Can we take a moment to appreciate the sheer damn perfection that is the Dishonored 2 mission A Crack in the Slab. A mission where you see the same place in three different timelines. How you can instantly flick from past to present or past to new present in click of a button. How rich the environments are in each timeline and how what you do in the past can affect the present. Plus you have to do this mission with no supernatural powers meaning alot of clever thinking. It’s probably my favourite mission in the game.
What is the most striking is the that Emily or Corvo has a device called the Timepiece given to them by The Outsider ( even if you reject his mark) which allows you to SEE the other timeline whilst in the another and maybe change things for the better. Thus two timelines are simultaneously running during the game and you can flick between them instantly! ( a changed present means a third timeline, but it also means the old present is no longer available to see.)
Here Emily is in the atrium in the past and seeing the changed present in the shards and then flicking to that present.
cut below because of possible spoilers for anyone not played the game yet and because there are alot of Gifs under here.
Each timeline represents the current state Aramis Stilton is in.
-In the present timeline when you first visit, he has gone insane, due to witnessing the resurrection of Delilah from the Void. The Manor is crumbling and ruinous much like Stilton’s mind. Bloodflies have infested areas of the manor and feral wolfhounds roam the grounds.
-The past shows a ostentatious manor filled with fancy furniture and displays of wealth. Aramis Stilton believes he should display this to stand a chance of being accepted as one of the wealthy elite. He has allowed the elite of Karnaca to do a seance in his manor believing it will help his own status, thus allowing him to help the lower classes by utilising the power and wealth it gives him.His mining background is only on display in one room. . It also shows his paranoia and concerns, with many guards protecting him. Staff are barred from certain areas by decree of the visiting guests. The manor is clean though there are signs of things being ignored like the leak in the basement and bloodfly nest
-The changed present ( should you save Stilton in the past) shows a different manor. Much of the more vulgar wealth displays are gone, replaced by more minimal and in better taste decor. There are displays showing off his pride in his country with a large art exhibition in the main hall and the large display of his mining background on better display. Much of the manor is being redecorated and some of Stiltons hobbies are now more openly displayed - his photography,collections, music and art on show aswell as a large statue of the former Duke, his dear friend on display in a new section of the manor.. Stilton is not there as he is out organising a fundraiser for the minors. The manor is clean and well represented with alot of staff. It shows how he liked the manor but doesn’t feel the need to try and fit in as an elite. He is wealthy but hasn’t forgotten where he came from and that the old duke was dear to him.
Some examples of how visually different each timeline is.
exhibit A -Stilton’s back garden
Present timeline - Garden is abandoned, plants are dead and dust fills the grounds. There are bloodfly nests and feral, probably starving wolfhounds roaming the grounds. The pagoda is ruined with the glass ceiling destroyed.The windbreakers look unfinished
Past timeline - Aramis Stilton himself paces inside the pagoda which is fancily decorated with drapes and carpet. Potted plants are everywhere and the tree is healthy and alive. Guards patrol the grounds seemingly protecting him. The windbreakers have decorative vines growing over them but seem well maintained. There are empty dog cages nearby. Grounds do not seem very well maintained, some dust, no staff. Lots of wine bottles lie around as if there had been a party there moments ago.
Changed Present timeline Very little dust buildup except at edges. Staff are renovating windbreakers and grounds as they seem in need of care as if not the most important part of manor to be renovated. The decorative vine on the windbreaker has grown. Large tree is healthy but less potted plants. There is an art easel nearby and patio furniture. Pagoda is clean but not decorated. No guards.
Exhibit B - Stilton Manor main hall
Present timeline - Ceiling is shattered and Dust fills the main hall, hiding the grand staircase. A large tree grows in the centre as well as vines growing through and around the building . Many of the chandeliers have fallen to the ground and there is no power. A total sense of abandonment and chaos is visible here. Infected nest keepers roam the upper floor which is totally infested with bloodfly nests.
Past timeline - There is power, the ceiling is intact and the centre tree is pruned, but it has shed alot of leaves indicating lack of water or care. There are alot of plants in pots and the area is patrolled by guards, no staff visible. The main staircase is visible behind the tree. The area is designed to show off the wealth Stilton believes he should show, with the grand statues each side of the staircase. A sense of decadence is visible but so is lack of thought or Stilton’s own personality.
Changed Present timeline - The main hall is being renovated. An art gallery is displayed for people to visit of local Karnacan locations and artists. The chandeliers are off and one is being maintained,( but there is power as there are working fans). Staff work around the area and there are public visitors with a bar to the side of the staircase for visitors to have drinks. No plants and instead a working fountain which is practical as the running water helps reduce the environment temperature (Karnaca being a hot place). No dust at all. The sense here is one of utilising the venue for the public. It feels more a public gallery than a private manor.
Exhibit C - Stilton Manor swimming pool
Present timeline - Major Bloodfly infestation, Dust clogs up the pool completely and plant life has taken over many areas. Most wooden furniture broken and many windows broken. Some damage to infrastructure as noted by plaster falling from ceiling.
Past timeline - Pool is full and working, possibly hot water. Plants are maintained and furniture is fancy to all show off implied wealth. Windows all intact. Guards patrol, no staff. Power is on due to lights and working fans.
Changed Present timeline Pool is drained and staff are cleaning and renovating. less ornate furniture and less plants. Ceiling is covered in fabric and windows are open. Power is on due to fans working in room next door.
This is the same location in three timelines!!! Arcane layered 3 maps on top of each other and depending on what happens, there may be only 2 of those maps available to see. This game mechanism was thought up when Arcane helped on Bioshock but it was never used.
This is just an exquisite game level. Cudos to Arcane studios from creating this and making such a rich environment
