Stateman's Taskforce: Part the First

I did not fail; I merely advanced in the opposite direction.

Any good hero knows that a challenge, no matter what its size or scope, must be met with a steely resolve and brazen defiance. With the advent of Issue 9 a challenge of immense proportions was unveiled.

And the Debt Brigade rose to the challenge.

How’d we do?

Look Ma, I can see the debt cap from here!

The Devs sure weren’t fooling around when they set out to make a taskforce to challenge level 50 heroes. We discovered that the Statesman Taskforce calls for a fair amount of finesse and thinking while still providing a huge amount of smash-em-up slugfest fun.

For the first foray against Lord Recluse and his minions, the Brigade assembled in Independence Port and sallied forth to wreck some havoc in Grandville. And if it’s anything the Brigade knows, it’s havoc.

Anyone who wants a band-aid, raise your hand.

The first directive involved a search and destroy mission in the heart of the Fab, a neighborhood deep in the wilds of Grandville in the Rouge Isles. The Debt Brigade gleefully set to destroying Arachnos equipment and introducing Arachnos troops to the substandard healthcare prevalent in the area. Matters went quite smoothly, resources were rendered into their most natural states and Arbiter Sands, who was looking for a good cappuccino, was given a sound concussion.

Returning to Independence Port, Taskforce Guardian re-supplied and was promptly sent after the mad Doctor Aeon, who was responsible for the technologies in Lord Recluse’s latest scheme. Guardian fought it’s way through a force of Arachnos troops only to discover it had been routed to a potential future where Lord Recluse had re-decorated Atlas Plaza in something that should have been described as “Post Modern Trailer Park.” You’d think with Arachnos’ defense budget, someone would remember to buy a crate of brooms.

Clean up on Aisle 9!

Reveling in his newfound ability to communicate in cutscenes, the good Doctor kindly informed Guardian that four in-game lieutenants, namely Regent Korol, Shadow Spider, Viridian and Magus Mu’draken would need to be defeated before the Taskforce could escape. Guardian proceeded to prove that a well-honed team could take on just about anything. Regent Korol, Magus Mu’Draken and Shadow Spider were handily contained and summarily arrested with extreme prejudice. Viridian proved to be something of a surprise by cold-cocking the tank (ahem) while still on the approach. But a quick rez and the green-suited soap opera devotee joined his fellows in cuffs. The four pieces of the code were recovered and Taskforce Guardian took the portal back to Independence Port.

One exit, no waiting!

The next mission was rather familiar for anyone who had done the villain’s respec trial, clear out the Vines and steal the power of the Vine Tree to penetrate Aeon’s defenses. A mild Circle of Thorns snack as a palate cleanser and Taskforce Guardian promptly stripped the Tree of defenders, played a quick game of Weedwhacker and plundered, ahem, liberated the power of the Thorn Tree for the betterment of all Paragon City…

Dude, you hit that with a sedan...

Part Two in in the pipe! Stay tuned!

Meg