Schwarzloch (Chinese: 斯瓦茨洛), also known as the Grand Architect (Chinese: 残星会会长), is a quest-exclusive NPC who is first mentioned in Phrolova's Resonator Introduction and makes his first apperance during Main Quest Dreamcatchers in the Secret Gardens in Chapter II: Act VII.
He is the main antagonist of Wuthering Waves, finally confronting Rover in a central antagonistic role during Main Quest Dawn Breaks on Dark Tides in Chapter II: Act XI.
He is the cunning, immortal leader of the Fractsidus, who has worked for centuries to further their efforts, recruit new Overseers, and realize his grand design of putting fate into humanity's own hands through mass destruction, by facilitating a new evolution through the creation of a new Lament. Referenced by Galbrena as the "Thousand-Faced Survivor," this name is disturbingly literal, in reference to his ability to perfectly shapeshift into all manner of beings, both physical and conceptual entities alike, which he uses to manipulate others to his own designs.
Physical Description[]
Schwarzloch's true form is currently unknown. As Kharon, he appears as a towering, emaciated hooded figure, draped in layers of dark black robes that conceal all but his face, left half of his torso, and neck. Two thin black straps extend from his cloak's hip that end in golden buckles. He wears a metallic skull-like mask with golden eyes. His mask is dented and cracked, with a vertical scar lining its left eye, and an oval gold plate layering its forehead. Two thin golden metal plates are aligned along the mask's jaw. He wears a shawl of gem-laced golden medallions over his shoulder and chest. His skin is grey with golden cracks, and the skin on his forearms and hands is black. He has a gold bangle on his left arm, and he wields a long, black staff that ends in vine-like barbs, with a golden, glowing lantern hanging down from the tip. Locks of lighter colored hair are visible beneath his hood around each side of his mask.
Profile[]
Schwarzloch is the overarching leader of the Fractsidus known also as the Grand Architect. His true appearance is unknown due to his forte allowing him perfectly mimic the appearance and frequencies of other people, the few times he's shown up he takes on appearances that are not his own (notable examples being Triss and Kharon).
Schwarzloch possesses a sly sense of quick-witted charisma and deft cunning, which play into the dynamics of every interaction he has shown thus far. When meeting Phrolova, Schwarzloch appeared in the form of a male audience member, using the form to embellish Phrolova's insecurities, encouraging her to pursue power and destruction as a way to bring back her family with the backing of his organization's resources.
During Dreamcatchers in the Secret Gardens, he took the form of Triss to hone Phrolova's focus back to the Fractsidus' goals rather than her immediate obsession with creating the Lost Beyond, with Phrolova implying he frequently used this form in the past to psychologically manipulate her, which he claimed to do so because she "liked" it. In the form of Kharon, he attempted to recruit Galbrena, something he once did when they met in the past at her refusal, attacking her for lacking humanity in comparison to the same humans she made an effort to save by hunting Tacet Discords. He claimed that joining the Fractsidus would give her greater purpose. His god complex fuels his belief that his vision for humanity is "beyond mortal comprehension," which he frustratedly belied once Galbrena again refused his offer.
When met with defeat or setbacks, Schwarzloch remains calm and level-headed, and can even be honorable. After witnessing Leviathan's defeat, he merely spectated without intervening, remarking to Rover that theirs and the Fractsidus' paths were never truly opposed, before promising they would meet again, before departing alongside the other Overseers through a portal. Once Phrolova informed him she would be departing the Fractsidus after fulfilling her promises and duties to him, he responded calmly and pragmatically. He commanded Scar to back off from pursuing her, and allowed her to leave without conflict, as he affirmed his faith in their shared goals eventually reuniting.
Resonance[]
Schwarzloch is a Resonator. His Resonance ability involves shapeshifting and frequency mimicry, to such a powerful extent where Galbrena remarked that he is able to mimic the frequencies of concepts, which he demonstrated in mimicking the concept of death as Kharon. He is also capable of creating clones, which he sends out into the world to act as his proxies.
Quests and Events[]
Main Quests
Character Mentions[]
Character Voicelines
| Character | Voicelines |
|---|---|
|
Trivia[]
- Schwarzloch's last words to Rover at the end of the Dawn Breaks on Dark Tides story, where he states that the Fractsidus were once Rover's "Waystones," may imply that Rover had a past connection to them in their past life.
Etymology[]
- Schwarzloch appears to be a portmanteau of "Schwarzes Loch", which is German for "black hole".
Other Languages[]
Kharon (Schwarzloch)
| Language | Official Name |
|---|---|
 English | Kharon (Schwarzloch) |
 Chinese (S) | 卡戎（斯瓦茨洛） |
 Chinese (T) | 卡戎（斯瓦茨洛） |
 Japanese | カローン（シュヴァルツロッホ） |
 Korean | 카론(슈바르츠로흐) |
 French | Kharon (Schwarzloch) |
 German | Kharon (Schwarzloch) |
 Spanish | Caronte (Schwarzloch) |
The Grand Architect
| Language | Official Name |
|---|---|
| English | The Grand Architect |
| Chinese (S) | 残星会会长 |
| Chinese (T) | 殘星會會長 |
| Japanese | 残星組織の組織長 |
| Korean | 잔성회 회장에 |
| French | De Grand Architecte |
| German | La Grande architecte |
| Spanish | El Gran Arquitecto |
Change History[]
References[]
- ↑ Main Quest Dawn Breaks on Dark Tides in Chapter II: Act XI — ("the Grand Architect of the Fractsidus, Schwarzloch. But I doubt that's your real name, huh?")