Alexander Block

Pathologic 2=

Alexander Block (Александр Блок) is the Commander of the Western Army.

Description
"A character inspired by Antonius Block from The Seventh Seal, Alexander is fairly young for his rank—a “thirty-year-old general”. The country’s military top brass really is pushing him to join their conspiracy, while the powers that be seek to tarnish his reputation. Block is strung out, his nerves are frayed, and his heart, already hardened. He’s trying to keep his feelings to himself and especially to prevent his emotional instability from claiming a random victim. Nevertheless, his nervous tension takes its toll, and by the time the Gorkhon operation begins, he is already on edge, about to snap any moment."

- From the game's design documents

A hardened military man, Alexander Block is strict and disciplined. He is a man of formality and does not act without concrete proof. He commands respects from civilians and yet finds himself losing that of his own soldiers. Though he is well loved, he is also described by some as being a beast of a man. He is infamous both for his deeds and for having claimed such a powerful position at a young age.

Background
Block is the beloved Commander of the Western Army. He is renowned for his leadership during the Battle of the Fords. Following the Battle of the Fords Block issued the order for Captain Ravel's court martial for insubordinate conduct, which lead to his sentencing and execution. Prior to the beginning of the Sand Plague outbreak Block and his army were being send to the Southern Front.

Haruspex Route
Alexander Block is instructed to visit the Town to determine the most important course of action regarding the plague outbreak. His army is on orders to arrest or eliminate Inquisitor Lilich, though he himself seems initially intent on taking action on the Town. During his stay in the Town Block is torn between the orders he was given - to deal with the Inquisitor, and the Town - and his morality, having to go against his morals in order to carry out the instructions of the Powers That Be. Similar to the Inquisitor it is believed that Block and his army was sent to the Town not to assist, but to perish in the epidemic as they arrived without a medical team.

Immediately after his arrival, he can be found in the Town Hall across the table from Yulia Lyuricheva, Victor Kain and the Bachelor. Talking to soldiers reveals that already it seems there is dissent among his men, with many siding with Captain Longin. All the way up to Day 11 there is evidence of infighting and conflict among the troops. It is unknown where Block is for much of the outbreak as he often cannot be found in the Town Hall and the men left behind lie about his whereabouts as they instead wish to follow Captain Longin's command.

Lara Ravel eventually discovers Alexander Block is the one responsible for the death of her father. By chasing her to the Town Hall where she plans on murdering him, Haruspex is able to talk her down from committing a crime that will have her killed.

In the late days of the outbreak Block evacuates all of the children from the Town, taking them to neighbouring yowns. He also takes control of the Fund as the doctors of the Town are now to report to him.

On the final day, if the orders to destroy the Polyhedron are delivered to him, the Haruspex will discover Alexander Block has been allying himself with Changeling and her 'magic powers'. In spite of her protest, Alexander Block commands his cannons to destroy the Polyhedron, resulting in the Diurnal Ending. It is unclear of his fate within the town afterwards if this choice is made.

The Marble Nest
It is revealed by a sentry that Block perished from the Plague prior to the events of Pathologic: The Marble Nest and was succeeded by Captain Longin. It's also rumored that rather than succumb to the Plague, the Commander ultimately hung himself with a tourniquet noose.

Given the nature of The Marble Nest, as well as the implication in Pathologic 2 of the various "attempts" to perform their play, this is likely not the Commander's ultimate fate.

Spoken Dialogue

 * → See The Commander/Spoken Dialogue

Description
Alexander Block is the draftsman of the military reform which improved the effectiveness of the Army to the prejudice of the ruling top's interest. Some speak of him as an honest and noble man, and a true knight. Others mention his brutality and ruthlessness.

Background
Alexander Block comes from a town similar to the Town-on-Gorkhon.

Spoken Dialogue

 * → See The Commander/Spoken Dialogue