Solving the Bulls of Blood Mystery in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: A Step-by-Step Guide

In the immersive world of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, players can embark on exhilarating side quests that enrich their adventures. One of the initial side missions, titled “The Bulls of Blood,”presents a captivating mystery involving secrets concealed within a fascist encampment. This quest reveals itself during “The Stolen Cat Mummy,”which is the first significant mission post-tutorial. Here, Indy ventures to Vatican City to track a giant who assaulted him and pilfered artifacts from his university’s museum. However, players must first navigate through numerous historic sites teeming with Blackshirts, who will aggressively confront any American intruder.

Locating the Hidden Passage Beside the Fireplace

Discovering Russo’s Note

Indy's hand holding Russo's note in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

Identifying the Fireplace

Among the key details in Russo’s Note is a reference to a “passage” situated next to a fireplace, which becomes your next objective. In the room where Russo’s Note is found, there is indeed a fireplace paired with what appears to be a hidden passage. However, this is not the correct location to explore.

To find the true fireplace, reposition yourself by turning 90 degrees to your left and advance into the adjacent office at the end of the short hallway. Here, you will discover another small fireplace, along with two striking bull paintings flanking a faded fresco.

Unlocking the Hidden Passage

Resolving “The Bulls of Blood”Puzzle

As you examine the paintings of the two bulls, one red and one white, you will notice they can be rotated. However, the solution to align them correctly can be found nearby: investigate the desk to uncover a calling card stamped with the two bulls. Take note of their positions and colors, as Indy will acknowledge that they face each other.

Interestingly, you can solve this puzzle during your first visit to Castel Sant’Angelo, but there’s flexibility to return later if needed.

To successfully unlock the passage, rotate the paintings until the two red bulls are facing one another, mimicking the orientation depicted on the card. This action will cause the fresco to slide open, granting access to the undiscovered passage and the rewards that await.

Rewards for Completing “The Bulls of Blood”

Your efforts in solving this puzzle will yield 100 Adventure Points, a valuable currency in the game akin to experience or skill points. These points can be utilized for various character upgrades found in in-game books. Upon entering the passage, you will also discover Cesare Borgia’s Letter resting on a table to your right, which will provide an additional bonus of Adventure Points.

Continuing your exploration, ascend through the secret passage and pull the lever to open a gate. Beyond this gate lies a rations chest containing 100 lire, the currency of Italy during that era. Progressing further down the path, you will encounter a second lever to open another gate, leading you back to the main area, allowing you to continue with your primary quest. This hidden section can also serve as a strategic shortcut or refuge during future missions.

With this accomplishment, you have successfully unraveled your first optional mystery. Numerous similar puzzles are scattered throughout Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, inviting players to remain vigilant for mysterious notes, obscure doorways, and other intriguing anomalies as they navigate their adventures.

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