From Love to Hatred
On June 6th, Blizzard Entertainment is set to release the long-awaited sequel to the Diablo series: Diablo IV, available on PC via Battle.net, Xbox, and PlayStation.
In the dark and treacherous world of Diablo IV, a tale of love and betrayal unfolds, shaping the very fabric of the Diablo universe. The Creative Director, Sebastian Stepien, sheds light on the intricate relationship between Lillith and Inarius, two key figures whose story sets the stage for the epic conflict in the game.
Lillith, the daughter of Hatred, and Inarius, the nemesis of Lillith and a past lover, share a history that spans across the ages. Lillith’s rebellious nature and her desire to break free from the eternal conflict define her character. Sebastian explains “Lillith defies the established order, choosing to forge her own path. As a supernatural being with immense power, Lillith seeks to create something new, a sanctuary free from the demons of the past. Thus, Sanctuary, the very name that encompasses the world of Diablo, is born from her dream.”
Lilith and Inarius, hailed as the nurturing forces behind Sanctuary, mobilized their disciples to acquire the Worldstone, an indescribably potent artifact. With its boundless power, they fashioned a utopian realm called Sanctuary, an idyllic refuge meant to escape the ceaseless strife between Heaven and Hell. Initially governed by a union of celestial and infernal beings from the Temple of the Firstborn, Inarius clandestinely bound the Worldstone’s might to himself while constructing this paradise. As a result, he ascended to the status of the most formidable entity in Sanctuary.
Eventually, Lilith and Inarius consummated their love, giving rise to the Nephalem, the ancestors of humanity. This creation forever altered the course of Sanctuary’s history, yet it was seen as an abhorrence by many. Both the Angiris Council and the Prime Evils regarded the Nephalem as sacrilege, instigating persecution by the inhabitants of Sanctuary. They dreaded the potential destruction of their world if their former masters were to discover it.
Driven to madness by the loss of her children, Lilith turned to indiscriminate slaughter, ruthlessly defending her offspring. Inarius, torn by her actions, could not bring himself to harm her physically and instead exiled her to the Void, a desolate realm bereft of life. This fate, deemed by some to be more harrowing than death itself, fueled Lilith’s eternal resentment towards Inarius for his act of betrayal.
Within the realm of Sanctuary, the fictional universe of the Diablo series, Diablo IV unfolds five decades following the occurrences depicted in Diablo III: Reaper of Souls. The enigmatic cultists have successfully summoned Lilith, a central adversary and the offspring of Mephisto. The repercussions of past events have left the demonic and angelic forces severely weakened, creating a void that Lilith exploits to assert her dominion over Sanctuary.
“At the heart of Diablo IV lies the complicated relationship between Lillith and Inarius.”, says Sebastian. He continues; “Although love is not the primary focus, their story explores the origins of their bond and the tragedy that led to its transformation into hatred. Their connection is rooted in a shared dream, a metaphorical vision of creating a world and a new humanity. Yet, as their ambitions clash and Inarius realizes the true nature of Lillith’s demonic essence, their relationship crumbles under the weight of their differences.”
The consequences of their relationship reverberate throughout the Diablo world. The world of Sanctuary, conceived through their love, becomes a realm where demons and angelic entities coexist. The intricate balance of power and the clash between the forces of darkness and light shape the destiny of humanity and set the stage for an epic battle between good and evil.
Sebastian Stepien’s insights into the complex relationship of Lillith and Inarius offer a glimpse into the rich narrative tapestry of Diablo IV. As players embark on their journey through this dark and unforgiving world, they will uncover the depths of their love-turned-hatred and witness the profound consequences it has wrought upon Sanctuary.
In Diablo IV, the line between love and hatred blurs, and the choices made by these two powerful beings will shape the fate of all who dare to venture into the realm of eternal conflict.
Brace yourself for a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and the price one must pay when bound by the threads of destiny. Diablo IV will be released June 6th, when players will have the chance to delve into this bad romance even further.
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