Shauna Braun

Overview

Shauna Braun
Zone	Independence Port
Coordinates	(-1929, 16, -2587)
Level Range	25-29
Introduced By	none
Introduces	none
Enemy Groups	The Family Security Guards Paragon Police Department Longbow Paragon Heroes Striga's Sentinels
Badges	Avenger Beyond Reasonable Doubt

Shauna Braun is a vigilante contact in the Crey Cove neighborhood of Independence Port at coordinates (-1929, 16, -2587) . Her level range is 25-29. She is 120 yards West of the Kings Row tunnel. She offers a story arc to characters of the Vigilante alignment with two endings, each of which awards a badge. Shauna was added in Issue 26 - Page 3.

Introductions

Contact Introduced By

None, walk-up.

Contact Introduces

• None

Information

Junior Programmer

Shauna Braun is a young programmer from Paragon City. She was raised by her father in a tiny apartment in between Kings Row and Independence Port. Shauna moved out when she went to college, but her father - having sacrificed so much to give his daughter a good education - continued to live there until it burned down a year ago. The PPD closed the case, citing an accident as the cause of the fire, but Shauna doesn't buy the explanation. She wants to uncover the truth behind her father's death and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Prior to Introduction

None, walk-up.

Too Low Level

I'm not sure you're up to what I need done. Come back when you're at least Security Level 25.

Contact Unlocked

None, walk-up.

Initial Contact

This young woman's trendy clothes, designer sunglasses, and thin frame makes her look ready to begin a night out on the town, rather than looking for a hero. But as you approach, she slides her sunglasses down to look at you straight, revealing heavy bags under her eyes. Her lips are pressed thin and she takes your measure.

So you're Character? I've read about you before, heard the stories of all the people you've helped... You're the type that isn't afraid to get their hands dirty to make sure justice gets done, right?

My father was murdered, but the police won't do anything about it. They claim he died in an accident, but I know that's not true! I have a feeling that there are some powerful people who don't want me to uncover the truth. Can you help me, Character?

Wrong Alignment

Can I help you? I'm not really interested in chatting...

Greeting

• We're going to get to the bottom of this. I know that I can count on you to help bring my father's killers to justice.

Too Busy

Thanks for coming to see me, Character, but you look like you have a lot on your plate already. You'll need to devote a lot of attention to help me.

No More Missions

I don't know what I'm going to do now, Character. I just need to be left alone to think.

Store

• Inspirations

Story Arc

Dirty Work

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 20 Reward Merits.

Part One: Dirty Politics

Briefing

A look of relief washes over Shauna's face. She lets out a sigh and starts to talk in a shaking voice.

My father's apartment building burned down a year ago. The Blackwood Tower fire - did you hear about it? Worst of all, they said he was the one who started the fire! That a grease fire in his apartment got out of control and burned the whole place down. But, Character, in the twenty-five years I've been alive, my dad was the safest cook I've ever met. I never saw so much as a splatter of spaghetti sauce on the stove, much less a fire.

Shauna's voice starts to crack as she recalls the memories of her father's cooking. She pauses for a moment and takes a deep breath.

They wanted to tear down the apartment building and redevelop it, 'cause it was low-income housing. My father was loudly against it. He organized protests, handed out flyers, called council members... the works. In the end, only one person voted for the plan...

Councilman Matthew Stone. I'm sure he's involved somehow. He must have wanted the redevelopment to happen, I just don't know why. I just need to find enough pieces to finish the puzzle.

• I'll look into it.

Thank you, Character. I've been waiting a year for someone to listen to me. No one else would. My dad was a good man. He raised me all alone after my mother left. I never even knew her, but he gave me so much love that I didn't miss having a mom. He wouldn't even hurt a fly... but they killed him, like he wasn't worth a thing, then dragged his name through the mud.

Stone shares an office building with a lot of other local politicians. You can probably find something there if you look around. Take my cell number; call me as soon as you find something.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Look for memos, financial records, anything that might explain why he voted for the redevelopment.

Mission Objective(s)

You arrive at the office building that Councilman Stone uses. Curiously, the Family is crawling all over the place.

• Investigate the councilman's office
  • Search cabinets and computers

You found numerous memos that stated Stone was planning to vote against the proposal. It seems odd that he suddenly voted for it, instead.

Enemies

The Family

Family Dialogue

Before Combat:
Family 1: What are we even doing here?
Family 2: Tryin' to dig up the dirt on that babbo.
Combat Start:
Family 1: We've been pinched!
Family 2: Time to make our bones!

---

Before Combat:
Family 1: The boss says find something we can use for leverage.
Family 2: Like, what, a crowbar?
Combat Start:
Family 1: Character?! What are you doing here?
Family 2: Time to give 'em a serious headache!

Internal Memos

These memos, written on the stationery of city Councilman Matthew Stone, detail his opposition to the Blackwood Tower Redevelopment plan. Curiously, he eventually wound up voting in favor of the plan.

Debriefing

So Stone planned on voting against the proposal too? But he suddenly changed his mind... That makes it sound like something caused him to change his mind, doesn't it, Character? And I think I have some idea of why...

Part Two: Dirty Money

Briefing

So the man behind the redevelopment plan is Andrew Rider, the millionaire CEO of Rider Development. He wanted to tear down the apartment and replace it with office buildings. If you ask me, he must have tried to bribe the council members, but only Stone took the bait. We need to get proof first, though.

Truth be told, I figured that Rider had something to do with all of this. He benefited the most from the apartment burning down. Rider Development keeps a lot of its funds and records with the First National Bank. You'll have to break in, but you might be able to find something that helps us.

• Shouldn't be a problem.

Look for anything that shows a connection between Stone and Rider. Payments, contracts, anything like that. We just need to find the strings that tie all this together.

Unnecessary Solicitation

I always thought Stone was good for the neighborhood, but if he's taking bribes...

Mission Objective(s)

Of course the bank is crawling with security. They're just doing their jobs, but they might get hurt. At least you're not up to any evil.

• Recover financial documents
  • Search the vault

You found extensive financial records detailing shady behavior by Rider Development.

Enemies

Security Guards

Paragon Police Department

Longbow

Paragon Heroes

Striga's Sentinels

Notable NPCs

• Doc Quantum (Boss)
• Ms. Shock (Boss)
• Overdrive (Boss)
• Ravenstorm (Boss)
• Sky Dragon (Boss)
• Stalwart (Boss)

Editor's Note:

Only one of the special bosses listed above will appear each time the mission is run, chosen at random (others not listed may occur). Note that all these bosses count toward the Bloody Hands badge, and defeating one doesn't complete the mission, making it possible (if a bit slow) to reset and farm them for the badge.

Ambush! Reducing the first vault door to 75% health triggers an ambush by three waves of Security Guards, four waves of Paragon Police, and two waves of Longbow. A randomly chosen hero boss arrives with the second Longbow wave.

PPD 1: Stop where you are, villain!

PPD 1: Wait, you're Character! I thought you were a hero!

PPD 2: If they're breaking into the vault, it doesn't matter!

---

Longbow 1: Use of maximum force against Character is authorized!

---

Hero: Character! Stop your evil ways!

On Defeat:

Hero: Stop... Character...

Financial Transactions

These financial records show a large transaction made to Councilman Stone by Rider Development. More interesting, there are a number of payments made to companies that you have long suspected are fronts for the Family's money laundering operations. Most of them are dated to shortly before the death of Shauna's father.

Debriefing

Shauna's eyes go wide as she looks at the financial records.

I knew it! Rider bribed Stone to get him to vote for the proposal. Then, when it still failed, he must have hired the Family to burn the building down. The question is how they managed to have the official report blame it on my dad? I bet Stone is involved in that too...

Part Three: Dirty Deals

Briefing

My dad stood up to Rider and died because of it. Not only that, they smeared his name after. People I grew up with, friends I'd lived next door to for years, refused to talk to me, blamed my dad for the deaths of their loved ones. You've got to find out what Stone knows, help me get the truth out there.

• I'll find out what he knows... one way or another.

Stone is supposed to be meeting with some constituents at a local warehouse. He's probably just doing it for the optics, trying to look good for the camera. If you confront him in public with what we found, there's no way he can deny it.

Unnecessary Solicitation

People like Stone are why Paragon City always has so much trouble. He's only out for himself. If there's money to be made, it doesn't matter who gets stepped on.

Mission Objective(s)

You spotted workers running out of the warehouse when you arrived. It seems the Family has come for some reason. Did they get word you were coming?

• Confront Councilman Stone
  • Find Councilman Stone
    • Talk to Councilman Stone

Councilman Stone spilled his guts. He told you the location where the evidence for the Blackwood Tower fire is stored.

Enemies

The Family

Notable NPCs

• Petey Picklefingers (Family Consigliere) Petey Picklefingers is a brutal and feared consigliere for the Family. He supposedly is involved in several of the most unsavory ventures of the Family. Right now, he is threatening a city councilman whom you need to talk to.
• Councilman Stone (NPC)

Petey Picklefingers Dialogue

Before Combat:
Councilman Stone: Look, I'm sure we can just talk about this like gentlemen...
Petey Picklefingers: So you see, Councilman, my boss would really appreciate if you dropped this matter.
Combat Start:
Councilman Stone: Oh thank goodness! Character, you have to help me!
Petey Picklefingers: A hero, huh? You beat up my boys over at Rider Development! Time for payback!
On Defeat:
Councilman Stone: I'm glad you got here, Character. Without you, I don't know what I would have done.

Councilman Stone

Briefing

Councilman Stone looks at you with relief on his face.

Thank goodness you came, Character! I was afraid those Family goons were going to break my knees... or worse!

• You've got more than your knees to worry about, Stone.

Wha... what do you mean? You're a hero, aren't you?

• I know you've been taking bribes, Stone!

No! Bribes? I've never taken any bribes, I swear! I'm an honest politician, I always do what's best for my constituents. I'd never betray their trust by taking bribes from anyone.

• I know you took a bribe from Andrew Rider.

The color drains from Councilman Stone's face when you mention Andrew Rider's name. He slouches back against a wall.

Oh, so this is what it's all about. Look, I didn't accept a bribe from Rider, if that's what you think. I know what it looks like, but it's true. He tried to bribe me into signing off on his development project, but I refused. I told him those people needed those homes, that I wouldn't be the person to kick people out of the place they'd been living for decades.

Then he sent the Family after me. I... I guess I'm not a brave man, Character. I was so afraid of being hurt that I just agreed to it. I'm not proud of it, but you have to believe me. After I voted for his plan, he sent me the money, like he was taunting me. It didn't matter, anyway, he couldn't pay off or threaten enough people to get his way.

• Then he burned down Blackwood Tower.

I know...

Councilman Stone goes quiet for a moment. Then he looks up at you.

If you're bringing that up, it means you're going after Rider, doesn't it? I know that the official story is it was a grease fire that caused it. I also know that the investigator in charge of the case isn't the one who released the findings.

I haven't seen what the actual evidence states. I don't know and I don't have enough power to get my hands on it, either. I do know where the evidence is kept, though. The fire investigators work out of the old PPD station. If you go there, you should be able to find out the truth about that fire.

• Alright, Stone. But you still broke the law. I'm turning you in.

I understand. I won't fight it. I'll turn myself in and cooperate fully with the police.

• (Leave)

Councilman Stone's Confession

You convinced Councilman Stone to turn himself in to the police for changing his vote after intimidation and bribery from Andrew Rider.

• You've done your part, Stone. Cross the line again, I won't hesitate to take you down.

Thank you, Character! I promise I won't disappoint you. I'm going to do the right thing, no matter who tries to threaten me.

• (Leave)

• Tell me all you know about Andrew Rider!

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• Funny, I thought you and the Family were good friends.

No! I never! The workers at this warehouse are trying to unionize, but the owner is against it. I was here to show my solidarity and give them support. I guess the owner has connections with the Family, because they tried to threaten me. It's only because you showed up that I'm still able to talk.

• I know you've been taking bribes, Stone!

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• Tell me all you know about Andrew Rider!

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

Part Four: Dirty Rats

Unnecessary Solicitation

If what Stone told you is true, then we can finally get the evidence we need! Go find those records.

Mission Objective(s)

The fire investigator works out of an old police station. That may make finding the records a little tricky.

• Locate Blackwood Tower fire evidence
  • Find the evidence
    • Find Mission Exit

You found the evidence of the arson. Everything is starting to add up.

Enemies

Paragon Police Department

Ambush! Cracking the first safe triggers an ambush by three waves of Paragon Police.

PPD 1: This is the Paragon Police! Come out now!

PPD 2: Whoever's in there, come out with your hands up!

PPD 1: I always knew you were no good!

PPD 2: Character?! What are you doing breaking into a police station?

Ambush! Cracking the second safe triggers an ambush by five waves of Paragon Police.

Fire Investigator's Reports

These are records related to the Blackwood Tower apartment building fire. The records contain extensive evidence that the fire was purposefully started and recommends a finding of arson. It does not mention Shauna's father or a grease fire at all.

Debriefing

You hand the evidence over to Shauna, who reads it slowly, tears forming in her eyes. When she gets to the end, she wipes them away and smiles.

I knew it wasn't my dad's fault that those people died. This proves it! When he failed to get permission to redevelop the area, Rider had the building burned down. He must have bribed or threatened someone, got the fire investigator to release a false report. They blamed my dad.

Part Five: Dirty Proof

Briefing

With everything we've gathered, we can go to the police! If we show them all of this, they'll have to take Rider in. My dad's name will be cleared and Rider will be brought to justice. I've had such a hard time with the police, I don't know that I can stand to go see them myself. Character, can you take the evidence to them for me?

• I can do it.

Detective Davids was the officer responsible for investigating the fire. Take everything to him and then let me know what he says.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Have you talked to Detective Davids yet?

Mission Objective(s)

• Deliver evidence

Debriefing

Not enough evidence? Character, I can't believe it. Are they really just going to let Rider get away with murder?

Part Six: Dirty Hands

Briefing

Rider can't just get away with this. He killed my dad and all they want to do is charge him with bribery? If he gets convicted, he'll probably only serve a couple of years in a cushy open-door prison. Guys like him never serve their full terms anyway. He'll be out on good behavior, spending his bloody money and living the high life!

That's not even the worst of it. If he gets off... You know how it works with these millionaires: They can hire the best lawyers, get people to look the other way...

Shauna takes a moment to compose herself, but there's a tremble in her voice.

Character, I know you're a righteous person. The law won't help my dad. You're my last chance. Go after Rider.

Do what's right. Do what needs to be done.

• I'll make sure he pays.

Rider lives in the penthouse on the building above the Exchange Bank. He's caused so much pain and suffering already. If he gets away with this, he's just going to keep doing it. Who knows how many other people are going to suffer to satisfy his greed?

Unnecessary Solicitation

Every second that passes is another that Andrew Rider makes a mockery of justice.

Mission Objective(s)

The offices beneath Rider's penthouse are crawling with the Family. He must have gotten word that you were speaking to the cops about him.

• Bring Rider to justice
  • Find Andrew Rider
    • Talk to Andrew Rider

Kill Rider: You killed Rider and made sure he won't hurt anyone else in his thirst for money.
Spare Rider: Rider may have perverted the system, but you can't be judge, jury, and executioner. You have to trust the law to do the right thing.

Enemies

The Family

Notable NPCs

• Tony 'Two Hands' Ruggio (Family Underboss) Tony 'Two Hands' is a notorious enforcer known for handling the most dangerous situations encountered by friends of the Family. Rumors say that he earned his nickname for strangling anyone who threatens his charges. He recently got out of prison after serving a three year sentence for assault, the only count that stuck among twelve murder charges.
• Andrew Rider

Family Dialogue

Before Combat:
Family 1: Don't know why Frost has us protectin' this mook.
Family 2: I hear they're legit business partners. And that's Mr. Frost to you.
Combat Start:
Family 1: Character is comin' after Rider?
Family 2: Stop wetting your pants and shoot 'em!

Elevator Access Card

This key card is labeled for access to the elevators.

Tony 'Two Hands' Ruggio Dialogue

Before Combat:
Tony 'Two Hands' Ruggio: Mr. Rider's safe in his penthouse. All we gotta do is make sure Character can't get to him.
Combat Start:
Tony 'Two Hands' Ruggio: You ain't gonna touch Mr. Rider, Character!
First Blood:
Tony 'Two Hands' Ruggio: Just wait until I get my hands around your neck!
75% Health:
Tony 'Two Hands' Ruggio: Someone call for some backup! We gotta problem out here!
On Defeat:
Tony 'Two Hands' Ruggio: Mr. Frost ain't gonna be happy...

Ambush! Reducing Tony 'Two Hands' Ruggio to 75% health triggers an ambush by three waves of Family.

Penthouse Access Card

This key card will let you access the penthouse apartment above these offices.

Andrew Rider Dialogue

Before Combat:
Andrew Rider: Keep Character away from me!
Nearby Mobs Defeated:
Andrew Rider: Wait!

Andrew Rider

Briefing

Andrew Rider cowers before you, his eyes darting past you to the unmoving forms of his Family bodyguards. He seems to be wondering whether they are unconscious or dead... and if he'll get the chance to find out.

Look, Character, I don't know why you're here. But we're both reasonable people! We can talk this through! I am a powerful man, I can get you -

• Shut up!

Rider shrinks back from you, covering his face with his arms, expecting you to hit him. When you don't, he peeks out.

Just... tell me what you want.

• I want justice, Rider. Justice for the residents of Blackwood Tower.

His eyes go wide for a moment, then he starts to laugh.

You're talking about the fire that burned down Blackwood Tower? I get it, you've been talking with that Braun girl. Look, she's a kook, a loon. Her dad burned the place down by being careless and she just can't let it go. You know how it is, kids never believe their parents can do any wrong.

• I have all the proof I need.

As you detail the evidence you've collected against him, Rider's expression changes from one of defiance to one of fear. He clenches his teeth and shrinks back from you as you near the end.

So what? You've got all this evidence against me, so why aren't you going to the cops?

He suddenly smiles.

That's it, isn't it? You already did and they didn't believe you! You've got nothing on me, isn't that right. You're just here to bluff and bluster, trying to get me to give myself up, right?

• You're wrong, Rider. I'm here to kill you.

The man shrieks and collapses to the ground.

No! Please, don't hurt me! Look, look, I promise, I'll turn myself in! You're a hero, right? A good guy! You don't want to kill me, do you? If you don't hurt me, I'll admit to the bribing the councilman. Hell, I'll even tell them everything I know about some other corrupt politicians too. That's got to be worth more to you than my life, doesn't it?

He looks at you, a mix of hope and fear plastered across his face.

• The lives lost in the fire were worth far more. (Kill Rider)

• You're not worth dirtying my hands. But you won't get mercy again. (Spare Rider)

• You're wrong. The police are coming. I'm here to make sure you don't get away.

They are? Then that means...

He shakes his head.

No. There's no way they have all the evidence they need to pin the fire on me. Not possible. You're trying to trick me.

He swallows hard and looks you up and down.

But I've got a feeling that doesn't matter to you. You didn't come to arrest me, did you? You want to take me out, permanently. But you can't do it, can you? You're a hero, right? You want to do the right thing and you know that killing me isn't the right thing.

He swallows hard again.

Look, don't hurt me. Take me to the police if that's what you need to do. I'll admit to the bribery charges. I'll tell them everything there, even help them take down a few other corrupt politicians. That's the best you'll get out of me, ok? That way you can keep your hands clean. Do we have a deal?

He looks at you, a mix of hope and fear plastered across his face.

• I don't make deals with scum like you. (Kill Rider)

• You're not worth dirtying my hands. But you won't get mercy again. (Spare Rider)

• You're wasting my time. I should just put you down now.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• I want you to pay for everything you've done.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• I don't want to hear it. You can't buy me off like you bought off the others.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• You're a monster, Rider.

I don't know what you mean! I'm just a real estate developer! I never hurt anyone, I swear. I just want to make money and improve the city, make it more beautiful, attract more business to the area!

• I know you're behind the Blackwood Tower fire.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

• I should just get it over with right now.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

See Also

• Homecoming Story Arcs