Neyrelle

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Biography

Early Life

From her childhood, Neyrelle was gripped with a curiosity as to the nature of the world—why things were the way they were. Her mother, Vhenard, told her that the Horadrim had the answers, so Neyrelle devoured their legends, their histories, their writings. She read of the order's founding, of Tal Rasha's sacrifice to contain Baal, and even read some works penned by Deckard Cain. She studied both the Order's triumphs and failures. At the time, studying the Horadrim from a distance, Neyrelle considered them to be wise.^[2]

Neyrelle and her mother travelled Sanctuary in search of artifacts and remnants of the Horadrim. They explored old ruins and read old texts, and in the process, Neyrelle learnt all manner of information pertaining to the arcane.^[3] Her mother affectionally called her "Magpie".^[4]

A Cold and Iron Faith

The Magpie and the Knight

In 1336, Neyrelle and Vhenard arrived at Yelesna in the Fractured Peaks,^[1] In their search for the Horadric Vault, they entered Mistral Woods and within, the Darkened Holt. However, they were surrounded by mists, and forced to turn back.^[5]

To Neyrelle's surprise, Vhenard suddenly ran off.^[1] Unknowingly in the company of Lilith, Vhenard used a wealth charm to bribe Knight Captain Vigo to grant them entry to Windfall Hollow. Vigo obliged.^[6] Neyrelle saw the demon pass by herself.^[7]

The next day, a distraught Neyrelle came to him in Yelesna, claiming that a demon had entered those same mines. Vigo had already reported the demon sighting, but Neyrelle refused to give up.^[6] She also talked to Captain Ankers of Yelesna's guard, but Ankers was also uninterested. Neyrelle spent a whole week pestering him^[8] before heading off to the mines herself.^[1]

Neyrelle arrived at the mine entrance, finding Vigo in the companion of the Wanderer, who had been sent to investigate the demon sighting on orders of the Cathedral of Light. Vigo remained obstinate, and Neyrelle asked the Wanderer for aid. To Neyrelle's horror, the Wanderer explained that the demon in question was Lilith. Vigo relented, opened the mines, and the three entered. As they made their way through, Neyrelle noticed her mother's wealth charm hanging from Vigo's wrist. Vigo claimed that Vhenard had given it to him as a gift.^[1]

Because the hoist was stuck,^[1] the trio had to make their way through a condemned section of the mines. Vigo suggested that they return to Pine Hill to gather knights from the garrison, but Neyrelle refused, not wanting to leave her mother in Lilith's company any longer than necessary. After coming to a locked door, Neyrelle was able to crawl through a nearby hole to reach the other side, unlocking it. They fought their way to safety, but the mines collapsed behind them.^[9]

Vigo lamented their situation, but Neyrelle's attention was drawn by a great statue of Lilith; part of an ancient civilization, buried beneath the earth. Neyrelle recognized the statue as being identical to the demon she'd seen enter the mines with her mother. They continued on, and found the base of the ore hoist; a demon's corpse had jammed its gears, and after the Wanderer removed it, the platform descended to the base. However, Vigo noted that the demon had clearly been slain.^[7]

They discussed their options. Vigo wanted to return to the surface for reinforcements, Neyrelle wanted to press on, but they heard the groan of a wounded man nearby. Heading through the gate of the nephalem city of Kasama, they found a group of Knights Penitent, slaughter, with only one survivor, Grendan. He explained that they'd escorted two women into the city, and that one of them had revealed herself as Lilith, before she killed the knights. The other, Vhenard, had begged for her life, and Lilith had spared her. Grendan died, and listening to Vigo muse, Neyrelle realized that the charm her mother had supposedly given Vigo had in fact been a bribe to allow her entry. Nevertheless, Neyrelle insisted her mother could still be saved, but Vigo refused. He told Neyrelle to give up and headed to the surface, in order to tell the Cathedral what had happened.^[10]

The Wanderer stayed by Neyrelle's side, and they made their way through Kasama. While making their way through, the Wanderer came across some blood petals. They explained their connection to Lilith, and that they'd had a vision, one that made clear that Vhenard was at Lilith's side.^[10] Further on, the Wanderer had another vision, and explained that Lilith intended on teaching Vhenard a ritual. One that needed blood. The two pressed on, and came across a magically-sealed door. Neyrelle dispelled the enchantment while the Wanderer held off attacking demons.^[11]

The pair made it to the Mourning Shore on the edge of the Black Lake. They found a priest's corpse, his throat slit, and Neyrelle realized he'd been part of the escort Vigo had sent. Further on, they found Vhenard, who was writing runes in her own blood. Clearly mad, Vhenard explained that the Necropolis of the Firstborn lay on the lake's other side, and that she's opened the way for Lilith. Vhenard, however, lacked the "divine element" needed to pass, but she was still searching to find a way. Neyrelle begged Vhenard to leave, but the request caused Vhenard's mood to shift drastically, as she accused her daughter of wanting to lead her away so she could take the trove for herself. She cut Neyrelle's arm with her knife, and attacked the Wanderer, summoning demons before Neyrelle's eyes.^[4]

Neyrelle begged Vhenard to stop, but her mother was beyond saving. The demons were slain, and the effort caused Vhenard to expire, dying seconds after collapsing. The Wanderer gave Neyrelle her condolences, and while part of Neyrelle hated the Wanderer for the role they'd played in her mother's death, she knew that Vhenard's end wasn't their fault. As they needed "blessed blood" to cross the lake, Neyrelle told the Wanderer to seek out Prava to get the blessing required, while she would head for Mistral Woods. The Horadric Vault Vhenard had sought was there, and there might be something in the vault that could help with the ritual. Even if there wasn't, Neyrelle knew her mother would want to be buried there. She told the Wanderer to leave, as she needed time to mourn.^[4]

Shroud of the Horadrim

Neyrelle re-entered the Darkened Holt, and like before, was waylaid by the mists. She was found by the Wanderer.^[5] Realizing that the Darkened Holt was an illusion, they were able to find their way to the Horadric Vault. Neyrelle hoped to find a tome and/or spell that would enable them to cross the Black Lake. They entered the Vault, but found the way forward sealed shut. The Wanderer was able to procure a book that was written in Horadric code. Neyrelle was able to use it to open the door. They headed deeper into the Vault, and the Wanderer procured a necromatic tome. It dealt with spells and theories created by Rathma.^[12]

Neyrelle reasoned that there was a spell they could use to raise Vhenard, who would know how to cross the Black Lake. The Wanderer was uneasy, but Neyrelle reasoned it was the only lead they had, and told the Wanderer to meet her in the Path of the Firstborn.^[12]

The Wanderer told Neyrelle that the passage they'd explored had been filled with demons, which left Neyrelle to ask how that was possible. She reasoned that they couldn't have been summoned by the Horadrim. There was also the apparent coincidence that the demons had been guarding a book dealing with Rathma, and it was Rathma that Lilith was going after. Neyrelle responded by saying that her mother had once told her that there were no coincidences where immortals were involved.^[12]

Beyond the Black Lake

Neyrelle reunited with the Wanderer in Kasama. Having read the tome, Neyrelle explained that the ritual was difficult to understand, and the notes not much better, but that she believed that she could use necromancy to resurrect her mother and talk to her, thus finding a way to cross the Black Lake. They came to the shore of the lake, where Vhenard's body remained. Neyrelle successfully reanimated her, and faced with her mother's animated, talking body, Neyrelle began to break down. She told Vhenard that she could find a way to save her from her torment, but Vhenard refused, telling Neyrelle that she had to let go.^[13]

Vhenard told the Wanderer that their blood, coupled with the divine blessing they had received from Prava, was the key to crossing the lake. The Wanderer spilt their blood, and using the same ritual Lilith had, Vhenard created an ethereal bridge to cross the lake. The summoning apparently drained her, and Vhenard died a second time, much to Neyrelle's grief. The Wanderer tried to offer comfort, but Neyrelle said that they had to go, but pointed out that it was doubtful Lilith was still here, given how much time had passed. She told the Wanderer to enter the Necropolis of the Firstborn, while she returned to the Horadric Vault with Vhenard's body.^[13]

Neyrelle had finished burying her mother by the time the Wanderer returned. They gave the trinket Vhenard had bribed Vigo with back to her daughter, Neyrelle realizing that Vigo was dead. The Wanderer further informed her that Lilith was long gone by the time they entered the Necropolis, that Rathma was dead, and that Lilith had obtained a key to Hell off his body. Neyrelle bitterly concluded that everything they'd done had been in vain. That Lilith had been the only one to get what she wanted.^[14]

A Gathering Storm

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Secrets Bartered, Fates Sold

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Dance of the Makers

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From the Wound Spilled

Across her journey, Neyrelle left letters for Lorath. She stopped by in his cabin, and found a tome he had left for her, along with a letter wishing her luck. She took some of Lorath's ale for herself, and left a letter in kind, telling Lorath that her burden was heavy, but she was bearing it.^[15]

As she continued, Mephisto taunted Neyrelle, and assaulted her with visions. She believed herself able to ignore them. However, she passed south through Yelesna, and due to Mephisto's hatred, the people turned on each other, slaughtering each other over the most trivial of slights.^[15] Still heading south, she made it to Kurast, which met the same fate as Yelesna. As soon as she arrived, Mephisto's voice grew louder, more insistent. He laughed at humanity's insiginificance, mocked her weakness. He showed her a vision of what was yet to come; Sanctuary devoured. A storm raged inside Neyrelle's mind, and she feared it would drive her mad.^[15]

She was only in the city for a day before she passed on. Horrified at what had happened in her wake, Neyrelle left Kurast as quickly as possible, and swore not to repeat the mistake she'd made. She gained passage across the Twin Seas. She left a letter to the captain and asked him to give to Lorath if he saw him. In the letter, she detailed what had happened at Kurast, and assured him that she was not yet lost.^[15]

Neyrelle travelled to Ivgorod, seeking aid from the Monks of Ivgorod. She learned as much as she could from the Veradani, and their techniques helped her ignore Mephisto's voice and visions (or so she hoped). The Monks, however, were terrified of her. Only a few would venture near enough to teach her, and she was forced to sleep in a guest hut far outside the walls of the Floating Sky Monastery. A Monk later commented that Neyrelle was an agent of pure chaos and hatred, even though it was clear that she did not wish to be.^[15]

While in Ivgorod, Neyrelle had a vision of Lorath walking east through miles and miles of ash. She deduced (correctly) that she was seeing Lorath in the Dreadlands. Wary of staying in any one place for two long, Neyrelle left Lorath a letter in Ivgorod before departing. She was unsure in what direction she would travel, but knew it was better that she stayed alone.^[15]

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Vessel of Hatred

Neyrelle's Lament

Still carrying Mephisto's soulstone, Neyrelle travelled to Nahantu.^[16] She struggled against Mephisto's influence every step of the way.^[17] A boatman took her along a river to the River Gate. By this point, the effects of carrying Mephisto's soulstone had become severe, both physically and mentally. The boatman offered her help, but she yelled at him to stay away. At this point, she saw a hallucination of her mother, whom she told that she had to carry out her burden alone of finding Akarat's tomb. Her mother bade her to give in, and Neyrelle realized it was Mephisto trying to sway her. Mephisto tormented her psychologically before she regained her senses—physically unharmed, but the same could not be said for the boatman, who had been killed by the soulstone's corruption. With a heavy heart, Neyrelle took his oar, and rowed on towards the River Gate.^[18]

The soulstone continued to affect her both physically and emotionally, and while Neyrelle knew she could not count on divine intervention, she prayed for help regardless. The sound of the river and soulstone became indistinguishable to her, and she was no longer able to sleep. As Mephisto continued to whisper to her, it took all of Neyrelle's strength to keep the Lord of Hatred at bay; to even remember who she was. She feared she was losing the fight, and it was a fear well founded, as Mephisto began warping her own perception and voice. As before, Neyrelle was able to resist the Lord of Hatred. She reflected how her mother had succumbed to Hatred on the shores of the Black Lake, and promised she would not similarly fall. Weeping, Neyrelle reflected how she had lost her family, her body, and was now losing her mind, but resolved to take as many steps as were needed to see her task through. Seeking solace in the victories of the past, she recalled how the Wanderer had defeated Lilith, of the defeat of Diablo beneath Tristram at the hands of a trio of heroes, of the defeat of Baal by another group of heroes, and of Mephisto's defeat by that same group. Yet even those victories rang hollow, for in every case sans Lilith, the demons of yore had been defeated, but never destroyed. She knew that the soulstone had to be destroyed, and she would only have one last chance to do so. She continued down the river, even as Mephisto continued to exert influence over her.^[2]

As Neyrelle continued to make her way down the river, the corruption from Mephisto's soulstone continued to not only affect just her, but the surrounding environs. Clutching the soulstone, a black, tar-like liquid began to spread from the stone and onto her hand, burning it. She plunged her hand into the water, and in so doing, spread Mephisto's corruption into the surrounding environment. The black liquid was left in her boat's wake and spread to the adjacent jungle. This resulted in the creation of the Hollows. By this point, Neyrelle's boat was just drifting, and she held the stone, as if entranced, the black liquid spreading to her body.^[19]

Entering Nahantu

After passing through the River Gate,^[20] Neyrelle descended into the jungles. She followed in the footsteps of Akarat, searching for answers about what to do with Mephisto's soulstone.^[21] She sought to enter the Vault of Light so she could purify the soulstone of Mephisto's essence^[17] and banish his spirit back to the Black Abyss.^[17]

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In-game

Neyrelle appears as an NPC in Diablo IV. In the segments where Neyrelle joins the player's party temporarily during certain campaign quests, she'll fight with her hatchet, and can also cloak herself with a smoke bomb to attack enemies.

Personality and Traits

Brilliant, brave, and stubborn,^[15] Neyrelle is naturally curious,^[2] and is more resilient than she is often given credit for.^[5] She is able to use some magic,^[11] but is untrained.^[17] She is able to both read and speak Horadric code.^[12]

Neyrelle was harrowed by her experiences with the Wanderer. Her naivete was sharpened into cautious optimism.^[22] In her mind, there is no difference between Heaven and Hell, at least as far as their dealings with Sanctuary are concerned.^[2]

Neyrelle considered Lorath "her most stubborn friend." As a child, Neyrelle was in quiet awe of the Horadrim, but harrowed by her experiences with the remnants of the Order (e.g. Lorath and Donan), her idealistic view of the Horadrim was marred.^[2]

Trivia

This section contains facts and trivia relevant to this article.

• In The Sanctuary Tarot Deck and Guidebook Neyrelle represents the Queen of Wands card.
• At one point, Neyrelle seemed to tease Lorath about his ways with old women.
• Neyrelle is voiced by Judy Alice Lee.
• Neyrelle has been generally disliked by the playerbase, with many slamming the character as "obnoxious."^[23]

Character Development

• Neyrelle's storyline in Diablo IV mirrors Leah's in Diablo III. Both spend their lives prior to their game searching Sanctuary for ancient lore with their parent/guardian, both lose said parent/guardian in their game's first act, both join the protagonist, and both end up carrying a soulstone. Similarly, their primary color schemes represent the demon in question—red for Leah (representing Diablo), blue for Neyrelle (representing Mephisto and his soulstone).
  • Similarities also exist between Neyrelle and Aidan. Both end their respective debut game taking a soulstone containing a Prime Evil, both head east to deal with it, both steadily lose themselves to the Evil in question.
  • However, Neyrelle's fate contrasted to both Aidan and Leah as she was spared from the evil within Mephisto's soulstone instead of becoming the vessel of demon within.
• Thematically, Neyrelle is said to represent "everything the Horadrim are meant to be," putting her in contrast with Lorath Nahr and Donan in the context of Diablo IV.^[22]
• In Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred, Neyrelle comes to Nahantu with Mephisto's soulstone. From a narrative standpoint, this represents the idea of the plot coming full circle, as Neyrelle returns to the site of events in Diablo II.^[24] Thematically, in the expansion's storyline, Neyrelle represents isolation. At the start of the story, she begins isolated, but events shift to reinforce the idea of being stronger together (i.e. her and the Wanderer).^[17]
• Concept art for Neyrelle in Vessel of Hatred depicts her having apparently been consumed by Mephisto's corruption.^[25] This does not occur in the game's storyline.

References