Part 55: LV - The Spirit Never Dies

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRd55I46th8

That's right, it's time for alternate ending excitement wooooooo!

The way this'll work is that for each ending I'll go over the different content (usually only the taxi dialogue and the scene right after that where whoever you side with gives you a briefing), post a video of the ending and then go on to the next one. Giving a screenshot play-by-play of every ending would probably make this too long an affair. With that being said, we'll start with something else - a quick shot of the two player havens we haven't seen yet. We already know of the Santa Monica haven and the Skyeline Apartments one we got for schmoozing with LaCroix, but there's two more havens you can get.







This very nice haven in the Chantry is one Tremere players can get for helping Strauss with the plaguebearer and gargoyle problems and not being a dick. The item on the desk gives a Thaumaturgy boost.







And this ratty-ass lot in the sewers is one Nosferatu players get after rescuing Barabus and not being a dick to Gary. Note: I took these shots from an earlier save where I hadn't gotten the posters yet because of some reason I've forgotten.



It's such a shitty place the TV doesn't even get reception. The radio does, though! Now, with that out of the way, let's get to the alternate endings, and we'll start with one people have been waiting to see...

The Sabbat Ending



This brings us back to the Hallowbrook Hotel, where the option to side with Andrei presented itself. Get ready for some more terrible dialogue!

It looks as if I was more powerful than all of your creatures in the end. So did I pass that test and can join the Sabbat now?
Yes.
Great!
What do you want?
LaCroix send me to kill you.
What did you say?
Relax, I will just tell him I did the job.
Thank you.
Then I'll kill his Kuei-Jin bitch and hand him to you on a plate!
I cannot help you with that.
No problem. I'll do it alone.
I am pleased.
Why are you so taciturn today?
I don't know.
Then let's do it!
One more thing...
Yes?
Take this.
I'll cut down our enemies with it.

And he gives us the special katana we would have found during the stage otherwise. I had a good laugh at the "Why are you so taciturn today?" "I don't know" part, because I know exactly why he was so taciturn. If you'll look through the sound files, you'll find unused dialogue for some characters (Gary and Heather were two where I found this as well), which is just a bunch of short lines that sound like dialogue puzzle pieces for a planned companion system of sorts. Things like "yes", "no", "what did you say", "I don't know", "I'm sorry", "one more thing", and so on. WESP essentially took those puzzle pieces and made an entire dialogue out of it, which sounds dumb as hell. Oh well, what can you do? Oh, right, bitch about it. Anyway, moving on. Our next stop is our haven, mostly to check up on Heather.



And there she is! Still broken beyond repair, but she's still there. Rejoice?



Furthermore, there's this email we've got.

quote:

<Subject> The endgame
<From> a friend

The position of your pieces is the key to the endgame.

No idea what this is about. Possibly referring to the puzzle with the jade statues? This isn't one of the vanilla emails, so I presume it's WESP-made, especially given that it only seems to show up during the Sabbat ending. Now, moving o-



GAH. What are you doing up here, Heather? I can't recall having her go up the stairs, so her suddenly being here scared the shit out of me. Anyway, I said I was going to take the opportunity of having to go through more of the game again with the Sabbat ending to be a dick to everybody, but it turns out that most people don't really care at this point. Take for instance the talk with Damsel - every point where you can choose has a regular response and a snarky asshole response, and it doesn't make a lick of a difference which you pick. There's only one person where being a dick is actually worthwhile, though it's a good one. Let's completely destroy Chunk's sense of self-worth, shall we?



THAT'S IT! LISTEN UP! I FIND YOU COMPLETELY REPULSIVE!



IF WE WERE STUCK ON AN ISLAND, I'D HUNT YOU FOR SPORT!



IT'S CALLED FRUIT, FATASS, LOOK INTO IT!



Now buzz me up, monkey boy!
Yes, ma'am.



One side note - I did in fact get the dialogue showing that LaCroix admits to the alliance with the Kuei-jin. You get it by sympathizing with him, saying that it was a necessary measure to get the Anarchs under control. Anyway, nothing much else interesting happens until the ending, at least not as far as new game content is concerned. Once you get to Ming-Xiao's temple, things are pretty much the same every time.



Here's me having noclipped into the tram going up to Griffith Park, getting locked in cutscene mode, and watching as the tram just passes through me and leaves, leaving me locked in place and unable to trigger the map transition, necessitating a reload.

Here's the Griffith Park werewolf getting a bit confused: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUCAblpxSvk

Here's me going through the first part of the endgame: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NV78k4rgJRc Whoooosh!

The taxi conversation is cut short, since there's no need to pick who we're siding with.

Here's me going through the second part of the endgame: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSCZNz3tQIc Whoooosh again!

Sadly, bosses can't be beaten quickly by noclipping and godmoding.

Here's me going through the third part of the endgame: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b-HPLTMPhk Whoooosh thrice!

And finally, here's the long-awaited Sabbat ending: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UaefoSOSTs

Feel the effort oozing from every crevice. Now, with that done, let's get to the other endings.

The LaCroix Ending



So... you know Jack?
I only recently made the acquaintance of Mister Jack. He intrigues me very much. There are so few like him these nights, I think. But then, I only know what I hear from the others about the Kindred of this city.

Well, you're in cahoots with Jack, judging by the ending, but whatever.

It sounds as if there are many who seek to sway the children of Caine to their side... many who believe they shape the destiny of the blood. You work for Prince LaCroix, don't you?
Yeah. For all his faults, he has the city's best interests at heart.
I could take you downtown, if that is your wish. This Prince LaCroix - is he really the tyrant the anarchs make him out to be?
No. What LaCroix is, is a leader. Something the anarchs can't understand.
But what of the anarchs? Don't you worry that Prince LaCroix's vision for this city precludes their existence? Their ways of life seem incompatible.
The anarchs are bound to implode without leadership. They have no choice.
LaCroix makes many new enemies all the time. It will not be long before someone challenges him for this city. Is by his side the best place to stand?
The prince has got a secret weapon. I'm not worried.
The Ankaran Sarcophagus, you mean? Strange how Kindred from all over the city seem to fear its presence. Have you seen what's inside?

I wish there was an option to say "I'm not talking about the sarcophagus, I'm talking about me ".

No. But it's something powerful, I can tell.
If all LaCroix's plans hinge on the contents of the sarcophagus, what would he, and you, do, if there was nothing inside?
Hmm... good point. But I'll take my chances.
I will drop you off downtown, if you've made your decision to pledge allegiance to LaCroix. It is a shame though, that the anarch experiment must come to an end. I suppose Enoch also did not last forever.
Everything comes to an end eventually. Take me to LaCroix.
Very well.



Yes, Seb, Chunk was going to detain Melissa, should she survive being attacked by a fucking werewolf. Brilliant plan.

[Persuasion] We both know Mr. LaCroix can be a bit dramatic. It's just business.
Well, uh... I guess it's alright. Eh... go on up. Oh sheesh, I hope I don't lose my flashlight privileges for this.



A werewolf killed Nines. There was a fire, we were attacked by werewolves.
Fire. Yes... it all makes sense. The Kuei-jin must have followed you and set the fire. The fire triggered the wrath of the werewolves. So few Kindred have ever walked away from a werewolf attack. Huh, you've proved yourself indispensable.

Personally, I think that LaCroix stops trying to kill you at this point. He should finally realize "wait, maybe I shouldn't fuck with the lady that just walked away from a werewolf attack, killed Bach, and did all other sorts of crazy shit and is still coming back to follow my orders".

So you'll call off the blood hunt against me?
Of course, you're innocent. You're an asset to me; I'll take care of you. But there's one last thing I need you to do for me. The last order of business before we sleep easy. My protége, it's time I told you about power.
Go on.
Power is life to our kind. Those without power disintegrate into the nights of the past. Hundreds of names I know once instilled fear, now unknown. You see, it's not enough to attain power, one must also maintain power. And that sarcophagus is power. Its contents will maintain our rule for centuries to come. I've felt it, all have felt it since it appeared. But until we get the key back, we're vulnerable. I've relied on you often in these past nights and you've failed to disappoint me so far. So, one last task remains before we can assume total power. You must get that key back from Ming-Xiao.
Done. I'll return with the key.

And when we return with the key, we get the LaCroix ending: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtonoVv39Ng

The Kuei-jin Ending



Ahem.
...
So...
The night has not been kind to you?
No night has been kind since I became... never mind.
Caine's blood courses through me as well... there is no need for Masquerade.
Curse... that sounds about right.
In your voice, there is desperation... certainly there is an exit out of your predicament?
Every Kindred wants me dead. But the Kuei-jin don't.
The Eastern invaders? No, I cannot understand - no matter how dire their situation, our blood and theirs cannot be reconciled.
Most of our kind wants me dead right now. I don't have a choice.
You could run... but do you really think you could escape your reputation? I know little about you except the rumors that you've killed the anarch leader and betrayed your own kind.
Since they already believe I'm allied with the Kuei-jin, I might as well join them.
Very well. If that is the destination you choose, I will take you to Chinatown. But... you realize if I do so, the blood you carry will doom you - an outsider forever in one society, a traitor to your own.
Maybe... but I'll take my chances.
Very well, I will take this cab to Chinatown. But... when you leave it, realize that you leave Kindred society forever.
Fuck 'em. Drive.



That's a relief.
Neither need you fear the Kuei-jin soldiers; you have proven yourself a worthy champion and we are honored to have you as ours. I had so hoped your path would lead back to me.
I'm no Kuei-jin soldier, but this was my best option. Can you accept me?
Why wouldn't I? A great warrior of low birth is still a great warrior.
I'm sick of the prince and his games.
And you will not be made to endure them any longer. The lowly will do what they may to restrain those who would rise above. You shone too brilliantly to remain mired in their mediocrity.
LaCroix set me up.
The quest for the Ankaran Sarcophagus has taken LaCroix far from his path. He lacks balance, he's overextended, and now without his champion. It is our time to strike.
That will solve all of this?
The snake must be killed in its nest. You must go to the tower and put an end to LaCroix's rule before he brings the very city down around him. None of us will find peace while he stokes the fires of conflict.
Agreed. It will be done.

From there, we head to Venture Towers and deal with LaCroix, and then we get the Kuei-jin ending: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vLTsfiF4cU

The Anarch Ending



...
...
...
So... you are a friend of Mister Jack's?
Yeah, I guess. I like what he stands for. Even LaCroix seems afraid of him.
Hmmm. I only recently made the acquaintance of Mister Jack. He intrigues me very much. There are so few like him these nights, I think. But then, I only know what I hear from the others about the Kindred of this city.
I'm through with LaCroix. I should have backed Nines right when he saved me.
The anarchs... a curious experiment. But they have lost many battles and more leaders - their rebellion has already failed in the eyes of many. Do you feel their notions of freedom have any real possibility?
Damn straight I do. As long as a few believe, it'll remain a possibility.
If the anarchs managed to recapture this city, it would not be long before someone challenged them for it. Conflict is always an eventuality in their life. Could you spend an eternity this way?
It may not be the best choice, but it's the best choice I have.
The anarch spirit exists within the blood of many. Few, though, are willing to listen to it. Perhaps, if a few more did, they would not have lost so much.
If the anarchs had me, they wouldn't need anyone else. Yeah, I'm that good.
If the anarchs managed to recapture this city, it would not be long before someone challenged them for it. Conflict is always an eventuality in their life. Could you spend an eternity this way?

Whoops, dialogue loop. Guess that wasn't the right path. This happens a lot if you're only slightly indecisive.

Absolutely. I wouldn't have it any other way.
The anarchs have lost less than is thought. I hear there is one left who may be able to revitalize the movement. Maybe, though, it is just a rumor.
One man versus the Camarilla. Good luck.
I know where you might find them. But you would have to be ready to commit to the anarchs' fight for this city. I could just as easily take you downtown to see LaCroix.
No. The Free State must continue to exist. Take me to this contact.
If you share the anarchs' passion and would share the burden of such a fire, we will go to meet the last person capable of keeping them together.
With me on their side, the anarchs can't lose. Let's go.
If that is your decision.



And with that, we find ourselves at the Luckee Star motel! And Skelter's there!



So... you're not gonna kill me?
Don't worry, you're safe here. You're under anarch protection now. No worries.
Is Nines alive?
He's inside. Motherfucker's tellin' some tall tales, saying he wrestled a werewolf. You believe that shit?
His was more of a were-pup. I had to take care of Big Daddy.
Yeah, whatever. And the pope's my ghoul. Get in there.
Thanks, Skelter.



Yeah, that werewolf is still there, dancing.



Cool it, Damsel. I'm on your side.
Really?
Yeah, really. Can I go in now?
Yeah. But I'm out here, so... look, do I have have to say at this point I'll kick your ass?

You know, you've never actually DONE it, so eh. Of course, it seems a given that that would probably end with Damsel getting her ass kicked several ways from Sunday. She's no Jack, or Nines. Not even close. She talks a big game, certainly, but that's about it.

In your own way, you're quite the charmer, Damsel.
Alright, go on in. I'll make sure no one interrupts. But man, I HOPE somebody tries!



I thought you were dead! That werewolf had you!



Can't say I got out without a scratch. Helluva brawl, though. Unfortunately, we don't have time to swap war stories. We were set up, kid. Someone tried to get rid of us, and the list of suspects is short: LaCroix or Xiao.
We've got to kill both of them!
Damn straight.
I'll rip LaCroix's head off. I'll drain Xiao of everything.
Good. Alright, here's what's going on... I've already sent the troops out to raise hell all over the city. The Kuei-jin think we're busy with the Cam, so... they won't be expecting an attack. You know what's gotta be done, right?
Say no more. Xiao's dead.
Xiao's been in LA for too many nights - make tonight her last.
I'll kill Xiao, kill all of them. An army of corpses will line my path.
Once Xiao's out of the way, head to LaCroix's tower. You oust LaCroix, you'll be a hero in this city. I'm countin' on you.
It'll rain pieces of LaCroix all over downtown tonight. (Ed. Note: If only you knew how right you are... )
Isaac's guaranteed me nobody's gettin' into Hollywood. I'll survive, but I wish I could be fighting at your side. This one's for LA, kid - no pressure.
Do you have something to help me out, like that grenade of yours?
Just follow this street to the end.
I will.



And this nets us Nines's grenade! I'm sure this packs a hell of a punch, but I actually couldn't use it. I tried to use it against Ming-Xiao, and the fucking thing just refused to work. I can only presume WESP hard-locked it so that the boss fight wouldn't become to easy, similar to how he nerfed the fuck out of the flamethrower against Ming-Xiao and the Sheriff. Anyway, nothing interesting from here, so here's the anarch ending: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRzyC61enBc

The Camarilla Ending



...
...
...
...
...
...
You ever have one of those nights where you realize fate just despises you?
The night has not been kind to you?
No night has been kind since I became... never mind.
Caine's blood courses through me as well... there is no need for Masquerade.
Curse... that sounds about right.
In your voice, there is desperation... certainly there is an exit out of your predicament?
If I can get the prince to understand my innocence, I'm in the clear.
I could take you downtown, if that is your wish. This Prince LaCroix - is he really the tyrant the anarchs make him out to be?
The prince... yeah. But the Camarilla, their organization is necessary.
The Camarilla... hmm. I once thought they could provide stability for our kind, but the LaCroix's of the world have squashed such hopes. Perhaps if he could be deposed... I would regain my faith.
LaCroix's a lost cause. But I haven't given up on the Camarilla.
I have heard LaCroix is unpopular with others in the Camarilla. Did you know a prince cannot be put in power withouth the city's primogen? If there was one that wanted him removed... perhaps it could be made so.
Strauss! Strauss wants the prince gone.
I can drop you off downtown if you wish, but if the primogen is not a man of action, insurrection is not looked upon lightly.
Strauss will do it. I'm sure.
I will take you to this representative of the Camarilla, if you have made up your mind to secure a future with them.
I have. Chantry, step on it.



Thanks, Max. Listen... the prince has been double dealing with the Kuei-jin.
Hmmm. It is as I had feared. The Beast takes many forms within us, and it seems that LaCroix has finally surrendered to its power. Please, excuse me for a moment.
Yes. Yes. I see. Of course, my lord. It will be done.
The prince and his new-found eastern allies need to be dealt with swiftly and severely. You have proven your strength many times in this drama. Are you now ready to prove your loyalty to the Camarilla?
That's why I'm here.
Your loyalty will be remembered. But tread carefully, neonate. I fear that the night herals something far more sinister than the petty machinations of a rogue prince.
What do you mean?
I do not knwo. This sarcophagus seems to have unleashed a raging whirlwind, pulling all of those who surround it into this storm. I cannot see what secrets it holds, but be warned... a dark shadow falls across my mind. There are some powers left best undisturbed.
I think that the Kuei-jin have the key to the sarcophagus.
Then your path leads first to the Kuei-jin Temple, where you must dispose of this Ming-Xiao and her minions. After you have secured the key, you must deal with LaCroix and his rabid dog. Only then will justice have been served.
I understand. I will do what needs to be done... for the Camarilla.
Of that I have no doubt, neonate. I wish you luck in the final act of this drama. Farewell.
See ya, Max.

And from there things go as normal, leading to the Camarilla ending: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhVPKA5S8Ok

And that's it, folks! Well... not quite. There is, of course, one remaining ending...

The Seeeeeeecret Ending

This easter egg ending simply requires us to be on any path where we get the "standard" LaCroix conversation (which I think means Independent and Anarch). I should probably not even say anything about it, just go with the video, so here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHs2MBV6V6Q

Good night everybody!