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Chapter One - Kain - The Sarafan Stronghold

Dark Chronicle - Prologue

Kain V.O.:
Given the choice - whether to rule a corrupt and failing empire, or to challenge the Fates for another throw, a better throw against one's destiny - what was a king to do?

We are reminded of past events, of Kain's empire, and the execution of Raziel, his first and greatest lieutenant. We see how Raziel became a reaver of souls, and how he pursued Kain through the Chronoplast portal into Nosgoth's history.

Kain V.O.:
But does one ever truly have a choice? One can only match, move by move, the machinations of fate, and thus defy the tyrannous stars.

A cloud of bats come together on the roof of the Sarafan Stronghold. Kain materializes from them. The full moon is rising behind him. Kain begins his infiltration of the building.

Kain V.O.:
And so I returned to the sanctuary of my enemy - the fortress of the Sarafan brotherhood, deemed impossible for any man to penetrate...

Kain passes through a gate in mist form. He chuckles quietly, then kills a guard.

Kain V.O.:
... Impossible for any man.

Kain drinks the guard's blood from the neck. He lets the body drop, wipes his mouth, and continues.

Kain V.O.:
Deep within these walls, my prey awaited: Moebius the Time Streamer, deceiver and eternal gamester, using living beings as his pawns.

Kain pauses to let two Sarafan pass by, overhearing their conversation.

First Sarafan:
... In the end we rooted out an entire nest of the fiends.

Second Sarafan:
But we had swept that area already.

First Sarafan:
Not well enough, but no matter. We purged every last one of that brood with fire. May their souls now rest.

Second Sarafan:
Lord Moebius will be pleased.

Kain V.O.:
It was time for Moebius to answer a few questions. I hoped, for his sake, to find him in a forthcoming mood.

The Sarafan Stronghold

Kain finds himself in the prison of the Sarafan Stronghold. A woman, chained to a wall, captures his attention. She screams, terrified.

Female prisoner:
Help me... help me...

Kain: (stroking her cheek)
Shhh...

Female prisoner:
Oh please, no...

Kain V.O.:
From time to time, it is necessary to feed. And the unusual event of a feast prepared by the Sarafan... must be savoured.

Kain kills whomever he wishes, and destroys a fractured wall to leave the prison. Kain emerges into a narrow courtyard and encounters a lone Sarafan archer.

Sarafan Archer:
What was that?

Kain uses telekinesis to impale the Sarafan on a wall spike. He then examines the area. A water channel runs through it.

Kain V.O.:
The touch of water is like acid to a vampire. I had to find another way to pass.

Kain finds a door, sealed and marked with an image resembling the Reaver's skull.

Kain V.O.:
This passage undoubtedly led to the Time Streamer - my prey was nearly in my grasp. But the door had been sealed by a blessed barrier. As I approached, the Reaver resonated in response. Perhaps its dark sorcery could dispel these holy barriers.

Kain tests his idea, but the barrier remains intact.

Kain V.O.:
As I suspected, the Reaver was not yet powerful enough to shatter these barriers. But there was something to this...

Kain enters the main hall of the Stronghold. A portcullis slams down behind him, sealing the door. He pushes at it for a moment with his foot.

Kain V.O.:
Locked. What a love of doors these pathetic humans have.

In the hall, Kain finds an artifact - the Balance Emblem - mounted on a pedestal. The door shuts suddenly, and he is confronted by two Sarafan Archers.

First Sarafan Archer:
Huh?

Second Sarafan Archer:
Vampire!

When the Sarafan are dead, Kain claims the artifact.

Kain V.O.:
This emblem was unmistakably of vampire origin, and designed to enhance the Reaver's power. But this coincidence seemed too convenient - Moebius clearly meant for me to find it.

Kain's thoughts are interrupted as he is attacked by a group of Sarafan.

Sarafan:
Sound the alarm!
   and Vampire!
   and Don't let him escape!
   and Surround him!
   and Surrender, fiend, and we will promise you an easy death.

Kain:
I could promise you the same, but it would be a lie.

Kain defeats the Sarafan party. He examines another door, sealed with a blessed barrier.

Kain:
This barrier had a curious resonating effect on the Reaver.

He is able to destroy it. Kain makes his way to the chapter house (the Oroboros room), and deals with a few more Sarafan warrior-priests there. He examines a strange sealed doorway.

Kain:
This door had been equipped with a singular lock, requiring an unusual key. Somehow, I would find it.

Dark Chronicle - Moebius Gains The Upper Hand

Kain finds Moebius in the depths of an underground cavern. The Time Streamer has his back to Kain, and he is talking to a standing stone (marked with his infinity sigil), presumably conversing with the Elder God. Kain stalks forward cautiously, drawing the Reaver.

Moebius:
Yes... I understand... it will be done... the stage is set...

Moebius addresses Kain, slowly turning.

Moebius:
You needn't linger in the shadows, Kain. It has been a long time. Hasn't it?

Kain strides purposefully towards Moebius.

Kain:
No banter, Moebius. You know why I'm here.

Moebius:
Yes... Raziel. You sought to introduce your own pawn into this game, and now he's been swept from the board.

Kain:
By your hand, I suspect. Where is he?

Moebius:
Perhaps you should ask "when"?
(Moebius laughs)
How humiliating it must be for you to come begging at my doorstep for answers.

Kain: (angrily)
Enough wordplay -

Moebius activates his staff, and Kain drops to his knees. He loses his grip on the Reaver, and clutches at his chest in agony.

Moebius:
Don't threaten me, Kain - you see, I have the upper hand. How remarkable that the great Kain should succumb to the scepter's power like any common vampire.

Kain makes a great effort and reaches toward the Reaver, but he fails to grasp it. Moebius perches himself on one knee in front of Kain, within easy reach, were it not for the staff.

Moebius:
Still so arrogant after all these years - thinking you've devised some brilliant plan. You know nothing. You have read the signs but missed their meaning. You believe you are that myth of Vampire prophecy - the Scion of Balance - and that Raziel holds the key to fulfilling your destiny.

Again, Kain tries for the Reaver. Again, he fails.

Moebius:
But your messianic delusions have blinded you to Raziel's true nature.

Moebius stands.

Moebius:
You have no idea what you've unleashed. There was a time when you might have heeded wise counsel when it was offered. Now, your vanity has made you witless. You will have to learn the truth for yourself.

Insultingly, Moebius nudges the Reaver closer to Kain with his foot, demonstrating his control of the situation.

Moebius:
You will be needing this.

The Time Streamer turns and walks away.

Moebius:
Your strength will return after I have departed. But by then, you will have more urgent concerns than pursuing me.

Moebius pauses and half turns back to Kain.

Moebius:
Perhaps when we next meet, you will have learned a little humility.

The door seals behind Moebius. Kain, now recovering from the effects of the staff, rises slowly. Shades appear to confront him.

Kain V.O.:
These strange creatures seemed to manifest from the very shadows.

Underground Cavern

Kain defeats the Shades.

Kain V.O.:
Moebius's attempt at stopping me was not one of his better efforts. When I found him, it would be my turn to offer a few surprises.

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