Usha and Hill must both die

Learn how to navigate the Fleeing Phoenix case in The Sinking City. This guide covers finding Joseph Hill, dealing with Usha, and following clues to uncover the truth.

Alright, let's talk about the 'Fleeing Phoenix' case. It's a pretty wild one, and you'll be dealing with some seriously strange characters, including Joseph Hill and a rather dangerous individual named Usha. Don't worry, I'll walk you through it. First up, you need to find Joseph Hill. You'll get his address from Johannes van der Berg: Lumbert Street, between Healog Street and Hale Lane, in eastern Reed Heights. When you get there, expect a bit of a mess. There are dead bodies and Wylebeasts around, so be ready for a fight. Head downstairs first, clear out the enemies, and you can use a table to get into a locked room. Inside, you'll find a letter from the landlord, which is just flavor text, but good to read. After that, head upstairs. You'll find Joseph Hill in an apartment with an undead Mayan girl who attacks you on sight. She's Usha, and she's a real handful. She teleports and uses a knife, so keep your distance. Once she vanishes, you can explore the apartment. You'll find a crumpled letter on a small table. This one's important – it's from N. Hill and warns about Joseph's 'self-destructive research' and hints at Usha being tied to it. In the bedroom, there's a framed photo you can examine. Then, in the back of the apartment, you'll find Joseph Hill again, surrounded by strange symbols. He'll explain that Usha is the keeper of the key to Cthygonnaar and that she's been killing people to get stronger. Your next step is to track her down, and the first lead is reports of a vampire in Salvation Harbor. To follow up on those reports, you'll need to head to the Oakmont Police Department and use their archives. Look for a report titled 'Bloodless corpses.' This report will give you the address of the latest attack: Old Church Road, between C. Smith Avenue and Maple Lane in eastern Salvation Harbor. When you get to the crime scene, you'll find three bloodless Innsmouther corpses, a box of fish, a hole in the fence, and a leather bag. Inside the bag is a 'Hotel owner's note' warning about non-payment. This triggers a retrocognition sequence. Pay attention to what you see: Innsmouther bringing fish to a fire, a man shooting at Usha, Usha commanding him, and him agreeing to serve. This tells you that Usha has been hypnotizing people, and the man you saw is likely Raymond, who dropped the bag. Your next destination is the Devil's Reef Hotel. Talk to the owner; he'll claim ignorance about Raymond but let you search his room, which is next to yours. In Raymond's room, check out the diving gear and the pictures on the wall. Behind an illusory statue on a desk, you'll find 'Raymond's diary.' This diary is crucial. It mentions a flooded lab on Moorland Road, between C. Smith Avenue and Powderhouse Street, where he's working. He talks about a diving suit, a mission, a mummy, and Usha whispering in his head. This points you to the Hidden Lab as your next objective.