@damienleone@HeavyMetalInk Any chance you’re going to go full hellraiser in the next sequel and give us deep lore on the blacksmith demon? I’d love to see you build on the mythos and fill the void that the hellraiser sequels (after 2) never delivered on. Terrified and delighted to see the bigger picture!
“The heroic spirits are those who in the midst of tragic horror say to themselves, "Yes": they are hard enough to feel suffering as pleasure.”
— Nietzsche
Covert narcissists are deeply invested in maintaining the secrecy of their manipulative tactics, as their power relies on being perceived as kind, helpful, or vulnerable individuals. When someone starts to see through this facade, it threatens the covert narcissist’s carefully constructed image, leading them to double down on gaslighting and manipulation to discredit the person who sees them clearly.
The fear of exposure can also trigger a collective response among other narcissists. Since covert narcissists often share similar traits and strategies, they recognize that if one is exposed, it increases the risk of others being identified as well. This mutual self-interest creates a kind of unspoken alliance, where they may band together to protect their manipulative behavior, further isolating and discrediting each others victims. This dynamic of group protection amplifies the gaslighting and psychological abuse, making it much harder for victims to break free or expose the truth.