Top Ten Biggest Antagonists in the Diablo Series

Hellforge has put together yet another top ten list for the Diablo series, this time breaking down the top ten “biggest douchebags” (or antagonists, if you prefer). I’m a sucker for the first Diablo, so let’s go with Wirt and Arch-bishop Lazarus:

8. Wirt

One would be forgiven for mistaking this guy as Gheed’s illegitimate offspring. Wirt may have been resourceful, but he was definitely Diablo 1’s biggest brat.

I personally didn’t even find Wirt until I reached the Catacombs. There he was, lounging under a tree near the river, sitting as far away from Tristram as the people would obviously let him. After losing his leg to the demons below the Monastery you might think he was just trying to get away from it all.

Wrong.

He was a scam artist in the making, and being secluded was the best way to practise. Not only did the little sh*t charge us ten times the price of anything Griswold had to offer, he made us pay fifty gold just to look at it! He probably used the disability as an excellent excuse to gain some pity purchases!

…

2. Arch-Bishop Lazarus

So at last we arrive at the beginning. Tristram. Where this whole sordid tale began. or so we’re led to believe.

By the time we get to the ill-fated town, the worst has already happened, and everyone knows who’s to blame. The Arch-Bishop Lazarus unleashed terror into Sanctuary once again. Upon finding the shattered remains of the Soulstone at the bottom of the Monastery, Lazarus smashed it open, freeing Diablo from his prison.

Naturally, it was all downhill from there. First King Leoric was driven mad from Diablo’s possession attempts. Then Lazarus stole his son to provide the Dark Lord with an easier vessel. After Leoric killed or imprisoned everyone in his rage, he was finally put to death by his own loyal guard. People began to leave town in droves. Strange things began to appear in the Monastery. And finally, the Arch-Bishop rallied the remaining villagers, claiming he wanted to rescue the young prince. Instead, he led them to the Butcher demon, where all but a few were murdered. Then he fled back to his master.

Lazarus’ miserable existence was finally ended by the Diablo 1 hero; killed in his church surrounded by numerous Succubus mistresses. Sadly, the damage had already been done. Tristram, the Rogues, and everything else in Terror’s path were on course for destruction, all thanks to one man’s foolish lust for power.