This is a guide which will hopefully help you fill in some of the backstory of Realms of the Haunting. It will not include trivial items (such as "key" or "crystal"), only those relevant to the main story.

There are two main places you receive backstory. One is through Florentine's three journals as they are found. The other is through conversation with Hawk upon his release. Any information you glean is stored in your inventory under the "I" symbol, and Rebecca will help you remember relevant topics. However, you are only aware of information you've already found, so if you miss pamphlets and documents, you will not be able to discuss that topic later.

The game also fills out topics as you proceed through the story - key events will alter your information store, filling in or changing facts as you learn them, so it is worth checking after every major plot point to see if anything is different.

Oh, and naturally, SPOILERS ABOUND!

Semi-automatic handgun, as Adam says. Rebecca points out that he knows his guns. Takes bullets [long grey boxes]. The first weapon you come across, by the typewriter. Not very powerful, but useful for hitting buttons from a distance. Takes a long time to reload. Avoid using once you get better weapons.

Incidentally, if you fail to pick up the gun in the typewriter room, another one appears down in the first room of the Mausoleum. I guess the developers anticipated that...


A shotgun. Surprisingly powerful, and the strongest you'll have for a while. Found in the Mausoleum. Takes cartridges [square cream boxes]. No reload time. A good solid weapon.


Yes, that's what it's called. Found in the study, on a rack between the door and the sarcophagus. My favourite weapon early on in the game. Even though you have to be close to use it, it's very powerful and doesn't require ammo. Worth hanging on to until you get Eternity.


Not very imaginative with the names, are they? This is collected along with the Shrive down in the Mausoleum. The most powerful weapon you'll get at this stage. Fires a beam of energy - at full strength it'll annihilate a standard yellow demon. Takes ages to recharge though. The number of skulls denotes the strength of the shot. No information is given about it's origins, although Adam notes it has "tribal" markings on it.


Collected in the rooms underneath the study immediately before meeting Belial. About as powerful as the staff, but recharges quicker. Indian design. Curved blade. Required to enter the realm of Raquia.


Found under the doormat in Adam's Father's house. Another energy weapon, and recharges quicker than both the Staff and the Dagger. Also has the bonus effect of dispelling "Wards of Passage".


Found underneath a bed in Florentine's Observatory. Incredibly powerful energy weapon, but it doesn't recharge, rather it has a certain number of shots, and once exhausted becomes useless. Fine in a pinch, but save it until later in the game. Also has the ability to teleport the user in certain situations [Study<->Mausoleum and Study<->Observatory]. Presumably not Florentine's only staff, as you still see him with one in cut-scenes.


Received when you complete Arqua. Similar to the standard Sword, but can fire an occasional burst of energy which has about as much strength as a fully charged Staff/Dagger/Wand. Adam comments that it's as "light as a feather". Rebecca comments that death is, too. Required to enter Sheol.

Originally Aelf's sword, the one used in all his successful battles. Stolen from the Soulstone by Florentine, but quickly becomes lost to him, eventually turning up in Arqua.

See Items:Soulstone for more details.


Technically a weapon as it's used to throw water. First encountered near Hawk's prison, it's used to open locked doors. Also found in Arqua where it's used to dispell energy barriers. Holds one shot of water and needs to be refilled once used.


A blunderbuss (or flintlock). An optional weapon, found in a room off the gateyard. Fires an powerful burst, and takes a few seconds to recharge. Unlimited ammo.


Found in the study. This stops you getting roasted alive in the clock room.

A mysterious object found in a heavily guarded room in the Mausoleum. Only those with the branding can withstand it's touch. Adam, as the "Marked One" can hold the Shrive, as can Belial, who has been performing experiments on unwilling participants to develop gloves that can tolerate it.

Adam later on claims that he feels that his brands, the Shrive and Eternity are all different manifestations of the same power, and that they seem to be a focus for some sort of energy which is guiding him, presumably to the Chamber of the Soulstone.

Originally the pommel of the sword Eternity. Adam reunites the items in the Chamber of the Soulstone, thus restoring the full power of Eternity.


The Soulstone is a neutral entity found within Sheol. It is a channel for all of mankind's thoughts, filtering them into good and evil. Particularly good thoughts produce angels, whereas supremely evil thoughts produce demons.

Hawk says that mankind's concept of "God" is the supreme embodiment of all man's good thoughts, but without form. This means that "The Other" is the sum total of all man's evil thoughts, also without form.

Both Hawk and Gaul are products of the Soulstone, Hawk being produced as a vessel for the supreme light, and Gaul as a vessel for "The Other". Hawk mentions that they were created to be enemies. Whilst the prophecy dictates that the balance is kept (hence the production of both Gaul and Hawk), Florentine is attempting to tip the balance by bringing events forward (the shattering of the seals and the imprisonment of Hawk)

Removal of the sword Eternity from the Soulstone on the 25th January 1330 is what starts the events of the game. Four days later it vanished from Florentine's posession - eventually making it's way to Arqua. The knock-on effects of the removal of Eternity show up later in the game, with small amount of "corruption" appearing through the realms.


Seven shards and seals bind the universe together. By the start of Realms of the Haunting, six of them have already been broken, by Florentine's design. All breaking took place in the Chamber of the Soulstone.

• The first was broken on the 25th of January 1330, when according to Florentine "The very fires of Hell arose". Fifty acolytes perished when the Temple burned, and only Florentine and Belial survived, according to his journal. He also removed Eternity from the Soulstone whilst he was there.
  
• The second was broken some time before the 13th of January 1420, again resulting in a fire.
  
• The third was broken on the 2nd of October 1783, yet again causing a fire.
  
• Details of the fourth breaking are not known.
  
• Florentine states in his journal that the fifth was broken in 1783.
  
• Details of the sixth breaking are not known, although it is mentioned in his diary in 1912 that preparations are being made for it. Presumably this went to plan, as Adam receives shards from all six.

Florentine sent the shards to Adam, enticing him to come to the house. He was told by Abaddon that it would be Adam who would decide the fate of humanity, by either breaking the final seal or saving it. As a result, Florentine does not break the seventh himself, instead luring Adam to the Chamber of the Soulstone. He wears the seventh seal around his neck.

If the events in the game do not go to plan, Florentine tricks Adam into breaking it. When that happens, "The Other" manifests in Gaul, and the world presumably comes to an end.

Florentine's house. Contains the Temple of the Morning Star, Florentine's Observatory and several Tower gates, most of which have been blocked to keep the Dodger at bay. Full of portraits of himself. Haunted by the spirit of Father Randall, who was kept there to lure Adam.

Florentine poses as a friend of Adam's father named "Elias Camber" in order to arouse his suspicions and lure him to the house. Whilst it initially seems that Adam is beginning to out-smart Florentine, it turns out that it was his plan all along to get Adam to the Chamber of the Soulstone (See Items:Shards and Seals)

The Temple is both an actual temple located underneath the house, and also the name of Florentine's order, which was conceived to bring about the force of evil upon the Earth by destroying the seven seals that bind the Universe together.


The place where the Soulstone resides, and prophecy says that the fate of the balance will be determined.

(See Items:Shards and Seals and Items:Soulstone)


Raquia is the Realm of the Spirits, which is all that many know about it. Raquia is ruled over by Raysiel "The Jailer". Spirits kept prisoner by Raysiel inhabit his tower, and those who have come to try his tests and failed dwell in his gardens.

Florentine initially came to Raquia seeking the Key of Tears, but fled in fear when Raysiel announced that the Key was not available to people "looking to deceive". The Key itself is an intangible essence - the item Adam collects is merely a vessel. Hence, only one Key exists in Raquia.

As Adam and Rebecca prepare to leave Raquia, Rebecca comments that it appears to be suffering from "corruption". Presumably this is one of the many knock-on effects of Eternity being removed from the Soulstone.


Arqua is not heaven, but based on fragmented descriptions appears to be the Garden of Eden, or at least the Realm within which the Garden of Eden (or the "Garden of Paradise") lies. The Garden contains the Tree of Understanding, which is the tree Adam and Eve ate from, giving them the power of choice.

The sword Eternity made it's way here after Florentine lost control of it. Many knew this would happen, as it is Aelf's sword and his alone. Florentine went to Arqua at one point, but he did not make note of his experience in his journal, other than saying that the First Soul told him that if he wrote of his experience, he would not receive "what was rightfully [his]".

No items with "mirror the elements" are permitted withing Arqua, including weapons and healing potions.

Aelf's Helm is required to enter Arqua.


Sheol is the top layer of what many would call "Hell", "Ghenna" or "Hades". Reached through a hallowed garden, wanderers must complete three tasks to receive the key permitting access to Sheol itself. Abaddon comments that all entering Sheol must face themselves, which presumably means that everybody must complete the Halls of Doppelgangis, but it is not clear whether the other two tasks Adam has to complete are the same for everybody.

Hell is said to comprise of seven layers of fire and darkness, with the topmost being Sheol and the lowest being "The Pit".

The Chamber of the Soulstone lies within Sheol.

Florentine comments that people living near the entrance to Sheol experience longer seasons and have the ability to speak multiple languages, as well as the ability to "cross the whirlwind spaces" to visit any point in the Universe.


The Observatory was built to track Venus. Since in astrology Venus (aka the Morning Star) represents Lucifer, this is unlikely to be a coincidence.

Florentine acquired his equipment from "noted astronomer Henry Godwin" after burning his house down.


The Tower is what we would call "another dimension", connecting all worlds together. Previously a safe place, the Tower has been infected with a being known as the Ire, making travel very unsafe. The situation was complicated further when a corrupted Dodger escaped into the Tower, and now preys on the unwary.

Florentine mentions using a mask to traverse the Tower, and says that it's origins are Egyptian. This is presumably a reference to the Gnarl.

Whilst it isn't possible to deactivate a tower gate completely, it is possible to suppress it's ability to function, although the connection with the Tower remains. Presumably Florentine was the one suppressing the gates in the house, as his journal mentions several attempts to confine the Dodger to the Tower. Once Florentine is killed, the Dodger escapes into the House.

(See also People:Dodger and People:The Ire)

Adam's mother was originally from Canada, but moved to Cornwall, England to marry his father, a Cornish pastor. However, as his father spent more and more time with the church, they seperated and Adam moved back to Canada with his mother. Apart from a brief student exchange four years before his death, Adam didn't see his father again.

He comments that the brands on his hands feel more like scars, and like he's always had them. They glow with warmth when near the Shrive.

Adam's name has been known through history, and his coming to the Chamber of the Soulstone was fortold. Florentine lured Adam to the House to fulfil his part of the prophecy.

He is also known as "The Marked One" by those who do not know his name or do not use names.


Adam meets Rebecca in the study of the house upon his return from the Mausoleum. Her story is that she is a roaming lecturer in psychic studies, and claims to be from "here and there", with no surviving family.

Rebecca was actually Priestess of the Temple of the Morning Star, helping Florentine with his research, and travelled the globe on his behalf looking for books and artifacts for Florentine's use. Referred to herself and Florentine as "Bride and Bridegroom of Our Master", implying an intimate relationship. Wasn't present at the breaking of the Sixth seal, but was aware of the ceremony.

In 1912, Florentine begins dreaming of her and "the stranger" (Adam) in the Chamber of the Soulstone together, but the significance of this escapes him. This could be around the time at which she switches sides, though the exact details are not known. She says in a letter that she will be returning to the Temple on 7th August 1930 after sensing that something had gone wrong with the ceremony.

Used the initials "R.J." in letters, which is why Adam didn't make the connection at first.


Originally a Knight Templar. His actual age is unknown, but based on the dates in his journal (1330) he is over six hundred years old. Self-designated Priest of the Temple of the Morning Star.

Florentine is the main antagonist in Realms of the Haunting, and it is his wish that the seventh seal that binds the universe together be broken, so the full power of "The Other" can manifest on Earth in the body of Gaul. Much of what happens in the game is a result of Florentine's actions, whether intentional or not. He needed to get Adam to the Chamber of the Soulstone, so his death would not be part of the plan.

Florentine kept extensive journals detailing his mission, including notes about the breaking ceremonies which have been performed over the last 600 years. These prove useful to Adam and Rebecca to fill in the backstory of his nature. Florentine has also been responsible for many fires over his history. Not only have they been started whenever a seal has been broken, but he has also burned and killed people when collecting equipment for his observatory.

He makes extensive notes of his dreams, some of which he uses to influence his decisions. In the 17th Century he began to dream of Eternity, and in 1912 he dreamed of the final confrontation in the Chamber of the Soulstone, with both Rebecca and Adam present, though he couldn't tell who wielded Eternity

According to Hawk, Florentine is responsible for the creation of Belial from the Soulstone, as a product of his evil thought. However, it is also stated that Belial was the demon cast out of heaven by St. Michael (Aelf), which is depicted on the stained glass window in Father Randall's church.

Florentine also believes himself responsible for the creation of the rogue Dodger, believing that is also a product of his thoughts, though this is unconfirmed.

Used the alias "Elias Camber" when corresponding with Adam.


Pastor of St. Michael's Church in Cornwall, killed in a housefire presumably started by Florentine. His spirit is trapped in the house (presumably by Florentine so as to lure Adam), and is seen by Adam when he enters the study. He claims that the pendant around his neck is his jailer. Rebecca feigns ignorance as to it's nature, but claims that it's power is in everything around them. It is likely that the pendant is a piece of the Soulstone, which would mean that his imprisonment was part of the prophecy. This would explain why he couldn't be released until the Balance was restored.

He initially leads Adam to Aelf

Raysiel is the ruler of Raquia, Realm of the Spirits. He is known as the jailer, as he has absolute power over both imprisonment and release. He claims that he gains no pleasure from this, and takes a neutral stance over people's actions, watching over those imprisoned by both good and evil.

He is Hawk's jailer, and as a condition of his release could not divulge the location of his cell, but could allow Adam to try his tests to collect the Key of Tears to free him.

He is presumably not Adam's Father's jailer, as his personality does not seem like it would allow the torture he undergoes.

It is said that Raysiel never grants an audience, but his image has been known to appear to travellers exploring his gardens. To most people, he appears as a tall man dressed in black, but this is presumably because of people's expectations of what a jailer or person of authority should look like. He appears to Adam and Rebecca as a vague ball of energy, pulsating with light.

His true form is a monstrous humanoid demon with skeletal bat-like wings protruding from his temples. His teeth are gold, and his eyes are the same silver as the key chain he carries by his side. This form is only ever seen by those he keeps prisoner in his tower.

His appearance is said to be preceded by the sound of a key turning in a lock, and his depature is followed by the crash of a door slamming


Belial is a product of the Soulstone, created by Florentine. He is a manifestation of Florentine's evil thoughts, and according to his journal, Belial was created deliberately to assist him in his mission. However, Hawk says that in recent years they have turned against each other, both vying for the attention of their "Dark Master"

Belial takes on the appearance of a doctor. Whether this is deliberate or not, it certainly suits his impersonal, clinical demeanour, never getting agitated or angry. His most notable contribution to Adam's world is the machine which brands his hands. This has been used in the past, always resulting in the deaths of those Belial has forced into being branded. Their hands were then cut off and the skin removed to fashion a pair of gloves which can withstand the shrive without burning. The skeletons of the victims can be found in a corridor in the Mausoleum beneath the house.


Aelf is a long-deceased Knight Templar whose spirit aides and assists Adam throughout the game. Initially found in the Mausoleum underneath the house, he reappears from time to time whenever Adam finds an artefact that previously belonged to him. Two of his possessions, his helmet and his sword, are required for admission into the realms of Sheol and Raquia respectively. His breastplate is also found near the Observatory.

Whilst it may seem coincidental that a long-dead knight would have such influence on the events within the game, a study of Florentine's journal reveals that the sword Eternity originally belonged to Aelf, causing him to be closely connected with the efforts of the Balance to restore order.


Gaul is a product of the Soulstone, forged to receive the power of "The Other" when the final Seal is broken. Likes playing cards. Adam feels he's met him before, but isn't sure where, perhaps posing as one of his father's old friends.

Adam never meets Gaul, except in the final cut-scenes. He is only seen in passing.

Killed by Hawk in the Chamber of the Soulstone.

Hawk is a product of the Soulstone, created as a natural side-effect of the Balance. No human directly caused his creation, but when Florentine created Gaul, it was natural that his opposite would also be created. Hawk is intended to house the power of "Light" just as Gaul is intended to house "The Other".

He is briefly seen fighting creatures in Sheol though no explanation is given for the situation...after which is not seen again until The Gathering. Even though he is on the side of Good like Adam, he cannot intervene with events.

Hawk's main purpose in the game is to be an infodump, allowing Adam to grill him about people, places and objects that he has come across or heard about. Hawk's knowledge is then transferred to Rebecca if it needs to be referred to later.


Raphael is an enigmatic person who gives very little information away. Any direct questions typically go unanswered even though he claims to be a 'guide' to the Tower. He main appearance is when Adam first enters the Tower, though he can be seen again if you attempt to re-enter a realm you have already completed, or return to the "incomplete" Tower segment later in the game.

Hawk says that Raphael is "of the same blood" as Aelf, but they are not brothers. Nothing further is made of this, though they are both deliberately played by the same actor.


The Ire is an intangible being that roams the Tower, feasting on the souls of unwary travellers. It is believed to be the manifestation of all those who have died in the Tower. Florentine mentions it repeatedly in his journals, and he is deeply afraid of it.

The Ire is never met in the game. Thankfully.


The dodger is a product of the Soulstone. Florentine writes in his journals that he believes it was created as a product of his machinations, though whether this is true or just his own belief is never resolved. Numerous references are made to it attempting to escape the tower. One such effort can be witnessed by Adam if he visits the Tower gate next to the library in the house. Florentine has "suppressed" most of the Tower gates in the house to try and keep it at bay, though with his death these measures are broken and the Dodger escapes in the end-game sequence.


The Gnarl is the keeper of the masks which allow travel through the Tower. Believed to be Egyptian in origin, it is old, very old. As such, it has no patience for "trivialities" and chit-chat.

Satan, though usually referred to as "The Other" by in-game characters. It is the intangible essence of all of mankind's evil thoughts (God being the essence of all of mankind's good thoughts). When the seventh seal is broken, it will manifest in Gaul, a human vessel, and it is believed the world will end.

Despite having played this game many, many times, there are still some things I'm not clear on. If anybody could help me fill in these gaps, I'd be very grateful. They'd be added to the guide and credit given where due.

• Who is the female voice heard laughing/crying at various points in the game? [Noteably when you collect the key in the mausoleum, or during the Halls of Doppelgangis segment], Whoever it is isn't just constrained to Heled...it can also be heard repeatedly when fighting Belial near the end.
  
• What happens in the title sequence before the main opening? Is that the stone falling in Helmouth, Cornwall that is mentioned in one of the newspaper clippings? Who is that rising from the pentagram?
  
• Why does Adam survive the branding when so many died as a result?
  
• Who is that saying "Your presence violates the pact..." etc in the mausoleum?
  
• Who is that saying "Infidels. The sanctum is breached, brothers..." etc in the caverns?
  
• Who had been staying in Father Randall's Vicarage? Was it Florentine? When did he do that, given Adam's father died fairly recently? And...where are the signs of the fire?
  
• What's the deal with the brains puzzle? What does that have to do with anything?
  
• Why doesn't Adam take two Soulstone shards? He knows he needs two masks to travel in the Tower, but doesn't question this...
  
• If the tree in the white tower is the Tree of Knowledge, what's it doing in Sheol? Shouldn't it be in Arqua, as the journals mention?
  
• What's the symbolism of 6'o'clock?