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I hope my writtings are rather understandable. Orriginally I have written this article on my own languqe and then translated to English. Me English is very bad.

Marius is surrounded with a lot of discrepant facts which causes disputes. In all events he was involved there are some absurdities and contradictions that confuse “lore-keepers” (such as me) of Diablo world. I found courage to solve all these contradictions and extract the drops of truth out of muddy stream of history.

SEARCHING FOR FACTS AND INFORMATIONS
Questionable and dubious facts serve for a detective as the clues, which he uses for trying to recreate the events of the past in his imagination in order to find the truth…

The tomb of Tal Rasha. Heroes managed to enter a secret vault only by Horadric Stuff which allowed opening the way to the wall-up room, where Duriel has awaited for them. How Dark Wanderer and Marius came to the place of imprisonment of the great Horadrim mage? Was there another secret way? Probably it was made just thanks to powerful knowledge of the Dark Wanderer… But how Marius by himself could get back out of there without any powerful skills?

Tyrael and Marius. Why has Tyrael not taken the Soulstone from Marius? What he thinking about? This can be attributed to the fact that he was exhausted after his long stay in the mortal realm. But the archangel could send to Marius someone else, for example, the same heroes who rescued him.

Journey to Kurast. How did Marius get to Kurast if he had no money to hire any midged ship? How did he get in temple city of Travincal teeming by corrupted believers of Zakarum who was making a human sacrifice?

Entering the recesses of the Temple. The adventurers were able to get in the Durance of Hatred only after killing the corrupted Council Members and destroying the Compelling Orb - a magical artifact which was used to control the Zakarum Priests and their followers. How did Marius manage to sneak in there? And most importantly, how did he get back? Where were the guardians at that while?

Discrepancy in the timeline. Remarkably, Marius said Baal that he has already heard about Diablo’s defeat, while the heroes still fighting in the fiery depths of hell and probably has not managed to kill Diablo. We know that when Diablo was just defeated, Baal has already managed to form his demonic army and led it into the lands of barbarians. He could not be in two places at once. He either has to lead his demonic army in the lands of barbarians, or looking for Marius, who couldn’t have known that Diablo was defeated. He could have learned about it only after that news has reached a mortal world. And we exactly know that news about Diablo’s defeat reached the humans only while Baal was already taking the barbarian fortresses one by one.
Note: For most people this great event remained unknown, and only a few knew about it. Also in the cinematics we can see that Baal has already taken his Soulstone and wears it as an amulet.

Why Marius? Why Marius was exactly who Diablo needed? Only for setting the Lord of Destruction frees? Apparently Diablo foresaw he would meet an obstacle in the tomb. If Diablo need a man who frees Baal while archangel battling Wanderer, it would be rational to find someone in Lut Gholein and not to drag someone through the desert (one never knows hour: Marius could perish in the way).

We also know that the Hero of Tristram has lost himself completely only after he entered the tomb of Tal Rasha.

THEORIES, FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS
We have collected the necessary information and now we will try to recreate the events of the past and as the artist-restorer finish of missing details in the picture.

Dreams of Marius. Let us recall his dreams. Marius is like a person who has the gift of vision of the past and the future but who still hasn’t realized his gift, therefore, his destiny. Previously, Marius saw a vision of the future, which he recognized as his nightmares later actually came to be real:

“Were these the demons from my dreams, or were they born... within the Wanderer?
Why did I follow him? I don't know. Why do things happen as they do in dreams?”

Later, he beheld a vision of the past:

“However, the dreams returned. But these were clearly not my own. I beheld a vision of a great man: the mage, Tal Rasha. You were there too, Tyrael; I remember seeing you in my dream. His brethren had cornered a great demon named Baal, Lord of Destruction, who had been set loose upon the world. They attempted to imprison the demon within a sacred stone. Yet when their attempts failed, Tal Rasha selflessly volunteered to contain the demon within himself, completing the prison. He instructed his brethren to bind him within a tomb, buried under the sand... and there, to wrestle with the demon for all eternity”.

Let’s assume that Marius was given a great role prepared by Doom itself. This point somehow accentuates his uniqueness and make Diablo opt on him. But then what was its purpose?

When the Evil enters the world and the world face great danger, it is usually set in motion the powerful protective mechanisms of the world: there should be a rise of the prophets and the great heroes who are not immediately aware of their destiny and has to wandering around the world and in their thoughts for a some time, led by the Providence. And, finally, they become the ones who made their own destiny. Obviously Marius also was led by Providence in the same way:

“I sought refuge from my memories in the company of other outcasts, high in the mountains past the Eastern Gate”.

Well, we see that the Providence led him toward the Rogue Monastery. But what he was there to do? What a great feat he could do? Let’s recall that the Rogue Monastery had fallen under the evil influence of the demoness, Andariel. Do you remember that we have encountered Blood Raven in Diablo II (Act I)? We may guess by her name that she was a seer, most likely false prophetess… What role she played in the fall of the Rogues? Let’s assume that she has stated the Sisterhood a false path led to the appearance of Andariel in the mortal world. Apparently, Marius should have recognized his nightmares as a prophetic in order to warn the Sisterhood of the evil that would claimed their ancestral monastery:

“Oh, I fought sleep for days at a time... For when I dreamt, the memories would return. Memories of the Monastery, and the evil, that had claimed it. Dreams, memories... I couldn’t tell the difference anymore”.

Saying the truth he calls them a memories not a vision, however, he also notes that he couldn’t tell the difference between his dreams and memories. We shall return to it later. Thus, the appearance of Andariel in the mortal world could be break due to Marius, but Diablo prevented it as he deftly cleared the obstruction that may close the path for demoness. BUT WHY DIABLO DOES NOT JUST KILL MARIUS? Let us return to the story of Marius:

“We traveled east over the mountains and into the vast deserts of broken lands. As the days passed, my companion told me of himself, that he had once been a great warrior, and that a dark and sacred burden now weighed heavily upon him”.

It is clear that Hero of Tristram had not yet lost himself and continued to struggle with the dark demonic influence. Consequently, he had no intention to kill Marius. It is obvious that Diablo skillfully manipulated the mind of hero in order to make him do as he wished. In the cinematics we can see that he did not touch any person, and a slaughter was made by the crowd of hellish brood released from the Wanderer against his will. Also the cinematics shows that the Dark Wanderer sometimes didn’t make differ between demon’s thoughts and his own:

“Now you know what I seek, Marius. This is my brother. Sleep now. We set out with the dawn”.

Note: However, it can be interpreted differently: maybe Dark Wanderer considered as his brother very Tal Rasha, not Baal. Indeed, they are "brothers in destiny" because they both hold the soul of the great demons in their bodies…
Thus, after Marius followed Dark Wanderer and so has not reached his destination prepared by Providence, Diablo let him alone and concentrated on the hero. These events (the monastery, the tomb) are beginning to resemble a chess game. Dark Wanderer and Marius marched in Lut Gholein, and then went to the tomb of Tal Rasha. There they were awaited by no one but Tyrael himself…

In the tomb of Tal Rasha. Tyrael’s planning.
Two companions went into the cave of the tomb and found the entrance to the secret hall where Tal Rasha was bound.

“We came at last to a great hall. It was then I realized my companion hadn’t been gaining strength; he had been loosing what was left of his humanity”.

Thus, the hero of Tristram completely was possessed by demon. But how they get in that great hall? In the cinematics we can see that the entrance was closing by Tyrael himself. Obviously, he definitely was who opened the entrance in order to wait for the Wanderer. He expected to see a great hero once defeated Diablo and who could enter the infernal gate and destroy all of the Soulstones. Apparently Tyrael prepared a crusade against Mephisto who has corrupted the entire Kurast, and then after his defeat to enter the infernal gate to destroy all of three evil stones. However, a disappointment was awaiting him…

“STOP! THE BEAST CONTAINED HEREIN SHALL NOT BE SET FREE – EVEN BY YOU!”

– These were the first words of the archangel when two companions came at the place of the imprisonment of Tal Rasha and one of them was going to pull the stone out of the chest of bound beast. The Wanderer being stopped by fiery tentacles, has suddenly attacked the archangel that he has even to recede. Apparently he wasn’t expecting such an action from the Wanderer. But Tyrael continued to experience him, not knowing that the hero isn’t one who had once been any more. That is why angel fought him half-heartedly instead of overwhelming him by his flaming sword. Finally, Tyrael saw in him a man possessed by demon. But suddenly, Marius pulled the stone from the chest of the monster. The demon was released, and the crystal itself could not retain him for a long. Even after killing that creature Tal Rasha transformed into, the Soulstone would represent a great danger; therefore, it must be destroyed as soon as possible… Everything turned out not as the archangel expected. The hero of Tristram did not meet his expectations. And Tyrael’s choice forcedly fell on his companion - an infirm seer instead of a mighty warrior. Apparently Marius was also needed to the angel, not only the demon.

Is Tyrael’s act foolish and thoughtless? That is how the words of Tyrael said to Marius sound:

“Fool! You have just ensured the doom of this world. You cannot even begin to imagine what you've set in motion this day. Go now, to the Temple of Light in the eastern city of Kurast. There you will find the gate to Hell open before you. You must find the courage to step through that gate, Marius. Take the stone you hold to the Hellforge, where it will be destroyed. Go now! Take the stone and run!”

We see Tyrael well aware of there is a portal to Hell under the Temple of Light. Please note that while the clergy of Zakarum was corrupted under the evil influence of the Lord of Hatred, the Temple of Light was desecrated by an abomination of human sacrifices, and the entire Kurast turned into a den of fanatical zakarumites and evil fiends. Tyrael couldn’t not to know about these facts, but despite these all, he decides to send Marius straight into the clutches of Mephisto! What a folly! How could he do likewise? This can be ascribed only to his despair. Well, despair quite fit the way to the event in question.

Let's see the other side. Tyrael could say that in order to mislead very demons, who also heard his words. Tyrael knew that such a feeble human like Marius is not able to find the means for hiring a ship for a rather short while and sailing ashore of Kurast. He would take a long time to find the right amount of gold (perhaps even assemble a team) to sail west, without mentioning about how he will penetrate into the Temple of Light and get into the infernal gate. Archangel was desperately hoping that the brothers would not pursue Marius and would go straight to Kurast, believing that Marius with Baal’s Soulstone would come right to their hands by himself. Tyrael hoped that after the demons went to Kurast, he would find Marius and take the Soulstone...
Thus, Marius took the Soulstone and ran.

The influence of Baal’s Soulstone. It was then very interesting things started. Marius ran into Lut Gholein, because only there he can find a ship and sail to Kurast. Please note, after the rumors about the Dark Wanderer have spread, Lord Jerhyn forbade all ships from leaving port. Your can check it by going to talk Meshif and listen to his introduction. Meanwhile the prophetic dreams about the future nightmares went on to follow Marius in his heels, and the Soulstone begins to affect his body and mind. From the cinematics we know that the body of Marius prematurely aged since he got the Soulstone.
Note: According to the official timeline the events of the game – beginning from the events in Tristram and ended with the destruction of the Worldstone – took only three years.

Even if the Soulstone couldn’t distort the vision of Marius, it might influence to his perception of what is happening, therefore, to his attempts to interpret his prophetic dreams. Under the evil influence of the magic stone Marius began to perceive a vision of the future as THE EVENTS THAT HAVE ALREADY HAPPENED LONG AGO. Thus, it could prevent him to warn mankind about the coming Evil in order to prevent it. Soon, Marius, realizing that he going crazy, has to seek refuge and finally got in the asylum.
Note: Marius could have got in there in other ways. For example, he could, though late, but finally have realized his destiny, and therefore, was trying to announce about the upcoming Evil in the crowded places, and prophesied about the end of all things. Eventually, he could try to persuade people to help him get into Kurast while the ships are prohibited from leaving port. For these acts he could be easily clapped in a jail or an asylum, and then being driven to the mad under the evil influence of the stone, he could completely cease to distinguish his visions from his memories…

Do not hesitate by this turn of the events, I know that you wish to argue that Marius came in an asylum only after he visited the deep recesses of the temple and saw a dark gathering of the Three. But ask yourself, what a chance has he had for getting there? Roughly speaking, none. Well, what a chance has he had for beholding the prophetic vision of this event? If some speculation light you up now, do not rush to conclusions but keep reading ;).

The conversation with Baal. So, being in the asylum, Marius completely abstracted out of the real world and began to believe that all of his visions were his memories or events had occurred long ago ("Dreams, memories ... I couldn’t tell the difference any more”). Let’s make clear, where was the asylum Marius has hidden. From the cinematics we remember that when the Baal was leaving the inflamed building, a scarab beetles also crawled out. But these insects are found in… Lut Gholein! You can see these interesting insects in Diablo II (Act II) around NPC named Drognan. Even without this fact, you should be sure that his shelter had to be precisely in Lut Gholein or at least in its vicinity (he hardly could find an asylum in the corrupted lands of Kurast).

Tyrael was bound to the Binding Stone and was awaited the arrival of the true heroes, who would later crusade onto the corrupted lands of Kurast. Contrary to the desperate hope of the archangel, the Brothers figured out that before going to Kurast, they should have search Marius in order to take the Soulstone back. Baal took advantage of Tal Rasha’s secret knowledge in order to close the secret hall (maybe even wall-up it) which was later reopened by the adventurers. Also, the demons have taken care to leave Duriel in order he would arrange a "cool" meeting for Cain’s friends. Baal then went to Lut Gholein and was searching for Marius for a long time and finally found him in the asylum:

“I've been searching for you for a long time, Marius. I was rather beginning to think you didn't want to be found”.

Marius has recognized him as an archangel. Baal has listened to the story of the seer, in which he told the demon that he was in the deepest recesses of the Temple of Light, oversaw the reunification of Three Evils and ended his story with the next words:

“I heard later that he was defeated and that the Soulstones were destroyed in Hellforge… all except one…”

Demonic gambit. Thus, Marius told Baal what would be happened in the future believing that these are events of the past. Taking this course of affairs into the consideration, the Three hastened to be regrouped soon after their reunion. Defeats of Diablo and Mephisto was a Queen's gambit in a chess game, which allowed Baal to make a few smart moves and checkmate “the protection” of Sanctuary - nature of Soulstone has been corrupted, then this ancient artifact was destroyed by Tyrael. As you can see Tyrael couldn’t take the stone from Marius, because after his release, he was not only exhausted but Marius was no longer alive, and Baal was going to Kurast and HE HAS ALREADY HAVE HIS SOULSTONE.

However, the seer has suffered the pangs of his conscience that he couldn’t enter the gate to Hell. But Marius was consoling himself that he though dared to get in the temple of the Zakarum, and therefore, he was able to perform a part of the job at least. Even though he has not entered there, Marius thought, Diablo was defeated anyway. These were his excuses. This is the way he tried to soften the pangs of his conscience by. But in fact, he did all as an angel means - he has hidden in the most secret place he could found. Even Baal himself rightly pointed out:

“You haven't failed old man. You've done exactly as you were meant to do”.

Nevertheless, Marius could not escape from him. Perhaps, the thing is that, there could be some link between Tal Rasha and the Soulstone, which allowed him to discover the location of Marius.

Be that as it may, we shouldn’t forget that Marius made the greatest sin against the security of this world (therefore, of all things). As the hero of Tristram did Marius also didn’t reach his destination and didn’t justify his being a chosen one. But he may be excused because it was the powerful demons with a perverted mind, who managed to outwit the very protection of this world (the Fate, the Providence, if say so). Three Evils originally expected failure: this world is defending itself during the millennia; the heroes always won darkness and did it also at this time. But what remains of the powerful protection of Sanctuary now as the Worldstone have been destroyed? Will the Providence guide the humanity to the heroic deeds further? Will the great heroes rise further? Is there some "immune protection" of the world of Man from external threats after all of this? Deckard Cain believes there is. Even now the inhabitants of the Sanctuary have a choice. They must believe. For the very vague history of the humankind conceals a lot of unexpected surprises…

Thus, we have explained many contradictions in the plot of Diablo and answer to many contentious issues.

Referential materials:
Diablo II Cinematics

Quote from Kiserai

Is this project as a whole still active? The website listed in the big thread is dead...

Yes, I noticed this project is dead. So why managers haven't resycled this project?

Quote from ScyberDragon

So, why post this comment? Upon closer and more literal inspection, the quote refers to a "new" creature.

Maybe this is a fetish? For Witch-Doctor will summon a fetishes...

+1
Nice job

It seems to me this Bone Reaver is cooler than current one. Also there's my signature on it.

Quote from Archantyrael

From FACEBOOK


We can see she has both a stuff and a sword.

What about a "blow-piper"?

This Barbarian picture I saw in Artwork Traylers. It is not a new picture. See in Diablowiki Gallery.

WElcome man, stay a while and read.. The writings on this place are incredible!

You are welcomed here... Mark my words, Vyse! So think, that you so powerful! Otherwise, Diablofans will eat you life!

Hello my friend! Stay a while and read!

Can anybody tell about Booody?

Diablo III New Tristram v.0.6 by Booody (Cion)


Category: Other
Tileset: Icecrown Glacier
Dimensions: 224x192
Playable Area: 219x189
Recommended Players: 1-6

Size: 7973.8 KB
Submitted: Apr 20, 2010

Computer-Player-AI:
Player 1 Red - Player
Player 2 Blue - Barbarian
Player 3 Teal - Wizard
Player 4 Purple - Witchdoctor
Player 5 Yellow - Monk
Player 6 Orange - Wizard

Note: You must install the latest Warcraft 3 patch (version 1.24b or newer) to play this map.

Quote from interception

Harem level 1?

I've written that I'll give 5 points to reputation, but with changes of the forum... "gaining a reputation points system" was changed. Now I can give you only 1 point((.

Who firstly guesses where this creature appears, I'll give him 5 points to Reputation)).

I still have not complete next image, but I want to show it to you, with hope that you give me and advices and instructions to improve it.

Quote from Kamrad

Have you got any tutorials or anything I can follow to help me with sketching and colouring?

YOu should try to copy others pictures. Take one picture with some monster or knight and try to redraw it. Do it severale times until it satisfy you, and, finally, you will enjoy your results.