Post by Violet on May 6, 2014 18:12:46 GMT
SUMMARY
Since the dawn of time, Heaven and Hell have waged an endless war. Only an ancient and unquestionable authority, The Charred Council, and their fearless enforcers War, Death, Fury and Strife held the warring factions at bay. The Council decreed that any great power, unchecked, could disrupt the very fabric of existence. That there can be no life without Order. Good, Evil... Darkness, Light. There must be Balance in the Universe.
When man, weak but cunning creatures, arose from dust, the Council foretold that mankind would one day be integral to the Balance. The Charred Council forced a cease-fire between Above and Below, and destroyed all known forms of access to Earth in order to protect mankind. And, likewise, realms that were discovered to possess creatures or things that would no doubt tip the Balance should either side become aware of them were hidden away, sealed completely outside of Creation so that neither side could detect them, or interact with the inhabitants, by any means.
But the Balance has been broken. Earth now smolders in ruin, fallen to the Demon Lords. Humanity is at its all time low.
Your world, your Realm, is in grave danger.
A powerful enemy, The Destroyer, now marches across these once-sealed Realms and destroys all who oppose him and his Dark Legion. For every Angel that appears to defend a newly discovered world, four Demons appear to see these worlds taken over, stripped of anything that would give the Shadow an edge. Enemies that were once considered 'dead' in these realms are arising again. He wants to enslave all Realms he comes across, gain complete control and recreate them in his own image.
To disrupt the Balance between good and evil, darkness and light, time and space, and even life and death.
He would rid all who could stand against him, all that would prove to give Heaven an edge if they were to acquire the power, the items, to do so. He would remake the Universe and slaughter millions without remorse. Your realm will be next if something isn't done.
The Destroyer is a threat to the Balance of Creation, of Life itself.
The Balance must be fixed.
The Destroyer must be defeated, and ensured never to rise again.
But even with their newest mission, the Charred Council's enforcers, and Heaven combined, are not enough to stop the Destroyer alone.
And so, we ask for aid in the Universe's greatest time of need.
Will you assist Heaven in their army, defending your Homeworld from the Demons that plague it? Will you attempt to survive on your own? Or will you join the Destroyer, who promises all you desire if you assist him and his Legion in conquering your world and many others?
Live or Die. Make your choice.
In The Beginning
Throughout the dawn of time, the Creator has long sought to bring balance to the cosmos by creating worlds and races to populate them, but sadly each effort has failed. The reason for this? Heaven and Hell. The constant warring of Light and Darkness that have resulted in the destruction of many worlds and races. The eons passed. He no longer spoke to His creations. Some who still live revere the Creator, while others feel as though they have been shunned - the the Creator abandoned His most faithful to Him. The endless, bloody war between Heaven and Hell grew, and continued to grow regardless.
The Mediators: Charred Council
Amid the chaos of the universe, an entity known as the Charred Council arose at the height of this eternal conflict, and was appointed by the Creator Himself to preserve order and balance throughout the universe. It decreed that any great power, unchecked, threatened the very fabric of the Universe.
The Third Kingdom: Man
In an earlier Age when the Creator still deigned occasionally to speak with His creations, He foretold that a new Race would come into being, a 'Third Kingdom'. While nowhere near as fearsome as either Angels or Demons, these creatures were equally as cunning and far more industrious, and would have an integral part towards the Balance. This new race was dubbed 'Man', and given the closest thing to a paradise one could have in which to live. Given a few centuries, they would be on equal terms with Heaven and Hell.
The Truce of Above and Below
In order to prevent antagonizing the fledgling, Creator-chosen species, the Charred Council called both sides to a cold truce when, at the time, both sides were frustratingly and evenly matched. The truce decreed that angels and demons must stop fighting directly to prevent Mankind's destruction as it advanced, but they never said anything about either side indirectly influencing humans for support. The various religions and beliefs of human history come about as a by-product of this greater struggle, and Mankind was able to grow without fear of being decimated.
The Four Horsemen
Of course, the Charred Council needed a way to convince Heaven and Hell to agree to this treaty without putting up a fight. So when four beings arrived and asked the Council to grant them immense power in exchange for protecting balance and order throughout the Universe, the Council knew these four, Death, Fury, War and Strife, would become their enforcers. They would become a fearsome brotherhood, fearless enforcers of the Council's will. The would become the Four Horsemen. But first, they would need to prove themselves.
The Destruction of Eden, Mankind's Relocation: Earth
Believe it or not, Earth was not Mankind's birthplace. Instead, Man's original home was to be the Garden of Eden. But when the world-killing, genocide-crusading Nephilim rode to claim Eden for themselves, lacking a realm - a home of their own, a battle broke out. The Horsemen were sent to Eden to purge their brethren from existence and destroy their souls. What remained of the Garden was hidden away and Humanity was then relocated to the Earth. The Charred Council then ordered that all known means of reaching Earth be destroyed, including their Tree of Life, to prevent unsanctioned entrance to the realm.
The Seven Seals
With the Horsemen under their control, the Charred Council created seven seals that weakened them. When Humanity was ready on Earth, these seals would be broken. Heaven, Hell and Man would then battle for the fate of Earth. The Horsemen would be summoned at their full power once the seventh seal was broken, to maintain the balance of all opposing forces, killing whoever they decided to. Whoever was more successful at swaying humans to their sides would win once and for all, and would gain control over the universe.
Early Apocalypse, a Conspiracy Formed
Unfortunately for the Charred Council’s plan, the angels and demons remained ever eager to fight each other. Heaven's head General, Abaddon, feared that Hell would become too powerful if they waited any longer. Abaddon schemed to pre-empt the End-war by breaking six of the seals, but then had them re-made, such that there was no evidence they'd been broken. His plan was to annihilate Hell's armies before anyone (the Council, mostly) had a chance to assess the situation, then Hell would be blamed for breaking the seals before Mankind was ready.
Failed Conspiracy and the Blame Game
While Abaddon firmly believed his conspiracy would be carried out without Humanity suffering any losses, that just was not the case at all. Abaddon's plan backfired drastically. Mankind was decimated and Hell won the war. The Charred Council knew about Abaddon and his conspiracy to start the apocalypse early. They considered summoning the Horsemen to handle him, but they determined that, without proof, the horsemen would not carry out justice. The Council knew what Abaddon was up to, then purposely gave out a false signal to summon War, the most honorable but hot-headed of the Four, to Earth as the Apocalypse raged, inciting his need to find out, and kill, those who framed him. They knew he would do everything in his power just to clear his name -- the perfect tool.
Clearing War's Name
The other three Horsemen, Strife, Fury and Death, were informed of War's 'crimes' (Accused of aiding Hell with winning the Apocalypse, triggering it early, dooming mankind as a result). Death immediately called BS, knowing War wouldn't just go around wiping entire races off the face of existence without due cause, and goes out to prove War innocent. He ultimately decides to erase the crime War is accused of; To resurrect Humanity. The thousands of souls of the Nephilim were sacrificed, rendering the Nephilim unable to return forever, in exchange to bring Humanity back from extinction.
Loyalty came with a hefty price, as the right thing often does.
But what about Abaddon?
During the Apocalypse, Abaddon was killed and dragged down to Hell. There, the 'Mother of Demons', Lilith, reminded Abaddon that he would have nowhere to run when the Council got a hold of him. So, the Demon Mother offered the broken angel one choice ... Serve in Heaven or Rule in Hell?
Abaddon agreed to become the Destroyer out of fear of the punishment that would befall on him for his crimes. He ruled over Hell's forces on earth. War eventually found out he was behind the conspiracy and killed Abaddon.
Okay, so... What Now?
It's been several years since Darksiders 1 and 2. More and more Humans are being reported by both Heaven and Hell. Despite their... differences, the Horsemen still serve the Council.
Without the Charred Council or Heaven knowing, the demons resurrected Abaddon/The Destroyer somehow. With his powers reborn, he imprisoned Hell's previous rulers, Samael and Lilith on Earth and split up their power so that they couldn't overthrow him.
Worlds under Protection
Read: Plot Point #2
The Charred Council, knew what the Trees of Life/Death were capable of. Years before the Apocalypse conspiracy began, they thought it would be best to hide some worlds more than others. Some worlds had items that would tip the balance between Heaven and Hell again, or give them an edge, and some were sealed away upon request. As a fail safe, the Horsemen were often sent to travel to these worlds and destroy the Trees that existed in them before those worlds were hidden away forever with powerful spells, preventing Heaven or Hell from detecting them or discovering them 'accidentally'.
A shocking discovery and an Order to Assist
It wasn't long before the Demons were spotted in different realms in large numbers. Thinking this to be suspicious, Heaven moved to fight them, but were soundly beaten. The Charred Council sent the Horsemen to investigate. When War, Fury, Death and Strife returned with the news, the Charred Council realized that this would disrupt the very balance of the universe. As such, they ordered that the Horsemen ally themselves with Heaven and granted the four access to whatever they would need, expecting Heaven to do the same in return.
So what's the issue?
Remember when I said that the Trees of Life and Death were gateways? Remember when I said some worlds were sealed away for reasons? Hell had went to as many realms as they could that had a Tree of Life/Death manifestation, and blasted them both with their strongest magics and spells. This sudden surge of power broke dozens of protective wards and opened gateways to these once-sealed realms. The Destroyer is sending his armies to these realms and taking them over, resurrecting whoever he thinks can help him if they 'died' in their realm and promising power and other such things if they assisted him.
I think I get it now, but just in case... What's the objective?
Heaven alone has no hope of defeating Hell, as their numbers are still too few since the previous End-war. Even with the Horsemen, Heaven wouldn't be able to take Hell on right now. Heaven's Army has been tasked with recruiting as many as possible through whatever means needed and eliminate all who stand under Hell's black banner. Then finally, when all of the survivors of each world are brought together they would attack Hell as a single army and ensure the Destroyer is brought down once and for all.
Now the only question is... Where do you belong? Will you ally yourself with Heaven and the Horsemen and reclaim your homeworld, are you going to attempt to stop the demons invading your world on your own, or will you ally yourself with the Destroyer and the demons, who only want to conquer?
It's up to you...
Since the dawn of time, Heaven and Hell have waged an endless war. Only an ancient and unquestionable authority, The Charred Council, and their fearless enforcers War, Death, Fury and Strife held the warring factions at bay. The Council decreed that any great power, unchecked, could disrupt the very fabric of existence. That there can be no life without Order. Good, Evil... Darkness, Light. There must be Balance in the Universe.
When man, weak but cunning creatures, arose from dust, the Council foretold that mankind would one day be integral to the Balance. The Charred Council forced a cease-fire between Above and Below, and destroyed all known forms of access to Earth in order to protect mankind. And, likewise, realms that were discovered to possess creatures or things that would no doubt tip the Balance should either side become aware of them were hidden away, sealed completely outside of Creation so that neither side could detect them, or interact with the inhabitants, by any means.
But the Balance has been broken. Earth now smolders in ruin, fallen to the Demon Lords. Humanity is at its all time low.
Your world, your Realm, is in grave danger.
A powerful enemy, The Destroyer, now marches across these once-sealed Realms and destroys all who oppose him and his Dark Legion. For every Angel that appears to defend a newly discovered world, four Demons appear to see these worlds taken over, stripped of anything that would give the Shadow an edge. Enemies that were once considered 'dead' in these realms are arising again. He wants to enslave all Realms he comes across, gain complete control and recreate them in his own image.
To disrupt the Balance between good and evil, darkness and light, time and space, and even life and death.
He would rid all who could stand against him, all that would prove to give Heaven an edge if they were to acquire the power, the items, to do so. He would remake the Universe and slaughter millions without remorse. Your realm will be next if something isn't done.
The Destroyer is a threat to the Balance of Creation, of Life itself.
The Balance must be fixed.
The Destroyer must be defeated, and ensured never to rise again.
But even with their newest mission, the Charred Council's enforcers, and Heaven combined, are not enough to stop the Destroyer alone.
And so, we ask for aid in the Universe's greatest time of need.
Will you assist Heaven in their army, defending your Homeworld from the Demons that plague it? Will you attempt to survive on your own? Or will you join the Destroyer, who promises all you desire if you assist him and his Legion in conquering your world and many others?
Live or Die. Make your choice.
In The Beginning
Throughout the dawn of time, the Creator has long sought to bring balance to the cosmos by creating worlds and races to populate them, but sadly each effort has failed. The reason for this? Heaven and Hell. The constant warring of Light and Darkness that have resulted in the destruction of many worlds and races. The eons passed. He no longer spoke to His creations. Some who still live revere the Creator, while others feel as though they have been shunned - the the Creator abandoned His most faithful to Him. The endless, bloody war between Heaven and Hell grew, and continued to grow regardless.
The Mediators: Charred Council
Amid the chaos of the universe, an entity known as the Charred Council arose at the height of this eternal conflict, and was appointed by the Creator Himself to preserve order and balance throughout the universe. It decreed that any great power, unchecked, threatened the very fabric of the Universe.
The Third Kingdom: Man
In an earlier Age when the Creator still deigned occasionally to speak with His creations, He foretold that a new Race would come into being, a 'Third Kingdom'. While nowhere near as fearsome as either Angels or Demons, these creatures were equally as cunning and far more industrious, and would have an integral part towards the Balance. This new race was dubbed 'Man', and given the closest thing to a paradise one could have in which to live. Given a few centuries, they would be on equal terms with Heaven and Hell.
The Truce of Above and Below
In order to prevent antagonizing the fledgling, Creator-chosen species, the Charred Council called both sides to a cold truce when, at the time, both sides were frustratingly and evenly matched. The truce decreed that angels and demons must stop fighting directly to prevent Mankind's destruction as it advanced, but they never said anything about either side indirectly influencing humans for support. The various religions and beliefs of human history come about as a by-product of this greater struggle, and Mankind was able to grow without fear of being decimated.
The Four Horsemen
Of course, the Charred Council needed a way to convince Heaven and Hell to agree to this treaty without putting up a fight. So when four beings arrived and asked the Council to grant them immense power in exchange for protecting balance and order throughout the Universe, the Council knew these four, Death, Fury, War and Strife, would become their enforcers. They would become a fearsome brotherhood, fearless enforcers of the Council's will. The would become the Four Horsemen. But first, they would need to prove themselves.
The Destruction of Eden, Mankind's Relocation: Earth
Believe it or not, Earth was not Mankind's birthplace. Instead, Man's original home was to be the Garden of Eden. But when the world-killing, genocide-crusading Nephilim rode to claim Eden for themselves, lacking a realm - a home of their own, a battle broke out. The Horsemen were sent to Eden to purge their brethren from existence and destroy their souls. What remained of the Garden was hidden away and Humanity was then relocated to the Earth. The Charred Council then ordered that all known means of reaching Earth be destroyed, including their Tree of Life, to prevent unsanctioned entrance to the realm.
The Seven Seals
With the Horsemen under their control, the Charred Council created seven seals that weakened them. When Humanity was ready on Earth, these seals would be broken. Heaven, Hell and Man would then battle for the fate of Earth. The Horsemen would be summoned at their full power once the seventh seal was broken, to maintain the balance of all opposing forces, killing whoever they decided to. Whoever was more successful at swaying humans to their sides would win once and for all, and would gain control over the universe.
Early Apocalypse, a Conspiracy Formed
Unfortunately for the Charred Council’s plan, the angels and demons remained ever eager to fight each other. Heaven's head General, Abaddon, feared that Hell would become too powerful if they waited any longer. Abaddon schemed to pre-empt the End-war by breaking six of the seals, but then had them re-made, such that there was no evidence they'd been broken. His plan was to annihilate Hell's armies before anyone (the Council, mostly) had a chance to assess the situation, then Hell would be blamed for breaking the seals before Mankind was ready.
Failed Conspiracy and the Blame Game
While Abaddon firmly believed his conspiracy would be carried out without Humanity suffering any losses, that just was not the case at all. Abaddon's plan backfired drastically. Mankind was decimated and Hell won the war. The Charred Council knew about Abaddon and his conspiracy to start the apocalypse early. They considered summoning the Horsemen to handle him, but they determined that, without proof, the horsemen would not carry out justice. The Council knew what Abaddon was up to, then purposely gave out a false signal to summon War, the most honorable but hot-headed of the Four, to Earth as the Apocalypse raged, inciting his need to find out, and kill, those who framed him. They knew he would do everything in his power just to clear his name -- the perfect tool.
Clearing War's Name
The other three Horsemen, Strife, Fury and Death, were informed of War's 'crimes' (Accused of aiding Hell with winning the Apocalypse, triggering it early, dooming mankind as a result). Death immediately called BS, knowing War wouldn't just go around wiping entire races off the face of existence without due cause, and goes out to prove War innocent. He ultimately decides to erase the crime War is accused of; To resurrect Humanity. The thousands of souls of the Nephilim were sacrificed, rendering the Nephilim unable to return forever, in exchange to bring Humanity back from extinction.
Loyalty came with a hefty price, as the right thing often does.
But what about Abaddon?
During the Apocalypse, Abaddon was killed and dragged down to Hell. There, the 'Mother of Demons', Lilith, reminded Abaddon that he would have nowhere to run when the Council got a hold of him. So, the Demon Mother offered the broken angel one choice ... Serve in Heaven or Rule in Hell?
Abaddon agreed to become the Destroyer out of fear of the punishment that would befall on him for his crimes. He ruled over Hell's forces on earth. War eventually found out he was behind the conspiracy and killed Abaddon.
Okay, so... What Now?
It's been several years since Darksiders 1 and 2. More and more Humans are being reported by both Heaven and Hell. Despite their... differences, the Horsemen still serve the Council.
Without the Charred Council or Heaven knowing, the demons resurrected Abaddon/The Destroyer somehow. With his powers reborn, he imprisoned Hell's previous rulers, Samael and Lilith on Earth and split up their power so that they couldn't overthrow him.
Worlds under Protection
Read: Plot Point #2
The Charred Council, knew what the Trees of Life/Death were capable of. Years before the Apocalypse conspiracy began, they thought it would be best to hide some worlds more than others. Some worlds had items that would tip the balance between Heaven and Hell again, or give them an edge, and some were sealed away upon request. As a fail safe, the Horsemen were often sent to travel to these worlds and destroy the Trees that existed in them before those worlds were hidden away forever with powerful spells, preventing Heaven or Hell from detecting them or discovering them 'accidentally'.
A shocking discovery and an Order to Assist
It wasn't long before the Demons were spotted in different realms in large numbers. Thinking this to be suspicious, Heaven moved to fight them, but were soundly beaten. The Charred Council sent the Horsemen to investigate. When War, Fury, Death and Strife returned with the news, the Charred Council realized that this would disrupt the very balance of the universe. As such, they ordered that the Horsemen ally themselves with Heaven and granted the four access to whatever they would need, expecting Heaven to do the same in return.
So what's the issue?
Remember when I said that the Trees of Life and Death were gateways? Remember when I said some worlds were sealed away for reasons? Hell had went to as many realms as they could that had a Tree of Life/Death manifestation, and blasted them both with their strongest magics and spells. This sudden surge of power broke dozens of protective wards and opened gateways to these once-sealed realms. The Destroyer is sending his armies to these realms and taking them over, resurrecting whoever he thinks can help him if they 'died' in their realm and promising power and other such things if they assisted him.
I think I get it now, but just in case... What's the objective?
Heaven alone has no hope of defeating Hell, as their numbers are still too few since the previous End-war. Even with the Horsemen, Heaven wouldn't be able to take Hell on right now. Heaven's Army has been tasked with recruiting as many as possible through whatever means needed and eliminate all who stand under Hell's black banner. Then finally, when all of the survivors of each world are brought together they would attack Hell as a single army and ensure the Destroyer is brought down once and for all.
Now the only question is... Where do you belong? Will you ally yourself with Heaven and the Horsemen and reclaim your homeworld, are you going to attempt to stop the demons invading your world on your own, or will you ally yourself with the Destroyer and the demons, who only want to conquer?
It's up to you...