Nosgoth's early history

"Beyond all hope, and against all probability, it seemed that the device had unerringly delivered me to the era I sought. For these were Sarafan banners - and these vampires, apparently the victims of their crusade. The coincidence seemed too convenient to naively ascribe to Fate - but whether my opportune arrival had been orchestrated by Moebius, or some other influence, I didn’t know. If Janos Audron still lived, I would find him - but I was wary of further deception, and resolved to tread carefully."

- Raziel

The Sarafan era is a significant age in Nosgoth's history; largely characterized by the Vampire hunting crusades of the Sarafan (Nosgoth's early history) and taking place over "centuries" prior to Blood Omen. Five Centuries before Blood Omen, an attack on the Sarafan Stronghold (by both Raziel and Vorador) cost the Sarafan much of their power, effectively leading to the end of the order and it's age. The era is mentioned and seen in cutscene 'flashbacks' in Blood Omen  and is visited in Soul Reaver 2 and Defiance.



' "It was during these dark times infested with the plague of the undead, that the Circle brought the Sarafan to existence. Trained to be devoutly loyal to the Circle, and the perfect exterminators of the undead scourge, they were led to many victories by the righteous paladin, Malek. They cleansed the vampires with fire, and released their souls to more blessed realms. There is no wrath as terrible as that of the righteous."  '

' - ''ancient chronicle in Oracle's Cave. '''

Malek proved to be a capable leader and guardian, leading the (Nosgoth's early history) to many victories. They eradicated the Ancient vampires, leaving Janos Audron as the last living winged Vampire. The Sarafan desired to kill especially him and his "son" Vorador, who lived deep in Termogent Forest. The (Nosgoth's early history) probably didnt find Vorador's Mansion, well hidden in Forest. Another possibility is that Vorador's reputation of sado-hedonist butcher of Humans was enough to scare any vampire hunters away. In some years before -500 (taking year 0 as time of Blood Omen 1, when Pillars collapsed), Raziel with his comrades: Turel, Dumah, Rahab, Zephon and Melchiah joined the Sarafan (Nosgoth's early history). In the following years they were promoted to ranks of the elite Sarafan Warriors Inquisitors with Raziel as their leader. They performed many dangerous missions, most famous of all was an attack on Janos Audron's Retreat. For some unknown reason Rahab wasnt involved in the attack. The deed was done by Raziel and four other Sarafan warriors. They were given Moebius's Staff to aid and protect them. After a long battle, Janos finally succumbed to his injuries and the power of the Staff. Raziel used his blade to rip the Heart of Darkness from the Ancient's chest. The inquisitors took the Reaver and the heart to their stronghold

Soon after the assasination, the stronghold was attacked by Wraith Raziel and the vampire Vorador. Raziel encountered Malek and Moebius in the Blood Reaver's temporary chamber. Moebius's Staff disabled Raziel's wraith blade, forcing him to use the blood reaver against any enemies he would encounter later. In the meantime, six members of the Circle of Nine were slaughtered by Vorador in retaliation for the death of Janos and the Circle's sponsorship of the vampire purge, all while screaming for Malek's help. However, Moebius kept Malek with him for too long, causing him to arrive too late to save the circle, which would also mark the end of Malek's life later.

Wraith Raziel was left alone with the Blood Reaver in his hand. He chose to pursue the Sarafan Inquisitors, slaying all six, providing future corpses for Kain to raise later as his Vampire Lieutenants. Raziel fought his brothers, Melchiah, Zephon, Rahab, Dumah and Turel. Wraith Raziel finally came to confront his Sarafan self, killing him after long and vicious duel, thus making circle of his life complete.

This attack proved fatal to the Sarafan (Nosgoth's early history), six highly ranked Warrior Inqusitors had died, Malek the Paladin had been left disgraced and humiliated from failing to protect the circle and from being defeated in combat by Vorador, and six members of the Circle of the Nine had died. The Sarafan would never fully recover from this.

Initial known events and information (first timeline)

 * At indeterminate points before or at the start of this era, the human Guardians of Balance, Conflict (Malek), Dimension, Energy, the Mind, Nature and States, who will actively serve during Vorador's later attack on the Circle of Nine, are born.


 * At an indeterminate point before or during this era, an unknown seer predicts the future rise of the Legions of the Nemesis.


 * At an indeterminate point before or during this era, a small cult devoted to a mysterious god - connected to tales of human possession - begins operating.


 * Nosgoth's vampire population increases, incurring the attention of the Circle.


 * Headquartered at the Sarafan Stronghold, the Circle of Nine forms and sponsors the monastic Sarafan (Nosgoth's early history) to counter the vampire menace. Malek serves as its leader and general.


 * (~30-40 years before ~0) The human Raziel is born.
 * (During the same approximate timeframe) The humans Dumah, Melchiah, Rahab, Turel and Zephon are born.


 * Dumah, Melchiah, Rahab, Raziel, Turel and Zephon join the Sarafan (Nosgoth's early history), and are trained to be devoutly loyal to the Circle of Nine.
 * The six become the commanding warrior inquisitors of the (Nosgoth's early history).


 * The vampire purge: The Sarafan wage war on Nosgoth's vampires. Malek leads the (Nosgoth's early history) to many victories, killing thousands of the vampire race. Several of Vorador's friends, lovers and vampire children are slain, but he and Janos Audron elude their attacks.


 * Janos Audron is murdered by the Sarafan. His heart, the Heart of Darkness, is ripped from his chest and later pronounced a relic.


 * Icon-BO1.png (~0) The slaughter of the Circle: Vorador fights back against the human Circle of Nine for their sponsorship of the Sarafan, infiltrating the Sarafan Stronghold and killing the Balance, Dimension, Energy, Mind, Nature and States Guardians. He battles, defeats and humiliates their protector, Malek.
 * Six new Guardians are born (variously Anarcrothe, Ariel, Azimuth, Bane, DeJoule and Nupraptor, or unseen predecessors to them).
 * Dumah, Melchiah, Rahab, Raziel, Turel and Zephon die in combat.


 * Icon-BO1.png In Avernus Cathedral, Mortanius punishes Malek for his failure, fusing Malek's soul to a suit of magical armor. Malek is condemned to serve as the unliving Ward of the Circle.


 * The corpses of the six martyred Sarafan warrior inquisitors are interred in the Tomb of the Sarafan.


 * The ongoing vampire purges force Vorador into hiding. He becomes lost to Nosgoth, ensconsing himself in his mansion in the Termogent Forest.


 * (Long before ~450) The Sarafan (Nosgoth's early history) disbands, and their crusade ceases.

Second timeline information and alterations

 * At indeterminate points before or at the start of this era, the human Guardians of Balance, Conflict (Malek), Dimension, Energy, the Mind, Nature and States, who will actively serve during Vorador's later attack on the Circle of Nine, are born.


 * At an indeterminate point before or during this era, a small cult devoted to a mysterious god - connected to tales of human possession - begins operating.


 * Nosgoth's vampire population increases, incurring the attention of the Circle.


 * Headquartered at the Sarafan Stronghold, the Circle of Nine forms and sponsors the monastic Sarafan (Nosgoth's early history) to counter the vampire menace. Malek serves as its leader and general.


 * (~30-40 years before ~0) The human Raziel is born.
 * (During the same approximate timeframe) The humans Dumah, Melchiah, Rahab, Turel and Zephon are born.


 * Dumah, Melchiah, Rahab, Raziel, Turel and Zephon join the Sarafan (Nosgoth's early history), and are trained to be devoutly loyal to the Circle of Nine.
 * The six become the commanding warrior inquisitors of the (Nosgoth's early history).


 * The vampire purge: The Sarafan wage war on Nosgoth's vampires. Malek leads the (Nosgoth's early history) to many victories, killing thousands of the vampire race. Several of Vorador's friends, lovers and vampire children are slain, but he and Janos Audron elude their attacks.


 * Janos Audron is murdered by the Sarafan. His heart, the Heart of Darkness, is ripped from his chest and later pronounced a relic.


 * (~0) The slaughter of the Circle: Vorador fights back against the human Circle of Nine for their sponsorship of the Sarafan, infiltrating the Sarafan Stronghold and killing the Balance, Dimension, Energy, Mind, Nature and States Guardians. He battles, defeats and humiliates their protector, Malek.
 * Six new Guardians are born (variously Anarcrothe, Ariel, Azimuth, Bane, DeJoule and Nupraptor, or unseen predecessors to them).
 * Dumah, Melchiah, Rahab, Raziel, Turel and Zephon die in combat.


 * In Avernus Cathedral, Mortanius punishes Malek for his failure, fusing Malek's soul to a suit of magical armor. Malek is condemned to serve as the unliving Ward of the Circle.


 * The corpses of the six martyred Sarafan warrior inquisitors are interred in the Tomb of the Sarafan.


 * The ongoing vampire purges force Vorador into hiding. He becomes lost to Nosgoth, ensconsing himself in his mansion in the Termogent Forest.


 * (Long before ~450) The Sarafan (Nosgoth's early history) disbands, and their crusade ceases.

Third timeline information and alterations

 * At indeterminate points before or at the start of this era, the human Guardians of Balance, Conflict (Malek), Dimension, Energy, the Mind, Nature and States, who will actively serve during Vorador's later attack on the Circle of Nine, are born.


 * At an indeterminate point before or during this era, a small cult devoted to a mysterious god - connected to tales of human possession - begins operating.


 * Nosgoth's vampire population increases, incurring the attention of the Circle.


 * Headquartered at the Sarafan Stronghold, the Circle of Nine forms and sponsors the monastic Sarafan (Nosgoth's early history) to counter the vampire menace. Malek serves as its leader and general.


 * (~30-40 years before ~0) The human Raziel is born.
 * (During the same approximate timeframe) The humans Dumah, Melchiah, Rahab, Turel and Zephon are born.


 * Dumah, Melchiah, Rahab, Raziel, Turel and Zephon join the Sarafan (Nosgoth's early history), and are trained to be devoutly loyal to the Circle of Nine.
 * The six become the commanding warrior inquisitors of the (Nosgoth's early history).


 * The vampire purge: The Sarafan wage war on Nosgoth's vampires. Malek leads the (Nosgoth's early history) to many victories, killing thousands of the vampire race. Several of Vorador's friends, lovers and vampire children are slain, but he and Janos Audron elude their attacks.


 * (Shortly prior to ~0) The Sarafan warrior inquisitors begin mustering their forces in Uschtenheim, plotting to kill Janos Audron and steal the Reaver. Moebius entrusts his staff to Turel.


 * Icon-SR2.png (~0) → The wraith Raziel emerges from the post-Blood Omen era, and travels to Janos Audron's Retreat. He blazes a trail through the Retreat to its balcony summit.
 * The Elder Kain also emerges from the post-Blood Omen era.
 * Dumah, Melchiah, Raziel, Turel and Zephon silently pursue the wraith Raziel as he progresses.
 * Icon-SR2.png Raziel scales the Retreat, and meets Janos for the first time. They discuss the history of Nosgoth, and Janos tries to present Raziel with the physical Reaver.
 * Icon-SR2.png The Sarafan inquisitors reach Janos's chamber. Janos teleports the wraith Raziel to the Fire Forge before confronting the Sarafan. As they battle, Raziel solves the forge and obtains the Fire Reaver.
 * Icon-SR2.png Janos Audron is murdered by the Sarafan Raziel, who extracts his heart, the Heart of Darkness. As the Retreat collapses, Dumah retrieves the Reaver, and the inquisitors flee back to the Sarafan Stronghold. The wraith Raziel chases them south across Nosgoth, determined to avenge Janos.
 * Icon-SR2.png "Unseen forces" unleash demons against the wraith Raziel to impede his progress. In the Subterranean Pillars Chamber, Raziel meets the Elder God, who proclaims him a failure.
 * Moebius retrieves his staff and the Reaver from the inquisitors, and - aware of impending events - co-ordinates an ambush against the wraith Raziel. He dispatches the inquisitors, unaware of Raziel's identity, throughout the Stronghold to prepare for battle against him.
 * Icon-SR2.png The wraith Raziel returns to the Stronghold, and discovers the Reaver, laid out for him in an antechamber. Moebius and Malek confront him, and Moebius's Staff disables the Wraith Blade, forcing Raziel to wield the physical Reaver. He prepares to fight Malek, but is distracted by sounds of another disturbance nearby.
 * Icon-SR2.png The slaughter of the Circle: Vorador fights back against the human Circle of Nine for their sponsorship of the Sarafan and the murder of Janos, infiltrating the Sarafan Stronghold and killing the Balance, Dimension, Energy, Mind, Nature and States Guardians. Malek attempts to rush to the Circle's protection, but is delayed by Moebius's instruction to keep Raziel at bay. Malek and Moebius trap Raziel, and Malek runs to confront Vorador, but is too late. Vorador defeats and humiliates him in combat.
 * Six new Guardians are born (variously Anarcrothe, Ariel, Azimuth, Bane, DeJoule and Nupraptor, or unseen predecessors to them).
 * Icon-SR2.png Forced to proceed through the Stronghold, the wraith Raziel uses the Reaver to systematically slay Melchiah, Zephon, Rahab, Dumah and Turel respectively.
 * Icon-SR2.png Raziel confronts and kills his former, Sarafan self with the Reaver in the Chapter House.
 * Icon-SR2.png The third paradox : The Wraith Blade returns, embracing the Reaver, and exerts its own will, turning on Raziel. Raziel is impaled on the Reaver, his soul being drawn into the physical weapon. A Reaver-convergence begins.
 * »»» This timeline is derailed and dies, spawning the altered fourth timeline. <font color="#3D54CC">»»»»
 * The Reaver completely consumes the wraith Raziel. Now imbued with his soul-devouring essence, it is henceforth known as the Soul Reaver.


 * In Avernus Cathedral, Mortanius punishes Malek for his failure, fusing Malek's soul to a suit of magical armor. Malek is condemned to serve as the unliving Ward of the Circle.


 * The corpses of the six martyred Sarafan warrior inquisitors are interred in the Tomb of the Sarafan.


 * The ongoing vampire purges force Vorador into hiding. He becomes lost to Nosgoth, ensconsing himself in his mansion in the Termogent Forest.


 * <font color="9AA9FE">(Long before ~450) The Sarafan (Nosgoth's early history) disbands, and their crusade ceases.

Fourth timeline information and alterations

 * At indeterminate points before or at the start of this era, the human Guardians of Balance, Conflict (Malek), Dimension, Energy, the Mind, Nature and States, who will actively serve during Vorador's later attack on the Circle of Nine, are born.


 * At an indeterminate point before or during this era, a small cult devoted to a mysterious god - connected to tales of human possession - begins operating.


 * Nosgoth's vampire population increases, incurring the attention of the Circle.


 * Headquartered at the Sarafan Stronghold, the Circle of Nine forms and sponsors the monastic Sarafan (Nosgoth's early history) to counter the vampire menace. Malek serves as its leader and general.


 * <font color="9AA9FE">(~30-40 years before ~0) The human Raziel is born.
 * <font color="9AA9FE">(During the same approximate timeframe) The humans Dumah, Melchiah, Rahab, Turel and Zephon are born.


 * Dumah, Melchiah, Rahab, Raziel, Turel and Zephon join the Sarafan (Nosgoth's early history), and are trained to be devoutly loyal to the Circle of Nine.
 * The six become the commanding warrior inquisitors of the (Nosgoth's early history).


 * The vampire purge: The Sarafan wage war on Nosgoth's vampires. Malek leads the (Nosgoth's early history) to many victories, killing thousands of the vampire race. Several of Vorador's friends, lovers and vampire children are slain, but he and Janos Audron elude their attacks.


 * <font color="9AA9FE">(Shortly prior to ~0) The Sarafan warrior inquisitors begin mustering their forces in Uschtenheim, plotting to kill Janos Audron and steal the Reaver. Moebius entrusts his staff to Turel.


 * <font color="9AA9FE">(~0) <font color="#7636A8">→ The wraith Raziel emerges from the post-Blood Omen era, and travels to Janos Audron's Retreat. He blazes a trail through the Retreat to its balcony summit.
 * The Elder Kain also emerges from the post-Blood Omen era.
 * Dumah, Melchiah, Raziel, Turel and Zephon silently pursue the wraith Raziel as he progresses.
 * Raziel scales the Retreat, and meets Janos for the first time. They discuss the history of Nosgoth, and Janos tries to present Raziel with the physical Reaver.
 * The Sarafan inquisitors reach Janos's chamber. Janos teleports the wraith Raziel to the Fire Forge before confronting the Sarafan. As they battle, Raziel solves the forge and obtains the Fire Reaver.
 * Janos Audron is murdered by the Sarafan Raziel, who extracts his heart, the Heart of Darkness. As the Retreat collapses, Dumah retrieves the Reaver, and the inquisitors flee back to the Sarafan Stronghold. The wraith Raziel chases them south across Nosgoth, determined to avenge Janos.
 * "Unseen forces" unleash demons against the wraith Raziel to impede his progress. In the Subterranean Pillars Chamber, Raziel meets the Elder God, who proclaims him a failure.
 * Moebius retrieves his staff and the Reaver from the inquisitors, and - aware of impending events - co-ordinates an ambush against the wraith Raziel. He dispatches the inquisitors, unaware of Raziel's identity, throughout the Stronghold to prepare for battle against him.
 * The wraith Raziel returns to the Stronghold, and discovers the Reaver, laid out for him in an antechamber. Moebius and Malek confront him, and Moebius's Staff disables the Wraith Blade, forcing Raziel to wield the physical Reaver. He prepares to fight Malek, but is distracted by sounds of another disturbance nearby.
 * The slaughter of the Circle: Vorador fights back against the human Circle of Nine for their sponsorship of the Sarafan and the murder of Janos, infiltrating the Sarafan Stronghold and killing the Balance, Dimension, Energy, Mind, Nature and States Guardians. Malek attempts to rush to the Circle's protection, but is delayed by Moebius's instruction to keep Raziel at bay. Malek and Moebius trap Raziel, and Malek runs to confront Vorador, but is too late. Vorador defeats and humiliates him in combat.
 * Six new Guardians are born (variously Anarcrothe, Ariel, Azimuth, Bane, DeJoule and Nupraptor, or unseen predecessors to them).
 * Forced to proceed through the Stronghold, the wraith Raziel uses the Reaver to systematically slay Melchiah, Zephon, Rahab, Dumah and Turel respectively.
 * Raziel confronts and kills his former, Sarafan self with the Reaver in the Chapter House.
 * The <font color="#FFFF00">third paradox : The Wraith Blade returns, embracing the Reaver, and exerts its own will, turning on Raziel. Raziel is impaled on the Reaver, his soul being drawn into the physical weapon.
 * Icon-SR2.png The Elder Kain emerges, and tears the Reaver from Raziel's chest just before it can fully consume him. Kain frantically warns Raziel not to resurrect Janos Audron, but Raziel sinks into the Spectral Realm, and remains in the Underworld for five centuries. <font color="#A83636">→


 * In Avernus Cathedral, Mortanius punishes Malek for his failure, fusing Malek's soul to a suit of magical armor. Malek is condemned to serve as the unliving Ward of the Circle.


 * The corpses of the six martyred Sarafan warrior inquisitors are interred in the Tomb of the Sarafan.


 * <font color="9AA9FE">("A few years" after ~0) Now armed with the unimbued Reaver, the Elder Kain searches for Raziel. Reflecting on his own history, he slaughters a number of Sarafan troops in a field near the Stronghold, and begins his infiltration of the building.
 * Icon-Defiance.png Kain makes his way through the Stronghold, finds the Balance Emblem's Balance fragment, and confronts Moebius in an underground chamber. Using his staff, Moebius incapacitates Kain, and unleashes shades against him.
 * Icon-Defiance.png Kain finds the Flame fragment, and pursues Moebius to his tower. He interrogates Moebius to discern Raziel's location. Moebius advises him that Raziel is dangerous, and tells him to go west of the Pillars for evidence.
 * Icon-Defiance.png Kain travels to the Pillars region, where he obtains the Dimension fragment, and reveals the Vampire Citadel.
 * Icon-Defiance.png In the Citadel, Kain discovers images portraying the vampire and Hylden champions, depicting the vampire hero's fall. He fights the feral humans guarding the ruins, and obtains the Lightning fragment.
 * Icon-Defiance.png Continuing, Kain finds murals depicting the human Guardians' revolt, and two possible outcomes to the champions' battle. He obtains the Time fragment, and uses the complete Balance Emblem to unlock a chamber at the heart of the Citadel, where he meets the oracle of the ancient vampires (the Elder God). Purporting to assist him in stopping Raziel, the Elder transports Kain to the Blood Omen era. <font color="#A83636">→


 * <font color="9AA9FE">("Centuries" before the Blood Omen era) Janos Audron's heart is taken to Avernus Cathedral, where it is formally christened "the Heart of Darkness". The vampires' enemies hide it away. Vorador repeatedly tries to recover the Heart over the centuries, but never succeeds.


 * The ongoing vampire purges force Vorador into hiding. He becomes lost to Nosgoth, ensconsing himself in his mansion in the Termogent Forest.


 * Vorador retrieves Janos's body from the rubble of the Retreat, and takes it to his mansion, where it is enshrined and protected in a dedicated crypt.


 * <font color="9AA9FE">(Long before ~450) The Sarafan (Nosgoth's early history) disbands, and their crusade ceases.