User:Ecstasy Amphetamine/sandbox

= Zonkey = zebroid

Notable Specimen
Thesos Dragon

Braze

Description
The great confluence is a cataclysmic terminus in time where the fabrics of multiple realities are fated to collide. Possibly because of the merging which destroys reality, one cannot see what will happen beyond this event. Nevertheless, this merging can be detected by a multitude of distortions in the void and will only occur once the Ancient is destroyed. The merging of the fabrics causes chaos and ripples of destruction to spread equally across all planes, as they contaminate each others' fabrics with their own.

Besides the destructive merging of fabrics, there is said to be some sort of war or conflict greater than the war of the Ancients that will occur in this event.

Heroes
Among the four Celestial brothers, the is the one who is the most knowledgeable on and involved with this event. From the aether, he has foreseen the great confluence in the map of all time and sensed it through the distortions in his domain. In light of this terminus, he has decided to step out of hiding and prevent the destruction that it will bring. His reasons for averting the confluence includes protecting the Hidden Temple (since it's located in the very plane where this destructive event will occur) as well as answering the call of his Celestial brothers. To face this threat, he has to rally a group of allies composed of friends, strange bedfellows, and enemies, as well as lead and unite his Celestial brothers or destroy them if necessary. For aeons, he has carefully planned and prepared for this event despite not knowing what events will happen beyond his sight's horizon, but regardless he has made every preparation for what he merely predicts will happen. has seen this event himself. It's implied that he has already seen this event long before Void Spirit was released (or in terms of lore, before Inai went out of hiding) since he often talks about an end time. It's possible that this event is his cause for participating in the war of the Ancients.
 * There are a few Heroes that Inai bothers asking for information about this event. These heroes include the who exists across all points in time,  and the otherworldly  with his far-seeing foresight.

It's implied that the knows about this event, and it may be the same threat that he has been anticipating for aeons. He has participated in the war of the Ancients because he senses that it is the source of a growing threat from within this world. He also seeks to end the war because it may serve as a catalyst for the arrival of another darker force.

Description
The void is very hard to define, let alone comprehend, but we do know that it is a lot of things, despite it being nothing.

It was the void that predated creation, existence, and time. It also existed before the spirit itself. Before it even had a sense of self, a voice, or a comprehensible form, this void was able to bear witness to the creation of the Titan's shattered world in its entirety. It witnessed the Titan's arrival, the schism that made the four fundamental forces, felt the reverberations of his hammer's blow, saw the expanse of time, and felt the headlong flight of the fugitive Ezalor from his brother.

Although the void is the absence of anything, the void is also omnipresent. It encompasses everything, from the threads that compose fate's weave to the omnipresent force that is known as Io who permeates all planes of existence at once. It even exists within every being.

According to itself, the void states that it is a mirror. The void also has its own fabric. It is also home to an infinitude of "possibilities" within itself.

The Void = Astral Plane?
Evidence of the void and the astral plane being one and the same is strong. What they both have in common is that they are home to infinite realities and dimensions and may contain reflections of the self.

As previously stated, infinite possibilities can be found in the void. Perhaps these endless possibilities are synonymous with the endless futures and outcomes that spring from our own actions, creating alternate realities where one might have chose this or that. This speculation might give some context on Inai's statement of the void being a mirror, since it has the infinite reflections of our universe--a multiverse full of parallel universes. Supporting this evidence are the astral powers of the Outworld Destroyer and Chaos Knight, both of which are related to the void in their lore. One of Inai's astral abilities also has some clues on the void and the astral plane being one and the same. The Astral Plane shares several characteristics with the void. Like the void, the astral plane is a mirror. Trusted accounts on astral experiences in the Academy Library always mention a strange reflection of one's self, an oddly-distorted quintessence that resembles the beholder. This fact may further blur the line between the void and the astral plane, since both of them are mirrors.
 * Harbinger's banishes victims into the Void—the pocket between this world and the Outworld—to be imprisoned and realize their infantile knowledge and mortality. If this imprisonment is astral in nature, then the Void might have something to do with the astral plane.
 * When meeting the Chaos Knight, the inquisitive Grimstroke will conjecture that the source of his s is the aether. This connects with the evidence of the void being the home of the multiverse, because the ability's description states that these ethereal phantasms come from many planes, many worlds, and many times—all of them possibly sourced from the aether's infinite possibilities.
 * As the name suggests, Inai's is related to the astral plane. Inai tears a rift through said plane to appear at a chosen location in the mortal plane, causing a trail of ruin in its wake. In this astral plane, a small step for Inai can cause great devastation in this world. Descriptions aside, Inai also goes through the void to use this ability,  suggesting that the astral plane that this ability goes through is also the void.

Also, the astral plane is home to the infinite multiverse, just like the void. Aghanim states that the Astral Plane has countless dimensions, each dimension having an alternate version of our reality. The astral plane is the Void Spirit's cosmic vantage point because he can see the map of all time in there, allowing him to observe every nook and cranny of existence. Said map appears as lines that streak across the astral plane. Since Inai observes all of existence from the astral plane, it is possible that the void he dwells in is also the astral plane.

Magic
The void is an essential ingredient of magic. Without it, there could be no magic at all. Essential and vital though it may be, aether is not the sole ingredient, for it shares that status with mana and possibly the Nether Reaches, the latter of which is said to be the source of all sorceries.

In Dota: Dragon's Blood
Nothingness is briefly alluded to by Slyvion (the intermediate form betwixt Davion and Slyrak that is controlled by the latter) in the animated series of Dota: Dragon's Blood, in the 4th episode "The Monster At The End Of This Book" in Book One. Captured by Kaden and enchained in the heart of a Dragon Knight redoubt, Slyvion warns Kaden of the consequences in destroying an Eldwurm. If he were to kill Slyrak, he would also be toppling a pillar of creation. This would also destroy existence as we know it: time and space, the Manifold Forms, the pillars of order and chaos, all gone. The infinite macrocosms will be destroyed with no renewal to follow. And not even nothing will exist.

Slyrak mentions it once again, this time referring to it as the void. Following Auroth's instructions to return to the shard of Radiant Ore in her hoard, as well as Fymryn's advice on one's duality, Davion embraces its influence. Deep in some sort of mental existence, he finds himself in a desolate landscape where Slyrak awaits him. Slyrak says that the place they are in is beyond the void.

Byssrak, the Void Eldwurm, is related to the Void since he's the counterpart of Enigma, a being of void and shadow. Besides the similarity, he and his subordinate void dragons, such as the rogue eldwurm Kashurra, are the embodiments of the black desolation between the stars as well as the force of gravity. Hence, their powers include creating black rifts that can also act as shields, manipulating the pressure of gravity on objects to great effect, umbral orbs that can shoot dark tendrils or destructive energy beams, and possibly many more.

Heroes
The is an image projected into our world by his true eternal self in the cold infinite void outside time. It is implied that his is an aura that brings others into the frozen void that is his home, according to its description.

and his protege Wei can unleash a  to destroy magic users with their depleted mana. It is possible that this ability unleashes the void that exists within everyone to work its power.

When meeting the, the inquisitive will ask if his  spell works by either releasing the phantasms from within his body or by summoning the phantasms from the aether. The dark rider has yet to answer this speculative question.

Brothers of the Void Spirit, and, referenced nothingness long before Inai arrived to participate in the war of the Ancients. A Celestial who's included in the great wheel, Kaolin believes that creation springs from nothingness. He also states that he does not fear the Void. Xin believes that nothingness encompasses all of existence, possibly referencing his eldest brother's omnipresence.

is a being of the void. His form (also known as his pattern) is assembled from void and shadow. The void is one of the many states of existence that he returns to once he dies. Most of his abilities include the void, such as his which slowly descends a section of the world into the void.

When dies, he seeks to be commended to the void.

The 's is a vortex of infinite night, the deepest void spawned by the most terrible darkness. It's a space where no light or hope can emerge from which tears its victims into the lost but eternal darkness that once reigned the cosmos. The spiritual remnants of his late kin still haunt the edges of the void, but Balanar may summon them by using himself as their dark focus into our world. Inai tells him to respect the Void Spirit as his elder, suggesting at a relationship between Balanar, his kin, and the void.

Hailing from the Outworld, Harbinger the is a powerful being who patrols the rim of the Void for the threats beyond. Besides his home realm, Harbinger draws upon the same Void that he patrols to work his powers. His banishes his victims to the Void—a pocket between our world and the Outworld. Imprisoned in the darkness, visitants realize their mortality and inferior knowledge. The self-assembling crystals of the Outworld, also capable of Astral Imprisonment, are said to be the embodiments of the Void. Unused responses for his suggests that it draws upon the Void to work its powers. Horrifying to its vistants, the Void is merely a place of reflection and peace to the Master of the Void.

Judging by the name, may have wings that are of the aether. Said wings exist in a realm slightly offset from the rest of its form, causing its molts to be unsynchronized from its body and randomly change its forms.

Dragonus the is well schooled in aetherial matters and mastery. He wields an aethereal crescent wand that allows him to harness and capture the intangible and subtle powers of nature. It's unknown if this aethereal stuff pertains to the void rather than the stuff of the heavens such as the stars and the skies (much like the real-life element of aether), so it will be included here just in case.

The dangerous but beautiful arms of the originates from flowing darkness and unknown aethers.

Gods
Victims of the Dead God's legions are thrown into its yawning pit—the belly of the great nothing—to hear the Dirge and be utterly consumed into nothingness. The man that would soon become the was thrown into this darkness alongside his comrades and he would've been destroyed were it not for the Dead God reprieving him to grant him a new purpose: to spread the Dirge beyond and rally the dead to war versus the living.

Characters
When Aghanim uses his abilities in battle, he will exclaim that his powers are from beyond the void, even though there is nothing outside the void (although this may just mean that there is indeed nothing outside the nothing). Given the context behind the line, his power could actually be from beyond the astral plane and its infinite multiverse. This also shows that the Astral Plane and the void are one and the same. He mentions the void once again in the Continuum Conundrum, this time as the "aether", and states that he was busy with lots of things while he was in the aether.

Ash the Defiler is a nihilist who lives in the Weald of Torment at the heart of nature. He believes that the professed state of order that is an entity's existence and the nonexistence that they return to once they are destroyed are functionally no different.

Items
Judging by the name, the may have something to do with the aether.

According to Inai, only the is capable of containing the void. Perhaps he is referring to the fact that it can store runes, which may have their source in the void.

The valuable was recovered by a young explorer who found it amongst the drifting flotsam and detritus in the void.

Pulsing with energy, the is an article of jewelry that was once used to channel nether realm magic. Its name suggests that it has something to do with the void.

Description
The existence of this universe and many other worlds just like ours are all supported by this essential fabric of creation. Any damages done to it will eventually result in the unravelling of the weave, thus unmaking entire worlds if it's neglected. Hence it is the work of the Weavers to repair the worn spots in the pattern and maintain its pristine condition by keeping it tightly woven and unfaded, as well as defending it from the otherworldly pests that gnaw and lay their eggs in the frayed regions of their tapestry, whose brood can quickly devour an entire universe if the Weavers let their attention lapse. Although it is the job of the Weavers to maintain the fabric, it was the Loom who created the threads that form the whole fabric that encompasses all.

Wide though it may be, the fabric of one reality ends at its seams where it is joined with the edge of another fabric. These seams of reality are also known as the "twist between worlds" which may or may not be the same as the "web between worlds" that an aspect of Spectre is knowledgeable about. The fabric of reality also acts as a barrier between the planes. Speaking of the twist between worlds, this twist might also be the maze between realities mentioned in Dark Seer's lore.

It seems that the weave itself may be dangerous to the Weavers and others who are made of it, since they can be caught and entangled in their own weaves or its threads.

Threads and Fabrics
The fabric of reality is a very complex structure, woven by both young and experienced Weavers alike with varying levels of skill. There are a lot of threads that constitute the weave, but there are only a few of them that are known. It would appear that each of these threads are woven into their own unique fabric rather than all of them being woven into one whole heterogeneous weave. Here are the following threads and their respective fabrics:
 * The threads of time that compose time's weave. A timeline might be a pattern composed of time threads. These threads may also compose the fabric of spacetime.
 * Akin to a tightrope, Weavers can crawl forward and backwards in time by creeping along the threads of time.
 * Weavers can also travel through the vast fabric of spacetime by using small wormholes that allows them to slip through time.
 * Opening a gap in the spacetime fabric causes young Weavers to slip forth, suggesting that they live in the this fabric.
 * Lastly, the weave of time may exist on an astral level, just like the astral Loom that may have woven it. According to Inai, the map of all time is in the Astral Plane, appearing as a multitude of lines that streak across said plane. It's possible that, from his perspective, he sees the vastness of time as a bunch of lines rather than a weave made of threads.
 * The threads of strife, woven into the fabric of conflict. The exiled Weaver, Skitskurr, plans to use these threads to weave his new pattern, sourcing them from the tatters of a future conflict. This conflict could possibly be the battle of the Ancients or even the anticipated war that will happen in the great confluence.
 * The predestined threads of fate. Struggling against fate will provoke a commensurate response.
 * The threads of life a.k.a. vital threads (which may or may not include the soul thread, a thread that is spooled rather than woven  ) which are woven into the patterns of life or spooled into a roll. Fate is what weaves the threads of everyone's lives together, but it also cuts them short with its blade.

Other Fabrics
There are also other kinds of fabrics in existence that have no known corresponding threads. Because of this, it's unknown if they are actually part of the cosmic tapestry, but they will be listed here just in case.
 * The fabric of order
 * The fabric of the mind
 * The fabric of the Void
 * The fabric of the Rift

The Great Confluence
The Great Confluence is a cataclysmic event in an unseeable point in the future where the fabrics of multiple realities are fated to collide and merge. It is portended by a multitude of distortions in the fabric of the void, followed by utter chaos and ripples of destruction that will spread throughout all planes of existence,  as well as the contamination of multiple fabrics with each other.

In Dota: Dragon's Blood
Spacetime was briefly alluded to by Slyvion (the intermediate form betwixt Davion and Slyrak that is controlled by the latter) in the animated series of Dota: Dragon's Blood, in the 4th episode "The Monster at the End of this Book" in Book One. Captured by Kaden and enchained in the heart of a Dragon Knight redoubt, Slyvion warns him about the consequences in destroying an Eldwurm. If he were to kill Slyrak, he would also be toppling a pillar of creation. This would also destroy existence as we know it: time and space, the Manifold Forms, the pillars of order and chaos, all gone. The infinite macrocosms will be destroyed with no renewal to follow. And not even nothing will exist.

Keepers
A number of entities keep the fabric safe and maintain it. Only three of them are known, the best known ones being the Weavers, followed by the Loom and the unnamed guardians.

The Weavers are a species of extra-dimensional beetles who are charged with the protection and maintainment of the fabric. The best known member of these beetles is Skitskurr, the rogue, who was exiled from the pattern by the guardians after he tossed his duties aside to create his own fabric which pulled against the pattern that the great Loom had woven long ago. The broods of the Weavers dwell in the spacetime fabric.

Although it is the Weavers who protect and maintain the fabric of reality, it was the Loom that created it all. Only a few beings can use it to influence the pattern, which may include the Weavers and the guardians. The Loom exists on an astral level.

Lastly, the mysterious guardians are a group of beings who protect the fabric. All we know about these guardians is that they have scissors which they use to purge rogue patches that pull against the fabric of creation that the Loom had woven, and then repair that gap in the fabric by reweaving it–which was the case with Skitskurr and his attempt to create his own world. These guardians might be the personification of Fate that Weaver talks about, who also weaves threads together and cuts threads with a blade.

Heroes
As the Fundamental of gravity, can manipulate the fabric of spacetime. His most notable effect on spacetime is the gravitational version of time dilation as well as a pair of golden bracers that he acquired from Cedric that can manipulate the fabric of spacetime itself.

Because of his extra-dimensional existence, Darkterror the can influence the very fabrics of reality, especially the fabric of spacetime. His vast powers over the fabric of spacetime includes his, which involves tearing a hole in time to pass into Claszureme before returning to the material plane in an instant. is a hole in spacetime that leads to his home world, its timeless stasis contained by a blister in spacetime that traps anyone unfortunate enough to be caught inside of it. He may also channel the fabric of the "Rift" to warp his intellect and form, but it is unknown if the Rift's fabric is included in the cosmic tapestry. These powers are just a few examples of his vast control over the fabrics of reality.

's manipulates the structure of spacetime with waves of energy (possibly the Chronoptic energies) destroying lesser beings around him.

The fabric of our reality exerts a negative influence on the 's body, but he has the ability to warp it using so as to lessen its influence on his physical body. His powers over this fabric is further demonstrated by his brute strength which allows him to pry open the rifts between the worlds.

Having mastered the arts of the Dark Rift, the may use this foul magic to twist into the seams of reality to project his manifest hatred and malice, conjuring a bottomless  that paralyze anyone caught within it. His is a corrupted flame that is also conjured through the twist between worlds.

The true form of encompasses all with its omnipresence, including every thread of fate that was, is, and will be woven. When appearing unto the material universe he assembles his physical form from the fabric of the his true self.

The effect's of 's can manipulate space-time over a vast area, impairing entire armies.

Devices
The Lost Order is a defunct school of Mastery that was established before the apex of the Isle of Masks, who once had the skills to use their blades to pierce the fabric of reality. One of their lost swords resembles the, which is now in the 's hands.

The final issue of eleven generations of bladesmiths, Craler was an elder smith who completed his family's work in crafting a powerful sword that was sharp enough to tear holes in the fabric of reality, creating rifts that can be used for time travel. Tearing a rip in reality that lead to the past a few moments ago, he slew his past self who had just finished the blade and stole it from his past self, but was killed when his paradoxical past caught up to him. These twin blades were recovered by the who gave it to the  to aid her in her multiversal contract killing.

Cedric was an alchemist who crafted a pair of golden bracers capable of manipulating the spacetime fabric. After his dark conversion, it was taken by the Enigma.

Battles
Nature's Prophet was summoned to the side of the ancient forest warden Virga Truebark when she defied the Iron Princeling. Together, nature's guardians fought side by side against their common adversary. The outcome of this fight is currently unknown.

The riverlands hero Castor Twin-Tusks challenged Verodicia's chosen prophet to an arcane duel. Castor lost both the duel and his life.

Personality and Mannerisms

 * The Prophet's disposition is like that of nature. In equal parts, nature is both caring and unforgiving. At times, the Prophet may be peaceful and gentle,  but those who fail to see the other side of nature will learn that he is no stranger to violence. Embodying the violent half of nature, he is ferocious, savage, and punishing if he needs to be.
 * The Prophet is wise. It is said that he possesses a hoary wisdom and the wisdom of judgment.
 * Even as an avatar of the woods-goddess, the Prophet occasionally exercises modesty with his appearance.

Family
Nature's Prophet is the favored son of Verodicia. As stated in his biography, he was born from his goddess' last seed which was blessed by her final word before she swallowed it as she died. Like all the other flora that the goddess planted, his seed fed upon her decomposed remains and became the first seed to sprout before the rest of her holy forest. He also claims that he is the reincarnation of Verodicia or even her avatar.

He also has siblings, which includes a bunch of deerlike treants with four legs, akin to the Enchantress. These spry treants, like the Prophet, are one of the first born of the wilderness & have been with him since time immemorial.

The Wilderness
Just like the goddess that bore him, the Prophet's domain is the wild forest. He is the staunch protector of all that is natural, his watch over the forest is enhanced by the foresight that Verodicia gave to him. The Prophet is not only a sentinel of the flora, but also a sentinel of all beasts and birds. Keeping his sentinel over the forest, he is always wandering the wide wilderness in search of places that may beckon his aid.

Besides being a guardian of nature, he also rules over his grove as a wise leader. Ruling as a Verdant King, he governs the land with a crown of kingly horns sharpened with the wisdom of judgment.

Judging by the name, the Prophet may be a guard of the tribes that dwell in the deep forest. Unlike their milk-fed cousins, these men are primal, driven by instinct and a will to survive They call upon nature's pantheon, which is bereft of gentle gods. The aforementioned lore and the Celtic-inspired design on the Prophet's bracers may suggest that these savage men are ancient forest druids.

Allies
The Prophet is one of the many Heroes that the rallies together to defend their planet's lands. These guardians are as follows: the Enchantress, the Lone Druid, and Ulfsaar. This seems to suggest that there is a hidden faction that is dedicated to the defense of all nature. Kaolin, whose spirit is at one with the planet even after he was cut off from it, claims that he and the Prophet's spirits are alike. Alongside, the Prophet is the pride of Verodicia. Despite their relationship, the Prophet does not say anything friendly to Rooftrellen, to the point of him going completely out of character. On the other branch, Rooftrellen calls him a "little tree" whenever he meets him, probably because Rooftrellen treats him as his younger sib, even though the Prophet is older than him since he was the first seed in Verodicia's forest to grow. As a fellow guardian of Nature, is in good standing with this Prophet. This is evident in the fact that Sylla will feel confused and betrayed if the Prophet attacks or slays him. He also feels dismayed to know that he was forced to kill the Prophet. Sylla tells his Prophet that, regardless of his power or station, even he must respect his mission to plant the Seed, further hinting at his mission's significance even to the forces of nature.
 * Going further into this relationship, Kaolin states that the Prophet must revere him. Kaolin also states that Verodicia's prophet is also his greatest prophet.
 * Just like the Prophet, Kaolin is dedicated to a goddess who is said to tend to all life. It's also interesting that some of the runes left behind by the trail of Kaolin's wheel book are the same as the runes in the Prophet's spell.
 * However, these runes are actually reused assets that are also found in Witch Doctor's and, Chen's , the Glyphs of Confusion, utilised by Vanessa, etc. It's possible that these spells using the same runes implies a universal magic system, or simply just reused assets.
 * When Verodicia expired, her vast body decomposed throughout the long winter and became humus. It's possible that, with the woods-goddess' remains which is now merged with the earth, Kaolin now fights in honor of the entire Earth which includes Verodicia herself.
 * It's interesting to note that they both wear rune tablets with similar aesthetics (dark tablets fastened with rope and inscribed with blue runes) if not similar runes.

The bounty of Nature is sustained and strengthened by the blessings of the Earth where it holds its roots. Thus, the and the Prophet are on good terms with each other, with the former respecting the Prophet even in his death. These two share a common understanding.

Nature's Prophet once tried to recruit into his affiliation of nature's guardians, but the loner rascal refused his offer, also refusing to be ordered around by him.

Apparently, feels regret when killing the Prophet since she knows that he's the son of Verodicia, which hints that they were on good terms with each other.

Just like the Prophet, the values the forest and makes her home in it, even claiming it as her personal domain. Thus she may ask for the Prophet's aid in reclaiming the woods. Sometimes, she believes that she is the chosen of the woods, rather than the Prophet. Ever since she put on the, however, she dislikes being followed by the Prophet.

At some point in time, the Prophet loyally fought side by side with Virga Truebark against the Iron Princeling.

Enno can call upon Nature's Prophet as one of the many allied Heroes who can help him claim the leaderless White Spire.

Enemies
The Prophet is ill-disposed towards the Keen and their S.O.L.K., because their science is a blight and an affront to Nature. He expresses his hostilities specifically towards  and. These two Keenfolk share the same sentiments as well.

He rejects the presence of and his s in his forest, for they are an unnatural plague on nature.

Physical Form
The Prophet's body reflects everything about nature, which is most prominent in his cervine horns and hooves for feet. Like the deer and other similar ungulates that his body is based from, he may sometimes paw the ground in his idle animation. Despite this mix of humanoid and animalistic features, he is more akin to plant since he sprouted from a seed. His blood is actually sap, and he is sustained by both sunlight and moonlight, just like photosynthesis. As the avatar of Nature's Wrath, he can take on whatever form he pleases. He may choose to appear as tree, occasionally as predator, or when it suits him as prey. Lastly, he can regrow himself like a plant.

Like a healthy plant, the horns of the Prophet are always in bloom. Leaves that may gather upon his body will return to flourishing life. As he travelled the glens and groves of the wilderness, his hairy beard has grown as wild as he is, turning it into a growth of leaves.

Among the aspects of the Prophet's form, his antlers are the most changeable aspect of his body. During festive events, his antlers can be curved into a symbol of peace to compliment his peaceful outfit. To recognize the most majestic and mightiest beast of the forest, he wears the antlers of the biggest species of moose (Alces alces gigas) as a crown, just like how the rest of the moose species–like the Alces and Cameloides–bow before Gigas. He may also wear horns that recognize the prideful zebu and aurochs of Verodicia's wild domain. The Prophet bears a set of kingly horns that symbolizes his station and rule as a Verdant King. It's said that these horns of noblesse symbolize the wisdom of judgment that sharpens these horns. In a time long forgotten, a grateful king once gifted the Prophet with metal horns as thanks for aiding the forest.

The Prophet seems to be fond of his hair, especially his beard and his shaggy bark. He may be modest with braiding his beard but sometimes he's not content with merely one braid as an Avatar of Immortals. His beard can grow so long, its ends can be tied behind him in a loop. It is said that this loop might represent the brutal cycle of life in the wild, but he may have just tied it back so that his long beard won't get in the way of his mayhem. Or perhaps it holds both a symbol and a purpose...

Death and the Great Cycle
When the Prophet is reincarnated, he will speak about his visit to an unnamed "dark grey place" during his interval of death and how he wishes to never see that place again. It is possible that this dark grey place that he speaks of is the same world that he saw which is bereft of light, air and water—the three elements essential for all life. However, this world that he saw without light, air and water may be interpreted as the lifeless and desolate future of our world that he saw using his foresight, distinct from the dark grey place that he has been to during his death. It could possibly be the afterlife, since he uses the color grey to describe it, a colour that he associates with death and deterioration.

Those who are slain by the Prophet will have their remains fed to nature for sustenance, continuing the cycle of life even during battle.

An aspect of Spectre states that a cycle continues when the Prophet is slain. This could be a possible reference to the great wheel that encompasses all living things. This could also suggest that the Prophet is not truly immortal like his divine mother who died before she saw the fruiting of her dream, because the great wheel oscillates between life and death.

Foresight
The woodland prophet's title is derived from his powers of foresight that he inherited from Verodicia. Before she died, the woods–goddess saw her grim fate that she had imprinted in one of the leaves within the seed. This power is now being used by the Prophet to foresee where his attention and aid is needed in the forest.

Before his seed birthed the Prophet, he awoke within this seed and saw his destiny, which he said had many branches. The many-branched destiny that he foresaw may be the same coiled-up spirit that Verodicia planted within the seed, a spiritual plant that has many branches where augural leaves stem from, its many branches possibly signifying the many paths of fate that he can choose from.

Equipment
The Prophet wears a set of fungi and moss themed apparel that are all infused with the essence of the Father Mushroom. The only piece of clothing that is not fungal in this set is its cuffs made of ironwood, but it is still infused with the Father Mushroom's essence. It's unknown who or what the Father Mushroom is.

During occasions of peace and festivity, the Prophet may attend them with a suitable attire. With horns curved into a sign of peace, his hairy beard is groomed into a light and fluffy beard. He wears a lei about his neck during festive events, the garland being a universal symbol of friendship, peace, and good tidings. He also wears a relaxing, white toga. To complete the outfit, he brings with him a staff wrapped with a Candral-Flower, which is plucked from the heart of the Endless Copse.

Resting upon the shoulders of Nature's own prophet is a ring of runestones, with each of these tablets having blue runes written on them. Some of these runes' meanings are unknown, but some of them resemble the runes of old Germanic, Anglo-Saxon, and Scandinavian alphabets—a.k.a. Futhark or the so-called Norse runes. The same runes are also inscribed on his 2 sigil stone bracers. These two sigils bear the signs of an "Elder Ecology". Some of these runes are fictional and their meanings are completely mysterious, but the following Futhark runes can be seen on the Prophet's runestones: The Prophet's wardrobe is replete with both protective armor and decorative armor. Although it is decorative, the flared crest of wood on his shoulders can provide protection against the axe: the bane of the forest. Replacing his default runestones is a druidic ritual crest made of wooden planks. Written on each of these holy planks is a death–prayer to Verodicia and the name of an enemy to the deep forest. To preserve the memory of the fallen Satyr general Al-Fusha, the Prophet wears his spiked and goddess–blessed pauldron, which is all that remains of his lost wargear when he fell in battle. To aid his rule as a Verdant King, he sports ailettes with runes inscribed on them that can give its wearer the strength to carry the heaviest burden. The upper jaw of the late Castor Twin-Tusks rests on his right shoulder as a trophy of the Prophet's victory in their arcane duel. The coat of leaves that he has by default is also a common apparel amongst the Druids of Verodicia. The green cape that he wears as a Verdant King is wrapped in the power of the ancient woods.
 * The rune Laguz (ᛚ) means "water" or other bodies of water such as "lake", "ocean", "sea" and "waterfall", depending on what runic alphabet is being used. Laguz is inscribed on both his necklace and his bracers. In the lore of Nature's own prophet, Laguz may symbolize water as one of the three elements substantial for all life. Laguz may also symbolize water as the essence of the material plane. It may also symbolize the gift of water that Verodicia supplied her seeds with when she lured the twining waters from the aquifers.
 * The rune Sowilo (ᛋ) means "sun" in all three runic alphabets. In the lore of the Prophet, Verodicia had sworn the sun its attention to her developing seeds, gifting them one of three elements essential for life: light. All things born and grown from seeds are sustained by the sunlight. Thus, it is revered and welcomed by all living things.
 * His necklace and his sigil stones have a rune on them that appears to be a mix of the Dagaz (ᛞ) or Mannaz (ᛗ) rune. The former means "day" or "dawn", while the latter means "man" or "mankind". When considering the deeper meanings of Dagaz, it may symbolize the morning of the vernal equinox when the Prophet sprouted. It may symbolize cycles in nature, such as the brutal cycle of life or the great wheel, since it resembles an infinity loop between two dualities. The Mannaz rune may symbolize the primal men of the deep forest that the Prophet is affliated with.
 * Written together on his sigil stones only are runes that resemble Kaun (<) and Ur (ᚢ) from the Elder Futhark alphabet. Kaun has many meanings, such as "ulcer" (and other ailments with a burning sensation, such as: abscess, sores, carbuncles, boils, etc.), "torch" (which symbolizes the process of learning, discovering new knowledge like a torch in a dark room), and "fire" or "heat" which both aforementioned words have in common. The first meaning of Kaun makes no sense with his lore, but given that all three meanings share the element of fire or heat, Kaun could symbolize the Prophet's main attribute of intelligence, since fire is oft associated with the stuff of the mind like intelligence, learning, and discovery, like the Invoker's magics of Exort. After all, he is a wise prophet. On the other hand, Ur means "aurochs", a wild but extinct bovine known for its strength. This bovine is one of the many animals found in Verodicia's domain.

His arcane arsenal is replete with many magical staves. The Prophet has a staff capped with a Sinorian/Sinorion gemstone that provides a magical focus for nature's incantations. In the wilderness, there are creatures who sharpen their tusks on woodsy trunks. The Prophet has taken away their tusks and strapped two pairs of tusks on his staff as a warning to those who would damage the tree barks using their tusks. As a Verdant King, he carries a holy staff that is engraved with shining runes that denote the secret name of the woods–goddess. As a wise prophet with a hoary brand of wisdom, he carries a well–seasoned staff that compliments this wisdom. He also wields a curled plant staff that bears six spectrolite mana focusing crystals, set in gold. Not to mention that he is the proud owner of the, a garnet rod made from a fire demon's essence, and the , a powerful relic from the cult of Vyse that has the powers of polymorph.

In some cases, the Prophet sources his staves from nature itself. With his impossibly gentle grip, he pulled out a branch to make a staff without causing the butterflies that were sitting on it to flee. From the gnarliest tree in the Manglewood Forest, he detached a limb from that tree to construct an enchanted wood staff. He also has a journey stick crafted from a gnarled branch that eventually found use as a weapon.

Before the Prophet's seed was made to sprout, Verodicia imbued a sapphire gem with a spark of her essence. This gem was a fail-safe left in the wastes of a war-torn land to restore life and restart its cycle in places that may lack it.

Powers


All of the Prophet's spell effects appears to share the same yellow-orange or amber colored light, which even extends to the colour of his own attack projectile. What this similarity between his spells and projectiles means is unclear, but it's possible that this color is the magery of the Prophet which relies on and taps directly into the heart of Verodicia's wrathsome will, rather than drawing upon blood magic or mana.

allows the Prophet to grow a ring of trees to fence in his opponents. Reports of the the Prophet's fury state that he frequently uses this on his attackers. does not have much lore to it, so it can simply be assumed that it is nothing but a teleportation ability. is but one of the many abilities bestowed upon him by the woods-goddess. With this boon, he has the ability to summon the Treant Guard, a mythical sentient army of the wild. The rune left behind by his staff looks similar to the fehu rune found in old Germanic, Anglo-Saxon, and Scandinavian alphabets (a.k.a. the so-called Norse runes). Fehu means "mobile wealth" when translated, which is possibly symbolized by the treants. The trees are the wealth and the bounty of nature and the Prophet's magic uproots and animates them, allowing them to move freely. Hence the Fehu rune of mobile wealth. Calling upon Verodicia's fury, the Prophet summons the to strike down those who might ravage the wilderness, smiting them all with its far-reaching energies. Like all of his default spell effects, the color of this spell's energy is yellow-orange/amber, which might be the manifestation of Verodicia's fury by the Prophet's magery.
 * An interesting detail to note is that this spell casts a ring of 8 random runes beneath the trees that are spawned by this ability. Some of the runes bear a resemblance to the runes of old Germanic, Anglo-Saxon, and Scandinavian alphabets (a.k.a. the so-called Norse runes). The runes include fehu and kaun.
 * These runes can also be seen on the rune trail left behind by Kaolin's wheel book. An interesting detail that further hints at the great relationship between the Prophet, Kaolin, Verodicia, and the Earth.
 * However, these runes are actually reused assets that are also found in Witch Doctor's and, Chen's , the Glyphs of Confusion, utilised by Vanessa, etc. It's possible that these spells using the same runes implies a universal magic system, or simply just reused assets.
 * In gameplay and lore, he can summon them using the trees as a catalyst, but he can also use simple animation spells on trees to make treants.
 * Not only can he summon them, but he can even bend them to his will to place them under his complete control.
 * The Prophet can construct a familiar named Shroom Thing, made from fungus and moss and infused with the Father Mushroom's essence.
 * He can also summon the Shroomlings to his side. A sentient walking fungi who hail from the Drowned Forest, they are fearless and fond of dark and damp places.
 * Other treants include the Dendrochron, a species of treant resembling a scary tree stump. Their population is difficult to control even with axe culling.

Inhabitants
Omniscience

Personality and Mannerisms

 * Marci is virtually mute to the point that she can't even make a sound like grunting or screaming while in pain. She can only whistle, snore,
 * According to her friend Mirana, she is very brave.

Allegiance
Like her closest friend, Marci belongs to the Dark Moon Order who worships Selemene. Her natural eye color is brown in the animated series, but she once had purple eyes like Mirana, Luna, and other worshippers of the moon goddess, suggesting that she was converted by Selemene herself or by the priests and priestesses of the Dark Moon.

Allies
Marci is the loyal companion of. She has been with her ever since their time in the Dark Moon Order, and follows her even in her goddess-imposed exile from the Order. She is trusted very much by Mirana, who usually lets out her inner feelings and thoughts only with Marci, who in turn listens to her always and knows just the right thing to say. She is her personal servant whose duties include spotting targets for Mirana while sniping, procuring their food, carrying her luggage, etc.

She first chanced upon the alongside Mirana and her mount Sagan. Despite her friend thinking otherwise, Marci was the one who kept suggesting to her that they should aid him, eventually recruiting Davion permanently in their band of Heroes. Marci has taken a liking to him ever since, even expressing visible disappointment when he was bestowed a magical set of armor that doesn't get destroyed by his draconic transformation, which always renders him naked.

Equipment
Marci carries a motley of her equipment on her while going on an adventure. She carries a telescope to suit her needs as Mirana's personal spotter, displaying impressive synergy with Mirana's archery skills.

Powers
At a first glance, Marci's powers are quite mundane for a Hero, but it is said that within her is a hidden power that is strong enough to make even the gods "reconsider the wisdom of a hostile path." Whether this means attacking her is ill-advised even for the gods or if it refers to her inner wisdom is unknown. According to Slyrak, she is said to be the wisest among all the mortals. Such is her normal strength that not even a pair of Gauntlets of Strength, which bestows brute strength to its wearer, can help Davion beat her in arm-wrestling.

's lore describes how Marci often removes "obstacles" out of her friend Mirana's path. One of the animations of this ability is a tomoe nage throw from jujutsu and Judo.

is a demonstration of her acrobatic skill. Using a friend or foe as a boost, she leaps off of them and rolls into a ball mid-air, before uncurling to slam the ground at her final destination with her burning fist. The energy in her fist might be the same hidden power mentioned in her lore.

Outside of gameplay mechanics, it's unknown what her does lorewise. The symbol of this ability is certainly a curiosity, as we have never seen anything like it in the history of Dota 2's lore.

When activated, Marci es a hidden inner power that imbues her strikes with might. Her focused martial artist stance changes into that of a berserker's, which hints that the power changes her battle temperament. Any attempts to divine the source of her inner might are rejected by Marci, who happens to be mute. Or perhaps there is more to it than what it seems...

Friendship and rivalries
Allies meeting Marci Enemies killing Marci
 * vo_dragon_knight_dk_davion_ally_300.mp3 Davion of Dragon Hold Dragon Knight minimap icon.png Marci, just call out of you need s-... Shit, I'm so sorry, I didn't.. Uugh. Whistle. Whistle if you need something. Now if you excuse me, I'm going to go find a hole to die in.
 * vo_dragon_knight_dk_slyrak_ally_300.mp3 Davion of Dragon Hold Elder Dragon Form icon.png Wisest of all the mice, this one.
 * vo_dragon_knight_dk_davion_rival_300.mp3 Davion of Dragon Hold Dragon Knight minimap icon.png What has gotten into you, Marci?!
 * vo_dragon_knight_dk_slyrak_rival_300.mp3 Davion of Dragon Hold Elder Dragon Form icon.png This little one surprised even me.
 * vo_spectre_spectre_wwa_rival_300.mp3 vo_spectre_fs_spectre_wwa_rival_300.mp3 Phantom Advent Spectre minimap icon.png  Loyalty leads to this.

Trivia

 * Heavily inspired by the heat death of the universe, a hypothetical fate of the universe where it will achieve thermodynamic equilibrium. This is when the universe cools down to the point that all equilibria are achieved, such as thermal, mechanical, chemical, etc. They are called equilibria because no change occurs in them at all, like the flow of matter or energy. It can be seen as the inverse of the Big Bang, where the universe was once very hot in its genesis.

Biography
Sven is the bastard son of a Vigil Knight, born from the flesh of a Pallid Meranth, raised in the Shadeshore Ruins. With his father executed for violating the Vigil Codex, and his mother ostracized by the Mer, Sven firmly believes that honor is not to be found in any society, but only in himself. After tending his mother through a lingering death, Sven swore vengeance against the Vigil Knights, recruiting himself into their ranks as a novice while never revealing his identity.

For thirteen years he studied in his father's school, mastering the rigid code that declared his existence an abomination. Then, on the day that should have been his In-Swearing, he seized the Outcast Blade, shattered the Sacred Helm, and burned the Codex in the Vigil's Holy Flame. He strode from Vigil Keep, forever solitary, following his private code to the last strict rune. Still a knight, yes...but a Rogue Knight. He answers only to himself.

Artifact
In this strange timeline, the story of Sven has now reached the point where he has infiltrated the ranks of the Vigil Knights, but their destruction from within is a future that cannot be avoided, at least to the will of the soon-to-be Rogue Knight. To assure that this possibility comes to fruition, Sven must train among his enemies, rise above their ranks, and ultimately: destroy them from within to avenge his family.

Although he hasn't enacted his rogue code yet, he manifests a bit of the code in his actions by aligning against any kind of army like any true rogue to society would. He has declared war against the Radiant and the Dire, Venomancer and his expanding garden of s, the Bronze Legion, the reformed Red Mist Horde, and even the Vhoul rebellion.

Family
Sven's Father Sven's Mother Meranths

Allies
Sven honors those who are in solitude just like him, such as the.

Wielding the Adjudicator's Blade, Sven cracked 's mask, releasing the spirits of Yurnero's ancestors, as well as a companion dragon spirit. The spirits and Yurnero both consider this an act of kindness, and are thankful for Sven's actions, and owe Sven a debt of gratitude.

thinks that he synergizes well with Sven, likely because of their anti-army abilities. Sven agrees with his support.

Sven feels saddened when pitted against for some reason.

He sympathizes with 's loss and offers her his help in finding her lost Gorgon sisters.

Interests
appears to have affection for Sven, addressing and complimenting him personally.

Enemies
Vigil Knights

Physiology
Sven is a hybrid between a drylander (presumably a Human) and a Pallid Meranth. Any Mer who inherits dryland blood and aspects will be weakened or enfeebled by it, causing them to be mortal and have shortened lifespans in comparison to the pure Mer, who are implied to have eternal lifespans. Rumor has it that he still retains the innate Meranth ability to breathe underwater, which he may have used to retrieve a sword of the Vigil Knights that he found in a sunken galley.

Equipment
Sven's equipment mostly consists of the Vigil Knight's arsenal, possibly stolen from them as retribution or mockery. The most notable apparatus taken from the Knights is the Outcast Blade, which he stole on the day that should've been his In-Swearing. The Vigil Knights still seek to retrieve the Outcast Blade from Sven, who has now claimed it for himself. He also stole an iron gauntlet from his father's school and wears it now on his left hand.

There is also the shield-crest of the Vigil Knights, also worn on his left hand. The shield has extendable "wings" that likely increases its protective area. It is said to be so durable that it still appears to be in pristine condition even after being used in battles in a dozen wars.

Fitting for a brute of his size and from his training with the Vigil Knights, he prefers large two-handed blades with heavy tips and unorthodox shapes with some of them being really dangerous for the wielder and the target. Sven has collected a variety of swords in his lifetime (besides the ones that are stolen from the Vigil Knights) although it's possible that he only acquires them in a separate timeline. Only a few of them are notable enough to be listed below: None of these blades are as prized as the relic that he found in the debris of a sunken galley that once sailed under the Vigil Knights banner. The sword was worthy enough for Sven to replace the Outcast Blade with it.
 * A greatsword whose blade is made of Radiant Ore. While extremely sharp, not many blades made from this ore can survive their first use.
 * An obsidian sword said to contain the fragmented souls of tormented gods.
 * A two pronged sword that doubles as a tuning fork. When struck against another blade, it will produce a different sound that depends on the blade that it has struck. Skilled users like Sven can tell what kind of blade they are facing with this.
 * An unorthodox blade whose edges converge into a ring rather than a tip. The ring symbolizes unending courage.

As for his armors, most of them are taken from the Vigil Knights, including the uniforms of the Chiseled Guard, the Mono Militis sect, and the Flameguard sect. The serrated shafts that are crafted along the protrusions of Sven's helmet are said to improve the wearer's hearing.

Much like the sets of armor that the Vigil Knights once wore, even his armor can be used as a weapon. He once impaled an attacking ogre in the Feral Road using the spikes resting on his shoulder guard, and a specific left-handed gauntlet in his possession was carefully designed to intercept an enemy swordsman's attack on his shoulder or to catch a blade mid-swing.

Powers
Sven's abilities are a mixture of his knightly skills and godly power. All of these abilities synergize with each other to destroy multiple opponents at once, fitting for his theme as a one man army in a planet full of foes.

Sven unleashes his father's magical gauntlet, launching the on his foes. He prefers using his gauntlet on enemies that attempt to escape him. A prophecy from a strange Oracle called Nerif states that his gauntlet is the hammer of the gods, implying that Sven has some form of connection with divinity.

The Outcast Blade's can cut through multiple opponents at once with a combination of its massive length and the shockwaves that it emits when swung.

In battle, Sven may hearten his allies with a by reciting a few poetic lines from the burned Vigil Codex, fortifying his obedience to his rogue code. Lorewise, it's unknown if it provides any other buffs outside of gameplay mechanics. He also doesn't seem to recite any lines when using this ability, but he roars loudly instead.

is the same strength that Sven used to shatter the Sacred Helm on the day of his In-Swearing. Card art for this ability in Artifact shows that Sven and his sword will grow in mass and size when this ability is activated, while also turning his padded armor red. This, alongside his Storm Hammer (which is said to be the hammer of the gods) is one of his connections to divinity, at least according to its name.

Friendships and rivalries
Allies meeting Sven
 * vo_abaddon_abad_ally_11.mp3  Honors to you and to the rogue's code you follow.
 * vo_crystalmaiden_cm_ally_05.mp3  That's a lovely shade of blue, Sven.
 * vo_crystalmaiden_cm_ally_06.mp3  Sven, are you still so blue under that armor?
 * vo_dark_willow_sylph_ally_179.mp3  Good on you for standing up for yourself.
 * vo_dark_willow_sylph_ally_180.mp3  Nice to have the knights of the Vigil on my side for a change.
 * vo_dawnbreaker_valora_ally_193.mp3  Swords aren't really my thing. But yours isn't so bad.
 * vo_grimstroke_grimstroke_ally_76.mp3  Twin hammers await our enemies, my taciturn friend.
 * vo_hoodwink_hoodwink_ally_187.mp3  That sword's bigger'n you are. Pretty neat!
 * vo_kunkka_kunk_ally_07.mp3  With a helm like that, Sven, I dub thee my helmsman.
 * vo_mars_mars_ally_107.mp3  Break out a warcry, Sven! Or your heart's not in it!
 * vo_monkey_king_monkey_ally_171.mp3 vo_monkey_king_monkey_crown_ally_171.mp3   How do you see anything with that helmet on, Sven?
 * vo_monkey_king_monkey_ally_172.mp3 vo_monkey_king_monkey_crown_ally_172.mp3   Come on, Sven. Time to drop the hammer on someone!
 * vo_pangolin_pangolin_ally_177.mp3  Follow your heart, Sven, not some code.
 * vo_pangolin_pangolin_ally_178.mp3  Such a blade seems impractically large, mon ami.
 * vo_snapfire_snapfire_ally_191.mp3  Someone said you can breathe under water. Is that true?

Enemies killing Sven
 * vo_arc_warden_arcwar_rival_12.mp3 Your vigil ends.
 * vo_dark_willow_sylph_rival_179.mp3  That's the best you could do, Sven?
 * vo_dark_willow_sylph_rival_180.mp3  I was expecting more from you, Sven.
 * vo_dragon_knight_drag_sven_01.mp3 vo_dragon_knight_dragon_sven_01.mp3  Sven, you have much to learn about fighting dragons.
 * vo_dragon_knight_drag_sven_02.mp3 vo_dragon_knight_dragon_sven_02.mp3  Good night, Sven. I mean bad knight.
 * vo_dragon_knight_drag_sven_03.mp3 vo_dragon_knight_dragon_sven_03.mp3  I'm the better Knight, Sven.
 * vo_enigma_enig_rival_23.mp3 Your armor crumples.
 * vo_grimstroke_grimstroke_rival_112.mp3  Brute force fails you, fool.
 * vo_hoodwink_hoodwink_rival_187.mp3  My first thought was your sword's impractical. But now I see it's actually impracticable.
 * vo_juggernaut_jugg_rival_01.mp3 vo_juggernaut_jugsc_arc_rival_01.mp3  It's not the size of the sword, Sven, it's how you use it.
 * vo_juggernaut_jugg_rival_02.mp3 vo_juggernaut_jugsc_arc_rival_02.mp3  Size means nothing when your blade carries no weight.
 * vo_lina_lina_rival_03.mp3 Cooked you in your armor.
 * vo_mars_mars_rival_127.mp3  God's strength! Hmmm...
 * vo_mars_mars_rival_128.mp3  Your past accomplishments mean nothing, and your future is at an end.
 * vo_monkey_king_monkey_rival_171.mp3 vo_monkey_king_monkey_crown_rival_171.mp3   I'm not saying there's always a connection between excessive brawn and mental deficiency.
 * vo_monkey_king_monkey_rival_172.mp3 vo_monkey_king_monkey_crown_rival_172.mp3   Hahahaha, Sven. You thought you could keep up with me? There are trees everywhere!
 * vo_omniknight_omni_rival_15.mp3 You would have been a powerful follower Sven.
 * vo_omniknight_omni_rival_21.mp3 Sven, your dedication honors us.
 * vo_pangolin_pangolin_rival_179.mp3  I'm not foolish enough to stand in front of that blade, Sven. It's all about positioning.
 * vo_pangolin_pangolin_rival_180.mp3  That is a fight they will be telling stories about. Well, my part anyway.
 * vo_snapfire_snapfire_rival_192.mp3  It'll take more than an oversized apple peeler to bring me down.
 * vo_snapfire_snapfire_rival_193.mp3  I knew that armor would wear down eventually.
 * vo_void_spirit_voidspir_rival_104.mp3  You would have the same chance wielding a sharp stick.

Others
 * vo_oracle_orac_prophecies_090.mp3  To the rogue who wields the hammer of the gods, all mortal forms resemble crooked nails.
 * vo_legion_commander_legcom_duelhero_18.mp3 vo_legion_commander_legcom_dem_duelhero_18.mp3  Time to match steel for steel!

Biography
Although his origins are as dubious as children's tales, there is only one origin story that belongs to Wukong. The oldest tales say that he hatched from a large magical boulder that bore silent witness to all of creation. But only children and fools put stock in such things.

Rumble In The Deep
During a time when Wukong had no worthy weapon in his hands yet, he was searching for one that was worthy of his talents. Finding none on land, he turned to the underwater realm where The King of the Eastern Sea (or Seas ), hoarder of the surface world's treasures, dwelled in the depths where no sunlight could reach. Hearing of the Monkey King's desire, he mused about a weapon called the Jingu Bang, which he said was a weapon worthy of a warrior like him. Unfortunately, he also said that it was lost to the depths of the ocean, and so he directed him to the base of Dark Reef Prison where it can be found.

Seemingly unaffected by the crushing pressure of the depths, Wukong swam through the murky waters towards Dark Reef and found the staff embedded on the ocean floor. He then gripped the staff with all of his might until it was freed, but he realized he had been tricked. By freeing the staff, it suddenly extended its length and breached the walls of Dark Reef prison. He quickly shrunk the staff to a more manageable size, but it was too late. The notorious and dangerous prisoners of Dark Reef have begun their exodus. Determined to correct his mistakes, he singlehandedly stopped three dozen criminals from escaping.

Of course, this story contradicts with the Nightcrawler's accounts on how he alone escaped Dark Reef, and it even contradicts with another report where several criminals broke out of the same prison, lead by none other than Slark. Still, who cares about authenticity when this legend puts most heroes' feats to shame?

Immortal Path
This legend is much more dubious than the previous one. Some say that the legend started when Razor trapped the Monkey King in the Narrow Maze many years ago, but some say that it started when Wukong traversed the path to the underworld by his own accord for the sake of making himself an immortal warrior. Either way, this is the one and only story of how Wukong achieved true immortality.

In the Narrow Maze, Razor chased after Wukong's soul until the latter reached an open space with a luminous exit at the other side of the room. Finally having a bit of breathing room, he quickly hid behind a rock and shapeshifted into a tree before Razor could catch up to him. When his tormentor reached the room, he could not find Wukong and searched around until he was attacked from behind. A brutal battle ensued and eventually Wukong defeated the Lightning Revenant. He was now free to remove his name from the Book of Life and Death alongside the names of his clone army, making them both immortal.

Somewhere in between this legend and the next (assuming that his lore follows its real-life mythical counterpart) Sun Wukong waged a war against the heavens until nothing but his legend survived.

Burning Crucible
Wukong's audacious crime of removing himself from the great wheel of the cycle of nature did not go unheard of. The four forces of nature conspired to punish Wukong so that they may restore order back to nature and prevent further chaos from disrupting it. Wukong's legendary skills as a warrior were no match for the combined forces that governed aspects of creation itself, and so he was locked away to have his heavenly powers purged by the purifying flames of Xin's Eternal Crucible.

Outraged at this injustice, Wukong struggled to survive within the flames of the Eternal Furnace. But even with his deathless existence, he soon learned that even he had limits. So he resolved to be stronger. For forty-nine days, the Monkey King meditated in the furnace as the flames lapped upon him. Unable to be consumed by the fire, the furnace that was meant to be his punishment became a crucible where a powerful being was reborn.

The King versus The Quorum
There is a legend that describes one particular at some point in Wukong's immortal life where he fought the The Quorum, a senate of thirty-one powerful wizards who govern over all of Weeping Rose. No other details exist about this legend yet, since it was only mentioned in passing by Ilexa, a young Radiant creep who claims to be Wukong's biggest fan.

A New Journey
Long after his war against the heavens, and with his greatest feats all behind him, Wukong found himself working as a cage fighter for Grek in White Spire. This job only came to him as a pleasant distraction from his journey to the war of the Nemesis Stones after he saw a flyer on the way to the battle. But scripted cage fighting seemed like a fun thing to take up.

Already accustomed to his new job, Wukong maintained a staged feud with his rival Breklin, the Living Anathema, for many months. Following a pretty exciting performance that wrecked the cage and Breklin with it, Grek approached Wukong after the match and informed him about the arena's dwindling budget. Grek claimed that he could not afford Wukong's theatrics since most of their funds have been spent on repairing the stage after every performance. In response to their situation, Wukong suggested a less destructive performance where he and Breklin would perform stand-up comedy. But Grek refuses, saying that comedy doesn't sell, but he ominously assures him that he has something else in store for tomorrow's show and that they're going to love it.

Wukong retreats to the Sundered Moon bar where he and Breklin are signing autographs. He informs the latter on their boss' idea for a new kind of performance and his assumptions that they're going to approve of it tomorrow. Breklin predicts that it's going to be terrible and Wukong agrees with him before calling the next person in line. Black Arachnia's scurries through the intimidated crowd as she makes her way towards their table and pins her flyer on it with her spider leg.

The two ex-lovers greet each other—Arachnia expresses her anticipation while Wukong coldly greets her back. Arachnia proceeds to reveal that she

Friendships and rivalries
Aliies meeting Monkey King Enemies killing Monkey King Others
 * vo_dark_willow_sylph_ally_111.mp3  So you're the chatty little rodent man everyone's been talking about.
 * vo_dark_willow_sylph_ally_112.mp3  Now walk me through this: You have your staff. But you still have to buy your staff.
 * vo_dawnbreaker_valora_ally_121.mp3  I'm sorry, who were you again?
 * vo_dawnbreaker_valora_ally_122.mp3  I didn't catch your name...
 * vo_grimstroke_grimstroke_ally_48.mp3  Your early works are impressive, Wukong, but I'm not a fan of the newer stuff.
 * vo_hoodwink_hoodwink_ally_117.mp3  I heard you came to my neck of the woods once, Wu Kong. But it was before I was born.
 * vo_mars_mars_ally_69.mp3  I'd heard stories, but you're even more annoying face to face...
 * vo_meepo_meepo_ally_monkey_king_01.mp3  I like a guy with a chip on his shoulder.
 * vo_pangolin_pangolin_ally_115.mp3  Tell me your name again? Monkey Man?
 * vo_pangolin_pangolin_ally_116.mp3  You talk too much, Wu Kong. But nothing to say to me, eh?
 * vo_snapfire_snapfire_ally_120.mp3  Good thing I learned to tune out prattlin' years ago.
 * vo_templar_assassin_temp_ally_11.mp3  I'm more interested in that which remains unsaid, Wukong.
 * vo_templar_assassin_temp_ally_12.mp3  With apologies, Wukong, I do not believe the temple will find you.
 * vo_shredder_timb_ally_15.mp3  You seem a little too fond of trees, friend.
 * vo_shredder_timb_ally_16.mp3  I will cut where I wanna cut, and you will deal with it!
 * vo_void_spirit_voidspir_ally_37.mp3  You've provided much amusement, Wu Kong. It's always entertaining to see divine arrogance brought low.
 * vo_void_spirit_voidspir_ally_37_02.mp3  I serve no gods, Wukong. I merely had later need of you and this version is much more useful.
 * vo_zuus_zeus_monkeyking_ally_01_02.mp3 vo_zuus_zeus_arc_monkeyking_ally_01_02.mp3   Why do I get the feeling this is going to be a long battle?
 * vo_zuus_zeus_monkeyking_ally_02.mp3 vo_zuus_zeus_arc_monkeyking_ally_02.mp3   Putting up with your impudence best yield me something.
 * vo_dark_willow_sylph_rival_111.mp3  Shoulda hid as a tree.
 * vo_dark_willow_sylph_rival_112.mp3  Next time run away on your little cloud.
 * vo_dawnbreaker_valora_rival_121.mp3  I'm not a god. I'm better than your gods.
 * vo_grimstroke_grimstroke_rival_69.mp3  Now you've seen what a real martial art looks like.
 * vo_hoodwink_hoodwink_rival_117.mp3  Looks like I'm the king of mischief now.
 * vo_mars_mars_rival_92.mp3  I'll have to embellish your death when I tell this story...
 * vo_mars_mars_rival_93.mp3  It's hard to believe it took this long for someone to kill you.
 * vo_meepo_meepo_rival_monkey_king_01.mp3 What good are copies if they just stand 'round doing nothin'?
 * vo_pangolin_pangolin_rival_113.mp3  Leave the mischief to the children, Wu Kong.
 * vo_pangolin_pangolin_rival_114.mp3  You came all this way, Wu Kong. The least I could do was kill you.
 * vo_snapfire_snapfire_rival_120.mp3  Someone had to fix that leaky mouth of yours.
 * vo_snapfire_snapfire_rival_121.mp3  You obviously haven't heard of me. Guess I been gone too long...
 * vo_templar_assassin_temp_rival_18.mp3  Your loud mouth left little to the imagination.
 * vo_templar_assassin_temp_rival_19.mp3  The world will wonder at your fate. Unlike some, I value discretion.
 * vo_shredder_timb_rival_21.mp3 Oh I saw right through you, Wukong, you were with them from the start!
 * vo_shredder_timb_rival_22.mp3 Where are your precious trees now, Wukong?
 * vo_shredder_timb_rival_23.mp3 Sympathizer!
 * vo_void_spirit_voidspir_rival_68.mp3  Gods never fared well against you, but I am not a god.
 * vo_zuus_zeus_monkeyking_rival_01.mp3 vo_zuus_zeus_arc_monkeyking_rival_01.mp3   I'll be the envy of all the gods!
 * vo_zuus_zeus_monkeyking_rival_02_03.mp3 vo_zuus_zeus_arc_monkeyking_rival_02_03.mp3   You've had this coming for a long time.

Biography
Ostarion awoke from his trance to see the sun shining on his face. With the millennial solstice of Wraith-Night now at an end, and him being the only survivor of a massacre that he enacted but was completely oblivious to for its entire duration, he found himself in a luminous body made of wraith flesh and no longer at the mercy of decay that all material things are subject to. Declaring himself the Wraith King, he refashioned his bone kingdom into a land made of wraith essence. His mortal subjects shared the same fate too, turning everything in his current domain into an incorporeal land until everything he ruled over was as immortal as he is.

Campaigns
There was once a small kingdom renowned for its textile specialists that Ostarion tried to conquer. The surviving subjects fashioned a cape for the fleshless king in the hopes that he would spare them. Which he did, but just this once.

The Duke of Levinthal, Elector of the Gleaming City, once held out against the hordes of Ostarion's undead warriors for many days. Seeking to finally end the siege, he did a sortie and fought Ostarion in personal combat. He lost the battle and his domain fell to the king, with his broken greatsword now in Ostarion's hands.

Ostarion's eastern expansion caught the ill attention of an undead dragon named Ambinderath. The beast was probably killed by Ostarion, and its jaw was detached to make a sword out of it. Whatever happened to its other remains is unknown.

Ostarion's lust for powers and immortality eventually led him to add even the Seven Hells to his eternal kingdom. To this end, he sought to acquire the riven shards of the prison plane Foulfell, left behind in the wake of the Demon Marauder's exodus, which is rumored to have the ability to imprison the souls of demons. He has yet to conquer this realm, though.

Personality and Mannerisms

 * Ostarion is a cruel king.
 * Ostarion is, despite his lack of a material body and thus his inability to feel pain, into BDSM.

Relationships
Given the massive time gap between the reign of the Skeleton King and the Wraith King, not to mention that Ostarion's memories have been mostly consumed by the wraith flame it's unknown if his previous incarnation's relations still carry over to his current form. Nevertheless, one can read it in the link above.

Immortality
Having forsaken his material body for a body shaped from wraith flesh, Ostarion now has an incorporeal form. His embodiment is made of a pure spiritual essence that is beyond any material decay. The countless quantities of wraith energy that he has consumed should give him large amounts of strength, since the wraith energy that was stolen from the Wraith-Night hordes empowered the throng as well.

As a spiritual being, Wraith King has access to the spiritual planes of existence, such as the afterlife. He resurrects himself by returning from the veil of death and back into the world without staying in the Underscape or Narrow Maze that comes after the veil.

Equipment
Ostarion's subjects, both willing and unwilling, have forged various weapons and armour for their unliving King. Although he has long forsaken his form of bones, he still finds himself appreciating things made out of bone, only appreciating non-bony items on rare occasions.

In Ostarion's storeroom, he owns a variety of large swords that fit his large stature. Most of these swords are made of bone and other materials, but mostly bone. Besides his default sword, which appears to have a spinal cord along the flat side of the metal blade, this includes the following: Besides his other bony swords, Ostarion owns a variety of non-bony swords, ranging from worldly swords made of mundane material to eerie swords that can influence various matters spiritual. (Usually in a bad way.) Ostarion's royal wardrobe has a vast miscellany of armor and regalia. It's interesting to note that most of his articles of clothing or armor, if not all of them, were given to him as tribute. Either the senders voluntarily gave their tribute to him or if Ostarion himself forcibly took it from them, usually after their deaths. After all, even unwilling and unwitting sacrifice is due tribute in the eyes of the Wraith King.
 * A bony, wicked looking sword fashioned by Ostarion's biggest fans in the smithing trade.
 * A sword made from the late Dreadknight's own sword and fused with his spine. A scary reminder of what awaits those who challenges Ostarion. A similar sword made out of the spine and blade of an unknown victim exists in Ostarion's possession.
 * A white sword made by Ostarion's subjects. Its hilt and grip was crafted from the bones of fallen kings, while its blade was forged from the armor in which they died wearing.
 * A sword made from the severed jaw of the undead dragon Ambinderath.
 * The Boneslayer, a sword that was presented by an unfortunate kingdom that Ostarion was about to conquer. They staked their hopes on this gift which they thought should open opportunities for negotiating a peaceful surrender. It didn't work.
 * An unorthodox shaped blade made from the bone shards of many a broken enemy.
 * A makeshift sword fashioned from a femur and a blade that are fastened together.
 * A sword that appears to be made of crystallized blood.
 * The broken greatsword of the Duke of Levinthal.
 * The Relic Sword, a sword with a blade that has been broken off. Although it is physically broken, it still has an ethereal edge. Only bloodshed can satisfy its phantom blade.
 * The Winterblight, a sword carved from stone and glacial ice. Its cold edge can freeze the very souls of its victims.

Among the clothing that he has taken from others alongside their lives, he has taken the remains of the Dreadknight and his Magnoceros accomplice. For their bold act of conquest on Ostarion's realm, he killed the two invaders and fused their remains on his obsidian pauldrons and gauntlets that are lined with gold, adorning the latter piece of armor with the Dreadknight's skull. He also took the Dreadknight's cloak which is lined with inscribed sigils that were said to render its wearer invincible—which Ostarion proved otherwise. To complete the outfit, he wears a crown made from the bony remains of the Dreadknight—a dreadful reminder of Ostarion's reign and the fate of those who dares to challenge it.

Powers
Calling upon his damned lineage, Ostarion draws upon it to shoot s from his fist, reducing those unfortunate enough to be caught in his wake to ashes. The same wraith flame has consumed his memories about his previous regime back when he was the bony king. Ostarion's is sustained by the spiritual essence of his enemies, his blade draining it away from them to feed his aura. This "aura" might refer to the luminous Wraith Essence that gives the shape of revenants and untethered spirits on the material plane. Its active component is a good demonstration of Ostarion's skill with necromancy, allowing him to summon his skeletal/ghostly subjects to his side. His dark magic ensures that their loyalty to him will be eternal, even after they have died.
 * In his transition from the Skeleton King to the Wraith King, his "hellish lineage" and hellfire has been replaced with his "damned lineage" and spectral flames. This damned lineage is his new power source for abilities that use wraith fire.
 * However, he would soon regain the ability to manipulate hellfire after one particular reincarnation. When he returned to the path that led into the afterlife's veil, he was assaulted by a swirling flame that struggled to drive him back into the endless abyss. He grasped the flame with his mailed hand, thrashing and tearing at it until he returned to the material plane.
 * This flame may be his "hellish lineage" that he discarded upon becoming a wraith and his lineage is probably seeking vengeance for abandoning them.

doesn't have any lore.

His is best explained in his Immortality section.

Frostivus Powers
During the Wraith-Night before Frostivus, Ostarion displayed a much more powerful application of his ghost powers. It's unknown if they're still canon or not.

is an ability that summons the spirits of the dead to destroy anyone in a large area surrounding him. The effect is not immediate since Ostarion must plunge his sword into the ground first to start casting, then channel the ability until the ground erupts. Unlike the next two abilities, this one has some degree of lore from its description. is an aptly named ability where he summons wraiths to buff his attack damage, movement speed, and attack speed. This ability has no lore.
 * It shares the same "Wraithfire" moniker as his, implying that it also uses wraithflame which is drawn from the same power source that is his damned lineage. This shared power source is evident in the ability's use of dead spirits to work its power.

Yet another aptly named ability, Ostarion's can summon wraiths who will regroup with their summoner to heal him at the cost of their life. This ability has no lore.

Friendships and rivalries
Allies meeting Wraith King
 * vo_dark_willow_sylph_ally_225.mp3  You're not a king, you're a despot.
 * vo_dark_willow_sylph_ally_226.mp3  You would have fit right in at Revtel.
 * vo_dawnbreaker_valora_ally_241.mp3  I've been around for a while, Ostarion. And I really don't think you've got what it takes to handle everlasting life.
 * vo_grimstroke_grimstroke_ally_105.mp3  I must admit, Ostarion, you knew all along what I discovered only by accident.
 * vo_grimstroke_grimstroke_ally_106.mp3  Ostarion, your kingdom was a wonder to behold.
 * vo_hoodwink_hoodwink_ally_235.mp3  I grok'd smoking was bad for you, Ostarion, but this is bloody nuts!
 * vo_mars_mars_ally_126.mp3  Admit it, you wish you could be me, Ostarion.
 * vo_mars_mars_ally_127.mp3  You had to work so hard for cut-rate immortality...
 * vo_monkey_king_monkey_ally_217.mp3 vo_monkey_king_monkey_crown_ally_217.mp3   We might as well make the best of it, Ostarion.
 * vo_monkey_king_monkey_ally_218.mp3 vo_monkey_king_monkey_crown_ally_218.mp3   I'll fight beside you, but I'm not callin' you king, Wraith.
 * vo_pangolin_pangolin_ally_223.mp3  Where is the fun if there's no chance of death?
 * vo_pangolin_pangolin_ally_224.mp3  Just do not talk to me and we'll get through this.
 * vo_snapfire_snapfire_ally_240.mp3  Eh. Good...bad... I work with what I got, Ostarion.

Enemies killing Wraith King
 * vo_bounty_hunter_bount_rival_07.mp3 You're wanted dead or alive. I don't know which you are but I'll collect your bounty all the same.
 * vo_centaur_cent_rival_01.mp3 Your reign as king is over.
 * vo_centaur_cent_rival_02.mp3 You are a better corpse than a king.
 * vo_chaos_knight_chaknight_rival_01.mp3 Knight takes king.
 * vo_dark_willow_sylph_rival_225.mp3  I've seen what rulers like you are like... you deserved to die.
 * vo_dark_willow_sylph_rival_226.mp3  Death is too good for you Ostarion.
 * vo_ember_spirit_embr_rival_18.mp3 Be gone, foul wraith.
 * vo_grimstroke_grimstroke_rival_137.mp3  Better luck next time.
 * vo_grimstroke_grimstroke_rival_138.mp3  I'll ensure your legend lives on, Ostarion, but not your reign.
 * vo_hoodwink_hoodwink_rival_235.mp3  You want these little bones of mine? Gonna have to do better than that!
 * vo_juggernaut_jugg_rival_15.mp3 vo_juggernaut_jugsc_arc_rival_15.mp3  I bow to no king.
 * vo_juggernaut_jugg_rival_08.mp3 vo_juggernaut_jugsc_arc_rival_08.mp3   One strike against the throne of bone.
 * vo_legion_commander_legcom_rival_33.mp3 vo_legion_commander_legcom_dem_rival_33.mp3  Never trust the dead.
 * vo_lycan_lycan_rival_15.mp3 Tis no treason to kill a tyrant king.
 * vo_lycan_lycan_rival_16.mp3 When you strike a king's neck, you better take his head.
 * vo_mars_mars_rival_149.mp3  I know a thing or two about hubris, and you had this coming!
 * vo_mars_mars_rival_150.mp3  I'll scatter your bones from here to the pits of hell!
 * vo_monkey_king_monkey_rival_218.mp3 vo_monkey_king_monkey_crown_rival_218.mp3   King? Ha!
 * vo_monkey_king_monkey_rival_219.mp3 vo_monkey_king_monkey_crown_rival_219.mp3   Get back up again, I dare you.
 * vo_night_stalker_nstalk_killspecial_02.mp3 I'll pick my teeth with your bones.
 * vo_pangolin_pangolin_rival_225.mp3  All that suffering, I revisit upon you ten fold!
 * vo_pangolin_pangolin_rival_226.mp3  How many times must I kill you?
 * vo_queenofpain_pain_rival_13.mp3 King for a day… Queen for eternity.
 * vo_sandking_skg_killspecial_01.mp3 The King is dead. Long live the King.
 * vo_snapfire_snapfire_rival_241.mp3  The way I hear tell, you fashion yourself a bad man...
 * vo_snapfire_snapfire_rival_242.mp3  I got bullets for days.
 * vo_terrorblade_terr_rival_41.mp3 vo_terrorblade_terr_morph_rival_41.mp3  vo_terrorblade_terr_shards_rival_41.mp3  I ruled in the hell of Foulfell. Why would you think I'd bow to you?
 * vo_abyssal_underlord_abys_rival_01.mp3 Bow to your new lord.
 * vo_abyssal_underlord_abys_rival_02.mp3 You are no king.
 * vo_undying_undying_rival_10.mp3 vo_undying_undying_big_rival_10.mp3  We welcome kings and tyrants.
 * vo_visage_visa_rival_26.mp3 At last you bow before me, Ostarion.
 * vo_void_spirit_voidspir_rival_128.mp3  Your thirst for life amounts to nothing in the end.
 * vo_weaver_weav_rival_01.mp3 Who puts their skeleton on the inside?

Others
 * vo_oracle_orac_prophecies_112.mp3  The one who makes you bow will rise again. But no such luck for you.

Ranks
The Bronze Legion is a diverse motley of soldiers from different backgrounds united under the common goal of fighting for Stonehall. Besides the obvious presence of humans within the Legion, there is also the Vhoul, the Ogres, the Satyrs, the Odobenus, and even Radiant creeps among their vast ranks.

It is said that their hallmark trait is discipline, and their soldiers are always training when outside of combat.

Equipment
In the armories of the Bronze Legion's infantry, the light legionnaires have access to various one-handed swords, pikes, spears, bows and arrows, boetian/aspis shields, razor nets, clubs that bear the Bullsnake symbol as its head, battleaxes, etc. Heavier troops such as the ogres are given massive clubs, warhammers, and the same shields. Their equipment may be forged by Stonehall's blacksmiths or from mercenary Smeevils, who forge weapons and armor for whatever side requests their service.

During the siege on Roseleaf, the Bronze Legion defended the walls from the ladders of Oglodi siegemasters and other Oglodi who may scale the walls by pouring burning oil on those who attempted escalades. Alongside several other poorly constructed battlements in Roseleaf, the Bronze Legion utilized lodestones, but were sabotaged by Lorlin Lasan of the Jasper Circle (on behalf of the Red Mist) who managed to turn their defenses against them. The result was the lodestone's magnetism pulling nearby armored soldiers towards it, destroying the poorly built defenses and restraining the poor troops caught in it. They also have access to what appears to be a primitive tank or siege engine.

Transgression in Tares
The neighboring kingdom of Tares spent centuries maintaining their deference to their Stonehall colonizers. Many centuries of servitude have passed and the Taresian nobles finally found it necessary to strike back against them, secretly negotiating to amass an army of poor soldiers and cheap mercenaries who have all been motivated with the whispered promises of golden plunder and a life free of the Stonehall tyrant's legions.

Word of their rebellion has somehow reached the intelligence of Stonehall, prompting Emperor Galanius to dispatch the Bronze Legion. The incumbent Legion Commander Tresdin and her subordinates Marcus and Rix were sent to destroy the meager opposition and bring the conspirators to justice.

Fled to Filedo
Tresdin, Marcus, Rix, and the rest of the selected Bronze Legion chase after the remaining Taresian nobles who have fled for Filedo using the battle waged in their lands as a distraction.

Battle of Roseleaf
Led by Tresdin, the Bronze Legion attempted to hold off the Red Mist army at Roseleaf. Details are scarce, save for hints that Tresdin made poor decisions and may have initiated the fight, resulting in disaster for the Bronze Legion. After the battle, the Bullsnake Flag was found at the site by Mireska, which may be legion's emblem.

Destruction
When Stonehall came under attack by the and his Abyssal Horde, the Bronze Legion was the only division near enough to come to the city's aid. Although Tresdin was able to drive back the demonic invaders, the Bronze Legion was largely destroyed in the battle.

Stonehall Elite
The Stonehall Elite is a subdivision of the Bronze Legion. It was created by Belasanno after Rix betrayed the Bronze Legion.

Invasion
Stonehall was attacked by the Abyssal Horde, led by Vrogos, the Underlord. While Tresdin and the Bronze Legion were able to repel the attack, the city was largely destroyed in the process.