Overview[]
| Thao Ku | |
 Martial Arts Instructor | |
| Zone | Skyway City |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | (2194.5, -41.890625, -5369.5) |
| Level Range | 15-19 |
| Introduced by | Sgt. Suzanne Bernhard |
| Introduces | Andrea Mitchell Maggie Greene Juliana Nehring |
| Enemy groups |  Circle of Thorns |
Thao Ku is a City of Heroes contact located in the Astral District neighborhood of Skyway City at coordinates (2194.5, -41.890625, -5369.5). Thao Ku is a Magic origin contact. His level range is 15-19.
Introductions[]
Contact Introduced By[]
New Contact(s)[]
If you are looking for a partner to help you take down the Banished Pantheon, Andrea Mitchell would be a great choice. She is very dedicated and her connections are top notch. She also has a lot of interest in the Circle of Thorns. Andrea has access to Training Enhancements.
I have a good feeling about you and Andrea.
Maggie Greene is a class act and a good reporter. She'll do good by you. Her investigations have led her to focus on the Clockwork and the Trolls. Maggie files her reports in Skyway City.
Maggie has better instincts than almost anyone I know. Listen to her and you will have plenty of action.
Have you ever read Juliana Nehring's column? She's an Internet reporter who specializes in super-powered villains. She's always looking for new sources to help her investigate the latest Vahzilok and Outcast activities. Juliana files her stories in Skyway City.
Juliana is tough as nails and is willing to do whatever it takes to get a story.
Information[]
Martial Arts Instructor
Thao Ku is one of the most respected martial artists in Paragon City. Its not just for his kickboxing skills that are impressive, but also his role as a community leader and youth organizer. Ethnically Hmong, he emigrated from Laos. He has taught in the same dojo for over twenty years, mentoring thousands of dedicated students in both the physical and spiritual aspects of the martial arts. He has a reputation as a wise man, someone whose body and mind have nearly transcended the limits of human understanding. Master Thao is particularly interested in the mystical side of martial arts, and he is rumored to have some supernatural abilities of his own. He's worked with heroes and Law enforcement on numerous occasions, such as during the Rikti War, when he opened his school to serve as a shelter and clinic.
Initial Contact[]
Missing Initial Contact Dialog
Store[]
- Inspirations
- Level 15 Natural/Magic Dual Origin Enhancements (200% base costs)
- Level 20 Natural/Magic Dual Origin Enhancements (200% base costs)
Story Arc[]
Story Arc Notes[]
This story arc may start with either the Check out the warehouse in Steel Canyon mission or the Pick up the Tsoo data from Juliana Nehring mission.
Pick up the Tsoo data from Juliana Nehring[]
Briefing
Hey there. I've got a pretty simple task for you today. My friend Juliana Nehring has some info on the Tsoo that I would very much like to hear. Trouble is, she's kind of paranoid about using normal channels. Could you go pick up the Tsoo data from Juliana? I know I can count on you to keep it safe.
Thanks a lot; this will set Juliana's mind at ease.
Mission Objective(s)
- Get Tsoo info from Juliana
| Briefing
I'm so glad Thao Ku sent you. My sources tell me that the Trolls have been meeting secretly with the Tsoo. In fact, I just got word that some Tsoo were seen entering a Troll-occupied office building not far from here. I think you should go check it out. |
 |
Conversation with Juliana Nehring |
| Juliana Nehring told you, 'My sources tell me that the Trolls have been meeting secretly with the Tsoo. In fact, I just got word that some Tsoo were seen entering a Troll-occupied office building not far from here. I think you should go check it out.' |
Mission Objective(s)
This seems like an ordinary office building, but the unnatural hush tells you that no legitimate business is being conducted here.
- Bust gang leaders, their crews
- 3 office workers to rescue
On one of the defeated Tsoo, you found a drug ampoule.
|
Drug ampoule |
| You found this ampoule on a defeated Tsoo, in an office that had been taken over by the Trolls. The white skull logo indicates that it is probably Superadine. |
Notable NPCs
- 3 Office workers (Hostages)
- Mr. Mann (Tsoo Dragon Fly)
- Torvald (Trolls Caliban)
Enemies
Debriefing
Thanks for taking on the Tsoo and the Trolls. This ampoule you found probably contains Superadine, but I'll check it out to make sure.
I have a bad feeling that the Tsoo are planning something big. We need to look further into their meetings with the Outcasts and the Trolls.
Check out the warehouse in Steel Canyon[]
Briefing
Good day. I am hearing some troubling rumors today. Could you check out a warehouse in Steel Canyon for me? There have been reports of high-ranking Tsoo going in an out of there for days.
I have the feeling the Tsoo are planning something big. Please see what you can find out.
Mission Objective(s)
The scorch marks and patches of frost on the walls mark this building as an Outcasts hangout.
- Bust gang leaders, their crews
- Search for clues
You defeated the villains and recovered an artifact.
|
Statue of falcon |
| While fighting the Outcasts, you recovered this bronze statue of a screaming falcon. It seemed that the Tsoo were trying to sell it to the Outcasts, though you don't know what they expected in return. |
Notable NPCs
- Mr. Ting (Tsoo Dragon Fly)
- Hurricane (Outcasts Lead Shocker) or Brimstone (Outcasts Lead Scorcher)
Enemies
Debriefing
That statue you found is exactly the kind of artifact the Outcasts crave. It may be that the Tsoo were trying to sell it to them. Now, if we only knew what they wanted in return.
Take drug ampoule to Wyatt Anderson[]
Briefing
I got a call about that drug ampoule you found at the meeting between the Trolls and the Tsoo. My friend Wyatt Anderson is pretty interested in seeing it for himself. Would you take the drug ampoule over to Wyatt?
I'm still trying to learn more about that artifact the Tsoo were trying to sell to the Outcasts. The minute I hear anything, I'll let you know.
Mission Objective(s)
- Take drug to Wyatt Anderson
| Briefing
You're right, this drug is packaged exactly like Superadine. But it isn't. It's Rage. The Tsoo have been manufacturing Rage lately; they're hoping it will become the new drug of choice. Let me tell you, you don't want to mix the two. It would cause a massive chemical imbalance in the brain, turning you into a berserk killing machine. Oh, I almost forgot; Thao Ku called me. Apparently Vitaly Cherenko wants a look at some artifact you recovered from the Outcasts. Vitaly Cherenko said you should get it to him without delay. |
|
Ambush! After speaking to Wyatt Anderson, you will be ambushed by the Tsoo. |
Mission Objective(s)
- Take artifact to Vitaly Cherenko
| Briefing
You say the Tsoo were trying to sell this artifact to the Outcasts? Well, that brings a whole new meaning to the phrase 'buyer beware!' This statue gives the bearer power all right, but it does so by eating away at his soul! I think the Tsoo may be trying to sabotage the Outcasts. Maybe you should hit the streets in Steel Canyon. If you defeat enough Tsoo, you may convince one of them to tell us more about their plans. |
|
Vitaly Cherenko's observations |
| Vitaly Cherenko told you:
'You say the Tsoo were trying to sell this artifact to the Outcasts? Well, that brings a whole new meaning to the phrase 'buyer beware!' This statue gives the bearer power all right, but it does so by eating away at his soul! I think the Tsoo may be trying to sabotage the Outcasts.' |
Mission Objective(s)
- Interrogate Tsoo about plot
- Defeat 15 Tsoo
You found a coded note on one of the defeated Tsoo.
Ambush
Procrastination may spawn an ambush by Tsoo.
|
Coded note |
| You found this note on a Tsoo gangster. It reads:
'R Y N P S K N G S E Q S R J T P D P J I R C J H L S I X J D R J Q Y A P J N I K A I N N P A I K S P N J L N P S R A I K S R 9 7 C S L S C A R X V N S Q F R Y S R H J P N Q X I R Y N Q A Z N P Q E N S O O N O Q J V N C S I A I C P N S Q N L P J O T C R A J I H P L J' |
Debriefing
So, one of the Tsoo you defeated was carrying this note? Nice job. I think I can get this decoded pretty quickly. With any luck, it'll tell us more about the Tsoo's recent meetings with the Trolls and the Outcasts.
I've sent the note that Tsoo gangster was carrying to a cryptographer. Hopefully he can give us some solid information to go on.
Clear Out the Tsoo Headquarters[]
Briefing
I've got a guy hard at work decoding that Tsoo you note you found, but I don't think we can wait for his translation. I just got a tip on the location of the Tsoo headquarters; if we don't move quickly, they may have a chance to move. I need you to clear out the Tsoo headquarters now. Take this com unit so I can get in touch with you wherever you are.
Mission Acceptance
The headquarters is under the control of a Tsoo known as Mr. Po. Above all, I want Mr. Po in custody.
Unnecessary Solicitation
Get out there and find that Tsoo hideout.
|
Com unit |
| This waveband communications unit should allow your contact to get in touch with you anywhere in Paragon City. |
Mission Objective(s)
Discarded tattoo needles testify to the Tsoo's unwavering allegiance to their gang.
- Defeat Mr. Po and his crew
Do you copy? It's Thao Ku. I got that note decoded. It seems the Tsoo are using that Rage drug to poison the Trolls! The note you found reveals the location of their Rage lab. We need you to get over there and shut it down. Thao Ku over and out.
You found a strange bronze statue, similar to the one the Tsoo were trying to sell to the Outcasts.
|
Statue of deer |
| You recovered this bronze statue of a wounded deer in a Tsoo hideout. It is similar in design to the dangerous artifact you found the Tsoo trying to sell to the Outcasts. |
Notable NPCs
- Mr. Po (Tsoo Dragon Fly)
Enemies
Unnecessary Solicitation
What are you doing here? I told you to get over to that lab and shut it down!
Mission Objective(s)
This high tech equipment wasn't purchased by a bunch of floundering gangsters. The Tsoo must have resources no one has guessed at.
- Defeat all Tsoo in Rage lab
- 12 Rage synthesizers remaining
You have defeated the Tsoo and destroyed the Rage synthesizers.
Notable NPCs
- Mr. Shin (Tsoo Dragon Fly)
Enemies
Debriefing
Great job. The Tsoo won't be poisoning the Trolls with their Rage anytime soon.
The way I figure it, the Tsoo are trying to weaken all the other gangs in Paragon City. They tried to poison the Trolls by giving them Rage, a drug that reacts badly with the Superadine that the Trolls regularly take. And they tried to cripple the Outcasts by selling them artifacts that consume the bearer's soul. Who knows what they are doing to undermine the other gangs?
Souvenir[]
Rage ampoule
You've kept this Rage ampoule as a reminder of the efforts to stop the Tsoo from poisoning the Trolls, in an adventure you've come to think of as:
The Tsoo Shenanigans
Concerned by the activities of the aggressive Tsoo, your contact sent you to Juliana Nehring for some data. She provided the information, and tipped you off to a possible connection between the Tsoo and the Trolls. You went to an office building where the two groups were meeting in secret. There, you recovered an ampoule of a drug you assumed to be Superadine.
You were also sent to an Outcasts hideout, where you encountered the Tsoo and recovered a strange bronze statue.
You took the drug you found to Wyatt Anderson for analysis, and learned that it was a new, Tsoo-manufactured drug called Rage. You took the artifact to Vitaly Cherenko, who told you that it was an extremely dangerous artifact that could consume the bearer's soul. It seemed clear that the Tsoo were trying to weaken their rival gangs. At Vitaly's suggestion, you hit the streets. After defeating many Tsoo, you recovered a note written in code.
You learned the location of the Tsoo headquarters and went to shut it down. There you discovered another bronze statue, much like the first one. Your contact then radioed you, to tell you the coded not had been deciphered. According to the note, the Tsoo were using Rage to poison the Trolls! You hastened to the Rage lab and destroyed it, putting an end to the Tsoo's evil plot.
Missions[]
Go to Faultline and defeat as many Circle mystics as you can find[]
This mission is no longer offered as of Issue 8. This mission will be changed to Defeat 15 mystics on characters who already had accepted the mission.
Briefing
There have been an number of disappearances reported in Faultline lately, and I think we both know who's behind them: the Circle of Thorns. I want you to get over there and defeat as many mystics as you can find. Maybe we can stop any more people from falling into the Circle's clutches.
Downfall and Dark Astoria are full of mystics. Maybe you should start in one of those neighborhoods.
Mission Objective(s)
- Combat Circle in Faultline
- Defeat 15 Circle of Thorns
Debriefing
Well, you stopped the kidnappings in Faultline, at least for a time. Never forget, though, that the Circle is a persistent enemy. I'm afraid they will be back to their old tricks all too soon.
Defeat 15 Circle mystics[]
Briefing
There have been a number of disappearances reported lately, and I think we both know who's behind them: the Circle of Thorns. I want you to defeat as many mystics as you can find. Maybe we can stop any more people from falling into the Circle's clutches.
Mission Acceptance
The Circle is quite strong in Steel Canyon. Perhaps that would be a good place to look?
Unnecessary Solicitation
Missing Info
Mission Objective(s)
- Combat Circle of Thorns
- Defeat 15 Circle of Thorns
You have battled a sufficient number of the circle.
Enemies
Debriefing
Your efforts have put some pressure on the Circle. Hopefully, this will help slow down their activity.
Hit the streets and stop the Circle of Thorns rituals[]
Briefing
The Circle of Thorns is getting bolder by the day! They're performing their arcane rituals right out in public, and it's causing panic among the civilians. I need you to hit the streets and stop the Circle of Thorns rituals. I don't want the citizens of this fair city living in terror.
Mission Acceptance
Faultline is probably the best place for you to start. Boomtown also has a large Circle population.
Unnecessary Solicitation
Missing Text
Notes
- The mission briefing is incorrect in stating that there are Circle of Thorns in Boomtown.
Mission Objective(s)
- Combat Circle of Thorns menace
- Defeat 15 Circle of Thorns
You have discouraged the Circle of Thorns from performing their rituals in public.
Enemies
Debriefing
You've done a good thing by pushing the Circle rituals back into the shadows. People will feel a lot safer now, and I always consider that a victory.
Defeat Tsoo in Steel Canyon[]
Briefing
The Tsoo have been seen more and more frequently in Steel Canyon lately. Rumor has it that they're looking for more territory to increase their power base, and are leaning on the Outcasts pretty hard. I need a hero who's willing to help keep them out of Steel Canyon. They've been spotted in Gimry Ridge and the Copper District, but I'm sure any neighborhood in the zone would welcome your assistance.
Mission Acceptance
The Tsoo aren't a major force in Steel Canyon yet, but with their strength they could be a big player in the zone if they aren't stopped. Defeat about 20 of them and it should help to slow down their plans.
Unnecessary Solicitation
Missing Text
Mission Objective(s)
- Defeat Tsoo in Steel Canyon
- Defeat 20 Tsoo
Missing Completion Text
Enemies
Debriefing
The Tsoo will definitely be left hurting from that. Good job.
Destroy the portal[]
Briefing
We have located a Circle of Thorns lair under the control of Dimas, a specialist in magical transportation. We think he's trying to set up a portal. You've got to get in there and destroy that portal. If you don't act quickly, it could become permanent. You only have one hour to destroy the portal.
If they activate that portal, it will be one more way for them to move their forces within the city.
Mission Objective(s)
The scent of dried herbs tells you the Circle has made themselves at home.
- Defeat Dimas and his coven - 60:00
You have closed the portal and defeated Dimas.
Notes
- The name of the Circle leader varies. Possible names include Dimas, Movian and Ravelar.
Notable NPCs
- Dimas/Movian/Ravelar (Circle of Thorns Ruin Mage)
Enemies
Debriefing
With that portal gone, the Circle will have one less foothold in Paragon City. Well fought.
Meet the hacker and get the file[]
Briefing
A computer hacker I know claims that he got into a database filled with Tsoo smuggling records. He wants to get them to the right people, but he's afraid the Tsoo are watching his office. If the Tsoo are watching him, they'll certainly try to stop you. Those files could reveal a lot about their smuggling operations. I can understand why he might be nervous. Can you meet with him and get the encrypted files and encryption key?
The hacker calls himself PyR4T. He could be in very serious trouble.
Mission Objective(s)
A paper sign taped to the door outside says that this office is closed today. This is the address where you were supposed to meet the hacker, and the door is open. But you notice the lock has been forced.
- Save hacker from Tsoo
- Take hacker to computer
You have rescued the hacker and retrieved the files.
|
Tsoo files |
| These computer files contain Tsoo smuggling record. |
Notable NPCs
- Bronze Leopard (Boss)
- PyR4T, the hacker (Captive)
Enemies
Debriefing
Thanks to you, the hacker is safe and we have his files. I'll make sure they get to the right people. This might be what we need to crack the Tsoo's smuggling operations. Good work!
Re-Capture the cursed weapons and defeat Lion Mane[]
Briefing
A new Tsoo boss called Lion Mane has been stockpiling cursed weapons he's had his men steal at a warehouse downtown. I don't know what his plan is, but it cannot be good. We need a hero to go in there before they can use them.
You'll have two objectives this time. Your first objective is to re-capture the cursed weapons Lion Mane has gathered. Your second objective is to defeat Lion Mane and make sure he doesn't try something like this again.
Mission Objective(s)
Something feels wrong in this place. A sense of dread permeates everything.
- Defeat Lion Mane & get weapons
- 4 Artifacts remaining
You have re-captured all of the cursed artifacts and defeated Lion Mane .
Notes
- The enemy boss's name can vary. Possibilities are Crazy Phoenix, Golden Fist, Lion Mane, and Storm Strider.
Notable NPCs
- Crazy Phoenix/Golden Fist/Lion Mane/Storm Strider (Tsoo Iron Hands)
Enemies
Debriefing
It looks like you re-captured all of those cursed artifacts, and I heard you even beat Lion Mane himself. You did better than I could have hoped for.
Go to the sewers and clear the Circle out[]
Briefing
The Circle of Thorns has been spotted in a section of the sewers. We have enough trouble down there without them adding to it. Get down to the sewers and clear the Circle out.
Watch out for their mystic blasts. They pack quite a punch.
Mission Objective(s)
The air smells of roses and jasmine. Magic is definitely being used here.
- Defeat all mystics in sewers
You have cleared this sewer section of Circle of Thorns activities.
Notable NPCs
- Aldegeron (Circle of Thorns Ruin Mage)
Enemies
Debriefing
It sounds like the Circle nearly succeeded in casting a spell that would keep all of Paragon City asleep forever! It's a good thing you went after them. Otherwise, the lives you've worked so hard to protect would be nothing more than unending siestas!
External Links[]
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