Chapter One (Prologue)
The Shrine
Hello, mortal.
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No, no. Don't be afraid of me. I'm not here to harm you. I'm simply here to talk to you.
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I've seen many faces over the millennia. Your face doesn't look familiar to me. I don't recall us having spoken before. Are we to become acquainted?
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Well, I suppose it doesn't matter either way. You've found this Shrine, my Shrine, tucked away in the darkest of dark corners of Dunwall.
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I applaud you, mortal. That must mean you have some level of intelligence in that head of yours. Or, lunacy. Or idiocy. How daring of you, that you actively sought one of my Shrines.
You do know that "worshipping" me is a crime of heresy, according to the Abbey of the Everyman? You know…That cult that has dedicated their lives to loathing me and trying to destroy me?
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You're staring awfully hard at that whalebone Rune. It won't do you any good…Not without my Mark.
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I cross my arms, and I tilt my head. I am intrigued by you, little mortal. How were you able to find my Shrine? Did you have help from someone? Granny Rags, perhaps? Daud, the Knife of Dunwall? Corvo Attano, the dishonored Royal Protector? Or maybe even the Little Rat Boy…
No…It could not have been the Little Rat Boy. He's dead.
Tell me, little mortal…How did you find my Shrine?
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Hmm…I am allowing you to see me. You are one of the few mortals who have.
You're rather quiet, aren't you? Can you not hear me? Are you a mute? Did the Overseers cut out your tongue for disobeying their Seven Strictures? Are you ignoring me? You would be the first mortal who has, if that is the case. Or, perhaps I have frightened you into silence by my sudden appearance?
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Well, your eyes betray you. There is something aware within you. I shrug my shoulders. Well, I suppose I cannot hold you at fault for your silence. Perhaps you'll be a good listener, after all.
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So, allow me to pose you this question: Do you know who I am?
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Your eyes show uncertainty, so I will answer this question for you. I am The Outsider. Perhaps you know me by one of my many other names, since you mortals seem so inclined to keep giving them to me. I am the Great Leviathan; the Trickster; an angel; a devil; The Void Walker; The One Who Walks in Your Dreams; The Black-eyed Bastard…
It's all rather tiresome, the endless titles I've been given over the millennia.
Did you know that I am none of those things? Who I truly am is no great secret. It is merely a footnote in history. Your History.
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I see that I have your attention now. So, are you willing to hear a story? Our Story?
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Prove your loyalty to me, little mortal. I'll know when you have. Then, return to this Shrine, and I will tell you this story, from the beginning of Time itself…
All the way to now.