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[[File:Oathkeeper.png|thumb|Oathkeeper's true form in [[The Binding of Oathkeeper|''The Binding of Oathkeeper'']].|295x295px]]{{Quotation|Johann Geist Jr.|Oathkeeper wasn't named ironically; that thing is like the Patron Saint of [[wikipedia:Deal_with_the_Devil|Faustian Bargains]].}}
'''Oathkeeper''' is a spirit residing in {{HeroIcon|Lady Geist}}'s arm that provides her with power and a youthful appearance in return for feeding on the life force of others. 

== Summary ==
[[Storyline|Circa 1899]], the first [[Maelstrom]] happened, bringing various supernatural forces to Earth. Around this time, Lady Geist was an old lady stuck in a nursing home, dreaming of her glorious past. At this moment, Oathkeeper revealed himself to Geist with a proposition: he could restore her youth; all she had to do was drain the essence of the living to sustain herself.<ref name=":0">{{PageRef|name=Lady Geist}}'s background</ref>

Understanding that Oathkeeper likely couldn't be trusted, Lady Geist had a ward built to bind Oathkeeper to her arm shortly after their deal was made. The purpose of the ward was to limit Oathkeeper's influence over Geist, keeping him under control. As the ward was "against the spirit of the bargain," Oathkeeper promised to make Geist suffer if he ever broke free.<ref name=":1">[[The Binding of Oathkeeper]] - [[The Binding of Oathkeeper/Transcription#3c - A New Deal|Chapter 3c]]</ref> Since that day, Oathkeeper has been bound to Geist for roughly 50 years.<ref>[[The Binding of Oathkeeper]] - [[The Binding of Oathkeeper/Transcription#Chapter 1: The Oathkeeper Problem|Chapter 1]] - [[Johann Geist (Jr.)|Johann Jr.]]: ''"How long have you had Oathkeeper trapped in your arm? Thirty years?" -'' {{PageRef|name=Lady Geist}}: ''"Closer to f... 50."''</ref> However, the ward has started to weaken, and it won't be long until he successfully breaks the ward and is released from his prison.<ref name=":0" /> 

Lady Geist's visual novel, ''[[The Binding of Oathkeeper]]'', tells of Lady Geist's story to prevent Oathkeeper from breaking free and killing her. This is also Lady Geist's motivation for participating in the ritual.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Hidden King}}'s in-game [[Lady Geist/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Lady Geist start): ''"Time is running out, Lady Geist. Summon the Hidden King before Oathkeeper breaks free."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Lady Geist}}'s in-game [[Lady Geist/Quotes#Pre-Game|voice line]] (pre-game ping): ''"Soon I'll be free of you, Oathkeeper."''</ref>

Oathkeeper's power comes from him feeding on life. The more youthful and "quality" the life is, the longer Oathkeeper is satiated.<ref name=":1" /> If he is starved, his power drains, which causes Lady Geist to return to her old age. Apparently, Oathkeeper's hunger has become harder to satiate, as a year ago Geist could kill one vagrant to stay youthful throughout Summer,<ref>[[The Binding of Oathkeeper]] - [[The Binding of Oathkeeper/Transcription#3b - Hunger Strike|Chapter 3b]] - Oathkeeper: ''"My power-" -'' {{PageRef|name=Lady Geist}}: ''"Is weakening. You think I haven't noticed? Last year, I could kill a vagrant and enjoy the rest of swimsuit season. Now the same hobo would barely last me a drive to The Hamptons."''</ref> yet in the present day killing three vagrants would only satiate Oathkeeper for 2 months.<ref>[[The Binding of Oathkeeper]] - [[The Binding of Oathkeeper/Transcription#4e - Paying off the Tab|Chapter 4e]] </ref> It's possible for Oathkeeper to be transferred from Lady Geist to a different host, as seen in The Binding of Oathkeeper where Lady Geist pawns off Oathkeeper to [[Maximilian Fairfax]].<ref>[[The Binding of Oathkeeper/Transcription|The Binding of Oathkeeper]] - [[The Binding of Oathkeeper/Transcription#5c - Deal with the Devil|Chapter 5c]]</ref>

The ward binding Oathkeeper was originally constructed by Lady Geist's son, [[Walter Geist]], who did extensive research into Oathkeeper.<ref>[[The Binding of Oathkeeper]] - [[The Binding of Oathkeeper/Transcription#2b - Understanding Oathkeeper|Chapter 2b]]</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Lady Geist|hero2=Grey Talon|number=1}}</ref> The resposibilities of maintaining and upgrading the ward after Walter's death fell to his son, [[Johann Geist Jr.|Johann Geist Jr]], who last upgraded the ward 5 years ago.<ref>[[The Binding of Oathkeeper]] - [[The Binding of Oathkeeper/Transcription#Chapter 1: The Oathkeeper Problem|Chapter 1]] - Johann Jr.: ''"The lock is still intact, but... the ward is getting weaker." -'' {{PageRef|name=Lady Geist}}: ''"You reapplied the ward 5 years ago!"''</ref> According to Lady Geist, the ward acts like a puzzle box that Oathkeeper would be compelled to open, which diverts his attention away from making demands of Geist.<ref>[[The Binding of Oathkeeper]] - [[The Binding of Oathkeeper/Transcription#Chapter 1: The Oathkeeper Problem|Chapter 1]] - {{PageRef|name=Lady Geist}}: ''"Your father described it as a puzzle box that Oathkeeper would be compelled to open... and that the more focus and energy he exerts unraveling the ward the less he has to make demands of me."''</ref> The reason why the ward is failing is because Oathkeeper "got better at multitasking". It isn't possible for Johann Jr. to make a better ward.<ref>[[The Binding of Oathkeeper]] - [[The Binding of Oathkeeper/Transcription#Chapter 1: The Oathkeeper Problem|Chapter 1]] - [[Johann Geist Jr.|Johann Jr.]]: ''"Well, after 50 years, it looks like Oathkeeper got better at multitasking." -'' {{PageRef|name=Lady Geist}}: ''"So build a better ward!" -'' [[Johann Geist Jr.|Johann Jr.]]: ''"I can't."''</ref>

Aside from keeping Oathkeeper under control, the ward also prevents Oathkeeper from interacting with the world outside his prison. Lady Geist can choose when she wants Oathkeeper to see or listen to the outside world.<ref>[[The Binding of Oathkeeper]] - [[The Binding of Oathkeeper/Transcription#4b - Revelation|Chapter 4b]] - {{PageRef|name=Lady Geist}}: ''"Oathkeeper is oblivious to the world outside his prison. I'm supposed to be able to choose when he sees, w-when he speaks, and - and even then, only I can hear him."''</ref> Only Lady Geist can hear Oathkeeper speak, with the main exception of {{PageRef|name=Graves}}.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Lady Geist|hero2=Graves|number=3}}</ref>

Oathkeeper originated from a different realm, coming to Earth after being conjured by the tome {{HeroIcon|Abrams|l1=Detective Abrams}} carries.<ref>[[The Binding of Oathkeeper]] - [[The Binding of Oathkeeper/Transcription#5b - The Binding of Two|Chapter 5b]] - {{PageRef|name=Abrams}}: ''"What is the connection between the tome I carry and the spirit in Lady Geist's arm?" -'' {{PageRef|name=Patron}}: ''"Long ago, the Tome was used to conjure Oathkeeper."''</ref> While it's unknown when Oathkeeper was summoned, he is old friends with {{PageRef|name=Drifter}} and apparently goes "way back" with him,<ref>[[Lady Geist/Quotes#Conversations|Lady Geist and Drifter conversations]]</ref> implying that Oathkeeper was on Earth before the First Maelstrom.

Oathkeeper is described as a "parasite" who needs a host to survive.<ref>[[The Binding of Oathkeeper]] - [[The Binding of Oathkeeper/Transcription|Chapter 5f]] - {{PageRef|name=Lady Geist}}: ''"Parasites like you need a host... and when the ward fails, you'll find no ground to run to."''</ref> 

== Trivia ==

* Oathkeeper is voiced by Matthew Mercer in the visual novel.

== References ==
<references />
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