Since the Beginning, the forces of [[Light ]] and [[Darkness ]] have engaged in an eternal war: [[Great Conflict|The Great Conflict]], whose victor will rise from the apocalyptic ashes to hold sway over all creation. To this end, the Angels [[Angel]]s 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 [[demon]]ic 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 [[Archangel|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 astestament to the fact that Angels and Demons alike shall fearlessly enter into any domain - so long as their hated enemies dwell within. 

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…Man...