Arachnos
Overview
Arachnos is one of the main factions in the City of Heroes/Villains universe. This villain group of dark origins resides today more or less permanently in the Rogue Isles and is the personal tool of Lord Recluse in his neverending fight with Statesman. Having sub-divisions of specialists, immense resources and no few powerful villains in his ranks, Arachnos can be considered a true army. Despite its immense power (or perhaps because of it), life in Arachnos is not easy and the fights between the different inner factions seem to be something relatively common. Arachnos only believes in the survival of the fittest and is not friendly towards customed villains. Sometimes allied and mostly hostile to villains, this villain group can be found in City of Villians by a player during his whole career. Arachnos soldiers feel even less love for heroes, and will attack them on sight. In City of Heroes, a Hero who wishes to fight them will have to go to Siren's Call or Recluse's Victory, or enter mission in Bloody Bay, Siren's Call or Warburg.
Background
Arachnos official info ( Copied from the City of Villains official website [1]):
For young villains, their greatest ally is also their most dangerous foe. At the bidding of Lord Recluse, Arachnos has broken possible destined ones from the Zig. Once free of this prison, Arachnos agents feel no compulsion to help as these ‘Children of Fate’ make their way in the dangerous world of the Rogue Isles.
Built upon the notion that only the fittest should survive, Arachnos was formed in the early part of the 20th Century in Italy. Although the true history of Arachnos remains shrouded, this organization was around long before “Il Recluso” wrested power away from its original founder, “The Weaver”. It remains unclear exactly how Lord Recluse took over the global network of Arachnos though betrayal and murder surely played a role. After taking over, Recluse subtly shifted Arachnos’s priorities and interests to better suit his own ideological goals.
After ruling Arachnos for many years, Recluse went underground to weave his web of deceit before eventually emerging as the “legitimate” leader of the Rogue Isles. Now he controls the Isles and is, technically at least, considered a political figure—though he privately relishes the rare times he’s able to get blood on his hands. Ruling a nation has allowed Lord Recluse to create armed forces, purchase military hardware, and even research alien technology. Covertly, his agents have spread throughout the world, he has spies or contacts in every major “villain group,” and Paragon City is the juicy fly wiggling at the fringe of his growing web. Recluse will not rest until he has wrested the City of Heroes from Statesman’s grasp.
Lord Recluse now rules Arachnos with an iron fist demanding blind loyalty and unswerving devotion from those who survive long enough to serve him. Under his guidance, Arachnos has become a multi-faceted and deadly group.
While Arachnos agents will ignore minor infractions, major crimes draw immediate action. In the eyes of Lord Recluse, anyone reckless enough to commit murder, grand larceny, or acts of mass destruction is either uncontrollable or powerful enough that he wants to control them directly. Woe to the Arachnos agent that crosses the line far enough to bring the dreaded Arachnos Arbiters into the matter.
Outside the extensive military organization, every island has a civilian Governor and a military Marshal. The Governor decides the island’s domestic affairs while the Marshal rules all matters of security and defense. In a dispute, the Marshal has seniority. Both are appointed directly by Lord Recluse. Failure is not tolerated, and turnover is quite high, particularly among the Governors.
Today Lord Recluse is a tyrant, ruling all of Arachnos in order to maintain tight control over the Rogue Isles. As he protects his territory from the meddling of Longbow and other do-gooders from Paragon City, Recluse also prides himself in being one step ahead of Statesman and the Freedom Phalanx as he continues to weave his intricate web.
Villain Types
Subgroups
- Wolf Spiders
- Mu Mystics
- Night Widows
- Fortunatas
- Crab Spiders
- Arachnobots & Drones
- Tarantulas
- Bane Spiders
Elite Bosses
Doctor Geist
Main Article: Doctor Geist
Doctor Geist is a mad scientist working for Arachnos on a project involving mutant spiders! He is also a long time rival of his former colleague, Doctor Creed.
Powers
Power Bolt Ranged, Smash/Energy, Foe Knockdown
A quick attack that rapidly hurls small bolts of energy at foes, sometimes knocking them down. Fast, but little damage.
Power Blast Ranged, Smash/Energy, Foe Knockback
A much more powerful, yet slower version of power bolt. Power Blast sends a focused beam of energy at a foe that can knock him back.
Explosive Blast (Ranged) Targeted Area of Effect, Smash/Energy, Knockback
Hurls a blast of charged energy that violently explodes on impact, damaging all foes near the target.
Arachnos Heavy Blaster
Lord Recluse discovered that Black Scorpion had built these enormous walking tanks to attack Mako in another of their inter-patron squabbles. Lord Recluse seized these monstruous war machines for his own use in Recluse's Victory. Loyalists like you will now be able to wield their destructive capabilities in battle! Their lack of speed is more than compensated for with its impressive firepower and heavy armor. The Arachnos Heavy Blaster is an awesome asset to any villain who's looking for an edge in battle.
Archvillains
Barracuda
Main Article: Barracuda
Barracuda, a former treasure hunter, Kelli Forston was infected by mysterious creatures known as the Coralax. What she found in the briny deep remains a mystery, but it turned her heart as dark and cold as the depths. In combat, she is almost as quick and savage as her bloodthirtsy mentor, Captain Mako.
Powers
Psychic Coral Blast Ranged, Psionic, Foe -Recharge
Your attack speed has been reduced by the Psychic Coral Blast.
Psychic Coral Scream (Ranged) Cone, Psionic, Foe -Recharge
???
Subdue Ranged, Psionic, Foe Immobilize
Subdue deals moderate damage and may leave the targeted foe Immobilized for a brief time. Immobilized foes can not move but can still attack.
Psychic Coral Wail (Psionic) Foe -Recharge
The Psychic Wail has reduced your Attack rate.
Spiny Urchins Ranged, Lethal, Moderate Damage
Shoot spiny burst at your foes.
Water Spout Ranged, Cold
???
Wave of Cold (Ranged, Cone, Cold) Damage over Time, Cold, Foe -Recharge, -Speed
You are frozen by the Wave of Cold. You are taking damage over time and your attack speed and movement speed are reduced.
Ice Mistral
Main Article: Ice Mistral
Irena Rudenko was chosen by on of the Monks of the Four Winds to become the Ice Mistral. receiving the power changed her; she retained the icy-cold aloofness and desire for mastery of the wing, but none of the control. Her own rage overrode the honor normally imbued to the Knights of the Wind and she went on a mad killing spree. Scirocco took her under his wing to protect her from the Monks - many of which have fallen trying to reclaim their lost power.
Powers
Bitter Ice Blast -Recharge -Speed -Accuracy
Your accuracy, attack rate and running speed are reduced by the Bitter Ice Blast.
Blizzard -Speed -Recharge
The Blizzard has reduced your attack rate and running speed.
Glacier Hold -Speed -Recharge
You are frozen in a Gladier. Once free, your Attack Rate and Running speed will be reduced slightly for a while.
Ice Storm Cold/Lethal
All foes that pass through this Storm will be shredded with shards of falling ice.
Snow Storm -Speed -Recharge
The chill from this Snow Storm has dramatically slowed your attack and movement speed.
Silver Mantis
Main Article: Silver Mantis
Tamura Shirai is fascinated with the smooth, sleek feel of metal. Funding the augmentation of her body to pure metal was an expensive proposition, however, so she tuned to crime. During one of her robberies, she encountered Black Scorpion, on a job for Lord Recluse. Tamura realized an opportunity when she saw it, and rather than fighting with Arachnos over the ill-gotten loot, formed an alliance that has lasted unto this day.
Powers
Spiked Darts (Ranged, Lethal) Foe -Defense
Your Defense has been lowered.
Barrage of Spikes (Ranged, Damage over Time, Lethal) Foe -Defense
Your Defense has been lowered.
Spike Trap Foe -Speed, Low Lethal
All foes that walk through the Spike Trap will be Slowed and take damage.
Impale (Ranged) Foe Immobilize, -Defense, -Speed, -Fly, -Jump
Your running speed is reducedand you may be immobilized and unable to run, jump or fly.
Fling Spikes (Ranged, Cone, Lethal) Foe -Defense
Your Defense has been lowered.
Burst of Spikes Foe -Defense
Your Defense has been lowered.
Ripper Damage over Time(Lethal), -Defense
You are wounded! You are taking lethal damage and your defense is lowered.
Wretch
Main Article: Wretch
A twisted wreck of a human being, Wretch was horribly mutated in the same incident that slew Ghost Widow. He remains her loyal guardian and protector, using his immense strength and savage fury to protect her from all harm.
Powers
Jab Disorient
You have been disoriented.
Knockout Blow Hold
Wretch has hit you with a Knockout Blow. You are held.
Black Scorpion
Main Article: Black Scorpion
Black Scorpion is a man encased in a large, bulky suit of high-tech battle armor. Huge and menacing, the armor is equipped with a functioning scorpion-like tail on the backside, and the right arm ends in an intimidating blaster cannon.
Powers
Captain Mako
Main Article: Captain Mako
Gideon Ray is a savage Mutant who has evolved into what only can be described as a humanoid shark. His acts are even more terrible than his appearance, and few foes are even identifiable once Captain Mako is through with them. Mako is responsible for the death of Sharkhead Isle's most famous hero, Scrapyard.
Powers
Ghost Widow
Main Article: Ghost Widow
Beautiful, mysterious, and deadly. Ghost Widow appears to be an actual spirit from beyond the grave rather than a super with some sort of incorporeal power. Some have said she was once a rising star in the Night Widows when she was slain. Her thirst for vengeance must have been great, for she returned from the void and now serves at Recluse's side. There are rumors that her service isn't entirely voluntary, however.
Powers
Flight Self fly
Ghost Widow can Fly!
Gloom (Ranged) Damage over Time, Negative, Foe -Accuracy
Gloom slowly drains a target of life and reduces his chances to hit. Slower than Dark Blast, but deals more Damage over Time.
Dark Blast (Ranged, Negative, Damage over Time, Negative) Foe -Accuracy
A long range blast of dark energy. Deals moderate damage and reduces the target's chance to hit.
Torrent (Ranged, Cone, Smash) Foe -Accuracy
The Torrent has reduced your Accuracy.
Fearsome Stare (Ranged, Cone) Foe Fear, -Accuracy
The Fearsome Stare has terrified you and reduced your Accuracy.
Dark Obliteration Ranged, Targeted Area of Effect, Moderate damage, Negative, Foe -Accuracy
You hurl a large blast of negative energy that violently explodes on impact, exposing the dark power of the Netherworld to all foes near the target. Dark Obliteration can reduce the Accuracy of all affected targets. You must have Gloom or Soul Tentacles before selecting this power. Damage: Moderate. Recharge: Slow.
Scirocco
Main Article: Scirocco
Imad Malak was not always an evil man. Evil came to him from without. He was traveling in the deep desert near the Baka Valley deep in the Middle East. There he discovered an ancient tomb and stumbled inside. The tomb was that of a long-dead desert hero, and contained several objects of power including the bottle of the djinn Serafina. Also within was the hero's scimitar that granted the weilder incredible powers. Malak took the sword and donned the mantle of Scirocco. Unforunately, he fell under a curse and was driven to commit acts of great evil. He sold the other objects off to the highest bidder, the bottle ending up with the Circle of Thorns. Once a hero of the people, he is now a dark stain on their proud heritage. Imad wishes nothing more than to find some way to rid himself of the curse and find redemption.
Powers
Flight Self fly
Scirocco can Fly!
Ball Lightning Targeted Area of Effect (Energy), Damage Over Time, Foe -Endurance
Hurls a highly charged ball of lightning that explodes on contact. Ball Lightning deals good damage in an area and also drains some endurance from each target it hits.
Cage of Lightning (Ranged, Energy) Foe Sleep, -Endurance
You are trapped in a cage of lightning.
EM Pulse (Energy) Foe Hold, -Endurance, -Regeneration
You are Held by the EMP Pulse and your Regeneration rate is reduced.
Shocking Bolt Foe: Hold
The shock of energy has locked you in place -- you are held!
Dust Devils Foe: Disorient
You have been disoriented by the Dust Devil.
[[Image:|22px]] Lightning Blast
Whirling Sword Foe: -Defense
Scirocco has lowered your defense with his sword.
[[Image:|22px]] Desert Wind
Lord Recluse
Main Article: Lord Recluse
The Master of Evil, the Count of Cruel, the Archvillain of Anarchy. Lord Recluse has been called many things. But the people of the Rogue Isles know him as their lord and ruler. Lord Recluse has a mysterious tie with Paragon City's own Statesman - some even claim they were once close companions. Their hatred for one another certainly belies a secret perhaps best left buried.
Powers
Energy Punch
Disorient
You have been Disoriented.
Energy Smash Melee Smash, Knockup
A Super Strength Punch is a powerful pummeling attack, and it may knocks foes off their feet.
Spider Strike PBAoE Melee, Moderate DMG(Smash), Knockback
The Foot Stomp has damaged you.
Slice Melee, Heavy DMG(Lethal), DoT(Toxic)
You have been poisoned.
Arm Lash Melee, Heavy DMG(Lethal), Cone, -DEF
You defenses have been lowered.
Channelgun Ranged, High DMG(Energy), Foe -End, -Recovery
Your backpack has a built in energy Channelgun which fires bolts of energy.
Suppression Heavy DMG(Energy)
The Suppressive Fire from Lord Recluse is all around you.
Summon Bane Spiders Summon Bane Spiders
Summons Bane Spiders to fight for you.
Super Leap Self Auto, +Jump, +Speed
Lord Recluse can inherently jump real high and travel very fast.
Summon Army Summon Bane Spiders
Summons Bane Spiders to fight for you.
Resistance Resistance
Archvillain resistance.
When affected: Archvillain resistance.
Giant Monsters
Arachnos Flier
Main Article: Arachnos Flier
The Arachnos Flyers are used primarily for troop deployment. If you see one, run.
Named Enemies
Wolf Spider Ghost (minion)
These Wolf Spiders have discovered a method to become living ghosts. Though they are not completely used to it, they have already begun to master their new ghostly powers.
Powers
Gloom Ranged, Damage over Time (Negative), Foe -Accuracy
Gloom slowly drains a target of life and reduces his chances to hit. Slower than Dark Blast, but deals more Damaga over Time.
Ghastly Blast (Ranged, Negative, Damage Over Time) Foe -Accuracy
Your Accuracy has been reduced by a Ghastly Blast.
Shadow Punch Melee, Smash/Negative, Low Damage, Foe -Accuracy
A basic punch draws power from the netherworld. Shadow Punch deals moderate damage and reduces the target's accuracy.
Smite Melee, Smash/Negative, Medium Damage, Foe -Accuracy
More powerful version of Shadow Punch, Smite deals more damage, but takes longer to recharge. Like Shadow Punch, Smite can reduce the target's accuracy.
Wolf Spider Huntsman Ghost (boss)
These Wolf Spiders have discovered a method to become living ghosts. Though they are not completely used to it, they have already begun to master their new ghostly powers.
Powers
Gloom Ranged, Damage over Time (Negative), Foe -Accuracy
Gloom slowly drains a target of life and reduces his chances to hit. Slower than Dark Blast, but deals more Damage over Time.
Ghastly Blast (Ranged, Negative, Damage Over Time) Foe -Accuracy
Your Accuracy has been reduced by a Ghastly Blast.
Necroplasmic Grasp (Ranged) Damage over Time (Negative), Foe Hold
The Ghost has enveloped you in it's Necroplasmic Grasp. You are Held as your life is drained.
Shadow Punch Melee, Smash/Negative, Low Damage, Foe -Accuracy
A basic punch draws power from the netherworld. Shadow Punch deals moderate damage and reduces the target's Accuracy.
Smite Melee, Smash/Negative, Medium Damage, Foe -Accuracy
More powerful version of Shadow Punch, Smite deals more damage, but takes longer to recharge. Like Shadow Punch, Smite can reduce the target's Accuracy.
Special
Arachnos Mini Blaster (pet)
Main Article: Arachnos Mini Blaster
The Arachnos Mini-Blaster is a miniaturized and mass produced version of the Arachnos Heavy Blaster found in Recluse's Victory
Arbiter Drone (guard)
These deadly Drones have been dispatched by the Arachnos to maintain control and order. The Drones quickly deal with any nearby threaths by simply vaporizing the target.
Powers
Immobile Immobilize
Guards are immobile.
Tactics +Perception
The Arachnos Drone is improving your Perception.
Named Bosses
- Expedition Commander (Crab Spider Longfang) - Found on Stop Dr. Aeon's unauthorized dimension hopping from Technician_Naylor
- Huntsman Ohanko (Wolf Spider Huntsman)
- Mu'Thekesh (Mu Guardian)
- Operative Orrik (Crab Spider Longfang) - Found on Stop Orrik's surveillance mission from Kelly Uqua
- Operative Unger (Crab Spider Longfang)
- The Council Spy (Wolf Spider Huntsman)
- Wren (Tarantula Mistress)