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The Ghost Who Fell: Unraveling the Murder of Sundance

Pirrha, the Rifleman, a Scorn enemy, is directly responsible for the death of Sundance, the Ghost of the beloved Hunter, Cayde-6. This tragic event served as the catalyst for the Forsaken expansion in Destiny 2, fueling the Guardian’s quest for vengeance and setting the stage for dramatic shifts within the game’s narrative. The weapon used was a Devourer Bullet, modified for a Scorn launcher, a detail that highlights the depravity and ingenuity of the Scorn’s weaponry.

The Crucial Role of Ghosts in Destiny Lore

Ghosts are more than just companions in the Destiny universe; they are the source of a Guardian’s power, their connection to the Light, and the key to their immortality. The death of a Ghost is a devastating blow, rendering a Guardian vulnerable and, ultimately, permanently mortal. Understanding this fundamental aspect of Destiny lore is critical to grasping the significance of Sundance’s demise.

The Scorn and Their Arsenal

The Scorn, a twisted and resurrected faction of Fallen, are notorious for their brutality and their modification of existing technology. Their use of a Devourer Bullet, a type of ammunition associated with the infamous Weapons of Sorrow, underscores their corrupting influence. The Devourer Bullet’s deadly nature ensures a swift and final end, preventing a Ghost from healing or resurrecting its Guardian.

Devourer Bullets: A Legacy of Darkness

Weapons of Sorrow are among the most dangerous artifacts in the Destiny universe. These weapons are created through dark rituals, corrupting the Light and inflicting grievous wounds that bypass a Ghost’s healing abilities. The Thorn, perhaps the most well-known Weapon of Sorrow, serves as a prime example of their power and the corruption they spread. The use of a Devourer Bullet, derived from this dark tradition, makes Sundance’s death even more tragic.

The Events Leading to Tragedy

The attack on Sundance occurred during the Scorn’s breakout from the Prison of Elders. This prison, meant to contain the galaxy’s most dangerous criminals, became a battleground when the Scorn, led by the vengeful Uldren Sov, orchestrated their escape. It was amidst this chaos that Pirrha, the Rifleman, delivered the fatal blow to Sundance.

Uldren’s Role: A Puppet Master

While Pirrha fired the shot that killed Sundance, Uldren Sov was the orchestrator of the entire operation. His manipulation of the Scorn, his thirst for power, and his twisted motivations ultimately led to the tragic death of both Sundance and, subsequently, Cayde-6.

Consequences and Aftermath

The death of Sundance stripped Cayde-6 of his immortality, making him vulnerable to Uldren Sov’s fatal shot. The Guardian’s pursuit of Uldren and the Scorn became the central focus of the Forsaken campaign. The event profoundly impacted the Destiny universe, leading to significant changes in the political landscape and the relationships between key characters.

A Catalyst for Change

The Forsaken expansion marked a turning point in Destiny 2’s narrative. It introduced darker themes, more complex characters, and a greater emphasis on player agency. The death of Cayde-6, fueled by the death of his Ghost, Sundance, became a rallying cry for players, driving them to seek justice and ultimately shaping the future of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Cayde-6’s death and the circumstances surrounding Sundance’s demise:

Who killed Cayde-6? Uldren Sov killed Cayde-6.
Why was Cayde-6 killed? Cayde-6 was killed as part of Uldren Sov’s plan to achieve his own twisted goals, fueled by his corruption and manipulation by Riven, an Ahamkara (wish dragon).
What weapon was used to kill Cayde-6? Cayde-6 was shot with his own weapon, the Ace of Spades, after being weakened by the events at the Prison of Elders.
Could Cayde-6 have been revived if Sundance hadn’t died? No, Ghosts can only have a connection with one person at a time. Therefore, Ghosts can only heal their guardian. They cannot heal other guardians. Our ghost couldn’t heal Cayde because only Sundance could.
Is Cayde-6 permanently dead? This remains a complicated question. While he died in the Forsaken expansion, he appears to be returning in some form in the upcoming “The Final Shape” expansion. What form that takes is as yet unknown.
What is a Devourer Bullet? A Devourer Bullet is a type of ammunition associated with Weapons of Sorrow, known for its corrupting and deadly properties that can bypass a Ghost’s healing abilities.
Who are the Scorn? The Scorn are a faction of resurrected Fallen, twisted and corrupted by dark Ether. They are known for their brutality and their modification of technology.
Was the Drifter involved in Cayde’s death? There is no evidence to suggest that the Drifter was directly involved in Cayde’s death, although he may have had knowledge of Weapons of Sorrow and their creation.
Is Cayde-7 confirmed? No, Bungie has stated that there will be no Cayde-7.
Who is voicing Cayde-6 in The Final Shape? Nathan Fillion, the original voice actor for Cayde-6, will be returning for The Final Shape.
Is Cayde-6’s return a resurrection? It’s unclear. He may appear as a memory or construct from within The Traveler. It is not clarified as of November 2024.
What is the significance of Sundance’s death to the lore? Sundance’s death is a huge deal. It removed Cayde-6’s immortality, and gave Uldren the ability to kill Cayde-6 for good.
What is the Prison of Elders? The Prison of Elders is a high-security facility where the most dangerous criminals are held.
Is Ikora Rey dead? Ikora is not dead.
Will there be a Destiny 3? It is unclear whether or not there will be a destiny 3.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Sundance

The death of Sundance was a pivotal moment in Destiny 2, demonstrating the fragility of even the most powerful Guardians and the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition and dark magic. The story reminds us that even in a universe filled with Light and hope, darkness can prevail, leaving scars that shape the future. As we venture deeper into the mysteries of the Destiny universe, let’s not forget those characters and story that are as fascinating to explore as the games themselves! For more on the educational side of gaming, consider checking out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Who killed Cayde-6’s ghost?