Gnassag

***Language**: **en**, cns, id, th, uk, de, fr, es, pt, it, ru*

* As a companion
* In the story
* In the story (new)

**Gnassag** is an incubus character and companion in the game *Bloodline: Heroes of Lithas*. He is a companion from clan The Luxuriant and one of the base-game companions. As a character, first time he appears in stage 20 of the main campaign. Gnassag was one of the demons who was captured during their attack on the city of orcs, and should have been executed. He was spared in exchange for information he proposed, and he was released under the care of High Guardian.

Originally the game has only female companions. The possibility to have male companion, including The Luxuriant, was added to the Worldstone: Bloodline Origins (early version of Bloodline: Heroes of Lithas) in January 25, 2022.  At this time the companion could be obtained in different ways, and he could have different names. But after the release of the game only Gnassag could be a companion. As a character, Gnassag was added to the campaign story in December 7, 2022.

In the story he appears as the same 2d model as a champion. As a companion he have unique 2d model.

## Gnassag as a companion

### Qualities

Gnassag is a 3-star companion which mean he produce 3-star heirs and increase yield more than companions with less stars, but player can court with him only 1 time per week (without using bouquets) and he needs more intimacy to produce heirs of higher rarity. A player can get Gnassag as a companion by collecting 48 Gnassag's Favorability, by meeting him in exploration in Pyroscar Valley, using Companion Summoning or Intimacy Preference Chest to get it.

Leveling up Gnassag's charm increase yield from Trade districts (Tavern and Harbor districts).

After the 23.06.27 update and introduction of the Celestial Bonds System, the player gains Celestial Crystals and Key Stones by increasing Companion Charm and Intimacy and Constellation Stones after Heir's rarity reaches Mythic. The player receives gifts - Phials from companions every 20 hours. Phials contain materials for Celestial Bonds.

* 🌹X100 Increases Trade Yield by 75. Evolution Revard: 155cc 1ks
* 🌹X200 Increases Trade Yield by 150. Evolution Revard: 155cc 1ks
* 🌹X600 Increases Trade Yield by 225. Evolution Revard: 620cc 1ks
* 🌹X1000 Increases Trade Yield by 300. Evolution Revard: 620cc 1ks
* 🌹X2000 Increases Trade Yield by 375. Evolution Revard: 1550cc 2ks
* 🌹X4000 Increases Trade Yield by 450. Evolution Revard: 3100cc 3ks
* 🌹X6000 Increases Trade Yield by 525. Evolution Revard: 3100cc 3ks
* 🌹X10000 Increases Trade Yield by 600. Evolution Revard: 6200cc 5ks 1cs
* 🌹X20000 Increases Trade Yield by 750. Evolution Revard: 15520cc 12ks
* 🌹X40000 Increases Trade Yield by 900. Evolution Revard: 31040cc 24ks

Heir Rarity:

* Common < 200 Intimacy
* Rare 200 - 1000 Intimacy
* Epic 1000 - 4000 Intimacy
* Legendary 4000 - 10000 Intimacy
* Mythic 10000 - 40000 Intimacy

Intimacy Evolution Revards:

(< 75)- Heir Rarity:Common (1 trait)
(75)- Heir Rarity:Common (2 trait) - no revard
(150)- Heir Rarity:Common (3 trait) - 100cc
(200)- Heir Rarity:Common - 100cc 2ks
(400)- Heir Rarity:Rare - 100cc
(600)- Heir Rarity:Rare - 310cc
(800)- Heir Rarity:Rare - 310cc
(1000)- Heir Rarity:Rare - 310cc 5ks
(1600)- Heir Rarity:Epic - 310cc
(2200)- Heir Rarity:Epic - 930cc
(2800)- Heir Rarity:Epic - 930cc
(3400)- Heir Rarity:Epic - 930cc
(4000)- Heir Rarity:Epic - 930cc 8ks
(5200)- Heir Rarity:Legendary - 930cc
(6400)- Heir Rarity:Legendary - 1860cc
(7600)- Heir Rarity:Legendary - 1860cc
(8800)- Heir Rarity:Legendary - 1860cc
(10000)- Heir Rarity:Legendary - 1860cc 16ks 1cs
(16000)- Heir Rarity:Mythic - 1860cc 17ks 1cs
(22000)- Heir Rarity:Mythic - 9310cc 17ks 1cs
(28000)- Heir Rarity:Mythic - 9310cc 17ks 1cs
(34000)- Heir Rarity:Mythic - 9310cc 17ks 1cs
(40000)- Heir Rarity:Mythic - 9310cc
Trait level:

Gnassag is a part of companionship group "**Divine Creation**" which includes The Luxuriant, Tidestorm and Fulgur companions. Leveling up this companionship with Charisma points increase Production Yield (Production and Industrial districts) and Trade Yield (Tavern and Harbor districts).

### Guardian's Stone

**Acquire Medals via Intimacy**
x25 - Luxuriant Clan Companion Intimacy Reached 201
x435 - Luxuriant Clan Companion Intimacy Reached 10K
**Acquire Medals via Charm**
x12 - Luxuriant Clan Companion Charm Reached 1000
x115 - Luxuriant Clan Companion Charm Reached 10K
### Quotes

Meeting Gnassag, before he becomes companion:

**???**: Do you have any fears in life?
**High Guardian**: I... I do. My biggest fear is losing myself in love.
**???**: With me, you'll never have to worry about that.
Meeting Gnassag, after he becomes companion:

**Gnassag**: You've left me waiting for far too long. What's the matter, afraid I'll bite?
**High Guardian**: Careful now, I might start thinking you've actually have missed me.
**Gnassag**: I admit there is a certain... pleasure in your company. Just don't stay away too long.

Gift: "Another pleasant surprise! I am grateful."

Courting: "Ready and willing for anything."

## Gnassag's story

### Campaign

*"You reconvene at the Temple Ruins... Many clans are gone, others still haven't been reached. But enough remain to form some semblance of unity. Prisoners from the demon's camp are brought before Zegra."*
**Zegra**: Execute them. I want this city freed from their filth!
**Gnassag**: Wait! I have information! Spare me, and it's yours!
**Zegra**: Look out at the destruction below us, demon! Do you think I want information? I want your pretty head on a spear!
**Gnassag**: None of you know what plans are in motion, you stumble in the dark, always one step behind. If you don't heed my warning, then you'll be the ones dead.
**Zegra**: Oh? Will I, demon? You speak fine threats, incubus. Can you put them to the test?
*"Zegra motions to the guards to remove his restraints. She seems almost too eager for the challenge."*

*"Zegra easily bests the Incubus, delighting in the thrill of battle she nearly takes the fight too faw before she deals a deathly blow. It is Sharn who steps in her way"*
**Roandel**\*: Zegra! Enough. There is no honor in killing one so outmatched. He cannot bring back your nephew-our king.
**Gnassag**: I have no strength left to fight you, if you do not want my information, then kill me if you must... but make it quick.
**High Guardian**: Zegra, May I counsel you? We have had little luck so far in speaking with these demons. If this one is willing to talk. That information may be valuable.
**Alysia**: Since we first encountered them at the Battle for Northhold... Not a single prisoner taken alive. Why? Your kind is so rare in our lands, we know so little about you
**Gnassag**: Is it any wonder? You treat us like monsters and boogeymen. Telling tales of the evil Ashlanders to scare your children to sleep at night.
**Ovolin**: Aye... But are ya not? Err, well evil?
**Gnassag**: Not all that is dark is evil. What we are is more than just where we have come from... The Ashlands are complicated, and Ashlanders even more so.
**Zegra**: You dare claim to be misunderstood as you stand on the ruins of my people's sacred home?
**Nharia**: I recall the same feelings, when Norgim and I first heard your people's own pleas for mercy.
*"Zegra snorts dismissively... Anger flush in her cheeks, but Nharia's words work their way through the armor of her rage. She stands down."*
**Zegra**: Very well. If you think there is some value to keeping this demon alive, then I release him into your care.
\*(looks like a mistake, and there should be name Sharn instead of Roandel)

*"The Valley of Titans lies just beyond the cliffs of Ulmat, a wasteland littered with the bones of long dead titans. It is there that you at last reveal your vision and the reason for your hasty departure from Ulmat."*
**Ovolin**: So you mean to tell me that we are headed in a direction based on a hunch?
**Zegra**: I am not one to judge. My people and I have experienced visions as well. It is wise to listen to them.
**Gnassag**: Visions from the Goddess? I wouldn't put too much stock in your delusions. Your Goddess fell on the same day that the God of Darkness did, that crystal of yours is nothing more than a shred of her rotting corpse.
**Alysia**: Bite your tongue, demon, before you speak further blasphemy onto yourself.
**High Guardian**: The Goddess has spoken to me, given me a holy purpose: to drive your demons back and restore the land.
**Gnassag**: And I'm sure she'll be so good as to restore ours. As like as not without us in it. She'd purge our people to the last to satisfy her lust for vengeance.
*"Alysia cannot hold back her anger, she goes to strike Gnassag, her eyes glowing with holy light, but it is Zegra now that stays her hand."*
**Zegra**: Did you not counsel me, priestess? That we should show mercy to this creature... So long as he proves useful.
**Gnassag**: No, no, let her get all fired up! How utterly delectable to see a priestess of light in a rage... Many more of my comrades lie ahead, little priestess, and behind us too. We may need your righteous indignation to survive.

**High Guardian**: We've entertained you long enough, Gnassag, and still you've spoken nothing of this supposed plan. Was this all a trick to waste our time, lead us astray?
**Gnassag**: No. I haven't, and no, it isn't. I've simply been weighing my options. I could still chance an escape, the next time my comrades attack... But I fear I won't last long... If the Ashprinces hear of my betrayal-
**Ovolin**: Caught between the hammer and the anvil, eh boy? You stay with us; we might kill you; you leave... Your bosses will certainly finish the job.
**Gnassag**: You have the right of it. To be honest, I'm leaning towards keeping your company... if only because you don't seem to be about to torture me.
**High Guardian**: We do not torture our prisoners. You can be assured of that. Nor do we trust them. Try to escape, and your masters won't have anything left to torture.
**Gnassag**: Of course. I wouldn't dream of escaping. Besides, I'm intrigued now. All this talk of giants and hidden ancient protectors. It's like the old myths! It was well worth sticking around to listen.
**Alysia**: The old myths? What do you mean, I know of no myths like the one that the High Guardian spoke of...
**Gnassag**: Dear, oh dear. The tale of the forgotten first servants of your Mistress of Light? The abandoned of the dawn? You poor, gullible fools.
**Alysia**: We were the first servants of the Goddess, it is to us she entrusted her protection in her crystal slumber. What number of lies have your masters told you?
**Gnassag**: It seems one fewer than yours.

*"Your journey through this blasted land grows more perilous the further you go from the Orcish deserts into the strange, corrupted wastes. The bones mighty titans watch over your path as tall as the towers of the city of light."*
**High Guardian**: You say you were told myths of giants and the first servants of the light, what do you mean?
**Gnassag**: Ah, so the mighty High Guardian is intrigued. Well, they are as I say, only myths. Well, so I was told. That the first servants of your Goddess were abandoned, their strength was drained to save her life. Cast aside, they wandered the earth, seeking new power and new masters.
**Ovolin**: And what does this have to do with giants, boy? I've seen a few giants in my time-big, ugly, dumb, not exactly screaming divine servants.
**Gnassag**: They weren't mountain trolls. They were like... you, or near as much like you as me. Intelligent, in that certainly more than you.
**Nharia**: Watch yourself, demon. Every barb you aim at him is an arrow I aim at you, and I never miss.
**Gnassag**: Do forgive me, elfling. Of course, my point is that they were wiser than all of us. Or so they say. They vanished long ago. Perhaps they never were, perhaps your Goddess is telling the truth. Who am I to say?
**Nharia**: No more time for stories, Incubus. There's more of your ilk ahead...

*"The being that stands before you is wreathed in flames, and he is hot even to the approach. He does not stand but floats off of the ground, holding fire in the palm of his hand."*
**Alysia**: Who are you? Are you friend or foe?
**Agani**: One from the line you did not believe to be true... And a friend, near as I have decided. At least, for so long as you are fighting these demons. On that topic I see you have one left.
**High Guardian**: Wait! Stop. This one is our prisoner. He is bound to us. We have promised him that no harm would come to him.
**Agani**: A foolish promise. Demons do not give themselves over as prisoners. They know the punishment their masters will have for them if they do. Stand aside, I will rid you of this pest.
**Zegra**: You will not. I know not what kind of magic you wield, witch; but my honor compels me to defend this demon.
**Agani**: A pity he's already poisoned all of your minds. I will rid myself of all of you instead.

*"The strange fire mage proves more than a match for your party, dodging his pillars of flame proves tricky, and you fear suddenly that this mage may do serious damage. But a voice from within, suddenly speaks out."*
**High Guardian**: Sera! We come seeking Sera!
*"The mage stops... He falls to the ground more gently than before, and gives you a curious stare."*
**Agani**: You come seeking Sera?
**High Guardian**: Is that you?
**Agani**: No. Hah. No, I am not worthy of his title quite yet. Only one has come to learn from him.
**High Guardian**: He is a teacher?
**Agani**: Of a sort. Fine, then. I'll bring you to him... He can decide the fate of your pet demon.

**Zegra**: Demons? Has your ancient one fallen, did the demons attack?
**Agani**: No! Never, he is far too powerful for that-
**Gnassag**: Perhaps, but perhaps these brutes overpowered him. They seem not to be overly concerned about making friends.
**High Guardian**: You're right, demon. So far, no demon has attacked you on sight... Aside from these. Strange. Unless, Alysia focus, do you feel any life force from them?
**Alysia**: No... No, I don't. The only ones in this room are us... and something else... a presence I've never felt before.
**Agani**: Of course... he tests us.
**High Guardian**: End this illusion, Sera! I command you in the name of the Goddess!
*"At your command, there is a momentary silence as the demons that had surrounded you freeze... Until suddenly they are joined by yet more illusions, now of figures like Agani too."*
**Gnassag**: Guess he's done taking orders...

*"You battle what seems like an endless tide of demons and mages. As one falls, another takes its place. Exhausted, you begin to fear for your party."*
**High Guardian**: End this illusion. Please. We cannot fight any longer!
*"The demons vanish, leaving you within the hollowed cavern of the titan's bone. It is silent and dark, you see nothing. Alysia's summons a beam of light to her hand and it is as quickly extinguished."*
**High Guardian**: By the light!
**Gnassag**: Is this master of yours truly so ugly that he has to stay in the darkness. Afraid of being seen?
*"Gnassag's words scarcely leave his mouth before a trap appears above his head, closing and sealing him inside."*
**Zegra**: Release our prisoner at once, sorcerer!
**Sera The Guardian**: Perhaps. Once I know his purposes here. And I am no mere sorceror.
*"At once a blaze appears in your midst, and you see that before you sits a man twice the size of any you've seen before, with an ancient and wizened face. His eyes are covered, yet he looks out at you as if he sees you with perfect clarity."*
**Sera The Guardian**: I am the Ancient Guardian. The Last of the Once Faithful, the First Servant of the Goddess of Light.

*"The battle is fierce, when suddenly two great titans appear, the Goddess of Light and what must be the God of :Darkness. They clash in a shattering melee, the terrain below you shakes as they fight, mountains roar with fire; and valleys are carved out by the strokes of their weapons."*
**Sera The Guardian**: Do you see what you've come for? Your Goddess requires her spear. That which she entrusted to me...
*"The Goddess strikes a piercing blow at her rival, raining blood down on the land. It washes over the Northhold valley, over Theralin, Emordalin, and Sylvarin... Over Dwarven Mountains, the River of Ulmat, the Ashlands, and the Dragonlands beyond..."*
**Sera The Guardian**: You know now, what your demon prisoner has yet to speak. Let him tell you for himself, if he be true. I will release him from his bind.
**Gnassag**: Ah, princes take you, old man- But... he shows the truth. What you have sought and what we have sought. The Worldstones are the crystalline blood of the God of Darkness. The same as what you hold for the Goddess, High Guardian.
**High Guardian**: Then the God of Darkness, was never truly slain-
**Gnassag**: Oh. No, he was slain. The Ashlands burned from his body will attest to that. But his spirit lingers in those stones.
**Alysia**: That can't be! This is treachery demon! Those stones were used for good, they brought peace to the valley of man, harmony to the forests, wealth to the elves, and strength to the orcs-How could the spirit of the God of Darkness do good?
**Gnassag**: Because things aren't as simple as you were told by your deceitful goddess-because the Light and the Dark are not merely enemies, they are each the instruments of creation.
**Sera The Guardian**: Light and darkness, creation and destruction, order and chaos. Each a pole of energy for this world. Necessary. Perhaps. But I will speak no more. Not until I am certain you are capable.

**High Guardian**: Haven't we proven ourselves enough, Ancient One? What are you looking to prove? What are you hiding?
**Sera The Guardian**: Hiding? Hmm. No, I am not hiding anything. Protecting? Yes. A fragment of the spear of the Goddess and a map to the others-a weapon capable of slaying a God. I will not entrust it to anyone but one I deem worthy.
**High Guardian**: The Goddess chose me to find you, choose us to come and seek you. Your Goddess commanded me to retrieve it from you and all the other fragments.
**Sera The Guardian**: My Goddess? No. You have her wrong; she is no longer my goddess, nor do I serve the God of Darkness; both have failed, both have fallen, but the power I wield has the potential to shape the world forever, for good or ill. I will not part with it by mere command.
**High Guardian**: Fine, then, Sera, we will submit to your tests. We will prove ourselves worthy of your trust.
**Sera The Guardian**: You have faith in your allies and champions; perhaps your faith in them will be your undoing. I call first, the demon to the trial.
**Gnassag**: I... What, but I do not serve him? We are not friends, we were enemies.
**Sera The Guardian**: And yet you soon will be allies, you've turned your back on your people. You have made your choice; now we must see you for what you really are.
**Gnassag**: I see I have no choice in the matter. Fine, then. Begin your blathering test.
*"The fire bursts into a blinding light, and as your vision returns, Gnassag is gone."*

*"After a brief absence, the blinding light flashes again and Gnassag emerge in a burst of fire. His expression is stern, and his eyes are wide."*
**Sera The Guardian**: Gnassag, I must say you surprise me. You are worthy. Well done.
**Zegra**: What is it, demon? You look as if you've seen a lifetime in the moments you've been gone.
Gnassag**: I saw enough... My trial is over, I will serve you, High Guardian.**
**Sera The Guardian**: Zegra, you must now face the trial. Prepare yourself.
**Zegra**: I know who I am.

*"Agani bursts with flame, firing out raging infernos in all directions, at last, you get lucky. Just as you suspected-you've never left the room of the Ancient One this whole time, Agani's flames burst through the shield that Sera had formed. Burning him."*
*"He is stunned, if momentarily, and the illusion fades. Nharia quickly grabs the map, and Gnassag takes the fragment of the spear in his whip."*
**Gnassag**: Ah. It burns... Ashes take it.
**Alysia**: It cannot be held by the hands of a demon... Here, let me. I will take it.
*"Gnassag reluctantly hands the spear blade towards Alysia, but as she reaches out she too hesistates looking at her hands."*
**Alysia**: I... I can't. I can't take it. Someone else, please. Please.
**High Guardian**: I will take it Alysia. Until you are ready.
**Sera The Guardian**: No! Do not do this, you will unleash a power capable of destroying the very foundations of this world. You will not have the strength to resist!

*"You defeat yet more illusions. At last, the Guardian seems to be spent. He collapses in his seat, gripping at his stricken eyes. He waves his hand, and the door suddenly appears to you once more."*
**High Guardian**: That's it, then? You've given up.
**Sera The Guardian**: Go. I cannot resist you forever. Take what you have and assemble the weapon. The threads of fate must unwind as they will, I no longer have the strength to hold them back.
*"You leave the Guardian behind; the giant, once so powerful to you, has become a crumpled man. You leave, half wondering if you've chosen the right path. Yet you look at your friend, Alysia's tears have dried and her hands healed with the power of the Goddess in her."*
**Alysia**: You could have let me die back there, High Guardian. Maybe you should have... But you risked everything for me instead. I don't know how to repay your trust in me.
**High Guardian**: We are a team, Alysia. We started this journey together, and I will not abandon my faith in you on the word of broken old man.
*"You now hold the weapon fragment and map. You've already accomplished the impossible. You quickly look at the map for the location of the next weapon fragment."*
**Nharia**: So... this is it. The spear of the Goddess-or part of it. But for what purpose does the Goddess want us to remake it?
**Gnassag**: This weapon can have only one purpose. To kill a God... to kill the God of Darkness. It is why my people have stolen the Worldstones.
**High Guardian**: Your people... They will resurrect the God of Darkness with the stones.
**Gnassag**: That is their plan. The machinations of the Dark Generals and the Ash Princes made manifest. To bring about the end of the Goddess and the return of our God. Now that they have the stones... nothing will stop them.
**High Guardian**: Nothing yet. Time is short. We go north.

Stage 21-1

*"You head north, moving cautiously, hoping to evade any more of Sera's followers. Before long, there is a noticeable change hange in the landscape; the air becomes clouded and dark, and the scent of sulfur and ash hits your nose. You realize now where you are going."*
**High Guardian**: The Ashlands-we're standing at the border.
**Gnassag**: No place quite like home, is there? I advise caution. As wretched as this land might appear. We demons do defend it. There will be patrols.
**Ovolin**: We're about to trudge our way into the very heartlands of our enemies-and without a proper army at our backs. I cannae help but think of what that old armored lunk would have said-.
**Nharia**: Sir Eldwin would want us to be brave, Ovolin; he knew our duty would lead us here. He would face it head-on.
**High Guardian**: And that is what we will do. The enemy will be upon us soon, and the fighting will be harder than ever. Be ready.

**High Guardian**: Let us hope that is the last tof Sera's guardians; we hardly need to face two enemies in the lands ahead.
**Gnassag**: I cannot imagine the anathema braving the wastes ahead, we will only manage by moving secretly; if people find us, they overwhelm you.
**High Guardian**: You? Hmm-not us?
**Gnassag**: You have my sworn support, and a demon does not idly break his word. But charming as you are, you've yet to convince me you're worth dying for.

Stage 21-5

**Ovolin**: Fetid pools of ooze, sulfur, and ash! If'n this yer home, I am beginning to understand why you demons are such surly folk-harhar!
**Gnassag**: You'll note the distinct absence of any cities or castles on this ruinous plain; the Ashlands are not so uniformly vile; this place is special.
**Ovolin**: Aye. Well, I suppose we ought to be glad for it, or else someone might have found this shard before us.
**High Guardian**: I'm afraid there is no guarantee that they haven't.

Stage 21-10(?)

*"It's nothing less than astounding that Nharia manages to so effortlessly blend into the terrain of this blasted land as she bounds back to your party from her scouting. A look has come over her face."*
**High Guardian**: What is it? Demons ahead?
**Nharia**: Yes. But-
**Ovolin**: Don't worry, lass! We'll crush them good!

**Ovolin**: What did I tell ye! They weren't a match for-what in the holy light?
*"The demons appear to have been guarding a caravan of dwarves, locked together in chains. They are emaciated and weak, looking like they won't last much longer."*
**Ovolin**: These are my kinsmen; we need to save them.
**Nharia**: Ovi-
**High Guardian**: I'm sorry, old friend. We can't afford to escort these people to safety. Our mission is too important.
**Gnassag**: You would put them out of their misery, if you had any mercy.
**Ovolin**: No! You put one hand on them, demon, and I'll crush that pretty head of yours like a grape.
**High Guardian**: We break their chains and point them in the right direction. It's all we can do.

Stage 21-20

**Elyria**: The directions seem to be leading us nowhere. Just the flat wastes ahead. This can't be right.
**Gnassag**: Not nowhere. Aren't you lucky to have brought me along? This must lead us to the tunnel system.
**High Guardian**: Then we know where we are going. Rinhoa, what do you think? Do you foresee any trouble getting us down there?
**Rinhoa**: Does a razorback boar have spines?

*"Your party stands before an opening in the broken ground. The tunnel appears carved rather than natural, with fearsome gargoyle-like sculptures flanking the entrance."*
**Nharia**: Are you sure we couldn't stay topside a little while longer? I'm sure there must be another opening.
**Rinhoa**: Is it really any better up here than it would be down there?
**High Guardian**: There's too much exposure above ground; we need to take the most direct and safest path.
**Nharia**: By your orders, High Guardian, But perhaps I'll let Rinhoa do the scouting from here.

Stage 21-25

**Elyria**: These tunnels seem to go on for miles-
**Gnassag**: They do. They were built to allow our forces to move without being seen.
**High Guardian**: Then we can expect more battles to come.

Stage 21-30(?)

**High Guardian**: Elyria, have you deciphered any more of the map?
**Elyria**: Yes. I believe so; the shard is said to be hidden in some kind of chamber within a caldera, a wound of the Dawn War.
**Gnassag**: I think I know the place. That will save us some time.
*"Assured by Gnassag of your new direction, you move at a hurried pace through the dark catacombs. Across chasms of darkness and glowing pools of lava, until you reach a forking road."*
**Gnassag**: Darkness, take it, I don't know where to go from here.
**Elyria**: I'll check the map.
**Nharia**: Read fast. Enemies are upon us. Another demon patrol has got our scent.

**Nharia**: We've done well to dispatch them quickly so far. But their numbers are increasing.
**Ovolin**: Are we sure this demon ain't leading us into a trap?
**Gnassag**: I suppose you can't be, dwarf. But while I find the idea. amusing, I assure you, I don't know this area well enough to trick you.
**Ovolin**: That's hardly reassuring, lad. Just know that I'll be keeping an eye on ye. One step out of line:
**Gnassag**: Yes. Yes, I know. Crushed like a stoneberry, squashed like a rock mole, or whatever delightful little analogy you've cooked up for me. I've got the idea.

Stage 21-35

**High Guardian**: You aren't letting Sera's words get to you, are you, Alysia?
**Alysia**: I'm trying not to, High Guardian, but I can't help but fear. Is it possible that the God of Darkness will use me against you? Will I be corrupted?
**Gnassag**: They haven't resurrected him yet; believe me, I would know. There's no need to worry about that if you kill the generals before they can manage it.
**Ovolin**: All the more reason to get moving.

Stage 21-45

**Alysia**: I've been wondering at something-soon enough, we will have to face the demon masters that were behind stealing the Worldstones.
**Ovolin**: Aye, we've fought and beat them before, and we're stronger now than we were then.
**Alysia**: Yes, but how will we stop them? Every time, they've been able to escape from us at the last minute.
**Elyria**: This resurrection is a ritual, I'm guessing? One that will require immense strength and power.
**Gnassag**: Almost certainly. Though I'm no practitioner of ancient divine necromancy.
**High Guardian**: Still, that will likely be our best opportunity. They won't be able to leave while performing the ritual. It will be the only time they are vulnerable.

Stage 21-50

**Rinhoa**: Ah. Chita's unnerved again... Can only mean one thing. We've got something on our tail.
**High Guardian**: We can't afford anyone to follow us to the artifact. Let's wait-set up an ambush.
*"You don't wait long before a team of demons pours out from the cavern behind you, as they move ahead, Gnassag is the first to fall down and strike them. Taking the leader's head off with his whip."*

**Ovolin**: You don't seem to have much remorse for killing your own people, but what else should I expect from a demon?
**Gnassag**: You wound me, Ovi. The simple fact is, I don't see them as my kin. We're a divided people. I've fought nearly as many of "my own kind" as I have any humans or dwarves.
**Nharia**: Watch it, Incubus-only I get to call him that.

Stage 21-55

*"The tunnel begins to arc upwards until, at last, you find yourself back on the surface, a rising wall of stone ahead of you. The caldera lies ahead."*
**High Guardian**: We're nearly there. It worries me-this place isn't so well-hidden; why haven't your people ever found it, Gnassag?
**Gnassag**: If I might make a guess, We tend to avoid places like this. It has an air of "lightness" that disagrees with us. As you might recall my reaction to the other piece of the blade, we hardly have much use for such artifacts.
**High Guardian**: Still. We may rightly be worried about what lies ahead. I doubt such an artifact is undefended.

*"As you at least reach the center of the cauldera, Elysia swipes her hand, moving rock and stone to reveal a hidden plinth, upon which lies a long shaft of glowing metal."*
**Ovolin**: There it is, then. The second piece We're one step closer, then.
*"Ovolin rushes forth to collect it, only to be blasted backwards by an explosion of fire. A host of Sera's Guardians seem to have been waiting for you. Lying in ambush."*
**Agani**: Did you really think you were the first to decipher this map? We've known where you were headed. You will not take this shard. You are not worthy to wield the weapon.
**High Guardian**: I won't risk the fate of this world on the doubts of your master. Stand aside, or we will cut you down.

*"There is nothing between you and the shard now; it lays there as if undisturbed for millenia on the plinth ahead of you. As you reach for it. The leader of Sera's guardians speaks."*
**Agani**: We cannot stop you now. The fate of this world lies in your hands, but be warned. Not all those who stand by you now will stand with you when the time comes. When both darkness and light will be put to the test.
**Gnassag**: Your mouth moves, but it is your master's words that leave your lips. So tell me, is this the end of our little chase? Are there more pieces?
**Agani**: No. You have all of it now. But to bind the two halves together-that is the next feat that lies before you.
**Ovolin**: A feat like that... It'd only be possible at a forge of the greatest heat and intensity, like the one in Smoulderdome.
**High Guardian**: We have no time to return to Smolderdome. If it indeed stands, we need another solution.
**Gnassag**: I may have your solution, but you won't like it- I hope you're prepared. I have a friend I'd like you to meet.
### On Pale Wings (Soul Keepers event)

**Back in Black**

"The return of the Titans has set the world into chaos; death has risen throughout the lands, and a power is waiting to be taken by the aspirant gods of death themselves."

Stage 1 - Who Follows War's Wake

*"The city of Blackhammer burns, and Agrella, rebel and bandit queen empowered by Ares, has swept over the stout dwarven walls to deliver her bloody vengeance. As the defenders desperately fall back, the titan Ares walks calmly amidst the carnage."*
**Hades**: Was this conquest really the summit of your ambitions, Lord Ares?
**Ares**: Hades, you should have warned me of your arrival. I'd have more corpses... These warriors are but the first who saw our grace and proved worthy.
**Hades**: More of yours have fallen than the defenders. You will not hold the city against the counterattack.
**Enyo**: You dare to mock us and deny our strength? For what reason have you come here?
**Hades**: I came to bring you to heel.

*"The War Bringer's forces are not easily bested, empowered by the blessings of Ares; they fight as if possessed, but Hades keenly weaves between them, slashing their lifeforce with his scythe."*
**Ares**: You fight well; I would have thought the centuries of hiding underground with the dead would have made you weak.
**Hades**: The dead are not easily constrained.

Stage 2 - All Shall Fade

*"The Warbringers reassemble their men to face Hades, the battle around them seems to dim as all sides watch these champions in their duel."*
**Ares**: You aren't here to steal a single city from us. Tell us, what are you really doing here?
**Hades**: You were to be the vanguard. But your failure alerted them to our arrival prematurely. I've come, boy, to see you punished.
**Ares**: Punished? I am not some spoiled child, Hades. You will learn to fear me, to respect the rightful god of war.
**Hades**: And you will learn to regret that hubris.

**Ares**: Is this your punishment, Hades? You aren't stronger than me.
**Hades**: No, I am not. But I am not the deliverer of your punishment.
*"In the distance, a warhorn sounds echoing through the mountains. Behind them, a stout army of Dwarves crashes into the rear of Ares' army. Hades smiles coldly as a portal opens behind him."*
**Ares**: Stay! Fight with us! With your help, we can crush these mortals, bring about our rule! The rule of the titans.
**Hades**: I intend to- just without you. Woe to the conquered, Lord Ares. Woe to the dead.

Stage 3 - Well-Tilled Soil

"The Ashlands are rife with death and violence, but will it prove fertile soil for the Soul Keeper's triumph?"

*"Two armies have met on the fiery plains of the Ashlands. Another in the hundreds of clashes in the ever-warring land. The Prince of Amgorath waits to speak with the envoy of his enemy."*
**Xazathel**: I give you safe passage, general; state your terms; perhaps we may have peace.
**Vasholo**: I come with no terms. The Prince of Morrag has decreed you rabble be destroyed, and I am the instrument of his will. I think I shall start by taking your head.
**Gnassag**: You think him foolish enough to have come here alone?
**Vasholo**: Hah. No, I had counted on you being cowardly enough to bring more to the slaughter.
**Xazathel**: We won't go down without a fight.

*"As the victorious armies of Morag leave the bodies of their enemies behind, a portal opens, and two figures stride out among the dead and dying."*
**Persephone**: Are you certain about this place? It could use a touch of green.
**Hades**: It is in broken earth that seeds take root, my dear.
**Persephone**: Then there is much work to be done.
*"Hades reaches down to one of the slain demons, setting his palm on his head, and the demon suddenly jerks back to life."*
**Hades**: So it begins.

Stage 4 - Afterlife

"The Soul Keepers are masters of death and undeath, soon none will pass without their blessing."

**Gnassag**: I'm alive... But you- you are one of them — the anathema. Why did you bring me back?
**Hades**: It is time to set aside the old grievances, demon. The titans have returned; you wish to remake the world. Let us do it together.
**Gnassag**: And why should I? Do you think I would so readily side with the ancient enemy? I cannot be bought with a cheap bit of magic.
**Persephone**: Then I will put you back down myself.

*"The slain demon falls at Hades feet as Persephone effortlessly swipes the blood from her sickle. Again, Hades reaches down and brings back the dying Princeling."*
**Hades**: Content? Or shall I force you out of this mortal shell again?
**Gnassag**: You don't leave me much choice.
**Persephone**: No. We don't. See to it that you remember that.

Stage 5 - Anathema

"The Soul Keepers begin their spread across the Ashlands. But can they seize power from their humble beginnings?"

**Hades**: Would you really stand against us? Bind yourselves to our fate. Take a new God, worthy of your worship.
**Vasholo**: What god do you promise us? I see only an upsprung angel. You claim the power of a titan. Prove it to me.
**Persephone**: With your leave, my husband, let me show them.

*"The warrior-princess falls, and her armies are scattered, but as the demon's soul begins to pass from her body, Hades seizes it and forces it to return."*
**Veshana**: By what right do you have to raise me from my death? You won. Take my city, my land, and my people. But let my soul pass on.
**Hades**: Hm... Perhaps I shall. When destiny sees fit to pluck it from you once more. Until then, you are mine.
**Veshana**: You will regret attempting to bind a demon against her will.

Stage 6 - Tyrant of Souls

"Another city falls before the swelling army of the Soul Keepers. Can any stand in their way?"

*"In short time, Hades consolidates an army from the dead. Beneath Gnassag's leadership. As they march to the next Princedom, the revived demon comes to his side."*
**Gnassag**: You've made something of a mistake, -er Lord Hades. Ours is far from the most powerful clan. You should have waited for a stronger Prince to fall.
**Persephone**: The fates unwind as they will. We will grow from your humble roots, like a weed unattended, that chokes the mighty oak.
**Gnassag**: I have no earthly idea what you mean- my Lady.
**Persephone**: Your kind truly are wretched to live in this ash-ridden place. Never mind; our next conquest lies ahead.

*"The Great Princes of the Ashlands have assembled as more and more of their holdings fall to the rising Soul Keepers."*
**Prince Gaimal**: You know why it is I've gathered you here.
**Naryxis**: Let me guess: is it that our rival Princedoms have fallen one by one to an invading army led by the Anathema?
**Prince Rekar**: He means to propose an alliance, don't you, Gaimal?
**Prince Gaimal**: We demons do not barter in trust. But our interests align — are we free or are we subjects?
**Naryxis**: I, for one, will never bow to a King, least of all one of the anathema.

Stage 7 - The Hot Gates

"At a narrow pass, a coalition of demon princes holds out against Hades, but will they be able to stand against the Soul Keepers?"

*"The armies of the makeshift coalition of Princes meet the army of Hades at a narrow pass. Persephone strides ahead of them, confidently seeking an audience."*
**Naryxis**: We stand assembled against you. We will not allow ourselves to be ruled by some rejected god.
**Persephone**: There is no rejection. Our worshippers will grow as rapidly as the vines through this land.
**Naryxis**: They will wither and die like your vines. This is not your garden, Queenie. These are the Ashlands.

**Naryxis**: We have them. You underestimated us, the Ashlanders are not so easily cowed.
**Hades**: Far from it. I know exactly what you are capable of-
*"The battle which had been leaning towards the Ashlander's side, is suddenly rocked as Prince Rekar's men turn on their allies."*

Stage 8 - Apotheosis

"Having lured the Demon Host into a trap, as Prince Rekar's men side with the Soul Keepers, it seems they now hold the balance of power."

**Naryxis**: Rekar! You traitor; you sold us out.
**Prince Rekar**: It's simply good sense — who am I to stand in the way of the return of the gods? At the very least, I get to keep my slice of darkness.
**Naryxis**: I don't care; traitors or no, we stand here, and today we make our decision whether to die as warriors or live as slaves.

*"Persephone delivers the killing blow to Naryxis, and the rest of the free demons scatter in retreat. But as Hades approaches to revive her, she is stopped by Vashana."*
**Veshana**: No. You will not bind her too — you've won. We submit. But you must choose now. Be the master of the living or the dead, not both; not even a god may have both.
**Hades**: Very well. Then I choose the living — I've served my time as Lord of the Dead.
**Persephone**: You have fought well. That much we are impressed with — if you wish for your freedom, you have earned it.
**Veshana**: I will take it. Be warned, gods or no, the Ashlands will resist you. This is not the end of your fight.
**Hades**: Yet it is the beginning of our ascension. That much will suffice.

## Gallery

### Bugs

Gnassag's story model with Travian companion text in explorationGnassag's story model with Travian companion text in explorationGnassag's story model with Lionstone companion text in explorationGnassag's story model with Lionstone companion text in exploration
## Other

* In early version of the game, the player could turn a Champion into Companion by giving him bouquet of roses, and also had a random chance to get Companion after interrogating Criminal in Dungeon. The both ways was removed after release of the game.
* Gnassag's name in Chinese is "格纳萨格".

## References

1. ↑ Discord, #📑-news. (screenshot)
2. ↑ Discord, #patch-notes. (screenshot)
3. ↑ Discord, #patch-notes. (screenshot)