Random Writings

Scorned - Lore Q&A

[Kings and Queens]

How was Ritual disguised?
- My interest in finding a way to incorporate much of the story around her existing lore was actually because of a bundle that came out very early in the new MW2, which made the operator 'Zimo' look VERY much like Fuze. I was quick to buy it, and quick to think up how Ritual could be involved in a universe that I also really enjoy.

Eventually, once Velikan was added, I though that this would fit more in tune with her character and demeanor (I prefer his Cosmos skin for this idea). I don't think she would replace/fully be Velikan, but maybe just assume his identity for a while.

Does Ritual ever meet König again?
- No, but he held a very special place in her heart and was one of the people who helped her in her steps of moving on from much of her life. Though she briefly considered checking in on him to recruit him to AITH, she decided against it, as she wasn't sure she wanted to reopen a chapter of her life that she was happy with the ending of. He also was too intense of a soldier to be in a counter-terrorism unit and she figured she'd be keeping him from his full potential. She cherishes the weapon case she gave him and looks at its contents often.

[Ace of Hearts]

What would have happened between Ritual and Ace after she revealed the forged documents? (Non-Canon)
- Once the seed of doubt is planted, it grows like a weed, and is tough to uproot. Even as one of Kali's most faithful companions, Ace's commitment to Ritual, albeit brief, makes him rethink how closely he truly knows Kali and her motives... Though he knows it's in all of his best interests to keep his loyalty to her unwavering, and his pretty mouth shut.

[Scorned]

Does Vyacheslav get a happy ending?
- Yes! During the break in the story after 'It's Not Over', he and Ritual are back home in Moscow. During their time there, Ritual engages in a motorcycle race with Vyacheslav, tours some of the must-see destinations she'd long missed, and supported her mate in breaking up with his toxic girlfriend, Alina.

Does Anton get his chance with Blitz?
- Maybe. ;)

What about "Oscar"?
- Garrson Cross was merely a facade, sent by Kali to get rid of the growing thorn in her side: Gunnar. To her defense, however, she didn't know that Garrson was a White Mask who had the same vendetta that she did, or that he would try to kill the man and anyone who stood in his way. Kali is many things, but she wouldn't have had any bystanders unnecessarily harmed, and holds herself responsible for Cooper's untimely death.

What's the significance behind Harry's closure of the Rainbow Recruitment program?
- This actually has to do with in-game events! It shyly alludes to the removal of the Recruit loadouts at the launch of Operation Void Edge, where you were previously able to pick colored CTU Recruit loadouts with matching weapons. After the patch, there is only one type of Recruit, being the "narrowing" of the program.

Who are some of Ritual's friends? Who are her enemies?
- Ritual actually views much of the team positively and finds friends in a few close people, most notably Fuze, Jäger, Lion, and Azami (once they meet). Fuze is a mentor to her, almost like a father given their closeness, and is quick to stick up for her when her name arises in a conversation. Lion understands what it's like to feel shunned by his team, while Azami knows what's it's like to feel wronged by NIGHTHAVEN, and both sympathize with Ritual. Jäger is someone she just finds adorable, and she loves to have little hyperfixation rambles with him over silly things.

She has more minor relationships, like her obvious loyalty towards fellow Spetsnaz operators, some of the other shields, and even Ash (who shares her hatred for Kali and she respects), Zero (whom she experienced similar training to), Bandit (who taught her hotwiring), Nøkk and Vigil (who enjoy the comfort in another masked operator), and even Jackal (who was apprehensive at first, but could feel Ritual's regret to her reckless past and considers her a friendly rival).

On the other hand, she refuses to be around Lesion, Ying, and people who align with NIGHTHAVEN (IQ, Smoke, Ela, etc). A few operators, like Doc, Mute, and Thunderbird are people she wishes she could be closer to, but simply doesn't have the best relationship with or talk to often enough.

If Gunnar wasn't involved, who would Ritual have ended up with?
- The entire point of the other men being there, besides being an obvious part of the team, is the idea that Ritual could be romantically involved with any single one of them. There are many moments of tension between them on purpose, to call on this question just as she does in her own mind, doubting what she knew about the White Knight and Gunnar.

In terms of timing, though, I think the most likely candidate would have been Beau. Vyacheslav was going through his own relationship issues during his training and Ritual didn't want tied up, and Anton wouldn't have been interested in pursuing a full on relationship at the time because it would have been too soon for him. Beau, however, would have been fully ready to fall, and fall hard.

What was Ritual's name supposed to be?
- Well, in most cases, callsigns aren't something you choose. You usually get one by doing something dumb, or funny, or as some sort of identification of a physical trait. For most of the Rainbow operators, it has to do with their specialties. Before Blind Flight, her callsign was going to be Reaver because of her efficiency in stealing, mainly valuable information/assets, which actually reflects in how she was the sole person to track down who was leading the White Masks. This all changed when the "White Knight" told her that she was his ritual, and she kept the name to keep him alive, but also to remind her of what she'd done and to atone for it.