This article contains content from pre-release sources that may or may not be reflective of canon upon release. This article therefore likely contains spoilers.
Hackney Diamonds was an Assassin mission that took place in 2016.[1]
Following the tracks uncovered during the events in post-revolutionNew Orleans, the PCs' field technician finds a promising lead. An Egyptian sarcophagus, unearthed in 1932 in the Valley of the Kings, bears decorations strikingly similar to the first pictogram glimpsed in the mound cave in 1788. The artwork depicts the godSeth presenting a spherical object to a person, who subsequently undergoes a transformation into a mummy-like creature.
The sarcophagus, which has been preserved in the Egyptian Museum of Cairo for decades, has recently been loaned to the British Museum as part of a new exhibition. Upon seeing it firsthand, the PCs realize that the animal-headed humanoid depicted on the cave wall was indeed Seth, the Egyptian god of chaos. However, it remains a mystery how a representation of Seth ended up in a cave in North America. Nevertheless, this discovery proves to be a significant lead for the PCs—Sometimes, fortune smiles upon the Assassins..
Intro
You can see a quarter moon peeking from behind a cloud through the large windows at the end of the hall. According to your plan, the security cameras of the British Museum have shut down, granting you at least a few minutes to move about undetected. The curious depiction of Seth and the mummy gazes back at you from the side of the ancient sarcophagus. In a display case in front of it stand the only two items found inside: a ring and a golden khopesh.
A scream suddenly tears the silence apart as a security guard is thrown against the display case, smashing it and sending the khopesh, ring, and broken glass flying. The guard's torchlight rolls on the ground, revealing a menacing silhouette with clawed hands and vivid blood-red eyes standing ready to pounce. It's the terrible figure you have encountered before—its canines leave no doubt: it's the vampire!
Key objectives
As the Descendants attempt to get a closer look at the sarcophagus, the vampire launches a sudden attack. The Crew must defend themselves while simultaneously trying to seize the ring and make their escape.
The creature moves with tremendous speed and assaults you with merciless fury. While the security cameras remain offline, you are uncertain if breaking the display glass triggered a silent alarm. You may have even less time than you originally thought, not to mention facing a vampire in a situation you hadn't anticipated.
Challenges
Mighty Foe: The creature is a formidable adversary, capable of enduring blows that would incapacitate any ordinary opponent. Fighting it requires at least 3 separate Approach checks with 1 Raise.
Lethal Blow: The coup de grâce can only be delivered once the creature's formidable defenses have been overcome. This requires at least 2 separate Approach checks with 1 Raise.
Weaknesses
Bloodthirsty (minor): The creature is thirsty for blood. If the PCs can use its bloodlust to distract it, the next Approach check has 1 Free Raise.
The vampire falls to the ground, exhausted by your combined attacks. Once again, in the familiar glow, the monster's body reverts to that of a woman who lies gasping for breath at your feet. "Doc... Doctor Zixuan Long... commands us with th... the Staff... Seth... Apophis," she gasps out before taking her last breath. On her finger, the Ring of Eden glimmers in the darkness of the large room.
With no time to waste, the Descendants spring into action as the security cameras reactivate and the alarm begins blaring. Knowing that security guards and local law enforcement are on their way, the PCs must swiftly find a discreet exit to evade capture, pursuit, or being identified.
Challenges
Security Cameras: The newly reactivated surveillance cameras are ready to capture the PCs' every move. Escaping the structure undetected requires at least 3 separate Stealth checks with 1 Raise.
Security Guards: The alarm quickly sends armed security guards racing to the PCs' location. Engaging in combat with them is one option, however, if the Descendants want to stay true to the first tenet of the Creed ("Stay your blade from the flesh of the innocent") any Action check made to overcome this challenge requires 1 additional Raise.
Weaknesses
Fire and Water (minor): If the PCs are quick to act and daring enough to risk damage to priceless historical artifacts, they can trigger the emergency sprinklers, thus hindering the security personnel by decreasing visibility and movement. In this case, any Approach check made to overcome the Security Cameras and Security Guards Challenges doesn't require any additional Raise.
The Night is Dark and Full of Terrors (minor): If the PCs use the [[|Rings of Seth]] to transform, the guards on site are so terrified that they would rather flee than face them. In this case, the Descendants overcome the Security Guards Challenge.
Debrief
Out of breath and no less shaken, you manage to distance yourselves from the British Museum long enough to take a break. In your hands, you hold the second Ring of Eden, an artifact seemingly linked to the murders at the Omovich mansion, the monsters that have wreaked havoc in London, and the Egyptian deity Seth. Yet, there is something much larger concealed beneath a veil of mystery, beyond which lies a path barely visible.
Behind the scenes
Supplementary material
After framing the scene, the Reader can give the Ring of Blood and Ring of Sand Piece of Eden cards (from the Animi Network Card Deck or via the Assassin’s Creed RPG App) to two of the players.
From now on, the PCs can select these Ring of Eden cards and activate them at will.
