John Houston
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Overview
| John Houston, WSPDR Journalist | |
|---|---|
 WSPDR Journalist | |
| Zone | Independence Port |
| Coordinates | (-868.2, 0.0, -3856.4) |
| Level Range | 40-44 |
| Introduced By | None |
| Enemy Groups | |
| Badges |
 Pollster Underdog |
John Houston is a rogue contact in the Crey Cove neighborhood of Independence Port at coordinates (-868, 0, -3856) . His level range is 40-44.
Introductions
Contact Introduced By
None, walk-up.
Contact Introduces
None
Information
WSPDR Journalist
John Houston is an unscrupulous news reporter formerly with the TPN, now with WSPDR, who will do anything for a story. He's here in Paragon City following a major lead on something, but he's been very picky with his clientele, stating that the 'risk of negative press' requires a certain caliber of temperament. How he convinced the city to let him in on a press pass is just plain impressive. He must have some decent credentials.
Wrong Alignment
Ooh. You look like you could help, but I need to know a little bit more before I can trust you. Hopefully someone else, or your exploits around here, will vouch for the substance of your character.
Initial Contact
John Houston has all the smug confidence you've come to expect from a person who made a name for themselves in Praetoria. His well-put together outfit, his straightened teeth, his slick haircut... it would be one thing to put out that image in Founder's Falls, but this fellow is set up in the dusty industrial bits of Independence Port's shores, sticking out like a sore thumb. Classic Praetorian refugee.
Hey, Character! You're here! I'm so glad you showed up. Look, there's some high-powered weird shenanigans going on in the political sphere here in Paragon. You probably know that I'm working for WSPDR, so if this pans out. we're going to be going far beyond the Freedom Phalanx media distortions. Rest assured, there's going to be no spin here - I'm after good old-fashioned truth, an exposé on the worst kind of corruption - assaults on democracy itself! You ready to wade into the mire of political humbuggery and get famous for it?
Greeting
This is big, Character, really big. It's also carrying the stench of corruption all over it, and you're probably going to get a little on yourself too. If you're down to get involved in something massive and potentially dirty, hit me up.
Too Busy
Wow. The rumors about you were true - you're eager and prone to overworking yourself! Come back when you have less commitments out there.
Too Low Level
I only work with the best, Character, and you have a little more to go before I add your name to the list. Come back when you're at least Security Level 40.
No More Missions
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm out of leads! Thanks for everything, Character!
Store
Story Arc
Noble Intentions
Merit Rewards: This activity awards 20 Reward Merits.
Souvenir
Chapter One: Muckraking
Briefing
John is looking uncharacteristically sweaty and is constantly checking his appearance in the news van's rear view mirror.
I'm not going to lie, Character, not this time. There's too much at risk. I'll be frank with you - I'm nervous. Not for my sake, of course, but for my source. I was supposed to meet them to get some information they couldn't deliver over the phone. Hush-hush stuff. Very confidential. Top secret!
I was late for our meeting, and when I arrived I heard voices, so I stayed calm and collected and approached cautiously. I only caught a glimpse of them in the dim light but I recognized them. They were Warriors, and they had my source! I watched helplessly as they dragged her into one of those nasty sewers. There was nothing I could do, I'm sure you agree. I'm not a hero or even an anti-hero, but I can't give up on a source. It's just not done. So I need you to go down there and bring her back. The information she's got is of vital public interest.
- Save the girl, save democracy? Sure, I'll do it. For a price.
Save the girl, save democracy? Sure, I'll do it. For a price.
Of course, of course, I know your reputation. I'm putting you on retainer, Character. Once we have confirmed that information I'm sure I can use your services again. Now please hurry, I don't want to have to report on yet another innocent victim of Paragon City gang crime.
Unnecessary Solicitation
I can't understand why the Warriors would go after my source. She's a Praetorian refugee like me, and she's not one to draw any attention. Maybe one day I can get an interview with some Warriors to find out what makes them tick. But this is not that day. Go on, Character, find my source!
Mission Objective(s)
Clearly visible tracks in the foul muck. John's source is leaving a trail for you to follow. Clever girl.
- Recover the source
- Find Houston's Source
- Get Tunnel Rat to safety
- Speak with Tunnel Rat
- Find Houston's Source
You have rescued Tunnel Rat and acquired the information Houston wanted.
Enemies
Notable NPCs
- Tunnel Rat (Resistance Boss, Ally)
- Orion (Warriors Crusher Gladiator) Orion is a hunter, through and through, and rarely loses his prey.
Ambush! Upon rescuing Tunnel Rat, three waves of Warriors will spawn.
Debriefing
You found her? I knew it was a good idea to hire you. I understand why she didn't want to be seen with me. Tunnel Rat isn't one for the spotlight - or any light, really. Wait, she said I smelled bad?
You're good at this. I'm starting to feel like I'm back home. It's comfortable.
John's source turned out to be another Praetorian refugee, a woman called 'Tunnel Rat'. The warriors had grabbed her since they believed she had information on someone called 'Alexander the Great', one of their former members. Alexander Pavlidis was going into politics, and Tunnel Rat had learned that he was getting in with some bad bedfellows from Striga called the Port Noble Citizens Brigade. John Houston put you on retainer and asked you to head to Striga to interview the locals.
Chapter Two: Port Noble Polling
Briefing
Somehow the Warriors knew what Tunnel Rat had found. Or they thought they knew. It's useless to speculate on what exactly they knew now. I'm just glad Tunnel Rat is safe, and I'm grateful that she didn't want to bring more heat down on me by meeting up personally. Now, let me tell you a bit about what I've been working on.
A councilwoman by the name of Simmons was recently forced to step down in disgrace after it came out that she was involved with organized crime. The Frost Family had been supplying her security when she was being threatened by another gang... Frankly, it was a whole mess that spiraled into a journalist's dream... and I missed it all!
Anyway, now her seat on the council is up for a special election, and this being Paragon City, such a position comes with more power than your usual city council seat.
The most interesting candidate is the man called Alexander Pavlidis, also known as Alexander the Great. He's a former gang member gone straight. You'll never guess which gang... That's right, the Warriors. Mr. Pavlidis runs a populist platform tough on gang crime, and despite all the controversies around his person and campaign, polling data shows that he is a potential contender. Tunnel Rat telling me to look into him confirms what I already believed: he is dirty.
Character, I'm going to ask you to go to Striga for me, to do some interviews with the locals.
- Accept the request to interview Striga locals
We need to find out more about the 'Port Noble Citizens Brigade'. They are a group who show up at Mr. Pavlidis' rallies to show him support. They claim they are protecting their candidate from violent counter-protestors, but the violence only seems to occur when they are present. Striga citizens aren't even allowed to vote in this election, so what is their real agenda? Here, put on this bodycam so I can watch what happens from now on. I might be able to give you some pointers on where to go and what to say.
Unnecessary Solicitation
Remember to keep your camera running at all times!
Mission Objective(s)
The Council's volcano base may have been destroyed, but Port Noble's docks are still a hotbed of criminal activity and clashing gangs.
- Interview Striga locals
- Speak with the PNCB Leader
- Find Stephanie Peebles
- Speak with Long Jack
- Rescue Old Toby
- Ask Lars about photos
- Lay Low in the Bar
- 3 gang leaders to defeat (optional) (Hero or Rogue)
The Striga locals had nothing good to say about the Port Noble citizens brigade. John Houston requested that you investigate further.
Enemies
Neutral
Notable NPCs
- PNCB Brigadier General (NPC)
- Enzo 'Export' Altieri (The Family Elite Boss)
- Ricky 'Grinder' Scaramanga (The Family Elite Boss)
- Titus (Warriors Elite Boss)
- Stephanie Peebles (NPC)
- Long Jack (NPC)
- Luigi 'Left Hook' Sanzari (The Family Underboss Prizefighter) (Guarding Old Toby)
- Joey 'Gabbagol' Galtieri (The Family Family Triggerman) (Guarding Old Toby)
- Tobias 'Old Toby' Hansen (NPC)
- Lars Hansen (NPC)
The Port Noble Civilian Brigadier General looks at you and nods, as if to say 'Yes, that'll work'.
Greetings, Character. You've come at an interesting time in Striga Isle's storied history. We're having a bit of a... domestic event here. Seems that the United States Armed Forces withdrew about as quickly as they showed up, leaving a massive mess of a situation as the Council dissolves and the other gangs attempt to reassert control. Typical.
- Not a fan of the American War Doctrine?
The Brigadier General snorts out a laugh.
On the contrary, I find their rough-and-tumble shoot-first-and-ask-questions-never approach to problem solving to be quite endearing. When, of course, you're not in its way. I can say that it gets results, when you're outside of the storm. But being in the way of the storm? It's rough.
The Brigadier General exhales and focuses his breath.
Apologies, I've been a little under the weather lately, and street warfare doesn't help it much. What business brings you to our beleagured shores?
The Brigadier General whips out a fancy-looking inhaler and takes a pump.
- I'm here for a little tourism, a few drinks. (Lie)
- Well if that's the case, there's always the Mermaid's Tavern. I've never been, but everyone keeps telling me their Pineapple Whip is one of the best drinks they've ever had. They also have the Flamin' Warcry, served in a Council robot cranium, but that's too much for me. You'll find it just northeast of here. Keep your head low and don't engage the gangs, and you should be fine.
- The Brigadier General eyeballs you from top to bottom quickly.
- Unless of course, you're here for trouble... and we don't take kindly to homewreckers. Don't try to 'save' us, Character, some of us take umbrage to being looked at as though we can't save ourselves.
- I'll be fine, and I promise I won't be a pain.
- Fame and glory. Looking to flex on the Family and Warriors. (Rogue)
- The Brigadier General raises an eyebrow.
- Oh, a social influencer are ya? Let's try to keep the majority of your stunts Striga-Positive. I don't need slanderous edited video surfacing on ClikClak because you need a new sponsor. If you want to do me and my people any kindnesses, rooting some of these gangs out would be a great start. Let me mark your map.
- Don't mistake my kindness for weakness. We don't need a hero. Don't try to 'save' us, Character, some of us take umbrage to being looked at as though we can't save ourselves.
- Understood! Make sure the paparazzi knows I'm here!
- The Brigadier General waves you on.
- Go on then, and don't do anything we'll both regret later. Okay?
- Close window.
- I heard there was trouble. I'm here to solve it. (Heroic)
- The Brigadier General raises an eyebrow.
- Oh, a problem-solver eh? Let's try to keep the majority of your solutions to words-only. If you're going to solve any problems for me, there are a few holdouts of concentrated gang activity around here. If you want to do me and my people any kindnesses, rooting these boneheads out would be a great start. Let me mark your map.
- Don't mistake my kindness for weakness. We don't need a hero. Don't try to 'save' us, Character, some of us take umbrage to being looked at as though we can't save ourselves.
- The people of Striga will not live in fear!
- The Brigadier General waves you on.
- Go on then, and don't do anything we'll both regret later. Okay?
- Close window.
According to the old witch who owns 'The Mermaid' tavern, the Port Noble Citizens Brigade are nothing less than wolves in sheep's clothing. The Council, dressed up in suits and ties, laying low and waiting for a moment to rise back to power.
Before he sent you packing, Long Jack pointed out a certain warehouse as the potential headquarters of the Port Noble Citizens Brigade. All their activities seemed focused around the unusually large building. It could be worth looking into.
'Old Toby' was having some trouble with the Family when you found him. He all but confirmed that the Brigade members he had patched up in that makeshift hospital all seemed to be sporting some questionable tattoos affirming their allegiance to outdated political views. But more importantly to you, he revealed that the Family and the Warriors both have had some logistics problems recently. Specifically their coffers are brimming with ill-gotten gains that they haven't been able to transport off of the island during the US navy's visit, which is why both gangs are all up in each others business and more twitchy than usual.
You met Lars Hansen up on a roof, 'birdwatching' as he called it. The pictures he was taking were far more interesting than the local wildlife, unless that wildlife includes dignitaries like Archon Burkholder. His surveillance of the warehouse the Port Noble Citizens Brigade were guarding had let him spot Burkholder coming and going, and when he left it was with Dr. Arvin, another Praetorian refugee John recognized. John's curiosity was peaked, and he asked you to stay on Striga to take a look inside that warehouse.
Debriefing
You pulled back to the Mermaid Tavern to shake loose some of the attention you had drawn during your brief visit to Port Noble. Ms. Peebles was as congenial as ever, albeit a bit standoffish. Considering her usual clientele she shouldn't be turning her nose up at you like that, especially if she wanted you to do something about the so-called 'citizens brigade'. Regardless, the clam chowder was excellent, and the bootleg booze she served up with it must have fallen off some Crey executive's yacht because it was top shelf stuff. Unfortunately reality came calling all too soon, in the form of John Houston's well modulated voice in your ear.
John's source turned out to be another Praetorian refugee, a woman called 'Tunnel Rat'. The warriors had grabbed her since they believed she had information on someone called 'Alexander the Great', one of their former members. Alexander Pavlidis was going into politics, and Tunnel Rat had learned that he was getting in with some bad bedfellows from Striga called the Port Noble Citizens Brigade. John Houston put you on retainer and asked you to head to Striga to interview the locals.
Talking to some Striga personalities you learned that the citizens brigade was just a front for the Council, laying low after their volcano lair was all but destroyed by the New Praetorians and the US navy. The Council were running some kind of operation out of a warehouse in the docks and recent visits by Archon Burkholder meant that it had to be something big. John informed you that another Praetorian was involved, a Dr. Arvin. You decided to wait till nightfall to investigate the Council's warehouse.
Chapter Three: Sheep Throat
Briefing
It was a good idea to lay low at the Mermaid, but it won't hide you forever. You should relocate to a less obvious location A.S.A.P., like a fishing barge or a derelict shanty. Something less classy. Once it gets dark you can find a way inside that warehouse.
- I know what I'm doing, Houston.
I know what' I'm doing, Houston.
Of course, of course! You're the professional. I just wanted to remind you that I'm not paying for you to spend hours at the local tavern. I need information, Character, and I need it now! In the news business time isn't just money - it's the whole business. If you're not first with the latest, you're nothing. So pretty please with a cherry on top, get back to work.
Unnecessary Solicitation
John is keeping quiet on his end so as not to bother you while you are investigating the Port Noble citizens brigade's headquarters.
Mission Objective(s)
During your stakeout, the ship repositioned itself in the bay. You should explore and regain your bearings.
- Investigate the PNCB HQ
- Find a way into the PNCB HQ
- Find the entrance
- Search for clues
- Find a use for Arvin's password
- Unseal the blast door
- Make hostage open the blast door
- Access Council Database
- Defend yourself from Striga's Sentinels
- Speak to Ravenstorm and/or Dr. Todd
- Access the Lowest Level (Hero)
- Eliminate the Supersoldier
- Use the nearby exit!
- Defeat the heroes! (Rogue)
- 3 groups to clear on the docks!
- Escape to Arvin's Sub
- Find a way into the PNCB HQ
You have learned about the Council's plot to tamper with the voting machines and fraudulently elect their stooge, Alexander Pavlidis, to the city council!
Enemies
Notable NPCs
- Archon Papagiorgio (Council Galaxy Archon Boss, guarding Lazy Scientist) You've heard this Archon's name before. He might have been the same person who won four cars in St. Martial in the same night by running the slots.
- Lazy Scientist (NPC)
- Council Digger (Council Galaxy Archon Boss)
- Ravenstorm (Striga's Sentinels Scrapper (Elite Boss))
- Dr. Todd (Striga's Sentinels Kineticist (Elite Boss))
- Supersoldier Maurice (Council Elite Boss)
- Base Leader (Council Galaxy Archon Boss)
- Doug, Warrior Spirit (Council Minion)
You picked up a piece of paper supposedly holding Dr. Arvin's password. It just says 'Bobcat'.
Once the player has defeated the spawn that grants the clue, they will need to click the computer glowie to expose the secret portal to continue the mission.
You hear the rumble of a false wall disengaging!
Ravenstorm and Dr. Todd were drawn to the Council lab when your tampering with the computers set off the alarms. Apparently they had been keeping the Council under surveillance for some time and your intrusion was messing up their operation. You offered to join forces and take down the supersoldier test subject together.
Ravenstorm and Dr. Todd, along with Moonfire the Peacebringer, form a local coalition known as Striga's Sentinels, a group dedicated to keeping crime on Striga Isle under control. It's a task that has been made more difficult since the shock-and-awe blitz by the New Praetorians toppled Calvin Scott's alliance with the Council, followed by their inconsiderate departure leaving Striga reeling from the fallout.
Debriefing
This is groundbreaking news, Character, simply groundbreaking. Heads will roll once this gets out, and I'm the one with the scoop. In your face, Ms. Vines! This is what you can accomplish if you don't let things like scruples hold you back.
You and me, we're going to blow this whole thing wide open. It's gonna be epic!
Interlude: Fundraising
Briefing
With the voting machine schematics in your possession you consider your options. There has to be a way to make a profit from this, and you think you know how. First you will need some untraceable cash, and fortunately Striga is brimming with money right now. Both the Warriors and the Family have overflowing coffers they haven't been able to ship back to the mainland due to the recent US military intervention.
All right, Character, you can come back home now. I will need to go through that data you downloaded, maybe pass it along to some experts to confirm what we already know. This story has to be rock solid before I make it official. Nothing must go wrong.
- John, can you give me some time to clean up personal business?
- Oh, of course, of course, take your time! I wouldn't dream of trying to rush you, you're the professional. Just remember that I really need that data as soon as possible. Maybe sooner.
(Rogue Only)
Chapter Four: Data Dump
Briefing
Finally, you're back. Do you have the data? Let me see it!
- Bring John the data (in person).
Can't risk this data over any kind of network. Sorry, but you'll have to bring it to me directly.
Its quite amusing to consider that the universe that bested Praetoria has largely unregulated data networks and can still entrust data devices like CDs to be an effective means of communication. Its like an episode of Black Swan's Shrouded Zone series.
Unnecessary Solicitation
Character! I had almost thought you forgot about me, or that something terrible had happened to the data - to you! Where are you?
Mission Objective(s)
- Deliver the data to John (in person)
Chapter Four-and-a-Half : A Not-So-Quiet Riot
Briefing
John loads the files into his laptop and gives it a cursory glance.
This looks great. Terrible. Very great and terrible. I'm going to let an expert have a look at this while I start preparing for-
John is interrupted by his phone. John taps his headset to pick up the call.
Speak! What? Now? Where? I'm on the way!
That was my contact on Alexander Pavlidis' campaign staff. He's just been abducted by the Warriors! He was holding a final pre-election rally on Talos Island, the Warriors' home turf, and it's turned into a warzone. According to his campaign manager the Warriors rushed the conference center where Pavlidis was giving a speech, and simply grabbed him. We can't let them kill our candidate before we can ruin him with the truth! Get in the van, Vengeance is Yours! I'll drive you there and then loop around to pick you up in a few minutes, unless everything goes bottoms up. But I have a good feeling about this!
- I've seen what happens when you drive, John.
I work best under pressure. Besides, this time I'm not running for my life from terrorists. I'm running to report the truth, as I see it.
John leaps into the driver's seat and revs the engine.
Come on, Character, it's time to make some news! I'll take you right to the Campaign Headquarters and loop around. This should be quick and easy, right?
- My body is not ready for this...
Unnecessary Solicitation
John is too busy driving to hold a conversation, unless you count the steadily muttered stream of profanities directed at other drivers, pedestrians and the odd fence that gets in his way.
Mission Objective(s)
The smoke of molotovs and the sting of tear gas hangs heavy in the air over Talos Island this day. Counterprotesters are clashing with the Port Noble Citizens Brigade and the Paragon Police Department are struggling to contain the violence. This convention center is more or less abandoned.
- Riots in Talos!
- Free the Campaign Manager
- Gain Entry to the Hostage Building
- Rescue Alexander
- 5 riot leaders to defeat (Optional)
You have rescued Alexander the Great from The Warriors and possibly gained a powerful friend.
Enemies
Neutral
Notable NPCs
- Maribel Sideris, Campaign Manager (NPC)
- Warrior Rioter (Warriors Slasher Gladiator) (Guarding Maribel Sideris, Campaign Manager)
- P0W3R5TR1P (Freakshow Rikti Freak Slash Tank)
- Leonidas (Warriors Slasher Gladiator)
- Archon Lynch (Council Ascendant Archon)
- Ab Che (Tsoo Lightning Leopard)
- Commandant Morricone (Port Noble Citizen's Brigade Port Noble Shot-caller)
- Bronze Bird (Hero Corps Boss)
- Little League (Hero Corps Boss)
- Vulcannon (Hero Corps Boss)
- Titus (Warriors Elite Boss)
- Alexander Pavlidis (Boss, Ally)
- Aegialeus (Warriors Crusher Gladiator)
- Warrior Propagandist (Warriors Slasher Gladiator)
Aegialeus
- Repeat these words into the camera: I, Alexander Pavlidis, denounce my xenophobic policies, my statements regarding the Praetorian refugees, and my false accusations of smuggling and organized crime on Striga island.
Warrior Propagandist
- Say it, traitor!
Alexander Pavlidis
- ...
Aegialeus
- Furthermore, I wish to make it known that The Warriors are to be praised for all their civil justice work, their civic courage, honor and morality, and for all the good they have done for the community.
Alexander Pavlidis
- .....
Aegialeus
- Finally, I hereby declare my resignation as a candidate and dissolve my campaign. Any remaining funds shall be donated to the David Hill Society for the Promotion of Greek Values, and...
Alexander Pavlidis
- Now, wait just one !@$#**& minute...!
Warrior Propagandist
- There's the man behind the smile. Let's rumble!
Debriefing
That was crazy. I was afraid our story was yesterday's news before it could even become current events. But you pulled through and pulled Alexander's feet out of the fire. You saved our golden goose. Now we will find out if it lays golden eggs. Let me just catch my breath first.
Chapter Five: Unnatural Election (Hero)
Briefing
All right, I think that's all the excitement over with, and not a moment too soon. I will be covering the election live but I don't need you to watch over me anymore and I don't have any dangerous investigations left for you to handle. So I guess this is where we go our separate ways. It's been a wild and crazy experience, for sure. You will find your fee in your bank account as soon as I cash my bonus for this scoop.
You part ways with John and turn your attention to the matter you cannot let stand: The Council have an operation to upset democracy, and on your watch you cannot let that abide.
- See you around, John.
You need to find out where the Council are running their operation from, their project 'Hanging Chad'. They need a central location from which to transmit the necessary codes to the voting machines that have been installed all over the city. You don't even hesitate, and immediately set your sights on Baumton, where the Council have retreated to many times before. Calling in a favor with Dr. Todd, she was able to confirm there's something new in the Northeast region.
Unnecessary Solicitation
Character? Is that you? I'm really busy right now, the election is under way. Some districts are already reporting numbers. We'll talk later, okay?
Chapter Five: Unnatural Election (Rogue)
Briefing
All right, I think that's all the excitement over with. I will be covering the election live but I don't need you to watch over me anymore and I don't have any dangerous investigations left for you to handle. So I guess this is where we go our separate ways. It's been a wild and crazy experience, for sure. You will find your fee in your bank account as soon as I cash my bonus for this scoop.
You let John think that he can delay your payment but only because you already have a plan to turn this debacle into a highly profitable venture. It's time to steal an election.
- See you around, John.
You need to find out where the Council are running their operation from, their project 'Hanging Chad'. They need a central location from which to transmit the necessary codes to the voting machines that have been installed all over the city, courtesy of the corrupt election committee. You call in a favor to Tunnel Rat to sniff out if there's fresh movements in Boomtown since you started attacking the Council. She was able to confirm increased activity in the Northeast since you left Striga.
Unnecessary Solicitation
Character? Is that you? I'm really busy right now, the election is under way. Some districts are already reporting numbers. We'll talk later, okay?
Mission Objective
Powerful antennae protrude from the Council base, prepared to transmit coded signals to voting machines all over the city.
- Steal the Election
- Eliminate the Base Guardian
- 4 pieces of the entry code to find!
- Access the Fraud Center
- Defeat the Council Supersoldier
- Bring in Dr. Arvin
You have averted the Council's scheme to elect their pawn to the city council and elected your own candidate instead. John's going to be furious that he missed that story.
Enemies
Notable NPCs
Debriefing
John Houston's voice mail picks up. I'm not available right now, as I'm very busy at my new position as WSPDR's most junior reporter. Currently on assignment in Pleasant Spring Retirement home, where Mrs. Edna Smith has just reached the venerable age of a hundred. Tune in tonight to find out more! And if this is Character calling... it's in the mail. You know what I mian! And furtherm-
The voice mail message gets cut off by a loud beep. You hang up and turn to the bartender to order another round of fancy drinks for you and Tunnel Rat.