• Thief I : The Dark Project

1. A Keeper's training

"The essence of balance is detachment. To embrace a cause, to grow fond or
spiteful, is to lose one's balance, after which, no action can be trusted. Our
burden is not for the dependent of spirit."
-- Mayar, Third Keeper

I was a kid. No parents, no home. Running messages and picking pockets to keep
my ribs from meeting my spine. One night I saw a man...folks just passed him by
like he wasn't there. I thought he must have something valuable, so I snuck up
on him and made a grab.

"Ugh!"
"That's not for you."
"Please, sir, I'm hungry. Don't tell the Hammers, I promise..."
"What is your name, boy?"
"Garrett."
"You have talent, lad."
"Let go of me, old man!"
"To see a Keeper is not an easy thing. Especially one who does not wish to be
seen. We have a need for those as gifted as yourself. If you've grown tired of
how you live, then follow me, and we will show you a different way."
"Leave me alone!"
"As you wish."

I caught up with him just before he vanished into the crowd. It was the
beginning of a very long education...

2. Lord Bafford's Manor

"The most promising acolyte left us, not out of the lesser folly of sentiment,
but the greater folly of anger. His heart was clouded, and his balance was lost,
but his abilities were unmatched. Even then, we knew to watch him most
carefully."
-- Keeper Annals

I have a simple job planned for this evening. Break into a guarded mansion,
steal another fat nobleman's priceless trinket, and leave quietly. Lord Bafford
is out of town, and rumour has it that the captain of his house guard went with
him, as a bodyguard. The time is ripe for a bit of burglary.

The front gate of Lord Bafford's manor is always guarded, and the main street is
far too exposed. But Cutty tells me there's a better way in....around to the
side, more out of the way. One guard, and likely no witnesses to...complicate
matters.

The piece Cutty wants is a scepter...silver, jewels, the usual adornments. It
should command a high price. Bafford, like most of his kind, probably keeps his
treasures on the top floor of the place. Close to his heart...and far from his
servants.

No point in waiting. I have Cutty's old sketches of the place, and everyone
who's going to be asleep inside already is. It's time to begin...

3. Break from Cragscleft Prison

"Before death came, the liars were made to feast upon the hands of the thieves,
and the thieves were made to ingest the tongues of their liar brothers, and we
praised the Master Builder for his judgements."
-- The Hammer Book of Tenets

I went to Cutty's place to deliver the scepter, but Cutty wasn't there. He'd
been arrested by the Hammerites. Apparently they didn't approve of his
occupation, and I doubt they approve of mine. So hopefully they'll never catch
sight of me when I break him out of their prison. Which is what I'm going to do.

They're holding Cutty in a mining complex carved out of a quarry. The quarry's
flooded, but the Hammers still work the top level mines, and have converted part
of the complex into a penitentiary for those who..."violate" their tenets.

An associate of mine was confined there, and has provided me with a map. It
would be difficult to get in by way of the main gate, but there is another
option. The mines break the surface of a hill south of the quarry. I'll drop
into the mines and head for the prison, which will be found somewhere uphill and
to the north. The Hammers don't venture into these lower mine levels because
they're reputed to be haunted.

I'd rather not have to do this job, but Cutty's a reliable fence, and I don't
appreciate the Hammerites abducting him. And he owes me money for the Bafford
job...

4. Down in the Bonehoard

"...And the manfools piled rock on rocks and raised a treesie roof, hammers
saws tear the skin of goodsie wood... ...and laughs at the Woodsie Lord. ...And
when learns the Lord of this, He sends His beastesses to the manfools... ...who
attacks and hammers saws their useless fleshes, and build him a house of they
rotting skins."
-- Unattributed Trickster song

I was pissed at Cutty for a good while after the...prison debacle. But hey, you
can't blame him for what the Hammers did to him. So I decided to go after that
horn Felix talked about. Not like I had a whole lot of choice, really...the rent
is due...and my landlord's even tougher than the Hammers.

The map's pretty specific about where the entrance is. Too bad it's not as clear
about where the HORN is. Felix did some scrounging before he left, and his notes
say the horn is in the tomb of some nobles...the Quintus family. Guess I'll just
have to explore.

Felix, always helpful, also said that the catacombs are supposed to be haunted.
Think I'll go make some inquiries about where a "heretic" like me can get some
holy water. Always go prepared...

5. Assassins

"The ancient corruption was again contained. To do more would have upset the
balance, but we knew to remain ever vigilant lest it resurface. Neither the
Hammers nor the pagans could be trusted not to meddle."
-- Keeper Annals

I had some money to spare after disposing of the Horn, so it seemed time to
invest in some new..."tools". Farkus is one of the few merchants willing to risk
selling to an independent like me, and his prices are steep...but the other
choice is to let one of the so-called "City Wardens" give me orders...AND take a
cut of my profits. They'd been after me for years to join one of their stables,
but I'm not interested. Maybe they'll get the idea and give up. More likely
they'll just ramp up the threats. Nothing I can't handle if I'm careful. AND
lucky. And my luck seems to have finally turned for the better...

TG1. Thieves' Guild

"In the beginning we lived as thieves, Stealing fur and fang of beasts for
survival. Then came the Builder who brought us the Hammer, And with it we
forged a new way of life. To reject the Hammer is to denounce the Builder."
-- The Hammer Book of Tenets

I was going to pay Lord Randall and his vase collection a visit, but the
Downwind Thieves' Guild beat me to the score. Word is that they haven't divvied
the booty yet. Apparently their leaders...Donal and Reuben...are arguing over
the prized sapphire vase. Sounds like they could use a third party to settle
their disagreement. Since I'm no mediator, I'll just steal the vase from them.
They'll be so busy blaming each other no one will suspect an outsider.

The Downwinders run a gambling den called the "Overlord's Fancy," which
operates under a nearby restaurant. The guild's hideout is beneath the casino.
I have a rough map of the complex I got from..."sources" from the inside. Once
I'm in the "Overlord's Fancy" I'll have to search for the secret entrance to
the hideout. Have to be careful...the Downwinder's know me all too well. If
they catch sight of me they'll KNOW who took the vase. Assuming they don't just
kill me for trespassing.

Finding the vase may prove difficult, since I have no idea where it is. Should
be a hot topic of conversation among the Downwinders. Maybe I'll be lucky
enough to overhear where they're stashing it. Time to make a living...

6. The Sword

"Builds your roofs of dead wood. Builds your walls of dead stone. Builds your
dreams of dead thoughts. Comes crying laughing singing back to life, takes what
you steal, and pulls the skins from your dead bones shrieking."
-- Clay tablet in an abandoned Trickster temple

I was contacted by a woman named Victoria. She claims to represent a client who
was impressed by the way I took care of Ramirez, and now wants me to steal
something for him. The target is a magical sword, owned by a nobleman and
collector named Constantine. Little is known about Constantine except that he is
an eccentric new face in this city, and mostly keeps to himself. Victoria says
the sword will probably be on display, but it will be well protected by guards
and security systems. She also mentioned that the guards are tough and
organized, and the mansion is confusing to navigate in.

The house was constructed recently, so I've had to piece together my own map,
from observation and hearsay. Sounds like the place is a bit of a maze. I guess
if you're rich enough you can build any sort of madhouse to live in.

This is going to be a challenging job, but it will pay better than the last few

I've taken. As usual, the front entrance is heavily guarded, but I've managed to
find another way in. 'Course once I've picked up the sword I'll still have to
worry about getting back out...

First cutscene

Scene: View of the city. View pans downwards towards the window to Garrett's
apartment, a lamp flickering on the windowsill. View then moves inwards, still
focused on the lamp. There is soft knocking on the door. When no reply comes,
it repeats.

Viktoria: "Garrett? It's Viktoria. I trust you made it back alive? You've done
well, Garrett. Come with me, and bring the sword."

As she speaks, the scene pans to the right, to show Garrett, face hidden,
holding the Sword. View continues towards the closed door, then stops.

Viktoria: "There is someone you have to meet. It's time for the payment you've
been promised."

As she speaks, Garrett moves into the view and opens the door. A woman is
silhouetted in the light from the hallway.

Garrett: "Yes."

Scene changes. View pans down past a stained glass window depicting a hanging
man, then past a rafter with vines twined around it. The view settles on
Garrett, lounging in a chair before a fireplace, Viktoria and another man
standing in front of him, all shown as silhouettes.

Man: "A refreshment, Mister Garrett? I'm in the possession of a superior
brandy, that has the most...restorative...effect."

Garrett: "I prefer my payment in CASH...not liquor, Mister...ahh..."

View switches to Garrett, lounging in the chair. No longer a simple
silhouette, his face is still partially shrouded in shadows. The unknown man is
silhouetted in front of him, only partially shown.

Man: "My apologies."

The stranger reaches down and lifts up a bottle.

Man: "I've been watching you, Mister Garrett. So closely, in fact, that I'm
afraid I'd forgotten we haven't actually met yet. I am...Constantine."

As he speaks, the view changes to the wall behind him, which has what appear
to be cave drawing on it, depicting both people and animals running in the same
direction. It is unclear if the animals are chasing the people or simply
running as well. The sound of a drink being poured is heard, as well as that of
a fly buzzing around. The view settles on the face of the stranger, an elderly,
balding man, who smiles and offers Garrett a drink.

Garrett: "All this time I thought you were going to pay me."

View returns to silhouettes of the three. Constantine extends the drink to
Garrett.

Garrett: "You've brought me here to kill me?"

Constantine: "But you have it all wrong, Mister Garrett."

Garrett reaches up and accepts the glass from him.

Constantine: "Would it surprise you to know that it was I who hired you to
steal my own sword?"

As he speaks, the view changes to the table, where Constantine places the
bottle. A few drops of the liquor fall to the table, green in colour, and
settle.

View changes to Garrett, still seated, Constantine still a partial silhouette,
then switches to the face of the beautiful Viktoria.

Constantine: "Yes. You see, Viktoria and I are..."

Viktoria: Interrupting, eyes moving to look at Constantine. "Old associates."

View returns to the lounging Garrett, Constantine still a partial silhouette.

Constantine: "Yes. You were being tested. Do you understand? And I must say,
you more than live up to your reputation. You are quite an extraordinary
Thief."

As he speaks, the view moves forward towards Garrett slightly, then changes to
the floor, focused on one of the legs of Garrett's chair. There are small vines
growing out of the floor, beginning to twine around the chair leg. Garrett
moves his leg just as the vines reach it. The view then returns to the
silhouettes of all three of them.

Garrett: "Testing me? What is it you want from me, Constantine?"

Constantine: "I am a collector, Mister Garrett."

He gestures towards a mantle behind him. The view switches to that mantle.

Constantine: "But there are some...items, that are not available for purchase.
They must be acquired using other means. In this case the item in question
would be best acquired by thieving. Not simple thieving...no. I need an artist.
Like yourself."

As he speaks, the view moves slowly down the mantle, which displays several
odd and curious objects, one of which appears to be a shrunken head. The wall
behind these objects seems to have more "cave drawings" on it, but cannot be
made out. Strangely, the sound of a pig can be heard. The view settles on an
object at the end, which shows the reflection of both Garrett's and
Constantine's silhouettes.

Garrett: "What exactly IS this...item?"

The view changes to the three silhouettes again.

Constantine: "It is the gemstone called The Eye, for it's unusual..."

The view moves again to Viktoria's face.

Viktoria: Interrupts again. "Appearance."

She turns her eyes towards Garrett. Then the view returns to the three
silhouettes.

Constantine: "Yes. Kept hidden in the sealed cathedral deep inside the halls of
the scum Hammerites. Oh, but forgive me. You are, possibly...friendly...with
the Order of the Hammer?"

Garrett: "No. Fanatics make unreliable friends."

The view moves to Garrett, still lounging, with Constantine still only a
partial silhouette. The view moves slowly towards the right.

Constantine: "Excellent. I am prepared to offer you quite a sum. A hundred
thousand, upon receipt of The Eye."

The view returns to show the three of them as silhouettes.

Garrett: "I don't see how I can refuse such an offer."

As he speaks, Viktoria turns towards the right, and starts to move slowly in
that direction.

Constantine: "Marvelous. Viktoria can fill you in on all the particulars. And
Mister Garrett...the sword. Keep it."

As he speaks, Garrett stands, and the two of them shake hands. The view
changes to the table where Constantine spilled some drops of liquor. The view
focuses on these drops.

Constantine: "You have earned it. But also...I believe you'll find it useful in
your quest..."

Some small growth, like grass, appears to have sprouted from these drops.
Soon, the same growth appears in the other drops, and grow quickly. Then
thicker growth, like small branches, are shown growing out of them as well. The
scene then fades to black.

7. The Haunted Cathedral

"Come the time of peril, did the ground gape, and did the dead rest unquiet
'gainst us. Our bands of iron and hammers of stone prevailed not, and some did
doubt the Builder's plan. But the seals held strong, and the few did triumph,
and the doubters were lain into the foundations of the new sanctum."
-- Collected letters of the smith-in-exile

The Eye that Constantine wants is in the abandoned cathedral of the Hammerites.
The cathedral is located in the section of the city that was deserted years ago,
after some kind of catastrophe. I've heard stories of the incident...most are
wild rumours about hordes of zombies and raging fires. Now that part of the city
is walled off...no one's allowed to go in. Not that many people would dare to in
the first place.

Maps of the area are easy to find...in attics, and old trunks...but, like all of
them, the one I've got is over fifty years old. I'll make my way through the
ruins to the Hammerite cathedral, and find a way inside. Once I get inside the
cathedral, I'll have to locate The Eye.

Something tells me that this is not going to be easy. But for the amount I'm
getting paid...I'm willing to take some serious risks...

TG2. The Mage Towers

"From unknown origins they came
They live isolated beyond the city
The extent of their arcane power is unknown
We must be very cautious in dealing with them
Close observation must continue"
-- Keeper Xavier, Treatise on Mages

The Talisman of Earth is guarded by a foreign mages' sect known as the "Hand
Brotherhood". They reside in a compound of huge towers, where they practice
their arts of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. The Talisman is likely kept in the
Earth tower...but there's little chance it'll be that simple. No doubt the
Talisman is heavily guarded and probably protected by magic. But mages love to
write everything down...I should "stumble" on something useful about their
precious trinket.

I bribed some servants to get me a map of the common grounds...the best I could
do since only the mages are allowed in the towers. I'll enter the courtyard
just outside the central keep entrance. Once inside I'll need to move quickly
to find the Talisman. I wouldn't last long in a fight against the mages...

8. The Lost City
[Thief version]

"The knowledge of those who came before could neither be disseminated or
destroyed. Its power would be a dangerous tool in the wrong hands, but would
also insure against future cataclysm. At that time we chose to maintain it with
writings preserved in extant locations."
-- Keeper Annals

The Keepers have hidden the Talismans of Fire and Water in a place they call
"The Lost City". Some kind of cataclysm buried the place underground ages ago.
The Keepers have sealed the access to the city: a cleft in the river bottom
near the east side. If the materials in the library are right, the strange
stone I found can be used to open that seal.

I've also got a map...it's so old the edges crumble in my hands. It shows the
city...or at least how it was back then. I hope the old place hasn't changed
much...

[Thief Gold version]

"The knowledge of those who came before could neither be disseminated or
destroyed. Its power would be a dangerous tool in the wrong hands, but would
also insure against future cataclysm. At that time we chose to maintain it with
writings preserved in extant locations."
-- Keeper Annals

The Keepers have hidden the Talisman of Fire in a place they call "The Lost
City". Some kind of cataclysm buried the place underground ages ago. The
Keepers have sealed the access to the city: a cleft in the river bottom near
the east side. If the materials in the library are right, the strange stone I
found can be used to open that seal.

I've also got a map...it's so old the edges crumble in my hands. It shows the
city...or at least how it was back then. I hope the old place hasn't changed
much...

TG3. Song of the Caverns

"Blindness is the manfools theys gathers up treasures and greeders themselves
on gold rocks and fetters
The Woodsie One wreaks thems with lilacs and nettles and gathers theys bones
for His porridge and feathers."
-- Text Unattributed, Sumac on Parchment

The Keepers stashed the Talisman of Water in a series of hidden caverns located
deep below the city. According to their map I'll find it in a shrine located in
the lowest cavern. I don't expect to run into anything too threatening other
than a few venemous spiders, however the map does contain this note: "Stand not
against us, lest you feel the sting of ignorance's barbs." Heh...sounds like
Keeper talk for "We've rigged the place".

An informant of mine, Giry, made a home for himself in these caverns after he
lost his job tending the ticket counter of a nearby opera house. He should know
these caverns better than anyone, so I'll pay him a visit, to see if he has any
useful information for me...

9. Undercover
[Thief version]

"Having pledged our honour as shield over Earth and Air, we must be ever
mindful. Let them be locked away and safe, but ever in view of the faithful.
Future generations are hostage to our care."
-- Sermon of the Talismans

Getting the Talismans of Air and Earth will be an interesting challenge, but
I'll need them if I want to get "The Eye" for Constantine. They're well hidden
inside the city's Hammer Temple...so I'll have to do some scouting around.
Problem is the place is fully active, day and night...not even I could stay
undetected for very long.

Well, they say that the best place to hide a letter is on the mantlepiece. With
that in mind I'll be going in by the front door...dressed as a Hammerite
Novice. That should be perfect since Novices aren't allowed to speak while on
the Temple grounds.

My contacts can get me a Novice's pass to get me through the gate. Once inside
I'll be free to take my time...explore the place thoroughly...and find the

Talisman. As long as I don't do anything violent...or get caught somewhere I
shouldn't be. Because as the new arrival I'll be the first person they suspect
if anything goes wrong...

[Thief Gold version]

"Having pledged our honour as shield over Air, we must be mindful. Let it be
locked away and safe, but ever in view of the faithful. Future generations are
hostage to our care."
-- Hammerite Sermon of the Talisman

Getting the Talisman of Air will be an interesting challenge, but I'll need it
if I want to get "The Eye" for Constantine. It's well hidden inside the city's
Hammer Temple...so I'll have to do some scouting around. Problem is the place
is fully active, day AND night...not even I could stay undetected for very
long.

Well, they say that the best place to hide a letter is on the mantlepiece. With
that in mind I'll be going in by the front door...dressed as a Hammerite
Novice. That should be perfect since Novices aren't allowed to speak while on
the Temple grounds.

My contacts can get me a Novice's pass to get me through the gate. Once inside
I'll be free to take my time...explore the place thoroughly...and find the

Talisman. As long as I don't do anything violent...or get caught somewhere I
shouldn't be. Because as the new arrival I'll be the first person they suspect
if anything goes wrong...

10. Return to the Cathedral

"And he did say, "Shall we not use this power, as our enemies used it unto us?
Do we not carve their wild forests into our beams and boards? Do we not tame
their raging streams to carry our boats?" And in their youth and foolishness,
did his brothers say, "Yes, let us.""
-- Collected letters of the smith-in-exile

With the Talismans, I'll be able to break the wards on the Cathedral. It's time
for me to retrieve "The Eye" and bring it to Constantine.

Last time I was here, "The Eye" was inside, in PLAIN SIGHT on the main altar. I
just have to grab it, and leave. But that won't necessarily be easy if the
place is as...haunted as it looked before. So if things get tough, there is
another way out: throught the gate in the Cloister, behind the Cathedral.

The sooner this ordeal is over with, the better. When I get paid for this job,
I'm gonna retire in style...

Second cutscene

Smoke drifts onto the screen from the left. The sound of something burning
fiercely is heard. The smoke drifts to the right, until the source is visible:
The Eye. It drifts through the air, towards a pair of hands, which close around
it. The view changes to show Constantine's face. His eyes turn towards you, and
he smiles. The sound of a door closing is heard.

The Scene: The Temple/Altar room in Constantine's mansion. The view changes to
show the room. The sound of boots walking on wood is heard. The view slowly
shifts towards the right, towards Constantine. A silhouette is shown to be the
source of the walking noises, moving towards Constantine.

Constantine: I can't tell you how pleased I am with you, Mister Garrett. I
simply can't find the words.

View changes to show Garrett, his face hidden in shadows, holding what appears
to be a sword in its scabbard.

Constantine: But perhaps Viktoria can help me in that regard.

View changes to show Garrett from behind, silhouetted, with Constantine
brightly lit in front and to the right.

Constantine: She has such a way with them.

Viktoria (unseen): Yes, we are both so VERY pleased.

Viktoria enters our view on the left. Garrett shifts to the right, blocking
our view of Constantine.

Garrett: Viktoria?

View changes to a close up of Garrett's face, only his mouth not covered in
shadow. In the background, we can see some sort of plant life growing as we
watch.

Viktoria: Even though The Eye is...defective.

View changes to show Garrett from behind, silhouetted, both Constantine and
Viktoria standing in front of him, brightly illuminated.

Garrett: What?!?

Constantine: Viktoria is quite right, Mister Garrett. I don't mean to sound
ungrateful, but this eye is completely blind.

As he speaks, a creaking noise is heard. Behind Garrett, more plantlife is
shown growing at an accelerated rate.

Garrett: It's a rock. It's what you asked for.

View shifts to a closeup of Viktoria's face, grimacing evily, an odd design on
her cheek.

Garrett: Am I gonna get paid or not?

Viktoria smiles evily. The view changes to a closeup of The Eye in
Constantine's hand. As Constantine speaks, the view shifts upwards, resting on
his chest.

Constantine: Of course.

Constantine's shirt stretches noticeably.

Constantine: Viktoria, are you prepared to give Mister Garrett his....

Smoke rises from his shirt, the buttons snap, the material falls away, and
bloody sigils appear to form on his bare chest.

Constantine (in a very different voice): ...Compensation?

The view pans up to Constantine's face. Horns sprout from his head, and a
familiar middle eye design appears in blood on his forehead. He smiles
wickedly.

View changes to Viktoria's chest, her clothes falling away to be replaced
quickly by rapidly growing vines.

View changes again, Viktoria from behind. Her clothes fall away, her
fingernails are now claws, and her skin is rapidly replaced with a wood-like
material. As she speaks the view moves up her body, more vines can be seen
growing to cover her body. The view settles on Garrett, seen over her
shoulder.

Viktoria: Bow to the Woodsie Lord, and offer up your flesheye so that his Eye
of Stone may see, Manfool!

She flings her arm towards Garrett, thick vines and creepers shooting out,
growing.

View changes to a side view, showing Garrett thrown against a pillar, the
vines and creepers pinning him against it. Plant growth continues to be seen on
Viktoria's body.

View changes to a closeup of Garrett's face, eyes widening in fear, vines
growing around him.

Viktoria: Bids he then the spruces to singer him an anthems! And the Woodsie
Lord binders them fleshes to stone!

View changes to a closeup of Viktoria's free hand, moving slowly back,
fingernails growing as we watch. She flings her hand forward.

View changes to a closeup of Garrett's right eye. Reflected in it is Viktoria
hand coming closer. Garrett screams, then her claws are upon him, and plucks
his eye from its socket.

View changes again to show Viktoria standing silhouetted. Several creepers
withdraw back into her arm, and she holds both hands up, one holding Garrett's
eye.

Trickster: Did you think those ancient phrases were mere words, Manfool? Look
at me!

Viktoria blurs as the focus changes to a vine-covered Garrett falling to the
floor. Shortly, a hoof stamps on the ground, next to him.

Trickster: *I* am The Woodsie Lord, The Trickster of legend!

View changes to show Garrett's bloody eye in Viktoria's claws. She passes it
over to the Woodsie Lord's hand, dropping it in, then both hands withdraw.

Trickster: If you be thirsty, fleshthing, drink of me.

As he talks, the view shows The Eye close up, the prongs opening wide to
accept Garrett's eye, which is slowly placed into them by the Woodsie Lord. The
prongs grab it eagerly, and The Eye starts to glow orange.

Trickster: If you be hungry, then feed for I am the honeymaker, and the
jacksberry!

As he speaks, the view changes to a dead-on view of Garrett's eye within The
Eye, the orange light glowing through it. Blood appears to run down its sides,
and the prongs close around it.

Viktoria speaks, and the view changes to a fully-transformed Trickster,
holding up the completed Eye. He looks at it and smiles. Flies can be heard
buzzing nearby.

Viktoria: He am the leaf that feeders on the fleshed ones.

The Eye flashes, and the view changes to Garrett, trapped in vines, cowering
on the floor, only a hand and his remaining eye visible.

Viktoria: Thems that calls themselves Builders and wielded up a hammers against
him!

View changes to one from Garrett's viewpoint, looking up at the silhouette of
the Trickster, holding The Eye. As the Trickster speaks, Viktoria steps into
view, also fully transformed, eyes glowing.

Trickster: My poor Mister Garrett, you will not live to SEE the sprawling glory
of it! Your sacrifice is not yet complete!

View changes to a closeup of Garrett's eye and hand, shivering in fear. Vines
continue to grow, and the Trickster and Viktoria both walk past Garrett's
view.

Trickster: Mine lilacs and mine thistleaids must feeds, and I?

View changes to show The Trickster in profile, Viktoria walking up behind him.
The Trickster raises his hand as he speaks, and brings it down, cutting a swath
of light through the air, which grows brighter.

Trickster: Stands He then in the greens and festered Maw and speeds He out his
judgements upon the weeps and writhing manfools!

View changes to show Garrett's eye and hand again, shivering. Lights flash
around him. The view changes to a closeup of Garrett's remaining eye, and we
can hear his scared breathing as lights continue to flash. His eye rolls
upwards, as if he's fainted, as vines twine and grow over it.

11. Escape!

"Danced we in joys and triumphs. With us the Woodsie Lord danced the stringsie
foolsie man Rose the storms in shouty glee, the darkness in feary glooms, the
fires in happy greed. Danced we away, and fed the sad stringsie manfool to
their devourings for our thanks."
-- Final fragment of the "Notyets" manuscript

No picture. The sound of a door opening. Distant voices, getting closer as
they speak.

1st Keeper: This way?
2nd Keeper: Look here. Our path is true.

Sounds of Garrett's ragged breathing, and footsteps.

1st Keeper: In here?
2nd Keeper: Yes.

View changes to show Garrett's vine-shrouded view. More footsteps, and Garrett
gasps. As the Keeper speaks to Garrett, we are shown images of him being freed
from the Trickster's vines.

3rd Keeper: Since you left us, you've been a stone rolling downhill. Now you
must aim this remarkable momentum. It is past time for the balance to shift.

Odd animal noises are heard in the distance.

2nd Keeper: They come.
Garrett: Wha--? Wait!
3rd Keeper: The Trickster will not forgive you for doing what he could not. Nor,
I trust, will you forgive us.

Scene shows the Keepers leaving. Garrett gives a monologue.

Garrett: Sounding contemptful. Keepers. Looks like I'd better get moving, or
whatever those things are will waste a perfectly good rescue...

12. Strange Bedfellows

"The stone cannot know why the chisel cleaves it; the iron cannot know why the
fire scorches it. When thy life is cleft and scorched, when death and despair
leap at thee, beat not thy breast and curse thy evil fate, but thank the
Builder for the trials that shape thee."
-- The Hammer Book of Tenets

This was NOT the way things were supposed to go. Constantine has the Eye...AND
my eye...and I doubt he has anything wholesome planned for it.

The Trickster is real after all. I don't think anyone but those crazy Hammers
really believed in the old gods.

Those crazy Hammers. You know, it wouldn't hurt to have a few dozen
heavily-armed fanatics on MY side just about now. If I drop by their temple and
explain things, maybe they'll be so distracted by the Trickster's return that
they'll forget to hold a grudge. And even if they don't...I know how to get out
of Cragscleft prison already...

13. Into the Maw of Chaos

"The weights in each pan of the balance had increased greatly. As he approached
his triumph, our foe had made himself vulnerable. We were unable to directly
influence, and could only watch and wait to see whether his pridefully chosen
pawn would prove his undoing."
-- Keeper Annals

Well...this is it. The Hammers say they've received word that Constantine's
descended into his realm, to perform a ritual with the Eye. The Hammers have
built me a booby-trapped, counterfeit Eye...if I can swap it for the real
thing, it should cause him some trouble...IF he doesn't notice me....

I've never robbed a god before. It'll be a challenge...

Third cutscene (end movie)

The views pans upwards, revealing a sad-looking statue, one arm upraised,
holding a symbol in it's outstretched hand: A cross within a circle. In the
background, it is snowing gently.

The scene changes to show an elderly man, sleeping in the snow, as it
continues to softly snow around him, his breath showing in the cold air.

The scene changes again, to show a man, his face shrouded, standing outside in
front a fire, his breath also showing. Behind him, some stairs lead up to a
walkway, upon which someone moves past towards the right.

The scene changes to show footprints in the snow. The view follows these
footprints, until it catches up with the silhouette of the one making them. The
view pans upwards to show this man, hooded, walking, some buildings shown in
the background. The wind blows a small snow flurry across the view, and the
sound of approaching footsteps is heard. The snow continues to fall gently.

Garrett: Makes a sound of contempt. Keepers!

Another silhouette enters the scene from the right, also hooded.

Keeper: So you think you've won.

Garrett turns to the right, and the Keeper stops moving.

Garrett: I think I've got my eye back.

Keeper: Yet...still...you are blind.

Garrett turns to face the Keeper. The scene changes to show the Keeper, face
illuminated except for the eyes, Garrett's silouetted back to us.

Garrett: If you hadn't noticed, I just saved the world. Yourself included.

Keeper: As we knew you would. As it had to be.

Garrett turns away, moving off screen to the right, speaking as he does so.

Garrett: Now I remember why I left the Keepers.

The Keeper moves to follow him, speaking as he does so.

Keeper: And I remember why we let you go.

The scene changes to show Garrett's silouette, in profile, walking to the
right. Behind him passes the view of a building, behind an iron fence, a warm
glow coming from the windows. A clock starts to strike the hour.

Garrett: What do you want from me?

The Keeper moves into the scene from the left, falling in step with Garrett.

Garrett: Sarcastically You come to congratulate me? Welcome me back to
the fold?

Keeper: Very well. I will speak my peace plainly. You have accomplished that
which was written, and YES...you've done it well. But there is no place for you
with us any longer. Yet you will have a great need of us, and soon.

The scene changes to look through a window down onto the street, snow built up
on the ledge outside. The two figures walk on, leaving footprints in the
still-falling snow.

Garrett: I don't think so. I'm through with heroics.

The scene changes to show the silhouettes of Garrett and the Keeper walking
side by side, in profile. The building has past, and they move past other,
unidentifiable shapes.

Garrett: And with your kind as well.

Keeper: You cannot run from life as you did from us, Garrett.

The picture changes to show a closer view of the two silhouettes, still in
profile, talking.

Keeper: Life has a way of finding you.

As the Keeper speaks, Garrett licks his lips.

Keeper: No matter how artistic a sneak you are.

The two start to move past a fire burning nearby.

Keeper: Listen...there is a book that you were not made aware of.

The clock stops striking, indicating the time is midnight. The view changes to
show a close-up of Garrett's new eye...a mechanical device, which reflects the
nearby fire. It clicks and whirrs like a camera, and the pupil enlarges as the
eye moves to look at something. All of this happens as the Keeper continues
speaking.

Keeper: I'm here to tell you that it would be WISE for you to read it now...if
you can still read hieroglyphs.

The picture changes to show what Garrett was looking at..some sort of metal
working going on, red hot iron being worked upon.

Garrett: I do try to forget, but you Keepers leave them everywhere for me.

The scene changes. Both silhouettes in profile again, still walking to the
right, moving past a building, softly lit by the nearby iron workings.

Keeper: Yes. You have more friends than you know.

Both stop, and Garrett turns to face the Keeper.

Garrett: Tell my "friends" that I don't need their secret book.

The scene changes to show the two silhouettes from the front, from a distance.
A nearby rat scrounges in the snow. A window to the right shows a warm glow
from within. It appears that the snow has stopped falling.

Garrett: Or their glyph warnings, or their messengers! Tell them I'm through!
Tell them it's OVER! Tell them Garrett is DONE!

Garrett waves his hand to emphasize his point, then walks away from the
Keeper. The view then changes to show Garrett's silhouette from the back,
walking away into the city. The Keeper's voice comes from behind him.

Keeper: I will tell them this: Nothing is changed. All is as it was written.
The Trickster is dead. Beware the dawn...of the Metal Age.

The view pans upwards, showing the workings of the upper parts of the nearby
buildings, then to blackness.

BP. Blooper Reel (blooper mission)

"Bla bla bla"

I have a simple job planned for this evening. Break into a guarded mansion,
steal another fat nobleman's priceless trinket, and leave quietly. Lord Bafford
is out of town, and rumour has it that the captain of his house guard went with
him, as a bodyguard. The time is ripe for a bit of burglary.

The front gate of Lord Bafford's manor is always guarded, and the main street
is far too exposed. But Cutty tells me there's a better way in...around to the
side, more out of the way. One guard, and likely no witnesses to...complicate
matters.

The piece Cutty wants is a scepter...silver, jewels, the usual adornments. It
should command a high price. Bafford, like most of his kind, probably keeps his
treasures on the top floor of the place. Close to his heart...and far from his
servants.

No point in waiting. I have Cutty's old sketches of the place, and everyone
who's going to be asleep inside already is. It's time to begin...

• Thief II: The Metal Age

1. Running Interference

"Reliance upon others is weakness for the strong, but strength for the weak.
Wisdom and balance lie in knowing your own nature over time."
-- Chronicle of the Metal Age

I've always equated "feelings" with "getting caught"... they both get in the way
of my money. Unfortunately not everyone is as committed to their work as I am.
An old associate of mine... Basso, the Boxman...wants to marry Lady Rumford's
chambermaid, Jenivere... and live happily ever after. Guess prison life spoiled
his taste for thievery.

Too bad for Basso that Lady Rumford has other plans...marriage would void
Jenivere's indentured service contract, so Rumford is keeping her confined in
the estate with the rest of her "worldly possessions".

Basso has asked for my assistance on getting her out...since infiltration is my
specialty. I make it a policy never to take a job so sentimental, but the
Rumford manor could be a lucrative opportunity for a man like me. It would also
mean that Basso would owe me a favour...And in this line of work, you can never
have too many of those.

I'll sneak in after dark, and clear a path for Basso, so he can rescue his
"damsel in distress". Along the way I'll pick up a few "souvenirs" for the
local pawn shops. That should make all this aggravation worthwhile. Otherwise,
I'll make Basso wish he was still rotting in Cragscleft. Huh! This proves
it...going legit is more trouble than it's worth...

2. Shipping... and Receiving

"Blessed be the forge, which gives shape unto metal, and steam unto the boiler.
Blessed be the fire of the Builder and the Forge of Karras."
-- Mechanist Common Prayer

Business has been kind of slow these days, thanks to Sheriff Gorman Truart.
He's been coming down hard on my competition (and anyone else he deems
"unlawful"). I've been playing it safe by keeping a low profile, but as my
landlord recently reminded me the rent is late. He says he's gonna pay me a
visit tomorrow to collect...so I'll have to go amateur for some quick cash.

The warehouses by the docks should fit the bill. In addition to the usual
shipping traffic there's also a small smuggling operation, sponsored by the
local underground. Not too many guards, lots of dark corners, and several
points of entry should make this job painless, and profitable.

Maybe I'll even have something left over for myself, once the rent is paid.
Huh! Wasn't that long ago that I was planning on my retirement...now the only
thing that's getting retired is my standards. If things get any worse I'll have
to go back to picking pockets in the streets...

3. Framed

"Strike hot iron and call forth sparks
strike a man and call forth fury
to shape man or metal to thy will
thou must strike with force"
-- Collected sermons of Karras

Last night an unusual opportunity knocked on my door. Naturally, I was a little
suspicious, but my visitor said the job was too sensitive to go through the usual
channels. He claimed that an old acquaintance of mine told him where to find me.
I was about to ask him who our mutual friend was, when he managed to... distract me.
The job is to break in the Shoalsgate station, headquarters of the City Watch, and
quietly frame a certain Lt. Hagen for robbing the Evidence Vault. Hagen is Sheriff
Truart's number two man and has no doubt made life difficult for someone he shouldn't
have. My unusually resourceful employer has given me all the information I need to
pull this off, including a very detailed map of the building. All I have to do is
choose a way in, plan my route and get back out... without alerting the bulls.
I realize that breaking into Shoalsgate is like looking down a Burrick's mouth with
a lit match, but it would pay me enough to lay low for a while. And it doesn't hurt
to be giving the police some dirty laundry to deal with either. Besides, with my
luck if I don't take this job I could end up in there anyway.

4. Ambush!

"Sings we a dances of wolfs,
who smells fear and slays the coward.
Sings we a dances of mans,
who smells gold and slays his brother."
-- Pagan saying

Seems like the consequences of my occupation have finally caught up with me. I
went to the Crippled Burrick Pub to meet Sunny about unloading some merchandise.
The smell of ale and smoke from the place wasn't enough to cover up the stench
of an ambush. A couple of Watch officers were there waiting for me. Judging by
the look on Sunny's face, I'd say he sold me out.
They didn't seem interested in bringing me in either. The bluecoats were looking
for swift justice. Fortunately, I always have an ace up my sleeve. I'd better get
back to my place fast and try to figure out what to do next. I just have to get
past these guys... and the rest of the city's "finest" out on patrol.

First cutscene

Keeper1: "By order of the Council of the Keepers, you must come with us. Garrett,
be reasonable. Logic dictates--"
Garrett: "Leave."
K1: "But we must--"
G: "Now."
K2: "Has your wealth of knowledge grown so vast, that you've lost all hunger for
more? Is there no more trust between us then?"
G: "(sighs) Let's make this fast."

Prophecy
My hand is copper.
My brow is lead.
Suffer me in a red patina,
swept along in a molten flow
to a sad eternity.
My stride interrupted
my thoughts untimed
my tears are become drops of silver
and shattered the crystalline fern.
I plead the wind to sweep us away.

Garrett and the Keeper talk above the following section

My alabastrine limbs, useless and tired,
my carnelian heart, beatless and mired.

G: "Nice poem."
K1: "Not poetry: prophecy. The Metal Age is upon us."

Prophecy
I pick the gilded apple from the iron tree
I wipe the rust from my brow

Garrett and the Keeper talk above the following section

The earth rejects me, foul and changed,
the wind refuses me, unsightly and maimed.
My voice is corrupted, my tongue unwind,
my pulse is mercurial sickened, it slows.

G: "Iron trees? Not in my part of town."
K2: "Find the humour if you must. But can you tell me truly Garrett? Are there any
trees in your part of town?"
K1: "I will answer for you: there are not."

Prophecy
Destiny and danger are stil focused on the one,
the renegade who is both brethen and betrayer.

Garrett and the Keeper talk above the following section

Beware the spider, for he weaves both labyrinth and lair.

G: "Well, you've got the danger part right anyway. I'll tell you what: you Keepers
can plant a few shrubs about town. I'll take care of me. I'll find my own way home."
K2: "You're a fool! Do you not understand what is at stake?"
K3: "Did you not hear the Interpreter's words?"
K4: "Yes, Keeper Orland (?). He has heard. Don't despair. Let me go after him, alone.
Not to persuade, but to leave the door open between us.
One more moment, if you will, Garrett."
G: "ONE moment."
K4: "You have trouble, my friend. Danger from someone who hired Truart to kill you."
G: "Yes?"
K4: "Then take this. As soon you are done with your business, the sooner you will
help us."
G: "Don't count on it."

Prophecy
My heart it ceases, my breath undrawn.
My eyes forever focused
on the sanguine metal dawn.

5. Eavesdropping

"The man who learns only what others know
is as ignorant as if he learns nothing
The treasures of knowledge are the most rare, and
guarded the most harshly."
-- Chronichle of the first age

I headed back to my safe house and kept thinking about the letter. I know they're
trying to manipulate me, but Keepers never alter the truth... just keep it in the
shadows. Besides, it's not like I got a lot of leads anyway.

"If you seek the private knowledge of the Sheriff, go to the Eastport Mechanist
seminary tomorrow night. With stealthy discretion, overhear what you may: a
certain very timely meeting."

Looks like I have something useful to learn from a seminary for a change. There
are two open towers and some back doors which might be helpful for getting me in.
The catacombs below the church could be another way in but I'd rather not tread
where the dead sleep.
The meeting will most likely take place in some sort of conference hall. Heh,
there's no guarantee that I'll even be able to get inside but all I have to do
is get close enough to listen at the door. I'd better pull this off quickly and
find a new hideout before the bulldogs get my scent. This situation does have one
advantage... things can't get any worse. Who could hire someone like the sheriff
to kill me?

6. First City Bank and Trust

"Bricky roads they trappers grass,
stoney walls they trappers wind,
iron stove it trappers fire.
Trappers is we by the works of hands,
and forget us we were ever free..."
-- Inked grass scroll

I'm not surprised that the Mechanists are not the saints they claim to be, no one
in this city is. But at least they've done me the favor of recording the
incriminating meeting they had with Sheriff Truart. That recording should let me
exert a little pressure on Truart to find out who hired me to kill him. But I'll
have to acquire it first... The Mechanists put the recording in a safety deposit
box earlier today but since I have a copy of the key, I should be able to open it.
It didn't take much to learn that the Mechanists do all their banking with First
City Bank and Trust, one of the wealthiest establishments in town, catering to
the needs of the city's upper crust. The bank vault is a huge tower and I'm sure
the safety deposit boxes are inside. Once inside the bank, I'll visit the Hall of
Records and do a little snooping to find out which box belongs to the Mechanists.
Then I'll need to find a way to get inside the vault itself, grab the recording,
and get out. No doubt the bank is well protected by Mechanist security machines,
in addition to the usual guard contingent. Risky... bit you know, I'be always
wanted a good enough excuse to break into First City Bank and Trust. And I always
thought I'd be taking the risk, just for the money.

7. Blackmail

"To manipulate a man is a careful project.
Too light a hand, and he follows his own whim;
too heavy a hand, and he will turn on you."
-- Chronicle of the Metal Age

It's time for a face to face chat with my old friend Sheriff Truart. Work out our
differences, show him the little piece of evidence I lifted from the Mechanists.
I'm sure he'll appreciate the consequences if this were to be made public. Truart
was acting for somebody when his cronies ambushed me back at the Crippled Burrick
inn... I bet he'll be happy to tell me who that was.

It was cocktail night at Truart Estate, which meant I needed to wait until all the
guests had cleared out. Truart has beefed up security since becoming Sheriff, so
breaking in may prove to be a little... difficult. Hopefully some drunken guest
left me an open door. By the time I find my way in the Sheriff will be fast
asleep. I watched the last guest leave about an hour ago and the servants are no
doubt cleaning up while the rest of the house turns in for the night. Now to find
my way over that wall...

8. Trace the Courier

"He who keeps his work in disorder
gives home to chaos.
Let him be struck with stone and iron
to forge away his flaws."
-- Collected sermons of Karras

Things are getting very complicated. Even if Truart's dead my problems are far from
over and whoever hired the Sheriff to kill me is still out there. The keyring I found
in Truart's house belongs to Lt. Mosley of the City Watch, but it turns out that she
has an alibi for the murder itself.

Still, she's probably neck-deep in this whole mess. I don't know what's going on, and
I don't like that. So I started following Mosley. I knew sooner or later she'd have to
tip her hand and to contact her friends. And sure enough, she just left the local Watch
station well before schedule carrying a letter. This is my chance. If I can trail her
without being spotted I should be able to find who's on the other end of this little
conspiracy.

9. Trail of Blood

"Saws we them man o' moons faces,
rounds o' glows brights
in them summer night sky,
saids them to us that
winter comes earlies,
summer is gone,
and the harvest is fled.
-- From a Pagan song

The portal from the graveyard deposited me in a grove of trees and the wounded
Pagan I was following is nowhere in sight. He's carrying Mosley's letter and I'd
still like to know where he's heading with it, my plan is to track him and find
out what's been going on. The Pagan has a headstart in what is probably familiar
territory to him, but there's some blood on the ground. I'm hoping he's in too
much of a hurry to stop and tend to that wound so he'll leave a trail of blood
that I can follow, that's unless he bleeds to death before he gets where he's going.
Meanwhile, I have no idea where I am or what I'll be up against and even if I did
there's no going back for supplies. If I believed in it, now it would be a good time
for me to wish for luck.

Second cutscene

V: "Garrett."
G: "Viktoria."
V: "Garrett. Who is it you wish to fight? Me, or my Thisleaids, or the Sycamore?"
G: "Just YOU."
V: "I am not the enemy Garrett, nor anyone here. Here's your enemy: Mechanists.
It's no secret that they wish to destroy you too, hero that you are, regardless
you will join us in our struggle against them."
G: "Join you? Not really my first choice."
V: "Choice?! My choice is to avenge the death of a friend! You understand nothing
of suffering and duty, pathetic manfool! In one moment I could... the past is the
past. Now we have an enemy in common. Even you must see that it is so."
G: "I seem to have a lot of enemies lately. Anyway, you have matters well in hand."
V: "It is true that I am powerful, but I draw my strength from this place. Where
the Mechanists are, I'm not so sure of victory."
G: "Pity."
V: "I have no time for your vengeful thoughts and biting words. But be assured,
Garrett, you're stronger with us than without us. We've been watching the
Mechanists for three moons. Pagan agents are posted in every sector of the city.
Your report, Larksbur?"
Larksbur: "One loss in the old city, and two more in Dayport."
V: "Sometimes enemies must join forces to overcome a more terrible foe. So
tell me, Garrett, yes or no. Are we agreed to work together, sharing
knowledge and skills against the Mechanists?"
G: "I..."
V: "I've put vengeance aside. The earth keeps my promise for me. Now you
have my oath on it, I'm cursed if I break the covenant, now your answer."
G: "I... agree..."
V: "Good. The Earth keeps your promise for you."

10. Life of the Party

"The Builder has gifted thee with the greatest of all treasures - the future!
But thine own will forges the key that opens the lock."
-- Karras, private correspondence

G: "The New Scripture of the Master Builder?"
V: "Karras is rewriting ancient Hammer texts. But to what end, we don't know."
G: "So you want me to find out."
V: "Yes. But there's a more pressing problem. Karras is throwing a ball for
the local nobility at Angelwatch, the new Mechanist tower in Dayport. We
need to know what he is up to. You have to be there, Garrett, tonight, while
the party is in progress."
G: "Angelwatch? Is this how our arrangement is gonna work, you coming up
with ways for me to get myself killed?"
V: "Is this really Garrett the Master Thief I hear talking? If danger is
going to be a problem for you, then..."
G: "Just-- give me the details."
V: "Security at the tower will be extra heavy with the City's nobility in
attendance, so gaining entrance will be difficult."
G: "For you, maybe. But I won't be knocking on the front door. The rooftops
aren't called the Thieves' Highway for nothing."
V: "I have some equipment for you. You should begin immediately. And also..."
G: "Remember to pickpocket the party guests."
V: "...you must find out whatever you can about the Cetus Project, a name our
agents have overheard repeatedly. Karras has an office in the tower. Try to
obtain some information there."
G: "Brilliant idea, try to find information about Karras' Cetus Project...
in his office."
V: "You do remember who the enemy is, don't you Garrett?"
G: "If your information is wrong, and I end up risking my neck for nothing,
this arrangement is over. Then try asking me that question again."

11. Precious Cargo

"Even with all we had learned, some events were to prove more complex than
we had predicted. The most unlikely of alliances was also the most effective."
-- Chronicle of the Metal Age.

G: "I hate to admit it, but you were right about the New Scripture of the Master
Builder. Karras is up to something, and that book is his master plan. Too bad
he's gone into hiding, or I'd make him eat his words."
V: "Karras is... fanatical by nature, but now I fear his ambition as well. You
say he's giving these 'servants' as gifts?"
G: "Yes, and they must be connected somehow to the scripture. The servants are
weapons, and the nobles have just invited them into their homes. I should be so
lucky."
V: "And the schematics confirmed what my agents presumed: Markham's Isle is the
staging area for the Cetus Project."
G: "You knew about Markham's Isle?! Do you know what it took to get into that
office?! I don't appreciate you wasting my time."
V: "You are arrogant, Garrett. Yet, you underestimate your importance to the
cause, your actions have been unvaluable."
G: "Do you know what the Cetus Project is?"
V: "The schematics are too technical to decipher, but the name they reference,
Brother Cavador, is the best lead we've had in months."
G: "Then we need him. I'm sure you'd love to ask a high-ranking Mechanist a few
questions. I'll go see if I can convince Cavador to come back with me."
V: "There is much we can learn from him. Lotus, my agent on Markham's Isle, may
have information on Cavador. Unfortunately, we've had no word from him for some
time."
G: "The he got careless. I won't make the same mistake."
V: "I have hope that Lotus is still alive. He's a faithful agent and a trusted
friend. If you could find him, we'd be in your debt."
G: "I just hope you realize the risks I've been taking for you. It's not
everyday my services come so cheap."

12. Kidnap

"Calls the serpents to the heel of my foes!
Calls the ravens to pecks their eyes!
Calls the jackals, carry thems away
their children to gnaw bones in the night!"
-- Pagan curse

I went to Markham's Isle looking for three things: Viktoria's agent, the
Cetus Project, and Brother Cavador. There wasn't much I could do to help
poor Lotus, at least he passed on his information to me. Now I now more about
the Cetus Project than I ever wanted to. They built a ship that can can sail
underwater. Turns out this ugly iron fish is my link to Cavador. The only way
I can reach him is to hitch a ride in its belly. Viktoria has better
appreciate all the trouble I'm going through. 'Course it's not just enough to
find Brother Cavador in this misterious "K.D. site", I said I'd bring him
back... in one piece. Maybe I should find some other way home, I'm cramped
enough here without Cavador in tow. Besides, travelling Mechanist-style just
doesn't agree with me, and as long as I'm going to their secret site I might
as well as keep my eyes and ears open. Sometimes it's the smallest leak that
makes the biggest difference.

13. Casing the Joint

"When we looked at the relics of the Precursors,
we saw the height civilization can attain.
When we looked at their ruins,
we marked the danger of that height."
-- Keeper annals

V: "Our guest Cavador just spilled his guts."
G: "Not literally?"
V: "It wasn't necessary. Cavador was instructed to deliver two sorts of
artifacts, brass masks and..."
G: "Those slave masks on Karras' servants?"
V: "...and some sort of agricultural device called the Cultivator. Thirty
of each."
G: "Each? So they're connected."
V: "We have to assume so. Unfortunately, our efforts to secure a mask have
been... frustrated."
G: "Hmm. Listen. I think I know where we can lay our hands on one of these
masks. There's a collector named Bran Gervaisius with an interest in masks
and headdresses. Last time I was down in the Lost City he had a commission
out for that sort of things."
V: "Gervaisius? I've had an agent on his case, and apparently the Mechanists
have been making ouvertures."
G: "Three guesses why. What can your agent give me on his house?"
V: "Gervaisius is planning an exibition. He's bringing his collection with
him from his summer home. The private exibit area is on the top floor,
access is from an elevator controlled from the top floor. It's almost
air-tight."
G: "Almost?"
V: "There's talk of a secret passage. Unfortunately, its location remains...
secret."
G: "Then I'll need to find it. Now. We can't afford any delays later when the
masks arrive. Karras is holed up inside the Mechanist cathedral and it looks
like whatever he's up to, we're running out of time."

14. Masks

"There are those to whom knowledge is a shield,
and those to whom it is a weapon.
Neither view is balanced, but one is less unwise."
-- Keeper annals

G: "Now that I've estabilished such a close working relationship with Lord
Gervaisius' security systems, going back in for those masks shouldn't be
too much trouble."
V: "I hope we can count on the quality of this... working relationship."
G: "Gervaisius' security system is not the most dangerous thing I've ever
worked with."
V: "Do I have to ask what is?"
G: "Hmmm, we're on the clock. How has Karras been using the time we've had to
wait?"
V: "He's been making some modifications to the Mechanist cathedral... including
some sort of valves or seals on the doors. Why, we don't know yet. Inside, it
just looks like a huge factory, full of machines and equipment. Whatever it is,
I'm sure it's tied in to those Precursor artifacts. The sooner we can get a hold
of those, the sooner we'll know."
G: "And get Karras off our backs."
V: "And stop whatever he plans."
G: "Don't wait up. I'll be working late."

15. Sabotage at Soulforge

V: "Don't! The reaction will continue if it finds more organic material."
G: "For how long?"
V: "It seems that when all the rust gas settles into dust, then it is safe.
Garrett... for what purpose would the Mechanists use these... Cultivators?"
G: "Well, we know Karras has installed them in the masks of servants."
V: "Yes."
G: "And the servants have been placed in the homes of the wealthy."
V: "Yes! The homes with the gardens. The plants there could sustain a
reaction large enough to destroy... everything!"
G: "Yes, we must think of a plan."
V: "No, there's no time to think. We must go to the Mechanist cathedral.
The beacon you've heard about: you could find it, try to activate it, to
draw the servants to the cathedral! Then you must somehow get Karras to
signal them; to release the rust gas! You see, if I fill the cathedral
with plants, enough to ??? a chain reaction, then it should cause the same
effect we just saw, but it would take Karras with it, instead of the City!
Remember... the cathedral is sealed! Air-tight!"
G: "IF we can get into the Mechanist cathedral, IF you fill it with plants, IF I
can find, let alone activate the beacon, ALL without being detected?! It's too
risky. We'll be killed!"
V: "Karras created these devices to destroy all that we know. And now they are
in place: he must only say the word. There's no more time. We must act. Are you
too blind to see that?"
G: "Your plan is suicide. I'll think of another way. And I work alone."
V: "???"

K: "I'm here against the wishes of the Keeper Council. I'm here as your friend,
Garrett. Listen. Viktoria has begun an assault on the Mechanist cathedral."
G: "No!"
K: "I hope the glyphs are wrong."

Sentry: "And the leaves of ???"
V: "Face me yourself, manfool!"
G: "Viktoria!!"
V: "Garrett! I've failed! This is not enough plantlife to sustain the reaction.
These mechanical beasts detected me. But there is one more thing I can do.
Then it will be up to you... my good thief."
G: "Wait! Viktoria! Let's get-- Viktoria!"
S: "??? ??? justified!"
V: "I'm plant enough!"
G: "Noooo! angry Karras!"

Third cutscene (end movie)

Karras: "??? to the Master Builder upon the ground, and he saw that the ground
was good, and clean. No grasses marred his path, nay, not a whisp of vilest weed
did spoil his view. Let thy furnace be fueled..."
Robots: "Builder fuel us."
Ka: "Let thy buildings be sound."
R: "Builder fuel us."
Ka: "Let thy foes be vanquished, and all thy endeavours be objected unto thee!"
R: "Builder, Forger, Father, fuel us now."
catastrophe
Robot: "When I was very young, Karras took me away from the foundry mother and
said, 'thou art the child of my endeavours. Follow me and thou shalt... inherit
the Earth...'"

G: "All of this? It was written?"
K: "All."
G: "Viktoria's death... and Karras... was it written? In your books?"
K: "All is... as it was written."
G: "And there's more?"
K: "Yes."
G: "Tell me."