Magus Mu'Drakhan

Magus Mu'Drakhan

Overview

Magus Mu'Drakhan is a villain contact in the Primeva neighborhood of Nerva Archipelago. His level range is 35-39.

Introductions

Contact Introduced By

• Operative Rutger

New Contact(s)

• None

Information

Arachnos Mystic

Magus Mu'Drakhan is a leading figure among the growing ranks of mystic working under the banner of Arachnos who trace their lineage to the ancient civilization know as Mu. Mu'Drakhan's main interests lie both in expanding his already formidable arcane power, and uncovering the history of the lost civilization of Mu. He also holds a bitter anger at the Circle of Thorns, who draw their magical powers from the mystic secrets of Oranbega, the ancient enemy of Mu. Some whisper that he may be more loyal to his ancient bloodlines than to Arachnos, but such whispers are often quickly silenced.

Initial Contact

I am called Magus Mu'Drakhan. I have taken the name in honor of my ancestors, the great and powerful civilization of Mu, who once ruled these isles. I serve Lord Recluse and Arachnos by uncovering the lost power of my ancestors, and battling the hated Circle of Thorns who would try to destroy us once more. My power is great, and my influence deep. The rewards for assisting my work could well be beyond your capacity to measure.

Story Arc

Burned out Spirit Trap

Though this Spirit Trap is burned out and useless, it once held the demon queen Lilitu, who had been summoned to finish an ancient contract at the center of:

The Secret of the Circle

Magus Mu'Drakhan set a great task before you, to rescue a Mu Mystic who had recently been captured by the Circle of Thorns along with some other seemingly random people. Mu'Drakhan was concerned that this was somehow tied into a large ritual that the Circle had just completed. You found the Mu Mystic, and discovered that Mu'Drakhan was right. The Circle's victims all had some trace of Mu blooc, and were probably chosen for that reason. Unfortunately, a Circle mage spat a curse upon you, linking your fate to the fate of the Mu, and the success of a being called 'Lilitu.' Mu'Drakhan seems to think that it was real, but was more interested in confirming what you'd found out.

Mu'Drakhan had heard about a strange book that could trace a person's family history with a single drop of blood. It was in the hands of Longbow, and was in the Isles to be loaned to the Legacy Chain. In the process of stealing the book, you discovered that it had been brought here by Infernal, who wanted it for his own investigation into Lilitu and what the Circle was up to.

Mu'Drakhan was able to locate Infernal, and sent you to confront him, hoping that you would be able to force some information from him about Lilitu and the Circle's plan. You entered an abandoned part of the Mu ruins and battled Infernal. You learned some strange facts about the Origins of Mu, including that the ancient war between the Oranbegans and the Mu wasn't completely over. Apparently the Oranbegans had made a deal with the demons back then, a deal for the absolute destruction of the Mu. But they felt pity and stopped, and were punished for it somehow. More importantly, the demoness Lilitu was one of the chief enforcers of this bargain. Mu'Drakhan was worried that the modern Circle of Thorns might plan to complete the bargain somehow.

Mu'Drakhan had learned the location of two more captured Mu Mystics, and sent you to retrieve them. One was alive when you found him, but the other was nothing more than a disembodied soul held captive in a crystal. Their horrible stories told a terrible secret about the Circle of Thorns. The Circle are not a cult that worships the ancient Oranbegans, but that they actually are the ancient wizards who could remove a soul from its body and then possess the empty shell, wearing it like a suit of clothes. And bodies with strong Mu bloodlines allowed them to channel more mystic power. Mu'Drakhan was shocked to discover this horror, but assured you he would press on and hopefully get your curse lifted in the process. An important clue came from the disembodied Mu Mystic, who told you that he'd encountered the disembodied spirit of an ancient Mu who might have more information.

You recovered the imprisoned soul of the ancient Mu Wizard and learned that the Circle was planning to complete their ancient pact with the demons of the netherworld. They plan to destroy all of the descendants of Mu and regain their bodies. Fortunately, you also learned that Lilitu and Infernal had fought, leaving her weak. This would be the time to strike.

The battle against Lilitu is done, and she is now imprisoned within a Spirit Trap, to be studied by the Mystics of Mu. A fitting fate. According to Mu'Drakhan, her defeat should have also broken the curse on you. You're still not sure you believe in that, but it at least shows he fears you power enough to seek a way to coerce you into action. You just have to wonder if Mu'Drakhan will be able to contain Lilitu's power. Not that it's your problem anymore. In many ways, they probably deserve each other.

A citation full of commendation

This citation is full of ringing endorsements of your ability from Magus Mu'Drakhan, one of the powerful elites among the Mu Mystics of Arachnos. Despite the way it all ended, Mu'Drakhan had nothing but high praise for all that you did during the strange affair you now remember as

A Traitorous History

Now that he knew the secret of the Circle of Thorns, Mu'Drakhan wanted to learn more of the ancient war between his ancestors and the eldritch wizards. He sent you to interrogate a Circle Librarian who was investigating a ruin in the Rogue Isles. From him, you learned about a series of books detailing the entire Mu/Oranbegan war written by a Circle traitor for the heroes of Paragon City. When you told Mu'Drakhan of this, he became intent on getting a copy of this history.

Mu'Drakhan had discovered that Longbow was bringing a copy of Akarist's History for the Legacy Chain to study. You captured the mystic who was supposed to receive them and learned that not only were the books coming here, but that they were being brought by Aurora Borealis, one of the Vindicators!

You went to intercept Aurora Borealis and take the books, knowing that if you didn't get them and defeat her within two hours, Auorora Borealis would be able to track the books down with her psychic powers and retrieve them. You managed to pull it off, but Mu'Drakhan found no solace in what he learned about the nature of the Goddess Hequat of how the Oranbegans saved a few Mu survivors out of mercy at the cost of their physical bodies. He called it all lies, but despite his anger he still paid what he owed you.

Store

Magus Mu'Drakhan sells the following:

• Inspirations
• 35 natural/magic dual-origins
• 35 magic single-origin

Missions

Speak with Tarixus of Mu'Drakhan's misgivings

Briefing

I have felt a change come about recently. Something strange has occurred, some unseen shadow has passed, but I do not know what cast it. If it evades even my mystic senses, then I must assume that it is a shadow of great and baleful portent. So I ask you to deliver word of this disturbance to one of my honored ancestors, who even now exists beyond life and death. Speak of this portent to Tarixus the Mystic, and do as he bids you.

Travel to Sharkhead Isle, speak with Honored Tarixus, and do as Tarixus bids you. He is a great and powerful ancestor, and his every word is a path to knowledge.

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak with Tarixus

Debriefing: Archmage Tarixus

Greetings. So, you want to know what disturbs this world? From my place beyond life, yet anchored to this living world, I, too, have seen the shadow that crossed Mu'Drakhan's vision. I will tell him of it, but for a price. I need something done, a minor matter. There is a small coven of Circle sorcerers gaining power in the city of Haven in Cap Au Diable. Eradicate them, and I shall send Mu'Drakhan what I know. It should be no great difficulty for one of your power.

Mission Objective(s)

This is the place Traixus told you about. Seems like he might be right. This place just feels wrong.

• Eradicate Circle coven

You destroyed the Circle coven, as you were asked to do.

Debriefing

I may have been too harsh on you. You have done well. Tarixus has told me what he knew. I am troubled by what I have learned. I must confirm it. I must know. And perhaps I will need an agent to discover the truth, and battle the consequences.

Recover the missing mystic and discover the reason for his abduction

Briefing

All that I have learned points to a single, ominous fact. The hated mages of the Circle of Thorns have completed a great ritual, no doubt meant to bring harm down upon us all. I must know the nature of their act before I can counter it, but if I act now it will alert them. Thus, I must work through an emissary, and I would choose you for this task.

Even now, the Circle of Thorns' foul wizards have struck against the descendants of Mu. Along with the normal people they often abduct, they have taken several of my mystics. We may have located one of them. He must be recovered, and their reason for this action discovered. I believe that these foul abductions are part of the outline of their larger plan, so thwarting a part may reveal the whole. I would task you to this rescue, as you have shown some ability to get things done.

Mission Acceptance

I have used my arts to divine his general location, but can proceed no further through the defense wards the Circle has erected. Free my fellow Mu Mystic, destroy the leader of this Circle coven, and search for the reason they dared to strike.

I do not care about the lives of the other abductees. Ignore them or not as is your whim.

Mission Objective(s)

This place seems unusually decayed. Almost as if there was a supernatural force at work, driving it to dissolution.

• Attack Circle Abductors
  • Find clue
  • Find Mu Mystic
  • Defeat Leader

You have stopped the Circle's abductions.

Clue: 'I did learn one thing'

After you rescued him from his Circle captors, Mu'Ursis told you:

'I wish I knew more, but they had me trapped by spells most of the time. I did learn one thing, though. The wizards seemed to be nervous about something that had just happened. They were almost divided by the subject. They didn't say what it was, but did talk about a great calamity that had befallen them the last time they tried something like this. I'm afraid I don't know much more than that.

Clue: A family tree

This long scroll is a family tree, with several names circled in the last generation. Beside each name is a small picture, and each seems to show one of the abducted people. The names are written in increasingly ancient languages as you follow the lineages back in time, finally ending with names written in the ancient language of the Mu.

Clue: 'A curse upon you!'

As you put Raxinoxt the Abductor down, he spat a curse on you:

'I may fall, fool, but know this: In this moment I place a curse upon you! By the power of the unholy one we have brought forth, I bind your fate to our pact with her. When it is done and all of the Blood of Mu are wiped away, so too shall you be devoured by her power! Dread Lilitu! I bind this one's fate to our victory!'

As the light faded from his eyes, you felt a strange sensation, as if an axe were balanced on a hair's edge above your head.

Debriefing

You have done your task more than adequately, and for that reason alone I allow you in my presence carrying so terrible a curse upon you. I can see it even here, a festering fate that looms over your head. Most unfortunate for you.

But more important is this document you have uncovered. We had always thought the Circle's abductions random, mere fodder for their rituals of demonic control. This, however, reveals to me the outlines of a grander plan. The abductor's words were not just a curse upon you, but a threat to all of those who carry the blood of Mu. And what of this 'Last attempt' Mu'Ursis heard of? I must know more.

And yes, perhaps finding a solution to this will also end this curse upon you.

Incidentally, all of the captives we recovered had strong ties to the bloodline of the Mu. They have thus been given the choice to join our order or perish. Most have chosen to join.

Retrieve the book for Mu'Drakhan

Briefing

I have begun researches both into this 'Lilitu' and into the Circle's attempts to garner bodies with the Blood of Mu. That they would seek sacrifices from those with the Blood of Mu is very interesting, but I must know if this is a recent trend or something new. Their genealogy is very complete, but this is only a fragment. I must know more. I have learned that the vigilantes of Paragon City have recently come into possession of a book that can trace a bloodline instantly. This book is within the isles now, soon to be loaned to the Legacy Chain. Rather than waste this marvelous tome on them, I think I have need of it now. Retrieve it for me.

Mission Acceptance

The book is no doubt being guarded by Longbow. Defeat the one leading that rabble and retreive the book.

And if you need further incentive, then consider that the more I discover about the Circle's intentions and the 'Lilitu,' the closer I am to undoing your curse.

Mission Objective(s)

This cleverly disguised Longbow base shouldn't be too much of a problem for you.

• Attack Longbow for Book
  • Find Book
  • Defeat Longbow Boss

You got the book and defeated the base leader.

Clue: A request for assistance

This letter is written on the letterhead of the Vindicators, the organization formed by the younger members of the renowned Freedom Phalanx. It reads:

'Najjar,

I have detected a trace of the Demoness Lilitu in the Rogue Isles once more. I was planning to seek her out, and this time find my answer. In order to do this, I will need some assistance. I hope I can count on you again for basing and coordination. I will bring with me a book for our allies within the Legacy Chain. The book is called the Blood Tome. With it, we should be able to see if the Circle is doing the same in the Isles as they have been attempting in Paragon City. It may also give me a chance to force an answer from Lilitu, even if she will not speak to me.

This is bad, Najjar. If the Circle have truly brought her across, then we might be close to the end of the world. Or at least, the end of all humanity with a trace of Mu Blood.'

The letter is signed with a mystic sigil you recognize as that of the Vindicator Infernal.

Clue: The Blood Tome

This strange book appears to be blank, but if a single drop of a person's blood is placed on a page, that drop will flow and shift, drawing itself out to form a complete family history from the present all the way back, as far as the ancient civilization of Mu.

Debriefing

This book will be a valuable recruiting tool. But more importantly, it will tell us how long the hated Circle of Thorns has persecuted the descendants of Mu. All this, and Infernal is here as well. A vigilante, a curse, a demoness, and yes! The destruction of the world. This is truly a challenge. Even if you weren't cursed, I'd think a connoisseur of mayhem such as yourself would relish being a part of this.

Defeat Infernal

Briefing

Though he would seek shelter from my mystic sight, I have still found the one called Infernal. His barriers and wards do not deceive me. The binder-of-demons's pure heart shines like a beacon, and in that light I can see his surroundings. He even now guides an expedition formed of Longbow operatives into one of the lost chambers of Mu. The Circle are bent on stopping him, so whatever he searches for is of interest to them. This makes it of interest to me, and thus, I will make it of interest to you. Defeat Infernal, and learn what it is he seeks. Be warned that you will likely need an entire group of others to assist you in this task. Infernal will not be easily defeated.

Mission Acceptance

It is my belief that Infernal seeks information about this 'Lilitu.' If she is the Circle's new demonic ally, knowledge of her and her plans could go a long way towards thwarting the machinations of the Circle of Thorns, as well as removing the curse you bear. Infernal is unlikely to share information with one such as you, so you will likely have to pry what Infernal knows from him.

I would suggest you gather a gang of others to go with you. Infernal's powers are extraordinary, and his defeat will not be easy.

Mission Objective(s)

Mu'Drakhan's divinations have led you through twisting caverns to this ancient place.

• Defeat Infernal

You defeated Infernal and found some vital information.

Debriefing

These scraps of biased Oranbegan history are new, and will be exposed as lies on further research. However, the important information is about this 'Lilitu.' She is clearly an enemy of the descendants of Mu and an ally of the Circle. Even the vigilantes of Paragon City know of her and the threat she represents. The Circle's plans must be uncovered. I am in particular disturbed by Infernal's concern that this may be part of a Circle attempt to finish the slaughter their spiritual forebears began in that ancient war.

Rescue Mu Mystics from Circle

Briefing

I have learned the location of two of our mystics held by the foul Circle of Thorns. I believe now that his capture was part of the Circle's plot. If these mystics seek to bind the demoness Lilitu to their power as their spiritual forebears did once before, proof that we have revived the greatness of Mu would go a long way. Recover this brother of the blood of Mu, and see what he has learned.

You must find and bring both mystics back alive, or forfeit your full payment. They may have valuable information that could lead us to the heart of this Circle plot, and possibly Lilitu herself.

Mission Objective(s)

Once more you find yourself in a section of the ruined city beneath the Rogue Isles.

• Rescue Mu Mystics from Circle
  • 2 Mystics to rescue

You weren't able to rescue both mystics, but you still learned enough.

Clue: A strange talking crystal

As you hold this intricately charged crystal, a single point of light inside flares to life, and you hear a voice in your head:

'Hello? Are you there? I can barely sense anything! I am, or I guess, I was called Mu'Ken. I was an ally of Mu'Drakhan serving in Arachnos. The Circle's mystics caught me and several others, including other Mu mystics and what I thought were normal people. But they had a reason. They were deliberately searching for people with Mu ancestry. They brought us before a being, a demoness called 'Lilitu,' and told her we were proof that the blood of Mu still lived. She tasted our blood, and talked about a contract still being open. Then they seperated us. They put me before a crystal, and told me that this was going to hurt. It was like they had punched a drain in my soul, and were sucking out my insides with a machine. Then I was in here, and something else, one of them, one of the Oranbegans, was in my body. Walking around in it like a suit of clothes. There was another in here, then. A true spirit of the Mu, like honored Tarixus. She had been trapped in this crystal, as far as she could tell, since the fall of ancient Mu. She said that's what they were. The Circle aren't a modern cult. They're the ghosts of the ancient Oranbegans! They lived in their sunken city until the Rikti awakened them, and now they see threats all around.

I think the ancient one knew their plan, I think they'd forced her to advise them about setting it up. But they took her to another crystal before I could learn more. And I am trapped in here, while an Oranbegan spirit uses my body as a tool against us.'

Debriefing (Mission Failure)

What horror is this? One of my men dead, the other's soul trapped in a crystal? The cult of the Circle of Thorns, this secret society we have fought, is not a cult at all, but the continuation of the sworn enemies of our people? A spirit city of the dead beneath Paragon? Body thieving ghost wizards? And now the return of a Demoness and a plan to eradicate us all? I must find this ancient ancestor Mu'Ken spoke with. I shall bend all the powers of divination I can muster to this task!

And do not think I have forgotten you. Despite your failure, you still uncovered this abomination, I shall place great efforts towards ending this curse upon you. Once this task is complete, of course.

Recover Ancient Mu Soul Crystal

Briefing

I have found the soul of our ancient ancestor. She remains in the clutches of the Circle of Thorns, but I sense great peril. Even now, interlopers from Longbow battle the Circle for the crystal that holds her soul. I charge you to recover her, and find out what she knows.

The greatest thing you must do is recover the soul of the ancestor, but we must not play our hand too blatantly. Therefore, chaos must be created. Since there are already two sides battling each other, escalate the conflict into chaos by defeating both side's leaders. This will leave no clear indication to them who rescued the ancient one.

Mission Objective(s)

The sounds of battle bring a chaotic life to these ancient sunken halls.

• Recover Ancient Mu soul Crystal
  • Take Crystal
  • Defeat Longbow Leader
  • Defeat Circle Defender

You recovered the crystal and sewed chaos in your wake.

Clue: An Ancient Soul

This intricately carved crystal contains a single feeble light. When your hand draws near it begins to shine brightly, and an ancient voice speaks to you:

'You that walk the world, wreathed in wickedness, you must bear witness to what I have seen with my eyeless sight. The dread Circle of Thorns seeks to complete their unholy destruction of the peoples of Mu. When they stayed the hands of the demon horde in ancient times, it was at a dreadful cost to themselves. They spared some few of our people, but the demons fell upon their bodies. Their spirits sloughed off their mortal forms, and they lived their quiet unlives in their ancient city, now sunken beneath the world. But now they know that should they destroy all of the Mu, the bargain will be reversed, and they shall have their old forms returned. This knowledge has fanned a long-forgotten desperation among them, and now they draw plans against those descended from our great line.

There is still time to stop them. For Lilitu, the demon queen who advises them on their plan, is weakened. She fought with her half-mortal son, and now rebuilds her fiendish energies. There may yet be time to strike.'

Debriefing

You bring more than an honored ancestor, you bring our first true chance to stop the dread plans of the Circle of Thorns. If Lilitu is weakened from her battle with Infernal, then now is the time to strike her. No doubt she is prepared for the magics of the Mu, but I doubt she is prepared for one such as yourself. I will see what aid I can draw from the armaments of Arachnos for you. Prepare a strike team. When you are ready, it will be time to bind a queen of Demons.

And on a topic of interest to you, I have learned more about the curse placed upon you. It's actually quite simple. It has fused your fate to that of the Mu. Should the Circle succeed, you will perish as we will; however, since our researches in the Blood Tome has revealed that there are approximately one billion people on Earth with a trace of Mu ancestry, and there is only one of you, you'll experience that fate a billion times over before you'll finally die. There is one potential method of salvation for you, however. Should you defeat the Demon Queen Lilitu in combat, the curse should be broken. It's direct, but perhaps, achievable.

Defeat and Capture Lilitu

Briefing

Whatever fell bargains the Circle of Thorns may have planned, they will end now. With the help of the trapped soul of the ancient one, I now know where Lilitu hides, recovering from wounds suffered in battle against Infernal. Now is the time to strike. I am tasking you with the defeat and capture of this 'Lilitu.' Her downfall will secure some measure of safety from the Circle of Thorns for both of us.

Be warned, however, that even weakened she will still be powerful. Bring as many of your cronies as possible.

And there will be other complications. Firstly, after Lilitu is bound within the spirit trap, it will increase the 'Spiritual Mass' of your group such that we will not be able to automatically extract you while you're still conscious. And her defeat and binding will be felt. Once that's done, I would expect agents of Longbow and even her son to arrive. I thus recommend a hasty exit.

This act will not only preserve those blessed with the blood of Mu from the dark designs of our eternal enemies, but should aid you as well. Lilitu's direct defeat should break the curse on you, unchaining your fate from their bargain with the demoness. Sometimes magic can be simple.

I have used my considerable influence to procure an experimental tool for your use. It's a spirit trap, and should weaken Lilitu to some degree. Remember that you will not be able to leave so easily once you have captured her. And, remember that a capture team from Longbow will no doubt arrive soon after.

Clue: A trap for a demoness

You've been assured that this exotic techno-magical device should be able to capture the Demoness Lilitu once you defeat her, imprisoning her for the mystics of Arachnos to study.

Mission Objective(s)

You almost didn't need to be told where to go. You can feel Lilitu's evil presence even out here.

• Defeat and Capture Lilitu
  • Find Mission Exit

You defeated and captured Lilitu. Now escape!

Debriefing

Lilitu shall be carefully bound and fully researched. We will learn much from her about the true history of the Circle of Thorns. It still sickens me to know that those I had thought cult fanatics are just living shells for the spirits of the same cursed wizards we thought destroyed so long ago. Ancient ghosts who still draw their horrid plans against us. This would have been much more difficult had you not arrived. Now, though your curse is broken, though you are not bound by fate to me and my kind, I still give you thanks. Perhaps we shall work together again?

Recover tablet from the Tsoo

Any civilization as glorious as the Mu leaves behind it numerous items and artifacts. And it is no surprise that these relics, filled with the wisdom and power of our forbears, draw weak and small-minded men eager to make some petty coin from their exploitation. It is to a matter such as this that I am forced to lower my attention. It seems the Tsoo, a clan of gangsters who think their meager tattoo magic elevates them somehow, have stolen an engraved stone tablet bearing knowledge of the ancient Mu. Even now, they hide it in St. Martial. This valuable historical treasure cannot be allowed to remain in their criminal hands. I would task you to recover this artifact, and teach a lasting lesson to the Tsoo leader who would usurp the legacy of Mu for petty profit.

You will have two tasks before you: First, recover the tablet. Second, reward the Tsoo fool who stole the tablet with ignominious defeat. Return when this is done.

Personally, I detest the vain ostentation of St. Martial. Every minute that tablet spends there could lessen it.

Mission Objective(s)

This is the place. Even St. Martial's people need places to store stuff.

• Recover tablet from the Tsoo
  • Find Tablet
  • Defeat Tsoo Boss

You defeated the Tsoo and recovered the Tablet.

Clue: An engraved stone tablet

This ancient stone tablet is engraved on every surface with ancient Mu writing. It would likely take some time to fully translate.

Debriefing

Excellent! You have performed admirably. The secrets of this tablet will no doubt lead the glorious descendants of the Mu to ever greater heights. I am glad that you have delievered this to our hands, and away from the fumbling magics of those petty criminals.

Eliminate Mu'Drakhan's political rival

Briefing

A matter of politics vexes me. It lowers one such as I to be troubled so. I, who has learned the secrets of the ancient Mu, who has walked the unseen places between realms of consciousness, who has mastered the magics of the Goddess Hequat, I now find myself concerned with such petty matters of favor and bargaining. There is another among the Mystics of Mu who, incorrectly, believes that he knows better than I how to array our forces and train our next generation of Mystics. Even now, he circulates poisonous rumors against me in the upper echelons of Arachnos. Even into the ear of Scirocco himself! How am I to lead my people to their destiny when such a petty fool attempts to undermine me at every turn? Thus, this fool must be silenced before he can do more harm. And I would charge you to be the tool that will quiet his troublemaking, forever.

I am glad to see you are so understanding. The troublesome one is called Mu'Thekesh. Merely silencing this threat to the future of the descendants of Mu will not be sufficient. I've also provided you with some 'evidence' of Mu'Thekesh's malfeasance. It's all true, or at least, true enough to make questions about his fate irrelevant. Load them on his computer.

Clue: The 'Evidence'

These documents have had their file attributions altered so that they appear to have been written by Mu'Thekesh. They outline plans for a Mu Mystic uprising, as well as details of other suspicious plots and double dealings. It would probably all be quite compromising if it were found on Mu'Thekesh's computer, particularly if he wasn't around to defend himself.

Mission Objective(s)

This place is Mu'Thekesh's main headquarters. The Arachnos forces here will definitely be hostile to you.

• Eliminate Mu'Drakhan's rival
  • Plant 'Evidence'
  • Silence Mu'Thekesh

This should ruin Mu'Thekesh's reputation.

Debriefing

With the fool Mu' Thekesh out of the way and his faction tainted by the 'evidence' now come to light, more of the leaders among the Mu Mystics of Arachnos will side with me. Your part in this matter cannot be recorded in the records of Arachnos of course, but your fine efforts will live on within the true and secret history of the Mu. Such an honor should be sufficient for anyone.

Stop the dark summonings of the Circle of Thorns

Briefing

I must task you with an urgent mission! The foul Circle of Thorns are even now preparing a dread ritual upon Thorn Isle! They seek to bring a fell beast from the netherworld forth as a weapon against the people of Mu! I would task you to stop them, and see that the beast, this Baphomet, does not escape into our world!

Gather a strong gang of cronies about you. If and when Baphomet should appear, you will need all the power you can muster. And what is more, this ritual nears completion! You shall have less than two hours to stop the dark summonings of the Circle of Thorns!

Mission Acceptance

The initial segment of the Circle's dread ritual draws near its end. But, even if they bring forth the dreaded Baphomet, they must still bind it to this world. Your task is to stop them before they can accomplish this second task. Destroy each group performing a magical ritual. There should be nine of them. Be warned that other fiends may come through before the great beast, but that Baphomet himself will follow. If the rituals are halted, Baphomet will be forced to return to the abyss.

Now go! Time is of the essence. You have but two hours. Make the most of it!

Mission Objective(s)

The Circle of Thorns have forced almost everything else off Thorn Island for the duration of their ritual.

• Destroy Circle Rituals (Timed, 2:00)
  • 9 rituals to stop

You stopped the Circle and prevented the binding of Baphomet.

Notable NPCs

• Baphomet

Debriefing

You arrive before me wreathed in victory! The descendants of Mu shall not forget your efforts against the machinations of the Circle of Thorns. I shall pass on word of your considerable power and skill to Lord Recluse himself for your efforts on this day.

Capture the Circle Librarian and learn what you can from him

Briefing

Now that we have gained a true understanding of the eldritch horror that is the Circle of Thorns, it has become a matter of great import that we learn the history of the war between the Oranbegans and the people of Mu. To this end, I have devised a cunning plan: We have learned that one of the Circle's librarians is present in the Isles, no doubt to plunder the proud legacy of the Mu. We know that the usurped bodies the members of the Circle inhabit are as vehicles to them, but I believe that they still feel all agonies inflicted on them. Thus, it may be possible to pry some information from this Librarian. I charge you with this task: Capture the Librarian and learn what you can from him by any means necessary!

The guard upon this Librarian will likely not be strong. Strike swiftly and catch him. And after you've learned what you can, I don't care what befalls the mortal shell he now controls.

Mission Objective(s)

The gloom of these ancient ruins seems to be all that holds them up.

• Capture Circle Librarian

It takes some effort, but you make the Librarian talk.

Clue: The Librarian's words

It took some doing, but you got the Librarian to talk:

'If you want a far easier method of learning about the war, why not just steal a copy of a written history? Surely you knew that the traitor Akarist has compiled one for the heroes of Paragon City? There are even rumors that a copy is being brought to the Legacy Chain for study. You'll find out much more there.

You know, it takes some concentration to leave a body. While we've been talking, I've been leaving this one. But, oh, I will remember this. I'll remember this for a long time.'

Debriefing

A history of the war, written by an Oranbegan traitor? I would be intrigued even if obtaining a copy did not involve causing humiliation and grief to the Legacy Chain and Longbow. I must have this history! And you, you shall help me attain it.

Kidnap Legacy representative

Briefing

I have thrown wide the net of my resources, and have gathered a valuable catch of information. There is a representative of the Legacy Chain who is even now working with Longbow. They plan to transfer over a series of books under heavy guard so that the Legacy Chain may use them. As far as I can tell, the books are not in themselves magical and are rumored to have originally been hand-written. I believe that these may well be the written history of the Oranbegan war you learned about from the Circle Librarian. I want to know when and where the books are due to arrive, and I would task you to find out by capturing this representative of the Legacy Chain.

The Legacy Chain themselves are so far beneath your power that I doubt the representative will be able to fight you. His Longbow guardians, on the other hand, will likely be most adamant in preventing your escape.

Mission Objective(s)

Longbow is able to operate in the open in these parts of the Isles, acting as beacons of hope to the oppressed people of other Islands. Hopes you will soon crush.

• Kidnap Legacy representative
  • Escape with Legacy representative

You kidnapped the Legacy Chain's representative.

Clue: Our books will be well-protected

The Legacy Chain representative said something to you before Arachnos officers took him away for further interrogation:

'You may think you've won, but you have not. Try your best to take the books. Aurora Borealis herself will be guarding them!'

Debriefing

The Legacy Chain mystic keeps to his story. It seems that Aurora Borealis herself will be bringing a copy of Akarist's history to the Isles. I must have those books, but this is a dangerous complication. I would strongly suggest gathering a number of associates if you haven't already. You may need the assistance, because I will not be deterred in getting those books.

Defeat Aurora Borealis and take the books

Briefing

The history of the war between the ancestors of Mu and the hated Oranbegans is even now being delivered into the hands of the enemies of Arachnos. I will have it, and you shall get it for me. But this will not be easy. The heroine Aurora Borealis travels with them, no doubt watching over them psychically as well as physically. You are to steal those books and defeat Aurora Borealis so that we can break her psychic watch over them. Be warned that there is a limited amount of time for this. If the books are not in our possession and Aurora Borealis defeated within two hours, they may be able to recall them back to Paragon City using their teleport network.

You must defeat Aurora Borealis and take the books. One without the other will allow Paragon City's vigilantes to recover the books before we can examine them.

Mission Objective(s)

This is the right place and time. Now, you just have to defeat one of the most powerful psychics in the world and steal the books she was set to guard within two hours.

• Defeat Aurora and get books (Times, 2:00)
  • Defeat Aurora Borealis
  • Steal Books

You got the books and defeated Aurora Borealis!

Clue: An Excerpt: Hequat and the Mu

The passage is handwritten in a spidery script. It serves as a preface to the first book of the history of the Mu/Oranbegan war:

'Though we did not know of them until the War, the Mu had been our sworn enemy for hundreds of years. Within a fortress-island forged of iron and fear they had been trained to hate us and to fight against us for generations. Their Goddess demanded it, and they obeyed her in all ways. They believed that their chosen place upon this world was to serve as the righteous implement of her will, and in their deeds and customs did they enshrine this so that to do otherwise would be unthinkable. At her command they performed generations of what would now be called eugenic breeding in order to strengthen the magical power within their blood lines to unheard of levels. At her command they crushed all contrary thought, and made no art that did not praise her name. At her command they attacked our peaceful Oranbega on a spring day, sewing ruin on our city and bringing war to us after it had become forgotten in our lands. The name of this Goddess was Hequat.

Hequat was in our myths as well, for it was her followers who had hounded us from our lands and drove our forbears into the sea. In our myths she was the former lover of Ermeeth, the god who taught our people the magic he had learned from fabled Tielekku. Hequat was also Ermeeth's greatest foe, and it was from her armies we had fled under one sea and across another to the land we would call Oranbega. We had thought Ermeeth and Hequat both legends until her soldiers came one fateful spring to burn our world away.

Hequat hated Oranbega then, and would hate that which we have become even more. However, it must be remembered that her hatred stemmed from our refusal to bow down to the gods in all things, as she thought it was proper for mortals. That aspect may bode ill for the peoples and cultures of this modern era.'

Clue: An Excerpt: The Cost of Mercy

The passage is handwritten in a spidery script. It serves as a preface to the last book of the history of the war:

'When our people were pressed by the Mu, we took drastic measures. First we sank our city beneath the earth to shelter us from bombardment by Mu sky ships. Then, when we found we still were sorely pressed, we turned to other powers from darker worlds. A Prince of Demons came to us and offered us his aid. The Circle of Thorns, the ruling council of Oranbega, debated greatly, but in the end we bargained with him.

HIs first gift to use was the Thorn Blades, demon swords that turned men into blood-frenzied monsters. Armed with these we turned the tide, and the slaughter was indescribable.

The wizards of Mu found new tactics, however, and blunted our attack. Again we struck bargains with the Prince of Demons, and we brought forth troops to fight on our behalf from the depths of Hell. With wraiths and spectres did we march upon the Mu. With Behemoths of the land and Leviathans of the sea did we fall upon their men, their city, their very land. The fiends had bargained for the slaughter of ever last man, child, and woman of Mu, and on that fine point we faltered. We still felt mercy for them, pity even, and we saw in them what might have become of us. We let some Mu escape to far shores. When the fiends discovered this, they were both outraged and gleeful, for they had hoped for just such an outcome. In the end we had to sacrifice our mortal forms, and were only able to escape the wrath of the fiends as bodiless spirits in our sunken city. Such was the cost we paid for our mercy.'

Debriefing

These books are full of nothing but Oranbegan lies! The people of Mu as slaves to our beloved Goddess? The survival of our people dependant on Oranbegan mercy? They even claim that the glorious and honorable people of Mu attacked the Oranbegans first! These books are worse than useless! All this effort for these untruths. It will take years of effort to pry the few truths from the lies penned by the traitor Akarist. Bah!

But as for you: You have done well. That these books are filled with falsehoods and Oranbegan vanitites is no fault of yours. I shall note how well you have done, should any ask it of me.

Cleanse Mu Ruins of all Devouring Earth

Briefing

To even mention this base and sacriligious event leaves a sick taste on my tongue, but speak of it I must, so that it can be solved. The vile and filthy Devouring Earth have infested a Mu excavation site. The noxious beasts have driven out my researchers and even now slither through the glorious halls of the ancients. I will not allow this! I charge you to eradicate this infestation! Wipe out the foul creatures of the Devouring Earth and cleanse the ruins of Mu!

The task is simple: Eradicate the Devouring Earth to the last rotting branch, the last slimy toad, the last cursed rock and crystal. Destroy them all and cleanse the sacred ruins of Mu.

Mission Objective(s)

A thick organic heat ebbs up from the depths of the ruins. The Devouring Earth control this place now.

• Defeat all Devouring Earth in ruins

You eliminated the last of the Devouring Earth in the ruins.

Debriefing

The exploration of the dig may continue once more, and the ancient wisdom and lore of the Mu will come to light once more. I shall pass word of this success to my superiors. Well done.

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