The Guide

> Good luck, Miss Braid.
>
> **The Guide**, **Prologue of Pitstop in Purgatory**

* Default
* Bartender

Goddamn bastard, damn man, two-timin' piece of crap, sketchy bastard, bartendin' bastard, sneaky bastard, bastard *(and the list continues...)* (Locke)
Dirty-beau, the most devious of *addle-plots*, addle-plot, ambidextrous rogue, borachio, ambidexter, (Rahel)
Damn bastard (Smiley)
Our lovely warden (ironically), bastard, sir (Ezrebeth)
Guide (Astrid, Remm)
Lil' brother (Remm)

## Status

### Relations

Astrid Braid (partner)Remm Theo ("sister"/fellow deity)

### Occupation

Ruler of Purgatory
Bartender / barista / chef / sommelier / *you name it* of Ouroboros Bar

## Appearances

### Games

Pitstop in Purgatory (appears)
Ezrebeth (appears)

### Voice Actor

Jesse Pinnick

**The Guide**, or simply **Guide**, is the main antagonist of Pitstop in Purgatory and a side character in Ezrebeth (A Holiday Mindfudge).

Sarcastic and manipulative, he is a persistent figure that appears in all Purgatoryverse games, connecting everything together.

## Appearance

He is taller than Astrid, has greyish blonde hair and white eyes. He also has a scar cutting his nose and a stubble.

He wears a dark gray cloak over a white shirt and a vest of the same color, accompanied by a tie. He also has an earring in his right ear and wears two black rings in one hand.

In his "bartender look" he takes off the cloak but other than that there aren't any major changes.

## Personality

The Guide is a very mysterious figure, speaking in ambiguous sentences constantly, refusing to tell the full truth behind Purgatory and the many things that happen during Astrid's journey.

He's also quite sarcastic and has a dry sense of humor that runs through pretty much all of his interactions with the other characters. However, he takes his work in Purgatory very seriously, to the point where he always manages to manipulate situations when they seem to get out of hand.

In his route, Guide highlights his inability to feel love or empathy for human beings, any semblance of that being purely interpretation.

## Ezrebeth (A Holiday Mindfudge)

### Post-credits scene

After the credits, RT appears calling for her "little brother". At that moment, an "enigmatic man" (The Guide) appears. He complains that he's not her brother, and even if he were, he wouldn't be the younger one. Remm asks them not to discuss this *again*, and says that he knows she is much more powerful anyway.

He asks why was brought there, and she says that she has something that could be useful to him in Purgatory.

He is happy with the *gift*, admitting that it can be quite useful to relieve his boredom, and prepares to leave. RT asks if he wants to know about what she's been up to, and receives a no. She complains that he's not fun, and he says that their ideas of *fun* are quite different.

RT says they are *deities*, so they can let loose, as no one will stop them. He ignores what she says, agreeing with the fact that humans are indeed inferior creatures, but explains that that is not what he is referring to.

    He says she continually cross lines applying her *perceived goodwill* and RT says she didn't know they had *lines to cross*. She comments that maybe he has to teach her more about it, and he agrees.
The Guide recognizes the shadow as a member of the Casarecce family and reveals that the youngest recently passed away. He says maybe RT would be interested in him since he's *right up her alley*.

With this, his "debt" is paid. After a brief discussion, he says goodbye, leaving RT dissatisfied. She comments to herself that she should have a real conversation with him someday, but for now, she will focus on welcoming young *Volumnius* into his afterlife.

## Pitstop in Purgatory

### Act 1: *"Rise and shine."*

Before Act 1 officially begins, Astrid wakes up in the Waiting Hall and is greeted by The Guide. At first she seems very confused by the fact that he appears out of nowhere and how everything in Purgatory seems *distorted*, and the situation only gets worse as the conversation unfolds. Guide tries to explain the situation blandly, but Astrid doesn't understand, and he ends up speaking the truth directly.

Soon after, he introduces himself as The Guide, someone who's there to make sense of that "life after life" (or afterlife for short). Astrid ends up mistaking him for an actor, and introduces herself as *Astrid Braid, star-in-the-making*. Guide laughs at that, making her even more confused.

Slowly, she begins to realize that the situation is really serious, and asks him if that place is Heaven or *"down south".* Guide explains that she is neither in one nor the other, but somewhere *in between*, and that everyone calls it "Purgatory" to make it easier to understand.

Still unable to take it all in, Astrid asks *why* she is there. The Guide explains that she isn't ready to move on just yet as she hasn't found peace in her death, and until she does, she's going to have to stay put. Astrid doesn't understand why she would be upset about her death, until she notices that she doesn't even *remember* how she died.

Guide then offers her a brochure, unlocking the "*Dang! You're Dead!*" section in the player's inventory.

Next, he tells her that she should find her room, as all newcomers get assigned a place to stay for the duration of their time in Purgatory. She asks how she finds her room, and he points to the Ouroboros Bar, where she can begin her search. Then, the card of Act 1 finally appears.

The Guide reappears later, after Astrid finds the Weird Shadow in her room and returns to the Ouroboros Bar again. Among several dialogue options, she decides to talk to him about what happened, asking if she didn't just imagine it, and Guide says no, but that despite that, she must take those visions with a grain of salt.

Astrid asks what she should do after that, and he says he said enough and that she should figure it out for herself. Lastly, she asks if somehow what the shadow said could be true, that there was a mistake and she doesn't belong there, and Guide simply answers no.

At the end of Act 1, after deciding to take a nap, the Weird Shadow invades Astrid's room, forcing her to wake up. After facing it, she decides to go after The Guide for more answers, and thus begins Act 2.

### Act 2: "The Barely Acceptable Truth of Knowing"

When she returns to the Ouroboros Bar it's revealed, through a conversation with Smiley, that she has slept for 10 years. She feels a bit bummed because no one warned her and decides to go after Guide, finding him standing in the Waiting Hall.

When Astrid tries to ask him for help, he says he's too busy greeting "an extradordinary amout of new arrivals". She remembers that he said that 'time doesn't concern him' and that he is there to 'guide' her and he groans, his words being used against him. He ends up giving her a scary *"grand nugget of wisdom*" and dismisses her.

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 Guide: a "New Arrival" Sign.

Smiley states that it *is* a silly idea, but it worked when Guide pulled the same trick on him, so Astrid decides to trust him.

Showing the sign to The Guide, he appreciates the trick, even though it's *someone else's* solution. He admits that he needs to reinvent himself and even ironically asks Astrid if she knows of any actors who could help him develop his persona. Astrid rebuts firmly saying that she is not there to *help* him, but the *opposite*, which makes him laugh for her boldness.

Finally, 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. The player can only choose The Guide after doing all three other routes (Locke, Rahel and solo).

Unlike the other love interests, Guide doesn't knock on the door, instead teleporting directly to her room. She is startled by the apparition and comments that she didn't expect him to just appear out of nowhere, and he asks how she was expecting him to appear.

Despite feeling uncomfortable with Astrid's insistence on getting answers (and consequently taking up his time), he loves the desperation she finds herself in. He explains that being all-knowing can be a curse, humans and their predictability leaving little, if any, room for surprise, and how desperation *changes* this repetitive cycle. How it keeps her coming back again and again for more, and how much fun it is. Still, she doesn't understand what he is talking about. She insists that he just help her get out of there once and for all, because he's supposed to be *a guide.*

He feels convinced (even though he states that he's not *a guide,* but rather *The Guide*) and asks her to close her eyes for a moment. Even without understanding, she ends up doing it.

And then, his card appears, announcing Act 3.

### Act 3: Creatures that kissed in cold mirrors

When Astrid opens her eyes again, she is still in her room and Guide is still in front of her. Since nothing has changed, she asks why he asked her to close her eyes. He simply states that it was supposed to make the transition more dramatic.

The dialogue goes on, and Guide declares that they are going to play a game. Astrid starts to worry, and he asks if she doesn't enjoy games. She admits she usually does, but considering the idea came from *him*, well...

He explains that the game consists of Astrid becoming his assistant for the day. She says it sounds more like *job* than a game, and he admits that the line between those two concepts is pretty blurry in his mind.

Astrid asks what she should do and he hands her four items: a *Green Coin*, a *U-Shaped Thingy*, an *Illusive Book* and the *Last Breakfast*.

Then he explains that these objects were created for the people she met there, and that when any of them feel *exceedingly strong feelings of pure distress*, the items will display their *hidden potential*. In this case, Astrid is responsible for making these feelings *emerge*. She replies that she doesn't know how to do that, and he explains that she's going to use the skills she already has - *acting*.

    He goes on, saying that she must use the *corresponding* item when their innermost feelings are exposed. Astrid asks what will happen next, and Guide doesn't answer, leaving it up in the air.

Astrid tries to turn down the proposal, but Guide states that if she doesn't do anything, she won't get any reward. Although she feels she is doing something wrong and doesn't want to involve others in this, she doesn't feel she has a choice, and ends up accepting it.

The player needs to walk around Purgatory to find everyone and talk to them. Among several questions and answers, the past of the characters comes to light, one at a time.

```
*To see each one specifically, look for the **"Guide's route"** section on each **'Character'** page.*

```

```
*During this period it is also possible to trespass the 'Off-limits Sign' in the Waiting Hall, entering **The Void**.*

```

After speaking with everyone, Astrid needs to comment on each interaction with The Guide, deepening the distrust she has in this whole process and the discomfort she feels with manipulating everyone.

When she finally finishes talking to everyone and returning all the items to The Guide, he says that her work was outstanding, '*as always'*. Astrid corrects him, saying that that's the *first*, and hopefully the *last* time she helps him. At that moment he ends up spilling the beans and revealing that, in fact, that is at least the *fourth* time that she is helping him. He mentions all the routes previously played by the player, also revealing the true identity of the Weird Shadow, which leaves Astrid in shock.

He asks her to listen to him and she says that it's the only thing she's done since she got there. This response makes Guide laugh, saying that it's not fair for her to say that since she *chose* him. Astrid doesn't understand, and he goes on to say that he *knew* this would eventually happen, as he'd sensed the potential since she'd first arrived there. After three cycles inside Purgatory and three different outcomes, he says she finally realized that it was *him* she had wanted all along.

Obviously, Astrid is completely disgusted by these "revelations" of things she doesn't remember. Even so, he goes on to say that she could have stopped coming, like most people. He also admits that it was frustrating waiting for her, but that deep down he knew it would be worth it, as someone like her appears so rarely. Despite the praise, Astrid does not understand what is so special about her, reinforcing that he was *unpleasant*, *misleading* and *anything but helpful* since *day one*. She doesn't see anything "special" or "different" about the way he treats her.

He goes on to explain that there is *depth* to Astrid, that she is always exploring and making choices, almost as if *someone is living vicariously through her.* In this she differs from other people who arrive in Purgatory, who just assimilate the information and wait until something happens.

Astrid, as usual, doesn't understand much of what The Guide is saying, and asks for clarification on the earlier *leaving* Purgatory part. He explains that she left at least three times, and she is surprised that she keeps coming back. The Guide asks if she has any idea why, and Astrid doesn't know how to respond. Then he himself gives an answer: she belongs in Purgatory with *him*.

That statement makes Astrid grimace. She refuses to believe this, and even questions whether what he said about Locke and Rahel leaving is true, as they are all still in Purgatory. The Guide admits that he used everyone to get her to that point, but despite that, he never lied, and this time, they are truly going to leave.

She asks about the time she spent with the other characters in the other cycles. She concludes that if she helped them out, then she must have grown close to them. Guide admits that she got *unnervingly close* to them, in fact, possibly even enough to make some *deities* slightly *jealous*. Astrid questions if none of that mattered after all, and he counters by saying it did, since everything she did brought her to that moment.

Again, Astrid doesn't believe she had a choice during her entire stay in Purgatory, and to convince her, he decides to change the scenery. Then, he brings her to the Number 7 Café. There, unlike Purgatory, he doesn't have to share his attention with thousands of other newly-arrived souls, so he can focus on the conversation he's having with her.

Astrid still finds it difficult to trust him, and to try to convince her, he begins to expose his own impressions of her during the cycles they went through. With honesty, he admits a certain admiration for her empathetic personality, unrelenting in her quest to make everyone happy. She always mistrusted him, never taking his words at face value. And it's because of that intrepidity and compassion that The Guide sees in her the attributes needed to do what *he* does.

The situation is very bizarre, almost unimaginable, and for that reason Astrid asks why he's being so sincere, since apparently he never cared about any human before. He says that maybe he cares about *one* person, within the realms of what is possible for someone like him, at least.

And suddenly, he asks her for a dance. And despite the whole situation being completely crazy, she accepts it.

    That leads to her inner monologue, which unlike the times in Purgatory, is not able to be heard by Guide, as his powers are diminished outside of it. He complains not listening (not for lack of trying, though) and they continue their conversation, Astrid wondering once again why she is so important to him.

Guide then explains about the truth behind Purgatory: the emotions processed in there are *harvested* and used as "*food"* for someone else (whom he personally, deeply, hates). With that energy, the person does absolutely anything they want, be it good things or bad things, creating and destroying without caring about the consequences. And even though he hates the nomenclature, 'God' is the word that best describes this creature.

Once again, Astrid doesn't understand what she has to do with this whole situation. And then he finally explains that thanks to her and her *winning personality* he was able to make the souls in Purgatory share heartfelt emotions and store it inside the objects she used during the routes. He offers her a place by his side in Purgatory, so that they can continue saving souls and thus divert the emotions contained in the objects of the possession of that "God", giving it to him instead.

It's clear that Astrid doesn't trust the plan, so The Guide, predicting that she would react in this way, sweetens the deal: If she joins him, she'll get her memory back. Tempted by the prospect of regaining what she's lost, along with potentially helping lost souls and humanity itself, Astrid begins to possibly relent. In addition, she learns that if she were to decline, The Guide would wipe her mind of everything that's happened, resetting her back to the very first day she arrived in Purgatory. He admits that while he doesn't want to, he'll have to find someone else to help him if she doesn't do so willingly.

Before thinking things through completely, The Guide warns that "God" is on its way, and while it can't sense his presence, it can most definitely sense hers. Realizing that she has to make a decision right away, she recalls her death at only 20 years old and all the things she never got to do or decide on her own, having been robbed of life so early. With that in mind, she begins to utter a sentence, but the screen turns to black.

In a post-credits scene, Astrid welcomes a new arrival to Purgatory, confirming that she accepted The Guide's offer to become a deity.

### Solo route

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. Through these scenes, Astrid comes to remember how she met Volumnius, how they fell in love, and how their relationship eventually started to deteriorate as their opposing personalities began to clash. Astrid aggressively pursued acting and had next to no money while Volumnius, a doctor and son of rich parents, worked full-time and paid for everything, causing friction between them. A particularly heated argument took place the night before the couple were to visit Astrid's parents, but was eventually defused, the pair reaching an agreement that they need to listen and better understand each other's views, deciding that they would talk things through more properly after their trip.

While driving the next day, the brakes malfunction, a result of Astrid forgetting to bring the car in for repairs. Overcome with grief, she cries and screams, realizing that they're going to crash at high speed. Volumnius, meanwhile, closes his eyes and tells Astrid that he loves her. Upon impact, Volumnius dies instantly, while Astrid is brought to the ER, dying shortly after from her injuries, leading to the start of the story.

Back in the present, Astrid realizes that it's guilt that's holding her back from leaving Purgatory. Even with her memory returned, she is inconsolable. The Guide, understanding that an additional push is needed, asks Astrid to head into the void, by exiting through her room's windows. Hearing a familiar voice coming from the outside, she decides to follow it.

While in the void, she finds Volumnius, looking just like she remembers him, causing her to break down and cry. Volumnius tells her that he is not the real man she loved, but instead a constructed vision of him containing his memories and mannerisms, allowing Astrid to hopefully get some closure. While weeping uncontrollably, she tells him of her guilt, and how she regrets their fights, wishing only that they could stay together. Volumnius tells her that he has no regrets, and that his last words of "I love you" were his way of showing that even though he had wanted more time with Astrid, he never wished for anything else than being with her. Remarking that he looks and acts just like the real Volumnius, the pair embrace.

Some time later, Astrid takes a final look at her belongings before getting ready to leave Purgatory through the tunnel. The Guide arrives and congratulates her on a job well done. Astrid thanks him for allowing her to meet Volumnius one last time, commenting that maybe there's hope for The Guide after all, to which he scoffs.

## 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. After this reflection she returns to the Ouroboros Bar to speak with The Guide about what they are going to do now that she is a deity, and he warns her that she *will* become it *that night*. Astrid asks about her friends and discovers that miraculously The Guide didn't expel them all from Purgatory while she was reflecting in her room, which is especially generous of him. And even though they don't remember the romantic moments they shared with her, they still remember having her as a friend. That, coupled with the fact that Astrid still has some time to wait before becoming a deity, gives her an idea: throw a *party*!

Despite not liking this idea at all, Guide ends up reveling and offering a small room with a jukebox and some drinks for the party. The guests arrive one by one, happy to see Astrid again while also feeling bittersweet knowing that she is leaving. But despite all that, they agree to make that party something to remember.

When everyone leaves, The Guide is left alone with Astrid, and he asks how she is feeling. She complains because he insists on asking when he said that her emotions doesn't matter, and asks if he understands the concept of *human sadness*. At that moment, he ends up making a bombastic revelation.

Astrid fears that she might become emotionless like him and he reassures her that it would be too difficult. She again asks why she had to become a deity and he states that, among other reasons, it is to keep their plan a secret from the mind-reading power of God. Astrid is glad that he answers, and seems pleased with the greater ease with which she is being able to talk to him, though he denies that it's anything more than her impression.

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. She goes back to her room and sees the image of Volumnius one last time.

## Gallery

Early concept sketches.Early concept sketch.Early concept in-progress sketch.Achivement image for completing his route (Steam version).Achievement image for checking the mirror in Solo route.Achievement image for going beyond the Off-Limits Sign in The Guide route.The Guide assets (with cloak)The Guide assets ("bartender")
## Trivia

* In his early design, Alcinus wanted to make Guide's cloak be all white. But he was convinced otherwise.
* He can read minds, and he does use that power several times during the game.
* He is the only character that doesn't have an actual name.
* He doesn't know how to do a finger snap.
* He knows demon language.
* He is omnipresent.
* He is omniscient. This is highlighted by his multiple fourth wall breaks during the gameplay.
* His theme is exactly the same as Remm's theme, except his version is minor scale.
* In Solo Route, if the player interacts with the mirror in Astrid's room, she will notice that The Guide doesn't have a reflection.

## References

1. ↑ See in-game dialogue.
2. ↑ The Art and Character Design of Pitstop in Purgatory, on itch.io.
3. ↑ See dialogue in Act 3 (Rahel/Locke routes).
4. ↑ See dialogue in Solo route.
5. ↑ See "Ouroboros Bar" entry in the Pamphlet.
6. ↑ See dialogue when you choose his route.
7. ↑ This unlocks the "Check For Fangs!" achievement in the Steam version.