It reminds me of LOTR too. But the more I think about it, I think smashing them at Hellforge simply made them incapable of returning to Sanctuary. But does that mean they return to Hell? And if they were all back in Hell, could they possibly be exiled again back into the mortal world? So many gaps in all of this I can't tell how it all must work.
was the possession of Tal Rasha in the cinematic of act 3 the embodiment of Baal? (Tal Rasha also volenteered his body to act as a prison for baal right?)
i never realised that.
i also wonder how the conflict will arise against the 3 prime evils and the remaining lesser evils. (andarial and duriel destroyed)
hi guys my first post here; the discussion is too irresistible not to join in.
so here's my take, as i recently replayed D2 and LOD.
it makes sense that the Ancient Ones ("We are the spirits of the Nephalem, the Ancient Ones") became the guardians of the Mount Arreat's summit as they were said to be the offspring of the Angel Inarius and the Demoness Lilith. according to what i read from Wikipedia, the Nephalem were polarized in their allegiance to either parent, and Inarius constructed the Worldstone to limit their powers in Sanctuary. it would go with the Nephalem being its guardians, those Nephalem loyal to their father instead of their demonic mother.
also, the Barbarians of Mount Arreat were legendary for their fearsome battle abilities and such. this would point to them as a bit more than humans, maybe owing to their angelic-demonic lineage. Larzuk says the Ancient Ones were not only their ancestors, but also their "gods" ("Every night I pray to the Ancients... And now you are going to fight them. Tell me... who do I pray to now?"), so this means that the Ancient Ones were indeed the product of Inarius and Lilith's unholy union then this would precisely mean that Barbarians were of a different breed than mundane humans.
and why Mount Arreat? i dunno. seems to me Blizzard patterned it after the Biblical Mount Ararat, where Noah's Ark came to rest after the Deluge (there's also a similar "holy" mountain here in our country, Mount Arayat, but never mind). maybe that mountain, aside from housing the artifact that empowered a kind of "seal" to limit the development of the Nephalem (or else the full manifestation of their powers), was the area where the first humans were born. or the site where Inarius and Lilith had their first tryst. whatever.
as for Baal fearing the Ancient Ones, i believe he did. Anya said "Now Baal will not be tested!" This would mean that the Ancients possessed some kind of potential that could rival Baal's sheer destructive power. Inarius was said (I dunno where I read this) to have envied the Nephalem their power, or else he saw the need to limit them or they would run rampant throughout Sanctuary, and thus erected the Worldstone. if that was that important, it makes sense that his guardians would probably have enough power to keep off intruders--especially that the Worldstone's natural enemies are demons. maybe the Ancient Ones were an exception to the Worldstone's effects (as they're dead--this also means that the Nephalem are mortal, or alternatively, they can choose a mortal shell, just like Diablo and his brothers could).
i dunno how to put this together, but it seems that being in close proximity to a Soulstone (or the Worldstone) grants inhabitants of the nether regions, i.e. Heaven and Hell, temporary boost in abilities. like for example, Tyrael had much more majestic wings before the Worldstone, and that Baal only assumed his true form after taking the last shard of his Soulstone from Marius. because the Nephalem possess both demonic and angelic blood, and they are repulsed by the Worldstone, it is safe to say that either of the purebred races suffer from it as well (or benefit from it). i think Baal needed a link with the Worldstone--his Soulstone, as it came from the latter--so he can corrupt it.
the theory with Tyrael--or what we saw as Tyrael--at the last part of LOD actually being Baal was a good one. i didn't see that one coming. especially since Baal's Soulstone was nowhere to be found.
my thoughts are a little jumbled right now, but i'm going to return soon.
hi guys my first post here; the discussion is too irresistible not to join in.
Great first post. Welcome to the forums. Well, I'll take a few moments and to to address some of your thoughts on this topic.
Quote from "kittikai" »
it makes sense that the Ancient Ones ("We are the spirits of the Nephalem, the Ancient Ones") became the guardians of the Mount Arreat's summit as they were said to be the offspring of the Angel Inarius and the Demoness Lilith. according to what i read from Wikipedia, the Nephalem were polarized in their allegiance to either parent, and Inarius constructed the Worldstone to limit their powers in Sanctuary. it would go with the Nephalem being its guardians, those Nephalem loyal to their father instead of their demonic mother.
I sense these clarificationson the Nephalem are discussed in the second Sin War book, and even though that has spoiled things a little for me, it would certainly go a long way to explaining the purpose of the Worldstone. A purpose which most of us have never been able to fully ascertain.
Quote from "kittikai" »
also, the Barbarians of Mount Arreat were legendary for their fearsome battle abilities and such. this would point to them as a bit more than humans, maybe owing to their angelic-demonic lineage. Larzuk says the Ancient Ones were not only their ancestors, but also their "gods" ("Every night I pray to the Ancients... And now you are going to fight them. Tell me... who do I pray to now?"), so this means that the Ancient Ones were indeed the product of Inarius and Lilith's unholy union then this would precisely mean that Barbarians were of a different breed than mundane humans.
It is no mystery that the Ancient Ones are merely another term for the Nephalem, or that the Barbarians worship them as demigods. But it is important to keep in mind the power of myth when it comes to the Barbarians. I don't think by the time you find them in Harrogath, they are any more or less human than everyone else. But because they are so secretive and do not appreciate outsiders, the aura of mystery around them would make people tell tales of their fighting prowess to the point of exaggeration. I'm not saying Barbarians aren't great warriors, but even Anya admits that they have fallen far from what they (mortals) used to be.
It's just like the myth of the Necromancers. Often misunderstood, people perceive them as evil. But the myth of who and what they are proliferates due to their secretive society.
Quote from "kittikai" »
as for Baal fearing the Ancient Ones, i believe he did. Anya said "Now Baal will not be tested!" This would mean that the Ancients possessed some kind of potential that could rival Baal's sheer destructive power. Inarius was said (I dunno where I read this) to have envied the Nephalem their power, or else he saw the need to limit them or they would run rampant throughout Sanctuary, and thus erected the Worldstone. if that was that important,
Demons and angels alike were jealous and fearful of the Nephalem. They were especially intrigued by mortal's ability to make their own choices and side with either Heaven or Hell.
Quote from "kittikai" »
it makes sense that his guardians would probably have enough power to keep off intruders--especially that the Worldstone's natural enemies are demons. maybe the Ancient Ones were an exception to the Worldstone's effects (as they're dead--this also means that the Nephalem are mortal, or alternatively, they can choose a mortal shell, just like Diablo and his brothers could).
But the demons suffered a lot by the powers of the Nephalem as well. Demons could just as easily have benefited from the Worldstone's presence, since the Nephalem were running amok, killing Triune minions.
Quote from "kittikai" »
i dunno how to put this together, but it seems that being in close proximity to a Soulstone (or the Worldstone) grants inhabitants of the nether regions, i.e. Heaven and Hell, temporary boost in abilities. like for example, Tyrael had much more majestic wings before the Worldstone, and that Baal only assumed his true form after taking the last shard of his Soulstone from Marius.
I disagree with you here. Whether intentional or not, Tyraels wings in the last cinematic appear faded and in flux. They are not bold, solid, or as bright as they appear in the scene in after Act II. And Baal was merely metamorphisizing into his new form as he was growing in power. It would make sense that he was rather weak right after Marius pulled the stone out of him. And as he regained his strength, he would simply leave behind his old form for one of a more demonic likeness.
so this means we don't know anything about the Worldstone other than that it's some sort of a gate to keep out the Nephalem from infesting the world?
then how come the Ancient Ones existed in Sanctuary? i don't think i get it (sorry for being nub), but it seems that the Worldstone has a double standard. "keep out mama's boys, but never mind papa's." is that it?
or, as you said, the Nephalem forsook their hybrid powers to become full-fledged human, but still retaining the physical strength of their lineage. if this is the case, then Baal has nothing to fear from them (or has cause not to), since demons generally treat mortals with scorn. or maybe he doesn't really know it (which i doubt)...
i also don't think the tales of Barbarians having legendary strength is exaggerated. Harrogath wouldn't really be besieged that long if Barbarians were just like ordinary humans; what they lacked in formal training (like the Paladins of Westmarch) they compensated for their raw power. true that Harrogath is merely a thorn on Baal's foot, but it was a thorn nonetheless and he wanted it removed--which, of course, the Barbarian ward on the city refused to do so.
now that the 3 prime evils are once more destroyed.. along with the world stone... how is the ending of diablo II going to effect diablo III?
i am still holding a belief that blizzard might still introduce a patch to diablo 2, a transition lvl from diablo 2 to 3. a sort of prepratory patch where we learn a tiny bit more, and has alot of confusion. then when 3 comes out, the hints and peices will tie together. just a hope, i dont think anyone has done this before.
then how come the Ancient Ones existed in Sanctuary? i don't think i get it (sorry for being nub), but it seems that the Worldstone has a double standard. "keep out mama's boys, but never mind papa's." is that it?
The Ancient Ones/Nephalem ARE humans. The Worldstone slowly drained away their powers so that after thousands (or however long until present) of years they are the humans of Sanctuary today.
Sanctuary is earth (or at least the equivalent of)
ummm.. i can't seem to recall anything else i wanted to say... I'm slowly reading the books now. I say slowly because I'm trying to make a map of Sanctuary but they're not too specific on where things are at... I'm also getting alot of info from the Strategy Guide....
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"The lions sing and the hills take flight.
The moon by day, and the sun by night.
Blind woman, deaf man, jackdaw fool.
Let the Lord of Chaos rule."
so this means we don't know anything about the Worldstone other than that it's some sort of a gate to keep out the Nephalem from infesting the world?
Um, well I guess the Nephalem were technically still in the world. They just wouldn't have their powers. Does that make sense?
Quote from "kittikai" »
then how come the Ancient Ones existed in Sanctuary? i don't think i get it (sorry for being nub), but it seems that the Worldstone has a double standard. "keep out mama's boys, but never mind papa's." is that it?
Well it's not like the Ancients (Nephalem) weren't around before the Worldstone was supposedly created.
Quote from "kittikai" »
or, as you said, the Nephalem forsook their hybrid powers to become full-fledged human, but still retaining the physical strength of their lineage.
Are you talking to me? Cause I don't think I said that at all.
Quote from "kittikai" »
if this is the case, then Baal has nothing to fear from them (or has cause not to), since demons generally treat mortals with scorn. or maybe he doesn't really know it (which i doubt)...
As I said before, the Nephalem in the past gave the Prime Evils a good run for their money. Baal is just wise not to underestimate the Nephalem. And why not avoid a fight if you can? Obviously Nihlathak was easy to manipulate, at least, easier than fighting the Ancients. And besides, gameplay wise, the Nephalem by the time you fight Hell difficulty are far more difficult to defeat than Baal is in my opinion.
Quote from "kittikai" »
i also don't think the tales of Barbarians having legendary strength is exaggerated.
I think for you they are exaggerated. Since you seem to think they are more than human.
Quote from "kittikai" »
Harrogath wouldn't really be besieged that long if Barbarians were just like ordinary humans;
Not beseiged that long as in instead of being beseiged they merely be finally conquered? That sentence is a little confusing.
Quote from "kittikai" »
what they lacked in formal training (like the Paladins of Westmarch) they compensated for their raw power.
I'm sure the Barbarians have some form of formal training. It's probably just not as structured and rigid as that of the Paladins.
Quote from "kittikai" »
true that Harrogath is merely a thorn on Baal's foot, but it was a thorn nonetheless and he wanted it removed--which, of course, the Barbarian ward on the city refused to do so.
Harrogath was the last place of resistance against Baal. It wasn't Baal that besieged the city directly, but his horde. This way he could proceed unheeded toward Mt. Arreat. Plus, he knows that the hero (you) who killed his other two brothers is pursuing him. So to burn everything in his path, making it all the more difficult for you to reach him, makes obvious sense.
Also, it is important to remember that the ward erected around Harrogath was the product of a Druidic spell, not a Barbarian one. In other words, I still don't think the Barbarians are as more powerful than other mortals as you think. All mortals who exist on Sanctuary share the demon/angelic bloodline of Lilith and Inarius, not just the Barbarians.
the above post enlightened me on what the humans really were. i'm just starting to read Birthright.
so basically, you were saying the Barbarians were nothing more than a collection of xenophobic warrior-clans? it starts to make sense now. Deckard Cain thought of them legendary maybe because of their secrecy and dislike for outsiders.
from what was said here so far, it seems to me that the Worldstone has diluted much of Inarius and Lilith's blood.
so basically, you were saying the Barbarians were nothing more than a collection of xenophobic warrior-clans?
Mm, basically, yeah. I mean, it talks about that in the manuals and several NPCs at Harrogath make comments eluding to their distrust of outsiders.
Quote from "kittikai" »
it starts to make sense now. Deckard Cain thought of them legendary maybe because of their secrecy and dislike for outsiders.
And I'm not saying they're not legendary. Sure they are legendary. They are just not beyond powers of the average mortal. But they still have amazing attributes as a people that makes the more stalwart than other peoples. And just living in the more extreme enviroment that they do makes them more resilient on many levels.
I kind of wish there had been a class that was based out of the desert regions. Kind of like the Fremen in Dune.
okay now i guess i'm a little too noobish regarding the lore of Diablo.
so a question:
who made the Worldstone? was it Inarius? and if he was, did he know that by making it he would seal his children? and why was it that he didn't want the Nephalem to awaken to their powers?
Æons agoThe Beginning: The Great Conflict also begins. -990 Izual attacks Hellforge and falls to the dark hordes of chaos. -985 The dark demonblade Shadowfang is created. -490 The rise of Man. -480 The Sin War begins. -40 Inarius descends to the mortal realm and begins to construct his cathedral. -30 Inarius lays siege to and destroys the infernal temple of Mephisto. -25 The forces of Mephisto defeat Inarius and his followers, laying waste to the cathedral and surrounding countryside. -10 The mage-clans of the East begin to form. 1 The Vizjerei become the largest and most powerful of the clans. Other major clans are the Ennead and the Ammit. 240 Horazón and Bartuc rise to the fore in the Vizjerei mage-clan. 250 Bartuc turns against the Vizjerei, becoming known as the Warlord of Blood. 510 The Dark Exile begins with the overthrow of the Three. 515 The Three cause strife and chaos in the Mortal Realm. Ravaging of the East for centuries. 520 Civil war in Hell. 1005 The three soul-stones meant to imprison the prime Evils are given to members of the eastern mage-clans. 1010 The Horadrim Order unites wizards from the many mage-clans. 1145 Mephisto and Baal captured in soul-stones and buried beneath the desert.1025The Horadrim pursue Diablo into the West. 1050 Baal is imprisoned with Tal Rasha. 1100 Jered Cain’s Horadrim troupe captures Diablo in Khanduras. 1120 The Horadrim dwindle in numbers. 1140 The Horadrim begin to fragment back into individual mage-clans. There is feuding and bitter rivalry among the clans 1145 Mephisto relocates to the Eastern Capitol. 1180 The rise of the Western Empire of Westmarch 1230 Zakarum, the Religion of the Light takes hold in the West 1240 Leoric becomes King of Khanduras. 1245 Leoric and Lazarus use decrepit Horadrim monastery at Tristram as HQ. Lazarus’ will is dominated by Diablo: Lazarus releases Diablo from the Soulstone 1246 Albrecht becomes the physical focus and incarnation of Diablo’s power. War between Westmarch and Khanduras breaks Leoric’s army. Lachdanan revolts against Leoric. 1250 Diablo is ‘defeated’ by a great hero beneath Tristram, and the hero sets off for the East.
well that gets us to the end of Diablo 1, but the exact timeline for Diablo 2 is still up for debate, esp. with the fact that Marius have "aged" conciderably, between what he looks like in the flashbacks and what he looks like whe nhe is retelling his story
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-Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's First Law of Equivalent Exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only, truth.
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Siaynoq's Playthroughs
now that the 3 prime evils are once more destroyed.. along with the world stone... how is the ending of diablo II going to effect diablo III?
Siaynoq's Playthroughs
i never realised that.
i also wonder how the conflict will arise against the 3 prime evils and the remaining lesser evils. (andarial and duriel destroyed)
so here's my take, as i recently replayed D2 and LOD.
it makes sense that the Ancient Ones ("We are the spirits of the Nephalem, the Ancient Ones") became the guardians of the Mount Arreat's summit as they were said to be the offspring of the Angel Inarius and the Demoness Lilith. according to what i read from Wikipedia, the Nephalem were polarized in their allegiance to either parent, and Inarius constructed the Worldstone to limit their powers in Sanctuary. it would go with the Nephalem being its guardians, those Nephalem loyal to their father instead of their demonic mother.
also, the Barbarians of Mount Arreat were legendary for their fearsome battle abilities and such. this would point to them as a bit more than humans, maybe owing to their angelic-demonic lineage. Larzuk says the Ancient Ones were not only their ancestors, but also their "gods" ("Every night I pray to the Ancients... And now you are going to fight them. Tell me... who do I pray to now?"), so this means that the Ancient Ones were indeed the product of Inarius and Lilith's unholy union then this would precisely mean that Barbarians were of a different breed than mundane humans.
and why Mount Arreat? i dunno. seems to me Blizzard patterned it after the Biblical Mount Ararat, where Noah's Ark came to rest after the Deluge (there's also a similar "holy" mountain here in our country, Mount Arayat, but never mind). maybe that mountain, aside from housing the artifact that empowered a kind of "seal" to limit the development of the Nephalem (or else the full manifestation of their powers), was the area where the first humans were born. or the site where Inarius and Lilith had their first tryst. whatever.
as for Baal fearing the Ancient Ones, i believe he did. Anya said "Now Baal will not be tested!" This would mean that the Ancients possessed some kind of potential that could rival Baal's sheer destructive power. Inarius was said (I dunno where I read this) to have envied the Nephalem their power, or else he saw the need to limit them or they would run rampant throughout Sanctuary, and thus erected the Worldstone. if that was that important, it makes sense that his guardians would probably have enough power to keep off intruders--especially that the Worldstone's natural enemies are demons. maybe the Ancient Ones were an exception to the Worldstone's effects (as they're dead--this also means that the Nephalem are mortal, or alternatively, they can choose a mortal shell, just like Diablo and his brothers could).
i dunno how to put this together, but it seems that being in close proximity to a Soulstone (or the Worldstone) grants inhabitants of the nether regions, i.e. Heaven and Hell, temporary boost in abilities. like for example, Tyrael had much more majestic wings before the Worldstone, and that Baal only assumed his true form after taking the last shard of his Soulstone from Marius. because the Nephalem possess both demonic and angelic blood, and they are repulsed by the Worldstone, it is safe to say that either of the purebred races suffer from it as well (or benefit from it). i think Baal needed a link with the Worldstone--his Soulstone, as it came from the latter--so he can corrupt it.
the theory with Tyrael--or what we saw as Tyrael--at the last part of LOD actually being Baal was a good one. i didn't see that one coming. especially since Baal's Soulstone was nowhere to be found.
my thoughts are a little jumbled right now, but i'm going to return soon.
I sense these clarificationson the Nephalem are discussed in the second Sin War book, and even though that has spoiled things a little for me, it would certainly go a long way to explaining the purpose of the Worldstone. A purpose which most of us have never been able to fully ascertain.
It is no mystery that the Ancient Ones are merely another term for the Nephalem, or that the Barbarians worship them as demigods. But it is important to keep in mind the power of myth when it comes to the Barbarians. I don't think by the time you find them in Harrogath, they are any more or less human than everyone else. But because they are so secretive and do not appreciate outsiders, the aura of mystery around them would make people tell tales of their fighting prowess to the point of exaggeration. I'm not saying Barbarians aren't great warriors, but even Anya admits that they have fallen far from what they (mortals) used to be.
It's just like the myth of the Necromancers. Often misunderstood, people perceive them as evil. But the myth of who and what they are proliferates due to their secretive society.
Demons and angels alike were jealous and fearful of the Nephalem. They were especially intrigued by mortal's ability to make their own choices and side with either Heaven or Hell.
But the demons suffered a lot by the powers of the Nephalem as well. Demons could just as easily have benefited from the Worldstone's presence, since the Nephalem were running amok, killing Triune minions.
I disagree with you here. Whether intentional or not, Tyraels wings in the last cinematic appear faded and in flux. They are not bold, solid, or as bright as they appear in the scene in after Act II. And Baal was merely metamorphisizing into his new form as he was growing in power. It would make sense that he was rather weak right after Marius pulled the stone out of him. And as he regained his strength, he would simply leave behind his old form for one of a more demonic likeness.
Siaynoq's Playthroughs
then how come the Ancient Ones existed in Sanctuary? i don't think i get it (sorry for being nub), but it seems that the Worldstone has a double standard. "keep out mama's boys, but never mind papa's." is that it?
or, as you said, the Nephalem forsook their hybrid powers to become full-fledged human, but still retaining the physical strength of their lineage. if this is the case, then Baal has nothing to fear from them (or has cause not to), since demons generally treat mortals with scorn. or maybe he doesn't really know it (which i doubt)...
i also don't think the tales of Barbarians having legendary strength is exaggerated. Harrogath wouldn't really be besieged that long if Barbarians were just like ordinary humans; what they lacked in formal training (like the Paladins of Westmarch) they compensated for their raw power. true that Harrogath is merely a thorn on Baal's foot, but it was a thorn nonetheless and he wanted it removed--which, of course, the Barbarian ward on the city refused to do so.
i am still holding a belief that blizzard might still introduce a patch to diablo 2, a transition lvl from diablo 2 to 3. a sort of prepratory patch where we learn a tiny bit more, and has alot of confusion. then when 3 comes out, the hints and peices will tie together. just a hope, i dont think anyone has done this before.
The Ancient Ones/Nephalem ARE humans. The Worldstone slowly drained away their powers so that after thousands (or however long until present) of years they are the humans of Sanctuary today.
Sanctuary is earth (or at least the equivalent of)
ummm.. i can't seem to recall anything else i wanted to say... I'm slowly reading the books now. I say slowly because I'm trying to make a map of Sanctuary but they're not too specific on where things are at... I'm also getting alot of info from the Strategy Guide....
The moon by day, and the sun by night.
Blind woman, deaf man, jackdaw fool.
Let the Lord of Chaos rule."
http://www.diabloii.net/files/images/wallpapers/cesars-map-lrg.jpg
so basically all humans had that hybrid blood in them?
does this mean that with the Worldstone's destruction, that dormant blood will manifest?
Well it's not like the Ancients (Nephalem) weren't around before the Worldstone was supposedly created.
Are you talking to me? Cause I don't think I said that at all.
As I said before, the Nephalem in the past gave the Prime Evils a good run for their money. Baal is just wise not to underestimate the Nephalem. And why not avoid a fight if you can? Obviously Nihlathak was easy to manipulate, at least, easier than fighting the Ancients. And besides, gameplay wise, the Nephalem by the time you fight Hell difficulty are far more difficult to defeat than Baal is in my opinion.
I think for you they are exaggerated. Since you seem to think they are more than human.
Not beseiged that long as in instead of being beseiged they merely be finally conquered? That sentence is a little confusing.
I'm sure the Barbarians have some form of formal training. It's probably just not as structured and rigid as that of the Paladins.
Harrogath was the last place of resistance against Baal. It wasn't Baal that besieged the city directly, but his horde. This way he could proceed unheeded toward Mt. Arreat. Plus, he knows that the hero (you) who killed his other two brothers is pursuing him. So to burn everything in his path, making it all the more difficult for you to reach him, makes obvious sense.
Also, it is important to remember that the ward erected around Harrogath was the product of a Druidic spell, not a Barbarian one. In other words, I still don't think the Barbarians are as more powerful than other mortals as you think. All mortals who exist on Sanctuary share the demon/angelic bloodline of Lilith and Inarius, not just the Barbarians.
Siaynoq's Playthroughs
so basically, you were saying the Barbarians were nothing more than a collection of xenophobic warrior-clans? it starts to make sense now. Deckard Cain thought of them legendary maybe because of their secrecy and dislike for outsiders.
from what was said here so far, it seems to me that the Worldstone has diluted much of Inarius and Lilith's blood.
And I'm not saying they're not legendary. Sure they are legendary. They are just not beyond powers of the average mortal. But they still have amazing attributes as a people that makes the more stalwart than other peoples. And just living in the more extreme enviroment that they do makes them more resilient on many levels.
I kind of wish there had been a class that was based out of the desert regions. Kind of like the Fremen in Dune.
Siaynoq's Playthroughs
so a question:
who made the Worldstone? was it Inarius? and if he was, did he know that by making it he would seal his children? and why was it that he didn't want the Nephalem to awaken to their powers?
-990 Izual attacks Hellforge and falls to the dark hordes of chaos.
-985 The dark demonblade Shadowfang is created.
-490 The rise of Man.
-480 The Sin War begins.
-40 Inarius descends to the mortal realm and begins to construct his cathedral.
-30 Inarius lays siege to and destroys the infernal temple of Mephisto.
-25 The forces of Mephisto defeat Inarius and his followers, laying waste to the cathedral and surrounding countryside.
-10 The mage-clans of the East begin to form.
1 The Vizjerei become the largest and most powerful of the clans. Other major clans are the Ennead and the Ammit.
240 Horazón and Bartuc rise to the fore in the Vizjerei mage-clan.
250 Bartuc turns against the Vizjerei, becoming known as the Warlord of Blood.
510 The Dark Exile begins with the overthrow of the Three.
515 The Three cause strife and chaos in the Mortal Realm. Ravaging of the East for centuries.
520 Civil war in Hell.
1005 The three soul-stones meant to imprison the prime Evils are given to members of the eastern mage-clans.
1010 The Horadrim Order unites wizards from the many mage-clans.
1145 Mephisto and Baal captured in soul-stones and buried beneath the desert.1025The Horadrim pursue Diablo into the West.
1050 Baal is imprisoned with Tal Rasha.
1100 Jered Cain’s Horadrim troupe captures Diablo in Khanduras.
1120 The Horadrim dwindle in numbers.
1140 The Horadrim begin to fragment back into individual mage-clans. There is feuding and bitter rivalry among the clans
1145 Mephisto relocates to the Eastern Capitol.
1180 The rise of the Western Empire of Westmarch
1230 Zakarum, the Religion of the Light takes hold in the West
1240 Leoric becomes King of Khanduras.
1245 Leoric and Lazarus use decrepit Horadrim monastery at Tristram as HQ. Lazarus’ will is dominated by Diablo: Lazarus releases Diablo from the Soulstone
1246 Albrecht becomes the physical focus and incarnation of Diablo’s power. War between Westmarch and Khanduras breaks Leoric’s army. Lachdanan revolts against Leoric.
1250 Diablo is ‘defeated’ by a great hero beneath Tristram, and the hero sets off for the East.
well that gets us to the end of Diablo 1, but the exact timeline for Diablo 2 is still up for debate, esp. with the fact that Marius have "aged" conciderably, between what he looks like in the flashbacks and what he looks like whe nhe is retelling his story