Joseph Hancock - Dishonored

In the video-game series "Dishonored", there is an Cthulhu-like being who is a God (or at least has God-like power) and an Empire largely under the influence of a dogmatic, fundamentalist state-religion. It turns out thought that the state-religion in no way worships this entity, called the Outsider. In fact, the whole point of the religion is to hate on him. The religion preaches that the Outsider is the cause of all sin, and that all must reject his evil offers for power. I find that fascinating. Instead of following a God, the religion is centered on hating on him. It's the equivalent of the Catholic church focusing solely on denouncing Lucifer, with no mention of God or Jesus in any way. That's a really interesting take on religion to me. Meanwhile, the Outsider is in no way malicious. He's just really bored. He basically lives in Purgatory and is omniscient, and has nothing to do. So he gives people fractions of his power as a form of entertainment. What they do with his gift is up to them, so long as they put on a good show. He's still very Lovecraftean, but he's not completely unknowable. At the very least, we know the guy just wants some surprise in his life. The best part is when you do actions that surprise him, like sparing the lives of people you're supposed to kill. When you do this late in the game, for half a second, the Outsider is actually completely stunned into silence before stating that you "fascinate him" in a tone that is more expressive than he's ever been so far. If you manage to get the good ending, where you eventually die of old age and at peace with your life choices, the Outsider actually says farewell to you. Through the tone of his voice, even if it's hard to make out, you can tell he genuinely enjoyed and respected you. I found this to be a very interesting take on a dark, unknowable eldritch being.

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