 The Paragon Wiki Archive documents the state of City of Heroes/Villains as it existed on December 1, 2012.
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5th Column
Overview
The 5th Column was one of the most powerful enemy groups in the world. Recently, the Council completed a hostile takeover where the war spilled over into the streets of Paragon City. Any 5th Column members that didn't join the Council were killed or went into hiding. All of the arch-villains in the 5th Column joined with the Council. This included their leader, Requiem, as well as Nosferatu and Vandal.
Contents
Background
Before they were taken over by the [[Council], The Fifth Column stood as the last remaining threat from World War II, a group of super powered fascists still fighting a war the rest of the world left behind fifty years ago. The Fifth Column has the nefarious distinction of actually triggering the United States' involvement in the war against Nazi Germany. Hitler first sent the covert super team to Paragon City in 1939, tasked with spying on and sabotaging US shipping and naval development.
In 1941, as the navy's Atlantic Fleet mustered in Paragon Harbor with a convoy of supply vessels destined for England, the Fifth Column struck. The attack force destroyed dozens of ships and injured thousands before they withdrew into hiding. The Nazi spies spent the rest of the war wreaking havoc up and down the Eastern seaboard, fighting countless skirmishes with America's own heroes. Under the leadership of the ruthless and deadly Requiem, the Fifth Column killed hundreds and cost the US millions in war materials. In the closing months of the war they became desperate and careless, and heroes like The Statesman brought most of the covert cadre to justice.
Under the leadership of its founder and former leader Requiem, they spent the next several decades building its resources and power base. There is some evidence that the group helped incite social discord and fostered criminal groups across the country. These activities provided the Fifth Column with a continual supply of new recruits and funds for research.
It is only in the months after the end of the Rikti Invasion, that the Fifth Column resurfaced. An individual claiming the name and authority of the war criminal Requiem appeared to be in charge and may in fact be the same person who originally led the group. He has declared all out war on the United States and Paragon City in particular. The group operates out of underground bases and safe houses secreted throughout the city. Thus far, attacks have generally been aimed at frightening the population and disrupting the city's infrastructure. Captured Fifth Column soldiers have revealed little about their organization's plans except that Requiem has only begun to unfold his intentions for the city.
Current rumors are circulating that the 5th Column will rise again. Even if this was true, under whose leadership will it be?
