Sky Raiders

Background

Sky Raider official info ( Copied from the City of Heroes official website [1]):

The Sky Raiders are a criminal mercenary group that operates in at least a dozen countries around the globe. They claim to be a legitimate private military company, that provides a wide range of services to legitimate governments, such as conducting reconnaissance and surveillance, initiating clandestine military operations, and training soldiers in special forces techniques. In addition to working for governments, the Sky Raiders are also known to have been in the service of transnational corporations (in particular diamond and oil megacorporations).

The Sky Raiders trace their roots directly to one of the United States military’s most prestigious and honorable special forces units, the Joint Command Special Threat Response Battalion. The JCSTRB, nicknamed Vigilance, was established in 1995 as the brain-child of General Aarons, and at the time was the US military’s most advanced response to super-powered threats. The members were cherry-picked from every branch of the United States armed services, and received special training in dealing with extreme risk situations. They were outfitted with cutting edge arms and equipment, and studied with allied super-powered heroes.

Although General Aarons was ultimately responsible for the deployment and success of Vigilance, the day-to-day operations were overseen by their field commander, Colonel Virgil Duray. Although many of Duray’s records were classified when he was installed as the commander of the JCSTRB, it is on record that he served his country with distinction for close to two decades as an Army Ranger and then as commander of the elite Vigilance unit. Vigilance’s record was exemplary under Duray, until they were deployed during the Rikti War.

In theory, crises like the Rikti invasion were at the foundation of Vigilance’s mission. They weren’t intended to arrest super-powered bank robbers or high-tech carjackers. Unfortunately, no one was prepared for the scope of the Rikti onslaught, and Vigilance suffered terrible loses. The casualty rate was roughly 85% overall, and their super-powered members were wiped out completely.

The survivors were demoralized and depressed after the war, but most chose to serve on. General Aarons re-imagined the team as a rapid response unit, to deal with threats such as the remaining pockets of Rikti. Although Vigilance was heavily reduced in size, the surviving members made up an elite unit of combat veterans who had fought together throughout the war. They completed their re-training and received their orders from General Aarons.

However, on the day Duray’s men were to transfer to a new duty station, the unit simply disappeared. The entire unit went AWOL, taking millions of dollars of experimental high-tech weapons systems with them. General Aarons led the charge to find them.

Duray was suspected to still be in charge, and presumably retained powerful friends in the military and government who helped hide them. They would not stay hidden long, however, and the Sky Raiders made their presence known shortly, flashing through the sky above Paragon on daring raids.

The Sky Raiders’ first few assaults on heroes were deadly affairs. The strike teams used their jet packs and sky skiffs to tremendous effect, blasting high-flying heroes out of the air. For several days the Sky Raiders controlled the air space over Paragon City. Their goals were unclear, but it was confirmed that Duray still led them, and his few public statements crackled with paranoid ramblings and bitter vitriol directed at Paragon’s heroes. No one knew what had turned one of the military’s decorated veterans against the city and her heroes.

Duray’s control over the skies would not last long, however. A large Super Group of flying heroes formed to “take back the sky.” They managed to catch the Sky Raiders’ forces spread thin over Paragon, and were able to defeat them before they could coordinate and support each other. With so many of their men arrested, and perhaps worse, the majority of their high-tech equipment confiscated, most assumed the Sky Raiders were wiped out.

The Sky Raiders probably would have been a footnote in the history books, except that they had attracted the attention of some mysterious, wealthy backer. A legion of high-priced attorneys got Duray and his top men out on bail. Although the identity of this backer remained obscured, he or she was able to outfit Duray with replacement gear at least as advanced as that which had been lost. With it, Duray broke the rest of his men free, and once again went into hiding.

Through the help of their backer, the Sky Raiders were able to replace and upgrade their weapon systems. The Assault Raiders are the basic soldiers of the group, typically armed with submachine guns. Raider Engineers are equipped with prototype force field generators that they can deploy to protect nearby troops.

One way in which the Sky Raiders numbers are always replenished are the new Jump Bots – some of the most sophisticated military-grade robots ever produced. These human-sized ceramic and plastic creations resemble a human with extremely thin limbs and torso. Their large, boot-like feet contain powerful jump jets that allow them to leap or fall great distances, hence their name. They are often deployed in combat from Sky Skiffs, hanging onto the skiff and dropping from the sky, using their boots to break their fall. Their arms act as versatile hard points for mounting various weapons.

The eponymous Sky Raiders represent the backbone of the mercenary army. Equipped with advanced jet packs that allow them to streak through the sky, they move with tremendous speed and maneuverability. They are often equipped with assault rifles, and nasty machetes for close combat. The Sky Raiders are led by Wing Raider Officers.

Their mysterious backer has also equipped the Sky Raiders with teleportation technology, believe to have been hacked or stolen from the city’s emergency life support teleportation system. This technology has been incorporated into a wearable weapons system that allows soldiers – Porters – to tap into the energy matrix of the city teleportation net, and essentially teleport at will, as long as he has the exact coordinates of his destination. The suit can also fire bolts of disruptive force from the energy it harnesses. The suits can only be used in Paragon City (or somewhere with an identical teleportation matrix), and accidents with the suits are rumored to be fatal, so the technology is not used frivolously.

Once again, the Sky Raiders were a threat to contend with. But they did not limit themselves to Paragon City, or even North America. They began to take on mercenary work around the globe, usually on behalf of some international corporation or a small government having a super-powered problem of some sort. No matter how far a field they stray, however, they always return to roost in Paragon City.

Villain types

Minions

Assault Raider

The basic Sky Raider infantrymen, Assault Raiders are usually found inside buildings, where flight packs wouldn't be an asset. They are typically armed with submachineguns, flamethrowers or other weapons suitable for fighting in confined spaces.

Levels: 20-50

Powers

Adv Sub Machine Gun Ranged, Moderate Damage over Time(Lethal), Foe -Defense
Your Defense has been reduced by the Submachine Gun.

Machete Melee, Moderate Lethal Damage, Foe -Speed
The Machete has slowed your movement speed.

Brawl Melee, Light Smash Damage
Sky Raiders brawling attacks.

Inferno Raider

Sky Raiders ground soldier

The basic Sky Raider infantrymen, Assault Raiders are usually found inside buildings, where flight packs wouldn't be an asset. They are typically armed with submachineguns, flamethrowers or other weapons suitable for fighting in confined spaces.

Levels: 20-50

Powers

Flamethrower Ranged (Cone), High Damage over Time(Fire)
The Flamethrower has set you on fire. You are taking damage over time.

Machete Melee, Moderate Lethal Damage, Foe -Speed
The Machete has slowed your movement speed.

Brawl Melee, Light Smash Damage
Sky Raiders brawling attacks.

Raider Engineer

Sky Raiders' Engineer at work

Sky Raider Engineers can deploy a hovering force field generator to protect nearby troops. They are typically armed with submachineguns, flamethrowers or other weapons suitable for fighting in confined spaces.

Levels: 20-54

Powers

Adv Sub Machine Gun Ranged, Moderate Damage over Time(Lethal), Foe -Defense
Your Defense has been reduced by the Submachine Gun.

Machete Melee, Moderate Lethal Damage, Foe -Speed
The Machete has slowed your movement speed.

Brawl Melee, Light Smash Damage
Sky Raiders brawling attacks.

Force Field Generator Summon Force Field Generator: AoE Buff Def
Sky Raiders Ground troops can place a Force Field Generator that can protect all nearby allies.

Porter

Beware: Porters can be soldiers or Lieutenants

Teleport Device Detail

Because they have a relatively small number of men, the Sky Raiders rely on speed and maneuverability to win battles. No one is faster than the Porters, special forces who can teleport directly into or out of battle, allowing them to strike where the enemy´s weakest and retreat from dire situations.

Powers

Teleport Self Teleport
The SkyRaiders can Teleport long distances.

Adv Sub Machine Gun Ranged, Lethal, Low Damage, Foe -Defense
Rapid fire rifle. Slightly more accurate than a standard submachinegun. Can reduce a target's defense.

Machete Melee, Lethal, Foe -Speed
Wounds from this nasty weapon can slow a target's movement speed.

Brawl Melee, Smash
Sky Raiders brawling attacks.

Resistance No Resistances
This soldier does not have any special Resistances

Wing Raider

Sky Raiders' icon soldier: a Wing Raider

Jet Pack detail

The iconic soldiers of this mercenary outfit, the Wing Raiders wear advanced flight packs that allows them to soar through the air with the speed and grace of a fighter plane. They are armed with advanced infantry weapons and know how to use them with a professional soldier´s efectiveness.

Powers

Flight Self fly
SkyRaiders can Fly!

Adv Assault Rifle Ranged, Lethal, Foe Knockdown
Fires a large slug at a single target at very long range. This very accurate weapon hits hard, and can knock down foes.

Adv Sub Machine Gun Ranged, Lethal, Low Damage, Foe -Defense
Rapid fire rifle. Slightly more accurate than a standard submachinegun. Can reduce a target's defense.

Machete Melee, Lethal, Foe -Speed
Wounds from this nasty weapon can slow a target's movement speed.

Brawl Melee, Smash
Sky Raiders brawling attacks.

Resistance No Resistances
This soldier does not have any special Resistances

Force Field Generator

A powerful support unit: Force Field Generator

The Sky Raiders have created effective force field generators to protect their fast moving troops.

Powers

Generator Area of Effect, Auto, Ally +Def( S24 L24 F24 C24 E24 N24 ) Prot( Im 2.7 St 2.7 )
Creates a large bubble which protects all allies inside. While active, the Force Field Generator gives all allies within increase defense to all attacks except psionic. The Force Field Generator also protects allies inside from Immobilization, Disorient and Hold effects.

No Ranged attacks No Ranged Attacks
Force Field Generators don´t have any Ranged attacks at all

No Melee attacks No Hand to Hand
Force Field Generators don´t have any Melee attacks at all

Explode Post death special (Point Blank Area of Effect, Lethal/Fire)
When Force Field Generators are destroyed, they tend to explode.

Resistance Auto, +Prot( Kb 100 Rp 100 ) Res( Sl 99.1 Fr 99.1 Tn 99.1 )
Force Field Generator will stay by the side of the Engineer that created it. It is resistant to Sleep, Fear and Taunt.

Lieutenants

Captain

One of the Sky Raiders' Captains

The Sky Raiders officer corps consists of combat veterans who fought both before and during the Rikti War. They have become disenchanted with the government and its current reliance on super-powered heroes, but they haven´t lost any of their military ability or discipline.

Powers

Adv Assault Rifle Ranged, Lethal, Foe Knockdown
Fires a large slug at a single target at very long range. This very accurate weapon hits hard, and can knock down foes.

Machete Melee, Lethal, Foe -Speed
Wounds from this nasty weapon can slow a target's movement speed.

Brawl Melee, Smash
Sky Raiders brawling attacks.

Resistance No Resistances
This soldier does not have any special Resistances

Porter

Because they have a relatively small number of men, the Sky Raiders rely on speed and maneuverability to win battles. No one is faster than the Porters, special forces who can teleport directly into or out of battle, allowing them to strike where the enemy´s weakest and retreat from dire situations.

Powers

Teleport Self Teleport
The SkyRaiders can Teleport long distances.

Adv Assault Rifle Ranged, Lethal, Foe Knockdown
Fires a large slug at a single target at very long range. This very accurate weapon hits hard, and can knock down foes.

Machete Melee, Lethal, Foe -Speed
Wounds from this nasty weapon can slow a target's movement speed.

Brawl Melee, Smash
Sky Raiders brawling attacks.

Resistance No Resistances
This soldier does not have any special Resistances

Wing Raider Officer

Wing Raider Officer

The Sky Raiders officer corps consists of combat veterans who fought both before and during the Rikti War. They have become disenchanted with the government and its current reliance on super-powered heroes, but they haven´t lost any of their military ability or discipline.

Powers

Flight Self fly
SkyRaiders can Fly!

Flamethrower Ranged, Cone, Fire Damage over Time
Spews forth a cone of flames and sets a foe on fire. Very accurate and very deadly at medium range.

Machete Melee, Lethal, Foe -Speed
Wounds from this nasty weapon can slow a target's movement speed.

Brawl Melee, Smash
Sky Raiders brawling attacks.

Resistance No Resistances
This soldier does not have any special Resistances

Bosses

Assault Jump Bot

Sky Raiders' Jump Bot

The Jump Bots are a recent addition to the mercenary Sky Raider´s arsenal. Their effectiveness in combat has allowed the Raiders to greatly expand operations. Well armed and armored, the Jump Bots earned their name from their leaping ability, which allows them tremendous maneuverability.

Powers

Adv Sub Machine Gun Ranged, Lethal, Low Damage, Foe -Defense
Rapid fire rifle. Slightly more accurate than a standard submachinegun. Can reduce a target's defense.

Brawl Melee, Smash
JumpBot brawling attacks.

Explode Post death special (Area of Effect, Lethal/Fire)
When JumpBots are destroyed, they tend to explode.

Resistance Auto, Self +Resistances: Lethal(30%), Psionic. Resist: Sleep, Fear, Disorient
JumpBots are resistant to Sleep, Fear, and Disorient powers and resistant to Lethal and Psionic damage. They are vulnerable to Energy damage.

Super Leap Super Leap
The Sky Raiders' Jump Bots can Leap to building tops without problem.

Resistance +Res( S-15 L30 P50 ) +Prot( ) +Res( St 2 Sl 100 Fr 100 )
Auto, Self

Jump Bot Incinerator

The Jump Bots are a recent addition to the mercenary Sky Raider´s arsenal. Their effectiveness in combat has allowed the Raiders to greatly expand operations. Well armed and armored, the Jump Bots earned their name from their leaping ability, which allows them tremendous maneuverability.

Powers

Flamethrower Ranged, Cone, Fire Damage over Time
Spews forth a cone of flames and sets a foe on fire. Very accurate and very deadly at medium range.

Adv Sub Machine Gun Ranged, Lethal, Low Damage, Foe -Defense
Rapid fire rifle. Slightly more accurate than a standard submachinegun. Can reduce a target's defense.

Brawl Melee, Smash
JumpBot brawling attacks.

Explode Post death special (Area of Effect, Lethal/Fire)
When JumpBots are destroyed, they tend to explode.

Resistance Auto, Self +Resistances: Psionic. Resist: Sleep, Fear, Disorient
JumpBots are resistant to Sleep, Fear, and Disorient powers and resistant to Psionic damage. They are vulnerable to Energy damage.

Super Leap Super Leap
The Sky Raiders' Jump Bots can Leap to building tops without problem.

Sky Skiff

A Sky Skiff during a night patrol on Striga Isle

The Sky Skiffs are light aircrafts whose small size belies their impact on the battlefield. Among the most advanced flying machines ever made, these vehicles are armed with banks of powerful missiles that allow the Sky Raiders to maintain air superiority from a great distance.

Powers

Flight Self fly
Sky Skiffs Fly.

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

Chain Gun (Ranged, Lethal, Damage over Time) Foe -Defense
The Sky Skiff's Chain Gun has reduced your Defense.

No Melee attacks No Hand to Hand
Sky Skiffs don´t have any Melee attacks at all

Resistance No Resistances
Sky Skiffs do not have any special Resistances

Named Enemies

Wing Quantum Raider (Minion)

The iconic soldiers of this mercenary outfit, the Wing Raiders wear advanced flight packs that allows them to soar through the air with the speed and grace of a fighter plane. They are armed with advanced infantry weapons and know how to use them with a professional soldier´s efectiveness.

Powers

Flight Self fly
SkyRaiders can Fly!

Quantum Array Gun (Ranged, Negative) Foe -Recharge, -Speed
Your attack and Movement rate have been slowed by the Quantum Array Gun.

Wing Raider Quantum Officer (Lieutenant)

Wing Raider OfficerThe Sky Raiders officer corps consists of combat veterans who fought both before and during the Rikti War. They have become disenchanted with the government and its current reliance on super-powered heroes, but they haven´t lost any of their military ability or discipline.

Powers

Flight Self fly
SkyRaiders can Fly!

Quantum Array Gun (Ranged, Negative) Foe -Recharge, -Speed
Your attack and Movement rate have been slowed by the Quantum Array Gun.

Archvillains

Captain Castillo

Captain Castillo

Main Article: Captain Castillo

The dashing Captain Ernest Castillo has made quite a name for himself, both for his photogenic panache and for his bold criminal exploits. While he cultivates the image of the daring air-pirate and heart-throb, any who've been on the wrong end of his temper know not to underestimate him.

Powers

Flight Self fly
Captain Castillo can Fly!

Smoke Grenade (Ranged, Targeted Area of Effect, No Damage) Foe -Perception, -Accuracy
Your visual range and Accuracy have been reduced by the Smoke Grenade.

Wide Area Web Grenade (Ranged, Targeted Area of Effect, No Damage) Foe Immobilize, -Fly, -Recharge
You have been caught in a web. You cannot move or fly and your attack speed is reduced.

Flamethrower Ranged, Cone, Fire Damage over Time
Spews forth a cone of flames and sets a foe on fire. Very accurate and very deadly at medium range.

Flame Thrower Damage over Time, Fire
The Flamethrower is burning you.

Rifle Butt Melee, Smash
A quick attack with the butt of a rifle.

Brawl Melee, Smash
When all else fails, use your own 2 fists.

Build Force Field Generator Build
Sky Raiders Engineers can place a Force Field Generator that can protect all nearby allies.

Captain Stone

Captain Stone

Captain Stone is a loyal servant of the Sky Raiders who enjoys nothing more than a fueled flight pack, a well-oiled machine gun and clear orders.

Levels: 20-44

Powers

Fly Self Fly
SkyRaiders can Fly!

Flamethrower Ranged (Cone), High Damage over Time(Fire)
The Flamethrower has set you on fire. You are taking damage over time.

Flames

Flame Thrower Location Area of Effect, Minor Damage over Time(Fire)
All foes that pass through these flames will be burned.

Smoke Grenade Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), Foe -Perception, -ToHit
The Smoke Grenade envelops all those in the affected area in a cloud of smoke. Most targets will not be able to see past normal melee range, although some may have better perception. If the targets are attacked, they will be alerted to your presence, but will have a more difficult time hitting you.

Wide Area Web Grenade Ranged (Targeted Area of Effect), Foe Immobilize, -Fly, -Recharge, -Speed, -Jump
Upon impact, the Web Grenade expels a strong, tenuous, and very sticky substance that can Immobilize most targets. This non-lethal device deals no damage and does not prevent targets from attacking, although their attack rate is Slowed. The Web can bring

Rifle Butt Melee, Heavy Smash Damage
A quick attack with the butt of a rifle.

Brawl Melee, Moderate Smash Damage
When all else fails, use your own 2 fists.

Summon Jumpbot Summon Jump Bot
Summons a jumpbot to aid him.

Force Field Generator Summon Force Field Generator: AoE Buff Def
Captain Castillo can place a Force Field Generator that can protect all nearby allies.

Resistance Resistance
Archvillain Resistance

Colonel Duray

Editor's Note:

In both cases, "Regular" and Primal, this is the same person, under different bios.

Colonel Duray

Main Article: Colonel Duray

Colonel Virgil Duray had a long time to culture his hatred for the heroes he holds responsible for the Rikti War. In combat with heroes, he won't give an inch.

Powers

Fly Self, Fly
SkyRaiders can Fly!

Flamethrower Ranged, Cone, DoT(Fire)
The Flamethrower has set you on fire. You are taking damage over time.

Smoke Grenade Ranged (Target AoE), Foe -Perception, -ACC
The Smoke Grenade envelops all those in the affected area in a cloud of smoke. Most targets will not be able to see past normal melee range, although some may have better perception. If the targets are attacked, they will be alerted to your presence, but will have a more difficult time hitting you.

Wide Area Web Grenade Ranged (AoE), Target Immobilize, -Fly, -Recharge
Upon impact, the Web Grenade expels a strong, tenuous, and very sticky substance that can Immobilize most targets. This non-lethal device deals no damage and does not prevent targets from attacking, although their attack rate is Slowed. The Web can bring

Rifle Butt Melee, Smash
A quick attack with the butt of a rifle.

Brawl Melee, Smash
When all else fails, use your own 2 fists.

Summon Jumpbots Summon 2 Jump Bots
Summons 2 Jumpbots to a targeted location.

Force Field Generator AoE Buff Def
Colonel Duray can place a Force Field Generator that can protect all nearby allies.

Resistance Resistance
Archvillain Resistance

Primal Col. Duray

Col. Duray believes the only way to prevail against those responsible for the Rikti War is to ally with his Praetorian double, who has seen similar horrors in the Hamidon Wars.

Powers

Named enemies

• Captain Adams (Wing Raider Officer)
• Captain Dawson (Captain) (CoV)
• Captain Drake (Wing Raider Officer)
• Captain Lee (Wing Raider Officer)
• Douglas (Captain)
• First Officer Harriman (Wing Raider Officer)
• Gil Armand (Captain or Wing Raider Officer)
• H.A.V.O.C. (Jump Bot Incinerator)
• Lt. Braun (Captain)
• Lt. Carson (Porter)
• Lt. Conner (Porter)
• Lt. Gary (Captain)
• Lt. Hannon (Porter)
• Lt. Jackson (Wing Raider Officer)
• Lt. Judge (Captain)
• Lt. Krieg (Wing Raider Officer)
• Lt. Marshall (Captain or Wing Raider Officer)
• Lt. Paulson (Captain or Wing Raider Officer)
• Lt. Phineas (Captain)
• Lt. Richards (Captain or Wing Raider Officer)
• Officer Alvarez (Sky Skiff Officer)
• Officer Bell (Jump Bot Incinerator)
• Officer Benatar (Sky Skiff Officer)
• Officer Chalmers (Sky Skiff Officer)
• Officer Crow (Jump Bot Incinerator) (CoV)
• Officer Emmert (Jump Bot Incinerator) (CoV)
• Officer Jones (Jump Bot Incinerator)
• Officer Nader (Captain or Sky Skiff Officer or Jump Bot Incinerator or Sky Skiff))
• Officer Slizewski (Jump Bot Incinerator)
• Officer Waynewright (Sky Skiff Officer)
• Sgt. Clayton (Captain) (Found on Check out Lofty Connections mission from Jane Hallaway)

Related Badges

Privateer

You have put a huge dent into the pocketbooks of the Sky Raiders by destroying their most expensive equipment, the Sky Skiffs.

Raider Engineer

This will provide a good defense for your gladiators.