Family Occasion is one of the collectibles found in Alan Wake. It is an episode of the in-universe television series, Night Springs.
Plot[]
Alvyn Derleth, a journalist investigating the local mythology of an insular community in the town of Night Springs for an article he is writing, is led to a small shack by a local couple who has finally decided to help him with his research after he demonstrated that he is serious in his intent. While Derleth was initially going to just be an observer, the woman invites him to participate in the ritual, which requires one more man, as it would give him an "intimate perspective". The woman then proceeds to passionately kiss him. While at first he enjoys the kiss, the journalist soon starts to feel sick and collapses on the floor. Revising his stomach, Derleth sees to his horror that something is moving inside. The woman tells him that he will be host to the thousand offspring of an entity known as Nik'si-Pir'kah, "the Dweller in Flesh". Derleth screams in pain, but the woman gently tells him to be calm.
Transcript[]
Night Springs Narrator: We take the facts of our existence for granted, unaware that they are merely a thin veneer of desperate self-delusion covering a vast cosmos of madness and horror. All too often, the stars are right… in Night Springs. Tonight's episode: "A Family Occasion". Journalist Alvyn Derleth's trip to study the local customs of an insular community in Night Springs has been less than successful… until tonight.
[Derleth and two other individuals, a man and a woman, walk towards a cabin; the man opens the front door, letting Derleth and the woman in]
Alvyn Derleth: Well, I'm glad you changed your minds about this. Ancient customs, local mythology… my editor loves this kind of stuff.
Woman: Well, Mr Derleth. We don't want to feel like we're on exhibition. But you have demonstrated the seriousness of your intent.
Alvyn Derleth: Oh, I am serious! Really, just do your thing. I'll stay out of your way and observe.
Woman: Actually, I thought you could assist us. I'm afraid we are a man short. It would provide you with an… intimate perspective.
Alvyn Derleth: Could I really?
Man: Of course, Mister Derleth.
[Brief static]
Alvyn Derleth: Well… I guess that's the least I... What would I have to do?
Woman: Oh... here, let me show you with a kiss.
Alvyn Derleth: I... Uh, I - mmmm!
[The woman kisses Derleth; at first he seems to enjoy it, but then backs away]
Alvyn Derleth: Ghakk! What - what did you - guhhk!
[Derleth collapses to the floor and grabs his stomach, from which unearthly sounds are heart]
Woman: Oh, Mister Derleth. You have well pleased Nik'si-Pir'kah, the Dweller in Flesh. Your body shall host his thousand young, and all shall be glory.
[The man and woman watch Derleth as shapes move under his stomach]
Alvyn Derleth: Haaghk! No! Ghahhk!
Woman: Shh, darling. Be calm. Shh.
[The woman caresses Derleth's head; the shot fades into the Night Springs background]
Night Springs Narrator: Alvin Derleth learned a harsh lesson. If you go looking for mythology, it may come looking for you. And such quests always bear fruit… in Night Springs.
Location[]
The television holding this episode can be found inside the train depot warehouse.
Notes[]
- Alvyn Derleth is possibly named after horror writer August Derleth, known for his contributions to the Cthulhu Mythos, from which this episode appears to draw inspiration.
- Nik'si-Pir'kah's name may be a reference to the Finnish magazine Pirkka, more specifically, to its segment Niksi Pirrka.
| TV Shows | |
|---|---|
| Night Springs episodes | Quantum Suicide • Man in the Mirror • Family Occasion • Dream of Dreams • Taken In His Prime • Absence Of Creativity |
| Writer in the Cabin episodes | Writer in the Cabin 1 • Writer in the Cabin 2 • Writer in the Cabin 3 • Writer in the Cabin 4 • Writer in the Cabin 5 • Writer in the Cabin 6 • Writer in the Cabin 7 |
| Other | The Harry Garrett Show |