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 True 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[]
Pre-Yellow (Speculative)[]
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 secret tape (found behind Chujin's gravestone), it is revealed that Kanako was in Snowdin with an unnamed monster (most likely Dalv, based on other clues) when they were attacked by a human. Though Kanako was unharmed, Dalv specifically was injured in the attack.[1][2][3] Additionally, from the "Is this some sort of haunting?" remark, 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 Ruins in self-imposed isolation. Chujin (potentially during his time with Martlet) began leaving cobs on corn at Dalv's doorstep (perhaps out of sympathy or a request from Kanako). This can be deduced from Ceroba explaining that her family purchases corn from Starlo's family, and the fact that she herself does not recognize Dalv during the True Pacifist ending. Dalv's remark that the person leaving the corn 'stopped showing up' also lines up with Chujin's death.
From how Chujin refers to Dalv in the secret tape in a non-descript manner, it is likely that they never met prior to the incident in Snowdin.
Neutral Route[]
Dalv's first appearance is in one of the first rooms of the Dark Ruins. During said appearance, he monologues to himself about his loneliness before spotting Clover. Believing them to be a hallucination, he abruptly strolls away.
The next encounter with Dalv is in a similar circumstance, and he acknowledges that Clover is always around when he is monologuing. As they travel on, there are many signs describing an unknown individual's thoughts, which are eventually identified as Dalv's.
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 food item is not obtainable 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 True 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.
True 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, and relations to other monsters. The flavor text and dialogue are both very friendly and optimistic. Sponge Cake is a food item obtained by interacting with the fridge in Dalv's kitchen. 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.
If Clover backtracks to Snowdin after fast travel through the UGPS becomes available, Dalv can be found with his packed-up belongings in the room with the dilapidated shack. Clover can ask Dalv about housing, to which he will explain that he has decided to live in the shack once it is suitably reconstructed, or they can ask him about the future, to which he will excitedly explain his hopes for the future living in Snowdin.
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. Dalv is last seen with Ceroba, Martlet, and Starlo in the ending's final cutscene to give his respects to Clover after Ceroba invited him to attend.
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 monster's 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. Not only is the Sponge Cake unavailable and the gramophone silent, but if the wardrobe is opened, the helium in Pops is sucked up by Clover, deflating the balloon. In this case, his room is also accessible. Similar to the Neutral Route where Dalv dies, Flowey breaks the wood blocking the exit.
In Battle[]
Attacks[]
- Lightning Vertical: Lightnings strike vertically across the Bullet Board, previously warned about by exclamation marks.
- Lightning Dual: Like the previous attack, but lightnings strike both horizontally and vertically.
- Lightning Balls: Balls of lightning spawn in an arc above the Bullet Board, then start moving one by one toward the SOUL.
- Lightning Shift: Two horizontal lines appear around the SOUL, leaving some space inbetween, then move up and down on the Bullet Board.
- Lightning Spinner: Six lightning balls appear around the SOUL, then start spinning and moving across the Bullet Board.
- Lightning Bolt: Dalv opens his cloak and starts shooting lightning bolts from it that move towards the SOUL.
Strategy[]
To spare Dalv, he must be allowed to talk while dodging his attacks until he ceases fighting. Finally, shake his hand and spare him. However, in a Genocide Route, he can be spared without shaking his hand.
Flavor Text[]
- Dalv musters his fighting spirit. [Encounter]
- Just wants to be left alone. [Check]
- Dalv doesn't notice your offer of goodwill. [Handshake before monologue is finished]
- Dalv seems to be dreading his next attack. [Neutral]
- Dalv does not seem to value communication. [Talk]
- Dalv takes a break to brush off his cloak. [Neutral]
- It appears Dalv is too focused to hear you. [Second Talk and on]
- Dalv assumes an intimidating facade. [Neutral]
- Dalv seems to be in conflict with his more humane side. [Neutral]
- Dalv looks unsure of what to do. [After ninth move]
- Dalv accepts your offer of goodwill. [Handshake after fight ends]
- Ready to move on. [Check after handshake after fight ends]
- Finally alone. [Check in Genocide]
Quotes[]
Neutral/Pacifist[]
- I don't suppose you can just get out the way you came in, could you? That would be easier for both of us. [Move #1]
- Where did you come from anyway? There aren't any accessible entrances... [Move #2]
- All I know is that somehow... you found me. Sorry to make things difficult but I'm not cowering away this time. [Move #3]
- The other monsters... Did you pester them as well? Not that I care much to keep up with their activity... [Move #4]
- This region of the Ruins is my home. And my home has rules. The residents understand that. [Move #5]
- But it seems as if you never got the memo. That, or you're purposely ignoring my wishes. [Move #6]
- W-What's with that sad face? Don't you understand? Don't you remember me? [Move #7]
- I know you aren't a phantom but... Could it be that... No, it isn't possible. [Move #8]
- You... You look so helpless. Different. But is it a front? [Move #9]
- 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 #10]
- ... [Move #11]
- 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. [Handshake after fight ends]
- 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]
- 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. [Fatally hit after sparing becomes available]
Below Half HP[]
- I feared this would happen. What poor luck. You know, despite your beliefs... Monsters aren't evil. [Move #1]
- Monsterkind stands for hope, for good. Everyone here is only trying to find a little joy. [Move #2]
- But... I guess you aren't one for joy. [Move #3]
- Who am I kidding? You won't believe me. I'm the one who got hostile first. [Move #4]
- This isn't some mistake though... You're fighting on purpose. [Move #5]
- If you refuse to be peaceful... I won't be peaceful either. Despite what I said, us monsters aren't pushovers. [Move #6]
- I'm losing at this, aren't I...? Why am I even wasting my breath? You aren't worth talking to... [Move #7]
- So... I'm gonna... stop talking... to you... [Move #8]
- ... [Move #9+]
Genocide[]
- You know, it's been quieter since you showed up... I suppose I should thank you. [Move #1]
- I finally got my wish. Or maybe it was just a happenstance. [Move #2]
- ... Everywhere I go dust keeps clinging to my cape... I'm sorry to assume but... They're gone, aren't they? [Move #3]
- I know I should thank you, and it is what I asked for... But I never wanted to hurt anybody! [Move #4]
- 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 #5]
- Hey. If you aren't real... Then is all this actually my fault? ... I miss them all now! [Move #6]
- Penilla one time drew me a sketch of a sweet corn cob... ... I never thanked her... [Move #7]
- 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... [Move #8]
- 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. [Fatally hit]
Genocide (Spared Decibat)[]
- I... [Move #3]
- I think I know what you've done... [Move #4]
- You hurt a lot of the monsters out there, didn't you? Decibat told me that you went on a rampage... [Move #5]
- I... I don't know what to think of you... I should call you evil but... you spared Decibat. Why is that?. [Move #6]
- 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 #7]
- I know I should hate you but... I don't have much left now. [Move #8]
- 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 #9]
- ... [Move #10+]
Death 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[]
Trivia[]
- Dalv is "Vlad" spelled backward. This is a possible reference to the historical figure Vlad the Impaler, whom the fictional character Count Dracula was based on.
- 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 you attack Dalv too many times, he will decide to stop talking to you, making it impossible to spare him. This can abort your pacifist run if you aren't careful. Dalv is the only boss that does this.
- If Dalv is spared on a Genocide Route, but the Snowdin kill count is exhausted, the route continues. This allows obtaining the Silver Scarf on a Genocide Route.
- 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 breaking the boards blocking the door with his bare hands, he shoots them with a lightning attack. These altered details are unused due to the flag controlling them (global flag 21) never properly being set.
- ↑ "I did enjoy my life before, but..." "What happened that day would only repeat." - Dialogue from Dalv during his second appearance
- ↑ "I don't understand, you look just like them." "Is this some sort of haunting? Or have you come to finish the job?" - Dialogue from Dalv preceding his battle
- ↑ "I know I should have stayed to comfort Kanako and tend to the resident who was hurt, but..." - A line from Chujin's secret tape