View source for Operative Renault Strike Force

== Overview ==

{{Infobox TF
|name=The Temple of the Waters
|image=[[File:Strike_Force_Operative_Renault.jpg|100px]]
|contact=[[Operative Renault]]
|zone=[[Sharkhead Isle]]
|x=-161.3
|y=64.0
|z=-1050.0
|size=4
|levels=25-30
|merits=24
|enemies={{Enemy Arachnos}}{{Enemy Banished Pantheon}}{{Enemy Coralax}}{{Enemy The Family}}{{Enemy Legacy Chain}}{{Enemy Longbow}}
|badge=[[File:V_badge_StrikeforceSharkBadge.png|32px]] [[Leviathan Badge|Leviathan]]
}}

The '''Operative Renault Strike Force''' is the third of five main [[Strike Force]]s on ''City of Villains''.  [[Operative Renault]] is located in the Port Recluse neighborhood of [[Sharkhead Isle]], to the west of the Technology and Science stores.

__TOC__


{{clr}}
{{ArcAward|m=24}}

== Missions ==

=== {{UL|Form Strike Force}} ===
'''Briefing'''

The Temple of the Waters is an elusive place where a great treasure lies, the [[Eye of the Leviathan]]!  This great eye is made of living coral and is reputed to possess powers of an ancient sea goddess.  [[Captain Mako]] has tasked us with bringing him a piece of the eye so he may reap its power.  If you are successful, you too shall share in the reward!

Note that you undertake this mission on behalf of Captain Mako.  There are other leaders in [[Arachnos]] who seek to undermine Mako's influence, and thus you may come into direct conflict with Arachnos troops who do not serve him.  Unless vetoed by another Arachnos leader, your Strike Force is hereby given carte blanche to do as you will in order to achieve Mako's goal.

First order of business: [[Barracuda]] was supposed to meet with you herself, but she's late and we're suspecting she ran into some trouble.  Here are the coordinates of a cave network where she was following up on a lead to the location of the Temple.  Head over to the caves and find Barracuda!

'''Mission Acceptance'''

Arachnos intelligence suspects there may be some hero faction who have been shadowing Barracuda.  They are to be dealt with appropriately. The official Arachnos designation of your team will be Strike Force '''Name'''. 

'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''

It is crucial you find Barracuda ASAP. Now move!

[[File:Barracuda (NPC).jpg|100px|thumb|Barracuda]]
{{Mission Objective|Entrance=Somewhere within these damp sea caves is Barracuda.  Find her!|Primary=Find and assist Barracuda|Secondary=Lead Barracuda to portal|Additional=|Completion=You have assisted Barracuda.}}

{{EdNote|note= If Barracuda dies you fail the mission.  Returning to the contact will reset the mission and you have to do it again.}}

'''Enemies'''

{{Enemy Longbow}}

'''Notable NPCs'''

* [[Barracuda]] ([[Elite Boss]], Ally)
* [[Jenkins]] ([[Boss]], Ally)

{{clr}}
{{Mission Clue|Name=Mystic Portal|Text=This mystic portal seems inert, and yields no clue to the location of the Temple of the Waters.}}


'''Upon exit of mission'''

''Barracuda disappears into the shadows as you turn your eyes towards the Longbow forces marshalled at Agincourt.''

'''Debriefing'''

Good job on rescuing Barracuda. Now hit the streets and give her the support she needs.

=== {{UL|Cause distraction for Barracuda within Agincourt in Nerva}} ===

'''Briefing'''

Longbow is still watching Barracuda.  Hit the streets and get them off her back.  Barracuda must remain free and her information must not fall into the hands of Longbow!

'''Mission Acceptance'''

Give Longbow something else to think about besides capturing Barracuda.

'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''

Take down those Longbow troops!

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=|Primary=Cause distraction for Barracuda within Agincourt in Nerva|Secondary=Defeat 20 Longbow|Additional=|Completion=}}

'''Enemies'''

{{Enemy Longbow}}

'''Debriefing'''

I've received word from Barracuda about your success.  Looks like Longbow wants to prevent us from succeeding in our goal.  Too bad for them.

==== {{UL|Find info on coral key}} ====
'''Briefing'''

[[Barracuda]] managed to escape the [[Longbow]] agents sent to stop her from finding the Temple of the Waters.  However, she needs to lie low for a while since the heroes seem intent on capturing her.  The task lies with the Strike Force to follow up on the remaining clues which may lead us to the Temple of the Waters.

The [[Legacy Chain]] is a group of mystics who have been collecting magical artifacts in order to safeguard them from dangerous and ambitious villains.  One of their recent acquisitions was a coral key, an item which may lead us to the Temple of the Waters.  The Legacy Chain has set up a warehouse on [[Sharkhead Isle|Sharkhead]] to store these artifacts until they can smuggle them off the [[Rogue Isles]].  Head into the Legacy Chain hideout and search for info on the coral key.

'''Mission Acceptance'''

The Legacy Chain has taken extreme measures to prevent villains from stealing these treasures.  Watch out for traps they may have set to discourage intruders.

'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''

If the coral key is what we think it is, it will lead us to the Temple of the Waters!

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=The very air of this warehouse practically thrums with mystical energy|Primary=Find info on coral key|Secondary=Interrogate Tellus Lorekeeper|Additional=|Completion=You found the secrets of the coral key!}}

You interrogate the Tellus Lorekeeper. He relates how the coral key is meant to act as a compass, showing the possessor the path to the Temple of the Waters. Unfortunately, an Arachnos assault force led by Fortunatas from Fort Cerebus recently attacked the warehouse and confiscated the key!
{{EdNote|note= The Lorekeeper will spawn with an ambush after finding the correct glowie.}}

'''Enemies'''

{{Enemy Legacy Chain}}

'''Notable NPCs'''

* Tellus Lorekeeper (Boss)
* [[Eihwaz Rune]] (Object)
* [[Eoh Rune]] (Object)
* [[Thurisaz Rune]] (Object)
* [[Isa Rune]] (Object)
* [[Uruz Rune]] (Object)


{{Mission Clue|Name=43rd Revelation of Hequat|Text=This is a weathered scroll which relates: '...and the great goddess [[Hequat]] heard our supplication, transmogrifying the [[Leviathan|Beast]] into the sea-rock...'}}

{{Mission Clue|Name=Legacy Chain Interrogation|Text=You interrogate the Tellus Lorekeeper.  He relates how the coral key is meant to act as a compass, showing the possessor the path to the Temple of the Waters.  Unfortunately, an [[Arachnos]] assault force led by [[Fortunatas]] from Fort Cerberus recently attacked the warehouse and confiscated the key!}}

'''Upon exit of mission'''

''[[Operative Renault]] authorizes an assault by the Strike Force on Fort Cerberus to steal the coral key!  He will of course disavow all knowledge of the assault.''

==== {{UL|Steal coral key from Fort Cerberus}} ====

'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''

Have you secured the coral key yet? Then go!

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=You hear the approach of soldiers as {{Strike Force}} assaults the base!|Primary=Steal coral key from Fort Cerberus|Secondary=Defeat ambushers to escape|Additional=|Completion=You have stolen the coral key!}}

'''Enemies'''

{{Enemy Arachnos}}
''You think you can steal Ghost Widow's treasure? Fools!''

{{Enemy Coralax}}
''Return to us the coral key, desecrators!''

'''Debriefing'''

You have secured the coral key?  Excellent!  If what the Legacy Chain lorekeepers say is true, it should lead us right to the Temple of the Waters!

Your efficiency impresses me.  Excellent work!

=== {{UL|Disrupt Longbow Operations}} ===

==== {{UL|Interrogate Longbow on Nerva}} ====
'''Briefing'''

You've done an excellent job securing the coral key which should lead us to the Temple of the Waters.  However, this constant interference by [[Longbow]] is becoming troublesome and annoying.  We need to find who is spearheading these operations against us and put them out of commission!  Disrupt Longbow investigations into [[Barracuda]]!

'''Mission Acceptance'''

Once we put the Longbow agents responsible out of commission we can carry out our task without further interference!

'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''

Wring the truth from those Longbow agents! Attack Agincourt in the Nerva Archipelago.

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=|Primary=Interrogate Longbow on Nerva|Secondary=Defeat 10 Longbow|Additional=|Completion=The Longbow agents tell you about Operation Frozen Ocean!}}

{{EdNote|note= Unlike the previous mission where Longbow had to be defeated in the neighborhood of Agincourt, these Longbow can be defeated anywhere in [[Nerva Archipelago]], which means the ones that [[con]] green and blue near the Ferry count.}}

'''Enemies'''

{{Enemy Longbow}}

==== {{UL|Find longbow leader on Nerva}} ====

'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''

Wring the truth from those Longbow agents! Attack Agincourt in the Nerva Archipelago. 

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=|Primary=Find longbow leader on Nerva|Secondary=Defeat 10 Longbow|Additional=|Completion=The Longbow agents tell you more about Operation Frozen Ocean!}}

'''Enemies'''

{{Enemy Longbow}}

{{Mission Clue|Name=Operation Frozen Ocean|Text=The Longbow agents who were attacking you are part of 'Operation Frozen Ocean,' a task force set up to watch Barracuda's activities in the Rogue Isles and counter any major threats.  It is lead by a Longbow hero known as [[Shockstorm]] based out of Agincourt.  Operation Frozen Ocean was Longbow's attempt to prevent [[Captain Mako]] from acquiring any special power which might be found in the Temple of the Waters.  They were tipped off about Barracuda's activities by [[Ice Mistral]]!}}

==== {{UL|Defeat Shockstorm}} ====

'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''

Take down Shockstorm and we'll have one less thorn in our side.

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=Alarms sound throughout the base.  Longbow is ready for you!|Primary=Defeat Shockstorm
|Secondary=|Additional=|Completion=You defeated Shockstorm!}}

'''Enemies'''

{{Enemy Longbow}}

'''Notable NPCs'''

[[File:Shockstorm.jpg|100px|thumb|Shockstorm]]
* [[Shockstorm]] (Special Boss)
''Alright, troops! Give'em what for!''

'''Debriefing'''

That should send 'Operation Frozen Ocean' back for a while!

I've informed Captain Mako of your progress, and he is pleased.

=== {{UL|Appease Ghost Widow}} ===
==== {{UL|Speak with Kalinda}} ====
'''Briefing'''

We have a bit of a problem.  Apparently, the coral key was on its way to [[Ghost Widow]], and she was not pleased to find it missing.  Your team was identified as the perpetrators of the assault, and she will stop at nothing to punish those responsible.

Fortunately, one of her Fortunatas may be willing to speak to her on your behalf, but there will be a price.  If it'll keep Ghost Widow from enacting vengeance it'll be worth whatever price she asks.

'''Mission Acceptance'''

Report back once you have appeased Ghost Widow.  You'll get final orders from [[Barracuda]] when you return.

{{Ambush|There will be an ambush by Arachnos.<br />''"Ghost Widow wants your head on a platter, {{Character}}!}}

'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''

What are you waiting for?  Do you want Ghost Widow to come after you personally?  Believe me, you DON'T want that to happen!

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=|Primary=Speak with Kalinda|Secondary=|Additional=|Completion=}}

{{Mission Briefing|Type=Briefing|Contact=Kalinda|Text=I've seen you claw your way up from the mess of Darwin's Landing in an effort to prove yourself as one of [[Lord Recluse|Lord Recluse's]] destined ones.  Certain things are forgiven for you, but stealing from one of Lord Recluse's own faction leaders is not one of them, even at the behest of another one.  Because you are one of Lord Recluse's chosen I have spoken to Ghost Widow on your behalf.  Ghost Widow seeks reparations for your blatant theft.  This is non-negotiable: if you seek to gain access to the mystic portal you will need to perform a task for Ghost Widow.

There is a group known as the [[Banished Pantheon]], a mystical group whose shamans feed upon death and suffering.  There is a leader of the Banished Pantheon known as Gharbu who lairs in [[Paragon City]].  He possesses a magical artifact called the death rattle which Ghost Widow believes would be a worthy replacement for the coral key.  Retrieve it for her and she will allow you to use Technician Naylor's portal.

An Arachnos flyer will deliver you to the graveyard in Paragon City.  Go now!}}

{{Ambush|After talking to Kalinda, there will be an ambush by Arachnos.<br />''"For theft of Arachnos property, you're sentenced to death!"''}}

==== {{UL|Steal death rattle}} ====

'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''

If this is what it takes to appease Ghost Widow, I suggest you do what Kalinda says.

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=You depart the Arachnos flyer and head over to the graveyard in Paragon City.  Within, you see shambling figures moving about.|Primary=Steal death rattle|Secondary=Defeat Gharbu and minions|Additional=|Completion=You have stolen the death rattle!}}

'''Enemies'''

{{Enemy Banished Pantheon}}

'''Notable NPCs'''

* Gharbu (Totem) (Boss)
''Gharbu will rip the flesh from your bones!''


{{Mission Clue|Name=The Death Rattle|Text=This is a primitive-looking rattle with a bone handle and a shrunken skull filled with knucklebones.  It is adorned with feathers and covered in dried blood.}}

==== {{UL|Deliver death rattle to Kalinda}} ====

'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''

Deliver the Death Rattle with all haste! We must have access to that portal!

{{Ambush|There will be an ambush by Arachnos after leaving the previous mission.<br />''"Don't think you can keep running, scum!"''}}

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=|Primary=Deliver death rattle to Kalinda|Secondary=|Additional=|Completion=}}

{{Mission Briefing|Type=Debriefing|Contact=Kalinda|Text=Ah, the death rattle.  Ghost Widow's anger will subside now that she has this.

Go now, and do not cross Ghost Widow again!}} 

'''Debriefing'''

So Ghost Widow is appeased?  Good.  Interference from [[Longbow]] is one thing, but direct opposition from another of the faction leaders is quite another.  Even [[Captain Mako]] is careful not to cross Ghost Widow if he can help it.

=== {{UL|Retrieve Weapons}} ===

'''Briefing'''

Looks like everything is set for the raid on the Temple of the Waters.  You have secured the coral key, put [[Longbow]] in its place, and have gained access to the portal.  The power held in the [[Eye of the Leviathan]] will soon be ours!

The temple itself is rumored to have powerful guardians.  [[Barracuda]] has been gathering weapons to use against the guardians, and wants you to arm up before entering the portal.  Head over to the warehouse and retrieve the weapons.

'''Mission Acceptance'''

Barracuda procured the weapons from [[Family]] arms smugglers who are expecting payment.  Barracuda wants these loose ends eliminated if you run across any of them.

'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''

What are you waiting for?  Barracuda is waiting on you!

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=You hear Family inside arguing about getting payment for the goods.|Primary=Retrieve weapons|Secondary=Search 5 crates
** Defeat all ambushers|Additional=|Completion=You defeated Barracuda's ambush.}}

'''Enemies'''

{{Enemy The Family}}

{{Enemy Arachnos}}
''You've outlived your usefulness, {{Strike Force}}!''<br />
''By order of Barracuda, you're scheduled for extermination!''


{{Cutscene|Text=
'''Barracuda:'''

:''Spread out! we need to take down {{Strike Force}}!''

:''The power of the Leviathan will be mine alone!''}}


'''Notable NPCs'''

* [[Barracuda]] ([[Archvillain]])


'''Temporary Power'''

Inside one of the crates in this mission is the [[Stolen SMG]] temporary power. Only the villain that opens the crate will receive it.

{{PowerBox|Icon=Temporary_RangeModerateDamage.png|Name=Stolen SMG|Effect=Ranged, -Defense|Desc=This is a sub-machine gun stolen from a create that was part of an arms shipment.  You may fire 10 bursts from the SMG before it is exhausted.}}

'''Debriefing'''

Barracuda attacked you?  Hrm, most treacherous of her, and foolish—it's unlikely she could have secured the power for the Eye by herself.

I will have to consult with [[Captain Mako]] on how to proceed from here.

=== {{UL|Raid the Temple of the Waters}} ===

'''Briefing'''

The incident with [[Barracuda]] was unfortunate.  Assuming Barracuda survives the altercation, [[Captain Mako]] will have words with her.  In the meantime, the Strike Force must complete the mission.  Enter the Temple of the Waters and retrieve part of the [[Eye of the Leviathan]]!

'''Mission Acceptance'''

This is the moment we've been waiting for.  Find the Eye of the Leviathan!

'''Unnecessary Solicitation'''

Did I stutter? GO GET THE EYE!

{{Mission Objective|Entrance=|Primary=Steal the Eye of the Leviathan|Secondary=|Additional=|Completion=You got a piece of the Eye of the Leviathan!}}

'''Enemies'''

{{Enemy Coralax}}
''Attack!''<br />
''Die, desecrator!''<br />
''Calystix! Calystix!''<br />
''Awaken the Leviathan!''


{{Cutscene|Text=
'''Calystix the Shaper:'''

:''Beware, my children!  There are those who seek the power of the temple!''

:''By the Leviathan's Eye, they shall suffer a horrible fate!''}}


'''Notable NPCs'''

* [[Calystix the Shaper]] ([[Archvillain]])
* [[Eye of the Leviathan]] ([[Archvillain]])

'''Debriefing'''

Excellent work, Strike Force!  This piece of the Eye of the Leviathan should serve Captain Mako's needs nicely.  You are dismissed!


{{BadgeBox|Leviathan}}


'''Temporary Power'''

Upon successful completion of this mission, each villain will randomly earn one of the following temporary powers.

{{PowerBox|Icon=Temporary_WarWolfWhistle.png|Name=[[Coral Amulet]]|Effect= Summon Coralax Guardian|Desc=This amulet of living coral is formed from a piece of the Eye of the Leviathan, a gargantuan creature in the Temple of the Waters. This coral amulet can be used to summon coral guardians to fight for you.}}

{{PowerBox|Icon=Temp_Melee_Moderate.png|Name=[[Coral Hammer]]|Effect=Melee Smash, Medium Damage|Desc=This hammer of living coral is formed from a piece of the Eye of the Leviathan, a gargantuan creature in the Temple of the Waters.  This coral hammer can be used to smite your enemies with devastating effect.  You can use the Coral Hammer for three days.}}

{{PowerBox|Icon=Temporary_ConeRangeModerateDamage.png|Name=[[Coral Shards]]|Effect= Cone Lethal, Foe Knockback|Desc=These shards of living coral are taken from the Eye of the Leviathan, a gargantuan creature in the Temple of the Waters. These magical coral shards can be hurled at your enemies with devastating effect. You can use the coral shards for three days before the magic fades from them.}}

=== Souvenir ===

'''Eye of the Leviathan'''

This is a coral shard taken from the Eye of the Leviathan! You stole it during a raid on:
	
'''Temple of the Waters'''

The Strike Force was called by Operative Renault on [[Sharkhead Isle]] on behalf of [[Barracuda]] and the great [[Captain Mako]]. The goal was none other than the Eye of the Leviathan, a monstrous eye made of living coral which was said to possess great power. Mako wanted the power for himself, and was willing to grant some of its power to those who could bring it to him. The Eye was rumored to be hidden away in the legendary Temple of the Waters. Barracuda was following up on this lead when she failed to make the meeting with the Strike Force. Following the coordinates to a cave where she was last seen, it was found that [[Longbow]] was attempting to prevent her from finding the Temple of the Waters. After fighting your way to Barracuda you made your way to an ancient obelisk, only to find it was magically inert, drained of power long ago. In an effort to throw Longbow off of Barracuda's trail, your Strike Force made an attack upon Agincourt while Barracuda escaped.

Operative Renault sent you to investigate another lead to the Temple of the Waters. The [[Legacy Chain]] had acquired a magical artifact known as the coral key, reputed to have a link to the Temple. Attacking the warehouse where the Legacy Chain planned to ship it to the mainland, you interrogated their lorekeepers, only to find they had already been attacked by an [[Arachnos]] force led by Fortunatas from Fort Cerberus. Operative Renault granted your Strike Force leave to raid Fort Cerberus in order to secure the key, but disavowed all knowledge of the attack. During the assault you encountered [[Fortunatas]] who mentioned how the coral key was one of [[Ghost Widow|Ghost Widow's]] new treasures. After defeating a sudden ambush by [[Coralax]] Hybrids you managed to escape with the coral key.

Operative Renault felt Longbow was far too interested in your Strike Force activities, and so sent you to derail Longbow's plans. After interrogating Longbow agents at Agincourt you discovered Operation Frozen Ocean, a task force set up to monitor Barracuda's activities in the Rogue Isles and counter any subsequent threats she may raise. Assaulting the Longbow base itself at Agincourt, you found the hero leading Operation Frozen Ocean, a hero by the name of [[Shockstorm]]. Interrogating Shockstorm further revealed that the operation was initiated to prevent Captain Mako from gaining further power from the Temple of the Waters. What's more, it was discovered Longbow learned of Captain Mako's designs upon the Temple by none other than [[Scirocco|Scirocco's]] right-hand agent, [[Ice Mistral]]!

At this point, Operative Renault related Ghost Widow had discovered the raid on Fort Cerberus and was intent on wreaking vengeance on those who stole the coral key! Fortunately, a Fortunata was willing to speak to Ghost Widow on your behalf. Speaking with [[Kalinda]] on [[Mercy Island]], she related how reparations had to be made. Travelling to [[Paragon City]], you raided a graveyard overrun by [[Banished Pantheon]] in order to retrieve an artifact known as the death rattle from a powerful totem spirit named Gharbu. After bringing the death rattle to Kalinda, she related the item would be enough to sooth Ghost Widow's anger.

Before raiding the temple itself, Operative Renault informed you Barracuda had procured weapons to fight the temple guardians and needed them picked up from a cargo ship at Port Recluse. You encountered some [[Family]] intent on payment for the weapons, but after dealing with them found a crate containing only a single SMG. Barracuda and her Arachnos guard ambushed you, attempting to eliminate you so she could seize the power of the Leviathan for herself! Operative Renault was displeased with Barracuda's actions and contacted Captain Mako for further instruction.

Operative Renault took sole control of the Strike Force after Barracuda's betrayal. Captain Mako's direct orders were to raid the Temple of the Waters and steal a piece of the Eye of the Leviathan! Proceeding to a set of ancient tunnels on Sharkhead Isle, you found your way into a set of sea tunnels populated by the Coralax. Deep within the bowels of these passages lay the Temple of the Waters, an ancient place of worship where [[Calystix the Shaper]] presided over a mass of Coralax Hybrids! An epic battle was fought, but just when it was thought Calystix was defeated, he used his powers to cause the [[eye of the Leviathan]] to come to life! In the end, the Eye was defeated and a piece of it was brought for Captain Mako!

<!--old version of last paragraph stored below.  Guess coral weapons were permanently removed from strike force...

Operative Renault informed you that Captain Mako would deal with Barracuda's treachery, and instructed you at last to enter the Temple of the Waters.  Inside, you fought many temple guardians and the [[Calystix the Shaper]], the leader of the temple, while also dealing with the temple defenses.  After defeating Calystix, you fought the mystic Eye of the Leviathan as the temple guardians and defenses redoubled their efforts.  After a hard-fought battle, you finally managed to secure a piece of the Eye of the Leviathan for Captain Mako.

Operative Renault was very pleased with your success, and made good on his word to reward you for your efforts.  In addition to a handsome payment, you received a powerful Coral Hammer to help you in your efforts to become an even more powerful villain in the Rogue Isles.-->

== Historical Notes ==
* For several issues, the coral temporary powers were not obtainable for unknown reasons.
* Part of the Strike Force was also removed for unknown reasons. Due to this, the souvenir text was also altered to reflect this.  Around [[Issue 18]](?), the Strike Force was restored to its full length.
* The second mission, ''[[Operative Renault Strike Force#Cause distraction for Barracuda within Agincourt in Nerva|Cause distraction for Barracuda within Agincourt in Nerva]]'', was originally known as ''Cause distraction for Barracuda''. The title of the mission was amended in [[Issue 18]] presumably due to player confusion at where to fight [[Longbow]] to progress the Strike Force.

[[Category:Trials and Task Forces]]