Toulomne on 12/7/2020 at 09:37

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This mission is an absolute masterpiece; I found all 3 previous missions in L'Arsene series to be top-notch, brilliant missions yet this one somehow tops even them, it is probably my favorite of the series! The only downside is there are now less Gaetane missions to look forward to playing...excited to play the Black Frog campaign next which I haven't played. I would say L'Arsene series for me has managed to top even T2X as a campaign. The fact that these were all done largely by a single person (I don't really know to be honest and the people who contributed voices, art, textures, resources, etc. definitely deserve a shoutout as well, but my impression is the levels are largely the work of one person) is just crazy!

In Gaetane's levels I found a great mix of both top-notch storytelling and some of the best level design I've seen in any Thief Missions. I think Looking Glass would have been lucky to have her on their team for the original game! in mission 1, L'Arsene, Gaetane did a fantastic job establishing L'Arsene as a worthy villain. Not only did L'Arsene steal from Garrett at the beginning, but the two traps (with his thugs where the gate closes) and where Garrett falls into the pit with spiders and rats really made you feel like here was someone who could outwit Garrett once in a while. The fall trap into the pit is probably among my favorite top 3 moments of any Thief FM, it was just so well executed and designed. Normally you feel so safe in the dark but this L'Arsene seemed to be able to outsneak even Garrett at times. A worthy villain indeed! He keeps you on your toes and it is very satisfying to finally capture him and turn him into the bluecoats. Mission 4 I just felt took it to a whole new level of polish and just showed off Gaetane's talents in story exposition, writing, and level design to a fully realized level, congratulations even if this comes so many years late :D

PS: I did miss a bit more loot in this one it seems; I only missed 100 loot in M1, 100 in M2, about 400 in M3, but somehow ~1000 in M4. 4:30 hours, 6/9 secrets. I managed to do most on my own without a walkthrough but I did miss the gemstone in the forbidden section b/c I meant to make sure there are no enemies nearby I could attract when breaking down the plank then forgot to go back and check out the door :rolleyes:

PPS: when I got to L'Arsene I had 11 fire arrows (hadn't used any) so I figured I'd try to kill him with those...I placed initial "sneaky" hit on him and then spammed him and his body guards with all arrows. Took all 11 of them and then just another maybe 3-4 broadhead arrows to finish him off :D I guess that heart did make him pretty strong...was a satisfying way to put him out of his misery, instead of waiting for the statues like how I see some people go about it : )

Stingm on 19/7/2021 at 00:24

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Check the walkthrough at the top of this page in ffox post. You need the key to open each area. You havent found the temple yet have you? You will also find orbs along the way. Make sure to read the plaques in each area as well. :thumb:

Stingm on 9/1/2022 at 02:50

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There is and a lot more. The Black Frog.

zappenduster on 29/8/2023 at 09:40

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German translation added to this famous FM: (https://0815x.de/thief/FMs/TheDen.zip) https://0815x.de/thief/FMs/TheDen.zip

As always: Mirrors welcome ...

fortuni on 12/9/2023 at 22:42

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updated dml courtesy baeuchlein

The only change from Unna's dml above is Constantine's sword now appears in the correct language you are playing (it used to always appear only in English).