I thought there was mention of this from chief loremaster Leonard Boyarsky back in 2008 or 2009 but maybe I was imagining that. Perhaps the plans shifted once Ureh was removed from a visited location in D3 vanilla (assuming we may end up there in a later expansion).
From a diablofans exclusive interview with Jay Wilson: DiabloFans: Will the published books be referenced during Diablo III's storyline? For example, will Zayl be an NPC? Will different places like Ureh be visited throughout the game?
Jay Wilson: We removed Ureh from the game as a setting to try and get the game out sooner. However, we like including things from the books and from other sources. No promises, but it's definitely something we've discussed.
He was a cool character in the Kingdom of Shadow and Moon of the Spider novels and it'd be cool to see someone like him be a character us players interact with.
Strangely enough you just got me watching the BlizzCon 09 Q&A Panel. And there was a question about whether necromancers will show up in the game as an NPCs to interact with and Leonard said "Are you saying you want to see Zayl.... maybe"
So the possibility is still high although Ureh was left out of now doesn't mean he can't appear. Necromancers are described as showing up during strange events that threaten the Balance.
Ah cool. yeah I thought I had watched him at some point bring it up. I'm ok with not playing a Necro in D3 but damn it would be so cool to see some of those guys and gals appear in some way. The game just has such an awesome visual flair that seeing old friends in the new artistic glory would be great.
I remember they talked about Natalya in interviews before LoD just came out. They talked about how they had the idea of Assassins in D2 all along. And though it wouldn't make it as a playable class in original D2, Natalya was just kind of a prelude to the whole idea of an order sworn to hunt down corrupt mages.
I always felt that Zayl and D2's Necromancer were the same.
but..butt... Zayle just is not the same without HUMBART!!!!!!!!! Without humbart there can be no Zayle...
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If you want to arrange it
This world you can change it
If we could somehow make this
Christmas thing last
By helping a neighbor
Or even a stranger
And to know who needs help
You need only just ask
The Blizzard North team really seemd to have developed the story of Diablo with a lot of things planned ahead. Andariel and Izual were cut from D1 only to return later in D2. I hope that Boyarsky's team is using the same approach for D3, it really helps developing the story for later additions.
I recall that now actually from the Ureh book. Was quite a knockoff of Morte from Planescape, don't you think?
Hm never read that but I don't hold the Diablo novels in high literary esteem. I just like them cause they are in the Diablo universe and they fuel possibilities for Diablo 3. The Zayl/Humbart dynamic is a fun if unoriginal duo.
From a diablofans exclusive interview with Jay Wilson:
DiabloFans: Will the published books be referenced during Diablo III's storyline? For example, will Zayl be an NPC? Will different places like Ureh be visited throughout the game?
Jay Wilson: We removed Ureh from the game as a setting to try and get the game out sooner. However, we like including things from the books and from other sources. No promises, but it's definitely something we've discussed.
He was a cool character in the Kingdom of Shadow and Moon of the Spider novels and it'd be cool to see someone like him be a character us players interact with.
Thoughts?
Full Interview from Nov 2009 http://www.diablofans.com/topic/16947-diablofans-exclusive-jay-wilson/
Ty
Siaynoq's Playthroughs
That would be badass, but I think you can talk to Natalya while playing as the Assassin.
THE FABRIC OF SPACETIME IS RIPPINGGGG!
Siaynoq's Playthroughs
but..butt... Zayle just is not the same without HUMBART!!!!!!!!! Without humbart there can be no Zayle...
If you want to arrange it
This world you can change it
If we could somehow make this
Christmas thing last
By helping a neighbor
Or even a stranger
And to know who needs help
You need only just ask
I don't know what humbart is.
Siaynoq's Playthroughs
He is sort of a cynical companion to Zayl.
Siaynoq's Playthroughs
Siaynoq's Playthroughs
Siaynoq's Playthroughs