Thao Ku

Overview

Thao Ku
Martial Arts Instructor
Zone	Skyway City
Coordinates	(2194.5, -42, -5369.5)
Level Range	15-19
Introduced By	== Level 10-14 == Haley Philips Hugo Redding Dr. Trevor Seaborn == Level 15-19 == Fareed Abdullah Wyatt Anderson Sgt. Suzanne Bernhard Tom Bowden Olivia Chung Guy Denson Dr. Ann-Marie Engles Mark Freeman Pavel Garnier Cho Ge Maggie Greene Jake Montoya Juliana Nehring Karen Parker Colleen Saramago Warren Trudeau
Introduces	== Level 15-19 == Fareed Abdullah Wyatt Anderson Sgt. Suzanne Bernhard Tom Bowden Olivia Chung Guy Denson Dr. Ann-Marie Engles Mark Freeman Pavel Garnier Cho Ge Maggie Greene Jake Montoya Juliana Nehring Karen Parker Colleen Saramago Jim Temblor Warren Trudeau == Level 20-24 == Dr. Cheng Oliver Haak Piper Irving Josef Keller Andrea Mitchell Cain Royce
Enemy Groups	Circle of Thorns Outcasts Trolls Tsoo

Thao Ku is a hero contact in the Astral District neighborhood of Skyway City at coordinates (2194.5, -42, -5369.5). Thao Ku is a Magic origin contact. His level range is 15-19.

Introductions

Contact Introduced By

Level 10-14

• Haley Philips
• Hugo Redding
• Dr. Trevor Seaborn

Level 15-19

• Fareed Abdullah
• Wyatt Anderson
• Sgt. Suzanne Bernhard
• Tom Bowden
• Olivia Chung
• Guy Denson
• Dr. Ann-Marie Engles
• Mark Freeman
• Pavel Garnier
• Cho Ge
• Maggie Greene
• Jake Montoya
• Juliana Nehring
• Karen Parker
• Colleen Saramago
• Warren Trudeau

Contact Introduces

Multiple contact options

+++ Missing Information +++

Single contact option

+++ Missing Information +++

Level 15-19

• Fareed Abdullah

There's a technology expert named Fareed Abdullah you should talk to. He's a very interesting guy and knows a great deal about the Clockwork and the Lost. Fareed deals with folks out of Steel Canyon these days.

Fareed is very kind and courteous.

• Wyatt Anderson

There's a great young historian you should talk to named Wyatt Anderson. He's an expert on the history of all things super-powered, and he can be a big help to new heroes like you. He's especially interested in taking down the Clockwork and the Trolls. Wyatt's research has him in Steel Canyon these days.

Wyatt has a wealth of information.

• Sgt. Suzanne Bernhard

I suggest you go speak to Sgt. Suzanne Bernhard in the street crimes division. She's a good person to know, especially when you're dealing with the Tsoo or the Council. Sgt. Bernhard works the desk in Skyway City.

Suzanne always has her eyes on the streets.

• Tom Bowden

You should meet Tom Bowden. He's an NSA agent recently assigned to Paragon City. His first assignment is trying to crack the Clockwork puzzle, but he also has a chip on his shoulder for the Lost. Tom's government connections have him in Steel Canyon these days.

Tom is very focused, and knows what he is doing.

• Olivia Chung

Did you ever see that weekly paper, the Asian Paragon? Well, its publisher, Olivia Chung, is a great woman. She knows all about what's going on in the immigrant community and has helped more than one hero sort out a jam involving the Vahzilok or the Outcasts. Olivia has her offices in Steel Canyon.

You won't meet many people as good-hearted as Olivia.

• Guy Denson

I know a courier named Guy Denson who would like to meet you. He runs all over town delivering important packages, and he's helped lots of heroes with the Clockwork and the Lost. Guy's routes have him in Steel Canyon now.

Guy will steer you to the heart of trouble.

• Dr. Ann-Marie Engles

Dr. Ann-Marie Engles is a real expert in the field of cybernetics. She is fascinated with the technical aspect of the Vahzilok and the social impact of the Outcasts. Dr. Engles has set up shop in Skyway City.

You'll learn a lot from Dr. Engles; she's always happy to lend heroes a hand.

• Mark Freeman

Mark Freeman is a mutant with the ability to communicate with machines. He has been focusing his attention on the Clockwork activity lately, altough he's also interested in the mysterious Lost. Mark makes his home in Skyway City.

Mark can be a little brusque, but he has a connection that no one else can possibly match.

• Pavel Garnier

Agent Pavel Garnier from the FBI asked me to send you to him. He thinks you could help him with some of his cases involving the Vahzilok and the Outcasts. Pavel is currently looking into something in Skyway City.

A positive connection with the FBI is a very good thing to have.

• Cho Ge

I know this guy, his name's Cho Ge. He's a little shady. He even used to be a gangster, but these days he's working for the good guys. He knows everything about the Tsoo and the Council. Cho Ge hangs out in Skyway City nowadays.

As long as you watch your step with Cho Ge, you will benefit from his knowledge

• Maggie Greene

Maggie Greene is a class act and a good reporter. She'll do good by you. Her investigations have led her to focus on the Clockwork and the Trolls. Maggie files her reports in Skyway City.

Maggie has better instincts than almost anyone I know. Listen to her and you will have plenty of action.

• Jake Montoya

Did you ever hear of the Red Tiger? He retired right after the war, and now he's just Jake Montoya. He may not wear a costume anymore, but he can sure help those who do, especially with information on the Clockwork and the Trolls. Jake has retired to Skyway City.

Jake has his eye out for new blood to take up the mantle of heroism.

• Juliana Nehring

Have you ever read Juliana Nehring's column? She's an Internet reporter who specializes in super-powered villains. She's always looking for new sources to help her investigate the latest Vahzilok and Outcast activities. Juliana files her stories in Skyway City.

Juliana is tough as nails and is willing to do whatever it takes to get a story.

• Karen Parker

Detective Karen Parker has a great reputation as a tough but fair-minded cop. If you're respectful and show her you're competent, I'm sure she'll be happy to work with you on the Tsoo and Council. Detective Parker investigates crimes out of the Skyway City precinct.

Detective Parker can be harsh, but only when it's warranted.

• Colleen Saramago

Do you have any contacts with Hero Corps yet? Even if you do, you should really talk to Colleen Saramago. I think she'd be happy to give you some assignments dealing with the Clockwork and the Trolls. Hero Corps has stationed Colleen in Steel Canyon.

Hero Corps has a very good information network.

• Jim Temblor

Jim Temblor lost his father when the villain Faultline destroyed the neighborhood of Overbrook, turning it into the wasteland that still bears Faultline's name. Now that the city's started to rebuild, Jim's returned to find some answers, but word is he's found a lot of trouble with The Lost instead.

Jim can be a bit tough to get to know, but deep down he's a good kid.

• Warren Trudeau

FBI Special Agent Warren Trudeau would like to have a word with you. He's particularly eager to work with new heroes like you in combating the Tsoo and the Council. Agent Trudeau is on special assignment to Skyway City.

I think you will find Agent Trudeau to be very helpful.

Level 20-24

• Dr. Cheng

There's a wise old man named Dr. Cheng who knows just about everything there is to know about the Banished Pantheon and the Circle of Thorns. He has access to Training Enhancements.

Dr. Cheng is very wise, Hero. Pay close attention to his words.

• Piper Irving

I'd like you to go see my friend Piper Irving. She's an anthropologist working here in the city. She knows a ton about the obscure beliefs of the Banished Pantheon and the Circle of Thorns. Piper knows where to get Training Enhancements.

I am sure you will find Piper quite knowledgeable.

• Oliver Haak

If you can gain his confidence, Oliver Haak is a rich source of information on the occult. Don't be put off by his demeanor, Character, I know that you will impress him. He can really help you out against the Banished Pantheon and the Circle of Thorns. Oliver has access to Training Enhancements.

Your actions will speak for you with Oliver.

• Josef Keller

I have no doubt you will enjoy working with Professor Keller

Although he is a bit eccentric, Joseph Keller has a great deal of knowledge. He can greatly aid anyone who wishes to go up against the Banished Pantheon or the Circle of Thorns. Professor Keller has access to Training Enhancements.

• Andrea Mitchell

If you are looking for a partner to help you take down the Banished Pantheon, Andrea Mitchell would be a great choice. She is very dedicated and her connections are top notch. She also has a lot of interest in the Circle of Thorns. Andrea has access to Training Enhancements.

I have a good feeling about you and Andrea.

• Cain Royce

Cain Royce is strongly committed to his crusade against the Banished Pantheon and the Circle of Thorns. You would do well to have him as an ally. Cain can get you Training Enhancements.

Paragon City's evil-doers will soon feel the weight of this choice.

Information

Martial Arts Instructor

Thao Ku is one of the most respected martial artists in Paragon City. Its not just for his kickboxing skills that are impressive, but also his role as a community leader and youth organizer. Ethnically Hmong, he emigrated from Laos. He has taught in the same dojo for over twenty years, mentoring thousands of dedicated students in both the physical and spiritual aspects of the martial arts. He has a reputation as a wise man, someone whose body and mind have nearly transcended the limits of human understanding. Master Thao is particularly interested in the mystical side of martial arts, and he is rumored to have some supernatural abilities of his own. He's worked with heroes and Law enforcement on numerous occasions, such as during the Rikti War, when he opened his school to serve as a shelter and clinic.

Prior to Introduction

I'm sorry, but I have no time at the moment. Active Contact always has time for heroes, though.

Initial Contact

Missing Initial Contact Dialogue

Greeting

Missing At Least One Greeting Dialogue

Too Busy

Missing Too Busy Dialogue

No More Missions

Missing No More Missions Dialogue

Store

• Inspirations (Luck, Catch a Breath, Enrage)

Missing Store Unlock Dialogue

• Inspirations (all)
• Level 15 Natural/Magic Dual Origin Enhancements (200% base costs)

Missing Store Unlock Dialogue

• Level 20 Natural/Magic Dual Origin Enhancements (200% base costs)

Story Arc

Merit Rewards: This activity awards 17 Reward Merits.

The Tsoo Shenanigans (15-19)

Souvenir

Rage ampoule

You've kept this Rage ampoule as a reminder of the efforts to stop the Tsoo from poisoning the Trolls, in an adventure you've come to think of as:

The Tsoo Shenanigans

Concerned by the activities of the aggressive Tsoo, your contact sent you to Juliana Nehring for some data. She provided the information, and tipped you off to a possible connection between the Tsoo and the Trolls. You went to an office building where the two groups were meeting in secret. There, you recovered an ampoule of a drug you assumed to be Superadine.

You were also sent to an Outcasts hideout, where you encountered the Tsoo and recovered a strange bronze statue.

You took the drug you found to Wyatt Anderson for analysis, and learned that it was a new, Tsoo-manufactured drug called Rage. You took the artifact to Vitaly Cherenko, who told you that it was an extremely dangerous artifact that could consume the bearer's soul. It seemed clear that the Tsoo were trying to weaken their rival gangs. At Vitaly's suggestion, you hit the streets. After defeating many Tsoo, you recovered a note written in code.

You learned the location of the Tsoo headquarters and went to shut it down. There you discovered another bronze statue, much like the first one. Your contact then radioed you, to tell you the coded note had been deciphered. According to the note, the Tsoo were using Rage to poison the Trolls! You hastened to the Rage lab and destroyed it, putting an end to the Tsoo's evil plot.

Editor's Note: The first two missions, Check out the warehouse in Steel Canyon and Pick up the Tsoo data from Juliana Nehring can happen in either order.

Pick up the Tsoo data from Juliana Nehring

Briefing

Hey there, Character. I've got a pretty simple task for you today. My friend Juliana Nehring has some info on the Tsoo that I would very much like to hear. Trouble is, she's kind of paranoid about using normal channels. Could you go pick up the Tsoo data from Juliana? I know I can count on you to keep it safe.

Mission Acceptance

Thanks a lot, Character; this will set Juliana's mind at ease.

Get Tsoo info from Juliana

Unncessary Solicitation

I really need that info from Juliana Nehring.

Mission Objective(s)

• Get Tsoo info from Juliana

Juliana Nehring

Briefing

I'm so glad Thao Ku sent you. My sources tell me that the Trolls have been meeting secretly with the Tsoo. In fact, I just got word that some Tsoo were seen entering a Troll-occupied office building not far from here. I think you should go check it out.

	Conversation with Juliana Nehring
	Juliana Nehring told you, 'My sources tell me that the Trolls have been meeting secretly with the Tsoo. In fact, I just got word that some Tsoo were seen entering a Troll-occupied office building not far from here. I think you should go check it out.'

Bust gang leaders, their crews

Unncessary Solicitation

need info

Mission Objective(s)

This seems like an ordinary office building, but the unnatural hush tells you that no legitimate business is being conducted here.

• Bust gang leaders, their crews
  • 3 office workers to rescue

On one of the defeated Tsoo, you found a drug ampoule.

	Drug ampoule
	You found this ampoule on a defeated Tsoo, in an office that had been taken over by the Trolls. The white skull logo indicates that it is probably Superadine.

Notable NPCs

• 3 Office workers (Hostages)
• Mr. Mann (Tsoo Dragon Fly)
• Torvald (Trolls Caliban)

NPC Text

Mr. Mann: As usual, your violent tendencies complicate the simplest of matters. Haven't you learned? When you take hostages, masks show up.
Torvald: We smash you up good!
Mr. Mann: Heroes, naturally. Attack!

Enemies

Trolls
Tsoo

Debriefing

Thanks for taking on the Tsoo and the Trolls. This ampoule you found probably contains Superadine, but I'll check it out to make sure.

I have a bad feeling that the Tsoo are planning something big. We need to look further into their meetings with the Outcasts and the Trolls.

Check out the warehouse in Steel Canyon

Briefing

Good day, Character. I am hearing some troubling rumors today. Could you check out a warehouse in Steel Canyon for me? There have been reports of high-ranking Tsoo going in an out of there for days.

Mission Acceptance

I have the feeling the Tsoo are planning something big. Please see what you can find out.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Have you checked out that warehouse yet? I need to know what the Tsoo are up to.

Mission Objective(s)

The scorch marks and patches of frost on the walls mark this building as an Outcasts hangout.

• Bust gang leaders, their crews
  • Search for clues

You defeated the villains and recovered an artifact.

	Statue of falcon
	While fighting the Outcasts, you recovered this bronze statue of a screaming falcon. It seemed that the Tsoo were trying to sell it to the Outcasts, though you don't know what they expected in return.

Notable NPCs

• Mr. Ting (Tsoo Dragon Fly)
• Hurricane (Outcasts Lead Shocker) or Brimstone (Outcasts Lead Scorcher)

Enemies

Outcasts
Tsoo

NPC Text

Brimstone: Can we expect to receive more artifacts for our services?
Mr. Ting: Your loyalty will not go unrewarded.
Brimstone: Protect the artifact!
Mr. Ting: Deal with them!

Debriefing

That statue you found is exactly the kind of artifact the Outcasts crave. It may be that the Tsoo were trying to sell it to them. Now, if we only knew what they wanted in return.

Take drug ampoule to Wyatt Anderson

Briefing

I got a call about that drug ampoule you found at the meeting between the Trolls and the Tsoo. My friend Wyatt Anderson is pretty interested in seeing it for himself. Would you take the drug ampoule over to Wyatt?

I'm still trying to learn more about that artifact the Tsoo were trying to sell to the Outcasts. The minute I hear anything, I'll let you know.

Take drug to Wyatt Anderson

Unncessary Solicitation

Wyatt's probably getting worried about you; I told him you'd be there shortly.

Mission Objective(s)

• Take drug to Wyatt Anderson

Wyatt Anderson

Briefing

You're right, this drug is packaged exactly like Superadine. But it isn't. It's Rage.

The Tsoo have been manufacturing Rage lately; they're hoping it will become the new drug of choice. Let me tell you, you don't want to mix the two. It would cause a massive chemical imbalance in the brain, turning you into a berserk killing machine.

Oh, I almost forgot; Thao Ku called me. Apparently Vitaly Cherenko wants a look at some artifact you recovered from the Outcasts. Vitaly Cherenko said you should get it to him without delay.

Ambush! After speaking to Wyatt Anderson, you will be ambushed by the Tsoo.

Take artifact to Vitaly Cherenko

Unncessary Solicitation

Hey, didn't Wyatt give you my message? Vitaly Cherenko wants to look at that artifact the Tsoo were trying to sell to the Outcasts.

Mission Objective(s)

• Take artifact to Vitaly Cherenko

Vitaly Cherenko

Briefing

You say the Tsoo were trying to sell this artifact to the Outcasts? Well, that brings a whole new meaning to the phrase 'buyer beware!' This statue gives the bearer power all right, but it does so by eating away at his soul!

I think the Tsoo may be trying to sabotage the Outcasts. Maybe you should hit the streets in Steel Canyon. If you defeat enough Tsoo, you may convince one of them to tell us more about their plans.

	Vitaly Cherenko's observations
	Vitaly Cherenko told you: 'You say the Tsoo were trying to sell this artifact to the Outcasts? Well, that brings a whole new meaning to the phrase 'buyer beware!' This statue gives the bearer power all right, but it does so by eating away at his soul! I think the Tsoo may be trying to sabotage the Outcasts.'

Interrogate Tsoo about plot

Unnecessary Solicitation

The Tsoo may be the best source of information available. See if you can find a clue on one of them.

Mission Objective(s)

• Interrogate Tsoo about plot
  • Defeat 15 Tsoo

You found a coded note on one of the defeated Tsoo.

Ambush! After accepting this mission, you will be ambushed by Tsoo.

	Coded note
	You found this note on a Tsoo gangster. It reads: 'R Y N P S K N G S E Q S R J T P D P J I R C J H L S I X J D R J Q Y A P J N I K A I N N P A I K S P N J L N P S R A I K S R 9 7 C S L S C A R X V N S Q F R Y S R H J P N Q X I R Y N Q A Z N P Q E N S O O N O Q J V N C S I A I C P N S Q N L P J O T C R A J I H P L J'

Debriefing

So, one of the Tsoo you defeated was carrying this note? Nice job. I think I can get this decoded pretty quickly. With any luck, it'll tell us more about the Tsoo's recent meetings with the Trolls and the Outcasts.

I've sent the note that Tsoo gangster was carrying to a cryptographer. Hopefully he can give us some solid information to go on.

Clear Out the Tsoo Headquarters

Briefing

I've got a guy hard at work decoding that Tsoo you note you found, but I don't think we can wait for his translation. I just got a tip on the location of the Tsoo headquarters; if we don't move quickly, they may have a chance to move. I need you to clear out the Tsoo headquarters now. Take this com unit so I can get in touch with you wherever you are.

Mission Acceptance

The headquarters is under the control of a Tsoo known as Mr. Po. Above all, I want Mr. Po in custody.

Defeat Mr. Po and his crew

Unnecessary Solicitation

Get out there and find that Tsoo hideout.

	Com unit
	This waveband communications unit should allow your contact to get in touch with you anywhere in Paragon City.

Mission Objective(s)

Discarded tattoo needles testify to the Tsoo's unwavering allegiance to their gang.

• Defeat Mr. Po and his crew

Do you copy? It's Thao Ku. I got that note decoded. It seems the Tsoo are using that Rage drug to poison the Trolls! The note you found reveals the location of their Rage lab. We need you to get over there and shut it down. Thao Ku over and out.

You found a strange bronze statue, similar to the one the Tsoo were trying to sell to the Outcasts.

	Statue of deer
	You recovered this bronze statue of a wounded deer in a Tsoo hideout. It is similar in design to the dangerous artifact you found the Tsoo trying to sell to the Outcasts.

Notable NPCs

• Mr. Po (Tsoo Dragon Fly)

Enemies

Tsoo

Mr. Po's dialogue

Before combat: Even if you recover these artifacts, you will never uncover the rest of our plan!
Combat start: Minions, take Character down!

Defeat all Tsoo in Rage lab

Unnecessary Solicitation

What are you doing here? I told you to get over to that lab and shut it down!

Mission Objective(s)

This high tech equipment wasn't purchased by a bunch of floundering gangsters. The Tsoo must have resources no one has guessed at.

• Defeat all Tsoo in Rage lab
  • 12 Rage synthesizers remaining

You have defeated the Tsoo and destroyed the Rage synthesizers.

Notable NPCs

• Mr. Shin (Tsoo Dragon Fly)

Enemies

Tsoo

Debriefing

Great job. The Tsoo won't be poisoning the Trolls with their Rage anytime soon.

The way I figure it, the Tsoo are trying to weaken all the other gangs in Paragon City. They tried to poison the Trolls by giving them Rage, a drug that reacts badly with the Superadine that the Trolls regularly take. And they tried to cripple the Outcasts by selling them artifacts that consume the bearer's soul. Who knows what they are doing to undermine the other gangs?