View source for Gielinorian God Wars

{{incomplete|Could use much more information, based on many related articles}}
{{Infobox War
|name = God Wars
|image =
|caption =
|begin = Near the beginning of the Third Age
|end = Year 4,000 of the Third Age
|place = All of [[Gielinor]]. A few other realms and locations were also involved.
|outcome = No clear victor; establishment of the [[Edicts of Guthix]]; departure of [[Gods]] from [[Gielinor]]; complete destruction of many [[races]], nations, and regions.
|battles = [[Northern Kharidian Desert Campaign]], [[Battle of Uzer]], [[Battle of Ullek]], [[Battle of Ardougne]], [[Fall of Hallowvale]], [[God Wars Dungeon|Battle for the God Sword]]
|combatant1 = [[Saradomin]] Forces, [[Armadyl]] Forces, [[Aviantese]], [[Centaur]]s, [[Unicorn]]s, [[Icyene]], [[Humans]], few [[Zarosian]] Forces, [[Zarosian]] [[Mahjarrat]]
|combatant2 = [[Bandos]] Forces, [[Zamorak]] Forces, [[Demon]]s, [[Ork]]s, [[Imp]]s, [[Werewolves]], [[Ourg]]s, [[Ogres]], [[Hobgoblins]], [[Goblins]], Possibly [[Trolls]], [[Vampyres]] and [[Vampires]] [[Humans]], [[Zamorakian]] [[Mahjarrat]]
|commander1 = [[Commander Zilyana]], [[Kree'arra]], [[Azzanadra]], [[Barrows Brothers]], [[Guardians of Armadyl]], [[Brother Constantius]]
|commander2 = [[General Graardor]], [[Thammaron]], [[K'ril Tsutsaroth]], [[Lord Drakan]], [[Yokrad]], [[Blorgak]], [[Hazeel]], [[Dag'eth]], [[Pazuzu (pyrelord)|Pazuzu]], [[Zebub]], [[Polyphemus]], [[Incommodo]]
|casualties1 = Extremely high, specifics unknown, annihilation of [[Aviansie]], [[Icyene]], [[Centaur]], [[Myriad]] races
|casualties2 = Extremely high, specifics unknown, annihilation of [[Ourg]], [[Fayrg]], [[Raurg]] races
|concurrent = [[Dorgeshuun Civil War]], [[Sea Slug Conflicts]], [[Fall of Hallowvale]], [[Keldagrim - Troll Country War]]
|previous = Unknown
|next = Unknown}}
The '''Third Age''', also known as '''The Age of War''''' ''or more commonly referred to as the''''' ''God Wars''', was a time of great calamity in ''[[Gielinor]]''. Although the God Wars themselves are not a part of the gameplay of ''Gielinor'' (except for the [[God Wars Dungeon]]), they are frequently referenced throughout the game and form the basis for many [[quests]], [[characters]], [[items]], and [[locations]]. <!--Basis for characters? Needs rewording.-->

{{quote|All of the deities currently in this realm, and some who now are no longer with us, were involved in the war. Each took a faction, whether their own, or choosing to side with one of the stronger factions, until the only factions left were mine own and those supporting the hateful [[Zamorak]]. It was as things were building to a crescendo that the ancient [[Guthix]], who had been unknown to us previously, stepped in and banished our combat from the lands. Sadly this has meant many of the issues over which we fought remain unfulfilled, but I blame not Guthix for his untimely intervention. If he had not interfered in our squabbles it is likely this world would have been scarred beyond repair, and I wish not for innocence to be the casualty of our war.|[[Saradomin]]|God Letters}}

==History==
[[File:K'ril Tsutsaroth.png|thumb|The God Wars bred many monstrosities such as [[K'ril Tsutsaroth]], a Demon that was thought for years to be only a legend.]]

During the [[Second Age|Second]] Age, [[Zaros]] had almost complete domination over the world. The areas that are now the [[Wilderness]], Northern [[Misthalin]], Northern [[Asgarnia]] and North-western [[Morytania]] formed the greatest part of his kingdom, and cities were constructed. When he was betrayed and defeated by his [[Mahjarrat]] general, [[Zamorak]], the Second Age ended and the other [[gods]] began ruling without interference. However, many gods, especially [[Saradomin]] and Zamorak, wanted complete control.

During [[Ritual of the Mahjarrat]], Saradomin states that Zamorak had returned from his banishment as he wanted to repossess the [[Stone of Jas]], which Saradomin confiscated after Zamorak was banished.

After Zaros' banishment, Zamorak quickly rounded up Zaros' remaining loyalist followers and destroyed his fortresses and cities. The majority were destroyed quickly except for [[Senntisten]], which held out for many hundreds of years. The war escalated as other Gods, seeing an opportunity, attempted to seize control of previously Zarosian areas. Zamorak was unable to efficiently conquer and maintain his holdings due to the speed with which he acted. The war further intensified, and by the time of the [[Fall of Hallowvale]], almost the entirety of Gielinor was in chaos. The gods, at the time, could directly interact with the world, which caused destruction far beyond any that had been seen before or after the Wars.

[[File:God Wars.png|thumb|The Battle of Annakarl at the Year 3100 of the Third Age.]]During the Wars, countless civilisations, races, and animal species disappeared. Many were destroyed, while others hid themselves or underwent drastic changes in order to survive. Much of the world itself was mutated; once healthy lands were ruined or reformed. Most of these changes were so devastating that they continue to affect ''Gielinor'' today.

[[File:Bandos door.png|thumb|200px|right|Entrance to Bandos's Stronghold in the God Wars Dungeon.]]
In fact, the entire world was on the brink of destruction when the fighting awoke [[Guthix]] from his sleep. At the end of the [[First Age]], Guthix went into a deep slumber that stretched over many millennia. When he awoke, he found the world in ruin. He was so enraged that he instantly demanded that the gods stop fighting their wars on ''Gielinor'', and to continue to hold influence only through their followers. Most of the gods left ''Gielinor'', although they continued to watch over it and hear the prayers of their faithful. It was at this time that the Third Age, which had lasted approximately 4000 years, finally ended. Guthix planted a massive sword inscribed with mysterious letters into the crater of a volcano in the centre of the destroyed [[Forinthry]] region as a warning to the other gods not to break his edicts.

On [[28 August]] [[2007]], a massive cavern that had been frozen for eons in the northern [[Troll Country]] began to thaw due to tectonic movements in the Wilderness. This cavern was the site of one of the God Wars' last battles; the monsters within have not realised that the God Wars are over and thus continue to fight. Players are able to explore the dungeon, but it is extremely dangerous. Though it is a massive battle, with hundreds of monsters and warriors fighting for their gods with no end in sight, it pales in comparison to the bloody carnage that was the Third Age. The [[Oracle]] mentioned that as long as the object the God Wars searched for remained hidden, the God Wars would remain dead.

===Historical discrepancies===
[[File:VolcanoCentre.png|thumb|left|Guthix's warning in the Wilderness.]]
The true history of the God Wars is always somewhat difficult to determine. Having occurred several thousand years ago, information about the God Wars is difficult to come by.

However, an even more hindering factor are the differences in accounts of the Wars. Saradominists and Zamorakians often disagree on what truly occurred at the time. For instance, Saradominists such as The [[Wise Old Man]] state that when victory was nearly Saradomin's, he pitied the Zamorakians and allowed for a truce to be made. Zamorakians, however, insist that this was not the case, and have their own beliefs on the matter. Most now accept that it was actually Guthix who ended the Wars.

Another difficult subject are the [[Edicts of Guthix]], which were created by Guthix when he ended the Wars. Some religious groups doubt their existence. Others, however, including many important religious advisors such as [[Aeonisig Raispher]], highly encourage the following of the Edicts. This makes understanding them difficult, and has been the cause of many political disputes since their creation.

==Significant occurrences==
===Known events===
The God Wars hosted many historical battles and events that shaped ''Gielinor'' we know today. Listed below are confirmed events that took place during the Wars, though there are many others that have long since been forgotten. Note that these events are not in order.

*[[Bandos]] arrived on Gielinor.

*[[Uzer]], then the largest city in the [[Kharidian Desert]], was besieged by [[Thammaron]], an Elder Demon and chief lieutenant of [[Zamorak]]. Despite the [[Clay Golem]]s' efforts to save the city, they were defeated and Uzer was destroyed. Thammaron, however, is severely wounded by an elite group of Golems, and he is forced to flee the dimension. The wounds eventually prove fatal. Thammaron's remaining army is crushed by [[Azzanadra]].

[[File:Cave goblin.png|thumb|right|A Dorgeshuun Cave Goblin as they appear today, changed by their years beneath the surface.]]
*The [[Dorgeshuun]] [[goblin]] tribe fled after refusing to fight in a battle which they could not possibly win. Trapped underground, they struggled for survival, and managed to build a city known as [[Dorgesh-Kaan]] approximately 800 years before the end of the Third Age. A civil war erupted between a republic and a tribal Dorgeshuun faction, but ultimately the republic prevails due to an earthquake that wipes out the opposing army.

* [[Akthanakos]] was tricked by [[Enakhra]] into her temple, where he becomes imprisoned.

* The followers of Zaros struggled against the fury of the other gods that fought for control over Zarosian lands. Some followers of Zaros were forced to flee into the desert and live as bandits.

* [[Azzanadra]], the champion of Zaros and a powerful [[Mahjarrat]], was brought down and imprisoned in a pyramid. It is suggested that Zamorakian and Saradominist forces collaborated to bring him down, as he was immensely powerful.

*The Wilderness, during the Second Age, was part of Zaros' expansive domain. Upon Zaros' defeat and the beginning of the God Wars, the Wilderness became a centre of warfare as a multitude of races and factions attempt to lay waste to the remaining Zarosians. By the end of the Wars, the Wilderness, which had been a forested paradise, is permanently scarred by the war and barren of all but the most twisted life.

*[[Lord Lowerniel Vergidiyad Drakan]], a [[vampyre]] lord, gained control of [[Morytania]] because of his assistance in Zamorak's rebellion. Southern Morytania, a lush forest also known as [[Hallowland]], is quickly overrun by Drakan's hordes of [[werewolves]], vampyres, and the [[undead]]. [[Queen Efaritay]], the [[icyene]] queen of the area, surrendered after her husband, [[King Ascertes]] is captured, giving Drakan complete control over the land. He converts the area's cities into large ghettos where the inhabitants are farmed for blood. He captures the castle now known as [[Castle Drakan]] and makes it his main stronghold. South-eastern Morytania is renamed the [[Sanguinesti Region]]. These events would later lead to the construction of the [[Paterdomus]] and the death of six of [[The Seven Priestly Warriors]].

*[[Count Draynor]], the brother of Lord Drakan, set his sights upon the area that is now [[Draynor Village]], although whether he gained control of the land during the Third or Fourth Age is unknown. Once separated from Morytania in the Fourth Age following the blessing of the [[River Salve]], he was greatly weakened.

[[File:Meiyerditch map.png|thumb|x300px|Meiyerditch, the once proud capital of Morytania. It has since become a ghetto ruled by Lord Drakan.]]
*The [[Barrows brothers]] led forces loyal to Saradomin into the heart of [[Morytania]], seeking to release the land from Drakan's control. They were killed in battle and buried in the Barrows, only to be turned into spirits by the Mahjarrat [[Sliske]].

*The [[Aviantese]], a race of bird-creatures devoted to [[Armadyl]], were wiped out. Armadyl left Gielinor as a result of this. Several were frozen in a massive battle, the [[God Wars Dungeon]], and have recently defrosted.

*[[Dwarves]], after realising that the Wars could force their race to extinction, sealed themselves beneath the world's surface. They constructed their capital, [[Keldagrim]], which exists even to this day.

*[[The Digsite]], known as [[Senntisten]] at the time, was destroyed by the forces of Zamorak, but was claimed by Saradominists some years later. The Wars ultimately destroyed Senntisten, and in its place, [[Saranthium]] is built. Senntisten was the largest Zarosian city. The construction of Saranthium is known to have taken place between 3740 and 3804 by the evidence on two coins found at the Digsite, the only surviving records of dates from this age.

*[[Elves]] retreated into [[Prifddinas]] due to the danger of the lands beyond [[Arandar]].

*[[Gnomes]], like dwarves, are forced to flee beneath the surface of the world. Their capital, the [[Gnome Stronghold]], was ruined and remains so until the Fourth Age.

*[[Mother Mallum]], the queen of the [[Sea Slugs]], attempted to conquer the world. She was narrowly stopped by the Saradominist [[Temple Knights]], an organisation which was founded during the God Wars.

*[[Hazeel]] conquered the land that is now [[Ardougne]] as part of his contract with Zamorak.

*[[Paddewwa]], [[Kharyrll]], [[Lassar]], [[Dareeyak]], [[Carrallangar]], [[Annakarl]], and [[Ghorrock]], Zaros's last remaining fortresses, were destroyed.

<choose>
<option>[[File:Armadyl Godsword_Detail.png|thumb|right|x250px|The [[Godsword]], a weapon fought over in the God Wars.]]</option>
<option>[[File:Bandos godsword equipped.png|thumb|right|x250px|The [[Godsword]], a weapon fought over in the God Wars.]]</option>
<option>[[File:Saradomin godsword equipped.png|x250px|thumb|right|The [[Godsword]], a weapon fought over in the God Wars.]]</option>
<option>[[File:Zamorak godsword equipped.png|thumb|right|x250px|The [[Godsword]], a weapon fought over in the God Wars.]]</option>
</choose>
*A massive cavern, known today as the [[God Wars Dungeon]], hosted a massive battle between the followers of Bandos, Saradomin, Zamorak, and Armadyl. The cave was hidden during the battle, freezing the combatants. Thousands of years later, in the year 169 of the Fifth Age, the combatants are unfrozen due to tectonic movement in the Wilderness. They resumed their battle as they try to obtain the [[Godsword]].

*The [[Dagannoth]]s emerged roughly during this time, resulting in great losses for the [[Fremenniks]].

*Bandos led the [[ogres]] into the [[Feldip Hills]], quickly wiping out the local populace and claiming the land as his own.

*[[Wyrms]], a species of ancient [[dragons]] much more powerful than any known dragon today, slowly disappeared from continued use in combat and evolution. A specific genus of wyrm, the [[White Dragon]], also disappeared.

*[[Wyvern]]s, a species of flightless two-legged dragons, are believed extinct due to a massive climate shift. Their reanimated skeletons can only be found in the [[Asgarnian Ice Dungeon]], the last remaining place that is cold enough for them to survive.

*[[Dragon (metal)|Dragon]], a type of metal found only in [[Freneskae]] and forged by the [[Dragonkin (race)|Dragonkin]], fell into the hands of several other races such as [[humans]], [[Fairy|fairies]], and [[impling]]s.

*The knowledge of the [[Ancient Magicks]], extremely powerful battle spells, was largely forgotten. Having been used by only a select few Zarosians, their death resulted in the near extinction of these magicks. However, the spells have resurfaced and have fallen into the hands of evil mages such as [[Solus Dellagar]] and [[Zenevivia]].

*Contact with an [[Underwater city]] was lost, with all memory of the city nearly vanishing from Gielinor. Few now remember it save Guthix himself.

*Amongst the greatest desert cities was [[Ullek]], a settlement found in the cliffs and swamps of the south-eastern desert. Shortly after Uzer was attacked by Thammaron, Ullek was attacked by [[Balfrug Kreeyath]], a 3-faced demon and the future bodyguard of [[K'ril Tsutsaroth]]. The few that escaped eventually took refuge in [[Sophanem]], which was a small village at the time.

*The desert deities of the [[Menaphites]], who had ruled the [[Kharidian Desert]] for countless years, fell from power, perhaps because of the large amount of combat taking place within the desert. Although they continue to hold sway in areas such as [[Menaphos]], their influence diminishes largely in the outside world, even leading some to doubt their existence.

*[[Yu'biusk]] was the original world of the [[goblins]]. Here they lived in peace for thousands of years until being discovered by Bandos. Bandos took them to Gielinor, despite the goblins resisting this, leaving their world in ruin. Once in Gielinor, they became his devoted warriors, referring to him as the "Big High War God".

*[[Nezikchened]], a [[black demon|Black Demon]] of massive proportions, may have been imprisoned in a cave beneath the [[Kharazi Jungle]] during this time. Although little is known of Nezikchened, it is likely that he was a servant of Zamorak and was imprisoned by a small group of warriors, most likely Saradominists.

[[File:Rev dark beast.png|thumb|A [[revenant dark beast]], long since perished in the God Wars.]]
*Many of the thousands that perished in the Wilderness returned from the dead as [[Revenants]]. These creatures terrorise the Wilderness even after the God Wars end, their crazed, broken minds filled with bloodlust. Not able to die permanently, these creatures eternally haunt the Wilderness.

*[[Dragontooth Island]], a small forested land east of Morytania, is used by Saradominists as an outpost. They were brutally killed by an unknown enemy, leaving much of their tale a mystery.

*[[Agrith-Naar]], a powerful demon, was banished from Gielinor by Guthix upon his awakening. However, he still managed to influence Gielinor by controlling natural disasters.

*A large island north of Morytania, commonly known today as "[[Kudos island|Kudos Island]]", was ravaged by war. Many of the animal species unique to the island are entirely wiped out. These long-extinct creatures are now being studied by the Varrock Museum, and the island itself will soon be reachable via [[barge]].

*The [[Fist of Guthix]] was formed shortly after Guthix returns to the surface. The manner in which it was created, though, is debated.

*The town of [[Eastbridge]] was destroyed in the intense fighting.

*At some point, [[Bandos]]' race of great warriors, the [[Ourg]]s, were destroyed.
*[[The Myriad]], an unknown civilization that inhabited the areas of southern Misthalin, were destroyed by unknown forces. The [[Light creatures]] are the last thing remaining from that ancient race.

=== Major conflicts===
[[File:God Wars Dungeon.png|thumb|right|The God Wars Dungeon, where one of the God War's battles still rages on today.]]

During the God Wars there were thousands of individual battles and conflicts between the people of ''Gielinor''. Although many have been forgotten, some of the more significant ones are still remembered today, such as those listed below. Please note that although these battles are basically in order, there may be some that are slightly out of place.

*[[The Fall of Senntisten]]
*[[Zarosian Extermination|The Destruction of the seven Zarosian Fortresses]]
*[[The Wilderness Campaign]]
*[[The Dorgeshuun Civil War]]
*[[The Sea Slug Conflicts]]
*[[Fall of Hallowvale]]
*[[Morytania Campaign]]
*[[Battle of Uzer|The Destruction of Uzer]]
*[[Northern Kharidian Desert Campaign]]
*[[The Battle of Ardougne]]
*The [[God Wars Dungeon]] battle.

==War tactics==
[[File:Mothermallum.png|right|thumb|Mother Mallum, a [[sea slug]] that used the Wars to her advantage]]

The God Wars were a bloody time marred by battles. Because the land was ever-changing from the constant battles which plagued its surface, there were only a few long-standing cities. Occasionally large camps would be created, but rarely did any significant settlement survive for long.

Because of this, the battles of the God Wars were more violent and bloody than any other. Everyone was pushed to fighting; there were very few "civilians". The majority of battles were battles held on open land with make-shift defensive structures placed to protect soldiers. While some armies made use of strategy and cunning tactics to overcome their foes, others chose brute force. Followers of Bandos in particular were known for their strength and brutality. Making use of overwhelming numbers, Bandos's armies took no prisoners.

==Equipment==
<choose>
<option>[[File:Third age melee.png|thumb|right|x300px|[[Third age warrior armour|Melee armour]] from the Third Age.]]</option>
<option>[[File:Bandos armour equipped male.png|thumb|x300px|right|Heavy [[Bandos armour]] from the Third Age.]]</option>
</choose>

Armour such as this was used often in the God Wars. Far stronger than most metal used today, its resilience made it the equipment of choice for those that could create it. What it is made from, depending on class is white dragonhide, enchanted silk, and enchanted silver, but where it came from is unknown; the art of smithing this equipment was lost long ago. This armour is crafted so well that it can still be used today, and is highly prized amongst those with the funds or the skills to obtain it. This armour was called [[Third age armour]].

Siege weaponry was used primarily during the beginning of the Wars, although it was utilised at times later into the Third Age. To eliminate the remaining settlements, soldiers made use of battering rams, siege ladders, and other such equipment.

==Impact on Gielinor today==
[[File:Digsite View.png|right|thumb|The [[digsite]] east of Varrock, where the proud Zarosian capital, Senntisten, once stood.]]
[[File:Sample table.gif|right|frame|Dorgeshuun cave goblins excavating a battle site from the God Wars.]]
The God Wars continue to have an impact on Gielinor today. Many of the lands that were seized by certain races in the God Wars are still under their rule today. Many areas, such as the Feldip Hills and Morytania continue to be affected by their roles in the Wars. The wilderness, in particular, has remained virtually unchanged since it was destroyed during the Wars.

The God Wars also serve as a historical reminder to the rulers of the modern age. Since the Edicts of Guthix were put in place, there have continued to be countless battles; indeed, the Fourth Age was a time of great violence between the world's races. The only thing that has prevented these from escalating into all-out wars are the Edicts, which prevent large-scale attacks between different races and religious factions. Rulers must be careful to abide by these. For instance, [[King Roald III]] of [[Varrock]] is currently faced with a difficult situation; the werewolves of Morytania have begun to kidnap travellers near the Paterdomus to appease the blood tithes of the vampyres. However, the king can not launch a full-scale assault, as doing so could result in another God War and the destruction of the world. Some wish to circumvent the Edicts or remove them completely, including a number of splinter groups currently operating near the [[Paterdomus]] temple. The God Wars could be seen as Gielinor's equivalent of nuclear war in the real world, with no apparent 'winners' yet many losers.

Excavations are also being performed in the search for relics from these ancient times. This is a difficult task, however; the God Wars occurred over 4000 years ago, so nearly all of the artefacts from this time have been destroyed. Furthermore, there were few permanent structures during the time, leaving us with little understanding of the architecture, literature, or any other cultural aspects of the age. Fortunately, there is a considerable amount of armour that has survived within the earth, and in some areas pottery and other such relics can be found. The largest excavation currently under way is being performed by the [[Varrock Museum]] at the Digsite east of Varrock, which was once the Zarosian capital of Senntisten (and later Saranthium). Other, smaller, digs are also under way, such as the one performed by the Dorgeshuun. Recently, they discovered a large number of artefacts from the Dorgeshuun civil war while they were helping the dwarves to build the [[Dorgesh-Kaan - Keldagrim Train System]].

==Trivia==
* It is currently unknown as to whether or not [[Brassica Prime]] or [[Marimbo]] were involved in the God Wars, though [[Saradomin]] has claimed all the deities of [[Gielinor]] participated.

==References==
*Gielinor [[Game Guide]]
**[http://www.Gielinor.com/kbase/viewarticle.ws?article_id=2703 History of the World of Gielinor]

{{Featured article|March 2008}}
{{History}}
[[fi:God Wars]]
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[[Category:History]]
[[Category:Wars and Battles]]