I got my copy of the Book of Cain yesterday. I have to admit, I was disappointed. I was expecting a lot more in the way of exposition, but it's basically a review of all the events up to Diablo 3. It provided a few retcons that I was not displeased with, adding some more information on the membership of the Horadrim when it was first founded. It also elaborated on the realms of Hell, which were only hinted at in the Diablo 2 manual. It's also interesting that Mephisto is firmly established as the leader of Hell, his realm more or less its capital.
Everything else basically summarizes the books.
In terms of craftmanship, though... well, from an artist's perspective, I can say it's masterfully put together. =D
I'd gladly field any questions. Besides a few tidbits, what you see in the Diablo wiki is what you get from the book.
Proper adjustments made, The Chronicler. It's been a while since I've posted much around here; I don't pay attention to such petty things as titles and... and names. Pft.
Where do you live? Amazon.ca says it isn't released yet and doesn't ship until Jan 10, 2012, so I'm wondering if Canada is getting it a month later for some reason.
I live in good ol' US of A, Jael. New Hampshire, specifically. I'll be calling around to other book stores and see what they have to say on the subject.
So I called up my local bookstore and they claimed Book of Cain wasn't being released until January 10th or 13th. Can anyone verify this? I thought it was being released this month. =[
20 years have elapsed since the events of Diablo II. I doubt that this particular stained glass window, or really any other, would have been left in as good a condition as it is. It's my belief that the Tristram cathedral has been renovated since that time, and this portrayal of Imperius is a relatively recent addition. That could mean Heaven has had more contact with Sanctuary lately; old records have been unearthed, leading to an awareness of more of the Heavenly pantheon; or someone had a random vision of the denizens of Heaven and an artist took inspiration from it (hint hint).
If I'am correct Azmodan says "One by one OUR brethren fell in to your trap" so that means Leah is one of the prime evils most likely she is Diablo.
The Dark Wanderer, Aiden, is Leah's father, so she likely carries within her a fragment of Diablo's essence. I don't think Leah is Diablo, at least no yet.
I think what makes the Black Soulstone so powerful is that is the last fragment of the World Stone; and possesses the spirits of both Tyrael and Baal.
This is where the old mythology of Anu comes in. Just as Anu and the Dragon fought for an aeon within the perfect crystal before Time, so too do Tyrael and Baal battle within that shard. It is an amalgam of Heavenly and Hellish power imbued within the last fragment of the World Stone, which rests at the center of all creation.
Whom so ever possesses the Black Soul Stone may be able to shape all reality as they see fit.
I love this Blackstone cinematic; it's led to so much speculation.
Another theory that seems possible is that Asmodan was speaking directly to whatever fragment of Diablo was left behind within Leah. Note that Aidan, the Warrior of Diablo I, sought succor from Adria after felling Diablo. This would have been after he absorbed the Soul Stone. This would have allowed him to plant the seed that became Leah.
This would help explain her predilection to having visions, as her soul is more entwined with the spirit world.
Either way, Asmodan seems to be speaking to a fellow Demon or former ally. This could either be Belial or a fragment of Diablo.
Also, people continually refer to Belial as dying in Act II. But remember, he is the Lord of Lies...
Now, if Deckard Cain IS Belial, it's my belief that he's slowly having all opposition destroyed, including the Prime and Lesser Evils, as well as Asmodan. And if he couldn't deceive Tyrael, he'd be a pretty bad liar.
So. I think I was on the right track with Leah experiencing someone else's memories trapped within the stone. Now, assuming that the cry of "Mercy!" was indeed Deckard Cain, which I believe, then this would suggest this is his memory. However, Asmodan says,
"One by one, OUR brethren fell into you trap."
"Our brethren"? Wait. He goes on to say, "You thought you were so clever; that you'd outwit us all."
How might we reconcile this seeming discrepancy? Easy.
I propose that Deckard Cain is Belial, Lord of Lies. He's been using us to destroy his enemies over the years, and his plan is almost complete.
It's my theory that Leah is experiencing a memory, not just a vision, from the occupant within the crystal (possibly Tyrael). That is to say, I think an entity, possibly Tyrael, resides within the crystal. And it is their memory of an encounter with the prime evils that Leah is experiencing.
Asmodan seems to be addressing someone who had planned for the Evils to fall, one by one. Perhaps Tyrael had forged a pact with the Lesser Evils to have Mephisto, Diablo and Baal exiled to Sanctuary, where they could be hunted down and imprisoned? Because it wouldn't make sense for Asmodan to accuse Leah of this when she's never met any demons before. (Well, assuming she hasn't.)
As for the demons on the pillars, I think they are the new Lesser Evils as appointed by Asmodan, of which there appear to be seven. Also, any idea what that dragon-like creature is in Cain's tome? Perhaps Trag'oul?
Another observation: I think you can hear someone cry "Mercy!" right before Leah has her vision. Sounds like Deckard Cain. Is HE trapped in there? You can hear it at 1:14.
1.) You're working under the false assumption that being pierced by an arrow is something you survive from or can easily fix. It isn't. Using a bow and arrow takes a great deal of training and physical exertion, and being shot by one usually means death. "But," you may say, "guns are easier to use!" Well, this is true... at close range. Beyond six feet, however, guns take a LOT of skill and handling to aim, especially in combat situations. Trust me; from experience, I can safely say that even shot guns are hard to use, and the scatter effect you see in games doesn't really happen.
All this said, damage can and will be adjusted for gameplay. Being hit by a fireball or molten lava should by all rights kill you. It doesn't in Diablo.
2.) I was thinking it was more an ability, like an Assassin's traps were "abilities" that required energy. And how would that annoy people? Should I be annoyed that my Necromancer can't use the fire magic of a Sorceress?
3.) Great point, and one I was pondering over before. I don't know, but I'm sure that, if the gun were to be used at a higher level, some upgraded version could be applied, but it isn't necessary. Many of the abilities in D2 become obsolete later on and don't have a higher-level counterpart. Maybe the Flintlock is one of them?
4.) And it wouldn't deflect an arrow? Gameplay mechanics, again.
5.) Another great point. Maybe the gun has a "cooldown" time, or may be a quick way to deal damage while the player resorts to other tactics?
You can't carry a cannon in your pocket.
True story. But isn't it a small leap between the two? Wouldn't someone think, "Y'know, this weapon is great, but if I could somehow miniaturize it..." *shrug*
I'm not going to have a little swashbuckler running around Sanctuary with a flintlock pistol, that does not fit with the Diablo mood at all.
Why doesn't it fit? Amazons are a horrible idea to me. I mean, I don't like the concept, I don't like stories about them. Whenever I hear Amazon I think about some stories I'd tell or games I'd play as a kid. And yet they work in Diablo II; they come from a race of people where the lithe and dexterous women form the army of their society. As for the Witch Doctors, I would NEVER have thought of them coming into Sanctuary. I mean, look at them! Even in the game they're frail old women and men toddling about on spindly legs... alongside Barbarians, even! And yet they can hold their own.
What's so improbable about soldiers of fortune duking it out with demons? The manual itself admits that most heroes are fighting the demons for nothing more than glory and gold. What's so hard to believe about people using their wits and guile and resourcefulness in combat? Do those have no place in warfare?
Oh, this thread is rich - not because Pirate is a ridiculous idea (which it isn't) but because of the bashing it's received. Let me count the ways:
Quote from imbacraft »
Imagine a Pirate going down to hell killing demons and ultimately slaying Diablo himself without laughing. I bet you can't.
Imagine Amazons, scantily clad women from the jungle, plunging headfirst into Hell after Satan.
Sounds stupid, right? Oh, wait, it happened - and it worked.
Quote from Irrational »
I still don't see the humor in this pirate situation. A 2 year old Autistic amputee would've been able to think of a better idea, even as a joke.
Look at above. That sounds like a pretty stupid idea, right? Again, it worked.
Quote from Meteoro »
Why the hell dont Guns fit into the Diablo Universe?
They might. Play through Assassin's Creed II? Ezio had access to a one-shot pistol in his gauntlet. It worked pretty well.
In Lord of Destruction, the Barbarian weapons master mentions developing a weapon that used gun powder and cannonballs. Sanctuary has reached the age of gunpowder, like it or not.
Why would a weapon like a one-shot flintlock not work in the world of Diablo? Give me valid reasons and not snark or sarcasm.
Quote from wooties »
How do you expect a hero to come from pirates? like hell they give a shit about diablo
You assume that all pirates are horrible individuals deep inside. Even unlawful people have scruples. Just because you go against the law doesn't mean you're evil.
Even the selfish and morally bankrupt can realize the dangers of a world consumed by the foul darkness of Diablo and the Burning Hells. If you don't fight against that, then there will be no world left to you or anyone else.
I see Pirates as being dexterous warriors who depend on their skills with swords, traps, ranged weaponry, and teamwork and leadership skills to win through. Whether they're sailing the high seas or raiding on land, they're avid treasure hunters and soldiers of fortune, risking life and limb for a few more shillings, glory, or salvation. Moreover, I see this as an opportunity for the regular human to contribute to the fight against Diablo. Everyone else has magic and fire and the undead to fight with. A pirate only has his wits and martial skill to win him through.
All that said, Pirates would be a cross between Assassins and Amazons, fulfilling our need for a ranged support class and trap-oriented warrior.
I know this is a silly question that may have already been answered elsewhere or may simply not have an answer yet, but what is it that distinguishes the Arcane from the Magical?
The Witch Doctors are said to be the first class to exhibit Arcane abilities, followed by the Wizards, which are totally devoted to its use. How are they different from Magical abilities and energies? Have past classes used these abilities before, just without a name applied to it?
Is it just me, or do these Lore entries have a bit of a Lovecraftian edge to them? It's not something I'm decrying, of course; I think it's pretty neat.
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Everything else basically summarizes the books.
In terms of craftmanship, though... well, from an artist's perspective, I can say it's masterfully put together. =D
I'd gladly field any questions. Besides a few tidbits, what you see in the Diablo wiki is what you get from the book.
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Anyways, I called up Books-a-Million, and they don't even have the book on their radar! What the hell, am I going to be forced to order it via Amazon?
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The Dark Wanderer, Aiden, is Leah's father, so she likely carries within her a fragment of Diablo's essence. I don't think Leah is Diablo, at least no yet.
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This is where the old mythology of Anu comes in. Just as Anu and the Dragon fought for an aeon within the perfect crystal before Time, so too do Tyrael and Baal battle within that shard. It is an amalgam of Heavenly and Hellish power imbued within the last fragment of the World Stone, which rests at the center of all creation.
Whom so ever possesses the Black Soul Stone may be able to shape all reality as they see fit.
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Another theory that seems possible is that Asmodan was speaking directly to whatever fragment of Diablo was left behind within Leah. Note that Aidan, the Warrior of Diablo I, sought succor from Adria after felling Diablo. This would have been after he absorbed the Soul Stone. This would have allowed him to plant the seed that became Leah.
This would help explain her predilection to having visions, as her soul is more entwined with the spirit world.
Either way, Asmodan seems to be speaking to a fellow Demon or former ally. This could either be Belial or a fragment of Diablo.
Also, people continually refer to Belial as dying in Act II. But remember, he is the Lord of Lies...
Now, if Deckard Cain IS Belial, it's my belief that he's slowly having all opposition destroyed, including the Prime and Lesser Evils, as well as Asmodan. And if he couldn't deceive Tyrael, he'd be a pretty bad liar.
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"One by one, OUR brethren fell into you trap."
"Our brethren"? Wait. He goes on to say, "You thought you were so clever; that you'd outwit us all."
How might we reconcile this seeming discrepancy? Easy.
I propose that Deckard Cain is Belial, Lord of Lies. He's been using us to destroy his enemies over the years, and his plan is almost complete.
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Asmodan seems to be addressing someone who had planned for the Evils to fall, one by one. Perhaps Tyrael had forged a pact with the Lesser Evils to have Mephisto, Diablo and Baal exiled to Sanctuary, where they could be hunted down and imprisoned? Because it wouldn't make sense for Asmodan to accuse Leah of this when she's never met any demons before. (Well, assuming she hasn't.)
As for the demons on the pillars, I think they are the new Lesser Evils as appointed by Asmodan, of which there appear to be seven. Also, any idea what that dragon-like creature is in Cain's tome? Perhaps Trag'oul?
Another observation: I think you can hear someone cry "Mercy!" right before Leah has her vision. Sounds like Deckard Cain. Is HE trapped in there? You can hear it at 1:14.
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1.) You're working under the false assumption that being pierced by an arrow is something you survive from or can easily fix. It isn't. Using a bow and arrow takes a great deal of training and physical exertion, and being shot by one usually means death. "But," you may say, "guns are easier to use!" Well, this is true... at close range. Beyond six feet, however, guns take a LOT of skill and handling to aim, especially in combat situations. Trust me; from experience, I can safely say that even shot guns are hard to use, and the scatter effect you see in games doesn't really happen.
All this said, damage can and will be adjusted for gameplay. Being hit by a fireball or molten lava should by all rights kill you. It doesn't in Diablo.
2.) I was thinking it was more an ability, like an Assassin's traps were "abilities" that required energy. And how would that annoy people? Should I be annoyed that my Necromancer can't use the fire magic of a Sorceress?
3.) Great point, and one I was pondering over before. I don't know, but I'm sure that, if the gun were to be used at a higher level, some upgraded version could be applied, but it isn't necessary. Many of the abilities in D2 become obsolete later on and don't have a higher-level counterpart. Maybe the Flintlock is one of them?
4.) And it wouldn't deflect an arrow? Gameplay mechanics, again.
5.) Another great point. Maybe the gun has a "cooldown" time, or may be a quick way to deal damage while the player resorts to other tactics?
True story. But isn't it a small leap between the two? Wouldn't someone think, "Y'know, this weapon is great, but if I could somehow miniaturize it..." *shrug*
Why doesn't it fit? Amazons are a horrible idea to me. I mean, I don't like the concept, I don't like stories about them. Whenever I hear Amazon I think about some stories I'd tell or games I'd play as a kid. And yet they work in Diablo II; they come from a race of people where the lithe and dexterous women form the army of their society. As for the Witch Doctors, I would NEVER have thought of them coming into Sanctuary. I mean, look at them! Even in the game they're frail old women and men toddling about on spindly legs... alongside Barbarians, even! And yet they can hold their own.
What's so improbable about soldiers of fortune duking it out with demons? The manual itself admits that most heroes are fighting the demons for nothing more than glory and gold. What's so hard to believe about people using their wits and guile and resourcefulness in combat? Do those have no place in warfare?
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Imagine Amazons, scantily clad women from the jungle, plunging headfirst into Hell after Satan.
Sounds stupid, right? Oh, wait, it happened - and it worked.
Look at above. That sounds like a pretty stupid idea, right? Again, it worked.
They might. Play through Assassin's Creed II? Ezio had access to a one-shot pistol in his gauntlet. It worked pretty well.
In Lord of Destruction, the Barbarian weapons master mentions developing a weapon that used gun powder and cannonballs. Sanctuary has reached the age of gunpowder, like it or not.
Why would a weapon like a one-shot flintlock not work in the world of Diablo? Give me valid reasons and not snark or sarcasm.
You assume that all pirates are horrible individuals deep inside. Even unlawful people have scruples. Just because you go against the law doesn't mean you're evil.
Even the selfish and morally bankrupt can realize the dangers of a world consumed by the foul darkness of Diablo and the Burning Hells. If you don't fight against that, then there will be no world left to you or anyone else.
I see Pirates as being dexterous warriors who depend on their skills with swords, traps, ranged weaponry, and teamwork and leadership skills to win through. Whether they're sailing the high seas or raiding on land, they're avid treasure hunters and soldiers of fortune, risking life and limb for a few more shillings, glory, or salvation. Moreover, I see this as an opportunity for the regular human to contribute to the fight against Diablo. Everyone else has magic and fire and the undead to fight with. A pirate only has his wits and martial skill to win him through.
All that said, Pirates would be a cross between Assassins and Amazons, fulfilling our need for a ranged support class and trap-oriented warrior.
Now give me valid reasons why this wouldn't work.
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The Witch Doctors are said to be the first class to exhibit Arcane abilities, followed by the Wizards, which are totally devoted to its use. How are they different from Magical abilities and energies? Have past classes used these abilities before, just without a name applied to it?