Operation: Stage Fright

Just a quick refresher.

This article contains SPOILERS for IEYTD2!Tread at your own risk!

**Operation: Stage Fright** is the first mission in *I Expect You To Die 2*.

## Synopsis

Support Agent's mission briefing is as follows:

> Now, our intel indicates the Prime Minister is attending an event in Manhattan tonight. My instincts say Zoraxis will try something there, and my instincts are only wrong about half the time. Oh! And the event is hosted by Hollywood actor John Juniper! I'm such a fan! His performance in "Marigolds Are Forever" was so... Ahem. Excuse me. Let's get you undercover so we can figure out what Zoraxis is up to. (singing) Marigolds are forever.....
>
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The mission opens up to the player behind the stage before the performance. Their objective is to stay alive while figuring out what Zoraxis is plotting.

## Walkthrough

Follow the instructions on the clipboard left on your desk:

* Set the color slider for R all the way up and the other two down.
* Lower the banners via the first rope on your right.
* Raise the lights via the second rope on your right.
* Bring the clock up via flipping the yellow lever up on your desk.

If all of this has been done correctly, then the cue light should be turned on. Open the top desk drawer to your left and grab the key under the clipboard, place it in the lock for the third rope, and raise the curtain. Turn on Juniper's spotlight via the plus switch - the correct option should look like a spotlight.

If you plan on going through the play, then grab the cue sheet clipboard and press each corresponding button when the time comes for it.

In the meanwhile, though, look for the fire box on your very left. Input 2112 as the code and keep the butane fuel canister near you. The Red Death Mask should lower somewhat. There is a circular door on the side of it. Pull it open and replace the canister inside. You can also put the canister inside of the Masque's mouth once it starts to emit gas. This replacement can be done at any time, but it is required to complete the mission. The Stage Manager will realize her Masque was tampered with and will send assassins to attack you.

The first assassin will appear in one of the box seats. You can block the assassins' shots with clipboards, the Donut Box, the shield, anything you think will work, honestly. The assassin can be incapacitated by turning on the seating area light- it should look like a chair. It should blind them. The next two assassins will appear from below you and to your right. You can use the darts that the left one shoots at you to down them or throw/levitate the smoke grenades back to them. Once the left one goes down, one final assassin will appear from above. You can raise the banners to stop their grenades, shoot them, or shine another light on them- it should be L40. Defeat this final assassin to end the mission.

## Souvenirs

### Master at Disguise

Put on all wearables- the hat, the glasses, the mustache, and the watch.

### Curtain Call

Raise the curtain before the stage is ready.

### Patience is a Virtue

Go through Juniper's play and play along with the cue sheet until the Masque comes down.

### Lights Cameras Assassins

Incapacitate three of the four assassins using only stage equipment - the first assassin with the lights, the second assassin with the soundboard (button S-40.2 will close the door in their face) and the fourth assassin with either the lights or the banners.

### Return Fire

Shoot all four assassins with crossbow projectiles, i.e. the poison darts or the broken locking lever.

## Debriefing

The Handler's debriefing is as follows:

> Well, you did it! The Prime Minister's safe, and I hope John Juniper got out, too. Although... Well, something feels off. That stage manager - the Fabricator? Well, she's a nasty piece of work, but she doesn't usually take such a stage in Zoraxis plans. Very strange...
>
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## Trivia

* The Stage Manager's commentary is not required in the mission.
* The show is the Masque Of The Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe

## Gallery

The clipboard of stage setup instructions.The clipboard of cues and actions.The control panel.The underside of the desk etched with graffiti including the code "2112".The fire box containing the butane canister, with the souvenir trophy on top.A note from the Stage Manager on Zoraxis-manufactured paper.