A Gilded Cage is the sixth mission in HITMAN™, and the third to take place in the present-day. It begins with Agent 47 being tasked with the assassination of Reza Zaydan and Claus Hugo Strandberg.
Diana Burnwood (VO): "Good afternoon, 47. Your destination is Marrakesh, Morocco, where civil riots are looming. Your targets are private banker Claus Strandberg and Army General Reza Zaydan, two of the conspirators in a sinister plot to overthrow Morocco's fragile government.
Strandberg, a former bank CEO who stole billions of dollars' worth of savings from the Moroccan people, was facing trial for investment fraud. But early this morning, a band of heavily armed mercenaries freed Strandberg from his prison transport, resulting in the death of several police officers.
Strandberg now takes refuge at his native Swedish Consulate, in front of which crowds of angry protesters have gathered, demanding his handover to Moroccan authorities. We believe that General Zaydan orchestrated Strandberg's escape to infuriate the public and spark nationwide riots allowing Zaydan to impose martial law.
Operating out of a field HQ at a nearby abandoned school, he will no doubt use the riots to depict the Rabat government as weak and inept and persuade the General Staff to support a fully fledged military coup in the name of "national security".
Our client, building contractor Hamilton-Lowe, who stands to lose a fortune in government contracts, has hired us to prevent the coup d'etat. To do so, you need to paralyze Zaydan's rebel forces and prevent the riots from escalating further, hence the double contract. This is quite the political powder keg, 47, so be careful. The fate of a nation is at stake.
Agent 47 has been contracted by construction contractor Hamilton-Lowe to prevent a possible military coup about to take place in Marrakesh, Morocco, which could destroy the company's government contracts there. To do this, he must eliminate the two men responsible for orchestrating the coup: Claus Hugo Strandberg, a former bank CEO from Sweden, and Reza Zaydan, one of Morocco's top military Generals.
After being caught swindling millions from the Moroccan people through fraud, Strandberg was scheduled to go to trial before he was broken out during a convoy hijacking. He is now hiding in the Swedish Consulate, where an angry mob has gathered demanding his arrest. Unknown to them, Strandberg's escape was orchestrated by General Zaydan, who is planning to use the civil unrest as an excuse to enforce martial law, and from there, stage a military coup to overthrow the government.
47 must infiltrate the Swedish Consulate, and Zaydan's operation base in an old school, to eliminate both targets.
Mission Stories[]
Bad Blood
The prisoner was Zaydan's friend and confidant. He might make a private visit. According to the soldiers, the condemned prisoner in the cell was a close friend of Zaydan. However when his brother, a Marrakesh officer, was killed during Strandberg's breakout, the prisoner decided to betray Zaydan and go public. Alas, he was caught before he could thwart the coup d'etat.
Cherry Blossom
A way to summon General Zaydan to the underground tunnel. Interesting. In case of an emergency, Strandberg and Zaydan will meet face to face each other at the center of the underground tunnel. The conspirators are summoned over the phone, using a set of keywords. One of which is locked away in consul Olander's safe.
Honeycomb
A way to summon Claus Strandberg to the underground tunnel. Interesting. In case of an emergency, Strandberg and Zaydan will meet face to face each other at the center of the underground tunnel. The conspirators are summoned over the phone, using a set of keywords. One of which is locked away in Reza Zaydan's safe.
Why We Fight
The printing crew is in the streets, hanging posters. Could be a way into the school. The printing crew spreads fake propaganda in the name of Crystal Dawn, the pan-African liberation movement. This encourages Moroccan citizens to rise up and take justice into their own hands. Which of course, is exactly what Zaydan is counting on. Very clever. Now, according to the printing schedule, the crew is out hanging posters. And they are likely to wear masks.
Prime Time
The TV crew is here to interview Strandberg. Too bad their cameraman is missing. Claus Strandberg has agreed to an exclusive interview with celebrity GNN reporter Pam Kingsley, no doubt to enrage to public even further. This could be a way inside the locked-down consulate. And the replacement cameraman, a local freelancer, is yet to arrive.
Golden Touch
Strandberg has ordered a massage. Sounds like he could use a specialist. According to the appointment schedule, Claus Strandberg has booked a massage to relieve his back pain. No doubt all that time in prison has caused muscle stiffness. The masseur who also works at a local clinic, has apparently already checked into the building.
Open Sesame
The school's old headmaster key still exists. Should be useful. The old headmaster of the school Zaydan is using as his field HQ, lives right above the carpet shop. According to his sons, he kept the school's master key out of nostalgia. Supposedly, this opens any lock in the building.
Down the Rabbit Hole
Strandberg plans to escape through a secret tunnel. A way out is also a way in. According to the evacuation plan, a secret tunnel runs between the consulate and a shoe shop downtown. This is how Strandberg plans to escape the building, unnoticed. When the security alarm sounds, Strandberg will head to the underground garage where a team of Zaydan's soldiers awaits to escort him safely to the school. I suggest you locate that shop, 47. This could be a way inside the Consulate, not to mention a chance to lure Strandberg into the open.
Intelligence[]
All Access to the School
The following information may contain spoilers.
According to the carpet shop owner, his ageing father has kept the school’s headmaster key, out of nostalgia. Supposedly, this opens any lock in the building [Not shown on Master Difficulty].
Army Truck Key
The following information may contain spoilers.
A standard military truck key. Possible exfiltration route. Matches vehicle located near old school.
Code Word
The following information may contain spoilers.
A code word found in Consul Olander's safe: "Cherry blossom."
Consulate Keycard
The following information may contain spoilers.
A keycard that gives access to the Swedish consulate.
Consulate Safe Code
The following information may contain spoilers.
The combination code for a safe. Probably belongs to consul Erik Olander.
Consulate Staff Car Key
The following information may contain spoilers.
The keys to a consulate staff vehicle. This takes care of the transportation.
Courtyard Club Membership Card
The following information may contain spoilers.
A membership card. This is a non-personal membership card that grants access to the Courtyard Club.
Evacuation Plan
The following information may contain spoilers.
According to the evacuation plan, a secret tunnel runs between the consulate and a shoe shop downtown. If the security alarm is triggered, Claus Strandberg will head to the underground garage. Here a team of Zaydan's elite troops await to escort him safely to the army field HQ at the abandoned school.
Headmaster Key
The following information may contain spoilers.
A key. Opens the old school gate in Marrakesh.
Head of Security's Phone Call
The following information may contain spoilers.
According to the consulate's former head of security, there is a secret underground tunnel leading from the Swedish consulate to a shop downtown. No doubt this is how Strandberg plans to escape the consulate unnoticed.
Massage Expert Konny Engstrom
The following information may contain spoilers.
The masseur is on the phone in the conference room, pleading with his boss to get him out of his appointment with Claus Strandberg. They probably don't share the same ethical guidelines.
Meeting Protocol
The following information may contain spoilers.
In case of an emergency, Strandberg and Zaydan will meet face to face at the centre of the underground tunnel. The conspirators can summon each other over the phone using a set of keywords, one of which is locked away in Consul Olander's safe.
Printing Schedule
The following information may contain spoilers.
A time schedule for the printing press. Apparently, the printing crew is out putting up posters in the streets.
School Safe Code
The following information may contain spoilers.
The combination code for a safe. Probably belongs to General Zaydan.
Tablet Computer
The following information may contain spoilers.
A tablet belonging to the consulate's administrative staff. According to today's appointment schedule, Claus Strandberg has booked a massage for his back pains. The masseur, who works at a local clinic, is already in the building.
The Condemned Prisoner
The following information may contain spoilers.
According to the soldiers guarding the prison cell, the condemned prisoner was a close friend of Zaydan. However, when his brother, a Marrakesh police officer, was killed this morning during Strandberg's breakout, the prisoner decided to betray Zaydan and go public. Zaydan has already paid the prisoner a visit and is likely to do so again.
The Propaganda Machine
The following information may contain spoilers.
The printing crew spreads fake propaganda in the name of Crystal Dawn, encouraging the people of Morocco to rise up and take justice into their own hands. Which, of course, is exactly what Zaydan is counting on. Very clever. The crew must have access to nearby printing supplies, most likely at the abandoned school.
The Retired Headmaster
The following information may contain spoilers.
According to soldiers, the old headmaster of the school that Zaydan is using as his field HQ, lives right above the local carpet shop.
The Strandberg Interview
The following information may contain spoilers.
According to the GNN news crew, Claus Strandberg has agreed to an exclusive interview. However, the replacement cameraman, a local freelancer hired when the regular cameraman got a stomach flu, appears to be running late.
Turret Access Code
The following information may contain spoilers.
A password for the computer that controls the gun turret. That thing packs quite the punch.
Zaydan's Code Word
The following information may contain spoilers.
A code word found in Reza Zaydan's safe: 'Honeycomb.'
Zaydan's Food Delivery
The following information may contain spoilers.
It seems that General Zaydan expects a food delivery, tfaya with lamb from a local vendor at the bazaar. All that scheming must have built up an appetite.
Challenges[]
There are 62 challenges in total: 24 "Assassination", 17 "Discovery", 14 "Feats", 2 "Targets" & 5 "The Classics", worth 145000XP and contain 1 unlock.
A modular explosive device designed by the ICA. Detonated by proximity. Exercise caution when placing. Highly suspicious if noticed (HITMAN™ 2 & HITMAN™ III only).
3
Starting Location
Undercover in the Courtyard Club
47 has infiltrated the Courtyard Club in the shisha café and begins the mission disguised as a waiter (Mastery Level 2 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty).
4
Hidden Stash
Mechanic Shop
The ICA can conceal a small item inside a mechanic's toolbox (Mastery Level 3 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty).
A tactical pistol. Custom slide. Capable of automatic fire (HITMAN™ Normal Difficulty, HITMAN™ 2 & HITMAN™ III only; Mastery Level 10 on HITMAN™ Normal Difficulty).
6
Starting Location
Undercover at the Snail Stand
47 has infiltrated the bazaar and he begins the mission cooking snails, disguised as a local food vendor (Mastery Level 3 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty).
7
Agency Pickup
West Bazaar Rooftops
The ICA has placed a large secure case on one of the rooftops close to a good vantage point overlooking the bazaar and consulate in Marrakesh (Mastery Level 4 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty).
A vial of poison. Contains a single dose of an emetic poison. When consumed, an individual will immediately become nauseated and seek a location to throw up in. Can be administered via food or drink (HITMAN™ Normal Difficulty & HITMAN™ III only; Mastery Level 10 on HITMAN™ Normal Difficulty).
8
Starting Location
Undercover in Zaydan's Compound
47 has infiltrated General Zaydan's forces and begins the mission inside the compound, disguised as a soldier (Mastery Level 4 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty).
9
Hidden Stash
Shisha Café Restroom
The ICA can hide a small item inside the toilet cistern in the shisha café's Courtyard Club restroom (Mastery Level 5 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty).
A medium explosive device designed to resemble a rubber duck. Detonated remotely. Exercise caution when placing. Will attract casual attention if spotted (HITMAN™ Normal Difficulty, HITMAN™ 2 & HITMAN™ III only; Mastery Level 15 on HITMAN™ Normal Difficulty).
A curved dagger. Ceremonial origins, likely Middle Eastern. Can be used in melee or thrown to eliminate a target (HITMAN™ III only).
11
Starting Location
Undercover on the West Bazaar Rooftop
47 has infiltrated a local electronics company and has found a sniper vantage point overlooking the bazaar and consulate. He begins the mission here (Mastery Level 5 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty).
12
Agency Pickup
Old Headmaster's Terrace
The ICA has placed a large secure case on the house terrace of an aspiring and preoccupied novelist. This location is now available during planning (Mastery Level 6 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty).
A modern bullpup shotgun. Agile and effective at close ranges. Fastest fire rate of the Enrams, tight spread (HITMAN™ 2 & HITMAN™ III only).
13
Starting Location
Lamp Store Rooftop
47 has chosen a vantage point overlooking the city and begins the mission on a lamp store's rooftop (Mastery Level 6 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty).
14
Hidden Stash
Consulate Top Floor
The ICA can smuggle a small item in one of the consulate's cleaning carts (Mastery Level 7 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty).
A block of Composition 10 plastic explosive. Shaped for use in demolitions or improvised explosive snares. Integrated proximity trigger. Exercise caution when placing (HITMAN™ Normal Difficulty, HITMAN™ 2 & HITMAN™ III only; Mastery Level 20 on HITMAN™ Normal Difficulty).
16
Starting Location
Undercover in the Consulate
47 has infiltrated the consulate and begins the mission on the top floor, disguised as a janitor (Mastery Level 7 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty).
17
Hidden Stash
Carpet Shop
The ICA can conceal a small item inside a stack of carpets in the carpet shop in the Marrakesh market (Mastery Level 8 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty).
18
Starting Location
School Alley
47 has infiltrated the rear of the military compound in Marrakesh and begins mission near the the school's south-facing windows (Mastery Level 8 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty).
19
Agency Pickup
School Gate
The ICA can smuggle a large secure case to the back entrance of the old school (Mastery Level 9 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty).
A crystal ball. Breaks when thrown, or when used in melee combat. Knocks an individual unconscious (HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty, HITMAN™ 2 & HITMAN™ III only; Mastery Level 10 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty).
When target lockdown goes into affect Claus Strandberg will run down to the parking lot where 4 elite soldiers will escort him through the escape tunnel until they reach the shoe store. From there a soldier will escort him to the school so he can meet General Zaydan. The two will speak in the front of the school before Claus is brought to Zaydan's office. If the parking lot is compromised he will go out through the main entrance and run through the crowd until he reaches the school. If a lockdown happens at the school he will be brought to Zaydan’s office. Zaydan will be brought to his office or stand outside one of the school entrances if the office gets compromised.
Mission Map[]
The full interactive map for this mission can be viewed via HITMAPS by clicking the image or clicking here.
Trivia[]
For the full list of easter eggs on this & other levels, see here.
There are a total of 290 civilians in this mission, excluding crowd civilians.
The mission name comes from a term used to describe the idea of being trapped in a luxurious environment (In this case, a Swedish Consulate), and being unable to leave the luxurious building.
This mission is the first mission in the game series to take place in Africa.
This mission is referenced in the "World of Assassination" trailer for HITMAN™, as the narrator mentions that "...In Morocco, a banker meets his end. A general loses his line of credit. A riot burns out in the street. Two men die, and a military coup is averted."
There is a contrast to how each target base handles the target's death. After General Reza Zaydan dies, a PA announcement will be released through the school intercom, with a military training ground calmly announcing Zaydan's death and that those responsible will be charged with treason. At the Swedish Consulate, the PA announcement following the death of Stranberg will be a panicked Greta Persson telling the Consulate staff not to disclose what happened to the outside world.
Despite the completely dilapidated state of the building, the fire alarm and intercom systems in the school appear to still be functional.
This mission directly ties into two other side missions in the game; The Extractor from the Sarajevo Six, as well as The Gunrunner Elusive Target. Both revolve around preparing for events relating to the upcoming coup 47 is set to prevent in this mission. The former has Walter Menard set to help extract Claus Strandberg out of Morocco once the aforementioned coup has started, while the latter has Vito Đurić help arm the soldiers in preparation for it.
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