Midnight Squad

Overview

A team of mystics, magicians, and scholars, the Midnight Squad originally banded together in 1933 to defend Paragon City from evil occultists like the Circle of Thorns. Unlike other hero organizations, the Midnight Squad typically operates in secrecy and shadow.

History

Unlike many of the other hero organizations that have blossomed and then faded in Paragon City's past, the Midnight Squad has endured in one form or another since the 1920's. This amazing record of success stems entirely from the fact that the Squad has never been a formal team of heroes like the Freedom Phalanx or Dawn Patrol. Instead it is more like a very exclusive private club, the only requirement for which is that you know a great deal about magic and the occult. Members come and go, but the club remains.

The group originally started as a sort of reading and study group for paranormal investigators in the 1920's. Many of the original members had respectable jobs as professors, historians, museum curators, and scientists. They could not be seen publicly meeting and discussing controversial subjects like demons, magic, ghosts, and spirit worlds. So they met in secret, often late at night in the home of one of their many wealthy patrons and members. Their goal was to gather and digest as much information as they could about the occult, cutting through all of the superstition and lies to reveal the inner truths of the magical world (if indeed there were any).

The group was catapulted into the ranks of hero organizations in 1933 when a mysterious sorcerer who called himself the Dream Doctor approached them. The good doctor was well aware of the secret meetings, although the group's members were not aware of him. A powerful magician in his own right, the Dream Doctor's magical powers came naturally to him. He was not well versed in the history and traditions of the occult. He had come into conflict with a group of evil sorcerers called the Circle of Thorns and he needed help. He paid a visit to one of the private club's midnight meetings and asked for their assistance.

The academics in the group had never thought of themselves as heroes, but they were shocked and horrified at the Dream Doctor's descriptions of the foul Circle of Thorns. The group agreed to help, and many of them were actually quite excited at the prospect. One of the members came up with the name Midnight Squad, inspired by their late night meetings. A few of the members even went so far as to make costumes and wear masks. The group joined the Dream Doctor and helped defeat the Circle of Thorns, at least in part. Thus an ongoing war between the Midnight Squad and the Circle of Thorns began, and continued to be waged for decades to come.

Over the years the Midnight Squad has gone through hundreds of members and many incarnations. For a time in the sixties and seventies its members wore tights and masks and fought like traditional super powered heroes, using magic instead of mutations. But ever since the 1980's the group has become less and less public. In the world of magic it is a very risky thing to let your enemies know too many details about you. Far better to operate in the shadows and keep your presence hidden from prying eyes. By the early nineties the group had largely faded from public life, although it still remained quite active in the war on evil.

During the Rikti War, the Midnight Squad played a tremendously important role, but they also paid an awful price. The Rikti advanced technology was quite vulnerable to mystic assault, and the alien invaders soon realized this weakness. As they fought both the Circle of Thorns and the Midnight Squad they became determined to both learn more about magic and also neutralize its threat. The Midnight Squad became a prime target for Rikti assassins, and the group's main headquarters was destroyed in a fusion bomb blast. Many of its more heroic sorcerers were captured in battle and are still missing to this day, presumed dead.

Today the Midnight Squad is but a shadow of its former self. There are few true heroes left in the organization. All that survives is the knowledge base the group has acquired over the decades. It's much more a research resource than an organization fit to fight. The few remaining members guard their collections of tomes and relics feverishly, fearful of letting their last bit of power slip through their fingers. They're more than willing to help other heroes take up the burden of direct conflict with evil powers, but they have no courage for battle themselves. A few of the members have taken to actually mentoring young heroes interested in using magic to fight evil, but even they do so with care, making sure they don't expose themselves to any of the many dangers they see lurking around every corner. In a way the group has come full circle, reverting back to its origins as a group for academics and occultists who pursue and process knowledge and then give it to others to do good with.

Members of the Midnight Squad

Known Roster

• Alistair McKnight
• Ashley McKnight (Daughter of Alistair)
• Tammy Arcanus (a.k.a. Numina)
• Montague Castanella (Leader)
• Percy Winkley
• Mercedes Sheldon
• Kadabra Kill
• Sigil
• Mortimer Kal
• Ephram Sha
• Exorcist
• All Player Characters with the Midnight Squad Badge

Known Former Members

• Dream Doctor (Founder)
• Pontice Doub (Founder, deceased)
• Tommy Arcanus (Tammy's father, deceased)
• Ross Coldwell (a.k.a. Darkvine, deceased: Killed in the Rikti War)
• John Knox (a.k.a. Crimson Fist, deceased: Killed in the Rikti War)
• Darrin Wade (Ex-member, left to strike out on his own after a falling out)
• Edgar Torvald (Researcher, deceased: Murdered by the Circle of Thorns)
• Nathan Crane (Researcher, deceased: Murdered by the Carnival of Shadows)

Members with Unknown Status

• Wylie Galloway
• The Monolith
• Bentley Berkeley

Researchers

The following people have done research for the Midnight Squad.

• Buck Salinger (Contact in Croatoa)
• Hinckley Rasmussen (Contact in Talos Island)

Common Enemy Types

Minions

Midnight Squad Force Mage

Force Mage

While the Midnight Squad does not heavily practice the dark arts, there are a handful that see it as a useful way to defend themselves against those who would try and do their group harm.

Levels: 14-44

Powers

Crystal Staff Ranged, Moderate Energy/Smash Damage, Foe -Damage, Knockdown, Self +Damage
The Crystal Staff has stolen your strength, reducing your Damage.

Brawl Melee, Light Smash Damage
When all else fails, use your own 2 fists.

Midnight Squad Spirit Master

Spirit Master

While the Midnight Squad does not heavily practice the dark arts, there are a handful that see it as a useful way to defend themselves against those who would try and do their group harm.

Levels: 14-44

Powers

Darkness Staff Ranged, Foe Hold
You have been petrified by the Darkness Staff.

Darkness Staff Gloom Ranged, Moderate Damage Over Time(Negative), Foe -ToHit
The Darkness Staff is slowly draining your life and reducing your Accuracy.

Brawl Melee, Light Smash Damage
When all else fails, use your own 2 fists.

Lieutenants

Midnight Squad Hermetic Master

Hermetic Master

While the Midnight Squad does not heavily practice the dark arts, there are a handful that see it as a useful way to defend themselves against those who would try and do their group harm.

Levels: 14-44

Powers

Falchion Melee, Moderate Lethal/Negative Damage
This small curved short sword has been enchanted to channel negative energy damage to its victims.

Tremor Point Blank Area of Effect, Moderate Smash Damage, Foe Knockback
A tremendous attack. Tremor shakes the very Earth itself, damaging and knocking back everything in a nearby area.

Fault Close (Targeted Area of Effect), Foe Disorient, Knockup
You are Disoriented.

Dispersion Bubble Toggle, Point Blank Area of Effect, Team Def( S30 L30 F30 C30 E30 N30 ), Prot( Ho 2.0 Im 2.0 St 2.0 )
Creates a large bubble which protects all allies inside. While active, the Dispersion Bubble gives all allies within increased defense to all attacks except psionic. The Dispersion Bubble also protects allies inside from immobilization, disorient and hold effects.

Spectre

Spectre

Summoned and controlled by the Midnight Squad, these Specters are the souls of Midnighters who have chosen to give not just their life to the service of the Midnighter Squad, but their soul as well.

Levels: 14-44

Powers

Fly Self Fly
Banished Pantheon Spirits can Fly!

Smite Melee, Moderate Negative/Psionic Damage, Foe -ToHit
You have been hit by Smite! Your accuracy is reduced.

Siphon Life Melee, Moderate Negative/Psionic Damage, Foe -ToHit, Self Heal
The Spectre taps the powers of the netherworld and its own psychic power to steal life from you and transfer some of it to himself. Your Accuracy has been reduced.

Gloom Ranged, High Damage over Time(Negative), Foe -ToHit
Gloom reduces your Accuracy.

Ethereal Self Invisible, Invulnerable
Spectres can make themselves Ethereal and shift out of the material plane. Ethereal Spectres are invisible, and cannot affect or be affected by those in normal space.

Resistance Auto, Res( S40 L40 E-30 N30 P-30 T30 ), Prot( Im 3.0 Kb 100 ), Res( Im 50% )
Spectres are non corporeal and highly resistant to Immobilization smashing, lethal and negative energy damage. However, they are vulnerable to Energy and Psionic damage.

Bosses

Living Armor

Living Armor

The Midnight Squad protects their treasures well.

Levels: 14-44

Powers

Push Back Melee (Cone), Extreme Damage(Smash), Foe High Knockdown
You attempt to Shatter the bones of your opponent by striking them with all your might. This attack will deal great damage and can knock foes back a great ways. The power of this attack can actually extend a short distance through multiple foes.

Slash Melee, Moderate Damage(Lethal), Foe -Defense, Chance for Critical Hit
You perform a quick Slash that can reduce a target's defense, making him easier to hit. This attack causes moderate damage, but has a quick recharge time.

Slice Melee (Cone), Moderate Damage(Lethal), Foe -Defense, Chance for Critical Hit
You Slice your sword in a wide arc, attacking all enemies in front of you. Slice does less damage than Slash, but can hit multiple foes and reduces their defense.

Whirling Sword Point Blank Area of Effect, Moderate Damage(Lethal), Minor Damage over Time(Lethal), Foe -Defense, Chance for Critical Hit
You perform a Whirling Sword maneuver, attacking all foes in melee range. This attack wounds your opponents, causing them to take minor damage over time and reduces their defense.

Hack Melee, High Damage(Lethal), Foe -Defense, Chance for Critical Hit
You Hack your opponent for a high amount of damage. This attack can reduce a target's defense, making him easier to hit.

Spear Ranged, High Damage(Lethal)
You throw a pilum at a foe, dealing heavy damage.

Energized Shield Toggle, Self Def( S15 L15 F15 C15 E15 N15 ), Res( Ho 300% Im 300% St 300% Sl 300%0 ), Prot( Kb 300% ), Resist(-Defense)
Kinetic Shield creates a harmonic Energy Aura that can deflect physical attacks. Your Defense to Smashing and Lethal attacks is increased as weapons and powers like bullets, blades and punches tend to deflect off the shield. Kinetic Shield also grants you good resistance to Defense Debuffs. The Energy based nature of Kinetic Shield also offers some minimal Defense to Energy attacks.

Resistance Auto, Self Res( S30 L50 F20 C60 E20 N60 P60 ), Prot( St 3.0 Sl 100 Co 100 Fr 100 ), Res( Im 70% ), Resist(Debuffs), +Recovery
Hercules Titans are resistant to all damage. Since they are machines, they are immune to Sleep and Fear powers.

Spectral Lord

Summoned and controlled by the Midnight Squad, these Specters are the souls of Midnighters who have chosen to give not just their life to the service of the Midnighter Squad, but their soul as well.

Smite Melee, Smash/Negative, Moderate 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.

Siphon Life Psionic/Negative Energy Damage, Foe -Accuracy
The Spectre taps the powers of the netherworld and it's own psychic power to steal life from you and transfer some of it to himself. Your accuracy has been reduced.

Gloom -ACC
Gloom reduces your Accuracy.

Midnight Grasp Immobilize, DoT(Negative), -ACC
You are being held motionless by dark tentacles, which are slowly draining your life. Your Accuracy is reduced.

Chill of the Night -ACC
The Chill of the Night surrounds you, reducing your Accuracy, and slowly dealing Negative Damage to you.

Fly Self Travel
Banished Pantheon Spirits can Fly!

Ethereal Self Invisible, Invulnerable
Spectres can make themselves Ethereal and shift out of the material plane. Ethereal Spectres are invisible, and cannot affect or be affected by those in normal space.

Resistance Auto, Self +Resistances: Smash, Lethal, Negative. Resist: Immobilize
Spectres are non corporeal and highly resistant to Immobilization, Smashing, Lethal and Negative Energy damage. However, they are vulnerable to Energy and Psionic damage.

Named Bosses

• Portal Master (Midnight Squad Hermetic Master lieutenant) (Found on Meet with Botis mission from Vincent Ross)

Special Enemy Types

Bosses

Dream Doctor

The man known only as Dream Doctor is the founder of the Midnight Squad. He is a master of sorcery and combat and was a member of the Freedom Phalanx during the 1940's. Dream Doctor is also responsible for sealing Rularuu in the Shadow Shard, an act that saved all of existence. He vanished one day, leaving a note that he went off into dreamspace to look for a way to help save the world from some threat. Dream Doctor's physical presence now can only mean that the threat is near, and that he is ready to help defend the world from it.

Mercedes Sheldon

While the Midnight Squad does not heavily practice the dark arts, there are a handful that see it as a useful way to defend themselves against those who would try and do their group harm.

Elite Bosses

Darrin Wade

Darrin Wade was once a loyal member of the Midnight Squad, a secret organization dedicated to learning everything there is to know about the unknown. However, there was a falling out and he left their organization. He did not leave empty-handed, though, taking some of their more priceless relics and tomes. He's managed to establish himself in the Rogue Isles as a broker of lost information and ancient artifacts.

Darrin Wade (Incarnate)

Darrin Wade was once a loyal member of the Midnight Squad, a secret organization dedicated to learning everything there is to know about the unknown. However, there was a falling out and he left their organization. He did not leave empty-handed, though, taking some of their more priceless relics and tomes. He's managed to establish himself in the Rogue Isles as a broker of lost information and ancient artifacts.

Montague Castanella

While the Midnight Squad does not heavily practice the dark arts, there are a handful that see it as a useful way to defend themselves against those who would try and do their group harm.

Archvillains

Exorcist

While the Midnight Squad does not heavily practice the dark arts, there are a handful that see it as a useful way to defend themselves against those who would try and do their group harm.

Mercedes Sheldon

While the Midnight Squad does not heavily practice the dark arts, there are a handful that see it as a useful way to defend themselves against those who would try and do their group harm.

Montague Castanella

While the Midnight Squad does not heavily practice the dark arts, there are a handful that see it as a useful way to defend themselves against those who would try and do their group harm.

See Also

• Midnighter Club
• Midnighter Club Member Badge
• Midnighter Archivist