Freedom Corps
Freedom Corps is a paramilitary organization in the now-defunct City of Heroes MMO.
Freedom Corps serves to help keep the peace in Paragon City as well as to support all registered heroes and hero groups. Their more militant branch is known as Longbow.
History
Freedom Corps was originally set up by Miss Liberty, the daughter of Statesman, as a way for ordinary people to help out the Freedom Phalanx and local law enforcement without resorting to breaking the law. Originally referred to jokingly as the "Kids With Capes", and later the "Sidekick Soldiers", the Freedom Corps worked to earn the respect of the citizens by doing community service. While some members would eventually become superheroes in their own right, many saw the Corps as a way to help the city, much like firefighters.
The success of Freedom Corps as a recognized citizen-run organization would eventaully inspire Rebecca Foss to create her own private international group called Hero Corps.
After the first Rikti Invasion of 2002, the Freedom Corps played a crucial role in quelling rioting and looting in a city decimated by war. With the Paragon City Police Department all but destroyed, the Freedom Corps were quickly brought in to help them keep out the gangs. Even though the PPD ranks have almost been restored to full strength, Freedom Corps agents still patrol the streets and skies of Paragon City, especially around Atlas Park and Galaxy City.
Hero Support
Freedom Corps agents sell low-level enhancements for all registered heroes in Atlas Park and Kings Row. The sales help support the Corps.
Their base of operations was previously the Freedom Corps Headquarters located in Galaxy City in front of the giant statue of Galaxy Girl. This was where the FBSA also had their branch offices.
In "Guardians of the Dawn Spotlight" Issue #9 (2010), Guardian member Coeur Du Feu said that Freedom Corps Headquarters was also where many of the registered heroes would stay if they do not yet have a home in Paragon City. The facility included extensive living quarters and areas for recreation. Any active member of Freedom Corps as well as registered heroes were allowed access to these area.
In "The Guardian Powers" #15, it was revealed that the Freedom Corps Headquarters also housed the original medical teleportation system, which was located directly under the statue of Galaxy Girl.
Destruction
On September 13, 2011, a massive Shivan meteor attack destroyed much of Galaxy City, including the Freedom Corps headquarters. The presence of giant Shivan creatures underneath the ruins of the Freedom Corps building made the rescue of trapped civilians and heroes almost impossible.
Operations are currently being conducted through Atlas Park until a new headquarters can be built.
Longbow
Organized by Ms. Liberty, the Longbow division of Freedom Corps is bent on the destruction of Arachnos. This militia extends its presence to every corner of the Rogue Isles, acting as a military support network for super-powered beings in the struggle against Lord Recluse.
Drawing on those who want to be heroes, this organization is comprised of volunteers from around the world. Longbow thrives on the never-ending stream of idealistic youth who believe they are on the front lines in the battle against evil.
The strength of their ideological conviction, coupled with the advanced training and munitions provided by NATO, render the Longbow soldiers a force to be reckoned with.
This righteous fervor has driven Longbow agents to establish strongholds across the Rogue Isles, interfering in Arachnos operations at every opportunity.
According to intelligence gathered by the Arachnos spies, Longbow is a highly organized militia broken down into specialized units. Rifleman, Minigun, and Flamethrower units are the foot soldiers of Longbow.
Their Eagle units act as long-range specialists. The Spec-Ops, Chasers and, Nullifiers utilize specialized equipment to carry out their operations and the elite Ballista agents have potent energy powers. These teams are often led by low-grade, super-powered heroes.
Viewed by Recluse as a mere annoyance, the Longbow units slowly hope to establish control over the many contested islands just off the coast of Paragon City.
With well-established bases in Warburg, Siren's Call, and Bloody Bay, the Longbow wage a war for control over the precious resources of these isles.
Extending beyond these contested regions, Longbow agents in their signature red and white costumes can be found on all of the Rogue Islands, ever vigilant for any sign of villainy that they might destroy.
Related Information
(See also their Paragon Wiki entry.)
