Zaros

Zaros (pronounced "Zà-ross") is the god of control and fate and was once the second most powerful of the young gods, surpassed only by the now-deceased Guthix. While his history prior to entering Gielinor is unknown, he had so much power and ambition that other gods such as Saradomin feared him. For these reasons he has earned names such as "God of Unknown Power", these names were also created by creatures who didn't follow Zaros since merely saying Zaros' name is enough to give him power. His ways are characterised as 'Machiavellian', 'Empty', and 'Manipulative'.

Zaros' arrival in Gielinor was one of the most important events of the early Second Age. During this age, he ruled a vast empire called Forinthry, stretching from Ice Mountain in eastern Asgarnia, to Kharyrll in Hallowland, and from Ghorrock in the north, to as far south as Ullek, while he waged war against the Kharidian Lands. From his arrival - soon after Guthix entered his first great slumber until Zaros' downfall at the hand of Zamorak - he is one of the most powerful gods known to Gielinor, both in personal power and influence. Zaros is the patron of the Ancient Magicks and Ancient Curses, and is strongly associated with conquest and domination. Zaros has only recently regained contact with his followers on Gielinor by way of the Communion Portal.

The very few present-day Saradominists and Zamorakians who possess knowledge of Zaros consider him an adversary. Specifically, the Wise Old Man becomes furious when you mention Zaros' name. Others, like certain inhabitants of Kharidian Desert, and some Mahjarrat, still worship Zaros as their lord. There is currently no indication as to Zaros' motives, other than that the player may be part of his plans at some point in the future.

Zaros wants the world to fall to mortals, like Guthix, but he acknowledges that they are not safe without some rules or control; otherwise, everything will fall to chaos. So, he suggests that he watches silently, making checks and balances to ensure  'balance' is maintained. He wishes to become fate itself, and control the life of the mortals.

Saradominists such as Lennissa have claimed that:

"Evil will always breed more evil, and will never be satisfied with what it has. The Empty Lord chose to ally himself with the dark creatures of this world, fully aware that their own natures would cause them to rally against his rule, and take every opportunity they could to betray him."

- Lennissa

Some of Zaros' followers are evil in the conventional sense of being ruthless, enjoying being deceptive and seeking power for power's sake. In addition, the Ancient Curses and Ancient Magicks seem to be evil, or at least highly combative, in nature as they focus on inflicting damage on others and draining others of their powers. Although some may jump to the conclusion that Zaros is evil, evidence is inconclusive. It is very likely Zaros' army of demons and vampyres committed evil acts, but there are no records of Zaros himself promoting evil. However, it is likewise true that there are no records of him promoting good. Additionally, even creatures who did not and do not follow Saradomin or Zamorak, such as the Pharaoh Queen, call Zaros a 'vile creature' whom they clashed against long ago, though this may be due to his war with the Menaphite Pantheon.

According to the Mysterious ghost, "As I told you, the Empty Lord was extremely powerful, but not so powerful that he could rule over the other deities of this world. Should he have made a move against any other god, then he could still have been easily brought down by the combined efforts of the others." With the aid of the Staff of Armadyl, though, Zaros' power would have been magnified to a degree enabling him to overcome all the other gods and even reshape Gielinor in his own image; however, due to interference by certain followers of Zamorak and Saradomin, he failed to obtain the artefact.

Notable followers of Zaros include the Mahjarrat Akthanakos, Azzanadra, Jhallan, Sliske and Wahisietel. Traditionally, the vampyres, dragon riders, and demons of Gielinor were allied with Zaros, but most, if not all, switched their allegiance to Zamorak once he defeated Zaros.



"Aside from Guthix and the Elder Gods, Zaros is the most powerful god to set foot on Gielinor. Over time he gained several powers that were not available to other gods, and one was to abandon his body on a whim. To avoid death he is incorporeal now, which makes him weaker, but he is still alive. Even now, he is likely to be searching for a host body to return to RuneScape."

- Mod Osborne, in the The World Wakes FAQ

History
Although Zaros' conquest during the second age was incredibly well documented - as described in Twice Burnt lore - very few texts or references of Zaros exist to this day. This is largely due to a collaborative effort by several of the active gods during the third age, to wipe all knowledge of Zaros from Gielinor. As such, only fragmented references to his power and activities have been recovered from a small number of reliable resources, and even fewer as to his alignment, or intentions, leading Zaros to remain as quite an enigma.

Second Age
Zaros arrived in Gielinor after Guthix entered his first sleep. Therefore, it is likely that Guthix had little to no knowledge of Zaros.

At some point, Zaros discovered the race known as the Dragon Riders in a realm very different to Gielinor, both geologically and culturally; it was a peaceful world, with no need for conflict. Eventually, after some time observing them, Zaros came before the Dragon Riders, who he had learned had suffered infertility for some decades, and gave to them a proposition:

"I have an offer for your people; I can cure your infertility. You must stop playing nanny to these beasts and have children of your own. Come away from this world and receive my gift."

- Zaros

Faced with the promised prospect of the return of childbearing to their race, the Dragon Riders accepted the Empty Lord's offer and accompanied to Gielinor through a portal (which is suggested in Last riders to have lead to what is now the King Black Dragon's Lair). The Dragon Riders adapted quickly to the ways their new world worked, learning the concepts of combat, war, betrayal, loyalty, and lies, and over time proved to be formidable soldiers for the Empty Lord, becoming feared by Zaros' enemies. Yet despite this, Zaros did not deliver on his original promise, and with their infertility still an issue, the Dragon Rider's numbers were eventually depleted, never to increase again, until in the end only five of them remained: Hannibus, Morvannon, Apropos, Balustan, and Ablenkian.

After his arrival, Zaros persuaded the Mahjarrat, a powerful race of near-immortals, to join his forces. The Mahjarrat had previously served Icthlarin, the Menaphite god who originally brought them to Gielinor from their native realm of Freneskae. Zaros conquered much of the what is now the Kharidian Desert with the Mahjarrat's assistance, gaining many followers. He then moved north to conquer Misthalin, Asgarnia and the whole of what is now the Wilderness, which was then a fertile plain. He founded several cities, of which Senntisten became the capital of his empire. This empire crumbled when Zaros was betrayed and banished by his foremost general, Zamorak.

Betrayal
Zamorak, the most powerful Mahjarrat general in Zaros' service, wanted to usurp Zaros' leadership of his vast empire and the Mahjarrat. When he, by chance, got hold of the Staff of Armadyl, he decided to make his move. With his close Mahjarrat followers Hazeel and Zemouregal, as well as the vampyre Lord Drakan and elder demons, he plotted Zaros' downfall. His allies would engage Zaros' bodyguards while Zamorak fought their liege.

One week before his plan was executed, Zamorak approached the five remaining Dragon Riders, and gave them an offer; that he would provide them what Zaros had not delivered yet, in exchange for two of their number joining him as personal bodyguards. Morvannon and Apropos agreed to the deal, believing that if they helped Zamorak take Zaros' place as a god, he would cure their infertility as it was long overdue.

Staff of Armadyl
Valdez, a Saradominist explorer, stumbled upon the Staff of Armadyl. He realised this immensely powerful weapon should not fall into the wrong hands. However, a thief called Rennard found Valdez, knocked him unconscious and stole the Staff. He intended to sell it to Zaros. Instead, Zaros' messenger, Kharrim, took it to Zamorak, who was mortal at that time. Lennissa, a Saradominist spy, found out about the sale and informed her superior Dhalak, a Saradominist mage. Dhalak was supposed to pass the information on to Saradomin himself, but he instead enchanted the staff so that Zaros could not detect it. He hoped that Zaros, the greatest enemy of Saradomin at that time, would be defeated.

Defeat
Zamorak, accompanied by his loyal followers - many of the Mahjarrat, vampyres, demons, and a human called Viggora, set out to attack Zaros in his throne room.

Whilst the followers of Zamorak distracted the guards, Zamorak fought Zaros and managed to stab him in the back with the Staff of Armadyl. This weakened Zaros, but he still seemed to be much more powerful than Zamorak. With the staff still impaled in his back he seized Zamorak by the throat and lifted him into the air. Zamorak would have been killed, but somehow Zaros stumbled and fell onto his back. After that, the Staff of Armadyl crossed Zaros' body and impaled Zamorak without leaving it. Unexpectedly, it acted as a conduit that transferred Zaros' divine power to Zamorak. To survive, Zaros left his body and his spirit vanished from Gielinor to then appear in a very distant dimension. For "usurping/banishing" a god, Zamorak was banished from Gielinor. However, according to information in While Guthix Sleeps he somehow obtained the Stone of Jas and returned to Gielinor as a god. At Zamorak's return, most of Zaros' followers were wiped out by Zamorakians and Saradominsts. There were notable exceptions however, including the fortress city of Padewwa and the magnificent capital of Zaros' empire, Senntisten. Currently, as of The World Wakes, Zaros is looking for a host body and mobilising plans for Gielinor to then return and have his vengeance.

"The Empty Lord was a powerful god, stronger than any of the others awake at the time, possibly even as strong as Guthix is, and Zamorak was but a mortal: a Mahjarrat warrior all the same, with all of the strength and power that entails, but mortal nonetheless, but to see him fight, you would not think of him as a ‘mere’ anything...He was war itself! Flurry after flurry of blows he rained upon the Empty Lord, and the very castle walls shook and quivered with their power, but the Empty Lord would not fall! Even with the weapon of a god embedded in his back, he fought on, and with each blow our victory seemed less and less certain..."

- Viggora

Aftermath
Zaros faded from Gielinor while Zamorak seemed to become more real. However, before he was "banished," Zaros uttered a curse called The Death Curse of The Empty Lord onto all those involved in the rebellion. The curse was to make them wander around Gielinor as ghosts for eternity. The following six people were affected by the curse:
 * Valdez, a Saradominist explorer
 * Rennard, a seemingly Zarosian thief
 * Kharrim, a Zamorakian messenger
 * Lennissa, a Saradominist spy
 * Dhalak, Lennissa's superior and a Saradominist mage
 * Viggora, a Zamorakian warrior

Zamorak and his followers were also targeted by Zaros' curse, however in The Curse of Zaros miniquest, General Viggora explains that the curse that left him, as well as the other humans involved in the Curse of Zaros miniquest, in a ghostly state, is called The Death Curse of The Empty Lord. He also speculated that the reason only the humans involved in the Curse of Zaros were cursed is because the other creatures, who were involved, had such long lifespans that the The Death Curse of The Empty Lord might not immediately affect them.

Furthermore, Viggora states: "If it was not his death curse, and he is still alive but not on this world, then the only way to break it may be to bring him back here; But I would rather stay here cursed than suffer under his rule again"; which means when Zaros returns, the curse could be broken.

The remaining followers of Zaros were actively hunted by followers of both Saradomin and Zamorak. However, Zamorak soon turned against Saradomin and other gods, starting the God Wars. Even during the God Wars, when Zamorak battled with other gods, he occasionally joined forces with Saradomin to fight off the remaining followers of Zaros.

The Dragon Riders that Zamorak had enlisted, Morvannon and Apropos, were branded traitors by Zamorak's other followers and were eventually hunted and killed by his vampyre allies and hellhounds respectively. At the same time, those who remained loyal to the Empty Lord, Balutsan and Ablenkian, were also labeled traitors by Zamorak's followers and were also slain by a number of ripper demons still loyal to the Empty Lord. Only Hannibus survived, and was able to escape to the cave in which his race had first stepped foot on Gielinor.

Before the God Wars during the third age, some Saradominists attempted to wipe the memory of Zaros from Gielinor. The Saradominists locked away a group of Zarosians, including Nex in a dungeon close to the present day God wars dungeon.

It is revealed in the Zarosian Book of the Gods that the followers of Zaros believed he intended for his empire at Senntisten to fall after his demise and that is was part of his great plan. In addition, they believed he was merely in the Shadow Realm, waiting to return. Only in the Fourth Age did they realise that Zaros is truely gone, with one of his followers saying"...our lord has forsaken us."

Return
In the recent Q&As from three Jagex Moderators (Mod MMG, Mod Roderick and Paul Gower), it has been hinted that Zaros will return soon. It was also hinted many years ago by the Chaos Elemental in a Postbag from the Hedge with the phrase "bizarre boron swell", an anagram of "Zaros will be reborn".

During The Temple at Senntisten, the player collects three items to give to Dr Nabanik (Azzanadra), used to contact Zaros. This creates a connection between the temple and the plane where Zaros is located, allowing speech. This connection is only the start of what may happen when Zaros is fully reborn, as shown in a cutscene. The cutscene shows the dark mage's portal going crazy (almost destroying the universe according to him) but the mage thankfully manages to control it. It also shows an earthquake which cracks a Zamorak statue at the Captured Temple. The Monks of Zamorak are furious, and suspect it is the Saradominists' fault.

This manifestation of power appears to have violated the Edicts of Guthix, which prohibits all other gods from directly interfering with Gielinor (only the gods' followers can act on behalf of their gods). If this was indeed a violation, it is not known whether it was intentionally in violation of the Edicts, as the edicts were proclaimed during the God Wars, long after Zaros had disappeared from the plane of Gielinor, giving thoughts that Zaros was not affected by the Edict. When telling stories to Juna following the completion of the quest The Temple at Senntisten, she speaks of Zaros' return as a move towards balance. From all thoughts of Zaros can freely return, during the quest The World Wakes and in the Origins of Gielinor video, it is confirmed that all the young major gods, even those who were not in Gielinor during the time, were affected by the edicts.

In the 14 September 2011 FAQ for The Ritual of the Mahjarrat, Paul stated that:


 * "There’s plenty of other rewards I gave for this quest. While it’s the end of some storylines, such as those of the Ritual, Lucien and Arrav, it has not provided an ending for Zaros. In fact Zaros’s, involvement in this quest was minimal, so I don’t think receiving rewards from him at this point is something to be expected."

This proves that Zaros will be featured in later quests. In the 4 November 2012 Lore Live Stream at 26:19, Mod Mark stated that they haven't "decided anything yet" for Zaros' return.

With 2013 being the year of the gods, Zaros is beginning to emerge once more, with updates such as Demon Flash Mobs where his demons are "gathering power for a mysterious cause". Furthermore, after restoring Kharshai's memories, he notes that Zaros' power is stronger than it has been in a long time.

With the Release of The God Emmisaries, Soran, The Emissary of Zaros mentions a "Great Plan" that Zaros has and that the player's part in his Great Plan is pre-ordained and essential. When asked what Zaros wants, Soran responds: "Who am I to say what Zaros wants? His goals are beyond your and my understanding. But know this: he does not seek petty revenge or endless war." This means that Zaros' Primary goal may not be to seek revenge on Zamorak and that Zaros does not, necessarily, want another God war on Gielinor.

During the events of The World Wakes, the key followers of Zaros gather together once again following the opening of Guthix's resting place, wherein dwells the god of balance himself. After letting the different god followers skirmish battle with one another, clearing the way to the heart of the temple, the Zarosians reveal themselves and their plan to bargain with Guthix, persuading him to allow Zaros to return. The plan, however, goes awry when one of their number, Sliske, kills Guthix with the Staff of Armadyl, in turn causing the destruction of the Edicts. Although this was not the original plan of the majority of Zarosians, speaking to Azzanadra afterwards reveals that with the Edicts gone - thus allowing the gods to return to Gielinor - events can begin to be set in motion with regards to Zaros' own return.

It should also be noted that Zaros has several powers which some other gods don't have, and one was to abandon his body as a whim for when he was weakened and banished by the Staff of Armadyl in the hands of Zamorak (at the end of the Second Age). This means he is incorporeal now, which makes him weaker, and he needs a host body to return to RuneScape.

Religion
The symbol of Zaros is a circle surrounding an equidistant cross, and is found on an ancient talisman from Senntisten and numerous other artefacts from the Second Age, as well as Zarosian fortresses such as Viggora's Fortress. Unlike some gods, such as Saradomin and Armadyl, who derived their symbols from Elder Artefacts, Zaros' symbol is genuine and was his own creation. Zaros' colour seems to be various shades of purple, although cream, light blue and gold dominate the restored temple at Senntisten.

Originally Zaros was worshipped by an empire in the north-east of Gielinor (the Wilderness) known as Forinthry. However, Forinthry was destroyed by Zamorak and Saradomin. Most traces of the Zarosian religion, such as altars and temples, have been destroyed by Saradomin and Zamorak. However, there are two known altars remaining: one underneath the Digsite and another in Azzanadra's pyramid. If the player has completed The Temple at Senntisten then they will gain the ability to perform a ritual in the white knight's castle at the altar on the first floor. This ritual will transform the saradominist altar into a Zarosian altar and the player will be able to switch back and forth from the Ancient Curses, thus making a third Zarosian altar.

On the Ancient Spellbook, the four teleports that lead to different levels of the Wilderness are also destroyed grounds of Zarosian worship: Carrallangar, Ghorrock, Annakarl and Dareeyak. The other teleports, Ice Mountain (Lassar), Canifis Pub (Kharyrll) and Edgeville (Paddewwa) were important military and defence fortresses. The Digsite is referred to by its ancient name, Senntisten.

Zaros probably had a treaty with Scabaras at one point. Talking to the Kalphite Queen head in a player-owned house, will sometimes cause her to say, "we are faithfully waiting for the return of Zaros". This is odd because the Kalphites are allegedly followers of Scabaras—for example, a Keris dagger works on the Kalphites. The Kalphites are also occasionally said to have been spawned from the blood of Scabaras. This may lead some to believe that the Kalphites are the followers of both Zaros and Scabaras. This is suggested somewhat by the fact that the Mahjarrat appear to have jumped from following Icthlarin to Zaros in a single and random instance. If Zaros was somehow in leagues with another desert god, he could have orchestrated it more easily. While this is somewhat speculative, it is still possible. Another possible explanation of the Kalphite Queen's message is that Scabaras was an enemy of Zaros, and the Kalphites are meant to stop his resurgence. As it is stated in the book of the gods the desert gods had war against Zaros and was victorious.

Some gravestones also show the Zarosian symbol on its top. When read, it reads "_______, servant of the Unknown Power, perished in this place." Some gravestones found in the Yanille Agility Dungeon bear the Ancient symbol of Zaros. Gravestones near the entrance to the Mind Altar were also thought to bear the Ancient symbol of Zaros as well but was later revealed to instead be a celtic cross; why they are in a such places is not known yet but it is possible that followers of Zaros are buried there.

Zaros preaches that it is not the individual's role to interfere with the gods. He will look after you, but this will always be from behind the scenes as it were.

The Zarosian religion makes extensive use of the Latin language; for example, Nex and the names of her 4 wizards are all derived from Latin, the Ancient Hymnal includes hymns in Latin, and there is a Latin inscription in the Zarosian prison of the God Wars Dungeon.

Alignment
Zaros' alignment was a subject of much debate within the RuneScape community. Making the subject of Zaros' alignment was very confusing in the fact that even Zarosian players are split on the subject of Zaros' alignment, with some players who follow Zaros that claimed he was evil, and other players following Zaros who claimed he was good. Some believe he is neither, and that he is solely an all-powerful being with interests in maintaining power, for his own purpose rather than good or evil. However, in the Official RuneScape livestream (4th November 2012), both Mod Mark and Mod Osborne confirmed that Zaros is a manipulative God who in turn holds a status as one who is neither good or evil, but is manipulative and powerful. It is also confirmed that Zaros has no desire to rule in person, but instead allow people to live as they see fit, while manipulating aggressive elements into doing his will or stopping rebellions before they start - hence the reference to the 'Empty' Lord, the unseen protector/ruler. It was further resolved that he is the god of Control, in a Machiavellian kind of way, and that Jagex are all certain of his alignment, confirmed by Mod Osborne in one of his official Lore Q&A..

Groups and races

 * Certain Kharidian Desert Bandits - As a result of the Zarosian Extermination, some of Zaros' following was forced into the desert, where they have settled as bandits.
 * Certain Mahjarrat, not including the ones who betrayed him.
 * Blood reavers - A race of tentacled beasts
 * Ancient mages, ancient rangers and ancient warriors - The main components of the Army of Zaros.
 * The Auspah - A race of large humanoids with extensive fire-based powers.
 * Minority of Demons - A race of beasts from the Infernal Dimensions whom Zaros bound to himself with a pact.
 * The Dragon Riders (two are known to have eventually defected to Zamorak) - A race of humanoids who mounted dragons who are now confirmed to be extinct.

Notable individuals

 * Akthanakos - A Mahjarrat of average power who is the sworn enemy of Enakhra.
 * Ayanetka - An archbishop of Senntisten, who encouraged the bishops and priests of Zaros to remain faithful following the betrayal of Zamorak.
 * Azzanadra - An exceptionally powerful Mahjarrat attempting to bring Zaros back to Gielinor who was known as the Champion of Zaros and is one of his generals.
 * Char - A powerful Auspah, possibly the last of her race. She is extremely loyal to Zaros and is rumoured to be his concubine. She is also one of his generals.
 * Cruor - Nex's bodyguard and a mage of blood.
 * Dagroda - A Priest-King of Senntisten who ordered the Zarosian withdrawal from Senntisten when faced with the overwhelming forces of Zamorak and Saradomin.
 * Eblis - A bandit of the Kharidian Desert Bandit Camp who aided in Azzanadra's release from The Jaldraocht Pyramid.
 * Fumus - Nex's bodyguard and a mage of smoke.
 * Glacies - Nex's bodyguard and a mage of ice.
 * Jhallan - A fairly strong Mahjarrat, who became tired of battle when the God Wars broke out. As such, his skills as a warrior diminished, leading to the other Mahjarrat looking down upon him and was sacrificed by Lucien during Ritual of the Mahjarrat quest.
 * Lamarinta - Matriarch of Ghorrock, who confirmed to the people of the Last Enclave the end of the God Wars and Guthix's banishment of the gods of Gielinor after hearing it from Wahisietel.
 * Max - Seller of the max cape (revealed in Postbag from the Hedge 46).
 * Nex - An Extremely powerful general of Zaros who was imprisoned in the Temple of Lost Ancients.
 * Pernix - An extremely powerful and mysterious archer of the Second Age who was very experienced in combat. He was tutored by Nex. Died of old age.
 * Sliske - A very powerful and sneaky Mahjarrat, who is quite different from the others, his actions benefitting either himself or Zaros, and always choosing the action he deems the most fun. He controls a band of wights who fight for him. Sliske is the slayer of Guthix and is thought to be a God by Relomia.
 * Soran - The Emissary of Zaros who presents his philosophy as a god emissary.
 * Torva - An extremely powerful warrior of the Second Age, who single-handedly killed an entire pack of ripper demons. He was tutored by Nex. Died of old age.
 * Umbra - Nex's bodyguard and a mage of shadow.
 * Virtus - An immensely powerful mage of the Second Age, mastered in all the types of magic. He was tutored by Nex. Died of old age.
 * Wahisietel - A wise Mahjarrat who works closely with Azzanadra under the disguise of Ali the Wise. He attempted to protect Zarosian settlements during the God Wars.

Bob the Cat
Bob the Jagex Cat was thought to be Zaros due to some dialogue when talking to him using the Amulet of Catspeak. However, there is no real evidence to support this. In the "Tail of Two Cats" quest, players find out that Bob is or was "Robert the Strong". Robert the Strong existed during the Fourth Age. If the player asks Bob the Cat while they have a cat following, he will tell their cat to join him and destroy Zamorak. Also, asking Bob the Cat in Catherby, should the player ask him about cats being created by Guthix and he will say "Well, I don't believe much really since I know I am Zar-.... erm, well, no, I erm, meow?" The complete word could also be "Zarosian," which would only apply to his faith and not his identity. It would also not clash with the fact that Bob is "Robert the Strong".

After completing The Temple at Senntisten, Dr Nabanik (Azzanadra) tells you to not get your information from a talking cat, and states that Bob is not Zaros.

Affiliated Quests

 * The Dig Site
 * Desert Treasure
 * The Temple at Senntisten
 * The Firemakers Curse
 * The Curse of Zaros (Mini-Quest)
 * The World Wakes

Trivia

 * In the in-game lore book, Last riders, Zaros is described by Hannibus, a deceased Dragon Rider and the last of his race: "Eventually, the shadowy man approached us. He spoke as if several voices were speaking at the same time".
 * He is currently testing his influence on Gielinor through his demons (Demon flash mobs), together with Zamorak, although it is unknown if they are aware of each other.
 * Zaros is the only known god known to have the ability to leave his body; the ability that saved him from the Staff of Armadyl. It is still unknown what happened to Zaros' body, but as stated in The Curse of Zaros miniquest, it is suggested that Zaros' body has faded away in order to leave it. Guthix was hinted to also have this in a Q&A thread, but he chose to die instead.
 * According to Mod Mark, a Zaros Godsword won't be created because Zaros is too strong for a godsword, and that an appropiate weapon for him would be literally a god wielding a sword, implying that Zaros may be much more powerful than originally thought.