An Ambitious Expansion of the Thief Universe

Rediscovering Thief 4: An Ambitious Expansion of the Thief Universe

When Thief: Deadly Shadows released in 2004, it faced a mixed reception. For fans of the original two games, it felt like a departure, yet for others, it offered some of the best writing and storytelling within the series. The game exposed the inner workings of the Keepers - a mysterious group of knowledge-keepers - and revealed unsettling truths about their organisation. The eerie tones and complex narrative were an ambitious step, deepening the lore and exploring the decay of once-revered institutions.

Ten years later, in 2014, Thief 4 sought to take this world even further, setting its story centuries after the original trilogy. The approach aimed to build on the world’s foundations while expanding its mysteries, especially around the City's history and the enigmatic Primal power. This shift in setting allowed the game to create new legends and revisit old ones, reinventing Garrett's role in the City and even suggesting that Garrett himself may be part of a recurring cycle, a character summoned by the City in times of need, much like a figure of myth. Unfortunately, many fans and new players missed this depth in the lore, dismissing Thief 4 as too different from its predecessors. But for those who dove into its world, the game offers a rich tapestry that adds fascinating layers to the Thief universe.

Moira Asylum and the Sneak Thief Legend

In Thief 4 Moira Asylum plays a crucial role in connecting the past to the present. Built in 459, it serves as an ancient institution, both a prison and an asylum. Within its decaying walls, a legend lingers—a “Sneak Thief” was once committed there, thought to be Garrett himself from Thief: Deadly Shadows. The story leaves much to the imagination: Did Garrett die within the asylum’s dark walls, or did he escape, leaving stashes of loot and relics, such as his own mechanical eye? This legacy transforms Garrett from a mere character into a myth, a figure akin to legends who, like King Arthur or Link from The Legend of Zelda, emerges when the City needs him most.

The idea that Garrett could transcend his individual identity suggests that the City, through the Primal’s influence, might create a “protector” every few generations. This would explain the new Garrett’s role as a figure who possesses the old Garrett’s skills and instincts but operates as a distinct personality. It adds a timeless quality to the character, making him part of a grander, almost supernatural narrative.

The Disappearance of the Glyphs and the Power of the Primal

In Thief: Deadly Shadows, glyphs held power that the Keepers used to maintain balance within the City. However, by the end of Deadly Shadows, the final glyph was activated, and the glyphs vanished, effectively locking away their power. In Thief 4, we find hints that this ancient force is not entirely dormant. A character even unlocks some secrets of the glyphs, gaining the ability to walk through walls—a fascinating, if haunting, glimpse into what remains of the Keepers' knowledge. This new connection to the glyphs implies that while the Keepers have vanished, their powers linger, influencing the world in subtle ways.

The Primal itself—an ancient, otherworldly power—is a central theme in Thief 4, suggested to predate even the City. The Queen of Beggars, a mysterious figure who advises Garrett, hints that those who once controlled the Primal—presumably the Keepers—paid a heavy price for it. This power likely fueled the Keepers’ glyph-based abilities, such as turning allies invisible, and may even be responsible for Garrett's “gift” of heightened senses and skills. The Primal also seems to act as a force of balance within the City, bringing forth a new Garrett when disorder threatens to take over.

The Primal’s influence extends into the Gloom, an ailment afflicting the citizens and causing them to suffer severe physical and mental transformations. These “Freaks” bear resemblance to the monstrous, long-fingered appearance of Gamall, the corrupted Keeper from Deadly Shadows. It’s as though prolonged exposure to the Primal’s remnants can warp reality and the body itself. This thematic connection further binds Thief 4 to its predecessors, as it continues exploring the Primal’s impact on the City and its people.

The Old Gods and Their Forbidden Worship

Another layer that enriches Thief 4’s universe is the subtle but powerful presence of the Old Gods. After the Northcrest family gained control, they outlawed worship of these gods, destroying temples and symbols of the City’s ancient faith. Yet, remnants of this worship persist underground, with figures like the Wax Witch trapping souls in candles and Garrett encountering hints of the Trickster. As the Northcrest family falls, it suggests that these Old Gods may regain a foothold in the City, potentially challenging the Primal for control over the fate of its citizens.

These fragments of old belief systems contribute to a sense of lost history, creating a multi-layered setting where the City itself holds countless secrets. By incorporating the Old Gods and their suppressed worship, Thief 4 portrays the City as a place haunted by its past, forever bound to powers beyond the understanding of most of its inhabitants.

Basso and the Garrett Legacy

In a nod to fans of the original games, Thief 4 includes a character named Basso, likely a descendant of the original Basso from Thief 1 and 2. This new Basso, known for his quirks and love of the name “Jenniver” makes a tongue-in-cheek reference to the first Basso’s sister, who was mentioned in an obscure objective in Thief 1. These references serve as easter eggs, connecting the two timelines and reminding players of Garrett's earlier exploits. 

A Misunderstood Masterpiece

While Thief 4 may have missed the mark with some players, it’s clear that its creators intended to deepen the Thief universe by introducing mythical elements, exploring the Primal’s influence, and connecting the old Garrett’s story to a new generation. The game's narrative suggests that Garrett is more than a single character; he’s an enduring legend, a spirit that answers the City's call for protection in times of need. Like a timeless hero, Garrett’s essence returns, bound to the City and to the ancient powers that shape it.

The ambition and complexity of Thief 4 made it a misunderstood entry, but for those who appreciate its lore and world-building, it represents an impressive expansion of the Thief universe. By exploring the City’s ancient past, the enduring legacy of the Old Gods, and the enigmatic Primal, Thief 4 adds new depth to an already rich world, ensuring that Garrett’s legacy will live on in the shadows of the City for generations to come.