Bittersweet parting
I finished Caves of Qud for the first time, in earnest. The last time I finished was before the official release, back when there wasn’t really an end like there is now.
I annulled the Gyre, wiped out every Nephilim to the last. Dispatched, and subsequently consumed Barathrum as soon as we got to Gjauss together, after hearing what he had to say on the ascent, truly disgusted how he was now just willing to leave behind the other Urshiib (and every other denizen of Qud and Earth) to whatever cruel fate Resheph had in store for them, without his attack dogs around anymore.
I then rooted out and finished off the Coiled Lamb of Baetyls, for his transgressions against the people of Qud.
But the epilogue felt… off. Hollow, somehow. There was a Gyre Wight dressed as a jester in the village 1000 years after the events of my character’s life. I thought I had annulled the Gyre, yet it appears remnants somehow linger. The presence of my character felt heavy, making their absence all the more stark.
I wonder, if I achieved the ‘good’ ending, despite it being considered a greater victory. Is this the best ending possible? Is there a way to give Qud a brighter future?
And what is the implication of the Fool/jester figure? What of Ptoh? The injunction? The Putus Templar? The remaining Barathrumites? What of other regions of Earth outside of Qud?