Kitten (all members of the Justice Force), and Mecha-Knight (member of the Justice Force - Reservists).
Task Force Veyro Defeated By Lanaru The Mad!
On October 26th, 2011 Faathim the Kind sought champions to battle the crazed god Lanaru before he could gain enough strength to break the world again, or draw the full power of the Rularuu down upon the area of the Shadow Shard known as the Chantry. These champions were given the code name Task Force Veyro by Faathim the Kind, and proved their might and mettle, battling against the armies of the Rularuu, against the villainous factions (Nemesis, Rikti, Knives of Artemis, Malta, and Circle of Thorns) who all sought the Mad One’s power, and against Lanaru the Mad himself. Unfortunately, despite two attempts to defeat the titanic Mad One (the second on October 28th), Task Force Veyro failed, and were brutally dispatched by the evil god. All members of the Task Force survived the deadly encounter, and should recover from their injuries.
The valiant heroes that comprised Task Force Veyro were: Amy Avalon, Cyborg Shadow Ninja, Lady Meow, Mind Warp (all members of the Justice Force), Mecha-Knight (member of the Justice Force - Reservists), Srra' Koth (member of the Snails of Power), Major Meltdown (member of High Society Order), and Sweetest Taboo (a rogue not affiliated with any villaingroup).
Halloween Fun!
On October 27th, 2011, Pumpkin-Jack hosted the Halloween Mash at the Prime Evils base for his fellow evil-doers and mad men. Attending the event were several of the Rogue Isles most vile villains including Baroness Shadowlore, Cutchop Mcslice, Dark Medusa, Devil Venom, Fun House, Injustice Mantle, Moray, and Scythus. Several thugs, zombies, and demons also attended the festivities, as ordered to by their respective masterminds!
Costume Contests and a rousing (and drama-filled) game of Rock/Paper/Scissors were held at the Halloween Mash. And the winners were:
Rock/Paper/Scissors Death Match 1st Place: Scythus 2nd Place: Baroness Shadowlore
Best Villain Costume 1st Place: Dark Medusa 2nd Place: Fun House 3rd Place: Devil Venom
Best Halloween Costume 1st Place: Devil Venom as Bride of Acroyear 2nd Place: Baroness Shadowlore as Witch 3rd Place: Pumpkin-Jack as… Pumpkin-Jack!
The night ended with the villains entering Dr. Kane’s House of Horrors were Moray ate some reanimated corpses and Pumpkin-Jack left some pumpkin stains on the evil doctor’s carpet.
Thanks to all the super villains who came out for the festivities, and we hope everyone had a good time!
Happy Halloween!
Halloween 2011
October 20th to November 3rd
Starts: 12:00 p.m. EDT, Thursday, October 20th, 2011 Ends: 2:59 a.m. EDT, Thursday, November 3rd, 2011
From ghosties and ghoulies, and long-legged beasties, and things that go bump in the night, deliver us.
New in 2011: Dr. Kane’s House of Horror
The eccentric scientist Dr. Kane turned his home into a haunted house and has invited all of Paragon City to come and visit. Things are not as they seem in Dr. Kane’s House of Horror, though. Visitors enter the mansion never to be heard from again!
Dr. Kane’s mansion is a zombie-filled nightmare, and while exploring it, you learn of the doctor’s nefarious plot to transform the innocent people of Paragon City into a slavering horde of zombies. As you investigate the halls and rooms of the haunted mansion, you face off against Dr. Kane’s freakish creations, including his greatest work, the giant Abomination.
Succeed in defeating Dr. Kane and his monstrosities and earn new rewards, including the new Bats aura, and the Murder of Crows costume change emote.
Dr. Kane’s House of Horrors is a co-op event for up to four characters of level 15-50. Access this new event through the Team Up Teleporter (only).
To read about the Monster Invasion and Treat or Treating that occur during the Halloween Event, click here.
Faathim The Kind Rescued By Task Force Ptah!
On October 12th, 2011, several superheroes answered the call of Justin Augustine to help investigate the area of the Shadow Shard known as the Chantry. As Task Force Ptah the heroes explored the vast dimension battling the Soldiers of Rularuu and uncovering strange monuments which were documented for Justin Augustine. Traveling to the Bastions of Pain, Denial, Guilt, Shame, Sorrow, and Regret, Task Force Ptah recovered information on the history of the Rularuu that when put together told the Saga of Faathim, one of the powerful beings that still exists in the Shadow Shard.
While performing their investigations, Task Force Ptah uncovered a plot by the Circle of Thorns to capture and bind Faathim the Kind and use his immense power for their own evil purposes. Entering the Chantry itself, Task Force Ptah defeated the numerous forces of the Circle of Thorns and released Faathim the Kind from his imprisonment within a magical crystal.
The heroes that comprised Task Force Ptah were: Destructeon, Icy-Blue, Justine Kase, Orrin Sur, Purple Kitten (all members of the Justice Force), Kablooypow, Mecha-Knight (both members of the Justice Force - Reservists), and Srra' Koth (a member of the Snails of Power). To these heroes congratulations on earning the Protector of Kindness badge!
2nd Annual Justice Force Awards!
The wait is over! The video release of the 2nd Annual Justice Force Awards is here!
Lady Meow and Sonic Banshee have both worked hard to put together this special event for all our members. And Lady Meow has completely outdone herself with video editing of the awards this year – they are AWESOME!
The nominees and winners of the 2nd Annual Justice Force Awards were all chosen by you, the members of the JF who voted. Dozens of characters from the Justice Force, Justice Force – Reservists, and the Injustice Force were nominated, but in the end it was your votes that determined who won.
So go pop up some popcorn, grab a tall drink, have a seat, and enjoy the 2nd Annual Justice Force Awards!
Heroes Stomp Hydras!
On October 3rd, 2011, a band of heroes delved deep into Paragon City’s sewer system in an attempt to stop the Hydras nesting there from reaching the surface. Along the way the team battled Hellions, Vahzilok, and the Lost as they descended deeper into the sewers. Finally they came upon the lair of the Hydras, and after a chaotic battle, defeated two of the slimy beasts.
The heroes who completed the Death From Below trial were: Acroyear, Flame Red, Justice Mantle, Purple Kitten, Sonic Banshee (all members of the Justice Force), Merc From Hell (member of the Justice Force – Reservists), and Srra’ Koth (member of the Snails of Power).
To these seven heroes congratulations on earning the Hydra Stomper, Cadaver Counter, and The Cleanser badges!
On October 1st, 2011, the Justice Force and Justice Force – Reservists formed a coalition with The Justice Lords.
The Justice Lords are a small supergroup lead by the hero Mighty Maximus (pictured with Acroyear above). The newly constructed headquarters of The Justice Lords is called the Skyfortress, which hovers high above Paragon City, and is used by JL team members to safeguard the world.
The Justice Force is proud to have The Justice Lords as a member of our coalition, and look forward to battling evil side by side with them!
Task Force Hope Defeats Ruladek The Strong!
On September 28th, 2011, several superheroes were requested to form Task Force Hope in order to seek out and rescue natives of the Shadow Shard who had been abducted by the Nemesis Army. The natives were freed from the Brass Devils, and informed Task Force Hope that they had been interrogating about the myth of Ruladak, an old tale of a monster that once tried to force the Shard’s natives to worship the Rularuu, but failed and was imprisoned by kindness.
Further investigation revealed that Ruladak the Strong was indeed real and that the Nemesis Army planned to awaken it and form an alliance with the Rularuu. Task Force Hope battled Nemesis forces to stop them from activating the four seals that prevented Ruladak the Strong from awakening. The heroes were successful in securing three of the four seals, but Ruladak had awaken from its slumber with only one seal being accessed by Nemesis.
Task Force Hope entered Ruladak’s shrouded lair within the Tyrant’s Rock to put a stop the creature’s immanent attack on the natives of the Shadow Shard. Although not able to utilize its full destructive might, Ruladak the Strong was a fierce foe that put to the test the skill and resourcefulness of the heroes. In the end, Task Force Hope prevailed, and Ruladak the Strong was defeated.
The heroes that comprised Task Force Hope were: Blood Keeper, Cyborg Shadow Ninja, Destructeon, Icy-Blue, Kay B. Powell (all members of the Justice Force), LongRange, Mecha-Knight (both members of the Justice Force – Reservists), and Srra’ Koth (member of the Snails of Power).
To the members of Task Force Hope, congratulations on earning the Destroyer of Strength badge!