Rahel Amethyst

> Poor **Nipperkin**, lost and afraid... it's been so long since I was in your shoes that I sometimes forget how it felt.
>
> **Rahel**, **Act 1 of Pitstop in Purgatory**

## Biographical Information

### Alias

Weird lady (Smiley)
Miss Amethyst (The Guide)
Magic lady (Locke)

## Status

### Family

Unamed father
Unamed mother
Unamed husband

## Appearances

### Voice Actor

Keely Smith

**Rahel Amethyst** is a side character and potential love interest in the game Pitstop in Purgatory.

Gentle and enticing, she often does what she can to bring help and comfort to Astrid's journey with an unwavering passion.

## Appearance

Rahel is the same height as Astrid, has wavy brown hair and eyes. She wears purple eye shadow, has a runny dark makeup over her cheeks, and also wears a lipstick.

She has earrings and a necklace with a red pendant. In addition, she wears a long-sleeved white blouse with embroidered details and a red skirt underneath a leather vest. Some of the embroidery on her blouse was slightly inspired by central to eastern european folk customs.

## Personality

She is an extremely kind and lonely person, exuding a mystical and calming aura at all times.

Very faithful to her convictions, Rahel is one of the characters who doesn't have many changes in behavior throughout the plot, as she interacts with people without filter (for better or for worse).

## Before Pitstop in Purgatory

In life, she had been a wealthy merchant's daughter deeply invested in the occult and taboo, as well as being very self-indulgent. Her father, worried that his daughter would be accused of debauchery and witchcraft, reprimanded her and married her off to another merchant. Shortly after this forced arrangement, Rahel died of tuberculosis, not much older than 20.

## Pitstop in Purgatory

### Act 1: Nipperkin

When Astrid arrives in Purgatory, she has difficulty to get to her room. After being tricked by Smiley and failing to pass the *unseen force*, she starts muttering curses in frustration, and this is when she meets Rahel for the first time.

She explains how to enter the room (by thinking '*about*' it instead of '*how*' to get in) and the two end up talking for a while. After lamenting the hostile environment they find themselves in, Rahel says goodbye, but Astrid stops her, as she was the first person who actually helped, and she doesn't want to be alone again. Then, to tie them together, Rahel gives her one of her *Strange Baubles.*

The two say goodbye, and despite not understanding half of the words she said, Astrid is captivated by her kindness. After that, Astrid gives '*thinking about the room*' a try, and finally succeeds. She doesn't see Rahel anymore until Act 2.

### Act 2: Wishing Well

In Act 2, Astrid finds Rahel leaning against the Wishing Well.

    The two chat for a bit about what they did in between, and Astrid brings up the encounter with the Weird Shadow, and how her *strange bauble* helped her defeat it. She asks if Rahel knows why the shadow reacted to the object, and she laments, saying no. However, she says that her orbs seem to have '*strange magical properties*' that she doesn't fully understand yet. Even so, Rahel voices her willingness to protect Astrid in whatever way she can. Somewhat taken aback by such devotion, Astrid asks why she is being so nice to her. And her answer is simple: *"Why not?"*.

After that moment, Astrid asks her what '*Nipperkin*' means, after all. Rahel explains that it was a word that people used when she was alive, when talking about small drinks, alcoholic or not. Astrid questions her if she's been calling her '*a small glass of booze*' all this time, and Rahel scoffs, explaining the real meaning.

Afterwards, Rahel asks for Astrid's pamphlet and decides to write down all the weird words she uses. It unlocks the "*Rahel's Words*" section in the pamphlet.

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. When she asks Locke, he refuses to part with him, and Astrid decides to look for something to convince him. Searching her bedroom cupboards, she finds a *Modern Bourbon*, which can be offered to Rahel, though its usefulness only truly comes when Astrid offers it to Locke.

When he refuses to give the Coin, Ezrebeth takes the initiative and tells Astrid that she can help her in exchange for the booze. She ends up accepting and the shadow explains that if someone throws something in The Wishing Well, it can turn into *similar stuff*.

Then, she must find something that *looks* like a coin, throw it in the well, and say three magic words: *"Money. Moola. Macchiato."*. Despite not liking Ezrebeth, Astrid ends up having to trust what she says. Back to Rahel, the player can hand her bauble back, since it broke during the encounter with Weird Shadow.

Rahel explains that she creates these objects herself, as a hobby, and the two talk again about how sharing objects with each other allows people to find each other again, thanks to the *connection* they create. Rahel also inspects the bauble and realizes that it is damaged, and tries to separate the orb from the plate, ending up breaking the object for good. However, she doesn't lose heart, and says she's going to build another one for Astrid. Meanwhile, she asks her to keep the plate, and the player receives the *Circular Plate* item.

By throwing this item into the Wishing Well and saying the magic words, it turns into a *Fake Coin*, which allows the player to trick Smiley and advance into Act 2.

After managing to speak with The Guide, Astrid is guided back to the room to face 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 Rahel, she knocks on the door and enters in Astrid's room.

Astrid celebrates, saying that thinking about Rahel to get her to show up really worked. She's quite happy that she still remembers the things she says, and Astrid admits that it's having a hard time forgetting *anything* she says.

Afterwards, Astrid asks Rahel to tell her anything that will make her feel better, as she is struggling to find out who she is and her reason to be in Purgatory. Rahel shares her own experience with the place, how she believed being there was like a curse, as she was very curious and loved learning new things when alive. However, after getting used to the environment, she began to see Purgatory as a chance to continue learning, since in the years she spent there she heard about many things that her contemporaries would never *dream* that could exist. Therefore, even when her own beliefs were shattered, there was always a new day tomorrow, and that was the advice she clinged to.

Astrid appreciates her words and asks her to leave, as she has to face her fears alone. Rahel understands and asks her to remember that she is never truly alone, and if she ever needs her again, she just needs to think, and she'll appear again. After saying that, she leaves.

Shortly after this dialogue, the Weird Shadow reappears in Astrid's room, and she has a flashback of her life. Faced with such an enigmatic puzzle, she is again compelled to make a decision, which is to remain alone or choose someone to help her. Choosing Rahel again, her card appears, announcing Act 3.

### Act 3: All the Telltale Signs of Another Fine Mess

Deciding to ask for Rahel's help, Astrid returns to the Ouroboros bar, where she finds Rahel arguing with The Guide. He chastises Astrid for attempting to seek outside help without his approval, stating that she should walk this path of discovery on *her own*. As a compromise, he offers Astrid and Rahel, whom The Guide feels has greatly overstayed her welcome in Purgatory, a deal: Astrid helps Rahel get out of Purgatory, and in return The Guide will help Astrid find what she seeks. He also reveals that Rahel has a secret: She is *married*. Ultimately, Astrid agrees to The Guide's offer, although Rahel is ambivalent about it, requesting that she be left alone for now.

Astrid finds unexpected help from Ezrebeth, who reveals that she has a special ability: If given an object that belongs to someone, Ezrebeth can transform it into something that represents that person's inner workings. Astrid deduces that if Ezrebeth is given something of Rahel's, it could help her figure out how to help Rahel make peace with her death, by finding out what's keeping her stuck in Purgatory. To this end, Astrid steals one of Rahel's crystal orbs, which, when given to Ezrebeth, transforms into a disturbing object: A small, pink bear plushie nailed to a cross.

Astrid shows the object to Rahel, who reacts manically. She beckons for Astrid to *"burn it off"*, claiming that the bear should not be on a cross. Astrid obliges, using fire to remove it, which calms Rahel down. She begins recounting her past to Astrid, revealing that she died *hundreds* of years ago. In life, she had been a wealthy merchant's daughter deeply invested in the occult and taboo, as well as being very self-indulgent. Her father, worried that his daughter would be accused of debauchery and witchcraft, reprimanded her and married her off to another merchant. Shortly after this forced arrangement, Rahel died of tuberculosis, not much older than 20.

Upon arriving in Purgatory, Rahel falsely assumed The Guide to be God. Despite her interest in the occult, she was a devout Christian, and fell to her knees, overjoyed to have reached Heaven. The Guide cruelly belittled her, explaining that Purgatory is *not* Heaven and that there is *no* God. As a result, Rahel had a crisis of faith and entered a state of denial, which is revealed to be what's keeping her from making peace with her death. Rahel breaks down crying, claiming that she can't go through the tunnel without knowing for certain what's on the other side. Astrid comforts her, reassuring her that she'll be by Rahel's side through it all, and the pair share a passionate kiss while embracing.

Some time later, The Guide appears, stating that it's time for Rahel to leave, but not before giving Astrid her reward for a job well done. In a vision of the past, it is revealed that the shadow is in fact Volumnius, Astrid's boyfriend in life. While this explains who the shadow is, it doesn't explain how Astrid died or why she's unable to leave Purgatory. The Guide slyly remarks that she knows all she needs to know, and that in helping Rahel and connecting with her, Astrid has actually found a certain peace in her soul, allowing her to leave with Rahel. Disappointed, but still somehow relieved, Astrid accepts things as they are and returns to Rahel.

Arriving at the waiting hall, Astrid and Rahel get ready to leave through the tunnel. The Guide appears, wishing them farewell while also ominously telling Astrid that *they'll meet again*. Astrid and Rahel take each other's hands and start walking toward the light.

### Locke's route

On Locke's route, Astrid finds Rahel at the Ouroboros Bar right after arguing with him. When interacting with her, Rahel calls Astrid by the name, which surprises her. Astrid questions the absence of her nickname and Rahel admits that she believes calling her by it that would be *intrusive* considering the *new circumstances*. She confesses that she heard the discussion between Locke and The Guide and realized that Locke has more to him than meets the eye, something that was only possible thanks to him being in love with Astrid.

She asks how she can be so sure, and Rahel says it's like some kind of *magic*. She also adds that since Astrid called out to him, it can be assumed that she feels the same way. Astrid says that she shouldn't just *assume* these things, and Rahel agrees, responding that this is why she feels embarassed. Astrid asks her not to take it personally and says she *needs* Locke by her side, and Rahel understands, and says she doesn't want to meddle.

Again, Astrid tries to argue that she's not sure that's how she feels, and Rahel counters by saying that yes, *she does*. Astrid is sad because she doesn't want Rahel to hate her, and Rahel replies that she could never.

Astrid reassures her, saying that it's okay to use that nickname, and Rahel calms down, apologizing for having misunderstood things between them. Astrid also apologizes because she didn't want to mislead her, and Rahel reassures her, saying that it's not her fault, and that she wishes happiness in everything she does. Astrid says the same, and reassures her that they will see each other soon. Rahel says that "...For a little while longer, at least." and Astrid doesn't understand, but she dismisses it and bids goodbye, saying "Take care*, Astrid."*

### Guide's route

In Guide's route, Astrid needs to provoke intense emotions in her friends through conversations in order to use a *special item*. Each Purgatory character is represented by an item, and Rahel's is an *Empty Book*.

She is more than willing to answer Astrid's questions, and concentrates on giving useful information. Among several questions and answers, Rahel reveals a little about herself and her old life: her life of luxury and tranquility in a time of poverty and famine, her connection to her deceased mother, and her faith in God and how she believed he could help her talk to her mother again. However, the item only truly reacts when Astrid asks Rahel to share a *rough memory* of when she was alive.

Rahel remembers the time she was caught kissing another woman and she accused her of having bewitched her, using witchcraft to confuse her mind. On that occasion, she was nearly punished for heresy, but a man who knew her father paid a large sum of money to release her, giving her a great lecture. As he screamed, she could only ask God why this was happening, why his words had caused her lover to lie, tearing them apart forever.

When the player uses the item during this confession, something strange happens to Rahel: she starts saying that she believes in herself, and that there is no God. She also gets fixated on repeating: "Only me, only magic, only *this"*, ensuring that the item has been used successfully.

If the player doesn't use the item while she's talking, Astrid apologizes for making her remember such painful things, and Rahel reassures her that those wounds healed a long time ago.

Astrid is very worried about Rahel's reaction, fearing that she has broken her. When she returns to her room and tells Guide what happened, he exclaims with a feeling of victory, and adds: "Like a *book*, her life was full of words... at least in *theory*. Only, this particular tome was kept *hidden* from most, and its pages remained empty due to the author's spiritual *duality*". He also says that Astrid helped Rahel solve her dilemma.

However, Astrid is disgusted, saying that he *forced* her to do this to her friend, and he retorts, saying that it was going to happen either way, and that she just *accelerated* the process. And like it or not, *she* used the item, not *him*. Astrid starts to cry, exclaiming that Rahel was her friend and that he made her *change* her, and Guide says that although she doesn't see it, she was doing Rahel a favor, even if without consent. She ends up accepting that outcome, going back to work.

## DLC: I'll Remember You

In the game's DLC, Astrid regains all her memories, including her life and all the loops she went through in Purgatory. Taking advantage of the fact that she's only going to become a deity that night, she decides (much to The Guide's dismay) to have a party with all her friends. One of the guests is Rahel.

She continues the same way, with her complicated words and unwavering affection.

When Astrid interacts with her at the party, she has her arm extended in the air. Astrid asks if she's stretching and Rahel laughs, saying it's a traditional festivity stance.

Rahel says that she wants to borrow her ears for a moment, and Astrid follows her to the Ouroboros Bar.

She starts the conversation by reminiscing about the first time they met, in that same bar, and how angry and frustrated Astrid looked at that moment. But that despite that, she felt attracted precisely because she, unlike the other people in Purgatory, was *real*, that is, *human.*

Astrid is surprised by the meaning of the nickname, not expecting something so profound, and Rahel laughs, saying that there is *always* meaning behind the words she says. Astrid points out that it would be a lot easier to figure it out if others understood her strange words, and she says nobody is perfect.

Changing the subject, Rahel admits that she had a bit of a hard time deciding whether or not to celebrate as in the traditions, given the religious connection there was. For a long time, she suspected that this conflict was why she stayed in Purgatory, as well as the fact that The Guide didn't help one bit.

Astrid says maybe the reason is because he can't force anyone to leave - people have to do it themselves. She also believes that he doesn't specifically hate her, but that his anger has more to do with his own relationship with God. Rahel is surprised by the amount of things that Astrid seems to know, and asks if she is hiding something. She says no, that it's just that he's been saying some things, and Rahel is saddened when she asks if Astrid believes what he says and she confirms.

Astrid apologizes, asking Rahel to not hate her, and after a long silence between the two, Rahel admits that she could never hate her.

Rahel's real concern is not for herself - as she is no longer confused by her faith - but for Astrid, as she is the one who will remain in Purgatory with The Guide, who made her afterlife hell, and Rahel will not be there to protect her.

Crying, Rahel begs her not to make the same mistakes she did, following The Guide's words blindly. She also asks her not to let her emotions stop her from finding happiness, because if anyone deserves happiness in Purgatory, it's her. Astrid also breaks down in tears, saying that she cannot promise that she will always make the right choices, but that she will take that moment to heart.

At that moment, the player can choose the degree of closeness between the two - whether Astrid sees Rahel as a friend, lover or someone very special - but the choice doesn't affect anything other than different dialogues.

Astrid asks what will happen now, and Rahel replies that she doesn't know. Astrid says she's supposed to help her find her balance again, and Rahel says there are times even she stumbles. They decide to close their eyes and see what happens.

At the end of the conversation, Astrid reflects on her.

> *"Rahel was the first person to show me kindness in Purgatory.*
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> *Her personality was instantly alluring and she drew me in like a moth to the flame.*
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> *I would have never suspected that someone so willing to help others had such a hard time helping themselves.*
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> *But I guess that's how it goes... sometimes, even the strongest among us need help to push on.*
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> *I'm very glad that I was able to be that person for her."*
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Later, after the party is over, Astrid meets everyone in the Waiting Hall for a final goodbye. Rahel is already crying when Astrid arrives. Astrid still doesn't understand Rahel's words, but at that moment she gives up explaining and uses pure sincerity.

Rahel begins to declare her love for life, for all things that move, for all things that *ever* moved before. Everything is part of a great whole, and for her, *that* is true faith. Little things like the ability to breathe, feel, taste, smell, and even the odd words spoken by drunks are things that make existence worthwhile. Astrid doesn't quite understand what she's getting at, but Rahel reassures her that she doesn't need to understand everything.

Rahel is happy to have been part of Astrid's story, to have been there, feeling things that not even her orbs could have predicted. Astrid is happy that Rahel is happy and also that they spent that time together. Rahel is glad that she finally understands her feelings. She has hope in the future even if it is uncertain, and at that moment she decides to give Astrid a present.

Faced with the present, Astrid cries again. Reminiscing about their first meeting and the fact that they will never see each other again is very painful. She already miss her kind and warm personality enormously.

Despite the distance and pain, Rahel sees the present not as a torturous memory, but as a reminder that she will always be there, somehow. Being in Purgatory may have been a terrible experience, but it led to meeting Astrid, and for this, she is eternally grateful. Even if she threw the orb away, her feelings wouldn't change.

The sheer significance of the gift convinces Astrid to keep it. She thanks her for everything and promises that she will keep the orb safe no matter what. After that, the two bid goodbye.

### Other Dialogues

During the party, it is possible to enter the Ouroboros Bar and spy on the conversations of various characters. Here are the conversations Rahel participates in.

### Locke and Rahel

Despite being some of the most recurring characters in Pitstop in Purgatory, this is the first time Rahel and Locke interact directly.

Initially, Locke is taken aback by the strange and difficult words Rahel uses. She translates *ambidexter* to *untrustworthy* and he gets annoyed, saying that if she's going to insult someone, do it directly. She corrects him, saying that she didn't mean to insult him, and explains that the word can also mean "unpredictable", a quality that makes things interesting.

He tries to move on with the conversation, saying he wanted to ask her something, but when Rahel asks if it's about *Nipperkin*, he finds himself confused again.

She explains that Nipperkin is Astrid, and finally they seem to be on the same page. He asks if Rahel has also felt that Astrid has changed, and she confirms, saying it's like she has a *new glow* about her. Locke suspects that Astrid knows something they don't, and Rahel agrees, but admits that it wasn't just her who changed. She and he were released from their negative feelings suddenly, without a tangible cause.

Locke asks Rahel if she thinks Astrid had something to do with it, and she says yes, despite having no idea how it happened. In the end, both are only sure of one thing.

Finally, he thanks the conversation and says it was a better experience than he imagined. Rahel says she feels the same, and they say goodbye.

### Rahel and Smiley

Smiley meets Rahel at the Ouroboros Bar and quickly shows a great admiration - to the point of considering her an idol - as she is one of Astrid's closest friends. Rahel finds it strange that he sees her that way, considering he is *also* a friend of Astrid, and even mentions his name, which he finds incredible.

He tries to extract some of Astrid's secrets, wanting to become as close to her as Rahel, but Rahel refuses to betray her in this way. Smiley apologizes, but soon recovers with a somewhat unusual request.

    With her visible irritation at the question, he hastily takes his leave.

### Rahel and Ezrebeth

In this conversation, Rahel asks Ezrebeth the age of her spirit, which confuses her at first. She keeps trying to explain herself and Ezrebeth still doesn't understand, and on the third attempt she manages to bring her ideas more clearly.

    Ezrebeth doesn't know what this has to do with her spirit and her soul, and Rahel explains that the spirit remembers more than the body, and that considering the fact that Ezrebeth is just a shadow now, she assumed she was more in tune with her spirit.
Once again Ezrebeth is very confused by what she is saying - *and makes that very clear* - but confirms that a long time ago she really didn't act true to herself. Unfortunately, she doesn't seem too excited about discussing her past with Rahel, and leaves the room.

    Before leaving, however, Rahel exclaims that she finds Ezrebeth fascinating.

## Rahel's Words

Here is a list of all the words Rahel uses in Pitstop in Purgatory and their respective meanings.

> *addle-plot* - someone who spoils or ruins things for others
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> *ambidexter* - an untrustworthy person
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> *antiquated rogue* - a person who used to be a criminal
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> *balsam* - money
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> *banbury story* - a ridiculous tale which doesn't go anywhere
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> *borachio* - a drunkard
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> *brother of the quill*- a professional writer
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> *brother of the string -* a professional musician
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> *brown study* - to be deep in thought
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> *chameleon diet* - having a lack of food or eating too little
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> *chirping-merry* - being in a very good mood
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> *cramp-words* - words that are hard to understand
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> *dirty-beau* - a man who is acting more proper than he really is
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> *ebb-water* - a lack of money
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> *fiddler's pay* - being thanked and bought a drink for your services instead of getting paid money
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> *gapeseed* - a wonderful sight
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> *gut-foundered* - to be extremely hungry
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> *mulligrubs* - being in a very bad mood
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> *nipperkin* - a small glass of something to drink
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> *swill-belly* - someone who drinks heavily
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## Trivia

* The dialogue interaction with the '"Ouroboros" Poster' in Rahel's route can be a tribute to the game Undertale.
* Unlike the other characters in The Guide's route, Rahel doesn't have a "false opportunity" to use her special item.

## Gallery

Achievement image for completing her route (Steam version).Achievement image for talking to her in Locke's route (Steam version).Early concept sketch.Sketch + her final asset.Astrid and Rahel going through 'The Tunnel to the Other Side'.Rahel's assets.
## References

1. ↑ The Art and Character Design of Pitstop in Purgatory.
2. ↑ Doing this unlocks the "Nipperkinception" achievement in the Steam version of the game.
3. ↑ Doing this unlocks the "Take Care, Astrid" achievement in the Steam version of the game.
4. ↑ See in-game dialogue.