Zork the Armored Sea Chicken: Duskbloods’ Favorite Blood-Drinking Companion

With the unveiling of six out of ten characters from The Duskbloods, one quirky standout has captured the hearts of many: Zork.

At first glance, Zork might not seem like much, but he’s actually a sentient bird-like creature that walks on two legs. Clad in a massive, armor-like dive suit, he hails from the depths of the ocean. Zork takes on foes with a hefty, slow-moving undersea cable and a speargun, and he boasts a unique ability that allows him to launch himself forward like a rocket.

When he secures a victory, Zork has a rather bizarre celebration—he drinks blood from a chalice using his beak, reminiscent of a mosquito. How intriguing!

This character concept comes straight from the mind of Hidetaka Miyazaki, who shared insights about Zork’s creation. He drew inspiration from Ultraman and Ultra Seven, aiming to craft a vampire character that strays from the typical Victorian Gothic archetype. “Zork is as unconventional as they come, a true wild card,” Miyazaki explained. “Characters like him add a fun dynamic, and there’s always an audience for them. We wanted to explore different eras in our maps, moving beyond the Victorian Gothic and into a post-Industrial Revolution vibe, and Zork embodies that shift. He’s definitely not your standard vampire, but he fits perfectly into the game.”

Miyazaki envisions the multiplayer experience as a vibrant festival, filled with diverse characters that look and feel distinct from one another, creating a delightful chaos. “Zork is just one of those oddballs in the mix,” he noted.

When asked about Zork’s beak, which sticks out from his suit, Miyazaki confirmed its purpose: “If you win with Zork, you’ll see a cutscene that elaborates on that. His beak extends like a straw, allowing him to suck up blood like a mosquito. It’s likely another nod to Ultraman, referencing some kind of monster.”

Some players may have caught a glimpse of that cutscene during the recent Network Test, although Zork sightings were fewer than expected. Most matches were dominated by Laylas, as players quickly discovered the power of her sniper rifle and the ease of accidentally launching Zork off a cliff.

I’m eagerly anticipating the official launch of The Duskbloods, where we’ll dive deeper into the bizarre lore surrounding these eccentric characters and uncover their stories. The Network Test left many questions unanswered—like how a senator can transform into a dinosaur, why Bloodhand Jan is still in his pajamas, what exactly Zork is (bird? mosquito? sea monster?), and the reason behind their battles in a gothic-inspired town. I’m sure the narrative will be as perplexing as ever, but that’s part of the charm of a FromSoftware game.