The Nightmare Heart

The Nightmare Heart as it appeared in the waking realm

**The** **Nightmare Heart** is the god of nightmares and central figure of the Grimm Troupe, taking the form of a giant centipede. It has full control over the nightmare realm and can inflict and manipulate the nightmares of bugs around it.

## Appearance

File:Nh fullbody.pngThe Nightmare Heart resembles a large centipede created out of various stitched fabrics and fibres. It has long roots that protrude from it's seams and petal shaped eyes that appear sporadically along it's body.

## Personality

The Nightmare Heart is recluse and often only communicates when necessary, going as far as to even ignore bugs it doesn't feel like conversing with. It is passive and does not like committing violence, but may if there is no other option. It always speaks formally and treats everyone it meets with respect.

## History

### Before and during the war

Long before the war and even the establishing of Hallownest, the Nightmare Heart existed within the physical realm and was worshipped by a small tribe. Seeing nightmares as a positive and healthy way to confront fear they praised the Heart for providing them with courage in the face of it. They honoured the Heart through ritualistic performances of song and dance, often depicting the tribe's tales of fearlessness. After some time the Heart's power extended beyond it's tribe, and nearby bugs who were not accustomed to it's nightmares waged war, banding together and killing all of the Nightmare Heart's worshippers. Due to a lack of worship the Heart began to weaken, finally creating Grimm as a means to stay somewhat present within the waking realm before discarding its body and entering the Nightmare Realm, now residing there permanently.

Elements of worship were carried over through Grimm, his small party of followers, now labeled The Grimm Troupe, still perform, though some members do not understand it's true purpose.

### After the war

The Nightmare Heart continues to stay within the Nightmare Realm with no means or want to escape it.

## Relationships

### With Grimm

Grimm serves the Nightmare Heart, but has his own motives that drive his actions. The Heart knows this and does not mind, turning a blind eye to misdeeds so long as they don't directly interfere with it's livelihood. Aside from that the two are pleasant and respectful with eachother, Grimm being thankful for his creation, and the Heart being thankful for his sacrifices in keeping itself alive.

### With The Troupe

The Heart is a distant figure to the Troupe members, with only it's eldest most trusted individuals being approached by it within the Nightmare Realm. The Heart does favour some members more than others but it isn't apparent due to it's relative uninvolvement in regular Troupe life.

### With The Radiance

The Heart and the Radiance respect eachother only out of necessity, as both are gods of sleep. The Radiance's strong and arrogant personality clash with the Nightmare Heart's rather humble and quiet disposition and at their cores the two would rather not speak unless necessary

## Trivia

1. The Nightmare Heart doesn't have its own voice, instead speaking using the voices of one or multiple of it's followers. When all its followers were killed they were unable to communicate.
	1. The Heart takes a strong liking to troupe member Chanterelle, due to her also being a centipede, as well as her strong devotion.