A preview page from Diablo 4’s new lore book, the Book of Lorath, shows off a fearsome foe that may have a connection with an iconic Diablo 2 boss. This new monster will probably be another powerful enemy players will have to contend with in Diablo 4.
The Book of Lorath is a new lore codex detailing the world of Sanctuary dropping alongside Diablo 4 on June 6. The book is narrated by Lorath Nahr, a character that players encountered early on in the popular Diablo 4 beta. A member of the dwindling Horadrim scholars, this tie-in book goes into greater detail about the lore of Diablo’s universe from Nahr’s perspective.
One of the teaser pages on the Book of Lorath’s Amazon listing shows off a new monster called the Maggot Queen. This grotesque monster is said to produce an ichor that can digest all types of matter–and can also be used to brew potions that can cure grief. Considering this monster is said to be found in marshes and swamps alongside undead and snakemen, players might encounter the Maggot Queen in Hawezar–one of the five playable regions revealed in Diablo 4.
The Maggot Queen’s appearance is evocative of Duriel, the Lord of Pain. The Lesser Evil was the final boss of Act 2 in Diablo 2 and is also referred to as the Maggot King. Keen-eyed players that spotted him in the gameplay trailer and beta achievements know Duriel will be making a reappearance in Diablo 4. Given the similarities in their visual design and naming conventions, the Maggot Queen may be a powerful monster–or even mini-boss–that players must contend with when battling Duriel’s minions.
Duriel isn’t the only Diablo 2 callback coming in Diablo 4. During the Rogue reveal trailer, Andariel, the Maiden of Anguish players battled during Act 1 of Diablo 2, appeared briefly. While players don’t know the context for her or Duriel’s roles in Diablo 4, they are likely working with Lilith in some fashion. Many also wonder if the Prime Evils themselves might appear in Diablo 4. Demonic relics made of their corpses are detailed in the Book of Lorath, and some have theorized the infamous Bloodied Wolf in Diablo 4 may be Mephisto or Diablo.
Diablo 4 fans have less than two months to guess what is in store for Sanctuary. With only Act 1 available during the Diablo 4 beta, it is anyone’s guess as to how the battle between Lilith and Inarius will turn out.
Diablo 4 will be available June 6 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: Amazon
