Dalv

Dalv
Just wants to be left alone.
Character Information
First Appearance	Dark Ruins
Relationships	Decibat (friend) Kanako Ketsukane (friend)
Leitmotif	Dalv
Battle Information
HP	240
AT	6
DF	4
EXP On Kill	120
GOLD On Win	15
ACTs	Check, Talk, Handshake

Dalv is the boss of the Dark Ruins, the first major area of the game.

Profile

Appearance

Dalv is a humanoid monster with a purple complexion, fangs, and horns. He wears a dark purple cloak with a hood that conceals his face. Excluding his horns, his appearance is similar to, if not based on, that of a vampire. He also wears a white medieval shirt beneath his cloak, as revealed in his overworld sprite if Clover spares him in a Pacifist or Neutral Route.

Personality

I don't know who you are but I ask you... Please leave!

Dalv, in front of his house

Dalv is socially awkward and claims to desire solitude. He often monologues about how he sent the other monsters away and how he wonders if they ever really cared about him, and is consistently interrupted by Clover. Despite that, he later reveals that he does not actually want to be alone, but rather fears that any friends he makes will leave him behind the moment they grow tired of the Dark Ruins. When hanging out with Clover, he seems very happy to have a friend to talk to. His interests include writing and illustrating children's books, playing the organ and growing vegetables (especially corn).

Main Story

History

While it is never stated directly, it can be inferred that Dalv was friends with Kanako Ketsukane prior to the events of the game from the portrait of Dalv that can be found in Kanako's bedroom in the Ketsukane Mansion.

In the videotape found behind Chujin's gravestone it is revealed that Kanako was in Snowdin with a monster when they were attacked by a human, an event that Chujin refers to as the Snowdin attack. Though Kanako was unharmed, the monster, implied to be Dalv, was injured. From how Chujin refers to Dalv in the tape in a non-descript manner, it is likely that they never met prior to the incident. Additionally, it can be inferred that Dalv is aware of the death of the human in question (either through directly witnessing Axis terminate them or being told the news after it occurred).

After the incident, Dalv moved to live in the Dark Ruins in self-imposed isolation, and someone began leaving cobs of corn at his doorstep. This could have been someone from the Ketsukane family, as Ceroba mentions how Starlo's family used to give Chujin baskets full of corn. After the mysterious monster stopped showing up, Dalv closed off the door to Snowdin. This event could line up with either Chujin's or Kanako's death.

Neutral Route

Dalv's first appearance is in the room of the Dark Ruins right after the first glowing boxes puzzle. During said appearance, he monologues to himself about meeting an unknown person (implied to be the Integrity human) before turning around and spotting Clover. Believing them to be a hallucination, he abruptly strolls away.

The next encounter with Dalv is in the pillar room, where he expresses doubt in his actions, presumably those during and after the Snowdin attack. After turning around, he acknowledges that Clover is always around when he is monologuing. As Clover travels through the dark cave room, they find signs describing Dalv's thoughts.

Dalv's third appearance is near his house, where he promptly tells Clover to leave. To proceed, they must follow Dalv to his house and speak with him, which triggers his boss fight.

If Dalv dies in the Neutral Route, his entire house, including his otherwise inaccessible room, becomes available for viewing. Though the Sponge Cake cannot be obtained in this instance, it is possible to listen to a recording of Dalv playing the organ on his gramophone, which is unique to Neutral Routes. As Dalv is deceased and cannot break the wood blocking the exit leading to Snowdin, Flowey uses bullets to break it instead.

If Clover spares Dalv during a Neutral Route, the two have a hangout similar to the one in the Pacifist Route. However, if any other monsters were killed, he decides to stay in the Dark Ruins, saying that he will clean the area up and try to befriend the monsters there.

On a Genocide Route aborted after sparing Decibat, Dalv comments about it during his battle. He ultimately allows Clover to spare him, content with having Decibat and Clover around.

Pacifist Route

After Clover spares Dalv in a Pacifist Route, he invites them into his home for a hangout during which they can explore every room in Dalv's house except for his room. As Clover interacts with items in his home, Dalv gives insight into his personality, interests, history, and relations to other monsters. The flavor text and dialogue are both very friendly and optimistic. By interacting with the fridge in Dalv's kitchen, Clover can obtain Sponge Cake, which Dalv says he made for his birthday. At the end of the hangout, Dalv proclaims that he will be leaving the Dark Ruins, thanks Clover for everything, and breaks the wood blocking the exit.

After Dalv is spared, all enemies appear as NPCs throughout the Dark Ruins, expressing happiness about no longer having to hide from Dalv and hopes for their future after exiting the Dark Ruins.

If Clover backtracks to Snowdin after obtaining the ability to Fast Travel, Dalv can be found near the ruined shack with his belongings packed-up and a Flier who helped him move. He explains that he has decided to live in the shack once it is suitably reconstructed, expresses his interest in holding a concert, realizes the corn which fills a half of his luggage will only be enough for about a week, and wishes Clover a safe journey.

In the True Pacifist ending, credits scenes show Dalv playing an organ concert for a crowd of monsters and Ceroba knocking on the door of Dalv's newly-constructed house with a basket of corn in her hands. He is last seen with Ceroba, Martlet, and Starlo in the ending's final cutscene to give his respects to Clover, on Ceroba's invitation.

Genocide Route

When encountering Dalv on a Genocide Route, he is extremely frightened by Clover, correctly assuming that they are the one who has been killing the monsters in the Dark Ruins. During the fight, he talks about how the monsters' deaths are his fault, as he wished to be alone and believes that his wish was granted.

If Clover spares him, he grows extremely angry and stays in his room when they enter his house.

If Dalv is otherwise killed, the interactions with items are limited and crueler in their descriptions. If the wardrobe is opened, Clover sucks up the helium in Pops, deflating the balloon. Dalv's room is also accessible, but the gramophone cannot be played. As with any scenarios where Dalv is not present, the Sponge Cake is unavailable and Flowey shatters the wood blocking access to Snowdin with friendliness pellets.

In Battle

Attacks

Dalv repeats the same six attacks over and over during the entire battle:

1. Lightning Vertical: Lightnings strike vertically across the Bullet Board, previously warned about by exclamation marks.
2. Lightning Dual: Like the previous attack, but lightnings strike both horizontally and vertically.
3. Lightning Balls: Balls of lightning spawn in an arc above the Bullet Board, then start moving one by one toward the SOUL.
4. Lightning Shift: Two horizontal lines appear around the SOUL, leaving some space inbetween, then move up and down on the Bullet Board.
5. Lightning Spinner: Six lightning balls appear around the SOUL, then start spinning and moving across the Bullet Board.
6. Lightning Bolt: Dalv opens his cloak and starts shooting lightning bolts from it that move towards the SOUL.

Strategy

Dalv can be spared by surviving his attacks without damaging him for over 50% of his health, and then using the Handshake ACT. On a Genocide Route, Dalv can be spared without shaking his hand.

Flavor Text

• Wants to be left alone. [Check]
• Finally alone. [Check, Genocide]
• Acting somber. [Check, Genocide if Decibat is spared]
• Dalv musters his fighting spirit. [Encounter]
• Dalv seems to be dreading his next attack. [Neutral]
• Dalv takes a break to brush off his cloak. [Neutral]
• Dalv assumes an intimidating facade. [Neutral]
• Dalv seems to be in conflict with his more humane side. [Neutral]
• Electricity crackles and whirrs around you. [Neutral]
• Echoes of conflict ring throughout Dalv's desolate estate. [Neutral]
• Dalv does not seem to value communication. [Talk]
• It appears Dalv is too focused to hear you. [Talk after Dalv stops attacking]
• Dalv doesn't want to hear you. [Talk, Genocide Route]
• Dalv doesn't notice your offer of goodwill. [Handshake]
• Dalv accepts your offer of goodwill. [Handshake after Dalv stops attacking]
• Dalv rejects your offer of goodwill. [Handshake in Genocide Route]
• Dalv doesn't want to. [Handshake in Genocide Route after Dalv stops attacking]
• Dalv looks unsure of what to do. [Spareable]
• Dalv has lost all hope. [Spareable, Genocide]

Quotes

Neutral/Pacifist

• [Move #1]
  • I don't suppose you can leave the way you entered, could you?
  • That would be easier for both of us.
• [Move #2]
  • Where did you come from anyway?
  • There aren't any accessible entrances...
• [Move #3]
  • All I know is that somehow... you found me.
  • Sorry to make things difficult but I'm not cowering away this time.
• [Move #4]
  • The other monsters... Did you pester them as well?
  • Not that I care much to keep up with their activity...
• [Move #5]
  • This region of the Ruins is my home.
  • And my home has rules. The residents understand that.
• [Move #6]
  • But it seems as if you never got the memo.
  • That, or you're purposely ignoring my wishes.
• [Move #7]
  • W-What's with that sad face?
  • Don't you understand? Don't you remember me?
• [Move #8]
  • I know you aren't a phantom but...
  • Could it be that... No, it isn't possible.
• [Move #9]
  • You...
  • You look so helpless. Different.
  • But is it a front?
• [Move #10]
  • No... You aren't trying to hurt me...
  • You... You aren't who I believed you to be, are you?
  • ...How could I be so foolish?
  • I apologize. I truly do.
  • This got out of hand...
  • I... I don't know how I can make things right now...
• [Move #11]
  • ...
• [Handshake after fight ends]
  • You want me... to... shake your hand?
  • Even after I wrongfully attacked you?
  • But that is... a sign of friendship...
  • You're a human, right? Is it the same where you come from?
  • I'm not sure... I didn't ever expect to meet another human.
  • Let alone befriend them...
  • Don't get me wrong! I'd love to have a friend!
  • ...I mean, I think. I don't really remember what that entails...
  • I guess I'll give it a shot if you will.
• [Fatally hit]
  • This isn't fair...
  • I'm supposed to get to say my last goodbyes...
  • But... I don't have anyone to say goodbye to...
  • ...
  • It's hard to admit, but I...
  • ...I guess I've been lying to myself for a while.
  • It did get lonely down here.
• [Fatally hit after sparing becomes available]
  • Last time I checked...
  • Friends didn't do that.
  • ...
  • Looks like my assumption was... correct.
  • This was all an act to finish me off.
  • I should've kept my guard up but...
  • I guess in the back of my mind I was hoping...
  • ...Wishing, that finally...
  • Someone came along to pull me out of my sorrow.
  • But...
  • Happiness has always been wishful thinking down here.
  • ...
  • I would've been a good friend.
  • I would've.

Below Half HP

• [Move #1]
  • I feared this would happen. What poor luck.
  • You know, despite your beliefs...
  • Monsters aren't evil.
• [Move #2]
  • Monsterkind stands for hope, for good.
  • Everyone here is only trying to find a little joy.
• [Move #3]
  • But... I guess you aren't one for joy.
• [Move #4]
  • Who am I kidding? You won't believe me.
  • I'm the one who got hostile first.
• [Move #5]
  • This isn't some mistake though...
  • You're fighting on purpose.
• [Move #6]
  • If you refuse to be peaceful...
  • I won't be peaceful either.
  • Despite what I said, us monsters aren't pushovers.
• [Move #7]
  • I'm losing at this, aren't I...?
  • Why am I even wasting my breath?
  • You aren't worth talking to...
• [Move #8]
  • So... I'm gonna... stop talking... to you...
• [Move #9+]
  • ...

Genocide

• [Move #1]
  • You know, it's been quieter since you showed up...
  • I suppose I should thank you.
• [Move #2]
  • I finally got my wish.
  • Or maybe it was just a happenstance.
• [Move #3]
  • ...
  • Everywhere I go dust keeps clinging to my cape...
  • I'm sorry to assume but...
  • They're gone, aren't they?
• [Move #4]
  • I know I should thank you, and it is what I asked for...
  • But I never wanted to hurt anybody!
• [Move #5]
  • I can't help but think it's my fault!
  • Maybe my wish brought you here?
  • Maybe I just need to take a nap.
  • When I wake up you'll be gone, won't you?
  • Yeah, you're just a ghost of my memories...
• [Move #6]
  • Hey.
  • If you aren't real...
  • Then is all this actually my fault?
  • ...
  • I miss them all now!
• [Move #7]
  • Penilla one time drew me a sketch of a sweet corn cob...
  • ...
  • I never thanked her...
• [Move #8]
  • One time, Sweet Corn gave me a hug for no reason.
  • I told her to never do it again...
  • ...
  • They were the closest things I ever had to friends...
  • And now...
• [Fatally hit]
  • I...
  • I think I believe you're real now.
  • Heh...
  • I have grown awfully tired but...
  • If I sleep, then wake up... this won't be undone.
  • So maybe...
  • Maybe I...
  • ...Just won't wake up.

Genocide (Spared Decibat)

• [Move #3]
  • I...
• [Move #4]
  • I think I know what you've done...
• [Move #5]
  • You hurt a lot of the monsters out there, didn't you?
  • Decibat told me that you went on a rampage...
• [Move #6]
  • I... I don't know what to think of you...
  • I should call you evil but... you spared Decibat.
  • Why is that?
• [Move #7]
  • I... always wanted to be alone. I was sure of it...
  • But now I'm so close to being so...
  • I don't want that anymore.
• [Move #8]
  • I know I should hate you but...
  • I don't have much left now.
• [Move #9]
  • I have Decibat...
  • And you too.
  • I...
  • I don't want to be alone.
  • And I'm not a malicious monster, I promise!
  • I probably scared you.
  • And you being so young, the others...
  • ...
  • Why don't you come to my house?
  • We can make amends there, like... friends.
  • What do you say?
• [Move #10+]
  • ...

Game Over Quotes

• This loner packs a punch! Nothing you can't handle, though!
• Blah blah blah, what a whiner! Let's hurry up and deal with this recluse!
• Last time I checked, no one likes a fried human. Get back out there!

Gallery

• 

  Dalv's battle sprite during the Genocide Route.

• 

  Dalv removing his hood.

• 

  Dalv's overworld sprite in Snowdin.

• 

  Dalv shaking hands with Martlet in the True Pacifist credits intermission.

• 

  Dalv destroying the boards blocking his house's exit with a lightning bolt, seen only in an inacessible cutscene.

• 

  Official artwork of Dalv from a former iteration of the Game Jolt page.

• 

  Official artwork by Nero Inu.

Trivia

• Dalv is "Vlad" spelled backwards. This is a possible reference to the historical figure Vlad the Impaler, whom the fictional character Count Dracula was based on, and which Dalv resembles.
  • The backwards naming convention is likely a reference to the character Alucard ("Dracula" spelled backwards) from the Castlevania franchise, or alternatively their namesake from the 1943 horror film Son of Dracula.
• Several of Dalv's attacks, such as the vertical and horizontal lightning blasts, resemble the lightning attacks used by Dracula in early installments of the Castlevania franchise.
  • Dalv's stance while firing tracking lightning bolts, with a cape raised over one arm, is also similar to Dracula's characteristic pose while attacking.
• If Dalv is spared on a Genocide Route, but the Snowdin kill count is exhausted, the route continues due to a missing check for whether Dalv was spared. This allows obtaining the Silver Scarf and then reverting back to a Genocide Route by exhausting the Snowdin kill count.
• If Clover attacks Dalv during his fight and then spares him, Dalv is meant to have altered dialogue in his farewell speech to Clover where he nervously wonders if friends outside will also hurt him. Additionally, instead of clearing the gateway to Snowdin with his bare hands, he zaps the obstacles with a lightning bolt. These altered details are unused due to the flag controlling them never properly being set.