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.
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.
One thing I thought of was the possibility of the Assassins having to hunt down and kill the Heroes that faced off against Diablo and Baal. This may give the Barbarian an even more tragic backstory: not only is he one of a few surviving Barbarians, but also lost all of his friends to the darkness. This would lend him even greater personal strength as being able to persevere. Hell, he may have even seen the assassinations as justified.
Anyways, the Assassins' code is based off Lam Esen's Black Tome, itself deeply rooted in Skatsim. The Black Book not only foretold the future, but also described the effects Hell and Heaven would have on the world of Sanctuary. The Assassins not only be charged with killing corrupt mages and officials, but also stemming further corruption of the natural world itself.
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?
I hadn't thought about Baal physically implanting his Stone into the World Stone, but that would make sense, given that his soul didn't flee back into it, but rather wafted into the air.
This reminds me. In the end cinematic, there are wisps flying around in the air behind Tyrael, similar to the ones that fled Baal's body. I wonder if this might be his soul(s), or is just a natural occurence in the cavern.
Duriel was not there at the time that Diablo and Baal were there.
We don't really know the circumstances of Tyrael's defeat or Duriel's arrival. That's what this whole thread is about. I'm merely suggesting that Baal and Diablo may have, at some point, been able to call upon Duriel's aid in defeating Tyrael. Or perhaps Duriel was summoned via an infernal gateway forged by them. Or maybe Mephisto dispatched Duriel from Kurast to rendezvous with them. *shrug*
Tyrael's death would only likely be a temporary setback for him; angels, like demons, might be able to recompose themselves after death. Therefor, a weakened Baal, Diablo and Duriel could have fought and defeated Tyrael, then bind him to the stone that bound Baal under Duriel's supervision. This may have been a more effective way of removing him.
That would be interesting, Lt Venom. Tapping into the primordial Abyss, the Seals channel and release the spirits of the dead as they are opened one by one. I like the randomization element, too. I actually hope something like this occurs in D3; Diablo's Chaos Seals 2.0.
As of yet, it has yet to be established that there is any one "All Creator" or "Over-Deity" that presides over all events, times and races. The only entity that comes even close is Trag'Oul, but his genesis co-incided with that of Sanctuary itself, which was created by an Archangel.
From what I understand, the Abyss is the primordial, swirling, chaotic nether-realm form which spawn demon kind. However, do Angels ALSO arise from the Abyss, or some other equivalent realm/entity?
The story related above illustrates that the most cunning Demons understand alliances and even friendship, to a degree. The tale of Sanctuary's genesis likewise tells you that Demons -- and angels -- are far more complex than creatures of light or shadow. Remember, humanity embodies everything that Heaven and Hell are capable of, together, as one. Angels are capable of every evil a demon can fathom; and a demon is capable of every righteous act an angel can exact. They each simply tend to lean more one way than another.
Diablo, Baal and Mephisto have endured for millenia together. They fancy themselves as manifestations of Evil itself. Spawned from the Black Abyss, they saw strengths in one another, and allied. But I think they have a "higher purpose", hinted at briefly by Mephisto himself, as he recited some litany as they summoned the burning gates of hell. They ultimately serve evil, and see themselves as its ultimate manifestation. In serving each other they serve Evil; and in serving Evil they serve themselves.
One thought I had, inspired by The Sandman graphic novel line by Neil Gaiman, is that they are used for the practical purposes of summoning any of the Three brothers by any of his lieutenants from where ever he might be, for purposes of granting counsel and relaying information. But it seems as though they FORCE Diablo's presence, when all five are unlocked. I wonder if this is some fail safe mechanism of some sort; for example, if Diablo is in dire straights, his lieutenants can summon him from afar to relative safety of the Chaos Sanctuary. Still, not entirely effective, it would seem.
Perhaps these serve in leiu of a Soul Stone, binding him physically and ethereally to a place rather than one single object?
Q: I think there was something about the Zakarum but I can't remember if there was anything info about the Zakarum status in Moon of the Spider. Are they rebuilding, scattered, lost etc...
Hey, was just perusing this thread and found this. After reading the article on Caldeum, it seems as though the Zakarum are rebuilding in some fashion, the members of which still harbor the hatred and prejudices from the D2 era. Hatred once more takes ahold of men's hearts...
It is definite that the three-headed demon in the trailer WAS Diablo, having assumed yet another coproreal form.
The power of the three is diminished while in the mortal realm, forcing the to assume a host, which is slowly twisted into an approximation of that demon's form. The "true form" of the three is evanescent and ever changing. For example, Mephisto himself is an ephemeral mass with suggestions of corporeal elements, eg tentacles and clawed hands. This was translated in Sanctuary as a floating mass of rotting and decaying flesh, enshrouded by a thick miasma. The young Prince sustained an arguably smaller, weaker, and less scary manifestation of Diablo; the Khanduras Warrior manifested a far stronger, bulkier version, as befitting a man of such physical, arcane and spiritual strength. The latest physical form of Diablo will likely result from the possession of an even stronger warrior (perhaps the very Barbarian that slew him? Naw, that's been done... HE POSSESSES TYRAEL!!1 =P).
It is stated, however, that there were many sacrifices made to Mephisto. What can be made of this? Was their life essence used to feed him, or fuel the Hell's Gateway? I wonder if it were possible that they were sacrifices in preparation for him assuming an even stronger form...
EDIT Now that I think about it, perhaps the Three wanted to destroy the Worldstone after all. This would allow humanity to regain their lost Ancient powers, allowing the brothers to possess even more powerful mortals to champion their cause against the Heavens! And then Imperius comes crashing down from the skies, to burn sanctuary in a manner reminiscent of Tassadar burning the Terran worlds in StarCraft!!!
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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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.
0
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.
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Anyways, the Assassins' code is based off Lam Esen's Black Tome, itself deeply rooted in Skatsim. The Black Book not only foretold the future, but also described the effects Hell and Heaven would have on the world of Sanctuary. The Assassins not only be charged with killing corrupt mages and officials, but also stemming further corruption of the natural world itself.
1
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?
0
This reminds me. In the end cinematic, there are wisps flying around in the air behind Tyrael, similar to the ones that fled Baal's body. I wonder if this might be his soul(s), or is just a natural occurence in the cavern.
0
We don't really know the circumstances of Tyrael's defeat or Duriel's arrival. That's what this whole thread is about. I'm merely suggesting that Baal and Diablo may have, at some point, been able to call upon Duriel's aid in defeating Tyrael. Or perhaps Duriel was summoned via an infernal gateway forged by them. Or maybe Mephisto dispatched Duriel from Kurast to rendezvous with them. *shrug*
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So, in a way, Diablo's "Inner-most Sanctum" is his variety of the Arcane Sanctuary?
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From what I understand, the Abyss is the primordial, swirling, chaotic nether-realm form which spawn demon kind. However, do Angels ALSO arise from the Abyss, or some other equivalent realm/entity?
0
Diablo, Baal and Mephisto have endured for millenia together. They fancy themselves as manifestations of Evil itself. Spawned from the Black Abyss, they saw strengths in one another, and allied. But I think they have a "higher purpose", hinted at briefly by Mephisto himself, as he recited some litany as they summoned the burning gates of hell. They ultimately serve evil, and see themselves as its ultimate manifestation. In serving each other they serve Evil; and in serving Evil they serve themselves.
0
What is the purpose of the Five Seals?
One thought I had, inspired by The Sandman graphic novel line by Neil Gaiman, is that they are used for the practical purposes of summoning any of the Three brothers by any of his lieutenants from where ever he might be, for purposes of granting counsel and relaying information. But it seems as though they FORCE Diablo's presence, when all five are unlocked. I wonder if this is some fail safe mechanism of some sort; for example, if Diablo is in dire straights, his lieutenants can summon him from afar to relative safety of the Chaos Sanctuary. Still, not entirely effective, it would seem.
Perhaps these serve in leiu of a Soul Stone, binding him physically and ethereally to a place rather than one single object?
Discuss.
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How can you call THIS lame?!
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Hey, was just perusing this thread and found this. After reading the article on Caldeum, it seems as though the Zakarum are rebuilding in some fashion, the members of which still harbor the hatred and prejudices from the D2 era. Hatred once more takes ahold of men's hearts...
0
The power of the three is diminished while in the mortal realm, forcing the to assume a host, which is slowly twisted into an approximation of that demon's form. The "true form" of the three is evanescent and ever changing. For example, Mephisto himself is an ephemeral mass with suggestions of corporeal elements, eg tentacles and clawed hands. This was translated in Sanctuary as a floating mass of rotting and decaying flesh, enshrouded by a thick miasma. The young Prince sustained an arguably smaller, weaker, and less scary manifestation of Diablo; the Khanduras Warrior manifested a far stronger, bulkier version, as befitting a man of such physical, arcane and spiritual strength. The latest physical form of Diablo will likely result from the possession of an even stronger warrior (perhaps the very Barbarian that slew him? Naw, that's been done... HE POSSESSES TYRAEL!!1 =P).
It is stated, however, that there were many sacrifices made to Mephisto. What can be made of this? Was their life essence used to feed him, or fuel the Hell's Gateway? I wonder if it were possible that they were sacrifices in preparation for him assuming an even stronger form...
EDIT Now that I think about it, perhaps the Three wanted to destroy the Worldstone after all. This would allow humanity to regain their lost Ancient powers, allowing the brothers to possess even more powerful mortals to champion their cause against the Heavens! And then Imperius comes crashing down from the skies, to burn sanctuary in a manner reminiscent of Tassadar burning the Terran worlds in StarCraft!!!
...
Lame.