Blackwell Fallout

Blackwell Fallout

The second episode of Life is Strange: Before the Storm, "Brave New World," thrusts Chloe Price directly into the turbulent aftermath of her actions at the Blackwell Academy play. This section serves as a comprehensive guide to navigating the critical choices, optional activities, and hidden collectibles you'll encounter during this pivotal school day, ensuring you make the most of every interaction and decision.

Confrontation with Principal Wells: The Ultimate Backtalk Challenge

The episode begins with an unavoidable and high-stakes confrontation with Principal Wells in his office. This isn't merely a conversation; it's a crucial Backtalk challenge that can significantly influence Chloe's standing at Blackwell and her relationships with other characters. Winning this Backtalk can earn you respect and potentially mitigate some of the disciplinary actions, while losing might lead to harsher consequences, though the core narrative will always progress.

• Location: Principal Wells' Office, located at the end of the main administrative hallway on the ground floor of Blackwell Academy.
• Objective: Successfully win the Backtalk challenge against Principal Wells.
• Strategy Overview: The Backtalk mechanic in Before the Storm requires careful listening and quick, intelligent retorts. Wells will attempt to assert his authority, appeal to Chloe's guilt, and use her past record against her. Your responses must be sharp, logical, and occasionally emotionally resonant, without being overtly disrespectful. The key is to turn his own arguments against him or expose hypocrisy.
• Key Backtalk Phrases (Concrete Examples & Principles):

  During the Backtalk challenge, Wells will present several arguments. Each argument has a specific weakness you can exploit. Below are the most effective responses for each stage of the conversation:

  1. Wells' Opening: "You're lucky I'm even listening to you after that stunt."
     • Principle: Challenge his authority/fairness.
     • Effective Response: "Lucky? I'm not the one who looks like a fool." (This implies he's the one who should be grateful for your presence, or that his authority is compromised.)
  2. Wells on Chloe's Record: "Your disciplinary record here is already extensive, Chloe."
     • Principle: Deflect by exposing school hypocrisy or his own perceived failures.
     • Effective Response: "And what about the school's record? Sweeping things under the rug?" (This suggests the school has its own issues it's not addressing.)
  3. Wells on Joyce (Chloe's Mother): "I've spoken to your mother, she's very concerned."
     • Principle: Turn the guilt back on him or highlight his lack of understanding.
     • Effective Response: "Don't you dare bring my mom into this. You don't know anything about us." (This asserts your personal boundaries and implies he's overstepping.)
  4. Wells on Responsibility: "You need to take responsibility for your actions."
     • Principle: Challenge his definition of responsibility or imply he's not taking his own.
     • Effective Response: "I am taking responsibility. For standing up for myself." (This reframes your actions as justified.)
  5. Wells on Consequences: "This school has rules, Chloe, and there will be consequences."
     • Principle: Challenge the fairness of the rules or the severity of the consequences.
     • Effective Response: "Are these rules for everyone, or just for me?" (This questions the consistency and fairness of his application of rules.)

  Important Note: The exact phrasing options might vary slightly based on previous choices in Episode 1, but the underlying principle for each successful retort remains consistent. Always choose the option that is assertive, challenges Wells' premise, or turns his argument back on him.

• Outcome of the Backtalk:
  • Win: Chloe successfully stands her ground. Wells will be visibly frustrated but will concede a degree of respect, leading to a lighter punishment (e.g., a suspension rather than an immediate threat of expulsion). This outcome can also unlock unique dialogue options with other students who heard about the confrontation, potentially boosting Chloe's reputation.
  • Lose: Wells will be more dismissive and assert his authority, leading to a more severe disciplinary action (e.g., a harsher suspension or a direct threat of expulsion). While not game-ending, this can make subsequent interactions with faculty and some students more challenging.

Exploring Blackwell Academy: Graffiti, Friends, and D&D

After the intense meeting with Wells, Chloe will have some free time to explore Blackwell Academy. This is your prime opportunity to interact with other students, discover new graffiti spots, and engage in an optional but highly rewarding D&D session. explore thoroughly before progressing the main story.

New Graffiti Spots (Collectibles)

Blackwell Academy offers numerous opportunities for Chloe to leave her mark. Finding and tagging these spots contributes to your overall collectible count (there are 10 graffiti spots per episode) and often reveals a bit more about Chloe's rebellious nature or inner thoughts. Successfully tagging all 10 graffiti spots in an episode unlocks the "Vandal" achievement/trophy for that episode.

Here are the 5 new graffiti spots available within Blackwell Academy during this section:

1. Science Lab Door
   • Location: Inside the Science Lab. From the main hallway, enter the Science Lab (first door on the right). Once inside, look immediately to your left for a door labeled "Chemical Storage."
   • Interaction: Chloe will comment on the "Danger: Flammable" sign.
   • Graffiti: Chloe draws a skull and crossbones.
2. Boys' Dormitory Bathroom Mirror
   • Location: Inside the Boys' Dormitory. From the main courtyard, enter the Boys' Dormitory. Head straight into the bathroom area. The mirror is above the sinks.
   • Interaction: You might need to interact with the broken toilet or the graffiti on the stall door first to trigger the option for the mirror.
   • Graffiti: Chloe draws a self-portrait with a sarcastic caption.
3. Janitor's Closet Door
   • Location: In the main administrative hallway, near the entrance to Principal Wells' office. The janitor's closet is a plain, grey metal door on the left side of the hallway, opposite the trophy cases.
   • Interaction: Chloe will note the locked door.
   • Graffiti: Chloe draws a "No Future" punk symbol.
4. Drama Club Poster Board
   • Location: In the main hallway, near the entrance to the Drama Club area (where the stage is). Look for a large, brightly colored bulletin board covered with posters and flyers.
   • Interaction: Chloe will comment on the various drama club announcements.
   • Graffiti: Chloe adds a sarcastic speech bubble to one of the posters.
5. Cafeteria Wall (near the vending machines)
   • Location: Inside the Cafeteria. Head towards the back wall where the vending machines are located. The graffiti spot is on the wall directly to the right of the soda machine.
   • Interaction: Chloe will observe the blandness of the wall.
   • Graffiti: Chloe draws a stylized "Eat Me" or similar rebellious message.

Missable Warning: These graffiti spots are only available during this specific free-roam segment at Blackwell. Once you progress the main story, you will not be able to return to these locations to tag them.

The D&D Game with Mikey: Choices and Outcomes

One of the most heartwarming and character-developing optional interactions in this section is joining Mikey and Steph for a game of "Dungeons & Dragons." This is an excellent opportunity to deepen your relationship with Mikey and see a different, more vulnerable side of Chloe.

• Location: The Blackwell Academy Library. Mikey and Steph will be seated at a round table near the back, surrounded by books.
• Objective: Participate in the D&D game and make choices that influence the narrative and your relationships, particularly with Mikey.
• Initiating the Game: Approach Mikey and Steph and choose the dialogue option to join their game.
• Key Choices & Outcomes:
  1. Choosing Your Character: You'll be given a choice of character classes. While this doesn't have a major impact on the D&D game's overall outcome, it can reflect Chloe's personality and influence Mikey's initial reaction.
     • Warrior (e.g., Barbarian, Fighter): Represents an aggressive, direct approach. Mikey might comment on your "strength."
     • Rogue (e.g., Thief, Assassin): Represents a cunning, stealthy approach. Mikey might be amused by your "trickery."
     • Mage (e.g., Wizard, Sorcerer): Represents a strategic, magical approach. Mikey might be surprised by your "intellect."
  2. Encountering the Goblins: Mikey, as the Dungeon Master, will describe an encounter with goblins guarding a bridge.
     • Option 1: Attack Directly (Warrior/Aggressive): Chloe's character attempts a direct assault.
       • Outcome: Often leads to a combat encounter. If successful, you defeat the goblins. If unsuccessful, you might take damage or require assistance from Steph.
       • Impact: Mikey might commend your bravery, but Steph might comment on your recklessness.
     • Option 2: Stealth/Distraction (Rogue/Cunning): Chloe's character tries to sneak past or distract the goblins.
       • Outcome: Can lead to avoiding combat entirely or gaining an advantage in a subsequent fight.
       • Impact: Mikey might be impressed by your cleverness, Steph might approve of your tactical thinking.
     • Option 3: Use Magic/Negotiate (Mage/Strategic): Chloe's character attempts to use a spell or talk her way out.
       • Outcome: Can lead to unique resolutions, sometimes avoiding conflict or charming the goblins.
       • Impact: Mikey might be surprised by your unconventional approach, Steph might find it amusing.
  3. The "Dragon" Encounter (The Final Challenge): Later, you'll face a more significant challenge – a "dragon" (represented by a large, menacing creature). This is the most crucial decision for your relationship with Mikey.
     • Option 1: Sacrifice Yourself for Mikey: Chloe's character takes a hit, shielding Mikey's character from the dragon's attack.
       • Outcome: Mikey will be incredibly touched and grateful for this act of selflessness and friendship.
       • Impact: Significantly boosts your relationship with Mikey. He will remember this act of loyalty, leading to unique dialogue and a stronger bond later in the game. This is generally considered the "best" outcome for Mikey's relationship.
     • Option 2: Rely on Steph: Let Steph's character handle the situation, or suggest she takes the lead.
       • Outcome: Steph might resolve the situation, but Chloe doesn't gain as much personal credit or deepen her bond with Mikey as much.
       • Impact: Neutral impact on Mikey's relationship. He might be slightly disappointed Chloe didn't step up more.
     • Option 3: Try to Fight Alone: Your character attempts to solo the threat, ignoring the need for teamwork.
       • Outcome: Can be risky, potentially leading to a "defeat" in the game, but can also show Chloe's determination.
       • Impact: Mikey might be concerned for your character, but also impressed by your grit. However, it doesn't foster the same level of connection as sacrificing for him.
• Common Pitfalls:
  • Dismissiveness: Don't try to be overly aggressive or dismissive of the game. Mikey takes it seriously, and your genuine participation is valued. Sarcastic or uninterested responses can negatively impact your relationship with him.
  • Ignoring Mikey: While Steph is present, the primary relationship focus of this scene is Mikey. Prioritize choices that show you care about his character and his experience.
• Rewards: Successfully engaging in the D&D game, especially if you make choices that show care and loyalty towards Mikey, will significantly strengthen your bond with him. This can lead to unique dialogue options and a more positive relationship later in the game, including a touching moment in Episode 3. It also provides a moment of levity and crucial character development for Chloe, showing her capacity for empathy and friendship beyond Rachel.

Interactions with Other Students and Rachel

Your choices from Episode 1 and your performance in the Backtalk challenge with Wells will subtly influence how other students react to Chloe. Steph, for instance, will have different dialogue depending on your previous interactions and whether you joined her for the D&D game. Keep an eye out for opportunities to chat with various NPCs to gather information, observe the school's atmosphere, or simply enjoy some character banter.

Rachel Amber will also be dealing with her own complex issues during this time, particularly after the events of the play. You'll have multiple opportunities to support her, listen to her problems, and reinforce the burgeoning bond between you two. These interactions are crucial for developing their relationship and often lead to significant story progression. Always choose options that show empathy, loyalty, and understanding towards Rachel to maximize your bond and progress their story arc effectively.