Orlock

Watch out while reading this, or don't at all, until you know what's coming.

This article contains heavy spoilers. Read ahead with caution.

"The ISA forces are in disarray. Within three hours, my forces will overwhelm them. Visari's killers will not survive."

―Admiral Orlock^[src]

Autarch and former Admiral Orlock was the leader of the Helghan military and the secondary antagonist of Killzone 3, being the most trusted advisor of Autarch Scolar Visari and second-in-command of the Helghan Empire. After Visari's death, he and the High Council lead the Helghan Nation. He is eventually named the new Autarch. Before and during his short reign as the Helghast leader, he shares a bitter rivalry with Jorhan Stahl, who attempts to usurp rule of the Helghast.

Biography

"The Helghast will never, never bargain with the ISA! There will be no quarter!"

―Orlock to Stahl^[src]

Orlock was born in the slums of Pyrrhus during Helghan's Great Depression, where he spent his youth as a skilled street fighter prior to joining the military during Scolar Visari's rise to power.^[2] During the early days of Scolar Visari's rise to power, Orlock was a strong supporter of Visari, and dreamed of reclaiming Vekta for the Helghast.^[3] He quickly developed a reputation for brutality in battle, and was known to be as harsh to his own men as he was to the enemy, but greatly cared for their lives. Orlock is presumed to have proven himself a capable strategist and lead figure to have eventually obtained the title of Admiral and being personally appointed by Visari to act as the supreme military commander for the Empire.

Admiral Orlock served as one of the chief figures placed in charge of coordinating Helghan's defense during the ISA counter-invasion, leaving the protection of Autarch Visari to Colonel Mael Radec and the Autarch's Guard. This proved to be a mistake when Radec and his guard were killed in the ISA assault on Visari Palace, Orlock's soldiers arriving only just in time to see the ISA retreat from the area and to find the body of their beloved leader in his throne room. Orlock was compelled by vengeance to see the ISA forces destroyed and maintained his steadfast leadership in the face of the Senate, but had lost all of his tolerance for Chairman Jorhan Stahl, a man he treated with great disdain and distrust.^[4]

Visari Memorial — Admiral Orlock giving a speech in Autarch Visari's honor.

Admiral Orlock's efforts ultimately failed to eliminate all the ISA as the remnants fled from the battlefields and went into hiding in the hopes of evacuation for a six-month period, this timeframe marking a time of great rivalry between Orlock and Stahl to gain the Senate's favor to surpass Visari as Autarch.^[5] While Orlock was unable to gain the initial advantage in this period, Stahl's failure to execute Captain Jason Narville and his outright insults dealt towards the Senate and the Admiral caused the Counselors to officially appoint Orlock as the new Autarch. At his first ruling, Orlock ordered Stahl to deliver all of his personnel, hardware, and prototype Petrusite weapons directly to his control by personally surrendering to him on Helghan's space station, all with the intent of having Stahl arrested and killed afterwards.^[6]

Orlock personally ventured to the space station to see Stahl arrested, but only to be told moments later that the ISA remnants were coming up the space-elevator themselves right behind him. Impatiently, Orlock ordered all of his forces to hunt down the ISA, leaving an escort of only four Helghast troops to protect him during his meeting with Stahl. The two had a brief exchange of words before Stahl pulled his trump cards, two of Orlock's own soldiers turning on him and holding him at gunpoint.

Stahl demonstrated his newly obtained power as he ordered his personal fleet to engage Orlock's, revealing to the Autarch that Stahl had developed not only more uses for Petrusite weapons, but also energy shielding for his cruisers. Orlock asked if this was how Stahl intended to sway the Senate, but Stahl stated that he would make the Senate beg for his "forgiveness" after the Autarch himself did so. Drawing a StA18 Pistol, Stahl attempted to force Orlock to his knees, but he showed his colors as a veteran soldier and managed to stab Stahl in the gut with an M32 Combat Knife hidden up his sleeve. After a quick but lethal confrontation resulting in the deaths of the escorts of both rivals, Orlock managed to claim the VC5 Arc Rifle of a fallen HAZMAT Trooper and set to hunting down a wounded Stahl.

In a moments' distraction from glimpsing a Helghast fighter outside the station, Stahl ambushed Orlock and mercilessly beat him with a rusted piece of metal until he was flung into a large console that toppled on top of him and pinned him to the ground. Held at gunpoint by Stahl and seconds from impending death, Orlock tried to reason with Stahl and attempted to show him that he was taking the Helghast towards destruction. Stahl considered the Autarch's words momentarily, but then decided to use his Petrusite weapons and invasion fleet to eradicate the entire population of Earth, thus no longer needing aid from Orlock.

While his adversary was madly rambling about his plot, Orlock managed to grasp his VC5 Arc Rifle again. His shots were useless in the end when Stahl knew fully well how predictable Orlock was and surprised the helpless Admiral with an StA5X Arc Cannon, blasting Orlock with a shot of irradiated Petrusite that coursed through his body and rapidly distorted his face before his head exploded into a mess of gore, ending him with an agonizing death. When the Commodore and his backup escort arrived to inform the Chairman of their progress and that the ISA troops were closing in on them, Stahl looked back at Orlock's body and called him "utterly useless" for not being able to eliminate their enemies.^[7] Orlock's body was lost when the space station was destroyed by the Petrusite nuke that irradiated Helghan. In the end, Orlock reigned as Autarch for less than a single day.

Characteristics

"Visari may have tolerated you, Stahl, but I am not Visari!"
"Unfortunately, that is abundantly clear. Does it hurt, hm? Knowing that no matter what you do, you'll never emerge from Visari's shadow? Is that why you let him die?"

―Admiral Orlock quarrels with Chairman Stahl^[src]

Orlock is an evolved Helghast judging from his shaved head and moustache. The Admiral is a devouted patriot and leader, appearing to be a close friend to Scolar Visari during his reign as Autarch. At the same time, he is a harsh, short-tempered, and potentially violent man whose irritability has only been heightened with the actions of Jorhan Stahl, an individual who keenly manipulates Orlock's anger to his own advantage. Orlock is not without morals however, as he appears genuinely horrified when he discovered Stahl's intentions to wipe out all of Earth's population and also is clearly saddened at the conflict between the Helghast themselves that Stahl had caused.

Influences

Both his physical appearance and attire bear a striking similarity to Soviet ruler Joseph Stalin and (to lesser extent) German general Erich Ludendorff, while his uniform bears similarities to both Allgemeine-SS (the Commanding section of the Nazi German Waffen-SS) and Russian uniforms. His name could possibly be based on Count Orlock, the titular character of the 1922 film Nosferatu. Furthermore, if the character Scolar Visari is based on Adolf Hitler then Orlock would have a similar role to Karl Dönitz. Both Orlock and Dönitz were the most trusted advisors of their respective leaders, both were admirals and successors to their respective rulers and the last heads of state for their nations.

Orlock also share similarities to Werner von Blomberg, who was commander-in-chief of the German military until January 1938, Wilhelm Keitel, who served as Chief of the Armed Forces High Command and was a loyal supporter to Hitler much like Orlock is to Visari, and Hermann Göring, who was at one point the heir and second-in-command to Hitler.

Conversations

Killzone 3

Show: Red Dust
Orlock: "My Autarch, All preparations have been made." Scolar Visari: "Where are Radec and Stahl?" Helghast: "The package is ready for delivery sir." Hera Visari: "Father." Scolar Visari (To camera): "My People, sons and daughters of Helghan! On this day, as our enemy's ships burn away in orbit, as their bodies lie broken in our streets, we are once again reminded of the depths of their depravity. For years we have suffered unbearable hardships. Banished by our enemies to die from disease, from famine. They scarred us, they weakened us... But that time has passed. For years we worked away on empty stomachs, slowly rebuilding our strength, our pride and our nation... But that time has passed. All these years, I have been humbled by the honor to lead you. Ever, EVER onwards! From this day, till the end of days!" Helghast: "Sir, we have to move. The ISA are here."

Show: Intro speech
Orlock: "Six months ago... Our enemies murdered a great man. Scolar Visari. Our nation's father. Today we remember the hope he gave us. The purpose that he gave us. The vision he gave us. A vision in which the Helghast people reclaim their rightful place in this universe. Years from now, we will tell our children of this day. The day his vision became our reality."

Pyrrhus Evac

Show: Scattered ISA
Orlock: "As the senators can see, the ISA forces are in disarray. Within three hours my forces will overwhelm them. Visari's killers will not survive." (Senators clap) Stahl: "Am I missing something here? What about the tank group on the left?" Orlock: "Jorhan Stahl. Well, I'm thrilled to see that the private sector is interested in state affairs. Again." Stahl: "The ISA tank group on the left. I mean are you ignoring it on purpose, or-- This is part of some strategy beyond our understanding, is it?" Orlock: "You build the weapons, Stahl. I'll decide how to use them." Stahl: "Am I the only person here who is not part of this archaic thinking? I mean overwhelming numbers are simply not enough. Listen, why not bargain with the ISA? Lure them towards us. Promise them... whatever. And when they're close... all in one place... then we kill them." Orlock: "Visari may have tolerated you, Stahl. But I - am NOT - Visari." Stahl: "Unfortunately, that is abundantly clear. Does it hurt? Knowing that no matter what you do, you'll never emerge from Visari's shadow? Is that why you let him die?" Orlock: "The Helghast will never, NEVER, bargain with the ISA. There will be no quarter." (Orlock presses a button) Orlock: "Attention all troops. This is the Admiral. Double your efforts. I want the ISA dead within the hour."

Six Months On

Show: Tensions
Stahl: "Where is the ISA? Why haven't you found them yet?" Senator "They've proven to be more tenacious than expected." Stahl: "Which was my exact point six months ago. You should have listened to me. But no, you had to do it your way. You had to pound them until they surrendered." Orlock: "The ISA will be dealt with in due time." Stahl: "Yes well, that's exactly what you said. You said "hours", not months. The people of Helghan want results. Not empty promises from you, Orlock." Orlock: "Once again you've somehow managed to distract us from the real topic at hand. Why haven't you delivered your weapon prototypes to the military?" Stahl: "Because Admiral, this is irradiated Petrusite. And I will not place weapons of such magnitude into the hands of a total incompetent." Senator 2: "Order! Order!" Senator 3: "You've gone too far, Stahl! The Admiral has been instrumental in the negotiations with the Vektan government." Stahl: "Too little. Too late." Kuisma: "Given the Admiral's continued failure to eradicate the ISA. I motion that the Helghan military be turned over to someone who will, use it more effectively: Chariman Stahl." Orlock: "He's an industrialist." Kuisma: "With a sizable private military and the technology to back it up." Senator 3: "Do we have a second? Motion denied." Stahl: "As long as this man remains in charge, I refuse to commit my resources to your cause." Senator 4: "We need him." Senator 3: "Just a moment, Chairman. Will you give us time to reconsider?" Orlock: "What?" Stahl: "In two days time, I'll be making a live broadcast to the Helghan Nation." Senator 3: "About what?" Stahl: "Something that will make your decision so much easier."

Stahl Arms Infiltration

Show: Visari's Revenge
HAZMAT Trooper: "Are you guys the executioners? Right over there." Stahl: "Captain Narville. Do you know who I am?" (Narville does not answer) Stahl: "Typical." (Stahl executes a prisoner) Narville: "We are prisoners of war! We have rights! You just violated the Stockholm Treaty!" Stahl: "Stockholm? What planet do you think you're on?" (Cameras are being turend on) Stahl: "Show time!" Helghast: "We go live in 3, 2..." Stahl: "Good Day my fellow Helghans. I am Jorhan Stahl. This is something of a rarity for me because speeches are not my forte. But honesty is. I believe what I have to say today you will find very refreshing. My father and Visari, both great leaders. They built this country from nothing. Using sharp minds committed to our future. Together they built a nation. Visari gave us purpose and hope. My father's factory gave us the most powerful army... ...the universe has ever known! But our army has failed us! They have allowed themselves to grow fat, lazy and careless. But that... changes today. A time has come for some new fucking management. And I know what this nation needs. And I will cut out this disease of compliance and subjugation. So to honor Visari, tomorrow we launch the greatest military campaign in our history. And to celebrate that I will give you justice... revenge... and the death of his killers!" (Sev turns on Stahl) Stahl: "What?" (Sev takes off his helmet) Stahl: "You!" Sev: "Yeah. Me." (Sev fires at Stahl, but misses, killing some soldiers and destroying the camera) Stahl: "Move!" (At the Helghast High Council) Orlock: "This is an outrage!" (Back at Stahl Narville gets untied) Narville: "Rico! You're alive!" Rico: "No thanks to you." Narville: "What!?" Rico: "Go help Sev."

Show: Earth plans
HAZMAT Trooper: "Clear." HAZMAT Trooper 2: "Sir, we need to get you out of here." Stahl: "Not yet. I have to upload the battle plans to my cruiser. Orlock's going to jump all over m--" (Stahl's computer is interrupted by Orlock) Orlock: "Stahl." Stahl: "I don't really have time to listen to you gloat." Orlock: "Stahl." Stahl: "What?" Orlock: "You're to turn over your Petrusite weapons, hardware, personnel, and yourself to my control." Stahl: "Don't be absurd." Gunstelling: "Chairman Stahl, not only have you failed to execute Visari's killers, but you've managed to humiliate yourself in front of the entire nation." Stahl: "Gentlemen, I understand you're upset. I've made you look bad. But the people won't give a damn about today the instant Earth becomes our territory. If you change my invasion plan, you risk all of that." Gunstelling: "Chairman, this is not a negotiation. You will do as the Autarch commands." Stahl: "Autarch? Autarch? You made him Visari's heir?!" Gunstelling: "Chairman, if you refuse, you will be considered an enemy of the state and we will execute you. Do you accept the Autarch's rule?" (Stahl bows in defeat) Orlock: "Good. The invasion fleet is gathering in orbit around the space elevator. Deliver the weapons in person. Immediately." (Senate breaks connection) Stahl: "NO! NO! NO! Prepare my fleet. NOW, YOU IDIOT!!!" (Back in the Senate chambers) Orlock: "The moment I have the weapons, I want Stahl killed. Is that understood?" Gunstelling: "As you command."

Interception

Show: Stahl and Orlock
Helghast: "Sir, the ISA army is here. They took out the MAWLR and they are coming up the space elevator." Orlock: "ENOUGH with the ISA! Either they die, or you do." (Stahl arrives) Stahl: "By the order of the High Council, I, Jorhan Brimve Stahl, report for duty. I am willing to serve in whatever capacity the State wishes. This is it? I thought you'd have more security." Orlock: "Like father, like son. It seems failure is the family business." Stahl: "Ironic that you needed both of us to help get you where you are." Orlock: "Did he bring the weapons?" Helghast 2: "Electrostatic energy profile confirmed on the chairman's cruisr. They're all there, sir." Orlock: "You should be proud, Stahl. Your weapons are going to usher in a new era of Helghan dominance. I'll speak highly of you at your funeral. Arrest the chairman." Stahl: "Ah yes... The men of our proud and painfully underpaid military. They're all so pathetically predictable. Commodore, are you ready?" Commodore: "Yes, Chairman Stahl." Stahl: "Fire." Orlock: "You wouldn't dare." (The Khage opens fire on the Helghast fleet and blocks incoming missiles) Orlock: "You've developed energy shielding? When?" Stahl: "You're not watching." (Stahl's battleships destroy two other cruisers) Orlock: "This is how you'll get the senate to accept you?" Stahl: "The senate will beg me to forgive them! Right after you do. Get on your knees, now ! Get on your knees! YEEEEEEEEE!" (A small battle takes place) Orlock: "I know you're still here, Stahl. You can't hide forever!"

Show: The end of Orlock
Orlock: "Wait! Stahl, think about what you're doing. You're going to leave Helghan defenseless." Stahl: "That's it? That's the best you've got? Hahaha!" Orlock: "Listen! Even if you win. Do you really think Helghan's enemies will give you time to rebuild? Look around you, Stahl. You're destroying our people." Stahl: "Unless... What if I had no enemies left to fight? What if I used my weapons and killed everyone on Earth? The colonies would be terrified. They'd (snaps fingers) fall into line. And I wouldn't need your help." (Orlock tries to shoot Stahl) Stahl: "Like I said. You're predictable." (Kills Orlock with a petrusite cannon) Stahl: "Shit, that must have hurt." HAZMAT Trooper: "Chairman Stahl!" Stahl: "Report." HAZMAT Trooper: "As per your orders, the weapons are primed for full deployment in the Earth's atmosphere. We're ready to jump to warp at the moment you're back aboard your cruiser." HAZMAT Trooper 2: "Sir, ISA troops are approaching." (Stahl turns to Orlock's remains) Stahl: "You couldn't even get that right. Utterly useless. GO! The moment we're off the station... destroy it." HAZMAT Trooper: "But sir, the men." Stahl: "Fuck 'em."