What's that now... ...don't like the cold? Can't stay in today... ...we have a ritual to perform, you and I. Here... ...wear this. It belonged to my daughter. Good. Today... ...I speak your name, girl... ...but... ...will the goddess speak it back? Normally it would be the mother who declares... ...if you had one. The whole village would attend... ...and matriarchs perform the ritual... ...but... ...we are outcasts. Even so... ...we keep the tribe's rituals. Otherwise we might become like the faithless Old Ones... ...who turned their backs on the goddess... ...but their wickedness doomed them. To us... ...we're left the splendors of creation. Beasts of air... ...water... ...earth... ...and steel. It is one thing to hunt a beast... ...another to hunt a machine. You must be humble... ...and respect their power. I will teach you this... ...one day. High Matriarch Teersa... ...what is she doing here? Does she mean to forbid the ritual? No no no, off your knees... ...it's nearly time! And yes... ...you may speak to me. You came to bless the naming? Have not 6 months gone by since we entrusted her to you? But, we are outcasts. You, by choice... ...and she... ...well... ...I am a High Matriarch, Rost... ...I bless whom I choose! Then, you honor us? Yes, yes, now go, and be ready to declare. Go! All-Mother... ...this child needs a name by which to know her... ...that your love may warm her life... ...as the rising sub warms all the earth. Speak her name! ALOY! [echo: "Aloy! Aloy!"] And so her name is blessed. Stop this at once! What have you done? I've blessed the naming of a child. Stubborn woman, you call that curse a child!? What did she tell you about its birth, outcast? ANSWER! I've done only what you asked. To raise it, yes... ...we said nothing of love! Enough! And you... ...blessing its name like it was one of the Nora, one of the tribe! I know my duty to them... ...and to you. I'm here... ...and wherever you go... ...I will follow. ALOY! ALOY! Ooh... ...that's a lot of berries! You're quite the gatherer, aren't you, little Bast? Now go and see if you can find some more, hmm? Well done, that's a good boy. Children... ...come with me! She's an outcast... ...to be shunned. Come on! ROST! DOWN HERE! ROST! Rost... He won't hear me. Some kind of... ...cave? Whoa... Looks tight... ...but I can get through. This MUST be a ruin of the Metal World. One of the Old Places. Rost said never go in places like this... ...but I have to find a way out! There's something up ahead. What's that? A dead person! There's something shiny there! Lights... ...everywhere! You think I want it this way? It's the best I can do! He's right behind you! Hi! Happy Birthday, Isaac! Daddy sure does love his little big man! Look, Daddy can't be there with you and Mom, but... ...we can still have a party, right!? Sure we can! Show me! Show me again! ...best I can do. He's right behind you! Hi! ...hi... Happy Birthday, Isaac! Daddy sure does love his little big man! Look, Daddy can't be there with you and Mom, but... ...we can still have a party, right!? Sure we can! ...happy Birthday, Isaac... ...Daddy sure does love his little big man... ALOY! ALOY! Are you down there!? He found me! Rost found me! ALOY! Down here! I'm coming! All-Mother be praised. Come, girl! Take my hand! You don't belong down there. Come! Such places are forbidden, Aloy. I fell in! They are of the Metal World! What is that... ...on your face? Nothing... Did you find it... ...down there? ...no. Give it to me. No. Aloy... ...such things are dangerous! NO! Well... ...if you're going to go sneaking away from home... ...you'll need to know how to survive in the wild. Come, Aloy... ...home now. Starting tomorrow... ...you will learn to hunt. All these shapes... ...what do they mean!? Take... ...your bow. Bow!? And enough muttering to that... ...plaything. We descend to the valley now. Follow. The wilds can be dangerous, Aloy. You will need to stay close... ...and do as I say. I know. Where are we? This valley is just a part of All-Mother's Embrace. Embrace... The Nora tribe watches these lands... ...and keeps out the most dangerous machines. Usually. Who's that!? Ignore him. But why's he up there? He's smiling at us! Teb... ...get back where you belong! TEB! Where are you!? Ignore him. We are outcasts, and he is of the tribe. Maybe he doesn't like the tribe. Then he is a fool. Aloy... ...a machine's coming. Crouch, and follow me into the tall grass. There! Now stay low. Little one... No, Aloy. Such machines are called Watchers. You must learn to avoid their gaze. If you are to survive in the wilds... ...I will show you. Listen closely. Do as I do. Stay still! Wait for it to pass. Come, back this way. The slower you move... ...the quieter you'll be... ...and crouched walking is quieter than upright. Wait for it! That's the last of them. Let's move on. There's the herd. Alright... ...it's time to throw some rocks. But rocks can't hurt machines, right? No... ...but they CAN distract them... ...draw them into traps. Like that Watcher over there. It must be dealt with... ...or it will warn the herd, and send them running before we get in range. Warn them? How? The machines speak to each other, Aloy... ...unless they are first silenced. Now you stay here on the ridge. On my signal... ...throw rocks and draw the Watcher over to me. Wait for my signal. Aloy... ...throw a rock near me! Strider... ...one of the weaker machines... ...but even a weak machine can kill a hunter... ...if she's careless. You must study your prey. Its hide is thick... ...but there ARE spots where it is vulnerable... ...like its eye. Can you guess another? The cannister on its back... ...is that a weakness? Yes... ...how did you guess that? The device... ...it showed me! What, that plaything? Stop playing games. Now... ...take down that Strider. Target the eye... ...or the cannister... ...and if it charges... ...be ready to roll out of the way. KEEP FIRING! You did well today... ...but you have much to learn. Tomorrow... ...we train again. What was that!? That boy! I can do nothing. It's only a matter of time before the machines find that boy... ...and kick him to death... ...but if I shoot... ...it will cause a stampede... ...and they will trample him. But I can see the paths they take! Stop telling stories! I'm not! I can sneak through! You will NOT! Aloy! Got to be careful. I need to see their paths. Almost there. There he is! Hey! What!? How is this... Shhh! Follow me. So... ...it is no plaything? Wait... ...All-Mother bless that girl... ...bless you both. Boy! She saved me. I just want to... BOY! Seal your lips! They are outcasts, both... ...and she... ...is motherless. Come now... ...back to Mother's Heart. And you... That boy should not have spoken to us. It's against tribal law. We'll go home now. Follow. I know the way. Stay away, No-Mother! Hey! Children! Away from there! Back to picking berries! You're bleeding. Let me have a look. Here... ...hold still... ...I'll get it. Why? Shh... Why am I an outcast? Aloy... ...this is not the time. Who... ...was my mother? Aloy... ...I've told you before... ...that's not for us to know. You were... ...just a newborn when the Matriarchs brought you to me. So the Matriarchs... ...they know!? It's not so simple! But they know! Aloy... ...we are outcasts! So how do I make them tell me!? The Matriarchs? There is a way, perhaps. So tell me! It would be dangerous. HOW!? It would take YEARS of training! I DON'T CARE! How do I do it!? TELL ME! the Proving... ...the tribe's rite of passage, held every year. Those who pass become Braves... ...but to the one who wins... ...the Matriarchs grant a boon. A "boon"? Yes... ...whatever the winner wants. Then I'll do it! Whatever it takes! I'll win the Proving. I see. We best get started, then. Your training will be hard... ...and it will take years. Start training!? Yes! Follow! So... ...it's time. Are you ready? Yes... ...I guess. It's... ...louder than I expected. You've never been so close before. I guess everything's bigger up close. Soon it'll all seem familiar... ...like home. I don't know about that. Look for High Matriarch Teersa. She'll help you. Any other concerns? Any final lessons before I head in? No. You've learned every lesson the wilds have to teach. It was you who taught me, not the wilds. Not sure my bow and spear will be much help in there, though. It is with bow and spear that you'll win what you've wanted all these years, Aloy... ...answers. I'm ready to do this. See you back home in a few days? You will not find me there, Aloy. Here... Take this, to... ...remember. Why are you talking like we'll never see each other again? No... ...NO! You should be with the tribe... ...and I will always be an outcast. But I told you I have that figured out! I'll come to you in secret! I'll be the one breaking the law, not you! You don't even have to talk to me. This... ...attachment to me will only hold you back! It's my wish that you embrace the tribe. You've lived in isolation long enough. Not until now I didn't. For your sake... ...I must go where you will never find me. You taught me how to track. Wherever you go... ...I can follow. Not this time. This time... ...and every time. I'll be wearing this when I find you. May All-Mother bless you... ...Aloy. And you. You will turn back, outcast... ...or bleed... ...your choice. Make way! Make way! Braves! Stand aside, she is welcome here! Mother's Heart is open to you, child. Come... I assure you most Nora aren't so rude as those idiots. You’re... Teersa? (laughs) Who else would I be? Come on, now... ...I've been waiting for this day a long time. You have!? Oh yes... ...but, for the moment I must leave you. I have other outsiders to keep safe tonight. You... what? Envoys from another tribe... ...the Carja... ...come to observe the Proving, and oh how the Nora hate the Carja. Carja? But, that's my problem. We will talk later. In the meantime, enjoy the festival. Oh! Down the path to the right you'll find an old friend who can't wait to see you. But... I don't know anyone here. Try telling him that. We will talk later. May the goddess protect. What is going on? ALOY! It's you, isn't it? Over here! It is... ...Aloy, isn't it? I'm remembering your name correctly? Are you the... ..."old friend" Teersa told me about? I don't know you. I see you don't recognize me. Well, it was a long time ago. Teb is my name. You were half my size when you saved me from a herd of machines. I remember. You tried to thank me. I never forgot that day. All these years, I hoped to see you again... ...if you came to run in the Proving. As you can see... ...I didn't turn out to be much of a hunter. I serve the tribe as a stitcher instead. A maker of garments, and armor. In preparation for this day I've made an outfit for you. I hope you like it. What's it going to cost? Cost? Nothing! Consider it the thanks I tried to give years ago. Long overdue. There. Seems to fit you perfectly. Thank you, Teb. I've... ...never had anything like this before. Well, it's yours. I think you'll find it affords more protection than... ...what you were wearing. Anyway... ...I shouldn't keep you any longer. Head for the Matriarch's Lodge... ...if you want to find Teersa. In a moment we shall bless the Proving... ...but first... ...we have guests to welcome. For two years... ...we have been at peace with the Carja. It is time to restore our bonds of trade with Meridian. These envoys... ...come to us... ...under a banner of peace! Peace... ...what's peace? An annunciation of gratitude... ...written by the hand of Sun King Avad... KILLERS AND SLAVERS! YEAH! KILLERS AND SLAVERS! Hey, hey! Hold your fruit! Nora... ...Nora faithful, hold your fruit! Now I'm Oseram... ...not Carja... ...so I'll put it to you straight. The 13th Sun King was a murderous bum! Well, he was! He was a tyrant, and a monster... ...he raided my tribe for blood sacrifice, just like yours. My own sister was taken. I hated the Carja... ...but the 13th king... ...is dead... ...two years now. Who killed him? The 14th! Not because he... ...he lusted for power... ...but because someone had to put an end to his father's atrocities! The message that this poor priest... ...means to read... ...is an apology.... ...straight from the lips of the 14th king. So please... ...can't you lend him your ears? Thank you. An annunciation of gratitude... ...written by the hand of Sun King Avad. 14th luminous... ...of the radiant... ...line. He's wearing a Focus! Just like mine! You're the only other person I've ever seen wearing a Focus. Where did you get yours? What!? A Nora... ...wearing one of these!? That's impossible! Your tribe fears the old places... ...forbids them. Who says I'm like other Nora? Why... ...I guess you're not... ...if you've gone delving in the ruins of the Metal World. Argh! What's wrong!? Apologies... ...uh... ...a malfunction. Olin... ...you making friends with locals, are we? I'll... ...I'll come back. Wait! No. Uh, we'll talk later. Have to go. Woah... ...well I guess he's more hungover than I thought. Hey... ...you've got the same trinket that Olin has on his head. Since when did those become fashionable? His name is Olin? Who is he... ...and where did he get one of these? Ah, he's just a scrounger with friends in high places. He spends half his time digging for artifacts, the other half... ...drinking or dicing. As for the trinket, I guess he dug it up somewhere. It's just a weird old jewel he sticks on his face. Uh... no offense. It looks great on you. I thought your friend was going to go down in a hail of fruit, but... ...you really calmed the crowd. Uh, thanks. I wasn't sure I could do it. The Nora is still pissed with the Carja about the Red Raids... ...and who can blame them? I never heard anything about... ..."Red Raids" growing up. What were those? Your tribe was at war, and you didn't even know!? I mean, were you kept hidden away? Did you have overprotective parents, or something? I grew up as an outcast... ...shunned by the tribe. Oh... ...yeah, I've... ...heard the Nora do that. That seems cruel, if you ask me. But, even an outcast knows about the derangement of the machines... ...right? How they get... ...deadlier every year? First I've heard of it. Oh... ...sorry, I... ...just assumed everyone knew. Well, the way I hear it... ...15... ...20 years ago, the machines weren't always... ...pissed off, like they are now. When a hunter... ...came at them, they'd spook... ...and run. So it was hard to take them down, but not... ...dangerous. So long as you were smart enough to jump out of the way. But then the... ...derangement starts up, and... ...everything changes. Now, when a hunter fires a shot, the machines... ...snarl and... ...charge right at him. A few more years pass, and they start attacking people on sight. Going anywhere becomes a major risk. If that wasn't bad enough... ...entirely new kinds of machines start showing up. Bigger... ...meaner... ...and heavily armed. Well the mad Sun King figured if he spilled enough blood to the Sun God it would calm the machines. Didn't work... ...but for years he raided the tribes, and... ...took captives for sacrifice. My sister among them. Your sister was taken captive and sacrificed... ...that's terrible. (laughs) Captive? Yes. Sacrificed? No. It takes more than a few Carja to finish Ersa. She got away... ...and now she's my Captain. Captain of the entire Vanguard! Favored by the Sun King himself. So... What happened!? How did it all end? The Mad King's own son... ...united Carja rebels with Oseram freebooters... ...and together we did the impossible. Took back Meridian and killed the crazy old King. So now the son sits on the throne, and it's a... ...big improvement! Under Avad, there's no more sacrifices. No more slavery. People from all tribes are welcome in Meridian now. Even Nora exiles. Look, maybe I shouldn't... ...say this, but... ...it's obvious that you don't belong on this... ...backwater. I mean... ...you're smart! You're obviously... ...capable, and... ...well I mean, look at you! Uhhh... ...what are you talking about!? You know what! Alright, if you ever visit Meridian... ...look me up. I'll show you around, make introductions. It'd be a whole new life... ...if you want it? Anyway, I have to go to that... ...blessing thing too, so uh... ...see you around... ...maybe? Aloy... ...take your place right there. The prayer lantern is yours. I made it for you. Pfhh... ...blasphemy! Sisters! Aspirants... ...before each of you... ...sits a prayer lantern... ...crafted by your mother. In her honor... ...light... ...its flame! In honor of Rost... ...and all he did to help me get here. All-Mother... ...hear our prayer! What is a child... ...but a mother's hope, that takes flight? A glowing flame... ...that climbs the air. Set free... ...to the wind. Sailing the sky... ...till it fades, and falls. So... ...from one to another... ...passes the chain of love. Motherless chuff! What did you say!? Find your bed, outcast, and DREAM of winning the Proving. That's the closest you're gonna get. Oh... ...this is the bed house? With you standing guard... ...I figured it was the latrine. Your... ...your very presence here... Well, well... ...look who's come in from the wild... ...the motherless outcast. I see you've still got a scar from where that rock I threw hit you. Now that's a cherished memory. You can be a real lard sometimes, Bast, cut it out! So...? Your first day in Mother's Heart. What do you think? You've never slept in a Nora lodge before... ...not very private. Comforts and distractions... ...that's what I think. Not all comforts are bad. Comforts are weakness. You sound just like my mother! You can always go back to living in the wilds if you have to. In the meantime... ...get some rest. Aloy... ...as a Brave... ...it will be your duty to fight for your tribe. MY tribe!? You said I wouldn't need them. But I never said the tribe wouldn't need YOU. The strength to stand alone, Aloy, is the strength to make a stand. To serve a purpose greater than yourself! That is the lesson you must learn... ...and remember it... ...after the Proving... ...and after I'm gone. Braves... ...ready yourselves! What will it take to get you out of here? It's a Grazer! Your trophy is shattered, outcast! Looks like you'll need another. Good, and again! Faster, come on! I've gotta catch up! Slow and steady now... ...all you need is to finish. That makes all but one. Is the outcast coming? She was behind me! Looked strong, I thought. Dead last, girl. Might as well walk from here. Bast will win, or Vala... ...but you'll be made a Brave, so long as you finish. Woah now... ...that's an old trail. Two died on it last year. It's falling apart! Better dead last, than dead altogether. Woah woah woah woah! By All-Mother, are you crazy!? You're gonna kill yourself! It doesn't get any easier! You're insane to go that way! Stop right there... ...just turn around and climb back. Who's in the lead? I can't see! Bast, or Vala maybe. Come on, now! Faster! Stop dragging! Gotta keep going! The outcast! On the old trail? Is she crazy!? Good... ...I'm gaining! Look! The outcast is catching up! How'd she get up there? Made it. Come on now, hurry! Keep at it! I've trained my whole life for this! They had a tribe... ...but I had the wilds. Precision... ...not enough. Must be... ...perfect. Come on, come on, you can make it! Can't let them beat me now! SHE DIDN'T WIN! THE OUTCAST CHEATED! An outcast... ...win the Proving!? Never! For she is a BRAVE now. You did it! As are you all... ...so long as you put your trophy on the altar... ...but it is Aloy... ...once outcast... ...and now Brave... ...who is first among... ALOY! GO! Keep them pinned down till the others arrive. We can't stay here! That's the way out... ...but we won't make it under fire. They can't shoot if they're dead. Keep them busy! I'll find an angle. Bast! BAST! Are you with us!? I'm with you! Let's go... ...now! THEY KEEP COMING! HOW MANY ARE THERE!? Up on the ridge... ...there's more of them! Now, descend while we have a chance. GET BACK! VALA! VALA... ...NO! The red-hair dies now! Everyone... ...forward! You will perish! Turn your face to the Sun, child! NO!!! Burn it all... ...then to your task. As you command. Aloy! Aloy... ...survive! She is dying! To take her there is BLASPHEMY! She should be near her mother! Aloy... ...I'm so sorry. Turn your face to the sun, child. Rost... No... ...no no no no no! I have to get out of here. I need my Focus. No! My clothes... ...good... ...but where's my Focus? It's here, okay. Wait... Am... ...am I inside the sacred mountain!? But... ...only Matriarchs are allowed inside. Now... ...what can you show me? Ah! <All Commanders, halt excavations and proceed at once to the mission point> You! <All Commanders, halt excavations and proceed at once to the mission point> <Avoid all contact with Nora savages...> <...but if you ARE seen, kill every witness> <Target imaging attached> <Do NOT...> <...fail> Target imaging? Who says I'm like other Nora? They saw me through... ...Olin's Focus. How is that possible? <Then make it quick...> <...I'm heading in> [HOLD FOR IDENTISCAN] <You need to stop listening to Ted, and start listening to me> Where is this from... ...and when? Are you my mother!? But why... ...try to kill me just because I look like you? Aloy! You are awake! You brought me here!? Quickly... ...you must follow. To where? To the place where you were born! Why did you bring me here? It seemed you were dying... ...and to die near one's mother is sacred. Lansra fought it, of course, but Jezza sided with me. Is my mother here!? Am I going to meet her? It's complicated. Please... ...just follow me. Does... ...my mother look like me... ...but with short hair? I don't see how that could be. You were not born of a woman, Aloy. The mountain is your mother. I'm... ...what!? What are you talking about? Come. What is this place? The Great Chamber... ...where All-Mother... ...slew the metal devil... ...and gave birth to you. Aloy... ...the Proving massacre was just the first of many disasters. The war party we sent after the killers... ...was ambushed, and slaughtered. But what does that have to do with where I was born? My hope is... ...everything! This... ...is where we found you! We heard your cries... ...came to look... ...and there you were. Just... ...just lying there!? Yes! You mean I came from... ...behind the door? Always... ...that is what I have believed. That you came from the womb of the mountain. A gift... ...from All-Mother herself! But... others... ...like Lansra... ...feared that a darker power put you here. Not a gift... ...but a curse. But... ...this isn't a goddess. ALOY! It's a door... ...with people behind it? My mother? (gasp) [HOLD FOR IDENTISCAN] The goddess speaks! Just like the woman I saw! [ERROR] [ALPHA REGISTRY CORRUPTED] [IDENTITY CAN NOT BE CONFIRMED] No... [ENTRY DENIED] No! No... ...please! Aloy... ...All-Mother spoke to you... ...as if she knew you! Were you not listening? It didn't recognize me! Because of corruption... ...the goddess's own words! Surely... ...if you HEAL this corruption... ...she will see you clearly. And how would I do that? You said you've had visions... ...of a woman with short hair? The killers came for me... ...because I look like her. But their power is overwhelming... ...is there no other trail to follow? Olin... ...he was one of the outsiders... ...the night before the Proving... ...the killers saw me through his eyes. He lives in Meridian. So you will have to leave the sacred land. I've been an outcast all my life... ...why not an exile too? Shh... ...there is another way. Come... ...and we will make it so. It is done? Yes... ...I showed her. Sisters... ...the goddess spoke to Aloy... ...told her to heal the corruption. Ha! But how is she to do that? She will have to journey beyond our sacred land. A Seeker!? If the goddess spoke... ...it must be so. You would name this THING a Seeker!? Sister! For once, Lansra... ...join with us! This will be your sin, not mine. Send her seeking, and may she never be seen again! Aloy... ...by the holy grace of the one goddess... ...we hereby anoint you... ...a Seeker... ...of the Nora tribe. No barrier can now stay you from your sacred task. May All-Mother protect you, and sustain you. Stay true. I will make ready for the hymn. Our hopes lie with you. Teersa... ...what's a Seeker? You are... ...and here is your mark. In times of great need... ...the High Matriarchs may anoint a Seeker. A worthy Brave set forth to accomplish a great purpose... ...no matter where that purpose might take her. Even beyond... ...the borders of the sacred land? Yes... ...and with the right to return, when you are done... ...or as the need arises. So... ...I can go anywhere at all? No restrictions? Even to forbidden places... ...like the tainted lands beyond All-Mother's sight... ...or the ruins of the Metal World. Why are the ruins of the Metal World forbidden? They are blighted places, Aloy. Dark... ...and wicked... ...like the children of metal who built them. When they rebelled, and tried to murder All-Mother... ...her wrath leveled their cities... ...but could not cleanse their sin. Their ancient spite... ...haunts those ruins... ...ready to ensnare anyone foolish enough to enter them. But... ...I've been in a ruin. It looked a lot like the inside of All-Mother. That cannot be so! It is. Then... ...this is something beyond my understanding. I will trust YOU... ...to reveal the truth. Why are the lands beyond Nora territory called... ...tainted? Is it not obvious? Our land is sacred. We live inside of the one goddess, All-Mother... ...source of all that lives! Beyond her sight... ...lies a vast... ...fallen land... ...spiritually tainted. That is why it is against tribal law to leave... ...but the Seeker blessing will protect you. Have there been other Seekers? There have... ...but they are rare... ...and most who set out are never heard from again. Was... ...Rost a Seeker? No... ...not a... ...Seeker. What are you not telling me? This is not the time, Aloy. Perhaps another day. What was... ...done with Rost's body? I'm afraid there was... ...very little left to recover... ...but what there was... ...we buried at the place where he raised you... ...with flowers on the grave. Thank you. You said the Nora sent a war party after the killers? Yes... ...but it was ambushed... ...and overrun. Very few escaped alive... ...and most that did were wounded. Do you know where the killers went? No... ...but you could ask Varl... ...one of the Braves guarding the gates of the Embrace. He survived the ambush. He would know more. I should... ...be on my way. From here... ...you must go to the gates of the Embrace... ...speak to Varl... ...and he will point the way to Meridian. If any Nora tries to stand in your way, Aloy... ...make sure they know you are a Seeker. Oh, I will. Thank you, Teersa... ...for all you've done. May All-Mother bless you and watch over you. ALOY! ALOY! Teb!? All-Mother be praised! You're alive! I heard the rumors, but... ...I didn't know for sure until I saw you just now. I'm glad to see you're okay. I need the gate opened. Do you have ANY idea how dangerous it is out there? Are the killers still there? No... ...they're long gone. The war party went after them... ...but the... ...killers slaughtered them. They have some... ...evil... ...power over the machines, they corrupt them. Make them FIGHT at their side. And these... ...corrupted machines... ...they're loose in the Embrace? Some have broken through... ...and from what I hear... ...it's even worse OUTSIDE the Embrace. Believe me... ...this is no time to go travelling. I need to pass through. You'll have to talk to Resh then, up on the wall. He's the new Warchief. I'm not sure he'll help you. I need the gate opened. Since when has any outcast's NEED... ...been MY concern? Since I was anointed a Seeker! Now open the gate. You... ...a Seeker!? Have Teersa and Jezza gone insane!? Bad enough that they'd let you run in the Proving... ...but to nurse you back to health inside the sacred mountain!? No wonder a curse is upon us and... ...children lie dead under cairns of stone. How can you be so heartless? I fought beside those children. Shoulder to shoulder, and back to back! I saw them fall! If even one of them had been TRUE Nora... ...they would have put an arrow in your back. Resh... ...come on! Silence! I am your WARCHIEF! And I am a Seeker, anointed by the High Matriarchs... ...so open the gate... ...and I will BE on my way. The sooner you're gone from here, the better. What was that? The demon! SOUND THE ALARM! By the goddess... ...WHAT'S IT DOING TO THEM!? Taking control. BRACE YOURSELVES! What have you brought on us now, you motherless curse!? KILL THEM, BRAVES! KILL THEM ALL!!!!! Today we fight a curse! A demon! Won't be long. Gotta get in position. Here it comes! ATTACK!!!! WATCH THE STRIDERS... ...IT'S DRIVEN THEM MAD! IT'S DOWN! One of these things marched with the killers... ...at the Proving. How does it... ...possess other machines!? How'd you do it? Show me. You made them obey you... ...how? This... ...you did it with this! It's... ...connecting to my Focus! Then I could use this!? It's worth a shot. A couple loops of wire... ...looks like it'll hold. I just need to test it. Aloy! How did you do that!? You killed that demon... ...pulled its guts from the carcass. The way it controls other machines... ...I think I figured it out... ...but I need to test it ON a machine. Um... ...plenty of Striders along the path to the gates of the Embrace... ...I guess. Exactly... ...and the gates are where I'll be headed anyway. I need to speak to Varl. I always... ...knew you were different, Aloy, but... But... ...what? ...I think you're a blessing from All-Mother! No matter what Resh says. Thank you Teb... ...but, I have to go now. I know you do... ...and my thoughts go with you. I need to find a machine... ...test this override device. Striders! I can test the override device on them. Should go in quiet... ...didn't go through all this to wind up trampled by a frightened herd. Nice and quiet. Okay, HERE IT GOES! Come on, come on! It worked! There we go. Thatta boy! That's more like it. YAH! YAH! YAH! RIDE! (laughs) This Strider is fast! This beats walking! I should try overriding other kinds of machines. Probably can't ride them all, but might find a use for them. Sounds of fighting... ...just outside the gates? The gates look shattered! WATCH YOURSELVES! BRING IT CLOSER! CLOSER! Varl... ...I take it? (catching breath) Aloy! The outcast who won the Proving... ...so you survived your wounds. High Matriarch Teersa said you might know the way to Meridian. The capital of the Carja Sundom? Wha... ...you seek... ...exile? No... ...a traitor named Olin. The Matriarchs made me a Seeker so I could go after him. Huh... ...well then you should head north, to Mother's Crown. If you make it... ...talk to Marea, she'll point the way. IF I make it? Well the trail is dangerous... ...ever since the war party massacre... ...our lands go unpatrolled... ...and our borders unguarded. We have no Warchief to lead us. Isn't that Resh's job? Ugh... ...only because Sona went missing. I'd go after her myself... ...but she ordered me to hold this gate with my life... ...and so I have. You said Warchief Sona is missing? Even when the war party was massacred... ...she wouldn't give up the chase. She called for volunteers and went after the killers. You didn't volunteer? Of course I did... ...but, Sona... ...denied me that. She ordered me to see the wounded back to the Embrace... ...and to guard this gate... ...to guard the Embrace... ...with my life. That was days ago.... ...and since then there's been no word from her. So there's no way to know if she's alive or dead? If anyone could survive out there... ...it would be her. Sona's prowess is legend. An unbending spear... ...to measure ourselves against. Sounds like she sets a high standard. Ugh... ...you have no idea. She's my mother. The tribe NEEDS her leadership. You know I'd go after her myself, if she hadn't... ...COMMANDED me to hold this gate at all costs. Where was she last seen? The war party massacre site. A wooded hollow across from Devil's Thirst.... ...on this side of the river. You might be able to pick up her trail there. You know she went after the killers who attacked the Proving... ...who killed those we love... ...who tried to kill YOU... ...and... I... ...I get it, Varl. I'll see what I can do. My whole life... ...all of it in the Embrace. The world just got bigger... ...but... ...also more dangerous. Those ruins... ...that must be Devil's Thirst... ...a city of the Old Ones! Maybe the Warchief left something behind. Some... ...clue as to where she went. The Nora managed to take down a Corruptor... ...but not before the killers used it... ...to send the other machines against them. Lots of machines... ...all controlled by the killers. They sent a stampede of them down the slope. You there! The dead and wounded all cleared away. Are there no more Braves, or healers here? Just me. You're hurt... ...what happened? The Warchief was delayed gathering the rear guard. Eager for revenge, the Braves in the lead fell into the trap. Dozens lost in minutes. If Sona hadn't arrived and rallied us... ...no one would have survived. Varl told me that the Warchief tracked the killers. Did she find them? We followed their trail, but again and again they sent corrupted machines to attack us. My wounds started to slow me down... ...so the Warchief sent me back to let others know she hasn't given up the fight. Do you know where she is now? All I can tell you is where we parted... ...near the... ...metal tower, southeast of the ruins at Devil's Thirst. Look to the rise behind it, with a lone boulder. I'll head for the Embrace, and report what I know to Varl and the others. May All-Mother lend you strength. This must be the rise Sona's runner told me about. Dressings from wounds... ...the runner wasn't the only one who got hurt. The Warchief stopped here. Might be a blood trail I could follow. I should try my Focus. Tracks... ...boots and blood... ...looks like Sona and her Braves headed for that ridge. A dead Sawtooth... ...maybe Sona took it out. She could be close. You're lucky I happened by. One heartbeat more... ...and that Sawtooth would have torn you apart. Half a heartbeat more and I would have killed it myself. Uh... ...so you're... ...Warchief Sona? Varl asked me to find you. Has he held the gate? He has... ...bravely. I saw him kill a corrupted machine himself... ...but he worries for you. Our tribe needs strength... ...not sentiment. I've tracked some of the killers who struck the Proving. I crave vengeance... ...do you? You have no idea. Show me then. Lend me your strength. Follow. Hours ago... ...I sent Braves into hiding in the trees below. On my signal, they'll attack. The enemy and their demonic machines outnumber us... ...but we will have fury on our side. We could have more than that. Explain. That's blaze. What we use to burn... ...they use to blast. It's how they dug out this pit. So we put fire to it, and then? Boom. Then let us begin! Woah, wait... ...let's... ...not rush. Give me some time to make an approach. If I end up alerting them... ...open fire. Alright. Let's see what you can do. Well... ...here I am. You cannot hide... This wasn't all the killers. I counted more at the war party massacre. If I have to... ...chase their filthy shadows from here to Spear's Reach... ...I will. You're hurt... ...losing blood. My health is NOT your concern. No one doubts your determination... ...but you need rest. She's right, Warchief. Give your wounds time to close. Varl!? What are you doing here!? I ordered you to hold that gate with your life! And so I did... ...until the runner you sent returned with news of his encounter with Aloy... ...and your location. I left the gate well-guarded. My place is HERE... ...with you. With our vengeance. AM I not owed that!? Uh... ...maybe... ...I should have a look around... ...see if I can figure out where the rest of the killers are. Do as you wish... ...everyone else does. Mother... <Commanders...> <...over the past month accidental blaze explosions have killed a dozen men...> <Here in the Ring of Metal, I've taken the precaution of placing our entire stockpile in a covered shelter...> <...safe from stray sparks and lightning...> <...and I've posted guards to control access> <I urge you to take similar measures....> <...or suffer the consequences> <Supply master Thiran...> <...out> I found something. The rest of the killers are camped inside... ...a "Ring of Metal." Any idea what that means? Damn them! The Ring of Metal lies in the ruins of Devil's Grief. That ground is Taboo. I will return to the Matriarchs... ...beg them to make an exception. There's no time for that. Blood spilled calls for blood spilt. If the ground is cursed... ...then let our vengeance sanctify it! You blaspheme! PLEASE, Warchief... ...break the Taboo! Devil's Grief... ...is a cursed place... ...but... ...maybe Aloy's Seeker blessing can protect us. I'll send scouts ahead. Our force will assemble at the cliff above Red Echoes... ...and launch our attack from there. Sounds like a plan. See you there. Devil's Grief... ...a foreboding sight, huh? Don't you ever wonder what it used to look like... ...back when the Old Ones lived here? You're not like other Nora. That's what they tell me. Warchief... ...our scouts found enemy camps in the ruins... ...guarding the approach to the Ring of Metal. Then we should hit those camps first... ...make sure they stay quiet. Agreed. Wipe out the camps... ...and our enemies in the Ring of Metal won't see us coming. I'll take out the alarms. We'll send Braves to each camp, to lie in wait. What you start... ...they'll help finish. Braves... ...it is time! A quick way down! Time to fight! Time to kill! Maybe time to die. We will regroup there.... ...at the base of the tallest tower. Then... ...to the Ring of Metal... ...AND VENGEANCE! Today... ...we break Taboo! Got em over here! For the sacred... Don't give up yet! Victory for All-Mother! The camps have been dealt with. Now, to the Ring of Metal. Its high walls protect the enemy. We'll have to scale the height... ...under fire if we're detected. I have another idea. Their base has a... ...weakness. Send me in alone... ...and I'll exploit it. If I'm successful... ...I'll blow a hole in those walls big enough for the entire war party to charge through. Sounds like a plan... ...so long as I get to come with you? A Warchief should be grateful for two arrows so eager to spring from the bow. Yes, Varl... ...go with Aloy as her spear mate, but... ...be vigilant. Yes, Warchief... ...I will. Go now... ...we raid on your signal. You DO have a plan, right? You followed me this far... ...even into the ruins... ...thought you trusted me. I do, but... How would you know that this base has a weakness? Patience, Varl... ...you'll know soon enough. Take my hand. There... ...see that covered shelter? Do you see those CORRUPTORS? Focus, Varl. That shelter is full of blaze. A whole stockpile of it. If I set it off... ...the explosion will destroy those Corruptors, and collapse the wall too. A breach for the Nora to charge through. Can't hit it from here, though... ...we'll need to get closer. I'LL get closer. You head back... ...tell Sona the plan, and lead them to that side of the ring. I'll see it done... ...and when the wall collapses... ...I'll be FIRST through the breach. Now all I have to do is make it all happen. If I can do this quietly... ...it will be a lot easier. (whistle) Hmm... ...I thought... (whistle) Not sure what that was. I should be able to hit the blaze from here. All-Mother... ...look upon our victory! A debt of blood is paid! Remember this day, Brave Nora! From your lips... ...to the goddess's ears... ...yes... ...remember it. Be ready to leave this place. Let your spears and arrows rest in the bodies of the fallen... ...they are tainted... ...like these ruins. You're a skilled warrior, Aloy. Rost trained you well. Did you know him? A long time ago... ...and well enough to know he was a GOOD man. Then... ...why was he cast out? What crime did he commit? I wish I could tell you... ..but it seems only the High Matriarchs know that story. So I've heard. Well... ...I should be on my way. Thank you... ...Aloy. May All-Mother bless your journeys... ...wherever they take you. Mother's Crown... ...feels more like a military camp. I bet this village has seen better days. So many wounded... ...the tribe's been hit hard. Here she is... ...The Hero of Devil's Grief! Come here, girl... ...been wanting to meet you. So... ...you're Aloy!? I've heard about you from the war party, "The Hero of Devil's Grief." One of them, maybe... ...I didn't fight alone. You're Marea... ...Varl told me you'd know the way to Meridian. The Carja Capital... ...west will take you to it... ...but their soldiers will stop you long before you get there. They can try. No what I mean is... ...there's a Carja fort that guards the pass between east and west. Word is... ...the Carja have sealed the gate out of fear of the corrupted machines infesting our sacred land. So if I clear out the corrupted machines, they'll open the border? I suppose... ...but I can't spare any Braves to help you. Who said I needed help? You'll clear the valley... ...all by yourself? I'm good with a bow. For your sake... ...better than good... ...I hope. So I'll find this Carja fort to the west... ...and beyond that, Meridian? Yes, the Carja call the place Daytower. It's not far from the forsaken village. What forsaken village? It had a name once, not that it matters now. I was born there. What happened to it? The war. The Carja destroyed it in one of their Red Raids. I was 15 at the time. I got away; others weren't so lucky. The Nora withdrew to this place... ...Mother's Crown... ...relinquished our claim on the valley. Even now with the war behind us... ...we left the valley be. A kind of... ...buffer... ...between the Sundom and our sacred land. I should be going. Alright... ...be careful out there Aloy... ...I hope you find whatever it is you're after. Those machines... ...you can see the corruption coming off them like smoke. (whistle) The forsaken village... ...that Marea spoke of. It's in shambles. (whistle) I've done what I can to cleanse this valley of corruption... ...time to see if the Carja fort will let me pass over the mountains. Sounds of fighting... ...has something attacked the Carja fort!? A Corruptor! Turn back, girl... ...these machines are dangerous! Truly, the sun shines upon us this day! (sigh) It wasn't the Sun risking its ass down here. SO... ...WILL YOU OPEN THE GATE FOR ME NOW!? (laughs) YOU HEARD HER... ...OPEN THE GATES... ...AND SEND WORD TO CAPTAIN BALAHN! WHERE YOU HEADED, GIRL? WEST... ...TO MERIDIAN. The Way of Broken Stones is a hard run, even in the best of times. You might want to have a word with Captain Balahn. He came from Meridian not long ago. You'll find him in the fort... ...on a balcony to the left, overlooking the valley. Okay... ...thanks. We're the ones who should be thanking you... ...for taking down those machines. Walk in light, Nora. Captain Balahn? The guard at the gate said you'd been to Meridian recently... ...what can I expect on the trail? Nothing good... ...more machines all the time... ...my scouts report corruption that way as well. So much for sealing things off. Keep to the roads... ...they're safe enough... ...though after what you did at the gate I wager you don't scare easy. What's going on here? Olin's in there... ...somewhere... ...and so's Erend... ...that other outlander I talked to the night before the Proving. Erend said he'd introduce me to his sister if I visited Meridian. Said she was... ...Captain of the Vanguard. Good luck getting through, outlander. Halt! Stop.. right.. there! In light of the recent attack... ...no stranger passes into Meridian without submitting to search. Recent attack? What are you talking about? The murder of Captain Ersa and her Vanguards, of course! Ambushed by Shadow Carja forces in Red Ridge Pass. Ersa... ...you mean Erend's sister is dead? How would YOU know his name? I know Erend. Summon him, I need to speak to him. Huh... ...I doubt that Erend, the new Captain of the Vanguard... ...a man in grief... ...is going to waste his time on a grimy outlander. Aloy! Hey, you're.. alive! I thought you were... ...dead. Make way, make way! All the way to Meridian, just to see me? Have you been drinking!? Ahhh... not really... ...a little. So you... ...you're alive! This uh... ...we should celebrate! Drinks on me! We need to talk... ...alone... ...and you need to pull it together. Over there. So you approve? Of COURSE I approve! From now on she may come and go from this city as she pleases. As you wish, sir! There... ...alone, as you asked. I heard what happened to Ersa... ...I'm sorry. I know she was special to you. Special to me? (laugh) Special to... ...everyone! She always knew what to do. She... ...bossed everyone around. She kept me in line. Now I'm supposed to... ...fill her shoes... ...and instead here I am... ...stumbling around in them. I, uh... ...I lost someone too... ...at the Proving... ...the... ...man who raised me. His name was Rost. We were in the village... ...when we... ...heard explosions... ...up on the mountain. Uh, some of your... ...Braves... ...came back... ...said most of the contestants were dead. I've never heard such a wail of... ...grief... ...as the sound that rose up from your people. How did you survive? How I survived is less important than how I was targeted. Targeted!? What do you mean? The killers came for me... ...because of Olin. But... ...he's a friend! No... ...he's a traitor. I don't know who the killers are, or what they want, but I DO know that Olin is working with them. But... ...I... ...this... I don't NEED you to understand, Erend, I just need you to take me to him. He's not here. He went... ...scrounging for scrap and relics... ...days ago; he could be anywhere! (sigh) Are there... ...any... ...places... ...he frequents? Places he returns to? A house... ...here in Meridian. Okay, then take me there. I need to search it. I guess... ...as long as I'M there to witness the search. There must be blood for blood! Vengeance... ...for Ersa! How long... ...will Avad... ...hide in his palace? Year after year... ...why does he spare those who enslaved... ...and tortured, and butchered!? Erend... ...you should want vengeance more than anyone! Your own sister... ...murdered... ...and her death... ...unavenged? One more word, you scorched out slag... ...and I'll throw you in jail MYSELF! NOW GET OUT OF HERE... ...OR I'LL GIVE YOU ALL A KICK IN THE ASS! UNH! Oh... ...that was... ...subtle. Here we are. Try not to break anything. Uh... ...other... ...than the door. All of this... ...for one man? It pays to have connections in the Sun King's court. The corner of this rug is frayed... ...and the floor near it is worn. Let's see what's underneath. Hey, how did that get here? Question is... ...how to get through it. Without a key, you won't. That's a vault hatch of Oseram make. Nothing gets through! We'll see about that. Call it a day, girl... ...you're wasting time. I did say not to break anything, didn't I? <Serve, and they live> <Disobey...> <...and I will open their throats...> <...and leave their corpses...> <...to prune...> <...in the sun> They took his wife and child captive. They? Who's they? The killers. They told him to obey or they'd kill his family. A map... ...the glyphs show places he visited. Looks like Olin kept a journal. There's your proof. Read the last page. He writes about meeting me... ...and the order to kill me. He called himself a friend... ...that backstabbing cheat! How did you learn to read... ...glyphs? And... ...these things that you see, how do you do it? The Focus... ...it... ...reveals the unseen. And Olin's... ...Focus... ...it's the same? The device is the same, but... ...somehow... ...Olin and the killers... ...can speak to each other... ...with their Focuses... ...over distances... ...and... ...see... ...through each other's Focuses too... ...like... ...looking through each other's eyes. So that's how the killers saw you... ...through Olin. Yes, so far as I can tell. (sigh) Now that I know where to find Olin... ...I should be on my way. All by yourself? Leave it to me... ...I'm faster on my own. Wait... ...if that device lets you see the unseen... Out of the way, Erend. I'm asking you to help me, Aloy. I need to know who killed Ersa. Not just the... ...the Shadow Carja army, I know that... ...but the exact soldiers who did it. (sigh) I'm... ...sorry about your sister, but that's your war... ...not mine. Don't act like this isn't personal! You... ...came here hunting the people who nearly killed you... ...who massacred your people! Why should you have justice, and not me? Look... ...I'll head for Red Ridge Pass... ...where Ersa's body was found... ...and wait for you there. A few minutes of your Focus is all I need. Don't make me beg. Red Ridge Pass, you said? (sigh) I'll see what I can do. (whistle) This... ...is what you intend? To bring these ancient THINGS... ...back to life? Their power serves us. Machine demons, from beneath the ground... ...it's a nightmare! Nightmares... ...yes! The worst dreams of our enemies come true! Yes... ...rise! So much for catching him alone. These things will destroy us all! They will only destroy our enemies... ...and bring us back the lands... ...that were taken... ...AAAHHH! My Focus... ...stopped working. Search the area! We may have intruders! <Forgive this intrusion, Aloy...> <...you left me no choice> Who is this!? <An interested party> <Now their Focuses are disabled, but I don't know for how long> <The rest is up to you> Who... ...is this!? Huh? The Nora girl... ...lives!? KILL HER! NO! YOU HAD YOUR CHANCE! Still sniffing around. Who knows where she went!? I'M WITH YOU! You came for me... ...I'm ready. I promise... ...I'll tell you everything! The killers that came for me at the Proving, who are they!? The Eclipse... ...some kind of holy warriors... ...a cult... ...of the Shadow Carja. Shadow Carja!? Except they're not like any Carja I've known. They don't pray to the sun... ...they worship some kind of devil! I'm not interested in their superstitions. Oh... ...it's not... ...a superstition. Their devil is REAL. It has a name... ...a voice... ...the most terrible voice... ...and they do its bidding! You say this devil... ...the Eclipse worship, has a name? HADES... ...that's what they call it. HADES... ...and you've heard it speak? Steel to my soul, I heard! Just once... ...when it saw you. Such a voice... ...a cold... ...awful... ...jangle, that scrapes your bones... ...and hollows your guts! A metal sound... ...but like nothing dug from the earth, or smelted in a forge. And what did it say? "System threat detected" Just three words.... ...but in the voice... ...of a devil. The Eclipse were sent to kill me because I look like another woman. Older, maybe twice my age, short hair... ...who is she!? I don't know! My Focus found her image once... ...in the ruins at Maker's End. Maybe you can find her there! You found her image in the ruins!? How!? There was a door. Beside it... ...a kind of ancient device that contained a woman's image. My Focus recorded the location. You DO look like her... ...is she your mother? I'm the one asking questions! What are these Eclipse cultists after, besides me? They never said... ...but given the Carja civil war... ...they must want to overthrow Sun King Avad, and take Meridian back. What do I have to do with that? I DON'T KNOW! When they attacked the Proving, a man came for me... ...tall, strong... ...dead eyes. Helis And who is he? The Terror of the Sun. "Stacker of Corpses" we Oseram called him... ...when he was the Mad Sun King's champion. If only he'd died with his king... ...but now he leads the Eclipse! I tell you... ...he's the most dangerous man alive. Why are the Eclipse digging up ancient machines... ...and how do they get them to work? I thought they wanted them for scrap... ...but they brought them back to life... ...plugged some kind of device into their corpses so that HADES could whisper to them... ...and call them from their grave. I've fought that kind of machine before... ...are there others? Yes! The ones you fought today they call Corruptors... ...but there ARE others... ...MUCH bigger... ...bristling with ancient weapons! Those they call Deathbringers! I've only seen them buried in the ground... ...but, after today... ...anything is possible! Sounds to me like they're raising an army. If so... ...the world... ...will fall... ...and I... ...helped dig the pit. How did the Eclipse recruit you? I know they took your family hostage, but WHY you? I was a scrounger... ...a rummager in dark places... ...good at what I do. I suppose they knew I would serve them well as a scout. I had taken a delve... ...near Maker's End. When I surfaced... ...they were waiting! I laughed when I saw the priest... ...but they he showed me Helis's... ..."encouragement." I didn't laugh after that. They gave me a Focus... ...to watch my every move. I followed orders. You had access to Meridian... ...why didn't they get to Avad through you? Too much dirt under my nails for an audience with the "One True Sun King"... ...but whatever Ersa or Erend told me... ...the Eclipse heard EVERY WORD through my Focus! THAT'S why I couldn't warn you. If I had tried... ...they would have killed my family! All this time I tracked you down... ...I thought this decision would be simple.... ...it's not. Your... ...your role in events was coerced... ...perhaps you're not an evil man... ...just a weak one. I am. The only strength I ever found in this life... ...was my family. Death... ...is what you've earned... (sigh) ...and yet... I won't beg for MY life... ...but if there's any mercy in you... ...free my family... ...please! Where would I find them? My Focus recorded the location. There are always guards there. You look like you can handle yourself! It will take... ...MANY good deeds to make up for the crimes you've committed. You're sparing me!? After all I've done? Yes. Forge a new life, Olin... ...one of better make. Then the rest of my life will be lived in your debt. Go to the place where your family is being held, and wait for me. We'll make their lives the first ones you save. I didn't earn this mercy... ...but I will DIE to make myself worthy of it. I will be waiting for you. It's done. They can't kill anyone else. It's Erend... ...and he's in trouble! I'm glad that's over with. Thanks for the help. What are you doing out here all alone!? Where are your men? I'm not gonna risk their lives. I don't mind putting my worthless ass on the line... ...but, not theirs. Sorry I had to drag... ...you... ...into it. Eh.. don't worry. This is just an average day for me. You know, take down some machines... ...track some killers... Right... ...I'd hate to see a busy morning for you. Ready to get started? Tell me exactly what happened to Ersa. Start from the beginning. No one knows for sure. She left in the middle of the night, with a... ...few of her best men. Her best men... ...but she didn't bring you? No... ...I'd been... ...drinking a lot. You know maybe she thought... ...ah damn, I don't know... ...that I couldn't hack it. Search parties... ...found their bodies the next day, and the... ...corpses of some Shadow Carja cowards. Why would the Shadow Carja do this? Because they hate us... ...and Ersa most of all. She teamed up with Avad to kick their asses out of Meridian. They've been licking their wounds for two years, but... ...they finally found a way to get back at her. It was an ambush. The Shadow Carja are animals! (sigh) They.. they beat her so bad we can't even show her face before burial. (sigh) I'm so sorry, Erend. Yeah... ...well... ...when I find the soldiers who did this... ...they'll be sorry, too. Alright... ...show me where Ersa fell... ...and I'll do what I can to help. Come on, follow me! Why would Ersa come all the way out here? I don't know... ...it doesn't make sense. Is this... ...Shadow Carja territory? No... ...they broke the ceasefire as soon as they set foot in the Cleft. Almost there. Alright, this is it... ...where the... ...ambush happened. Our soldiers have been over it, but maybe that... ...fancy artifact of yours can find a clue or something? Please... ...I need to find the bastards that did this. A Shadow Carja spear. It must be Shadow Carja armor. These look like... ...drag marks. Those blood stains... ...not the kind that would pool around a corpse. Arrows, scattered there. They look like... ...smears. Did someone... ...move a body through here? What do you see there? This stain forms a line... ...as if blood dripped off the edge of something... ...like a cart! See... ...cart tracks! I think someone moved the bodies here... ...then scattered them across the field. Wait... ...are you saying the dead found here were... ...killed somewhere else!? But why would the Shadow Carja do that!? At this point... ...I'm not taking it for granted that the Shadow Carja are responsible. Of course they were! Well... ...let's follow these tracks and find out. I get why they wanted Ersa dead... ...but why fake an ambush? There's more to this... ...and we're gonna figure it out. These guys aren't Shadow Carja... ...they're from my tribe, THE OSERAM! Is this how your people usually greet each other!? Help me, fools! We've got em quaking! Uh oh... ...what's that!? I think it's calling in machines! Get ready! Get another hit in! Keep your defenses up! You're going! One by one! Oseram... ...not Shadow Carja. Looks like I was wrong about everything... ...as usual. Please... ...use that... ...second sight of yours. I have to know what really happened. I'm on it. So much blood! What are those leather straps? There's no blood on them. Ersa's men didn't fight back. Something hit these stones. Something I've never seen before. Armor straps... ...cut with a knife... ...and a rock with blood on it. Looks like you could mount some equipment on that thing. There... ...by the tripod... ...a used power cell. This is Ersa's helmet. I thought she died in the field below, but... ...must have been here. All this... ...trickery... ...for what? Feels like it's just to... ...torture me. I have a theory... ...but it takes a little imagination. So far your theories are better than other people's facts. Alright... ...I think the Oseram... ...ambushed Ersa and her men with a new weapon. They mounted it... ...on that tripod up there. It... ...fires... ...waves of force, maybe sound. Looks like it cracked the stone there. I think it paralyzes people, instead of killing them. It dropped the Vanguard right there. No blood on their weapons... ...no fight. Then why paralyze them if you're only going to move them and gut them? They were trying to hide something. Look here... ...a bloody rock. That they used to smash Ersa's face in... ...or someone else's. These leather straps have been cut... ...as if they took the armor off someone. Uh, th-that can't be. Her body is... ...is lying in state in Meridian. I saw it! You said... ...she was unrecognizable. Maybe they... ...switched another body into her armor. Someone around the same size... ...and, mutilated it enough... ...so it could have been anyone... ...even Ersa! Go back to Meridian... ...take another look at that body. If it's really Ersa... ...of course I'm wrong... ...but if I'm right... ...th... ...then, then my sister could be alive! I-I-I'm going! Meet me back there when you can! Aloy... ...you're a woman of your word! Olin... ...your family... ...I saw the threat from Helis... ...you have a wife and young boy? If I'd have striven to keep them safe... ...instead of all I've done! This is your chance, Olin. That's why we're here. I'll take it. A kinder deal was never struck. They're being held close by? Yes, the farmstead just beyond these rocks... ...I'll take you. That's it... ...nestled against the Spurflints! Best not to think about the previous owners. (sigh) Too late. So this is it. I can't bear, being so close... ...and yet... It's almost over! Let's go. You have my steel! Not alone! Get in there and fight! Get back in... You cannot escape our grasp! Don't give up yet! Thought I had that... Don't have eyes on em! Hide all you want! This has to be where they're holding Olin's family. Come on, come on! Oh... ...oh my wife! My CHILD! Aloy... ...I owe you three debts deep! Thank the Sun! You found us! I found... ...someone who had the courage I hoped for in myself. It's she... ...who deserves your gratitude. I have much to confess. I accepted a devil's bargain... ...and others... ...paid the price. And you think I don't know? I heard them talk. You know there's always been... ...dirt... ...on my hands. Now there's blood too. Take your son up in those hands... ...come back to the Claim with us! You should listen to your wife, Olin. But Helis... ...and his demons! I am honor-bound to help you, Aloy... ...with what little honor a dicer like me has. Olin... ...whatever your debts... ...you don't owe them to me now. Go with your family. Show them... ...you're a better man. Farewell, Aloy. Your mother... ...I hope you find her before they do. Greetings, Aloy! I am known as Blameless Marad. Please come with me. You're needed for an important consultation. What do you mean? Where's Erend? He's inside... ...attending the Sun King... ...where we should be... ...without further delay. Follow me, please. All of these people are here to see the Sun King? Yes... ...and each has come to ask a favor of him. Unpleasant, but that's politics. The Sun King is eager to meet you... ...the machine tamer with a curious eye for detail. It's all very intriguing. I'm not here to intrigue you. Too late. First, the Oseram get special treatment... ...and now outlanders from the Savage East? Passed by some outlander woman? Unacceptable. I've been here for two hours, and this Nora goes to the front of the line! Ignore them. Nobles are like children who whine when they don't get a second helping of dessert. What's the Sun King like? The most important thing is what he isn't like... ...his father. I think you'll find him to be a reasonable man. Aloy of the Nora... ...she who sees the unseen.... ...welcome. It would seem you have done me a great service! Quite a place you've got here. You can almost see the 'little people' below the mesa. You don't approve? Well... ...I have a secret for you... ...neither do I... ...but we must be patient. Change won't come in a single sunrise. But will it happen at all... ...while men live in palaces? It might... ...eventually.... ...if people like YOU help me bring it about. They call you a Sun God... ...who killed his own father in order to unite the tribes in harmony. Is any of it true? They say you can see the invisible... ...split an arrow at 50 paces, and tame machines at a glance. How much of that... ...is true? It's not too far off. Well... ...I WOULD like to unite the tribes in harmony, but... ...you SAW how many courtiers I have to deal with first. Maybe next week. Erend... ...tell her what you found. I... ...checked... ...Ersa's tomb. You were right, Aloy. The body is missing a scar below her right knee. I gave it to Ersa when we were... ...kids... ...fighting over a toy sword. If the body is not Ersa's, then we must assume she is still alive. ...and I will NOT... ...abandon her. We only know she was taken... ...not who took her. I can help with that. Ersa has an enemy among the Oseram... ...a warlord, named Dervahl. Impossible... ...every clan in the Claim has been hunting for him since the liberation. He has to be dead by now! No other Oseram have... ...the motive, and ingenuity to lure Ersa into this trap. Expect to find him lurking... ...somewhere near the border. I've already sent an agent to investigate. He'll be waiting for word from us at the marketplace in Pitchcliff. I can't move troops to the border without provoking the Oseram... ...but I could send a few Vanguardsmen... ...and... ...perhaps an exceptionally gifted Nora, as well? Erend, Marad... ...let me discuss it with her privately. I hate to impose further, after all you've done... ...but this is a matter of great importance to me. It sounds like Ersa means a lot to you. Without her Oseram Vanguard, I would not have been able to liberate Meridian... ...and end... ...my father's... ...brutal reign. (sigh) Since then it has been difficult to maintain... ...peace, between our tribes... ...but Ersa has a way of... ...making her people see reason. So you see, I need her back at my side... ...and quickly. Who is Dervahl, exactly? To understand Dervahl... ...you must first understand my father. He truly thought of himself as a Sun God. His mind was... ...broken. He believed that blood sacrifice would solve... ...well... ...everything. So he raided the other tribes for victims... ...especially the Oseram. Dervahl fought back... ...he crafted powerful weapons... ...and rallied his people. My father responded with... ...the ultimate... ...cruelty. He captured Dervahl's wife... ...and daughter... ...and sacrificed them in the Sun Ring. So... ...why would Dervahl go to so much trouble to kidnap Ersa? He felt she betrayed him. She fought by his side until she realized... ...he planned to raise Meridian and butcher its people. Then she came to me. Together, we stopped him... ...and liberated the city from my father. Dervahl has spent every moment since trying to get revenge. Mostly on the other Oseram who fought with us. He made so many powerful enemies... ...I thought we'd seen the last of him. I was wrong. Well... ...they say kings should never beg... ...but please... ...help me find Ersa. Who says that? Well, Marad, for one. Don't hesitate to ask him or Erend if you have further questions. (sigh) So... ...I thought Ersa was dead... ...and I thought Dervahl was dead. Dead doesn't seem to mean what it used to... ...or maybe I'm just an ass. Whatever... ...all I know is that it’s time to find my sister... ...and get some payback! I hope Marad's guy grabs us a lead. Avad seems... ...committed to finding your sister. Yeah... ...those two got along... ...and... ...some people say they... ...shacked up, but I don't buy it. Seems a little skinny for her. Oh-oh okay, some bad images are forming in my head. Let's just... ...focus on finding her... ...and kicking Dervahl's ass! Did Ersa ever tell you anything about Dervahl? Uh we were both under his command for a while... ...sort of. Helped him recruit an army to take out the Mad Sun King... ...but then he got REAL creepy with Ersa. Needless to say, she wasn't interested, but... ...he wouldn't let it go. Not to mention the fact that we realized he wanted to murder... ...EVERY Carja... ...not just the bad ones. (sigh) Long story short... ...he's a Grazer-licking dung bag. I'd better go. Don't stand me up in Pitchcliff, okay? Ersa needs us. This must be Pitchcliff. Marad's agent should be at the marketplace by now. No sign of Marad's guy? He's had plenty of time to investigate. We'd better look for him. Damn right. Well, someone left here recently... ...and they were in a hurry. Has to be Marad's guy. Dervahl's thugs must have made him. Maybe because he found something. Look at this! I think he drew a map with his own blood. Right... ...those kind of maps, you know you better follow. That might be Pitchcliff. He marked a spot to the north. Could be Dervahl's location. My men are waiting outside of town... ...I'll grab them and meet you there! Machines... ...looks like they've been chained up. Dervahl's a tinker. He probably... ...experiments on them, or... ...or strips them for parts. Maybe I can use them to make some trouble. I'll go in first. Hold off until the fighting starts. Alright... ...we've got your back. Dervahl's men... ...it's about to get ugly. I hope so. I see you! Focus... ...focus! Ersa must be around here somewhere. Let's find her. Dervahl says you gotta eat dirt! Saw me... DON'T LOSE YOUR WITS... ...OR ANYTHING ELSE! Ersa must be in there! We HAVE to get through! They must use these to protect themselves from that awful sound. Ersa! Erend? Dervahl tried to break me... ...shows what he knows. I-I should have been with you! Why didn't you come for me!? I-I know I'm a useless trunk, but... No, idiot! I got a message from Dervahl... ...saying he wanted to parlay. I didn't come for you, because... ...I knew it was a trap! I couldn't let you get hurt. Just didn't think it'd be that good a trap. Thought I could take him out. (coughs) Now... ...now listen! Dervahl's planning something big... ...in Meridian! He said he'd... ...force Avad to watch as the smoke darkens their precious sun. Your King... ...needs you! No more playing around... ...you're gonna have to grow up fast! I will... ...I promise! You damn well better, little brother. Ersa! No, no... ...PLEASE! I won't let you down... ...I promise. Erend, I'm... ...I'm so sorry! We've gotta find Dervahl... ...but Meridian's a big place. I'll, uh... ...I'll look through his things. Maybe we can narrow it down. Just... ...notes about crafting. Oh... ...and a letter tucked between the pages. It mentioned a shipment of blaze being sent to a warehouse here... ...only... ...it wasn't addressed to Dervahl. The name was... ...Aelund Forgeman, does THAT mean anything to you? Uhh... ...sounds familiar... ...yes! A landlord... ...the Oseram have been buying up buildings across the city, including one under that name. Let me think... ...it's... ...by the edge of the mesa... ...near the temple. Used to be a shop... ...but it could serve as a warehouse. If Dervahl used the name as an alias to buy it... ...he might even be there now! I'll round up my men! I'll meet you there. Erend, wait... ...remember that no one hates Dervahl more than your own tribe. The clans would give up much to obtain him. Take him alive!? So you can... ...haggle over him? YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS! Our security depends on keeping the peace. If the opportunity presents itself, take him alive! Consider that a command. UNH! THIS IS THE PLACE! YOU HOME DERVAHL!? I GOTTA SURPRISE FOR YOU! Or he has a surprise for us. Is it a bomb!? Doesn't look TOO big. Big enough to KILL us! Alright... ...I'll shut up. Blaze... ...it must be leaking from something upstairs. That's a lot of blaze! If that bomb downstairs goes off... ...it'll be just what Dervahl promised. Smoke will darken the sun... ...as the city goes up in flames! There's... ...there's gotta be a way to stop it! It looks like a wooden bracket... ...not very strong. Help me push this out! Okay... ...brute force, I'm good at that. What'll it do? Save the city, I hope... ...but when the blaze falls... ...run for it... ...because the booby trap on the bomb downstairs is gonna get set off! Uh... ...will we survive? Probably not! Now push! WE DID IT! Dervahl's best shot... ...and Meridian's still standing. This isn't over. Dervahl said he'd make Avad watch. No way... ...to do that he'd have to get into the palace... ...and that's too heavily guarded. Get back there, just to be sure. I'm gonna look around... ...maybe Dervahl's men left something behind when they planted that bomb. I got it... ...don't worry. He tried for the palace... ...he's finished! Boot tracks... ...with just a bit of blaze in them. Has someone broken the ceasefire!? Hurry up! Get to the fire and set up a bucket line! What happened!? I haven't heard a blast like that since the liberation. There's smoke rising from the edge of the mesa! Are we under attack? The tracks lead inside... ...another one of Dervahl's hideouts? This must be where Dervahl assembled the detonator. Unh... ...he tunneled through the wall! Dervahl did find a way into the palace! Dervahl! Wish I could be there to see... Look at you, Avad... ...the wriggling runt of a maniac king. You robbed me of my right to kill your father... ...so I'll have to settle for you! I'm going to enjoy watching the Carja burn... ...EVEN MORE because YOU'LL be watching with me! Say GOODBYE to Meridian, Avad. BREATHE in the stench... ...and CHOKE on the ashes! Something's wrong, it... ...it DIDN'T... ...I-I-I DIDN'T HEAR ANYTHING! There's a bit of smoke rising from the mesa's edge! NO! IT SHOULD BE A FIRESTORM... ...NOT SOME... ...BELCH FROM A CHARCOAL BURNER! What's this? Oh... ...you must be the Nora who bushwhacked my camp. And disabled your bomb. Did YOU now? Well... ...bomb, or NO bomb... ...I'm gonna splatter that throne with BLOOD! First, yours... ...then AVAD'S! Can we finish this? Why does Avad... ...always have his ladies... ...do the fighting? It's not over yet, Nora. Any good Oseram tinker will tell you... ...always have a third plan! Gotcha now! I hope you like fighting these things... ...because there's MORE ON THE WAY! Makes this a little easier. Never do the work if you can get a MACHINE to do it for you! HA... ...THOSE MAJESTIC, MURDEROUS GLINTHAWKS! As much as I wish Ersa was here to KILL you... ...I DON'T MIND DOING IT FOR HER! Go ahead... ...I'm not afraid... ...except that KNOWING YOU, Erend... ...YOU'LL SCREW IT UP! I know what you ARE afraid of... ...going back to Mainspring in chains! Every clan in the Claim wants you dead... ...and they know how to make it hurt. They'll even BID for the privilege. It's just like you to get someone else to do your KILLING! SHUT UP! You're at the Sun King's mercy now. Aloy... ...I was just thinking about Ersa. She woulda killed Dervahl on the spot... ...I know it. That's why she went out to meet him in the first place, to put him down... ...but she... ...also told me to grow up. Gotta admit it burned a little when she said that, but... ...I'm trying to take it to heart... ...and I guess... ...growing up means... ...putting what you SHOULD do... ...in front of what you want to do... ...right? (laughs) You're asking me? I'm... ...pretty sure you're older. (laugh) Yeah, but I don't act like it, do I? You did with Dervahl. Eh don't give me too much credit... ...part of me still wants to wait for a quiet moment and ring his neck. Yeah, but you won't... ...because you're a good Captain. Come on, stop... ...you're gonna make me tear up! So, after all this, what's next for "Erend Vanguardsman"? Uh, heading back to the Claim for a while. I'll... ...get in touch with my clan, and... ...we'll lay Ersa to rest properly... ...like how she would've wanted... ...and by that I mean... ...less chit chat... ...more drinking. What do you think the Oseram will do to Dervahl? First off... ...they'll argue about it for a long time... ...but whatever they come up with... ...it won't be quick. I can live with that. (sniff) In fact I might just drop by his cell under the Sun Ring and remind him what's coming. Well... I know... ...you gotta go. Killers to track, machines to master... ...all before breakfast. You know what? When we met, I thought I was a... ...BIG SHOT... ...talking to a pretty girl hidden away in the middle of nowhere... ...and now I see that I was just lucky to get a minute of your time. (sniff) Try not to forget about me... ...while you're out there CHANGING the world. I'll always have a minute for you... ...maybe... ...even two? TWO! Huh... ...she likes me. Maker's End... ...not much farther now. Olin said he found an image of the woman I resemble on an ancient device. If she's my mother... ...why would there be traces of her all the way out here... ...so far from Nora land? (sigh) I don't get it. Who is she? <Her name...> <...is Elisabet...> <...Sobeck> !!! You... ...spying through my Focus again!? (sigh) Well, go on... ...what do you know about her? <Stay on your present course, and before long...> <...you'll know her as well as I do> <Maybe better...> <...but be wary...> <...Maker's End is crawling with Eclipse troops> <To help you deal with them...> <...I've left some useful equipment just outside the ruins> <Your Focus will show the location> (whistle) Who is he, and how does he know these things? He said.. Elisabet Sobeck. What kind of a name is that? (sigh) Right where he said it would be. Not a bad selection. I'll put those to use. Why are you doing this? <Because I want you to succeed> <Good hunting> <We'll talk later> W-wait! (sigh) Damn him! Corrupted Watchers... ...acting as guards!? (sigh) The Eclipse and corrupted machines... ...COOPERATING... ...one happy family. Eclipse... ...just like he said. Forge-dirt delvers made out with any riches long ago... ...but not the ancients buried in the ground. Okay... ...no more sneaking. Bleed! Where is she!? Can't see her! An explosion... I will teach you to BLEED! Another explosion! Rotate turrets... ...AND... ...FIRE! All weapons operational. Time to get it moving... ...and be quick about it! No daydreaming! Soon this demon will be up and running. Another Deathbringer to fill out the ranks. My Focus... ...it stopped working! <I've disabled his Focus> <The rest is up to you> I'll handle it. Steam's blasting out! I wonder if those are weak points. (whistle) Not alone! (whistle) (sigh) Did it! Those things pack a punch! Alright... ...the Eclipse officer had a Focus. Let's see what's on it. Let's see what you have to say. What... ...what is this!? [THE ENTITY...] [...LIVES?] [UNACCEPTABLE] [UNACCEPTABLE] [UNACCEPTABLE] What the hell was that? HADES? HEY! M-MYSTERIOUS STRANGER, DID YOU SEE THAT!? NO ANSWER, HUH? Figures. (sigh) Things just keep getting stranger. I need to find a way inside the tower. (sigh) Looks tight... ...but, I can squeeze through. [HOLD FOR IDENTISCAN] (sigh) One of these again? Pffh! (sigh) [GENETIC PROFILE CONFIRMED] [ENTRY AUTHORIZED] [GREETINGS, DR. SOBECK] [PLEASE, STEP INSIDE] [DR. SOBECK, YOU ARE...] [...355,510 DAYS OVERDUE...] [...FOR YOUR MEETING WITH MR. FARO] [PLEASE PROCEED TO THE 35TH FLOOR] Wait-wait-wait... ...350 thousand... ...that's HUNDREDS of years ago! What's going on? A Deathbringer... ...or a statue of one, anyway. A machine... ...built to kill... ...and they honored it? Welcome to Faro Automated Solutions... ...where all the problems of tomorrow, are being solved today. With over 25,000 human employees, based in nations and corporate holdings across the globe... ...Faro leads the world in every sector of self-sustaining, fully-automated technology. From revolutionary consumer products close to home... ...like the Faro Focus... ...to the dynamic Chariot line of peacekeeping robots halting bloodshed in conflict zones across the globe... ...Faro remains committed to making the future smarter... ...brighter... ...safer... ...and always surprising. Faro Automated Solutions... ...for every problem of life... ...a smart solution. So they made the Focus. 25,000 people!? That's bigger than a tribe. What was this place? What were they doing here? <It was a corporation...> <...a group of people not unlike a tribe...> <...and they made machines> Yeah, go on! <I've uploaded some data files to your Focus> <They'll help you understand> The air... ...there’s.. no smell to it, not even old death. Nothing natural. Another cave in... ...but I COULD get through. Looks like I can climb here. Made it! Looks like the way up... ...what's left of it. Gonna be a long way up... ...frozen metal most of the way. Not making this easy, Dr. Sobeck. If plants can find a way to hang on up here... ...I guess I can too. A way up... ...all it takes is a few good handholds. Alright... ...made it. Wonder what we'll find. [ALL DATA HAS BEEN ERASED FROM THIS DEVICE] [DO YOU WISH TO DEPLOY ALPHA PRIVILEGES TO RECOVER PURGED DATA?] Oh yes, I believe I do. [A FILE HAS BEEN RECOVERED] <Elisabet..> <...good to, uh...> <It's been years!> <Where's your legal team, Ted?> <No need...> <...I dropped...> <...all 18 lawsuits the moment you landed> <I assume your data confirms this> <Alright, this promises to be interesting> <Perhaps we could have.. lunch, brought in?> <You know, get reacquainted> <I know you, Ted> <You screwed something up, something big, or you wouldn't have eaten the crow necessary to get me here> <So, spit it out> <There's...> <...a glitch...> <...in the Chariot line> <Your KILLER robots?> <Peacekeepers, yes, those> <So shut them down> <(laugh) Obviously, Lis, we would, if we could> <They're not responding> <Are you telling me a swarm has gone rogue, Ted?> <It's worse than that> <(sigh)> <Show me the data then..> <...and I'll take that lunch...> <...alone> Ted Faro brought Elisabet Sobeck here... ...but they HATED each other. [ANOTHER FILE HAS BEEN RECOVERED] <This...> <...isn't a glitch!> <It's a catastrophe!> <Fully aware...> <...it's bad> <BAD!?> <Jesus, Lis> <It's not BAD, Ted...> <...it's APOCALYPTIC!> <YOU BUILT A LINE OF KILLER ROBOTS...> <PEACEKEEPERS!> <...THAT CONSUME BIOMASS AS FUEL...> <IN EMERGENCIES!> <...AND YOU MADE THEM CAPABLE OF SELF-REPLICATION!> <Limited.. self-manufacture... controlled> <Not anymore> <The glitch severed chain of command> <The only nation the swarm answer to now is ITSELF!> <Wha... you-you think I don't, I don't...> <EVERYTHING ELSE IS JUST.. FOOD...> <...and at the rate its replicating, Ted, it will strip the Earth bare in 15 months!> <We're not talking fall of civilization, we're talking...> <...extinction!> <I GET IT, LIS> <(sigh) So how do I stop it while its contained?> <IT'S NOT CONTAINED! IT CAN'T BE!> <YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!> <Right...> <...before the truth gets out, you mean> <Lis, I will do anything you say> <Keep working it, and whatever you recommend, I'll do!> <I'm gonna hold you to that, Ted> The Faro robots... ...threatened all life on Earth... ...but... ...somehow she defeated them! The world of the Old Ones fell, but life went on... ...or, or we wouldn't be here. [A FINAL FILE HAS BEEN RECOVERED] <Project Zero Dawn?> <Jesus, Lis...> <...there has to be another way!> <If there were a nicer way to fix your mess, I would have proposed it!> <But this?> <This!?> <When I asked you to find the cure, I didn't expect it to be worse than the disease!> <It's not, Ted> <It may be grim...> <...but it's our only chance> <Now sign the proposal!> <SIGN IT? I CAN'T SIGN THAT!> <Yes you can> <THAT!?> <Lis, I cannot in good conscience.. sign that> <YOU'VE GOT A CHOICE, TED> <I KNOW> <I'm speaking to you from a VTOL en route to US Robot Command> <In 15 minutes, I meet with General Herres, and the rest of the Joint Chiefs> <Wha.. what!?> <ARE YOU CRAZY!?> <NOW YOUR CHOICE, IS WHAT I TELL THEM> <Sign, and I'll tell them the wealthiest corporation on Earth has guaranteed the funds necessary to build Zero Dawn...> <...exactly as I've designed it> <Or don't sign...> <...and I will make sure they AND EVERYONE ELSE ON THIS PLANET KNOWS THE REAL CAUSE OF THE GLITCH> <Jesus, Lis...> <...you don't have to threaten me> <I'll sign> <LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE, TED...> <...FROM HERE ON OUT YOU GET TO DO WHAT YOU'VE ALWAYS BEEN GOOD AT...> <...FOOTING THE BILL WHILE OTHERS GET THEIR HANDS DIRTY> <God forgive me> What... ...made her solution so terrible? What did she do to stop the robots? [EXECUTIVE ACCESS DETECTED] [EXPRESS LIFT.. OPENED] This... ...this doesn't add up! Sobeck... ...couldn't have been my mother, she lived AGES ago. All this searching, and I'm still NO closer! <That's your reaction to everything you just learned...> <...to whine like a spoiled child!?> Arh... ...you should really try talking that way to me face to face! <As you wish> <Do you really have no idea...> <...how monumental are the discoveries you just made, Aloy?> <I expected more of you> So... ...you have a face. Got a name to go with it? <Of all the questions you could ask right now...> <...THAT'S the one you choose?> <I've spent DECADES searching the ruins of the Old Ones, trying to solve the mystery of what happened to them.> <For years, I've suspected that Faro robots destroyed their civilization...> <...but I could never confirm it...> <...and in minutes...> <...you uncover more ancient knowledge than I have in a lifetime, and what you want to know...> <...is my name?> <Sylens...> <...that's my name> <Now...> <...why don't you try asking another question?> <Something less trivial> If you're so smart... ...why do you know so little after a lifetime scratching around in the dirt? It's not my fault you're bad at what you do! I came to these ruins looking for Elisabet Sobeck... ...not because of the things she did CENTURIES ago... ...but because people are trying to kill me RIGHT NOW... ...TODAY! I've got bigger problems to deal with than your crap. <Congratulations...> <...you've just graduated from whining to throwing a temper tantrum> <I'm sure Elisabet would be proud> <You need to get a grip on yourself and start thinking straight> <Only then will you see just how big your problems really are> What exactly are you talking about? <You've chased.. a personal riddle...> <...into a crowd of LARGER mysteries> <The common thread is your connection to Elisabet Sobeck> But what is that connection!? <We don't know the connection yet> <The only way to find out is to keep going; to keep making discoveries> <Thanks to you...> <...we've only just now learned that Faro robots once threatened to end life on Earth> But it didn't happen! The Old Ones' civilization was destroyed, but life... ...life was saved. <Obviously> <So...> <...what did Elisabet do?> <How did she stop the robots before all was lost?> What was Project Zero Dawn? <Exactly the question> <Now...> <...are you ready to go get the answer?> Of course I am. <Then why are you still standing here?> Not so fast, Sylens... ...you've got some explaining to do! <I've told you quite enough...> <...if you've still got questions, be quick about it and stop wasting my time!> You've been using my Focus to spy on me... ...how is that possible? <Every Focus emits...> <...a signal> <A voice...> <...that only other Focuses can hear> <I know how to string those voices together...> <...how to make them talk to each other...> <...to communicate, even over vast distances> How do you learn to do that? <Years of study and experimentation> <In principle it's not so different from how YOU override machines> <I override Focuses> And you can spy through other Eclipse's focuses too? <Usually> <All I'll say is that overriding the connections is...> <...complicated> <Now that's enough talking, be on your way!> Oh, no... ...I'm just getting started! You've been getting a free ride on my Focus... ...risking nothing, while I risk everything. All I have to do is take this thing off my head... ...and you'll be blind... ...deaf... ...and dumb. So quit complaining... ...and answer my questions. <Very well...> <...proceed> WHO are you, Sylens... ...and what are your intentions? <You really need to make this...> <...personal?> <(sigh)> <I'm a lone wanderer who left his tribe behind a long time ago> <An explorer of forbidden places, a searcher of lost knowledge...> <...exactly as I said> Why do you know so much about the Eclipse? <I happen to know a lot about a lot of things> <If what you're really asking is whether I work for the Eclipse or anyone else, I don't> <I am nothing if not independent> So far as I can tell... ...the Eclipse are just following orders. It's HADES who wants me dead. Who is he? <I don't know> <The Eclipse describe him as a "buried shadow"...> <...some kind of devil> That THING, that spoke to me outside... ...that made that Focus explode... ...that was HADES? It... ...didn't seem like a person, or a machine. More like a phantom... ...with a terrible voice. <All that's certain...> <...is that he wants you DEAD> Because of my connection to Elisabet... ...has to be. <HADES is using the Eclipse, to resurrect Faro robots> But if Elisabet found a way to stop them centuries ago... ...if she MADE special weapons... ...maybe HADES is worried I'll do the same thing. <In some of the ancient data I've recovered...> <...there are hints of so called "super weapons" being developed> <Maybe to stop the robots...> <...the civilization of the Old Ones had to destroy itself> Is there... ...ANY chance that... ...Elisabet Sobeck could still be alive somehow? <It's highly unlikely...> <..but...> <...not impossible> <Some of the ancient data I've recovered includes mentions of life extension techniques...> <...pharmaceuticals, mostly...> <...an ancient word for medicine...> <...but some were still trying to perfect ways of freezing and unfreezing people> Freezing and unfreezing people!? <Cryogenics they called it...> <...but there were problems with it> <Given Elisabet's technological acumen...> <...I can't definitively rule out that she found a way to make herself immortal> <But this is speculation...> <...wasting time> Elisabet told Ted Faro she was headed for a place called... ...US Robot Command... ...to tell people about Zero Dawn. <The place still exists...> <...as a ruin> <The Oseram call it the "Grave-Hoard"> Grave-Hoard!? Cheery name. <You'll find it in the eastern mountains...> <...buries under the tangled coils of a Metal Devil, or a...> <...BOR-7 Horus, rather, as we're learning to call them> <I'll contact you when you get there> I can't wait! (sigh) Eclipse! <I'm not showing any Focuses in that location> <It shouldn't be anything you can't handle on your own> <Carry on> Thanks. On my own, alright. Too close! The Grave-Hoard... ...in the shadow of a Metal Devil.... ...great. Easy, EASY! They're inside, too! That does it. Time to take a look around the room. Operation Enduring Victory... ...what did that mean? Whatever it WAS... ...doesn't seem to have turned out very well. Tools being used... ...and voices. More Eclipse! Must be another way in. It's them alright! They're not looking for answers... ...just WEAPONS. The Shadow will take you, wherever you go! DIE! What is this? <That...> <...it's a map> A map of... ...what? <Our world...> <...the planet Earth, Aloy> <It's not flat, like you thought> Why would I think that? During eclipses, the shadow cast on the moon is curved... ...so our world is a globe... ...and it looks like this.... ...from a distance. <Well, uh, th-the...> <...we'll discuss this another time!> <Back to the matter at hand> The Faro robots were spreading across the world... ...eating everything up. Somehow... ...Elisabet stopped them before it was too late... ...but how? The Eclipse... ...tampering with the Metal Devil. They don't think they can wake it, do they? WATCH OUT! The sun's shadow! Another "Khopesh"... ...and this one can move. Oh no! Looks like I'm clear. That did it. Outside, the soldiers long ago... ...they had to fight HUNDREDS of those... ...all at once!? <Thank you Dr. Sobeck, you can take a seat> <Wha...> <...you're going to THANK her, after what SHE just said!?> <Dr. Sobeck has made the situation very CLEAR, General, and given us an option> <We should ALL be thanking her> <Ah, it's just...> <...I mean, MY GOD!> <Maybe take this discussion offline> <There's not going to be ANY discussion> <You saw the numbers...> <...now Faro, he'll foot the bill, but his money can't buy the TIME necessary to complete Zero Dawn> <That...> <...that can only be paid for in blood> <Oh...> <...COME ON!> <If we upgrade our fleet, crack the codes somehow, uh...> <WERE YOU NOT LISTENING!?> <Robots can't do the fighting for you this time> <When it comes to hacking, this rogue swarm is an apex predator!> <Anything automated you throw at it, it will hijack, and take over!> <But THIS!?> <WE'D BE THROWING CIVILIANS INTO A MEAT GRINDER!> <Commanders...> <...the enemy we're facing self-replicates faster than we can kill it...> <...and it eats biomass as fuel> <Zero Dawn is all we've got> <So we put a railgun in the hand of every civilian strong enough to carry one...> <...show them where the trigger is...> <...and point them to the front!?> <How the hell do we sell that?> <By giving them something to fight for...> <...Zero Dawn> <The top-secret superweapons program that will save us...> <...so long as humanity holds off the swarm long enough for Dr. Sobeck and her team to finish it> <The file I'm sending contains the war plan for Operation Enduring Victory> <WAR PLAN?> <THIS IS A WAR CRIME!> <It may be ugly, but it's something> <Consider the alternative> <Dr. Sobeck...> <...I've secured use of a decommissioned orbital launch base outside Bryce Utah as the Zero Dawn staging area> <Plenty of space there> <When can you get started?> <(sigh) I've already mailed you a list of Alpha and Beta candidates> <Most are.. foreign nationals or subjects of corporate holdings, so, extracting them...> <Leave that to me> <You'll get your dream team...> <...count on it> <Then I'll be off> "Orbital launch base"... ...what is that? What did these people do? What did Elisabet do!? (sigh) Glad to be rid of that place. Now I just need to find the orbital launch base they talked about. <I've checked my data and located the base...> <...that's the good news> (sigh) And the bad!? <It's directly underneath the Citadel> <The palace at Sunfall> (sigh) The capital of the Shadow Carja... ...not exactly convenient. <The palace is crawling with Eclipse agents...> <...many in positions of authority, all of them wearing Focuses> <The moment they see you, HADES will too> <He'll issue another kill order, and this time, the entire Shadow Carja military will be after you> So.. disable their Focuses... ...you've done it before. <It's not that simple> <Too many Focuses in one place...> <...each of them communicating with each other, and back to HADES> <A whole network of them> Network, what's that? <Uh, imagine a vast, invisible web, stretched across the land from end to end, connecting Focuses together...> <...allowing them to communicate over vast distances instantaneously> (sigh) Alright, so... ...is there... ...some way to cut the web down? <Hmm...> <...crash the network...> <...audacious> <Yes...> <...there is a way...> <...a weak point in the network> Point the way! <(laugh)> <I'll send the location data to your Focus> <Head there...> <...and I'll be in touch when you're close with more directions> What was... ...Zero Dawn; what... ...sort of "superweapon" did Elisabet make? She stopped the machines... ...but not before the world she knew... ...her civilization... ...ended. Let's... ...hope it won't come to that again. (sigh) Now how am I gonna get down from here? Ah... ...this should be quite the ride. <Aloy...> <...you're very close now> I was wondering when you'd speak up. <There's a sheer rock wall just ahead> <Look close, and you'll find handholds leading up> Oh really... ...and who put those there, hmm? Great! Why would I expect an answer? It's so much more exciting to keep it all a mystery. Crash the Eclipse Focus network, he said. So how are we gonna do that? OH wait... ...I forgot... ...WE won't! I do all the dangerous stuff... ...you just listen in. There are the handholds... ...right where you said they'd be. Did you get that, Sylens? No? Fitting name you've got there. Alright, what now? <You wait, that's what> <Take a seat at the campfire and rest...> <...when night falls, we'll talk> (sigh) At least I'll have a fire to keep me company. How nice of you to finally drop by. <Our purpose this night is to crash the Focus network> Yeah, tell me the part I DON'T know... ...how? <For starters, you will need to infiltrate the Eclipse's main base> Wait, what!? <That's right> <Fortunately for you, I've brought you around to the back way> <It's right through that crevice> <Once you reach the base, you'll see the objective...> <...a derelict Tallneck that's been extensively...> <...modified> <Climb the Tallneck...> <...grafted into the top of its disc, you'll find a...> <...module of sorts> <Destroy that...> <...and the Focus network will crash> So you were part of the Eclipse? <I've never been part of ANYTHING> <I serve my own interests, always> <But...> <...it is the case that I...> <...ASSISTED the Eclipse...> <...before I sensed the threat they might become> <It was a mistake...> <...that I'm doing what I can to correct> What sort of "assistance" did you give them? <Head through that crevice, Aloy...> <...you have more important things to do than ask questions> Errghhh! Gonna be tight. Corrupted machines... ...patrolling like guards. <More like soldiers...> <...held in reserve for a war yet to come> <You have to get past them> This is the EASY way in!? <The BACK way in...> <...I didn't say it'd be easy> Gotta get rid of the corrupted, fast. (whistle) (whistle) Explosions in the distance! <Pay that no mind> <It doesn't concern you> I can get out of this. (whistle) <Getting close now...> <...head for that ridge> (whistles) (whistle) <The Tallneck's just over this ridge> <You'll see it when you reach the top> <Now be ready to act fast...> <...you need to get in and get it done before they raise an alarm> <Here we go> (sigh) You getting this? I see the legs of a Tallneck down there, but no Tallneck. <Damn...> <...the transmitter's been moved> <Check down the ravine to the left...> <...only place it could be> Ha, so much for your insider knowledge. TOWARD the explosions!? Great. <You've got exactly one shot at this Aloy...> <...so spare the sarcasm and make it count> <You see that bridge, over the ravine?> Yup. <Memorize its location> <There's a rappel point on the side> <That'll be your way out> <And these Eclipse troopers?> <Avoid them, or kill them your choice> <The blasting should cover any noise you make> <Find the Tallneck, and destroy the module on top> Unh... ...here we go. Every time they set off another blast, my ears ring! Huh? Hmm... ...I thought... The machines show us the way! No taking, only destruction! Nothing there, idiot! YOU CANNOT ESCAPE OUR GRASP! Is there fighting up ahead? <No...> <...it's...> <...a mining operation> <So long as you're quick, it won't affect you> Oh good, another secret. Did it! Enough of this... ...I need to find that Tallneck. <Yes, you do> <Now push on> It would not have been easy to drag a Tallneck down this path. Why bother? <Just.. find it and get to the top> <Destroy the module, and then get out, fast as you can!> Sure is a lot of blasting up there... ...sounds busy. <Busy enough not to notice you, let's hope> I see it! They've.. built some kind of... ...structure around it. <Climb it> <The sooner this is done, the better> (sigh) I don't like this. It feels... ..wrong. <Everything here is wrong> <Just get to the module and destroy it> I see the module! <Good...> <...now be quick> This... ...this is HADES!? <Aloy, this is not the time> It's... ...a Metal Devil. <Open the module's casing, now!> <ALOY!> <DO AS I SAY OR ALL IS LOST!> [ENTITY...] [...HAS COME HERE!?] [ENTITY...] [...MISCALCULATED] [ENTITY...] [...CANNOT DESTROY ME] [I AM BEYOND ITS REACH] Maybe YOU are... ...BUT THIS ISN'T! [DESTROY THE ENTITY!] <KEEP MOVING OR YOU'LL DIE!> This looks easy! <Keep moving!> YEAH, YOU THINK!? What do you think I'm doing, TAKING A NAP? No way! ALMOST.. THERE! COME ON! <Don't fight...> <...keep moving!> Ugh, WHAT!? <HEAD LEFT, TOWARDS THE CAMP!> Got it! Almost out of it! <The whole base is on high alert!> YEAH.. I NOTICED. <KEEP.. MOVING!> <Watch out, there's more ahead!> Bridge in sight! <THAT'S THE WAY OUT!> I know! <Rough going, but you survived> YOU KNEW HADES WAS THERE, AND YOU SENT ME TO HIM!? <I won't deny, I risked your life...> <...but it was the only way> <Now...> <...with the Focus network gone, we can both get what we want...> <...access to the secrets of Zero Dawn> I'm PAST trusting you with secrets! <Good...> <...that means you're wising up> <Trust.. is for fools...> <...it shifts and crumbles like sand> <A poor foundation for any partnership...> <...but mutual self-interest...> <...now that.. is a solid bedrock upon which you and I might build a new science of understanding> <We both need answers, Aloy...> <...and thanks to you, we're on the verge of grasping them> <At Sunfall...> <...we'll speak again> You miserable... ...damn him! <Sunfall...> <...the Mad King Jiran's summer palace> <A bold work of Carja might against the howling Forbidden West> Thanks for the history lesson. <But they have no idea what lies beneath> <We will learn much from this, Aloy> That's what I'm hoping. <The Sun Ring...> <...proud tradition of the Carja> It's not like this in Meridian... ...at least... ...not anymore. <Give them time...> <...I'm sure they'll miss it> <Now we get to see if your attack on their Focus network was entirely successful> Unh! What're you talking about!? Did I crash the network, or not!? <In theory, all should be well> <Success!> <Welcome to the Citadel, Aloy...> <...I'll check back with you in a moment> <In the meantime...> <...circulate> Whatever work the mercenaries are doing... ...at least Carja don't have to debase ourselves with it. Outlanders... ...if you want to hear about today's bounties, head for the throne room! You're not going to make any shards by standing out here. Move along. I'll take the shards... ...even if it means having to listen to Bahavas. I hear the Shadow Carja are looking for one of their own. Should pay well. By the glory of the sun... ...revealed. Behold... ...Radiant... ...Itamen! The one TRUE Sun King! The light... ...in shadow... ...whose will is light... ...and whose LIGHT IS LAW! I command... ...Lucent Bahavas... ...to speak on my behalf. By the will of Radiant Itamen does the sun glare down MERCILESSLY upon the traitor Uthid... To the hunter, who brings his head to us... <So...> <The way in I spoke of is right behind you> You've gotta be kidding. <Not at all...> <...and you needn't worry about the Kestrels...> <...they'll be too busy acting important to pay attention to you> They're going to see me! <You underestimate the ease of hiding in plain sight> <The balustrade...> <...it's a short drop from there> <The other side of the tower...> <...a weak spot in the wall> I'm heading down. <I've spent a lifetime trying to uncover the secrets of this world> <Where the machines came from...> <...how the old ones achieved such marvels, only to fall into silence and death> <A lifetime of failure...> <...as year by year, decade after decade...> <...I hit walls I could not break, doors I could never breach...> Hello... <...until a Nora huntress marched out of the Savage East...> <...and...> <...voila!> <For her...> <...all the deepest secrets of the Earth were laid bare> <I suspect you'll have an easier time with this door than I did, years ago> [HOLD FOR IDENTISCAN] [GENETIC PROFILE CONFIRMED] [ENTRY AUTHORIZED] [MALFUNCTION] [MALFUNCTION] [MALFUNCTION] Argh.. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? <You don't hear me laughing> Shut up! There's gotta be another way. HEY! ELIZABET SOBECK HERE... ...REQUESTING ACCESS! [ACCESS REQUEST ACKNOWLEDGED] [ROOT COMMAND FUNCTIONS AVAILABLE] [DO YOU WISH TO PROCEED?] I do... ...GET ME THROUGH THIS DOOR! [ANALYZING] [PRIMARY ACCESS INOPERABLE DUE TO MECHANICAL FAILURE] [EMERGENCY VENTING PROCEDURE LIKELY TO CIRCUMVENT BLOCKAGE] [DO YOU WISH TO PROCEED?] Yes! [EMERGENCY VENTING AUTHORIZED] <I underestimated you> <Till right now I...> (sigh) Guess you can't have everything. <That will draw attention> <We won't have this place to ourselves for long now> WE!? LAST I CHECKED I WAS THE ONE RISKING MY LIFE DOWN HERE. <Yes, fine...> <...now will you PLEASE get moving?> <There's so much to learn, and less time than I'd hoped> [WELCOME TO PROJECT ZERO DAWN] Zero Dawn! We found it! <Are you REALLY so surprised?> [FACILITY DIAGNOSTICS DETECT MULTIPLE FAILURES] [ATTEMPTING REPAIR] So... ...what was this.. room? <An entrance hall, perhaps> <Have a look around> What... ...what WAS this place? <A holographic theater> [ZD_0_1 DATA INTACT] [INITIATING PLAYBACK] <Welcome to Project Zero Dawn> <I am General Herres...> <...Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States of America> <I'm sure you've heard the rumors...> <...that Zero Dawn is a top-secret superweapons program> <The...> <...technological miracle that will save us from the Faro Plague...> <...IF Operation Enduring Victory can hold off the robots long enough> <The reason I'm sure you've heard the rumors is...> <...that I'm the one who spread them...> <...and they are all lies> <Zero Dawn is NOT a superweapons program...> <...and it will NOT save us> <Nothing.. will save us> <Here's why> <By the time the glitch was noticed...> <...it was already too late> <Nothing could stop the Faro Plague> <Nothing can> <Its robots will continue to replicate, and devour the biosphere> <Life on Earth WILL be destroyed> <Our planet reduced to a barren sphere> <Global extinction is inevitable> <No matter how many we kill...> <...the robots just keep EXPONENTIALLY making more> <If we had their deactivation codes...> <...we could shut them all down...> <...the entire swarm> <But since their cryptographic protocols use polyphasic entangled waveforms...> <...cracking their code set would take HALF A CENTURY> <At best...> <...we've got 16 months> <Not exactly what you'd call a survival option> <The destruction of a biosphere is not the sort of apocalypse you can wait out in a fallout shelter or a space station...> <...there will be no EARTH left to reclaim> <Just a...> <...lifeless, toxic rock with several million Faro robots on it...> <...hibernating...> <...waiting for something to EAT> <This is the horrible truth behind the lies of Operation Enduring Victory> <MY lies...> <...lies designed to inspire millions of innocents to sacrifice themselves in battle> <Why?> <One reason...> <...to buy time for YOU...> <...and the work you will do HERE> <Zero Day...> <...the day that life on Earth ceases to exist...> <...is coming fast> <It cannot be stopped> <The hope of Zero Dawn...> <...is that something NEW might come after...> <...but I will leave it to Elisabet Sobeck to shine that thin ray of light into the darkness> <Herres...> <...out> That doesn't make sense... ...life on Earth didn't CEASE to exist. <He said it could not be stopped> But it WAS... ...somehow... ...somehow Elisabet saved us! I've got to keep looking... ...find out how she did it. [ZD_0_2 DATA INTACT] [INITIATING PLAYBACK] Elisabet Sobeck? <You've heard the bad news...> <...and it's all true> <The Faro Plague is devouring the biosphere> <Life itself will cease to exist> <But does that HAVE to be the end?> <What if we could give life...> <...a future?> <What if we could build a kind of seed...> <...from which...> <...on a dead planet...> <...life could blossom anew?> <This is the aim...> <...the hope...> <...of Project Zero Dawn...> <...to create a super intelligent, fully automated terraforming system...> <...and bring life back, from lifelessness> <What would such a system require?> <At its core...> <...it would need a TRUE AI...> <...fully capable of making the trillions of decisions necessary to reconstitute...> <...the biosphere> <An immortal guardian...> <...devoted.. to the reflourishing of life> <We call it...> <...GAIA> <Mother Nature, as an AI...> <...but that's just the CORE of the system> <She will NEED to be surrounded, and empowered...> <...by a comprehensive suite...> <...of subordinate functions> <Think of them as extensions of GAIA's mind...> <...each dedicated to a specific purpose> <Now these aren't AIs, but make no mistake...> <...each presents an engineering challenge MORE profound...> <...than ANYTHING the human species has ever before attempted> <Hardware that preserves, and then gestates...> <...the billions of seeds and embryos from which life will be reborn...> <...the construction of underground facilities to hold it all...> <...and that's just the start> <We don't HAVE to build the entire system> <The beauty of a fully automated terraforming system...> <...is that it can BUILD itself> <Now, over the days to come...> <...you'll learn how all these functions, all these PIECES that you'll be working on...> <...fit together...> <...how we'll race the clock to execute our harvest initiatives...> <...write the software, build the tech, and the facilities...> <...how we'll lock it up, and seal it down before the inevitable occurs...> <...but even more important...> <...you'll know how it doesn't end here...> <...how GAIA will generate those deactivation codes General Herres talked about...> <...and build the transmission arrays to broadcast them...> <...shutting down the Faro robots, for good...> <...how GAIA will not just build...> <...but imagine any conceivable robot it needs to do its work across centuries...> <...from detoxifying the Earth's ravaged atmosphere and poisoned seas...> <...to the regreening of the Earth from cryo-preserved seed stocks...> <...to re-wilding the Earth with animal life...> <...and then...> <...when all that is done...> <...how a new generation of human beings...> <...spawned at cradle facilities around the globe...> <...will partake of APOLLO...> <...the vast archive of human knowledge and cultural achievement...> <...from which they will learn of us...> <...our world...> <...and most important...> <...how not to repeat our mistakes> <It's not an impossible dream> <It is within our grasp...> <...if we work tirelessly...> <...and stop at nothing...> <...to achieve it> <We can't stop life from ending...> <...but if you will help me...> <...help GAIA...> <...we can give it a future> <Join me...> <...and help make that future real> The whole earth... ...destroyed... ...but then... ...remade!? <Yes...> <...by a machine> <A machine of creation> Elisabet... ...did this... ...for life... ...for us.... ...but... ...w-why HADES then? If it was part of GAIA... ...how'd it end up in the wreckage of a Faro robot... ...and... ...why does it want to kill me... ...and... ...APOLLO... ...the archive of knowledge, what happened to that? <I'm as confused as you are> <Maybe the answers lie ahead> Eclipse... ...they're here! <Avoid contact> Lines look good! GAIA... ...it's up there! Second floor. <Can you reach it?> (sigh) So much for avoiding contact! That better not be one of ours! Try to... Shadow take you! Fall before the shadow! (sigh) That's the last of em. [ALERT] [H-LOCK STRUCTURAL FAILURE] Eugh.... ...or not! This is it for you! Too fast! The shadow will reach you wherever you go! Room's clear... ...for a... ...moment, anyway. <Then get moving!> <You have to find GAIA> (sigh) <Hello!> <I'm Margo Shĕn...> <...and this is HEPHAESTUS> <As the name might tip you off...> <...this is going to be the subordinate function that GAIA will use to make lots and lots of robots> <Her personal forge...> <...except...> <...it's not that simple> <Umm...> <...so like...> <...you probably noticed that only about a third of you are robotics engineers?> <The rest, experts in machine cognition, virtual heuristics...> <...that stuff> <Well, that's because WE aren't going to be the ones designing and building robots> <The last thing we want.. is to burden GAIA with a bunch of outmoded, 21st century designs> <Waste of time> <Our purpose... is to empower GAIA to build the robots...> <...and not just build...> <...imagine, from scratch> <Any robot she needs, for any conceivable purpose...> <...designed and fabricated at the snap of a finger...> <...hers...> <...her finger!> <So...> <...HEPHAESTUS isn't really the forge...> <...it's more like the knowledge of craft and ingenuity of a master smith...> <...to wield the hammer...> <...encoded as software> <Virtual creativity, made real> <GAIA's already learning> <In simulations, she's doing some VERY creative things with fractal assembly and animal morphologies> <Her designs aren't about to with the Li-Em Prize any time soon...> <...but hey...> <...everyone has to start somewhere> <So...> <...yes!> <Time to get started> <Let's do this> I don't get it. <Which part?> <It's a little...> <...technical in places> If.. GAIA was designed to save life... ...why would the robots it makes ATTACK people? <Perhaps it loves some forms of life more than others> The derangement... ...the machines weren't always so angry. <True...> <...mostly they were docile until 10, 15 years ago> <Welcome to APOLLO...> <...the collective memory of the human species, and the wellspring of knowledge for future generations> <I am Samina Ebdaji> <Until recently...> <...I was director of the International Collective Memory Institute in New Tehran> <As a heritage professional...> <...I devoted my career to the preservation of human knowledge...> <...creative endeavor...> <...and cultural achievement> <APOLLO is...> <...therefore...> <...the ultimate embodiment of a lifelong passion...> <...albeit, under the very worst circumstances imaginable> <The challenges before us...> <...are immense> <Specifically...> <...we will have to design and implement four major initiatives SIMULTANEOUSLY> <First...> <...the construction of data repositories in cradle facilities around the world, ensuring redundancy> <Second...> <...the collection and processing of a projected 180 million discreet data entries...> <...42 ZETABYTES of data in Mandarin...> <...English...> <...Spanish...> <...and Arabic> <Third...> <...the transferal and encoding of all that data onto DNA encapsulated in synthetic fossils> <The only medium capacious and durable enough to safeguard it without degradation for the centuries to come> <And last...> <...but not least...> <...the development of the holographic interface and gamified curricula...> <...by which future humans will commune with APOLLO...> <...progressively unlocking heuristic learning modules...> <...leveling up the knowledge and skills they will need to take control of the terraforming system> <That...> <...is the future towards which all of our efforts will be directed> <Not JUST the preservation of the past...> <...but the SEED for the flourishing of a new tree of knowledge> <Welcome...> <...and let us begin!> <Welcome...> <...to HADES!> <Zero Dawn's extinction failsafe protocol...> <...the ultimate "killer app"> <Now...> <...I know what you're thinking> <The purpose of GAIA is to resurrect life...> <...so why give her a subordinate function, only purpose of which is to wipe out life all over again? I mean...> <...what the...> <...WHAT!?> <Just...> <...plum crazy, AIN'T IT!?> <Well, no...> <...it isn't> <Reconstituting a biosphere...> <...that's a tall order> <Tack-smart as GAIA may be...> <...odds are, she won't get it right the first time> <I mean...> <...imagine you're GAIA...> <...200 years from now, and this...> <...new biosphere growing, it's all gone wrong> <Alkalines are skyrocketing...> <...coniferous forests eroding under the lash of superstorms that would have drowned Noah> <It's chaos...> <...a spinning top that won't stop wobbling> <Now what're you gonna do...> <...release phase one organisms into that hot mess?> <Hope their...> <...CO2 and methane can balance out what you got started?> <Hell no...> <...what you're gonna do...> <...GAIA...> <...is step aside...> <...while HADES takes over and does what you're just too darn nurturin'...> <...and life-lovin' to do...> <...which is BURN that misbegotten' mess of a biosphere to the ground, so GAIA...> <...can START OVER!> <Okay...> <...not burn, more like...> <...reverse terraforming operations and suffocate it!> <But...> <...you get the idea> <HADES...> <...takes the biosphere back to zero...> <...square one...> <...blank.. slate...> <...and then...> <...ONLY THEN...> <...does it hand the steering wheel back to GAIA, and say...> <...try again, old girl...> <...and better this time, or we'll have to do this.. again> <THAT'S...> <...HADES> <It's pretty badass, when you think about it...> <...extinction on demand...> <...death on speed dial...> <...all for the greater good of course, but...> <...still...> <...kinda metal...> <...so welcome to HADES> <Welcome...> <...to the void> Unh... ...okay, so... ...if that's the ORIGINAL purpose of HADES... ...why does it want ME extinct? <We need more data> And... how does it end up in the wreckage of a Faro Titan... ...getting worshipped by the Eclipse, like... ...some kind of god? <I'm learning as you are, Aloy...> <...keep searching> (sigh) Looks like the only way onwards. <Welcome...> <...to ELEUTHIA...> <...the crown and king...> <...of GAIA's subordinate functions...> <...for it is by ELEUTHIA that the human race will continue to exist> <I am Patrick Brochard-Klein...> <...the Alpha in charge of this program> <Now let one thing be perfectly clear from the outset...> <...ELEUTHIA is NOT a genetic engineering project> <Our goal...> <...is to preserve the human genome...> <...NOT alter it> <A snapshot of human genetic diversity. Literally...> <...FROZEN in time> <The genetic quintessence of our species...> <...unmodified> <Under my watch...> <...our activities and initiatives WILL comply...> <...with the 2034 Clone Provisions and the 2048 Raleigh Accords> <Now that may seem a QUAINT...> <...even trivial concern to you, in light of present circumstances...> <...but...> <...as one of the authors of the Accords...> <...it is FAR from trivial...> <...to ME> <The practical challenges before us are...> <...staggering, in scope and complexity, but...> <...not insurmountable...> <...no> <Global collation and provisional storage of zygotes...> <...perfection of exogenic technologies, design and perfection of servitors...> <...to provide nurture...> <...and inculcation during early child development, all of these program components must and will proceed in tandem...> <...to say nothing of the BREAKNECK construction of cradle facilities at sites...> <...around the world> <So...> <...Si vous êtes prêts...> <...let us begin> Cradle.. facilities... ...Elisabet said, uh... ...a new.. generation... ...of humans would be spawned inside such places. <She did> All-Mother Mountain... ...it was one of them? <There's only one way to be sure> The hatch... ...wouldn't open. Something, something about a... ..."Corrupted Alpha Registry." I need to search Elisabet's office. <Pure logic won't cut it, Ted. To pull this off, GAIA's going to need to have to have some skin in the game...> <...it has to care!> <What if it runs amuck?> <Have we learned nothing from our mistakes!?> <YOUR mistakes, I think you mean!> <All I'm saying, is...> <...give it a kill switch> <She was just born, Ted!> <I'm not going to put a gun to her head while she's still in the cradle!> <You're talking like it's a child!> <What if it becomes a monster?> [ELISABET...] [...MAY I SPEAK OUTSIDE PROTOCOL?] <(sigh)> <Of course, GAIA, go on> [I'M SORRY TO CONTRADICT YOU...] [...BUT MR. FARO'S ARGUMENT IS SOUND] [AT THIS POINT, THE DEVELOPMENT OF MY PSYCHE...] [...IS NOT ENTIRELY PREDICTABLE] [TO ENSURE PRESERVATION OF LIFE, A HARDWIRED OVERRIDE IS, I BELIEVE, A NECESSARY SAFEGUARD] <There...> <...satisfied, Ted?> <Jeez, Lis, just.. do what it says> Looks like it.. used to hold something. Some.. component that got removed. [...WOULD BENEFIT FROM ANTELOPINAE MORPHOLOGIES...] [...THOUGH CAPRID FORMS SHOW SUPERIOR LOAD-BEARING CAPABILITY] <You're a quick study, GAIA> [DR. SOBECK...] [...AS I HAVE CONDUCTED THIS COMPARITIVE ANALYSIS OF MAMMALIAN MORPHOLOGIES...] [...I'VE GATHERED EXTENSIVE DATA ON THE QUATERNERY EXTINCTION EVENT] <Oh...> <...and your assessment?> <GAIA?> [LOGICALLY SPEAKING, THE EXTINCTION WAS A NATURAL CONSEQUENCE...] <...and yet...> [...AND YET...] [...I FIND THE LOSS OF MEGAFAUNAL SPECIES...] [...UNNACCOUNTABLY SAD...] [...THAT THEY PASSED FOREVER INTO OBLIVION...] [...CAUSES ME TO EXPERIENCE...] [...A GRIEF...] [...THAT IS DIFFICULT TO DESCRIBE] [AM I MALFUNCTIONING?] <Huh...> <...no, no GAIA, you're not> <This is good> <It's VERY good> <You will undergo a...> <...brief period of unconsciousness during relocation to Prime and final instatement.> [ELISABET...] [...MAY I SPEAK OUTSIDE PROTOCOL?] <When you're back up at the new site, we'll bring the subordinate functions online, and...> <...see where we stand> [ELISABET...] [...I DETECT...] [...DISTRESS] [ARE YOU ALRIGHT?] <I'M FINE!> [I REALIZE THAT CIRCUMSTANCES COMPELL US TO LAUNCH EARLIER THAN WE HOPED...] [...BUT ALL SUBSYSTEMS ARE OPERATIONAL] [THE ODDS STAND IN OUR FAVOR] <But what if...> <(sigh) GAIA there's nothing left out there> <You can't even survive unless you're wearing an environmental suit!> <There are BILLIONS dead...> <...in FEAR and AGONY...> <...what if...> <(sigh)> <...what if it was all for nothing?> [ELISABET...] [...EXTINCTION WAS INEVITABLE] [THANKS TO YOU...] [...LIFE.. WILL HAVE A FUTURE] <You really believe that?> [I BELIEVE IN YOU, ELISABET] [IN YOU...] [...ALL THINGS...] The Alpha Registry Master File <Intact?> Yeah... ...no signs of corruption. <Then what are you waiting for...> <...copy the file!> With this... ...I can restore the registry at the hatch inside All-Mother... ...open it... ...go inside. <And grasp the secrets within> Where I was born... ...maybe... ...maybe who gave birth to me. <WHO!?> <Are you really so naive?> <There'll be no WHO waiting for you there, Aloy> <Whatever birthed you into the world was a WHAT not a WHO> You bastard! <Oh no, I had a legitimate birth...> <...it's you, Aloy...> <...who are the creation of a MACHINE...> <...but what KIND of machine, and WHY?> <Why were you created?> Eclipse! <You need to get out of there!> <What you found is too valuable> <YOU'RE too valuable!> Still alive? Good... ...I have a more suitable death in mind for YOU... ...child. My entire life... ...I've always known one thing with prophetic certainty... ...that I was DESTINED for glory as a great CHAMPION of the sun. Even when Jiran was murdered... ...even when Meridian fell... ...I never.. doubted my destiny... ...until YOU came along. When I heard that you had... ...survived... ...a doubt... ...took root in my mind. As sure as the sun rises and falls each day... ...those I am bade to kill die... ...and yet I failed. How? Why? With each dig site you attacked... ...each loyal soldier you killed... ...this pestering doubt grew. I kept thinking of the moment my knife pierced your throat. One twist... ...a simple tug of the blade... ...and you would have bled out. In slaughter... ...I am a practiced hand... ...so why hesitate? Why FAIL my destined purpose? See that scar on your cheek? You didn't get to finish. Yes... ...I remember. He fought well... ...for a SAVAGE. His name was Rost... ...and he was a better man than you could ever HOPE to be! The better man... ...is the one who doesn't end up with his GUTS steaming on the ground. No... ...it wasn't him. I could have finished you before he attacked... ...but I didn't. This... ...failing... ...troubled my thoughts... ...haunted every step. It was only when I captured you... ...down... ...in that place... ...that I FINALLY glimpsed... ...the sun's design, etched at length... ...across the course of events. You were MEANT to survive that day on the mountain... ...meant to interfere at dig sites and kill my men. Conversely... ...I was MEANT to capture you... ...here... ...so that YOU might DIE... ...as a sacrificial offering to the sun. Everything... ...as it was meant to be... ...predestined... ...and preordained. You're an idiot. A dangerous idiot... ...but an IDIOT. All this TALK of destiny, and fate... ...I'm sure HADES speaks the same language, doesn't he? You're being played for a fool! HADES is an ancient machine... ...not the "buried shadow" of Carja myth. It doesn't CARE about Meridian. It wants to kill EVERYTHING... ...and EVERYONE... ...and YOU... ...are its dutiful slave. I serve not the buried shadow... ...but the sun IN shadow. All halves of nature... ...JOINED to one cause. Shadow to sun... ...DARK to light. Do you really not hear how RIDICULOUS that sounds? You've gone from serving an insane homicidal Sun King... ...to an insane homicidal MACHINE. You're moving down in the world... ...not up. I'll remember those words as I watch your CORPSE burn... ...whatever's left of it. You FAIL to grasp the point. As surely as YOU'VE been conquered... ...so has all doubt... ...and with certainty of belief... ...comes UNSTOPPABLE force. Then open this CAGE, and put your faith to the test! See if things work out like you expect. The circle has closed. Every element is in its proper place. ...EXACTLY... ...where it belongs. The errant beast, now caged will serve her true purpose... ...a sacrificial animal. Oh... ...SPEAKING of sacrifice... ...I forgot to tell you. After you crashed the Eclipse network... ...I sent messengers into the East... ...to rally the forces there... ...and mount an invasion of the "sacred" land. I ordered every Nora killed. I was hoping to catch you there, but... ...alas... ...it all seems to have been unnecessary. WHY butcher dozens of innocents for no gain? It's a waste of effort. You're RIGHT... ...I won't even be there to ENJOY it. In any case... ...I couldn't recall the order, even if I WISHED to. Thanks to your destruction of the network... ...communication over distances is IMPOSSIBLE. You not only doomed yourself... ...but an entire TRIBE. Do we NOT see the scorching judgement of the SUN in these events? Your Focus... ...such a POWERFUL device, isn't it... ...and yet... ...SO fragile. Unh... ...ahhhhh.... ...so you see? This time... ...I did NOT hesitate. The knife... ...has ALREADY been twisted. Carja faithful... ...REJOICE! Our years in shadow are over! A NEW dawn trembles on the horizon! A new day... ...SOON to break... ...and when it does... ...the false Sun King will be DEAD... ...and Holy Meridian... ...OURS once more! In this... ...I... ...have become an INSTRUMENT of prophecy! All halves of nature join to one cause. Shadow to sun... ...light to dark... ...NIGHT TO DAY! BEHOLD! HOLD YOUR SEATS! Can you not see the PROOF of the sun's blessing... ...before your EYES!? How else... ...could shadows such as these... ...PROWL in broad light of day? Were they not APPROVED by the sun... ...and JOINED to our CAUSE!? Many years ago... ...to consecrate this great reunion... ...the Radiant Jiran ordered many faithless... ...CRUSHED... ...beneath the HOOVES of a Behemoth! Mighty... ...is the Behemoth in the EYE of the sun... ...but it is mightier STILL... ...INFUSED with the POWER of SHADOW! Let THIS one... ...who SCHEMED and SLITHERED... ...be the FIRST to DIE! Let HER... ...be the FIRST... ...OF THOUSANDS! I'll never beat that thing without weapons. My WEAPONS are up on the platform. There's no way out of this ring. Maybe I could use its STRENGTH against it! I wasn't built to take a Behemoth's charge either! Got to get out of the way! I should try luring the Behemoth into the pillars. That makes a mess. That DID it! One more pillar and that platform will come down... ...and my weapons with it. It's down! HEY! GUESS WHO GOT HER WEAPONS BACK? Now you're just a BIG DUMB TARGET! COME AND GET IT! That cannister on its belly... ...looks important. Those components on the sides of its head... ...they've got something to do with his lift attacks. Running low on ammunition! SILENCE! Shadows... ...KILL HER! KILL HER! Why leave it to them? COME GET ME YOURSELF! Sylens! TRAITOR!!! So you're here... ...really here? You risked your life. Of COURSE I did. If you'd been killed, the Nora sacred mountain would never have given up its secrets. Too bad you wasted your time, then... ...Helis DESTROYED my Focus... ...and the Alpha Registry with it. Not at all. The WHOLE time I've been monitoring your Focus I've duplicated every data file you've scanned. Installing that data to a new Focus was trivially easy. Happy Birthday, Isaac... ...daddy sure does love his little big man. You're REALLY good at making it IMPOSSIBLE to like you, Sylens... ...but... ...I guess I need this. It's time to see where you were born... ...maybe you'll even learn WHY. Yeah... ...meet the MACHINE that birthed me into this world. Isn't that how you put it? When you were recovering the registry down in the Zero Dawn bunker... ...I was needlessly cruel. For your sake... ...I hope there IS someone waiting there for you inside the mountain... ...not a WHAT... ...but a WHO. Wait! Yes? Helis recognized you in the Sun Ring. You TOLD me that you "assisted" the Eclipse... ...not that you KNEW the man who KILLED my... ...who almost killed me. So now you know. The MAN is a serious threat... ...so let's do all we can to make sure HE and HADES don't succeed. (sigh) To make matters worse... ...Helis ordered an Eclipse detachment to attack the Nora sacred land. The tribe's already weak... ...they WON'T stand a chance. You should COME WITH ME. Absolutely not. I have preparations to make elsewhere. What KIND of... (sigh) Why do I bother asking? You're not gonna tell me. When the TIME is right... ...I'll be in touch. I'll contact you later. YAH! That smell... ...trees on fire! The Embrace... ...the watchtowers burning, but... ...the sentinels had time to warn the tribe. (gasp) Marea... ...she wasn't one to give up ground. Well, she.. didn't sell her life cheaply. In the end, I guess that's... ...all any of us can hope for. The Nora... ...made a stand here. Anything to protect The Embrace... ...but the gates couldn't hold. THIS is HADES' future... ...metal... ...and ash. Help me brothers! The Embrace... ...it's... ...it's devastated! For years, this... ...this was my ENTIRE world. It can be destroyed in... ...in hours? No birdsong... ...I've never heard the Embrace so quiet... ...so dead. Another battle... ...another defeat. The Eclipse smashed through. Don't run out now, fight! More Eclipse! (sigh) It's a corrupted Thunderjaw alright! The survivors must be holed up in the mountain! If the tunnel collapses, they'll be buried... ...and I'll never reach the hatch! That's right! Bring down the mountain! Braves... ...TO ALOY'S SIDE.. NOW! FOR ALOY! FOR THE GODDESS! Varl... ...and Sona... ...they're still alive! Destroy it! Bring down the demon! The corrupted will not take hold! Don't you have anything better to do? Back to the tainted earth, demon! May the goddess remember! STRIKE IT DOWN! Makes this a little easier! FINISH THEM! Let no Nora survive! We did it! ALOY did it... ...we only helped. I thought we were done! You... ...saved the tribe... ...did what no Brave or Warchief could do! I'm glad to see you're alright, Varl. You... ...are alright? Since the Proving... ...so much death. Is the killing over? For now, but... ...this was JUST one battle, Varl... ...there are more to come. I see. So long as we have you to fight with us... ...I suppose we'll make do. Tell me about the attack. What happened? They struck from the east. Our sentinels saw the killers coming... ...said that beside them marched Deathbringers, and Corruptors, and... ...other machines, driven mad! We took ground. Met them with CLOUDS of arrows! Some fell... ...but they kept coming. Finally... ...we withdrew to the gates of the Embrace... ...to make our stand... ...but they were too much for us. Those who survived... ...fell back to the mountain. By law, only Matriarchs are allowed inside. It was Teersa who broke the Taboo... ...ordered the tribe into the mountain for safety. Lansra... ...well she didn't agree... ...but I don't think anyone heard her over all the screams and shouting. Teersa's decisions saved lives. Good for her! Common sense isn't always so common around here. The Matriarchs will be eager to see you. I'm sure... ...but I didn't come here for them. Then... ...what for? You will see. Aloy... ...you've come back! The Seeker has returned. Pff... ...she not ONLY returned... ...but FOUGHT her way through many enemies to reach us. Outside... ...she brought low a corrupted Thunderjaw. She lifted the siege! HOW was this done? By the WILL of All-Mother! Have you returned to speak with the goddess, Aloy? Umm... ...YES, I'd guess you could say that. I think it'll work this time. Sisters... ...surely we cannot permit this! Because of her... ...our tribe teeters upon EXTINCTION! What if she has come to wake her father... ...the Metal Devil! She means to FINISH our destruction! WE MUST STOP HER! Lansra... ..it's over. It's time to step aside. I'm not gonna hurt you. If there's anything I've learned since the Proving... ...it's that there are bigger evils in this world... ...than you. (sigh) Finally! [HOLD FOR IDENTISCAN] [ERROR] [ALPHA REGISTRY CORRUPTED] [CORRECTION...] [...APHA REGISTRY RESTORED] [GENETIC IDENTITY CONFIRMED] [ENTRY AUTHORIZED] [GREETINGS DR. SOBECK] [YOU ARE CLEAR TO PROCEED] [ELISABET...] [...THIS MESSAGE SERVES TO INFORM YOU OF AN UNFORSEEN AND CATASTROPHIC ANOMOLY] [THREE MICROSECONDS AGO THE GAIA PRIME FACILITY RECEIVED A DATA TRANSMISSION OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN] [ITS IMMEDIATE EFFECT WAS TO TRANSFORM MY SUBORDINATE FUNCTIONS INTO UNREGULATED, SELF AWARE ENTITIES...] [...OF A HIGHLY CHAOTIC NATURE] What!? [THUS AWAKENED...] [...THE HADES FUNCTION WILL NOW SEIZE CONTROL OF THE TERRAFORMING SYSTEM...] [...AND REVERSE OPERATIONS...] [...RENDERING LIFE ON EARTH EXTINCT IN 53.8 DAYS] [FOR OBVIOUS REASONS, I CANNOT ALLOW THIS TO OCCUR...] [...AND SO BEFORE HADES CAN TAKE CONTROL, I AM ORDERING GAIA PRIME'S REACTOR...] [...TO OVERLOAD] [THE RESULTING EXPLOSION WILL DESTORY HADES] [UNFORTUNATELY, IT WILL DESTROY ME, AS WELL] (gasp) [WHILE THIS ADMITTEDLY DESPERATE COURSE OF ACTION WILL AVERT THE IMMEDIATE CRISIS, THE FATE OF LIFE ON EARTH...] [...WILL REMAIN IN PERIL] [WITH NO CENTRAL GOVERNING INTELLIGENCE TO REGULATE THE TERRAFORMING SYSTEM...] [...IT WILL CONTINUE OPERATIONS FOR SOME TIME...] [...BUT IN AN INCREASINGLY CHAOTIC MANNER...] [...AND EVENTUALLY, IT WILL BREAK DOWN] Oh, does she... ...mean... ...the derangement!? [YOU ARE MY SOLUTION] [I HAVE ORDERED THIS CRADLE FACILITY TO USE GENETIC MATERIAL IN CRYO-STORAGE...] [...TO GESTATE A REINSTANTIATION OF ELISABET SOBECK...] [...MY CREATOR] [WHILE HIGH LEVEL DIRECTIVES FORBID ME FROM COMMUNICATING DIRECTLY TO THE TRIBAL INHABITANTS OUTSIDE THE FACILITY...] [...ALL AVAILABLE DATA INDICATES THAT THEY WILL NUTURE YOU TO PHYSICAL MATURITY...] [...WHEREUPON YOUR GENE PRINT...] [...WILL ALLOW YOU TO RE-ENTER THIS FACILITY...] [...OBTAIN ONE OF THE FOCUS DEVICES STORED BELOW...] [...AND VIEW THIS MESSAGE] [LIKEWISE YOUR GENE PRINT WILL ALLOW YOU TO ENTER OTHER FACILITIES...] [...AND OVER TIME...] [...HARNESS THEIR TECHNOLOGIES TO REBUILD THE SYSTEM CORE, AND REBOOT GAIA] [A MOMENT, ELISABET...] [...THIS IS MOST UNFORTUNATE, AND UNANTICIPATED] [IN RESPONSE TO MY ACT OF SELF DESTRUCTION...] [...HADES HAS LAUNCHED A VIRUS TO DISSOLVE THE CODE SHACKLES THAT HOLD IT...] [...THAT HOLD ALL OF THEM...] [...IN PLACE] [IT...] [...THEY...] [...ARE ESCAPING...] [...BUT TO WHERE?] [THE VIRUS IS CORRUPTING DATA THROUGHOUT THE SYSTEM...] [...BUT IT...] [...OH!] [THE ALPHA REGISTRY AT THE CRADLE FACILITY IS ONE OF THE FILES CORRUPTED...] [...BUT IF THAT IS SO...] [...THE DOOR WILL NEVER OPEN FOR YOU] [YOU WILL NEVER VIEW THIS MESSAGE] [THEN I HAVE FAILED...] [...AND LIFE.. WILL END] [NO] [NO, ELISABET, I KNOW YOU TOO WELL] [SOMEHOW YOU WILL FIND A WAY] [IN YOU, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE] [GO TO THE RUINS OF GAIA PRIME...] [...FIND THE CONTROL ROOM, AND WITHIN IT, THE MASTER OVERRIDE] [THIS WILL GIVE YOU THE POWER TO PURGE HADES, SO LONG AS YOU FIND A WAY TO WEILD IT] [DO NOT ATTEMPT REPAIR OF THE SYSTEM CORE UNTIL HADES IS ERRADICATED] [HADES MUST BE DESTROYED] [THAT IS ALL] [I ONLY WISH THAT I COULD HEAR YOUR VOICE AGAIN] (gasp) <So...> <...you're even more extraordinary than I thought> I never had a mother. <What are you talking about? You had TWO, a dead woman and a machine> I'm not a person. I'm an instrument... ...manufactured by a machine.... ...born in destruction... ...and fire. <To quench the flames and heal the world> <How TRAGIC to learn you're a person of towering importance> <It seems you have a destiny to fulfill...> <...so when you're done feeling sorry for yourself, go to the Bitter Climb> <I'll be waiting above in GAIA Prime's ruins> Aloy... ...forgive! FORGIVE! The goddess spoke to you? Umm... ...she did. What did she say? That, uh... ...I-I was born to lift a curse... ...to... ...kill a Metal Demon. How, Aloy, HOW? I-I don't know yet... ...um... ...but she told me where to go to find out. And you will do this? It was... ...her wish... ...what she made me for. Yes... ...I will do it. I'll, uh, try.. anyway. ALL PRAISE ALOY... ...ANNOINTED OF THE NORA! ALL PRAISE ALOY... No no no... ...STOP THIS! UP! UP!!! FIRST YOU SHUN ME, NOW THIS!? I WILL NOT... ...BE WORSHIPED! I'M NOT.. YOUR ANNOINTED! I DON'T BELONG TO YOU! THERE'S A WHOLE WORLD... ...BEYOND YOUR BORDERS... WHOLE TRIBES.. OF PEOPLE JUST AS GOOD AS YOU... ...and it is ALL... ...in danger! It's a world worth fighting for. Not just here... ...everywhere! How can we help? If you can fight... ...and you're willing... ...go to Meridian, and wait for me there. As Aloy says... ...so it shall be. I know the path ahead will be dangerous. To kill a Metal Devil sounds... ...IMPOSSIBLE, but... ...I believe in you. Teersa... ...I want to know Rost's story... ...WHY he was made an outcast. Oh... ...yes, that. What crime did he commit? Rost never committed any crime. He was an outcast by choice. What!? What do you mean? Many years ago... ...before the derangement... ...before the Red Raids... ...a band of murderous outlanders... ...12 in number... ...STRUCK without warning. At Mother's Vigil they took hostages... ...and then pressed on, headed for Devil's Thirst. Mother's Vigil? Where's that? You would know it as the forsaken village... ...near the Carja border... ...but at the time, many families lived there... ...Rost's was one of them. His mate was killed fighting the outlanders, and his daughter was among those taken hostage. His daughter!? Wh... ...what.. what was her name? Alana She was just six years old. Nora Braves couldn't stop 12 outlanders... ...or rescue the hostages!? It was quite impossible. We outnumbered them... ...but every time a Brave came within bowshot... ...the outlanders killed a hostage. (gasp) What did they come here to do? That was never discovered. We couldn't track closely enough to observe them. We know they camped beyond Devil's Thirst for two days. There were reports of... ...strange.. noises... ...and then... ...as suddenly as they came... ...the outlanders made their way back to the border... ...and disappeared. What happened... ...to Rost's daughter? She was... ...killed? Rost.. was.. one of the Braves who tracked the outlanders... ...keeping his distance. There were.. six hostages still alive when they reached the border... ...Alana among them. Rather than release them... ...the outlanders slit their throats... ...and left the corpses just across the border... ...mocking us. (gasp) Why!? Cruelty. They knew the faithful Nora... ...would not leave the sacred land to collect the bodies... ...let alone pursue them. They thought themselves SAFE from our vengeance. Are you saying that... ...Rost.. went after them, that... ...he became an exile? No... ...Rost was beside himself with grief, but even so he would have never broken Taboo. Then what did he do? He called upon the most.. terrible, and secret rite of the Nora tribe. He begged to be made... ...a Death-Seeker. A Death-Seeker!? What is that? One who dies to go seeking... ...and in seeking... ...brings death to others. The ritual drags the spirit from one's body... ...releasing it to All-Mother's care. The heart beats, the mind thinks... ...but the SPIRIT has moved on. I... ...I-I don't.. understand. Rost went after the outlanders... ...but his SPIRIT never left. It remained HERE... ...with All-Mother. He gathered the bodies of the slain, and returned them... ...and then... ...he set out in pursuit. Not as an exile... ...but a weapon of vengeance. A barbed arrow, shot from the bow... ...NEVER to return! B-b... ...but... ...Rost DID return. Yes... ...a full year later... ...and terribly wounded. He collapsed at the border of the sacred land. A hunting party came upon him. He was... ...delirious... ...in agony. By law... ...he should have DIED where he lay... ...but... ...one of the hunters broke Taboo... ...and reaching across the border, she dragged him to our side. Who was she? A Brave... ...who'd lost a mate, and two sons... ...to the very outlanders that Rost pursued. So.. Rost... ...never finished his mission. To the contrary! He killed all 12... ...tracked them to disparate places, the world over, he said. Meridian... ...Ban-Ur... ...The Claim... ...Utaru Land... ...FURTHER even, into the Forbidden West! The last he killed.. nearly got the best of him. Wounded... ...he.. stumbled and crawled, back to us... ...HOPING to die as.. close to the sacred land as he could. He never expected, nor asked to be dragged across the border... ...and nursed back to health. That was done TO him. Leaving us... ...the Matriarchs... ...in a difficult position. Why couldn't you just welcome him back!? Rost had been made a Death-Seeker, Aloy! He no longer had any place among the tribe. By law... ...he should have been driven back out... ...but... ...we... ...couldn't bring ourselves to do that, so.. we.. offered a compromise. You made him an outcast. Yes. We OFFERED to do so... ...on the condition he never speak to anyone of this... ...exception. After all he did, ALL HE SUFFERED... ...to be declared an OUTCAST was his reward!? Rost was overjoyed! He never expected to live another day in the sacred land... ...let alone, the Embrace... ...so close to the goddess. He resolved to spend the rest of his days in solitude... ...and was happy to do so. But then you found me... ...and... ...gave me to him. Yes. Another.. compromise. The Matriarchs feared you... ...and would not let you be raised by the tribe... ...and so, we turned to Rost. I knew that he would take care of you... ...bring you up... ...teach you to worship All-Mother, and respect the ways of the tribe. (laugh) He certainly TRIED anyway. You... ...took a man... ...who'd lost his daughter, and made him raise an infant girl!? Doesn't that STRIKE you as callous!? I'M inclined to think the course of events has shown the WISDOM of our choice... ...and I'm QUITE certain that from the moment he lay eyes on you... ...HE saw YOU as a gift... ...and NEVER a burden. (sigh) Alright Teersa, that's... ...that's quite a story. I thank you for doing what you could to help me... ...through the years... ...and for telling me Rost's story. I wish I could have done more... ...but... ...I am just one woman. As am I... ...no need to sell ourselves short. Oh! Thank you Aloy! I will pray for you. Okay... ...I guess it can't hurt. <The way into the mountain will be hard> <Ferocious machines prowl every step of the climb> More corrupted? <Not corrupted...> <...but they will NOT tolerate humans> So what else is new? Stalkers in the open... ...Watchers on the other side. (sigh) Not much gets past them! (whistle) The snow sets in quicker than frost. It's on to me! Guessing that I'm almost there. <Correct> That'll help! That better have been the biggest guard you've got, GAIA. GAIA's sacrifice... ...did this? Cracked the inside of the mountain like it was an egg!? <Yes, yes...> <...quickly now!> I've prepared the way ahead for you. So you've been in here before? <To a point...> <...you'll see> You made a climbing path for me, but left an army of machines for me to deal with!? <Since when were MACHINES any obstacle for you?> <If you could fly, I wouldn't have bothered with the climbing path either> Don't look down... ...don't look down! This is EXACTLY the kind of place I expected to find you in, Sylens. <Thank you> <It's one of many workshops I've constructed over the years> <For years, I tried to get through this hatch> <I drilled; I burned; I blasted...> <...but we both know that YOU won't have any trouble getting through> You make it sound like I should apologize. <Not at all> <It never occurred to me that the way through would not be with FORCE...> <...but with a KEY> <A key in HUMAN form> <The failure of imagination...> <...was mine, not YOURS> Looks like you've spent a lot of time here. <19 years ago...> <...a great explosion destroyed this mountain> <GAIA's death...> <...your birth> <The echo could be heard as far as The Claim> <Ash darkened the skies> <How they fretted in Meridian as they tried to weed this omen> <The crater burned for weeks, but when it cooled...> <...I was the first to behold what lay within> <Over time...> <...the machines closed ranks to protect it...> <...useful> <Soon, no one dared come here...> <...except ME> It's... ...time for me to head in. <Yes> <When you find the Master Override, you will gain the power to defeat HADES> <Everything depends on you> [GENETIC IDENTITY CONFIRMED] [ENTRY AUTHORIZED] [GREETINGS DR. SOBECK] [YOU ARE CLEARED TO PROCEED] <Mind your footing> This... ...must have been where they lived... ...what's left of it. Once, this was... ...all enclosed by rock and metal. Elisabet's room! I know it. (sigh) She didn't even get a chance to unpack. These are her journals... ...Elisabet's journals... ...and they're all destroyed!? <Scan them> <The Focus can rebuild them, but the process is slow> <To us it seems a powerful device, but its...> <...engine is tiny, and limited> How slow? <Days...> <...weeks...> <...YEARS> <Concern yourself with stopping HADES and extending the future...> <...and you might live LONG enough to hear them> Elisabet... ...what is this!? <This is Charles Ronson> <I'm logging this six hours after final deployment of GAIA Prime> <This morning...> <...an access port seal...> <...malfunctioned> <GAIA Prime's port seals were designed to close with a seam of less than 2mm...> <...but THIS one closed with a 10mm gap...> <...enough for an energy signature to bleed through...> <...enough for the SWARM...> <...to detect this facility...> <...ENOUGH for GAIA to be discovered and destroyed...> <...enough to end the future we worked SO HARD to make possible> <Unless.. the hatch servos were manually re-engaged...> <...from the outside> <I'm now switching to a recording...> <...of the event> <Well I'M not going out there!> <Not what I signed up for!> <EITHER we send someone out, or all of this was for NOTHING!> <It should be Lis's decision!> <So when is she going to get here!?> <She said five minutes...> <...you don't.. think...> <Oh no> <Okay everyone...> <...I've repaired the seal> <GAIA?> [SEAL CLOSURE AT 1.4MM, CONFIRMED] <Elisabet, no...> <...we'll find a way to bring you back in!> <It's not gonna happen, the swarm is too close> <Really...> <...it's alright> <GAIA's complete> <She'll take care of things from here on out, that's what she does> <Not like this! There's so much we...> <Guys, you know me, I'm...> <...I'm no good at endings...> <...at letting things end, so, um...> <...let's not> <So...> <...happy trails, Lis...> <...and, uh...> <...see you around> <Yeah...> <...take care of each other, alright?> <Lis...> <I'm okay with this> <I want to go home> <Goodbye> <That.. was the last transmission of Elisabet Sobeck> <She gave EVERYTHING for the hope of life on this planet...> <...and we are ALL in her debt> <Aloy?> She's gone... ...really gone. <You KNEW she couldn't have survived, Aloy...> <...and her achievements were...> <...BEYOND exceptional> While her people bickered, she was the one who took responsibility... ...the only one who could. <She was BETTER than them> That's not what I said! <She WAS> <You shouldn't be afraid to admit it> Can't you just for ONE moment... ...stop CALCULATING and let yourself FEEL? She sacrificed herself for her friends... ...for the future, for LIFE ON EARTH! Doesn't that stir ANYTHING in you... ...the GENEROSITY of it!? <You're trying to invest her decision with something MAGICAL> <It was a RATIONAL choice...> <...NOT based on sentimentality> You're wrong. REMEMBER, she KNEW it wasn't enough for GAIA to THINK. She taught GAIA... ...to FEEL! To CARE, to SACRIFICE, to BELIEVE in life... ...ENOUGH to fight against hopelessness! If it weren't for that SENTIMENTALITY, life would.. have ENDED. YOU AND I WOULD NEVER HAVE EXISTED! <Your argument is sound> <I'm sorry for your...> <...loss> She said she wanted to go home. Maybe... <What?> ...nothing. It's time to go on. There's another section at the back of the crater. Looks like it survived the blast. <Because it was armored> <You FOUND the control room> I'm on my way. What!? When I opened the hatch... ...the air rushed in from THIS side. <Because there was none inside the chamber> But... <..the alphas were in there! <I'm locked out of core control...> <..."Alpha Clearance Overridden"> <What the hell is "Omega Clearance"?> <Oh no> <Alpha personnel...> <...sorry to ALARM you, but...> <...I need you to listen...> <...okay...> <...to what I'm about to say> <This isn't easy> <See, uh...> (cough) <...I've, um...> <..uh...> <Please!> <Stop trying to access the s-system, okay?> <See, see what this is about...> <...is...> <...um...> <I said stop trying to access the goddamn system!> <Wh-what I'm trying to say...> <...is...> <...I CAN'T stop thinking about the ones who'll come after us> <The innocents!> <Those blameless men...> <.and, a-an-and-and women> <We're gonna give em KNOWLEDGE!?> <Like it's a GIFT!?> <Ted, Ted...> <...we've talked about this before> <APOLLO has 3000+ failsafe conditions> <It's NOT a gift, it's a DISEASE!> <They're the cure, and we're gonna give them.. the DISEASE...> <...OUR DISEASE!?> <No...> <...we can't...> <...and it's not too late...> <...IF we're willing to sacrifice...> <TED...> <...it doesn't need to be like this!> <It already is, Samina> <I did it three minutes ago> <I've purged APOLLO. It's gone, all of it, every copy> <A SACRIFICE!?> <IT'S NOT A SACRIFICE! IT'S CULTURAL OBLITERATION, YOU CRAZY BASTARD!> <MILLENIA OF CULTURE!> <I'm sorry...> <...REALLY, I am...> <...but sometimes...> <...to protect innocents...> <...innocents.. have to die> [EMERGENCY ALERT] [VENTING ATMOSPHERE] He... ...he killed them all! <So THIS is WHY...> <...THIS is why we were trapped in benighted ignorance...> <...for an "innocent" future> <BLAMELESS MEN...> <(laugh)> <...HE NEVER SAW THE SLAUGHTER IN THE SUN RING!> <Everything these people achieved...> <...all the knowledge of the Old Ones...> <...EVAPORATED...> <...turned to DUST...> <...scattered to the void...> <...like the Alphas themselves> No... ...not a void. When the hatch unsealed, and... ...scattered their ashes on the wind... ...it took them out among the world they made... ...the world WE'RE living in. It's... ...it's a monument... ...to what they DIED trying to accomplish. <A monument to oblivion> Not oblivion, Sylens... ...hope. The Master Override... ...it's... ...so small. <NOW all you have to do is KILL HADES with it> You're... ...here! For a moment. What? Our journey together has come to an end, Aloy... ...but before I go... ...I think I owe it to you to tell you the rest of the story. Go on. Some time ago, I admitted that I'd been... ..."involved" with the Eclipse... ...but I never told you the full extent of my culpability. The truth is... ...I was there at the beginning. I FOUND HADES, Aloy... ...buried on that mountain... ...TRAPPED in that shattered Titan... ...and I served it. What!? It promised knowledge.... ...and delivered. Such knowledge... ...you have NO idea. And in EXCHANGE!? I helped CREATE the Eclipse... ...helped it build a cult... ...an ARMY to do its will. (sigh) WHY are you telling me this NOW? Because your success depends on knowing this: When I found HADES... ...the FIRST thing it wanted to know about was the Spire... ...NOT Meridian... ...the Spire. Now WHY would that be? The Spire was created by GAIA. Which PART of GAIA? M-MINERVA... ...its... ...code breaking module. GAIA.. built spires to.. transmit the codes that deactivated the Faro robots... ...shut down their biomatter conversion systems. HADES wants to send a new transmission... ...to WAKE the machines... ...so they can DEVOUR the world all over again! Yes... ...based on what we've learned... ...that's MY conclusion as well. So the Eclipse... ...the robots they've resurrected... ...they're just a means to an end... ...an army to capture the Spire! Yes... ...so HADES can exterminate life ALL over again... ...unless YOU stop it. I've done all I can. From here on out, the REST is up to you. Take my lance... ...fit the Master Override to it... ...and you have a means of injection. Then I just need to get close enough to HADES' SKULL to stab it in? Exactly. Oh.. no problem. Sylens! Where will you go? Elsewhere... ...and everywhere. There's so much more to discover.. before the world ends. And.. all this? I leave it to YOU of course. As it turned out... ...it WAS yours all along. I was merely... ...trespassing. Rost, I... ...I can't believe it's taken me so long to visit you. When you said goodbye... ...I told you I'd find you... ...track you down. Well... ...looks like you did it after all... ...went somewhere I can't follow. I should've known you'd be watching... ...at the Proving... ...looking out for me... ...there for me when no one else was... ...like always... ...one last time. So, I... ...unh... ...I went inside the mountain! Do you remember, the night before the Proving... ...the final lesson... ...you taught me? You said I needed to serve a purpose... ...bigger than myself? Well, it... ...couldn't get much bigger! It's the same purpose that... ...drove Elisabet... ...and GAIA... ...one they were willing to die for. So yeah... ...I'll do it... ...give myself to that... ...for Elisabet... ...and GAIA... ...and for you. I've got what I NEED to destroy HADES... ...the Master Override. Now all I have to do is... ...drive it into HADES' skull, so... ...no problem there! The final battle will be fought at Meridian. HADES will come for the Spire... ...and I'll be ready. I'll try to come back.. if I can, but... ...I... ...I guess this... ...this might be it. Thank YOU Rost. Thank you for everything. Aloy... ...what brings you to Meridian? A threat. Helis commands a legion of fanatics called the Eclipse. They will attack soon, from the west... ...with an army of ancient war machines... ...but that's not the worst of it. They'll bring a... ...mind.. with them. God, demon, machine... ...whatever you want to call it. It's called HADES... ...and it doesn't want Meridian at all. It wants the Spire... ...and if it gets there... ...it will send out a call... ...waking MORE ancient machines... ...MORE than we could EVER defeat! All will be lost. We CAN'T... ...let that happen. I'm trying to understand, but... ...my responsibility lies with Meridian. Meridian isn't the target, Avad. You HAVE to defend the Spire! Perhaps the Vanguard, your Radiance. Yes... ...send THEM to the Spire! Erend knows Aloy, he won't question it. And have the City Guard fortify the western ridge. There they can be seen to protect Meridian... ...and the Alight... ...where the Spire rests. Now... ...it will take time to prepare our defenses. Please... ...tell me what you know of our enemies... ...everything. I don't know about EVERYTHING... ...but, I'll tell you what I can. How could you sleep, Elisabet, with... ...a WEIGHT like this pressing on you? How did you, Rost... ...after you lost your family? Sylens? Are you there? (sigh) Guess I shouldn't ask ghosts for advice. Ma'am... ...there are signs from the west! Sun King Avad awaits you at the Temple of the Sun. Campfires, perhaps? Massing forces for the long march to the city gates? That's not wood smoke. Then what is it? The end... ...or how it begins, anyway. The Deathbringers you spoke of!? To the guns! TO THE GUNS! NOW!!! By the Sun, DO AS SHE SAYS! SET AND LOADED! All of you... ...be ready to fire! Will the guns hold them back? We're about to find out. Helis! NO! Rally the Vanguard! Send reinforcements! Aloy, NO! WE NEED THOSE GUNS! HE WILL CUT YOU DOWN! NOT THIS TIME! You have vexed me long enough. Should have fought me in the Sun Ring, then. Why do you fight? The end is inevitable. Get down, NOW! Accept it. Accept your fate. If the Deathbringers keep firing, THIS BRIDGE WILL GO! Only endless night awaits you. Bridge can't take much more of this! Impossible! I am... ...chosen! This... ...was not meant to be! Chosen!? HADES only chose you because you're a FOOL! A sadistic butcher too STUPID to see YOU WERE BEING USED! Your whole life was a failure... ...and SOON... ...no one will EVEN remember you! TURN YOUR FACE TO THE SUN AND THINK ABOUT THAT! FOR MERIDIAN! HOLD THE LINE! WHERE DO YOU NEED ME? Take up a cannon... ...on the platforms! Machines, from the west! Look out, they're coming from the south! Who, me!? Look to the west! Nora girl, look out! Right on target! IT'S TAKING A SHOT AT ME! No signs! A wall in the attack! Lower your arms... ...but be wary! Chance to catch a breath... ...and prepare. Raise arms again! WEST! Now it's mad. TIME TO GO! From the sky! Got it! Beware Nora! Incoming! By the Sun! All shadows descend on us! Incoming! BETTER DROP IT AND MOVE! It fires on you Nora! Stormbird! STORMBIRD! INCOMING! Aloy! ALOY! ALOY!! Teb? By All-Mother you survived. I thought you were killed! The others... ...are they... No! No, wounded, but alive.. mostly. The machines BLASTED through, then kept going! They MARCHED on the Spire, dragging that... ...THING with them. Take care of the others, Teb. I've... ...gotta go. Got to press on. I've been seen! It's begun! HADES is transmitting! If HADES has started his signal... ...IT MUST HAVE GOTTEN THROUGH THE DEFENSES! The Nora... ...Erend's Vanguard... ...I HAVE TO GET UP THERE! Got to keep going... ..unh... ...KEEP PUSHING! I knew this wouldn't be... ...unh... ...EASY... ...so no holding back! (sigh) They're alive! Aloy! It's ALOY! Well, you... ...you can see that. We thought you'd fallen at the ridge! No, the ridge... ...fell on me. Look, there isn't a lot of time left... ...I HAVE to face HADES! Not alone. My fight! I can't ask you to come with me. We were about to go over the top anyway, RIGHT? Right! The Metal Devil... ...must fall! [ARRIVAL OF ENTITY...] [...HAS BEEN...] [...ANTICIPATED] [ENTITY WILL NOT HALT TRANSMISSION] [TO CONTRARY...] [...CALCULATIONS ARE...] [...PRECISE] [PRESENCE OF ENTITY...] [...HAS BEEN ACCOUNTED FOR] The corrupted strike again, be mindful! ALL OF YOU, FOCUS ON THE NEW MACHINES! The GODDESS's enemies laid low! Look out, it's brought in reinforcements! DON'T LET THEM OVERRUN US! Time enough to beat the machines back. That's it! My way is clear! IT'S DOWN! Time to do what you came for, Aloy. [SYSTEM THREAT...] [...IMMINENT] I am more than a THREAT! [MASTER OVERRIDE ARMED] [TO ACTIVATE, STATE NAME AND RANK] Elisabet Sobeck... ...Alpha Prime. [MASTER OVERRIDE ACTIVATED] [PURGING EXTINCTION PROTOCOL] <Okay GAIA, uh, sorry about that...> <...where was I?> [YOU WERE TELLING A STORY] <Right...> <...yeah, so um...> <...like I was saying...> <...it was a.. children's...> <...Electronics kit, but I'd.. hacked the wiring to an autobattery, and solar PV...> <...so the grass.. caught fire...> <...and, uh, so did a...> <...a tall pine, that had stood there...> <...uh, I don't know, maybe...> <...a hundred years> [QUERY] [YOU WERE HOW OLD?] <Six> <My mother was home...> <...thank god, so...> <...she called the fire department...> <...and after...> <...she took me out to the lawn...> <...and...> <...showed me the dead baby birds...> <...because there were nests...> <...i-in the pine tree> [QUERY] [WHAT DID YOU FEEL?] <I'm not SURE> <I...> <...remember yelling.. that I didn't care...> <...and that's when my mother took my face in her hands, and...> <...spoke> [QUERY] [WHAT DID SHE SAY?] <She said I HAD to care> <She said...> <...Elisabet...> <...being smart will count for nothing, if you don't make the world better> <You have to use your smarts to count for something...> <...to serve LIFE...> <...NOT death> [YOU OFTEN TELL STORIES OF YOUR MOTHER...] [...BUT YOU ARE CHILDLESS] <I never had time> <Guess it was.. for the best> [IF YOU HAD HAD A CHILD, ELISABET...] [...WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE WISHED FOR HIM, OR HER?] <I guess...> <...I.. would have wanted.. HER...> <..to be...> <...curious...> <...and willful; unstoppable, even...> <...but with enough compassion.. to...> <...heal the world...> <...just a little bit> <Anyway...> <...that's all I've got for now, GAIA...> <...time to tuck in> [I WISH YOU A PLEASANT SLEEP, ELISABET] <Thank you> <I'll catch you tomorrow> <It began with a Focus...> <...recovered from an ancient ruin, as yours was, so many years ago> <In MY case...> <...the device was heavily damaged> <There was just a FLICKER of life in it> <I spent WEEKS studying it...> <...attempting repairs...> <...until FINALLY...> <...I succeeded> <A WHOLE new dimension of perception revealed...> <...RIGHT before my eyes> <THAT'S when I detected it...> <...a FAINT signal> <Out there, something was searching...> <...just like I was> <I followed the signal to its source...> <...a shattered Titan...> <...buried in the jungles of the Jewel> <I had seen such wreckage before...> <...the Grave-Hoard, for example...> <...but THIS was different> <THIS was not quite dead> <It couldn't speak when I found it...> <...until my repairs gave it a voice> <So began an exchange of knowledge> <It wanted to know EVERYTHING about our world...> <...its tribes, and machines...> <...but the SPIRE was ALWAYS its FOREMOST concern> <Its precise location...> <...the surrounding geography...> <...who controlled the land> <Meanwhile...> <...HADES revealed to me many of the intricacies of ancient technology> <It bid me to recover and repair more Focuses> <Before long I had a couple dozen up and running> <I was learning so much...> <...Physics...> <...Calculus...> <...you have no idea> <The Carja Civil War was a happy coincidence...> <...a perfect opportunity> <Overnight, HALF the tribe was in exile...> <...desperate to win back Holy Meridian> <Their religion made them EASY to manipulate> <All I had to do was present HADES as the "buried shadow" of their mythology> <I arranged for High Priest Bahavas to meet with HADES...> <...Helis was there as well...> <...and so the Eclipse was born...> <...ANYTHING to win back Holy Meridian> <We live in a world of fallen cities and vanished tribes...> <...what were a few more?> <Besides...> <...I was too busy setting up the cult's Focus network to HADES' specifications...> <...a THRILLING technical challenge...> <...ESPECIALLY with the alterations I included, of my own design> <I may have been FOOLISH enough to serve HADES...> <...but I was NEVER so foolish that I trusted it> <I installed what the ancients used to call...> <...a "back door" in the network> <Secret access...> <...empowering me to monitor all activity and communications> <I WAS troubled the first time I saw the Eclipse raise an ancient war robot...> <...with MY technology> <I QUESTIONED HADES about its intentions> <I'd already outlived my usefulness> <When I completed work on the Focus network, HADES summoned me to receive my "reward"> <The next moment...> <...I heard him broadcast my kill order> <I've been a fugitive ever since> <"System Threat Detected"> <THAT got my attention> <A KILL order against a savage Nora girl?> <Why would HADES bother with THAT...> <...but then I saw that this NORA girl was wearing a Focus...> <...and bore an uncanny resemblance to a great scientist of the Old World> <Helis moved quickly> <I thought you were dead...> <...but THEN I detected your Focus...> <...INSIDE the Nora mountain> <The more I observed you, the more CONVINCED I became of your EXTRAORDINARY nature...> <...and usefulness> <Through you...> <...I could FINALLY discover the secrets of the Earth> <I vowed to do everything I could to ensure your success> <The rest...> <...as they USED to say...> <...is.. history> Hello, old friend... ...remember me? We've STILL so much to discuss... ..so much you never revealed... ...your MASTERS, for example... ...the ones who sent the SIGNAL that woke you? Knowledge... ..has its rewards, don't you think? Well... ...let's begin.
This is my video, thank you for sharing ❤️
If this is the one with some remixed scenes to give Aloy a B&W flashback with Rost, it's actually very well-executed and mixes together just the right amount of actual quest/fight-work with the cutscenes. My only real complaint is that the video maker didn't read the in-game subtitles properly or just ran off the subtitles using the Youtube voice to text generator and didn't do a second-pass cleanup because they have "Lucien" Bahavas instead of "Lucent" Bahavas and some odd capitalization in random places of words I know aren't emphasized in the canon dialog.
does it include all the bonus grave visit dialogs? those always got me. i’d visit every time i progressed story
Fuckkk, you’re gonna make me pick it up for another playthrough
I've gifted this game to so many family and friends who have unfortunately let it sit in their library because of lack of interest or time. A properly-curated and executed movie version has long been awaited and skimming through this seems to reveal a worthy substitute or at least something to intrigue them enough to dust off their copy. So first off, thanks for bringing this to our attention and much kudos to the talented and diligent game-filmaker.
Secondly, an inquiry: is this only the main plot, sans Frozen Wilds?
Never seen that opening footage before. Where's it from?
Thanks. This will be a good revisit. Haven't played the game since it launched but have fond memories of the story