Mercedes Sheldon

Overview

Mercedes Sheldon
File:Mercedes sheldon1.jpg Member of the Midnight Squad
Zone	Midnighter Club
Coordinates	(-492.8, -18.2, -165.6)
Level Range	20-25, 30-35
Enemy Groups	Freakshow Midnight Squad Longbow

Mercedes Sheldon is a hero and villain contact in Midnighter Club at coordinates (-492.8, -18.2, -165.6).

Mercedes Sheldon's location is in Steel Canyon's Midnighter Club entrance. She was first introduced as a contact in Issue 13.

The hero story arc, The Dirge of Chaos, is listed in Flashback as level 25-29, though Heroes can start the story arc normally from level 20-25.

The villain story arc, The Dead Man's Deck, is listed in Flashback as level 35-39, though Villains can start the story arc normally from level 30-35.

Introductions

Information

Mercedes Sheldon was born in the upper crust social elite of Great Britain. Like her father, Thomas Sheldon, Mercedes continued the family practice of antique acquisition and auction. From her father she inherited the curious ability to sense and read magic auras, thus enabling her to identify the more useful artifacts from otherwise mundane trinkets.

When Mercedes moved to Paragon City it wasn't long before she was approached by Montague Castanella and invited to join the Midnight Squad. Mercedes accepted, finding the opportunity to use her knowledge of the occult and arcane for more than personal gain to be an exciting proposition. Though Mercedes is a recent addition to the exclusive Midnight Club, she has experience and contacts from her previous years dealing with the cutthroat world of artifact trading.

Prior to Introduction

needs data

Out Of Zone Contact

Mercedes Sheldon has contacted you...

Hello, Character. I am a member of the Midnight Squad. Montague Castanella/Ashley McKnight gave me your number. I require your assistance in the Midnighter Club as soon as possible.

This contact has now been added to the active tab of your Contact window.

Note: The contact who gave Mercedes Sheldon your number depends on if your character is a Hero or Villain.

Initial Contact

Hello. My name is Mercedes Sheldon. Welcome to the Midnighter Club.

Trust Earnt

I think we work well together. Here is my number. Call on me whenever you fancy.

Mission Overflow

needs data

No More Missions

For now, I have nothing more for you.

Store

Need data

Story Arc (Hero)

The Dirge of Chaos

As you look over the ruined cassette tape you took from Amanda Gates you're reminded of the evens you've come to know as

The Dirge of Chaos

Mercedes Sheldon sent you to check out a Troll Rave in Skyway City that was crashed by the Freakshow. When you arrived the place was overrun by freaks brawling with the trolls and holding a handful of ravers hostage. You beat down the freaks, rescued the hostages, and questioned everyone involved.

You discovered that the Freakshow were working with a punk show organizer from Talos Island named Amanda Gates, and in her possession was a magic cassette player that apparently drove people into a rage.

Ms. Sheldon informed you that her suspicions had been confirmed. The magic cassette player was infact an artifact that was stolen from her called the Dirge of Chaos. She explained that it needed to be recovered before more damage was done.

You hit the streets and questioned the Freakshow on Talos Island about Amanda Gates' whereabouts. You learned that she was holed up in a Freakshow hideout run by a freak named Killdozer.

Busting into the hideout you found that you were too late to catch Amanda, but you discovered enough clues to realize that she was taking the Dirge of Chaos to WNRK 'Anarchy' Radio and planned to broadcast the music to all of Paragon City.

Without a moment to lose, you raced over to WNRK 'Anarchy' Radio, battled through the Freakshow, and ultimately defeated the Dirge of Chaos and it's daemonic minions, taking Amanda Gates into custody.

With the Dirge of Chaos safely back in the hands of Mercedes Sheldon and the Midnight Squad you realized just how close Paragon City came to annihilation. But thanks to your efforts, the city was saved.

Investigate the Troll Rave in Skyway City.

The Dirge of Chaos
Part One

Briefing

Character, I've heard all about you. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. But enough with the pleasantries, let's get down to business, shall we?

A troll rave in Skyway City just exploded into unimaginable violence, more so than usual. Even more intriguing is that the Freakshow seem to be involved, if not directly responsible. I want you to head over to Skyway City and defeat the Freakshow.

Mission Acceptance

Normally such street ruffians are beneath the notice or concern of the Midnight Squad, but I have my reasons for being interested in this particular incident.

Once the situation is calm you should question everyone. I want to know exactly what happened in there.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Have you determined what transpired at the rave? The Freakshow must know something, any scrap of information could prove vitally important.

Mission Objective(s)

If there are still innocent people in here, you'd better make sure they get to safety.

• Investigate the Troll Rave
  • 5 Ravers to Rescue
  • 3 Freak Leaders to Defeat

You questioned one of the ravers
Looks like you've figured out who is responsible for this mess and it doesn't sound good. Return to Mercedes Sheldon to report what you have found.

Enemies

Freakshow

Notable NPCs

• Taze Bro (Freakshow Juicer Chief) (Lieutenant)
• Drop Forge (Freakshow Tank Smasher) (Boss)
• Mega Weapon (Freakshow Tank Swiper) (Boss)
• Raver x 5 (non-escort Hostages)

You questioned one of the ravers

Raver Tip

The rave's DJ had this to say: "This is insanity, man. These freaks just barged in and pushed me out of the DJ booth. Then this local punk show organizer named Amanda Gates came in and hooked up some shabby old cassette player to the sound system. The moment she pressed play everyone just went completely insane. It was pandemonium. I must have blacked out for a bit 'cause when I came to the music had stopped and so had the fighting. Most of the freaks stuck around, but Amanda and the cassette player were gone."

Random chatter 1

Combat start: "Hey, who are you?!"

Random chatter 2

Combat start: "Good, I was getting tired of kicking around trolls."

Random chatter 3

Before combat:
Random Freakshow 1: "Did you see that troll's face when we kicked them in the front door?"
Random Freakshow 2: "That rocked!"
Combat start:
Random Freakshow 1: "I wish Killdozer was here."
Random Freakshow 2: "Watch out!"

Random chatter 4

Before combat:
Random Freakshow: "Get some, troll!"
Random Troll: "No, me no want."
Combat start:
Random Freakshow: "You want some too?"
Random Troll: "Truce, truce!"

Taze Bro dialogue

Before combat: "I can't wait for my shiny new legs..."
Combat start: "Character! Time to fry!"

Drop Forge dialogue

Before combat: "Man, I want to hear that song again..."
Combat start: "I'm gonna break every bone in your body!"

Mega Weapon dialogue

Before combat: "It's time to finish up here."
Combat start: "Alright, who let Character in here?"

Raver dialogue

Upon rescue:
"Thank you Character, those guys were gonna pulp me."
"Why was everybody fighting?"
"Thanks for the help, Character. These Freaks totally killed the vibe we had going here."
"Character! I'm so confused, the music changed and then everyone started fighting. It was horrible."
"Oh man, I gotta get outta here!"

Debriefing

It is as I suspected, Character. This must be the Dirge of Chaos. Allow me to explain.

My family owns many antiques, relics and artifacts, some of which are magical in origin. When I joined the Midnight Squad a few months ago I had planned to move the most powerful artifacts to the Midnighter Club for safe keeping. However, before I could do so, they were stolen.

The Dirge of Chaos is one of these artifacts. I count us lucky that it has wound up in the possession of such magically inept individuals as the Freakshow, but even in their hands it could cause unimaginable damage. I need your assistance in recovering the artifact from them.

Interrogate Freakshow on Talos Island.

Interrogate Freakshow on Talos Island.

The Dirge of Chaos
Part Two

Briefing

We need to find the Dirge of Chaos, Character. So far our best lead is the woman seen with the Freakshow. According to the freaks at the rave Amanda is from Talos Island. I think the only option is to force the Freakshow where Amanda Gates is hiding out.

Head over to Talos Island and get the Freakshow to talk.

Mission Acceptance

Look for the Freakshow around Argo Highway and New Thebes.

Be careful, Character. The Freakshow may not be very bright, but my intuition tells me that Amanda Gates has something larger in store for us than crashing troll raves. The Dirge of Chaos is capable of destruction on a much larger scale, and it is only a matter of time before she realizes this.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Have you had any luck with getting the Freakshow to tell you Amanda's location?

Mission Objective(s)

• Interrogate Freakshow on Talos Island
  • Defeat 20 Freakshow

You got the location of the Freakshow hideout!

	Freakshow Hideout
	The last freak finally ponies up the info you've been looking for. Amanda Gates is holed up with a freak named Killdozer at his hideout here on Talos Island. He gives you the address and then promptly passes out.

Find Amanda Gates

Unnecessary Solicitation

Search the Freakshow hideout. You must stop Amanda before she does greater damage.

I feel that with you I have met a true friend and ally, Character. Together we will do great things.

Mission Objective(s)

Whoa. This place has been completely trashed. Looks like you're on the right track.

• Find Amanda Gates
  • Defeat Killdozer
    • 4 Clues Remaining

You put the clues together and realize that Amanda Gates and the Freakshow must be heading to WNRK 'Anarchy' Radio!

Enemies

Freakshow

Notable NPCs

• Killdozer (Freakshow Tank Smasher) (Boss)

Paragon City is gonna burn!

	Amanda Is Gone
	Killdozer told you that Amanda Gates has already left to destroy the city and there is nothing you can do to stop her. Before you can coerce him to tell you where she went his vocal amplifier shorts out rendering him mute. You'd better look around for some clues.

You found a punk show flyer on the bulletin board with Amanda's name on it.

	Punk Show Flyer
	This flyer is for a punk show called 'Tear down the walls'. Amanda Gates' name appears on the flyer as the show coordinator.

The laptop's browser is open to a local radio station webpage.

	Radio Station Webpage
	Once roused from hobernation mode, the laptop's browser is currently open to the WNRK Radio Station webpage.

You find a crumpled up print out of a map of Talos Island with a few locations circled and crossed out.

	Printed Out Map of Talos Island
	In the trash can you find a crumpled up print out of a map of Talos Island. Several locations are circled with Xs through all but one.

You see a simple three step plan detailed on the white board.

	White Board Plan
	On the white board you see a simple bullet point plant that goes something like this. 1.) Raid the station 2.) Hook up the tape player to the broadcast antennae 3.) Rock Paragon City into rubble.

	WNRK 'Anarchy' Radio
	You put together the clues and realize that Amanda Gates and the Freakshow are heading to the WNRK 'Anarchy' Radio Station here on Talos Island.

Killdozer dialogue

Before combat: needs data
Combat start: "You're too late, Character! Amanda is already gone."
At 75% Health: "You think that'll stop me?"
At 50% Health: "Enough is enough! Freaks! Get over here!"
At 25% Health: "I'm gonna bury you, Character!"
Upon defeat: "Uh oh. I just lost power..."
Defeats a player: needs data

Ambush! Upon reaching 50% health, Killdozer will summon a spawn of Freaks for assistance.

Debriefing

A radio station? In the name of...! Character, she must be planning to play the Dirge of Chaos over the airwaves!

Stop Amanda Gates.

The Dirge of Chaos
Part Finale

Briefing

We haven't got much time, Character. Get down to WNRK radio on Talos Island and stop Amanda Gates before she takes over the station. If she plays the Dirge of Chaos over the airwaves then the people of Paragon City will go into a rage just like everyone did at the troll rave.

The city will tear itself apart!

Mission Acceptance

Character, the Dirge of Chaos is not to be underestimated. It is a daemon of immense power whose destiny is the herald the end times. It may have had enough time to manifest itself on this plane of existence. If it has, you'll need to destroy the manifestation before you have any hope of stopping the cassette player.

You may want to bring a few friends.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Character, you must stop Amanda Gates before it is too late.

Mission Objective(s)

You enter WNRK 'Anarchy' Radio just as the pandemonium outside begins.

• Stop Amanda Gates!
  • Apprehend Amanda Gates!
    • Haul Amanda Gates Outside

You've stopped Amanda Gates and saved Paragon City from the Dirge of Chaos.

Upon Exit of Mission

With The Dirge of Chaos defeated the city is returning to normal.

Enemies

Freakshow

Notable NPCs

• Dirge of Chaos (Midnight Squad, Boss)
• Chaos Spirit (Midnight Squad, Lieutenant)
• Amanda Gates (Captive, must escort to exit)

Random chatter

Before combat: "Once Amanda gets that tape player set up this city is gonna turn into one huge mosh pit."
Combat start: "You had to go and open your stupid mouth!

Dirge of Chaos dialogue

Before combat: needs data
Combat start: "Let the rock-off begin!"
At 75% Health: "I'm the destroyer, this world shall be purged!"
At 50% Health: "You cannot stop me, I am the Chaos Dirge."
At 25% Health: "You called down the thunder, now reap what you have sown!"
Upon defeat: "Wait! What's happening? It cannot end like this! Nooooo!"
Defeats a player: needs data

Ambush! When Dirge of Chaos reaches 75% health, there will be an ambush by Chaos Spirits. "Purge!"

Ambush! When Dirge of Chaos reaches 50% health, there will be another ambush by Chaos Spirits. "Dirge!"

Ambush! When Dirge of Chaos reaches 25% health, there will be yet another ambush by Chaos Spirits. "Reap what you have sown!"

Amanda Gates dialogue

Before combat: "This is gonna rock!"
Combat start: "Kill Character!"
Upon capture:
"No! My cassette tape! It ate it!"
"My Freaks will make you pay!"
If recaptured by enemies: "Good job, freaks! There's gotta be another cassette tape around here somewhere."
If lost: "This plan went downhill fast, maybe I should cut my losses and run."
If refound: "Somebody big and mostly made of metal come save me from Character!"
Upon reaching exit: "You ruined everything!"

Ambush! After capturing Amanda Gates, there will be five ambushes by Freakshow. "Character has Amanda! Let's get 'em!"

	Amanda Gates in Custody!
	You've glad Amanda Gates doesn't have any powers beyond being in a perpetually foul mood. With her cassette tape ruined and the daemons driven off, Amanda grudgingly gives herself up to the authorities.

	The Dirge is Recovered
	The Dirge of Chaos, a shabby looking cassette player in its current incarnation, shudders with rage in your hands. Without a tape to play, the artifact is powerless, and you can sense the evil within is not at all happy about its recent defeat at your hands.

Debriefing

Great job, Character! With the Dirge of Chaos safely back in Midnighter hands we can all sleep a little easier.

The only question that remains to be answered is how did Amanda Gates get her hands on the Dirge of Chaos in the first place? I suspect that she may hold the key to recovering the other artifacts that were stolen from my family. If answers are forthcoming I may call on you sooner than later.

Thanks, Character. I don't know what the world would do without you.

The Magic Man

etc etc

The Magic Man

etc etc

Question Tsoo

The Magic Man
Part One

Briefing

I'm sure you remember Amanda Gates, Character. It would seem she's ratted out one of her accomplices, someone in Independence Port called the Magic Man. Some of my sources indicate that the Tsoo have been dropping that name lately.

Mission Acceptance

According to Amanda she never met the Magic Man in person. She received The Dirge of Chaos in a package from him.

Whoever he is he definitely went through some effort to hide his identity and this is what has me worried. If the Magic Man has my family's artifacts and is doling them out to unscrupulous individuals we might have a serious problem on our hands.

Unnecessary Solicitation

needs data

Mission Objective(s)

• Question Tsoo
  • Defeat 10 Tsoo

Crown of Glory

etc etc

Crown of Glory

etc etc

Go to the hideout

Crown of Glory
Part One

Briefing

I'm concerned, Character, deeply concerned. Mickey Maloney only had one of my artifacts, and he gave another one to Amanda Gates. I've got a sinking feeling that the Warriors] are pulling the strings. The Warriors have a hideout nearby, I want you to go put pressure on them and figure out if they've got the rest of my artifacts.

Mission Acceptance

I know it's not much of a start, but my theory with the Warriors is that if you go bash enough heads, someone's bound to tell you something.

Unnecessary Solicitation

needs data

Mission Objective(s)

• Fight the Warriors

Story Arc (Villain)

The Dead Man's Deck

etc etc

The Dead Man's Deck

etc etc

Give me the details.

'Persuade' Longbow on Nerva

The Dead Man's Deck
Part One

Briefing

I know you are busy, Character, so I'll make this quick and to the point.

An artifact of mine was stolen some months ago and I want you to get it back for me. My family is quite wealthy, so I'm sure I could make it worth your while. What do you say?

Mission Acceptance

My sources indicate that the artifact, a magical deck of cards known as the Dead Man's Deck, has been purchased by a member of Longbow. As you can imagine, this makes the situation a bit delicate for me. I can't just go over to Nerva and accuse Longbow personnel of purchasing illegally trafficked magic items, so I am forced to maneuver outside of my normal channels to get what I want. That's where you come in.

I need you to, oh, let me pick the words carefully, 'persuade' a few members of Longbow to give you some information. Go to the Crimson Cove on the Nerva Archipelago and question some Longbow regarding who purchased my megical card deck.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Keep at it, Character, somebody in Longbow knows something about that deck of cards.

Mission Objective(s)

• 'Persuade' Longbow on Nerva
  • Defeat 10 Longbow

You've defeated enough Longbow to tell you who bought the deck and what he plans to do with it.

	Poker Game Location
	You finally 'persuade' someone in Longbow to talk to you like a civilized person. They tell you that their platoon leader, Officer Martins, was boasting that they were going to win it big at the Hook and Anchor card tournament thanks to a special card deck. The tournament is going on right now.

Get The Dead Man's Deck

Unnecessary Solicitation

You need to get that card deck back for me.

Mission Objective(s)

Sounds like they're playing your song.

• Get The Dead Man's Deck

Enemies

Longbow
The Family
Security Guards