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Delving into the Void: Unmasking the God of Dishonored

The god in Dishonored, if one can truly call him that, is the Outsider. He’s a morally ambiguous, supernatural being who resides in the Void, an alternate dimension analogous to Heaven and Hell. He grants characters, like Corvo Attano and Emily Kaldwin, magical powers, shaping the course of events in the Empire of the Isles. But the Outsider isn’t a god in the traditional sense. His origins are rooted in tragedy and ritualistic sacrifice, making him a figure of complex morality and fascinating lore. He is not the first god to act as such a representation, nor may he necessarily be the last.

Understanding the Outsider

The Outsider isn’t your typical deity. He’s not worshipped in temples or prayed to for guidance. Instead, he appears as a young man with striking black eyes and a sardonic demeanor, observing the world and its inhabitants with a detached curiosity. He bestows the Mark of the Outsider upon individuals he deems “interesting,” granting them access to powerful abilities drawn from the Void.

The Outsider’s Role in the Games

Throughout the Dishonored series, the Outsider serves as a catalyst for the narrative. He provides the impetus for the protagonists’ journeys, empowering them to confront their enemies and shape their own destinies. However, his motives remain unclear. He claims to be merely an observer, yet his actions have far-reaching consequences. This ambiguity is what makes him such a compelling character. He is explicitly beyond our knowledge, yet continually draws us into intimate conversation throughout both games.

Origins in Sacrifice

The Outsider’s origins are steeped in darkness. He wasn’t always a supernatural entity. Before his transformation, he was a vulnerable street urchin who was captured by a cult and ritually sacrificed to become the vessel for the Void’s power. This traumatic event shaped his perspective and fueled his cynicism, making him wary of humanity and its capacity for both good and evil.

The Void: The Outsider’s Domain

The Void is not merely a location; it’s an extension of the Outsider himself. It’s an alternate dimension that mirrors the physical world, but with its own unique rules and properties. The Outsider controls the flow of power from the Void, and his decisions directly impact those who bear his Mark.

Morality and Ambiguity

The Outsider’s moral compass is difficult to decipher. He’s not inherently good or evil. He simply observes and intervenes as he sees fit, often with unpredictable results. His actions can be interpreted as both benevolent and malevolent, depending on one’s perspective.

The Mark of the Outsider

The Mark of the Outsider is the key to unlocking magical abilities in the Dishonored universe. It’s a symbol bestowed upon those the Outsider deems worthy, granting them access to powers like Blink (short-range teleportation), Dark Vision (enhanced awareness), and Possession.

The Consequences of Power

The Outsider doesn’t give power freely. There are consequences to wielding abilities drawn from the Void. The use of magic can affect the world around you, influencing the level of chaos and ultimately determining the fate of Dunwall and Karnaca.

FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Outsider

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further illuminate the nature of the Outsider and his role in the world of Dishonored:

Is the Outsider truly a god? The Outsider is a supernatural being with immense power, residing in the Void. Whether he is a “god” is a matter of definition, but he certainly occupies a god-like role in the Dishonored universe, influencing events and granting powers. He is the face of the Void and directs its power.
What are the Outsider’s motivations? His motivations are complex and never fully revealed. He claims to be an observer, but his actions suggest he’s more involved than he lets on. He seems to be interested in witnessing how individuals use their powers and the consequences that follow.
Can the Outsider be killed? Yes, as revealed in Dishonored: Death of the Outsider, he can be killed. Billie Lurk is given the opportunity to end his existence, effectively severing the connection between the Void and the mortal realm.
What happens if the Outsider dies? If the Outsider is killed, the consequences are significant. The Void becomes unstable, and the future of magic in the Dishonored world becomes uncertain.
Is the Outsider responsible for the events of Dishonored? Indirectly, yes. His decision to grant the Mark of the Outsider to individuals like Corvo and Emily sets in motion the events of the games.
Does the Outsider have any weaknesses? As revealed in Death of the Outsider, knowing his true name grants power over him. He is also vulnerable to certain artifacts and rituals.
Why does the Outsider choose certain people to give the Mark to? The Outsider chooses individuals based on their potential, their unique qualities, and their capacity for both good and evil. He’s drawn to those who are “interesting” in some way.
What is the significance of the Outsider’s black eyes? The Outsider’s black eyes are a visual representation of his connection to the Void and his otherworldly nature. They symbolize his detachment from humanity and his unique perspective on the world.
Is the Void inherently evil? The Void itself is not inherently evil, but it’s a source of immense power that can be used for both good and evil purposes. Its nature is ambiguous, reflecting the complex morality of the Dishonored universe.
How does chaos level affect the Outsider? The level of chaos in the world doesn’t directly affect the Outsider himself, but it does influence the overall tone and outcome of the story. He observes and comments on the consequences of your actions, regardless of the chaos level.
Is there any way to interact with the Outsider outside of the main story? No, the Outsider only appears in specific scripted moments within the games. He can’t be summoned or encountered outside of these predetermined sequences.
Who was the Outsider before he became the Outsider? Before becoming the Outsider, he was just a vulnerable street urchin.
Why is the Outsider the face of the void? He was put in that position by a cult 4000 years prior to the setting of Dishonored games.
Does the Outsider appear in the book The Outsider? No, the two are not related. The Outsider book has been banned from some schools and libraries because of the portrayal of gang violence, underage smoking and drinking, strong language/slang, and family dysfunction.
How does Dishonored relate to learning? The Dishonored series promotes critical thinking, strategic planning, and ethical decision-making. These games can be valuable tools for exploring complex themes and developing problem-solving skills, which aligns with the goals of the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion: A God of Our Own Making?

The Outsider is a fascinating and complex character who defies easy categorization. He’s not a benevolent god, nor is he a purely malevolent force. He’s a catalyst, an observer, and a reflection of humanity’s own capacity for both good and evil. His presence in the Dishonored universe challenges players to question their own morality and consider the consequences of their actions, making him one of the most compelling and thought-provoking characters in gaming. He is explicitly beyond our knowledge, yet continually draws us into intimate conversation throughout both games.

Who is the god in Dishonored?