Faathim the Kind Task Force

Overview

The Saga of Lanaru
File:Task Force Contact Faathim the Kind 01.jpg
Contact	Faathim the Kind
Zone	The Chantry
Suggested Team Size	8 players
Coordinates	(-30.5, -1995, 4)
Level Range	44-50
Merits	73
Badge	Slayer of Madness
Enemy Groups	Soldiers of Rularuu Nemesis Rikti Circle of Thorns Malta Operatives Knives of Artemis Lanaruu

The Faathim the Kind Task Force is a hero Task Force that is part of the Shadow Shard storyline. The Task Force is started off by Faathim the Kind in The Chantry. The missions take place in The Chantry, The Storm Palace, and Paragon City.

There are three other Shadow Shard Task Forces: the Justin Augustine Task Force, the Sara Moore Task Force, and the Dr. Quaterfield Task Force.

Template:MeritAward

Missions

Agree to form a task force

Defeat all Rularuu in first cave

Briefing

I am Faathim, called Faathim the Kind. You are beings of great power, both potent in might and dedicated to protection of the defenseless. I have watched your battles, and I have watched your triumphs, and I have come to think that you may be the ones who can stop a great destruction. The Madness that broke the world is gaining power beyond imagining, and may soon break the world once more. Or worse.

Go now, and fall upon the armies of the Rularuu. Destroy all of them within the three caverns I have located for you, and then return to me.

There may be more to find within those caves than the Armies of Rularuu. I will say no more for now.

Mission Objective(s)

You have entered the first of 3 caverns filled with Rularuu Faathim spoke to you about.

• Defeat all Rularuu in first cave

You have cleared out the first cavern.

Primary Enemies

Soldiers of Rularuu

Defeat all Rularuu in second cave

Mission Objective(s)

You have entered the second of the 3 caverns filled with Rularuu Faathim spoke to you about.

• Defeat all Rularuu in second cave

You have cleared out the second cavern.

Primary Enemies

Soldiers of Rularuu

Defeat all Rularuu in third cave

Mission Objective(s)

You have entered the third of the 3 caverns filled with Rularuu Faathim spoke to you about.

• Defeat all Rularuu in third cave
  • 4 unknown captives

You have cleared out the third cavern and found some interesting information.

Primary Enemies

Soldiers of Rularuu

Hostage dialogue

Upon rescue: "I surrender, Rescuer! Just get me out of here!"

Hostage dialogue

Upon rescue: " I'll tell you whatever you want, Rescuer. Just get me out of here!"

A lost Nemesis soldier

After you rescued him from the Rularuu, a Nemesis soldier told you his story:

'We were working for Lord Nemesis on one of his great plans. Something about some crazy god-like thing up in a big sky-fortress that Lord Nemesis wanted to control. But then, these two people came. They looked like those heroes, Sister Psyche and Malaise, but they called themselves Praetorians. Next thing we know, they'd used some kind of mental powers on us, and we did anything they said. Even fought against Lord Nemesis.'

'Then we were fighting the Rularuu, and they took some of us. I'm lucky to still be alive.'

I'll go quietly to jail. I haven't got any fight left in me.

Notable NPCs

• Hostage *4 (Nemesis soldiers)

Debriefing

I greet you as Faathim, called Faathim the Kind.

You have done well. Rularuu's eyes are blinded now to our movements, and we are free to act. However, the tale you learned from the captive members of the Brass-hearted army worry me greatly. If the Prince of Brass is involved, and if these 'Praetorians' are involved, then the situation may be more dire than I feared.

Battle Malaise and activate the Key of Anger

Defeat Malaise and activate key

Location: Storm Palace: Lock of Anger

Briefing

Rularuu's forces are now oblivious to your movements, but this is not now the time to begin the task. There is much that must be done, first. Other forces seek to control the master of the Storm Palace, and they cannot be allowed to do so. you have already learned of 2 such forces, the Nemesis Army and the Praetorians. These threats must be dealt with first.

The Praetorians called Malaise and Mother Mayhem have taken control of two caverns around the Storm Palace. There, they have taken control of two sets of key stones. Should they gain control of all six, they will gain access to the Storm Palace. This cannot be allowed. Defeat them all, and activate the keys yourself. I will tell you how.

You shall travel along the path of madness, and then find your way to the floating island called the Lock of Anger. There, Malaise seeks to control and unlock the Key of Anger. Defeat him and all of the mind controller thralls in his power.

To activate the Keys in each lock, you will need to have 4 of your number activate the keystones at once. When that is done, you shall gain the key for that lock. There are seven such keys that are needed to open the gates of the Storm Palace. The first two are now before you.

Mission Objective(s)

Everything in this cavern feels wrong. it must be the presence of Malaise, the Praetorian.

• Defeat Malaise and activate key
  • 4 keys to simultaneously activate

You defeated Malaise and got the Key of Anger.

Primary Enemies

Nemesis

Notable NPCs

• Malaise (Praetorian) (Archvillain)

Warhulk dialogue

Before combat: "For... Lord Malaise? That doesn't sound right..."
Combat start: "We are under attack!"

Malaise dialogue

Before combat: "Why won't this key work for me!"
Combat start: "I mustn't fail Mother Mayhem. She wanted you dead with all of her heart."

Verse of Anger

You found these words engraven upon monuments around the Storm Palace. the ancient script shifted before your eyes to a language you could understand. It read:

'And he rose up into the air,
And there he forged himself a great palace,
And the air itself he charged with storms,
For Lanaru's mind was itself clouded with anger.'

Key of Anger

This piece of carved stone is some kind of key. Though the language on it is alien to you, you can feel unrelenting anger locked within it.

Defeat Mother Mayhem and activate key

Location: Storm Palace: Lock of Anger

Mission Objective(s)

The pulsing psychic fury of Mother Mayhem echoes in your brain.

• Defeat Mother Mayhem and activate key
  • 4 keys to simultaneously activate

You defeated Mother Mayhem and got the Key of Malice.

Primary Enemies

Nemesis

Notable NPCs

• Mother Mayhem (Archvillain)

Warhulk and Fake Nemesis dialogue

Before combat: Warhulk: "You will bow to Mother Mayhem"
Fake Nemesis: "Your mental powers shall not prevail!"
Combat start: Fake Nemesis: "Lord Nemesis shall abide no interference! Attack!"

Mother Mayhem dialogue

Before combat: "Soon we'll control Lanaru's power."
Combat start: "It's only right that Lanaru's madness will be ours to control."

File:Archvillain Mother Mayhem 01.jpg

Mother Mayhem

Verse of Malice

You found these words engraven upon monuments around the Storm Palace. The ancient script shifted before your eyes to a language you could understand. It read:

'And then Kindness entered the Storm Palace to give warning,
And Kindness said that Rularuu would re-assert control,
And Kindness retreated then in horror,
For now Lanaru saw method to halt their master.'

Key of Malice

This piece of carved stone is some kind of key. Though the language on it is alien to you, you can feel absolute malice locked within it.

Debriefing

I greet you as Faathim, called Faathim the Kind.

The Praetorians' threat has been quelled, but the threat of the Nemesis Army grows. You will next have to face their forces to gain control of the Key of Torment and the Key of Hatred.

Defeat the Armies of the Prince of Brass, and activate the keys of Torment and of Hatred

Defeat Nemesis Army and activate key

Location: Storm Palace: Lock of Torment

Briefing

The Army of the Prince of Brass seek dominion over the power of the Storm Palace's master. They cannot be allowed to gain it. Already they have gained control of 2 sets of keystones. They must be defeated before they can activate them, or worse, before their keystones fall into the possession of another group. I charge you with this task. Defeat the Armies of the Prince of Brass, and activate the keys of Torment and of Hatred.

You will have to face two great forces of the Nemesis Army. The first such host will be within the Lock of Torment.

Mission Objective(s)

Shouted orders echo down the corridors of these caverns.

• Defeat Nemesis Army and activate key
  • 4 keys to simultaneously activate

You defeated the Nemesis Army and recovered the Key of Torment.

Primary Enemies

Nemesis

Warhulk dialogue

Before combat: "Be wary. Task Force Sharydia is about."
Combat start: "For Lord Nemesis!"

Fake Nemesis dialogue

Before combat: "Lord Nemesis is depending on us!"
Combat start: "For Lord Nemesis!"

Verse of Torment

You found these words engraven upon monuments around the Storm Palace. The ancient script shifted before your eyes to a language you could understand. It read:

'The hatred roiled through his fevered thoughts,
And madness broke his mind upon its wrack,
And Lanaru felt Rularuu retreat from him,
For it feared the growing insanity of his soul.'

Defeat Nemesis and activate key

Location: Storm Palace: Lock of Hatred--Upper Middle Island

Mission Objective(s)

Somewhere down these caverns, the Nemesis Army plans their attack.

• Defeat Nemesis and activate key
  • 4 keys to simultaneously activate

You defeated Nemesis and got the Key of Hatred.

Primary Enemies

Nemesis

Rikti

Notable NPCs

• Nemesis? (Archvillain)

Warhulk dialogue

Before combat: "Alien Monsters! You shall not oppose us!"
Combat start: "The battle is joined!"

Nemesis? dialogue

Before combat: "It is only fitting that I shall control the true power of this place."
Combat start: "You shall fail here, Task Force Sharydia. Nothing can beat the power of Nemesis."

Nemesis?

Verse of Hatred

You found these words engraven upon monuments around the Storm Palace. The ancient script shifted before your eyes to a language you could understand. It read:

And Lanaru felt Rularuu's purpose wander,
And Lanaru felt the anger in him grow,
And Lanaru would not forgive his resurrection,
For slavery to Rularuu was no life to him.'

Key of Hatred

This piece of carved stone is some kind of key. Though the language on it is alien to you, you can feel unreasoning hatred locked within it.

Debriefing

I greet you as Faathim, called Faathim the Kind.

You have done well, and crushed the threat of the Prince of Brass. However, the creatures you encountered, these Rikti. I know of them. They came here in years past, and sought to gain the favour of Rularuu. They think that the Ravager will help them to re-open the gates to their world, should they help Rularuu against his enemies.

They are wrong. Rularuu knows no allies but Rularuu. In their ignorance, these Rikti could present a great threat.

Recover keys before Rikti can activate them

Defeat Rikti and activate Key of Fury

Location: Storm Palace: Lock of Fury

Briefing

The Rikti are difficult to locate. Their minds are at once human and alien. I have found them, but it is nearly too late. The Rikti's alien circles of thought have nearly unlocked one of the keys in their possession. But I sense great turmoil amongst them, and that something is terribly wrong with the other keys. You must hurry.

The Rikti control the caverns in the Lock of Fury and the Lock of Destruction. There is another presence in the Lock of Destruction, that worries me, but the Rikti will have the Key of Fury soon. You must strike there first.

Mission Objective(s)

These caverns are silent, save for the faint hum of alien machinery.

• Defeat Rikti and activate Key of Fury
  • 4 keys to simultaneously activate

You defeated the Rikti and recovered the Key of Fury, but there's no time to lose in getting to the Key of Destruction!

Notable NPCs

• Belfry Green 3-2-3

Primary Enemies

Rikti

Knives of Artemis

Belfry Green 3-2-3 dialogue

Before combat: "This is Belfry Green 3-2-3. Infiltration succesful."
Combat start: "Command! We have an MHI! We'll try to handle it."

Chief Mesmerist dialogue

Combat start: "No need: Deliver explanation: To you"

Verse of Fury

You found these words engraven upon monuments around the Storm Palace. The ancient script shifted before your eyes to a language you could understand. It read:

'And Lanaru toiled in slavery to his master,
And as executioner he did work his rage,
And every day his mind broke further,
For pride would not let him stay a slave.'

Key of Fury

This piece of carved stone is some kind of key. Though the language on it is alien to you, you can feel primal emotions of fury locked within it.

Defeat Rikti and activate Key of Destruction

Location: Storm Palace: Lock of Destruction

Mission Objective(s)

The faint hum of Rikti machinery is almost drowned out by the sounds of violence from somewhere ahead.

• Defeat Rikti and activate Key of Destruction
  • 4 Keystones?

You fought the Rikti and the Malta group, but found that the Key of Destruction has been taken!

Primary Enemies

Rikti

Malta Operatives

Notable NPCs

• Belfry Blue 2-2-1 (Gunslinger, Boss)

Chief Soldier dialogue

Before combat: "We have: Failed"

Belfry Blue 2-2-1 dialogue

Before combat: "The Key's away! This operation has been a success!"
Combat start: "Wiping out some heroes will be the icing on the cake!"

Missing Key: Destruction

You've found that the Keystones that together create the key of Destruction have been taken, apparently by the mysterious Malta Group.

Debriefing

I greet you as Faathim, called Faathim the Kind.

You have fought well, but the capture of the Key of Destruction by the Malta group is worrisome. It explains the strange shifts I have felt, but I am not gladdened by this answer. The Key of Destruction, and I believe also the Key of Madness have both been taken back to your world. If they are allowed to remain in the hands of the wicked, they could cause untold calamity.

Recover the key of Destruction from the Malta Group

Find Key of Destruction

Briefing

Two of the Keys to the Storm Palace are now on your world. They must be found and recovered before they can be used. The Malta group has already extracted the key, though I do not know how they would accomplish this thing.

The Key of Madness is still hidden from me. I have sent messages to mystics of your world through dreams. Seek out Azuria once you have recovered the Key of Destruction. She may have learned the location of the last key by then.

The danger is great. The Minds of the Malta Group are clouded with their desire for power and control. I fear that something is using them to its own advantage, and could wreak havoc upon us all.

Mission Objective(s)

The shadows of Oranbega press in all around you.

• Find Key of Destruction
  • Key of Destruction

You retrieved the key of Destruction from the Malta Group, and found out who was advising Malta's operations.

Notes Even though it isn't a stated mission objective, this mission cannot be completed until all enemies have been defeated.

Primary Enemies

Malta Operatives

Knives of Artemis

Notable NPCs

• Belfry Black 4-5-4 (Gunslinger, Boss)
• Dr. Phorrester (Possessed Scientist, Lieutenant)
• Belfry Green 4-6-4 (Hand of Artemis, Boss)

Belfry Black 4-5-1 dialogue

Combat start: "C'mon, Boys! Let's waste these guys!"

Dr. Phorrester dialogue

Before combat: "You have all been most excellent dupes."
Combat start: "You may destroy this body, but know that the Circle of Thorns already posses the last keystones!"

Verse of Destruction

You found these words engraven upon monuments around the Storm Palace. The ancient script shifted before your eyes to a language you could understand. It read:

'And Lanaru rose again into the air,
And Lanaru broke the world in his madness,
And Rularuu raged with powerless anger,
For Lanaru would gain might with each failed attack.'

Key of Destruction

This piece of carved stone is some kind of key. Though the language on it is alien to you, you can feel a strong desire for destruction locked within it.

Speak with Azuria

Location: Atlas Park

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak with Azuria

Azuria

Briefing

You would be the ones working as Task Force now, right? I knew you were coming. I was told in a dream by the being called Faathim the Kind that you would be coming, and that I should help you. Faathim explained what was at stake.

From what you saw, it looks like the Circle of Thorns used the Malta group to take two of these 'keys', by possessing one or more of their scientists. Now we just need to find this last key, but I think I have good news. Peter Stemitz just called to tell me that he felt the Circle preparing some great ritual deep in Oranbega. And Dr. Cheng has confirmed the location, so I think it's a good bet. I'll give you the location. Good luck.

Sometimes even I get surprised by the things I forsee or the entities that seek me out. I believe that this Faathim you're working with may not be telling the full truth. If the power of Rularuu is as great as I fear, then Faathim may be hiding hust how dangerous this situation actually is.

But I can not imagine why.

Find Key of Madness

Mission Objective(s)

The shadows of Oranbega press in all around you.

• Find Key of Madness
  • Key of Madness

The Key of Madness may be missing, but you have a clue where to find it.

Notes

• This mission is stealthable.

Primary Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Death Mage dialogue

Combat start: "None shall intrude upon our work!"

Death Mage dialogue

Before combat: "Task Force Sharydia is already too late."
Combat start: "The ritual is about to begin, Task Force Sharydia! You are too late here!"

Speak with Azuria

Location: Atlas Park

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak with Azuria

Azuria

Briefing

I saw everything in a vision, but was too late to help. Peter, Dr. Cheng, and Cadao Kestrel have all reported a great and evil power now growing in one of the old cemetaries outside the city. I think this is where the Circle plans on activating the Key of Madness. If it is as I fear, they will attempt to use it as a bridge to draw a great and terrible power to Earth, then bind it for their own use. The city has set up an emergency force-field to contain the threat, but unless they are stopped, it could be the end of the world.

To foil the Circle's plot, you will need to activate the keystones before they can, and destroy the great demon Baphomet that they have summoned to battle and entrap this terrible power. I wish you the best of luck.

I remember back when you all first started. To think that the fate of the world now rests on your shoulders. You have all made this city so proud. I thank you.

Defeat Baphomet and get Key

Location: Train Mission

Mission Objective(s)

The gloom of this old graveyard is tinted with an unearthy reddish light.

• Defeat Baphomet and get Key
  • 4 keys to simultaneously activate
  • Defeat Baphomet
    

You retrieved the Key of Madness from the Circle of Thorns.

Primary Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• Baphomet (Archvillain)

Baphomet dialogue

Combat start: "Your souls will burn!"

Baphomet

Verse of Madness

You found these words engraven upon monuments around the Storm Palace. The ancient script shifted before your eyes to a language you could understand. It read:

'And Lanaru stoked the fires of his madness,
And in his madness he found greater power,
And he cast down the Iron Fist of Rularuu when he came,
For reason was only a shadow in Lanaru's mind.'

Key of Madness

This piece of carved stone is some kind of key. Though the language on it is alien to you, you can feel agonizedd torment locked within it.

Debriefing

I greet you once more as Faathim, called Faathim the Kind. You have in your possession all seven of the keys that will open the way to the Storm Palace, the throne of Lanaru the Mad. Before you go to face his power, listen a moment. You have also gathered the parts of a tale. The tale you found is true, and in it's full form reads as thus:

'And he rose up into the air,
And there he forged himself a great palace,
And the air itself he charged with storms,
For Lanaru's mind was itself clouded with anger.'

And Lanaru felt Rularuu's purpose wander,
And Lanaru felt the anger in him grow,
And Lanaru would not forgive his resurrection,
For slavery to Rularuu was no life to him.'

'And Lanaru toiled in slavery to his master,
And as executioner he did work his rage,
And every day his mind broke further,
For pride would not let him stay a slave.'

'The hatred roiled through his fevered thoughts,
And madness broke his mind upon its wrack,
And Lanaru felt Rularuu retreat from him,
For it feared the growing insanity of his soul.'

'And Lanaru stoked the fires of his madness,
And in his madness he found greater power,
And he cast down the Iron Fist of Rularuu in battle,
For reason was only a shadow in Lanaru's mind.'

'And then Kindness entered the Storm Palace to give warning,
And Kindness said that Rularuu would re-assert control,
And Kindness retreated then in horror,
For now Lanaru saw method to halt their master.'

'And Lanaru rose again into the air,
And Lanaru broke the world in his madness,
And Rularuu raged with powerless anger,
For Lanaru would gain might with each failed attack.'

Now you know the land and sky of the Storm Palace. Now you know how Lanaru became Lanaru the Mad, and how he broke the world. Now you must prepare to face his power, before he breaks the world once more.

Use the keys on each monument and then face Lanaru the Mad

Use key on Monument of Madness

Briefing

Now comes the end. You must travel to the Storm Palace, and use the keys on each of the monuments. When that is done, the way to the Storm Palace shall be opened, and it shall be time for you to confront Lanaru the Mad.

There is little time. Lanaru has felt the threats arrayed against him, and even now is preparing to lash out in anger. If he should do so, it could break the world again or worse. It could re-forge the world, and bring the full power of Rularuu down upon us all. This cannot be allowed to happen.

It is time. You have done more than any could have hoped. Fight well. May victory be yours.

Mission Objective(s)

• Use key on Monument of Madness

You insert the key of Madness into the monument, and hear a great rumbling in the distance.

Use key on Monument of Destruction

Mission Objective(s)

• Use key on Monument of Destruction

You can understand some of the wording on the strange monument.

Use key on Monument of Anger

Mission Objective(s)

• Use key on Monument of Anger

You can understand some of the wording on the strange monument.

Use key on Monument of Torment

Mission Objective(s)

• Use key on Monument of Torment

You can understand some of the wording on the strange monument.

Use key on Monument of Fury

Mission Objective(s)

• Use key on Monument of Fury

You can understand some of the wording on the strange monument.

Monument of Hatred

Mission Objective(s)

• Use key on Monument of Hatred

You can understand some of the wording on the strange monument.

Monument of Malice

Mission Objective(s)

• Use key on Monument of Malice

You can understand some of the wording on the strange monument.

Defeat Lanaru the Mad

Mission Objective(s)

Crackling energy courses through the very air. You stand at the corner of the Storm Palace before Lanaru the Mad.

• Defeat Lanaru the Mad
  • Defeat Lanaru the Mad

You have defeated Lanaru the Mad within the Storm Palace.

Primary Enemies

Soldiers of Rularuu

Lanaruu

Notable NPCs

• Lanaru the Mad (Archvillain)

Lanaru the Mad dialogue

Before combat: "Rularuu, can you hear me? Father, Brother, Self! I am coming for you!"
Combat start: " I stand at the center of the storm, and I shall smash this world asunder!"

Debriefing

I greet you as Faathim, called Faathim the Kind. Lanaru has fallen before you, and I feel sorrow. Though he was mad and violent, he was as my brother, and as myself, he will re-form... He will return in strength...
For he is of Rularuu.
And while Rularuu is, we are, forever.

But do not despair. Through your actions the threat is gone for now, and the peoples of the shard can live, and the Ravager is kept from us.

Lanaru rose up and broke the world, and in doing so he made this place safe for a time. Soon Rularuu's power may return, but it is my hope that might like yours will be ready to face the Ravager should he come again.

Souvenir

The natives speak of the Madness that broke the world. That madness has a name, and was called Lanaru. Faathim the Kind sought champions to battle the crazed god Lanaru the Mad before he gained enough strength to break the world again, or draw the full power of Rularuu down on this part of the Shadow Shard. You proved your might and mettle, fighting against the armies of Rularuu, against the villainous factions who all sought the Mad One's power, and against Lanaru the Mad himself. There are now new verses in the Saga of Lanaru, verses written by your actions:

'And he rose up into the air,
And there he forged himself a great palace,
And the air itself he charged with storms,
For Lanaru's mind was itself clouded with anger.

And Lanaru felt Rularuu's purpose wander,
And Lanaru felt the anger in him grow,
And Lanaru would not forgive his resurrection,
For slavery to Rularuu was no life to him.

And Lanaru toiled in slavery to his master,
And as executioner he did work his rage,
And every day his mind broke further,
For pride would not let him stay a slave.

And hatred roiled through his fevered thoughts,
And madness broke his mind upon it's wrack,
And Lanaru felt Rularuu retreat from him,
For it feared the growing insanity of his soul.

And Lanaru stoked the fires of his madness,
And in his madness he found greater power,
And he cast down the Iron Fist of Rularuu when he came,
For reason was only a shadow in Lanaru's mind.

And then Kindness entered the Storm Palace to give warning,
And Kindness said that Rularuu would re-assert control,
And Kindness retreated then in horror,
For now Lanaru saw method to halt their master.

And Lanaru rose again into the air,
And Lanaru broke the world in his madness,
And Rularuu raged with powerless anger,
For Lanaru would gain might with each failed attack.

And Faathim the Kind did seek for champions to stop Lanaru,
And brave champions did answer this call,
And Faathim tested them against the Rularuu,
For Faathim knew they must be strong to withstand the Storm.

And the Heroes sought the keys to the Storm Palace itself,
And they fought against enemies many and strange
And the Heroes threw all their foes down into destruction
For evil souls can not be trusted with such power.

And Faathim sent them now to unlock the Storm Palace
And the Heroes knew that Lanaru's power was growing,
And now was the time of greatest danger,
For in his madness Lanaru might break the world or worse.

And the Heroes entered the Storm Palace and battled Lanaru the Mad,
And the Heroes cast the Madness down into destruction,
And though victorious Faathim said to them with sorrow that Lanaru would return,
For Lanaru was of Rularuu and is thus beyond life and death.'

Badge

Completion of the task force earns a hero the Slayer of Madness Badge.

Slayer of Madness

You defeated the being known as Lanaru the Mad, sparing the people of the Shadow Shard from total destruction.

Notes

Faathim the Kind is an aspect of a god, and as such does not have access to a cell phone. The leader of the team will always have to return to Faathim to get new missions.