Sacred 2:Book 5: Bul-Kathos - the First Barbarian

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From the Lore of the Nephalem
Book 5

Bul-Kathos - the First Barbarian

Bul-Kathos, known as the Immortal King, was one of the first Nephalem, a great and ancient king who united the Barbarian tribes.

Origins

Bul-Kathos was born as part of the first generation of Nephalem, in later times referred to as the Ancients. These Nephalem wandered the world and adopted numerous philosophies as they spread across it. Bul-Kathos observed that due to the archangel Inarius's meddling with the Worldstone, subsequent Nephalem generations became weaker and weaker, eventually becoming the various races of the world such as humans and elves.

After uniting the Barbarian tribes, Bul-Kathos set the people upon the great "vigil" of protecting Mount Arreat, and the Worldstone within. While it's unknown if even the Barbarians knew that the Worldstone was inside, or what sort of power it had, Bul-Kathos became the most revered barbarian through time, and the barbarian people began to call themselves the Children of Bul-Kathos in his honor.

Legacy

As the centuries passed, the Nephalem set to stand guard over the mountain all passed on, with the exception of Bul-Kathos, who became one with the earth where he slept. Bul-Kathos is treated as a deity by the Barbarians. They believed his spirit resided within Mount Arreat as part of a last line of defense for any of those who would threaten the Worldstone.

Although there are many gifts from the Great and Ancient King Bul-Kathos, the greatest of these is the secret of steel. Raw iron is hardened and made resilient, forged into weapons of honor and power. Most mortal swords are patterned after the blade first wielded by Bul-Kathos himself. Balancing offense with defense, it is the perfect weapon for the defense of Mount Arreat in the coming apocalypse. All Barbarian warriors learn the secrets of steel at an early age, yet few truly master the deadly elegance of the sword. Those few who do often disdain all other weapons.

Traits

Bul-Kathos valued martial discipline. He demonstrated a dry sense of humor, and had a particular dislike for the Nephalem Esu and those like her. He was (and is) renowned for his immense strength, size, bravery, and fortitude. Bul-Kathos was physically imposing, though when Uldyssian observed him his physical appearance and size shifted. One moment his skin was brown like the soil, and his hair the color of green grass. The next he wore a kilt and sandals with a golden band around his head.

Bul-Kathos and the Hydra

Centuries ago, Bul-Kathos defeated the first Hydra. The great serpent was said to spawn two heads for every one that was severed. In order to defeat it, Bul-Kathos supposedly pitched the beast into a roaring bonfire, wresting the fang loose in the process. The fang was later fashioned into a wand.

See Also

• Bul-Kathos Development Thread on DarkMatters