Crypt of the Skeleton King

The Crypt of the Skeleton King is underneath The Royal Crypts. It is the stage for the first major boss battle with the infamous Skeleton King. Once entered it can not be left until the player or the king is dead.

Crypt of the Skeleton King map

Access to Levels

• Desolate Chamber

Quests in Crypt of the Skeleton King

• Reign of the Black King

Events and Bounties in Crypt of the Skeleton King

• Kill the Skeleton King

Common Monsters found in Crypt of the Skeleton King

• Forgotten Archer
• Forgotten Soldier
• Forgotten Warrior
• Returned
• Returned Archer

Special Monsters found in Crypt of the Skeleton King

The following Superunique monsters can but might not always appear in Crypt of the Skeleton King:

• Skeleton King - Act I Boss

Checkpoints

Checkpoints are respawn points. Players who die appear back at the last checkpoint they reached. Players can also leave the game and resume at the last checkpoint at a later date. In effect they are a 'save game' feature. The following Checkpoints appear in Crypt of the Skeleton King

• After killing the Skeleton King.

Lore Entries Found in Crypt of the Skeleton King

• The Skeleton King - (required for A Quick Study achievement)

Quotes

Quotes said by classes or followers in this zone.

• Skeleton King: "You will never defeat me!"

• Enchantress: "Your cruelty and madness already has!"
• Scoundrel: "Every king must surrender his crown one day. Remember that."
• Templar: "You were defeated the moment you surrendered to madness!"

Associated Achievements

Crypt of the Skeleton King is in some way involved in the following achievement(s).

Name	Points	Description	Banner

<achievement type="single">Short Reign</achievement><achievement type="single">The Mad King's End</achievement><achievement type="single">The Mad King's End (Nightmare)</achievement><achievement type="single">The Mad King's End (Hell)</achievement><achievement type="single">The Mad King's End (Inferno)</achievement><achievement type="single">Instant Karma</achievement><achievement type="single">I'll Be Your Wingman</achievement><achievement type="single">Pink'D</achievement>

History

Leoric's most loyal knight, Sir Lachdanan, finally led a revolt against the deranged tyrant, and after a pitched battle the King was cornered. His knights demanded explanations, but Leoric spit defiance to the end. Ultimately, Lachdanan was forced to commit regicide, plunging his sword through the King's heart. Bitter to the end, the dying Leoric called down a curse on his former servants, the power of which ultimately consumed them all.

Despite his madness, Leoric was given a royal burial, entombed beneath the Monastery in a special crypt. Diablo's growing power refused to let the king rest though, and the Lord of Terror was able to call Leoric back from the dead, granting his skeleton an unholy life and new powers. Leoric was unable to venture forth from his tomb, but he slay many adventurers who dared enter his lair, until he was finally dispatched by the hero who ultimately defeated Diablo, took the essence of the soulstone into his forehead, and became the Dark Wanderer.

Leoric lay broken and still for two decades after those events, but rumour in New Tristram is that the Black King stirs, as evil men seek some sacred objects in the catacombs below the Cathedral, and hope to call Leoric's spirit back to his bones, to join them in serving their unknown dark lords.

Gallery

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  Warning from Leoric's ghost

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  Returned blocking the gate

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  Leoric's resting bones

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  Leoric resurrected

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  Forgotten Soldiers

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  Raising more minions

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  Massive melee strike

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  Fierce knockback from Leoric

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  Leoric defeated, hero rewarded