Quirrel (film)

Quirrel is an animated film by ThatIsAPirate, taking place in the same universe as Blood Wasp, Vessel of Blood, and more. It features the adventures of a curious bug known as Quirrel, and his travels before his venture into Hallownest.

Timeline
Quirrel takes place long before Blood Wasp and Vessel of Blood. The exact era is unknown, but it is presumably before the fall of Hallownest.

Story
The film begins a long time ago, with a training scene with Quirrel in the kingdom of Hallownest. He fights against Royefin, a large club-wielding guardian sent to protect Fog Canyon, as well as his best friend. They are interrupted by their master, Monomon the Teacher. Monomon requests to see Quirrel, who then visits the Teacher’s Archives. Quirrel is told of an issue occurring within the kingdom: a large plague from a mysterious being has been growing, overpowering and controlling insects, as well as possessing dead corpses and turning them into mindless husks. To keep the Infection at bay, the ruling figure of Hallownest, known as the Pale King, has called for three strong insects willing to sacrifice their bodies to keep a seal on the Infection. Monomon knew it was her duty to protect the kingdom. Aware of the Infection, Monomon now sends Quirrel away to keep her apprentice safe. Even though it’s against his will, Quirrel knows of his destiny, and what he must do to protect not only his friends, but the entire kingdom. Before departure, he says goodbye to Monomon, Royefin, and his other friends. He is given one last trinket: Monomon’s mask. He then moves up to the town of Dirtmouth, taking a stag from the Queen's Station. He exits through the King’s Pass, a large bridge leading out of Hallownest, and eventually makes it out to the vast world.

Following the flashback dream, Quirrel awakens in his bed in a small hut. He speaks with Conch, the mayor of Windtown, where Quirrel currently lives. There has been a recent food shortage, with reports of a large beast eating up the crops of the village’s farm. Quirrel goes to investigate the farm, where he speaks with the owner of the farm, Montag. Quirrel moves forward, outside the town, to investigate. He discovers a large cave inhabited by a massive butterfly. Quirrel fights the large beast responsible for the missing food, and eventually overcomes it. On his way home, he falls into a large cavern that happens to be a home to thousands of beings. The cavern conceals a large kingdom known as “Othopis.” Taking a detour from his journey, Quirrel enters the kingdom out of curiosity. He is greeted by the Scorpion Tribe, a tribe full of scorpion creatures that are much larger than Quirrel. The Scorpion Tribe are the hunters of Othopis: the top of the food chain, and the mightiest of warriors. He learns of a large conflict between the Scorpion Tribe and the Wasps of Othopis, a group of deadly creatures that live on the other side of the kingdom. The Scorpions prepare for their next major battle at the heart of the kingdom, in a town known as Ellston. Quirrel joins the battle to aid them, but their numbers are brought down significantly. The Wasps overwhelm them, and the Scorpions retreat. Wanting to put an end to this conflict, Quirrel returns to Windtown to gather villagers willing to help the neighboring Scorpions.

Montag and a group of others join Quirrel, and the group returns to Othopis. Unfortunately, during their departure, many butterflies attack Windtown in revenge of the death of their brother. After hearing of the news, Montag and Quirrel return home to see their town in ruins. They chase after the butterflies which lead them back into Othopis. Quirrel, now fighting two wars on different ends, must overcome the chaos and save his friends.