Legacy of Kain | The Corruption

In the Legacy of Kain and Soul Reaver series, corruption isn’t just a theme which explores how the abuse of power leads to personal gain, it’s a malevolent force that infects the sanctity of our protagonist’s soul and holds the entire world hostage.
This video contains spoilers for Blood Omen, Soul Reaver, Soul Reaver 2, Blood Omen 2 & Legacy of Kain Defiance which was made by Silicon Knights and Crystal Dynamics.
The background art for the thumbnail is The Ruined Pillars of Nosgoth by Patrick Johnson
www.artstation.com/artwork/JY...
Huge thanks to these amazing artists. Credited as below. Please show them your support.
Nemesis by Hedgenok
www.deviantart.com/hedgenok/a...
The Iron throne by Marc Simonetti
www.deviantart.com/marcsimone...
Ariel - reveal from the back by Patrick Johnson
www.artstation.com/artwork/yWdV8
Pillar Guardians of Nosgoth by JLazarusEB
www.deviantart.com/jlazaruseb...
Azimuth the Planer by JLazarusEB
www.deviantart.com/jlazaruseb...
Nupraptor The Mentalist by Saravanan Balaji
www.artstation.com/artwork/68...
Nupraptor (Blood Omen) by JLazarusEB
www.deviantart.com/jlazaruseb...
Bane (Blood Omen) by JLazarusEB
www.deviantart.com/jlazaruseb...
Bane the Druid by JLazarusEB
www.deviantart.com/jlazaruseb...
Bane by Lakdav
www.deviantart.com/lakdav/art...
Blood Omen: Azimuth by Jadenyte
www.deviantart.com/jadenyte/a...
Azimuth (Blood Omen) JLazarusEB
www.deviantart.com/jlazaruseb...
Nupraptor the Mentalist by JLazarusEB
www.deviantart.com/jlazaruseb...
Kain - Regal Pose at the Pillars by Patrick Johnson
www.artstation.com/artwork/5lzBP
Blood Omen Reboot - Kain by Paul Canavan
paulscottcanavan.artstation.c...
Anarcrothe the Alchemist by JLazarusEB
www.deviantart.com/jlazaruseb...
Kain Iron Armor by JLazarusEB
www.deviantart.com/jlazaruseb...
Kain by Rayph
www.deviantart.com/rayph/art/...
Rahab by Philiera
www.deviantart.com/philiera/a...
The Legion of the Nemesis by laquerhead
www.deviantart.com/laquerhead...
Nupraptor The Mentalist by Saravanan Balaji
www.artstation.com/artwork/68...
Raziel - Legacy of Kain by Valkhar
www.deviantart.com/valkhar/ar...
Certain Cutscenes are from the Soul Reaver HD Remaster which was created by the talented RainaAudron. Download the SR1 HD Fan Remaster here: www.sr1hdremaster.com/download
Other artwork featured in this video are mostly official promotional and concept art created for the series by the respective teams at Silicon Knights and Crystal Dynamics.
Music:
Blood Omen Soundtrack by Steve Henifin.
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver Soundtrack - composed by Kurt Harland & Jim Hedges
Soul Reaver 2 Soundtrack by Kurt Harland Jim Hedges.
Legacy of Kain Defiance Soundtrack by Jim Hedges.

[@Jarmister]

As Legacy of Kain content addict thank you

[@user-og1cq6hg2q]

I was so happy , too :P

[@strictlyfantasy]

As a fellow Legacy of Kain addict, thanks for watching :)

[@gundamheavyarms4879]

There's going to be a Legacy of Kain graphic novel released later this year. It's called Soul Reaver The Dead Shall Rise and will focus on Raziel's past as a member of the Sarafan and his turning by Kain. 😊

[@casbienbarr]

same, ive already watched all the video 4 times, just for the vibes

[@JobeStroud]

Here Here!

[@jameswork-grierson8923]

The last time I was this early, the pillars stood uncorrupted and pristine

[@puffythedestroyer8878]

As I scanned the comment section, this statement glinted in my eye as a golden jewel, belying a cocky chuckle.

[@NightBane345]

Legacy of Kain still providing content for people to this day, is still proof that the creators of the games put all their love, passion and energy to make this a unique IP Thank you Strictly Fantasy, always nice seeing/listening to one of your videos

[@nick_at_knight]

"At the moment of my first cry, Ariel's beloved - the Guardian Nupraptor - finds her corpse. Wracked with grief and tormented with suspicions of treachery, Nupraptor plunges into a madness which overflows and infects all of the Guardians, who are symbiotically bound. Including me. The repercussions of Ariel's assassination were expertly calculated... The entire Circle descends into madness, and I am tainted at the moment of my birth - instantly rendered incapable of fulfilling the role destiny has prepared for me."

[@Unknown_User174]

It was really sad to see that when Nupraptor’s girlfriend was murdered, He plunged into a madness and then the corruption infection the guardians. Even Kain himself.😞 But I’ll always pity Ariel’s boyfriend, Even if he has to be Kain’s first kill. I’ll let it be without suffering.😔

[@filipvadas7602]

Its ironic that Nupraptor's madness, which influenced Kain's decision to not sacrifice himself, ended up being a blessing in disguise. Since, as was established multiple times, if Kain had died, then the Vampire race would have disappeared along with him and the new Guardians, especially without the good-natured guidance of senior guardians like Mortanius and Ariel, would have inevitabely fallen to the Hylden and/or The Elder God's manipulation sooner or later.

[@ouroboros_on_the_orange]

The whole series is a treasure pile with ironic and poetic justice moments, as well as the twist...love it.

[@JabamiLain]

As History proves, sometimes, insanity is simply a new perspective that was not explored yet.

[@SamuelBlack84]

I've never really liked the idea of the Hylden being the big bad of the series, considering they were just another race that l8ved on Nosgoth along with the ancient Vampires Their only true crime was living in a different way to their enemies The Vampires lived by the use of magic and obeyed the will of their "god" while the Hylden lived through technology and perhaps either by design or their natural physiology were practically immortal The Vampires started the war with them under the command of the Elder who either wanted the Hylden souls or merely wanted them wiped from the land as they were useless to him Their curse of immortality on their enemies and subsequent manipulations throughout history were justifiable in some ways considering they were treated as horrible monsters

[@JabamiLain]

​@@SamuelBlack84they became the bad guys when they decided to work against Raziel and Kain.

[@user-eu1xd6lj2d]

@@SamuelBlack84 I think that was exactly the point: everybody is the righteous hero of their own story. We tend to align with the ancient vampires and only see their virtues. But if you analyze their behavior regarding the Hylden, you find they were basically the aggressors, attacking all who lived outside their view of the world. You can also see this moral relativism in all other factions: the Zarafan's righteous crusade is all about power,; Raziel's actions, while aiming to save Nosgoth, are driven by revenge; the Elder God claims to care about the cycle of life an death and the wheel of fate, but he's nothing but a parasite. I think that this is the greatest message in the series: good and evil are relative. This is awesome writing. This is why the appeal of this series has endured over the years.

[@danu2133]

Basically, the corruption had three purposes: 1) make Kain unable to become the Scion of Balance 2) fool Kain into commiting hara-kiri, and if that failed 3) coerce Raziel into killing him Basically, every event from the games has the purpose to fuck Kain over - everyone looks at him and thinks 'imma mess this guy up'. Even time itself, went from being a concept to a literal force of nature and tried to make Raziel skewer him. Thats just how much the world of Nosgoth hates Kain.

[@JabamiLain]

He is the protagonist after all.

[@larrymcmacarroon9529]

If hyldens are as aware of the timeline as they appear to be, the corruption was also a strike against necrovampires. Right before Mortaneus created a new kind of vampires, the hylden added a new update to their curse that kept necrovampires from permanently inheriting the world. Instead, they devolved and were swept away. Cuz of the new nupraptor curse / booster shot.

[@puffythedestroyer8878]

And instead it eventually looped back around into Kain making the universe his whipping boy.

[@Chill-mm4pn]

Kain: Haters gonna hate.

[@komlat253]

This game will give u Stockholms syndrome. Make u feel something special for the bad guy like no other game hah😂

[@swellyww7725]

What I love about Kain character is that he doesn't seek redemption. He's pragmatic evil, that seeks only a better fate for himself. But through understanding and wisdom his egotistical ways, ironically, lead to the betterment of the world.

[@JabamiLain]

Pragmatic characters are my favorite in the media, both those in the spectrum of good (Naruto, Sora) as well as those in evil (Tanya, Kyubey), for they seek to balance fighting with words through the use of humanity's greatest asset. Our intelligence and the categories they're divided into. That's why my standards in media are pretty high. The hard headed good and the psychotic evil are boring and predictable. Yet those exist in abundance. Tell me. What's your favorite trope archetype ? How do you define your standards ?

[@SamuelBlack84]

Selflessness may help others in some way, but it does nothing for your own well-being Selfishness shouldn't always be so readily demonised

[@DustinDonald-cz9ot]

Kain wanted to help the world hence why he was seeking another choice, he is the balance guardian after all. He pretty much says this about the choice he was given the choice of a rock and a hard place and neither choice led to an acceptable outcome but he knew the pillars needed to be fixed but he also knew that no one else would be able to do it. His vampirism and long life are what gave him the time to be able to figure out the game he was in but even then didn't understand the entirety of it all, and if a 1000+ year old vampire who has traveled through time couldn't grasp and obtain the knowledge of the scheme being played what chance did a human with our limited lifespan ever hope to grasp?

[@JabamiLain]

And sometimes, selflessness robs others of their self-sufficiency​@@SamuelBlack84.

[@brother_bear_one7340]

Kain lost it when Raziel was imprisoned in the Reaver at the end of Defiance. If we're ever to get a sequel to that, I suspect Kain will look for a way to free him, amongst other things regarding their fates.

[@ivanhunter6492]

Those videos are keeping the fandom alive. I think Mobius was evil LONG before nutraptor's insanity

[@The_Phoenix_Saga]

It's safe to say he wasn't affect as much as the others. Mortanius held it at bay the whole thirty years whilst also fighting frequent possession. And it's been said that Azimuth was sadistic and cruel even before the corruption, so chances are it just amplified that trait in her.

[@zephon6745]

My theory is that Mobius experiences all of the his life at once. He is talking with Kain in one time period while also experiencing talking with Raziel at another period. This causes Mobius to always be receiving Nurap attack. However it wasn't the cause of his evil that was all him.

[@Unknown_User174]

Yep that time streaming rat.😠 Helga Pataki: He’s gonna have to listen to old Betsy.

[@komlat253]

Like a vampire, we live off it. Praying for the day we can get a new meal😂

[@The_Phoenix_Saga]

@@zephon6745 Interesting theory; however that would mean the Time Pillar would have always been corrupted for as long as Mobius had been it's guardian until his death and the token returned, as the timeline is defined as a constant. The problem with the theory is that prior to Ariel's murder, said pillar was intact.

[@kainslegacy78618]

It is somewhat of a theme in dark high fantasy literature. The all-consuming nature of corruption is often only noticeable by long-lived races and wise men. The tragedy of corrupt choices is that most people (most often humans) don't live long enough to see the results of their actions. There is also a theme of reversing this phenomenon on its head by introducing ancient villains who ended up tortured by the realization of their hubris. Ajunta Pall from KOTOR comes to mind.

[@JabamiLain]

Quick question. My Revan and Meetra go through methods to destroy both the Sith and Jedi orders, and use the Rakata and a few slaves to build a new order. Does that make them corrupt people ? For context regarding the slaves, Revan believed the Wookies should rebel without falling back on tradition, so he supported Chuundar to create further anger in them. Meetra took control of a slave ring to buy off some slaves from the Exchange in order to turn them into future soldiers. What type of characters does that make them ?

[@SamuelBlack84]

Given the opportunity, like Kain I too would welcome the chance to rule the entire world I have absolutely no empathy for others, and as long as I don't suffer the consequences, I couldn't care less about the fate of Man It may be selfish and arrogant, but I can't deny my nature or my ambitions Any sentient being with half a brain would always seek everything that they could at the expense of others

[@kainslegacy78618]

@@JabamiLain It can be argued, on paper, those are utilitarian means focusing on the wanted end by any means necessary. Although it is not exactly selfish, it is very much spreading evil and suffering. Now, taking into account the original nature that the True Sith were intended to have. The actions you describe are borderline benevolent and charitable. Saving people from themselves, you could say. What made Revan so badass is that he was the only one who realized the threat the Galaxy was facing. Because he was tactical, he realized that going Sith was the best way to prepare the Galaxy for the True Sith's assault.

[@kainslegacy78618]

@@SamuelBlack84 Then make sure you take into account the likely outcomes of your actions before you do them. The corrupt and power-hungry types generally don't live long because they bring on too much hatred or envy on themselves. Being ambitious and thirsting for power is not inherently wrong and can do a lot of good can be done through it. The classic irony of bringing about good for others while your actual aims were selfish. Moderation, patience of the hunter and taking everything into account are the key. I would advise you to think of what brings you satisfaction and genuine happiness though. Regardless, critical thinking and introspection are always good to practice.

[@SamuelBlack84]

@kainslegacy78618 Infinite wealth Beautiful women A black castle with opulent furnishings And, access to all the worlds secrets And, especially important l, the mass slaughter of all my enemies It's not to say that others won't benefit in some way You never know, they might like the end result I don't want a world in ruins I want the planet to rival Mount Olympus All I ask is to have the position of Zeus

[@HazzardousEco]

Abraham Lincoln said it best: "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power."

[@ChoseDeath]

Yeah, look at how horrific he was. Lincoln was basically a dictator and a horrible person. But he was awfully intelligent, and that quote is 100% true.

[@Bojaxxx]

Loved the series as a child literally had no idea Kain was corrupted before birth. Best lore video I have seen.

[@DarkLOREDash]

Grasp at the reins of influence & control? Someone is at that LoK level of writing

[@lyvekis8824]

When Ariel and Nupraptor had a relation, balance was destroyed because the guardian of balance was favouring another pillar. Through that the prison was weakend and the Hylden could possess Mortanius who then killed Ariel, knowing it would break Nupraptor and the rest of the circle. The pillars would break as a result. Actually a nice plot that went over 5 games to finally be completed.

[@karljohan2300]

that actually a good way to explain how the first corruption entered always wondered wtf happened to let the hylden break out of their prison before balance guardians murder

[@lyvekis8824]

@@karljohan2300 It's part of some deleted dialogue. Mortanius confessed why he killed Ariel. The balance of the circle was destroyed because of the relation between two pillars. However it was taken out. It would also explain why the control of Mortanius by the hylden was so weak because the prison was still working, it just had some little cracks. As soon as the pillars broke the hylden lord took over Janus's body and had full control.

[@Unknown_User174]

@@lyvekis8824Mortanius has no right to break Ariel and Nupraptor’s hearts.😠 Their child could’ve become the future Mind Guardian but didn’t happen after she was murdered.😠

[@torshec8634]

Mortanus had a plan to redeem the Circle and give Guardianship back to the Vampires, but then you have Ariel doing the opposite, her "redemption" involves Kain sacrificing himself and not giving a hoot that the Vampire race will go extinct and the Unspoken and his race will win in the long run. You really can't blame Kain, Vorador, and Janos talking crap about how the human guardians were prone to manipulation and corruption.

[@JabamiLain]

The poor woman was blinded by her love to see through the veil.

[@karljohan2300]

though in a way the poor woman held onto what little hope she had imagine being stuck at th epillars for 2k years alone seeing corruption destroy the world

[@2010jakeybgoode]

I would say this video perfectly describes Melciah's words to Raziel "you are the last to die" meaning the corruption that came with evolution that he was spared through his execution did not transform him into one of the monsters his brothers became. Though Melciah was a special case as he resented what he had become more then the others and he welcomed his death

[@dancreary3340]

Im pretty sure he was just telling the Big R that his progeny were extinct.

[@2010jakeybgoode]

@@dancreary3340 that would also give more speculation on what he meant by "upstart inheritance" to whom was he referring? It would make sense that he is either referring to Raziel or the Razielhim but it could also refer to Melciah and his brothers as he states that "everyone is afraid" including himself as he lives out of sight. I still stand by my theory of the "last to die" meaning but I do love how the dialogue is ambiguous allowing for different interpretations

[@dancreary3340]

@@2010jakeybgoode That upstart inheritance line is definitely about Raziel and his clan. Kain is most likely withholding information he gained from the chronoplast, so Raziels brothers think his punishment was about the wings, but for kain it was about engineering a set of circumstances that could result in the coin landing on it's edge. And they were probably in fear because they were likely facing starvation and the actual world they were living in was on the verge collapse. And Melchiah probably lives out of sight because even he finds what he has become to be disgusting.

[@Corey_Burnett]

These videos are amazing and it's great to see this classic getting the attention it deserves.

[@budfug8691]

man, bless your heart for keeping what little heartbeat this franchise has alive.

[@Heavyjoe001]

I must say I`m delighted seeing that there are others out there still showing love to this saga. It was so important to me growing up. Little did I know at the time what a rare phenomenon it would later turn out to be. I understood rather little english back then, thus missing out on the true complexity of the story, but the atmosphere captivated me utterly. Later I came to appreciate the quality of dialogue on display. Your in depth videos on this topic are much appreciated.

[@ouroboros_on_the_orange]

I am glad you are managing to get more topics to write videos.

[@HisBubbliness]

I'm a simple person; I see a new Legacy of Kain video from this channel, so I click.

[@InnerMoonlights]

You know i am kind of glad that LoK series has been asleep throughout these decades without anyone sabotaging it's purity by making a game for *modern audiences* whatever that means, at the same time i hate the fact that it has been asleep for so long and it's awakening has been long overdue. Good news is Crystal Dynamics has officially got the IP back under their wings but the bad news is their parent company is Embracer group who is known for closing studios left and right. One thing is certain, is that Crystal Dynamics still cared about this IP and we have been seeing some surveys and official artwork surfaced recently so, it is terrible taste of that illusion again.

[@NewCanada]

Crystal Dynamics can't be trusted either. They've already ruined Tomb Raider.

[@_Geist]

10:27 "This reinforces the idea that power attracts pathological personalities." I'm reading a book about this, "Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How It Changes Us" by Brian Klaas, so it's super interesting to see the same kind of consideration reflected here. :] nice!

[@JabamiLain]

It makes sense. Power is often an ecossystem itself, or a disruptor of it. So people who find themselves unable to fit, or who possess a self-made system of how things should be, will feel the most attracted by it. I speak from self-experience.

[@mariaromanin5956]

Please we need to talk about the Wraith blade which purified Kain. Because during this vid I was expecting you to talk about Raziel's line during his sacrifice "And the Scion of Balance is healed".

[@JabamiLain]

Quick question: -I know the standard way to change the timeline in "LoK" is by causing a time paradox by having both Reavers touch. But if some being from other reality with properties similar to the Reaver interacted with it, do you think the timeline would mistake said being with the Soul Reaver ?

[@karljohan2300]

@@JabamiLain a good question but only thing we know to change the course is the reaver so who knows?

[@JabamiLain]

@@karljohan2300 which is precisely why I need to know if a being with the same powers as the Reaver could be mistaken as the Reaver, leading to its interactions with Raziel to cause changes in the timeline. I want my fic to be as accurate as possible in those terms.

[@larrymcmacarroon9529]

​@@JabamiLainsorry probably not though. The paradoxes are sparked by the impossible event of two identical raziel souls reaching out to devour each other when that can't happen according to the regular rules of the universe where a soul is supposed to be unique. Another item or spirit + RazSoul wouldn't force the issue the same way. If you can really make a case for how it'd be mistaken as a raz soul, maybe. And there's got to be other things out there that could defy physics all on their own without needing Raziel, the series just laser focussed on the sword, cuz "Soul Reaver" was the title.

[@JabamiLain]

​@@larrymcmacarroon9529thank you for your input. I'll see what I can do.

[@JabamiLain]

I feel like "Kingdom Hearts" lacks this. This kind of corruption that compells you to strive for change. As in "The Path", corruption is visceral, but inevitable and necessary.

[@eumeliovazquezjr1630]

His back with a legacy of kain video once again

[@sirVhailor]

Also his front

[@sirVhailor]

Also his front

[@telkri]

I do like how each person in the story of Legacy of Kain, deal with corruption both in others and in themselves. With Kain. At first he deals with it as an young arrogant prince would in the first game. Then later he tries to mitigated its effects and rule over it with force as a king would. who now understand its nature better. And at last to an old emperor who has to deal with legacy.

[@georgehouliaras7239]

The Corruption is what is going to happen to Legacy of Kain if it ever gets reimagined for modern audiences. It's sad that Defiance's ending remained open and the story will never conclude but do we risk modern day Crystal Dynamics with the series? I believe it's a better to have fond memories of something that is good instead of it returning and dropping to rock bottom. The 5 games will live forever in our souls. Vae Victus!

[@Yarblocosifilitico]

1:39 very relevant point. Power definitely attracts the likes of narcissists and sociopaths. Unfortunately, our society is design to reward them rather than punish them. There's and old trope that the most suited to hold power are those who don't want it. And that is the difficult paradox: those who should rule, don't want to (for good reason), and those who do want power will lie their way to it.

[@ayoubmorjane7722]

Yes, its been a while I need these videos

[@thespider-den637]

“can’t talk right now; new strictly fantasy is out.” Me every time you drop a new Legacy of Kain video

[@GatoSacro]

Ty for your videos they are without a doubt great ❤

[@apacalypsagon3758]

You think plato qoute of"the true measure of a man is what he does with power" holds up in this case as well. Like power reveals character "as much as it corrupts it?

[@lordmalkus3322]

I am amazed you are still able to find content to discuss regarding the Legacy of Kain. Your series is so masterfully crafted that it seems like you covered everything until suddenly here you are, putting out the work. Thank you so much!

[@RadoParvanov]

I'm always super excited whenever I receive a notification for a new LoK video! Thanks you for all the good work you do!

[@usamazahid3882]

Keep the content coming. It's a good way to freshen the newcomers and excite the fans of LOK alike.

[@Drudicta]

I'm glad you dove into the fact that corruption is a force rather than just something someone gains from their behavior.

[@gabesm4885]

You never cease to impress and entertain, and you did actually answers a question I ask in one of your videos. Why other guardians weren't born when Cain killed them...thanks for that and for such awesome videos I was missing your take on this game but I see it still a long ways to go. Thanks again and hope to hear from ya soon.💪🏽

[@Shadowdragon_TV]

I thank you for keeping the beauty of this magnificent gem of a game alive. I learn something new everytime I watch your covering.

[@Kaiju-Driver]

Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver was almost the entirety of my teen years. The complex story telling, voice acting, and extensive world building is a primary factor for my desire to be an author. Great content!

[@ricardocontreras7311]

Another wonder, your videos are a love letter to the long-forgotten franchise. Thank you for continuing the legacy in such an honorable way.

[@JabamiLain]

Knowing the Reality Guardian was already messed up, even before her corruption, helps me lots ! Your videos are incredibly helpful !

[@filipvadas7602]

To be fair, so was Moebius, the Time Guardian

[@JabamiLain]

​@@filipvadas7602true. However, Mobius is still prone to order. I need chaos for my fics to work, since they share a multiverse, but need to shatter the world order to make sure their routes are pleasable. The Eldritch gods who rule over my multiverse are good people who want to help others in spite of their pre-disposition to cause madness by their very presence, so they need Devils who force their interference.

[@Poromir]

Ahh loving the HD crisp footage and smooth editing, wonderful work

[@Kite403]

Can't wait to see that video about the Wraith Blade! I love your channel!

[@M1keru]

I like the fact that you make content fot this masterpiece of a game and mythos. Keep it up!

[@Toto-95]

"babe wake up ! Strickly Fantasy has posted again !"

[@jverart2106]

I'm so happy every time you make a new video about legacy of kain. This was awesome, thanks!!!

[@KaiserTheMeta]

I haven't hit a notification so fast. Let's go! LoK Lore drop!

[@soulreaver1983]

Fantastic video Vae Victis!!!!

[@Raziel_Plisken]

You!! You made me play all the games in the series recently and I'm grateful for it. The coin has landed on it's edge and the destiny of Nosgoth remains hidden in chaos... But Kain is now tormented by hope

[@tonyhiggins3527]

Other than the corruption and eventual shattering of the pillars, I'd argue that the only other moment as important to Nozgoth is the forging of the Reaver itself.

[@Dionysus-207]

No way you uploaded today. For some reason I've rewatched some of your videos today and boom, new video.

[@BlacK40k]

I find the aspect of the Bloodspell/Curse of the Hylden, turning the Ancient Vampires into bloodsuckers, interesting, since, I assume, this spell that basically changed the entire physiology of the Vampires , is also reason why Kain and his offspring kept evolving, while Nupraptor's corruption was responsible that this evolution got more and more grotesque

[@gregorygreenwood-nimmo4954]

As Frank Herbert once said about the Dune Saga - it is not so much that power corrupts, as that power attracts the corruptible. Those who most strongly feel the allure of power are, by their very nature, vulnerable to moral corruption and arguably inherently ill suited to wielding power safely and responsibly. In our world, political and social power is obviously not some magically corrupting force with agency and malefic intent of its own, but it can very easily serve to reveal the failings already present in those exposed to it, and so it also is in Nosgoth in the Legacy of Kain series. When given (what appeared to Kain at the time at least to be) the true power of a weighty choice that would determine the fate of an entire world, the influence of the corruption that had settled into Kain before he was even born came to the fore and he chose his own narrow self interest over the well being of all of creation. Of course, the irony is that it is suggested in later games that, without vampire guardians, the pillars would have slowly fallen anyway, and so Kain was trapped with only the illusion of choice - if he refuses the sacrifice then his own corruption remains, the Balance Pillar cannot be healed, and so the world falls to corruption, but if he accepts the sacrifice then, as the last vampire in existence at that time, he condemns the vampire race to extinction and leaves the pillars solely in the hands of human guardians, which would still result in their fall, only delayed a little, so all that really changes is the timeline of the corruption of Nosgoth by a few decades or centuries. As for Kain's later redemption, flaws in the self are not set in stone and immutable. Self transformation may be the most difficult journey of all, but it is possible. Kain, as an immortal, had the benefit of long term perspective denied to most of us - he witnessed the full extent of the consequences of his impulsive, selfish choice. He saw the entire world rot around him, his every dream, ambition, and achievement reduced to ashes, and the world precariously balanced on the precipice of Armageddon. He had the opportunity to try to do something about that, to try to remedy the calamity brought about by a choice he made, and he still sought that redemption even after he realised that the alternative choice he repudiated would also have lead to the damnation of Nosgoth. For all his causal cruelty and extreme brutality, Kain still emerges as a hero of sorts, one who stands for free will and self determination in defiance of the tyranny of a fate engineered to service the unaccountable interests of would-be gods.

[@scootza1]

Underrated comment

[@alephthetheropod6210]

I think this form of "corruption" is a fantastic idea that I haven't seen anywhere else. It makes the guardians feel like a big deal and not just bosses (some were admitedly not so good, lmao). It's like Elden Ring's rot but not just physical. Everything rots physically, mentally and metaphorically when Nupraptor's madness "blossoms". Even time kinda rots due to the events of timetraveling paradoxes.

[@Raziel559]

I’ve never clicked on a video so fast. Thanks for keeping these going. Can’t wait for the upcoming remakes!

[@randalthor6872]

I'll never get tired of your videos. As a lore junky and a LOK fanatic, finding this channel is like finding gold. Thanks for what you do man!!!

[@mariaromanin5956]

You just made my day with this new vid ! Always 1 pleasure to get notifications for new LOK contents ! Let's go during my break ! Thanks again for your incredible work ! Vae Victis

[@SomethingEls]

I didn't even think about the corruption like that. Thanks for making this video, waiting to see the next one!

[@Paletonson]

Every time I hear anything at all involving Kain's corruption, I hear Raziel say "... and the Scion of Balance is healed. And I am not your enemy - not your destroyer - I am, as before, your right hand. Your sword." Goosebumps every time!

[@seanmanaloto3222]

What I find interesting about one of the new mechanics introduced by the cancelled Defiance followup "Dark Legacy" is a new "beast form" for Kain, which could either act the same way the devil trigger from Devil May Cry worked, or even cooler, would pop up during different parts of the story the same way the Dark Prince from the third Prince of Persia game worked. Unless I missed something, this could indicate that Kain, too, was devolving into a bestial abomination.

[@JabamiLain]

I can not wait to see how I portray Xion in my fic series "Kingdom Hearts: Its Grimm Variations", especially when she reaches this world ! Her arc is similar to Kain's, in spite of her attempts to be an Ariel. Roxas is similar to Nupraptor, the only way to keep her alive and remembered by all, even at the expense of his kindred's souls.

[@sarahe3762]

I love your LOK videos. Thank you so much for making these. I’m obsessed.

[@Ta3ideftis]

What an amazing game series. The Lore, the voice active are legendary and I hope they will recreate them, these gems are pure gems!

[@brilicusgaming6922]

Well my day was going bad, now it seems like its turning around thanks to this video.

[@ladyadriel175]

As a long time LoK fan. I came onto KZbin today seeking inspiration to kick start painting a new set of canvases for an exhibtion. And there this video was waiting for me at the top of the list.... Perfect! Thankyou!

[@knicksfule]

Your videos keep this wonderous story alive for us all. Never stop.

[@rylancedg]

As a lover of the Legacy of Kain series, thank you for your continued work

[@BinarySecond]

The whole story is just a war between two factions, one to restore the guardians and vampires and the other to damn the world and let the hylden bsck in. So good.

[@JabamiLain]

The Eldritch gods who rule over my fanfics' multiverse are good people who want to help others in spite of their pre-disposition to cause madness by their very presence. But they're cautious of it, so they need Devils who force their interference. Series like this are part of the reason for me to envision my stories this way.

[@thehorrorcatdad]

Awesome job with these deep dives! Absolutely love the Legacy of Kain series, and wish we would get a new game!

[@SonofDale]

Awesome video, I love legacy of kain all the way back when I saw the opening to soul reaver as a kid watching my dad play. I want to highlight how combining the concept/fan art with the gameplay really fleshes out the characters more. Man we need a legacy of kain revival

[@MrJacques69]

Magnificent work yet again, thank you for helping keep the LOK series alive ❤

[@franciscor390]

A work of art my friend.

[@limitlessmaster659]

You may have single handedly brought this game back to life

[@Venkintus]

Heh i just thought, when raziel disperses the wraith blade in kain he is technically giving kain back his soul, given that raziel in wraithbalde form was created by kain giving him a portion of his soul and raziel will always have killed his brother and absorbed there gifts that could also be what help kain become pure again

[@JabamiLain]

Makes sense. Kain, in pretty much the genderbended version of Lilith. So to save himself, he must do to reverse of her. The difference from other media, is that Raziel wasn't coerced or brainwashed into it. He arrived to that conclusion by himself.

[@strictlyfantasy]

That's actually a really cool insight. I like it.

[@Venkintus]

@@strictlyfantasy I'm prob reading too much into it, just remembered from your vid that kain had to give them part of his soul, no idea if the other 5 brother became part of him though that method but if they did that would make kain 100% whole, oh also I just realised on the topic of the corruption, you did leave out the comparison of voradors brood in blood omen as they have some traits shared with kain but the fact that they are still very different from each other could also be die to the degeneration kain has

[@chuckingreaper8654]

@@strictlyfantasyWhen you think about it, with Kain having been cleansed by Raziels purified Wraith Blade, essentially having returned most of Kains soul, I wonder if this means Kain can now sire vampires normally. Now that he is free of corruption, I wonder if he will transform into more of a Janos Audron vampire rather than the corrupted form he was taking. He was after all made vampire by the Heart of Darkness which was Janos’s own heart. If this was the case, I imagine Kain would resemble something between his Blood Omen 2 self and Janos. Perhaps the depictions showing him holding the Soul Reaver with black wings is not entirely an artistic exaggeration by the Vampires of old. Even if that idea was never intended to be explored, it’s fascinating to think on. Kain would be able to start over again with the pillars, but with his centuries long knowledge and wisdom to fix the world. Truly living up to his title of the Scion of Balance. If he can sire vampires normally, he can choose who represents each pillar, therefore insuring the Hylden are kept at bay. An interesting way of making Raziels sacrifice more meaningful. He arms Kain the Soul Reaver to battle the Elder God and also saves the Vampire Race from total extinction.

[@Venkintus]

@@strictlyfantasy btw not sure if you have another vid lined up but i just thought of a interesting addendum to the reaver video, how often is razeals fate of the wraith blade hinted at throughout the series, its amazing how even in the first soul reaver game it basically tells you right when you get it but its pretty ez to miss, considering the Elder god give 2 hint "soul reaver and reaver of souls, your destinies are intertwinded, and when he says he restored it to his true form a "WRAITH" blade, the way he says wraith feels like its a big hint there

[@deqth1520]

Thank you for keeping this series alive !

[@evilbrox1801]

the story of Legacy of Kain is Brilliant, so well written and voice acted it's beyond me how this series hasn't gotten a remake or more media in general, it's pure platiunum material

[@stonehorsegaming]

Power not only corrupts, but it also reveals a persons true character.

[@pineal0ptics928]

Love this series, one of the first games I ever played. Didn’t understand the vastness of everything back then, but this game has some of the best lore and voice acting I’ve seen. Could only imagine if we got blessed with a real remake with modern graphics.

[@majk173]

Thank you! And we are looking forward to the next video!

[@-41337]

love these videos. a way to relive this amazing story which might remain dormant forevermore

[@richardblack3385]

The elden ring clip of a raziel looking figure getting into the coffin lol. I actually made both a kain and raziel character in elden ring. Even made a Shadowman

[@jp1116]

I'm so exited every time I see one of your vidoes popup

[@silviolupo]

Once again, amazing work!👏👏👏

[@Sigmakratos]

I love your videos! Every time I see them in my feed I have to instantly click and watch!

[@xXxSasukeTakaxXx]

im happy ur still doing these videos ❤🎉

[@fury1783]

Another interesting take would be that Kain could've staved off corruption by creating his sons, thereby passing the poison onto them, wittingly or not. Or he became cognizont of the corruption before it became too strong and found a way to halt it.

[@_hello_yellow9825]

It’s so interesting to imagine what Kain would be like after defiance. Healed of the corruption but with so many years of his previous self behind him. What would he think of himself, how would he change, would he be more compassionate, how would he cope with any new parts of his nature…

[@wofly5536]

Man, this series really needs a revival. Such good games.

[@stupidnamingboss]

The Legacy of Kain needs to be told in it's entirety. I don't think you could do it in one game, but you might be able to as a tv series. Would definitely make a great book series.

[@MediumRareSteak79]

Your videos never disappoint. You do amazing research on the topic at hand and really give a full account of all the factors involved. Can't wait for that reaver video. Great work mate!

[@lionvrdies]

Dude I'm glad the fanbase keeping the lore alive , waiting for that new lok graphic novel to drop .

[@TheSinexCN]

Love your channel, bro!

[@89BlackGatomon]

Great video❤

[@Saltybeef90210]

Asking with we want more, lol. On Janus Auldren's left toe you best believe we want more! Keep up the excellent work

[@Necrothep]

God I love everyone one of these videos. Can't get enough.

[@Theunion802]

As always, you produced a wonderful video. I'd love to see some more videos on the soul reaver!

[@Velshin1986]

I am a simple man I see Legacy of Kain contents from you? I instantly click.

[@user-lc4xh7ts7h]

With the announcement of the Soul Reaver prequel comic. I hope we get to see Legacy of Kain returning back from the grave someday. I always wondered what was Kain's life like when he was a Human. Granted he was born into a noble family, had a pension for power, and carried a weapon with him at all times before he was turned. It's safe to say that Kain grew up with an educated background and had combat and maybe even military training growing up as all sons of medieval nobles generally do, and I like to imagine that at some point during Kain's youth, he murdered his parents when the moment was right in order to selfishly and greedily inherit their wealth, lands, and titles for himself, but found it wasn't enough for him and always wanted more like a drug addict, and so sought outward and journeyed the world to find and learn new ways to acquire power. Maybe before his untimely murder, he was planning on either planning to serve the corrupted William the Just to hopefully get close enough to kill him and take his throne, or was planning on building a kingdom of his own by building a resistance against the Nemesis and to a larger extent the Circle, whom their corruption must have been well known to a lot of the people of Nosgoth through leaked whispers and gossip, and that the Guardians are the real power of the land, and the corrupted William was just their puppet who did their bidding as he was Moebius's puppet when the timeline was altered when Kain went into the past to kill him. Either way, the prophecy would come true.

[@trassage]

Thank you my favorite channel, for continuing to create these analysis videos for my favorite series. A video about the Soul Reaver and the Wraith Blade would be wonderful. Their role, symbolism, ying and yang. I think there is a lot of lore to uncover.