Basil Carnaby (also known as The Illusionist) is a target that appears in Illusions of Grandeur, a special assignment in HITMAN™ 2.
Background[]
Basil Carnaby was born into a society of austerity, though no state of mind could have been less compatible with his personality. The "Make do and mend" attitude of his working class parents held as little appeal to him as the inauspicious council house they shared. Far more appealing were the backroom card games where his uncle taught him sleight of hand, rewarding him with a modest cut of their earnings to spend however he liked.
Like many his age, Carnaby expected a life of notoriety and distinction for himself, but rather than joining a band or elbowing his way in front of a camera, he expanded upon his unique skillset. He graduated from being an anonymous cheat to a proper street entertainer. Starting with simple card tricks and an upturned hat, he soon noticed the spiritual bent of the counterculture audiences and adapted his act to match.
With everyone around him experimenting with new ways to alter their minds, Carnaby quickly understood the foothold he could take among his peers by promising them all the effects they desired through hypnosis alone. As his talents grew so did his following, and among that following were many people born with the wealth Carnaby had always believed was his due. And with them completely and voluntarily at his mercy, it couldn't have been any easier for him to take it. He robbed dozens of London's wealthiest households without ever setting foot in their respective neighborhoods.
Unfortunately, Carnaby didn't exactly know how to keep a low profile. Once the police caught on to his methods, his followers quickly soured on their leader. Carnaby made a hasty escape and hid in a group of enlightenment-seeking pilgrims en route to Nepal. He essentially disappeared, exiling himself out of the reach of his wealthiest victims. But Basil Carnaby is not a subtle man, and it was only a matter of time before he would draw attention to himself again. He's taken his act to the streets of Mumbai, and there are more than a few individuals who would like to make sure that he never leaves.― Target Intel
Trivia[]
- During Illusions of Grandeur's in-game briefing cinematic, the Elusive Target symbol is shown on multiple occasions, suggesting that Basil Carnaby was not originally intended to be a permanent addition to HITMAN™ 2.
- During the mission, the Rangan compound is off-limits including the barge and Dawood Rangan would not be present, however there is still access to the Crow's Hideout and the entire Train Yard, and both Vanya Shah and Wazir Kale are considered non-target NPCs.
- Basil seems to be very observant and wary with his guards, as he can see through both theLocal Security and Bollywood Bodyguard disguises.
- He performs his illusion tricks in front of the Mumbai Central Square with lots of people gathered.
- If 47 volunteers himself for Basil's demonstration, he will ask 47 for money. When 47 refuses to empty his pockets, the chawl balcony will become a trespassing zone.
Gallery[]
Basil forcing 47 to empty his Pockets
Basil's Roadmap Photo