Kamael: A Window to the Future

At last, our chance to seize great power has arrived! I knew this day would come! Ha ha ha!

Hey, adventurer, aren't you curious to know why I am so pleased?

Ah, I doubt your imagination could even begin to grasp the amazing truth hidden in this dark temple...

Listen more.

You there, have you heard of the Kamael? Of course not! The look of even greater than usual ignorance on your face shows me that you know nothing about it.

Ah, the Kamael! It Is like a magical key, designed to unlock the future of the five races.

It is like a succulent fruit, too tempting to resist.

It is like... ah, well, it is likely beyond your comprehension.

"I am going back unless you give me some real Information."

Calm yourself, my friend. I will satisfy your hot-headed curiosity.

Noble Elmore sought me out not long ago and asked a particular favor of me. It concerned a lost race, separate from the five that you know, a race known as the Kamael.

Ah, how I wish you could see your expression! Priceless! But I suppose that your shock is entirely natural. Silence your skeptical tongue -- what I tell you is completely true, on my word of honor. This divine race not only exists, it is known to the leaders of each of the five races. But they are vexed that information about the Kamael is so sparse.

Are you up to the challenge of finding the truth? I will offer you the task if you desire it. Accept and many of your questions will be answered...

"I will take the job."

Can't resist the urge to find out the truth, eh? You want to know, as I do, who exactly are the Kamael?

Make no mistake, my young friend, I am only interested in one thing: I wish to use them in order to shake this sorry, sad world to its very foundations. That prating noble asked me to find an adventurer qualified to discover what each of the races know about the Kamael. Why? My net spreads much further afield than his, that's why, and he thinks that nothing that might cause embarrassment can be traced back to him. Inbred fool!

Join my cause and you will be suitably rewarded for your part. Of course, the greater reward may be the truth you discover about the Kamael race itself.

Now then, take this mark and to Grand Master Klaus Blackbird in the Town of Oren. Give it to him and he will advise you on exactly what you must do. Waste not a moment!

Ah, you have returned! I am burning with curiosity about what you have discovered about the new race.

First you must prove to me that you have met with all the collaborators. Then tell me of their intentions towards the Kamael -- and what they desire. We have waited long enough!

Give him all the Marks of the Future and tell him what the collaborators told you.

If what you say is true, these are truly fascinating stories, are they not? I feel like a child waiting for the pie to come out of the oven, unable to contain my desire for it.

As the identity of the Kamael race is revealed more and more, the discord between the five races will increase and the world will eventually fall into dark chaos, right? What do you think? Ah, doesn't your heart pound with the mere anticipation of it? Ha, ha. Good job! This is more than I expected, so I know my client will also be very satisfied.

Here is the payment for your work. Now, that your curiosity has been satisfied, we should satisfy your pocket too. Since you have completed this task well, I will contact you again if something else comes along. That is all!

Ah, the mark! You are sent by Dominic, yes?

"Yes,"

(Looks around the area and then speaks carefully.) Dominic is truly a cunning character to have found me a suitable person so quickly.

"What exactly are you planning?"

Hush, child! The walls have ears, you know! Now listen: I, as a chief of the Warrior Guild, agreed to follow Dominic's plan. I don't know exactly what he told you, but I wholeheartedly agree with his insistence that authority over the Kamael should be transferred to us, the Humans.

That is why I am willing to aid Dominic -- not simply for my sake, but for the sake of all Humans. We must not allow a few second-class gods to unfairly favor other undeserving races. This is our time in history! This is our world!

"What kind of unfair treatment do you think Humans receive?"

Most commoners believe that the Human race was created by Einhasad. But an adventurer of your stature certainly knows that that is false; Humans were in actuality the first creation of Gran Kain...and his first failure.

That is why the other races hold us in such low regard. But despite that ignoble beginning, we have grown from the lowest to the most exceptional people in the world!

Our civilization is unmatched, but we still cannot match the physical superiority the other races have by virtue of their birth. As a result, we are in constant danger of being exterminated! Not a month goes by that we don't catch some cunning Elf or sly Orc skulking around, spying on us even here! Does that make you uncomfortable? It should! It is only through our wits that we have survived and thrived this long.

Ah, but the discovery of the Kamael means we have been given a great opportunity to correct the imbalance!

Keep listening.

According to legend, Gran Kain wrote a tome about the Kamael and hid it somewhere in this world. Now that book has been found, by a Dwarf of all people. It was clear that Gran Kain's intention was to unite the Humans, his own first children, and the Kamael in a mighty alliance.

But now the Elves have become involved, threatening that plan. Unless they are stopped, they and the other races will subvert the Humans by asserting their own control over the Kamael.

That cannot be allowed; we cannot lose this opportunity to fulfill Gran Kain's will!

"Are the Kamael that important?"

Yes. There is much we still have to learn about the Kamael, but we know beyond a doubt that they are a very powerful race.

It is possible that they may even be physically stronger than the Orcs, as well as possessing even more devilish powers than the Dark Elves. But even if they were individually weak, their numbers alone would be a powerful aid. The other races know this, which is why they are all attempting to subvert our relations with the Kamael. The struggle for supremacy has already begun!

"What can we do?"

Yes. We must not lose the opportunity given to us by our god. But neither can we afford to act rashly in such delicate times, lest we make things even worse.

First we must discover what each race knows about the Kamael and how they plan to win them over. We know that they would not have revealed their true intentions during the Giran Treaty summit, and Sir Klaus Vasper, the Human representative, was unable to penetrate their deception.

You must learn the truth and then return and report to Dominic in Rune Township. This is a dangerous task, make no mistake about it! But Dominic has already sought out a Grand Master or a guild master from each race -- collaborators from whom we can learn much. Do you have the fortitude, the courage and the wit to undertake this task and see it through to the end? The fate of the Human race may well depend on you...

"I will do it."

Excellent! Your decision warms my heart. Now commit this password to memory: Name that Opens the Future. And take this mark, which is called the Mark of Future. Take it to Warehouse Chief Alder in Schuttgart Castle Town and he will give you his report, as well as the mark you will require to obtain the next collaborator's report. When you have collected a report from each collaborator, deliver the information to Dominic.

By the way, the quickest way to reach Alder in Schuttgart Castle Town is to pass through Rune Town. May Gran Kain smile on your journey!

Have you just met with Magister Juris, by any chance? If so, you must be the one I have heard of. Welcome! I hoped to speak with you, but I doubted whether you would really come see me. You wish to hear more about the Kamael, I expect?

"Yes."

Very well; if that is really your intention, I will tell you as briefly as possible. First, though, let me tell you that I know that the one who gave you this task is the chief of the powers arrayed against us. But hear me! My purpose in meeting with you now is not to try and win you to our cause. I simply wish to give you all the facts.

I don't know if you are aware of it, but I recently journeyed to the Kamael town as an aide to Sir Karen Bespa, the Human representative at the Giran Meeting. How can I describe the experience? It was transformative, and I feel an obligation to share what I discovered with others.

Listen carefully.

Needless to say, I do not entirely agree with the Elves' opinions. But I do think that we need to look at the Kamael situation objectively.

There will undoubtedly be a whole herd of eager young adventurers like yourself ready to acquaint themselves with the Kamael; I hope that an opinion like mine will also be heard. I believe that an adventurer interested in the Kamael and committed to neutrality is well suited to hear my words and deliver them truthfully to the world, neither adding to nor subtracting from my tale. Vou seem a likely candidate -- may I tell you my story?

Listen to the story.

This is as much as I can tell you at this time. Now that you know my story, you may judge the situation for yourself. But the day is coming when you will be able to see the Kamael with your own eyes, and things will be made clear.

When that day comes, only the gods know...

"Is there anything else vou want to tell me?"

That is all I can say at this time. But it should be enough -- it is certainly enough to cost me my life, should it fall into the wrong hands. But thank you for hearing me. Perhaps you should leave now, however, to avoid drawing suspicion onto either of us.

According to the information I have gathered, your next destination should be Rune Township. If you meet with Priest Dominic, I trust that you will not betray my confidence; for my part, I will say nothing about your mission. Good luck to you -- I have known you only briefly, and I doubt we shall meet again in this world, but my heart is lighter knowing that our fate is in the hands of someone like yourself. Farewell!

You say you came from Rune Township? Ah! Well, I'm glad that a hardy adventurer like yourself has taken on this mission. Not long ago, a stranger appeared in town and talked noisily about mishaps regarding the Kamael -- we were worried that he might spoil things by attracting too much attention.

I'm relieved to see that you seem like a calm and intelligent-looking person.

But since there are many prying eyes and listening ears nearby, let me give you only the information you need to know right now. Remember it well and deliver it promptly!

Ready?

"I am ready."

You must realize that the Iron Gate Guild to which I belong didn't agree to this because we wanted to help the Humans. Our interest stems from that fact that a Dwarf allegedly first discovered the existence of the Kamael, which gives us certain priority rights regarding them.

I know that the Elves and Humans look down their noses at us, seeing us as nothing more than tinkerers and traders. But we are an ancient and a proud people, and our Dwarven law is sacred to us. Accordingly, we regard the rights we have gained as untouchable.

"What rights have vou gained?"

As the discoverers of the Kamael, we should have exclusive rights to trade with and for the Kamael. I am not so naive as to think that the other races will allow this, not now, but we do have a plan. We are rightly acknowledged for our superior crafting skills and commercial prowess. Without us, no building of note can be constructed, no armor fashioned, no desirable goods transported...

Deliver this message: We Dwarves want economic access to the Kamael. If we are denied this, we will deny the Human kingdoms the works of our hands and our minds. And there is one thing more...

"What is it?"

Confidential information about the Kamael. We have already attempted to contact the Kamael, and although we were unsuccessful, we nevertheless learned more about them than all of the other races combined.

Because of that, we want our research to be kept secret.

And because of our efforts, we believe that the Iron Gate Guild, with its wide-ranging influence and firm economic foundation, should be in charge of the efforts regarding the Kamael from this point on. Now, then...have you understood what I have told you?

"I have."

Very well. Again, please convey our requests with great care and clarity. If he can assist us in this matter, please assure him that our guild will spare no expense in this matter.

Finally, I will give you the Mark of Future. Take it and go see High Prefect Aklan in Goddard Castle. Aklan is the Orc collaborator and will tell you the Orc perspective of this situation.

You know that Goddard Castle Town is located at the center of the Goddard region, right? Then please be on your way! And be discreet; if someone finds you suspicious, he may try to follow you.

You are the one sent by the Human Warrior Guild, eh? Oh, forgive me! That came out rather more loudly than I had intended. Let me tell you that according to the rumors I hear, many Elves are excited about the chance to build close ties to the Kamael race.

Our relationship with the Kamael is closely connected with Eva's blessings, which is why many Elves believe that this will be a holy union. I suppose the one who sent you, as well as the other races' collaborators, will be quite dismayed to hear this news. They will undoubtedly suspect that I only agreed to participate in this venture in order to oppose the Elves.

"What do you mean?"

Dominic selected his collaborators from factions of each race who were dissatisfied with the terms of the Giran Treaty. The local Elven Magisters have joined this...ah, conspiracy...ostensibly because of conflicts with the Elven leaders of the Innadril region.

But this is actually just a ruse. Whatever happens, we must prevent the other races from allying against the Elves.

Our participation in this cabal provides us a opportunity to listen to the other races' position on the Kamael and gives us much-needed time to consider their proposals.

"What should I tell him?"

I already told you, the one who led the Kamael since the beginning is Eva, goddess of water. The reason Eva chose the Elves to lead the Kamael in her stead is not because of the unconditional affection that the Orcs or Dark Elves talk about.

No, it is rather that wise Eva wishes to restore order to this chaotic world by combining the magic of the Elves with the strength of the Kamael. After much study, we Magisters believe that only the Elves can manage the Kamael's amazing abilities. To our great sadness, however, the other races -- including the Humans -- suspect us of more selfish motives.

"Should I tell them the truth?"

Yes! And take this mark I give you as a token of good faith with which to convince him. If the Humans persist in using the power of Orcs or Dark Elves to divide Elves and the Kamael, our world will descend even further into chaos.

But I for one harbor the hope that the Humans will understand our purpose and support us. Although theirs is a tragic history, through their own wisdom and power they have built a powerful civilization. We Elves do not wish them to again stray into foolishness and attempt to thwart the will of the gods, as they did when their race was still young.

A Human here in Giran is in agreement with me and wishes to tell you about his personal experience with the Kamael. His name is Sir Kristof Rodemai, and you will find him near the Warrior Guild. Listen to him before you continue your journey!

What did you show me? Ah, now I remember. That mark is the humans' proof of avarice, or the Mark of Future. Hmm... Are you the messenger of that greed? Ah, don't be too upset. We who have joined hands with humans for the sake of profit are no different.

Let us end introductions here and get to the main subject.

Listen to his story.

Make no mistake; we are forced to collaborate with the Humans for only one reason: to prevent the hated Elves from acquiring influence over the Kamael.

How the goddess Eva saw fit to award the Innadril Elves supremacy is beyond belief! Ah, and to think that those wretched Innadril Elves then allowed themselves to be tricked by the Elves of the Elf Village, tarnishing the honor of all Dark Elves. Ay de mi!

Remember this: the Elves intentionally tried to exclude us from the Giran Treaty summit. Only through the request of the Adventurers Guild were we permitted to finally send a representative to the proceedings. That insult to Dark Elves will not be forgotten -- or forgiven! But I suppose it was naive of us to expect any decency from those cowardly Elves, skulking forever under their so-called Mother Tree.

"Did such a thing really happen?"

Perhaps we brought it on ourselves, fearful as we were that they would seek the Kamael's power in order to destroy us. Never trust an Elf! We have discovered that the Kamael's physical strength and prowess in battle are similar to that of the Dark Elves and Orcs.

We have received information that the Orcs are in fact attempting to conclude a secret alliance with the Kamael. We too wish an opportunity to meet with this new race, but the controlling Elves will not allow such a thing to happen without their incessant meddling.

But hear me: Dark Elves and Kamael must be allowed to interact freely. Do you understand?

"I understand."

Very well. All that is left is to give you the mark you require; here it is. Against my better judgment, I must tell you the name of the Elven collaborator. Listen closely! Find Magister Juris in Giran Castle Town.

Once you have heard what he says, find me again and tell me when the opportunity presents itself. I want to hear for myself what words come forth from his moon-face! Be not deceived, however, he is a deep and treacherous creature.

Be on your way, and may Shilen guide you on your journey! I will await your report.

Finally, the one with the Mark of Future has appeared! That Human must have set things in motion after all. Well, it matters little. I wanted to see you was because I wish to make known the Orcs' position regarding the Kamael.

Listen to my words as though Pa'agrio himself speaks to you!

Listen to his story.

The world is abuzz with news of the Kamael, and the other races fall over themselves in their rush to send emissaries to the new race. Fools! It was not the Dwarves who discovered the Kamael, you know. Long before their disappearance, they left traces of themselves in ancient Orc legends.

In their greed and fear, the other races are blind to this fact: the Kamael will not ally themselves with any of them. Their blood is valiant, ancient and pure, as is the blood that beats from Orc hearts and flows through Orc veins.

Hearing of their reappearance is like receiving word that our lost brothers and sisters have returned. We welcome them!

"Brothers and sisters?"

Yes. The Kamael are as fierce as fire and as strong as the stones of the Sacred Plateau. From the beginning, they were born and bred to be a warrior race. So Tarkai Zu Duda-Mara learned from their chief.

Why do you think the other races are so eager for the Kamael's friendship? It may seem as though they see the new race simply as a means of advancing their own power, but the deeper truth is that they are all are motivated by fear.

That is the same reason why we Orcs are hated by the other races; they fear our strength and prowess in battle. Therefore, go and say this to the Humans: We Orcs have no need to exploit the Kamael, but wish instead to welcome them as our blood kin from ancient times. Oppose us and our bond with the Kamael will grow only stronger, until no power on this world can withstand our combined might. Do you understand?

"Yes."

Since you have answered fully, I will end our conversation with this. Ah, and I have something to give you. I believe it is called the Mark of Future. I have heard that without this, my story will not be passed on.

Now listen carefully. Go to Grand Master Oltlin and listen to the thoughts of the Dark Elven race. He is supposed to be in the western area of Aden Castle Town in Aden territory.

I have not spoken so fully for a very long time; I must rest now. Be on your way, and speak the words of the Orcs truly!