Peter Stemitz

Overview

Peter Stemitz
Shaman
Zone	Founders' Falls
Coordinates	(4357.5, 0, 1955.5)
Level Range	30-34
Introduced by	Miriam Bloechl Jose Escalante
Introduces	?
Enemy groups	Circle of Thorns Council Devouring Earth

Peter Stemitz is a City of Heroes contact located in the Liberty Town neighborhood of Founders' Falls at coordinates (4357.5, 0, 1955.5). Peter Stemitz is a Magic origin contact. His level range is 30-34.

Introductions

Contact Introduced By

• Miriam Bloechl
• Jose Escalante

New Contact(s)

Need New Contact Info

Information

Shaman

Peter Stemitz's body is the most recent home of an ancient shaman who has been reborn for thousands of years. In his head is an encyclopedic knowledge of spiritual matters and a phenomenal amount of magical ability. Beneath that head is the body of a 23 years old guitarist who plays in a punk rock band on the weekends and has been known to use his magic for impressing women, rather than saving the world. Fortunately, you can't have an ancient spirit in your body without having a conscience to go with it. Peter genuinely cares for people of the world, and he's happy to use his wisdom to help the heroes who defend them. If he also happens to get free drinks by magically curing the bartender's acne, so much the better.

Initial Contact

Missing Initial Contact Dialog

Story Arc

Souvenir

Note from Akarist

You've kept this crumpled note from the Circle of Thorns traitor, Akarist. It's a reminder of the time you liberated:

The Library of Souls

It began with a rescue mission. You were too late to save Edgar Torvald, a researcher who had been investigating Oranbega, the home of the Circle of Thorns. But you did find his last message, a map scratched into his jacket lining.

You raided the Magic Library marked on the map, but instead of books, you found several crystals containing a powerful energy. The Circle then kidnapped one of the researchers MAGI would need to decipher the crystals' power. When you rescued her, she told you that she had been spared from certain death by a mysterious Circle mystic named Akarist. This same Akarist had told her how to access the crystals you had earlier uncovered.

You descended into the depths of Oranbega once more in an attempt to contact Akarist. He fought you and perished in the battle, but left behind a cryptic message full of dire warnings about the knowledge you sought.

Due to Akarist's hints, the truth about the crystals was revealed: they were receptacles for souls that had been imprisoned by the Circle of Thorns. One of the trapped souls explained that the Circle's spirit thorns could be used to usurp control of a body. Acting on this information, you confiscated a number of spirit thorns before they were sold in the city's underworld.

One of the imprisoned souls claimed to know where a much larger Library of Souls was. Unfortunately, he was having trouble getting his bearings. You took the crystal containing the soul of Ashton Fletcher to the place where he died, so that he could orient himself.

One of these trapped souls proved to be none other than a henchman of Baron Zoria, the reputed founder of the Circle of Thorns. According to this soul, the Baron was not the Circle's leader. Instead, he was a prisoner in another soul crystal. What's more, Akarist, the Circle mystic who had helped you, was to be imprisoned within a soul crystal as a traitor. Descending once more beneath the city, you rescued both Zoria and Akarist, and learned the truth about the Circle of Thorns.

For nearly a century, the Circle of Thorns was believed to be a cult working out of the ancient underground ruins of Oranbega. The truth is far more sinister. Oranbega is no ruin, but a city of spectral wizards, wraith-like mages who have lived in it since before recorded history.

Rescue Edgard Torvald

Briefing

I've got a mission for you. A librarian named Edgar Torvald was recently abducted by the Circle of Thorns. Torvald's been doing some research for the Midnight Squad, that group of academics who try to help the city's heroes with magical conundrums. They think that the Circle might have taken him because he was trying to map out the known areas of Oranbega, the sunken city the Circle calls home. Can you rescue Torvald before the Circle does away with him?

The Circle hates having people pry into their secrets. If you don't move quickly, Torvald probably won't last for long.

Mission Objective(s)

The lost halls of the ancient city of Oranbega echo with your every movement.

• Find Edgar Torvald

You found Edgar Torvald's body

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

	Body of Edgar Torvald
	Though there is no sign of violence, Edgar Torvald lies dead. You notice that he seems to have scratched a crude map into the lining of his jacket. Of particular interest is a room marked 'The Magic Library.'

Debriefing

There was nothing you could have done. Torvald was probably dead before anyone even knew he was missing. He did leave us a clue, though. He scratched a rough map on the inside of his jacket. This Magic Library he indicates might be worth checking out. It won't bring Torvald back, but it might let his death mean something.

I pray that the visions I share with you will help bring wrongdoers to justice.

Pry into the secrets of the Magic Library

Briefing

Well, I've talked to all of the experts on Oranbega, and I've had them take a look at this map Torvald left us when he died. I think it may be possible to reach the map's Magic Library. If Torvald thought the place was important enough to record with his last moments, it bears investigation. Are you ready to pry into the secrets of the Magic Library?

The Circle of Thorns have made the lost city of Oranbega their home ever since Baron Zoria founded them back in the 20's. We've always thought that finding Oranbega might have been the key to the mystic might the Baron unlocked. Maybe this Magic library can tell us how he did it! Take anything you find to Azuria over at MAGI. She'll know how to put it to use.

Mission Objective(s)

The ancient stone walls seem to emanate a watchful malevolence. It is as if the dead of this city know you are here.

• Investigate Magic Library
  • 3 crystals to find

You found several strange crystals in the Oranbegan Magic Library.

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• Librarian (Agony Mage)

Librarian Dialog

Before combat:
Combat start: A hideous fate awaits all who would trespass here.

	Glowing crystal
	This crystal radiates light from each of its perfect geometric faces. It feels warm in your hands, and strangely heavy.

	Shadowed crystal
	The dark facets of this perfect geometric crystal are cold to the touch, and it seems to emanate a palpable aura of darkness. You can feel some sort of inscriptions on the crystal's surfaces, but the dark aura makes them impossible to read.

	Inscribed crystal
	This perfect geometric crystal sheds no light or warmth. Its surface is inscribed with numerous magical runes.

Ambush! After exiting the mission you will be ambushes by a single group of Circle of Thorns mystics

Mission Objective(s)

• Take crystals to Azuria

Azuria

Debriefing I have felt the strange vibrations of these crystals ever since you brought them up from the ruins of Oranbega. They hold a great deal of energy, and are wrapped in layers of spells. I would guess that they are some sort of tool used in the Circle's magical training. Each crystal is a repository of knowledge. I will study them, and get my findings to Peter Stemitz at once. I must tell you one more thing. You appeared in one of my visions last night. I see much danger in your future, as well as much opportunity. I do not know if it is for good or ill, I believe we shall learn a great deal about the Circle of Thorns.

Debriefing

MAGI is studying the artifacts you found in Oranbega's Magic Library. As soon as they know anything, they'll pass it along.

Rescue Naomi Hutchins

Briefing

I just heard from Azuria. She hit a road block while trying to analyze those crystals you found in the Oranbegan Magic Library, so she called in a specialist: Naomi Hutchins, expert in geometric magics and earth sorceries. Trouble is, Naomi never showed up. She was kidnapped by the Circle before she even got to MAGI! I know it's a lot to ask, but someone must rescue Naomi Hutchins before the Circle makes sure she's never heard from again.

I'd hate to see Naomi end up like poor Edgar Torvald. We've got to get her back before the Circle can silence her with the same brutal tactics.

Mission Objective(s)

The last time you tried to rescue one of the Circle's victims, you found him dead. You can only hope the same hasn't befallen Naomi Hutchins.

• Defeat kidnapper, his coven

You have rescued Naomi Hutchins and defeated her captors.

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• The Talon of Flame (Circle of Thorns Behemoth Lord)
• Naomi Hutchins (NPC Hostage)

The Talon of Flame Dialog

Before combat: I was summoned to consume a human scholar. Akarist had best not reneged on this pact.
Combat start: My promised prey may be denied to me, but you will do.

Naomi Hutchins Dialog

Naomi Hutchins: I thought I was done for. Listen, I have some important to tell you!

	Naomi's story
	When you rescued Naomi Hutchins, she told you: 'They were going to sacrifice me, but he saved me! Akarist! He's a Circle mystic, but for some reason he told the rest of them not to hurt me. Then he took me aside, and he told me about those strange crystals you found. He told me how to get past the defensive spells set upon them. I don't know why he saved me, but I'll never forget his kindness!

Debriefing

Naomi Hutchins is safe at MAGI, thanks to you. She seems to have learned a lot from her time in the Circle's captivity. We may soon know more about those strange crystals you found. From the sound of her story, Naomi was saved by one of the Circle's own mages, this Akarist. Puzzling, Puzzling.

Find Akarist

Briefing

When you rescued Naomi Hutchins from the Circle of Thorns, she said she was protected by a Circle mystic named Akarist. If he really did save Naomi and tell her how to access those strange crystals you found, maybe he's trying to get that information to us. Maybe he's even looking to change sides. I've never heard of a Circle defector before; this could well be a first! I want you to find this Akarist and see if he's really on our side.

From Naomi's description, this Akarist sounds pretty powerful. I'd suggest that you ready yourself in case he isn't willing to talk.

Mission Objective(s)

The ancient depths of the lost city seem endless.

• Find Akarist, his coven

You have defeated Akarist. After the battle, you found a crumpled note tucked into his robes.

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• Akarist (Circle of Thorns Agony Mage)

Akarist Dialog

Before combat: I know that you are here, Hero. I know why you are here.
Combat start: This time we must fight. But should you defeat me, I may have something for you.

Message from Akarist

This message is penned in a spidery hand. It reads: 'Records show that I was a kind man once, though I can barely remember that now. Perhaps that is why I have helped you more than I should. The crystals you took are no mere baubles; they are something far greater, and far more horrifying. The knowledge I gave your researchers will point the way. 'Now that I have lived again and felt the sunlight once more, I realize that we cannot go on as we have. And so I bring you the wisdom with which to fight the evil we have become. Soon, you will comprehend the fate of all those flung into the abyssal void. You will know the truth, and you will despair. 'Akarist'

Debriefing

I hoped that Akarist was willing to leave the Circle, but that may have been too optimistic. No one ever leaves the Circle. This note he left you is so strange. At least we can thank him for telling us how to unravel the protection spells on those crystals you found. I'll check with MAGI and see if they've made any progress.

Talk to Azuria

Briefing

I had a chance to speak with Azuria over at MAGI about those crystals you found in the Circle's Magic Library. I think you need to go over there and talk to her right away. They've found out what those crystals really are, and Azuria sounded pretty shaken up.

I've never heard Azuria sound this ruffled. You better hurry.

Mission Objective(s)

• Talk to Azuria about crystals

Azuria

Briefing The Circle mystic, Akarist, pointed our research in the proper direction. Thanks to him, we now know exactly what these crystals are. They are receptacles, crystalline cages for the souls of those who have been cast from their bodies by the Circle of Thorns! The brightly glowing crystal contains over a dozen such souls, from an ancient Roman centurion to a Dawn Patrol hero who disappeared in the late 30's. That shadowed crystal is a prison for souls who have been uncooperative. We believe that there are two spirits trapped in there right now. Finally, the clear crystal is used to transport a captured soul. It seems you didn't raid a library of arcane lore, but a Library of Souls! One of the displaced souls told us a horrifying thing about the Circle's spirit thorns. We aren't yet sure we can trust it, but we do know that the Circle plans to release several of these spirit thorns onto the black market. You must stop this.

Mission Objective(s)

Azuira's instructions have led you to an old warehouse. The prickling hairs on your arms alert you to the presence of something unnatural.

• Recover spirit thorns

You have recovered the Circle's strange spirit thorns.

	Spirit thorns
	You recovered these spirit thorns before the Circle could make them available on the black market. Such thorns are typically given by the Circle of Thorns to power-hungry mages. When thrust into the mage's heart, a thorn can greatly amplify his power.

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• Thorn Keeper (Circle of Thorns Thorn Caster (Fire))

Thorn Keeper Dialog

Before combat: The Warriors are late for the meeting
Combat start: Can no plan occur in this city without meddling?

Mission Objective(s)

• Return thorns to Azuria

Azuria

Debriefing From the souls trapped within these crystals, we have learned the true nature of the spirit thorns. We always assumed that they were relics of power given to the Circle's favored members. Now we know that they are traps! When a mage plunges a spirit thorn into his heart, it opens a gateway into his very soul that the Circle can exploit. Through it they can posses the thorn bearer, overriding his will, supplanting and imprisoning his very soul. This is a vile and evil magic. Thank you for preventing its spread.

Debriefing

Trapped souls in crystals, spirit thorns that destroy souls, and the Circle of Thorns presiding over it all from the depths of Oranbega. It's unbelievable! I'm simply amazed that the Circle has been using those spirit thorns to override the souls of new devotees. I knew they were evil, but I never knew they cannibalized their own acolytes!

Help the soul within the crystal orient itself

Briefing

The souls trapped within the Circle's crystals continue to give Azuria more information about the Circle of Thorns and their sunken city of Oranbega. One of them claims to know the location of the great Library of Souls where many more spirits are kept in torment. However, the soul needs to orient himself before he can remember the library's exact location. Will you take the crystal containing a dead man's soul to find the place where he died?

I knew you wouldn't falter. Azuria sent me the crystal containing the spirit who's willing to help us. His name is Ashton Fletcher, and according to what he has told us, he was a sailor aboard the Novus Cartago Expedition in the early 1600's. Mr. Fletcher here will need to get his bearings. In order to do that, he asks to be returned to the last place he went before he met his fate at the hands of the Circle of Thorns.

	Soul of Ashton Fletcher
	The surface of this perfect geometric crystal is inscribed with numerous magic runes. A single point of light lies at the crystal's heart, and it sheds an unnatural warmth. As you hold it in your hand, you can sense the thoughts of Ashton Fletcher, a young man who died more than 400 years ago. He seems excited to be out on an adventure again, even if it's only a small one.

Mission Objective(s)

Ashton's spirit has led you to this place. It yearns to go inside and explore, but you can see telltale signs that the Devouring Earth have taken up residence here.

• Find landmarks
  • 3 landmarks to find

Ashton's soul has found its bearings. As you ready to leave, you find a scribbled note from the Circle mystic Akarist.

Enemies

Devouring Earth
Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• Akarist

Akarist Dialog

Before combat:
Combat start: Surprised to see me again? You shouldn't be!

Akarist's second message

This message is penned in a spidery hand. It reads: 'From your route I can see that you must have one of the Novus Cartago crew with you. Understand that such a creature's knowledge is fragmentary at best, and be on your guard. Invisible eyes watch your every step. Do you understand, now? Do you judge us? It was all we could do, once we learned the forces that threatened us. We needed flesh, and so we took it. 'We have become inhuman, evil, corrupt. But even I have to wonder: after all we have become, is such evil not our right? 'Akarist

Notes

There's a brief message after discovering each clue:

• After finding the strange stone marker: You can sense that Ashton's soul remembers this place. It was this intriguing marker stone that convinced Ashton and his comrades to explore the caves further.

• After finding the rubble: You can sense that Ashton's soul remembers this place. It is here that he and his comrades tried to dig their way out of the Circle's trap.

• After finding the bones: You can sense that Ashton's soul recognizes these bones and feeble tatters of clothing. This body was once his own.

Debriefing

Thanks for helping Ashton's soul get his bearings. Now that he's oriented himself, he should be able to take us to the underground library where the rest of the Circle's imprisoned souls are kept. You say that Circle mystic was there again? Akarist? How strange. These messages keeps sending you are so cryptic. What is he getting at?

Liberate the imprisoned souls

Briefing

With your help, one of the trapped souls you recovered has shown us the way to the Greater Library of Souls, deep within the ruins of Oranbega. The souls of hundreds, possibly thousands of Paragon's missing are trapped down there. Will you liberate those imprisoned souls?

According to Ashton's soul, there are ten crystals down there, each of which holds a hundred or more trapped souls. As soon as you recover all ten, get them to MAGI. They'll know how to keep the crystals safe.

Mission Objective(s)

You hear the whispers of tormented spirits in the echo of every footstep.

• Liberate the Library of Souls
  • 10 soul crystals remaining

You have recovered all of the soul crystals.

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• Librarian (Circle of Thorns Agony Mage)

Patrolling Circle Minions Dialog

Circle Minion 1: Find the intruder!

(aggroed)

Circle Minion 1: I will send your soul to the netherworld!

Circle Minion 2: I will boil your blood!

Librarian Dialog

Before combat:
Combat start: I will personally add you to our collection!

	Soul crystals
	These crystals glow brightly with the light of the hundreds of souls trapped within. They are warm to the touch.

	Darkened soul crystal
	The darkness that radiates from this crystal draws all the warmth from the air around it. The anguished thoughts of the souls within brush against the edges of your mind.

Ambush! After exiting the mission you will be ambushed by a group of Circle of Thorns mystics

Mission Objective(s)

• Take crystals to Azuria

Azuria

Debriefing I am relieved to see that you have recovered all the soul crystals. As we learn more about these severed souls, I foresee a day when we may be able to release them from their crystal prisons.

Debriefing

It will take MAGI years to sort through all of the souls trapped in those crystals and put them to rest. But without you, they wouldn't even have a chance.

You know, I've been thinking. Do you remember Ashton Fletcher, the sailor from the 1600's whose soul was in the first crystal you found? From what we know, the Circle of Thorns started in the 1920's when Baron Zoria discovered Oranbega and unlocked its magics. So how could Ashton have been trapped by the Circle of Thorns way back in the 17th century? I have a feeling that the souls you recovered might still have some things to tell us

Recover Zoria and Akarist

Briefing

I just got word from MAGI. They've made contact with one of the souls in the strangely darkened crystal you recovered from the Greater Library of Souls. It claims to be the soul of Lord Frostimus, one of Baron Zoria's old allies from the 1920's. What's more, it claims that the Baron himself is also a prisoner in another soul crystal! It says that it was transferred from the Baron's crystal to make room for a special guest: a Circle of Thorns traitor named Akarist! If half of what Frostimus claims is true, this could be the biggest break we've ever had against the Circle of Thorns. Will you recover Zoria and Akarist?

You should be able to find Zoria in a dark soul crystal, like the one you already recovered. I don't know whether Akarist's alive or dead, but keep your eyes peeled for him.

Akarist

Mission Objective(s)

You have seen much of Oranbega, but today the crushing weight of its age presses down on you as never before.

• Rescue Zoria and Akarist

You have recovered Baron Zoria and rescued Akarist.

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• Akarist (NPC Ally) (Pet)
• Agony Mage (Guarding Akarist)

Ambush! After freeing Akarist you will be ambushed by a group of Circle of Thorns mystics

Akarist Dialog

Akarist: For the moment, I stay my hand. Count yourself lucky, Furias.
Agony Mage: Don't make me laugh, Akarist. You're lucky we don't discorporate you.

(aggroed)

Agony Mage: Destroy the intruder!

(once free)

Akarist: For now, I will aid you against my brethen.

Soul of Baron Zoria

The lone prisoner within this dark crystal lashes out at your touch. You can sense the thoughts of the spirit trapped within: 'We were fools, we were deceived. We asked for their power, and they came. They gave us the thorns, telling us they were the key to great power. 'We stabbed the thorns into our hearts, never knowing that by doing so, we were giving up our souls. Some they flung to the void. Others they kept in these crystal prisons. Our bodies they usurped, our forms they wore as clothing. They were mere spirits, but we gave them flesh!'

Akarist's story

When you rescued Akarist, he told you: 'Fool Zoria thought to invoke us as gods, for as such we have been worshiped. We clothed ourselves in their flesh, took over the bodies of those who sought our favor. As living people, we could once again summon demons and perform all our old magics. We told ourselves we sought only security. But the truth is, we wanted power. Oranbega is no lost city. No empty sepulcher of abandoned stone. Every hall, every chamber is filled with us. Invisible wraiths, we have floated through uncountable eons, here in the city we built before history, before we lost our own humanity. Oranbega is no ruin. Oranbega is a living city. A living city of the dead. And through the gulfs of eons, I am the first to betray it. I must now leave Oranbega.'

Debriefing

So, the Circle's acolytes are really just hollow shells, inhabited by the spirits of long-dead Oranbegans? Uhg, Akarist was right. I almost wish I didn't know. This is mind-boggling! All those ghosts, living under our feet for thousands of years! You've done the city a great service by uncovering this secret. Now that we know how they operate, perhaps we can strengthen our fight against the Circle of Thorns.

Missions

Retrieve one of the spirit thorns

Briefing

The Circle of Thorns are planning to give the gift of a spirit thorn to a mystic they're trying to indoctrinate, but my contacts have had a lucky break and have pinpointed where the thorn is probably being kept for the time being. I'd like you to do a favor for the folks over at MAGI. Can you retrieve the spirit thorn used from the Circle of Thorns? The researchers at MAGI hope that if they can her hands on one, they can figure out exactly how the Circle is channeling power. You'll have to hurry, though, the Circle is very protective of those thorns. If they get the slightest inkling you're after one, they could guard it behind powerful wards and barriers, or even make it disappear into mist. You'll have at most 1 hour to prevail.

Remember, the clock is ticking. You have to get the thorn before the Circle realizes what you're up to. The thorn is really your only objective, but getting it out of Oranbega won't be easy.

Mission Objective(s)

The scent of inciense hanges heavy in the air, and you stifle a sneeze

• Get spirit thorn from Circle (60:00)

You defeated the Circle of Thorns and recovered a spirit thorn

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• None

	Spirit thorn
	This is one of the spirit thorns given by the Circle of Thorns to power-hungry mages. When thrust into the mage's heart, it can greatly amplify his or her power

Debriefing

Thanks, Hero. Azuria will be glad to get her hands on this.

Hit the streets and defeat a few Circle of Thorns mystics

Briefing

The Circle of Thorns have recently being increasing their numbers on the streets of Paragon City. With mystics and summoned fiends, they've been terrifying citizens everywhere. They have to constantly be confrontedand defeated. I would like to ask you to continue to battle the Circle of Thorns wherever they may be.

A great deal of recent activity has been occurring in Founders' Falls but anywhere you fight against them, your help would be welcomed.

Mission Objective(s)

• Combat Circle of Thorns menace
  • Defeat 35 Circle of Thorns

You have defeated enough of the Circle of Thorns

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Debriefing

Great job dealing with those Circle of Thorns, Hero.

Save the lawyers from the Circle of Thorns

Briefing

Have you heard of the Patterson & Patterson, the deffense attorneys? They've been in the news a lot lately for their well-nigh miraculous success, no matter how hardened their client, they always seem to win an acquittal. Well, the Pattersons are in big trouble. I've heard rumors that the Circle of Thorns is going to raid their firm today, and they plan to sacrifice every last person inside. Do you think that you can save those lawyers from the Circle of Thorns?

The Pattersons even defended some Council soldiers who were involved in a munitions theft. Hard to believe, but they got them off.

Mission Objective(s)

A framed photo shows Warren Patterson himself shaking hands with the mayor of Paragon City. It's funny, but you could swear he looks slightly uncomfortable.

• Defeat all mystics in law firm
  • 6 portal stones to destroy

You defeated the Circle of Thorns and rescued the lawyers

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• Warren Paterson, Esq (NPC Hostage)

Warren Patterson Dialog

(aggroed)

Circle of Thorns Lieutenant: This building and everyone inside will soon be sucked into Hell, Hero. I'm more than happy to include you!

(once free)

Warren Paterson, Esq: I swear, I'll never sell my soul to a demon again! I mean never!

Debriefing

So, old Warren Patterson sold his soul to a demon, huh? I guess that explains why every judge in Paragon City seemed to have gone soft in the noggin. But Warren reneged, he wouldn't surrender his soul. And the Circle came calling to collect. They probably hoped to gain the demon's allegiance by sacrificing Warren along with his entire staff. It probably would have worked, too.

Go to Founders' Falls and battle the Council to distract them

Briefing

I need to ask you to help me out by running a bit of a distraction. Some of the other, less powerful heroes I work with are planning a raid against the Council, but I have reason to think that they're being watched by Ascendant agents. So I'd like to ask you to give the Council something else to think about. If you could hit their operations in Founders' Falls, that might help to keep their eyes off of the other team long enough for them to accomplish their missions.

With your reputation, it shouldn't be too hard for to make the Council concentrate on you for a while. Just remember that if it's to work you'll need to do your fighting in Founders' Falls. If you're having trouble finding Council troops, you could try Liberty Town and Williams Square, but I'm sure they'll notice you wherever you fight in the zone.

Ambush! After accepting the mission you will be ambushed by a single squad of Council soldiers

Mission Objective(s)

• Combat Council in Founders' Falls
  • Defeat 35 Council

Your distraction has allowed Allison King's plan to go off just as planned

Enemies

Council

Debriefing

Great job distracting the Council, Hero. Those other heroes were able to pull off their raid without a hitch because those Council soldiers were so worried about you

Stop the university students from performing the Circle's rituals

Briefing

There's a group of people who I think may be in trouble. They were all in the Magic Society, a school sponsored club over at Paragon City University. When they started investigating the rituals of the Circle of Thorns, the chancellor disbanded the club, but I think he may not have been fast enough to stop the Circle from returning the students' interest. A source told me they're planning to perform some Circle rituals in a nearby clearing. I need you to stop the university students from performing the Circle's rituals. I very much doubt they know what they're getting into.

These are good kids, Hero. They just need to be steered back to the straight and narrow. I've called in a few favors and had an emergency force field erected around the area. I hope I was fast enough to keep the Circle off their backs.

Mission Objective(s)

A bag of chips and some sodas lie forgotten on the ground. From the clearing, you hear a single scream, then silence.

• Defeat all villains in area
  • 5 students to find

You defeated the Circle of Thorns and rescued some students

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• Sheila (NPC Hostage)
• Ken (NPC Hostage)
• Sam (NPC Hostage)
• Shelly (NPC Hostage)
• The Ghost of Donald (NPC Hostage)

Patrolling Circle Cultists Dialog

(aggroed)
Circle minion 1: I will have you flayed alive!
Circle minion 2: You would be an excellent candidate!

Hostages Dialog

Sheila: It's horrible! Horrible!
Ken: I never want to touch magic again!
Sam: Thank you, thank you! I could have died here!
The ghost of Donald: Hero... You won't believe what's... happened... to me!

Shelly Dialog

(Unlike the rest of the hostages, Shelly will be about to be sacrificed by the Circle when you arrive)

Circle Lieutenant: You'll like the life beyond the grave
Shelly: I want to go home!

(aggroed)

Circle Lieutenant: You have no idea what you're interrupting!

(once free)

Shelly: He was going to kill me!

Ghost's story

The apparition of Donald, the dead boy, told you: "...Robby had this...weird...thorn. He stuck in it... into his heart... before any of us could stop, he stuck it right in his heart!... and then ...he wasn't Robby anymore. He talked different... smiled different... walked different... but he still seemed to know me... he asked if I'd like to be like him... powerful and free... I guess I... sort of nodded... he grabbed me and started whispering... magic words... I'd never heard before... And I was outside my body... He said when they were through with us, they'd try the Dewar Corporation next. That's where his dad works. I think I have to go now... I think I have to go..."

	Ghost's body
	This is the corpse of the ghostly student you encountered. There is no mark of violence upon it, it seems as if the boy's soul was simply wrenched from his body

Mission Objective(s)

Dewar Corp. is one of the world's premier manufacturers of plastic. You can't imagine why it should interest the Circle of Thorns, unless their interest is personal

• Defeat lead mystic & his coven
  • Discover Circle's plan

You saved some of the people from Dewar Corp. and found a note outlining the Circle's plan

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• Hostage x2 (NPC Hostage)
• Robby's Dad (NPC Hostage)
• Ghost x3 (NPC Hostage)

Hostages Dialog

Hostage: You're just in time, Hero! They would have killed me too!
Hostage: You're just in time, Hero! They would have killed me too!
Ghost: They said they were... Liberating us... from the bonds of the flesh!
Ghost: They said I'd like life... as a ghost... but so far... it's pretty... lousy.
Ghost: I already... miss my body. Do you know... I used to be... beautiful?

Robby's Dad Dialog

(Just like Shelly in the previous mission, Robby's Dad will be about to be sacrificed by the Circle when you arrive)

Circle Lieutenant: You have no idea what awaits you.
Robby's Dad: What's happened to my son?

(aggroed)

Circle Lieutenant: No one leaves here alive!

(once free)

Robby's Dad: Their leader is my son! I don't understand why he'd do this!

	Note
	This note bears the hastily scribbled fragments of many incantations. It says: "The effect of the spell is still not certain. A larger test will be required. If all Founders' Falls can be severed from their bodies, it may be possible to do the same to all of Paragon City"

Mission Objective(s)

You tracked one of the Circle of Thorns' mystics back to this outpost of Oranbega. You hope you'll be in time to stop the Circle's vile plot

• Stop Circle's soul severing rite
  • 6 ritual stones to destroy

You defeated the Circle of Thorns and stopped their plot to sever the souls of everyone in Founders' Falls

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• Arales (Agony Mage) (Boss)

Circle of Thorns Minions Dialog

Circle Minion 1: Arales is right, to kill these people is merciful.
Circle Minion 2: As ghosts, they can live with us in peace.

(aggroed)

Circle Minion 1: No mercy for heroes!

Arales Dialog

Before combat: If they become spirits, we need not fear them!
Combat start: Robby is no more. I am Arales now, and I have work to do!

Debriefing

It's staggering to think of the damage those students almost caused. By attracting the Circle's attention, they nearly caused the death of every person in Founders' Falls. I'm sorry this Robby kid went over to the dark side like that. From everything his friends tell me, it seems he was a nice kid, a little intense maybe, but kind and sincere. I guess sometimes the need for power can make a person snap. As soon as he got a taste of it, he couldn't stop himself from wreaking havoc.

Defeat Council in Brickstown

Briefing

The Council has recently made a habit of sending War Wolves to the streets of Brickstown to 'relax'. And by relax, I mean terrorize the local population. That can't be allowed to continue and I'm asking you to fight it. I would like to see you hit the streets of Brickstown and show the Council that people aren't their play toys.

They've been sending up a lot of War Wolves into Seven Gates and the Abyss Towers, but whatever you're fighting and wherever you're doing it, the message will get across.

Ambush! After accepting the mission you will be ambushed by a single squad of Council soldiers

Mission Objective(s)

• Defeat Council in Brickstown
  • Defeat 35 Council

You have defeated enough Council agents.

Enemies

Council

Debriefing

The Council's upper echelons have ordered the troops to curtail their wilder activity, for now. I know it may be kind of frightening to think that those calculating madmen are watching your actions so closely, but it's actually a good thing. Yeah, they're watching you. They're watching because they're afraid.

Retrieve some Council robot parts, along with their programming instructions

Briefing

As long as the Council can keep churning out their deadly robots, it's going to be difficult to gain any ground in the fight against them. We've got to figure out some way to shut those machines down faster. I've got a lead on a Council base where they're manufacturing robots. I need you to retrieve some Council robot parts, along with their programming instructions.

You can take care of this one two ways: If you can clear out all of the enemies in that base, I can have people look through the robot construction and parts at their leisure. Or, if you would prefer a more surgical strike, you can concentrate only on finding sample parts and programs for the Council machines. Either way should work.

Mission Objective(s)

The Council's deadly robots bolster their ranks and challenge even the mightiest heroes. If you can retrieve these parts it could surely aid the battle against them

• Retrieve Council robot parts
  • 3 Robot parts to find

You defeated the Council and recovered the robot parts and programming.

Enemies

Council

Notable NPCs

• Mark II Zenith Warcry (Council MK II Zenith Warcry)

Patrolling Council Soldiers Dialog

Council soldier 1: Are the new units ready for testing?
Council soldier 2: Battle capabilities fully operational

Mark II Zenith Warcry Dialog

Before combat: My construction is complete. This unit is online.
Combat start: I am ready to field test my battle capabilities

	Zenith Mech Man components
	You found these parts in a Council base. These are key components used in the production of the Council's Zenith Mech Men.

	Zenith Hoverbot components
	You found these parts in a Council base. These are key components used in the Construction of the Zenith Hoverbot, one of the Council's deadly flying machines.

	Zenith Warcry components
	You found these parts in a Council base. These are key components used in the construction of the Council's deadly Warcry heavy assault robots.

	Programming instructions
	These files contains parts of the code used to program the Council's deadly robots. With this information, experts may be able to figure out how to fight the robots more effectively.

Debriefing

Thanks for this. I'll send the parts to engineers I know and have a couple programmer associates of mine start to look at this code. It may take some time, but this could lead to new ways to fight the Council's killer machines.

Rescue the magicians from the Circle of Thorns

Briefing

You know the National Guild of Stage Magicians is holding its annual convention right here in Paragon City? I should have known that would be trouble. I just got a call from the convention chairman; some Circle of Thorns mystics broke in and made off with a handful of the attendees. I'm counting on you to rescue those magicians from the Circle of Thorns, Hero. I don't know what's in store for them, but I'm certain I don't want to find out.

This wasn't a random attack, according to the chairman, the Circle was very selective about their victims. Those people need to be rescued and whatever the Circle was planning for them needs to be stopped. You'll have to stop any bizarre rituals the Circle may be performing on those magicians and rescue any magicians being held hostage.

Mission Objective(s)

The pleas of a terrified human voice go completely unanswered; eventually, they peter off into sobs.

• Stop stage magician sacrifice
  • 21 magicians to save (This is not a typo)
  • Find altar

You defeated the Circle of Thorns and rescued the kidnapped magicians

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• Magician x21 (NPC Hostage)

Magicians Dialog

Magician: I always thought I was special, but this isn't the kind of special I want to be.
Magician: They spoke about a being they call Eermeth, Hero. They sounded so reverent!
Magician: They told us that the scent of our souls would awaken something long lost in the darkness.
Magician: They said they were going to sacrifice me because of my bloodline. I don't understand!
Magician: Did you find all the others, Hero? You've got to find them all before those maniacs can slaughter them!
Magician: I am a man of science, Hero! I refuse to believe that some quirk of my ancestry could influence these madmen' plans!
Magician: They kept telling me horrible things they wanted me to know before they... before they... Oh. I am so glad you're here, Hero!

Magician Dialog

Unlike the rest of the magicians, this on will be about to be sacrified by the Circle:

Circle of Thorns Lieutenant: Eermeth va ko se!
Magician: Please! I beg you, don't do this!

(aggroed)

Circle of Thorns Lieutenant: Now I'll have to start over!

(once free)

Magician: How can I ever thank you, Hero?

	Circle of Thorns text
	You found this book on the Circle of Thorns' altar. As you skim through it, some passages catch your attention. One reads: "Legends speak of Eermeth, the ancient god of Oranbega, the bringer of magic. The legends say he will watch over those who follow the circle eternally. If Eermeth is real, it may be possible to contact him once more, using the blood of our greatest enemies for power."

Debriefing

Well, I think the National Guild of Stage Magicians will take their business elsewhere next year. Still, the chairman asked me to pass along his thanks. He couldn't shed any light on this mysterious reference to the victims' bloodlines. According to the guild's records, those people come from all over the country, none of them even met before today. I wonder why the Circle thought they were connected? Maybe they know something we don't.

Talk to Longbow Warburg Liaison

Briefing

This mission involves the PvP zone 'Warburg'. While conducting missions in this zone, you may be attacked by other hostile players. Only accept this mission if you are willing to experience PvP content.

Things are dicey over in Warburg. There's a rogue Arachnos Marshal in charge of the place, not to mention every villain and his mother roaming the streets looking for a chance to grab some power. You should speak to the Longbow Warburg Liaison over in Kings Row. She can tell you more about the zone and how to get there. Remember that Warburg is a PvP zone. Only enter Warburg if you're willing to experience Player versus Player content. Warburg is also a free-fire zone, outside the safe areas, anyone can attack anyone else who isn't part of their team-up.

Warburg is a Free-Fire PvP zone. While in Warburg, you may be attacked and defeated by other players

Don't kid yourself; Warburg is pretty dangerous. You can get to Warburg by using the Helicopter on top of the Police Station in Kings Row.

Mission Objective(s)

• Talk to Longbow Warburg Liaison

Longbow Warburg Liaison

Debriefing Hello. I'm the Longbow Liaison for the Free-Fire PvP zone of Warburg. Warburg is a Player Vs. Player zone. It is also free-fire, meaning that anyone can attack anyone else outside of the safe areas, whether they're heroes or villains. Warburg is VERY dangerous, and if you go there, you almost certainly will be attacked by other people. Do not enter Warburg unless you are willing to engage in Player vs. Player combat. If you are interested in entering Warburg, you can get there by speaking to the helicopter pilot on the Roof of the building. To get to him, enter through the doors behind me. Once there, you can talk to Warzone Agent Goddard to get missions inside the zone. He can be found within the safe area.

Debriefing

I hope the Warzone Liaison gave you the info you need to help out in Warburg.

Save the Wyatt mediums from the Circle of Thorns

Briefing

You've heard of those magically-gifted Wyatt triplets; they sometimes call themselves the Weird Sisters? They were conducting a séance over at the van Horn mansion, when some Circle of Thorns mystics broke in and spirited them away. Someone's got to save the Wyatt mediums from the Circle of Thorns. It's been said that those women have great power; I'm sure the Circle plans to force them to help with its nefarious plots.

Don't laugh, but I once had Jan Wyatt read my tea leaves. She's a sweet woman; I'd hate to see anything happen to her.

Mission Objective(s)

A pale, blue shawl lies on the floor, the shimmery fabric has been trampled and ripped by the feet of the Circle's mystics

• Save mediums from Circle

You rescued the Wyatt sisters and found a strange book. After calling your contact, you receive instructions to take the book to the mysterious Dr. Cheng for translation.

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• Alice Wyatt (NPC Hostage)
• Tillie Wyatt (NPC Hostage)
• Jan Wyatt (NPC Hostage)

Wyatt Sisters Dialog

Alice Wyatt: Are my sisters all right?
Tillie Wyatt: Have you found my sisters, Hero?

Jan Wyatt Dialog

Unlike her sisters, Jan will be about to be sacrificed:

Circle of Thorns Lieutenant: Quit struggling!
Jan Wyatt: Kill me if you must, but let my sisters go!

(aggroed)

Circle of Thorns Lieutenant: You wish to precede these women in death?

(once free)

Jan Wyatt: They took my sisters, too! Please help them, Rescuer!

	Circle of Thorns text
	You found this tome on a Circle of Thorns alter. When you hold it, you have an unsettling feeling beneath your skin, as though your blood longed to pour itself out across the black pages.

Note

• Mission is a defeat all, even though that is not one of the stated objectives.

Ambush! After exiting the mission you will be ambushed by a single group of Circle of Thorns mystics

Mission Objective(s)

• Take book to Dr. Cheng

Dr. Cheng

Briefing This book, my friend, is called the Codex of Bloodlines. It is a tool the Circle uses for tracing the ancestry of their victims. When a person's name is writ in blood upon the page, her entire family tree becomes written there as well. You see, here is the family tree of Tillie Wyatt. And here are those of the Circle's recent victims, as well as many of their followers. My word. Each person here can trace his or her bloodline all the way back to the mystical kingdom of Mu. Mu? The last great stronghold of magic. In Mu, all men were sorcerers, as were all women and children. They were a warlike people, eventually destroyed by an enemy they had thought too weak to fight back. But a few refugees survived, and many of today's magic heroes can trace their ancestry back to Mu. It seems the Circle is aware of the power that still runs through that bloodline. Look at this! All of the Wyatts' Mu blood comes from their father's side; their mother had none at all. If the Circle is aware of this, they will certainly try to kidnap Mr. Wyatt. His daughters' magic is potent, but he is the Circle's real prize!

	The Codex of Bloodlines
	This magical tome can trace a person's ancestry back to the time of the powerful pre-historic magic users. Any name written in its owner's blood blossoms out a crimson family tree on the book's black pages, in the arcane language of the Circle of Thorns.

Mission Objective(s)

You hear several voices raised in desperate appeal. Apparently, Jim Wyattisn't the only person whose ancestry has betrayed him to the Circle

• Save Mr. Wyatt from Circle
  • 1 Clue
  • 6 hostages
  • Save Mr. Wyatt!

You rescued the hostages and found a list of names.

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• Descendant of Mu x6 (NPC Hostage)
• Mr. Wyatt (NPC Hostage)

Hostages Dialog

Descendant of Mu: Will I have to run from them forever, Hero? I can't change who I am!
Descendant of Mu: Sure, I can do a little magic, Hero. Is that any reason to want me dead?
Descendant of Mu: They're terrible, terrible people! It's hard to believe they're even human!
Descendant of Mu: My mother was a great sorceress, but I'm just an accountant. What do they want with me?
Descendant of Mu: You're saying it was my ancestry that attracted them? Thanks goodness my kids are adopted!

Mr. Jim Wyatt Dialog

Circle of Thorns Lieutenant: Your daughters may have escaped us, but not for long!
Mr. Jim Wyatt: You monster!

(aggroed)

Circle of Thorns Lieutenant: You won't rob me of my prize!

(once free)

Mr. Jim Wyatt: A thousand times thank you, Rescuer!

	Book of names
	You found this book in a Circle of Thorns base. It contains a list of people, all of whom can trace their ancestries back to the mystical kingdom of Mu.

Note

• While the stated objective for this mission is save Mr. Wyatt, to complete the mission you must also save all of the Descendant of Mu hostages as well.

Debriefing

The Wyatts have been reunited, and they couldn't be more grateful. You did a great job on this one. Thanks to this book of names you recovered, we know the identities of many people the Circle no doubt planned to attack or recruit. I'll make sure that anyone in danger gets warning or protection from the Circle of Thorns. I hope they'll listen, but the allure of magic is a strong temptation for many in these desperate times. We'll just have to keep our eyes on them.

External Links

• Peter Stemitz at Red Tomax's Guide to City of Heroes