The Battle of Annakarl in the year 3,100 of the Third Age | |
Beginning | End |
---|---|
Near the beginning of the Third Age | Approx. 4,000 - Third Age |
Place | |
All of Gielinor. A few other realms and locations were also involved. | |
Outcome | |
Establishment of the Edicts of Guthix; Departure of most gods from Gielinor; Complete destruction of many races, nations, and regions; Formation of the Guardians of Guthix; Temple Knights founded; Void Knights founded; Forging of the godsword; Stone of Jas and Staff of Armadyl hidden; Founding of Morytania; Shattering of Seren; Founding of Saranthium; Founding of Dorgesh-Kaan; Dwarves and Gnomes hide underground; Founding of Keldagrim; Founding of Nardah; Creation of the Wand of Resurrection | |
Battles | |
Battle for the Ritual Site, Fall of Hallowvale, Morytania Campaign, Kharidian Desert Campaign, Battle of Uzer, Battle of Annakarl, Battle of Ullek, Battle of Senntisten, Battle for the Godsword | |
Combatants | |
Saradominist forces: centaurs, humans, lions, icyene, Imcando dwarves Armadylian forces: Aviantese Bandosian forces: Orks, ourgs, ogres, hobgoblins, goblins, trolls, raurgs, fayrgs, humans Zarosian forces: Mahjarrat, demons, humans Menaphite forces: Humans, golems Guthixian forces: Humans, ents, moss giants |
Zamorakian forces: Demons, vampyres, humans, Mahjarrat, werewolves, gorak (please note that these were the approximate factions at the beginning of the war; over the course of time everybody switched alliances at a whim. The guthixian forces were only relevant in the last few years of the battle, when Guthix began his campaign) |
Commanders | |
Saradominist: Saradomin, Zilyana, Brother Constantius, Barrows Brothers, Fern, Bree, Efaritay Armadylian: Armadyl, Kree'arra Bandosian: Graardor, Yokrad, Blorgak, Polyphemus, Bloodfist Zarosian: Azzanadra, Nex Menaphite: Menaphite Pantheon Guthixian: Guthix |
Zamorak: Zamorak Thammaron, K'ril Tsutsaroth, Lord Drakan, Hazeel, Dag'eth, Pazuzu, Zebub, Incommodo, Balfrug Kreeyath |
Casualties | |
Hundreds of millions; extinction of Gielinorian Aviantese, Icyene, centaurs, ourgs, fayrgs and raurgs. | Hundreds of millions. |
Concurrent war | |
Dorgeshuun Civil War, Invasion of the Hallowland, Keldagrim - Troll Country War, Zarosian Extermination | |
Previous war | |
Naragun God Wars | |
Next war | |
Assassination of Guthix, Feldip Hills Civil War, Sanguinesti Liberation War, Elven Civil War, Sixth Age conflict |
The Gielinorian God Wars were an unimaginably extensive series of battles and conflicts covering the entire Third Age, a time of great calamity in Gielinor. They are the second known God Wars in history, and the first to rage on Gielinor. Although, over thousands of years, they still have had a major impact on modern day life in nearly all sites of Gielinor and are of great interest to archaeologists. A small faction of creatures from the wars can still be found battling for the Godsword in a recently thawed out dungeon in the north, having been frozen in time.
All of the deities currently in this realm, and some who now are no longer with us, were involved in the war. Each took a faction, whether their own, or choosing to side with one of the stronger factions, until the only factions left were mine own and those supporting the hateful Zamorak. It was as things were building to a crescendo that the ancient Guthix, who had been unknown to us previously, stepped in and banished our combat from the lands. Sadly this has meant many of the issues over which we fought remain unfulfilled, but I blame not Guthix for his untimely intervention. If he had not interfered in our squabbles it is likely this world would have been scarred beyond repair, and I wish not for innocence to be the casualty of our war.
—Saradomin, God Letters
History[]
During the Second Age, Zaros had almost complete domination over the world. The areas that are now the Wilderness, Northern Misthalin, Northern Asgarnia and North-western Morytania formed the greatest part of his kingdom, and cities were constructed. When he was betrayed and defeated by his Mahjarrat general, Zamorak, the Second Age ended and the other gods began ruling without interference. However, many gods, especially Saradomin and Zamorak, wanted complete control.
During Ritual of the Mahjarrat, Saradomin states that Zamorak had returned from his banishment as he wanted to repossess the Stone of Jas, which Saradomin confiscated after Zamorak was banished.
After Zaros' banishment, Zamorak quickly rounded up Zaros' remaining loyalist followers and destroyed his fortresses and cities. The majority were destroyed quickly except for Senntisten, which held out for many hundreds of years. The war escalated as other Gods, seeing an opportunity, attempted to seize control of previously Zarosian areas. Zamorak was unable to efficiently conquer and maintain his holdings due to the speed with which he acted. The war further intensified, and by the time of the Fall of Hallowvale, almost the entirety of Gielinor was in chaos. The gods, at the time, could directly interact with the world, which caused destruction far beyond any that had been seen before or after the Wars.
During the Wars, countless civilisations, races, and animal species disappeared. Many were destroyed, while others hid themselves or underwent drastic changes in order to survive. Much of the world itself was mutated; once healthy lands were ruined or reformed. Most of these changes were so devastating that they continue to affect Gielinor today.
In fact, the entire world was on the brink of destruction when the fighting awoke Guthix from his sleep. At the end of the First Age, Guthix had gone into a deep slumber that stretched over many millennia. When he awoke, he found the world in ruin. He was so enraged that he instantly demanded that the gods stop fighting their wars on Gielinor, and to continue to hold influence only through their followers. Most of the gods left Gielinor, although they continued to watch over it and hear the prayers of their faithful. It was at this time that the Third Age, which had lasted approximately 4000 years, finally ended. Guthix planted a massive sword inscribed with mysterious letters into the crater of a volcano in the centre of the destroyed Forinthry region as a warning to the other gods not to break his edicts.
On 28 August 2007, a massive cavern that had been frozen for eons in the northern Troll Country began to thaw due to tectonic movements in the Wilderness. This cavern was the site of one of the God Wars' last battles; the monsters within have not realised that the God Wars are over and thus continued to fight with undaunted fervour. Players are able to explore the dungeon, but it is extremely dangerous. Though it is a massive battle, with hundreds of monsters and warriors fighting for their gods with no end in sight, it pales in comparison to the bloody carnage that was the Third Age. The Oracle mentioned that as long as the object the God Wars searched for remained hidden, the God Wars would remain dead.
Historical discrepancies[]
The true history of the God Wars is always somewhat difficult to determine. Having occurred several thousand years ago, information about the God Wars is difficult to come by.
However, an even more hindering factor are the differences in accounts of the Wars. Saradominists and Zamorakians often disagree on what truly occurred at the time. For instance, Saradominists such as The Wise Old Man state that when victory was nearly Saradomin's, he pitied the Zamorakians and allowed for a truce to be made. Zamorakians, however, insist that this was not the case, and have their own beliefs on the matter. Most now accept that it was actually Guthix who ended the Wars.
Another difficult subject are the Edicts of Guthix, which were created by Guthix when he ended the Wars. Some religious groups doubt their existence. Others, however, including many important religious advisors such as Aeonisig Raispher, highly encourage the following of the Edicts. This makes understanding them difficult, and has been the cause of many political disputes since their creation.
Significant events[]
Major conflicts[]
There had been a countless number of individual battles and skirmishes over the course of the Third Age; many have been lost to time. The details of the more impactful battles are well recounted and listed below. Please note that these events may not be in complete chronological order.
- Zarosian Extermination - In an attempt to completely cover up the existence of Zaros, the forces of Zamorak and Saradomin laid waste to his settlements and fortresses and established new settlements, such as Saranthium after the Fall of Senntisten, on top of the ruins. Zaros' followers were also systematically hunted down and either converted or killed; many went into hiding in the fortress of Ghorrock and others fled to the Kharidian Desert, where they currently live as bandits still deeply loyal to their god.
- The Dorgeshuun Civil War - After breaking away from Bandos' army, the Dorgeshuun goblin tribe retreated into the natural cave formations underneath Lumbridge Swamp, and founded the beginnings of their capital, Dorgesh-Kaan. Soon after there was an intense power struggle; the civilian populace supported the rule of a council of elders, while the militant among them supported their general, Bonehelm, who refused to relinquish power. This set the stage for a rather short lived yet bloody civil war between the two factions, and resulted in Bonehelm's army being crushed by the collapsing cave system.
- Fall of Hallowvale - After Zamorak had returned from his banishment, Lowerniel Vergidiyad Drakan, a frighteningly powerful Vampyre lord, was granted permission by Zamorak to claim the Hallowland as his own for his honourable service in the rebellion. Soon after, hordes of werewolves, vampyres, and undead swept over the land, eventually leading to the capture of King Ascertes; this forced the icyene Queen Efaritay to unconditionally surrender. Then, the once shining city of Hallowvale was converted into a ramshackle ghetto used by the vampyres to harvest human blood, and a dark veil was cast over the lush, forested Hallowland; turning it into the swampy and decay-ridden kingdom now known as Morytania.
- Morytania Campaign - In the later part of the Third Age, six brothers: Ahrim, Dharok, Verac, Karil, Guthan, and Torag, assembled a militia consisting of Saradominists, mercenaries, and other hired hands in an effort to reclaim the Hallowland and undo the taint caused by Drakan. Before the campaign had started, they were blessed with considerable strength by a shadowy stranger, allowing them to spearhead the invasion and bring down all Zamorakian forces that stood in their way. However, as the campaign carried on, the brothers were confronted by the stranger again (who is later revealed to have been the mahjarrat Sliske) and were afflicted with a mysterious illness which quickly killed them; Sliske then claimed their spirits as his own and raised them as undead wights. With their commanders lost, any hopes the soldiers had of freeing the Hallowland came to a swift and unfortunate end.
- Battle of Uzer - Uzer, then the largest city in the Kharidian Desert, was besieged by Thammaron, an Elder Demon and chief lieutenant of Zamorak. Despite Queen Senliten's best efforts to save the city with her vast army of Clay Golems, Thammaron ultimately prevailed and destroyed Uzer; but was grievously wounded and forced to retreat to his home world, where he suffered a slow death. The remainder of Thammaron's army is eventually rounded up and crushed by the mahjarrat Azzanadra.
- Battle of Ullek - Shortly after the fall of Uzer, another lieutenant of Zamorak, Balfrug Kreeyath, led a siege against the prosperous city of Ullek. Despite the impressive military of Ullek and its natural defences, the city was easily sacked, earning Kreeyath the title 'Despoiler of Ullek.' Those who managed to escape the chaos fled to the nearby city of Sophanem.
- Battle of the Godsword - With Zamorak beaten back into Forinthry, Saradomin sought to deliver the killing blow; forming a loose alliance between himself, Armadyl, and Bandos, he planned the creation of a mighty weapon, the Godsword. The aviantese, bird-like followers of Armadyl, were tasked with delivering the blade, while each of the three gods created their own hilt to control its power. Zamorak, hearing of the weapon's creation, sent a task force commanded by the legendary K'ril Tsutsaroth, and created his own hilt in hopes of turning the weapon against his enemies. The aviantese, upon making contact with Tsutsaroth, were forced to retreat to the nearby Temple of Lost Ancients. Setting up a defence within the temple and aided by Saradominist and Bandosian reinforcements, the alliance managed to hold back the Zamorakians, but as the fighting carried on, the allure of the Godsword proved too great to resist; the battle suddenly turned into a chaotic free-for-all to control the Godsword, and during this time it is believed that the blade was shattered. On the surface-world, Zamorak's end was fast approaching as his legions fell before him. By a stroke of luck, he had discovered the location of the Stone of Jas; knowing the power that the Stone held and that he must act quickly, he decimated all of Forinthry in a massive explosion that resulted in the Wilderness as it known today. This act caused the Anima Mundi much harm, which prompted Guthix to end the wars by banishing the participating gods and establishing the Edicts, thus sealing the Temple of Lost Ancients in ice, now known as the God Wars Dungeon, and the combatants within it.
Other occurrences[]
The God Wars also had a profound impact on its participants and Gielinor's environment. These events are in no particular order.
- Azzanadra, the champion of Zaros and a powerful Mahjarrat, was overpowered and imprisoned in Jaldraocht Pyramid. It is suggested that Zamorakian and Saradominist forces collaborated to bring him down, as he was immensely powerful.
- Akthanakos, another Zarosian mahjarrat, was also imprisoned and turned into a Boneguard after finding himself at the mercy of his arch-rival Enakhra, a deeply fanatical follower of Zamorak.
- The Aviantese, a race of bird-creatures devoted to Armadyl, were wiped out on Gielinor. Armadyl left Gielinor as a result of this. Several were frozen in a massive battle, the God Wars Dungeon, and have recently defrosted.
- Dwarves, after realising that the Wars could force their race to extinction, sealed themselves beneath the world's surface. They constructed their capital, Keldagrim, which exists even to this day.
- Elves retreated into Prifddinas due to the danger of the lands beyond Arandar.
- Gnomes, like dwarves, are forced to flee beneath the surface of the world. Their capital, the Gnome Stronghold, was ruined and remains so until the Fourth Age.
- Bandos led the ogres into the Feldip Hills, quickly wiping out the local populace and claiming the land as his own.
- Wyrms, a species of ancient dragons much more powerful than any known dragon today, slowly disappeared from continued use in combat and evolution.
- Orichalcum, a type of metal forged by the Dragonkin, fell into the hands of several other races such as humans, fairies, and implings.
- The knowledge of the Ancient Magicks, extremely powerful battle spells, was largely forgotten. Having been used by only a select few Zarosians, their death resulted in the near extinction of these magicks. However, the spells have resurfaced and have fallen into the hands of evil mages such as Solus Dellagar and Zenevivia.
- Contact with an Underwater city was lost, with all memory of the city nearly vanishing from Gielinor. Few now remember it save Guthix himself.
- Yu'biusk was the original world of the goblins. Here they lived in peace for thousands of years until being discovered by Bandos. Bandos took them to Gielinor, despite the goblins resisting this, leaving their world in ruin. Once in Gielinor, they became his devoted warriors, referring to him as the "Big High War God".
- Many of the thousands that perished in the Wilderness returned from the dead as Revenants. These creatures terrorise the Wilderness even after the God Wars end, their crazed, broken minds filled with bloodlust. Not able to die permanently, these creatures eternally haunt the Wilderness.
- Dragontooth Island, a small forested land east of Morytania, is used by Saradominists as an outpost. They were brutally killed by an unknown enemy, leaving much of their tale a mystery.
- Agrith-Naar, a powerful demon, was banished from Gielinor by Guthix upon his awakening. However, he still managed to influence Gielinor by controlling natural disasters.
- A large island north of Morytania, commonly known today as "Fossil Island", was ravaged by war. Many of the animal species unique to the island are entirely wiped out. These long-extinct creatures are now being studied by the Varrock Museum, while the island itself is reachable by a boat, The Stormbreaker, from the Varrock Dig Site.
- The Fist of Guthix, the cavern where Saradomin hid the Stone of Jas during the Wars, is discovered and Fiara is tasked by Guthix with watching over the area to prevent the misuse of the remaining energy. The Stone is subsequently moved to the Ancient Guthix Temple deep underneath the Lumbridge Swamp.
- The town of Eastbridge was destroyed in the intense fighting.
- At some point, Bandos' race of great warriors, the Ourgs, were destroyed save for two members; General Graardor and Zarador.
War tactics[]
The God Wars were a bloody time marred by battles. Because the land was ever-changing from the constant battles which plagued its surface, there were only a few long-standing cities. Occasionally large camps would be created, but rarely did any significant settlement survive for long.
Because of this, the battles of the God Wars were more violent and bloody than any other. Everyone was pushed to fighting; there were very few "civilians". The majority of battles were battles held on open land with make-shift defensive structures placed to protect soldiers. While some armies made use of strategy and cunning tactics to overcome their foes, others chose brute force. Followers of Bandos in particular were known for their strength and brutality. Making use of overwhelming numbers, Bandos's armies took no prisoners.
Equipment[]
Armour such as Third age armour was used often in the God Wars. Far stronger than most armours used today, its resilience made it the equipment of choice for those that could create it. What it is made from, depending on class is white dragonhide, enchanted silk and enchanted silver but where it came from is unknown; the knowledge of how to create this equipment was lost long ago. This armour is crafted so well that it can still be used today, and is highly prized among those with the funds or the skills to obtain it.
Siege weaponry was used primarily during the beginning of the Wars, although it was utilised at times later into the Third Age. To eliminate the remaining settlements, soldiers made use of battering rams, siege ladders, and other such equipment.
Impact on Gielinor today[]
The God Wars continue to have an impact on Gielinor today. Many of the lands that were seized by certain races in the God Wars are still under their rule today. Many areas, such as the Feldip Hills and Morytania continue to be affected by their roles in the Wars. The wilderness, in particular, has remained virtually unchanged since it was destroyed during the Wars.
The God Wars also serve as a historical reminder to the rulers of the modern age. Since the Edicts of Guthix were put in place, there have continued to be countless battles; indeed, the Fourth Age was a time of great violence between the world's races. The only thing that has prevented this from escalating into all-out wars are the Edicts, which prevent large-scale attacks between different races and religious factions. Rulers must be careful to abide by these. For instance, King Roald III of Varrock is currently faced with a difficult situation; the werewolves of Morytania have begun to kidnap travellers near the Paterdomus to appease the blood tithes of the vampyres. However, the king cannot launch a full-scale assault, as doing so could result in another God War and the destruction of the world. Some wished to circumvent the Edicts or remove them completely, including a number of splinter groups currently operating near the Paterdomus temple. The God Wars could be seen as Gielinor's equivalent of nuclear war in the real world, with no apparent victor yet many losers.
Excavations are also being performed in the search for relics from these ancient times. This is a difficult task, however; the God Wars occurred over 4000 years ago, so nearly all of the artefacts from this time have been destroyed. Furthermore, there were few permanent structures during the time, leaving us with little understanding of the architecture, literature, or any other cultural aspects of the age. Fortunately, there is a considerable amount of armour that has survived within the earth, and in some areas pottery and other such relics can be found. The largest excavation currently under way is being performed by the Varrock Museum at the Varrock Dig Site, which was once the Zarosian capital of Senntisten (and later Saranthium). Other, smaller, digs are also under way, such as the one performed by the Dorgeshuun. Recently, they discovered a large number of artefacts from the Dorgeshuun civil war while they were helping the dwarves to build the Dorgesh-Kaan - Keldagrim Train System.
Trivia[]
- It is currently unknown as to whether or not Brassica Prime or Marimbo were involved in the God Wars.
- Guthix's sword of edicts is technically not a sword, rather just a blade, as it lacks any type of handle. However, in the cosmetic override for the sword, it does in fact have one.
- Seren and V are the only known deities present on Gielinor who did not participate in the God Wars.