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Difference between revisions of "Apex Task Force"

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{{incomplete|note=Several pieces of dialog missing from part 1, mission objectives missing from both parts.}}
 
== Overview ==
 
== Overview ==
 
+
{{req sub}}
 
{{Infobox TF
 
{{Infobox TF
 
|name=Alpha Strike
 
|name=Alpha Strike
|image=[[File:Apex (contact).jpg|100px]]
+
|image=[[File:Apex.jpg|100px]]
 
|contact=[[Apex]]
 
|contact=[[Apex]]
 
|zone=[[Rikti War Zone]]
 
|zone=[[Rikti War Zone]]
Line 13: Line 13:
 
|levels=50
 
|levels=50
 
|merits=40
 
|merits=40
|shards=2
+
|threads=10
|enemies={{Enemy Praetorians}}
+
|astrals=1
 +
|enemies={{Enemy Praetorians}}{{Enemy Praetorian Clockwork}}{{Enemy Imperial Defense Force}}{{Enemy Hydra}}{{Enemy Rikti}}
 
|badge=[[File:Badge tf tinmage achievement.png|32px]] {{BadgeLink|Weapon Master}}}}
 
|badge=[[File:Badge tf tinmage achievement.png|32px]] {{BadgeLink|Weapon Master}}}}
 +
 +
The '''Apex Task Force''' is a co-operative [[Task Force]] that allows heroes and villains to team together. The Task Force was added in [[Issue 19]] with the introduction of the [[Incarnate System]].
 +
 +
Unlike the other Task Forces and Strike Forces, the Apex Task Force requires heroes and villains to have completed [[Mender Ramiel]]'s story arc to unlock their [[Alpha Slot]] in order to participate.  This in turn requires a [[VIP Player|VIP subscription]]. Both the Task Force as well as Mender Ramiel requires the player to be [[level]] 50.
 +
 +
Enemies are significantly harder as well. All enemies will be level 54, and if the Alpha Slot on a player is unslotted, the player will be at a -4 level debuff, effectively making them level 46 during the course of the Apex Task Force.
  
 
__TOC__
 
__TOC__
  
 
{{clr}}
 
{{clr}}
{{MeritAward|i|40|2}}
+
 
 +
{{PowerBox|Icon=Incarnate StoryArc.png|Name=[[Emperor Cole's Incarnate Control]] |Effect=-Combat Levels|Desc=[[Tyrant|Emperor Cole]]'s control over the forces of the [[Incarnate]] are preventing every hero, villain or in-between from utilizing their full strength. This is effectively causing you to fight at four combat levels lower than you actually are.
 +
 
 +
Only those who have embarked on the path of the Incarnate and are utilizing an [[Alpha Slot Abilities|Alpha Incarnate ability]] are immune to the effect and fight at full strength.}}
 +
 
 +
{{ArcAward|m=40}}
  
 
== Introductions ==
 
== Introductions ==
 
=== Too Low Level ===
 
=== Too Low Level ===
{{Missing}}
+
This situation with the Praetorians is pretty dire, {{Character}}. {{orange|You'll need a full team of eight people to handle what's coming our way.}}
  
 
=== Not Enough People ===
 
=== Not Enough People ===
Line 30: Line 42:
  
 
=== Not Team Leader ===
 
=== Not Team Leader ===
{{Missing}}
+
Sorry, {{Character}}, but I'll need to speak with your team leader. No offense.
  
 
== Missions ==
 
== Missions ==
=== {{UL|Part One: {{orange|The New Law}}}} ===
+
=== {{UL|Part One: The New Law}} ===
 
+
 
'''Briefing'''
 
'''Briefing'''
  
Good to see you're here with a team, {{Character}}. My name is Apex, I'm in charge of Vanguard's operations against Praetoria. As you may or may not know, we've got ourselves into another invasion. Looks like people just love to attack Primal Earth, huh? First it was Rikti, now it's Praetoria. Their first attack was on Terra Volta, and it was bad, {{Character}}. Everyone from the Freedom Phalanx was there, fighting tooth and nail against the Praetorians. But, for some reason, everyone but Statesman had all of their abilities drained to the point of being useless. Eventually, Statesman was forced to retreat, and the Praetorians shut down Terra Volta for some time. That's the odd thing, though. They could've blown it up, but they just chose to shut it down for a time... which means that whatever they wanted to do, they did in that time. This is where you and your team come in,{{Character}}
+
Good to see you're here with a team, {{Character}}. My name is Apex, I'm in charge of [[Vanguard]]'s operations against [[Praetoria]]. As you may or may not know, we've got ourselves into another invasion. Looks like people just love to attack [[Primal Earth]], huh? First it was [[Rikti]], now it's Praetoria. Their first attack was on [[Terra Volta]], and it was bad, {{Character}}. Everyone from the [[Freedom Phalanx]] was there, fighting tooth and nail against the [[Praetorians (Enemy Group)|Praetorian]]. But, for some reason, everyone but [[Statesman]] had all of their abilities drained to the point of being useless. Eventually, Statesman was forced to retreat, and the Praetorians shut down Terra Volta for some time. That's the odd thing, though. They could've blown it up, but they just chose to shut it down for a time... which means that whatever they wanted to do, they did in that time. This is where you and your team come in, {{Character}}.
  
 
'''Mission Acceptance'''
 
'''Mission Acceptance'''
  
That's what I was hoping to hear! You guys are going to be called Task Force Horus. Nifty name, don't you think? Now, the reason why we need you all specifically is because of your Incarnate Abilities. We don't know why, but wherever these Praetorians show up, anyone who isn't an Incarnate has their powers totally drained. Even then, Incarnates who aren't somewhat powered up are still drained of some of their powers. We figured all this out after analyzing the battle between the Praetorians and the Freedom Phalanx. Those Praetorians are moving fast though. Their next target is the main PPD headquarters in Kings Row. Blue Steel is doing his best to defend the Row in his weakened state, but he's being overwhelmed, and fast. We'll provide air transport for you all into Kings Row. You need to defend the PPD station from the Praetorians. If that falls, Paragon loses one of its main forces to fight against the Praetorians!
+
That's what I was hoping to hear! You guys are going to be called {{Task Force}}. Nifty name, don't you think? Now, the reason why we need you all specifically is because of your [[Incarnate]] Abilities. We don't know why, but wherever these Praetorians show up, anyone who isn't an Incarnate has their powers totally drained. Even then, Incarnates who aren't somewhat powered up are still drained of some of their powers. We figured all this out after analyzing the battle between the Praetorians and the Freedom Phalanx. Those Praetorians are moving fast though. Their next target is the main [[PPD]] headquarters in [[Kings Row]]. [[Blue Steel]] is doing his best to defend the Row in his weakened state, but he's being overwhelmed, and fast. We'll provide air transport for you all into Kings Row. You need to defend the PPD station from the Praetorians. If that falls, [[Paragon City|Paragon]] loses one of its main forces to fight against the Praetorians!
  
 
'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''
 
'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''
Line 47: Line 58:
 
You guys need to get to Kings Row!
 
You guys need to get to Kings Row!
  
{{Defend the Kings Row Police Station|Entrance=Rikti War Zone|Primary={{Missing}}|Secondary={{Missing}}|Additional=**{{Missing}}
+
{{Mission Objective|Entrance=The Vanguard helicopter flies you directly into the heart of Kings Row, where you can overhear explosions in the distance from other invading forces.|Primary=Defend the Kings Row Police Station|Secondary=3 hotspots to clear out |Additional=**3 Pylons to destroy in the sewers
 +
** Secure the PPD headquarters
 +
** Gather at the Paragon Penny
 +
** Defeat the incoming War Walker
 +
** Fend off the War Walker's final assault
 
|Completion={{Missing}}}}
 
|Completion={{Missing}}}}
  
'''Location'''
 
 
{{Missing}}
 
  
 
'''Enemies'''
 
'''Enemies'''
  
{{Missing}}
+
{{Enemy Praetorian Clockwork}}
 +
{{Enemy Imperial Defense Force}}
 +
{{Enemy Hydra}}
 +
{{Enemy Rikti}}
 +
 
  
 
'''Notable NPCs'''
 
'''Notable NPCs'''
{{Missing}}
+
 
 +
Hydra Tentacle ([[Boss]])
 +
 
 +
[[Rikti Pylon]] x3 (Object)
 +
 
 +
[[Imperial_Defense_Force#War_Walker|War Walker]] x12 ([[Elite Boss]])
 +
 
  
 
{{NPC Text|type=villain|title={{Missing}}|text=
 
{{NPC Text|type=villain|title={{Missing}}|text=
Line 66: Line 88:
 
'''Debriefing'''
 
'''Debriefing'''
  
Good work, Task Force Horus. Blue Steel and his men took some heavy losses, but luckily they didn't face the brunt of the invasion like you all did. Anyway, we've got bigger issues, as you may know. Blyde Square was hit by some sort of object from space. We've lost all contact with everyone there, but Vanguard was able to get pictures from one of our satellites, and it isn't good.
+
Good work, {{Task Force}}. Blue Steel and his men took some heavy losses, but luckily they didn't face the brunt of the invasion like you all did. Anyway, we've got bigger issues, as you may know. Blyde Square was hit by some sort of object from space. We've lost all contact with everyone there, but Vanguard was able to get pictures from one of our satellites, and it isn't good.
  
=== {{UL|Part Two: {{orange|The Final Strike}}}} ===
+
=== {{UL|Part Two: The Final Strike}} ===
  
 
'''Briefing'''
 
'''Briefing'''
The pictures that our satellites took indicate that the 'object' from space was none other than Battle Maiden. It seems one of Cole's methods from invasion involved opening a portal in the atmosphere around the Earth and launching Battle Maiden straight into the heart of Blyde Square. We're getting feeds in now that she's defeated Valkyrie and is now gathering her forces around Blyde Square to take the rest of Steel Canyon. We tried to send in some of our own troops to handle the situation, but we haven't heard back from them. We think whatever is draining the power from everyone is affecting the area where Battle Maiden is.  
+
 
 +
The pictures that our satellites took indicate that the 'object' from space was none other than [[Battle Maiden]]. It seems one of [[Tyrant|Cole]]'s methods from invasion involved opening a portal in the atmosphere around the Earth and launching Battle Maiden straight into the heart of Blyde Square. We're getting feeds in now that she's defeated [[Valkyrie]] and is now gathering her forces around Blyde Square to take the rest of [[Steel Canyon]]. We tried to send in some of our own troops to handle the situation, but we haven't heard back from them. We think whatever is draining the power from everyone is affecting the area where Battle Maiden is.  
  
 
'''Mission Acceptance'''
 
'''Mission Acceptance'''
  
Exactly. You guys are the last line of defense for us here, which is bad, considering you're not even there yet. If Battle Maiden isn't stopped, she'll have her entire army within the walls of Paragon City! We've got a helicopter lined up to get you guys into Blyde Square. This won't be easy, not by a longshot, Task Force Horus.
+
Exactly. You guys are the last line of defense for us here, which is bad, considering you're not even there yet. If Battle Maiden isn't stopped, she'll have her entire army within the walls of [[Paragon City]]! We've got a helicopter lined up to get you guys into Blyde Square. This won't be easy, not by a long shot, {{Task Force}}.
  
 
'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''
 
'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''
Good luck, Task Force Horus. I'm sorry that we can't be of any more help to you all.
 
  
{{Mission Objective|Entrance=Halt Battle Maiden's Assault|Primary={{Missing}}|Secondary={{Missing}}|Additional=**{{Missing}}
+
Good luck, {{Task Force}}. I'm sorry that we can't be of any more help to you all.
|Completion={{Missing}}}}
+
  
'''Location'''
+
{{Mission Objective|Entrance={{missing}}|Primary=Halt Battle Maiden's Assault|Secondary=Search the rooftop for signs of assailants
 +
**Defeat all incoming... swords?
 +
**Defeat Battle Maiden in Blyde Square
 +
**Take Down Battle Maiden Once and For All!|Additional=
 +
|Completion=Mission Complete!}}
  
Rikti War Zone
+
{{EdNote|note=Blue flames erupt at random times, targeting a spot where a PC's feet are and then emerging several seconds later. They are auto-hit, irresistable and lethal. Staying in one place is a guarantee of death.
 +
 
 +
They fill a roughly spherical volume, and slightly bigger than their graphical effect; flying characters may pass over ground-based flames safely, but they may also generate flame bursts overhead that kill those on the ground. If a PC must fly, fly well above the ground to drop flames out of reach of others' heads who are standing on the ground.}}
  
 
'''Enemies'''
 
'''Enemies'''
 
+
* {{Enemy Praetorians}}
{{Missing}}
+
  
 
'''Notable NPCs'''
 
'''Notable NPCs'''
{{Missing}}
+
* [[Battle Maiden]] ([[Archvillain]])
 +
* Animated Swords ([[Minion]]s, [[Lieutenants]] and [[Boss]]es)
 +
* [[Ms. Shock]] (Neutral, [[Boss]], level 25)
 +
* [[Dr. Advance]], (Neutral, [[Boss]], level ??)
  
{{NPC Text|type=villain|title={{Missing}}|text=
+
{{divbox|maizeblack| |
{{Missing}}}}
+
''You are all fools if you believe you can defeat the great Battle Maiden! My minions will make quick work of you!''}}
  
'''Debriefing'''
+
{{Ambush|On approaching the rooftop door, [[Battle Maiden]] will talk to the team via real time cutscene and summon two waves of [[Animated Swords]], which must be defeated.}}
  
{{Missing}}
+
{{divbox|maizeblack| |
 +
''Impressive, you aren't weakened like the others. I look forward to putting you all down like the dogs you are!''}}
  
=== {{UL|Part Three: {{orange|subtitle}}}} ===
+
{{NPC Text|type=hero|title=Ms. Shock dialogue|text=''We won't back down, Paragon is our home!''}}
  
'''Briefing'''
+
{{NPC Text|type=villain|title=Battle Maiden part 1 dialogue|text=
 +
'''Initial appearance:'''
 +
:''You've survived this long, I'm impressed. Let's see what you're made of!''
 +
:''Cole may think you're a threat, but you're all insects to be swatted away!''
 +
'''75% health:'''
 +
:''You're all doing well. I suppose Cole's control over the Well does not affect Incarnates, does it?''
 +
'''50% health:'''
 +
:''This was a good test. Let's see how well you do with further pressure!''}}
  
{{Missing}}
+
:''Battle Maiden retreats!''
 +
{{Ambush|Upon Battle Maiden exiting the battle, there will be an ambush of Praetorian Guard and Animated Swords.<br />
 +
Champion of Mourning: ''To battle!''}}
  
'''Mission Acceptance'''
+
{{divbox|maizeblack| |
 +
''That runt Marchand was too weak to make the war declaration. You won't find any weakness within myself and my army!''}}
  
{{Missing}}
+
{{Ambush|After Battle Maiden's speech, there will be an ambush of Praetorian Guard and Animated Swords.<br />
 +
Champion of Mourning: ''We face Incarnates today, we shall show them our true might!''}}
  
'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''
+
{{divbox|maizeblack| |
 +
''Hrm... you're fairing better than I expected. I suppose I should hurry up and finish you all off before Cole grows concerned.''}}
  
{{Missing}}
+
{{Ambush|After Battle Maiden's speech, there will be more ambushes of Praetorian Guard and Animated Swords.<br />
 +
Champion of Mourning: ''Maiden has offered glory to any who return with the heads of these Incarnates!''<br />
 +
Champion of Mourning: ''Maiden has offered glory to any who return with the heads of these Incarnates!''}}
  
{{Mission Objective|Entrance={{Missing}}|Primary={{Missing}}|Secondary={{Missing}}|Additional=**{{Missing}}
+
:''Battle Maiden returns!''
|Completion={{Missing}}}}
+
{{Ambush|On Battle Maiden's return, there will be another ambush of Praetorian Guard and Animated Swords.<br />
 +
Champion of Mourning: ''Let us show these Incarnates our true power!''<br />
 +
Champion of Mourning: ''Do not show any mercy to these beings!''}}
  
'''Location'''
+
{{NPC Text|type=villain|title=Battle Maiden part 2 dialogue|text=
 
+
'''On return:'''
{{Missing}}
+
:''Your world will fall before my might, just like all the others!''
 
+
'''25% health:'''
'''Enemies'''
+
:''I will not lose! I will not fail Emperor Cole, not like that coward, Marchand!''
 
+
'''Defeated:'''
{{Missing}}
+
:''Your world...''
 
+
:''... is still...''
'''Notable NPCs'''
+
:''...doomed...''}}
{{Missing}}
+
 
+
{{NPC Text|type=villain|title={{Missing}}|text=
+
{{Missing}}}}
+
  
 
'''Debriefing'''
 
'''Debriefing'''
  
{{Missing}}
+
Great work out there, {{Task Force}}! Battle Maiden was teleported away, but she'll be hurting from that one for a long time. We've got [[Vanguard]] cleaning up the area around Blyde Square. Valkyrie is going to be OK. Despite the fact that she wasn't an [[Incarnate]], she put up an impressive fight against Battle Maiden and her army. The situation on [[Primal Earth|Primal]] is somewhat stable, for now, but we've got a long way to go before this invasion is over. I know you've done a lot of work for us, but we could still use your help. If you haven't already, you should speak with [[Tin Mage Mark II]]. He's been built, er, assigned to the task of taking the fight back to the [[Praetorians (Enemy Group)|Praetorian]].
  
 
Completing this mission awards the {{BadgeLink|Weapon Master}}/{{BadgeLink|Warrior Princess}} badge.
 
Completing this mission awards the {{BadgeLink|Weapon Master}}/{{BadgeLink|Warrior Princess}} badge.
 
{{BadgeBox|Weapon Master}}
 
{{BadgeBox|Weapon Master}}
 +
 +
== Rewards ==
 +
As of [[Incarnates Ascend|Issue 20.5: Incarnates Ascend]], completing the Apex Task Force awards 40 [[Special Salvage#Reward Merit|Reward Merits]] and will bring up a selection window where a character can choose among the following:
 +
*1 [[Astral Merit]] (once per 20 hours)
 +
*10 [[Incarnate Thread Component]]s
 +
*1 [[Inspirations#Inspiration Levels|"Super" Inspiration]]
  
 
== Master of Apex's Task Force ==
 
== Master of Apex's Task Force ==
Line 152: Line 200:
 
'''War Earth Sword'''
 
'''War Earth Sword'''
  
You took one of Battle Maiden's animated swords as a war trophy after the fight in Blyde Square. The nanites that powered this sword are long gone, but perhaps you could find a use for it still. It reminds you of an experience you call...
+
You took one of [[Battle Maiden]]'s animated swords as a war trophy after the fight in Blyde Square. The nanites that powered this sword are long gone, but perhaps you could find a use for it still. It reminds you of an experience you call...
  
 
'''Alpha Strike'''
 
'''Alpha Strike'''
  
It all began when you formed a team to push back the invading Praetorians with a super named Apex. The Freedom Phalanx had fallen defending Terra Volta due to all but Statesman having their powers sapped. Many other heroes were reporting their powers being almost non-existent when fighting Emperor Cole's forces. However, your special Incarnate abilities were able to overcome whatever was happening all over the world. You worked together with other Incarnates to push back the Praetorians in Kings Row, preventing them from destroying the PPD headquarters. Afterwards Blue Steel informed you of disturbing news: Blyde Square had been hit by some object from space and all contact was lost with Valkryie.
+
It all began when you formed a team to push back the invading [[Praetorians (Enemy Group)|Praetorian]] with a super named Apex. The [[Freedom Phalanx]] had fallen defending [[Terra Volta]] due to all but [[Statesman]] having their powers sapped. Many other heroes were reporting their powers being almost non-existent when fighting [[Tyrant|Emperor Cole]]'s forces. However, your special [[Incarnate]] abilities were able to overcome whatever was happening all over the world. You worked together with other Incarnates to push back the Praetorians in [[Kings Row]], preventing them from destroying the [[PPD]] headquarters. Afterwards [[Blue Steel]] informed you of disturbing news: Blyde Square had been hit by some object from space and all contact was lost with [[Valkyrie]].
  
Vanguard reported that the object from space was actually Battle Maiden who was somehow launched into Earth's atmosphere. She and her army were running rampant in Blyde Square, and only you and your team could stop them from destroying the rest of Paragon City. Your Vanguard helicopter crash landed on a roof in Blyde Square, forcing you and your team to move to the heart of Steel Canyon on foot. There, you did battle against Battle Maiden, her animated swords, and her massive army. You defeated her and forced her to retreat, allowing Paragon City to rebuild the destruction within Steel Canyon. One thing stuck out to you during the fight with Battle Maiden; she mentioned that Provost Marchand was too 'weak-willed' to start the invasion, hinting that perhaps this invasion was done against his orders. Whatever the case, you were able to secure Primal Earth from the Praetorians, which will be crucial in launching a counter attack against Cole and his army.
+
[[Vanguard]] reported that the object from space was actually [[Battle Maiden]] who was somehow launched into Earth's atmosphere. She and her army were running rampant in Blyde Square, and only you and your team could stop them from destroying the rest of [[Paragon City]]. Your Vanguard helicopter crash landed on a roof in Blyde Square, forcing you and your team to move to the heart of [[Steel Canyon]] on foot. There, you did battle against Battle Maiden, her animated swords, and her massive army. You defeated her and forced her to retreat, allowing Paragon City to rebuild the destruction within Steel Canyon. One thing stuck out to you during the fight with Battle Maiden; she mentioned that [[Provost Marchand]] was too 'weak-willed' to start the invasion, hinting that perhaps this invasion was done against his orders. Whatever the case, you were able to secure [[Primal Earth]] from the Praetorians, which will be crucial in launching a counter attack against Cole and his army.
  
 
[[Category:Trials and Task Forces]]
 
[[Category:Trials and Task Forces]]

Latest revision as of 17:01, 20 February 2014

Overview

Icon vip.png Requires a VIP subscription.

Alpha Strike
Apex.jpg
Contact Apex
Zone Rikti War Zone
Minimum Size 8 players
Coordinates (-215, 40, -2265)
Level Range 50
Merits 40
Threads 10
Astrals 1
Badge Badge tf tinmage achievement.png Weapon Master
Enemy Groups Badge villain praetorians.png Praetorians
Badge DefeatClockwork.png Praetorian Clockwork
V badge Loyalist.png Imperial Defense Force
V badge Hydra.png Hydra
Badge villain new rikti.png Rikti
v  d  e

The Apex Task Force is a co-operative Task Force that allows heroes and villains to team together. The Task Force was added in Issue 19 with the introduction of the Incarnate System.

Unlike the other Task Forces and Strike Forces, the Apex Task Force requires heroes and villains to have completed Mender Ramiel's story arc to unlock their Alpha Slot in order to participate. This in turn requires a VIP subscription. Both the Task Force as well as Mender Ramiel requires the player to be level 50.

Enemies are significantly harder as well. All enemies will be level 54, and if the Alpha Slot on a player is unslotted, the player will be at a -4 level debuff, effectively making them level 46 during the course of the Apex Task Force.


Incarnate StoryArc.png Emperor Cole's Incarnate Control -Combat Levels
Emperor Cole's control over the forces of the Incarnate are preventing every hero, villain or in-between from utilizing their full strength. This is effectively causing you to fight at four combat levels lower than you actually are.

Only those who have embarked on the path of the Incarnate and are utilizing an Alpha Incarnate ability are immune to the effect and fight at full strength.

E ICON MeritToken.png Merit Rewards: This activity awards 40 Reward Merits.

Introductions

Too Low Level

This situation with the Praetorians is pretty dire, Character. You'll need a full team of eight people to handle what's coming our way.

Not Enough People

This situation with the Praetorians is pretty dire, Character. You'll need a full team of eight people to handle what's coming our way.

Not Team Leader

Sorry, Character, but I'll need to speak with your team leader. No offense.

Missions

Part One: The New Law

Briefing

Good to see you're here with a team, Character. My name is Apex, I'm in charge of Vanguard's operations against Praetoria. As you may or may not know, we've got ourselves into another invasion. Looks like people just love to attack Primal Earth, huh? First it was Rikti, now it's Praetoria. Their first attack was on Terra Volta, and it was bad, Character. Everyone from the Freedom Phalanx was there, fighting tooth and nail against the Praetorian. But, for some reason, everyone but Statesman had all of their abilities drained to the point of being useless. Eventually, Statesman was forced to retreat, and the Praetorians shut down Terra Volta for some time. That's the odd thing, though. They could've blown it up, but they just chose to shut it down for a time... which means that whatever they wanted to do, they did in that time. This is where you and your team come in, Character.

Mission Acceptance

That's what I was hoping to hear! You guys are going to be called Task Force Name. Nifty name, don't you think? Now, the reason why we need you all specifically is because of your Incarnate Abilities. We don't know why, but wherever these Praetorians show up, anyone who isn't an Incarnate has their powers totally drained. Even then, Incarnates who aren't somewhat powered up are still drained of some of their powers. We figured all this out after analyzing the battle between the Praetorians and the Freedom Phalanx. Those Praetorians are moving fast though. Their next target is the main PPD headquarters in Kings Row. Blue Steel is doing his best to defend the Row in his weakened state, but he's being overwhelmed, and fast. We'll provide air transport for you all into Kings Row. You need to defend the PPD station from the Praetorians. If that falls, Paragon loses one of its main forces to fight against the Praetorians!

Unnecessary Solicitation

You guys need to get to Kings Row!

Mission Objective(s)

The Vanguard helicopter flies you directly into the heart of Kings Row, where you can overhear explosions in the distance from other invading forces.

  • Defend the Kings Row Police Station
    • 3 hotspots to clear out
    • 3 Pylons to destroy in the sewers
    • Secure the PPD headquarters
    • Gather at the Paragon Penny
    • Defeat the incoming War Walker
    • Fend off the War Walker's final assault

+++ Missing Information +++


Enemies

Badge DefeatClockwork.png Praetorian Clockwork
V badge Loyalist.png Imperial Defense Force
V badge Hydra.png Hydra
Badge villain new rikti.png Rikti


Notable NPCs

Hydra Tentacle (Boss)

Rikti Pylon x3 (Object)

War Walker x12 (Elite Boss)


Debriefing

Good work, Task Force Name. Blue Steel and his men took some heavy losses, but luckily they didn't face the brunt of the invasion like you all did. Anyway, we've got bigger issues, as you may know. Blyde Square was hit by some sort of object from space. We've lost all contact with everyone there, but Vanguard was able to get pictures from one of our satellites, and it isn't good.

Part Two: The Final Strike

Briefing

The pictures that our satellites took indicate that the 'object' from space was none other than Battle Maiden. It seems one of Cole's methods from invasion involved opening a portal in the atmosphere around the Earth and launching Battle Maiden straight into the heart of Blyde Square. We're getting feeds in now that she's defeated Valkyrie and is now gathering her forces around Blyde Square to take the rest of Steel Canyon. We tried to send in some of our own troops to handle the situation, but we haven't heard back from them. We think whatever is draining the power from everyone is affecting the area where Battle Maiden is.

Mission Acceptance

Exactly. You guys are the last line of defense for us here, which is bad, considering you're not even there yet. If Battle Maiden isn't stopped, she'll have her entire army within the walls of Paragon City! We've got a helicopter lined up to get you guys into Blyde Square. This won't be easy, not by a long shot, Task Force Name.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Good luck, Task Force Name. I'm sorry that we can't be of any more help to you all.

Mission Objective(s)

+++ Missing Information +++

  • Halt Battle Maiden's Assault
    • Search the rooftop for signs of assailants
    • Defeat all incoming... swords?
    • Defeat Battle Maiden in Blyde Square
    • Take Down Battle Maiden Once and For All!

Mission Complete!

EdLetter.png Editor's Note:

Blue flames erupt at random times, targeting a spot where a PC's feet are and then emerging several seconds later. They are auto-hit, irresistable and lethal. Staying in one place is a guarantee of death.

They fill a roughly spherical volume, and slightly bigger than their graphical effect; flying characters may pass over ground-based flames safely, but they may also generate flame bursts overhead that kill those on the ground. If a PC must fly, fly well above the ground to drop flames out of reach of others' heads who are standing on the ground.

Enemies

Notable NPCs

V archetypeicon stalker.png Ambush! On approaching the rooftop door, Battle Maiden will talk to the team via real time cutscene and summon two waves of Animated Swords, which must be defeated.
Battle Maiden retreats!
V archetypeicon stalker.png Ambush! Upon Battle Maiden exiting the battle, there will be an ambush of Praetorian Guard and Animated Swords.

Champion of Mourning: To battle!

V archetypeicon stalker.png Ambush! After Battle Maiden's speech, there will be an ambush of Praetorian Guard and Animated Swords.

Champion of Mourning: We face Incarnates today, we shall show them our true might!

V archetypeicon stalker.png Ambush! After Battle Maiden's speech, there will be more ambushes of Praetorian Guard and Animated Swords.

Champion of Mourning: Maiden has offered glory to any who return with the heads of these Incarnates!
Champion of Mourning: Maiden has offered glory to any who return with the heads of these Incarnates!

Battle Maiden returns!
V archetypeicon stalker.png Ambush! On Battle Maiden's return, there will be another ambush of Praetorian Guard and Animated Swords.

Champion of Mourning: Let us show these Incarnates our true power!
Champion of Mourning: Do not show any mercy to these beings!

Debriefing

Great work out there, Task Force Name! Battle Maiden was teleported away, but she'll be hurting from that one for a long time. We've got Vanguard cleaning up the area around Blyde Square. Valkyrie is going to be OK. Despite the fact that she wasn't an Incarnate, she put up an impressive fight against Battle Maiden and her army. The situation on Primal is somewhat stable, for now, but we've got a long way to go before this invasion is over. I know you've done a lot of work for us, but we could still use your help. If you haven't already, you should speak with Tin Mage Mark II. He's been built, er, assigned to the task of taking the fight back to the Praetorian.

Completing this mission awards the Weapon Master/Warrior Princess badge.

File:Badge tf tinmage complete.png Weapon Master

You repelled the initial Praetorian invasion forces from Primal Earth and saved what remained of Blyde Square from Battle Maiden!

Rewards

As of Issue 20.5: Incarnates Ascend, completing the Apex Task Force awards 40 Reward Merits and will bring up a selection window where a character can choose among the following:

Master of Apex's Task Force

If you successfully earn all of the following badges, you will receive the Master of Apex's Task Force Badge:


File:Badge tf tinmage master.png Master of Apex's Task Force

You have proven yourself Master of Apex's Task Force.

Souvenir

War Earth Sword

You took one of Battle Maiden's animated swords as a war trophy after the fight in Blyde Square. The nanites that powered this sword are long gone, but perhaps you could find a use for it still. It reminds you of an experience you call...

Alpha Strike

It all began when you formed a team to push back the invading Praetorian with a super named Apex. The Freedom Phalanx had fallen defending Terra Volta due to all but Statesman having their powers sapped. Many other heroes were reporting their powers being almost non-existent when fighting Emperor Cole's forces. However, your special Incarnate abilities were able to overcome whatever was happening all over the world. You worked together with other Incarnates to push back the Praetorians in Kings Row, preventing them from destroying the PPD headquarters. Afterwards Blue Steel informed you of disturbing news: Blyde Square had been hit by some object from space and all contact was lost with Valkyrie.

Vanguard reported that the object from space was actually Battle Maiden who was somehow launched into Earth's atmosphere. She and her army were running rampant in Blyde Square, and only you and your team could stop them from destroying the rest of Paragon City. Your Vanguard helicopter crash landed on a roof in Blyde Square, forcing you and your team to move to the heart of Steel Canyon on foot. There, you did battle against Battle Maiden, her animated swords, and her massive army. You defeated her and forced her to retreat, allowing Paragon City to rebuild the destruction within Steel Canyon. One thing stuck out to you during the fight with Battle Maiden; she mentioned that Provost Marchand was too 'weak-willed' to start the invasion, hinting that perhaps this invasion was done against his orders. Whatever the case, you were able to secure Primal Earth from the Praetorians, which will be crucial in launching a counter attack against Cole and his army.