Reference:Gehn, Age 233

Initial greeting

I apologize for the cage. I'm afraid this situation has often required a more primitive code of conduct than I might otherwise have chosen. I am Gehn. I assume you've heard of me. Yes… well, I suspect you have acquired some false information about who I am now. Not that my son would have lied to you about me; no, not Atrus, its just that… well, I'm sure he believes me to still be the depraved father I once was. Yes… I even tried to kill him once. God, if I had accomplished that, who knows what I would have become. A great father indeed, who tries to murder his own son. Thankfully, he trapped me on Age Five, a prison of my own creation. No book, no precious inks, no Ages to link to… nothing but my own foolish ambitions. That was thirty years ago. Thirty years… thirty lifetimes, what does it matter? No sentence could be too harsh for the man I was. But… I have changed.

To be sure, the deeds of my past could never be completely atoned for, but my mission was an honorable one. [long pause, Gehn smokes his pipe] I'm sorry, this is all a bit awkward, I… it's been a long time since I've attempted to persuade anyone of my intentions; most of the people here have already made up their minds about me, one way or another. I myself do not trust the words of most men, so I don't expect you to believe me. In the end, though, you may discover that I do have more than mere words to offer.

[Gehn smokes his pipe]

Atrus's choice of punishment has been hard on the people of Riven, and many have suffered because of it. The island has been steadily decaying for years, but according to my most recent measurements, it appears that the Fifth Age has entered its final days. Unless the villagers can be relocated soon, the island will collapse entirely, and everyone will perish. It has taken me a long time to do it, but it appears that finally I will be able to make some substantial amends to my past transgressions. Especially in—well… I'm afraid I've had some… trouble with Catherine… and the Moiety. In any society there will always be a small percentage of the population with rebellious tendencies. Before Catherine appeared, the Moiety, as they call themselves, had been relatively harmless. I mean, the natives here are a fairly violent people by nature, but I'd almost come to accept their presence. It seemed inevitable under the circumstances. Upon Catherine's return, however, their violence intensified considerably. It seems she's become some sort of religious "savior" to them, and as far I can tell she's come to believe this herself, so I've had no alternative. I had to separate her from her people. I must admit, though, that my concerns were not entirely for her safety alone; the actions of Catherine and the Moiety have put my own life at risk, on numerous occasions—consequently the lives of all the people here. Therefore, I must ask you to refrain from any attempt to free her, though I'm sure Atrus desires it. Indeed, he must desire it with all his heart, but he is completely unaware of her recent state.

If the Trap Book is still missing

I know you arrived in the Fifth Age with a book which was immediately stolen from you. Needless to say, its reacquisition is of interest to me, although my personal history with the Moiety does not give me much hope for it. Still, there is a chance that you might somehow manage to retrieve it. If you do, I would ask for the safety of all concerned that you bring it to me at your earliest opportunity. Again, to be honest, my reasons here are partly selfish. There is so much to be resolved between Atrus and myself, especially in light of what has become of Catherine. In any case my immediate concern is the completion of the sanctuary I've long promised to all the islanders. In the meantime, as a token of my good intentions, I will allow you free access to my Linking Books, crude though they may be, and to the rest of the Fifth Age.

As for the stolen linking book, we should probably not meet again until you've recovered it. I will know if you succeeded, and will await your return.

Good luck with your search. I hope to see you back here shortly.

[Gehn leaves]

If the Trap Book was recovered before visiting Age 233 first

Which brings me to the point of all of this. The Linking Book you brought with you; you're very fortunate to have recovered it. If I may? Thank you.

[Long pause, in which Gehn debates over whether he will use the book.]

Perhaps it would be best if you went through first…

[Long pause while Gehn waits for you to touch the panel. If you refuse, he continues.]

You may need some time to decide. That is reasonable. Until then, as a token of my good intentions, I will allow you free access to my Linking Books, crude though they may be, and to the rest of the Fifth Age.

Please understand, there is nothing I want more than a chance to resolve matters between Atrus and myself; especially in light of what has become of Catherine. But unless you are willing to demonstrate to me that your intentions are honorable, I cannot risk it. The sanctuary I've been writing for the islanders is nearly complete. After all these years, it would be a shame if I were unable to finish it. The work I am doing is quite demanding. Please don't signal me unless you've decided to use the book. The switch will reset itself once you link from here.

[Gehn leaves]

If the Trap Book was recovered after visiting Age 233

Well done. I was greatly relieved when I received word that you had recovered the book. I don't quite know how you managed it, but if I may? Thank you.

[Long pause, in which Gehn debates over whether he will use the book.]

Perhaps it would be best if you went through first…

[Long pause while Gehn waits for you to touch the panel. If you refuse, he continues.]

Apparently you need more time to decide. Please understand that there is nothing I want more than a chance to resolve matters between Atrus and myself especially in light of what has become of Catherine, but unless you are willing to demonstrate to me that your intentions are honorable, I cannot risk it. The sanctuary I have been writing for the islanders is nearly complete. After all these years it would be a shame if I were unable to finish it. The work I am doing is quite demanding. Please don't signal me unless you've decided to use the book. The switch will reset itself once you link from here.

[Gehn leaves]

When summoned to use the Trap Book a second time

I'm relieved you've returned. I thought perhaps you had decided against it. Here. I shall follow you directly.

Please.

[Long pause while Gehn waits for you to touch the panel. If you refuse, he continues.]

You are free to go… but… I think you should not come back unless you are willing to use the book.

[Gehn leaves]

When summoned to use the Trap Book a third time

[Gehn arrives, clearly agitated]

All right then, once more.

[Gehn holds the Book up to you]

The only path for you now is through this book. Take it.

[If you delay, Gehn puts the book down and shoots you.]

You see. I have changed. There was a time when I might have let you live. I made that mistake with Atrus once. It's a pity you decided not to give me a second chance, but there's still time.

After using the Trap Book on Riven

Before meeting Gehn

[Muffled sounds of Gehn ordering Cho, who is visible through the Panel, to link into the Book]

[Gehn puts the book down after you link in and shoots you]

Forgive me. I don't believe we've met. I am Gehn. And you must be the one whom Atrus sent to trap me. I don't know where you got the brilliant idea to trap yourself in the book, but I must tell you that I am quite disappointed that it is you and not Atrus who must now pay the price for this foolishness. My one wish before I die would be to see him finally assume some responsibility for his actions. Perhaps it will happen one day. In the meantime, you have my sympathies.

After meeting Gehn

[Muffled sounds of Gehn ordering Cho, who is visible through the Panel, to link into the Book]

[Gehn puts the book down after you link in and shoots you]

I see you found the book. Thank you for returning it to me. It seems, however, circumstances have changed. I'm afraid my reunion with Atrus will have to wait. I'd so been looking forward to seeing him again.

Well. There's still time.

After trapping Gehn

[Gehn opens the Book in which you are now trapped]

I don't know exactly why you released me, but you realize, of course, that this must be the end for you. I can't take the chance that you will change your mind again. It may provide you with some solace, however, to know that with this act of self-sacrifice, you have secured your place in history. The D'ni culture will be reborn. The lives of millions will be purified. Thanks to you. Farewell.

[Gehn closes the Book]