City Of Heroes: A Council of War

With all the new content added with Issue 3: A Council of War, it's probably best to just dive right in with the official info:

Leveraging decades of deception and betrayal, a new power rises from the ashes of the 5th Column. From its earthly refuge, an alien race plays its mysterious hand in the control of Paragon City. It's a time of terrible conflict-a deadly web of escalating violence that will test even the greatest of heroes among us. A great evil is gathering, planning its new assault on our fair city. Every hero must find the courage within to face and defeat the new threats arising from "A Council of War."

I never thought I'd find myself cheering for a villain group but, "Go Fifth!"

What's new in Paragon City? I thought you'd never ask:

Many conflicts in Paragon City rage openly across the streets on a daily basis. These combats can draw the attention of the public and heroes alike away from other battles that are occurring in the shadows. For decades a web of deception has been woven among the ranks of the 5 th Column. For an even longer time an alien race has used earth as a refuge. Now these dangers are surfacing in a violent and explosive way. What's worse is that they seem to be connected. The heroes of Paragon City must now face these new threats hatched from:

A Council of War

New Zone: Striga Isle (Security Level 20 - 29 recommended)

Smugglers on Talos Island and Independence Port can secure passage for anyone Security Level 20 or over to Striga Isle, an island just off the coast of the United States in international waters. This criminal haven is rumored to be a stronghold and training center for Council troops.

Heroes interested in investigating the island are advised to contact Stephanie Peebles near the docks.

New Villain Group: The Council (All Security Levels)

An internal coup d'etat has shattered the 5 th Column, and from their remnants, a new villain group, the Council has emerged. Rumor has it that the Council is not as new as we would be led to believe. Heroes are urged to investigate every aspect of this new group across all Security Levels.

Zone Events

Dock workers in Independence Port have gone on strike until their security can be ensured (Giant Octopus problem).
Also, Independence Port and Talos Island citizens are reporting sightings of ghosts haunting the waterways. (Levels 22-29 and 20-27 respectively).

The Clockwork King is hard at work on something big in Kings Row.
(Levels 5-10)

Epic Archetypes

Upon attaining level 50, you will unlock the first Epic Archetype available in City of Heroes. The Kheldians are a race of energy beings that have made Earth their new home. Kheldians and their dark cousins, the Nictus, attach to humans and form a symbiotic relationship with them.

You can play one of two new Archetypes, Peacebringers are the typical Kheldians, while Warshades are reformed Nictus who now fight for good.

Peacebringers are Natural Origin, while Warshades are Science based.

Peacebringers and Warshades have only one Primary and one Secondary Powerset to choose from, but these powersets have more powers to choose from than a normal powerset.

Kheldians and Nictus both have a severe vulnerability to a specific type of energy. Unfortunately sinister forces have made every villain group in Paragon City aware of this, and even supplied some with weapons that can severely hurt Kheldians. Be wary of villains wielding strange weapons, and the mysterious Void Hunters.

Ancillary Power Pools

Upon reaching level 41 , you gain the ability to choose from a new set of Ancillary Power Pools to help round out your character. You can only choose one of these Pools, so make your choice wisely

Blasters

Cold Mastery
Force Mastery
Flame Mastery
Munitions Mastery

Controllers

Stone Mastery
Fire Mastery
Ice Mastery
Primal Forces Mastery
Psionic Mastery

Defenders

Dark Mastery
Power Mastery
Psychic Mastery
Electricity Mastery

Scrappers

Body Mastery
Darkness Mastery
Weapon Mastery

Tankers

Energy Mastery
Pyre Mastery
Arctic Mastery
Earth Mastery