Reign of the Black King

Reign of the Black King is the fourth quest of Act I of Diablo III.

Walkthrough

• Once entering Leoric's tomb it will not be possible to Town Portal out until he is defeated, so if the character opted to forgo Kormac's company it would be prudent to go back and get him to aid in this fight
• even after all the Revenants are defeated (this is mandatory to open the sealed gate) the character still counts as being "in combat" and will not be able to swap out their selected skills under after Leoric is defeated
• Leoric is awakened in theory by "putting on his crown" but this has no relation whatsoever as to whether the character has it on their person (it can be in the stash) or even that they still own it (it can be sold to a vendor) as clicking him will always awaken him
• Leoric drops the crown when defeated, implying that it was taken from wherever it was had (even if sold to a vendor) and brought back to him
• since characters will lose the crown anyway it makes sense to sell it and get the gold: you get it back for free!
• when regaining the crown a 2nd time it is unidentified again

Script

Core

• Class
  • Necromancer: I have retrieved the crown.

• Deckard Cain: At last. With it, you can unlock the sealed door in the room where you rescued me and enter the royal crypts. When you find the Skeleton King, place the crown atop his head...and destroy him.

• Class
  • Necromancer: There is no other way to reach the fallen star, it seems.

• Acolyte: Maintain your incantations! He will soon turn...

• Acolyte: Ave, magistros, Ave, registrus. Ave, leodastus. Ave, mendaxas. Illius animos. Illius vellenas. Illius fortens.

• Templar: Your magic is weakening...I am free! Now, back to my mission.

• Class
  • Necromancer: Who are you?

• Templar: You will know soon enough. Help me find my gear. I will reward you well.

Templar: Tell me, what brought you to this infernal place?

• Class
  • Necromancer: I must slay the Skeleton King.

• Templar: Then our aims align.

• Templar #2: Why have you come here, brother?

• Templar: One of our number has forsaken his vows and joined the demonic coven that infests this fallen cathedral. The cultists dragged me past this glowing pit. What made it? Down this way! There are my weapons!

• Templar: I am Kormac, warrior of the templar order. If it is the Skeleton King you seek, then you will have to fight your way past Jondar. There is no reason we should hunt alone.

• Class
  • Necromancer: If you insist.

Templar: Evil cowers at the sight of just one templar. Two will bring it to its knees.

Templar: Black magic bars our way...but the will of the Templar is stronger.

Templar: You were a templar, Jondar! How could you succumb to this coven?

Jondar: The Coven is my brotherhood now, Kormac! The powers we serve will soon rule this world!

Jondar: Please forgive me. My vision was clouded by the Coven’s evil magic.

Templar: Betrayal can never be forgiven.

Templar: Thank you for your aid. I will go with you on your hunt for the Skeleton King, but there is one condition. If we find the sacred tomes of my order, they are mine.

• Class
  • Necromancer: Do as you please. Such books do not interest me.

• Templar: Then onwards we go to fight the Skeleton King.

• Lachdanan: Keep your distance from him. This burden is mine to bear.

• Lachdanan: May death bring peace from your madness, Leoric.

• Leoric: Traitors! Even in death, the armies of Khanduras will still obey their king! Even if you will not...

• Skeleton King: You dare to bring the warmth of life into my tomb?

• Templar: We shall put you down, hellspawn!

• Skeleton King: You will never defeat me!

• Templar: You were defeated the moment you surrendered to madness!

• Class
  • Necromancer: Necromancer: The crater...

• Class
  • Necromancer: This is unexpected. How did you come here?

• The Stranger: I am...I–I was...I...I remember falling.

• Class
  • Necromancer: Who are you?

• The Stranger: I am not your enemy. I think...Yes, I– I believe...I have come with a warning. The darkness...the darkness...is coming! I must...don’t remember...

• Class
  • Necromancer: You must get to safety. Then we will find answers.

• Cutscene
  • Necromancer: I believed it was a fallen star...but in truth, it was only a man. And, of course, his memories have vanished. Perhaps Deckard Cain will know more.

• Class
  • Necromancer: I found him in the crater.

Deckard Cain: No man could survive such a thing...Who are you? What are you?

The Stranger: A warrior, I think...I came bearing grave news, but I cannot remember...

• Deckard Cain: Your message might be all that can save us from impending doom.

Townsfolk Dialogues

• Captain Rumford: The news continues to worsen. How can you continue to wade into the fray with nary a thought for your own safety? It is madness.

• Class:
  • Necromancer: This is what I have trained for.

• Brother Malachi the Healer: What was once one shall become four. Though the three shall become one, never again will the four be whole.

• Villager: I spoke with that strange man next to Deckard Cain. It’s odd. He doesn’t look that old, but if you look at his eyes, I'd swear you can see the centuries looking back at you.

• Villager: Did you know that Leah has traveled a better part of this world? She's even been to Caldeum! But I bet you’ve seen things that would shock even her...

• Villager : I don't know what would have happened to this town without Deckard Cain.

• Villager #2: That templar you brought to town may seem grim to most, but I think he’s hiding a good heart.

• Villager: Not only saved Cain but got our blacksmith back to work? Well done! I heard the goatmen have come down from the hills and are killing anything they can get their claws...um, hooves...on. We should have killed them all when we had the chance!

• Bron the Barkeep: Let’s see...rampaging khazra, dark strangers appearing after a mysterious fire in the sky...oh, and, uh, miscellaneous tomfoolery. Just another happy day in New Tristram. So, whatcha havin' today?

• Villager #1: I've decided to write an epic poem on the death of the Skeleton King. All I need to do is find out how he was killed.

• Villager #2: You could ask the one who did it, you know. He's/she's right over there.

• Villager #1: And give up my artistic license? Never.

• Villager #1: Did you see that stranger next to old Cain? I was listening to him talk. I’d bet he comes from Westmarch.

• Villager #2: Oh, really? So people from there usually travel by falling star? Use your head. If he’s from Westmarch, I’m empress of Caldeum.

• Villager #1: The attacks may be slowing down, but this town is done and you know it. If we leave together, we might make it to Wortham.

• Villager #2: What we'll make is sport for the khazra. I’ll stay here behind the gates, thank you.

• Villager: I don’t like what's going on around here...Too many new faces. The dead rising from their graves were no picnic, but at least they kept the strangers away.

• Ferryman: Sorry, the ferry to Wortham isn’t running. Can’t take anyone anywhere with all that’s happening around here. It’s not safe.

Quest Journal

• Part 1
  • Barbarian: This Skeleton King doesn't know when to stay dead. He thinks himself immortal. My blade will prove him wrong. Cain says the crown will open a golden door beneath the mausoleum, witch is beside the cathedral.
  • Crusader: Apparently this Skeleton King has terrorized Tristram in the past. Well I've got his crown so I can open the golden door that leads to the depths of the cathedral. So that will, as they say, be the end of that.
  • Demon Hunter: At last, I have the means to take down the Skeleton King. With this crown, I’ll be able to open the golden door and continue deeper into the cathedral. I’m not sure what to expect in those depths, but that’s never stopped me before.
  • Monk: With the repaired crown, I have the means to destroy the Skeleton King. I can now open the golden door that seals away the lower depths of the cathedral. Its crumbling halls will echo with the sound of my footsteps. The Skeleton King will know that I come.
  • Wizard: Tristram has long been tormented by the memory of King Leoric, turned by his madness into the Skeleton King. And now the fire has raised him from the dead once again. I will find a way to stop him. Cain tells me the crown will open a golden door beneath the mausoleum, which is beside the cathedral.

• Part 2
  • Barbarian: The golden door will open now that I have the crown.
  • Crusader: Somewhere below lie the remains of the Skeleton King. What else waits there, I wonder? Is any of this madness tied to the Crusade?
  • Demon Hunter: There’s an ornate door right around where I found Cain. It will open now that I have King Leoric’s crown.
  • Monk: The door will open now that I have Leoric’s crown.
  • Wizard: The bones of the Skeleton King lie somewhere below, in the royal crypts. I will teach him to stay dead.

• Part 3
  • Barbarian: The Skeleton King waits in his crypt. I will find him and smash his bones to powder.
  • Crusader: I see some sorcerers restraining a warrior. I believe I'd better ask them why.
  • Demon Hunter: I must journey father into the cathedral. Leoric’s remains are somewhere in the royal crypts. The crown will be the key to defeating him; I’m certain of it.
  • Monk: The royal crypt that contains Leoric’s bones is deep beneath the cathedral. My course is clear.
  • Wizard: I have encountered robed cultists holding prisoner a lone warrior. Their corrupt magic is flawed and requires constant effort. I should have to kill only a few of them before the warrior is free.

• Part 4
  • Barbarian: A warrior stands here in the depths of the cathedral, imprisoned by dark sorcerers. Let's see how well their magic works with a blade in their backs.
  • Crusader: Well now the warrior has asked for my help locating his weapon and armor. A crusader should always help those in need, unless it interferes directly with the crusade.
  • Demon Hunter: There appear to be cultists in the cathedral as well as the risen dead. They’re holding prisoner a warrior... for some dark end, no doubt. I must save him before he succumbs to their foul spells.
  • Monk: A warrior is imprisoned by dark cultists. I will rescue him.
  • Wizard: The warrior will need weapons and armor if he's going to complete his quest. He has not told me who he is, however.

• Part 5
  • Barbarian: The warrior has asked for my help to find his weapons and armor. When we do, I will learn who he is.
  • Crusader: The warrior is a templar, who descend from the paladin order. While he follows the light of zakarum, he does not understand it is corrupted. Still, I sense a good heart in this man.
  • Demon Hunter: How amusing. The warrior doesn’t want to tell me who he is, but there is certainly a great amount of strength within him. He is no mere Tristram militiaman. I will help him retrieve his belongings. Perhaps that will loose his tongue.
  • Monk: The warrior is not very forthcoming. Nonetheless, I will help him find his arms and armor. Perhaps he feels naked without them.
  • Wizard: The warrior is of the fabled templar order. He is eager to find and slay Jondar, who was once a friend but now embraces black magic. I cannot deny the templar's courage.

• Part 6
  • Barbarian: The warrior is a templar betrayed by one named Jondar. I do not share his religion, but I recognize betrayal and have known vengeance. I will help the templar find his.
  • Crusader: Somewhere below lie the remains of the Skeleton King. What else waits there, I wonder? Is any of this madness tied to the Crusade?
  • Demon Hunter: Well, the little mystery is solved. My new friend is one of the templar of Westmarch—a religious order known for its fervor and ferocity. One of his brothers, Jondar, has deserted the faith and must be dealt with.
• Monk: The warrior’s name is Kormac, and he’s a member of the templar order of Westmarch. I have heard of their dedication and their prowess in battle. A worthy ally.
  • Wizard: The templar and I have killed Jondar. A fitting end for one who embraces dark magics and betrays his friends. This templar fascinates me; I will see where his journey might lead him.

• Part 7
  • Barbarian: The templar and I have brought death to his betrayer, Jondar. Justice has been done. I will speak with this templar and find where his path may lead.
  • Demon Hunter: I have helped the templar Kormac fight off his former ally. He certainly didn’t show Jondar any mercy, but I’d do the same if a hunter ever tried to kill me. I could use a skilled fighter on my side. Perhaps Kormac will join with me since we have mutual enemies.
• Monk: I have stood by the side of the templar, and we have brought death upon the betrayer known as Jondar. Those that stray from their path deserve no less. This noble templar is a fine warrior. Perhaps he will join with me to defeat the Skeleton King.
  • Wizard: The bones of the Skeleton King lie somewhere below, in the royal crypts. I will teach him to stay dead.

• Part 8
  • Barbarian: I have found the royal crypts. All that now remains is to find the cursed Leoric in his lair, place the crown upon his head, and face him. When he is dead, New Tristram will finally be spared.
  • Crusader: I'm in the royal crypts. It won't be long now, Skeleton King
  • Demon Hunter: I’m getting closer to Leoric’s resting place. The Skeleton King may think that he is untouchable down here in the shadows, surrounded by countless corpses of fallen soldiers and adventurers. But he has never met a demon hunter.
  • Monk: Leoric’s remains are near. My mind is clear. I am ready to face him.
  • Wizard: I have reached the royal crypts. Beneath the webs and rot, the craftsmanship is stunning. Obviously, there is little time to stand and gape at the chandeliers. Once I lay the crown on the Skeleton King's remains, I will be able to defeat him and give the people of New Tristram some peace.

• Part 9
  • Barbarian: The Skeleton King's bones sit before me. Once I put the crown on his head, he will come for me.
  • Crusader: I've found the Skeleton King's bones. All that remains is to place the crown on his head, and then we shall have words.
  • Demon Hunter: The Skeleton King isn’t going to be pleased with me when I place the crown on his remains. I must be prepared to face him in battle.
  • Monk: Once I place Leoric’s crown upon his skeletal head, the Skeleton King will be forced to face me in combat. I wonder if he can still know fear. If he can, he will know it then.
  • Wizard: Once I put the crown on the Skeleton King's head, he will be forced to fight me. I must prepare.

• Part 10
  • Barbarian: I feel moving air. There is a secret passage beneath the throne.
  • Crusader: Fresh air flows from beneath the throne. A secret passage?
  • Demon Hunter: Air flows from beneath the throne. A secret passage may be there.
• Monk: I can hear air moving beneath the Skeleton King’s throne. A hidden passage must be there.
  • Wizard: Fresher air flows from beneath the throne. A secret passage must be there.

• Part 11
  • Barbarian: A man lies in the fallen star's crater. Could he be what we have been looking for?
  • Crusader: I see the crater of the falling star. At its center... a man. Interesting.
  • Demon Hunter: I’ve found the crater where the meteor fell, but there is only a weakened man lying here. This doesn’t make sense unless he was the meteor itself...
  • Monk: The star fell here. But in its place is... a man?
  • Wizard: There is a man in the fallen star's crater, surrounded by a nimbus of unfamiliar magic. Quite strange...

• Part 12
  • Barbarian: Deckard Cain will know what this stranger's arrival means. I go to see him now.
  • Crusader: I'll take the stranger to Deckard Cain. Hopefully he knows this fellow.
  • Demon Hunter: Deckard Cain might know how to help this stranger. We will visit him in New Tristram.
  • Monk: I will bring the Stranger to Deckard Cain. He will be most intrigued.
  • Wizard: I will take the Stranger to meet Deckard Cain. His wisdom will guide us.