Fall of the High Heavens

Note: The title of this article is based on conjecture. "What is the foretold end of this battle?" "Doom and darkness. These Heavens ruined...The angelic Host broken...Diablo victorious." "It cannot be." "As I have said, nephalem, your destiny is unwritten. You alone may change these dark times."

- The Nephalem and Itherael

The Fall of the High Heavens was a battle that took place during the Eternal Conflict, directly after the Siege of Bastion's Keep.

The outcome of the battle was recorded long ago in the Scroll of Fate. That Diablo would destroy Heaven. However, the nephalem were not bound by fate, and as such, one of their own was able to defy fate and defeat Diablo.

Course of the Battle
"Take one last look at your shining Heaven, Imperius. For soon, nothing of it will remain but my laughter."

- Diablo

As the Prime Evil, Diablo approached the Diamond Gates, and bested Imperius in single combat. The archangel was able to retreat, albeit wounded, but was not able to stop Diablo from using his newfound power to destroy the gates, allowing the forces of Hell to enter the Silver City. The demons rapidly spread through the city, corruption and death quickly taking hold in Diablo's wake.

During the early stages of the battle, Auriel was taken prisoner by Rakanoth. Furthermore, Diablo was able to count on reinforcements via Hell Rifts, which delivered demons into the Silver City. Without Auriel's influence, the angels became consumed with despair, allowing the Heavenly Host to be scattered.

Diablo was aware of The Nephalem's pursuit of him, and unleashed Iskatu. However, the demon was defeated. Furthermore, The Nephalem was able to free Auriel and seal the Hell Rifts.

The Nephalem pursued Diablo up the Silver Spire, even defeating a resurrected Izual. Diablo reached the Crystal Arch however, and began corrupting it, incapacitating the angels. Nevertheless, The Nephalem was able to reach the Arch, and defeated Diablo. With his fall, the Arch shone once more, cleansing Heaven of Diablo's corruption. Tyrael declared that forevermore, humans and angels would stand together.