In Diablo 2 and LoD, the Necromancer, Assassin, Paladin, Barbarian, Sorceress, Druid, and Amazon waged war against the legions of Hell. Respectively, they were representatives of the Priests of Rathma, Viz'jaq Taar, Knights of Westmarch, Barbarians, Zan Essu Coven, Druids of Scosglen, and Warrior Women of the South Sea.
Each of these cultures were primarily founded upon this very event. The Zen Essu, for example, were destined to either prove the purity of their elemental magics, or die off in obscurity. The Druids took their cue from their Babarian cousins and foretold the Uileloscadh Mor, or the final battle between Man and Hell.
My question is... what become of them? Did the Zan Essu prove their mettle? Are the Priests of Rathma satisfied with the turn of events; or perhaps were their underground cities overrun in the east? Will the Paladins found a new Zakarum; or have they fallen by the wayside, as hinted at in excerpts about Caldeum? Did the few Druids that exist survive the battle to save Arreat? How fall have the Barbarians fallen? Will the Amazons set aside their long-standing enmity with foreign lands and lend their aid? Or, perhaps, will the Assassins be forced to mete out justice against the Heroes that survived but were driven insane by their encounters with Diablo?
Remember, 20 years have elapsed since Baal was defeated, and few people even now believe that Hell tread upon Sanctuary. Is this a measure of success on the part of the Heroes? Or were they exhausted and fall with their demonic enemies?
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Be it through hallowed grounds or lands of sorrow
All in the Forger's wake is left bereft and fallow
Is the residuum worth the cost of destruction and maiming;
Or is the shaping a culling and exercise in taming?
The road's goal is the dark Origin of Being
But be wary through what thickets it winds.
-Excerpt from the Litany of Residuum;
As Translated by He Who Brings Order
Each of these cultures were primarily founded upon this very event.
Which event are you referring to then? The ending of LoD?
Quote from "Jinshin" »
My question is... what become of them? Did the Zan Essu prove their mettle?
Even if they felt they did, it doubt it meant to them that their zenith had been reached and then chose to disband. It's possible that a feat such as slaying a Prime Evil has yet to be their greatest achievement, albeit they would have bragging rights for elemental magics for some time I'm sure.
Quote from "Jinshin" »
Are the Priests of Rathma satisfied with the turn of events; or perhaps were their underground cities overrun in the east?
I believe the Necromancers are very powerful and elusive. I doubt their cities had ever been overrun. And ultimately, I don't think they are ever fully satisfied with way anything turns out. Because almost their entire purpose is found in maintaining the balance between good and evil. What I mean is, I don't think they ever find anything perfectly in balance, but that they always strive to anyway despite the futility of it because to do so hones their abilities as well as maintains their illusion of neutrality. I say illusion because despite them wanting to maintain a balance of good and evil forces, I have yet to really hear of times when they offed someone good just because the world was becoming too good. Ya know?
Quote from "Jinshin" »
Will the Paladins found a new Zakarum; or have they fallen by the wayside, as hinted at in excerpts about Caldeum?
I'd actually like to think that those Paladins who fought in the era of Diablo 2 eventually all went their own ways. The Zakarum by then was heavily corrupted, and if a Paladin's faith is true enough in the Light, then it is probably enough for them to believe in the Light and not necessarily have to belong to an order devoted to it. Or maybe a small group of them found a new order, but I doubt they would have called it the Zakarum. The Zakarum seemed more like a path to the Light, but not the sole means of reaching it.
Quote from "Jinshin" »
Did the few Druids that exist survive the battle to save Arreat?
I think whatever happened the remaining Druids, that they merely resumed their role of safeguarding and worshiping nature.
Quote from "Jinshin" »
How far have the Barbarians fallen?
It's my belief that while their numbers were greatly diminished during Baal's siege of Mt. Arreat, that under the visionary leadership of Anya (I've always believed her to be an important NPC that would likely make a return in the sequel) they will have replenished their numbers, strengthened their defenses, and maybe even grow in power as to make other kingdoms across Sanctuary feel threatened by them.
Quote from "Jinshin" »
Will the Amazons set aside their long-standing enmity with foreign lands and lend their aid?
I actually have a feeling also about the Amazons stepping up in a major way. There's plenty we still do not know about the Amazons. Sometimes I wondered if they created them in D2 just to have a really good ranged class as I would've been just as happy to play with another Rogue. But based on some incredible concept art we've seen of their homeland, we can be pretty sure their role in the story is far from over.
Quote from "Jinshin" »
Or, perhaps, will the Assassins be forced to mete out justice against the Heroes that survived but were driven insane by their encounters with Diablo?
The Assassins will definitely persist. I'm not so sure they'll be hunting the heroes of D2. It's important to remember why The Wanderer so needed to be assassinated and was driven to evil and madness as he was actually the host body of Diablo himself. Will I'm really sad that the Assasins aren't one of the returning classes in D3, I do think they'll play as vital a role in the story as at least the Necromancers will. And surely there's never any shortage of evil demonic mages going apeshit all over the planet.
I'd actually like to think that those Paladins who fought in the era of Diablo 2 eventually all went their own ways. The Zakarum by then was heavily corrupted, and if a Paladin's faith is true enough in the Light, then it is probably enough for them to believe in the Light and not necessarily have to belong to an order devoted to it. Or maybe a small group of them found a new order, but I doubt they would have called it the Zakarum. The Zakarum seemed more like a path to the Light, but not the sole means of reaching it.
I don't really know anything about the lore outside of the game but on the D3 site under Caldeum it says
When he died and his ineffectual child heir took the throne, Caldeum began to circle the abyss. Our list of ills seems never-ending: the state of our downtrodden and the slums they are forced to live in, our incompetent leadership, the reemergence of the intolerant Zakarum, and their quarrels with our mage class...I could go on for pages.
so I can only assume they still exist.
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No organisation is just going to drop down and disappear. If this was their true goal, they would have found another one after that.
Quote from "Jinshin" »
Are the Priests of Rathma satisfied with the turn of events; or perhaps were their underground cities overrun in the east?
The conflict in D2 was still pretty local. Demons only appeared in the regions where the Three were specifically going, so much of Westmarch, scosglen and the amazon islands would appear to be untouched I think. Same goes for the necromancer cities. They are in the jungles sure, but pretty well hidden. It's doubtful the Three even know it's there.
Quote from "Jinshin" »
Will the Paladins found a new Zakarum; or have they fallen by the wayside, as hinted at in excerpts about Caldeum?
The Zakarum appears to be reforming, however who is doing it is another matter.
Quote from "Jinshin" »
Did the few Druids that exist survive the battle to save Arreat?
Like I said, I think they're pretty unharmed
Quote from "Jinshin" »
How fall have the Barbarians fallen?
Pretty bad probably, they're the only people to have been purposefully struck down. The rogues and Lut Gholein were more obstacles that needed to be kept under guard so to speak, but the Barbarians were almost obliterated.
Quote from "Jinshin" »
Will the Amazons set aside their long-standing enmity with foreign lands and lend their aid?
Who knows. As Siaynoq poiinted out though, there's some awesome artwork for them, so there's to hoping we'll see some more of them in D3.
Quote from "Jinshin" »
Or, perhaps, will the Assassins be forced to mete out justice against the Heroes that survived but were driven insane by their encounters with Diablo?
Possibly. The other course of action would be to start working more closely with the world, but that's probably doubtful.
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Which event are you referring to then? The ending of LoD?
I assume you're talking about the destruction of the Worldstone when you say "this very event".
Many cultures have an "End of Days" prophecy that foretells the final battle between Sanctuary and Hell. The resurgance of the Three has obviously made many people believe D2/LoD to be this event.
Are they actually balancing the ideas of good versus evil, or are they just balancing heaven versus hell?
I'd actually concluded that the Priests were protecting the realm of Trag'Oul and Sanctuary. The Necromancers were willing to team up with Tyrael, but only to the point where all Heavenly and Hellish influence over the world was vanquished.
I agree that Anya is their leader, but I think there's really only a hundred or so of them left, and most of those have become adventurers now there's no Worldstone to defend anymore.
While there were several cities and communities nestled around and near Arreat, survivors probably flocked to the last bastion, Horragoth, to make their last stand. With that said, I think it's possible that Tyrael spirited the survivors away to some place, as he did the band of Heroes. The Barbarians probably number in the hundreds.
Who knows. As Siaynoq poiinted out though, there's some awesome artwork for them, so there's to hoping we'll see some more of them in D3.
There is? Where?
Well, I know for sure that at least the Assassin hasn't been driven crazy.
I wonder if the same holds true for the Priests of Rathma? They are said to be the least susceptible to corruption of all peoples.
Finally, one other question I want addressed: Where ever is it said that the Band of Heroes that hunted and killed the Three were driven insane? After reading the D3 site over several times, I've never once come across this. I've only found the concept promulgated by fan sites.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Be it through hallowed grounds or lands of sorrow
All in the Forger's wake is left bereft and fallow
Is the residuum worth the cost of destruction and maiming;
Or is the shaping a culling and exercise in taming?
The road's goal is the dark Origin of Being
But be wary through what thickets it winds.
-Excerpt from the Litany of Residuum;
As Translated by He Who Brings Order
Who else would build greek-like buildings on an island?
Quote from "Jinshin" »
Finally, one other question I want addressed: Where ever is it said that the Band of Heroes that hunted and killed the Three were driven insane? After reading the D3 site over several times, I've never once come across this. I've only found the concept promulgated by fan sites.
It's not stated anywhere, in fact we don't know what classes actually took part in the slaying of the Three. Was it all seven, or just a few of them?
Quote from "Ivaron" »
That would certainly make sence to me. Of all the people, it seems to me they [necromancers] see the world for what it is most. So it's harder to misdirect them. And they don't seem to care much for fame and fortune either. Influence and power.. maybe.
Well, Karybdus (always forget that spelling) was a bit on the far side. A zealot if you wish. While I wouldn't call him corrupted by Hell, he still wasn't a very helpful necromancer either. (Moon of the Spider characters)
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Finally, one other question I want addressed: Where ever is it said that the Band of Heroes that hunted and killed the Three were driven insane? After reading the D3 site over several times, I've never once come across this. I've only found the concept promulgated by fan sites.
It's under the FAQ at the site:
What is the story of Diablo III?
The game takes place on Sanctuary, a world of dark fantasy. Unbeknownst to most of its inhabitants, Sanctuary was saved some twenty years ago from the demonic forces of the underworld by a few brave and powerful heroes. Most of those warriors who directly faced Hell?s armies -- and were fortunate enough to survive -- went mad from their experiences. And most of the others have buried their haunted memories and pushed the horrors from their thoughts. In Diablo III, players will return to Sanctuary to confront evil in its many forms once again.
As to who went crazy and who didn't, the Paladin and the Barb (obviously) are the ones I could see most likely not being scarred bad enough to go crazy from the whole thing.
Oooh, okay then. So the same paragraph I alluded to (where most inhabitants are blissfully unaware) also answer my question. Nice, thanks.
I like to think there were members of each sect battling their way through D2. From the sounds of it, there were probably more than a handfull of them.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Be it through hallowed grounds or lands of sorrow
All in the Forger's wake is left bereft and fallow
Is the residuum worth the cost of destruction and maiming;
Or is the shaping a culling and exercise in taming?
The road's goal is the dark Origin of Being
But be wary through what thickets it winds.
-Excerpt from the Litany of Residuum;
As Translated by He Who Brings Order
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Each of these cultures were primarily founded upon this very event. The Zen Essu, for example, were destined to either prove the purity of their elemental magics, or die off in obscurity. The Druids took their cue from their Babarian cousins and foretold the Uileloscadh Mor, or the final battle between Man and Hell.
My question is... what become of them? Did the Zan Essu prove their mettle? Are the Priests of Rathma satisfied with the turn of events; or perhaps were their underground cities overrun in the east? Will the Paladins found a new Zakarum; or have they fallen by the wayside, as hinted at in excerpts about Caldeum? Did the few Druids that exist survive the battle to save Arreat? How fall have the Barbarians fallen? Will the Amazons set aside their long-standing enmity with foreign lands and lend their aid? Or, perhaps, will the Assassins be forced to mete out justice against the Heroes that survived but were driven insane by their encounters with Diablo?
Remember, 20 years have elapsed since Baal was defeated, and few people even now believe that Hell tread upon Sanctuary. Is this a measure of success on the part of the Heroes? Or were they exhausted and fall with their demonic enemies?
All in the Forger's wake is left bereft and fallow-Excerpt from the Litany of Residuum;
As Translated by He Who Brings Order
Even if they felt they did, it doubt it meant to them that their zenith had been reached and then chose to disband. It's possible that a feat such as slaying a Prime Evil has yet to be their greatest achievement, albeit they would have bragging rights for elemental magics for some time I'm sure.
I believe the Necromancers are very powerful and elusive. I doubt their cities had ever been overrun. And ultimately, I don't think they are ever fully satisfied with way anything turns out. Because almost their entire purpose is found in maintaining the balance between good and evil. What I mean is, I don't think they ever find anything perfectly in balance, but that they always strive to anyway despite the futility of it because to do so hones their abilities as well as maintains their illusion of neutrality. I say illusion because despite them wanting to maintain a balance of good and evil forces, I have yet to really hear of times when they offed someone good just because the world was becoming too good. Ya know?
I'd actually like to think that those Paladins who fought in the era of Diablo 2 eventually all went their own ways. The Zakarum by then was heavily corrupted, and if a Paladin's faith is true enough in the Light, then it is probably enough for them to believe in the Light and not necessarily have to belong to an order devoted to it. Or maybe a small group of them found a new order, but I doubt they would have called it the Zakarum. The Zakarum seemed more like a path to the Light, but not the sole means of reaching it.
I think whatever happened the remaining Druids, that they merely resumed their role of safeguarding and worshiping nature.
It's my belief that while their numbers were greatly diminished during Baal's siege of Mt. Arreat, that under the visionary leadership of Anya (I've always believed her to be an important NPC that would likely make a return in the sequel) they will have replenished their numbers, strengthened their defenses, and maybe even grow in power as to make other kingdoms across Sanctuary feel threatened by them.
I actually have a feeling also about the Amazons stepping up in a major way. There's plenty we still do not know about the Amazons. Sometimes I wondered if they created them in D2 just to have a really good ranged class as I would've been just as happy to play with another Rogue. But based on some incredible concept art we've seen of their homeland, we can be pretty sure their role in the story is far from over.
The Assassins will definitely persist. I'm not so sure they'll be hunting the heroes of D2. It's important to remember why The Wanderer so needed to be assassinated and was driven to evil and madness as he was actually the host body of Diablo himself. Will I'm really sad that the Assasins aren't one of the returning classes in D3, I do think they'll play as vital a role in the story as at least the Necromancers will. And surely there's never any shortage of evil demonic mages going apeshit all over the planet.
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I don't really know anything about the lore outside of the game but on the D3 site under Caldeum it says so I can only assume they still exist.
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The conflict in D2 was still pretty local. Demons only appeared in the regions where the Three were specifically going, so much of Westmarch, scosglen and the amazon islands would appear to be untouched I think. Same goes for the necromancer cities. They are in the jungles sure, but pretty well hidden. It's doubtful the Three even know it's there.
The Zakarum appears to be reforming, however who is doing it is another matter.
Like I said, I think they're pretty unharmed
Pretty bad probably, they're the only people to have been purposefully struck down. The rogues and Lut Gholein were more obstacles that needed to be kept under guard so to speak, but the Barbarians were almost obliterated.
Who knows. As Siaynoq poiinted out though, there's some awesome artwork for them, so there's to hoping we'll see some more of them in D3.
Possibly. The other course of action would be to start working more closely with the world, but that's probably doubtful.
I'd actually concluded that the Priests were protecting the realm of Trag'Oul and Sanctuary. The Necromancers were willing to team up with Tyrael, but only to the point where all Heavenly and Hellish influence over the world was vanquished.
While there were several cities and communities nestled around and near Arreat, survivors probably flocked to the last bastion, Horragoth, to make their last stand. With that said, I think it's possible that Tyrael spirited the survivors away to some place, as he did the band of Heroes. The Barbarians probably number in the hundreds.
There is? Where?
I wonder if the same holds true for the Priests of Rathma? They are said to be the least susceptible to corruption of all peoples.
Finally, one other question I want addressed: Where ever is it said that the Band of Heroes that hunted and killed the Three were driven insane? After reading the D3 site over several times, I've never once come across this. I've only found the concept promulgated by fan sites.
All in the Forger's wake is left bereft and fallow-Excerpt from the Litany of Residuum;
As Translated by He Who Brings Order
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
So have his weapons.
Who else would build greek-like buildings on an island?
It's not stated anywhere, in fact we don't know what classes actually took part in the slaying of the Three. Was it all seven, or just a few of them?
Well, Karybdus (always forget that spelling) was a bit on the far side. A zealot if you wish. While I wouldn't call him corrupted by Hell, he still wasn't a very helpful necromancer either. (Moon of the Spider characters)
It's under the FAQ at the site:
As to who went crazy and who didn't, the Paladin and the Barb (obviously) are the ones I could see most likely not being scarred bad enough to go crazy from the whole thing.
I like to think there were members of each sect battling their way through D2. From the sounds of it, there were probably more than a handfull of them.
All in the Forger's wake is left bereft and fallow-Excerpt from the Litany of Residuum;
As Translated by He Who Brings Order