NCsoft has released another update for its superhero MMORPG, City of Heroes. True to the game's comic book roots, the update is titled Issue 3: "A Council of War," and sees the evil coalition splinter into two factions, the new 5th Column and the Council. Though the two groups are at war with each other, they're likely to turn on the city's citizens once again.

　　Two new archetypes also make their debut in the update. The Kheldians are an energy-based alien life form that has taken refuge on Earth, using humans as hosts for some time, but then exposing themselves in their true form. They branch off into two playable types, the Peacebringers and Warshades, each with their own unique powers. The new archetypes are available to those characters that have reached level 50.

　　Players reaching level 41 will now have access to new ancillary powers, allowing players to round out their characters. Players can choose from a new set of ancillary power pools for all-new powers, allowing ranged attackers to increase their melee prowess or vice versa.

　　The update also introduces new zone activities and an entirely new zone, Striga Isle. It's said to be a hotbed of Council activity and is only accessible to characters level 20 or higher. Other new events include a giant octopus attacking Independence Port, ghosts haunting waterways, and a new scheme from the Clockwork King.

　　Issue 3: "A Council of War" is available now for free download on the City of Heroes live servers. The update requires an active City of Heroes account and a full version of the game.

　　For more information on City of Heroes, be sure to check out our previous coverage.