Embalmer/Lore

Warning! This page contains content that may be triggering.Content warning(s) for this page: child manipulation, grooming, serial murder, suicide. If you are sensitive to these topic(s), please take caution while reading.

—Anniversary Tales Collection Booklet

## Story Details

### Connected Characters

Major:* Victor Grantz
* Anne Lester

Minor:

* Y. R.
* Jerry Carl
* Wick

**Aesop Carl**, also known as the **Embalmer**, is one of the **43** playable Survivors added to Identity V.

This page is a compilation of story content and Lore for this character.

## Backstory

### Character Introduction

There are minor differences in the final destination of people's lives and Aesop Carl is most definitely the person people envision sending them on their final journey. He follows every procedural step rigorously and affords the highest respect to visitors that have come to their final destination. He decided to take the place of an unfortunate, mysterious mother and complete her final wish after finding that letter on her.

### Chinese Character Introduction

The 21 years old "Embalmer" Aesop Carl naturally likes to be alone and hates contact with living people. Instead, he gets closer to the deceased. This is the most fundamental reason why he engages in this profession. For those who have passed away, the end of the journey of life is always the same, and Aesop Carl has become the person who bids farewell to most people's dreams.

### Original Chinese Character Introduction

The end of life's journey is always the same, and Aesop Carl is definitely the person most people dream of dying at. He strictly followed every step of the procedure and showed the utmost respect to these passengers who came to the terminal. So when he found the letter on the beautiful traveler whose life experience was a mystery, Aesop decided to fulfill the last wish of the unfortunate mother.

## Deduction Quests

*All completed Objectives reward the player with +335 Logic points for the Logic Path. After the character's deductions are completed, their Worn Clothes will be available.*

## Letters

This section contains the letters received after completing Aesop's Birthday Event on May 11th each year. Each is removed from the player's mailbox in a week, but can still be accessed from the deduction quest menu.

* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023

## Lore Connections

### Mentioned NPC's

* Jerry Carl
* Elisa
* Y. R.

### A letter from the past (2020)

Dear Aesop,

You must be confused when you receive this letter.

I'm really grateful to my most loyal friend, Elisa, for delivering it.

I wonder what you're like nowadays.

In my memory, you're a kind and gentle child.

In my dire days, I used to dream of watching you grow up into a popular and elegant gentleman like your father.

Such a dream is so beautiful that I thought I could endure any suffering.

Yet...

Fortunately, Mr. Carl was there to raise you. Perhaps this can alleviate my sins.

While he is a man of few words and may have an odd temper, please trust that he is a good person.

After all, when I was suffering, he was there to help me, so that my collapsing soul could find comfort and relief.

I know this is a weak argument.

But please don't doubt my love for you.

Please believe that I've tried my best. I wish I will have the chance to tell you in person.

"Happy Birthday, my dear child."

And... Please forgive me.

I wish you all the best.

Your cowardly mother,

Y. R.

## Lore Connections

### Mentioned Playable Characters

* Victor Grantz
* Anne Lester

### Aesop Carl's Diary (2021)

…

Everyone's finally here. The letter said that the match would start in three days. Tomorrow, it'll be time for me to talk to that man.

Last night I dreamt Jerry, who was standing in the dim yellow light and arranging human remains in the coffins. I helped him place white flowers in the coffins, he patted me on the shoulder and said I had done a good job.

I think that dream may have been a sign, congratulating me on finding my purpose and reminding me of what I must do.

Over the years, I have kept Jerry's teachings in my mind and have never forgotten my duty as an undertaker. Since entering the manor, I have been looking for the right person to attempt a new start. That flakey girl won't do, and neither will that cranky guy with a strange accent. Someone quiet would be best suited for lying in a soft comfortable coffin... and now, my search is over!

He truly has a face made for eternal slumber! He always sits in the corner silently, looking as though he holds a secret he is terrified of anyone finding out. I think... I'm the only one who understands him, and he understands me as well. I'll talk to him tomorrow... or maybe I should write a note or a letter to him. Only he can understand that I badly need him to become my "silent friend."

If he wants me to, I can even "take care" of his dog as well. And the other two, although they're not the most suitable candidates, I can bide my time for the perfect chance to send them off.

I can't wait to open my makeup box and complete my mission.

## Lore Connections

### Mentioned Playable Characters

* Victor Grantz
* Anne Lester

### A Page from Aesop Carl's Experiment File (2022)

Serial No. 3-?-1

Name: Aesop Carl

[Test Indicators]

1. Motivated

2. Apathy

3. Cognitive Bias

[Inclination]

A dangerous character who appears stable on the surface.

[Test Results]

1. Overall Evaluation:

No. 3-?-1 followed the rules and was emotionally stable. Apart from being extremely introverted, there wasn't any obvious trait. However, his past gave him an unconventional view on life and death. His only motivation stemmed from his desire to guide those who had been struggling to end their life with dignity. As a result of his clear goal and strong motivation, No. 3-1-2 and No. 3-1-4 were eliminated because of him.

2. Methodology:

Except for No. 3-1-4, all of the subjects in this group share similar traits—quiet, low-key, recluse, and avoid confrontations at all cost.

Early on in the experiment, No. 3-?-1 and No. 3-?-3 were attracted to each other. Such attraction came from both No. 3-?-3's obsession with letters and No. 3-?-1's appreciation of his ideal. As things went as planned, No. 3-?-1, with a clear goal, followed the rules and remained stable.

Once we used medication on No. 3-1-2 and 3-1-4, the stability was gone. No. 3-1-2's anxiety was triggered, eventually affecting No. 3-1-4 who was also troubled by their past. Yet No. 3-?-1 wasn't affected at this point. It wasn't until the prey went missing that No. 3-1-4 lost their cool and became extremely violent, and the plan was interrupted, forcing No. 3-?-1 to show his inner personality.

3. Experiment Summary:

Affected by his upbringing and education background, No. 3-?-1 had an unconventional view of life—he thought there was no difference between life and death, and that it was his calling to guide those who had been struggling to end their lives with dignity. No. 3-?-1 knew full well that the effect of his past on his mentality was different from the others in the group. This affected his rational judgement. Therefore, while No. 3-?-1's appearance and behavior were normal, is cognitive awareness drove him to extreme actions.

Early on in the experiment, No. 3-?-1 and No. 3-?-3 clicked not because of their reliance on each other as allies or companions but their shared gaze on rare prey as predators. Once the prey was lost, No. 3-?-1 was triggered to eliminate No. 3-1-4, who interrupted his plan, and to make it his goal to eliminate No. 3-1-2. This showed how cold No. 3-?-1's reaction was toward emotional triggers. His internal motivation to achieve his goal was the only factor that affected his behavior. In this case, only when his plan was affected and his actions were interrupted can one truly understand his nature based on his response.

## Lore Connections

### Mentioned Playable Characters

* Victor Grantz
* Anne Lester

### Final Diary Entry (2023)

Returning to my room and writing these words means that everything is over. Anne Lester and I dealt with that guy, and she kept screaming irritatingly throughout the process. Later, I made arrangements for her and completed my mission in an orderly fashion.

The flames seem to be sending everything off, and my friend has fallen asleep in flames for his pursuit.

I admire his persistence, but I still feel sorry for him.

Mr. Jerry Carl said rebirth of the soul requires a whole body at peace. My friend has been always been silent as a corpse. It is like he has been preparing for the path of return, and not only did I bury him in a sea of flames, I didn't even see him close his eyes.

As for Mr. Jerry Carl, the one I'm most grateful to, the last time I saw him, his entire body was soft as if his bones were made of noodles.

I spent quite a bit of time embalming him, and he groaned in pain when he finally took his last breath.

The flames are growing. I can smell the burning, and dust from the broken wood is falling on me.

It's like a stone thrown at me from long ago. It isn't very painful, but it distracts me.

Like how the dust falling from covering the coffin stained the makeup Jerry had done for her.

Like the day he took my hand and led me out of the graveyard, the air was full of dust from the storm. .

..

I've completed my mission, and I know what I must do now.

It's finally time for me to be on my way, but there's no one to embalm me now.

So, the sea of flames is the best home for me.

These flames will illuminate my new journey ahead.

Toward new beginnings, and to usher in the last hymn of the soul.

### Rewards

Every letter comes with 30 Fragments, and depending on how many years the player has participated and completed the Birthday Event would determine which letter they receive and the extra reward.

* If this is the first time the player has completed the event, they would get a portrait for the character and the 2020 letter.
* If this is the second time the player has completed the event, they would get a portrait frame and the 2021 letter.
* If this is the third time the player has completed the event, they would get a dynamic graffiti and the 2022 letter.
* If this is the fourth time the player has completed the event, they would get an emote and the 2023 letter.

2020 Portrait2021 Portrait Frame2022 Dynamic Graffiti2023 Emote
## Character Resources

The additional in-game and external documents for this character include:

* Character Relations
* Quotes & Media
* Diaries
* Event Appearances
* Mentions

The Character Relations menu shows how certain characters are connected and how they feel about each other. It also contains other personal information on characters that cannot be found anywhere else. It can be found in the Notebook, under the "Clues" tab. Although the web of relations for Embalmer have not been released, we know a few of the characters that would be on it, which have been included below.

### Personality Quiz Results

#### Halloween Quiz (DaShen)

You are similar to the Embalmer. You were born kind-natured and you enjoy spending time alone; a natural good listener. You don't interact with much of the world as social interactions tire you swiftly. You are the apprentice who stands alone in the spiritual world.

Your social health surpasses 88% of quiz-takers

### Birthday Questions

*Only the questions and answers relating to his backstory were included here. The other questions not listed relate to gameplay.*

* 2022 Birthday questions:
	+ Question 4: *"Who is the Embalmer's foster father?"* Answer: *"Jerry Carl"*
	+ Question 5: *"Which plant grows in the graveyard Embalmer frequents?"* Answer: *"Yellow Rose"*
* 2023 Birthday questions:
	+ Question 4: *"Who made an appointment with Aesop Carl at the yellow rose garden in the eastern corner of the graveyard?"* Answer: *"Elisa"*
	+ Question 5: *"What was Jerry's suspected cause of death in the autopsy report?"* Answer: *"Fall from height"*

### Quotations

* Chinese First Anniversary (2019) quote:
	+ *"I don't like hilarity, but I am willing to present my show for you today."*
* 2nd Anniversary Congratulatory Video quote:
	+ *"Perhaps I am not cut out for such joyous occasions.
	However, since it is the second anniversary,
	Still sending my blessings.
	Happy Anniversary."*
* Deduction Star 2019 quotes:
	+ *"Thank you!"*
* Chinese Second Anniversary (2020) quote:
	+ *"Perhaps joyous celebrations like these aren't suitable for me. But, given it's the second anniversary, I'd like to express my wishes too. Happy birthday."*
* Deduction Star 2020 quotes:
	+ *"The end of a journey deserves utmost the respect."*
	+ *"Don't pay attention to me and leave me alone."*
	+ *"I'm not keen on such a lively gathering."*
* Deduction Star 2021 quotes:
	+ *"One's value isn't measured by time."*
	+ *"Whoever it is, I'll send them off decently."*
	+ *"I shouldn't be in the spotlight. I'm not good at it."*
* Deduction Star 2022 Best Performance quotes:
	+ *"... Thank you. I hope I'll have a chance to repay you."*
	+ *"I have to go. Uh... Goodbye..."*
* Valentine's Day 2023 Cards:
	+ *"Thank you, and Happy Valentine's Day to you too."*
	+ *"Forgive me, I don't really understand... Is this pink card some kind of prank?"*
* 5th Anniversary Congratulatory Video quote:
	+ *"Congratulations on the 5th anniversary of Oletus Manor...... Can't thank you enough."*

### Japanese Twitter Replies

Please press "Expand" to see in-character replies from the official Japanese Twitter.

Aesop Carl's diaries have not yet been released.

* See a transcript of his (incomplete) Diaries here for events that occurred during the Manor game.

**Embalmer** has been mentioned in the following documents for other characters:

### Letters

* Postman's Letters (2021, 2022 & 2023)
* Toy Merchant's Letter (2023)

## Canon Manor Game

We can gather who was in a canon Manor Game together by information in Letters and Diaries, and very occasionally from character quotes during events.

**Game Location: None**

**Date: None**
 3-1-2
 3-?-3
 3-1-4

Edits to this table can be made here.

## Compiled Overview

The following section contains an overview based on canon information.Please note that some information may be missing as it may not have been provided from official sources. See the given references for further information.
### Background

After Aesop’s mother passed away, Aesop was taken care of by Jerry Carl (the man who planned his mother’s funeral), and took on the surname "Carl" from him. Aesop was denied access to an education due to having Autism, 'or some other problems' which the school used as a reason to expel him. As such, Jerry Carl began to teach Aesop embalming as an apprentice.

As it turned out, Jerry "mercifully killed" those he believed to not be living a good enough life. Jerry would try convincing them to die by his hands, but if they refused he would inject them with *bromide hydrate* (a highly toxic body preserver). Over time he also taught these tactics to Aesop, and convinced him that this was the right thing to do. Though Aesop assisted his teacher in the serial killing, when he found out Jerry had also killed his mother he was upset. Jerry comforted Aesop by saying she was meant to die.

At some point, Jerry Carl received an invitation to the Manor. He returned from it alive, although with severe injuries (implying he escaped or won the game at the cost of his physical health). Seeing Jerry become the kind of person who was "meant to die," Aesop used Jerry's own manipulation tactics, as well as eventually the poisonous bromide on his teacher. And so, he became what his teacher once was, and found joy in it.

Later, an unknown girl was embalmed by Aesop and he also found an invitation letter, which he believed was for him. Aesop’s motive to come to the manor was to ‘embalm’ the hurt survivors in order to have them see how beautiful death is.

### Events at the Manor

He participated in a Manor Game where participants could only communicate through letters. The other three participants were Victor Grantz, Anne Lester, and Subject 3-1-4.

After all participants arrived at the manor, they were informed that the Manor Game would start three days later.

Except for Subject 3-1-4. all participants in this Manor Game were alienated from each other. But Victor and Aesop got along with each other due to Victor's obsession with letters and Aesop having someone who understood him. Aesop even had some intention of embalming Victor and his dog Wick.

Once the Manor has administered the drugs on the group, Aesop was the only one in the group that wasn't affected by the drugs. Subject 3-1-4 became extremely impulsive as the result of the drugs and compromise Aesop's plans, forcing him to eliminate Subject 3-1-4 with the help of Anne to silent him. Aesop also eliminated Anne which was part of his plans.

When the fire started in the Manor, Victor ran into the fire to protect the letters from falling into other people's hands, which cost him his life. Aesop admired but also felt sorry for Victor. Aesop eliminated himself in the fire, realizing that there was no one left to recognize his works.

This Manor was likely canceled due to the death of four participants before the Manor Game began.

### Alternate Theories and Conclusions

The below article or section(s) contains speculation, analysis, or theories which may include unconfirmed information.When adding content, use references to link or explain **legitimate/official** supportive evidence for specific theories, otherwise it may be removed.
* From his 2020 letter, it is confirmed that his real first name is Aesop. His surname possibly starts with an R, as his mother's initials are ‘Y. R.’
	+ It is theorized by some that Aesop's biological father is Arthur Russell given the potential shared surname initial, but there is little evidence to support this.
* While Aesop's nationality is unconfirmed, it is theorized by some to be Italian.
	+ In Aesop's "Blindspot" costume, the paper on his back reads "Vergogna" which means "shame" in Italian. This could point to Aesop being from Italy.
* An analysis of Aesop's costumes by user YuoRavik07 can be found here.

## References

1. ↑ Original design document - https://card.weibo.com/article/m/show/id/2309404249755566879951
2. ↑ Official Reference Books
3. ↑ Backstory from the official website - http://idv.163.com/en/character/index.html?type=survivors
4. ↑ Backstory from the official Chinese website - https://id5.163.com/nrzx/role.html
5. ↑ At some point, his Character Introduction on the Identity V Official Chinese Website was reworded.
6. ↑ Original Chinese: 我不喜欢热闹，但今天愿意为你献上我的演出。
7. ↑ https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1pt4y1276B/
8. ↑ Translation by @IdentityV\_\_Sub.
9. ↑ Translations by @fc\_idv.

### Manor Game References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 This Manor Game was cancelled due to the fact that all participants died before the Game started. This is confirmed by the Manor's later beginning of a second and third Group 3. See Violinist's 2023 Letter for further details.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2  See Embalmer's 2022 letter
3. ↑  See Embalmer's 2023 letter
4. ↑ See Postman's 2022 Letter.
5. ↑  The identity of 3-1-4 is currently unknown. However in Embalmer's 2021 Letter, a mentioned *"cranky guy with a strange accent"* is largely believed to be Ganji Gupta.