The recent “Citadel Des Morts” cutscene tells a complex story that combines elements from several Call of Duty games, including Black Ops 4, Vanguard, and Cold War.
This article aims to explain the rich story and background featured in this interesting intro cutscene, providing context and analysis for fans who want to better understand this world.
Setting and Timeline
The cutscene starts in the Principality of Avalon, a place first shown at the end of the Terminus Easter egg cutscene. The events happen six days after the Terminus and Liberty Falls missions.
We’re introduced to Sergei Ravenov, a character dealing with alcohol and cigarette addiction who is thinking about the past during the events of Cold War Zombies.
Important Characters and Groups
Sergei Ravenov
Once a Soviet agent, by 1991, Sergei Ravenov is working for the French Syndicate.
This criminal group, led by Franco, has teamed up with Project Janus and Edward Richtofen to gather information on the Sentinel Artifact and question Professor Gabriel Kraft.
Professor Gabriel Kraft
A key character from Call of Duty Vanguard Zombies, Gabriel Kraft is an expert on demons who spent his life studying the supernatural.
Captured by Wolfram Von List during World War II, Kraft was forced to help search for powerful artifacts linked to the Elder Gods.
His deep knowledge and interest in Sentinel Artifacts now make him a target for the French Syndicate and Richtofen.
Main Story Points
Ravenov’s Disappointment
Ravenov’s clear frustration and nostalgia highlight his complicated past with Samantha Maxis and his involvement in important Cold War Zombies events.
A series of reveals connects Ravenov’s past experiences and current motivations, including his secret child with Samantha Maxis named AA, adding depth to his character’s sad story.
Gabriel Kraft’s Importance
Kraft’s history is closely tied to other Call of Duty titles. His work during World War II provided crucial guidance on the Tome of Rituals and various mythical artifacts.
The cutscene reveals that although we haven’t seen Kraft in person before, he spoke to players during Vanguard missions, emphasizing his role in the overall story.
The Sentinel Artifact and Prima Materia
The main focus of the cutscene is the search for the Sentinel Artifact. This artifact, linked to an ancient material called Prima Materia, represents ultimate power and immortality.
The connections to Black Ops 4’s Chaos storyline, where these artifacts created trial challenges, enrich the background, linking past and present characters, including Richtofen’s relentless pursuit of these artifacts.
Cross-Timeline Elements
Black Ops 4 Connections
The cutscene establishes links to the Black Ops 4 Zombies Chaos storyline, bringing in characters like Alistair Rhodes and the Nine, who created the Sentinel Artifacts.
Such connections expand the story scope and connect different timelines and characters across Call of Duty’s large universe.
Franco and Maya’s Backstory
Maya’s desire for revenge against Franco, the leader of the French Syndicate, adds another layer of interest.
Her mission relates to her brother Nathan’s tragic fate under the Syndicate’s influence, creating a personal vendetta that intersects with Ravenov’s disappointment, pointing toward an upcoming confrontation.
Unsolved Mysteries
The cutscene leaves several questions unanswered, particularly how Richtofen discovered Gabriel Kraft and the secrets of the Sentinel Artifacts.
Theories suggest possible mentorship or other hidden connections that are expected to be revealed in future updates, adding more layers to this rich storyline.
Conclusion
The Citadel Des Morts cutscene provides an engaging look into the extensive Call of Duty Zombies lore.
By connecting detailed storylines and characters from various titles, it creates a complex narrative that is both compelling and intricate.
As we wait for further developments, this cutscene promises an exciting continuation of the Zombies saga. Meanwhile, you should also check the earlier post where we shared steps to skip easter eggs in Black Ops 6 Zombies.
