Zaros

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"Zarosian" redirects here. For other uses, see Zarosian (disambiguation).
Full powerDamagedRobeless (dark)Robeless (light)IncorporealSliske's Endgame (full power)Sliske's Endgame (damaged)Azzanadra's Quest (cutscene)Azzanadra's Quest (outside cutscene)Battle of the Monolith
Zaros
Release24 March 2014 (Update)
Also called•The Dark Imperator[1][notes 1]
• The Empty Lord[notes 2]
• The Great Lord
• Lord of Empty Promises
• Nameless One[2]
• The Stranger from Afar[3][notes 3]
•The Terrible One[4][notes 4]
RaceTranscendent God
MembersYes
Quest
LocationFreneskae
GenderMale
Options? (edit)
Examine• The so-called Empty Lord.
• He looks like [subject].
• What is he doing here? (Anachronia)
Advanced data
NPC ID? (edit)
LinksMRND
[view] • [talk]

Zaros (pronounced /ˈzɑː.rɒs/ ZAH-ross)[5] is a god associated with fate and control who once saw much of Gielinor as his dominion during the Second Age. Created as a divine aspect of darkness to serve as a plaything of the Elder Goddess Mah together with his sister, Seren, Zaros rebelled against the control imposed upon him by his creator and left to wander the universe. After spending uncounted aeons watching and observing various mortal races throughout the different planes, Zaros came upon Gielinor to establish a domain of his own, a historic event that marked the beginning of the Second Age.[6] One of his first major acts on Gielinor was killing Loarnab, a powerful hydra god located on the land which would become capital of his empire, Senntisten. Zaros used ancient elements to bind the god and siphon its powers into a portal which would be used to bring in all of his twelve demon legions from Infernus. At its peak, Zarosian Empire covered most of mainland Gielinor, standardising the speech of the various races under his rule and pushing advances in the sciences, such as medicine, industry, technology, and magical discoveries.[7]

During the Second Age, Zaros waged war against certain gods, like Tumeken, in order to expand his empire. In an effort to resist the strong invasion of Zarosians into the territory of the Desert Pantheon, Icthlarin and Amascut sought the support of powerful races from other worlds. Although initially unsuccessful, they eventually travelled to Freneskae, where they discovered the Mahjarrat. They attempted to persuade the Mahjarrat into their service, and while some Mahjarrat disagreed to leave Freneskae, the most powerful, such as Azzanadra and Temekel, insisted and prevailed, so all of them journeyed together [8]. With the support of the Mahjarrat, who were known as “Stern Judges” to the menaphites, Tumeken’s forces easily dispatched the invading Zarosians [9]. Zaros, alarmed by this, eventually discovered the new warriors were Children of Mah, like himself. In a meeting with Sliske, Zaros managed to convince him to persuade all the Mahjarrat to his service. Sliske was extremely successful, and only one subject chose to remain loyal to Tumeken, becoming forgotten years later. The Mahjarrat race betrayed the Desert Pantheon and became high ranked officials and warriors in Zaros’ empire. With the strength of the Mahjarrat and Zaros’ existing army, the menaphite forces were practically doomed. During a large battle, Tumeken sacrificed himself in self-destructive explosion, and wiped the majority of the Mahjarrat and other important figures of Zaros’ forces. The power of the explosion turned the lush forests of the region into the Kharidian Desert and halted further invasion.

Although rarely sighted, with an ever empty throne, Zaros eventually intensified his absence from the empire at the end of the Second Age, as he believed his followers needed to develop independence. If there was proximity to Zaros, his strong innate effect to enforce devotion from others, instilled in him during his creation by Mah, gradually removed the free will from his loyalists. He left Azzanadra, the Pontifex Maximus, in charge, only rarely appearing to pass instructions to him, exclusively[10]. His continued absence made him known as the “Empty Lord” to his followers, and was one of the motives for Zamorak’s rebellion, as he felt the Mahjarrat were sustaining Zaros’ empire on their own.

At the height of his Empire, Zaros was betrayed by his Legatus Maximus, Zamorak. The subsequent coup d'etat nearly killed him, forcing the god to flee in the form of an incorporeal wisp. The civil wars and the foreign incursions destroyed the Empire from within and without, the last moments of the Second Age.

Marking the beginning of the Third Age, the God Wars that ensued saw the eradication of his once ubiquitous state-religion that had administered the Empire in his name. Unlike most of the gods in Gielinor, no church currently exists in his name, though certain groups such as the Desert Bandits and loyalist Mahjarrat retain faith in the god.

Deity info[edit | edit source]

Zaros
Symbol
AlignmentFate, Control, Darkness
Tier2
ColoursPurple, black, gold
AdjectiveZarosian

History[edit | edit source]

Main article: Zaros/History

Personality[edit | edit source]

Zaros has a tendency to be very calm, rational and diplomatic. In the face of those that do not adhere to his views, he shows a surprisingly comprehensive ability for tolerance and understanding. Unlike the majority of gods on Gielinor, Zaros never ascended to attain divinity, but was rather a god from the start.[11] As such, many mortal concepts such as revenge are foreign to him. Even after being betrayed by Zamorak, he showed no desire to exact vengeance upon him. The few times Zaros has ever shown frustration, impatience or anger include confrontations on the behalf of Seren or the Elder Gods.

Zaros considers it his birthright to become an Elder God as he was directly created by the Elder God Mah alongside Seren. As such, he is highly ambitious and a visionary. Although he is not always clear about his intentions, his goals are towards a big picture that he genuinely believes is the best outcome for mortals.

Beyond Seren and the Elder Gods, Zaros views other Gods as mortals who have obtained an immense amount of power to the point of being able to influence other mortals on a global scale. He does not view them as rivals but rather as tools and obstacles. Thus he deems many activities and tasks beneath his notice[12], opting to delegate where necessary.[13]

As a being who values progression, he sees wasting someone's potential as contemptuous.[14][15] His experiences with Mah and Seren have made him view all forms of dependence as a weakness.[16][17]

Ideology[edit | edit source]

“ It is my belief that everything that occurs in life - both good and bad - should be used to forge oneself, to better oneself. Where Guthix sought balance in the world, I seek balance in oneself. ”
— Zaros

The primary focus of Zaros's philosophy is the realization of one's full potential through gaining power and knowledge while overcoming one's weaknesses to reach said potential.[18]

Zaros holds a belief that an action should be measured by its impact on the individual's growth, and not judged according to the dichotomy of "good and evil".[19] However, he does not dismiss the existence of moral absolutism and its value entirely[20] and acknowledges its impact on mortals who live by it.[21]

The consequential approach in problem-solving is the dominant viewpoint and is applicable to everything, from beliefs and ideas to objects and living beings.[22][23] Foreign concepts and their related theories are useful as long as they serve a set goal.[24] If a project, be it a system or an individual subject, has reached a status of a potential Zaros had envisioned for it, it is left to continue its existence on its own.[25] Under this philosophy, there is no value in sentimentality.[26]

Before his deposition, Zaros had laid the Zarosian Empire as the starting point from which his plan for the unification of the peoples of Gielinor would proceed, intending to govern the society like a mechanical system, with individuals obeying authority and serving their assigned role, like cogs in a machine.[27] However, the exile forced Zaros to acknowledge the failure of his Empire's model[28] and changed his perspective on politics.[29] It also gave him time to examine the newly gained insight into interpersonal relations - an otherwise alien concept beforehand.[30][31] As a result of this understanding, these days Zaros's attention has shifted to only individuals with strong potential.[32][33] When called, these chosen individuals are expected to perform to the best of their capabilities[34] and, if they exceed them, be recognised for it.[35]

Relationships[edit | edit source]

Saradomin[edit | edit source]

Saradomin is currently the strongest of the Young Gods after the death of Guthix and the Battle of Lumbridge. Zaros views him as narrow minded and a hypocrite for believing in good and evil but using questionable means for the greater good. However conversely, he believes that Saradomin's beliefs and actions have merit as stated before. If he could broaden his views, Zaros believes he could make a capable envoy with mortals and a key ally[36]

At the same time, Zaros used Saradomin as an unwitting pawn, allowing the latter to own the Elder Crown for safekeeping purposes, only for Zaros to later reclaim it by force when it became necessary for his plans.[37]

Zamorak[edit | edit source]

Zaros still holds the view even after Zamorak's betrayal that he was his finest general and he trusted him immensely, still to this day not completely understanding why he did what he did. He theorizes that it is Zamorak's strong will to overcome anything; interestingly enough, Zaros says it as a compliment.

Retribution is not a priority or even a goal of Zaros for Zamorak's betrayal; contrary to the views of his followers and Zamorak, who constantly worried that he would seek retribution on him[38].

Bandos[edit | edit source]

Zaros describes Bandos as having two talents: the obvious strategic mind and the not so obvious ability to find the truth in any situation. His constant demand for war was his weakness and lead to his downfall at the hands of his rival Armadyl. If he had learned to control his thirst for violence, Zaros believes he could have proved useful.[39]

Armadyl[edit | edit source]

Armadyl is the subject of a great deal of respect and interest from Zaros. In the category of the Young Gods, Armadyl holds the most favour from Zaros. This is a combination of several things including his ideology and his actions as a result of his experiences. When Zaros first met him during the Second Age, he viewed him as naive who would not be able to capably lead his followers through the brutal war that devastated the world. While partly true, with Armadyl witnessing the near destruction of his entire race. Zaros is sympathetic to his loss, noting that unlike the other Gods: Zamorak, Saradomin, and Bandos; Armadyl's intentions were always pure. To the surprise and admiration of Zaros, Armadyl did not fall to despair but instead was emboldened to fight for his beliefs and his followers resulting in his victory over Bandos. With his beliefs reinforced and his capability as a leader in war and willingness to work with others apparent, Zaros harbours a great deal of admiration for the Young God, in particular for his belief that mortals and gods can live together in peace[40]. Armadyl in turn sees Zaros as a mysterious entity, unsure of whether he would be Gielinor's saviour or destructor. If the World Guardian opted to tell Armadyl about his people being experimented on to be nihil, then Armadyl called him a monster that only deserved contempt.[41]

Seren[edit | edit source]

Zaros and Seren originally had a very close relationship caused by their respective auras of loyalty and love that forced them to stay obsessed with each other. Seren came to resent Zaros for leaving her and Mah, although she still loved Zaros enough to hate Zamorak for nearly killing him.[42] Whatever love she may have had left for Zaros likely disappeared after he essentially forced her to kill Mah[43], and their relationship worsened further after their dealings with the young gods involving the Stone of Jas; depending on the player's actions, he may outmaneuvre her or vice versa, causing both of them to vow to never forgive the other.[44] Zaros later stated that his plan would bring him into conflict with Seren at the Mysterious monolith as he ordered his followers to prepare for war with her.[45]This eventually comes to pass at the Battle of the Monolith. As Zaros goes to the Monolith to leave for Erebus, Seren implores him to work together and step down. Zaros re-affirms that if she wants to stop him she will have to kill him, Seren being unwilling to do so teleports away before Zaros leaves via the Monolith. [46]

Guthix[edit | edit source]

Zaros' views of Guthix show both intrigue and interest in the God of Balance, having never met him directly and only learned of him from his sparse following. Zaros states that he would have appreciated an opportunity to speak with Guthix, for he acknowledges that the two shared very similar ideals of balance, only differing in that Zaros claims he would subtly guide mortals to unlocking their true potential, whereas he believed Guthix would leave them to their own failures.[47] However, Zaros may have underestimated Guthix's wisdom, believing that he was oblivious to the Elder Gods and The Great Revision, and that Guthix's inaction had created dire circumstances to the inhabitants of Gielinor.[48] This doesn't appear to be true, as Guthix was actually well aware of The Great Revision alongside other great threats to the universe such as the Broken Needle and the Shadow Breach.[49] Guthix had not spoken very much about his own views of Zaros, but had advised the World Guardian during their visit to the Guthix of the past to be cautious of him, explaining that his return from his physical death was "unnatural" and likely came at a great cost.[50]

Powers and abilities[edit | edit source]

Along with Guthix and Seren, Zaros ranks tier 2 on the godhood scale, making him one of the most powerful gods in existence. He possesses a wide range of powers that is well beyond normal gods.

Ancient magic and curses stem from him. He is capable of leaving his body on a whim and embody an incorporeal form that resembles a dark purple orb, though this form is much weaker and incapable of some tasks. This ability saved his life after he was stabbed by the Staff of Armadyl.

Zaros can enter the mind of an individual and empower them with unlimited use of ancient magicks and curses, which he offered to do for the World Guardian before they faced numerous muspah.[51] Conversely, while inside an individual's mind, he can forcefully take control of their actions, such as forcing them to kneel in addition to inflicting immense pain. Because neither Zaros nor the individual are physically present inside their mind, they cannot retaliate against Zaros; only the Staff of Armadyl has been shown capable of breaking free from Zaros' control while he is controlling one's mind, and was the only reason why Zamorak's rebellion was successful.

Zaros can drain and weave energy from entities even in his incorporeal form, albeit at an extremely slow rate. He began draining energy from muspah after he returned to Freneskae after his defeat, but was only able to gather enough to sustain his form as a purple orb.[52]

Zaros can use tendrils of shadow, smoke, and blood, which he used to defeat Loarnab. As Loarnab charged towards Zaros, purple tendrils emerged from the beast's own shadow, ensnaring it and preventing it from moving. Zaros then created green tendrils that descended from the sky around Loarnab, restraining its movement even further. Finally, red coloured tendrils stabbed at the beast and pierced its hide, causing severe bleeding. To prevent Loarnab from dying until its power could be harnessed, Zaros healed it with an icicle like structure.[6]

Zaros can fire a purple beam that he used to overpower Zamorak during their confrontation on Freneskae[notes 5]. Against Sliske during his endgame, Zaros used an attack resembling a green energy bolt.

He could quarantine an entire district of Senntisten by creating barriers of purple energy. This district was several miles in area and large enough to house over 50,000 people. He then buried the entire district beneath a large amount of earth and stone.[53][54]

Zaros, like most gods, can create portals to other worlds and teleport himself and other beings that are not beyond his power.

Like Seren, Zaros has a special ability in which he can subtly force loyalty onto others, but not beings that dampen divine energy. Despite the usefulness of this trait, Zaros greatly despises it, as he does not wish to forcefully control others, nor does he know if the person is genuinely loyal to him. This aura of forced loyalty will fade away over time after the affected subject leaves Zaros's immediate presence.[55] Once they enter Zaros's proximity again, the aura will quickly take effect on them as shown during Zaros and Zamorak's encounter.[56] The aura does not affect other gods with the sole exception of Seren.[57]

He can manipulate existing life-forms, and this is how he created the Nihil. As seen while conversing with him, Zaros is capable of shapeshifting into other beings. As stated by Azzanadra in the Temple of Senntisten after Fate of the Gods, Zaros observes other beings from the Shadow Realm.[58] According to Mod Osborne, Zaros is even more skilled than Sliske in his ability to understand, control and transverse the Shadow Realm.[59]

Zaros and Seren, his twin, are able to naturally withstand the voice, screams, and nightmares of Elder Gods, as they have done so in Mah’s presence for millennia. Mah’s screams were able to pierce the World Guardian’s protection during Fate of the Gods. Jas creates the Voice of Jas to communicate with the World Guardian as her raw voice would destroy them.

As Zaros is able to enter and survive the chamber where Raksha is imprisoned, he also resists a high degree of shadow anima in the environment, a trait likely shared with his sibling. However, during the Battle for the Monolith, Zaros said that even he would have difficulties transversing the dimension of Erebus, having acquired means for protecting himself, which he did not explicitly describe. It is understood that shadow anima, in such concentration, is toxic to even Elder Gods in long periods of exposure.

Followers[edit | edit source]

The chamber of Nex, prominently displaying the Zarosian symbol in the floor plan.

Originally Zaros was worshipped in his empire in the north-east of the known continent. However, its settlements were destroyed by Zamorak and Saradomin before the former utterly laid waste to the land itself. Most traces of the Zarosian religion and the god himself, such as altars and temples, have been destroyed by Saradomin and Zamorak during the Zarosian Extermination in an attempt to wipe all traces of him from Gielinor. His remaining followers were either killed or forced into hiding if refusing to defect. Without their god, the Zarosian following diminished throughout the Third and early Fourth Ages, until being reduced to a small number of Kharidian bandits.

Groups and races[edit | edit source]

Notable individuals[edit | edit source]

Azzanadra, one of the few remaining Mahjarrat loyal to Zaros.
  • Akthanakos - A Mahjarrat of average power who is the sworn enemy of Enakhra. He was a tribune in the empire.
  • Ayanetka - A deceased archbishop of Senntisten, who encouraged the bishops and priests of Zaros to remain faithful following the betrayal of Zamorak.
  • Azzanadra - An exceptionally powerful and honourable Mahjarrat, regarded as Zaros' most faithful servant, and is known as the Champion of Zaros. He played a major role in Zaros' return to Gielinor, and was one of Zaros' generals, as well as the pontifex maximus.
  • Char - A powerful Auspah and the last of her race. She is extremely loyal to Zaros and also one of his generals.
  • Dagroda - A deceased 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.
  • Eva Cashien - A Temple Knight who follows Zaros after the schism within the order.
  • Jhallan - A fairly strong and arrogant 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. He was eventually sacrificed at the 18th Ritual of Rejuvenation. He was a pontifex in the empire.
  • Lottie Reiniger - A member of Silhouette who is the acting guildmaster of the Archaeology Guild.
  • Mizzarch - An apparently fairly weak Mahjarrat who was sacrificed at the 15th Ritual of Rejuvenation. He was a pontifex in the empire.
  • Nex - An extremely powerful Nihil general of Zaros who was imprisoned in the Temple of Lost Ancients.
  • Soran - A mysterious cloaked emissary of Zaros who resides in Varrock.
  • Trindine - A former member of the Praetorians under Sliske, Trindine is the only remaining female Zarosian Mahjarrat. She was lost for centuries before being located in Kharid-Et some time after the 19th Ritual of Rejuvenation.
  • Veilinius - A Chthonian demon who is the Grand Master of the Order of the Temple of Zaros.
  • Vindicta - A powerful and vengeful Dragon Rider acting as the general of Zaros' army in the conflict for The Heart.
  • 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. He was a legate in the empire.

Gallery[edit | edit source]

  • Concept art of Zaros in his robes.

    Concept art of Zaros in his robes.

  • Concept art of Zaros at full power.

    Concept art of Zaros at full power.

  • Concept art for what Zaros looks like underneath his robes.

    Concept art for what Zaros looks like underneath his robes.

  • Zaros as seen in the The Origins of Gielinor motion comic video.

    Zaros as seen in the The Origins of Gielinor motion comic video.

  • The wound on Zaros' back if he is given a light simulacrum.

    The wound on Zaros' back if he is given a light simulacrum.

  • Concept art for the back side of Zaros' wound.

    Concept art for the back side of Zaros' wound.

  • Concept art of Zaros facing Zamorak in the Fate of the Gods sequel.

    Concept art of Zaros facing Zamorak in the Fate of the Gods sequel.

  • Concept art of Zaros approaching the Elder God Bik.

    Concept art of Zaros approaching the Elder God Bik.

  • Some Zarosian writings found on him and in the empty throne room.

    Some Zarosian writings found on him and in the empty throne room.

  • Zaros facing Loarnab alongside the First Legion, as depicted in the 'Prima Legio' painting.

    Zaros facing Loarnab alongside the First Legion, as depicted in the 'Prima Legio' painting.

  • Zaros activating the Elder Codex at the Varrock Dig Site, above the ruins of Senntisten.

    Zaros activating the Elder Codex at the Varrock Dig Site, above the ruins of Senntisten.

  • Zaros outside Kharid-et, with his followers, in the Second Age.

    Zaros outside Kharid-et, with his followers, in the Second Age.

  • Zaros speaking with Sliske and Trindine in Kharid-et as depicted in Consensus ad Idem.

    Zaros speaking with Sliske and Trindine in Kharid-et as depicted in Consensus ad Idem.

  • A battle between Zaros and Tumeken, depicted in Solem in Umbra.

    A battle between Zaros and Tumeken, depicted in Solem in Umbra.

  • Zaros speaking with Varanus.

    Zaros speaking with Varanus.

  • Zaros burying the Senntisten graveyard.

    Zaros burying the Senntisten graveyard.

Dialogue[edit | edit source]

Transcripts Zaros speaks in:

Works[edit | edit source]

Transcripts Zaros is the author or co-author of:

Update history[edit | edit source]

This information has been compiled as part of the update history project. Some updates may not be included – see here for how to help out!
  • patch 28 May 2019 (Update):.
    • The clickbox on Zaros during Fate of the Gods is now larger and easily clickable.
  • patch 7 April 2014 (Update):
    • Azzanadra was getting a bit confused in Senntisten after Zaros' return. He has since been enlightened and feels much more informed.
    • An issue in Zaros's dialogue that was causing confusion during Fate of the Gods has been corrected.

Trivia[edit | edit source]

  • While on Freneskae, Zaros drained power from the muspahs spawned by Mah's nightmares to sustain himself. This was first hinted by Kharshai claiming that Zaros' power was stronger than it had been in a long time.[60]
  • Zarosian history is based on real-world Ancient Roman history. This includes a heavy usage of Latin.
  • The Kalphite Queen used to remark that "[the kalphites] are faithfully waiting for the return of Zaros" when talked to in a skill hall. This connection has not been explained, but the dialogue is no longer present.
  • The encrypted message in the description of the Chaos Elemental's card in the RuneScape Top Trumps reads, once deciphered: "There will come a time when the Empty One returns aiming to take the Stone and confirming himself as an Elder God." This was a hint at Zaros' future plans. Additionally, it once said "bizarre boron swell", which is an anagram of "Zaros will be reborn".[61]
  • Bob the Cat says "Well, I don't believe much really since I know I am Zar-.... erm, well, no, I erm, meow?", but he is known not to be Zaros.
  • Zaros is voiced by David Rintoul.
  • In Sliske's Endgame, Death can be asked how Zaros would die. Death cryptically claims that he feels "a burning as hot as a star, and then a giant blackness. I feel a prolonged sadness that has come to an end."
  • In some concept art featuring Zaros, he is shown wielding a staff or spear-like weapon. This weapon has not appeared in-game, aside from being depicted in the 'Prima Legio', 'Solem in Umbra', and 'Consensus ad Idem' paintings.
  • Unlike some gods, such as Saradomin and Armadyl, who derived their symbols from Elder Artefacts, Zaros' symbol is his own creation. Its meaning and what it represents however, is unknown.[62]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ^ Title used during the early expansion of the empire.
  2. ^ Title used following the early expansion of the empire.
  3. ^ Name used by Vampyres.
  4. ^ Name used by Saradominists.
  5. ^ As seen during Children of Mah.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ^ Jagex. "Roots in the Community." "Roots in the Community." (Archived from the original on 30 September 2018.) RuneScape Lores and Histories. "When the Dark Imperator ceased his march across Gielinor's scarred surface and withdrew to obscurity - becoming the Empty Lord - everything changed."
  2. ^ Movario's notes (volume 2), "While Guthix Sleeps", RuneScape.
  3. ^ Jagex. "The Old Blood." "The Old Blood." (Archived from the original on 30 September 2018.) RuneScape Lores and Histories.
  4. ^ Old man's message, written by Wise Old Man, "Wise Old Man/Tasks", RuneScape. "Indeed, I hear a whisper from the south that the power of the Terrible One has been rediscovered!"
  5. ^ Jagex. Official lore livestream with Mods Mark and Osborne Official lore livestream, 4 November 2012.
  6. ^ a b Codex Ultimatus, written by Duke Nemesis, RuneScape.
  7. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "My empire led to a great many advancements: industry, medicine, technology, magical discovery."
  8. ^ Bilrach's memory, written by Bilrach, "Mahjarrat Memories", RuneScape.
  9. ^ Senliten, "Missing My Mummy", RuneScape. "That vile creature Zaros and his minions. (...) During my reign, we defeated him temporarily with the aid of the Stern Judges."
  10. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "As Zamorak taught me of betrayal, Azzanadra has taught me of loyalty. He had no reason to remain so after my banishment, and yet he has. In my empire, he stood at the head of the church. He has also since proven himself a worthy general."
  11. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "I did not become. I have always been. I was created this way."
  12. ^ Zaros, "Sliske's Endgame", RuneScape. "I have never seen the need, or felt the desire, to participate in mortal entertainments and this is no different."
  13. ^ Veilinius, "Azzanadra's Quest", RuneScape. "Veilinius: (..) I assume we can't expect a visit from the top?
    Trindine: Unlikely. He's delegated this task to us.
    Veilinius: As expected, that is rather his MO. (..)"
  14. ^ Zaros, "The Light Within", RuneScape. "Zaros: Look at her Seren. Such a waste...
    Seren: I don't understand, what do you mean?
    Zaros: Power. Unbridled, unrestrained, limitless potential ... all trapped within this malformed and pathetic husk."
  15. ^ Zaros, "Children of Mah", RuneScape. "You have always had such potential, Zamorak. Even now, you are the embodiment of everything I preach. Such desire to overcome your limitations. I cannot let you go to waste. (..)"
  16. ^ Zaros, "The Light Within", RuneScape. "Love. A pointless tether, nothing more."
  17. ^ Memoriam crystal z03, written by Zaros, RuneScape. "I am flawed, as is my companion. When in close proximity, each of us triggers intense feelings within the other. My companion is filled with devotion towards me, and I adoration towards it. We both are intoxicated by this. It saps my concentration, it saps my companion's will. Neither of us can halt the effect. We are slaves to each other. This... This is control."
  18. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "It is my belief that everything that occurs in life – both good and bad – should be used to forge oneself, to better oneself. If we give in to weakness, then we do not deserve the gift of life. Where Guthix sought balance in the world, I seek balance in oneself. One must strive to increase in power, but also in knowledge of how to wield that power."
  19. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "It was from [Saradomin] that I first learned of the notions of good and evil. I dismiss such notions – there are only actions and consequences."
  20. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "All life falls on a spectrum, and all life has capacity for both good and evil."
  21. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "Yet many have prospered under [Saradomin's] rule, most notably your species... so there is some merit in what he espouses."
  22. ^ Memoriam crystal z05, written by Zaros, RuneScape. "It is a machine with so many moving parts, and yet - against all odds - it works. (..) I shall give this great machine a purpose."
  23. ^ Memoriam crystal z11, written by Zaros, RuneScape. "One race, the Ilujanka, has joined my empire on proviso that I solve their infertility. This seems like a problem worth solving."
  24. ^ Memoriam crystal z05, written by Zaros, RuneScape. "They also have something called language - an alien concept, but one I find most fascinating. They name themselves demons. I shall make myself known to them - their first encounter with divinity. And then I shall use their love of language to bind them to me."
  25. ^ Akthanakos' memory, written by Akthanakos, RuneScape. "The city had become its own purpose, not just an administrative centre but a great living creature in the centre of the empire. I asked Azzanadra about this, and he told me that Zaros seemed pleased by it, not a sentiment we associated with our lord."
  26. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "(..) The empire failed, and is no more. To build another would be folly. (..)"
  27. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "I sought to bring them under one banner – all races and ideals – so that together we might strive for loftier goals."
  28. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "The failure of my empire opened my eyes, however."
  29. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "Mortals cannot be united by will or by force alone."
  30. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "[Zamorak] taught me a valuable lesson that day. He taught me of betrayal."
  31. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "As Zamorak taught me of betrayal, Azzanadra has taught me of loyalty."
  32. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "I see my role now being to lead mortals – the young gods included – towards uplifting themselves. And to work with those powerful few who have stepped beyond the need for guidance."
  33. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "Player: You wish to control all mortals? Zaros: Not control, and not all. (..) I merely wish to encourage certain individuals to reach their full potential. (..)"
  34. ^ Zaros, "Raksha, the Shadow Colossus", RuneScape. "I have confidence that you can handle the situation."
  35. ^ The Promised Gift, written by Nex, RuneScape. "In every other area I could ask for, you have exceeded expectation."
  36. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "He would make for a good envoy, if only he would widen his world view a little."
  37. ^ Zaros, "Azzanadra's Quest", RuneScape. "The crown is my birthright, young pretender."
  38. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "Revenge would serve no purpose, but even if it would I have no time to enact it. There are more pressing matters that require my attention."
  39. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "If only he could have curtailed his eternal desire for war, he might have proven useful."
  40. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "I have always been content to coexist with all young gods and mortals alike."
  41. ^ Armadyl, "Sliske's Endgame", RuneScape. "Zaros is a monster, anyone that could do that to another sentient being deserves only contempt."
  42. ^ Seren, "The Light Within", RuneScape. "I distrust, despise and sometimes even hate my brother Zaros. But I also love him. Whatever comes between us, whatever trials we face, he is the only brother I will ever have. So forgive me if I dislike someone trying to take him from me."
  43. ^ Seren, "Children of Mah", RuneScape. "ZAROS! Your actions resulted in the death of our own mother. How could you?"
  44. ^ Seren, "Sliske's Endgame", RuneScape. "Zaros: What you have done here today sister, it cannot be undone. I cannot forgive you for it.
    Seren: You...forgive me? Your arrogance really does know no bounds. You have already burned our bridges Zaros, I will NEVER forgive you for Mah. NEVER!"
  45. ^ Zaros, "Azzanadra's Quest", RuneScape. "By the time I am ready, Seren will be expecting us. Prepare yourselves for war."
  46. ^ Azzanadra, "Battle of the Monolith", RuneScape. "Azzanadra: My Lord? The Codex is yours, but...forgive my asking. What did she mean? You are leaving?
    Zaros: I am."
  47. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "He was like a myth, spoken of in hushed tones by those of his followers who had not allied with other gods. I would very much have liked to have met him. We shared some ideals. We both valued mortal life enough to step aside. Though where he would leave them to their own devices, and their own failures, I would guide them subtly towards their true destinies."
  48. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "Zaros: Guthix saw this in you too, at the end, but his inaction has cost us dearly.
    Player: Guthix's inaction?
    Zaros: Yes. Gielinor hides a truth the likes of which even Guthix was not aware. If he had known, he would have done more than sleep. Freneskae holds the clues; you will see them with your own eyes soon enough."
  49. ^ Guthix, "Memory bud", RuneScape. "The forbidden secrets of this universe and beyond must be recorded while I still live, so that they can be metered out only when the time is right. The Great Revision. The Broken Needle. The Shadow Breach. If that knowledge is lost, all things shall end. Not just life. Not just the universe. Everything. Time and space, and life and death..."
  50. ^ Guthix, "The Light Within", RuneScape. "To return from death is an unnatural act requiring great power. Be wary of this god, adventurer, such power rarely comes without a cost."
  51. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "If you let me in, I can absorb some of the damage caused to you by Mah and her muspah. I can also supply you with unlimited power to fuel ancient magicks and curses."
  52. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "What little elder energy I have been able to harvest from muspah has only been enough to coalesce and sustain this form."
  53. ^ Gorvek, "Croesus Front", RuneScape. "I was there, in the year of Croesus. The year the fungus killed fifty thousand people, and the Tenth Legion were annihilated(...)We razed miles of city to contain it. The Legion were almost completely wiped out. It still wasn't enough(...)In the end Lord Zaros was forced to intervene personally. He *quarantined* this whole district - simply buried it beneath the earth."
  54. ^
  55. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "You may come to learn something about me – that I... compel loyalty within others, forcibly. It is not something I have control of – it is something that was done to me by Mah. I am unable to rid myself of this... ability, but I must live with it. Do not be concerned – it does not affect you, World Guardian. It is one of the reasons I chose to withdraw from my own empire. I find the idea of coercing another mind to be... distasteful. But it only affects those in my presence, and the effect dissipates with time. This is how I know that those still loyal to me are truly loyal. They have not been under its effects for many centuries, yet still heed my call."
  56. ^ Zamorak, "Sliske's Endgame", RuneScape.
    • Zamorak: Yes, you said that to me back then as well. When I first became a general of your armies and swore to do your bidding. We have not spoken like this in so long. My lord, I feel...'loyal'... Wait...
    Zaros brings a single finger to the lips of his mask, signalling quiet.
    • Zaros: Sliske must not know. I will not take advantage of you.
    • Zamorak: Then this feeling of calm...?
    • Zaros: It is not real. Your rage will return. Your rage at me, in particular. But I urge you, Zamorak, for the sake of the warlord who once showed so much promise, and the righteous divinity you have become: do not let it master you. Come, we must go.
    • Zamorak: Goodbye, my l... Zaros.
  57. ^ Zaros, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "As a child of the creators, I feel it is my duty to bring these young gods to heel. My ability to enforce loyalty does not compel ascendant beings, only the lower mortals and my old companion."
  58. ^ Azzanadra, "Fate of the Gods", RuneScape. "Player: Is Zaros here?
    Azzanadra: He returns here regularly, but is mostly familiarizing himself with this world again. He watches from the Shadow Realm – gods, dragonkin, and mortals alike. There is much work left to do, for which we must prepare."
  59. ^ Mod Raven. Campfire:Quests & Lore. (Archived from the original on 7 September 2013.)
  60. ^ Kharshai, "Koschei's Troubles", RuneScape. "Zamorak’s and Zaros’s power is stronger than it has been in a long time, and I am needed here."
  61. ^ Jagex. Postbag 5 - "Transcript:Chaotic chat, family trouble and secrets revealed!", Letter 4, by the Chaos Elemental. RuneScape Postbags from the Hedge.
  62. ^ Mod Raven. "Campfire - Answers." 27 June 2013. (Archived from the original on 28 June 2013.) General Forums.
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