What is nephalist?

Nephalists are a fascinating concept often encountered in fantasy literature, particularly within the context of the Diablo universe.

At their core, Nephalists are the descendants of angels and demons who co-mingled, creating a new race with immense power. They represent a balance between the forces of Light and Darkness.

Important characteristics of Nephalists include:

  • Power: Nephalists possess incredible innate power, potentially surpassing that of both angels and demons. This power is often dormant and needs to be awakened or trained.
  • Free Will: Unlike angels and demons, who are largely bound by their natures, Nephalists have true free will. This means they can choose to align themselves with good, evil, or neither.
  • Potential for Destruction or Salvation: Due to their immense power and free will, Nephalists have the potential to either save or destroy the world.
  • Connection to Sanctuary: In Diablo, the world of Sanctuary was created by the angel Inarius and the demon Lilith as a haven for those who were tired of the Eternal Conflict. Their offspring were the first Nephalists.

The concept of Sanctuary is incredibly important to the Nephalist story. It serves as the origin point for the race and the battleground upon which their destiny unfolds. The constant struggle between the High Heavens and the Burning Hells directly influences the lives of the Nephalists and the fate of Sanctuary. Furthermore, the existence of powerful artifacts like the Worldstone, used to diminish the Nephalists' power to prevent them from threatening both angels and demons, has significant implications for their potential and history.