Blade of Vengeance

Blade of Vengeance
Walkthrough article
Raziel races to save Janos.
Game(s)	Soul Reaver 2 (2001)

"Embrace your destiny, Raziel...
You must reclaim the Reaver – it was forged for you and you alone...
Without it, there is no hope..."

―Janos Audron — Listen (file info)

Blade of Vengeance or Chapter 9: Blade of Vengeance is the ninth "level", or chapter, of Soul Reaver 2. It opens with Raziel witnessing the death of Janos Audron in his retreat and follows Raziel as he pursues the Sarafan commanders responsible for the act to the Sarafan Stronghold and confronts them.

Profile

• Name: Chapter 9 - Blade of Vengeance
• Classification: Soul Reaver 2 chapters
• Game: Soul Reaver 2
• Protagonist • Raziel
• Objectives: • Discover the identities of the Sarafan commanders • Pursue the Sarafan to the Sarafan Stronghold• Defeat the Demons • Gain entry to the stronghold • Recover the Reaver • Take vengeance on the inquisitors
• Setpieces: • Janos Audron's Retreat • Uschtenheim • The Swamp • The Subterranean Ruins (The Subterranean Pillars Chamber) • The Pillars of Nosgoth (The Pillars • The Shrine) • The Great Southern Lake • The Sarafan Stronghold (The Cloister • The Sanctuary)
• Era: • Nosgoth's early history
• Timeline: • The third timeline
• Objects: • The Soul Reaver
• Preceded by: Vampire Interview
• Followed by: Epilogue: The Final Confrontation

Plot

Having completed the Fire Forge and gained the Fire Reaver in the previous chapter, Raziel used the new enhancement to open the sealed door barring his way into Janos's chambers. He arrived to find the Sarafan commanders surrounding a fallen Janos Audron rendered helpless with the use of Moebius's Staff and was powerless to stop them as the lead inquisitor tore out Janos's heart.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9]}

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As the inquisitor held the grisly trophy aloft, Raziel caught a clear sight of his face and realised that the lead inquisitor was his former human self, accompanied by his brothers Turel, Dumah, Zephon and Melchiah - a group Raziel had recently lionized and revered. As the two incarnations of Raziel locked eyes, a tremor shook the building and the Sarafan retreated taking the Reaver blade with them.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9]}

Raziel descended to Janos's body, finding the ancient vampire barely clinging to life. Janos reiterated his belief in Raziel and his willingness to die to have saved him. Encouraging Raziel to reclaim to Reaver, Janos revealed before he died that it was forged for Raziel alone. As Raziel backed away from Janos's corpse he rejected his previous beliefs and pledged to honour Janos, resolving to pursue the Sarafan to their stronghold, avenge Janos's murder, retake the Reaver and - recognising the supposed ability of the 'Heart of Darkness' to restore vampire unlife - Raziel finally sought to reclaim the Janos's heart, hoping to restore Janos himself. Raziel left the retreat by jumping from the balcony and Janos Audron's Retreat collapsed behind him.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9]}

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As Raziel journeyed back through Nosgoth, he was confronted by various Demons who taunted him about his destiny. Recognising that they from centuries in the future, Raziel surmised that they were "minions of the unseen forces" that Kain had warned him about and their attempts to stop him were a signal of their "displeasure" at his actions.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9]}

As he made his way through the Subterranean Ruins, Raziel again confronted the Elder God in the Subterranean Pillars Chamber. This time with a tone of "ominous finality", the Elder simply lamented that Raziel had failed it, whereas Raziel asserted his independence, voicing his doubts that the Elder was responsible for his resurrection at all. ^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9]}

After fighting his way back to the Sarafan Stronghold, Raziel was able to use the Fire Reaver on a Fire Plinth to melt the Ice on the surface of the Great Southern Lake and gain entry to the building.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9]}

Soon after, Raziel unexpectedly found the Reaver laid across his path in a small antechamber, but instead of the usual temporal distortion, Raziel felt only the "nameless dread" he had when Janos presented the blade to him. As he studied the blade he was interrupted by Moebius and Malek - with Moebius's Staff disabling the Wraith Blade. Cornered by the two, Raziel debated his destiny with Moebius before the unmistakeable voice of Vorador rang out, indicating the imminent Slaughter of the Circle. With Malek persuaded by Moebius to Raziel was a greater threat, they remained present until Raziel - devoid of any other weapons - grasped the Reaver, prompting Malek and Moebius to leave and bolt the exit on their way. Raziel soon realised that he had become bound to the blade, unable to let go of the Reaver or put it down, but with his strength sustained indefinitely - preventing him from taking damage or Shifting into the Spectral Realm.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9]}

Forced into another path through the stronghold away from the Circle's gathering-room and the slaughter taking place there, Raziel found that he was being channelled into facing the greatest threats of the Sarafan - the Sarafan commanders. As he reached the Cloister he was confronted by Melchiah and Zephon. Quickly dispatching the two Raziel recognised that the Reaver had now made him virtually invincible, and privately he began to appreciate Kain's choice of lieutenants for his empire - realising that despite his initial outrage at the Tomb of the Sarafan, he had always been responsible for their deaths in the first place.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9]}

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As he continued through the stronghold he was next ambushed by Rahab and Dumah in the Sanctuary area, and then by Turel in the chapel - each fell before the power of the blade - with Raziel taking particular pleasure at the death of Turel who had eluded his vengeance in the events of Soul Reaver. Finally Raziel made his way to the Chapter House and a final confrontation with the human Sarafan Raziel.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9]}

Walkthrough

Janos Audron's Retreat

The exterior of Janos Audron's retreat

After dropping in the lake outside Janos Audron's Retreat it was necessary for Raziel to swim directly upward to the hole in the ice above him and climb out onto the frozen lake. Heading south, he could crouch-jump to the island with Sarafan banners and glide across to the island with the broken staircase, before gliding to the southern-most island and from there to the terrace at the edge of the lake. As he headed down the small staircase Raziel would be confronted by two Gas demons who erected Combat barriers and taunted him about his destiny. Defeating the two would drop the barriers and enable him to travel further south into the mountains.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)]}

Uschtenheim

As Raziel continued along the path another set of Demons would ambush him, with two Acid demons raising barriers and attacking - again requiring Raziel to defeat them to progress. Once he had dispatched the Acid demons Raziel could continue to follow the trail as it dropped down into a wide open area. Here he was again confronted by Demons that taunted him - this time by three Lightning Demons and their barriers. Attacking them with the Wraith Blade and using the powers of the Reaver bar allowed him to defeat them quickly, dropping the barriers and allowing him to re-imbue the Fire Reaver from the nearby Fire Reaver font if necessary. Climbing the western wall, Raziel could make his way along the passage to the entrance to Uschtenheim, fighting or evading a group of Sarafan warrior swordsmen and a sorceress along the way.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)]}

northern Uschtenheim

As Raziel entered Uschtenheim the village would be blocked of by Fire barriers and three Fire demons would spawn within in addition to the five Sarafan already present in the village. Generally the enemies would split into three groups, each with conflicting enemies, allowing Raziel to choose to attack with the wraith blade quickly or keep his distance and pick off the survivors (remaining wary that if he got to close all of the enemies would turn on him) - a Fire demon fought with a pikeman and a swordsman in the north, another fought two pikemen in the center near the church, while a third fought a swordsman to the south in front of the exit. Raziel could take cover within the small church and once the demons were defeated use the save altar there before re-imbuing the Fire Reaver at a font in front of the church and moving on to the south to use the lever to raise the gate and allow him to leave the hamlet.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)]}

In the next clearing four Sarafan warriors waited below a high ledge, but as soon as Raziel dropped down two fire demons would spawn and raise combat barriers. Again Raziel could choose to attack quickly with the wraith blade or return up the slope and wait for the demons and Sarafan to fight among themselves and pick off the weakened victor, this time he could use the overlook to his advantage and fire Reaver bolts at the enemies below. Once the demons were defeated, Raziel could progress to the platforms on the other side and jump up to face or evade a swordsman and a sorceress before moving onto the next clearing. At this overlook, Raziel would be confronted by a powerful Black demon, again using combat barriers and taunting him. Using Reaver bolts and dropping down and using the wraith blade against it, Raziel could defeat the demon and drop the barriers, allowing him to reach the passage to the swamp, again imbuing the Fire Reaver at the nearby font if necessary.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)]}

The Swamp

Dropping down and taking the southeast path, Raziel would be confronted by three Sarafan warriors as he passed a checkpoint. Confronting or evading them he could continue further south, passing another three Sarafan on his way to the save altar in the east of the swamp. As he embarked upon the watery areas of the swamp, Raziel could choose to imbue the Air Reaver at a nearby font to run through the water, or keep his Fire Reaver and jump across the islands - either way he would be confronted by another Sarafan as he left the clearing and four more as he moved around the turning to the northern gate. As he passed under the Dark forge balcony, another set of combat barriers would be raised leaving Raziel trapped with another taunting Black demon. After defeating it he could jump down the shaft inside the building in the south and reach the Subterranean Ruins.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)]}

The Subterranean Ruins

The drained statue chamber

When he reached the bottom of the shaft Raziel would be confronted by a shade and, killing or evading it, he could continue heading southwest, dropping down to the Air plinth at the bottom of the cavern. Dealing with several more shades here, he could continue to the southwest following the stairs and crouch-jump up to a higher platform where he would encounter more shades, before descending to the cavern entrance where three more shades awaited.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)]}

As Raziel reached the statue room he found the water completely drained and a pair of Acid demons warped in to confront him. Killing or evading them, he could then proceed to the alcove in the northwestern wall where a air font was positioned and another pair of acid demons would warp in. Jumping to the alcove to imbue the Air Reaver and returning to the base of the statue to activate the Air plinth, Raziel could then glide up on the updraft created to reach a platform near the top of the statue and then use the climbing wall to reach the summit of the statue. From there he could jump to the north west to a platform jutting from the wall and follow it around the top of the chamber, jumping to the platform in the western corner then to the balcony along southwest wall and on to the platform in the south to re-imbue the Fire Reaver at the font, before jumping back to the balcony, jumping up the platform behind it and continuing up the climbing wall in the southeast of the room above. At the top Raziel would be confronted by several shades, but could easily dispatch or evade them and follow the path as it headed towards the southwest before winding down around a pool of water. Jumping in the water, Raziel could swim through the underwater tunnel westward to reach the Subterranean Pillars Chamber.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)]}

The early Subterranean Pillars Chamber

Swimming past the Elder God and surfacing to meet him, Raziel could soon visit the Save altar in the north of the room before continuing to the south and up the staircase, bypassing or dispatching several shades along the way. Following the passage as it headed north and westward, Raziel would be confronted by two acid demons at the bend in the trail and another two in the wider cavern area, each accompanied by several shades, however none was using demon barriers so it was possible to avoid them and head straight for the exit to reach the sealed door leading to the end of the Pillars area.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)]}

The Pillars

Once through the sealed door Raziel could head forward to the checkpoint where three shades would attack him, but they could be easily avoided or dispatched. Heading up the stepped path, he could follow the trail as it twisted back towards the pillars and dropped down into the Pillars clearing itself. As Raziel made his way across the clearing to the battlement doors, demon barriers would raise and he would be faced by three Black demons who taunted him. Using a combination of a charged wraith blade, long distance Reaver bolts and using the pillars for cover (if necessary using them in the same capacity to help him consume souls in the Spectral Realm), Raziel was able to defeat the demons and drop the barriers allowing him to progress through the battlement doors.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)]}

The pristine Pillars

Proceeding through the doors Raziel would be confronted by a group of Sarafan warriors which he could dispatch or evade at will. Following the trail around towards the top of the Shrine area, another group would confront him before he reached the top of the bridge - which was yet to be built in this era (usage of a nearby air plinth was necessary to return to the pillars section). Dropping down, Raziel could follow the river south passing a checkpoint and another group of Sarafan, and down the waterfall to the Shrine construction where he would be confronted by two pikemen and a sorceress.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)]}

Defeating or evading them, Raziel could follow the trail and the river east as it led over a bridge away from the shrine - with another fire font positioned under the bridge if necessary. A group of Sarafan would ambush Raziel here and as he progressed further along and another set would attack at the bend in the trail. Continuing to head east, Raziel would soon reach a high overlook where he could drop down to the icy Great Southern Lake.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)]}

The top of the Shrine area

The Great Southern Lake

If Raziel did not possess the Fire Reaver at this point, then it was necessary for him to head east across the frozen lake to a Fire Reaver font on an outcrop on the southern bank, clearing various Sarafan troops along the way - including several sorceresses who would flee when damaged and shoot bolts from afar. Returning to the western bank and down the western trail Raziel could use the final save altar before returning to the lake and the dock entrance to the Sarafan stronghold. A Fire Plinth on the west bank allowed Raziel to melt a section of ice just in front of the door.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)]}

The Southern lake with melted Sarafan dock entrance

Once this way done, Raziel could cross the ice again to reach a light font on a platform on the northern bank, clearing the Sarafan along the way and crouch-jumping to reach it and imbue the Light Reaver. Armed with the Light Reaver and the nearby Sarafan dispatched, Raziel could shoot a Light Reaver bolt at the Light crystal atop the dock doorway, opening the doors and allowing him to swim inside the dock and enter the Sarafan Stronghold.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)]}

The Sarafan Stronghold

Swimming inside the stronghold dock, Raziel would immediately be attacked by four sorceresses firing bolts at him from either side of the dock. Climbing out to the western side, Raziel could dispatch those on this side if necessary, before following the passage in the southwest and defeating the two swordsmen waiting in the corridor and progressing through the doorway at the end of the passage. In the next small antechamber, Raziel would be confronted by two swordsmen and a sorceress and forced into combat as portcullises shut the exits, requiring him to defeat the enemies before moving on. Once Raziel had dispatched these foes the southern exit opened leading him down another corridor. With the southern corridor exit barred, Raziel was forced into the eastern door into a small antechamber where he was able to recover the Reaver after a confrontation with Moebius and Malek.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)]}

• The Reaver: "The sword's power is at its height, and it sustains Raziel, healing any damage in seconds and forcing him to remain in the Material Plane. The vampiric blade also drains the blood of its fallen enemies."^{[Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)]}

Exiting through the eastern door, Raziel found himself in the Cloister where the exits were shut and he was confronted by the first of the Sarafan commanders - the Sarafan knights Melchiah and Zephon.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)]}

The early Cloister

Made virtually invincible by the Reaver, Raziel's health did not drain and he was unable to shift into the Spectral Realm or put down the blade, however the aggressive attacking and stout defending of the inquisitors still made the battle something of a challenge. To defeat them it was necessary to evade their lunging strikes and to block and counter - keeping them together so they could not attack from two sides. Once they were defeated Raziel could move on, heading through the corridor on the north wall to reach the Sanctuary cathedral area and an enclosed confrontation with the Sarafan knights Rahab and Dumah.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)]}

As before Raziel was impervious to harm , but the aggressive style of the inquisitors could still make this battle challenging, so it was best to block and counter their attacks until they had taken enough damage to be put down. After they were defeated Raziel could move north through the Sanctuary area into the raised gated choir where he would be faced with the inquisitor Turel.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)]}

The Sanctuary transept and choir

With Turel facing Raziel unaccompanied, he represented a step up in terms of strength but lacked the opportunity to double team, and with Raziel made invincible by the Reaver, the same tactics as before would eventually pay dues and Turel would be dispatched. With Turel defeated the portcullis barring the southern door would rise, allowing Raziel to pass through the corridor and onto the Chapter House and his final battle.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)]}

Conclusions

• Janos Audron has been killed by the Sarafan - as in the legends of the event, this was achieved by tearing out Janos's heart - the item, later known as the Heart of Darkness, is reputed to have the power to restore vampiric unlife.^{[Soul Reaver 2/9][Blood Omen][Blood Omen/2][Blood Omen/7][Soul Reaver 2/1]}
• The high ranking Sarafan commanders were responsible for the murder of Janos. The human incarnations of Melchiah, Zephon, Dumah, Turel and Raziel were in the group that stormed Janos Audron's Retreat and the human Raziel personally committed the deed - (wraith) Raziel has realised their identities.^{[Soul Reaver 2/9]}
• The Sarafan used Moebius's Staff to subdue the ancient vampire, allowing them to extract the heart.^{[Soul Reaver 2/9]}
• The Inquisitors stole both the Heart of Darkness and the Reaver at this time.^{[Soul Reaver 2/9]}
• Demons are not just the product of Nosgoth's future damnation but can be called to serve those plotting against Raziel and Kain - their masters arecnot revealed at this time.^{[Soul Reaver 2/9]}
• Raziel has used the Fire Reaver to infiltrate the Sarafan Stronghold, intending to recover both the Reaver and the Heart of Darkness - and use the powers of the latter to revive Janos himself. Raziel's infiltration coincides with that of Vorador and the legendary Slaughter of the Circle - now revealed to be a direct response to the murder of Janos.^{[Soul Reaver 2/9][Blood Omen][Blood Omen/1][Blood Omen/6][Soul Reaver 2/1]}
• Malek was delayed from saving the members of the Circle of Nine by the insistence of Moebius that Raziel is a greater threat.^{[Soul Reaver 2/9]}
• Raziel has recovered the Reaver - which Janos claimed was forged solely for him. The blade has bound itself to Raziel, making him invincible and preventing him from Shifting into the Spectral Realm or devouring Souls.^{[Soul Reaver 2/9]}
• Raziel has confronted and killed the Sarafan inquisitors Melchiah, Zephon, Rahab, Dumah and Turel - Turel's death is particularly appreciated by Raziel who comments on the vampire Turel's absence from the events of Soul Reaver. Raziel now understands the "blasphemous private joke" made by Kain in his choice of lieutenants for his empire.^{[Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver][Soul Reaver/9]}

Behind the scenes

• The original Soul Reaver 2 cutscene...
• ...was altered to match...
• ...The Soul Reaver Chronoplast visions

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During development the Soul Reaver 2 team specifically intended to avoid the traditional level/boss structure of videogames, instead punctuating the action with what director Andrew Bennett called "epic sequences". This is achieved through most of the game by plot heavy cinematic sequences and puzzle heavy forge areas with specific unlocks gained.^{[Soul Reaver 2]} Blade of Vengeance perhaps comes closest to videogame convention, with the entire chapter essentially being a 'rush' of increasingly challenging enemies, starting with various Demons and building up to pseudo-boss battles against the Sarafan commanders, with final encounters with Melchiah and Zephon, Rahab and Dumah, and Turel before facing the final 'boss' in the next chapter.^{[Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver 2/Epilogue]}

Notably neither Malek nor Rahab is present at the death of Janos. While Malek's absence is perhaps plot-related and understandable with his duties as leading Sarafan and protector of the circle, Rahab's absence was in actuality due to performance issues - as Daniel Cabuco explained:

"Rahab was there.. but we ran into a performance issue with having Raziel, Janos, human Raz, and all the lieutenants on screen at the same time. So we had to cut one.. We picked Rahab at random."

―Daniel Cabuco

The final sequence of Janos Audron's Retreat, which shows Raziel observing looking down from the balcony holding the Fire Reaver greatly resembles the final window of the Chronoplast visions seen in the Chronoplast in the final chapters of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver.^{[Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver/15]} The scene from Soul Reaver was originally intended to depict Raziel with the Amplified Reaver looking down from the Pinnacle of the Silenced Cathedral, having opened the sounding pipes to destroy the Vampires of Kain's empire - these events were ultimately cut from Soul Reaver and included in the Chronoplast sequence as 'visions of a potential future'. Soul Reaver 2 was the first to actively re-integrate the events into the time-stream with the sequence from the end of Janos Audron's retreat actually remodelled to more closely match the scene shown in the Chronplast visions - the original scene is still present in game files and can be observed by re-entering and exiting Janos chambers using Debug menus or other methods.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9]} Other scenes from the visions would be re-integrated in Legacy of Kain: Defiance.^[Defiance]

Malek fighting Raziel with the aid of Debug menu tricks

Manipulation of the Debug menu reveals several interesting effects that shed light on the development process:

• Re-entering the Reaver antechamber repeatedly after triggering the cornered in the stronghold cutscene allows Malek to be fought as a regular enemy, revealing that he does have a form of combat AI, despite being seen only in a single cutscene (by comparison, Moebius does not). Presumably this is due to Malek being at least partially copied from the other inquisitors.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9]}
• Following on from this, the other inquisitors can also be fought without the use of the Reaver and its healing powers. The battles with the inquisitors are the only place where Pikes can be seen in game, and they can only be retrieved if Raziel is not armed with the Reaver. Their listing as a weapon type in the Prima guide and the naming of the Vampire hunter pikemen and Sarafan warrior pikemen perhaps suggests the weapon was originally intended to be seen more often in the title before its usage was restricted to the inquisitors.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)]}
• It is also possible to shift to Spectral Realm using debug menus or other tricks - which is not usually possible in the Sarafan Stronghold sequences because of Raziel's possession of the Reaver - this reveals that the spectral realm is notably quieter, with fewer Planar portals, virtually no spectral enemies and less spectral terrain morphing - arguably this is due to its inaccessibility in the course of the regular game, rendering such additions unnecessary.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9]}

Notes

Janos's private chambers

• Soul Reaver 2 is not formally divided into chapters or levels in-game.^{[Soul Reaver 2]} The chapter names and definitions used at the Legacy of Kain Wiki originate from the supplementary Prima Guide, Soul Reaver 2: Prima's Official Strategy Guide^{[Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)]}
• The dialogue transcripts used in this article are, wherever possible, adapted directly from the Dark Chronicle summary transcripts available in game. Scenes not included in the Dark Chronicle feature are instead adapted from Tenaya's transcript of Soul Reaver 2 at Nosgothic Realm - itself derived from the Dark Chronicle and an official game script provided by Crystal Dynamics' Kyle Mannerberg.^{[Soul Reaver 2]}
• The interior of Janos's private chambers is only shown in cutscenes and cannot be visited in normal gameplay, however it is possible to explore using fly codes or hacked savegames. This reveals the chamber as much more 'homely' and 'warmer' than the surrounding areas with none of the ice seen in other areas. Interesting features included an open fireplace and chimney with an unusual depiction of a bearded figure above the mantelpiece, a balcony above the external lake, several Reaver icons (and the Reaver itself), two busts of Janos and a large basin filled with Blood flanked by two sculptures resembling goats.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/8][Soul Reaver 2/9]}

The Black demon class

• Of the Demons encountered in this chapter, the Acid demons are the only ones without any associated cutscenes or specific dialogue, although their generic taunts can be heard. By contrast, Black demons have three separate cutscenes with specific dialogue. None of the Demon dialogue appears in the original scripts.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9]}
• It is never explicitly confirmed who the Demons seen in this chapter work for - possible candidates include Moebius and the Elder God with their access to the Time-stream. However, revelations in subsequent titles may implicate the Hylden - who reside in the Demon Realm, command demons and have some form of (unclear) access to the time-stream.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Blood Omen 2][Defiance]}
• Soul Reaver 2: Prima's Official Strategy Guide suggests that at least one of the Fire demons in Uschtenheim will spawn Groundlings - however this is unconfirmed.^{[Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)][Soul Reaver 2]}

Raziel using the unique Fire plinth

• This chapter marks the first (and only) appearance of Black demons in the series, although no less than five individual demons are seen. This sub-species of demon is not seen in the supposedly native era of the demons in the Era following Blood Omen and with more cutscenes than other demons they appear more talkative than their fellow demons. Though Black demons are not seen again, the Fire demons of Legacy of Kain: Defiance seem to inherit several of the characteristics of the Black demons.^{[Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver 2/5][Defiance]}
• This chapter features the only usages of the Fire Reaver in Soul Reaver 2, where it is initially used to breach a sealed door, then later used on a unique Fire Plinth to melt the Ice covering the Great Southern Lake and allow the Sarafan Stronghold doors to be opened.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/9]} It is unclear whether further applications were planned for the Fire Reaver enhancement but a separate Fire Reaver augmentation was planned to be included but was ultimately removed. The augmentation abilities were ultimately implemented in Defiance as the Charged attack and Reaver spell of the more permanent Fire Reaver.^[Defiance]

The unique souls of the inquisitors

• In "Vampire Interview", Janos commented that the Reaver was "infused... with vampiric energy, empowering the Reaver to drain our enemies of their precious lifeblood" - it can be observed doing just that do the Sarafan commanders, however perhaps tellingly it does not consume their souls. The souls of the inquisitors are notably unique among those of the game, appearing as blue spheres. Even with the aid of debug menu effects, they cannot be consumed or seen in the Spectral Realm as they quickly rise away - presumably due to their 'destiny' to be resurrected as Kain's lieutenants.^{[Soul Reaver 2/8][Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver/9]} - the 'rising' of the souls also matches the original artwork and scene descriptions of the Archons debut in Defiance, which explicitly showed spectral souls attempting to 'ascend' to another plane.

Continuity

• The retreat intact in Nosgoth's early history
• The collapsed retreat in Nosgoth's early history
• Janos's retreat collapsed in the post-Blood Omen era

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Some aspects of this sequence relate to other chapters in the series:

• The legends of Janos Audron and his fate at the hands of the Sarafan were first mentioned in Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain in the chapter "Seeking Revenge", as Kain found his first Heart of Darkness artifacts; and the legend would be recalled again as Kain reached Uschtenheim in "Threaten the Circle".^{[Blood Omen/2][Blood Omen/7][Blood Omen/Miscellaneous]} the tale would be recalled in Soul Reaver 2 as Raziel saw a mural depicting the event in the Sanctuary chapel in "A Reaver in Time" - the appearance of Janos here is appreciably similar to that depicted in the mural albeit with a less demonic appearance and with the wings of the Ancient vampires. Further mentions of Janos and his backstory occured in "Through the Swamp" and "A Fateful Meeting", before Raziel finally met him in the flesh in "Vampire Interview".^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/1][Soul Reaver 2/8][Soul Reaver 2/3][Soul Reaver 2/5]}
• The Heart of Darkness and its supposed ability to restore vampire unlife were also mentioned in "Seeking Revenge" and "Threaten the Circle" of Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain, with the Heart of Darkness artifacts used by the young Kain apparently proving the viability of this claim. The numerous artifacts were later explained by Amy Hennig as merely "relics" and not the actual heart - while deleted dialogue from Blood Omen suggested they were actually the hearts of Janos' victims.^{[Blood Omen][Blood Omen/2][Blood Omen/7][Blood Omen/Cut content]}
• With the exception of Malek, the individuals of the Sarafan commanders group first appeared in Vampire Scourge and various background pieces to Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver as the Council of Kain's empire, his vampire sons and trusted lieutenants.^{[Soul Reaver][Soul Reaver/1][Soul Reaver manual (US)][Soul Reaver manual (UK)][Soul Reaver strategy guide (Prima)][Soul Reaver comic][Soul Reaver strategy guide (Eidos)][Soul Reaver strategy guide (Eidos)]} Their history as Sarafan was first revealed in the Tomb of Sarafan chapter as Raziel unearthed the Tomb of the Sarafan and discovered that he and his brothers had been Sarafan warriors in their previous human lives.^{[Soul Reaver][Soul Reaver/9]} Raziel held them in high regard and continued to lionise them when he arrived in the Pre-Blood Omen era as he found the Chapter House dedicated to their martyrdom within the Sarafan Stronghold in "A Reaver in Time". By the time of Blade of Vengeance, Raziel's allegiances have shifted, but this is the first time that the connection has been made between Janos death and the Sarafan inquisitors.^{[Soul Reaver][Soul Reaver/9][Soul Reaver/14][Soul Reaver/15][Soul Reaver 2/Prologue][Soul Reaver 2/1][Soul Reaver 2/9]}
• The effectiveness of Moebius's Staff in subduing both Janos Audron and the Wraith Blade was foreshadowed in "A Reaver in Time" where the staff dissipated the blade and Moebius explained that it allowed him to incapacitate their vampire enemies.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/1]}

• The cutscene in the Chronoplast vision from Soul Reaver
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• The collapse of the Janos Audron's Retreat was foreshadowed in "A Fateful Meeting" where Raziel discovered the retreat in ruins in the future of the Era following Blood Omen. Blade of Vengeance clarifies that the collapse happened immediately following the death of Janos and implies that it may actually have been caused by it.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/5][Soul Reaver 2/9]}
• Janos's claims that the Reaver was forged for Raziel recalls the scraps of Ancient vampires prophecy that Raziel has uncovered in the forges and other vampire ruins since he breached the Subterranean Ruins in "Decision at the Pillars. Many of these implied a Vampire champion armed with the Reaver blade. These themes are developed more fully in Legacy of Kain: Defiance.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/2][Soul Reaver 2/3][Soul Reaver 2/4][Soul Reaver 2/6][Soul Reaver 2/8][Defiance]}
  • The Demons taunting of Raziel destiny also recalls these or similar prophecies - later games will expand upon a slightly version of the prophecies.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/2][Soul Reaver 2/3][Soul Reaver 2/4][Soul Reaver 2/6][Soul Reaver 2/8][Blood Omen 2][Defiance]}
• Raziel's exit from Janos Audron's Retreat recalls a similar scene from the Chronoplast visions in the Oracle's Cave chapter of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver and may be the fulfilment of this vision. (see 'Background' above)^{[Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver/15]}

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• Raziel's expectations of the Demons recalls his confrontations with them in the future of the Era following Blood Omen in "A Fateful Meeting", and even Kain's first encounter with Demons in events of Blood Omen Avernus in "Defeat Azimuth" of Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain. Like those summoned by Azimuth, Raziel suspects the Demons seen here are "minions" sent by the unseen forces that he and Kain discussed beneath the ruined retreat in A Fateful Meeting.^{[Soul Reaver 2/9][Soul Reaver 2/5][Blood Omen/8]} Though not explicit the identity of the unseen force controlling the demons is expanded upon in Blood Omen 2 and Legacy of Kain: Defiance.^{[Blood Omen 2][Defiance]}
• Raziel's resurrection, apparently because of the Elder God, occured in the Vampire Scourge and Underworld chapters of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver.^{[Soul Reaver][Soul Reaver/1][Soul Reaver/2]}
• Raziel's doubting the Elder God has built through every meeting in Soul Reaver 2, becoming increasingly sour through "Decision at the Pillars, "Through the Swamp" and "A Fateful Meeting".^{[Soul Reaver 2/2][Soul Reaver 2/3][Soul Reaver 2/5]} The mistrust perhaps originates in Raziel's discovery that Moebius served it in "A Reaver in Time".^{[Soul Reaver 2/1]}
• Raziel's trepidation when encountering the Reaver blade was first seen in the previous chapter, "Vampire Interview", when Janos presented Raziel with the blade; and the lack of temporal distortion was also cited in that chapter^{[Soul Reaver 2/8]} - the distortions were first encountered by Raziel when finding the Soul Reaver in "A Reaver in Time" and were explained by Kain in "A Fateful Meeting".^{[Soul Reaver 2/1][Soul Reaver 2/5]} Ultimately the lack of distortions and Raziel's sense of dread foreshadows the next chapter.^{[Soul Reaver 2/Epilogue]}

Rahab's seahorse decorated and marine colored armor, evocative of his later evolution

• Malek was first seen in the introduction to Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain where his failure to protect the circle and subsequent punishment in Nosgoth's early history was seen in flashback (and briefly recapped in Vorador's Mansion (chapter)).^{[Blood Omen][Blood Omen/1][Blood Omen/6]} Malek was subsequently fought in the events of Blood Omen in "The Hunt for Malek", before being finally put to rest by Vorador in "Threaten the Circle".^{[Blood Omen/4][Blood Omen/7]} In Blood Omen Malek was acknowledged as defender of the circle, leader of the Sarafan and the last of the Sarafan warrior priests.^{[Blood Omen][Blood Omen/3][Blood Omen/4][Blood Omen/6][Blood Omen strategy guide][Soul Reaver 2 strategy guide (Prima)]} His appearance here appears to slightly predate the flashback of Blood Omen.^{[Soul Reaver 2/9][Blood Omen/1][Blood Omen/6]}
• The Slaughter of the Circle at the hands of Vorador heard in the background here can be seen in flashback in "Welcome to Hell" and Vorador's Mansion (chapter) of Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain.^{[Blood Omen/1][Blood Omen/6]} Soul Reaver 2 suggests that Malek's delay in reaching the circle was actual due to Moebius insisting he remained with Raziel. Furthermore Soul Reaver 2 suggests that the slaughter was likely a direct retaliation by Vorador for the murder of Janos Audron, which immediately preceded it.^{[Soul Reaver 2/9]} The martyrdom of the circle was depicted on the walls of the Circle's gathering-room in "A Reaver in Time".^{[Soul Reaver 2/1]}
• The appearance of the Sarafan commanders closely matches their appearances as seen in depictions in "A Reaver in Time",^{[Soul Reaver 2/1]} but there are also a number of subtle references to their later Vampire forms as seen in Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver and Legacy of Kain: Defiance - these include matching color schemes, markings resembling their later clan symbols and helmet or armor decorations evocative of their later forms.^{[Soul Reaver][Soul Reaver/5][Soul Reaver/8][Soul Reaver/11][Soul Reaver/13][Defiance/10]}
• Turel is seen for the first time since the vampire Turel was seen in the Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver opening.^{[Soul Reaver][Soul Reaver/1]} Turel was originally supposed to have appeared in that title, but he and his clan territory were cut from the game, leaving only his brief appearance in the opening cutscene and his name in the Tomb of the Sarafan to show his presence.^{[Soul Reaver/Cut content][Soul Reaver/1][Soul Reaver/9]} Raziel's reaction to Turel solidifies the notion that Turel was present in that era but that Raziel did not meet him. The dialogue and appearance of Turel here foreshadows the reappearance of the vampire Turel in the Legacy of Kain: Defiance chapter Seek Mortanius.^{[Soul Reaver 2/9][Defiance/10]}

Dumah's commemorative mural foreshadows this chapter

• The deaths of the inquisitors are subtly foreshadowed in A Reaver in Time, where Dumah's mural is backed by an image of a purple 'demon' - almost certainly a bastardized depiction of the wraith Raziel.^{[Soul Reaver 2/1]}
• The deaths of the Sarafan commanders and their elevated and martyred status was first hinted in Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver in Tomb Of Sarafan (chapter), where Raziel discovered their tomb and realised he was once a Sarafan warrior.^{[Soul Reaver][Soul Reaver/9]} His initial reaction demonstrated throughout subsequent chapters was outrage at Kain's blasphemous actions in reviving them as his lieutenants.^{[Soul Reaver/9][Soul Reaver/15][Soul Reaver 2/Prologue][Soul Reaver 2/1]} After his experiences throughout Soul Reaver 2, Raziel understands the Vampires side of the story and holds the Sarafan with distain.^{[Soul Reaver 2][Soul Reaver 2/2][Soul Reaver 2/3][Soul Reaver 2/4][Soul Reaver 2/6][Soul Reaver 2/7][Soul Reaver 2/8]} In killing the Sarafan inquisitors, Raziel finally appreciates that Kain's revival of the inquisitors was partially a private joke between them, with Kain knowing Raziel was responsible for their deaths in the first place.^{[Soul Reaver/9][Soul Reaver 2/9]}

Gallery

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• 18-Vengeance

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• SR2 Dark Chronicle: Vengeance

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See also

• Nosgoth's early history
• Janos Audron's Retreat
• Uschtenheim
• Swamp (location)
• Subterranean Ruins
• Subterranean Pillars Chamber
• Pillars of Nosgoth (Soul Reaver 2)
• Great Southern Lake
• Sarafan Stronghold
• Cloister
• Sanctuary
• Janos Audron
• Sarafan commanders
• Demons
• Elder God
• Malek
• Moebius
• Vorador
• Melchiah (Soul Reaver 2 boss)
• Zephon (Soul Reaver 2 boss)
• Rahab (Soul Reaver 2 boss)
• Dumah (Soul Reaver 2 boss)
• Turel (Soul Reaver 2 boss)
• Moebius's Staff
• Heart of Darkness
• Soul Reaver
• Fire Reaver (Soul Reaver 2)
• Fire Plinth
• Slaughter of the Circle