The [[nephalem]] however, proved to be individual and of free will, so in the end, Sanctuary was spared by both races, but only by the aid of [[Tyrael]]s vote on the angel's side. The [[Worldstone]] was once again set to dampen the energy of the [[nephalem]], and they were forgotten with the aid of a mass mind wipe. Evil did not openly act on sanctuary for many more years. This period was known as the [[Sin War]].
===The Sin War===
As soon as [[Sanctuary]] was revealed, some of the battle between [[Light]] and [[Darkness]] took place on human soil. This conflict was to be called the [[Sin War]].
The [[Prime Evils]] noticed that while on the [[Sanctuary|mortal realm]], they were cut off from their source of power deep in the [[Burning Hells]]. However, the energy from mortal souls was easily harnessed and could be used in all realms. The almost exact power balance of [[High Heavens|Heaven]] and Hell could thus be overcome by taking control of Sanctuary.
An all-out invasion would do no good, however, since the [[Heavenly Host]] would just come down to meet them, and the world would be destroyed.
Instead, the then already corrupted angel [[Izual]] told the Three of angelic [[Soulstone]]s that could be used to channel power from Hell directly. With this force, any battles on the mortal realms would easily be dealt with. They needed to lure the angels to use the Soulstones against them without letting the ruse become obvious.
===The Dark Exile===
With minute careful planning, they the [[Prime Evils]] manipulated the [[Lesser Evils]] of [[Azmodan]] and [[Belial]] to revolt against the [[Three]], exiling them on to Sanctuary in a much weakened Spirit form. The angels saw this and assumed the new rulers of Hell would imminently attack the gates of Heaven, so they withdrew their support from Sanctuary, feeling that if the human race survived they might be worthy allies after all.