Isidor Burakh

Pathologic 2=

Isidor Burakh was a traditional healer, a menkhu and the father of Artemy Burakh.

Description
"Once you start following the lines, your knife will seek cavities instead of cutting flesh. Along the way you will find everything that may be of use to you; since whatever the way is, it is yours."

- Pathologic board game

Isidor Burakh was the Town's only physician and a menkhu - the spiritual leader of the Kin. He led the Kin not through strength, but through knowledge.

Background
Isidor was regarded as the Town-on-Gorkhon's primary healer and doctor, teaching his methods of medicine to both his son Artemy Burakh and his protege Stanislav Rubin. He was widely respected by the three Ruling Families, with even men like Alexander Saburov and Vlad Olgimsky Sr valuing his word and method of balancing the powers of both the Townsfolk and Kin. He sought council with both Simon Kain and Oyun as opposing aspects of the town.

Five years before the start of Pathologic, there was an outbreak of The Plague in the Crude Sprawl, the former home of Murky. Isidor ordered an immediate quarantine of the area, resulting in mass death of every individual there, leaving only a handful of orphans. It is said that this act by Isidor birthed Aspity as a reminder of his actions. Leading up to Artemy's arrival in town, Isidor had sent him a letter regarding his great concern of a forthcoming tragedy.

Isidor spoke with Simon Kain regarding the possibility of a second outbreak of the vicious disease that ravaged the Crude Sprawl, and both of them agreed that the plague was a necessary step in the evolution of the Town. They went out into the steppe and dug a hole there in order to bring it upon themselves and carry it back to the Town, from where it would then spread. Oyun was made aware of this by a member of the Kin who saw them in the act, and came to confront Isidor in his home. Isidor explained his intent, but Oyun, horrified, took him for mad and killed him in what he saw as an act of mercy.

Plot
"...My dear son, Artemy, I write to you after so many years apart in the hopes that you may find a way to return to us. Something worries me. I fear a difficult trial approaches. I hope that your studies have proven fruitful, and that you have achieved great skill as a surgeon. Such skill might be of use here. I remain the only physician in this town. But you know that I am growing old. I need an assistant. I do not fear death. And neither should you. Death, to a doctor, is but a partner in conversation. The constant witness of our work—even when we succeed. It is not old age, or what comes after it, that worries me. I am instead beset by the thought that I might fail to pass on my role. Make haste, son. I truly need you. Your loving father, Isidor Burakh"

- Isidor's letter to Artemy

Isidor guides Artemy through the game with his remaining memoirs, a list of children who he had entrusted his secrets and knowledge to, as well as Artemy's inheritance and the expectation he could save the town. Isidor believed in both the history of the town as well as its future, and regrets that he could not find a path where both past and future could coexist. He knows his son will make the right choice.

Background
To start the story of Isidor, one must describe the extraordinary sacrifice that he offered to become menkhu: he did not kill a man, as was expected of him, but instead took a scythe and cut a field of nine-year savyur, from which suddenly poured blood. So much blood erupted that a swamp was formed, and the Guzzle was engorged with blood for two days. Thus his sacrifice was made.

About Isidor's later life only a few scant mentions can be found. However, one thing is certain: he enjoyed great prestige among the townspeople. People of very different ranks and statuses speak of him in the same reverent, respectful tone: from the guard patrol to Big Vlad. One of his disciples, Stanislav Rubin, demonstrates commitment to his teacher in word and deed even after Isidor's death. It is also known that Isidor loved children.

First and foremost among the citizens, Isidor was known as the man who fought the first outbreak of the Sand Plague when it arrived in the Crude Sprawl. At the same time he created and tested a variety of twyrine extracts and, most likely, a Panacea.

Whatever the case may be, and realizing that a new plague approached, Isidor sent a farewell message to his son in the City asking him to save a certain creature, labeled with a brand. Since then, the story of Artemy Burakh has already begun.