The Nightly News @ 9 was a regular news program airing on Channel 3 in Los Angeles in 2004, hosted by a man with a mustache.
Presumably the news offices were in Santa Monica, as that was the backdrop behind his broadcasts. The over-the-shoulder graphic reads "Terror at the Pier," a reference to the Carnival of Death quest. The ticker scrolling across the bottom reads:
- Tonights low 50 degrees. Stabbing victim found at the Santa Monica Pier. Police are currently searching for clues. Tomorrows high expected in 70's.
The newscaster reads random stories from a set list, which change depending on what events the PC has accomplished. A high proportion of the news items cover quests in Santa Monica, lending credence to the newsroom being located there.
News[]
- Before speaking with Beckett at the Museum: A massive, gelatinous creature that washed up on the beaches of Providence, Rhode Island has scientists scratching their heads. Found by a jogger early on Tuesday morning who says he smelled it a mile away, the mystery creature is thought to be some form of giant octopus, though marine biologists that have examined the monster have commented that they have never seen anything like it in the cephalopod family before. They speculate that it could be from a yet undiscovered family of sea creatures.
- After entering Downtown, before speaking with Andrei at 609 King's Way: A tourist bus destined for the ancient city of Angkor Wat that failed to return Wednesday night, was found this morning, though without any trace of its operator or passengers. Cambodian officials have dispatched several military units into the area to search through the surrounding jungle amidst concerns that it is related to one of a number of Southeastern Asian terrorist organizations based in the region. Three American citizens are among the missing.
- After speaking with Beckett at the Museum, before speaking with the prince after the Giovanni Stronghold: Concerned parent groups joined several senators on the step of Capitol Hill to protest the latest wave of violent video games. Senator Limperman called the games "pornography" and was offended by crude shots taken at him by one recent game. Among the titles the group is trying to get banned from stores are "Manglegarten", "Rape and Pillage", and "Abe Lincoln Teaches Killing". Protestors say that extended media attention towards exploitive games such as "Meth Tycoon" promotes parental awareness of their adult content, and lessens children's interest in the taboo-themed games.
- After speaking with Beckett at the Museum, before speaking with the prince after the Giovanni Stronghold: Religious tourists have been flocking in droves to the Santa Maria church in Santiago, Spain after several pilgrims claimed to have seen statues of the Madonna begin crying blood. The site dates back to the period of the Romans, and has several reported weeping virgin sightings throughout its history. One pilgrim reported that they witnessed blood coming from no less than six statues at around sunset, and that the courtyard felt full of sadness. Skeptics have been quick to point out that this phenomena has been debunked, and witnesses are no more credible than those that report UFOs.
- After speaking with Andrei at 609 King's Way, before speaking with Professor Johansen: Freak sandstorm activity is thought to be responsible for the destruction of two Navy fighter jets. The jets were returning from a patrol over the Persian Gulf when they disappeared off of radars. A transcript of a final radio exchange between the pilots mention wind conditions picking up and the skies becoming so thick with sand that the sun was being blocked. Shortly after this exchange, there was a garbled shout by the co-pilot, and finally radio silence. Military officials have dispatched several units to the area to search for the crew and the missing aircraft. The names of the pilots are being withheld until their status can be confirmed.
- After speaking with the Chang Brothers: Mobs of villagers in New Delhi, India stoned a policeman to death after mistaking him for the "deer man", a creature locals say has terrorized them for weeks and is thought to be responsible for the mysterious deaths of several village children. The deer man is reported as a seven-foot creature with horns that ambushes villagers at night. New Delhi has also been host to the monkey man, the bear man, and the killer UFOs, all of which were later dismissed as mass hysteria.
- After speaking with the prince following the Giovanni Stronghold: Weeks of protests against the European Union and rioting in several Eastern European countries has led to a block of nations dropping out of the EU, causing exchange rates for the euro to plummet. Detractors of the EU in its founding countries are holding rallies aimed to remove its biggest supporters from office, arguing that the EU's inclusion of less politically stable countries will cause extended economic recession.
- After speaking with Professor Johansen: Several members of congress are protesting the President's refusal to disclose details of meetings his staff had last year with the heads of several energy companies. They say measures agreed upon will increase air pollution and give large tax breaks to energy companies. An official statement issued by the President states that these meetings were meant to assist in the draft of a fairer energy bill that would cultivate enhanced pollutant tolerances and relax energy production risk burdens.
- As a Malkavian: Several members of congress are protesting the President's refusal to disclose details of meetings his staff had last year with the heads of several energy companies. They say measures agreed upon will increase air pollution and give large tax breaks to energy companies. An official statement issued by the President states that he can do whatever he wants - who do you think put him there?
Event-Dependent[]
Santa Monica[]
- Prior to getting Downtown: Our top story tonight: a derelict ship found floating ten miles off the Los Angeles coast earlier this morning was towed into the port of Los Angeles a few hours ago. The ship was spotted around midnight by fishermen, who contacted the Coast Guard after their attempts to hail the ship proved futile. Coast Guard officials are releasing very little information right now, but have identified the vessel as the "Elizabeth Dane". No word as of yet as to the whereabouts of the crew, though the Coast Guard are asking any ships that had contact with the Elizabeth Dane to assist them in their search. We'll have more on this story as it breaks.
- Prior to the completion of Elizabethan Rendezvous: In other news, an apparent third victim of the Southland Slasher has prompted the closing of the Santa Monica Pier, where the body was found earlier tonight. Investigators say the scene closely mirrors those of slayings in Glendale and Long Beach. In both cases, the bodies of the victims were described as "torn apart", though details are being withheld from the public at this time. Police urge anyone with information relating to this case to contact them.
- As a Malkavian: In other news, an apparent third victim of the Southland Slasher has prompted the closing of the Santa Monica Pier, where the body was found earlier tonight. Investigators say the scene closely mirrors those of slayings in Glendale and Long Beach. In both cases, the bodies of the victims were described as ripped, torn, bloody entrails smeared upon the walls, splatter on broken windows, feet in weird places, murder... murder... murder.
- Prior to the completion of Elizabethan Rendezvous: Actor Ash Rivers is lucky to be alive after his car crashed into the gate at Parasite Studios earlier tonight. Witnesses say that they were shocked when the Negative Zero star emerged unscathed and apparently unfazed by his high speed accident. Rivers' agent released a statement stating that Rivers' crash was due to a mechanical problem and that the studio is not pursuing legal action against Rivers for the trademark gate's destruction. Miraculously, this is the second crash Rivers has escaped unharmed in the last year.
- After completing Surf's Up, if four or more of the crew are killed, before completing Grout's Mansion: Several dead at a beach house in Santa Monica tonight. Police suspect the slayings were carried out during a drug deal gone bad. Residents of this quiet community were shocked by the killings, though neighbors suspected the men in the house to be involved in drug distribution and had seen many strange people going inside at all hours of the night.
- As a Malkavian: Several dead at a beach house in Santa Monica tonight. Police suspect the slayings were carried out during a drug deal gone bad. They suspect this may be the work of vampires and... Hey, have you seen any vampires around here?
- After completing Slashterpiece, if Chunk survives, before completing Grout's Mansion: Art criticism or vandalism? Paintings on display at Santa Monica's Gallery Noir were slashed by an intruder who evaded capture by security. The paintings were estimated to be worth nearly a quarter of a million dollars. They were to be auctioned in a charity event tomorrow night.
- After completing Slashterpiece, if Chunk is killed, before completing Grout's Mansion: A security guard is dead tonight after an intruder forced their way into Santa Monica's Gallery Noir and slashed paintings on display for a charity event. Police speculate that the guard was killed during the vandal's escape.
- After completing Bad Blood, if you didn't take a peaceful solution with the thugs, before completing Grout's Mansion: A robbery gone bad at The Surfside Diner left several dead after the attempts by the would-be robbers were thwarted by a diner patron turned vigilante. Witnesses saw the vigilante run from the diner after they were alerted by the sound of gunfire inside. Police have stated that vigilantism will not be tolerated and that the party responsible will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
- As a Malkavian: A robbery gone bad at The Surfside Diner left several dead after the attempts by the would-be robbers were thwarted by a diner patron turned vigilante. Witnesses saw the vigilante run from the diner after they were alerted by the sound of gunfire inside. Police have stated that vigilantism will not be tolerated and they know it was you.
- Between speaking to Beckett at the Santa Monica warehouse and speaking to Grünfeld Bach at Grout's Mansion: A massive explosion rocked Santa Monica tonight, sending several fireballs into the sky and prompting a lockdown of the warehouse district where the explosions took place. Early reports suggest that the warehouse destroyed in the explosion was being used in a weapon smuggling operation, and that the source of the detonation possibly came from a military grade explosive being stored at the site. Authorities say it is still too early to speculate on whether there is some terrorist connection to these events, though they have not ruled out the possibility. Stay tuned to Channel 3 for further updates.
- As a Malkavian: A massive explosion rocked Santa Monica tonight, sending several fireballs into the sky and prompting a lockdown of the warehouse district where the explosion took place. Early reports suggest that the warehouse destroyed in the explosion was being used in a weapon smuggling operation, and that the source of the detonation possibly came from you. Stay tuned to Channel 3 for further updates.
- Between speaking to Beckett] at the Santa Monica warehouse and completing Elizabethan Rendezvous: An update on the Elizabeth Dane: The ghost ship was towed into county waters off the port of LA, where police are searching for evidence of the crew and whether the ship was being used in drug- or terrorist-related smuggling. Coast guard search parties are still patrolling the area where the Dane was first spotted, though the fate of the crew is still unknown.
Downtown[]
- After finding Milton's body during Mudd Hunt, before the Mandarin starts his experiments: The Southland Slasher struck again, this time in downtown Los Angeles. The body of Sean Milton, a former convict that was recently released for good behavior, was found butchered similarly to the other victims of the serial killer. Police believe there may be a connection between Milton's prison past and the Slasher. We'll have a full report on this story later tonight.
- After completing Necromantic, before the Mandarin starts his experiments: Simon Milligan, host of local cable show Haunted LA, and his crew are reported missing tonight. The team of the popular supernatural-themed program were filming around downtown Los Angeles according to the show's producer, but friends and family of the crew started to worry when they failed to return from a night of shooting. No trace has been found yet of the Haunted LA team, and rumors by the shows fans speculate that the crew met a supernatural end, though police disagree and have started a sweep of the areas where the crew was filming.
- After getting Downtown but before completing the Plaguebearer quest: A recent outbreak of several highly contagious diseases in downtown Los Angeles has CDC officials concerned Los Angeles may be a hot zone for a deadly new type of communicable virus. Local hospitals started seeing a dramatic increase in the amount of patients with severe respiratory illness, and many doctors say they may be ill-equipped to handle the surging number of new cases. The Center for Disease Control urges people in the downtown area to exercise caution and to seek medical treatment immediately if they exhibit symptoms that include fever, hacking cough, nausea, rashes or sores, painful discharges, or sudden, sustained bleeding.
- If the PC successfully completed Elizabethan Rendezvous with fewer than five cops killed, before completing Patron Of The Ancient Arts: Police are now confirming that they suspect foul play in the disappearance of the Elizabeth Dane's crew. There is evidence that suggests the crew or several members of the crew were slain, though no names are being released at the moment. One piece in the Elizabeth Dane's cargo was revealed as the Ankaran Sarcophagus. Discovered at a dig in Turkey, the sarcophagus was on its way to the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History for a detailed analysis and exhibition. Authorities are expected to release the sarcophagus to the museum in the next few days.
- If the PC successfully completed Elizabethan Rendezvous with five or more cops killed, before completing Patron Of The Ancient Arts: Tragedy struck tonight for police investigating the Elizabeth Dane. Several officers were killed when a gas pipe ruptured and caused an explosion in the ship's engineering room, where the officers were conducting their search for the clues to the Dane's crew. Several officers attempting a rescue were killed in the ensuing fire. Memorial services for the fallen officers will be held Friday. The Elizabeth Dane's main cargo was revealed as the Ankaran Sarcophagus. Discovered at a dig in Turkey, the sarcophagus was on its way to the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History for a detailed analysis and exhibition. Authorities are expected to release the sarcophagus to the museum in the next few days.
- After completing Calling Dr. Grout, before completing 609 King's Way: Firefighters are trying to contain a flash fire in the Hollywood Hills this morning. Smoke and debris from a house fire alerted residents late this evening. The fire had already spread rapidly by the time firefighters arrived, due to brush and wind conditions. Fire officials expect the blaze to be extinguished within the next few hours, but are advising local homeowners in the area to evacuate.
- After completing Patron Of The Ancient Arts with fewer than three guards killed, before speaking with Gary Golden: The Ankaran Sarcophagus, delivered to the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History this morning, was stolen just hours before experts could examine its contents. Authorities are baffled by its theft, as the museum employs several sophisticated security measures that have foiled previous robbery attempts. Police speculate professional art and antiquity thieves are behind the sarcophagus' disappearance. More on this story as it breaks.
- After completing Patron Of The Ancient Arts with three or more guards killed, before speaking with Gary Golden: The Ankaran Sarcophagus, delivered to the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History this morning, was stolen just hours before experts could examine its contents. Several security guards were killed during the robbery attempt, making this the bloodiest robbery in the museum's seventy-year history. A police investigation is underway. More on this story as it breaks.
- As a Malkavian: The Ankaran Sarcophagus, delivered to the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History this morning, was stolen just hours before experts could examine its contents. Several security guards were killed during the robbery attempt, making this the bloodiest robbery in the museum's seventy-year history. A police investigation is underway, murderer. They will find you.
Hollywood[]
- After completing Hunters Hunting by switching clothes with the Ash Rivers lookalike, before speaking with the prince following the Giovanni Stronghold: Mistaken identity may have led to a murder outside the Asp Hole when an unidentified man drove a wooden stake into a exiting patron outside the popular Hollywood club. The victim bore a resemblance to Ash Rivers, the owner of the Asp Hole, and investigators are speculating that the assassin meant to kill the popular Hollywood star. Rivers could not be reached for comment.
- After completing Mudd Hunt, before speaking with the prince following the Giovanni Stronghold: Another victim of the Southland Slasher was found inside the Luckee Star motel in Hollywood this evening, the fifth attributed to the killer. Police say that there is ample evidence that the Slasher was interrupted during the murder, and police are asking anyone who might've witnessed the events to aid them in their capture of the killer.
- If B-Rated Writer is completed by killing David Hatter, as a male, before speaking with the prince following the Giovanni Stronghold: A night manager for the Luckee Star hotel is dead tonight after what police are deeming a botched robbery attempt. Hotel guests stated that they heard the clerk, a one David Hatter, and another man shouting about something right before they heard a scream from Hatter. A few minutes later, a concerned guest came out and found the clerk dead. The Luckee Star is infamous for being the location where popular seventies TV actor Frankie Sammy was found mysteriously bludgeoned to death with a marital aid.
- As a female: A night manager for the Luckee Star motel is dead tonight after what police are deeming a botched robbery attempt. Hotel guests stated that they heard the clerk, a one David Hatter, and a woman shouting about something before they heard a scream from Hatter. A few minutes later, concerned guests came out and found the clerk dead. The Luckee Star is infamous for being the location where popular seventies TV actor Frankie Sammy was found mysteriously bludgeoned to death with a marital aid.
- If Hot Stripper Assassin Action! is completed without witnesses, before speaking with the prince following the Giovanni Stronghold: Another murder in Hollywood tonight at an adult bookstore. A peep show dancer was killed in the basement of the store, and investigators are still trying to put the pieces together, since no one present saw or heard anything. It is unknown at this time what the motives were, but the police are ruling out the Southland Slasher as a suspect.
- If there were witnesses present, as a male: A woman is dead tonight after a man burst into an adult bookstore and brutally killed the dancer before fleeing the scene. Police are speculating that the murder could have been a crime of passion or a case of stalking taken to the extreme. A description of the suspect was given to police, and officers are currently searching Hollywood for someone matching the reports.
- If there were witnesses present, as a female: A woman is dead tonight after a woman burst into an adult bookstore and brutally slayed the dancer before fleeing the scene. Police are speculating that the murder could have been a crime of passion or a case of stalking taken to the extreme. A description of the suspect was given to police, and officers are currently searching Hollywood for someone matching the reports.
- After completing Dead Ex, before speaking with the prince following the Giovanni Stronghold: Tourists attempting to pay their respects at actress Ginger Swan's grave at the Hollywood Eternal cemetery were shocked to discover the grave of the former sex symbol had been vandalized. The star was entombed in the Hollywood Eternal mausoleum after her death in 1964. Nothing was stolen from the crypt, but estimates put the damage at over a thousand dollars.
- After completing Calling Dr. Grout, before speaking with Gary Golden: The search for an LA sewer worker is beginning to look grim, as police and family end their seventh night looking for Luis Salvadore, after he failed to return home last Friday. Salvadore was last seen entering a manhole in Hollywood to carry out a routine inspection. Salvadore's family is hopeful that the husband and father of three will return safely, and urge anyone who might have seen Salvadore to contact the police.
- As a Malkavian: The search for an LA sewer worker is beginning to look grim, as police and family end their seventh night looking for Luis Salvadore, after he failed to return home last Friday. Salvadore was last seen entering a manhole in Hollywood to carry out a routine inspection. Salvadore's family is hopeful that the husband and father of three will return safely, but he's floating face down, folks.
- After speaking with Gary Golden, before speaking with the Chang Brothers: Professor Anders Johansen, the archaeologist responsible for the discovery of the Ankaran Sarcophagus, issued a brief statement today, imploring the parties responsible for the Ankaran Sarcophagus' robbery to return the relic, saying that it is a valuable piece of human history that rightfully belongs to the entire world. Johansen went on to add, "This theft is not just from the museum, but from all of mankind." Johansen, a professor of archaeology at the University of Oslo, is in town to speak to his peers about his recent dig in Turkey, and coordinate examination of the artifacts found at the Ankaran site, including the sarcophagus.
Chinatown[]
- After the Mandarin begins his experiments, before speaking with Professor Johansen: A shootout at a popular Chinatown underground club tonight left several dead and wounded after shots were exchanged between a local gang and an unidentified assailant. The club, Glaze, was a known hangout for one of Chinatown's largest street gangs, but was also a popular hangout for local club kids. One witness stated that the lone assailant acted like, quote, "something out of an action movie. I couldn't believe one person could do that." End quote. Police suspect a rival gang may be behind tonight's violence.
- As a Malkavian: A shootout out at a popular Chinatown underground club tonight left several dead and wounded after shots were exchanged between a local gang and you. The club, Glaze, was a known hangout for one of Chinatown's largest street gangs, but was also a popular hangout for local club kids. One witness stated that the exchange was all like "pow, pow, ahhh, take that, oh, you got me, oooh, you wascally wabbit, take that, blam, aieeee!"
- If Wong Ho is not warned about Article 2, discovered at the Fu Syndicate, before speaking with Professor Johansen: Prominent Chinese businessman and restauranteur Wong Ho was found dead in his home this afternoon, and investigators suspect foul play. His daughter, Kiki Ho, said she suspects a local gang may have killed her father to retaliate against his efforts to encourage local residents to clean up criminal elements in Chinatown. Local residents say he was a selfless, respected and honorable man, and will be missed.
- After speaking with the Chang Brothers, before speaking with the prince after the Society of Leopold HQ: The story of the Ankaran Sarcophagus took an even more bizarre turn when Professor Anders Johansen went missing from his hotel room earlier today. Evidence of a struggle in the professor's room at the Empire hotel indicate to investigators that Johansen was abducted. Johansen's family has received no demands yet, and there is speculation that his disappearance and the earlier theft of the Ankaran Sarcophagus are related. Police officials have gone on record as saying it's too early to confirm or deny any possibilities regarding this case.
- As a Malkavian: The story of the Ankaran Sarcophagus took an even more bizarre turn when Professor Anders Johansen went missing from his hotel room earlier today. Evidence of a struggle in the professor's room at the Empire hotel indicate to investigators that Johansen was abducted. Johansen's family has received no demands yet, and there is speculation that his disappearance and the earlier theft of the Ankaran Sarcophagus are related. Police officials have gone on record as saying, "Don't worry, that crazy bastard will save him."
Endgame[]
- After speaking with Professor Johansen: A terrorist attack in Los Angeles has left several dead and many more wounded. The Venture building was the sight [sic] of an armed assault and bombing that has many city officials worried that more are likely to follow. Security tapes show several armed men enter the building around midnight. Shortly after this, cameras went dead when a bomb was set off on floor ten. The terrorists responsible were killed in the explosion. No group has taken responsibility for the bombing yet. This is the first time a terrorist attack has taken place in Los Angeles. More on the Venture building attack as it breaks.
- After speaking with Smiling Jack following Griffith Park: Fires broke out early this morning throughout Griffith Park in what fire officials are deeming a mass arson. The fires have been raging since around daybreak, and several fire crews from all over California have joined local firefighters to help contain the deadly blaze. The Griffith Park Observatory, a historical Los Angeles landmark featured in such movies as "Rebel Without a Cause", was one of many buildings consumed by the fires. Residents in the hills surrounding the park have already been evacuated and several other neighborhoods are on alert. Investigators say that the fire was the work of an arsonist or arsonists that started the fires tactically in areas that would maximize the spread and range of the flames. We'll be providing up-to-the-minute coverage as information becomes available.
Background Information[]
- There is no Channel 3 in the real Los Angeles. If there were, it would be nestled between Channel 2 (KCBS-TV) and Channel 4 (KNBC).
- Since the Newscaster is only ever seen from one angle, only his head, arms, and front of his torso were rendered. He has no legs, or back to his torso.
- All cameras which broadcast to TVs (e.g. security cameras) require that their subjects be located on the same map. So each area that has a TV playing the news will also have a newsroom located somewhere off the accessible map, which you can find by no-clipping. The audio, however, seems to be generated by the TV, as the in-person newscaster has no audio.
- Many of the generic news are similar those heard on WTOJ during 2003, depicting strange events happening globally in the lead-up to Gehenna.
- The gelatinous creature off the coast of Providence is a reference to the Cthulhu mythos, which often depicts disturbing otherworldly creatures associated with the New England area.
- Ash Rivers crashing into the Parasite Studios sign may be a reference to the death of young actor James Dean who died in a car crash.
- Senator "Limperman" is likely a reference to Senator Joe Lieberman, who was highly concerned about violent video games during this time. The recent game which took a crude shot at him was probably Postal 2, which had released in 2003 (assuming it's not a self-reference to this news item itself).
- "Wascally wabbit" is a catchphrase of the hunter Elmer Fudd in his neverending quest to catch Bugs Bunny.