The Face of Rot

The Face of Rot is a major antagonist in Louse. It is one of the main parts of Rot.

History
The Face of Rot is one of the main parts of Rot, presumably existing for as long as Rot itself. It is what people see when they arrive at Rot, and offers a gift to the pilgrims that seek it. When Null, the main protagonist of Louse, first stepped into Rot, they sunk downwards into its thickening mass to see the Face. Seemingly welcoming this new pilgrim, it says that it has a gift for all that arrive at its wonderful body, and offers it to them; they accept it. The gift then melted into Null's hand as the Face reveals that it heard them say that they wish to end Rot, while stating that it is impossible, as it is endless. Null then gets pulled down and slides through the walls of Rot, not seeing the Face until later.

When Turmoil gave them the choice between going up to the Face and the Brain of Rot, or going down to the Bones of Rot and the Heart of Rot, Null decided to go up. While traveling up, the two of them get ambushed by the Sound of Rot, with it wrapping itself around Turmoil as the Face descended. It thanks Turmoil for bringing Null to them; Turmoil, in an attempt to prove that they did not betray them, shouted at them to do what they came to do. In doing so, they used Null's name, which the Face took notice of. After hearing this, the Blot proclaimed that it was a betrayal, and demanded that Null nullify all around them. Rather than do so, however, they decided to nullify the Face only.

Upon realizing what their plan was, the Face mocked them, asking if they were going to end it after it spared them when they first arrived. Null responded by throwing a nullification vial directly into its mouth. This began the nullification process as it started to dissolve. Growing furious, the Face screamed at Null, shouting that nothing will stop its endless spread, and that they will get the suffering they so eagerly desire. They then grabbed Null and held them tight, rendering them unable to move.

Turning them around, they faced Turmoil and saw them almost entirely absorbed by the Sound; the Face claimed that they would be returned to them, and reiterated that Null would suffer. The Blot intervened at this point, leaping out of Null's eye to hold the Face in place, in an attempt to make sure the nullification vial had enough time to end it. In doing so, however, it began to be nullified itself, dissolving from the same substance. When faced with a choice to either help the Blot or save Turmoil, Null decided to save Turmoil. After defeating the Sound and saving Turmoil, they heard a crash coming from behind them. Turning around, they saw that it was the Face, having been fully nullified. The Blot, however, shared a similar fate; approaching it, they saw that it was just barely alive, and let it back into their eye. Null and Turmoil then progressed past the Face, moving to find the Brain.

The Face of Rot is currently deceased.