Corlian

This article contains theories regarding the narrative of an incomplete game, and might not reflect the actual sequence of ideas planned by the writing team of the game.
## Theory

A thaumaturge of noble descent who was forced out of his home by peasants due to Thaven's single minded behaviour. He was likely sent by Thaven to seek the Spellgiver but was more preoccupied with finding the secret to immortality. Due to having been marked by the kingdom as a dangerous sorcerer, he was forced to hide in the dungeon until his experimental equipment is sent into the dungeon. To fuel his research, he enlists the aid of the Bandit Hamon to kidnap people and send them into the dungeon of Exanima. To his ire, Hamon sends too many people down at an excessive rate, though he takes advantage of the excess of subjects to fuel his research. He apparently sacrificed his own apprentice Papin (who agreed to be used as a test subject for his experiments) long before setting foot within the dungeon. During his time in the dungeon, he discovers the Healing Salve and a strange helmet which blocks his power and gives him a peace of mind from the restless ancient spirits and the malevolent presence that haunts his mind in the dungeon. One of his subjects also discovered a formidable weapon and escaped with it by entering the portal of the third level.

Word of the large number of disappearances reaches the capital of Ardent and the king sends a Proctor to investigate. The Proctor finds him and nearly kills him. Thanks to a stroke of luck he manages to kill the Proctor and reanimates her to deter any future pursuers. Fearful of further pursuit by executives of the law, Corlian enters the portal with a number of subjects.

Beyond the portal, he is greeted by the louder presence of the malevolent presence and surmises that it is this presence that prevents the ancient spirits of the dead from resting in peace. As he explores the archives, he encounters a demon and is terrified by it. He confuses it with mind thaumaturgy and escapes into one of the Conservers' offices. He reanimates dead guards of the archives with necromancy to use as a decoy so that he can escape to other parts of the deeper Underworld, leaving a subject behind in the office. During this time, he realises that his body has not much time left and decides to send word to Thaven about his accomplishments.

He explores the Foundry and witnesses the activation of Golems which terrifies him and prompts him to turn back. It is here that theorizes that the Spellgiver and Corruptor are the same and reveals that he has sent word to Thaven asking for assistance.

He soon goes to Crossroads and finally receives a reply from Thaven who mentions that he is sending someone to assist him. Corlian does not trust Thaven's words and decides to move on to the Gentry. It is there he succumbs to his illness, but prepares a last binding as an attempt to possess the player, UNKNOWN, believing whomever would come to him was sent by Thaven and cannot be trusted.

## Whereabouts

   Corlian's body is found at Level 8 lying on a bed in a room. Upon interacting with his body, if the player is UNKNOWN, the player will be offered a choice to whether allow Corlian to take over his mind, assert his individuality, or negotiate a balance between Corlian's and his own.

## References

It is good to hear from you my old friend. I heard what had befallen you, but I knew you would not be so easily thwarted.

I am terribly sorry about Papin, I cannot imagine what a loss it is for you. I am sending someone to help you. I know you well, and I believe you will be greatly attuned.

Oh, the things we are discovering! I find myself struggling to keep to my purpose. It seems my theories were correct, but there is so much more to learn, so much I would never have guessed. I cannot wait to hear what a man with your insight has uncovered.
Be well my friend, I hope to see you soon.

Thaven