This here is just some extended Developer Commentary for
The Empty Promise
on page 49. For being such a brief headcanon that could fit into a minute long cutscene, it had a lot of subtext I could've explained better:
Line 1: I feel like this moment will be the dramatic finale of the Zaros storyline, so naturally it's where my headcanon urges bubble. We're on a collision course with the elder gods and Zaros's desires to join their ranks. To what end?
He hasn't been very specific.
"Know this - I will never lie to you. And in this place you would sense if I did. But there are some truths for which you are not yet ready. All will be revealed in time."
line 2: Why, I don't recall anything of the sort! He has shown he sees the potential in mortal life, and will defend its necessity to the elders, but that's all he shared with us. He said what was necessary for us to play our role, and let us fill in the blanks.
line 3: Zaros is happy. The plan went flawlessly, he's now an elder god, and he has convinced the elder gods of the value of mortals. Aren't you thrilled?
line 4: I like to think the world guardian is selfless enough to think of others first,
but himself a very close second.
"Not the world, that's where I keep all my stuff!" D:
line 5: Zaros continues to calmly reassure the player, only causing them to become more terrified instead as they realize Zaros will not spare them.
line 6: Any last words?
Line 7: Zaros reassures the player with one last line, that unintentionally comes off like the classic villain "you have outlived your usefulness" line just before they kill a pawn. I wanted to emphasize that feeling of powerlessness, after the sixth age puffed the player's ego up by making them feel invincible with their magical god-proof shield.
