Lazarus the Dire was the last surviving Mursaat, an ancient and powerful race of floating spellcasters who once ruled Tyria from the shadows through the White Mantle in Guild Wars 2. Known for their cruelty and mastery of magic, the Mursaat attempted to prevent the rise of the Chosen Ones through ritual sacrifice, and Lazarus was their last and most cunning remnant.
Thought to have vanished after the Guild Wars, Lazarus returned in Guild Wars 2: Living World Season 3, seemingly reborn and promising to combat the Elder Dragon threat. However, this Lazarus was not what he appeared to be—and his return would twist into one of the greatest deceptions in Tyria’s recent history.
Biography[]
In the original Guild Wars, Lazarus survived the fall of the Mursaat by splitting his essence into multiple aspects, hiding them in loyal hosts. This ritual saved him from magical destruction, but made him vulnerable: only by gathering his aspects could he reform.
Centuries later, the fanatical White Mantle sought to resurrect their dark masters. The bloodstone-powered ritual successfully reassembled Lazarus—at a cost. Unknown to most, the real Lazarus never returned. Instead, his form was hijacked by Balthazar, the rogue human god of war, who used Lazarus's name and power to deceive allies and prepare for war against the Elder Dragons.
Only when Livia, a centuries-old agent of the Order of Whispers, confronted the false Lazarus with the original aspect-infused Shining Blade, was the truth revealed: the being parading as Lazarus was Balthazar himself. The god of war fled, abandoning the deception.
The real Lazarus, though long dead, left a legacy of cruelty, manipulation, and genocide that shaped Tyrian history.
Personality[]
Lazarus was manipulative, calculating, and deeply arrogant—like all Mursaat, he viewed other races as inferior. He saw his survival as destiny and was willing to sacrifice anything, including allies, to secure power. His false resurrection by Balthazar only heightened the fear associated with his name, reinforcing his legend as a nearly godlike villain.
Notable Acts[]
- Survived the Mursaat’s fall by hiding in multiple hosts using forbidden magic.
- Led White Mantle rituals that sacrificed innocents to bloodstones.
- Was impersonated by Balthazar, tricking Tyrian leaders into trusting a warmonger.
- Indirectly fueled the revival of the White Mantle and their assault on Kryta.
- Caused widespread fear and conflict, even posthumously, due to the threat of his return.
Powers and Abilities[]
- Master of ancient magic, especially defensive and illusionary arts
- Immortal (as long as his aspects remained scattered)
- Flight and levitation, typical of Mursaat
- Spellcasting with focus on fire, energy shields, and banishment
- Command over the White Mantle and spectral servants
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 Villains
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