Novus Opiate
A crowned monarch in a crimson cloak raises a hand before kneeling armoured warriors in a ruined courtyard as a vast violet storm-shadow looms overhead; on a distant ridge a line of white-and-gold defenders raise banners.

Chapter IV · December 2000

The oath to Bael’Zharon

The developers sent a villain into the world. On Darktide, a monarch knelt to him.

Event
Bael’Zharon’s Rampage
Patch
“Child of Daralet”
Where
Kara; Fort Tethana

In December 2000 the developers played Bael’Zharon live. Everywhere it was spectacle. On Darktide it was politics.

Theatre, live

Original-era evidence

Boulders fell, cows dropped from the sky, players were flung above Fort Tethana. The developers’ diary called it interactive theatre, held to about ten minutes a place by lag.

Sources · Official, ReferenceAsheron’s Call: Developer Diary VBael’Zharon’s Rampage

At Kara, Blood kneels

Original-era evidence

Blood swore allegiance to Bael’Zharon at Kara. The antis swore to Asheron.

Sources · ReferenceBael’Zharon’s RampageDarktide

The Shadow Warriors

Original-era evidence

A small anti guild fought him near Fort Tethana and published a photo report. On Darktide, Bael’Zharon never fell.

Sources · Black Rose-side, ReferenceShadow Warriors vs. Bael’ZharonBael’Zharon’s Rampage