The Showstopper is the fourth mission in HITMAN™, and the first to be set in the main time-frame of the game (2019). Agent 47 is contracted to assassinate Viktor Novikov and Dalia Margolis.
Diana Burnwood (VO): "Good evening, 47. Your destination is the Paris fashion show by Sanguine, one of Europe's leading couture brands. Your targets are Sanguine owner Viktor Novikov, a former oligarch turned fashion mogul, and his partner, Dalia Margolis, a retired supermodel. An iconic power couple on the global fashion scene, and two of the most dangerous people in the world.
Novikov and Margolis are in fact the ringleaders of IAGO, an enigmatic spy ring that deals in the global elite's most valuable secrets. Unscrupulous and opportunistic, IAGO has caused disastrous security leaks all over the globe.
When Crimean separatists caused a deadly meltdown at the Odessa nuclear power plant, IAGO gave them access to the plant's security network. And when the Delgado drug cartel shot down the plane of President Hernandez and his family, IAGO provided the classified flight plans.
Now Novikov and Margolis have obtained a NOC list of British undercover agents, which they plan to sell at a secret IAGO auction during the Sanguine show.
So, our client, MI6, needs us to stop the ringleaders before the NOC list ends up in the wrong hands.
The Sanguine show will be swarming with security, and Viktor Novikov will be the focus of everyone's attention. But despite his posturing, he is merely the moneyman. The real target is Dalia Margolis, beautiful and brilliant. She is a master manipulator and the true brains behind IAGO.
Two targets. A highly public event. At first glance, an impossible task. Then again, I do know how you love a challenge.
Agent 47 has been contracted by MI6 to eliminate Viktor Novikov, the CEO of popular fashion brand Sanguine, as well as his business partner, former model Dalia Margolis, during a Saguine fashion show held at the Palais de Walewska in Paris, France.
Unbeknownst to the public, Novikov and Margolis are the ringleaders of IAGO, a spy ring which uses the fashion models under their employ to infiltrate and uncover information from the global elite. During the fashion show, there is a secret auction where world leaders bid for secret information. Novikov and Margolis have acquired a NOC list of MI6 agents, which they intend to sell at a secret auction held during the show.
47 must infiltrate the show and eliminate both targets to prevent the sale of the list.
Mission Stories[]
Lights Out
The light rig looks like an accident waiting to happen. Question is, to whom? The light rig could potentially crush anyone on the stage below. I suggest you locate the stage schedule. If Novikov is head designer Sebastian Sato's replacement, we can probably tweak the odds in our favor. A fragile genius known to suffer from wild mood swings, Sato shouldn't be hard to get rid of. Be gentle though. He is an artist after all.
A Rare Scoop
Novikov has agreed to an interview. A shame about the cracked lens. According to the young fashion blogger, Novikov has agreed to do a live interview. This could be a good time to catch the Sanguine CEO off guard. The location, however, is currently unknown, and in any case, the blogger needs a replacement lens for her camera. May I suggest you help a girl in need?
A Drink to Die For
Novikov has a favorite drink and a rather obscure one at that. Sounds like an expert is needed. According to staff, Viktor Novikov's favorite drink is a rather obscure cocktail known as a Bare Knuckle Boxer. The recipe, however, has been misplaced in the basement. Sounds like a chance opportunity to get on Novikov's good side.
Playing with Fire
Novikov plans an elaborate fireworks display. Spare no expense, it seems. According to the pyrotechnics schedule, Novikov plans a grand fireworks display at the end of the Sanguine show. Not a bad distraction. The fireworks are set up on a barge in the Seine. However, you'll need to find the detonation remote elsewhere.
Guest of Honor
Sheikh al-Ghazali is staying at the palace. He is hardly here to sample next year's colors. According to the room plan, the infamous Sheikh Salman al-Ghazali resides in Suite Two. The Al-Ghazalis are known terrorist supporters, and Salman is surely one of IAGO's most prominent clients. He will no doubt have unlimited access to the auction. Better yet, he is also a notoriously private person, and apart from his family, employees and close friends, few have seen his face up close.
A Private Meeting
Novikov and Decker appear to have business, the kind best done in secret. Novikov is meeting Max Decker, a senior agent in the Russian FSB. Small world. The FSB has been mounting a criminal case against Novikov but Decker's boss, FSB section chief Nicholai Kamarov, committed suicide only last night. Or perhaps not. Either way, this could be a chance to catch Novikov away from the spotlight.
15 Seconds of Fame
The famous Helmut Kruger is part of the show. He has your cheekbones, 47. According to our intel, Helmut Kruger is friendly with Dalia Margolis. I suspect that IAGO uses fashion models to infiltrate the lives of the rich and powerful and Kruger is likely one of their spies. His face paint conveniently obscures his features and the two of you already share a striking resemblance.
A Quick Break
The auction is run from Dalia Margolis' private laptop. Good to know. The IAGO auction employs an interactive bidding system controlled from Margolis' laptop. If you can get to it, you should be able to shut down the auction temporarily. This could be an opportunity to catch Margolis away from the spotlight.
Intelligence[]
A Private Meeting
The following information may contain spoilers.
Novikov is meeting in private with Max Decker, a senior agent of the Russian FSB. This must be connected to the criminal case the FSB was mounting against Novikov, and the mysterious suicide of Decker's boss, FSB section chief Nicholai Kamarov.
Camera Lens
The following information may contain spoilers.
A camera lens belonging to fashion reporter Lindsey La Coeur and her network team.
Cocktail Recipe
The following information may contain spoilers.
The recipe for a Bare Knuckle Boxer. According to margin notes, this is Viktor Novikov's favorite cocktail.
Dalia Margolis' Laptop
The following information may contain spoilers.
The IAGO auction is run from Dalia Margolis' private laptop. From here you should be able to shut down the auction temporarily.
Evacuation Plan
The following information may contain spoilers.
A IAGO security operations protocol. The numerical code to evacuate Novikov and Margolis and bring them to the safe room is '17'. However, only Novikov's personal bodyguard, Kurt Donovan, can authorize the procedure.
Fireworks Remote
The following information may contain spoilers.
The remote detonator for a fireworks display. Must be for Novikov's grand finale.
Fireworks Schedule
The following information may contain spoilers.
According to the schedule, Novikov plans a grand fireworks display at the end of the Sanguine show. The fireworks are located on a barge in the Seine. The detonation remote, however, is unaccounted for.
Helmut Kruger's Phone Call
The following information may contain spoilers.
Helmut Kruger is meeting Margolis after the show. I suspect that IAGO uses fashion models to infiltrate the lives of the rich and powerful, and Kruger is likely one of IAGO's spies. The location, however, is unknown.
IAGO Auction VIP List
The following information may contain spoilers.
According to the room assignment doc, the infamous Sheikh Salman al-Ghazali is staying in Suite Two. The Al-Ghazalis are known terrorist supporters, and Salman is surely one of IAGOs clients with unlimited access to the auction.
IAGO Invitation
The following information may contain spoilers.
An invitation to the IAGO auction. Very useful. FYI, I took the liberty to hack their servers and get you a cover identity. You are Tobias Rieper, corporate shark specializing in hostile takeovers. Margolis will assume that you're a guest of Novikov's, so you should have time to complete the mission.
IAGO Operations Protocol
The following information may contain spoilers.
An IAGO security operations protocol. The numerical code to evacuate Novikov and Margolis and bring them to the safe room is "17." However, only Novikov's personal bodyguard, Kurt Donovan, can authorize the procedure.
Laptop Dongle
The following information may contain spoilers.
A security dongle. It likely belongs to Dalia Margolis' laptop.
Novikov's Favorite Cocktail
The following information may contain spoilers.
Novikov's favourite drink is a rather obscure cocktail know as a Bare Knuckle Boxer. The recipe has been misplaced somewhere in the basement.
Speedboat Key
The following information may contain spoilers.
The keys to a speedboat. Must be the one docked at the garden pier.
Stage Schedule
The following information may contain spoilers.
The stage schedule confirms that Viktor Novikov will take Sebastian Sato's place on stage after the show, if the head designer is unable to attend.
The Fashion Blogger
The following information may contain spoilers.
Viktor Novikov has agreed to a live interview with a young fashion blogger. However, she needs a replacement lens for her camera before the interview can begin.
The Light Rig
The following information may contain spoilers.
According to the guards, the light rig appears to be poorly constructed. Apply the right tools and it might collapse.
The Magazine Editor
The following information may contain spoilers.
Valerie St. Clair, legendary editor in chief of Showstopper Magazine, has discoverd Novikov's secret, and plans to blackmail him. She has somehow obtained an invitation to the IAGO auction upstairs, and her young assistant Liza is about to enter the auction undercover. The poor girl is clearly out of her depth.
The Male Model
The following information may contain spoilers.
Helmut Kruger, celebrated male model, is part of tonight's show. The two of you share a striking resemblance.
The Meeting Spot
The following information may contain spoilers.
Decker is waiting in the outdoor lounge area for one of Novikov's guards to escort him to the garden pavilion where the meeting will take place.
Challenges[]
There are 65 challenges in total: 29 "Assassination", 19 "Discovery", 10 "Feats", 2 "Targets" & 5 "The Classics", worth 167000XP.
Type Key: A=Assassination; D=Discovery; F=Feats; T=Targets; TC=The Classics; MV=Master Vampire
A vial of poison. Contains a single dose of sedative. Any individual dosed will immediately slip into unconsciousness. May be administered via food or drink (Mastery Level 11 on HITMAN™ Normal Difficulty).
3
Agency Pickup
Shed
The ICA can smuggle a large, secure case into a shed on the outskirts of the palace grounds.
4
Starting Location
Undercover in Dressing Area
47 has infiltrated the Sanguine staff and begins the mission backstage with the models, disguised as a stylist.
A modern marksman's rifle. Highly accurate and modular, allowing extensive customization.
6
Hidden Stash
Pantry
The ICA can smuggle an item into the palace, hidden inside a large stack of food crates (Mastery Level 4 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty).
7
Starting Location
Undercover in AV Center
47 has infiltrated the company providing AV tech for the Sanguine show and begins the mission on the first floor, disguised as one of the tech crew (Mastery Level 5 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty).
This is a breach-and-clear handgun that can quickly take out a number of targets with precise headshots. Great for clearing a room without escalating the fight. It's steady, quick and excellent for close-quarter combat (HITMAN™ 2 & HITMAN™ III only).
8
Agency Pickup
Logistics Trailer
The ICA can smuggle a large, secure case onto palace grounds inside a transport truck (Mastery Level 5 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty).
9
Starting Location
Undercover in Locker Room
47 has infiltrated the palace and beings the mission in the basement locker room, disguised as a chef (Mastery Level 6 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty).
A remote explosive device. Designed to resemble a large-headed version of a historial military genius Napoleon Bonaparte. Name of device ironic. Plays relevant orchestral music when placed. Can be detonated at any time (HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty, HITMAN™ 2 & HITMAN™ III only).
A tactical pistol. Custom slide with suppressor. Low rate of fire with high damage (HITMAN™ III only).
12
Starting Location
Palace Garden
47 has already joined the party and begins the mission in the garden next to the cocktail reception (Mastery Level 6 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty; Mastery Level 11 on HITMAN™ 2).
A vial of poison. Contains a single dose of a lethal poison. Will result in immediate death of the target. Can be administered via food or drink (HITMAN™ 2 & HITMAN™ III only).
A syringe containing a strong sedatve. Any individual dosed will immediately slip into unconsciousness. Must be administered manually (HITMAN™ III only).
16
Hidden Stash
First Floor Apartments
The ICA can conceal a small item inside a stack of newspapers in the palace owners' apartment (Mastery Level 8 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty).
17
Starting Location
Pile-Driver Barge
47 has chosen a sniper vantage point overlooking the rear of the palace and begins the mission atop the pile-driver barge (Mastery Level 8 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty).
18
Agency Pickup
Empty Attic Room
The ICA can smuggle a large, secure case into the attic above the Palais de Walewska (Mastery Level 9 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty.
19
Starting Location
Undercover at IAGO Auction
47 has joined the IAGO Auction and begins the mission on the top floor (Mastery Level 9 on HITMAN™ Professional Difficulty).
Both targets have their own safe rooms. Novikov will be escorted either to the security room in the basement, or a room with a piano in the second floor. Dalia will be taken to the same room in the attic where 47 can start the mission in. If Agent 47 triggers code 17, both targets will head to an office in the second floor, where they will be left unguarded.
Trivia[]
The text below contains some of the easter eggs found in this level. For the full list of easter eggs on this & other levels, see here.
There are a total of 306 civilians in this mission, excluding crowd civilians.
If Agent 47 infiltrates the auction in his suit, he will introduce himself under his alias of Tobias Rieper, an alias he used throughout Hitman: Codename 47. Initially, the subtitles originally misspelled the name as "Reaper". This was fixed in a later update.
Novikov's recipe for the Bare Knuckle Boxer cocktail is as follows: "2 fl oz rum, 1 fl oz vodka, 1 fl oz orange juice, pinch of salt, pinch of sugar. Don't forget to stir proper before serving!"
The Bare Knuckle Boxer is similar to the real-life cocktail named Brass Monkey, though the actual recipe for Brass Monkey does not include any sugar or salt.
The Bare Knuckle Boxer is later referenced in NPC dialogue in The Ark Society.
Dropping the light rig will cause everyone inside the palace's lower floor to be evacuated. Afterwards, every guard around the area will remain on high alert and, unless he is killed by the light rig, Viktor Novikov will run to the basement security room. This is one of three levels where this can be happen, the other two being Nightcall in HITMAN™ 2 and End of an Era in HITMAN™ III.
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