Volumnius Casarecce

> I believe that young Volimnus... Volomnious... Volemnous... Ehrm, **Vol**. I believe that young **Vol** has qualities that we as adults shouldn't look past so easily.
>
> **Ezrebeth**, **about young Vol, in Ezrebeth (A Holiday Mindfudge)**

## Volumnius Casarecce

* Human
* Shadow
* Child

## Biographical Information

### Alias

Vol (Astrid, Remm Theo, sometimes The Guide, Ezrebeth)
Pasta Man (Astrid)
V, Dummy, Volly, Cutie, Special boy (Remm Theo)

## Physical Description

### Age

24 years (upon death)
10 years (in Ezrebeth)

## Status

### Family

Ezrebeth Casarecce (great-aunt)Begonia Casarecce (grandmother)
Charta Casarecce (grandfather)
Ishobello Casarecce (father)
Ramzia Casarecce (mother)

### Relations

Astrid (girlfriend in life)Remm Theo (??)

### Occupation

Doctor at Saint Casarecce Hospital (upon death)

## Appearances

### Games

Pitstop in Purgatory (appears)Ezrebeth (appears)

### Voice Actor

Noah Belachew

**Volumnius Casarecce** (or simply "**Vol**") is the deuteragonist of the game Pitstop in Purgatory and a side character in Ezrebeth (A Holiday Mindfudge).

Introverted and nice, he gets easily carried into the affairs of others, yielding to make others comfortable or pleased.

## Appearance

Volumnius is slightly taller than Astrid, has white/beige-ish hair and dark gray eyes. He also has natural blush on his face. He's always well dressed, thanks to his wealthy upbringing.

In *Pitstop in Purgatory*, Vol wears round glasses with a chain, has a scar on his face, and a pen behind his ear. He wears a light green dress shirt and brown pants underneath a white lab coat, which is decorated with a caduceus pin. He also carries two folders under his arm.

In *Ezrebeth*, where he appears as a child, he wears a white dress shirt, brown suspenders and pants, and a blue tie. He apparently didn't wear glasses at the time yet.

## Personality

Volumnius is a reserved, cultured person and a socially awkward introvert. He also has a great knowledge of art, and apparently inherited all of these traits from his father.

During *Pitstop in Purgatory* Solo Route flashbacks, it's also possible to see his caring and insecure side, where he is always struggling with himself to show his affection and concern for Astrid in a positive way, without being intrusive.

Using *Psychic Touch* on him during *Ezrebeth*, it will be possible to feel loneliness, worry, a strong will to prove oneself and darkness, *"like a curtain call".*

## Before Pitstop in Purgatory

### Ezrebeth (A Holiday Mindfudge)

So far, not much is known about how his life was before, but from what can be seen from the family dynamics in *Ezrebeth*, Vol grew up alone in a very wealthy environment with people who demanded a lot from him.

Even so, he was a dreamer and saw great prestige in the medical career, believing that they were heroes. He even wrote a short story starring "Medical Man", which is probably the materialization of this admiration.

## Pitstop in Purgatory

Although Volumnius is not *actually* in Purgatory, he makes his appearance initially as the Weird Shadow and later in Solo Route as a mental projection of Astrid's memories of him.

### Act 1: You don't belong here.

Volumnius's first "appearance" is right when Astrid gains access to her room. Interacting with the objects, she has a flashback of her past and the Weird Shadow appears at the end of it, repeating that she doesn't *belong* there.

She gets very disturbed by this "vision", and tries to investigate what exactly it means, asking other characters including The Guide. But she only meets the shadow again at the end of Act 1.

Astrid follows Locke's suggestion and decides to take a nap, but is abruptly awakened by the same Shadow, who keeps standing in her room this time.

Talking to it proves to be fruitless, so Astrid is forced to try using one of the objects in her inventory. Using the *Strange Bauble* on the Shadow, Astrid notices that it follows the object with their gaze.

Interacting with the mirror, it is possible to use the *Strange Bauble* again. Astrid throws the object against the mirror, screaming *"THE POWER OF LIGHT COMPELS YOU!"* and the shadow finally disappears. After this tense moment, Astrid finds herself with even more questions than before, marking the end of Act 1.

### Act 2: Look back.

When Astrid tries to talk to The Guide about the *Weird Shadow* and fails, she asks Smiley for help and he says he will help if she gives "his" Coin back. With the help of Ezrebeth and the Wishing Well, Astrid turns a Plate into a Fake Coin and manages to trick Smiley. Believing that she managed to anger Locke, the shadow finally gives Astrid the item that will help her talk to The Guide: a "New Arrival" Sign.

Showing the sign to The Guide, he appreciates the trick, even though it's *someone else's* solution. After playing with Astrid for a while, he decides to pay attention to what she has to say, but before she can explain he cuts her off, commenting on what happened, saying that it's weird how "**he"** got in there, as it's not usually possible. He associates this irregularity with the fact that Astrid, being a main character, is special, and she doesn't understand what he means. Finally, he explains that the experience with Weird Shadow is directly connected to what happened before she died, and that he compelled the shadow to return to Astrid's room. He says to go back there and wait, and so she does.

After managing to speak with him, Astrid is guided back to the room to face the Weird Shadow once more. There, she remembers Rahel's words about people being connected and is given the option to think of one of the characters. If the player chooses either Rahel or Locke, they will appear and talk to her for a while, making her feel a bit better. Then, after they're gone, the Weird Shadow appears again, and with it, another flashback. This time, it appears to be a fight between Astrid and the shadow (or better, who it was supposed to be).

Astrid is surprised and intrigued by the scene she has just seen. She wants more answers, and in order to proceed with her journey, she is given the option of choosing one of two initial love interests (Rahel and Locke) or going alone (Solo). Deciding on one of two romantic interests allows Astrid to unravel only part of the mystery at the end of each route, the way to discover the full truth only in Solo route.

### Solo route: Cruel are the thorns of this delicate flower

Deciding to not selfishly drag others into her own problems, Astrid returns to the Ouroboros bar, where she finds The Guide. He commends Astrid on her drive, and offers her to play a game: She will have to answer a series of riddles posed by the other Purgatory dwellers, each correct answer providing Astrid a piece of the truth. She begrudgingly accepts, though noticeably frustrated that The Guide insists on making her jump through hoops.

As she approaches each of her friends, she is horrified to find out that they are forced to participate against their will. The Guide has put them in *the box*, a mental prison of sorts, which forces them into a state of stasis. When confronting The Guide about this, it becomes clear that she must push on regardless of the immoral implications. Ironically, her desire to not inconvenience others ends up causing everyone grief, which The Guide finds entertainment in.

Each riddle answered allows Astrid a glimpse into the past of her and Volumnius, her boyfriend in life. Smiley is the first person you can talk to.

The answer to the riddle is "O". You get a *Green Coin* for answering it right. After that, Smiley goes back to the box and The Guide goes into Astrid's head to transfer her memory back.

This memory is of how they met. Astrid cuts herself with a knife and starts bleeding and panicking, so she calls a doctor. Who arrives to help her is Volumnius.

After Volumnius provides first aid, Astrid manages to calm down. She invites him to stay there a little longer and the two talk a bit. Astrid loads Vol with questions, both about his first and last name, and they begin to get along. She invites him for coffee, and at this point Astrid names Vol *"The Man From the Past Who Saved My Life"*, or simply *'Pasta Man'*. He finds the nickname a bit far-fetched (and offensive, as his last name is Italian), but he lets it go.

After seeing this flashback, the player needs to get the next riddle with Ezrebeth.

The answer to the riddle is "six". You get a *U-Shaped Thingy* for answering it right. Again The Guide enters Astrid's head and reveals a little more of her past.

This memory is right after the two started living together. Volumnius comments with Astrid about his previous insecurities about moving in with her since her apartment is quite *modest* and Astrid quickly retorts. He finishes his initial thought, saying he wasn't going to complain - he's actually *happy* for moving in - and she apologizes.

Volumnius comments on his contentment with her ideas and reinforces the support he wants to give to her acting career. Taking advantage of the topic, Astrid shares the excitement for her upcoming role in *Gothic Goth Girls,* which she believes will be her big break. She talks about all the preparations she went through for the role, including her skeletal hairpin, a gothic accessory. Vol thought it was just a regular hairpin, and she says she would never wear something like that if it weren't for the role.

After that, he asks what she wants for dinner, and Astrid replies *pasta*. Again it's a pun with Vol's nickname, which he still finds to be a little offensive. To lighten the situation she says she loves him and he, a little goofy, replies that he loves her too.

The next riddle is with Rahel.

The answer to the riddle is "black". You get the *Illusive Book* for answering it right. After this, Astrid comments that she's starting to get used to the flashbacks.

This memory portrays "the beginning of the end". How things started to go wrong for the couple.

Volumnius asks Astrid about a reminder of overdue debts and she says she'll pay later, after shooting one more scene. He's worried because it's already the *third* notice, and ends up whispering a bitter comment, saying that she always uses *his* money to pay for things. Astrid counters, recalling that the two *share* the money, and Vol ends up spitting out another snarky remark.

Astrid comments that he is being unfair, and he apologizes for saying that. He talks about how difficult things are in the moment and how bothered he is that the movie she's making never seems to end. Despite his willingness to support her, he also wants her not to neglect the house, nor them. Astrid responds spitefully, and Volumnius decides to take a walk so he doesn't have to continue that argument.

Soon after, Astrid regrets what she said, and thinks about doing something, but then gives up and focuses again on practicing her lines, believing that things will get better after the film.

When the flashback ends, Astrid comments to herself that she doesn't remember any of that, and that it's hard to look at the whole situation. Despite this, she needs to keep moving forward.

The next riddle is with Locke, in the Waiting Hall.

The answer to the riddle is "a wish" or "wishes". You get the *Last Breakfast* for answering it right.

After that, The Guide congratulates Astrid on a job well done, commenting that's the reason she is his favorite. Then he shows yet another flashback.

This is the memory of their fight. In reality, it's the same flashback that Astrid has right at the end of Act 2, only this time, it's complete.

Volumnius starts by appealing to all the history that the two have built over time. He asks if Astrid really wants to throw all of it away with her selfish actions for the sake of her career. He exclaims that the decisions she makes (or fails to make, for that matter) affects both of them.

Astris tries to counter by saying he can't complain about her being selfish since he's never home. However, Volumnius retorts saying that the reason he is never home is precisely because he is *helping* people and *supporting* the two. She gets angry and says she helps people too, citing a review of *Gothic Goth Girls* in which the reviewer said the film *"changed his life"*. Vol retaliates by saying that the reviewer was being *sarcastic*, and that no one really likes those exploitative and demeaning movies.

The comment really hurts Astrid, making her cry. Volumnius tries to apologize and she tells him to go to hell. He tries to be understanding, saying it's been hard and the two aren't listening to each other.

So, he decides to leave that discussion for later, and focus on what they can do at the moment: put the car for repairs and drive back to her parents' house. The two reach an agreement, and Volumnius tries to cheer Astrid up, saying that they will get through this. After all, he is the *Pasta Man*. Astrid asks what that has to do with the situation, and he replies *"Nothing, but it always seems to make you happy."* to which she agrees.

After that memory, Astrid finally starts to remember her past, and decides to go back to The Guide.

Upon returning to her room, Astrid meets The Guide again.

She complains to him for making the whole process revolve around answering riddles (since she hates them), and he says that *that's* the very reason he designed the "game" that way. After that, he hands her another object: the *Toy Car*.

And finally, the last riddle:

The answer is '*Guilt*'. And for that right answer, Astrid gets to witness her own death. Unlike the other flashbacks, this one doesn't have imagery.

It starts with Astrid driving with Volumnius to get to her parents' home. He points out that she's moving too fast, and when she tries to slow down, she notices that the brakes aren't working because she forgot to send the car to repairs. She keeps apologizing and Vol starts to repeat "I love you" until the car crashes into a big light. Some time later, paramedics arrive and diagnose the situation: Vol died instantly while Astrid was seriously injured.

Back in Purgatory, Astrid is finally able to remember and understand why she is there. The Guide starts talking about the process of accepting death in humans arriving in Purgatory, completely ignoring Astrid's emotional state, and she snaps and tells him to leave her alone.

Unbothered, he tells her to meet him outside when she's ready, and she asks whether he's really going to kick her out of Purgatory just like that. She insists that she is a mess at the moment and that she has not "made peace" with her death *at all.* She asks if he's just going to throw her into the tunnel with no closure, and he realizes that something is necessary to complement that farewell.

He leaves the room, saying that he will see Astrid soon, and she wonder what he means. Shortly after, she hears a voice coming from outside the window. Entering there, Astrid finds out that the voice belongs to Volumnius. She runs up to him and starts apologizing for causing their deaths. She begins to wonder why she forgot to fix the car and he responds that, like it or not, it's part of the human nature.

Before continuing, he explains that he is actually not Volumnius himself, but rather *a mental projection of her memories of him.* After that explanation, he asks if she has anything to ask, and she asks how he, Volumnius, came to find peace in death after what she did, and reinforces the guilt she feels. He ends up admitting that the reason is quite simple: *he died with no regrets.* Despite having financial difficulties and the occasional frustration with the intensity with which she pursued her dreams, he never regretted their relationship. He remembers how he always tried to stay calm during bad times, and how that's the reason why he kept repeating that he loved her, even when he was about to die. Because that certainty soothed him.

She says that she really didn't deserve him, to which he scoffs, saying that she certainly did. He reinforces that it's okay to let go of guilt, and that it's necessary to move on.

Astrid takes the opportunity to ask where the real Volumnius is, and despite not being sure, he claims that wherever he is, he is doing just fine. Then Astrid asks if there's any chance he's waiting for her at the end of the tunnel, if she'll ever see him again. Vol asks if that's what she really wants, and she says yes. Astrid regrets how she couldn't star in the movie nor buy them a trip to Italy, where he would show her the best places to eat, and he laughs, saying that he never really went to Italy, so they would wouldn't be able to find anything. She ends up making fun of his surname again and gets away with it, just like when they were alive.

Astrid confesses that he was the only man she's ever loved and he gets surprised, admitting that she never said that before. The two get silent for some time, and then she asks why people die. Volumnius doesn't have an exact answer to that - as he only understands the biological part of the question - and admits that whatever he would say has probably already been said in movies and TV shows. Astrid doesn't think the answer will come from the movies this time, and he jokes that it would be a first for her. The two laugh a little, and with silence that follows, Astrid confesses that she still loves him. Volumnius simply answers that he knows it. He asks if she has any more questions, and she asks if he can hold her for a while, to which he replies that yes, *'of course'.*

After that, Astrid returns to the Waiting Hall, where she exchanges a few words with The Guide and continues through the tunnel. Halfway through, she senses Volumnius' presence and asks one more time if they'll see each other again. He responds that if that's what she really wants, maybe there's a chance.

### Epilogue: A Fire in my Heart, a Hole in the World

In the Epilogue, which is unlocked after finishing The Guide's route, the game switches to Volumnius point of view. It starts with a "Dream Log Entry", already at number 337, named 'My Face in the Sand'.

He narrates that he and another *unspecified person* are in Europe, in the middle of a heat wave, walking on a beach. He doesn't know how they got there, but since it's a dream, it makes sense. He describes the feeling of sand under his feet, which is pleasant enough to make him consider keeping that dream in his *"permanent collection".*

Continuing the narration, he says that he sees the person clearly, but that their hair is white. Either way, a sense of calm fills him, until something hits him, making him fall flat on his face in the sand. For a moment he thinks he's going to drown, but the person pulls him back. The person laughs and says that his face left a mark on the sand, and he agrees, stating that there is a *perfect imprint of his face*. After that, he wakes up, and thus ends the entry. Then the epilogue card appears.

After that, a new scenario is presented, probably part of Casarecce Manor, more specifically Volumnius' room.

He comments on the big date that he's suppose to go, which will be in a cafeteria where they sell '*the candy she loves*'. However, he doesn't know where his wallet is, and decides to look for it. Interacting with the bulletin board, Volumnius finds a note saying his wallet is *in the fireplace*. The note is signed by someone called "*R*", who is someone known by Vol. Searching the fireplace, the player finds the *"Rich Boy's Wallet".*

Soon after, you are given the option to continue with the story. Arriving at the Number 7 Café, he encounters Remm. Despite not being very pleased by her presence, he asks why is she there. The answer is simple: *she is bored.*

Volumnius tries to insist that she let him do things alone since it's a *date*, but she counters by saying he'll probably *need* her help. Faced with the discomfort he presents, she says that she will not interfere in his relationship with Astrid, and that he can pretend that she is not even there. Volumnius apologizes, saying he doesn't mean to sound rude but is just worried about the date, and she reassures him, saying (using multiple accents) that it's okay and he tells her to at least *try* to act normal.

After she convinces him to let her stay, he is free to interact with the scenery while she sits down and drinks coffee. Interacting with the objects is possible to unlock an *achievement* and some conversations with Remm.

When he tries to buy Astrid's favorite candy, there's no one at the counter and he doesn't know what to do. Again he is forced to ask Remm for help, who instructs him and so things continue to go smoothly until Astrid arrives.

She and Volumnius start talking, while Remm appears to be invisible to the latter. Remm teases him during the conversation, as well as making suggestions as to what he should do, and despite his reluctance, he remains obedient to what she says.

They talk about her reason for being late and she muses about preparations for her next role, her passion for acting and her parents. The conversation ends with she asking him if he has thought of an answer to *the thing* (moving in together) and Vol seems still reluctant, so Astrid ends up leaving.

In the face of this failure, Volumnius seems rather bummed, and Remm tries to motivate him, saying that although he still needs her help, he has won Astrid before, without anyone's help. He takes his leave after that, saying he's going for a walk, leaving Remm alone.

Some time later, he returns to Casarecce Manor, still worried about the whole situation between him and Astrid. Remm appears again, and advises him to call Astrid. Vol starts to worry, as calling her wasn't in his plans or his notes, and Remm says Astrid wants a *man*, not a perfectionist *robot*. He asks what he should say on the call, and she says he'll have to figure it out alone since she needs to leave to meet *her "brother*". Volumnius gives himself a motivational speech and decides to call Astrid. He almost gives up, but she picks up before he can think about it. In desperation, he ends up calling her to his house, saying he has something to show her. When the call ends, he wonders what exactly he'll show, and he has an idea.

Thirty-two minutes later, Astrid arrives and the two talk for a while. He apologizes for backing off earlier, and Astrid is sympathetic, saying that she understands how cautious he is, but that she also feels insecure when he gets distant, inside his own head. However, she doesn't want to push him, making he feel like he has no choice. Astrid confesses that her biggest fear is being in a situation where everything is falling apart, and she can't do anything about it. Vol understands, and adds that sometimes we have a choice, and sometimes we don't, and that's part of life.

Volumnius says he's ready to talk about *the thing*, but he'd rather talk about it in another room. The two hold hands and he makes a joke that the mansion is so big that someone got lost in it and starved to death. Astrid gets scared, and ends up admitting that despite being acting in a horror movie, she is terrified of these things.

They arrive in a completely dark room, and Volumnius starts fiddling with something. The two sit down and shortly after the lights are turned on, revealing it to be a home cinema.

Astrid asks how he never talked about it, knowing that she loves movies, and he says it wasn't working until recently. He then announces that they are going to watch *Edge Sprinter*, and Astrid squeals out of happiness, since it's her favorite movie of all time. But before that, he says that his answer is *yes*, that he *wants* to live together with her. She asks him if he's sure, mentions her fear of them finding out things about each other that they don't like, and he says they'll both deal with it when it comes.

The two exchange "I love you"s to each other, and at that moment he "runs out of time" with her, and Remm appears again, taking him back.

Remm praises Vol's performance, and they talk for a while about what just happened and their relationship back when they were alive. She ends up asking why he relived that particular day instead of one of the days they lived together, and Volumnius replies that it was because it was the day he realized he loved Astrid. Remm finds it boring, but he adds that the mundane is also part of the human experience. She says that she's learning a lot from him, and Vol admits that he doesn't understand *how* someone *like her* can learn so much from him. She dismisses the statement, saying she is trying her best.

After exchanging more comments, Volumnius says he's going to rest so he can write the dream journal and she teases him about how everything in his afterlife is about Astrid, and he confesses that she was the best thing that ever happened to him, which she thinks is pretty cheesy. However, she reinforces that she just wants to see him satisfied, because she wants everyone in her world to be happy, and he says goodbye, suggesting changes in the next restart, which she counters, saying that mixing the variables keeps things interesting. They bid goodbye after that.

## DLC: I'll Remember You

Volumnius also appears in the DLC from Pitstop in Purgatory. The DLC takes place after the events of Guide's route but before Astrid becoming a deity, being a great farewell to Purgatory's characters and a preparation for what will come next.

Before saying goodbye to everyone, Astrid asks Guide for a moment to prepare. Even though he doesn't like it, he ends up giving in. At that moment, the game switches point of view, showing Remm, who grumbles about something not being right.

Suddenly Volumnius appears (or rather *is brought* by her). She suddenly lashes out on him, frustrated, and he patiently asks why he was brought there, as Remm doesn't normally spend time with other people outside of the *simulations* and she claims that the reason is that he is special. Volumnius has a hard time believing it, and that suddenly makes her very angry. He tries to explain that he's not used to being put on a pedestal, and that the only time he's felt like he's important for anything was with Astrid, and Remm sighs, a little frustrated that she can't compete with her.

Anyhow, the two put this argument aside and Remm says that she needs his help. She explains that something is happening at the "*playground*", which is a place *far away from there* where the souls of dead humans gather. Only people who are *not* special like Volumnius are there.

Disappointed but not surprised, Remm ends up answering Volumnius' question, and states that yes, *Astrid is there*. He asks why she never told him this, and she says that Astrid is held against her will thanks to a *meanie*, and that if it weren't for that she would have reunited them by now. Despite being *God*, her powers have *limits*. Vol has a hard time to believe, but Remm appeals to the fact that she hasn't let him down so far, which ends up convincing him. And then, she makes her proposal.

Remm has a plan to solve whatever is going on in Purgatory, and to accomplish it, she needs Volumnius' help. She promises that if he helps her, she will reunite him with Astrid again, and he accepts without a second thought - first, because he would do anything for Astrid, but also to repay her hospitality in *Heaven*. Remm then perks up with the prospect of make him her *servant*. Volumnius finds the nomenclature strange, but then again ends up giving in and trusting Remm.

He finishes the scene by admitting to himself that he's a bit naive and idealistic, but that he's not stupid. Despite his fear that the deal with Remm will turn out to be a mistake, the fact that the whole thing involves Astrid motivates him. He acknowledges that Remm has always treated him well, but also that there is something about her that *annoys* him, probably involving the fact that she talks a lot about love for humanity but has an obvious duality.

After that, the DLC continues as usual. Astrid says goodbye to everyone, and in the end, she asks Guide for one last thing: to see Volumnius again. He, a little impatient with the constant requests, says that it will be the last thing he will grant her, and she thanks him.

The DLC ends with the song *"I'll remember you"* and with the CG of the two looking at each other at the window.

## Gallery

Achivement image for completing Solo route (Steam version).Achivement image for interacting with the Poster in Number 7 Café (Steam version).Early concept sketches.Early concept sketch.Vol asset's.
## Trivia

* In the game files of *Pitstop in Purgatory*, Vol's sprites are named "Pasta", after his nickname.
* In *Ezrebeth (A Holiday Mindfudge)*, there's a simple vase next to the family photograph that it's only clickable when Volumnius is next to it.

## References

1. ↑ Which, added to the fact that he was little, is probably the inspiration behind the "nickname" Ezrebeth calls him in her game.
2. ↑ *"His outfit seemed quite bland to me, so I included a pin of the caduceus, not for any good reason but rather for the design. Oops!"* (Alcinus, in The Art and Character Design of Pitstop in Purgatory.)
3. ↑ See dialogue in Ezrebeth (A Holiday Mindfudge).
4. ↑ See dialogue in Ezrebeth (A Holiday Mindfudge).
5. ↑ Interacting with the Poster unlocks the "Chronicles of a Rich Nerd" achievement in the Steam version of the game.