So, after Rathma, the first Nephalem, was murdered by his father, the Angel Inarius (talk about Daddy Issues), he essentially vacated the story of Diablo 4 and never returned. Now, as one of the first to ever master Necromancy, he of course has a legacy that has made appearances throughout the Diablo series. The most visible piece of legacy he left behind were the Priests of Rathma, a cult of Necromancers who worshipped him and followed in his stead. They’ve been putting their skeletal minions to work, fighting off the filth that plagues Sanctuary. Now, though, with the new hot shot Spiritborn in town, Skeletons are no longer such a big deal and Spirit Guardians are taking over. So what do the Skelly Bois do? They get themselves new jobs as caretakers for a little town while the Spirit Guardians are out kicking ass.
In Vessel of Hatred, Diablo 4‘s first expansion (Which I absolutely love, btw) the jungle region of Nahantu is chock full of dungeons, secrets, and remnants of many well known figured for the more hardcore Diablo nerds out there. Akarat, Lilith, and of course, Rathma himself. Tucked into the corner of the map is a Stronghold lies far off the beaten path, and far removed from any other location the new story will lead you to. There, I found the Gates of the Necropolis.
When I walked into the Gates of the Necropolis area, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t burst into laughter at the sight of such a tiny area manned by Mira, a Priest of Rathma, along with two of her Skeleton minions. However, once I started talking to her, I realized how sad the story surrounding the area was. The Gates of the Necropolis is the entrance to the location that once housed the followers of Rathma, their safe haven, if you will. But if that’s the case, why is it only her and her minions there, and if this is only the entrance, then what lies within Necropolis?
Mira claims that it was forgotten and hollowed, but that can’t be it, can it? Years prior, Malthael sent Reapers to attack Necropolis and the rest of Sanctuary, but I think there’s more to the story. If Mira, along with Friedrick and Cassian, could make their way to the gates with our warding brazier relighting expertise, will others make their way back to Necropolis, or will the Skelly bois run this place by themselves? Miras says that she hopes more Priests of Rathma will join her efforts in restoring the Necro safe haven. Still, I foresee myself waiting in anticipation for the first sign of another expansion or season that focuses on Rathma’s priests and, of course, their adorable, hard-working minions.
Now don’t get me wrong here. I absolutely love the Spiritborn class, but like, it’s clear nobody was thinking about the poor Skellies here. What will they do once everyone switches classes and leaves them in the dust? Apparently, they’ll be tending to our broken armor and providing us with new weapons to take into battle. Do I think this is fair? Absolutely not. Do I want to see an entire storyline that breaks off from the focal point of Vessel of Hatred that follows the life of unemployed Skeleton minions who have been left in the dust? Most definitely.
