"Although tired and battered, the clan's Master at Arms still commands the unquestioning respect of his men. His eyes are grimly focused on the horizon, and he has the wistful demeanor of a man who knows he will soon sacrifice his life -- and those of his men -- in a battle that he may not win."
- Character description(src)
Qual-Kehk was a Barbarian mercenary captain based in Harrogath.
He distrusted Druids, but held great respect for Paladins, and appeared to worship the Light.[1]
Biography
In his youth, Qual-Kehk considered taking a pilgrimage to Kurast. However, he decided against it, reflecting that "I was younger then, and foolish." He later asserted that his place at always been at Harrogath.
Despite residing in the shadow of Mount Arreat, he never dared venture to the mountain's summit.[1]
Lord of Destruction
Qual-Kehk was the senior man-at-arms at Harrogath, and defended the city during Baal's assault on Mount Arreat. Even with most of his men dead, and others being trapped in the mountain passes, he swore to fight to the end to protect the mountain.
Salvation came in the form of a group of heroes who were in pursuit of Baal. They were able to defeat the Lord of Destruction, but at the cost of the Worldstone's destruction, and with it, Mount Arreat itself.[1]
In-game
Qual-Kehk appears in Harrogath in Act V of Diablo II. He gives the player the Rescue on Mount Arreat Quest and lets the player hire the Barbarian Warriors when they're rescued, after the Quest is completed, that is to say. Additionally, he gives the player the Runes Ral, Ort, and Tal, which, when put into a three Socketed Shield in that order, makes the Runeword "Ancient's Pledge."
Dialogue
Greetings
- "Yes?"
- "Yes, warrior?"
- "What is it?"
- "Can I help you?"
- "Quickly, traveler."
- "Morning."
- "Afternoon."
- "Evening."
Introduction
- General
I am Qual-Kehk, the Senior Man-At-Arms of Harrogath.
You have the look of a warrior...An extra soldier will be useful. But don't expect anyone to mourn if you get yourself killed.
Baal is true to his namesake. He has ravaged through our lands like a merciless plague.
The protective ward laid down by our lost Elders helps hold the evil at bay, but Baal's siege has taken its toll all the same.
Most of my men are now dead. Others are trapped in the mountain passes.
But I swear we are not beaten yet! We will fight to the end to protect this mountain!
You have the look of a warrior...An extra soldier will be useful. But don't expect anyone to mourn if you get yourself killed.
Baal is true to his namesake. He has ravaged through our lands like a merciless plague.
The protective ward laid down by our lost Elders helps hold the evil at bay, but Baal's siege has taken its toll all the same.
Most of my men are now dead. Others are trapped in the mountain passes.
But I swear we are not beaten yet! We will fight to the end to protect this mountain!
A Druid in Harrogath! Have things truly come to this?
After the Mage Wars, I assumed Druids would never be seen in Harrogath again. You take a big chance coming here!
To be honest, I have never been comfortable with your shape-shifting kind, but I do respect your search for balance and peace. So, if you trust us enough to enter our gates, I trust you enough to let you stay.
I am Qual-Kehk, the Senior Man-At-Arms of Harrogath.
You have the look of a warrior...An extra soldier will be useful. But don't expect anyone to mourn if you get yourself killed.
Baal is true to his namesake. He has ravaged through our lands like a merciless plague.
The protective ward laid down by our lost Elders helps hold the evil at bay, but Baal's siege has taken its toll all the same.
Most of my men are now dead. Others are trapped in the mountain passes.
But I swear we are not beaten yet! We will fight to the end to protect this mountain!
After the Mage Wars, I assumed Druids would never be seen in Harrogath again. You take a big chance coming here!
To be honest, I have never been comfortable with your shape-shifting kind, but I do respect your search for balance and peace. So, if you trust us enough to enter our gates, I trust you enough to let you stay.
I am Qual-Kehk, the Senior Man-At-Arms of Harrogath.
You have the look of a warrior...An extra soldier will be useful. But don't expect anyone to mourn if you get yourself killed.
Baal is true to his namesake. He has ravaged through our lands like a merciless plague.
The protective ward laid down by our lost Elders helps hold the evil at bay, but Baal's siege has taken its toll all the same.
Most of my men are now dead. Others are trapped in the mountain passes.
But I swear we are not beaten yet! We will fight to the end to protect this mountain!
A Paladin! I have long heard of your people.
As a young warrior I even considered the pilgrimage to Kurast. But I was younger then, and foolish. My place has always been here -- protecting Harrogath, and Mount Arreat with it.
I am Qual-Kehk, the Senior Man-At-Arms of Harrogath.
You have the look of a warrior...An extra soldier will be useful. But don't expect anyone to mourn if you get yourself killed.
Baal is true to his namesake. He has ravaged through our lands like a merciless plague.
The protective ward laid down by our lost Elders helps hold the evil at bay, but Baal's siege has taken its toll all the same.
Most of my men are now dead. Others are trapped in the mountain passes.
But I swear we are not beaten yet! We will fight to the end to protect this mountain!
As a young warrior I even considered the pilgrimage to Kurast. But I was younger then, and foolish. My place has always been here -- protecting Harrogath, and Mount Arreat with it.
I am Qual-Kehk, the Senior Man-At-Arms of Harrogath.
You have the look of a warrior...An extra soldier will be useful. But don't expect anyone to mourn if you get yourself killed.
Baal is true to his namesake. He has ravaged through our lands like a merciless plague.
The protective ward laid down by our lost Elders helps hold the evil at bay, but Baal's siege has taken its toll all the same.
Most of my men are now dead. Others are trapped in the mountain passes.
But I swear we are not beaten yet! We will fight to the end to protect this mountain!
Gossip
- Baal's legions
Baal's legions seem countless, but slaying their commanders takes some of the fight out of them.
- Siege machines
We have lost many well-trained warriors to Baal's siege machines. Their range is great. Though, they are vulnerable if you close the distance quickly enough.
- Rationing
This is unlike any battle I have ever fought. While we ration food and water, the demon hordes feast nightly on the flesh and blood of our dead.
Larzuk is a talented blacksmith, but his head is full of some strange ideas.
Just the other day he came to me with a plan to break the siege. He wanted to fill large pipes with exploding powders and steel balls, then...Well, like I said, strange.
Just the other day he came to me with a plan to break the siege. He wanted to fill large pipes with exploding powders and steel balls, then...Well, like I said, strange.
- Demon spawns
Early on, parties of our best scouts were ambushed by demons that spawned from the very air around them. Survivors often mentioned a strange creature floating in the distance.
Perhaps taking it down could prevent some nasty surprises.
Perhaps taking it down could prevent some nasty surprises.
- Survival (audio only)
Our Elders were wise leaders in more peaceful times. But now, the survival of our people has fallen to me. My men and I will fight to the death, but there's no way to ensure the outcome.
I used to believe that nothing could break through our guard and assault the holy mountain. I know now that I was horribly mistaken.
I used to believe that nothing could break through our guard and assault the holy mountain. I know now that I was horribly mistaken.
- Supernatural (Druid)
Harrogath has great need of your powers, noble Druid. However, in the face of this supernatural onslaught, are your natural powers up to the task?
- Faith (Paladin)
It would be an honor to have a warrior of the Light fighting side-by-side with my men.
I can see your faith gives you great strength, Paladin, but don't expect it to keep you out of harm's way.
I can see your faith gives you great strength, Paladin, but don't expect it to keep you out of harm's way.
Siege on Harrogath
- After Initiate
About to face Shenk the Overseer and stop the siege, are you? You should ask Malah to perform your last rites before you go, stranger.
- Early Return
So, you still live. You're either quick or a coward.
- After Completion
So...You managed to stop the siege.
You are more powerful than I gave you credit for. You have rightfully earned my respect.
You are more powerful than I gave you credit for. You have rightfully earned my respect.
Rescue on Mount Arreat
- Quest Initiation
My concerns have turned to my men taken prisoner on the battlefield by Baal's demons. I hate to think what's happened to them.
As you journey up the mountain, keep your eyes open for my soldiers and bring them back to me if you can.
As you journey up the mountain, keep your eyes open for my soldiers and bring them back to me if you can.
- After Initiate
Those of my men fortunate enough to escape on their own told me that they were held captive in the highlands and plateaus.
- Early Return
They say that discretion, not procrastination, is the better part of valor.
- Half Complete
More of my men are still alive out there. I am certain of it!
Find them. Free them from their cages and bring them back to me.
Find them. Free them from their cages and bring them back to me.
- After Completion
Thank you for rescuing my men. They have spoken well of your bravery in battle. Perhaps there is hope for us after all.
If you wish, you may hire some of my mercenaries that you've saved. And please...take this set of runes. I had been saving them for a socketed shield, but I think you'll make better use of them.
Be sure to set them in the right order for their fullest effect.
If you wish, you may hire some of my mercenaries that you've saved. And please...take this set of runes. I had been saving them for a socketed shield, but I think you'll make better use of them.
Be sure to set them in the right order for their fullest effect.
Prison of Ice
- After Initiate
Anya's father, Aust, was our wisest Elder. He was killed along with the other Elders who erected the ward that protects this city. The ward has kept Baal's demons out of Harrogath, but at a costly sacrifice.
Nihlathak, on the other hand, was the only Elder to escape the demons. Somehow, he alone managed to find sanctuary, while the others died around him.
Ever since that day, Nihlathak and Anya have been at odds.
Nihlathak, on the other hand, was the only Elder to escape the demons. Somehow, he alone managed to find sanctuary, while the others died around him.
Ever since that day, Nihlathak and Anya have been at odds.
- Early Return
It seems like everyone feels Nihlathak played a part in Anya's disappearance.
Why would he do such a thing?
Why would he do such a thing?
- After finding Anya
The snake has slipped our grasp! While you were gone, Nihlathak disappeared.
I'll bet Anya knows how to track him down.
I'll bet Anya knows how to track him down.
- After Completion
Your rescue of Anya was quite an accomplishment.
Betrayal of Harrogath
- After Initiate
I saw Nihlathak leave town just before you found Anya. He must be held accountable for his criminal deeds.
Find him and bring him back, if you can. Likely, he won't come willingly, and you'll be forced to kill him.
So be it.
Find him and bring him back, if you can. Likely, he won't come willingly, and you'll be forced to kill him.
So be it.
- Early Return
My advice is to go in quick and hit hard. Nihlathak can't be half as tough as the beasts you've faced out there.
- After Completion
Nihlathak was a vile demon that shall find his home among the tortured minions of Hell!
You battled the Darkness without fear. I laud your skill and courage.
You battled the Darkness without fear. I laud your skill and courage.
Rite of Passage
- Quest Initiation
Every time I hear of you, warrior, your deeds become more legendary.
But take heed. You are approaching the very summit of Mount Arreat. I have never dared venture there. It is sacred
-- our most holy place. The legends say it is guarded by the Ancients Ones, who block the path of all who are unworthy.
Your reputation here does not matter...It will be the Ancients who determine your worthiness.
Good Luck.
But take heed. You are approaching the very summit of Mount Arreat. I have never dared venture there. It is sacred
-- our most holy place. The legends say it is guarded by the Ancients Ones, who block the path of all who are unworthy.
Your reputation here does not matter...It will be the Ancients who determine your worthiness.
Good Luck.
- After Initiate
The Ancients are not our enemies. Remember that! They are our ancestors -- our gods.
- Early Return
I warned you!
The Ancients are not like the demons you're accustomed to fighting.
The Ancients are not like the demons you're accustomed to fighting.
- After Completion
Eve of Destruction
- After Initiate
Besting the Ancients in battle is a mighty feat indeed. I hope this means you're ready to battle Baal.
- Early Return
You have ventured to a place beyond legend. You rush to face an evil few can even imagine.
Be careful, my friend, and may the Light watch over you.
Be careful, my friend, and may the Light watch over you.
- After Completion
The destruction of the Worldstone does not bode well for our world. But I'll try not to worry...
After all, we have warriors like you fighting for us and for the Light.
Farewell!
After all, we have warriors like you fighting for us and for the Light.
Farewell!
Quests (Diablo II)
- See the complete article on this quest at Rescue on Mount Arreat
The siege has ended, and Qual-Kehk is concerned about the Barbarians that have been captured by the demons. On your way up the mountain, free any you find imprisoned.
Mercenaries
- See the complete article on mercenaries at Hirelings
Qual-Kehk serves as the Senior Man-At-Arms in Harrogath. As such, he offers players Barbarian Warriors once they complete the Rescue on Mount Arreat quest.