Killer was blackmailed

Unravel the mystery in The Sinking City's 'Self-Defense' case. Learn how to handle the blackmail situation involving Milton Pierce and find the real killer.

Alright, let's tackle the 'Self-Defense' case in The Sinking City. This one can get a bit tricky, especially when it comes to figuring out who's really pulling the strings. We'll walk through it step-by-step, just like I would if we were playing together. First up, you start at the Crown Theater. You'll find Johannes van der Berg dead. Take your time to investigate everything: his hat (use your Mind's Eye on it!), the shell casings, the medical kit, and the bullet wounds. Don't forget to use your Mind's Eye on that circular item on the table and the bloodstains near the phone. Upstairs, check out the books too. This kicks off a retrocognition sequence showing van der Berg with a man, a gun, a fleeing figure, and a phone call. After that, Reed gets framed and sent to the Oakmont Police Department. Don't worry, you'll be bailed out by either Graham Carpenter or Brutus Carpenter, depending on who you backed in the 'Fathers and Sons' case. Chat with your savior and the officer at the entrance. Your next stop is Carpenter Manor. At Carpenter Manor, you'll learn that Milton Pierce is the one who claims he saw Reed commit the murder. Pierce gave a statement and he's a big shot who recently talked to the Oakmont Chronicle. He lives in Reed Heights. To get his exact address, head to the Chronicle. At the Oakmont Chronicle, use the archives. Look under 'People: Celebrities', 'Section: Articles and Interviews', and 'District: Reed Heights'. You'll find a document called 'Pierce's interview' which gives you the address for the Apartment of Milton Pierce: Museum Avenue between Communion Road and Healog Street. At Milton Pierce's apartment, you'll find a bloody handprint on a poster and a basket of bloody clothes in the basement. Inside the apartment, check out the posters, a note from Johannes to Milton, a book, a note titled 'My fellow Oakmonters!', an empty bottle, a framed newspaper article, clothes in a wardrobe, a knife, a 'Letter from EOD', and a 'Letter from Throgmorton'. This triggers another retrocognition: men talking at the door, a man drinking, changing clothes, and carrying a basket. You'll learn Milton went to Oakmont City Hall. At Oakmont City Hall, Milton tells you he saw a newcomer. He'll offer to change his testimony if you poison his mother, Agatha Pierce. He gives you her home address: Beacon Street near the corner of Bullock Street. This is where things get really interesting, as you've uncovered the blackmail plot. You'll need to decide how to proceed from here, but you've got the crucial info now!