The Guru

Lore & Background

The Guru hails from the Australian outback, where he honed his shamanic arts in isolation. His abilities stem from a deep connection to the spiritual world, allowing him to hypnotize animals and even manipulate the minds of enemies. He speaks in a cryptic, broken English, often referring to himself in the third person and delivering riddles or warnings. Despite his odd mannerisms, he is fiercely loyal to the Cooper Gang and plays a crucial role in several heists.

In Their Own Story

Deep in the red dust of the outback, The Guru sat cross-legged beneath a gnarled tree, his eyes closed. A dingo crept close, ribs showing, lips peeled back. Without stirring, The Guru hummed a low, guttural note. The dingo's snarl faltered; its tail tucked. It whined, then flopped down, chin on its paws. 'The Guru sees the spirit in all things,' he said, voice like dry leaves. 'Even the angry ones just need a friend.' When Sly and Bentley finally found him, panting from the heat, The Guru didn't rise. He just opened one eye. 'The Guru knew you would come. The spirits told him. Also, the wind told him. And that lizard.' He nodded at a goanna sunning itself on a rock.

Reader's Guide

The Guru is a playable character in *Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves*, unlocked after completing the 'A Cold Alliance' mission in the Australia chapter. His primary ability is hypnosis: he can take control of certain animals (such as wolves, crocodiles, or even a giant snake) and use them to attack enemies, solve puzzles, or reach otherwise inaccessible areas. When controlling an animal, the player moves the creature and can perform special attacks or actions unique to that beast. Outside of animal control, The Guru has limited combat capability, relying on stealth and his hypnotic trance to avoid detection. He can also perform a 'spirit walk' to become temporarily invisible, though this drains his focus. His levels often involve guiding animals through obstacle courses or using them to distract guards. The Guru's sections are puzzle-oriented, emphasizing patience and timing over direct confrontation.

Did You Know?

• The Guru's voice actor also provided the voice for the character 'The Murray' in the *Sly* series.
• His design was inspired by traditional Aboriginal Australian shamanic imagery, though the game takes creative liberties.
• In the game's files, The Guru is sometimes referred to as 'Shaman' or 'Hypno' during development.
• He is one of the few characters in the series who does not have a known real name.