Matthew Burke

After the restructuring of beginning contacts in Issue 21 and the restructuring of beginning contacts, Matthew Burke no longer offers missions to villains. He is encountered during All Good Bank Robbers have a Plan B from Fire Wire.

This article contains information that no longer applies to the current version of City of Heroes Freedom. It is provided for historical purposes.

Overview

Matthew Burke
Mercenary
Zone	Mercy Island
Coordinates	(-1352, 239, 587)
Level Range	1-4
Introduced By	Arachnos Pilot Alan Desslock
Introduces	== Level 5-9 == Doctor Creed
Enemy Groups	Arachnos Longbow Paragon Heroes Snakes

Matthew Burke is a villain contact in the Mercy neighborhood of Mercy Island at coordinates (-1352, 239, 587). His level range is 1-4.

Introductions

Contact Introduced By

• Arachnos Pilot
• Alan Desslock

Contact Introduces

• Doctor Creed

I know this guy named Doctor Creed here on Mercy. He's a bit of a nut, but he's always looking for volunteers to help him with his 'experiments' on the Infected.

Be prepared to face a lot more of those Infected freaks. Doctor Creed seems to be obsessed with them.

Information

Mercenary

Matthew Burke's been around the Rogue Isles a long time. Long enough to see Arachnos grow in power, and long enough to resent their interference in his work. Most people on the Isles tend to roll over when Arachnos gets too close to their territory, but not Matt. Instead, he's learned to fight back. With his network of contacts and his long line of experience in the dirty business of mercenary work, Matt's managed to stay one step ahead of any Arachnos assassins who might want to take him down. How long this can last is anybody's guess.

Prior to Introduction

I haven't met you, and I'm not sure I want to. I only work with people fresh out of the Zig who have the guts to steer clear of Arachnos.

Initial Contact

Character. Interesting handle. I can tell one thing about you already: you're nobody's puppet. That's why you're here with me instead of toadying up to Kalinda. I can get you some jobs and help you make your way in the Rogue Isles. Just remember: you have to decide how much to deal with Arachnos. Don't let them decide for you.

Not High Enough Level

I've got something, but I'm not trusting it to anyone below Threat Level 20.

Greeting

• We've got a job.
• There's work for you.
• Let's get down to serious business.

Too Busy

You're too busy to go looking for more work.

No More Missions

I've got nothing more for you, Character. Try another contact.

Store

You're earning my respect, and that's saying something. Take my private comm number. And help yourself to the best Enhancements I have to offer.

• Inspirations
• Level 1 Training Enhancements (?% base costs)

Unlocked after completing Matthew Burke's story arc.
Character, I'm starting to think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. You need Enhancements, I'm your guy.

• Level 5 Training Enhancements (?% base costs)

Story Arc

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 6 Reward Merits.

The Origins of the Snakes

Souvenir: Snake shell fragment

You kept this Snake shell fragment from the Snake hatchery you violated in search of Stheno. It's a reminder of your investigation into:

The Origins of the Snakes

It began with a new client for Matthew Burke. The client wanted information on the nature of the strange snake creatures that plague Mercy Island, and Burke had agreed to get it. You went to recover a Snake skin, and came away with some interesting information. The Snakes you fought had referred to a creature called 'almighty Stheno,' and you and Burke resolved to seek it out.

Burke tracked down some rumors, so he sent you to another Snake den. There, you recovered the Book of Stheno, which helped clear up the mystery. Stheno was a Gorgon, the sister of the legendary Medusa.

Burke was determined to track down Stheno himself, if he could. He learned of a Snake hatchery in the area and sent you there. Although you failed to find Stheno herself, you did destroy every egg in the hatchery. So it's a safe bet that Stheno might now be looking for you.

Get away with an op under Arachnos' nose

Briefing

I'm sure you know that Arachnos likes to think they own everything on this grubby little island. Well, they're wrong. For starters, they don't own me. And if you're smart, you won't let them own you either. So here, in the shadow of Fort Darwin, I'm asking you to help me get away with an operation right under Arachnos' nose. Think you can handle that?

Mission Acceptance

I've been hired by an interested party to investigate the origins of the Snakes. Now, Arachnos doesn't want anybody but themselves knowing what goes on with those slimy little worms, but I happen to think that knowledge belongs to the person strong enough to grab it. So, I've picked out a snake hole for you to investigate. Bring me back a Snake skin, and we'll get to work.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Hey, you got that Snake skin, or what?

Mission Objective(s)

You hear the scraping of scales on stone in the distance. Get a Snake skin and bring it back to Burke!

• Bring back a snake skin
  • Defeat Sithius and guards

You defeated Sithius and his guards! You have a Snake skin!

Enemies

Snakes

Notable NPCs

• Sithius (Cobra)

Snakes' Random chatter

Before combat: Snakes Minion 1: "The warm bloods will know the fury of Sssstheno!"
Snakes minion 2: "Yessss, brother!"

Combat start:

Snakes Minion 1: "Ssssslay the intruder!"

Sithius dialogue

Before combat: "Sssssssssh. I hear sssomething.
Combat start: "Almighty Stheno will rain fire upon you!"

	Snake skin
	You collected the snake skin that Matthew Burke requested, but you also found something else. The words of Sithius echo in your head: 'Almighty Stheno.' Who could this creature be?

Debriefing

Almighty Stheno? I don't know who or what that is, but I'd be willing to bet money it's important to the Snakes. Which means it's important to my client. Which means, Character, it's important to you and me.

Learn more about Stheno

Briefing

All right, Character, I've tracked down a few rumors about this Stheno character. Apparently she's the Snakes' leader. More than that, I've got a lead on a place where you may be able to learn more. It's another snake den, so you'll want your heavy boots.

Mission Acceptance

Whatever you learn, let me know as soon as possible. My client is getting antsy.

Unnecessary Solicitation

My client wants to know more about the origin of the Snakes, Character. So hop to it.

Mission Objective(s)

The air smells of Snake breath: damp and disgusting.

• Defeat all Snakes
  • Seek clues

You found a clue to Stheno's nature, and learned of one of her haunts!

Enemies

Snakes

Notable NPCs

needs data

Snakes' Random chatter 1

Before combat: "I hear Burke is digging into our passssst."
Combat start: "Character!"

Snakes' Random chatter 2

Before combat: "Sstheno calls. We must meet her at the hatchery."
Combat start: "Stop! You violate Sstheno's hallowed hallsss!"

	Book of Stheno
	This ancient tome refers to Stheno, the sister of the Gorgon, Medusa. It seems she is the goddess worshipped by Mercy's Snakes. It speaks of a time when Stheno will return to spawn new and powerful progeny.

	The Hatchery's Location
	One of the Snakes you defeated gasped: 'Leave me be! You will never learn of my lady'sss den from me!' After a judicious interrogation, however, the Snake revealed the location of a Snake hatchery.

Debriefing

Nice work, Character. Looks like we'll have to check out this Snake hatchery. Could be we'll find something worth selling.

Check out the Snake hatchery

Briefing

I can't say for certain whether we'll find Stheno at that hatchery, but I'd say it's worth looking. Be careful, Character. If the reports about Medusa are to be believed, her sister won't be any pushover.

Mission Acceptance

My client will want to know about everything you find.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You've got a hatchery to clear out, or don't you remember?

Mission Objective(s)

You hear a swift and sudden crack.

• Defeat all Snakes in hatchery

You have cleared out the Snake hatchery, but found no sign of Stheno.

Enemies

Snakes

Notable NPCs

• Cobra Trueborn (Snakes Cobra) (Boss)
• Snake Egg x 5 (Object)

The Snakes' hatchery Viper Blade 1: The eggsssss will be hatching ssssssoon! Viper Blade 2: Yessss! And with the new blood Sssstheno's trueborn progency bringssss ussss, we will grow sssstronger! Viper Blade 1: What wassss that? Viper Blade 2: We musssst protect the eggssssss!

Snakes' Random chatter 1

Before combat: needs data
Combat start: "Sssstop them!

Snakes' Random chatter 2

Before combat: needs data
Combat start: "Protect the nessssst

Cobra Trueborn Dialogue

Before combat: needs data
Combat start: "Protect the eggssss, my minionssss!

	Snake shell fragments
	You recovered these Snake shell fragments from the Snake hatchery. Though you were unable to find the Gorgon Stheno, these fragments should be worth a lot to Burke's secretive client.

Debriefing

No sign of Stheno, eh? Well, them's the breaks, I guess. I guess my client will have to be content with these Snake shells. I just hope the information we've gathered on the Snakes doesn't get back to Arachnos. I'd hate to think we'd done all this work for their benefit.

Missions

Level 1-4

Find out about Arachnos

Briefing

You think you know all about Arachnos, huh? Sure you do. Big, fancy posters, lotsa pomp 'n' circumstance. Well, let me tell you, Character: you don't know jack. That's ok, though. You're about to find out.

Mission Acceptance

I like to keep tabs on my neighbors, so I need you to plan these little bugs on the flyers inside Fort Darwin. Easy peasy. It'll give you a chance to see what Arachnos is like in combat. Heck, you might even impress 'em! Arachnos is always looking for the latest good material to come out of the Zig. They use this whole island as a proving ground for their fresh meat.

Here's an access code to get into Fort Darwin. Wait until the coast is clear, then plant the bugs on the Arachnos flyers.

The landed flyers

Unnecessary Solicitation

Still got a few bugs, ain'tcha? Got to plant 'em all.

Mission Objective(s)

All you've got to do is plant these bugs. If you choose to take out a few Arachnos operatives--well, that's just a bonus.

• Plant bugs on flyers
  • 4 flyers to bug

You have bugged the flyer. All of Burke's bugs are set.

Enemies

Arachnos

Notable NPCs

• Wolf Spider Huntsman (Arachnos Wolf Spider Huntsman) (Boss)

Arachnos Soldiers' Random chatter

Before combat: "Stay alert, men."
Combat start: "We got trouble!"

Wolf Spider Huntsman dialogue

Before combat: need data
Combat start: "Over there! Attack!"

Debriefing

Good job, Character. Arachnos has been a thorn in my side ever since I set foot on Darwin's Landing. They think they own everything and everyone here. Most of the time, they're right. Just don't you let them be your masters, ok, Character? You've got what I'd call a bright future ahead of you.

Steal book from Ghost Widow

Briefing

Glad to see you, Character. We've got a job. Seems someone's hired us to steal some old book from Ghost Widow's faction. The book is called the Mu Codex. Who's hired us, you ask? Why, Mako's faction! That's right, those Arachnos factions are always at each other's throats. You'd best remember that if you ever decide to get involved with their lot. Trust no one.

Mission Acceptance

Oh, there's one more thing I didn't tell you. I'm planning to keep this book for myself. So wipe out everyone in the Arachnos lab, won't you, Character? It's the only way we can get away clean.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You've got a book to steal, ain'tcha?

Mission Objective(s)

Burke's weaving a dangerous web by trying to play two Arachnos factions against each other. Better make sure you don't get caught in the crossfire.

• Defeat all operatives in base
  • Steal the Mu Codex

You have wiped out Ghost Widow's men and secured the Mu Codex.

Enemies

Arachnos

Notable NPCs

need data

Random chatter 1

Before combat:
Random Wolfspider 1: "Everyone and their cousin is looking for the Codex."
Random Wolfspider 2: "Don't worry. Only Ghost Widow knows it's here!"
Combat start:
Random Wolfspider 1: "Oh, no! It's one of Burke's thugs!"

Random chatter 2

Before combat:
Random Wolfspider 1: "We've got a serious security breach."
Random Wolfspider 2: "We can handle it."
Combat start:
Random Wolfspider 1: "You shouldn't have taken on Arachnos!"

You have the Mu Codex.

	The Mu Codex
	Mako hired Burke to steal this book from Ghost Widow's faction. He's hoping to keep it for herself, though, which is a dangerous proposition.

Debriefing

Ah, the Mu Codex. This'll fetch a pretty penny. Oh, don't worry, Character. Mako will believe that Ghost Widow managed to keep the Codex from us. It'll give him a good excuse to call her out, which is what those elite Arachnos operatives like more than anything. They just love their petty intrigues!

Of all of them, only the Arbiters are above all that in-fighting. Heck, even I respect the Arbiters to a certain degree. You may want to check them out.

Go after the good guys

Briefing

You know my code of honor, Character? None. I'll steal from anyone if the price is right. From Arachnos, from Longbow, even from the Snakes if they had anything worth taking. But on this particular day, we're going after the good guys. Longbow. Saviors of Paragon City, thorn in the side of Arachnos. Truth is, I don't mind Longbow so much. They irritate Arachnos, which I can't help but find entertaining. Trouble is, Longbow's got something I want.

Mission Acceptance

Longbow's got some of the best cryptographers this side of Paragon City. One of them is known as Agent Kurst. I need Kurst's files. Not only do they contain a wealth of knowledge about Arachnos ciphers, they also are likely to contain a mention or two about the codes my clients use. Which means, I'm sorry to say, Kurst isn't long for this world.

Unnecessary Solicitation

I need Kurst's files, Character. And now.

Mission Objective(s)

Longbow must have some serious funding.

• Defeat Kurst and his guards
  • Steal Kurst's files
  • Defeat Agent Kurst and guards

You have defeated Agent Kurst and guards!
You have defeated Kurst and stolen his files.

Enemies

Longbow

Notable NPCs

• Agent Kurst (Longbow Longbow Sergeant) (Lieutenant)

Agent Kurst dialogue

Before combat: Good work, gentlemen. We keep cracking these codes, we'll put all the scum on the Rogue Isles out of business.
Combat start: Stand your ground!

You have Kurst's files!

	Agent Kurst's files
	These files, composed by Longbow Agent Kurst, detail the many ciphers he has successfully broken while working on Mercy Island. Although many of these ciphers originated with Arachnos, some of them are the codes Burke uses to correspond with his clients.

Debriefing

Excellent job, Character. These files will serve me well. They should let me eavesdrop on secret Arachnos conversations—at least, until these ciphers are rotated out of use. It's important to keep an eye on Arachnos. They're always testing everybody here on Mercy, myself included. Trying to figure out who's strong enough to survive and who's weak enough to crush under their boot heels. When someone's watching you, Character, it's a good idea to watch them right back.

There's a rather odd fellow I'd like you to meet: Doctor Creed. He's a strange man, but he knows a lot about the Infected, and he's looking for a lab assistant.

Level 20

Steal cape from hero (Cape Mission)

Speak with Lorenz Ansaldo

Briefing

So it's you again, Character! I see you've made a name for yourself on the Rogue Isles. That's good, 'cause a merc is only as good as his rep.

You probably already know Lord Recluse has forbidden any of his so-called Destined Ones to wear a cape until they've proven themselves. Now, I don't really care what Recluse or his footsoldiers want, but I understand there's certain status symbols which people strive for. In this case, you're gonna need to play by Arachnos rules. If you want to earn yourself a cape, I'll tell you what you need to do to get it. Head over to Paragon City, destroy a couple of their hero statues and steal the cape from any hero who tries to stop you!

Mission Acceptance

You will need to secure passage to Paragon City and be smuggled over to one of their statue parks. Go speak with Lorenz Ansaldo at the Port Recluse docks on Sharkhead. He'll fix you up.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Lorenz is part of the Family. They are quite good at smuggling people and goods to and from the mainland.

Mission Objective(s)

• Speak with Lorenz Ansaldo

Lorenz Ansaldo

Briefing

You need passage to Paragon City? Yah, I can hook you up. I got an arrangement going with Arachnos to handle any 'special delieveries' they might have between the Rogue Isles and the mainland. But that don't mean there ain't no price...

We got a lot of them Longbow agents snoopin' around the docks here lookin' for contraband. I was planning on getting a few of my boys ready to beat some sense into them, but then you happen to show up! Take down all the Longbow agents snoopin' around our warehouse here at the docks and destroy any crates of contraband they may have found.

Defeat all agents, destroy contraband

Unnecessary Solicitation

Lorenz is allowed to make such demands of you in trade for his services. I suggest you do as he says.

Mission Objective(s)

Longbow constantly looks for evidence to shutdown Family smuggling operations in the Rogue Isles. It's time to convince Longbow to mind their own business!

• Defeat all agents, destroy contraband
  • 3 crates to destroy

You cleared out the warehouse for the Family! Lorenz has set up a boat to take you to Paragon City, and a truck to take you to the statue park.

Enemies

Longbow

Notable NPCs

• Longbow Commander (Longbow Longbow Warden) (Boss)
• Contraband x 3 (Object)

Longbow random chatter 1

Before combat: "The Family is up to no good!"
Combat start: "We're under attack!"

Longbow guarding Contraband dialogue

Before combat:
Random Longbow 1: "Call for backup!"
Random Longbow 2: "Roger that!"
Combat start:
Random Longbow 1: "Oh, no! We got villain trouble!"

Longbow Commander dialogue

Before combat: "Comb the area! We need to find the contraband we tracked here!"
Combat start: "Longbow agents! Attack!"

	Longbow Watch List
	You find on the Longbow Commander a hand-held computer. It contains information on villain activities in the Rogue Isles, including Family smuggling operations and movement of villains into Paragon City. You're included on the watch list! It looks like Longbow might be monitoring your activities!

Steal cape from Hero

Unnecessary Solicitation

If you want to get your cape, you need to take down a hero. Go to it!

Mission Objective(s)

You wait for the appropiate moment to launch your assault. Paragon City will soon fear your name!

• Steal cape from Hero
  • 2 statues to destroy
  • Defeat hero & allies

You destroyed the hero statue!
You destroyed the hero statue!
You wrest the cape from the back of the fallen hero!
You have defeated a Paragon City hero and taken his cape!

Enemies

Longbow

Notable NPCs

• Hero Statue x 2 (Object)
• Longbow Commander (Longbow Longbow Warden) (Boss)
• One Hero out of the following:
  • Arc Flash (Boss)
  • Doc Quantum (Boss)
  • Ms. Shock (Boss)
  • Overdrive (Boss)
  • Stalwart (Boss)

Ambush! "Stop in the name of Longbow!" Upon attacking the guards around a statue, there will be an ambush by Longbow. There is one ambush for each statue.

Ambush! "Longbow agents attack!" After defeating the ambush from destroying both statues, there will be another ambush by Longbow. The Longbow Commander is within this group.

Ambush! "Character! Stop your evil ways!" After defeating the Longbow Commander ambush, there will be one last ambush by Longbow. The random Hero is within this group.

Longbow guards 1

Before combat: "Protect the statue from the villains!"
Combat start: "There they are! Attack!"

Longbow guards 2

Before combat: "We're received word to expect Character."
Combat start: "Longbow attack!"

	Hero Cape
	This is a cape taken from one of the heroes of Paragon City you defeated in combat! Take this back to Fortunata Kalinda back in the Rogue Isles to prove yourself worthy as a destined one of Lord Recluse!

Debriefing

Alright, I hooked you up with a cape. Now get outta here!!

Level 30

5.3.1 Unlock the power of the Destined ones

Mission Briefing

Matthew Burke: So you're back again, Character! I hear you've been tearing up to the streets of the Rogue Isles! But that's not what you're here for, is it? Nah, you've probably heard something about 'unlocking the true power of the Destined One' or something. Well I'll tell you, I don't buy it. But if you're still interested in pursuing this, I can hook you up with someone who can help you with it. There is a powerful and ancient Archmage known as Tarixus who lairs on Sharkhead Isle. Speak with him about unlocking your potential energies.

Unneccesary Solicitation

Have you spoken with Tarixus yet? He will be able to aid you in unlocking the power of the destined one.

Breifing by Tarixus

I sensed your arrival, Character. You seek to follow your destiny and show to everyone you are truly marked by the Powers for greatness. To do this you must give proper homage to the Powers, the great mystical entities who grant power to those who know how to unlock their secrets. To give proper homage to the Powers you must sacrifice arcane energies at a nexus, one of the places where the veil between this world and the mystic planes is weak. There is a group known as the Carnival of Shadows who occasionally dabble in the arcane. They have acquired some of my artifacts in order to work their chaos magic. If you recover these magical artifacts, I will allow you to use them to unlock your energies as a destined one - if that is indeed what you are. Magical orders such as the Circle of Thorns often built great temples around nexus points in order to tap into their power and to draw energies from the Powers. Go now to find the artifacts, then offer up their arcane energies to the Powers upon an Orenbegan altar!

5.3.1.1 Find the Mystic Artifacts

The air in this warehouse seems to shimmer with weird energies.

• Mistress of Chaos will have the artifacts. Defeat her and her minions to complete

5.3.1.2 Offer the Artifacts of Power

• Offer the artifacts of Power
• Fend of attackers

• • Three waves of Circle of Thorn ambushes will attack after the glowie is cliucked. the final wave will have the Temple Protector. Depending on team size and difficulty Temple Protector may be a Boss.

Mathew Burke: Did you find what you were looking for, Character? Whatever it was, I hope it was worth it!

• Upon competion players gave access to Auras at the tailor shops.