Separating the Sovereign: How to Tell Duke Luca Abele from His Body Double in Dishonored 2

Figuring out whether you’re face-to-face with Duke Luca Abele or his meticulously trained body double, Armando, in Dishonored 2 is crucial for a successful playthrough, especially if you’re aiming for a non-lethal resolution. While they are physically identical, key differences in their personality and habits provide the discerning player with the necessary clues. The real Duke is a ruthless tyrant, whereas his body double is significantly more pleasant, and enjoys smoking.

Unmasking the Imposter: Key Distinguishing Factors

The game cleverly designs the two characters to be outwardly indistinguishable. However, by paying close attention to these telltale signs, you can confidently identify which Abele stands before you:

• Personality and Demeanor: This is the most significant indicator. Duke Luca Abele is cruel, self-serving, and generally unpleasant. He exudes an air of entitlement and treats those around him with disdain. Armando, on the other hand, is inherently kinder and displays a more empathetic disposition. He might even show signs of guilt or conflict regarding his role. Observing their interactions with guards, servants, and other characters will quickly reveal their true nature.

• Smoking Habits: This is a concrete, observable difference. The body double smokes, while the real Duke does not. Watch closely for smoking behavior. If you see Abele lighting up a cigarette or puffing away on a pipe, you know you’re dealing with Armando.

• Dialogue and Conversation: Listen carefully to what they say and how they say it. While Armando is trained to mimic the Duke’s speech patterns, subtle variations in vocabulary and tone can betray him. The real Duke will use more aggressive and demeaning language. Armando’s dialogue may hint at his dissatisfaction with his role or show a glimpse of his true personality.

• Observing Behavior After Conflict: The article mentions that the body double is known to calm down after a conflict. If you cause a raucous and the “Duke” runs away but then comes back and calms down, you are likely talking to the body double.

Deciphering the Duke: A Path to Non-Lethal Resolution

Properly identifying the body double is critical for achieving a non-lethal playthrough. By interacting with Armando, you can orchestrate a plan to expose the real Duke Luca Abele and replace him with the body double, leading to Luca’s imprisonment rather than his death.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who is Armando in Dishonored 2?

Armando is the body double of Duke Luca Abele. He is meticulously trained to impersonate the Duke to protect him from assassination attempts. He is vital for achieving a non-lethal ending for the Duke.

Q2: How do I initiate a conversation with the Duke’s body double?

According to the source material, if you are in conflict with the body double, if you wait a bit, he will calm down and then you can talk to him.

Q3: Where can I find the body double’s chest?

The body double’s chest is located in his private bedroom, which is right beside the entrance door to his room on the ground zone. His room is on the fourth floor.

Q4: What is the Chest Key used for?

The Chest Key opens the locked chest in the Duke’s Chambers. It is carried by the body double and can be pickpocketed from him.

Q5: Where can I find the Duke’s Key?

The Duke’s Key can be looted from the Duke’s body after knocking him out. He is usually found upstairs in a loft area, often accompanied by an elite guard.

Q6: Where can I find Durante’s Key?

Durante’s Key, which opens Durante’s Office in The Crone’s Hand Saloon in the Dust District, is found on a desk inside the Overseer Outpost, next to the Vice Overseer’s Report.

Q7: What are the potential locations of the Duke and his body double?

Their locations are randomized each time the mission starts. Possible locations include the Duke’s chamber, the Duke’s office, the Grand Throne chamber, the private garden, or Delilah Copperspoon’s chamber.

Q8: What happens if I choose to eliminate both Paolo and Byrne?

If both Paolo and Byrne are exiled, both the Abbey and the Howlers are significantly weakened in Karnaca, and the Grand Guard peacefully reasserts its authority in the Dust District in their absence.

Q9: How can I achieve the “bad ending” in Dishonored 2?

To get the bad ending, kill everyone who could lead Karnaca, including the Duke, his Body Double, Paolo, Liam Byrne, and then do not save Corvo at the end of the game. This will lead to Karnaca falling into chaos.

Q10: Can I complete Dishonored 2 without killing anyone?

Yes, it is possible to complete the game without killing anyone, unlocking the “Clean Hands” achievement.

Q11: What are some useful non-lethal powers in Dishonored 2?

Effective non-lethal powers include Blink (with upgrades) for Corvo, and Shadow Walk and Mesmerize for Emily. Possession also works well for both.

Q12: How does killing affect the ending of Dishonored 2?

Killing a significant portion of the population (at least 20% per mission) will steer you towards the “bad ending.” A standard non-lethal stealth run will avoid this outcome.

Q13: What can I do with the Duke in Dishonored 2?

You can either kill him, or work with his body double to have Luca arrested and imprisoned at an asylum.

Q14: Where is Duke Abele’s Vault located?

Duke Abele’s Vault is a circular outbuilding behind the Grand Palace. It can be accessed from a secret war room off the pantry in the palace basement, or from the terrace behind the palace.

Q15: Who provides the voice acting for both the Duke and his body double?

Vincent D’Onofrio voices both Duke Luca Abele and his body double, Armando.

Understanding these nuances is essential for navigating the complex political landscape of Karnaca and achieving your desired outcome in Dishonored 2. By observing these details, you can outsmart the Duke, outmaneuver his double, and ultimately determine the fate of the city. You might even find resources and other learning tools on this topic at the Games Learning Society website. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org!