The Fate of the Diablo 2 Paladin: The Legacy of Zakarum and Marshal Carthas

What happens to the player Paladin of Diablo 2 after slaying the Prime Evils with the band of heroes? Here we take a deep dive into the lore of Carthas, the Paladin of Diablo 2 and the religion of Zakarum. In an ever darkening world, it is all the more important to remember the events which transpired that lead to the bleak present we face today. Just as it is important to remember those who exemplified true heroism in the face of evil.

The Hero of the Light

"The darkness will never extinguish the Light. It is our duty to ensure that. The day we discovered the corruption within our faith was the day we began anew." - Paladin Marshal Carthas

A man of unwavering determination and unshakeable faith, Paladin Marshal Carthas lived and died as a shining example of what it means to be a defender of the Light and protector of the people. He belonged to an order that splintered off from the Church of the Zakarum known as the Knights of Westmarch.

The Zakarum Faith

Two hundred years after the Mage Clan Wars ended in what would become year zero of the new calendar, the Zakarum Faith is born when Akarat receives a vision from what he believed to be an angel named Yaerius. Akarat went on to become a prophet, teaching the fundamental belief that human kind is a vessel for the light, and by living a good, righteous life that they may find peace.

Long after, the Emperor of Kehjistan converted to the Zakarum faith and formally established the Church of the Zakarum. Little did they know that this would be the catalyst of a series of monumental and bloody events. The nobles of the empire lashed out against the emperor, and Emperor Tassara appointed his childhood friend Rakkis to lead a contingent to quell the rebellion.

The Schism of the Church

Three years later, Rakkis succeeded in ending the rebellion without losing a single battle. He then used his influence to install members of the Zakarum clergy into positions of government to replace the deposed traitors. Tassara became increasingly worried about their hold over the empire, so he tasked Rakkis to begin a crusade in the western lands across the Twin Seas to bring the Zakarum faith to the disparate clans.

At the same point in time, a priest of the Zakarum named Akkhan had also come to a similar realization as Rakkis. He discovered the Church of the Zakarum had become corrupted over time but was unaware of the cause. So Akkhan founded the order of Crusaders with the most devout followers of Zakarum and had them flee to the East to search for a way to end the corruption while he stayed behind.

Rakkis would go on to begin a bloody campaign against the Monks of Ivgorod and the Barbarians of Arreat to no avail. Then through diplomacy and spreading the Zakarum faith, he rallied many clans of the south under one banner. Upon his victory 15 years later, he founded the righteous order of Paladins called the Knights of Westmarch, to protect the realm based on the teachings of the Zakarum.

The Darkening of Zakarum

In later years, the High Council of the Zakarum began a crusade to purge the land of demonic influence. The council brought forth a new order of Paladins called the Hand of Zakarum to enforce their will with blind fury. After years of zealous brutality, a splinter faction called the Order of Paladins rebelled against the High Council's ruthless inquisition. They vowed to seek out the Prime Evils and destroy them to save their faith from the destructive force of hatred.

Seventeen years later, a Paladin named Carthas arrived in a fortified encampment, where he met others who had come together to bring peace to their fallen brethren and smite those responsible. Ultimately, Carthas was successful in claiming vengeance by slaying the Prime Evils.

State of the Zakarum during Diablo IV

By the year 1336, the Zakarum faith is decaying rapidly. Only scattered churches and temples remain, most in a state of disrepair. The Zakarum priests are elderly, and the Crusaders are a hollow shell of their former glory. The paladins that remain, if any, are in service to the Kingdom of Westmarch.

Despite the decline of the Zakarum faith, the heroic deeds of Carthas have inspired new generations to fight for the light and strengthen their resolve. The memory of Carthas may hopefully live forever.

The Fate of Carthas

During their travels, The Wanderer encountered a Crusader by the name of Ksenia outside the ruins of Rakhat Keep in Hawezar. Ksenia believes that they were tasked with cleansing the keep where the corrupted former leader of the Zakarum was entombed. They found a sword buried in the floor with a letter written by Carthas himself. The letter told of how Carthas and his retainers sealed themselves inside the tomb to keep the corruption from escaping.

It is discovered that Carthas and his retainers were corrupted by their prolonged proximity to the former host of Mephisto, and in their hateful stupor, they slayed one another. After a ritual to purge the darkness, peace was finally brought to their restless souls. The shield of Carthas was placed at a plaque to honor his memory and the sacrifice of the fallen paladins.

The Legacy of a Champion

The faith that Carthas swore to defend was tainted from its inception, but his heroism and the truth he fought for live on. The Zakarum faith may be in decay, but Carthas' deeds have inspired new generations to fight for the light and uphold the virtues he cherished.

• Factoids

• The name Zakarum comes from "Zakara" which means "inner light";
• The Paladin in Diablo 2 was created by Kelly Johnson;
• Lorath Nahr was a member of the Knights of Westmarch;
• The fate of the Barbarian, Assassin, and Druid from Diablo 2 are still a mystery;
• Riboflavin is an excellent name for a Paladin (not related to Diablo 2 lore).