Miriam Bloechl

Overview

Miriam Bloechl
Psychometrist
Zone	Talos Island
Coordinates	(-909, 224, 6088)
Level Range	25-29
Introduced By	== Level 20-24 == Dr. Cheng Oliver Haak Piper Irving Josef Keller Andrea Mitchell Cain Royce == Level 25-29 == Ashwin Lannister Christine Lansdale Collin Larson Laurie Pennington Lorenzo Tate Eliza Thorpe Marvin Weintraub
Introduces	== Level 25-29 == Ashwin Lannister Christine Lansdale Collin Larson Laurie Pennington Lorenzo Tate Eliza Thorpe Marvin Weintraub == Level 30-34 == Allison King Peter Stemitz
Enemy Groups	Banished Pantheon Circle of Thorns Warriors
Badges	Mystical Savior

Miriam Bloechl is a hero contact in the New Corinth neighborhood of Talos Island at coordinates (-909, 224, 6088) Miriam Bloechl is a Magic origin contact. Her level range is 25-29.

Introductions

Contact Introduced By

Level 20-24

• Dr. Cheng
• Oliver Haak
• Piper Irving
• Josef Keller
• Andrea Mitchell
• Cain Royce

Level 25-29

• Ashwin Lannister
• Christine Lansdale
• Collin Larson
• Laurie Pennington
• Lorenzo Tate
• Eliza Thorpe
• Marvin Weintraub

Contact Introduces

Multiple contact options

You should speak to one of these contacts, Character.

Single contact option

There is someone I know named New Contact. I think the two of you should meet.

Level 25-29

• Ashwin Lannister

I'd like you to introduce yourself to Ashwin Lannister from Hero Corps. They may be a for-profit organization, but they get the job done. He is currently focused on the Council and the Warriors. He has access to Training Enhancements.

Hero Corps doesn't always get the best press, but they are effective. Good luck, and keep your eyes open.

• Christine Lansdale

My friend Christine Lansdale is a military consultant who often helps heroes like you deal with the Sky Raiders and the Family. Through her military contacts, she has access to training enhancements.

Christine is efficient and easy to work with. I am sure you will find her a useful contact.

• Collin Larson

You should go see Collin Larson. He's a cybernetics expert and a real friend to heroes everywhere. He knows a great deal about the Freakshow and the Family. He also has Training Enhancements.

Collin is well suited to work with a hero like you, Character.

• Laurie Pennington

There's a woman named Laurie Pennington over at the Freedom Corps who'd like to meet you. Apparently, she's heard good things. She can provide excellent information about the Council and the Warriors. She has access to Training Enhancements.

The work that Laurie and the Freedom Corps are doing is exemplary.

• Lorenzo Tate

Have you ever bought anything from Lorenzo Tate, the arms dealer? He can help you against the Devouring Earth and the Rikti. He has Training Enhancements.

Lorenzo is a character, but he gets the job done.

• Eliza Thorpe

Eliza Thorpe from the Missing Persons Bureau has asked to see you. She could really use your help with the Devouring Earth and the Rikti. She needs to know what part they may be playing in the disappearance of Paragon City citizens. She has access to Training Enhancements.

Eliza will work very hard to help you. She is extremely dedicated to returning Paragon City to the hands of the people who live here.

• Marvin Weintraub

There's a scientist named Marvin Weintraub who's quite the expert on advanced technologies, the Freakshow, and the Family. He also has training enhancements.

Marvin has done as much to help the heroes of Paragon City as anyone in the world.

Level 30-34

• Allison King

Allison King is psychic; She's quite adept at gathering information from people's minds. She has a great deal of knowledge about the Circle of Thorns and the Council. She works primarily with magic heroes, and has access to relic and focus enhancements.

Allison is kind, and caring. Take good care of her.

• Peter Stemitz

Peter Stemitz is an interesting case. People say the soul of an ancient shaman dwells within him. Both souls speak through Peter's body, which can be a little disconcerting. He has a great deal of knowledge about the Circle of Thorns and the Council. He works primarily with magic heroes, and has access to Relics and Focus Enhancements.

Be warned, Peter and the shaman will both speak to you. Expect the shift in speech.

Information

Psychometrist

Miriam Bloechl is a psychic whom some people consider a hero in her own right. Her powers don't allow her to put on a costume and fight crime with her fists, but she can be a valuable resource to those who do. She has the power to bring forth psychic visions from any object she touches. Sometimes she can even establish a psychic link with the object's owner, divining his or her whereabouts and current activities. Miriam loves doing her part for the city's welfare, though she also sees paying clients: mostly civilians looking for lost loved ones or checking up on cheating husbands. After all, she's got to pay the bills somehow.

Prior to Introduction

I am not for you; your path lies with Active Contact.

Initial Contact

My powers grant me information that you would be hard pressed to find elsewhere, Character. Use it well.

Greeting

• There is much disturbance in this world.
• We have much to do, Character.
• Balance must be restored.

Too Busy

I'm sensing more than a little stress, Character. I think it's time you cleared out your caseload.

No More Missions

Before introducing a higher-level contact

I sense that our work together is complete.

After introducing a higher-level contact

I sense no more disturbances that we can right together. Our work is done.

Store

• Inspirations (Luck, Catch a Breath, Enrage)

I knew you would end up as my friend the first time I met you, Character. I have access to new Enhancements. I believe we are close enough for me to contact you psychically, but you had better take my phone number just in case.

• Inspirations (all)
• Level 25 Natural/Magic Dual Origin Enhancements (200% base costs)
• Level 30 Natural/Magic Dual Origin Enhancements (200% base costs)

You are brave and bold, Character. More Enhancements are available to you now.

• Level 30 Magic Single Origin Enhancements (150% base costs)

Urgent Missions

When this contact has an urgent mission available, this contact only offers urgent missions, and not any other missions.

Investigate the lost city of Oranbega (25-30)

Briefing

I have a mission for you, but there's a bit of history you should know first. I'm sure that you've tangled with the society of mystics called the Circle of Thorns before, but they have been a plague on this for many, many years. The Circle's origins, as far as we know, date back to it's founding by the nefarious Baron Zoria in the 1920's. One of their goals back then was to find the fabled lost city of Oranbega, the 'El Dorado of the east coast'. There were rumors that they found it years ago beneath Paragon City, and have been using it as a base. I need you to investigate the rumors about Oranbega. The Circle are certain to sense you coming, you'll have 1 hour at most before they find a way to stop you.

Mission Acceptance

I've been investigating a possible entrance to Oranbega's outer reaches. The location seems to be a magical laboratory of sorts. It's inner reaches are guarded by wards of protection, so you'll need to disrupt the Circle's enchantments to complete your mission. Once you're there you'll need to recover any artifacts you find and defeat Karn, the head researcher.

Unnecessary Solicitation

I need you to destroy that magic lab in Oranbega.

Mission Objective(s)

You have made your way through twisting tunnels and past magical wards. You have entered Oranbega, lost city of the Circle of Thorns.

• Defeat Domi and his coven - 60 minutes
  • 4 artifacts left, 2 wards to break

The lab is destroyed, and the artifacts recovered.

Warding Altar

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• Warding Altar x2 (Object)
• Domi/Karn/Darsis/Laramis (Circle of Thorns Agony Mage)

Altars Guards dialogue

Combat start: A hero! Maintain the enchantment!

Boss dialogue

Before combat: There are intruders here. We shall have to shift this part of the city.
Combat start: You will not live to tell anyone of your discovery!

The first broken ward

By destroying the Circle's altar, you have eliminated the first of their magical wards.

The last broken ward

By destroying the Circle's alter, you have eliminated the last of their magical wards.

Unknown Runes

You copied these mystic runes from an obelisk in the depths of Oranbega. Even these etchings hold a strange power.

Cracked Thorn Blades

You gathered these weapons in the depths of Oranbega. They appear to be Thorn blades, the demonic swords wielded by several ranks of the Circle of Thorns. These blades are dull and cracked, as if they've been left untended for a long time.

Testament of Ermeeth

Words in an unknown language describe the strange tale told by the pictures on this scroll. It shows a radiant being teaching people, fighting with other radiant beings, and finally leading a great exodus of people as they walk along the bottom of the sea.

Research Notes

These notes detail arcane research in a language that you've never seen before. Copious hand drawn diagrams accompany the text, and the dark things they indicate bode ill for the text's actual meaning.

Black Sand

The bottle of what seems like black volcanic sand has an eerie dark glow around it when held in the light. It's handwritten label is written in English with the words:

'Sands of Mu
1921
-Zoria'

Notes

• The name of the enemy boss varies, and can vary within the same mission. Possibilities include Domi, Karn, Darsis, and Laramis.

• Despite the fact that the mission suppossedly takes place in the lost city of Oranbega, the place is actually a regular blue cave. This is probably due to a bug, or is perhaps a customized map still to be done.

Temporary Power:

Clicking on the Urn glowie gives the Sands of Mu temporary power.

Sands of Mu

Melee (Cone), High Damage over time (50% Smashing/50% Negative), Foe -Accuracy

You recovered this strange black sand from the Circle of Thorns hideout. While carrying it, you have the ability to deal a flurry of punches charged with the Negative Energy of the Netherworld. The sands must be returned to the MAGI vault within 24 hours

Debriefing

I will make certain that all of the objects you found go to the proper people for study. Your efforts have proven that the Circle now inhabits the lost city of Oranbega. Who would have imagined it? A lost city beneath our feet. Perhaps Baron Zoria himself still rules that forgotten ruin.

Stop the ceremony and prevent the obelisk's destruction (25-30)

Briefing

You may not believe this, but I'm about to send you to help the Circle of Thorns. You see, the Circle's working a big ceremony to try to bind the soul of a deity. As if that wasn't bad enough, it's one of the deities the Banished Pantheon worships! So the Pantheon is moving on the their position, and they plan to destroy the obelisk the Circle is using to focus their spell. Now, here's the scary part. If that obelisk is destroyed, it could take an entire section of the city with it! I need you to stop that ceremony and prevent the obelisk's destruction.

If you can't keep that obelisk intact, I'm afraid this mission will be a failure.

Mission Acceptance

You'll need to defeat everybody at that ceremony, but make sure the obelisk remains intact.

Unnecessary Solicitation

That ceremony could go nuclear any minute!

Mission Objective(s)

You hear the twisted words of a language long forgotten.

• Defeat all villains in area
  • Protect the obelisk

You stopped the ceremony and prevented the obelisk from being destroyed.

Enemies

Banished Pantheon

Circle of Thorns

Notes

While one of the mission objectives is to defeat all villains, all that needs to be done is to protect the obelisk and then clear the room the obelisk is in.

Debriefing

Good work, Character. If that obelisk had been destroyed, the energy within could have leveled a good chunk of the city. I'll send some MAGI representatives out to collect the thing now. It really out to be under lock and key.

Badge Mission

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 5 Reward Merits through Flashback only.

Track down the Pantheon and rescue the mystics (25-30)

Briefing

Several mystical and occult researchers have recently disappeared while attending a conference on early human religions. The surviving security guard's description points to the culprits being the Banished Pantheon. Fortunately, I have a lead on where they may be holding the kidnap victims. Someone has to track down the Pantheon and rescue those mystics. There won't be much time, maybe 75 minutes at most before the Pantheon completes their sacrifices. Can you do it?

Mission Acceptance

You'll need to find all of the occult researchers and rescue all of them from the Banished Pantheon. I fear the only way to preserve their safety in the long term will be to defeat all of the Pantheon's creatures who took part in the researcher's abductions. Move fast. No one survives in the Pantheon's clutches for long.

Here's something to help you out. This Undead Slaying Axe has served the city's defenders before. Use it to save those mystics.

Temporary Power:

You will gain the Undead Slaying Axe temporary power upon mission acceptance.

Undead Slaying Axe

Melee, Moderate damage (Lethal), Bonus vs True Undead

This massive weapon was specifically crafted by MAGI to slay the undead. The Undead Slaying Axe can be used 75 times before MAGI will recall it magically.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You've got to save those occultists! Time is running out!

Mission Objective(s)

You feel like you're being watched, and not by a human being. It feels like an otherworldly presence, one that watches with an unspeakable hunger.

• Defeat all Pantheon cultists - 1:15 timed

You have defeated the Banished Pantheon and rescued the mystics.

Enemies

Banished Pantheon

Notable NPCs

• Irene Isabo (Hostage)
• Cassandra Anderson (Hostage)
• Sol Goldstein (Hostage)
• Professor Anna Harker (Hostage)

Irene Isabo dialogue

Banished Pantheon Shaman: Soon all light shall cease for you
Irene Isabo: I don't know who you people are, but I won't let you get away with this!

(aggroed)

Banished Pantheon Shaman: We have been discovered!

(once free)

Irene Isabo: You came just in time, Rescuer. I can get myself out, but there are more people inside!

Cassandra Anderson dialogue

Banished Pantheon Shaman: Your foresight shall feed our powers!
Cassandra Anderson: I knew I shouldn't have gotten out of bed today

(aggroed)

Banished Pantheon Shaman: If you saw this, witch, then you must know they will fall!

(once free)

Cassandra Anderson: I knew you'd come, Rescuer. No. Really I knew. Thanks!

Sol Goldstein dialogue

Banished Pantheon Shaman:
Sol Goldstein:

(aggroed)

Banished Pantheon Shaman: More for the sacrifice. Lughebu will grant us much power!

(once free)

Sol Goldstein: This cult needs more study, but I think I'll do it from a library

Professor Anna Harker dialogue

Banished Pantheon Shaman: Now, teacher, your knowledge will feed my new master.
Professor Anna Harker: Interesting ritual, James. Very creative. Now PUT ME DOWN!

(aggroed)

Banished Pantheon Shaman: You will not interfere!

(once free)

Professor Anna Harker: I knew that priest! He was a student of mine!

Badge

Mystical Savior

You saved a cabal of mystics from being used by the Banished Pantheon.

Debriefing

If you hadn't been there, I doubt any of those people would have been seen again. One of the occult researchers you saved, Professor Harker, thinks they were abducted because of their knowledge. The Pantheon may have been trying to feed its masters more magical skill and learning. If that's the case, then the whole city owes you for this one.

Story Arc

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 23 Reward Merits.

The Scroll of Tielekku (25-29)

Souvenir

Translation of the Scroll of Tielekku

You've kept Dr. Cheng's scribbled translation of:

The Scroll of Tielekku

The adventure began when your contact told you about some unusual activity in a warehouse. Investigating, you found Warriors fighting Banished Pantheon cultists as both groups searched the warehouse for something called the Scroll of Tielekku.

Your contact found that the warehouse held the disputed estate of the deceased hero Ross 'Darkvine' Coldwell, a former member of the Midnight Squad. When you went to speak with the executor of the estate, you found the Banished Pantheon already on the premises, searching for the scroll. After defeating them, you found out that the Warriors had already absconded with the scroll.

Fortunately, you were able to track the Warriors down and recover the Scroll of Tielekku. Unfortunately, you still had no idea of the scroll's significance.

That changed when your contact was approached by Dr. Cheng, a renowned mystic scholar, who said that he might be able to translate the scroll. In order to do so, he would need reference materials that were currently in the hands of the Circle of Thorns, somewhere in the depths of their ancient city. Braving all dangers, you recovered the books and returned them to Dr. Cheng.

While you had been busy, your enemies had kidnapped Debbie Coldwell and Dr. Duncan Silver, the heirs to the Coldwell estate. You were able to free their heirs, but something wasn't right.

Too late you learned that the Pantheon cultists had stolen the Scroll of Tielekku back from Dr. Cheng. Fortunately, he had already completed his translation. After reading through it, you learned the story of how the ancient goddess Tielekku was the first to discover magic, taught magic to gods and mortals, and used her skills to banish a pantheon of cannibal gods to the darkness. Alarmed by this information, you hastened to the Pantheon's hideout and retrieved the scroll.

Unfortunately, the Pantheon had already gleaned enough information to lay a trap for the goddess Tielekku. You attacked the Pantheon in Dark Astoria, and were able to alter the ritual. Instead of trapping the goddess, you sent a message to her, a warning that the dark gods she had banished so long ago were back. You don't know if Tielekku heard it, or even if she still exists. But perhaps one day soon she'll return to help rid the world of the Banished Pantheon and its cult.

Find out what's so interesting to the Banished Pantheon and the Warriors

Briefing

Banished Pantheon cultists have been seen searching a warehouse in Independence Port. Whatever they're looking for must be very interesting, because there have been reports of Warriors on the scene as well. I need someone to go to the warehouse and find out what's so interesting to the Banished Pantheon and the Warriors.

Mission Acceptance

The Pantheon typically has no respect for local gangs, but I wonder what would make the Warriors risk going into the Family's territory? It must be important to them.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Try to find out what the Warriors and the Pantheon are interested in.

Mission Objective(s)

Massive crates house a mishmash of valuable items, furniture, jewelry and a gorgeous Oriental rug.

• Stop all villains in warehouse

On one of the defeated Warriors, you found some written orders.

Enemies

Warriors

Banished Pantheon

Notable NPCs

• That Which Seeks (Banished Pantheon Totem)
• Search leader (Warriors Hewer Elite)

Warriors dialogue

Before combat:

Warriors minion 1: Should we give our lives for a silly scroll?

Warriors minion 2: Sir, the scroll means great power!

Combat start:

Warriors minion 1: To battle!

Battling villains dialogue

Before combat:

That Which Seeks: We are inevitable!

Search leader: They are slow and stupid! We can win this!

Banished Pantheon minion: Lu... ghe... bu...

Warriors minion: Sir! There are too many!

Combat start:

That Which Seeks: We hunger, and we hunt!

Search leader: Glory in battle!

Banished Pantheon minion: Flesh!

Warriors minion: I will not fall without a fight!

Warrior orders

These written orders indicate that the Warriors were here to find one item and one item only: something called the Scroll of Tielekku.

Debriefing

So the Warriors were there searching for this Scroll of Tielekku? My guess is that the Banished Pantheon may have been searching for the same thing.

Talk to the executor of the estate about the Scroll of Tielekku

Briefing

I did a bit of digging about the warehouse where you stopped the Banished Pantheon and the Warriors. Apparently it's used to hold items for estates that are under dispute by the inheritors. Among other things, it held the private library of Ross Coldwell, who used to adventure with the Midnight Squad under the name Darkvine. It might be a good idea to check with the executor of the estate and see what he knows about this Scroll of Tielekku.

Mission Acceptance

Darkvine was one of the many Midnight Squad members killed in the Rikti War. Like all of them, he was well versed in the mystic arts. Perhaps the Banished Pantheon and the Warriors have good reason for being interested in his belongings.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Find the executor of the Coldwell estate. We need to know what the Banished Pantheon and the Warriors were after.

Mission Objective(s)

This staid office is in an uproar as the walking dead and their mad masters stalk its halls!

• Find the estate manager
  • 7 office workers to rescue

You defeated the Banished Pantheon and rescued the estate manager.

Enemies

Banished Pantheon

Notable NPCs

• Hostage x4 (Hostage)
• Estate Manager x3 (Hostage)

Banished Pantheon Patrols

Banished Pantheon 1: Seek the scroll!

(aggroed)

Banished Pantheon zombie 1: Feast upon you!
Banished Pantheon zombie 2: Your flesh!

Hostages

Hostage: I thought I was done for! I've heard what those things do to people!
Estate Manager: I tried to tell them that it wasn't here!

The estate manager's tale

When you rescued Coldwell's estate manager, he told you:

'They kept asking me for the Scroll of Tielekku, but I didn't have it! The Warriors already stole it! I wish I could tell you what they want with it, but no one ever mentioned it had any sort of mystic powers. To tell you the truth, I doubt even Coldwell knew.

Debriefing

The Warriors already made off with the Scroll of Tielekku, huh? At least the Banished Pantheon don't have it, though I don't really want to see it in the Warriors' hands either. Character, we're going to have to recover that scroll.

Recover the scroll from the Warriors

Briefing

Just because the Warriors got to the Scroll of Tielekku before you did doesn't mean it's all over. We'll just have to go after it. According to one of my contacts, the Warriors are near Talos Island waiting for reinforcements. If you're up to it, you could recover that scroll from the Warriors before it disappears forever. I'll call for an emergency force field to give you time to get there.

Mission Acceptance

I still don't know what this is about, but that Scroll of Tielekku is clearly important to both the Warriors and the Banished Pantheon. Be careful.

Unnecessary Solicitation

We need to get that scroll back from the Warriors.

Mission Objective(s)

You wonder what secrets the Scroll of Tielekku contains. Whatever they are, you can't let the Warriors unlock them.

• Recover the Scroll of Tielekku
  • Find the Scroll of Tielekku

You have recovered the Scroll of Tielekku.

Enemies

Warriors

Banished Pantheon

Battling Villains

Before Combat
Banished Pantheon zombie: M' ... te ... ru...
Warriors minion: We have been discovered!
Combat Start
Banished Pantheon zombie: Flesh! Warriors minion: Where are our reinforcements?

Scroll of Tielekku

This ancient papyrus scroll is simply breathtaking. The central picture, which shows a powerful woman seated on a throne of gold, seems hardly to have faded at all. Surrounding this figure are some faded pictograms. It will take an expert in lost languages to decipher these markings.

Debriefing

You got the Scroll of Tielekku! Good work. The scroll itself is still a mystery though. I still have no idea why everyone wants the thing. I talked to the executor of Coldwell's will, as well as both of his heirs. None of them remember Coldwell even mentioning the Scroll of Tielekku. Maybe the Pantheon and the Warriors know something he didn't?

Deliver the Scroll of Tielekku to Dr. Cheng

Briefing

I found someone who may be able to tell us why the Pantheon and the Warriors are so interested in this scroll. You may already know of Dr. Cheng; he's an old man who's very learned about all kinds of mystical matters. He says that he may be able to translate the scroll. Will you deliver the Scroll of Tielekku to Dr. Cheng?

Mission Acceptance

If Dr. Cheng can translate that scroll, he could finally tell us why the Banished Pantheon and the Warriors are so interested in it.

Take the scroll to Dr. Cheng

Unnecessary Solicitation

Get that scroll to Dr. Cheng, and we may be able to get some answers.

Mission Objective(s)

• Take the scroll to Dr. Cheng

Ambush! After accepting the mission you will be ambushed by a single group of Banished Pantheon cultists

Dr. Cheng

Briefing

It is good to see you. Is this the Scroll of Tielekku? Ah, yes. I would like to provide you the answers you seek, but I will first need some reference materials. Fortunately, I know exactly where to find them. Unfortunately, the information I need is held by the Circle of Thorns in one of their underground libraries. If we are to uncover the secrets of this scroll, you will have to recover several tomes from the Circle of Thorns.

Recover tomes from Circle

Unnecessary Solicitation

If you can get those books to Dr. Cheng, he can probably translate the Scroll of Tielekku. Then we can figure out what all this is about!

Mission Objective(s)

The smell of old books mingles with the strange odors of the Circle's spell components.

• Recover tomes from Circle
  • 6 books to find

You have recovered all of the books Dr. Cheng wanted.

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• Tomefinder Arhazen (Circle of Thorns Soul Mage)

Circle of Thorns minions dialogue

Circle of Thorns minion 1: Now, where did I put that tome?
Circle of Thorns minion 2: Tielekku! To even imagine such power shakes me deeply.
Circle of Thorns minion 3: We shall keep this situation well in hand!
Circle of Thorns minion 4: I feel the barriers weakening. The city's defenders are powerless.
Circle of Thorns minion 5: It shall be up to us in the end, as we always knew.

(aggroed)

Circle of Thorns minion 4: You do not know what you face!
Circle of Thorns minion 5: Your interference is unnecessary and ill advised.
Circle of Thorns minion 6: If those Pantheon cultists only understood the repercussions of their acts.
Circle of Thorns minion 7: Dwell not upon the mad machinations of zealots.
Circle of Thorns minion 8: I wonder where the Pantheon cultists will attempt the breakthrough?
Circle of Thorns minion 9: They shall attempt to pierce the barrier in Astoria, no doubt.
Circle of Thorns minion 10: They seek to break the seals, and we shall stop them.

Tomefinder Arhazen dialogue

Before combat: There is time yet before the cultists will begin their work.
Combat start: You have wandered far for a lost cause. You are powerless before what comes, and we alone can stop the Pantheon.

The Translation Stone

The face of this quartz slab bears a worn inscription. It is a translation between the Sumerian language and an unknown tongue thought to be Enochian, the celestial language of divine beings.

Spells Of The First Order

This tattered vellum folio from 1602 is rumored to be an original translation of the first spells ever taught to mankind by the gods.

Lost Tongues of the Tower Makers

Compiled by Greek scholars, this book is a guide to the ancient languages of a lost civilization that built a tower to the stars.

Of the First Ones

These ancient myths and legends tell of the first beings in the world, the gods who existed before mankind.

The Red Dust Tome

These swirling crimson sands are enchanted to form themselves into a book at their owner's will. The Red Dust Tome contains such bizarre knowledge that it can unhinge the thoughts of anyone without extraordinary willpower.

The Obsidian Libram

Long whispered of in magical circles, the Obsidian Libram is connected with many wild rumors. Some say it is the written soul of a demon. Others insist it is a testament engraved by intelligent saurians during the age of reptiles. Some even whisper that it is a gateway to another plane of being. No one knows the truth, for this book of black stone plates seems to present different faces to different readers.

Take the books to Dr. Cheng

Unnecessary Solicitation

You got the books? Excellent! Now you've got to get them to Dr. Cheng.

Mission Objective(s)

• Take the books to Dr. Cheng

Dr. Cheng

Debriefing

Ah, I knew you would come through. Let me take those from you. I have already made a little headway, and have found some very interesting things. This scroll is a chronicle of the life of the goddess Tielekku, who was said to be the first to discover magic. I will be able to tell you more shortly. In the meantime, I believe Miriam Bloechl is looking for you. It seems there has been another development.

Debriefing

Thanks for getting those reference materials to Dr. Cheng. As soon as he translates the Scroll of Tielekku, we'll know a lot more about the Banished Pantheon's intentions. You say even the Circle mystics were eager to stop the Pantheon's plot? Interesting. And not a little scary.

Save the Coldwell heirs from the Banished Pantheon

Briefing

While you were helping Dr. Cheng, I got a call from the Coldwell estate manager. He hasn't been able to contact either of the Coldwell heirs for several hours, and he's getting worried about them. If the Banished Pantheon is interested in the Scroll of Tielekku that was part of the Coldwell's estate, they may be interested in the heirs as well! Can you rescue the Coldwell heirs from the Banished Pantheon?

Mission Acceptance

You're looking for Coldwell's daughter, Debbie Coldwell, and Dr. Duncan Silver, Coldwell's illegitimate son.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You need to get the Coldwell heirs away from the Pantheon cultists. That's your only concern in this one.

Mission Objective(s)

The distant beat of drums makes the presence of the Banished Pantheon all too clear

• Rescue Coldwell heirs
  • 2 heirs to rescue
  • Lead Duncan out!
  • Lead Debbie out!

You rescued the Coldwell heirs from the Banished Pantheon.

Enemies

Banished Pantheon

Notable NPCs

• Debbie Coldwell (Hostage)
• Duncan Silver (Hostage)

Ambush! After freeing each hostage you will be ambushed by a single group of Banished Pantheon cultists

Wandering zombies dialogue

(aggroed)

Banished Pantheon zombie 1: Ravage!
Banished Pantheon zombie 2: Feast!

Debbie Coldwell dialogue

Banished Pantheon zombie: Flesh!
Debbie Coldwell: You psychos!

(aggroed)

Banished Pantheon Shaman: Eat of them, Lughebu!

(once free)

Debbie Coldwell: Those cultists are crazy! Can you get me out of here?

(at the mission exit)

Debbie Coldwell: Thanks. I won't forget this.

Duncan Silver dialogue

Banished Pantheon zombie: Hrrrh
Duncan Silver: Leave me alone!

(aggroed)

Banished Pantheon Shaman: Meat!

(once free)

Duncan Silver: Thanks, Rescuer! Let me tell you what happened!

(at the mission exit)

Duncan SIlver: You've saved me. I don't know how to thank you.

Debbie Coldwell's side

After you rescued Debbie Coldwell, she told you:

'Those Pantheon cultists kept asking about the Scroll of Tielekku. They wanted to know if we'd translated it yet. Father had hundreds of scrolls and books. We didn't know that this one was special.

We wouldn't even be in this mess if it wasn't for my stupid half-brother. I wanted to give that scroll and all of Dad's things to the Midnight Squad, so they could use it to help the city. But he wants it all for himself so he can get powers like Dad's.'

Duncan Silver's side

After you rescued Duncan Silver, he told you:

'The Pantheon cultists kept asking if we'd already used the scroll to call Tielekku. They wouldn't listen when I tried to tell them I didn't know what they were talking about.

We wouldn't be in this mess if it wasn't for my stupid half-sister, anyway. She just wants to give all of Dad's stuff to the Midnight Squad where it'll stay in some vault forever, so she'll get a massive tax write-off and good press for her company. But there's information in there that could help the city right now.

Debriefing

Both of the Coldwell heirs are safe, thanks to you. At least the experience seems to have mellowed them out some. The executor tells me they started speaking civilly to one another on the way to the hospital. Which is good for them, but I'm a little worried, Character. The Pantheon didn't do anything to the heirs. No ritual, no sacrifice, nothing. Could it be that this kidnapping was merely a stunt to distract us from the Pantheon's real goal: the Scroll of Tielekku?

Recover the scroll

Briefing

I just got word from Dr. Cheng. He finished the translation, but while you were rescuing the Coldwell heirs, the Pantheon jumped him and got the scroll! Cheng himself is okay, but he says it's imperative that we recover the Scroll of Tielekku at once. He's used a little of his magic and a lot of his contacts to uncover its location. Now we just need you to recover the scroll.

Mission Acceptance

Based on Cheng's translation, this scroll looks pretty powerful. I wonder if the Banished Pantheon really knows what they're getting into?

Unnecessary Solicitation

We need to get that scroll back before the Pantheon can use it.

Here's Cheng's translation of the Scroll of Tielekku. You might want to take a moment to look at it so you have an idea of what the stakes are.

Scroll translation

According to Dr. Cheng, the Scroll of Tielekku tells the story of a prehistoric war between two pantheons of gods: a great alliance of man's first gods and a coalition of twisted gods who fed on death. It goes on to tell of how the goddess Tielekku first harnessed the power of magic, taught it to other gods and mortals, and used her power to trick and defeat the evil pantheon, banishing them to the spirit world. The scroll gives instructions for contacting Tielekku herself, should the pantheon she banished ever return to trouble the living world. Finally, it warns that this knowledge must never fall into the Banished Pantheon's hands, for they could use it to trap Tielekku and devour her.

Mission Objective(s)

The air is filled with a tangible burning anger. This place is consecrated to hate.

• Recover the Scroll of Tielekku

You have recovered the Scroll of Tielekku from the Banished Pantheon.

Enemies

Banished Pantheon

Notable NPCs

• Totem of M'Teru (Banished Pantheon Totem)

Totem of M'Teru dialogue

Before combat: When comes the prey?
Combat start: Into the hunter's maw you step.

Debriefing

You got the Scroll of Tielekku back from the Banished Pantheon? Good. We may have a chance now, but something tells me this isn't over yet.

Stop the ritual before the Banished Pantheon can finish it

Briefing

Azuria's just alerted me to a massive buildup of mystical power in a building in Dark Astoria. It's got to be the Banished Pantheon. I know you got the Scroll of Tielekku back, but what if the Pantheon had it long enough to translate it? With that info, they may still be able to perform the calling ritual and trap the goddess Tielekku. If that happens, the gods of the Banished Pantheon will gain astronomical power. You've got to stop that ceremony before the Banished Pantheon can finish it.

Mission Acceptance

According to Dr. Cheng, the Pantheon needs an altar and nine mystical gates to complete the ritual. You should be able to modify the gates and altar so they'll call to Tielekku instead of forcing her into a trap.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You need to modify all nine gates and the altar to stop the ceremony.

Mission Objective(s)

This is it. You will now face the fury of the mad cult's dread gods, to save a goddess long lost to time and history.

• Stop the Pantheon ceremony
  • 9 portals to change, Change altar!

It is done. You've changed the Banished Pantheon's trap into a warning to the ancient goddess Tielekku.

Enemies

Banished Pantheon

Circle of Thorns

Warriors

Notable NPCs

• Blade King Caesar (Warriors Smasher Elite)
• Spell Breaker Hanuzeth (Circle of Thorns Agony Mage)
• Guardian Totem (Banished Pantheon Totem)
• Guardian Spirit of Pain (Banished Pantheon Spirit of Pain)
• Guardian Spirit of Sorrow (Banished Pantheon Spirit of Sorrow)
• Guardian Spirit of Death (Banished Pantheon Spirit of Death)
• Guardian Spirit of Desire (Banished Pantheon Spirit of Desire)

Blade King Caesar dialogue

Before combat: C'mon! We win and we'll have a goddess at our command!
Combat start: I fear no one! None can stand before Blade King Caesar!

Spell Breaker Hanuzeth dialogue

Before combat: We can still take adventage of this situation and gain the power of the goddess.
Combat start: Why must you meddle in affairs which are beyond you?

Guardian Spirit of Death dialogue

Before combat: Death shall claim Tielekku!
Combat start: Death shall claim your lives!

Guardian Spirit of Pain dialogue

Before combat: Tielekku shall anguish in eternity!
Combat start: Eternal pain will be your reward!

Guardian Spirit of Sorrow dialogue

Before combat: Cry for the fate of the goddess!
Combat start: Cry for the fate of your souls!

Guardian Spirit of Desire dialogue

Before combat: Tielekku will long for the release of her torment!
Combat start: You shall be denied all you seek!

Guardian Totem dialogue

Before combat: Tielekku shall free the sleeper.
Combat start: You cannot stop us.

Debriefing

You did it! The Banished Pantheon's trap is broken. People may not know it, but the city owes you a big today. Maybe even the world. If the Pantheon had managed to trap the goddess Tielekku, who knows what kind of powers they might have gained?

I wonder if Tielekku got the message you sent her? Maybe, if she still exists, she'll return one day to join the fight against the Pantheon she banished to the spirit world all those eons ago.

Anyway, the Coldwell heirs seem to have made up. Coldwell's old library will be donated to the Midnight Squad, and they've given Duncan permission to research his father's old books to his heart's content. And Dr. Cheng wanted me to thank you for recovering his books from the Circle of Thorns; he says that they're giving him a lot of insight into the beliefs of the Tsoo. You really came through on this, Character. You were incredible.

Missions

Cull the numbers of the Banished Pantheon (25-28)

Briefing

I've become very concerned of late about the activities of the Banished Pantheon. I know that it's a dangerous thing, but I feel I must ask you to cull the numbers of the Banished Pantheon. They are becoming a real threat to this city.

Mission Acceptance

The Banished Pantheon are a plague on the city, and Dark Astoria is one of the places they've hit hardest. Be careful, and take the fight back to them.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You must take the fight to the Banished Pantheon. I know you can do it.

Mission Objective(s)

• Combat Banished Pantheon
  • Defeat 30 Banished Pantheon

You have defeated enough of the Banished Pantheon.

Enemies

Banished Pantheon

Debriefing

The Pantheon's depredations grow more heinous by the day. If it wasn't for the efforts of heroes like you, they would spread through the city like a plague.

Defeat Circle in Talos Island (25-28)

Briefing

There have been reports of Circle of Thorns activity all over Talos Island. The presence of those mad mystics and their summoned creatures is striking fear into the hearts of all of the people of the city. I need a hero who is willing to help curtail the Circle's presence in the zone.

Mission Acceptance

I've heard several reports of Circle activity around New Troy and Cyclops Island, though I'm sure any neighborhood in the zone would welcome your assistance.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Go to Talos Island and defeat Circle of Thorns.

Mission Objective(s)

• Defeat Circle in Talos Island
  • Defeat 30 Circle of Thorns

You have defeated enough members of the Circle of Thorns.

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Debriefing

The Circle are a bold group, who prey on the citizens of Paragon City for numerous dark reasons. The whole city is glad to see heroes fighting their menace.

Show the Circle of Thorns that the City's heroes are still watching them (25-29)

Briefing

The Circle of Thorns have been very active lately, they seem to think that recent activity from other groups has distracted the city's heroes, allowing them to work undisturbed. I would like to see a hero demonstrate to the Circle of Thorns that they have not been forgotten by confronting their mystics anywhere they appear.

Mission Acceptance

Hit them anywhere and anytime you can manage to strike them, Character. They need to know that their actions won't be ignored.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You must defeat more Circle of Thorns mystics to show them they can't get away with their plans.

Mission Objective(s)

• Combat Circle of Thorns menace
  • Defeat 30 Circle of Thorns

You have defeated out enough Circle of Thorns mystics.

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Debriefing

You really showed the Circle of Thorns that we're paying attention to their actions, Character.

Defeat Warriors to find location of Dr. Archos (25-30)

Briefing

A prominent archaeologist, Dr. Maximillian Archos has been kidnapped by the Warriors. He seemed to be onto something involving Oranbega, the lost city of the Circle of Thorns that's buried underneath Paragon City. I don't have a lead on where Archos is being held, but You should 'interview' some Warriors and see if any of them know where he is being held.

Mission Acceptance

When I say 'interview', I mean engage in combat and defeat, in case you didn't catch my meaning.

Ambush

There may be a Circle of Thorns ambush after the mission is accepted.

Interrogate Warriors

Unnecessary Solicitation

Eventually one of the Warriors you defeat will talk.

Mission Objective(s)

• Interrogate Warriors
  • Defeat 30 Warriors

One of the defeated Warriors reveals the location of Dr. Archos.

Enemies

Warriors

Captured Warrior's Story

A captured Warrior told you:

'We heard about that Archos guy. Hey, if he knows how to get the layout on this Oranburger place, fine! Them Circle a' Thorns jerks have been messing with us too long. We figure we can pay 'em back in person and get some stuff to sell while we're at it, all the better. I'll tell you where Archos is. You don't have to get rough.'

Rescue Dr. Archos

Unnecessary Solicitation

You have the location? Good, now go free him from their clutches before they can learn anything from him.

Mission Objective(s)

The information you've gathered tells you that the Warriors are keeping Dr. Archos here while they try to get all the information they can from him.

• Rescue Dr. Archos

You have rescued Dr. Archos.

Enemies

Warriors

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• Seneschal (Warriors Slasher Elite)
• Dr. Archos (Hostage)

Battling villains dialogue

Circle of Thorns minion: You will never learn our secrets!
Warriors minion: He is our prize!

(aggroed)

Circle of Thorns minion: Vengeance!
Warriors minion: To battle!

Seneschal dialogue

Before combat: Archos is our ticket to Oranbega. Keep him under wraps!
Combat start: You're gonna learn, Hero, we Warriors are the best.

Dr. Archos dialogue

Once free: Thank goodness you are here! I have discovered something fantastic!

Location of Oranbega Map Room

After you freed him from the Warriors, Dr. Archos told you:

Yes, I know a great deal of Oranbega. I'm grateful that you could protect me, those Warrior fools were trying to pry out what I've learned. I have discovered not just an entrance to Oranbega that the Circle knows nothing about, but down on those lost streets I've discovered something else. A map room that details the layout of the entire city! I can tell you how to get there.

Defeat lead mystic, his coven

Unnecessary Solicitation

The Doctor is right, locating this map room could change the nature of the battle against the Circle of Thorns.

Mission Objective(s)

As you enter the Map Room, you found no trace of Dr. Archos, but many signs of the Circle's minions. You can only assume he's trapped deeper inside.

• Defeat lead mystic, his coven
  • Find the map

You realize the map you found is a fake. Dr. Archos had lead you into a trap.

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• Dr. Archos (Circle of Thorns Agony Mage)

Circle of Thorns minions dialogue

Before combat:
Combat start: Along with your corpse!

Dr. Archos dialogue

Before combat: Like flies in a web.
Combat start: Welcome, Hero! You're just in time to rescue me. A-Hahahaha!

False Map of Oranbega

This map of the Lost city of Oranbega seems quite accurate at first, but as you look at it the map begins to fade away. It's some sort of fake!

Betrayal

You realize now that Dr. Archos had set a trap for you. A member of the Circle of Thorns, he had allowed himself to be kidnapped so that he could give false information about a map room of Oranbega to you upon his rescue. He obviously planned to defeat and capture you once they had you deep within Oranbega.

Debriefing

I can't believe it. Dr. Archos was a Circle agent all along. The entire thing was a set up to catch you in Oranbega on the promise of a map that probably never existed. The Circle has played us all for fools, but I'm just glad you were able to win through.

Go to the preserve and find the missing group (25-30)

Briefing

I've got a whole pack of missing people for you to find. It seems some New Age meditation group disappeared in a local nature preserve. According to the one member who escaped, they had been drawn to that place by their meditations. Before he ran for it, he saw some strange shambling forms and a witch doctor. Now, here's the strange part: this group's been under investigation for possible connections to the Circle of Thorns. Could you go to the preserve and find the missing group? You only have 90 minutes to find the victims.

Mission Acceptance

This might get complex if the Circle of Thorns really does have a connection to this group. Just remember that your primary objective is to find these people before something happens to them. Fighting witch doctors or anything else is secondary.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You need to rescue that New Age group before something happens to them. You don't have a lot of time.

Mission Objective(s)

A crystal pendant lies on the ground. Beside it, a trail of footprints leads deeper into the glade.

• Find the missing New Age group - 90 minutes timed
  • 4 missing people left

You have freed the missing new age group from the hands of the Banished Pantheon and the Circle of Thorns.

Enemies

Banished Pantheon

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• New Age captive x4 (Hostages)

Battling Villains dialogue

Circle of Thorns minion: They are ours by their blood
Banished Pantheon zombie: Souls for the hunter...

(aggroed)

Circle of Thorns minion: Heroes!
Banished Pantheon zombie: Intruders!

Battling Lieutenants dialogue

(aggroed)

Circle of Thorns mage: More clumsy meddlers in the work of ages!

New age captives dialogue

New age captive: Have you found any others, Hero? I hope everyone is okay!
New age captive: We were just looking for crystals
New age captive: Our meditations told us to look for this place, Hero. We weren't expecting this.
New age captive: It's weird, Hero. It's like I knew this was going to happen

Debriefing

I've talked with the members of the group you saved, and they all spoke of feeling drawn to a place beneath the city. I also checked out the book they were using to identify the properties of crystals. It seems the Library of Congress has no record of the book, the authors, or the printer. I wonder if this group's disappearance was part of a larger plan. Of course, the important thing is that you got them back safely.

Recover the antiques from the Banished Pantheon (25-30)

Briefing

Some Banished Pantheon worshippers stole a number of Civil War Antiques from the Paragon City Museum. According to the curator, those antiques belonged to a group of soldiers assigned to battle a strange outbreak of witchcraft during the 1860's. The items were all rumored to be magical wards or talismans of some kind. After reading some accounts, that outbreak sounds a lot like the work of the Pantheon's cultists. I need you to recover those antiques from the Banished Pantheon, Character. Whatever they're planning, I want it stopped before it begins. In order to do so, you'll have to act quickly. I doubt you'll have more than an hour to recover everything.

Mission Acceptance

Any power those antiques may have had is probably long gone by now, but studying them could help the Pantheon's cultists to overcome such protections in the future. You must recover all four of them before the Pantheon can learn too much.

Unnecessary Solicitation

It's important that you get all four of those antiques back before the Banished Pantheon can use them for some nefarious purpose.

Mission Objective(s)

As you ready yourself to face the forces of the Banished Pantheon, you think of how brave those Civil War soldiers must have been to battle the Banished Pantheon's cult with no super powers.

• Recover antiques from Pantheon - 60 minutes timed
  • 4 antiques remaining

You have recovered the antiques and foiled the plans of the Banished Pantheon.

Enemies

Banished Pantheon

Wandering Zombies dialogue

(aggroed)

Banished Pantheon Zombie 1: I hunger!
Banished Pantheon Zombie 2: Flesh!

Medal

The back of this medal is etched with tiny runes. If you look at it in dim light, you can see that the runes possess a faint glow.

Leather talisman

This small pouch is meant to be worn around the neck. Its power is gone, but you still feel a bit stronger while holding it.

Union army cap

The name 'Jack Sterling' is embroidered on the lining of this worn cap. Faint traces of mystical sigils decorate the interior.

Metal case

This metal case is just large enough to hold a small book. Its surface is dented from dozens of impacts, and the inside is etched with faded wards.

Debriefing

Well, I did some research, and I think I know what the Pantheon was up to. They needed those items to perform a ritual of vengeance against the descendants of those soldiers. Thanks to you, those people will never have to know they were in danger.

Rescue abductees from the Circle of Thorns (25-30)

Briefing

There have been some disturbing disappearances of late. Citizens with some minor mystical connections have been disappearing from their homes, sometimes even from locked rooms with no sign of forced entry. My investigation found some spectral residue, leading me to suspect that the Circle of Thorns is behind these abductions. You've got to rescue those abductees from the Circle. You only have 90 minutes to rescue the victims.

Mission Acceptance

There have been rumors lately about the Circle planning a ritual in the old Shady Pines Graveyard. That could be where you'll find these missing people.

Unnecessary Solicitation

The Circle's plans grow closer to completion, and with it the danger to the abducted grows ever greater. Hurry, Character, there isn't much time!

Mission Objective(s)

The air here is strangely warm, and tastes of sulfurous flame.

• Stop Polentes & his coven - 90 minutes timed
  • Disrupt portal, 6 people to save

You have disrupted the portal and saved all the potential sacrifices.

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• Polentes/Tarsis/Utares (Circle of Thorns Agony Mage)
• Sacrificial Victim x6 (Hostages)

Sacrificial Victims dialogue

Sacrificial victim: Hero, thanks heaven it's you! I'll try to tend to any other victims you've found.
Sacrificial victim: Oh my stars! Hero! I can't believe it's you!I've read all about you!
Sacrificial victim: They said that they needed my blood for a pact or something
Sacrificial victim: This is the third time this month I've been kidnapped by those goons. What do they have against me?!
Sacrificial victim: They came through the walls! They spoke to me! What did they want, Hero? What did they WANT!?!?!?
Sacrificial victim: You saved my life, Rescuer. How can I repay you?

Mage and Sacrificial Victim dialogue

(Unlike the others, this victim will be about to be sacrificed by a nearby Circle of Thorns mage)

Circle of Thorns Mage: Mor-am-uhn-ma-sa-no... mor-am-uhn-ma-sa-no...

(aggroed)

Circle of Thorns Mage: Mor-am-uhn-ma-sa-no interruptions! Kill them!

Sacrificial victim: You saved my life, Rescuer. How can I repay you?

Circle of Thorns Mage dialogue

Before combat:
Combat start: You will not stop that which must be done!

Notes

The boss can have different names, including Polentes, Tarsis and Utares.

Debriefing

You've foiled the plans of the Circle of Thorns yet again, Character. You saved a lot of innocents today, and kept the circle from completing whatever strange pact they were trying to make. I am still puzzled why they chose their targets for the sacrifice, but the important thing now is that all are safe thanks to your valiant efforts.

Security Chief Mission

A character can complete this mission only once. If this mission is active or completed from another contact, this contact won't offer the mission.

Help Terra Volta Security Chief (25-29)

Briefing

The Security Chief for Terra Volta needs some help with the Sky Raiders. Do me a favor and help him out. If you say yes, you'll want to bring backup. It's dangerous there.

Mission Acceptance

Terra Volta is a hot spot due to its strategic value. I would recommend that you bring some help with you.

Assist Security Chief

Unnecessary Solicitation

Go help out in Terra Volta, if you can.

Mission Objective(s)

• Assist Security Chief

Security Chief (Terra Volta)

Briefing

The Sky Raiders are very active, especially over at Challenger Tech and Carter Engineering. See if you can do something about that. Here's some info on the area.

Terra Volta briefing

When Oswald Price built the first electrical power plant in Paragon City, he placed it on a verdant, underdeveloped island in the middle of the city's port. Drawing on his classical education, he named the island 'Terra Volta'. Oswald's island soon blossomed with industry, as manufacturing companies sought the proximity of the port and power plant. The plant eventually gave way to a modern nuclear facility, but Terra Volta remains the city's primary power source. Unfortunately, it has not remained industrious. Many companies abandoned their factories during the Rikti War, fearing an attack on the plant. As a result, several villain groups now make their home on the island. The nuclear power plant remains under the city's control, but no one knows how long it will stay that way.

Keep peace in Terra Volta

Unnecessary Solicitation

The Sky Raiders are dangerous foes. Do what you can to cut down their numbers.

Mission Objective(s)

• Keep peace in Terra Volta
  • Defeat 35 Sky Raiders

You have defeated 35 Sky Raiders.

Enemies

Sky Raiders

Debriefing

Nice work in Terra Volta, Character. That was no mean feat!