Mirrors
The first map in a series where Gnostic, Demonic, Esoteric, Cosmic Horror mythology and of course Colors converge in the core of chaos.
If you haven't played the map yet Go first here! since there's a lot of spoilers ahead.
There're also some reviews by Mikko Sandt and quakis. Thanks guys!
For this map I choose Yellow as the color of deceit, often associated in Christianity with Judas Iscariot, and in modern color psicology with happiness but also with danger. In the map, yellow is almost the first thing that catches your eye, especially a yellow suit character: "The Man in Yellow".
Always remember that even if some of the lore are based on real texts and existing fiction, the scope of this piece of art is certainly entertainment, being said this let's continue...
What is the Man in Yellow's lore and what's his real name?
Close people and clients call him by his name, as some notes show, however the self titled "Man in Yellow" is a professional signpost and wall painter who has been shown a preference for yellow color. His name is Galben Castaigne, and he is a direct descendant of the Castaige family. Galben is the owner of a paint shop that only sells yellow stuff. He's also well versed in Gnosticism and Esoterism, although he has been warned by mental health specialists to avoid lectures that feed magical thinking. He is known to own a copy of the script from the play "The King in Yellow" a play that supposedly drives people into insanity. Although nobody knows where he hides it.
Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you.
-Joseph Heller
Who Is Yaldabaoth?
Yaldabaoth also represents the work of the maker who gets lost into their making believing they are the only and original creator, their curse is their need of praise.
Who is Hastur?
Unlike Yaldabaoth, Hastur is not "blind" and has a personal agenda beyond just keeping the world in a constant cycle of life and death keeping souls trapped in physical bodies. Hastur is a master of deceit, he likes to trick people and other entities/demons and give them orders to please him.
This Archon loves to have multiple avatars and use pale masks.
Hastur also represents the concept of the unreacheable perfection that can destroy one self.
Happiness may come if not sought, but if looked for will never be seen
-Haita The Shepherd
What is Floron and what is the Picatrix?
This information is really hard to find on the internet in just a single place. I'll try to explain it as better as I can. The Cherubim are the second order angels closest to God (the first order are Seraphim) The non-canonical biblical text "Book of Enoch" tells that various Angels revelead against the god of the old testament on ancient times, ie: they mated with human girls! and corrupted humanity, their offspring were mutant canibal giants called the Nephillim, so God flooded the planet in order to wipe most of human race, and also left the Nephillim without bodies. Anyway, according to italian encyclopaedist, physician and astrologist Cecco D'Ascoli one of these "Ex-Cherubim" is called Floron, a very powerful entity or demon, the catch is that you can trap Floron in a mirror and use it as some kind of oracle revealing everything about the past, present and the future.
Floron represents the occult and unknown wich can bring chaos and misery if is not controlled.
The Picatrix is one of numerous medieval grimoires that reveal exact processes to summon spirits and demons on certain astrological conditions through fumigations and rituals using talismans, amulets and sigils.
What all this have to do with aliens and the insurance division of earth defense forces?
Well this will be explained later in the series, be patient. In this first map we can assume the aliens are using the mirrors and Floron's powers as a kind of weapon against humanity (and the EDF) causing earthquakes and acid contamination. At the end of the level Duke frees Floron which causes an explosion and alignment of Floron and Hastur's sigils. What will be the consequences of this?
