Difference between revisions of "Diablo I Manual"

Latest revision as of 16:41, 2 May 2012

The Diablo I Manual is transcribed here. All the manuals of the Diablo games contain a lot of lore of the world of Sanctuary, and is one of our primary sources of information. They contain texts that are meant to be excerpts from books and tomes written in the actual in-world existence of characters, but as a reader you need to be aware of the fact that much of the actual years written down have been "retconed", and is no longer canon. This means that we currently don't know exactly what yearly calendar is actually canon information. However, the actual events that take place are usually somewhat correct, so if you are adding material from the manuals to an article, feel free to add years and events into the article, and we will have to update the article when more accurate information comes out from Blizzard.

Some words have been wiki-linked for easy information navigation, and in some cases the formatting has been changed to work with the wiki. No words below the introduction (this text) has been altered.

Make sure to read all of the manuals:

• Diablo I Manual
• Diablo I: Hellfire Manual
• Diablo II Manual
• Diablo II: Lord of Destruction Manual
• Diablo III Manual

[edit]

Do take note of the fact that a lot of information here is no longer canon, as it has been retconned. Especially the writings of Vischar Orous below. The lore has instead been changed to flavour lore, implying that Vischar Orous either believed this, or this is what he copied from other Vizjerei scriptures, and that the Vizjerei changed a lot of their findings and research to hide much of the horrible things they did up to and in the Mage Clan Wars.

The Initiate[edit | edit source]

Tutorial[edit | edit source]

Creating a Character[edit | edit source]

There are three character archetypes, or “Classes,” for you to choose from in Diablo. Although the three Classes share common abilities, they have different strengths and weaknesses. In addition, each Class possesses a unique skill that is only usable by members of that class.

The Interface[edit | edit source]

The game screen in Diablo is divided into two main sections, the Play Area and the Interface Bar. The Play Area displays the immediate environment around your character, including any other creatures or items that are within your character’s line of sight. You can zoom in on your character by pressing the Z key on the keyboard. Press Z again to return to normal view.

The Interface Bar provides you with quick information on your character, as well as buttons to access the various information screens.

The colored orbs indicate your character’s current Life and Mana. The red orb represents your current Life, and the blue orb represents your current Mana. As you take damage or cast spells, the liquid in the orbs will decrease. If you run out of Life points, your character is dead. Running out of Mana will prevent your hero from being able to cast memorized spells.

Character Information Screen[edit | edit source]

To take a closer look at your character’s attributes, open up the Character Information screen. This can be done by leftclicking on the [CHAR] button, or pressing the C key on the keyboard. The Character Information screen displays the following information about your character:

The character’s name and class

The character’s current level and experience

How much experience the character needs to achieve the next level

How much gold your character currently possesses

Your character’s attributes, including any bonuses or penalties from magical items. Bonuses are displayed in blue, while attributes that are below normal are displayed in red. Statistics at their maximum are displayed in gold.

Strength represents how strong your character is, and adds to the damage that your character does in melee combat.

Magic is your character’s innate ability to channel magic, either through memorized spells or enchanted items.

Dexterity covers your character’s agility and nimbleness. Your chance of successfully striking an opponent in combat increases with your level and dexterity.

Vitality is an indication of the overall health and fitness of your character.

Life is the current physical state of your character. This indicates how much damage your character can take before dying.

Mana is the magical energy that your character possesses, and is used to power spells.

Your character’s attributes also affect the items that he or she can use. A character with low Strength, for instance, could not wield a Great Axe.

The right column of the Character Information screen displays your hero’s current combat statistics, which are:

Armor Class A measurement of how well protected your character is from physical harm. It is a total of the armor classes of all the armor that your character is currently wearing, as well as any dexterity and magical bonuses. The higher your character’s armor class, the less likely you are to be hit in combat.

To Hit This is the relative chance that your character has to hit an unarmored opponent in combat.

Damage This is the range of damage that your character can inflict with the weapon that he or she is currently wielding.

Your resistance to various types of magical effects are located below your character’s combat statistics.

Magic This includes spells that summon pure magic to create their effect.

Fire This will help shield you from the effects of fire based attacks and spells.

Lightning Resistance to lightning will help protect you from electrical spells and attacks.

Once you have looked over your hero’s statistics, close the Character Information screen by clicking the [CHAR] button, or pressing C on the keyboard.

Inventory Screen[edit | edit source]

To see what equipment your character is currently carrying, you will want to examine your character’s inventory. To open the Inventory screen, either click the [INV] button, or press the I key on the keyboard. A silhouette of your hero will appear along with several boxes to represent wielded/worn equipment, as well as items stored in your backpack.

Head For wearing caps, helmets, crowns and the like.

Torso This displays the overall armor that you are currently wearing.

Right Hand Place any weapons that you wish to use in this spot.

Left Hand This space is normally used for carrying a shield. If you are wielding a two-handed weapon, such as a great axe or a bow, this space will display a darkened version of the weapon to indicate that your left hand is also full.

Amulet Various magical amulets may be found deep within the labyrinth under the church. Only one amulet may be worn at a time.

Rings Magical rings can gift the wearer with many abilities. The nature of the these powerful enchantments, however, allows only one ring to be worn on each hand.

Backpack The space below your character silhouette represents your backpack. Note that items of different sizes take up different amounts of space. It may be necessary to rearrange items in your inventory to make room for new treasure.

Put your cursor over the club in your hero’s backpack. Notice that the club will highlight, and a description of it will appear in the Description Box at the bottom of the screen. Left-click on the club. Your cursor will be replaced by the picture of the club. Move the club over to another empty square in your backpack, and left-click again. You have now moved the club to another spot within your backpack.

To drop the club from your inventory, left-click on it to select it and move the cursor over the Play Area. Left-click on the ground near your character and he will toss the club onto the ground. Move the cursor over the discarded club. It will be highlighted by a blue outline, and a brief description of it will appear in the Description Box. Left-click on the club to pick it up again. Note that if the Inventory screen is open, items will not automatically be placed in your backpack. Move the cursor over an empty space in your backpack and left-click to put away the club.

Items in your backpack such as scrolls and books can be used by right-clicking on them. If it is a potion or other non-targeted effect, the effects will take place immediately. If it is a spell or effect that requires a target, your cursor will be replaced by a targeting cursor. Put the targeting cursor over the item or area that you wish to affect and click the left mouse button.

Close the Inventory screen by clicking on the [INV] button or pressing I on the keyboard. You can also close the inventory screen by pressing the spacebar on the keyboard. Pressing the spacebar automatically closes any screens that you have open.

The Belt[edit | edit source]

Small items, such as potions and scrolls, can be kept on your belt instead of in your backpack to make them easier to use. The Warrior starts out with two healing potions stored on his belt. The number in the lower right hand corner of the potion icon is the hotkey for that item. Pressing the 1 key on the keyboard, for example, will cause your character to drink the potion in the first spot on his belt. You can also use the items by right-clicking on them. When your character picks up a usable item that is small enough, he will automatically place it on his belt if there is room. You can also transfer items between your backpack and your belt by opening the Inventory screen, left-clicking on the item to be moved, and then left-clicking on the space that you want to move the item to.

Movement[edit | edit source]

Movement in Diablo is accomplished by placing the cursor over the area where you wish to walk and then holding down the left mouse button. Your character will automatically move towards that direction. Note that walls, monsters, or closed doors may prevent your character from being able to find a route to where you want him to go.

Interacting with Characters[edit | edit source]

Now it’s time to explore the town of Tristram and talk to one of the few remaining residents. Walk over to the fountain in the center of the town. Several people will be visible. Move your cursor over the large fellow standing off to the right. His name will appear in the Description Box. Denizens of the town or labyrinth may ask your character to perform tasks for them or offer advice on quests on which you are currently working. Some people may even have access to goods or magical artifacts that will aid you on your journey. To talk to Griswold, left-click on him. Your character will automatically walk to him and start a conversation.

Griswold is the blacksmith of Tristram and can provide your character with weapons and armor. Left-click on “Buy Basic Items”. A list of items that Griswold is selling will appear. You can left-click on the scroll bar or use the Arrow keys to scroll up and down the list. The item’s name, description and statistics will be listed, along with its price. Items that are in red are too powerful for your character to use; your hero may be too weak to wield the weapon, or too clumsy to utilize it properly. Left-click on “Back” or press Escape once to get back to the main conversation menu, and then left-click on “Leave the Shop” or press Escape again to end the conversation with Griswold.

The Quest Log[edit | edit source]

Continue to explore Tristram and talk to each of the people that you meet. Eventually, one of them will ask you to perform a task for them. You have just received your first quest. Quests are various missions that you may be asked to complete as you are investigating the evil that has been plaguing the land.

To view a list of the quests that you are currently working towards, or to review the instructions that you have been given, take a look at the Quest Log. Click on the [QUEST] button on the Interface Bar, or press the Q key on the keyboard. All quests that your character is currently assigned will be displayed. Left-click on the quest name or press Enter to read the instructions again. Once you are done, close the Quest Log. This can be done by clicking on the [QUEST] button, pressing the Q key on the keyboard, or pressing the spacebar. Also, once you have a quest, you can ask everyone in town for information that could help you.

Saving/Loading the Game[edit | edit source]

Before you venture into the labyrinth, you’ll probably want to save your game. Bring up the Main Menu by pressing the [MENU] button or pressing the Escape key. From here, you can Save your game, Load a saved game, begin a New Game, Exit Diablo, or change the game Options. Click on “Save Game” to save your character’s status. Single player heroes have one saved game slot per character, so save wisely. Multi player heroes are saved automatically as they adventure throughout the town of Tristram and the labyrinth below.

Game Options[edit | edit source]

If you wish, you can also adjust the game’s music or sound effects volume by choosing the Options selection. You can also adjust the brightness/darkness of the game by changing the Gamma setting. The farther you move the Gamma slider to the right, the lighter the game screen will become. You can exit the Menu by clicking on the [MENU] button or pressing the Escape key on the keyboard.

Entering the Dungeon[edit | edit source]

Now you are ready to begin your quest to destroy Diablo. Moving the cursor over the entrance to the church will reveal the way down into the labyrinth below. Left-click on the entrance and you will begin your descent.

The labyrinth beneath the church provides a similar view to that of the town above, with one notable exception. As your character approaches walls and doorways, they will become slightly transparent, so that you don’t miss any items or creatures that may be hidden behind them. Only items and creatures that are within your character’s line of sight are visible.

Pausing the Game[edit | edit source]

There may be creatures near the entrance that will approach your hero. To pause the game, press the P key on the keyboard. The screen will turn red to indicate that the game play is stopped. Pressing the P key again will resume the game. Note that pausing the game is available only in single player games.

Interacting with the Environment[edit | edit source]

Movement in the labyrinth is the same as in the town. You can either click on the destination where you wish to walk, or you can hold down the left mouse button to walk in the indicated direction. Anything that you can interact with will become highlighted when you move the cursor over it. Creatures are highlighted in red, items that you can pick up are highlighted in blue, and dungeon features such as doors are highlighted in gold. Left-clicking on the selected item will cause your character to automatically move to and interact with the selected item.

Combat[edit | edit source]

Combat is handled in the same fashion as movement. To attack a creature, move the cursor over the target, which will highlight it. The name of the creature, and what your character knows about it, will be displayed in the Description Box. Left-click on the creature to attack it. If your character is not within range, he will automatically walk towards the creature to attack it. If you are using a bow, or are trying to stay behind cover such as a doorway, you can hold down the Shift key on the keyboard while attacking to prevent your character from moving. He will stand in the same spot and fire his bow or swing his weapon.

Search the labyrinth until you find some creatures to fight. Don’t forget that if your health gets low, you can use a healing potion to restore some of your hit points.

The Automap[edit | edit source]

An Automap is available to help you navigate around the dungeon. To open the Automap, click on the [MAP] button on the Interface Bar, or press the Tab key on the keyboard. A map will be overlaid on top of the Play Area. Your character’s location and facing are indicated by an orange arrow in the center of the map. Doors and stairways are shown in yellow. You can use the Arrow keys on the keyboard to scroll around the map, and the + and - keys to zoom your view in and out. Game play does not stop while the Automap is displayed, so you can still move, attack, and be attacked by the denizens of the labyrinth.

To hide the Automap, either click the [MAP] button, or press the Tab key on the keyboard. You can also press the spacebar to hide any open screens, including the Automap.

Gaining Experience and Levels[edit | edit source]

Continue to explore the labyrinth for a while. Try out different weapons that you find to determine which are the most effective against the creatures that you’re fighting. Don’t forget your healing potions, and, if things get too tough, you can always exit the dungeon and seek help in the town.

Eventually, your character will gain enough experience to reach the next level. When this happens, your Life and Mana Orbs will be completely restored, and a button will appear in the playing area. Either click on the button or bring up the Character Information screen to gain the benefits of your new level. Each level that you advance gives you points to distribute among your attributes. Left-click on the [ + ] button to the right of an attribute to raise it. Also, your character’s effectiveness in combat and with most spells will increase automatically.

Using Skills and Spells[edit | edit source]

Once you have gained enough experience to reach level 2, head back to the entrance. Use the Automap to locate the stairway up if you’ve moved far away from it. Before you go back to the town, left-click on the [SPELLS] icon on the Interface Bar, or press the B key on the keyboard. This opens your Spellbook that holds a list of all the spells and skills that your character currently knows. Left-clicking on the numbered tabs along the bottom of the Spellbook allows you to flip through the pages in your Spellbook. Left-clicking on a spell or skill will prepare it, and the icon on the Interface Bar will change to indicate the prepared spell/skill. Prepare your Repair skill by left-clicking on the icon on the first page of your Spellbook. Click on the [SPELLS] button, or press the B key on the keyboard, to close the Spellbook.

Move your cursor over the playing area and click the right mouse button. Your character will be surrounded by a magical aura, and your cursor will turn into an icon to represent the Repair skill. The Inventory screen will also automatically open. Move the cursor over a piece of equipment that you wish to Repair, and left-click on it. Most spells and skills are used in this way, though some spells will automatically target the area that you right-click, so you’ll need to experiment to see which technique to use for each spell. Also, right-clicking on the icon in your Spellbook will cast that spell.

The Speedbook and Spell Hotkeys[edit | edit source]

Another method that you can use to select the spell or skill that you wish to use is through the Speedbook. Click on the icon on the Interface Bar or press the S key on the keyboard to open the Speedbook. A row of icons indicating the spells and skills that your character is capable of using will appear in the Play Area, just above the Interface Bar. Skills are displayed in gold, memorized spells in blue, spells contained on scrolls are red, and spells available through a staff are orange. To change the spell/skill that you wish to have prepared, left-click on the icon that represents the one that you want. The Speedbook will close and that spell/skill will be readied for use.

Once you have learned a few spells, or have found several magical items, it might be useful to set up spell hotkeys so that you do not have to use the Spellbook or Speedbook to change spells. Put the cursor over the Repair icon in your Speedbook. Press F5 on the keyboard. The description of the skill will change to reflect the new hotkey. Pressing the F5 key at any time will now prepare the Repair skill for use. Using the F5 through F8 keys, you can assign up to four spell hotkeys.

End of Tutorial[edit | edit source]

Feel free to continue adventuring with this warrior, or open the Main Menu (using the [MENU] button or Escape) and select “New Game” to create a new hero. For more detailed information on the world of Diablo and the creatures and items contained within it, continue reading the manual.

Overview of Gameplay[edit | edit source]

Movement[edit | edit source]

Left-click on the location that you want your character to walk to.

Continuous movement can be achieved by moving the cursor in the direction you wish to travel and holding down the left mouse button. Your character will continue to walk in that direction until the mouse button is released or a path is not available.

Combat[edit | edit source]

Place the cursor over the creature that you wish to attack. The creature’s name and any information that your character knows about that creature will appear in the Description Box. Unique creatures will have their name displayed in Gold.

Left-click on the creature to attack it with the weapon currently wielded by your character.

Holding down the Shift key while attacking will attack a location and prevent your character from moving.

Using Skills and Spells[edit | edit source]

Left-click the skill/spell that you wish to prepare by using the Spellbook or Speedbook.

Right-click on the creature or area where you wish to cast the prepared spell. Spells or skills that affect an item in your character’s Inventory will turn the cursor into a targeting icon. Highlight the item that you wish to target with the cursor and left-click on it.

Hotkeys can be assigned to frequently used spells by using the Speedbook. Open the Speedbook, and place the cursor over the spell that you wish to assign a hotkey to. Press F5-F8 to assign that key to the spell, and close the Speedbook. Pressing the appropriate key will now prepare that spell.

Speedbook Color Key:[edit | edit source]

Gold: Skill

Blue: Memorized Spell

Red: Scroll

Orange: Staff

Interacting with the Environment[edit | edit source]

Move the cursor over any item. A colored highlight indicates that the item can be manipulated or interacted with.

Blue: Item that can be picked up

Red: Creature

Gold: Anything else with which your character can interact

Left-clicking on the highlighted item will cause your character to walk over to the item and pick it up, attack it, or otherwise interact with it.

Using Items[edit | edit source]

Moving the cursor over an item on the ground will display its name. Moving the cursor over an item in your character’s Inventory will display any other information that is known about the item. The color of the description indicates the nature of the item.

White: Normal item

Blue: Magic item

Gold: Unique item

Any equipment that is tinted in Red is either unusable or too powerful for your character to use.

Right-click an item in your character’s Inventory or Belt to use it. If the item requires a target, the cursor will be replaced by a targeting icon. Move the cursor over the desired target and left-click.

An item carried on your character’s belt has an automatic hotkey assigned to it. The hotkey is displayed in the lower right hand corner of the belt slot. Pressing the hotkey will use that item.

Right-click on gold that your character is carrying to drop a specific amount.

Keyboard Commands[edit | edit source]

F1 Display Diablo Help

P Pause the Game

Escape Bring up the Main Menu

B Open the Spellbook

C View Character Information

I Examine Inventory

Q Read Quest Log

S Display the Speedbook

Z Zooms view in and out

Shift Hold down when attacking to prevent movement

Tab Display the Automap

+/- Zoom Automap In/Out

Arrow Keys Scroll Automap

1-8 Use specific belt item

F5-F8 Highlight spell in Speedbook and press F5-F8 to assign hotkey. Once hotkey is assigned, the key will prepare that specific spell

F9-F12 Auto send messages (Multi player only) Enter Open message window/send message (Multi player only)

Spacebar Closes all open windows

Multi Player Instrutions[edit | edit source]

Multi player Gaming[edit | edit source]

The forces of evil are powerful, but you don’t have to face them alone. Diablo will allow up to four players to journey into the labyrinth beneath Tristram as friend or foe. Multi player characters are separate from single player characters. A multi player character’s state is saved periodically during play, with experience and equipment being carried over from session to session. Therefore, the “Save” and “Load” options will not appear when the Diablo Menu is opened during a multi player game.

The Multi player Interface Bar[edit | edit source]

The Interface Bar in multi player games has two additional buttons on it, the Message button and the Player Intent button. To send a message to other players in a multi player game, left-click on the Message button, or press Enter on the keyboard. The description box will display a prompt where you can type in your message. Click on the Message button or press Enter to send the message. From the message screen, you can toggle specific players on or off. This will allow you to send secret messages to only the players that you want. If you want to quickly send a frequently used message, the keys F9-F12 are available as hotkeys to relay preset messages.

The Player Intent button controls how your character interacts with other players in the game. Left-clicking on the Player Intent button toggles it between Aggressive and Peaceful. Choosing Aggressive means that your character will treat other players like any other creature in the dungeon, and will attack the player if you left click on them. For a cooperative game, you will want to select Peaceful. A Peaceful character will not attack other players if they are left-clicked on, and will not directly target them with harmful spells.
Note: other players may still be hit by arrows and spell effects even if they are not specifically targeted. Use caution when fighting in close quarters.

Character Summary[edit | edit source]

Character Level and Experience[edit | edit source]

As your character explores the world of Diablo and combats the evil that threatens to overrun the land, he or she gains “experience” and becomes more skilled. The character’s total experience determines his or her Level. A character’s Level provides a quick approximation of his/her overall effectiveness, but different characters of the same Level can have different strengths and weaknesses. Increasing a level gives your character additional points to spend on Attributes, as well as increasing effectiveness in combat, spell casting, and skill use.

The most direct way to gain experience is to destroy the denizens of the labyrinth. The exact amount of experience gained by killing a creature is based on the relative Levels of the character and the creature. A seasoned Warrior does not gain any benefit from destroying a mere skeleton, for he has faced far greater evils before.

Attributes[edit | edit source]

Your character has several Attributes corresponding to abilities he or she will use during the game. Each character Class starts out with different starting values to represent training that they have already had. Each Class also has limits on how high some Attributes can be raised. Warriors, for instance, cannot normally raise their Magic rating as high as an experienced Sorcerer. While gaining experience is the surest path, there are known to be magical means to raise Attributes as well.

The different Attributes, and the aspects that they represent, are as follow:

Strength represents the raw physical power that the character possesses. Very strong characters are capable of using more powerful weapons and can wear heavy armor. A high Strength gives a bonus to the amount of damage done in close combat.

Magic is a measure of the character’s ability to manipulate the forces of magic. It is a combination of intelligence, willpower, and innate magical aptitude. A high Magic rating is required to learn and control complex and powerful spells and staves.

Dexterity rates the character’s general agility and accuracy. A character with low Dexterity has a very difficult time hitting opponents in combat. Dexterity is a very important Attribute for archers to develop.

Vitality indicates the character’s overall physical fitness. Characters with high Vitality are very healthy, rarely become sick, and have a strong endurance.

Mana is an overall rating that determines how much Mana a character can safely channel when spellcasting. It is based on the character’s Class, Level, and Magic Attribute. A character that has exhausted his or her Mana is no longer able to cast learned spells. Scrolls and staves may still be used, as they draw their own power from the environment on their own. Special Mana potions are able to restore the hero’s spell casting abilities by refreshing the body and clearing the mind of the imbiber.

Life is how much physical harm the character can suffer before dying. The Life total is based on Class, Level, and Vitality. A Warrior, for instance, can take more physical punishment than a Sorcerer of the same Level and Vitality rating. Once Life reaches zero the character is dead. Potions and healing spells can rebuild the human body at an incredible rate, restoring precious Life points.

Combat Statistics[edit | edit source]

A character’s effectiveness in combat is influenced by many factors, including the equipment that he or she is using, the Class of the character, his or her Attributes, any enchantments that are in effect, etc. The Combat Statistics displayed on the Character Information screen represent the character’s current values, but do not include the effects of non-Identified magical items.

Armor Class is a total of all the protection that your character is currently receiving from armor, talismans, shields, etc. A high armor class allows the character to resist the effects of physical attacks, and may help against various magical effects as well.

To Hit is a rough indication of the chance that your character has to successfully hit and damage a single unarmored opponent. It is a combination of many factors, and is strongly affected by the opponent’s armor and overall toughness.

Damage is the current range of damage that your character can inflict on a successful hit during combat. An opponent hit by the character will lose this much Life. The Damage rating is based on the weapon being wielded, the character’s Attributes, Level, and any magical bonuses.

Resistances[edit | edit source]

Magic is a fickle and unpredictable force, and every character and creature is able to resist the effects of spells. The chance of successfully avoiding the effects of a dangerous spell is primarily affected by Level, but outside factors may give the character a bonus. The Resistance ratings displayed in the Character Information screen display only bonuses granted from outside sources.

Magic resistance protects the character from spells that expel raw magical energy, or spells that attempt to change or transform the character’s physical form.

Fire resistance provides defense against fire spells of all types. It can also help to resist the attacks of creatures and weapons that use fire or heat to cause damage.

Lightning resistance defends against electrical attacks of all types, from lightning bolts to the powerful charges exuded by certain creatures.

Warrior[edit | edit source]

The Warriors of the lands of Khanduras are well trained in all of the weapons of war. Ranging from crusading paladins to unscrupulous mercenaries, Warriors can be found wherever there is conflict amongst their countrymen. Many of these adventuresome men joined with King Leoric's army and went to battle against the Northern kingdom of Westmarch. As the fires of war burned themselves out, these Warriors returned home to find their kingdom in shattered disarray.

Dark rumors of the mysterious demise of King Leoric abound and the evil that lurks within his Cathedral has drawn many Warriors to Khanduras seeking fortune and glory. Though they were warned by the people of Tristram, a few of these brave souls have ventured into the chaotic labyrinth beneath the old church- never to be heard from again...

Whether they are driven by valor, honor, madness or greed, new Warriors arrive in Tristram every day, ready to challenge the dark unknown that awaits them beneath the earth.

The Warrior is the strongest and toughest of the three available Classes, and he excels in the art of close combat. His primary weakness is that his extensive physical training has left little time to develop more than a rudimentary knowledge of magic. The extended periods of time that most Warriors spend away from their homes and civilization requires that they learn to repair their own weapons and armor, although their skill is no match for the talent of a true blacksmith.

Rogue[edit | edit source]

The Sisters of the Sightless Eye are a loosely organized guild shrouded in mystery amongst the peoples of the West. These highly skilled archers employ ancient Eastern philosophies that develop an "inner-sight" that they use both in combat and to circumvent dangerous traps that they may encounter. Known only as wandering Rogues in the West, the Sisters conceal their secret affiliation by posing as simple travelers. Many pompous fools have made the mistake of underestimating these steel nerved women in combat and paid a terrible price for their vanity.

The strange events transpiring in Khanduras have caught the attention of many of these Rogues. They have come from as far as the Eastern dunes to test their skills against the dark evil that is said to be lurking in Tristram. It is also believed that untold riches wait to be discovered among the ruins of the Horadrim monastery.

Although not as powerful in close combat as the Warrior, the Rogue is the undisputed master of the bow. A skilled Sister can send a stream of arrows at an opponent, each fired with a seemingly careless precision. The innate sixth sense that all Rogues seem to possess also allows them to sense trapped fixtures, and aids them in attempts to disarm these traps.

Sorcerer[edit | edit source]

Although practitioners of the mystic arts are scarce within the often superstitious and religious lands of the West, many magi have made the pilgrimage from the Far East to see for themselves what horrors lie beneath the ruined Cathedral of Khanduras. The veiled Brotherhood of the Vizjerei, one of the eldest and most dominant mage-clans of the East, has sent many of its acolytes to observe the dark events unfolding in Khanduras first hand.

The Vizjerei, known for their brightly colored turinash -or spirit-robes have taken a keen interest in both gathering knowledge of demons and seeing them slain. The Vizjerei elders hope that their acolytes will learn the secrets of the dark evil that they sense growing in the West and can destroy it. The possibility of discovering long-lost tomes of magical knowledge within the confines of the labyrinth has also captured the interest of many wandering Sorcerers.

Most magic in Khanduras is in the form of enchanted items and elixirs. The Eastern Sorcerers have developed a greater understanding of spellcasting than the other classes, and while a Vizjerei neonate knows only the simplest of spells to start, he can expect to rapidly grow in power as he discovers new incantations. All Sorcerers possess the ability to recharge spell staves by drawing power from their surroundings and channeling them through the staff.

Items[edit | edit source]

As you explore the world of Diablo you will encounter many items that can aid you in your expeditions. Items can be examined by picking them up and highlighting them in your inventory. A description of the item will appear in the Description Box at the bottom of the Interface Bar.

By using precious metals, magical gems, and eldritch symbols, many items can be magically enhanced. Any enchanted items that your character discovers will have their descriptions displayed in blue. While your character can sense the unnatural nature of the treasure by its appearance and magical aura, he or she will need to have it magically identified before these abilities make themselves known.

Items which have their name and description displayed in gold are unique items and are treasures of legendary power. Although your character may recognize the artifact from stories and myths, he or she will still need to identify it to discover the truth behind its reputation.

Many items require that your character meet certain Attribute minimums to be used effectively. A war maul, for instance, can only be used by extremely strong heroes. Very powerful scrolls and books can only be understood by those with the highest magical abilities. If your character does not meet the requirements to use an item, that item will appear in red when picked up or carried.

Durability[edit | edit source]

Over time, weapons and armor wear down until they eventually break. Equipment found in the labyrinth is almost always worn by time and improper care. A gold silhouette of the worn equipment will appear in the corner of the Play Area when it is close to breaking. The silhouette will turn red just before the item is completely destroyed.

Warriors can perform quick repairs on their equipment, but this inevitably lowers the items’ quality over time. A good blacksmith can repair equipment without lowering its long term effectiveness, for a price. Enchanted weapons and armor must be repaired by using the same precious metals and gems that were used during its construction, and can be expensive to have repaired.

Weapons[edit | edit source]

Very few creatures in the labyrinth can be reasoned with, and only a fool or a very powerful sorcerer would dare enter the confines of the church without a sturdy weapon in hand. It is rumored that there are many enchanted weapons buried beneath the church, remnants of the Horadrim’s war against the Three.

Swords[edit | edit source]

The sword is the epitome of the warrior’s weapon. Forged in fire and tempered to a fine edge, a good blade can cut through armor or a demon’s thick hide with equal ease. Some warrior clans of Khanduras go so far as to forsake any other weapon besides a sword, and abandon the use of a shield in favor of greatswords that stand the full height of a man.

Axes[edit | edit source]

Axes are favored by those who are willing to sacrifice defense for power. In addition to being slower than other weapons, even the smallest combat axe requires two hands be free to wield properly, precluding the use of a shield. However, no other mundane item can match the damage of a good axe. Legends speak of enchanted axes capable of slicing through flesh and steel as if through butter.

Maces and Clubs[edit | edit source]

Sometimes the simplest tools are the best. Whether it be a stout piece of wood or a spiked mace, a good clubbing weapon can be deadly in the hands of a strong warrior. The minions of Mephisto—the undead—are said to have an especially difficult time resisting the effects of broken bones and shattered limbs.

Staves[edit | edit source]

The art of staff fighting has never gained much acceptance in Khanduras, but long ago the Brotherhood of Vizjerei discovered ways to use a simple wooden staff as a container for focused magical energy. The process of creating a spell staff is very time consuming, but even an apprentice Vizjerei can recharge a staff by channeling magical energy into it. Spell staves may be used to cast spells that the wielder does not yet know, and that do not require the expenditure of mana. The staff must be wielded in order to use the spell it contains.

Oddly enough, the act of infusing a staff with sorceries seems to grant the staff a will of its own. Only those skilled in the arts of magic can hope to control very powerful spell staves. It is also possible to find staves that have been further enchanted to make them more effective in combat or to grant other abilities to the wielder.

To prepare a spell from a staff, use the Speedbook to ready the spell. Spells from staves will appear on an orange background. To cast the spell right-click on the spell’s target.

Bows[edit | edit source]

Bows are excellent weapons for those who to prefer to strike at their foes from a distance. The greatest archers in the world are the Sisters of the Sightless Eye. They are trained in the use of every instrument of archery, from the short bows used by the Horsemen of the Kataan Steppes to the great war bows of the Northern Tribes. Even the most skilled of the Sisters, however, knows that a bow is no match for a sword or other weapon if the fighting should come to close quarters. Note: Holding down the Shift key while attacking with a bow will prevent your character from moving closer to his or her target.

Armor[edit | edit source]

Good armor is essential if you wish to survive the attacks of the creatures lurking in the labyrinth. Even a simple leather jerkin or thick cloak can help to turn aside a weapon’s edge or a demon’s claws and prevent the wearer from being mortally wounded. There are three general classifications of armor.

Light Armor[edit | edit source]

Light armor ranges from simple clothing, such as robes and cloaks, to hardened leather armor. Even tossed aside rags will provide some protection. Although armor of this type offers minimal protection from most attacks, it is very lightweight and inexpensive to repair.

Medium Armor[edit | edit source]

This category includes basic metal armor, such as chain mail and ring mail. In general, armors of this type provide good protection from physical attacks, but are heavy enough that only athletic characters can wear them comfortably.

Heavy Armor[edit | edit source]

Most heavy armor consists of solid metal plates over a chain mesh. The extent of the plate coverage determines the exact type of armor. Field plate, for instance, covers only the torso and arms with solid plates to provide maximum mobility. Only the strongest heroes can wear heavy armor, and it is very expensive to repair. Plate armor does provide the highest protection possible from physical attacks, and enchanted plate armor can make a warrior nearly unstoppable.

Helmets[edit | edit source]

Even a simple leather cap can spell the difference between life and death, and it is a good idea to use the best helmet that you can afford. Many members of the Horadrim wore crowns of unearthly metals to reflect their status, and often these crowns were enchanted for superior protection.

Shields[edit | edit source]

Shields are extremely popular as both a means of defense and decoration. Your character will automatically attempt to block any incoming blows with his or her shield, and in times of desperation it can even be used as a bashing weapon. Bows, axes, staves, and other two-handed weapons cannot be used in conjunction with a shield.

Jewelry[edit | edit source]

Precious gems and metals make excellent foci for magical enchantments. Although most of the knowledge of creating such talismans has been either been long lost or is jealously guarded by the Eastern mage clans, rings and amulets of power may still be discovered. The primary drawback of enchanted jewelry is that multiple pieces seem to interfere with each other. For this reason, only one ring may be worn on each hand, and but one amulet may be worn about the neck. The greatest advantage of rings and amulets is that they are nearly impossible to strike in combat, and as such do not need to be repaired or maintained as armor does.

Potions[edit | edit source]

One form of magic that is still strong in the West is the brewing of elixirs that can have a variety of beneficial effects on the imbiber. By far the most common of these draughts are healing potions, which can instantly mend torn flesh and knit broken bone back together. Mana potions are infused with raw magical energy to restore the abilities of spell casters that have expended their power. The old church is sure to have a strong supply of both types of potions, as the clergy used them to care for the sick and wounded. Locals skilled in herbcraft may also be able to supply your character with potions, for the right price. It’s known that the greatest of the Horadrim alchemists created strange concoctions that permanently affected the drinker.

To drink a potion, right-click on it when it is on your belt or in your backpack. You can also use the potion’s hotkey if it is on your character’s belt.

Scrolls[edit | edit source]

By carefully preparing special parchment with magical inks, a focus for spells can be created. Such magical scrolls provide the reader with the ability to cast a spell that they normally may not know, without expending any mana. Very powerful spells cannot be used by the untrained, however, for the cryptic symbols upon them are difficult to comprehend. The act of casting the spell drains the scroll of all magical power and causes the parchment to crumble to dust instantly.

To cast a spell from a scroll, either right-click on a scroll that your character is carrying, or use the Speedbook to prepare the spell. Spells from scrolls will appear on a red background.

Books[edit | edit source]

More valuable than gold to any sorcerer, books may contain clues to quests, spell formulas, or other pieces of knowledge. The time of the Horadrim is considered to be the greatest age of magic, when untold discoveries in the arcane arts were made. These powerful mystics used every ounce of power at their command to preserve humanity. Although the Eastern mage-clans keep watch over vast libraries of magical tomes, it is suspected that a great part of this knowledge was lost when the last of the Horadrim died. There may be lost works beneath the church that could bring some of these ancient magics to light…

You can discover a book’s contents by left-clicking on it when your character discovers it. Books that contain spell formulas can be carried by your character to trade - or to study. Rightclicking on such books will increase your ability with a specific spell. No single book can teach your character all that there is to know about a spell, however. The more books that your character reads on a specific spell, the greater his or her ability with spell will become. Mastering a spell requires intimate knowledge of the ways of magic, This is reflected by an increasing magic requirement to memorize the spell.

Gold[edit | edit source]

During the long reign of peace that existed in Khanduras most towns and cities agreed upon a standard gold coin to use in trade. The Church of Zakarum has tried to have its own currency accepted as the new standard, but so far it has gained little acceptance. Although it would seem that the minions of the Three would have no use for gold coins, many demons hoard all the wealth that they can find.

To drop a specific number of coins, right-click on gold in your character’s inventory. Type in the amount of gold that you wish your character to drop, and press the Enter key.

Spells and Magic[edit | edit source]

The Nature of Magic[edit | edit source]

Magic is an extremely powerful force, the manipulation of which is carefully studied, frequently learned, but it is never fully mastered. Enchantments exude an aura that can be sensed by many, but years of training are required to properly exploit the Mana that pervades our world.

Some scholars use natural manifestations to explain the workings of the universe. In a common archetype, the physical world is likened to the sky while the ethereal realm of magic is set as the ocean. If we follow this line of thought, spells are much like the turbulence that occurs where the two interact with each other. During the Sin War, Demon and Angel alike wrought powerful magicks that threatened to tear the fabric of reality apart. The physical and magical realms began to blur and merge, which, in our archetype, would be the equivalent of a fierce hurricane.

The Forces of Order sought to preserve our reality by limiting the power of mortal man. As a consequence, only the strongest wills can harness more than the most basic of magical effects. Even then, much energy is lost in the transition of power between the two Realms. As a practitioner of the arcane arts grows more knowledgeable he is able to create these effects with greater efficiency, resulting in spells that are more potent, have more endurance and drain less Mana in their casting.

Firebolt[edit | edit source]

The true essence of Fire lies at the edge of Energy and Matter. It is, therefore, a fairly simple matter to shape Mana into a magical flame. Controlling a bolt of this fire as it flies towards its target is another matter entirely. As experience and knowledge with this spell grows, both the intensity of the flame and the speed of the bolt can be increased with the caster feeling less exertion.

Inferno[edit | edit source]

Inferno sacrifices the mobility of a Firebolt for pure damaging power. Rather than attempting to control the path and cohesiveness of a single bolt, the caster conjures forth an individual, focused stream of flame. Although it dissipates beyond more than a few paces, with a greater understanding of the forces at work the stream of fire can not only be extended a significant amount, but also can be maintained for a few moments more. The heat of an Inferno is more intense than that of a Firebolt as more Mana is being converted into essential energy.

Wall of Fire[edit | edit source]

Magical fire feeds upon no earthly source, being fueled instead by the mystic energies known as Mana. While the heat of conjured flames may cause normal matter to combust and burn on its own, the flames themselves will burn as long they have Mana to draw upon. By carefully controlling the flow of Mana to a magical fire, its life-span can be extended well beyond that of a Firebolt or an Inferno. The Horadrim were skilled enough to create torches that burn with an eternal flame, but those abilities have been long lost. With this spell, the caster creates a wall of eldritch flame that will burn until the Mana in that area has been exhausted. As knowledge of this spell increases, the rate at which Mana must be consumed can be better controlled and the Wall of Fire can be made to burn longer.

Charged Bolt[edit | edit source]

The true essence of Electromagnetism exists on the threshold of the Ethereal and the Physical Realms. While it is very efficient to transform Mana into electrical energy, it is extremely difficult to control. This spell calls into being multiple pockets of lightning which seem to have a will of their own. The caster is able to shield himself from the effects of these charges, but any creature - friend or foe - may be struck. Greater understanding of this spell allows more of these Charged Bolts to be formed, and their existence will be maintained for a longer period of time. The physical toll on the caster, however, increases as well, requiring more Mana to be spent.

Lightning[edit | edit source]

The caster of this spell seeks to control the discharge of electrical energy by focusing it into a single stream of Lightning. The effects of channeling this powerful force of nature onto an unprotected creature are awesome indeed. With experience, these bolts of lightning may be maintained for a longer period of time while requiring less Mana to be used.

Flash[edit | edit source]

The Flash spell was created to fight the servants of Baal, whose minions prefer to surround their enemies and attack from all sides simultaneously. To properly form most incantations, the caster must be able to concentrate long enough to complete the necessary invocations and gestures. With this spell, the caster draws in as much Mana as possible as quickly as possible from the surrounding area and concentrates it into a single point within his own body. This Mana is then released in a single burst of raw energy that dissipates very rapidly – and very violently. While this spell is usable only in close combat, it is extremely potent and will strike creatures on all sides of the caster.

Holy Bolt[edit | edit source]

While the Horadrim were the greatest mortal spell casters ever known, not all of the followers of the Light were as proficient in magic as they were. During the quest to bind Mephisto, common soldiers were hard pressed to combat the seemingly endless tides of the undead that guarded the First Brother. During this time, Cathan, a devout priest who was also a fierce warrior, found that by invoking the powers of the High Heavens and then infusing them with the essence of Fire, a bolt of great speed and intensity could be created and used by those otherwise untrained in the use of magic. This Holy Bolt harms only the undead, making it far safer to use while on a chaotic battlefield.

Healing[edit | edit source]

The art of self healing is an invaluable ability, and it is for this reason that this spell has been preserved throughout the ages. When cast, Mana courses through the body, instantly knitting broken bone, replacing torn tissue and reducing the effects of shock and fatigue. With time, this spell can be developed to the point that it can instantly restore even those on the brink of death. The ability to heal others is much rarer, and those that can do so are greatly respected.

Resurrect[edit | edit source]

During the assault upon Mephisto's Fortress of Bone, the army led by the Horadrim was nearly overwhelmed by the legions of the damned. As soon as one of the crusaders was slain in combat, his body would rise again as an undead warrior to fight against his former companions. On the eve of what was to be the final attack upon the Fortress, a mysterious figure in white appeared before the Council of the Horadrim. This apparition revealed to them the secret of piercing the barrier between Life and Death. By Resurrecting the slain soldiers, they could be saved from eternal corruption. Those present at the Council swore an oath never to use this ability once the battle was over, but somehow the secret escaped. This spell has the power to bring a dead soul back to the physical world, but it must be performed at the site of the person’s death.

Identify[edit | edit source]

Any object imbued with magic exhibits an aura that is easily noticed. To determine the exact nature of this enchantment, however, requires intense study and an extensive knowledge of arcane materials and symbols. While none have mastered the ability to memorize a spell of this magnitude, the Vizjerei have developed a means for the untrained to discover the secrets of an ensorcelled object by using a rare crystal that is extremely sensitive to magical auras. This sensitivity makes it very fragile, however and the crystal will shatter if it is brought too close to an enchanted item. The very act of Identifying such an object also destroys the crystal. Scrolls and staves have been crafted that can be used to Identify magical auras. By using special inks and dyes that contain tiny grains of these crystals, the stability of the crystal is maintained until it is used to examine the enchanted object.

Town Portal[edit | edit source]

The Horadrim constructed numerous magical gateways between the mighty fortresses so that they could quickly concentrate their defenses against any incursion by the Demons. With but a thought, the Crusaders of the Light could transport themselves to predetermined destinations many leagues apart. Although the secret of creating these gateways has been long lost, it is still possible to use the pathways that are already in place. A Portal opened by means of this spell will always take the caster to the location of the nearest gate and remain open long enough to bring the caster back to his point of origin. The Church of Tristram is built upon the remains of a Horadrim monastery, and it is quite probable that a gateway lies nearby.

Telekinesis[edit | edit source]

This versatile spell is derived from a training exercise that was used by the Horadrim. Once they reached a certain point in their training, acolytes were bound and locked in a cell, with the key to the door lying on the floor in front of them. The student had to unlock and open the door without being able to physically move. Through intense concentration and fine control, the acolyte could manipulate the key as if it was held by an invisible hand. Those that were able to open the cell door were allowed to proceed to the next level of training. There is some speculation as to the fate of those unfortunates that lacked the magical prowess to escape. Today, this spell serves as a reminder that what was once a simple mental exercise for the Horadrim is now a difficult spell known by few sorcerers. Telekinesis could prove very useful in the labyrinth, as there are many trapped doors and chests that could be safely opened from a distance. By exerting greater force, at a cost in fine control, creatures can also be pushed away from the caster.

Beastiary[edit | edit source]

Accurate reports on the nature of the horrors that lie below the church come to light more rarely than survivors. I have attempted to provide a base knowledge of what awaits you by searching through our vast libraries for historical and scientific tomes recounting the Horadrim's epic war against the Three.

I have summarized the information that I discovered. Due to the length of time that has passed since most of the original accounts were written, and the uncertainty surrounding the present evil that plagues this land, I cannot guarantee the veracity of this information. I do, however, believe that this information is as accurate as possible under these trying circumstances.

It is known that the Three Brothers often acted through personal servants. While I would not classify all of these servants as Demons, they do represent the most horrible aspects of their Masters. What follows is what has been documented concerning the creatures that were known to serve the Brothers during their reign of evil. It should be noted that in their battle against the Seraphim, the Brothers would constantly twist and change their servants to best resist the powers that they were facing. Two demons of the same physical shape may have dramatically different weaknesses, depending upon the whims of their Master. The specific species described herein were those most commonly encountered by the Horadrim.

Take the greatest of care when journeying through the cursed lands. It is well known that the creatures of Darkness are a cowardly lot, and will attack using strength of numbers to their advantage whenever possible. I fear the knowledge contained herein is incomplete, at best, for there were no living witnesses of the most powerful horrors. If one of the Three has truly come free of his binding, he will call as many of these infernal servants to him as possible, as well as creating new and more powerful minions to command.

Vischar Orous
Chief Librarian
Zharesh Covenant
Brotherhood of the Vizjerei

The Minions of Darkness fall into three categories, and are divided according to their masters. Study these words well, for this knowledge may be all that keeps your immortal soul from being devoured by the denizens of the underworld.

Mephisto, the Lord of Hatred (Odium)[edit | edit source]

The legions of Mephisto are driven by a hatred of all living things - especially those who are pure of heart. He counts as minions both the walking dead, who forever seek vengeance upon the living, as well as a host of demonically corrupted creatures whose twisted limbs and misshapen bodies leave them in eternal agony and rage.

Skeletons (Ossium Animatum)[edit | edit source]

These are the skeletal remains of warriors who either died as soldiers in some dark campaign, or were betrayed by those they most trusted. Now animated by unnatural forces, these troops of the Damned forever seek new recruits to join their ranks. If our greatest fears do prove to be true, the skeletal warriors that are rumored to haunt the town of Tristram might well be the corrupted remains of the valiant Horadrim monks laid to rest in the catacombs beneath the church. Only an incredibly potent evil could have disturbed the peaceful slumber of these eremites.

Skeletons are usually found in places where the dead are laid to rest or at the sites of great battles. While physically fragile, they are never lacking in numbers, for those that fall to them in combat are damned to an eternal lust for living blood. Coupled with their unthinking rage, this makes them a dangerous opponent.

Zombies, (Cibus Animatus)[edit | edit source]

Worm-ridden and reeking of foul decay, Zombies are formed from the corpses of men executed for committing the most depraved and degenerate crimes against the innocent. They are driven by both the hatred that consumed them in life and an insatiable hunger for the flesh of the living.

Tenacious and possessing stamina of infernal origin, Zombies and their ilk make for a difficult encounter. Fortunately, these undead minions are lacking in both wit and mobility which can be used to great affect against them.

Overlords (Tyrannus Pinguis)[edit | edit source]

Even the Seraphim are not immune to the corruption of the Dark Lords. One such angel, Inarius, was proud of his beauty and boasted loudly of his purity and worth. His thoughts became so clouded that he believed himself to be above both Angel and Demon, and he left the High Heavens to form his own dominion. He constructed a great cathedral of mirrored glass and crystal, and followers flocked to him, drawn by his numinous charm and wealth. Once Inarius had gathered a sizable army, he decided to prove his power.

Inarius first laid siege to an infernal temple devoted to the worship of Mephisto, but made the foolish mistake of overestimating his prowess. The armies of Inarius laid waste to the temple and killed the dark monks that dwelled within. The Three Evils had considered the vain warrior a mere nuisance and amusement until this time, but this was an insult that they could not bear.

Mephisto himself is said to have appeared at the cathedral of Inarius. He laid waste to the church and the surrounding countryside. The Lord of Hatred took the proud archangel and his followers captive. He bound Inarius with tremendous chains and slowly tore the wings from the back of the angel. Great barbed hooks were then used to stretch out the once glowing skin and his features were distorted by vile powers. Many of the followers of Inarius were given as gifts to Baal and Diablo, but the rest were molded to match the bloated image of the now crippled angel. To this day, Inarius is said to be trapped in Hell within a chamber of mirrors, his eyelids torn from his face as he is forced to gaze upon his misshapen form for all eternity. His misguided followers now serve as Hell’s taskmasters, taking the anguish of their lost glory out upon the bodies of others.

These grotesque demons have considerable brawn hidden beneath their layers of greasy flab. Do not underestimate their strength or their intelligence for crossing swords with them is ill advised. You will be far better served to combat them with ranged weapons or magic.

Magma Demons (Dominus Ardor)[edit | edit source]

During the Great Conflict tremendous battles were fought in both the High Heavens and the Burning Hells. Both sides often carried the conflict deep within the realms of their enemies. During one epic battle into the very heart of Mephisto's fiery lair, a group of brave Seraphim warriors fronted an assault against the Lord of Hatred himself. One of these angelic soldiers made a bold attack and struck a fierce blow that caused the foul blood of Mephisto to rain upon the ground. Each drop that fell seared through the crust of Hell itself and formed powerful demons shaped from molten rock. These demons quickly rose to the aid of their master, and drove back the forces of Light by striking them with thrown masses of lava that seared both flesh and bone with the intensity of the Burning Hells. The losses dealt by these Magma Demons were tremendous.

Baal, Lord of Destruction (Excidium)[edit | edit source]

The soldiers of Baal seek the undoing of the universe. They strive for ultimate disorder and destruction, and to this end covet the destruction of all they behold. Order is an abhorrence to them and these creatures are the manifestation of the forces of chaos.

Fallen Ones (Nanus Improbus)[edit | edit source]

Swarms of these impish terrors have been known to come out of the night and tear apart a sleeping village in minutes. Small of stature and simian in appearance, these creatures possess surprising strength and unnatural agility. Other than killing, the only act which gives them pleasure is breeding, so expect to encounter them in large packs.

The small size of these devils does fill them with cowardice, however, and this fear can be used against them. They prefer to attack under the guise of darkness and in large numbers whenever possible. If they are shown great strength, preferably by killing one of their kind, they will retreat and regroup. Do not turn your back on them, though, for their appetite for destruction will eventually overcome their caution and they will attempt to strike again.

Goat Men (Aries Vehemens)[edit | edit source]

The lieutenants of Baal are bred for strength, endurance, and cunning. These demons constantly train themselves in the art of war, for battle is their bread and the blood of innocents, their water. There are several known “clans” of Goat Men, each given a different gift from their Dark Master. It is believed that to earn their powers they once held mock wars in Hell for the entertainment of the Three Brothers. Do not expect them to fight amongst themselves on the mortal realm, however, for they much prefer to slaughter the innocent.

Like most of Baal's spawn, the bestial Aries are incredibly strong and agile. Be especially wary of their archers, for they are renowned for the accuracy and power of their great bows. Fleet of foot, they may try to evade an unwary foe and then attack from a different angle.

Spitting Terrors (Bestia Acerbus)[edit | edit source]

After an especially violent battle, Baal enjoyed celebrating with his Brothers by holding a disgusting feast of blood, human flesh, and other Hellish delights. The Bestia Acerbus are the descendants of doglike creatures that lived by feeding upon the remains of Baal's nightmarish feasts. The variety of vile substances that the creatures consumed, along with their close proximity to the Lord of Destruction, twisted and warped the viscera of these Hounds of Hell. This diabolic species is capable of spitting up a variety of caustic fluids and projecting them a considerable distance. Packs of these terrors are especially devastating, as their bile has been known to eat through the strongest of armor and poison the most hearty men.

Great care must be taken when within the lair of these Bestia. Their venom retains its potency for a considerable amount of time and puddles of it may be found everywhere. When killed, the beast's inner toxins eat through the now-dead flesh, leaving a dangerous trap for those foolish enough to tread upon the corpse.

Horned Demons (Impetum Cornuta)[edit | edit source]

Used as living siege engines, there are numerous accounts of these juggernauts smashing into the lines of the Seraphim and leaving only death and ruin in their wake. The skull and the single large horn in the snout of the demon are unnaturally durable. The Horned Demons prefer to wait until a clear path is available and then they charge towards their victims at incredible speeds. Be wary of this initial charge! It is far better to deal with these creatures in close quarters or with magic.

Diablo, Lord of Terror (Metus)[edit | edit source]

Using illusion and fear as their greatest weapons, the attendants to Diablo are formidable adversaries. They prefer to wait for their opponent to display a moment of weakness before they attack. Equally dangerous in the dark or in your dreams, they are the fears of man made flesh by Diablo's will. These nightmares lurk at the edges of mortal perception from the moment that you take your first breath - and they long to be with you when your take your last.

Winged Fiends (Alae Nefastus)[edit | edit source]

Some people are so hungry for power and knowledge that they are willing to sacrifice their humanity to the Lords of Hell in exchange for gifts that inevitably turn against them. One such group, a dark cabal of wizards, decided to take the power of creation into their own hands and magically created a race of creatures to act as servants and messengers. Using infernal abilities granted to them through their arcane pact, they formed small bat-winged imps that they believed would prove useful in carrying out deeds that were too trivial for their own efforts. Each of the sorcerers created an entity that reflected his magical specialization. The creatures thus created were small, nimble and possessed an unnatural cunning.

At first the corrupt sorcerers were overjoyed at the success of their experiment, but they soon began to notice that the Alae did not serve them as loyally as they had hoped. The creatures had taken to secretly feeding from the very essence of their masters, weakening them and eventually killing them. The sorcerers tried to destroy their creations, but the fiends banded together to combat them. The Winged Fiends had been secretly breeding outside of the sorcerer's domains, and swarms of them attacked, killing their former masters. To this day, the descendants of these creations terrorize the countryside.

Do not underestimate these foul demons. They are physically weak, but posses great speed. Many of them possess unearthly abilities reflecting the powers of their creators and they also enjoy using their razor sharp claws and hooked wings to tear the flesh from the faces of their victims.

Scavengers (Maleficus Vorax)[edit | edit source]

Maleficus Vorax are the smallest of a related group of demonic creatures that feed upon carrion, mostly the remains of victims killed by their larger cousins. Unlike most scavengers, however, they are extremely aggressive and will not hesitate to attack anyone hapless enough to encounter them. They have powerful legs which they use for swift springing attacks, striking at vulnerable faces and throats. Their primary weakness is their voracious appetite; the smell of death may drive them into a feeding frenzy where they will stop their attacks to feast upon remains that are nearby.

The Hidden (Metus Occultus)[edit | edit source]

The Hidden are the bogeymen that haunt our dreams and live in the nightmares of children. Although they dwell at the edge of the Physical and Ethereal Realms where they remain unseen by mortal sight, they can quickly manifest and strike those that appear vulnerable. Metus Occultus and others of their ilk feed on the essence of fear. When wounded, they will seek to retreat back into the Ether to heal themselves. It is important to note that even while invisible the creature exists partially on the Physical Realm, and can be affected by spells and weapons.

Gargoyle (Signum Vitiosum)[edit | edit source]

In ages past, it was customary to decorate buildings with stone statues of demons that were enchanted to serve as guardians and protectors of those within. The misshapen figures of the statues were designed to taunt and anger any demons that attempted to gain entrance. [[]Diabl]o worked to unlock the wards that protected these granite images, and eventually was able to gift them with a Hadean life. The Gargoyles arose from their captive sleep and swooped down to prey upon those whom they were created to protect. Naturally, the remaining statues were immediately destroyed, but there are Signum that escaped and continue to terrorize the innocent to this day.

The act of transforming from flesh to stone allows the creature to heal any wounds that it has suffered, so it is best to either avoid these demons entirely or to hunt them down until they are dead. Do not allow them to flee, for they will soon return in full force.

Librarius Ex Horadrim - Book One[edit | edit source]

OF HEAVEN AND HELL[edit | edit source]

The Great Conflict[edit | edit source]

Since the Beginning, the forces of Light and Darkness have engaged in an eternal war: The Great Conflict, whose victor will rise from the apocalyptic ashes to hold sway over all creation. To this end, the Angels of the High Heavens adhere to strict militaristic disciplines. Seraphim warriors strike at the enemies of Light with swords imbued with righteous wrath and justice. The Angels believe that only absolute discipline can properly restore order to the myriad realms, while the demonic denizens of the Burning Hells hold that absolute chaos is the true nature of all things.

The battles of the Great Conflict rage across both time and space, often infringing upon the very fabric of reality itself. From the Crystal Arch at the very heart of the High Heavens to the arcane Hellforge of the Underworld, the warriors of these eternal realms journey to wherever their timeless conflict carries them. The legendary deeds of the heroes of the realms beyond elicit both veneration and insight.

The greatest of these heroes was Izual, lieutenant to the Arch-Angel Tyrael and bearer of the Angelic Runeblade Azurewrath. He once led a fierce attack upon the Hellforge as the creation of the dark demonblade Shadowfang was nearing completion. His quest was to destroy both wielder and weapon - a charge that he was destined never to complete. Izual was overcome by the legions of chaos and, tragically, was lost to the Darkness. His fate stands as testament to the fact that Angels and Demons alike shall fearlessly enter into any domain - so long as their hated enemies dwell within.

Although the Great Conflict burned hotter and longer than any of the stars in the sky, neither side could gain dominion over the other for long. Both factions sought some way to turn the tides of the war to their favor. With the ascension of Man and his mortal realm, the Great Conflict ground to a mysterious halt. Both armies paused in a breathless stalemate, waiting to see to whose side Man would eventually turn.

Mortals had the unique ability to choose between Darkness and Light, and it was held that this would be the deciding factor in the outcome of the Great Conflict. Thus, the agents of the nether-realms descended to the mortal realm to vie for the favor of Man...

The Sin War[edit | edit source]

The coming of the Great Conflict to the mortal realm is known as the Sin War. Angels and Demons, disguising themselves while traveling amongst men, attempted to secretly lure mortals to their respective causes. Over time, the forces of Darkness discovered that mortals responded much more to brute force than to subtle coercion, and so began to terrorize Man into submission. The Angels fought to defend humanity against this demonic oppression, but all too often their austere methods and severe punishments succeeded only in alienating those whom they sought to protect.

The violent battles of the Sin War occurred often, but they were seldom witnessed by the prying eyes of Man. Only a few "enlightened" souls were aware of the supernatural beings that walked amongst the huddled masses of humanity. Powerful mortals arose and accepted the challenge of the Sin War, allying themselves with both sides in the Great Conflict. The legendary deeds of these great mortal warriors served to earn both the respect and hatred of the netherworlds. Although lesser demons kneeled before those possessing power and strength, they also cursed the very existence of mortal man. Many of these fiends believed that the deadlock brought about by the emergence of Man was a perverse offense to their “higher” role in the great scheme of things.

This jealousy of Man led to harsh, atrocious acts of violence by the demons against the mortal realm. Some men learned of this deep hatred and used it against the denizens of the Underworld. One such mortal, Horazon the Summoner, delighted in summoning demons and then breaking them to his will. Horazon, along with his brother Bartuc ,were members of the Eastern mageclan known as the Vizjerei. This mystic clan studied the ways of demons and had catalogued their lore for generations. Empowered by this knowledge, Horazon was able to take the work of the Vizjerei and pervert it for his demented purposes. The denizens of Hell sought revenge against this bold mortal, but Horazon managed to keep himself well protected within his arcane sanctuary.

Bartuc, the brother of Horazon, was eventually lured to the side of Darkness. He was granted exceptional strength and longevity, and fought alongside the legions of Hell against the cursed Vizjerei, and eventually his own brother during the Sin War. Although Bartuc was renowned amongst the warriors of many realms, his dominance in battle came with a terrible price. An insatiable lust for mortal blood pervaded his every thought and deed. Bartuc soon became as fond of bathing in the blood of his enemies as he did of shedding it, and in time he came to be known only as the Warlord of Blood.

The Dark Exile[edit | edit source]

“Seven is the number of the powers of Hell, and Seven is the number of the Great Evils.”