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Unlocking the Vault: The Quest for the Second Bank Token in Hitman 3’s Dartmoor

The intricate level design and compelling narrative of Hitman 3’s “Death in the Family” mission, set in the atmospheric Thornbridge Manor in Dartmoor, offers players a thrilling experience. A key objective involves gaining access to the Carlisle family vault, a challenge that requires acquiring two bank tokens. While locating Rebecca Carlisle and obtaining her token is relatively straightforward, the other token is held by Mr. Fernsby, the family butler. Securing Fernsby’s token presents a more nuanced and potentially dangerous task, demanding careful planning and execution.

Securing Mr. Fernsby’s Token: A Detailed Strategy

Obtaining Mr. Fernsby’s bank token isn’t simply a matter of confronting him directly. The mission requires the player, assuming the guise of the detective Phineas Witmer, to maintain a degree of subtlety. Direct aggression towards Fernsby will raise suspicion and likely jeopardize the player’s progress. There are multiple viable approaches to secure the token, each with its own risks and rewards.

The Stealth Approach

A stealthy approach is the most recommended, allowing you to maintain your cover and avoid unnecessary bloodshed. Here’s a breakdown of how to accomplish this:

Observe Fernsby’s Routine: Mr. Fernsby follows a predictable routine, moving between the main floor of the manor, his office, and occasionally venturing outside. Study his movements to identify opportune moments when he is isolated.
Infiltrate Fernsby’s Office: Fernsby’s office is located near the main entrance of the manor. Access can be gained by picking the lock or obtaining the Mansion Master Key. The key can often be found on a patrolling guard or by subduing Fernsby himself, though the latter defeats the purpose of the stealth approach in the initial stages.
Create a Distraction: Once inside Fernsby’s office, create a distraction to lure him away from the token’s location. This could involve turning on the radio, tampering with the phone, or leaving a coin in a secluded spot.
Acquire the Token: With Fernsby momentarily absent, quickly locate and pilfer the bank token. It is typically kept in a secured location within the office, like a drawer or a small safe. Be mindful of the potential for other characters to enter the room unexpectedly. The combination for the safe is 1975, obtained by observing the symbols on the wall above the safe. Each symbol correlates to a different item within the office, and their placement corresponds to the numbers of the combination.
Exit Discreetly: Once the token is obtained, leave Fernsby’s office as quietly as possible to avoid detection.

The Disguise and Subterfuge Approach

Another option is to use a disguise to gain closer access to Fernsby and manipulate the situation to your advantage.

Obtain a Suitable Disguise: A guard disguise is particularly useful for moving freely around the manor without raising suspicion. This can be acquired by incapacitating a guard in a secluded area and taking their uniform.
Engage Fernsby in Conversation: As a guard, you can approach Fernsby under the pretense of delivering a message or assisting him with a task. Use this opportunity to get close to him and observe his behavior.
Create an Opportunity: While interacting with Fernsby, look for an opportunity to isolate him. This might involve leading him to a secluded area under the guise of needing his assistance or creating a distraction elsewhere in the manor to draw other characters away.
Subdue and Acquire: Once isolated, subdue Fernsby and take the bank token. Be sure to dispose of his body carefully to avoid detection.
Maintain Your Cover: After acquiring the token, continue to act as a guard to avoid raising suspicion and successfully complete the mission.

The Risky, Direct Approach

While not recommended due to the high risk of detection, a more direct approach is also possible.

Locate Fernsby: Track Fernsby’s movements throughout the manor.
Confront and Subdue: Identify a secluded location where you can confront Fernsby without being observed. Subdue him quickly and efficiently.
Acquire the Token: Take the bank token from Fernsby’s person.
Dispose of the Body: Conceal Fernsby’s body to prevent immediate discovery.
Escape or Continue Disguised: This approach is riskier because discovery will immediately compromise your position as the detective. Consider finding a disguise immediately after to blend back in.

Important Considerations

Suspicion: Actions that arouse suspicion can quickly escalate the situation. Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid behaving in a way that draws unwanted attention.
Security Cameras: Thornbridge Manor is equipped with security cameras. Avoid being detected by them, or disable them strategically to avoid detection.
Guards: The manor is heavily patrolled by guards. Be aware of their patrol routes and avoid being seen by them while performing illicit activities.
Evidence: Leaving behind evidence, such as weapons or bodies, can quickly lead to the player’s exposure. Take steps to conceal or dispose of evidence to avoid detection.

The Significance of the Bank Tokens

The bank tokens are crucial for accessing the Carlisle family vault. Inside the vault is key information needed to complete the mission. Once both tokens are secured, the player must insert them into the vault mechanism to unlock it.

Dartmoor: A Masterclass in Level Design

The Dartmoor level, “Death in the Family,” is a prime example of Hitman 3’s exceptional level design. The intricately detailed environment, coupled with a compelling narrative and numerous opportunities for player agency, makes for a truly immersive and rewarding gaming experience. The Games Learning Society explores how game design elements like these can translate into effective learning tools. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the intersection of gaming and education. Understanding level design and AI behavior allows players to anticipate scenarios and solve complex problems, much like real-world detectives. The challenges in this mission, like securing Mr. Fernsby’s token, encourage critical thinking and strategic planning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I just kill Mr. Fernsby and take the token?

While technically possible, killing Fernsby will immediately raise suspicion and likely compromise your disguise as the detective. It’s generally not recommended unless you’re playing aggressively and don’t mind dealing with the consequences.

2. Where exactly is Fernsby’s office located?

Fernsby’s office is located on the ground floor, near the main entrance of Thornbridge Manor. It’s easily identifiable by the “Butler’s Office” sign above the door.

3. What happens if I get caught trying to steal the token?

If you are caught attempting to steal the token, the guards will become hostile, and your disguise will be blown. You’ll need to either fight your way out or find a new disguise to regain anonymity.

4. Is there a specific disguise that makes it easier to get the token?

A guard disguise or a member of the Carlisle family (like Gregory) can make it easier to approach Fernsby and gain access to his office without raising suspicion.

5. Can I find the token somewhere else besides on Fernsby?

No, the token is specifically located either on Fernsby or within his office. You must either obtain it from his person or find it hidden within the office itself.

6. What is the safe code in Fernsby’s Office?

The safe code in Fernsby’s office is 1975. You can determine this by examining the symbols on the wall above the safe, which correspond to objects within the room.

7. If I accuse Mr. Fernsby, will I get the token?

Accusing Mr. Fernsby won’t directly give you the token. However, if you successfully frame him for murder, Alexa Carlisle will dismiss him, giving you the opportunity to access his office and retrieve the token.

8. What’s the best way to distract Mr. Fernsby?

Creating a distraction near his office, such as tampering with the phone or turning on the radio, is a good way to lure him away long enough to search for the token.

9. Can I use poison to incapacitate Fernsby?

Yes, using poison to incapacitate Fernsby is a viable option, but it requires careful planning and access to poison vials or ingredients. Be sure to administer the poison discreetly to avoid detection.

10. Is it possible to complete the mission without getting the bank tokens?

No, obtaining both bank tokens is essential for accessing the Carlisle family vault, which contains vital information needed to complete the mission and solve the mystery of Zachary’s death.

11. Are there any security cameras in Fernsby’s office?

There may be a security camera covering the hallway outside Fernsby’s office, so be mindful when entering and exiting. There is not one within the office.

12. What happens if I kill everyone in the manor?

While possible, killing everyone will make it difficult to complete certain objectives and unlock certain mission challenges. It also significantly alters the narrative experience of the mission.

13. Where can I find the Mansion Master Key?

The Mansion Master Key can often be found on a patrolling guard or by subduing Mr. Fernsby himself. It provides access to most rooms in the manor, making it a valuable asset.

14. What evidence do I need to accuse Emma?

To accuse Emma Carlisle, you’ll need evidence from her room (dirty shoes, greenhouse key fob) and the greenhouse itself.

15. Does the order in which I get the tokens matter?

No, the order in which you obtain the tokens from Rebecca and Fernsby does not affect the mission’s progression or outcome.

Who has other token in Hitman 3?