Locations in the Thief Series (Computer Game)

This is a list of the locations both major and minor, as mentioned in the PC and Console game series, Thief (Thief: The Dark Project, Thief Gold, Thief II: The Metal Age, and Thief: Deadly Shadows.)

The universe of Thief stealth-action video games is set in a dark fantasy/steampunk world resembling a cross between the Late Middle Ages and the Victorian era, with some primitive technology thrown in. The world is based around a feudal system, and several religious factions who are at odds with each other in battles over technology, nature, and dark gods. The world's appearance has a mix of Gothic, Medieval, Victorian, Art Deco and Steampunk influences. Medieval castles are built next to Gothic churches. Other parts of the city have Victorian mansions next to Art Deco-inspired towers. Mysterious steam powered machines and electric lights are scattered through the city streets.

Much of the games content is centered around a dense, sprawling metropolitan complex known only as "The City." The player's character, Garrett, works with the underground economy of the City, making a lucrative living for himself. The city is controlled by corrupt nobility including several lords, and the Baron. The Baron is said to be at war with nearby city-states in the world. A city watch also has control in the city under the charge of the SHERIFF. There is a notable split between the upper class and the lower class forcing some citizens to take on the career of thievery. Fences are found throughout the cities buying the illgotten goods brought to them. Stuck in the middle of all this is the master thief Garret, who is forced to rob from the rich in order to survive, and inadvertently drawn into dark conspiracies he would rather have no part in to save the world.

Occasionally Garret is lead to locations outside of the City, including mansions, a dark graveyard, a prison, an island, and underground cities.

Districts of the City

The City comprises a mosaic of districts that are visited by Garrett over the course of the series, and has a single river that seems to run through the middle of it. In addition, the Keepers have worked Glyph magic into hidden passageways that interconnect all of the districts, permitting Unfettered and clandestine movement throughout the City for themselves. The sewer network that runs under the city also houses all manner of things and people that do not wish to be seen, including ruins that are older than the City itself.

The gamer sees most of the districts as the series unwinds. Some still are uncharted, however, and have only been heard of through documental or vocal references.

• Auldale: One of the wealthiest districts in the City (if not the wealthiest), situated on the east side of the River. Hammer Inspector Drept, and the Citywatch make the area seemingly safe to walk the streets at night there. The well-to-do residents spend their leisure time shopping at pricy goldsmiths, strolling the parks, or gazing at art in the renowned Wieldstrom Museum. In spite of the perceived safety in this high-end district, rumors of Pagans dwelling in Auldale Park have been growing. Some of the most recent murders and sightings of the fabled Old Grey Lady have also been around the Auldale Canal.
• Dayport

An upscale seaside area, as opposed to the run-down Docks. The area is populated with densely packed high rise apartments and business buildings. First mentioned in Thief: The Dark Project, "Assassins".

:*North District

The Mechanist Tower, Angelwatch, was constructed in Dayport North District.

• South District

• Docks: One of the roughest neighborhoods in the City, and a popular area for Pagan establishment. A landmark commemorative plaque mounted at the Docks states that this is believed to be the original area that the first people of the City set foot on. First mentioned in Thief: The Dark Project
• Down towne: A district east of the old city wall. A Public Works station and the Hammerite Temple in the first Thief are located here. First mentioned in Thief: The Dark Project, "Assassins".
• Eastport: One of crime lord Webster's districts. Location of the Eastport Mechanist Seminary. First mentioned in Thief: The Dark Project, "Assassins".
• High towne (aka Hightowne): An upscale residential district west of New Market. The site of Ramirez' castle.
• North Quarter: The site of the City's First Bank and Trust. First mentioned in Thief: The Dark Project, "Assassins".
• New Market (aka Newmarket): Location of Fargus' shop. Not far from where Garrett lived in the first Thief. First mentioned in Thief: The Dark Project, "Assassins".
• New Quarter: One of Crime Lord Raputo's districts. First mentioned in Thief: The Dark Project, "Assassins".
• Old Quarter: A diverse middle-class neighborhood in the heart of the City. In the first Thief, the area is a walled-off City section. A generation or so ago, a mystical artifact called the Eye caused the Cataclysm, a horrendous event that created undead in the Hammerite Cathedral cemetery, and somehow in the ensuing chaos (the fire may have been a defensive measure) the Old Quarter caught fire and burned out of control. The Old Quarter was walled in to keep surviving zombies in and people out. What remains is an abandoned mess of ruins, debris and wandering undead (as well as wild animals). By the time of Deadly Shadows, the Old Quarter is once again inhabited, with the Hammerite headquarters, Fort Ironwood, located here. A solemn monument sitting in the cemetery was erected as a Cataclysm memorial. The main gated entrance to the Keeper Compound is also here, but hidden by Glyph magic.
• Shalebridge: A district between the Old Quarter, the Docks, and New Market. The Shalebridge Cradle Orphanage is located in or near Shalebridge and Shalebridge Road. One of Raputo's districts. It is located along a shallow point in the river. Taft Avenue is a street in Shalebridge. First mentioned in Thief: The Dark Project, "Assassins" and "The Sword". It appears on a map seen in two levels of Thief II: The Metal Age, and is also referenced in Shipping and Receiving and Life of the Party.
• South Quarter: One the largest and busiest residential areas in the City. Where Garret resides in Deadly Shadows. After the demise of Sheriff Truart, South Quarter's corruption has been burgeoning. Black Alley is one of the most notorious spots here. Pavelock Prison, one of the Citywatch's largest penitentiaries, is also located here. The commemorative plaque located here states that the fountain in South Quarter is where the first masonry stone of the City was believed to have been lain.
• Stone Market: Commercial nexus of the City. Many merchants dwell in guild homes here. Many of the businessmen make crooked deals with City thugs as well. The district is divided into the Stonemarket Plaza, and the Stonemarket Proper. The Plaza is home to the Clocktower, the tallest skyscraper in the City and also one of the greatest sources of Hammerite pride. The Proper cradles St. Edgars church, and is a center for black market activity.
• Undermarket: The crime lord Raputo lives here.
• The Warehouse District: Adjacent to the dock. A popular hangout spot for smugglers and the like.
• Wayside: A district initially intended to be a major trading post, but was abandoned during construction. It is also known as as Wayside Dock District. It became a home base and hangout for thieves and other criminals. The Mechanists eventually razed the slum, and built Soulforge Cathedral over the area.
• Westport

Locations within the "The City"

• Angelwatch
• Bafford's Manor
• Downwind Thieves Guild
• Shalebridge Cradle
• First City Bank & Trust
• Mechanist Seminary (Old Hammerite Cathedral)
• Shoalsgate Station
• Rampone's Dockside Shipping

Locations outside "The City"

• Cragscleft Prison: A prison run by the Hammerites. It is used to lock up and punish heretics. It was built into an old quarry and mine.
• Bonehoard
• Lost City (Karath-Din): an ancient underground city located underneath the City. Was once part of a great empire. The Precursor masks that were found there are considered very valuable.
• Mage Towers: Towers owned by mysterious group of mages known as the Hand Brotherhood. They originated from the east.
• Markham's Isle
• Maw of Chaos
• Blackbrook
• Bohn
• Cyric
• Esse

References