Circle of Thorns: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 02:47, 26 March 2023

Overview

The Circle of Thorns are a villain group in City of Heroes and City of Villains. In City of Heroes, the Circle is a powerful group that a hero will likely encounter during almost their entire career, and they are present in force in City of Villains as well.

Background

Circle of Thorns official info ( Copied from the City of Heroes official website [1])

In the 1890’s, upper class England found itself amid a tremendous upsurge of interest in the occult. Most of these dilettantes were more interested in the carnal aspects of ritual magic than in any kind of true arcane knowledge. There were, however, a few exceptions…among them the Baron Zoria. The charismatic Zoria came to England in 1890, allegedly from Russia, and quickly developed a reputation as a fanatic, outré, and decidedly unpleasant figure. Despite (or perhaps because of) this reputation, the Baron managed to acquire a small circle of devotees.

Zoria’s burgeoning cult focused most of its energies on searching for signs of the long lost city of Oranbega. Although most people believe the mythic city was “invented” by Girolamo da Verrazano in his 1529 map of his brother’s explorations, Zoria believed the ancient underground city to be a real place. Apparently he was right. Moreover, he was more right than he ever imagined in his wildest dreams. Zoria claimed that Oranbega had sunk beneath the earth tens of thousands of years ago during a war between the Sorcerer Kings of Oranbega and the Warlords of Mu. Zoria felt that if he could unlock the key to entering this lost city, untold powers would be his to control.

Rather than mounting archeological expeditions or combing through dusty archives, Zoria chose a more direct approach. He set about contacting the spirits of the dead Oranbegan Sorcerer Kings. Apparently he was successful, for in a ceremony on the winter’s solstice of 1898, the Circle of Thorns was born. Zoria and each of his followers took a strange thorn, given to Zoria by the Oranbegan spirits. They simultaneously drove the bizarre spines into their chests, sinking them straight into their own hearts. The wounds closed as quickly as they had opened, sealing the enchanted thorns deep in their bodies and imbuing each with unique magical powers beyond anything they had ever possessed.

For the next year, the cult reveled in its newfound power. They indulged every whim and quickly established themselves at the top of Europe’s secretive mystic underground. Dozens, then hundreds flocked to them, desirous of tapping into the same energies that they seemed to have mastered. Their meteoric rise drew scorn and derision from other, more established groups like the Golden Dawn and O.T.O. Aliester Crowley himself decried them as charlatans and fools. It also attracted the attention of Christian and secular groups that feared the magicians’ negative influence over the good and decent folk of Europe. Several nations passed laws banning the Circle from practicing its beliefs within their borders.

Zoria and his followers seemed largely unconcerned. They were already planning their next move. In 1914, as war broke out on the continent, the Circle of Thorns left en masse for the United States. Varrazano’s original map had located an entrance to Oranbega on the east coast of North America. Although later copies of the map showed the city in New England, Zoria believed this to be a deception. His own communion with the spirits pinpointed the location as being beneath the burgeoning metropolis that we know today as Paragon City.

Throughout the next six years the Circle of Thorns disappeared from view. Many in Europe thought that some no doubt well-deserved occult disaster had befallen them. In fact, Zoria and his core membership were busy searching for a physical entrance to Oranbega. To hear them tell it, they were successful. All of a sudden, the Circle re-emerged, this time with a decidedly public face. They formed a private but well-known gentlemen’s club that became one the most notorious speakeasies of the Prohibition era.

The Roaring ‘20’s were a golden time for the Circle of Thorns. The hedonists of the Jazz Age embraced Zoria’s dark and dangerous reputation and the Circle went on a barely concealed black magic spree. They performed human sacrifices, summoned demons, and magically manipulated events with impunity. Their mystical divinations prepared them for the coming Great Depression and the Circle and its members lived out hard economic times in relative luxury. What they didn’t divine was the rise of the masked crime fighter in American society.

In 1933, when children from poor neighborhoods started disappearing from their homes in the middle of the night, police and heroes alike were entirely baffled. There were no signs of forced entry, no clues at all. It wasn’t until the new hero known as the Dream Doctor started on the case that the true nature of the Circle of Thorns became public knowledge. A master of sorcery himself, the Dream Doctor recognized the hand of black magic in the kidnappings and traced the mystic trail back to the private club used by the Circle for its meetings.

At midnight on the anniversary of the Circle’s founding, The Dream Doctor burst in upon the foul cultists just as they prepared to sacrifice the poor children. As preternatural night engulfed the ritual chamber, the hero moved among them, his mystic blasts and spirit allies smashing through the cultists and freeing the children before Baron Zoria and his cronies knew what had happened. While the Circle’s highest-ranking members escaped, The Dream Doctor managed to capture most of the rest of the cult and bring them to justice.

That night in 1933 was the end of the Circle of Thorn’s existence as a public organization. Baron Zoria and his followers literally fled into the underground, allegedly taking up quarters in the dank and dangerous ruins of Oranbega. Their first order of business was taking vengeance upon the man who had ruined them: The Dream Doctor. Knowing full well what would happen to him, the Doctor gathered about him a group of civic-minded magicians, occultists, and scholars to help protect the city against future threats from the Circle of Thorns. He called this group the Midnight Squad, and the organization persists to this day as one of the premiere superhero organizations in Paragon City.

Over the next few decades, the Circle of Thorns and the Midnight Squad continued to skirmish back and forth. Unfortunately, since only the Circle knew how to enter the lost city of Oranbega, they always had a safe and secure base to retreat in when matters grew desperate. Try as they might, the Midnight Squad could not crack the mystery of the sunken city. By the 1990’s the Circle of Thorns seemed to have dwindled to a mere shadow of its former might. Except for the occasional museum theft or kidnapped antiquarian, the villains seldom seemed to rise from their chthonic chambers.

What no one could have expected is that it would be an alien invasion that both opened the way to Oranbega and simultaneously reinvigorated the Circle of Thorns. During the Rikti War, the extra-dimensional attackers used the subway tunnels and other underground chambers as bases of operation. They excavated more rooms as they needed them, using a variation on their portal technology. Apparently, the magical runes and protection spells hiding Oranbega from the rest of the world had no effect on technology from another dimension. The Rikti had accidentally discovered the vast underground lair of the Circle of Thorns.

Although most of the city’s heroes are loathe to admit it, this unintended revelation may well have played a key role in turning the tide of the Rikti War. The Circle, long dormant, was not nearly as dead as many had imagined. The aliens found themselves not only fighting super powered heroes on the surface, but magic wielding, demon summoning fanatics down below. The now quite aged Baron Zoria himself led the charge at the head of his elite Thorn Wielders against the aliens, pushing them out of Oranbega and the surrounding caves.

No paper ever reported the Circle of Thorns’ role, nor did any of the hero organizations acknowledge the existence of Oranbega. Indeed, few of them knew for certain what exactly had happened to the Rikti underground. Nevertheless, after the war, rumors told of ancient, gold encrusted ruins beneath the streets of Paragon City. Fortune hunters, amateur archeologists, and even some heroes went down into the depths in search of fame and fortune. As might be predicted, none of them returned. At least, none of them returned as they were when they went down.

They say that necessity is the mother of invention. With their impenetrable magic cloak destroyed by the Rikti, the Circle of Thorns knew it was only a matter of time before the Midnight Squad or some other noisome hero group would get curious and start causing trouble. And so Baron Zoria and his followers decided to take a more proactive approach in their own defense. They began with those initial explorers, capturing the trespassers and then supplanting their souls with the long-dead spirits of the original Oranbegans. When folks learned better than to go looking in dark caves for lost cities, the Circle of Thorns began to more actively “recruit” new members. They sent expeditions to the surface to snatch more innocents for Oranbegan supplantation. In the meantime…they sought new -- if less effective -- ways, to hide their secret city from interlopers.

Today the Circle of Thorns has swelled in membership because of their press gang practices. Now, for the first time in decades, Baron Zoria’s ambition seems to be stirring. With the city in such a chaotic state, the Midnight Squad believes that The Circle is preparing to make a play for real power in the surface world. Robe-clad cult members have been seen on the surface in several locations. Strange new social clubs and cults have popped up in many neighborhoods, espousing beliefs very similar to those of the Circle, and many of these have turned overnight from simple spiritual movements to murderous cabals. Now the Midnight Squad is busy trying to put a stop to this burgeoning occult threat, but the more problems they encounter in Paragon City, the harder it is to find time to search out entrances to lost Oranbega. Which is, no doubt, just as Baron Zoria intends…¨

Architect Entertainment Description

Founded as a cult in 1898, the Circle of Thorns is a group firmly rooted in the power of dark magic. Their leader, Baron Zoria, contacted the spirits of Sorcerer Kings from the an ancient kingdom called Oranbega that had sunk beneath the earth tens of thousands of years ago. Zoria and his followers received great power by implanting mystical thorns given to them by the spirits into their chests. After being driven underground by the Dream Doctor and the Midnight Club, Zoria and his remaining followers took up residence in the ruins of Oranbega. The Circle was quiet for many years until the Rikti stumbled upon them. Since then their activity has been on the rise and the Midnight Club has their hands full with this ancient mystical menace.

Villain Types

Minions

Human Followers

Guard

Many who have lost hope go looking in dark places for the answers to life's questions. The Followers are those whose search has taken them to the Circle of Thorns. Now they must prove their true devotion by serving the Circle's evil will.

Levels: 1-12

Powers

Sword Melee, Moderate Lethal Damage, Foe -Defense
This wavey sword attack does medium damage and can reduce your foe's defense.

Hand Crossbow Ranged, Moderate Lethal/Negative Damage
Small rapid fire Handheld Crossbow.

Guardian

Many who have lost hope go looking in dark places for the answers to life's questions. The Followers are those whose search has taken them to the Circle of Thorns. Now they must prove their true devotion by serving the Circle's evil will.

Levels: 1-12

Powers

Falchion Melee, Moderate Lethal/Negative Damage
This small curved short sword has been enchanted to channel negative energy damage to its victims.

Hand Crossbow Ranged, Moderate Lethal/Negative Damage
Small rapid fire Handheld Crossbow.

Thorn Wielder

The mighty Thorn Wielders are the elite guardians of the Circle of Thorns. They wield the sacred Thorn Blades, enchanted weapons that leave a taint of foul magic on anyone they strike.

Levels: 1-13

Powers

Greater Thorn Sword Melee, High Lethal/Negative Damage, Foe -Speed, -Recharge
The Greater Thorn Sword poisons its victims with negative energy to slow them.

Throwing Dagger Ranged, Moderate Lethal/Negative Damage
Wavy ritual blade.

Archer

Many who have lost hope go looking in dark places for the answers to life's questions. The Followers are those whose search has taken them to the Circle of Thorns. Now they must prove their true devotion by serving the Circle's evil will.

Levels: 13-22

Powers

Dagger Melee, Moderate Lethal Damage
Wavy ritual blade.

Crossbow Ranged, High Lethal/Negative Damage, Foe Knockback
The Heavy Crossbow is slower to reload that the Hand Crossbow, but it has much longer range, deals more damage and can knock down foes.

Defender

Many who have lost hope go looking in dark places for the answers to life's questions. The Followers are those whose search has taken them to the Circle of Thorns. Now they must prove their true devotion by serving the Circle's evil will.

Levels: 23-30

Powers

Thorn Sword Melee, Moderate Lethal/Negative Damage, Foe -Speed, -Recharge
The Thorn Sword poisons its victims with negative energy to slow them.

Hand Crossbow Ranged, Moderate Lethal/Negative Damage
Small rapid fire Handheld Crossbow.

Guide

Many who have lost hope go looking in dark places for the answers to life's questions. The Followers are those whose search has taken them to the Circle of Thorns. Now they must prove their true devotion by serving the Circle's evil will.

Levels: 31-54

Powers

Scimitar Melee, High Lethal/Negative Damage
This deadly weapon has been enchanted to channel negative energy damage to its victims.

Hand Crossbow Ranged, Moderate Lethal/Negative Damage
Small rapid fire Handheld Crossbow.

Fire Thorn Caster

Weaving magical effects from fire can be dangerous for the novice mage, but Fire Casters have perfected the art. They can conjure up fires to immolate or distract their enemies, and some can even draw on their foes' body heat to restore their own power.

Levels: 30-34

Powers

Fire Sword Melee, Moderate Damage(Fire/Lethal), Minor Damage over Time(Fire)
Through concentration, you can create a Sword of Fire that sets foes ablaze. Successful attacks from the Fire Sword will ignite your target, dealing damage over time.

Flares Ranged, Moderate Damage over Time(Fire)
You have been set on fire by the Flares attack.

Fire Ball Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), Moderate Fire/Smash Damage, Minor Damage over Time(Fire)
You have been set on fire by the Fireball.

Consume Point Blank Area of Effect, Minor Fire Damage, Self +Endurance
The Caster can Consume some fuel from his nearby enemies to recover Endurance.

One or none of the following:

Char Ranged, Foe Hold
You have been Incapacitated by the soot and cinders from the Char spell.

Earth Thorn Caster

The Earth Casters' mastery over stone and sand makes them quite valuable in the underground city that the Circle of Thorns inhabits. But they can use their magic for more than digging tunnels and repairing walls. Under their control, the very ground beneath a hero's feet can become a deadly weapon.

Levels: 35-39

Powers

Stone Fist Melee, Moderate Smash Damage, Foe Disorient
Your stone covered fists attack swiftly for moderate damage, and may Disorient your opponent.

Stone Spears Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), Moderate Lethal Damage
The Caster can cause Stone Spears to erupt around an enemy target and all nearby foes. The Stone Spears deal moderate lethal damage.

Hurl Boulder Ranged, High Smash Damage, Foe Knockback
The Troll can rip up a boulder out of the ground and Hurl it a short distance. The Hurled Boulder deals medium damage and can Knockback foes.

Rock Armor Toggle, Self Def( S32 L32 )
While this power is active, the Caster's skin becomes Stone. Rock Armor make the Caster highly resistant to Smashing and Lethal based attacks. They are less likely to land and affect the Outcast.

One or none of the following:

Stone Prison Ranged, Moderate Damage over Time(Smash), Foe Immobilize, -Defense, -Fly
You have been encased in a Stone Prison which is slowly crushing you! Your Defense is reduced and you cannot Move or Fly while encased.

Quicksand Ranged (Location Area of Effect), Foe -Defense, -Fly, -Jump, -Speed
All foes that pass through this Quicksand will be Slowed.

Air Thorn Caster

Air Casters can harness the winds to give themselves the power of flight. They can also conjure up meteorological menaces from lightning bolts to snow storms.

Levels: 40-44

Powers

Fly Self Fly
Thorn Air Casters can Fly!

Lightning Bolt Ranged, High Energy Damage, Foe -Endurance
The Caster can send a large blast of electrical energy at a foe. Lightning bolt deals good damage and also drains some Endurance.

Charged Brawl Melee, Moderate Smash/Energy Damage, Foe -Endurance
The Air Thorn Caster has electrocuted you and temporarily halted your Endurance Recovery with Charged Brawl.

Gale Ranged (Cone), Minor Damage(Smash), Foe Knockback
The Air Thorn Caster can call forth a tremendous gust of Gale force winds that knock down foes and deal some smashing damage in a wide cone area.

One or none of the following:

Thunder Clap Point Blank Area of Effect, Foe Disorient
The Thunder Clap has left your Disoriented.

Snow Storm Toggle, Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), Foe -Speed, -Recharge
The chill from this Snow Storm has dramatically Slowed your attack and movement speed.

Ice Thorn Caster

The frigid magics of the Ice Casters take careful study to master. In the hands of these mages, ice becomes a deadly weapon, either shredding enemies with jagged blasts or freezing them in place and chilling them to their bones.

Levels: 45-54

Powers

Ice Blast Ranged, High Cold/Smash Damage, Foe -Recharge, -Speed
You have been frozen by an Ice Blast. Your movement Speed and Recharge rate are reduced.

Ice Sword Melee, Moderate Damage(Cold/Lethal), Foe -Recharge, -Speed
You create a blade of solid ice that deals good damage. Being hit by this Ice Sword will Slow a target's movement and attack speed, due to the intense chill.

Chilblain Ranged, Moderate Damage over Time(Cold), Foe Immobilize, -Speed, -Recharge
You have been frozen by a Chilblain spell. You cannot move and are taking Cold Damage Over Time.

Frozen Armor Toggle, Self Res( S24 L24 F8 C16 T16 )
While this power is active, you coat yourself in rock hard Frozen Armor. The hardness of the Frozen Armor offers good defense to Smashing and Lethal attack as well as reduces Cold damage. Also, Fire attacks deal slightly less damage.

One or none of the following:

Bitter Ice Blast Ranged, Superior Damage(Cold/Smash), Foe -Recharge, -Speed, -ToHit
A slower yet more powerful version of Ice Blast, Bitter Ice Blast deals much more damage and can also reduce your enemy's Accuracy. Like other Ice Blast powers, Bitter Ice Blast can Slow a target's movement and attack speed.

Block of Ice Ranged, Foe Hold, -Speed, -Recharge
You are frozen in a Block of Ice and cannot move or attack.

Possessed Scientist (Fire)

The Circle of Thorns has possessed descendants of Mu for centuries, and has no intention of stopping. Recently, they have begun possessing non-descendants for investigational purposes. When they discovered Portal Corporation's research, they began to possess employees to find a way to break their deal with their demonic brood. The Possessed Scientist have the same powers of Thorn Casters, and are not afraid to use them.

Levels: 40-54

Powers

Fire Sword Melee, Moderate Damage(Fire/Lethal), Minor Damage over Time(Fire)
Through concentration, you can create a Sword of Fire that sets foes ablaze. Successful attacks from the Fire Sword will ignite your target, dealing damage over time.

Flares Ranged, Moderate Damage over Time(Fire)
You have been set on fire by the Flares attack.

Fire Ball Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), Moderate Fire/Smash Damage, Minor Damage over Time(Fire)
You have been set on fire by the Fireball.

Consume Point Blank Area of Effect, Minor Fire Damage, Self +Endurance
The Caster can Consume some fuel from his nearby enemies to recover Endurance.

One or none of the following:

Char Ranged, Foe Hold
You have been Incapacitated by the soot and cinders from the Char spell.

Possessed Scientist (Earth)

Possessed Scientist, Earth powers

The Circle of Thorns has possessed descendents of Mu for centuries, and has no intentions of stopping. Recently, they have begun possessing non-descendents for investigational purposes. When they discovered Portal Corporation's research, they began to possess employees to find a way to break their deal with the demonic brood. The Possessed Scientists have the powers of Thorn Casters, and are not afraid to use them.

Levels: 40-54

Powers

Stone Fist Melee, Moderate Smash Damage, Foe Disorient
Your stone covered fists attack swiftly for moderate damage, and may Disorient your opponent.

Stone Spears Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), Moderate Lethal Damage
The Caster can cause Stone Spears to erupt around an enemy target and all nearby foes. The Stone Spears deal moderate lethal damage.

Hurl Boulder Ranged, High Smash Damage, Foe Knockback
The Troll can rip up a boulder out of the ground and Hurl it a short distance. The Hurled Boulder deals medium damage and can Knockback foes.

Rock Armor Toggle, Self Def( S32 L32 )
While this power is active, the Caster's skin becomes Stone. Rock Armor make the Caster highly resistant to Smashing and Lethal based attacks. They are less likely to land and affect the Outcast.

One or none of the following:

Stone Prison Ranged, Moderate Damage over Time(Smash), Foe Immobilize, -Defense, -Fly
You have been encased in a Stone Prison which is slowly crushing you! Your Defense is reduced and you cannot Move or Fly while encased.

Quicksand Ranged (Location Area of Effect), Foe -Defense, -Fly, -Jump, -Speed
All foes that pass through this Quicksand will be Slowed.

Possessed Scientist (Air)

The Circle of Thorns has possessed descendents of Mu for centuries, and has no intentions of stopping. Recently, they have begun possessing non-descendents for investigational purposes. When they discovered Portal Corporation's research, they began to possess employees to find a way to break their deal with the demonic brood. The Possessed Scientists have the powers of Thorn Casters, and are not afraid to use them.

Levels: 40-54

Powers

Fly Self Fly
Thorn Air Casters can Fly!

Lightning Bolt Ranged, High Energy Damage, Foe -Endurance
The Caster can send a large blast of electrical energy at a foe. Lightning bolt deals good damage and also drains some Endurance.

Charged Brawl Melee, Moderate Smash/Energy Damage, Foe -Endurance
The Air Thorn Caster has electrocuted you and temporarily halted your Endurance Recovery with Charged Brawl.

Gale Ranged (Cone), Minor Damage(Smash), Foe Knockback
The Air Thorn Caster can call forth a tremendous gust of Gale force winds that knock down foes and deal some smashing damage in a wide cone area.

One or none of the following:

Thunder Clap Point Blank Area of Effect, Foe Disorient
The Thunder Clap has left your Disoriented.

Snow Storm Toggle, Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), Foe -Speed, -Recharge
The chill from this Snow Storm has dramatically Slowed your attack and movement speed.

Possessed Scientist (Ice)

Possessed Scientist, Ice powers

The Circle of Thorns has possessed descendants of Mu for centuries, and has no intention of stopping. Recently, they have begun possessing non-descendants for investigational purposes. When they discovered Portal Corporation's research, they began to possess employees to find a way to break their deal with their demonic brood. The Possessed Scientist have the same powers of Thorn Casters, and are not afraid to use them.

Levels: 40-54

Powers

Ice Blast Ranged, High Cold/Smash Damage, Foe -Recharge, -Speed
You have been frozen by an Ice Blast. Your movement Speed and Recharge rate are reduced.

Ice Sword Melee, Moderate Damage(Cold/Lethal), Foe -Recharge, -Speed
You create a blade of solid ice that deals good damage. Being hit by this Ice Sword will Slow a target's movement and attack speed, due to the intense chill.

Chilblain Ranged, Moderate Damage over Time(Cold), Foe Immobilize, -Speed, -Recharge
You have been frozen by a Chilblain spell. You cannot move and are taking Cold Damage Over Time.

Frozen Armor Toggle, Self Res( S24 L24 F8 C16 T16 )
While this power is active, you coat yourself in rock hard Frozen Armor. The hardness of the Frozen Armor offers good defense to Smashing and Lethal attack as well as reduces Cold damage. Also, Fire attacks deal slightly less damage.

One or none of the following:

Bitter Ice Blast Ranged, Superior Damage(Cold/Smash), Foe -Recharge, -Speed, -ToHit
A slower yet more powerful version of Ice Blast, Bitter Ice Blast deals much more damage and can also reduce your enemy's Accuracy. Like other Ice Blast powers, Bitter Ice Blast can Slow a target's movement and attack speed.

Block of Ice Ranged, Foe Hold, -Speed, -Recharge
You are frozen in a Block of Ice and cannot move or attack.

Spirits

Spectral Follower

The Circle's sunken city of Oranbega is rumored to be filled with the ancient ghosts of its original inhabitants. Some of these spirits become malevolent Specters, angry and incorporeal beings immune to physical attacks but capable of causing tremendous damage to living beings.

Levels: 14-18

Powers

Flight Self Fly
Banished Pantheon Spirits can Fly!

Smite Melee, Moderate Negative/Psionic Damage, Foe -ToHit
You have been hit by Smite! Your accuracy is reduced.

Siphon Life Melee, Moderate Negative/Psionic Damage, Foe -ToHit, Self Heal
The Spectre taps the powers of the netherworld and its own psychic power to steal life from you and transfer some of it to himself. Your Accuracy has been reduced.

Gloom Ranged, High Damage over Time (Negative), Foe -ToHit
Gloom reduces your Accuracy.

Ethereal Self Invisible, Invulnerable
Spectres can make themselves Ethereal and shift out of the material plane. Ethereal Spectres are invisible, and cannot affect or be affected by those in normal space.

Resistance Auto, Res( S40 L40 E-30 N30 P-30 T30 ), Prot( Im 3.0 Kb 100 ), Res( Im 33% )
Spectres are non corporeal and highly resistant to Immobilization smashing, lethal and negative energy damage. However, they are vulnerable to Energy and Psionic damage.

Spectral Knight

The Circle's sunken city of Oranbega is rumored to be filled with the ancient ghosts of its original inhabitants. Some of these spirits become malevolent Specters, angry and incorporeal beings immune to physical attacks but capable of causing tremendous damage to living beings.

Levels: 19-23

Powers

Flight Self Fly
Banished Pantheon Spirits can Fly!

Smite Melee, Moderate Negative/Psionic Damage, Foe -ToHit
You have been hit by Smite! Your accuracy is reduced.

Siphon Life Melee, Moderate Negative/Psionic Damage, Foe -ToHit, Self Heal
The Spectre taps the powers of the netherworld and its own psychic power to steal life from you and transfer some of it to himself. Your Accuracy has been reduced.

Gloom Ranged, High Damage over Time (Negative), Foe -ToHit
Gloom reduces your Accuracy.

Ethereal Self Invisible, Invulnerable
Spectres can make themselves Ethereal and shift out of the material plane. Ethereal Spectres are invisible, and cannot affect or be affected by those in normal space.

Resistance Auto, Res( S40 L40 E-30 N30 P-30 T30 ), Prot( Im 3.0 Kb 100 ), Res( Im 33% )
Spectres are non corporeal and highly resistant to Immobilization smashing, lethal and negative energy damage. However, they are vulnerable to Energy and Psionic damage.

Spectral Daemon

The Circle's sunken city of Oranbega is rumored to be filled with the ancient ghosts of its original inhabitants. Some of these spirits become malevolent Specters, angry and incorporeal beings immune to physical attacks but capable of causing tremendous damage to living beings.

Levels: 24-29

Powers

Flight Self Fly
Banished Pantheon Spirits can Fly!

Smite Melee, Moderate Negative/Psionic Damage, Foe -ToHit
You have been hit by Smite! Your accuracy is reduced.

Siphon Life Melee, Moderate Negative/Psionic Damage, Foe -ToHit, Self Heal
The Spectre taps the powers of the netherworld and its own psychic power to steal life from you and transfer some of it to himself. Your Accuracy has been reduced.

Gloom Ranged, High Damage over Time (Negative), Foe -ToHit
Gloom reduces your Accuracy.

Ethereal Self Invisible, Invulnerable
Spectres can make themselves Ethereal and shift out of the material plane. Ethereal Spectres are invisible, and cannot affect or be affected by those in normal space.

Resistance Auto, Res( S40 L40 E-30 N30 P-30 T30 ), Prot( Im 3.0 Kb 100 ), Res( Im 33% )
Spectres are non corporeal and highly resistant to Immobilization smashing, lethal and negative energy damage. However, they are vulnerable to Energy and Psionic damage.

Nerva Spectral Daemon

Where go the Circle of Thorns go the legions of Hell. These gibbering monstrosities seem to be waiting for...something.

Levels: 25-40

Powers

Flight Self Fly
Banished Pantheon Spirits can Fly!

Freezing Touch Melee, Moderate Cold/Negative Damage, Foe -Speed, -Recharge
You have been slowed.

Siphon Life Melee, Moderate Cold/Negative Damage, Foe -Speed, -Recharge, Self Heal
The Spectre taps the powers of the netherworld and its own psychic power to steal life from you and transfer some of it to himself. You have been slowed.

Ice Bolt Ranged, Moderate Cold Damage, Foe -Recharge, -Speed
The Ice Bolt attack has left you frozen. Your movement speed and attack speed is reduced.

Ethereal Self Invisible, Invulnerable
Spectres can make themselves Ethereal and shift out of the material plane. Ethereal Spectres are invisible, and cannot affect or be affected by those in normal space.

Resistance Auto, Res( S40 L40 E-30 N30 P-30 T30 ), Prot( Im 3.0 Kb 100 ), Res( Im 33% )
Spectres are non corporeal and highly resistant to Immobilization smashing, lethal and negative energy damage. However, they are vulnerable to Energy and Psionic damage.

Demons

Hordeling Lasher

From the nightmares of Hell's sinners come these disgusting creatures, nightmares born of fire, brimstone, and hate.

Levels: 8-15

Powers

Tongue Strike Ranged, Minor Damage(Smash), Foe Knockback
You let forth a quick Tongue Strike damaging your target.

Vicious Bite Melee, Moderate Damage(Lethal)
Your bite can cause serious damage to a target.

Resistance Auto, Res( F-20 C20 )
Lilitu's Horde are resistant to Cold Damage but vulnerable to Fire.

Behemoth

Summoned from the hellish pit of some other dimension, the Behemoths are fiery demons that inspire nightmares in all who see them. They can summon flaming swords to strike down their enemies, or breath fire from their mouths to incinerate all who stand before them.

Levels: 43-54

Powers

Fire Smash Melee, Moderate Smash Damage, Minor Damage over Time(Fire), Foe Knockback
Behemoth fire punch attack.

Fire Sword Melee, Moderate Fire/Lethal Damage, Minor Damage over Time(Fire)
The Behemoth can summon a fire sword that sets foes ablaze. Successful attacks will also do a slight damage over time.

Scorch Melee, Moderate Fire Damage, Minor Damage over Time(Fire)
The Behemoth hands are engulfed in flames, igniting the target.

Flares Ranged, Moderate Damage over Time(Fire)
You have been set on fire by the Flares attack.

Invincibility Toggle, Self +Defense, +ToHit (Special)
Your close proximity to the Behemoth is increasing it's Defense and Accuracy. Get away if you can.

Behemoth Jumping Auto, Self +Jump
Behemoths can inherently jump real high.

Resistance Auto, Res( F20 C-20 )
Behemoths are resistant to Fire Damage, but are vulnerable to Cold.

Thorn Tree Vine

The vines of the Thorn tree can move and strike, cutting down those who would hurt its body. What's more, the main body of the tree cannot be attacked until all of the vines have been destroyed.

Levels: 24-50

Powers

Vine Smash Melee, Minor Smash Damage, Minor Damage over Time(Toxic), Foe -Speed, -Recharge, -Fly, Knockback
Toxin from the Creeper Vines Thorns are slowing you. You are unable to Fly and are taking Toxic Damage.

Vine Thorns Ranged, Minor Lethal Damage, Minor Damage over Time(Toxic), Foe -Speed, -Recharge, -Fly
Toxin from the Creeper Vines Thorns are slowing you. You are unable to Fly and are taking Toxic Damage.

Resistance Res( S0.8 L0.8 F-1.6 ), Prot( Kb 100 Rp 100 Tp 100 ), Resist(Knockback)
Vine resistances.

Immobile Self Immobilize
The Thorn Tree Vine is immobile.

Lieutenants

Human Followers

Life Mage

Magical mastery over life can be a powerful tool for good, but in the hands of the Life Mages it is a deadly weapon. They can suck the very life force out of their foes, weakening and eventually killing them.

Levels: 1-10

Powers

Poison Staff Ranged, Moderate Toxic Damage, Self Heal
The Poison Staff can steal life.

Brawl Melee, Light Smash Damage
The Circle of Thorns High brawling attacks.

Kamikaze Suicide Special: Point Blank Area of Effect, Extreme Energy Damage
Circle Mages will detonate themselves in a crisis, and attempt to take a few foes with them.

Energy Mage

Within their fabled lost city, the High Mages of Energy provide light, heat, and energy for their brethren. In battle they unleash their power in blasts of utter destruction, capable of ripping apart flesh, stone, and steel.

Levels: 10-16

Powers

Thorn Staff Ranged, Moderate Damage over Time(Energy), Foe -Endurance
The Thorn Staff can hurl an explosive ball of energy.

Brawl Melee, Light Smash Damage
The Circle of Thorns High brawling attacks.

Kamikaze Suicide Special: Point Blank Area of Effect, Extreme Energy Damage
Circle Mages will detonate themselves in a crisis, and attempt to take a few foes with them.

Force Mage

The High Mages of Force deal with the primal forces that move the universe. In their sunken city, they are responsible for preventing cave ins by siphoning off the Earth's seismic energy into useful pursuits. In battle, they can sap the very strength from a foe's limbs and add it to their own.

Levels: 15-22

Powers

Crystal Staff Ranged, Moderate Energy/Smash Damage, Foe -Damage, Knockback, Self +Damage
The Crystal Staff has stolen your strength, reducing your damage.

Brawl Melee, Light Smash Damage
The Circle of Thorns High brawling attacks.

Kamikaze Suicide Special: Point Blank Area of Effect, Extreme Energy Damage
Circle Mages will detonate themselves in a crisis, and attempt to take a few foes with them.

Soul Mage

The High Mages of the Soul delve into the deepest reaches of the human spirit. They are largely responsible for the gathering and training of specters and other spirits. When forced into combat, they petrify their foes in a wave of inescapable self-contemplation that leaves them incapable of any action.

Levels: 20-30

Powers

Darkness Staff Ranged, Foe Hold
You have been petrified by The Darkness staff.

Darkness Staff Gloom Ranged, Moderate Damage over Time(Negative), Foe -ToHit
The Darkness staff is slowly draining your life and reducing your Accuracy.

Brawl Melee, Light Smash Damage
The Circle of Thorns High brawling attacks.

Kamikaze Suicide Special: Point Blank Area of Effect, Extreme Energy Damage
Circle Mages will detonate themselves in a crisis, and attempt to take a few foes with them.

Possessed Scientist (Agony)

The Circle of Thorns has possessed descendants of Mu for centuries, and has no intention of stopping. Recently, they have begun possessing non-descendants for investigational purposes. When they discovered Portal Corporation's research, they began to possess employees to find a way to break their deal with their demonic brood. The Possessed Scientist have the same powers of Circle mages, and are not afraid to use them.

Levels: 40-54

Powers

Crush Ranged, Moderate Damage over Time(Smash), Foe Immobilize, -Fly, -Speed
You are being Crushed. You are Immobilized, taking Smashing Damage over Time, and cannot Fly.

Gravity Distortion Ranged, Foe Hold, -Speed
Gravity is Distorted around you and you are Held.

Siphon Power Ranged, Foe -Damage, Team +Damage
The Ruin Mage has siphoned your power and reduced your damage potential to strengthen her own.

Absorb Pain Ally Heal, Self -HP
This power has only a tiny Endurance cost, but dramatically heals an ally's wounds by sacrificing some of your own Health.

Falchion Melee, Moderate Lethal/Negative Damage
This small curved short sword has been enchanted to channel negative energy damage to its victims.

Kamikaze Suicide Special: Point Blank Area of Effect, Extreme Energy Damage
Circle Mages will detonate themselves in a crisis, and attempt to take a few foes with them.

Possessed Scientist (Death)

Possessed Scientist, Dark powers

The Circle of Thorns has possessed descendants of Mu for centuries, and has no intention of stopping. Recently, they have begun possessing non-descendants for investigational purposes. When they discovered Portal Corporation's research, they began to possess employees to find a way to break their deal with their demonic brood. The Possessed Scientist have the same powers of Circle mages, and are not afraid to use them.

Levels: 40-54

Powers

Dark Pit Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), Foe Disorient
You have been Disoriented within the Dark Pit.

Gloom Ranged, Moderate Damage over Time(Negative), Foe -ToHit
The Gloom is reducing your Accuracy.

Tenebrous Tentacles Ranged (Cone), Light Damage over Time(Negative/Smash), Foe Immobilize, -ToHit
You have been enveloped in Tenebrous Tentacles. You are Immobilized and have your Accuracy reduced as you are crushed.

Twilight Grasp Ranged, Foe -ToHit, -Damage, -Regeneration, Team Heal
The Death Mage channels negative energy through himself to a you. Your Accuracy and Damage is reduced.

Falchion Melee, Moderate Lethal/Negative Damage
This small curved short sword has been enchanted to channel negative energy damage to its victims.

Chill of the Night Toggle, Point Blank Area of Effect, Minor Negative Damage, Foe -ToHit
While active, the Death Mage channels negative energy to reduce all nearby foes chance to hit while slowly dealing damage.

Kamikaze Suicide Special: Point Blank Area of Effect, Extreme Energy Damage
Circle Mages will detonate themselves in a crisis, and attempt to take a few foes with them.

Possessed Scientist (Madness)

The Circle of Thorns has possessed descendants of Mu for centuries, and has no intention of stopping. Recently, they have begun possessing non-descendants for investigational purposes. When they discovered Portal Corporation's research, they began to possess employees to find a way to break their deal with their demonic brood. The Possessed Scientist have the same powers of Circle mages, and are not afraid to use them.

Levels: 40-54

Powers

Dominate Ranged, Foe Hold
Psychic energy tears at your mind rendering you helpless, lost in your own mind and unable to defend yourself.

Mesmerize Ranged, Moderate Psionic Damage, Foe Sleep
The psychic energy has rendered you unconscious.

Psychic Scream Ranged (Cone), Moderate Psionic Damage, Foe -Recharge
Your attack speed has been reduced by the Psychic Scream.

Scramble Thoughts Ranged, Minor Psionic Damage, Foe Disorient
Your thoughts are scrambled, and you are Disoriented.

Fortitude Ally +Defense, +Damage, +ToHit
Fortitude immensely enhances a single targeted ally's accuracy, damage potential, and defense. The target ally will even take less damage from those few attacks that do hit him. Fortitude even protects the target ally from psionic attacks and damage.

Falchion Melee, Moderate Lethal/Negative Damage
This small curved short sword has been enchanted to channel negative energy damage to its victims.

Kamikaze Suicide Special: Point Blank Area of Effect, Extreme Energy Damage
Circle Mages will detonate themselves in a crisis, and attempt to take a few foes with them.

Possessed Scientist (Ruin)

The Circle of Thorns has possessed descendants of Mu for centuries, and has no intention of stopping. Recently, they have begun possessing non-descendants for investigational purposes. When they discovered Portal Corporation's research, they began to possess employees to find a way to break their deal with their demonic brood. The Possessed Scientist have the same powers of Circle mages, and are not afraid to use them.

Levels: 40-54

Powers

Stone Prison Ranged, Moderate Damage over Time(Smash), Foe Immobilize, -Fly, -Defense
You are being crushed in a Stone Prison. You are Immobilized, taking Smashing Damage over Time, cannot Fly, and you Defense is reduced.

Earthquake Ranged (Location Area of Effect), Foe Knockdown, -Defense, -Jump, -ToHit
The Ruin Mage can generate a powerful, yet localized Earthquake at a targeted location. Most foes that pass through the location will eventually fall down. Additionally, the violent shaking will reduce their accuracy and defense.

Fossilize Ranged, Moderate Smash Damage, Foe Hold, -Defense
You are Fossilized and encased in solid stone. You are Held and your Defense is reduced.

Fault Close (Targeted Area of Effect), Foe Knockup, Disorient
You are Disoriented.

Falchion Melee, Moderate Lethal/Negative Damage
This small curved short sword has been enchanted to channel negative energy damage to its victims.

Tremor Point Blank Area of Effect, Moderate Smash Damage, Foe Knockback
A tremendous attack. Tremor shakes the very Earth itself, damaging and knocking back everything in a nearby area.

Dispersion Bubble Toggle, Point Blank Area of Effect, Team Def( S30 L30 F30 C30 E30 N30 ), Prot( Ho 2.0 Im 2.0 St 2.0 )
Creates a large bubble which protects all allies inside. While active, the Dispersion Bubble gives all allies within increase defense to all attacks except psionic. The Dispersion Bubble also protects allies inside from Immobilization, Disorient and Hold effects.

Kamikaze Suicide Special: Point Blank Area of Effect, Extreme Energy Damage
Circle Mages will detonate themselves in a crisis, and attempt to take a few foes with them.

Spirits

Spectral Daemon Lord

The Circle's sunken city is rumored to be filled with the ancient ghosts of its original inhabitants. Some of these spirits become malevolent Specters, angry and incorporeal beings immune to physical attacks but capable of causing tremendous damage to living beings.

Levels: 14-29

Powers

Flight Self Fly
Banished Pantheon Spirits can Fly!

Smite Melee, Moderate Negative/Psionic Damage, Foe -ToHit
You have been hit by Smite! Your accuracy is reduced.

Siphon Life Melee, Moderate Negative/Psionic Damage, Foe -ToHit, Self Heal
The Spectre taps the powers of the netherworld and its own psychic power to steal life from you and transfer some of it to himself. Your Accuracy has been reduced.

Gloom Ranged, High Damage over Time (Negative), Foe -ToHit
Gloom reduces your Accuracy.

Midnight Grasp Melee, Extreme Damage over Time(Negative), Foe Immobilize, -ToHit
You are being held motionless by dark tentacles, which are slowly draining your life. You Accuracy is reduced.

Chill of the Night Toggle, Point Blank Area of Effect, Minor Negative Damage, Foe -ToHit
The Chill of the Night surrounds you, reducing your Accuracy, and slowly dealing Negative Damage to you.

Ethereal Self Invisible, Invulnerable
Spectres can make themselves Ethereal and shift out of the material plane. Ethereal Spectres are invisible, and cannot affect or be affected by those in normal space.

Resistance Auto, Res( S40 L40 E-30 N30 P-30 T30 ), Prot( Im 3.0 Kb 100 ), Res( Im 33% )
Spectres are non corporeal and highly resistant to Immobilization smashing, lethal and negative energy damage. However, they are vulnerable to Energy and Psionic damage.

Nerva Spectral Daemon Lord

Nerva Spectral Demon Lord

Where go the Circle of Thorns go the legions of Hell. These gibbering monstrosities seem to be waiting for...something.

Levels: 25-40

Powers

Flight Self Fly
Banished Pantheon Spirits can Fly!

Freezing Touch Melee, Moderate Cold/Negative Damage, Foe -Speed, -Recharge
You have been slowed.

Siphon Life Melee, Moderate Cold/Negative Damage, Foe -Speed, -Recharge, Self Heal
The Spectre taps the powers of the netherworld and its own psychic power to steal life from you and transfer some of it to himself. You have been slowed.

Ice Bolt Ranged, Moderate Cold Damage, Foe -Recharge, -Speed
The Ice Bolt attack has left you frozen. Your movement speed and attack speed is reduced.

Midnight Grasp Melee, Extreme Damage over Time(Negative), Foe Immobilize, -ToHit
You are being held motionless by dark tentacles, which are slowly draining your life. You Accuracy is reduced.

Chill of the Night Toggle, Point Blank Area of Effect, Minor Negative Damage, Foe -ToHit
The Chill of the Night surrounds you, reducing your Accuracy, and slowly dealing Negative Damage to you.

Ethereal Self Invisible, Invulnerable
Spectres can make themselves Ethereal and shift out of the material plane. Ethereal Spectres are invisible, and cannot affect or be affected by those in normal space.

Resistance Auto, Res( S40 L40 E-30 N30 P-30 T30 ), Prot( Im 3.0 Kb 100 ), Res( Im 33% )
Spectres are non corporeal and highly resistant to Immobilization smashing, lethal and negative energy damage. However, they are vulnerable to Energy and Psionic damage.

Demons

Hordeling Hurler

From the nightmares of Hell's sinners come these disgusting creatures, nightmares born out of fire, brimstone and hate.

Levels 12-15

Powers

Flailing Claws Melee, Light Damage over Time(Lethal)
A series of quick Swipes with your claws. Does minor damage, but has a very quick recharge rate.

Ice Phlegm Ranged, High Cold/Smash Damage, Foe -Recharge, -Speed
You have been frozen by Ice Phlegm. Your movement Speed and Recharge rate are reduced.

Frost Breath Ranged (Cone), High Damage over Time(Cold), Foe -Recharge, -Speed
You are frozen by the Frost Breath. You are taking damage over time and your attack speed and movement speed are reduced.

Resistance Auto, Res( F-20 C20 )
Lilitu's Horde are resistant to Cold Damage but vulnerable to Fire.

Hordeling Berserker

From the nightmares of Hell's sinners come these disgusting creatures, nightmares born out of fire, brimstone and hate.

Levels 15-25

Powers

Frost Sword Melee, Moderate Damage(Lethal/Cold)
The Hordeling Berserker can summon an infernal sword that deals moderate Lethal and Cold damage.

Frost Breath Ranged (Cone), High Damage over Time(Cold), Foe -Recharge, -Speed
You are frozen by the Frost Breath. You are taking damage over time and your attack speed and movement speed are reduced.

Berserker Rage Self Resurrect, Special
If you are defeated, you can come back with even greater vigor that will eventually cause you to burst in a blaze of glory.

Damage Buff

Damage Buff Self +Damage
Hordeling Berserkers have increased damage during their Berserker Rage.

Death Effect

Death Effect Suicide Special: Self Destruct after 30 seconds
Hordeling Berserkers will explode sending shards of ice shooting out everywhere.

Berserker Explosion

Berserker Explosion Suicide Special: Point Blank Area of Effect, Extreme Cold Damage
Hordeling Berserkers will explode sending shards of ice shooting out everywhere.

Frozen Armor Toggle, Self Res( S30 L30 F10 C20 T20 )
While this power is active, you coat yourself in rock hard Frozen Armor. The hardness of the Frozen Armor offers good defense to Smashing and Lethal attack as well as reduces Cold damage. Also, Fire attacks deal slightly less damage.

Resistance Auto, Res( F-20 C20 )
Lilitu's Horde are resistant to Cold Damage but vulnerable to Fire.

Behemoth Master

Summoned from the hellish pit of some other dimension, the Behemoths are fiery demons that inspire nightmares in all who see them. They can summon flaming swords to strike down their enemies, or breath fire from their mouths to incinerate all who stand before them.

Levels: 29-35

Powers

Fire Smash Melee, Moderate Smash Damage, Minor Damage over Time(Fire), Foe Knockback
Behemoth fire punch attack.

Fire Sword Melee, Moderate Fire/Lethal Damage, Minor Damage over Time(Fire)
The Behemoth can summon a fire sword that sets foes ablaze. Successful attacks will also do a slight damage over time.

Scorch Melee, Moderate Fire Damage, Minor Damage over Time(Fire)
The Behemoth hands are engulfed in flames, igniting the target.

Flares Ranged, Moderate Damage over Time(Fire)
You have been set on fire by the Flares attack.

Invincibility Toggle, Self +Defense, +ToHit (Special)
Your close proximity to the Behemoth is increasing it's Defense and Accuracy. Get away if you can.

Behemoth Jumping Auto, Self +Jump
Behemoths can inherently jump real high.

Resistance Auto, Res( F20 C-20 )
Behemoths are resistant to Fire Damage, but are vulnerable to Cold.

Behemoth Overlord

The Behemoth Overlords are - fortunately - very rare. Likewise they are very deadly. Their mastery of fire allows them to immolate multiple foes simultaneously, and they can quickly heal their own wounds by basking in the heat of their infernal fire.

Levels: 36-54

Powers

Fire Breath Ranged (Cone), High Damage over Time(Fire)
The Behemoth Lord breaths forth a cone of fire that burns all foes within it's narrow cone. Very accurate and very deadly at medium range.

Fire Blast Ranged, Moderate Fire Damage, Minor Damage over Time(Fire)
You have been set on fire by the Fire Blast.

Fire Ball Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), Moderate Fire/Smash Damage, Minor Damage over Time(Fire)
You have been set on fire by the Fireball.

Fire Sword Melee, Moderate Fire/Lethal Damage, Minor Damage over Time(Fire)
The Behemoth's fire sword has set you ablaze.

Swipe Melee, Heavy Lethal Damage, Minor Damage over Time(Fire), Foe Knockback
Behemoth claw attacks.

Healing Flames Self Heal, Resist(Toxic, Disorient)
The Behemoth can concentrate for a few moments and to dramatically heal himself with Healing Flames. The power of the flames can also protect the Behemoth from Disorientation for a while.

Resistance Auto, Res( F20 C-20 )
Behemoth Lords are resistant to Fire Damage, but are vulnerable to cold.

Bosses

Human Followers

Madness Mage

The Masters of Madness can control every aspect of the psyche. For their friends, they provide a constant aura of mental fortitude that helps them in all endeavors. In battle, their enemies suffer complete mental domination that leaves them incapable of any action at all.

Levels: 1-14

Powers

Mesmerize Ranged, Moderate Psionic Damage, Foe Sleep
The psychic energy has rendered you unconscious.

Psychic Scream (Only Level 10 and up) Ranged (Cone), Moderate Psionic Damage, Foe -Recharge
Your attack speed has been reduced by the Psychic Scream.

Dominate (Only Level 10 and up) Ranged, Foe Hold
Psychic energy tears at your mind rendering you helpless, lost in your own mind and unable to defend yourself.

Fortitude Ally +Defense, +Damage, +ToHit
Fortitude immensely enhances a single targeted ally's accuracy, damage potential, and defense. The target ally will even take less damage from those few attacks that do hit him. Fortitude even protects the target ally from psionic attacks and damage.

Falchion Melee, Moderate Lethal/Negative Damage
This small curved short sword has been enchanted to channel negative energy damage to its victims.

Kamikaze Suicide Special: Point Blank Area of Effect, Minor Energy Damage
Circle Mages will detonate themselves in a crisis, and attempt to take a few foes with them.

Ruin Mage

In ancient times, the Masters of Ruin could level whole cities with their powerful earthquake magic. Today these masters of mayhem are still deadly foes, capable of summoning localized tremors that cause great devastation in a short time.

Levels: 15-24