The Blackened Temple

Quest Five: The Blackened TempleEdit

• Quest Name: The Blackened Temple
• Triggered by: Completing Quest Four or entering the Kurast Causeway
• Given by: Ormus
• Location: Travincal
• Rewards: No reward, other than being able to enter the Durance of Hate.
• Quest Priority: Not required if you can get into the Durance of Hate, but if you can not, then this quest must be completed.

To complete the quest you must smash the Compelling Orb with Khalim's Will. The final item of the Will is Khalim's Flail, and it's dropped by one of the High Council. You will find three of them there.

There are six members of the Zakarum High Council. Over the centuries they have been the heads of the Zakarum religion, charged with their holy duty of guarding the imprisoned Lord of Hatred, Mephisto. However they have turned to evil over the years, and been corrupted by Mephisto's influence. The six are now his servants, transformed by his demonic powers into disfigured and fearsome demons. You find three of them in Travincal, and three more on the third level of the Durance of Hate.

In Travincal you'll see Ismail Vilehand, Geleb Flamefinger, and Toorc Icefist. These guys are like extra powerful random boss monsters, they all have two preset modifiers, and gain another one on Nightmare and two on Hell. They can raise Hydras and heal themselves, so be prepared for a wild battle.

Once you defeat the one that drops the Flail, you can smash the Compelling Orb. Once it is destroyed the normal Zakarum will all run from you, rather than attacking. The Orb was "compelling" them to evil, but with it smashed they are free and don't want to fight. Any remaining High Council or their minions will still attack though, as will other monsters, such as the Dark Lords you see in Travincal.

Tips: Use the terrain around Travincal to your advantage. There are numerous areas with ledges and other things the High Council can't leap over to get to you, and if you have a ranged attack you can hit them from safety, aside from the Hydras they'll raise to shoot you.

Travincal is always the same layout, so learn it, and you'll know where the safe spots are, where the waypoint is (over to the upper left). Dark Lords abound in Travincal, and they can see you right through the walls of the temples, and call down Meteors. If you are being bombed by Meteors and can't see the attacker, try running into whatever temples are nearby and looking in the corners.

You don't need to smash the Compelling Orb if another player gives you a town portal into the Durance of Hate, but you must kill the Council in Travincal before you can use such a town portal.

Quest DialoguesEdit

ActivationEdit

Ormus

You have done well, my friend. Your courage and valor are an inspiration to us all.

But now the time has come to face those responsible for the evil that has stifled our land. You must destroy the High Council of Zakarum!

Long ago, these elders were charged with the stewardship of Mephisto, the Lord of Hatred, who was imprisoned within the Guardian Tower.

Through the generations, these pious men slowly fell more and more under the sway of Mephisto's malevolent power and the Council became an evil mockery of its former glory.

It is Mephisto's Hatred that has corrupted Zakarum and turned its devout followers into paranoid fanatics. That is why you must travel to the Temple City of Travincal and slay the Council.

Once they are gone, Mephisto's hold over this land and its people will be broken!

After ActivationEdit

Alkor

The Black Book contains some vague prophecies regarding this undertaking. I'm not so sure it will turn out well for you.

Asheara

The Children of Zakarum who guard the Tower square can be killed, but their numbers are vast. You must destroy their Council.

Deckard Cain

Ormus tells me that the Council is comprised of tremendously powerful priests. It will be difficult to best them.

Hratli

Remember. You can always find sanctuary here with us.

Meshif

There is only one way to the Temple City. You will have to cross many rivers and streams, but you'll find it. A great tower stands at its center.

Natalya

You are incredibly brave to venture into the lion's den. I wish you luck.

Ormus

You must know that the Guardian Tower in the Temple City was built by the Horadrim for one purpose - to hold Mephisto. Once the Council is dead, you may enter the Tower.

After Activation (Lam Esen's Tome quest wasn't completed)Edit

Alkor

I am but a potion dealer and an avid reader of occult books. What do I know of the Travincal?

Asheara

There are many zealots among the followers of Zakarum. It will be difficult to get past them.

Deckard Cain

The Temple City is well guarded. You'd best keep your wits about you.

Hratli

This has been a trying time for all of us, but I sense this nightmare is coming to an end.

Meshif

It has been said that Ormus speaks most clearly when his ideas are utterly mad.

Natalya

Beware the followers of Zakarum. Their fanaticism is their greatest weapon.

ReturnEdit

Alkor

Kill as many as you can. I have a morbid love of excess.

Asheara

The Iron Wolves and I are at the ready to aid you.

Deckard Cain

Sankekur may be using a Compelling Orb to control the minds of the Children of Zakarum.

Hratli

The followers of Zakarum demand complete allegiance to their creed. They have slaughtered many of their own for minor grievances.

They will not hesitate to kill you.

Meshif

Within the Temple City is a courtyard. The Council resides there.

Natalya

I respect your need to do this. Honor demands that you see this through. Yet your chances are so slim...

Ormus

If you die on this quest, I will commemorate your sacrifice in an epic poem. You will not need a potion to achieve immortality. Ormus' words will do that.

Return (Lam Esen's Tome quest wasn't completed)Edit

Alkor

If only we could have found the Black Book. I feel as though a malevolent hand has led us away from it.

Asheara

Things are getting wilder than Ladies Night at the Slippery Fist.

Hratli

After having served Mephisto all these years, the Council must be twisted by hatred and evil.

Meshif

I have heard rumors that the Prime Evils are here seeking their Brother.

CompletionEdit

Alkor

You've accomplished the impossible! By killing the Council, the curse of Zakarum will be lifted and our land will be free!

Oh. Thank you!

Asheara

The sun has set on the Religion of Light.

Deckard Cain

Ridding Kurast of the Council of Zakarum was essential. Still, there is more you must do. The Compelling Orb, too, must be destroyed.

Diablo and Baal must be close to finding their brother, Mephisto, by now. You've no time to waste.

Hratli

The followers of Zakarum lacked all sense of moderation. The collapse of their tainted religion gives me hope.

Meshif

It seems the jungle is already dying back. You've broken the curse, my friend! May the Light bless you!

Natalya

I can hardly believe you did it. Your power blankets you like a shining aura.

Ormus

Ormus is grateful to you, stranger. You have broken the long, dark reign of Zakarum and delivered the first paralyzing blow against the Three.

Yet still, the true test lies ahead. For he whom the Council guarded still lives within the Blackened Tower.