Part 31: Avernus Cathedral

Well, here we are!

Raziel:
"Somewhere in this great Cathedral, the Heart of Darkness lay concealed."

Raziel:
"The city outside was in chaos, and the Cathedral would not be immune for long."

Raziel:
"During such times, buried secrets were often suddenly revealed -- or lost forever."

This platform looks like it would be used with the Reaver to produce some effect, but none of the ones we yet possess will activate it. It seems there's at least one more yet to be found.

Ahh, the Cathedral. So pristine. But we know it's dark secret.

Oh! Another of it's secrets... the rear of the Cathedral holds a portal to a spirit forge. Odd!

We have to kill 4 statues to get in. Two activate, and when one dies, another comes until all 4 are dead.

And here, we get Raziel's final ability.

Funny, this - poor planning on the Devs' part. Raziel references his "heightened telepathic abilities" - but... wait, he hasn't got heightened telepathic abilities yet! (Raziel can still only use telekinesis to push switches and whatnot, same functionality as the Reaver Bolt.)

Once again, the mural pictures came out ridiculously dark.

Raziel:
"I had seen this symbol throughout these ruins. I should have realized what it was they worshipped. Now there was no question."

Raziel:
"For this scene depicted the ancient Vampires' torment and despair as their curse cast them from the Wheel of Fate. So this was the god whose abandonment had driven them to madness and suicide."

Raziel:
"Finally I understood - it was not their blood-thirst, but their immortality that was the true nature of their enemies' curse."

Raziel:
"The wisest, strongest, most noble race - gulled by the voice of that old parasite. But I had seen him - and whatever he was, he was no god."

Ahh, so now we know. The ancient vampires worshipped the Elder God. They were mortal, then, succumbing to the wheel of fate just like any other being. The Hylden revolted, the Vampires banished them as punishment, and the Hylden cursed the vampires wtih immortality, casting them from the Elder God's graces, causing their descent into madness.

That's the water reaver, freezing some unfortunate. Fun weapon, that!

Once again, we kill the two guardians. And once again, no pics, sorry, I'm a moron.

Guardian of Energy:
"All upon the Wheel are blessed..."

Guardian Time:
"Rejoice in the turning of the Wheel..."

Guardian of Energy:
"It does turn, though we cannot see it..."

Raziel:
"Your Wheel is a lie."

Guardian of Energy:
"You will turn the Wheel..."

Guardian Time:
"Come..."

Guardian of Energy:
"Die..."

Raziel:
"This spirit vessel was shielded by layers of occult energy. There had to be some means to dispel this barrier..."

Wholly uninteresting puzzle, involving more of the same.

Raziel:
"As the Reaver absorbed the souls of the original Energy and Time Guardians, it was imbued with the elemental power of Earth with which their principles were aligned."

Now we can use these platforms. When we jam the reaver into it, it causes earthen platforms to materialize.

We use these to escape the spirit forge, and return to the cathedral. We're greeted by some of it's worshippers.

These things call flame to errupt around Raziel, which is ultimately quite annoying, as it's almost impossible to dodge. But it does nearly no damage, so it's all good.

Once we use the platform in the cathedral proper, more platforms coalesce, and we're able to reach the upper balcony.

We pick up a dark scripture, and take it back down.

Some of the worshippers call these nasty demons, which are many times more difficult then the worshippers themselves.

We place the scripture upon the altar...

Egads.

Raziel:
"As the handsome coffin hides the putrefying corpse within, the great Cathedral of Avernus seemed to hold its own secrets, hidden in the catacombs beneath its vaulted chambers."

Raziel:
"Was this the source of the corruption that infected Nosgoth? Vorador had hinted at something more."

We pass through the portal, and find ourselves in the catacombs - the same catacombs in fact that Kain visited, albeit briefly, in BO1.

Raziel:
"History is written by the victors. Beneath the vaults of Avernus I discovered scenes that told a familiar story, but from a very different point of view."

Raziel:
"This was the work of the enemy race, and revealed what the Vampire histories had conveniently omitted - how the noble Vampires, god-ridden and righteous, had started the wars that would destroy both races - victor and vanquished alike."

Raziel:
"Their adversaries opposed the Vampires' god, and refused to submit to the Wheel of Fate."

Raziel:
"For this they were banished."

Raziel:
"I now understood the poetic irony of their curse."

Raziel:
"And my resemblance to the Vampires' enemy no longer seemed so accidental."

And there we have it - the rest of the story confirmed. Suddenly, the vampires no longer seem so noble in Raziel's eyes.

Raziel:
"The banished race foretold a hero who would deliver them from their oppressors, and destroy the shackles of the Vampires' tyrannous god."

Raziel:
"The same hero that bore the flaming sword."

Raziel:
"What game was this, where every player on the board claimed the same pawn?"

Elder God:
"So, Raziel... your true nature is finally revealed. You were never the Vampires' savior - it is to the Hylden race you belong. And when Kain realizes this, what do you think he will do...?"

After the mural, we come to a door.

Passing through it...

Watch it here:

Video - Raziel enters the final room

Worshippers:
"Hash'ak'gik! Hash'ak'gik! Hash'ak'gik!"

Mortanius:
"Great Hash'ak'gik, we hear you."

Worshippers:
"We tremble and we obey."

Mortanius:
"We offer this sacrifice upon the altar of the world."

Worshippers:
"The blood of our first born do we sacrifice to you."

Raziel:
"In the depths of Avernus Cathedral I stumbled upon a bloody ritual. Was this the source of the corruption that had overtaken the city?"

Mortanius:
"May this blood nourish you for all eternity."

Worshippers:
"Avert your wrath from us, great God."

Mortanius:
"The wrath of Hash'ak'gik has once more been averted. Depart now, as ever, in his service."

Worshippers:
"We tremble, and we obey. Praise to Hash'ak'gik, and ever praise!"

Worshippers:
"Hash'ak'gik! Hash'ak'gik! Hash'ak'gik!"

Raziel:
"What was it that these deluded humans worshipped with such fervor? Was this the dreaded 'Unspoken' that Vorador had warned me about?"

Raziel moves to see what's below...

...and is grabbed telekinetically, and pulled into the pit.

Raziel:
"Whatever so-called god inhabited this hideous pit -- I was about to meet it."

As the beast emerges, Raziel backs into the corner.

Turel:
"I smell no blood..."

Turel:
"Throat cut first, blood gouting, then it falls into the pit..."

Turel:
"The sacrifice is rejected. You will know my wrath-"

Turel:
"Not possible. No. It could not be-"

Raziel:
"Stand away, monster."

Turel:
"No. That voice -- not possible. I know that voice... but he fell. The abyss, he ended there."

Raziel:
"I did not fall into the abyss."

Turel:
"Oh, it remembers that, does it?"

Raziel:
"I was thrown in, by my own brethren."

Turel:
"I heard what you did to them... And now you have found me at last."

Raziel:
"...Turel!"

Turel:
"Turel. Yes. That was my name then."

Raziel:
"The others were grotesque, but-"

Turel:
"Yes - I am changed. I have become a god. Greater than you ever were, Raziel. You were never a god."

Turel:
"Greater even than Kain!"

Raziel:
"It is to you that these humans offer their blood sacrifices?"

Turel:
"'Hash'ak'gik...Hash'ak'gik...' Yes."

Raziel:
"But how did this happen?..."

Turel:
"I was summoned. There was darkness, and great hunger. And then I was... found."

Raziel:
"Why do you stay in this terrible place?"

Turel:
"Why stay? Would I remain if I could get out? While they hound me and tear at me and-"

Turel is overtaken by some otherworldly influence. He does his best to resist, but... resistance is futile.

Hylden 1:
"The hour is at hand."

Hylden 2:
"As it was foretold."

Raziel:
"Turel?"

Hylden 3:
"We use his voice to command the disciples above."

They seem to almost... know who Raziel is. Or perhaps... what he is?

Hylden 2:
"We demand offerings to keep the host alive."

Hylden 1:
"We demand offerings to keep the host alive."

Hylden 1:
"He has been a durable vessel, but he can take us no further."

Turel fights back, but the Hylden retain control and continue, with urgency, addressing Raziel:
"You must prevail. The champion of our enemy draws near."

Turel fights them back once more.
Turel:
"No! I must have blood -- Bring me blood, or feel the wrath of your god. You -- yours -- yes -- it will strengthen me against them-"

Raziel:
"What are you doing?"

Turel:
"No -- no more questions. No more worship. Time to run - time to scream - time to die..."

Killing Turel is a matter of waiting for him to use a specific attack, which causes one of the gongs in the room to resonate. We then shoot it with Raziel's telekinetic bolt, causing it to ring louder, causing Turel to writhe in pain until it stops, which make him vulnerable to our attacks.

When he's almost dead, all 4 gongs start to ring. We hit them all.

This causes a massive resonation, and Turel falls to the floor in pain, blood spouting from his mouth.

Turel:
"Yes, now..."

Raziel moves to kill him...

...but the Hylden wrest control once more.

Hylden 1:
"Go - speed your endeavor -"

Hylden 2:
"Face him - and kill him -"

Hylden 1:
"Destroy the Binding at last..."

Hylden 2:
"We shall all be..."

The Hylden lose their grip, and Turel dies, finishing their thought for them as he does so:
"Free..."

As before, Raziel absorbs his brother's soul, gaining his enhanced telekinetic abilities.

But he also gains something else - and Raziel doubles over as though in pain when it hits him.

His eyes burn briefly with the green fire symbolizing a Hylden presence...

...he seems to briefly bask in the energy, then it subsides.

We climb out of the pit...

Watch it here:

Video - Raziel meets Mortanius

Mortanius, talking telepathically to someone - who we know is Kain, at the end of Blood Omen 1:
"Come to me, my undead son. Make haste to the Pillars - the stage is set for the grand finale."

Mortanius:
"You will have your vengeance."

Raziel:
"Mortanius."

Mortanius:
"So you have come out into the open, at last - the Binding must be fragile indeed. But you will find you are too late."

Raziel:
"What am I too late for this time?"

Mortanius clutches his chest, feeling the Hylden presence within him.

But he fights it.

Mortanius:
"No. No -- not now --"

Mortanius:
"You are too late for the victory you sought. I have beaten you after all."

Raziel:
"You have mistaken my identity."

Mortanius:
"Have I? You forget who schooled me in the ancient prophecies--"

Hylden, addressing Raziel:
"This vessel speaks truly - you are indeed overdue. But it no longer matters in the least. With or without you - we will prevail."

Raziel:
"So I finally meet the 'Unspoken' - nestled in the heart of the Circle itself. Ironic."

Hylden:
"Poetic justice, to topple the foundations of the Pillars from within. We shall have our revenge, in full measure, and for all time."

Mortanius fights back, and almost overcomes the Hylden, but fails.

Hylden:
"Ah... this one has little strength left. One must not break him --"

Mortanius regains control once more.

Mortanius:
"Your kind does not like to lose."

Raziel:
"I seek the Heart of Darkness."

Mortanius:
"Ah, now you think of that. But as I told you, you are too late. The Heart has served its function. I have used it to set prophecy in motion. I created the champion foretold by my masters, who is destined to be your destroyer."

Mortanius:
"The Scion of Balance will save Nosgoth -- the Pillars will return to vampire guardianship as intended, and your race will be cast down forever."

Raziel:
"Kain. You used the Heart of Darkness to create Kain."

Mortanius:
"How else? I refused at first to believe the ancient myths. I thought the vampires were simply a plague upon mankind, a pestilence we had to control. But they were right, and we were wrong to overthrow them - Moebius and I. We didn't understand what it was the Pillars were holding back."

Mortanius:
"I have made my atonement. I will continue to make it to the end, which will be soon, now. But I know - Kain will set it right, he will restore Balance --"

Mortanius fights off possession once more.

Mortanius:
"And none too soon. My enemy is growing stronger."

Raziel:
"Where is the Heart of Darkness now? Did you destroy it?"

Mortanius:
"You still don't understand, do you. You cannot make use of it as long as Kain guards it with his life."

Raziel:
"Kain -- has it?"

Then Raziel realizes...

Raziel:
"It is in Kain!"

Mortanius:
"Check and mate. This deed will redeem first me and then all Nosgoth. It must, it -- unh --"

Hylden:
"This one grows weak. But we will soon have a stronger vessel."

Hylden:
"The long-awaited hour approaches - our release is at hand --"

Mortanius regains control momentarilly.

Mortanius:
"Ah... I must -- finish it. Now --"

Mortanius teleports away to meet Kain at the pillars, where he will be destroyed by him (end of BO1).

Raziel stands dumbfounded, trying to fully comprehend what he has just learned.

The Heart of Darkness was used by Mortanius to raise Kain - and still beats within his chest. This leaves only one possible way to retrieve it, and Raise Janos...

And we return, then, to Kain.

Watch it here:

Video - Kain finds Raziel at the Cathedral

There's a flash of green light, as Raziel emerges from the catacombs.

Raziel:
"Kain. Why is this no surprise?"

Kain:
"Because our destinies run together, Raziel, like two rivers that have met and can never be distinct again. At your every fatal turn, you will find me."

Raziel:
"And the free will you said was mine, what has become of that?"

Kain:
"You still have it. And that has everything to do with my presence here now."

Raziel:
"It was your machinations that set my destiny in motion. The coin you tossed has struck the earth. Now you must abide by its outcome."

Kain:
"The coin is still turning, Raziel."

Kain:
"To reach the resolution we both can live with, that will best serve our futures, Janos Audron must not be raised."

Raziel:
"Because you do not wish it? Is my free will to be exercised only when it accords with your whim?"

Kain:
"There is much more at stake in this than you know."

Raziel:
"Yes, and it is Janos who has the answers I desire."

Kain:
"You must trust me, Raziel. Our intentions - for Nosgoth, for our futures - are not so diverse."

Raziel:
"I must trust you -- or?"

KainRa:
"I have not come here to threaten you, Raziel."

Raziel:
"You say that, while you hold in your hand the instrument of my doom?"

Kain, at that, replaces the reaver on his back.

Kain:
"I saved you from the Reaver once. I have no intention of imprisoning you within the blade."

Raziel:
"At least not until the moment it serves your plans to do so."

Kain:
"You are not the only one at risk. I may carry the instrument of your destruction, but I, too, have taken a chance in coming here."

Kain:
"Or haven't you realized -- you bear the only weapon that can kill me."

Raziel:
"Then you know what I am -- and who you are?"

Kain:
"I believe I do."

Raziel:
"And still you think you can move me about like your pawn. Think again, Kain."

Raziel's eyes flare briefly with the familiar green flame.

Kain:
"Take heed, Raziel."

Raziel:
"Why? If we are who we are, then are we not destined to fight to the death, to decide the fate of Nosgoth?"

Kain:
"Don't be a fool. I will not fight you."

Raziel:
"And that will be the prophesied heroes' battle? I win, because you will not fight me?"

Raziel:
"The mighty Kain, Scion of Balance, would-be savior of Nosgoth, surrenders before the final battle even begins --"

Kain circles him...

Raziel lunges once more...

...but Kain catches him mid-air, and hurls him to the side.

Kain:
"Very well..."

Kain:
"...if this will make you see reason..."

And we come, now, to the best encounter in the whole damn series. We're playing as Kain, here, and battle Raziel.

Raziel uses all of the tricks we've gained for him throughout his levels, as well as his new telekinetic abilities - he routinely picks Kain up and hurls him, or shoots him with the Reaver Bolt.

Finally, after quite a difficult fight (you don't even want to know how many times I had to repeat this fucker, and watch that damn cutscene, just to get a video of the whole thing)...

...Raziel is beaten back to the verge of defeat, and Kain takes the opportunity to try to reason with him.

Kain:
"Now - you will listen to me. The Heart of Darkness must remain undiscovered. Great harm will come of its use."

Raziel, just now realizing:
"You don't know where it is, do you?"

Kain:
"No-"

Raziel:
"-you never looked for it."

Kain, impatiently:
"It doesn't matter, Raziel. Listen to me - you must understand that every creature is bound to one predestined path. We are all shackled--"

Raziel:
"--to the Wheel of Fate. Believe me, I know that even better than you do."

Kain:
"All but one. Because of your re-making, you are the one unbound creature, the one among us all that truly has free will."

Kain:
"You have a choice, Raziel --"

Raziel:
"Which I'm sure I must make at your direction."

Raziel:
"Your pawn has reached the end of the board, Kain. And now my powers may even surpass yours. How ironic if the creature that you made should prove your own undoing."

Raziel:
"Now - we finish this. Once and for all."

And once again, they fight - but this time, we're controlling Raziel.

Raziel can now use his new telekinetic powers, also - and hurl Kain around like a ragdoll.

And as before, once we've beaten him...

...Raziel is far less willing to reason.

Kain is on the verge of defeat, this time.

Raziel moves in for the kill...

...and Kain deflects his hand at the last moment, grabbing his wrist.

They struggle like this for a few moments, and then...

...as one, they realize what's happening.

Raziel:
"You..."

Kain:
"No - Raziel--"

Raziel, enraged:
"Vae victus--"

Kain:
"I didn't--"

But Raziel lunges at Kain, one final time...

...and plunges his hand right into Kain's chest...

...emerging with the Heart of Darkness, still beating, in his hand.

Kain can only gasp and watch in astonished horror.

Raziel:
"'Woe to the conquered' - I have found the Heart of Darkness."

Raziel:
"And you - go to oblivion."

He blasts Kain with telekinetic force, thrusting him through the portal which still stands open behind him.

Once it's done, the portal closes, and Raziel gasps to catch his breath.

Raziel:
"Kain was gone. The madness of this place had somehow fueled my rage, and as it subsided I felt no elation, no sense of victory."

Raziel:
"Only a calm certainty that we had once again walked blindly into our enemies' trap"

Raziel:
"I couldn't be sure whether Kain had truly intended to destroy me - and now it appeared I would never know."

And with that, he turns and departs, heading back to Vorador's Mansion to use the Heart to raise Janos.

Next time: The Grand Finale