The Bullet That Fell a Legend: Deconstructing the Devourer Bullet That Killed Cayde-6
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The demise of Cayde-6, the beloved Exo Hunter Vanguard, remains one of the most impactful events in the Destiny 2 saga. While the tragic scene of Uldren Sov firing Cayde’s own Ace of Spades at him is seared into the memories of many players, the initial blow that took down Cayde’s Ghost, Sundance, was delivered by a far more insidious weapon. The bullet that killed Sundance was no ordinary projectile; it was a Devourer Bullet, modified to be fired from a Scorn launcher. This ontological round was the catalyst for the events that unfolded in Destiny 2: Forsaken, leading players down a path of vengeance and discovery.
The Nature of the Devourer Bullet
The term “ontological” is crucial in understanding the true horror of the Devourer Bullet. In the context of the Destiny universe, ontological weapons and effects are those that impact not just the physical realm but also the fundamental nature of being. This means they can have effects that transcend traditional concepts of energy and matter, often reaching into the realms of existence and the very fabric of reality. In essence, this specific Devourer bullet was not merely a physical projectile, but a tool that could unravel and destroy the very essence of its target.
The Devourer Bullet itself is heavily implied to be a weapon of Sorrow, a dark power associated with the Hive and their practices of necromancy and manipulation of life and death. The implication is that this modified projectile, fired by the Scorn, was infused with ontological power that allowed it to bypass the usual defenses of a Ghost, and ultimately, eradicate Sundance. This isn’t a mere explosion or pierce, but a more fundamental destruction that makes it impossible to revive the Ghost, and by extension, Cayde-6.
This brings to light the horrific implications that this wasn’t just a conventional weapon, but rather an attack designed to inflict a permanent and irreversible wound on a Guardian, by attacking the very source of his resurrection.
The Drifter’s Possible Involvement
While it is Uldren who ultimately is the cause of Cayde’s death, there are subtle hints in the lore that The Drifter may have had some hand in the development or at least knowledge of weapons like the Devourer Bullet. His familiarity with the nature and workings of the Weapons of Sorrow raises questions about how much he knew about the means to destroy Ghosts permanently. This implies his possible involvement in or, at minimum, knowledge of the modification of the Devourer Bullet used to destroy Sundance. However, this remains a somewhat nebulous part of the narrative, as the Drifter is known for having knowledge that spans a wide range of areas.
The Chain of Events
The story of Cayde-6’s death unfolds like a Greek tragedy. The Devourer Bullet, fired by the Scorn, takes out Sundance. Uldren Sov, under the influence of the Taken Voice of Riven, then holds Cayde at gunpoint, using his own Ace of Spades, before ultimately shooting him fatally in the chest. Cayde, even in his final moments, taunts Uldren with the now-famous line, “How’s your sister?” leading to Uldren pulling the trigger. The Guardian arrives too late, helpless to stop the unfolding tragedy.
The death of Sundance was the true killing blow that made Cayde-6 permanently dead, as it made his resurrection impossible. The story of Forsaken is driven by the desire to avenge him, and to figure out just what happened that led to this tragedy.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries Surrounding Cayde-6’s Death and the Devourer Bullet
1. What is an Ontological Weapon?
An ontological weapon in Destiny’s universe is a weapon that impacts the very nature of being, rather than just causing physical damage. It affects the fundamental aspects of reality, often with consequences that can’t be easily reversed. It goes beyond typical energy or matter interactions.
2. How was the Devourer Bullet modified?
The Devourer Bullet was modified from its original design to be fired from a Scorn Launcher. The exact methods are unknown, but this modification made it more lethal by infusing it with ontological power designed specifically to eliminate Ghosts.
3. Was Uldren Sov aware of the nature of the Devourer Bullet?
It’s unlikely Uldren fully understood the ontological aspect of the Devourer Bullet. He was likely primarily focused on using the Scorn and their weaponry to further his goal of finding his sister, Mara Sov, under the influence of the Voice of Riven. He likely didn’t understand the full weight of what he was using to attack Cayde and his ghost.
4. Could a Ghost be revived after being destroyed by a Devourer Bullet?
No, the implication is that a Devourer Bullet, especially when modified to target Ghosts, inflicts a kind of “final death” that cannot be reversed. The destruction is ontological, affecting the very existence of the Ghost.
5. How did the Drifter know about the Weapons of Sorrow?
The Drifter’s extensive travels and experiences with dark forces like the Taken and Hive likely exposed him to the inner workings of Weapons of Sorrow. His knowledge of these dark arts is implied, but his role in the creation of the weapon is not confirmed.
6. What was Cayde-6’s last act of defiance before his death?
Before Uldren killed him with his own Ace of Spades, Cayde-6’s final taunt, “How’s your sister?” was a calculated provocation, showing his defiance in the face of death.
7. Who is responsible for Cayde-6’s death?
While the initial blow was from a Scorn fired Devourer bullet, Uldren Sov is ultimately responsible for Cayde’s death, having used the Ace of Spades. He was driven by his obsession with finding his sister and manipulated by the Voice of Riven.
8. How did Cayde-6 become an Exo?
Before he was an Exo, Cayde-6 was a human soldier in massive debt. The nature of how his mind was transferred into an Exo frame is unknown, but it is a common thread for most Exos.
9. Is Cayde-6 returning to Destiny 2?
Yes, Cayde-6 will return in the next Destiny 2 expansion, The Final Shape. This return involves his original voice actor, Nathan Fillion, but details about the how and why are still shrouded in mystery.
10. Will Cayde-7 exist?
No, it’s explicitly stated that there will be no Cayde-7. While Cayde-6 is returning in some form, it’s not through the usual method of a new Exo body and Ghost revival.
11. Where was Cayde-6’s body taken after his death?
The Guardian carried Cayde-6’s body back to the Tower, where Ikora Rey held a funeral for the fallen Hunter Vanguard.
12. What was Cayde’s ‘Dare’?
Cayde’s ‘Dare’ stipulated that if another Hunter killed him, that Hunter would inherit his possessions and the role of Hunter Vanguard. This set up the events that unfolded in the aftermath of Cayde’s death.
13. Who was Ace to Cayde?
Ace was Cayde’s son from before the Collapse. He knew the name from a journal he found on a body, and then called his gun the Ace of Spades to honour his son.
14. Is Ikora Rey dead?
No, Ikora Rey is not dead. She is intentionally attempting to die temporarily in order to explore the visions of the afterlife to possibly speak to Cayde, before being revived by her Ghost.
15. Who are the Scorn?
The Scorn are undead Fallen, led by Fikrul, the Fanatic and manipulated by Uldren Sov. They were responsible for the breakout from the Prison of Elders, the attack on Cayde, and have since spread throughout the Reef and the Dreaming City.
Conclusion
The Devourer Bullet, modified to fire from a Scorn launcher, is more than just a projectile; it’s a symbol of the complex and often tragic narrative of Destiny 2. The story surrounding Cayde-6’s death is a testament to the depth of the lore and the lasting impact that this character, and the method of his demise, have had on the Destiny universe. The implications of the bullet’s ontological power underscore the immense stakes the Guardians face and the lengths their enemies are willing to go. As the story continues to unfold, these details add layers to the world and its many conflicts, ensuring the events of Forsaken continue to resonate with players.