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[[Image:Mender_Silos.jpg|100px|thumb|Mender Silos]]
== Overview ==
{{otheruses4|the villain Strike Force|the hero Task Force|Mender Silos Task Force}}


'''Trading Places'''
{{Infobox TF
|name=Trading Places
|image=[[File:Mender_Silos.jpg|100px]]
|contact=[[Mender Silos]]
|zone=[[Ouroboros]]
|x=690.4
|y=733.8
|z=-768.7
|size=1
|levels=46-50
|merits=10
|enemies={{Enemy Longbow}}{{Enemy Arachnos}}{{Enemy Vindicators}}{{Enemy Freedom Phalanx}}
|badge=}}
 
The '''Mender Silos Strike Force''' is the third of three [[Ouroboros]] [[Strike Force]]s.  The other two Ouroboros Strike Forces are started by [[Mender Lazarus]] and [[Mender Tesseract]].
 
This Strike Force can be completed solo, but due to the difficulty, a team is recommended.
 
{{red|Unlike normal Task Forces, [[Archvillain]]s/[[Hero]]s will spawn as [[Elite Boss]]es according to [[Notoriety]] and number of players in the team.}}
 
Mender Silos is found inside the building in Ouroboros, up the stairs.
 
 
__TOC__
{{clr}}


Contact: [[Mender Silos]]
{{EdNote|note= This story was originally published in issues #10 - 12 of the City of Heroes comic book. Enjoy.}}
<br>Level Range: 46 - 50
<br>Notes: You can attempt this task force solo, but a team is recommended.
<br>Zone: [[Ouroboros]]
<br>Location: Ouroboros Citadel ledge
<br>Primary Enemy: [[Longbow]]
<br>Name: Trading Places


==Missions==
== Missions ==


==={{UL|Agree to form a strike force}}===
{{ArcAward|m=10}}


'''Trading Places <br />Part One'''
=== {{UL|Agree to form a Strike Force}} ===
'''Trading Places <br />Part One'''<br />
'''Exemplar Level: 46-50'''


'''Briefing'''
'''Briefing'''


Greetings, {{Character}}.
It might be hard to believe that there was a time when [[Lord Recluse]] stood at the precipice of taking over [[Paragon City]].  As is so often the case, he and his '[[patron]]s' failed in their mission due to the supposed heroes of your time.  I propose a pronunciamento to you, one who is not so terrified of the taboo, that perhaps Recluse should have succeeded.  Not just for his gains or even all of the [[Rogue Isles]], no it's much bigger than that.  '''For mankind to survive the 'coming storm', Lord Recluse must rule the world.'''


{{color|purple|Editor's Note: This story was originally published in issues #10 - 12 of the City of Heroes comic bookEnjoy.}}
{{orange|Note: This series of mission is recommended for group play.  You're welcome to try it as a solo player, but it'll be toughConsider yourself warned and good luck either way.}}


'''Mission Acceptance'''
'''Mission Acceptance'''


text to enter
I'll send you back in time, insert you into the Arachnos and guide you through it all.  Our goal is to make sure Lord Recluse succeeds this time.


'''Mission 1 title'''
The first step is for you to track down a mendacious man I believe to be at the root of this.  Seek him out and aid him if he'll take it.  He is at the fulcrum of these events and you may very well be right at his side, {{Character}}.


text to enter
'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''
 
You need to find your way through the portal and into the life of Arachnos past.  It's not far back, you may even see yourself if you were a part of them in that 'then'.
 
But that is not important.  What is important is that you look for the man at the root of this struggle.  He will be at [[Siren's Call]]... waiting for you.
 
{{Mission Objective|Entrance=|Primary=Aid the "Mendacious Man"|Secondary=Escort Manticore to Arachnos Flyer|Additional=|Completion=You've escorted Manticore to the Arachnos flyer.  From here on out, it'll be Lord Recluse who determines what to do with him.}}


'''Enemies'''
'''Enemies'''
Line 38: Line 65:
'''Notable NPCs'''
'''Notable NPCs'''


* [[Manticore]] (Ally) (Elite Boss)  
* [[Manticore]] (Hostage/Ally), [[Hero]])  
* [[Ms. Liberty]] (Enemy) (Elite Boss)
* [[Ms. Liberty]] (Enemy) (Guarding Manticore, [[Hero]])
* Arachnos Fortunata {{Named|Faction=Arachnos Widows|Type=Fortunata}} (Ally, [[Minion]])
 


{{Ambush|After entering the mission, eventually, there will be an ambush by [[Longbow]].}}
{{Ambush|''"Manticore!  Get back here."''
Upon rescuing Manticore, there will be an ambush by [[Longbow]].<br />}}
{{NPC Text|type=villain|title=Arachnos Fortunata|text=
'''Upon Entering Mission:'''<br />
''"There is a strange aura about you, {{Character}}."''<br />
''"Come, we haven't the time.  Let us find him."''}}
{{NPC Text|title=Manticore (and Ms. Liberty) dialogue|text=
'''Before combat:'''<br />
:'''Ms. Liberty:'''  ''"Manticore?!"''<br />
:'''Manticore:'''  ''"Sorry"''<br />
:'''Ms. Liberty:'''  ''"Justin?!?"''<br />
:'''Manticore:'''  ''"No choice."''<br />
:'''Ms. Liberty:'''  ''"Why?"''<br />
'''Combat start:'''<br />
:'''Ms. Liberty:'''  ''"I see you've brought help."''<br />
:'''Manticore:'''  ''"Give me a hand here."''<br />
'''Upon rescue:'''  ''"Take me to your leader."''<br />
'''If lost:'''  {{orange|needs info}}<br />
'''If refound:'''  ''"Take me to your leader."''<br />
'''Upon reaching location:'''  {{red|no message}}}}
'''Debriefing'''
Well done, {{Character}}.  Are you wondering why you aren't seeing the changes in the time stream.  You wouldn't, not yet.  I however can.  You are a rock rising out of the stream with all of possibility flowing around you.
Before you leave, I want you to be aware of my gratitude.


{{Mission Clue|Name=Trading Places|Text=Mender Silos, a man who claims something beyond the good and evil you surround yourself with, sends you to Siren's Call to find Manticore. History tells him of a time when Manticore crossed the line from hero to villain. Silos believes that this point in history is key to determining what happens in the future and how to stop it. You go to Siren's Call and discover the [[Vindicators]] are there engaged in battle with Manticore. Never one to turn down a fight with Ms. Goody-two-shoes, you decide to aid Manticore. Afterwards, he looks you straight in the eye and says the funniest thing, 'take me to your leader.'
{{Mission Clue|Name=Trading Places|Text=Mender Silos, a man who claims something beyond the good and evil you surround yourself with, sends you to Siren's Call to find Manticore. History tells him of a time when Manticore crossed the line from hero to villain. Silos believes that this point in history is key to determining what happens in the future and how to stop it. You go to Siren's Call and discover the [[Vindicators]] are there engaged in battle with Manticore. Never one to turn down a fight with Ms. Goody-two-shoes, you decide to aid Manticore. Afterwards, he looks you straight in the eye and says the funniest thing, 'take me to your leader.'
Line 46: Line 105:
This should be interesting.}}
This should be interesting.}}


==='''Aid Manticore against Sister Psyche'''===
=== {{UL|Determine the true depths of Manticore's evil ways.}} ===
'''Trading Places <br />Part Two'''


'''Briefing'''
'''Briefing'''


[[Mender Silos]]: You don't have to hide your thoughts from me. I can see them all over your face. You don't believe Manticore would turn against his kind. Very well, I have just the place for you to go next. You will see who Manticore is willing to become.
You don't have to hide your thoughts from me. I can see them all over your face. You don't believe Manticore would turn against his kind. Very well, I have just the place for you to go next. You will see who Manticore is willing to become.


Are you interested in seeing this transformation ?
Are you interested in seeing this transformation ?


Recluse made a proposal to Manticore: take out [[Sister Psyche]]. If you had difficulty believing Manticore would turn on his own, you'll likely find this even harder to believe. So, go back in time and see what this man who claims to be a hero did and then tell me, is it the actions or the intention behind them that makes us heroes or villains ?
'''Mission Acceptance'''


[[Lord Recluse|Recluse]] made a proposal to Manticore: take out [[Sister Psyche]].  If you had difficulty believing Manticore would turn on his own, you'll likely find this even harder to believe.  So, go back in time and see what this man who claims to be a hero did and then tell me, is it the actions or the intention behind them that makes us heroes or villains ?


{{Mission Objective|Entrance=|Primary=Capture Sister Psyche|Secondary=|Additional=|Completion=You've found a hand written letter addressed to {{character}}.<br>You've aided Manticore in capturing Sister Psyche.}}
'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''


You need to go with Manticore and help him take out Sister Psyche.  Or, if he changes his mind, be there to witness what he does.  The Arachnos will believe that you are working for Lord Recluse directly.  They will give you no cause for worry.
{{Mission Objective|Entrance=Sister Psyche has infiltrated Arachnos.  Be warned, things might not be what they seem.|Primary=Aid Manticore against Sister Psyche|Secondary=Capture Sister Psyche|Additional=|Completion=You've aided Manticore in capturing Sister Psyche.}}


'''Enemies'''
'''Enemies'''


{{Enemy Arachnos}}
{{Enemy Arachnos}}
{{Enemy Longbow}}
{{EdNote|note=  Arachnos and Longbow will be hostile to each other.}}




'''Notable NPCs'''
'''Notable NPCs'''


* [[Manticore]] (Ally) (Elite Boss)  
* [[Manticore]] (Ally, [[Hero]])  
* [[Sister Psyche]] (Enemy) (Elite Boss)
* [[Sister Psyche]] (Enemy, [[Hero]])
 
 
''You've found a hand written letter addressed to {{Character}}.''
{{Mission Clue|Name=Dear {{Character}}...|Text=While time traveling into the past, you visit an Arachnos Base and in a crate you find a handwritten letter addressed to {{Character}}...
 
''While you have not yet met me face to face, I hope you've grown to see the truth to my words and begun to question your Ouroboros masters.  You, of all people, should not be bound by their constraints.  They have come all across the cosmos, disregarding the law of nature, but yet they bind you to the events they control.  Have you noticed how they rarely send you into the future?  What secret do they guard there that they don't want you to learn?''


''Mender Silos gives you no choice.  It is only I who offer you that simple right.  All I ask in return is that you question him, question Ouroboros, question everything - even me.  I expect nothing less from you.  You are an individual of intellect who will see through their lies and once you do, you will find me at the end of it, offering you the truth you deserve.  It is then and only then that we shall truly meet for the first time.''


{{Mission Clue|Name=Dear {{Character}}...|Text=While time traveling into the past, you visit an Arachnos Base and in a crate you find a handwritten letter addressed to {{character}}...
''Until that time, I trust that you have found my letters and have taken them to heart. Ultimately, the choice will be yours. As always, look for me in the Pillar. I will make myself known when the time is right.''


"While you have not yet met me face to face, I hope you've grown to see the truth to my words and begun to question your Ouroboros masters. You, of all people, should not be bound by their constraints. They have come all across the cosmos, disregarding the law of nature, but yet they bind you to the events they control.Have you noticed how they rarely send you into the future? What secret do they guard there that they don't want you to learn ?<br><br>Mender Silos gives you no choice. It is only I who offer you that simple right. All I ask in return is that you question him, question Ouroboros, question everything - even me. I expect nothing less from you. You are an individual of intellect who will see through their lies and once you do, you will find me at the end of it, offering you the truth you deserve. It is then and only then that we shall truly meet for the first time.<br><br>Until that time, I trust that you have found my letters and have taken them to heart.<br>Ultimately, the choice will be yours. As always, look for me in the Pillar. I will make myself known when the time is right.
''Travel well.''}}


Travel well."}}
{{NPC Text|type=villain|title=Arachnos chatter|text=
'''Combat start:'''  ''Must. Attack.  {{Character}}.''}}


{{NPC Text|title=Sister Psyche dialogue|text=
'''Combat start:'''  ''I can't believe Manticore would side with you.''}}


'''Debriefing'''
'''Debriefing'''


Well done. You've captured Sister Psyche. Now Lord Recluse will use her to power his [[Jade Spider]]. This of course, will kill her, nothing I'm sure you're too worried about. However, her death may well be what saves the world. I apologize if you find this mission morally ambiguous.
Well done. You've captured Sister Psyche. Now Lord Recluse will use her to power his [[Jade Spider]]. This of course, will kill her, nothing I'm sure you're too worried about. However, her death may well be what saves the world. I apologize if you find this mission morally ambiguous.
 
[[Mender Lazarus|Lazarus]] was right about you.  We did come to the correct time.


Lazarus was right about you. We did come to the correct time.
{{Mission Clue|Name=Trading Places|Text=Even though Manticore claims loyalty, Lord Recluse does not truly believe him.  A challenge is put forth to Manticore to 'capture Sister Psyche'.  You're sent in to aid Manticore, when in truth you know you're there to keep an eye on him if he happens to feel the need to become heroic again.  However, you discover that Sister Psyche isn't the type to just sit back and let herself be captured.  She's assaulted an Arachnos base looking for Manticore. She doesn't believe he'd turn and on the off chance he did, she decided to make some friends by mentally taking over the entire Arachnos base.}}


==='''Trading Places <br />Part Finale'''===
=== {{UL|Assault Siren's Call}} ===
'''Trading Places<br />Part Finale'''


'''Briefing'''
'''Briefing'''


The time has come. Recluse has made his assault on Siren's Call. From there he will sweep across Paragon and then the world. If my hypothesis is true, then he will succeed and in his success, he will actually save the world from annihilation.
The time has come. [[Lord Recluse|Recluse]] has made his assault on [[Siren's Call]]. From there he will sweep across [[Paragon City|Paragon]] and then the world. If my hypothesis is true, then he will succeed and in his success, he will actually save the world from annihilation.


<span style="color:green;">Assault Siren's Call</span>
'''Mission Acceptance'''


Siren's Call will be the staging ground for the Arachnos assault. You must go there and aid Lord Recluse's army. There will be many trying to stop you, but you must succeed.
Siren's Call will be the staging ground for the Arachnos assault. You must go there and aid Lord Recluse's army. There will be many trying to stop you, but you must succeed.


{{Mission Objective|Entrance=|Primary=50 Longbow to defeat|Secondary=|Additional=|Completion=}}
'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''


Go to Siren's Call.  Take down the Longbow and defeat every hero there.
{{Mission Objective|Entrance=The time has come for Lord Recluse to take his rightful place as ruler of the world.  Here, in Siren's Call, is where it all begins.|Primary=50 Longbow to defeat
* Defeat Synapse
* Defeat Ms. Liberty
* Defeat Mynx
* Defeat Infernal
* Defeat Malaise
* Defeat Numina
* Defeat Citadel
* Defeat Positron
* Defeat Synapse Again
* Defeat Manticore
* Defeat Sister Psyche
* Defeat Statesman|Secondary=|Additional=|Completion=You've managed to destroy the Freedom Phalanx as well as the Vindicators. Siren's Call is now in the hands of Arachnos.}}
[[File:Black Scorpion and Ghost Widow.jpg|thumb|250px|right|{{center|Arachnos' assault spearhead: Black Scorpion and Ghost Widow}}]]
'''Enemies'''
'''Enemies'''
{{Enemy Freedom Phalanx}}
{{Enemy Vindicators}}
{{Enemy Longbow}}
'''Neutral Forces'''


{{Enemy Arachnos}}
{{Enemy Arachnos}}
{{EdNote|note=  Neutral forces will not give experience or infamy for enemies they fully defeat.  They will not follow the team either.}}
'''Notable NPCs'''
* [[Jade Spider]] (Neutral) ([[Archvillain]])
* Arachnos Fortunata Mistress (Neutral) ([[Boss]])
* [[Ghost Widow]] (Ally) ([[Archvillain]], actually [[Boss]]-class)
* [[Black Scorpion]] (Ally) ([[Archvillain]], actually [[Pet (NPC)|Pet]]-class)
:Note: ''Though Ghost Widow and Black Scorpion are presented as [[Archvillain]]s, they are more like bosses.''


Hero set 1:
* [[Synapse]] (Enemy) ([[Hero]])
* [[Ms. Liberty]] (Enemy) ([[Hero]])
* [[Mynx]] (Enemy) (Hero)
[[File:Jade Spider Model Two.jpg|thumb|250px|right|{{center|The Jade Spider!}}]]
Hero set 2:
* [[Malaise]] (Enemy) ([[Hero]])
* [[Infernal]] (Enemy) ([[Hero]])
* [[Numina]] (Enemy) ([[Hero]])


'''Notable NPCs'''
Hero set 3:
* [[Citadel]] (Enemy) ([[Hero]])
* [[Positron]] (Enemy) ([[Hero]])
* [[Synapse]] (Enemy) ([[Hero]]) ...again.


* Arachnos Raid Leader {{Named|Faction=Tarantulas|Type=Tarantula Queen}}
Hero set 4:
* Arachnos Raid Leader {{Named|Faction=Mu Mystics|Type=Mu Guardian}}
* [[Manticore]] (Enemy) ([[Hero]])
* Arachnos Raid Leader {{Named|Faction=Bane Spiders|Type=Bane Spider Executioner}}
* [[Sister Psyche]] (Enemy) ([[Hero]])
* Arachnos Raid Leader {{Named|Faction=Crab Spiders|Type=Crab Spider Webmaster}}
* [[Statesman]] (Enemy) ([[Hero]])




{{Ambush|
{{Ambush|
After defeating each Raid Leader, there will be an ambush from Arachnos.}}
You will be ambushed by a hero when the hero is entering the mission. At the beginning there's no hero in the mission. Synapse will attack you after 15 Longbow have been defeated. When Synapse has been defeated, Ms. Liberty will attack you followed a little later by Mynx. Thereafter heroes will attack you in "sets" of 3 heroes like displayed in the NPC description. The heroes of a set will not appear simultaneously but with a short delay between each hero and not necessarily in the order given above. Beware that each hero has his/her Longbow support.}}
 
{{NPC Text|type=villain|title=Ghost Widow Dialogue|text=
'''Upon entering mission:'''  ''"Lead the way, {{Character}}.  We've got a world to rule."''}}
 
{{NPC Text|title=Freedom Phalanx and Vindicators' Ambush Dialogue|text=
 
'''Synapse:''' ''"Looks like I got here just in time."''<br />
'''Ms. Liberty:''' ''"Synapse, slow down!"''<br />
'''Mynx:''' ''Time to claw some eyes out.''<br />
'''Infernal:''' ''"We came as soon as you called, Liberty."''<br />
'''Numina:''' ''"Now this won't do at all."''<br />
'''Citadel:''' ''"Your logic is flawed, {{Character}}."''<br />
'''Positron:''' ''"Alright, it's time for the professionals."''
'''Synapse (second spawn):''' ''"I'm back!  What did I miss?"''<br />}}
 
{{Cutscene|Text=[[File:CutsceneManticore1.jpg|300px|right|thumb|{{center|Manticore's plan}}]]
'''Manticore:'''
 
:''You can tell your boss it was all a lie.''
 
:''Statesman and I set it all up from the beginning.''


:''Recluse, that egomaniac bought it.  To think that I would turn on the Phalanx.''


{{Mission Clue|Name=Manticore's Warning|Text=After you've defeated the Arachnos in [[Kings Row]], [[Manticore]] approached you...
:''These are my people... my family.''


'You must leave me alone.  I do not know who you are or where you come from.  At first I thought [[Statesman]] had sent you, but now I see that is not the case.  You've just gotten yourself mixed up in something that you best leave alone. I'm sorry, but you can't follow me down this path... no hero can.'}}
:''And this, this is for Sister Psyche.''}}




'''Debriefing'''
'''Debriefing'''


Did you speak with Manticore? What did he tell you?  Ah yes, it was a warning for you to stay away from him. Where do you think he is going?  What do you think he is doing?
You've managed to alter the timeline so that Lord Recluse overtook Siren's Call. From there, he will be able to siege Paragon City. There will be resistance of course, but all the major powers have been taken out thanks to you.
 
The causality curve should catch up to our own time like a wave. However, I must tell you, do not expect a tsunami to wash across us. There are too many other factors from then to now that could push the time back to when it was. Time is a difficult thing to change, often taking numerous alterations to make even a minor adjustment in the future.
 
This is why I have chosen to bring Ouroboros here rather than some when else. Lazarus and I have determined that this is the strongest temporal node with the potential for greatest alterations, but as with everything else, only time will tell.
 
== Souvenir ==
 
'''Trading Places'''
 
The hero known as [[Manticore]] has always walked a line between the light and the dark. On this day, he crossed it, joining [[Lord Recluse|Recluse]] and the rest of the villains to take down the [[Freedom Phalanx]]. However, his betrayal was not to the heroes but to the villains.
 
You aided him in his battle against the [[Vindicators]], bringing him into the fold of [[Arachnos]]. You were even there when he brought down [[Sister Psyche]]. With the way he coldly went after her, no one say he was 'faking' it.
 
Yet, when the moment of truth came and Lord Recluse began his assault on [[Siren's Call]], Manticore turned on you. Regretfully for him, his betrayal was too late. The [[Jade Spider]] performed perfectly, mentally commanding all those opposing to join Arachnos. The Phalanx and Vindicators were taken down. Even Manticore was made to pay for his double cross.


Only time will tell.
Lord Recluse was able to begin his true siege of [[Paragon City]]. You sit back in your own time and wait for what the [[Ouroboros]] call the causality curve to catch up to now.


== Reward ==
== Reward ==
Unlike the larger [[Task Forces]], "Trading Places" is more like a [[Story Arc]], and can be completed in about an hour. Consequently, it has no accomplishment badge, and offers only a Single Origin Enhancement reward instead of a Pool C [[Recipe]].
Unlike the larger [[Strike Force]]s, "Trading Places" is more like a [[Story Arc]], and can be completed in about an hour. Consequently, it has no accomplishment badge, and offers only 5 [[Merit Rewards|Reward Merits]].
 
 
 
 
 


{{Navbox Trials and Task Forces}}
[[Category:Trials and Task Forces]]
[[Category:Trials and Task Forces]]

Latest revision as of 10:23, 2 November 2022

Overview


Task Force
Trading Places
Mender Silos.jpg
Contact Mender Silos
Zone Ouroboros
Suggested Team Size 1 player
Coordinates (690.4, 733.8, -768.7)[Copy]
Level Range 46-50
Merits 10
Enemy Groups
v  d  e

The Mender Silos Strike Force is the third of three Ouroboros Strike Forces. The other two Ouroboros Strike Forces are started by Mender Lazarus and Mender Tesseract.

This Strike Force can be completed solo, but due to the difficulty, a team is recommended.

Unlike normal Task Forces, Archvillains/Heros will spawn as Elite Bosses according to Notoriety and number of players in the team.

Mender Silos is found inside the building in Ouroboros, up the stairs.



Editor's Note:

This story was originally published in issues #10 - 12 of the City of Heroes comic book. Enjoy.

Missions

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 10 Reward Merits.

Agree to form a Strike Force

Trading Places
Part One

Exemplar Level: 46-50

Briefing

It might be hard to believe that there was a time when Lord Recluse stood at the precipice of taking over Paragon City. As is so often the case, he and his 'patrons' failed in their mission due to the supposed heroes of your time. I propose a pronunciamento to you, one who is not so terrified of the taboo, that perhaps Recluse should have succeeded. Not just for his gains or even all of the Rogue Isles, no it's much bigger than that. For mankind to survive the 'coming storm', Lord Recluse must rule the world.

Note: This series of mission is recommended for group play. You're welcome to try it as a solo player, but it'll be tough. Consider yourself warned and good luck either way.

Mission Acceptance

I'll send you back in time, insert you into the Arachnos and guide you through it all. Our goal is to make sure Lord Recluse succeeds this time.

The first step is for you to track down a mendacious man I believe to be at the root of this. Seek him out and aid him if he'll take it. He is at the fulcrum of these events and you may very well be right at his side, Character.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You need to find your way through the portal and into the life of Arachnos past. It's not far back, you may even see yourself if you were a part of them in that 'then'.

But that is not important. What is important is that you look for the man at the root of this struggle. He will be at Siren's Call... waiting for you.

Mission Objective(s)

  • Aid the "Mendacious Man"
    • Escort Manticore to Arachnos Flyer

You've escorted Manticore to the Arachnos flyer. From here on out, it'll be Lord Recluse who determines what to do with him.

Enemies

Longbow


Notable NPCs


Ambush! After entering the mission, eventually, there will be an ambush by Longbow.

Ambush! "Manticore! Get back here."

Upon rescuing Manticore, there will be an ambush by Longbow.

Debriefing

Well done, Character. Are you wondering why you aren't seeing the changes in the time stream. You wouldn't, not yet. I however can. You are a rock rising out of the stream with all of possibility flowing around you.

Before you leave, I want you to be aware of my gratitude.

Clue
Trading Places

Mender Silos, a man who claims something beyond the good and evil you surround yourself with, sends you to Siren's Call to find Manticore. History tells him of a time when Manticore crossed the line from hero to villain. Silos believes that this point in history is key to determining what happens in the future and how to stop it. You go to Siren's Call and discover the Vindicators are there engaged in battle with Manticore. Never one to turn down a fight with Ms. Goody-two-shoes, you decide to aid Manticore. Afterwards, he looks you straight in the eye and says the funniest thing, 'take me to your leader.'

This should be interesting.

Determine the true depths of Manticore's evil ways.

Trading Places
Part Two

Briefing

You don't have to hide your thoughts from me. I can see them all over your face. You don't believe Manticore would turn against his kind. Very well, I have just the place for you to go next. You will see who Manticore is willing to become.

Are you interested in seeing this transformation ?

Mission Acceptance

Recluse made a proposal to Manticore: take out Sister Psyche. If you had difficulty believing Manticore would turn on his own, you'll likely find this even harder to believe. So, go back in time and see what this man who claims to be a hero did and then tell me, is it the actions or the intention behind them that makes us heroes or villains ?

Unnecessary Solicitation

You need to go with Manticore and help him take out Sister Psyche. Or, if he changes his mind, be there to witness what he does. The Arachnos will believe that you are working for Lord Recluse directly. They will give you no cause for worry.

Mission Objective(s)

Sister Psyche has infiltrated Arachnos. Be warned, things might not be what they seem.

  • Aid Manticore against Sister Psyche
    • Capture Sister Psyche

You've aided Manticore in capturing Sister Psyche.

Enemies

Arachnos
Longbow
Editor's Note:

Arachnos and Longbow will be hostile to each other.


Notable NPCs


You've found a hand written letter addressed to Character.

Clue
Dear Character...

While time traveling into the past, you visit an Arachnos Base and in a crate you find a handwritten letter addressed to Character...

While you have not yet met me face to face, I hope you've grown to see the truth to my words and begun to question your Ouroboros masters. You, of all people, should not be bound by their constraints. They have come all across the cosmos, disregarding the law of nature, but yet they bind you to the events they control. Have you noticed how they rarely send you into the future? What secret do they guard there that they don't want you to learn?

Mender Silos gives you no choice. It is only I who offer you that simple right. All I ask in return is that you question him, question Ouroboros, question everything - even me. I expect nothing less from you. You are an individual of intellect who will see through their lies and once you do, you will find me at the end of it, offering you the truth you deserve. It is then and only then that we shall truly meet for the first time.

Until that time, I trust that you have found my letters and have taken them to heart. Ultimately, the choice will be yours. As always, look for me in the Pillar. I will make myself known when the time is right.

Travel well.

Debriefing

Well done. You've captured Sister Psyche. Now Lord Recluse will use her to power his Jade Spider. This of course, will kill her, nothing I'm sure you're too worried about. However, her death may well be what saves the world. I apologize if you find this mission morally ambiguous.

Lazarus was right about you. We did come to the correct time.

Clue
Trading Places

Even though Manticore claims loyalty, Lord Recluse does not truly believe him. A challenge is put forth to Manticore to 'capture Sister Psyche'. You're sent in to aid Manticore, when in truth you know you're there to keep an eye on him if he happens to feel the need to become heroic again. However, you discover that Sister Psyche isn't the type to just sit back and let herself be captured. She's assaulted an Arachnos base looking for Manticore. She doesn't believe he'd turn and on the off chance he did, she decided to make some friends by mentally taking over the entire Arachnos base.

Assault Siren's Call

Trading Places
Part Finale

Briefing

The time has come. Recluse has made his assault on Siren's Call. From there he will sweep across Paragon and then the world. If my hypothesis is true, then he will succeed and in his success, he will actually save the world from annihilation.

Mission Acceptance

Siren's Call will be the staging ground for the Arachnos assault. You must go there and aid Lord Recluse's army. There will be many trying to stop you, but you must succeed.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Go to Siren's Call. Take down the Longbow and defeat every hero there.

Mission Objective(s)

The time has come for Lord Recluse to take his rightful place as ruler of the world. Here, in Siren's Call, is where it all begins.

  • 50 Longbow to defeat
  • Defeat Synapse
  • Defeat Ms. Liberty
  • Defeat Mynx
  • Defeat Infernal
  • Defeat Malaise
  • Defeat Numina
  • Defeat Citadel
  • Defeat Positron
  • Defeat Synapse Again
  • Defeat Manticore
  • Defeat Sister Psyche
  • Defeat Statesman

You've managed to destroy the Freedom Phalanx as well as the Vindicators. Siren's Call is now in the hands of Arachnos.

Arachnos' assault spearhead: Black Scorpion and Ghost Widow

Enemies

Freedom Phalanx
Vindicators
Longbow

Neutral Forces

Arachnos
Editor's Note:

Neutral forces will not give experience or infamy for enemies they fully defeat. They will not follow the team either.

Notable NPCs

Note: Though Ghost Widow and Black Scorpion are presented as Archvillains, they are more like bosses.

Hero set 1:

The Jade Spider!

Hero set 2:

Hero set 3:

Hero set 4:


Ambush! You will be ambushed by a hero when the hero is entering the mission. At the beginning there's no hero in the mission. Synapse will attack you after 15 Longbow have been defeated. When Synapse has been defeated, Ms. Liberty will attack you followed a little later by Mynx. Thereafter heroes will attack you in "sets" of 3 heroes like displayed in the NPC description. The heroes of a set will not appear simultaneously but with a short delay between each hero and not necessarily in the order given above. Beware that each hero has his/her Longbow support.

Manticore's plan

Manticore:

You can tell your boss it was all a lie.
Statesman and I set it all up from the beginning.
Recluse, that egomaniac bought it. To think that I would turn on the Phalanx.
These are my people... my family.
And this, this is for Sister Psyche.


Debriefing

You've managed to alter the timeline so that Lord Recluse overtook Siren's Call. From there, he will be able to siege Paragon City. There will be resistance of course, but all the major powers have been taken out thanks to you.

The causality curve should catch up to our own time like a wave. However, I must tell you, do not expect a tsunami to wash across us. There are too many other factors from then to now that could push the time back to when it was. Time is a difficult thing to change, often taking numerous alterations to make even a minor adjustment in the future.

This is why I have chosen to bring Ouroboros here rather than some when else. Lazarus and I have determined that this is the strongest temporal node with the potential for greatest alterations, but as with everything else, only time will tell.

Souvenir

Trading Places

The hero known as Manticore has always walked a line between the light and the dark. On this day, he crossed it, joining Recluse and the rest of the villains to take down the Freedom Phalanx. However, his betrayal was not to the heroes but to the villains.

You aided him in his battle against the Vindicators, bringing him into the fold of Arachnos. You were even there when he brought down Sister Psyche. With the way he coldly went after her, no one say he was 'faking' it.

Yet, when the moment of truth came and Lord Recluse began his assault on Siren's Call, Manticore turned on you. Regretfully for him, his betrayal was too late. The Jade Spider performed perfectly, mentally commanding all those opposing to join Arachnos. The Phalanx and Vindicators were taken down. Even Manticore was made to pay for his double cross.

Lord Recluse was able to begin his true siege of Paragon City. You sit back in your own time and wait for what the Ouroboros call the causality curve to catch up to now.

Reward

Unlike the larger Strike Forces, "Trading Places" is more like a Story Arc, and can be completed in about an hour. Consequently, it has no accomplishment badge, and offers only 5 Reward Merits.