Story

Shell

Lazlo (186)

Is the crown not enough?
Must your uncle imprison his rivals, too?
Sedition is a serious matter.
Is it a crime to think freely?
As am I.
I’m glad your father isn’t here to see this.
Yes, Justiciar.
I must see to Lord Vellen’s coronation.
I trust you can handle this?
Interrogator Lazlo—
Give yourself up freely and you will be given a fair trial.
Lord Agne…
But a confession is required.
Guards, seize him.
Your… affinity for treason is plain to see.
I am to collect proof of your treason.
What now, Interrogator?
An odd display of wealth.
I didn’t take you for a man of faith.
This… is…
If you must take it, very well.
Of course, Interrogator.
You know we cannot be bribed.
Others a punishment… for our thieving.
Some say it was a gift.
The first to change.
We were the first to consume Her unborn.
A good man… your father.
I’m well aware, Lord Agne.
My nephew…
This man is a traitor.
We need this to look real. Strike me.
After you’ve escaped I will call for help.
But it will be too late.
Is this the part where you beat the “truth” out of me?
It will appear there was a struggle.
We don’t have much time.
What?
You got the upper hand.
You’re going to evade justice today, Lord Agne.
(grunts)
But there is no need for you here.
For my failure, I’ll be ordered to track you down.
You’re a good man, Lord Agne.
Is.... that?
Guards! Let me out.
This is unfair!
But the Justiciars say you’re free to go.
Don't know.
Listen, little lord. You should run.
Nothing’s fair in this world.
There's been a mistake.
Where have Mother and Father been taken?
Mother?
... Father?
This... can't be right.
Wake up... please.
What kind of justice is this?
Eh. Don't mean nothin' to us.
Just some nobles' squabble.
What's... treason?
... Uncle?
But I can save you.
I could not save them.
I want to go home.
I'd like you to stay with me and Egon.
I'm sorry, Lazlo.
Listen, Lazlo.
No...
There is no justice without retribution.
We both know that’s not possible.
You’ll understand one day.
You... you let this happen?
(regret) Your mother, too.
And he paid for them.
But now you have a choice.
Your father made choices.
...
Cousin, join me!
I'm not hungry.
Like a peasant.
Oh, come on.
Starving yourself won't bring them back.
You look famished.
Don’t make me have the guards force feed you.
Eat something.
It's been what? Four days of this nonsense?
Yes, enjoy yourself!
(chuckle) Now this last dish is… “unique”.
Now come. Have some more.
Remember. Consumption is our noble pursuit.
See. That wasn't so hard.
There's plenty more.
You'll see.
Give it a moment. Let the Gloom take hold.
Feeling brave? There's more.
Careful now. It's quite potent.
Lazlo?
That's enough.
Now go.
They're waiting for you.
... Lazlo?
Am I...?
Dead? No, I wouldn't allow that.
I know what you seek.
Retribution.
What you need.
A Justiciar doesn’t serve himself.
But I will do it the right way.
He serves the realm above all else.
I will avenge you.
I will make you proud… I promise.
Is that why you murdered my parents?
It is.
Or even his kin.
They were naive, weak, and impulsive.
Unfit to protect the realm of Mammon.
Dead... No matter.
Interrogator (coughs) Lazlo—you’ve returned.
I’ve come to set things right.
Not in vain I hope. (coughs)
By your own kin… Lord Vellen
Egon… I can forgive you… one day.
It’s thanks to you we know the truth.
Mother, father…
No, but it will bring me peace.
Oh, I doubt that.
One injustice will not (coughs) repeal another.
You were framed… murdered.
Father…
I will set things right.
Impartial. Implacable. Unknowable.
Mother…
The mask is a reminder…(coughs) Of what we must be.
You will get justice.
Anything, please.
I haven’t had supper yet.
Well, perhaps there is one thing you could do.
Why don’t you go fetch it.
I always have.
I do, Egon.
Take pity on me.
Whether you realize it or not.
You’ve been trapped your whole life.
Mmm... yes, how about a little more?
Please.
This is… wrong.
Cousin, I’m tired, sore…
It itches, it chafes, and I cannot lift a finger.
Please, allow me a little relief.
It keeps me safe.
Much like your armor.
What is this contraption?
Egon. It’s me, Lazlo.
Egon?
From what?
I’m here to free you.
I’m not taking visitors today.
If I am to be the High Lord one day.
It is my noble duty,
They’re feeding you Gloom?
To consume as much as I can.
(snoring intensely)
Like you did his parents.
You should have had me killed!
Bullshit!
I… I don’t.
Why do you favor him? Over me.
Even from Lazlo.
I’ve kept your secrets safe, Father.
…what do you mean?
I must return home.
Oh, don’t be coy, Father.
Wait… is that what this is all about?
What did you just say?
You’ve said enough, Egon.
A cruel “gift”… but not undeserved.
Smells fresh enough.
This will put your mind at ease.
Can you hear me?
Egon—wake up.
Huh, is that… you Father?
You’ve come to make me the High Lord of Mammon?
Is this some trick Father? Another test?
It’s me, Lazlo.
You’re… confused, Egon.

Eredrim (178)

I… I pledge myself to you, Lord Eredrim.
Hm. Smart boy.
I don’t have a father anymore.
Just like your father.
Just… curious.
What are you doing?
You’re robbing me. Aren’t you?
Here. Take this.
Just a choice.
Live off scraps and pilfered goods.
No trick.
Or… find purpose.
Swear yourself to me.
Take the coin and run.
What trick is this?
(scoffs) You serious?
Draw your weapons.
Hold nothing back.
Only stop when I command.
Yes, Lord Eredrim?
You there.
You will face my squire.
But…
He would’ve never survived our march.
I… I… didn’t mean to… kill him.
Nonsense.
That man was weak.
That’s all that matters.
You did as you were told.
You did good, squire.
It matters not, as long as they're willing.
The Ovate has given us orders.
They’re not ready.
We march.
Tell me.
Who among the faithful is ready for battle?
Come on, Willam.
Move with the blow.
Sloppy.
Again!
Follow through!
Yes, that’s it!
I’d rather not… Lord Eredrim.
Take a sip.
Why not?
(coughs again) What is this… poison?
(splutters, coughs)
Ach… it’s… terrible.
Drink.
Is this an order?
I’m not asking.
No. Regrets are poison.
Thanks… but no thanks.
This... this is the cure.
Very good, squire.
You’re my squire, aren’t you?
(sighs) Don’t worry. I know what you need.
Are you done moping?
It was you or him.
It’s weak, but it’ll mend your spirits.
What is it?
You killed a man—so what?
But... we have nothing to spare.
Is that so?
It's just... we're deahtly ill.
Open up.
Probably the plague.
Say no more.
Then you have nothing to hide.
What? Why? I'm not sick.
Willam, start coughing.
You should stay away… for your own good.
You worthless louse!
(grunts)
Father! No!
Hm. You look healthy to me.
Now about those tithes?
Where are the faithful?
I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I don't have much to offer.
Open up. Your tithes are due.
But... perhaps my neighbor and his boy have fared better.
Is this it?
It's all I have. I swear it!
You best hope so.
Brave, but foolish.
I, Willam of Fallgrim, swear myself to you… Lord Eredrim.
It’s alright Father.
There must be another way. Please!
You will come with me.
You'll be... my squire.
Don't make me do this.
Let me fight him.
No. You're more valuable alive.
One less mouth to feed.
Very well. I accept your tithe.
Wait... take my son.
What!? Father.
You'd give your own son up? Just like that?
As your father supposedly does.
I walk the Immaculate Path now.
Just… leave us in peace already.
No... not anymore.
Nothing?
Peace has a price.
You're no knight!
I said stay back!
I’m… I’m warning you!
Please… Eredrim… leave us in peace.
Quiet, Willam. Let me speak.
What will you give?
But I see you suffer, too.
But inside, you’re torn… broken.
He may live…
My wounds are nothing.
(coughs)
No… I’m….
What are you... a priest?
Willam? He’s…
You’re safe.
…. where am I?
But he’s gripped by fever and dark dreams.
Can’t you do more?
Come help.
Is he dead?
I’ve tended to his wounds,
Why don’t you put the bottle down.
Now what?
Pray the night passes quickly.
This will ease the pain.
Red flesh… a good sign
I can handle it.
I’m still strong.
You don’t have to drink it.
He speaks true. Eat.
I can still lift a sword.
I will not harm you.
You’re not trying to kill me—are you?
(scoffs) What do you know?
Give it here.
That will not help.
Wait. I’ll drink it!
I know.
I promise, I’ll walk again.
I’ll do or eat whatever it takes.
(grunts) … I will. I swear it.
A meal would do him good.
Can you walk?
He needs to rest.
I’ll find something.
He is not our enemy.
I saw it, too.
In my dreams…
What have you done?
You must let him go.
You must show mercy.
But I can’t allow you to go any further.
But this is as far as you go.
But you can’t go any further.
He’s our friend!
I’m sorry.
The madman.
You’re the heretic—aren’t you?
I do.
I’m afraid not.
Then you can take us to the tower?
We seek a heretic.
You know this land? Fallgrim?
Do you, too, serve our enemy?
We both serve the same master.
… the Unborn… the Dreamer.
Enough with the riddles.
I wander in dreams.
I’m no one.
I’ve glimpsed you there… Eredrim.
I’ve seen how your story ends.
Shall I tell you?
Who are you?
Your squire, too.

Gragu (95)

(suspicious rustling)
(the rustling grows louder)
(twig snaps, more rustling)
(scoffs) Go ahead.
It’s quiet.
We could still turn around.
(scoffs) Some god.
But this is a gift. Easy meat.
I’d rather starve.
No Great Flesh.
No.
This is no challenge.
You could still claim his heart.
An offering. Sacrifices.
Hm. They’re untouched.
Human.
The Great Old One must be… displeased.
It dies… or we do.
The god-beast.
The lair of the Great Old One.
Then why have we stopped?
This is it…
We must prepare… plan…. for the hunt.
What’s there to plan?
Is this your Great Old One?
It… can’t be…
(sniffs) What are you?
A man? Or a beast?
Following your strange scent.
I had to see… for myself.
I’m aware.
Wait! Don’t! I… I’ve been tracking you.
All men are beasts.
As do I!
But you and I…
I know the way… to the Great Old One.
I seek the Great Flesh.
My pack… they’re cowards.
The hearts of gods.
Then get up.
We could claim the Great Flesh together.
We’re nothing alike.
Yes! Then we are akin.
You may live… for now.
(grunts)
(deep chuckle)
Ah, and you are?
Look at you, ah, Gragu.
You’re… not real.
Just an insatiable worm.
Not a man. Not a beast.
You think you’re special?
You’re nothing.
And you will die.
Like all flesh…
You will live.
… all mortals.
… what… was in that man’s… heart?
A worm?
Were you… inside me?
… What? What is that?
Die!
(grunts) Thanks.
Just… stay away from the hard stuff.
They’ll take care of you, brev.
This is the place.
What can I get you?
Just… keep my cup full.
Oh?
Take a seat, my friend.
Well then.
What I want… can’t be given.
(scoffs) We’re just meat. Slowly… rotting…away.
There’s no escape.
To… to the way of all flesh.
You die.
You live.
… what are we… drinking to?
Have mercy on me... please...
I'm weak! I'm worthless!
(spits)
A shred of the Great Flesh?
Do you taste the divine?
No… just more scared meat.
(grunts) Not much of a man.
(sniffs)
He will do.
No! I beg you… please… I-I’m nothing… no man at all!
The divine… I can smell it on him.
This is my reward?
A man’s heart…
And yet it's never enough.
It holds his strength.
Please… don’t…
This… is the way of all flesh.

Smert (72)

But it will be unorthodox.
I can show you.
Truly.
Well, I spoke to Her. For the first time.
Brether Smert?
Join me.
And?
As are you.
Have you ever spoken to Her?
I am a humble vessel of Matka’s will.
I pray each day.
Of course. I pray each day.
Don't stop now, Hierarch.
Harder!
Is this what you wanted!?
It is in fact.
That's it! Very good.
Yes, keep at it.
You really are mad.
Almost... there.
Come on. You must hit me. Hard.
Do you hear Her?
I hope.
I'm sorry, but I can't hold back.
Our suffering must be honest.
Mad or not, I will humble you, brether Smert.
Or what?
Stay your hand, brether... or else.
That's it!
Will you punish me?
If Matka willed it.
Tell me.
This is absurd, brether Smert.
Would you strike a brether?
... Matka... she's here.
... what... do you mean?
I hear Her... the Great Mether.
Rise, brether Smert.
She says I must... humble you, too.
Yes, that's it! You've done it.
... what? Who?
Do you see Her now?
Please... brether... stop....
Then I'm afraid we must continue.
... Matka...
Forgive me for doubting.
Wait... I see... I see Her!
And yet the whore, at least, provides some benefit to the world.
But it's just an act isn't it?
Come on.
Must I do everything myself?
Strike me.
That's enough.
What? Are you afraid?
You say all the right words... and act piously.
You spend more time on your knees than a common whore.
.... Yes. Or rather...
Did you find Her?
In the darkness, she found me.
Showed me... our blessed purpose.
I am your disciple now.
I will spread your teachings.
Let me help you, Hierach.
No...
… Prophet Smert.
A wet, empty void…
But in that darkness I heard a voice.
Don’t you wish to hear what she said?
I–I slipped into darkness.
No need. I already know.
Say no more.
Wake up.

Genessa Proxima Hub Ruk Sariel Tiel Eredrim Gorf

Shell

Lazlo (186)

Eredrim (178)

Gragu (95)

Smert (72)

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