"The Oldest Trick in the Book" is a pivotal quest in the Fallout 76 Skyline Valley expansion, following the completion of "Seeking Shelter." This quest delves into the complex relationships and moral dilemmas within the Fallout universe, particularly focusing on the Stolz family dynamics and their entanglement with a mysterious figure named Alex. Here's a comprehensive walkthrough to help you navigate this engaging storyline.
Starting the Quest
The quest begins immediately after completing "Seeking Shelter." You'll be in conversation with Audrey Stolz when her father, Hugo, interrupts to inform you that his wife, Cassidy, has been kidnapped by someone named Alex. Hugo asks for your help in rescuing Cassidy, who is being held in the Old Crimora Mines.
Infiltrating the Old Crimora Mines
Locate the Disguise: Upon arriving at the Old Crimora Mines, look for a small shack outside where you can find Cultist Garments. These will allow you to infiltrate the Cultist hideout by disguising yourself as one of them.
Meet Disciple Blaire: Inside the mines, ignore other Cultists until you reach Disciple Blaire, who is sitting on a box. If your Perception (PER) is four or higher, Blaire will reveal information about defectors from Hugo's group living among the Cultists. Check his notes for more details on the Cultist hierarchy.
Find Elder Pepper: Proceed upstairs and across a bridge to meet Elder Pepper. He will refuse to let you pass without a password.
Obtain the Password: Ask Cultists for the password, but they won't know it. Adept Scarlet can help; she doesn't have the password but directs you to Alex's room, where you'll find it on a sheet of paper beside the bed.
Confront Alex: Use the password to bypass Elder Pepper and continue down the path until you reach a large ritual chamber. Alex will be overseeing a ritual beside a bonfire. You can choose to attack Alex and the Cultists or attempt a peaceful resolution using Hugo's book. However, the peaceful option is a trap, and violence is inevitable.
Rescue Cassidy: After dealing with Alex, find Cassidy's cell by retracing your steps. Open the door to trigger her rescue; you don't need to escort her out.
Return to Dark Hollow Manor: Exit the mines and report back to Hugo at Dark Hollow Manor. Upon your return, you'll find Hugo and Audrey arguing about his actions.
Rewards and Conclusion
Completing "The Oldest Trick in the Book" rewards you with the Cultist Monarch outfit and mask. The quest concludes with a dramatic confrontation between Hugo and Audrey, setting the stage for further story developments in the Skyline Valley expansion.
In the midst of navigating "The Oldest Trick in the Book" in Fallout 76, you'll find that the game's economy, including the Fallout 76 caps, plays a crucial role in equipping yourself for the challenges ahead. While caps may not directly influence this specific quest, they are essential for acquiring gear, supplies, and information from vendors throughout the game, which can indirectly aid in your progress. Ensuring you have enough caps can be the difference between being well-prepared for the cultists in the Old Crimora Mines and facing them under-equipped.
Criticisms and Reception
Some players have criticized the quest for its lack of alternative solutions beyond violence, feeling that it forces a morally ambiguous choice without providing meaningful dialogue options. Despite this, the quest remains a crucial part of the narrative, exploring themes of family, betrayal, and the consequences of past actions.
In summary, "The Oldest Trick in the Book" offers a complex narrative with challenging moral choices, making it a compelling addition to the Fallout 76 storyline.