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{{Boss infobox
{{Boss infobox
|name= Nezarec, Final God of Pain
|name= Nezarec, Final God of Pain
|othernames= The Purest Light <br> The Darkest Hour
|othernames= Nezarec, Disciple of the Witness <br> The Purest Light <br> The Darkest Hour <br> Whispering Nightmare
|image= [[File:NezarecFGOP.png|300px]]
|image= {{Tabcontainer
|homeworld=
|title1= Main
|birth=
|content1=[[File:NezarecInfobox.jpg|300px]]
|death=
|title2= Damage
|species=
|content2=[[File:NezarecPhase2Info.jpg|300px]]
|faction= [[Disciples of the Witness]]<br>[[Black Fleet]]
}}
|faction= [[Disciples of the Witness]]<br>[[Dread]]
|rank= [[Ultra]]
|rank= [[Ultra]]
|class= [[Tormentor]]
|class= [[Tormentor]]
|gender=  
|gender= Male
|height=
|mass=
|mission= [[Root of Nightmares]]
|mission= [[Root of Nightmares]]
|weapon= [[Night Terror (Nezarec)|Night Terror]]
|weapon= {{icon|Void}} [[Tormentor Scythe#Overview|Night Terror]]
|ability=  
|ability= High Durability <br> Rapid Movement <br> Summon [[Cabal]] <br> {{icon|Void}} Null Paroxysm <br> {{icon|Void}} Suppression <br> {{icon|Void}} Abyssal Cleave <br> {{icon|Void}} Psionic Entropy <br> Nezarec's Hatred <br> Overwhelming Energy <br> Overwhelming Light <br> Overwhelming Darkness
}}
}}
{{Article quote|This prison in-between... it will shatter. But I need power. I am pain. I am terror. I am Nezarec!}}  
{{Article quote|Oh, a shame we can't entertain our one-sided conversations further! Ah, but this... this feels too good. Guardians! Let me devour your fear!}}  


'''Nezarec, Final God of Pain''' is a chosen [[Disciples|Disciple]] of the [[Witness]], possessing immense psionic dominion over the [[Void]] and mastery of the [[Darkness]] to create and induce [[Nightmares]] into his victims to feed upon their fear and pain. Nezarec himself was felt mentally across a multitude of civilizations who feared and even worshipped his presence, including the [[Psion]] race and even [[Humanity]] before the [[Golden Age]].  
'''Nezarec, Final God of Pain''' is a [[Disciples of the Witness|Disciple]] of [[The Witness|the Witness]]. An ancient being with powerful psychic abilities, Nezarec is a sadist who relishes the fear and pain experienced by other sentient beings, and is known to induce nightmares in his victims in order to feed on their fear. His psychic presence and reputation were known in several sects of civilizations who feared and even worshipped him, including the pre-[[Cabal]] [[Psion]]s and pre-[[Golden Age]] [[Humanity]].  


Nezarec initially led the [[Black Fleet]] in its assault on [[Earth]] during the [[Collapse]], seeking out [[The Veil]] on behalf of [[The Witness]]. The Disciple would had claim it only to have been betrayed by [[Savathûn, the Witch Queen]], who killed him and cursed his remains entombed in his own [[The Lunar Pyramid|Pyramid]] on the [[Moon]]. Despite his physical death, echoes of his consciousness continued to haunt across the system in whispers. His cursed remains were then separated and exchanged hands amongst the [[Fallen]], only to be gathered centuries later by two parties: The [[Guardian]]s of the [[Last City]] and [[Eramis, Kell of Darkness]] of the [[House of Salvation]]; the latter whom had brought only his head back to the Witness.  
Nezarec led the [[Black Fleet]] in its assault on [[Earth]] during the [[Collapse]], carrying [[The Veil|the Veil]] aboard his [[The Lunar Pyramid|Pyramid]]. He was betrayed by [[Savathûn, the Witch Queen|Savathûn]], who killed him and cursed his remains, leaving him entombed in his own Pyramid on the [[Moon]]. Despite his physical death, echoes of his consciousness continued to persist across the system. His remains were later found by [[Fallen]] scavengers, who would split Nezarec's corpse into pieces that were distributed amongst them as "relics" and talismans. These pieces would be gathered centuries later by two parties: The [[Guardian]]s of the [[Last City]] and [[Eramis, Kell of Darkness]] of the [[House of Salvation]] in [[Season of Plunder]]. The original Fallen raiding party would leave Nezarec's head inside the Lunar Pyramid.<ref>'''Bungie (2023/3/10)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]:[[Lightfall]] - [[Armor|Armor Lore]]: [[Bite of Trepidation Suit (Hunter)#Vest of Trepidation|Vest of Trepidation]]''</ref>  This led to the Witness later coming into the possession of Nezarec's head and encased his remains in a sarcophagus located on the [[Essence|Witness' Pyramid]].


Nezarec himself would become active again in the fallout of [[The Traveler]]'s attack on [[The Witness]]' [[Pyramid]], where he haunted the citizens of [[Neomuna]] in the [[CloudArk]]. Serving as the final boss of the ''[[Root of Nightmares]]'' raid, he would fully resurrect by a newly grown [[Tree of Silver Wings]], only to be laid to his final rest by the [[Guardian]]s during their push to expunge him from the system.
Nezarec would become active again in the fallout of [[The Traveler|the Traveler]]'s attack on the Witness's [[Essence|Pyramid]], where he haunted the citizens of [[Neomuna]] in the [[CloudArk]]. Serving as the final boss of the ''[[Root of Nightmares]]'' raid, he would fully resurrect via a newly grown [[Tree of Silver Wings]] with both [[Light]] and [[Darkness]] powers, only to be defeated once more by the [[Guardian]]s during their conquest of the Pyramid.


==Biography==
==Biography==
===Pre-Golden Age===
===Pre-Golden Age===
{{Quote|He is that which is end. That which covets sin. The final god of pain—the purest light, the darkest hour. And He shall rise again.|Passage from "Of Hated Nezarec}}
{{Quote|He is that which is end. That which covets sin. The final god of pain—the purest light, the darkest hour. And He shall rise again.|Passage from "Of Hated Nezarec"}}
 
Hailing from an unknown species gifted with immense psionic abilities, Nezarec was elevated and transformed by the Witness into one of its chosen Disciples, empowering him with pure primordial [[Darkness]]. For his new position, he was also given a [[Nezarec's Whisper|glaive]] by [[Rhulk, Disciple of the Witness|Rhulk]] as a gift.<ref name="whisper">'''Bungie (2022/5/24)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - [[Weapon|Weapon Lore]]: [[Nezarec's Whisper]]''</ref> The titular final god of pain would become a force of terror across the known universe, with his psychic influence felt across countless races; the most particular being the ancient Psion race whom revered him as a deity in their pre-Cabal history.<ref name="Psions">'''Bungie (2023/02/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]] - [[Nezarec, Final God of Pain]]: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6AUTpFszfs "Psions. Do You Still Adore Me?"]''</ref> A hidden cult of Psions would continue to honor Nezarec in modern times, offering individuals with particularly powerful psychic abilities as sacrifices to him. One such unfortunate was [[Acasia]]'s partner, who was taken from his home and tortured by the cult in order to feed Nezarec's hunger for pain and fear.<ref name="Acasia IV">'''Bungie (2023/02/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]] - [[Armor|Armor lore]]: [[Breath of Detestation#Boots of Detestation|Boots of Detestation]]''</ref>
 
Nezarec's influence was also present amongst humanity before their Golden Age. He was the subject of a pre-Golden Age text titled ''Of Hated Nezarec'',<ref name="sin">'''Bungie (2017/9/6)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Shadowkeep]] - Item Description: [[Nezarec's Sin]]''</ref> A leather-bound tome containing apocrypha of the disciple which survived in the possession of a human family into the Golden Age and post-Collapse eras.<ref name="Dream Demon">'''Bungie (2023/02/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]] - Sparrow lore: [[Dream Demon]]''</ref>
 
===Collapse===
{{quote|The Veil... So, the witch didn't ruin you during her escapade. Good.|Nezarec's remark towards the Veil}}


The description of Nezarec's Whisper implies that Nezarec was anointed by [[Rhulk]] as a new Disciple at some point in the presumably ancient past. The lore tab of the weapon reveals that [[Eris Morn]] found the blade within a chamber of The Lunar Pyramid, covered in centuries of dust. This alongside the cutscene in Season of Plunder suggests that Nezarec was the original Disciple that controlled the Lunar Pyramid and was the owner of the glaive.<ref name="whisper">'''Bungie (2022/5/24)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Haunted]] - [[Weapon|Weapon Lore]]: [[Nezarec's Whisper]]''</ref> <ref name="cutscene"> '''Bungie (2022/9/20)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Plunder]] - [[Sails of the Shipstealer]]  [https://youtu.be/A9slzXnUNFk Cutscene]''</ref>
When the Black Fleet chased the Traveler to the [[Sol System]], Nezarec led the assault against humanity, accompanied by [[Hive]] forces led by Savathûn, the Witch Queen.{{citation needed}}


Nezarec himself was inscribed in a pre-Golden Age text titled "Of Hated Nezarec", a book of . The text states that he will one day rise again, implying that he is either dead, dormant, or in hiding at the time of writing. The origin and age of this text is unknown, aside from that it predates the [[Golden Age]].
During the Collapse, Nezarec had possession of the Veil, the primordial source of all [[Darkness]] and of the Witness’ [[Final Shape|endgame]] to link with the Traveler; which was present aboard his Pyramid. Just when victory seemed assured, however, Nezarec was betrayed by Savathûn, who mortally wounded the Disciple. Nezarec attempted to project his consciousness into the Darkness and cheat death, only for him to be denied as the Witch cursed his consciousness to remain bound to his physical remains. His last thoughts were of hatred for the Witch Queen as she stole the Veil away to [[Neptune]] and hid it from the Witness.<ref name="Conditional Finality">'''Bungie (2023/02/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]] - Item Description: [[Conditional Finality#Lore|Conditional Finality]]''</ref>


According to Nezarec's voice lines upon his reappearance in the [[Vex Network]], he was once worshipped by [[Psion|Psions]] as a deity, suggesting that much like Rhulk before him, he may have infiltrated the cultures of Psions and possibly other species in addition to humanity.
Nezarec's Pyramid crashed into the surface of the Moon following his death, entombing his corpse beneath the lunar surface.<ref>'''Bungie (2022/8/23)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Plunder]] - [[Eido]]: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmmmso_uFaU "Nezarec Led the Witness's First Assault on Earth."]''</ref>


===Collapse===
===Legacy of Nightmares===
For centuries following the Collapse, Nezarec's corpse remained undisturbed within his Pyramid. Eventually, [[Inaaks]], the then-[[Kell]] of the [[House of Wolves]], uncovered his derelict ship during a spelunking expedition despite the nearby Hive forces picking off her raid party.<ref>'''Bungie (2022/8/23)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Plunder]] - [[Lore:Above All Else]]: [[Lore:Above All Else#II. The Whispering Dark|II. The Whispering Dark]]''</ref> Inside, Inaaks and her fellow Fallen scavengers discovered Nezarec's corpse and determined that it was a source of great power. They split his body into pieces, which were distributed as morbid talismans. Over time, these pieces were stored within relics and scattered across the solar system, exchanging hands between Fallen pirates including Inaaks' son [[Mithrax, Kell of Light|Misraaks]].<ref>'''Bungie (2022/8/23)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Plunder]] - [https://youtu.be/O9Mlvz5jAWI?t=203 Nezarec]''</ref> Possession of Nezarec's remains were not without consequence, however, as echoes of his consciousness continued to persist from them; to haunt and torment their bearers.
 
During the Dark Age, [[Mykel]] and his family continued to worship Nezarec and conduct rituals in his name, with every new generation tested for loyalty and worthiness. On the night of his 18th birthday, Mykel was awakened after a nightmare caused by Nezarec, leading one of his parents to induct him into the cult by torturing a captive Eliksni in order to "extract its fear".<ref name="Dream Demon"/> Later in his adulthood, Mykel would form the [[Acolytes of Nezarec]] by directing the God of Pain's influence towards his ideal victims. Those who would join included prior victims of his such as Acasia, a former [[Titan (class)|Titan]] named [[Briar]] and the Eliksni pirate [[Koraxis]].
 
At one point, [[Drifter]] was contracted by [[the Spider]] to retrieve a relic of the disciple from the Acolytes at the titular "[[Fourth Tomb of Nezarec]]" in [[Jovians|Jovian]] space.<ref>'''Bungie (2018/9/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Forsaken]], Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Lore:A Drifter's Gambit#Artifacts and Old Friends|A Drifter's Gambit: Artifacts and Old Friends]]''</ref> Though he was accosted by both an unknown individual (implied to be [[Nessa]]) and Nezarec's own powers, he escaped unharmed with the artifact in hand.<ref name="Gift Of Cruelty">'''Bungie (2023/02/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]] - Jumpship lore: [[Gift of Cruelty]]''</ref>
 
===''Season of Plunder''===
After being released from her Stasis prison, Eramis, the Kell of Darkness, was tasked by the Witness with collecting the remaining pieces of Nezarec's corpse.<ref name="cutscene">'''Bungie (2022/8/23)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Plunder]] - [[Lore]]: [[Lore:Between Stolen Stars#I. Thaw|Between Stolen Stars - I. Thaw]]''</ref> Through her research on these relics, [[Eido]], Mithrax's daughter, discovered a reference to the "Curse of Nezarec" in an ancient dirge. The curse is alleged to drain the life of the user, though to what purpose is unknown.


During the [[Collapse]], Nezarec led the [[Black Fleet]] in its assault against humanity, with his [[Lunar Pyramid|Pyramid]] becoming stranded on the [[Moon]] when the Traveler made its last stand against the Fleet.<ref name="cutscene"/>
Ultimately, the Guardians gathered the majority of the pieces of Nezarec before Eramis. Mithrax was able to use them to create something useful: a special brew which was given to a comatose [[Osiris]] in the hopes that it would rouse him from his state. The brew worked as hoped, leading Osiris to finally awaken from his slumber.


===City Age===
===''Lightfall''===
A [[Human]] family carried on Nezarec's religious teachings after the Collapse, and was given some of his power in return. Their youngest son, [[Mykel]], proceeded to create the [[Acolytes of Nezarec]] by directing the God of Pain's influence towards ideal victims.
{{quote|This [[CloudArk|prison]] in-between... it will shatter. But I need power... I am pain. I am terror. I am Nezarec!|Nezarec's words echoed in the [[Vex Network]]}}


[[The Drifter]] was contracted at some point to retrieve an artifact from a place called "The Fourth Tomb of Nezarec" in [[Jovians|Jovian]] space.<ref>'''Bungie (2018/9/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Forsaken]], Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Lore:A Drifter's Gambit#Artifacts and Old Friends|A Drifter's Gambit: Artifacts and Old Friends]]''</ref> Though he was accosted by both an unknown individual (implied to be [[Nessa]]) and Nezarec's own powers, he escaped unharmed with the artifact in hand.
During the siege of [[Neomuna]], Neomuna Civil News reported that the [[Neomuna#Trivia|Neomuni]] were experiencing widespread nightmares, with one name appearing in all of them: Nezarec. The reports also speculated on the connections between Nezarec and the Psions.  


===Season of Plunder===
These claims would later be confirmed during the [[Hypernet Current]] [[Strike]], in which a mysterious voice said it would claim a part of [[Vex]] space for its own, and announced itself as Nezarec. In addition, the Disciple could also occasionally be heard by [[The Guardian]] while patrolling [[Neomuna]], particularly in [[Maya's Retreat]] and the [[Thrilladrome]] Lost Sector. These whispers were ordinarily unintelligible, but whilst either [[Nezarec's Whisper]] or [[Nezarec's Sin]] was equipped they could be understood, and Nezarec would taunt them further during the [[Terminal Overload]] public event.
It is revealed in ''[[Season of Plunder]]'' that Nezarec's corpse was discovered aboard the Lunar Pyramid by the [[Eliksni]] after their arrival in the [[Sol System]]. The Eliskni determined that Nezarec's body was a source of [[Darkness|great power]], and divided the corpse into pieces that they then distributed amongst themselves as talismans. These pieces were later stored within relics and hidden away across the solar system. During the season,  [[Eramis, Kell of Darkness]] sought to collect all the relics under the order of The Witness.<ref name="cutscene"/><ref>'''Bungie (2022/8/23)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Plunder]] - [[Lore]]: [[Lore:Between Stolen Stars#I. Thaw|Between Stolen Stars - I. Thaw]]''</ref> Through her research on these relics, [[Eido, Daughter of Misraaks]] discovered a reference to the "Curse of Nezarec" in an ancient dirge. The curse is alleged to drain the life of the user, though its purpose is also unknown.


Ultimately, the Guardians gathered all the pieces of Nezarec before Eramis, and Mithrax was able to use them to create something useful: a special brew which was given to a comatose [[Osiris]] in the hopes that it would rouse him from his state. The brew worked as hoped as it helped Osiris finally awaken from his slumber.
Additionally, a connection between Nezarec and the Tormentors may exist, as multiple [[Tormentor]]s [[Imprint of Nezarec|named]] after the titular disciple are fought by [[Guardians]]. When first encountered, Osiris claims that Tormentors are "The fruits of an unholy alliance between the Witness and Calus."<ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]]'' - [[First Contact]]</ref> Neomuni archivist [[Quinn Laghari]] later speculates if they are the same species as Nezarec or are clones made by the Witness, perhaps using Calus' cloning technology. <ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ays25gide1Y&ab_channel=DestinyLoreVault| Idle Dialogue, Neomuna | Quinn: "The Same Species as Nezarec?" | Lightfall]</ref>


===Lightfall===
====Root of Nightmares====
During the campaign of [[Lightfall]], Neomuna Civil News reports the [[Neomuni]] are experiencing widespread nightmares. The report goes on to state that one name has appeared in all of these nightmares; Nezarec. The reports also speculate on the connections between Nezarec and the [[Psion]]s in their psychic abilities. These claims would later be confirmed as Nezarec being alive when during the [[Hypernet Current]] [[Strike]], a mysterious voice said it would claim a part of [[Vex]] space for its own, and called itself Nezarec. Nezarec can also occasionally be heard by [[The Guardian]] at random while they're patrolling [[Neomuna]], particularly in [[Maya's Retreat]] and the [[Thrilladrome]] Lost Sector when they equip [[Nezarec's Whisper]] or [[Nezarec's Sin]], and taunt them and during the [[Terminal Overload]] public event.
{{Quote|My memory will never extinguish. In your calmest moments, your deepest slumber... you will remember me, Guardians|Nezarec's final words after his defeat}}


Additionally, a connection between Nezarec and the Tormentors may exist, as multiple [[Tormentor]]s named Imprints of Nezarec are fought both during the Lightfall campaign and during the exotic quest, ''The Final Strand''. When first encountered, Osiris claims that Tormentors are "The fruits of an unholy alliance between the Witness and Calus.",<ref>'''Bungie (2023/2/28)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Lightfall]] - Mission: First Contact</ref>, while [[Quinn]] later questions if they are the same species of Nezarec or are clones made by the Witness,<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ays25gide1Y&ab_channel=DestinyLoreVault| Idle Dialogue, Neomuna | Quinn: "The Same Species as Nezarec?" | Lightfall]</ref> implying that they might be clones of Nezarec created by the Witness using Calus' cloning technology. This connection has yet to be explored further.
During the battle between the Traveler and the Witness in Earth's orbit, the Traveler struck the Witness' Pyramid with a terraforming beam. This beam deformed the surface of the Pyramid, causing large growths of ostensibly benign paracausal flora to grow within the structure of the ship. A fireteam of six Guardians was assembled to investigate the now-derelict ship. Upon exploration of the interior, the team discovered a large sarcophagus containing the disembodied head of Nezarec. This head is revealed to be the only piece of Nezarec Eramis managed to acquire for the Witness after the Guardian's retrieval of the other pieces in Season of Plunder.


===Root of Nightmares===
Nezarec had unwittingly been resurrected by the Traveler's terraforming power and conversed with the fireteam, goading them on throughout the raid. Amongst other things, Nezarec talked about aspects of themselves, the nature of terror and how he wished to express his newfound paracausal powers. These powers appear to have been augmented by the terraforming beam of Light that the Traveler shot, causing an immensely large growth to pierce the sarcophagus of Nezarec.
During the battle between the Traveler and the Witness in Earth's orbit, the Traveler hit the mothership of the Pyramid Fleet with a terraforming beam. This beam deformed the surface of the Pyramid, causing large growths of seemingly benign flora within the structure of the ship. A six Guardian fireteam assembled to investigate the now derelict ship. Upon exploration of the interior, the team discovered a large sarcophagus, containing the disembodied head of Nezarec. This head is revealed to be all that was left of Nezarec after [[Savathûn]] killed him during the Collapse, and despite being in a decapitated state, Nezarec conversed with the fireteam, goading them on with various pieces of information. Aspects of themselves, the nature of terror, and how they wished to express their newfound paracausal powers. These powers appear to have been brought about by the terraforming beam of Light that the Traveler shot, causing an immensely large growth to pierce the sarcophagus of Nezarec. Nezarec's resurrection had unwittingly been started by the Traveler.


The fireteam traveled throughout the shattered interior of the Pyramid, fighting the Shadow Legion in an effort to feed paracausal energy into the sarcophagus containing Nezarec. As enough energy was fed into the coffin, large contractions of Resonant energy began to pulse from the coffin, threatening the fireteam with extermination if they failed to attune with it. Nezarec's rebirth was complete.
The fireteam traveled throughout the shattered interior of the Pyramid, fighting the Shadow Legion in an effort to feed paracausal energy into the sarcophagus containing Nezarec. When enough energy was fed into the coffin, large contractions of Resonant energy began to pulse from the coffin, threatening the fireteam with extermination if they failed to attune with it. Nezarec's rebirth was complete.


With the fireteam returning to the sarcophagus, Nezarec burst forth from the amber-like encasement, displaying a newly grown body, fed on the Light and Darkness supplied by the Guardians. He reveled in his newly-found powers, controlling both Light and Dark, and wished to hear the screams of terror of the fireteam as he killed them. However, the fireteam proved too much for him in his newly born state, and he was destroyed. Exploding in much the same fashion as both Rhulk and Calus met their ends, Nezarec reminded the fireteam that even though he had expired, he would always be present in their memories and nightmares, an inescapable impression upon the Universe.  
With the fireteam returning to the sarcophagus, Nezarec burst forth from his amber-like encasement, displaying a newly grown body fed on the Light and Darkness supplied by the Guardians. He reveled in his newly-found powers, controlling both Light and Dark, wishing to hear the screams of terror of the fireteam as he killed them. The Guardians, however, proved too strong for his newly born state and he was destroyed, exploding in much the same fashion as Rhulk, Calus and the Tormentors had met their ends. Nezarec reminded the fireteam that even though he had expired, he would always be present in their memories and nightmares, an inescapable impression upon the Universe.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery perrow=3>
<gallery perrow=3>
File:Nezarec Cutscene.jpg|The silhouette of Nezarec's body as seen in a cutscene in ''[[Season of Plunder]]''
File:Nezarec Cutscene.jpg|The silhouette of Nezarec's body as seen in a cutscene in ''[[Season of Plunder]]''.
File:NezarecCharge.jpg|Nezarec charging at a fireteam of [[Guardian]]s in [[Root of Nightmares]]
File:NezarecCharge.jpg|Nezarec charging at a fireteam of [[Guardian]]s in [[Root of Nightmares]].
File:NezarecThumbnail.jpg
File:NezarecThumbnail.jpg|Closeup of Nezarec.
File:NezarecStatueRootOfNightmares.png|A statue of Nezarec found at the beginning of the raid.
File:NezarecCinematic.png|Nezarec in his sarcophagus in the post-raid cinematic.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Nezarec's true nature as a Disciple remained largely mysterious until ''[[Season of Plunder]]'', with most information coming from the lore entry for the [[Exotic]] [[Warlock]] helmet [[Nezarec's Sin]] and the [[Glaive]] [[Nezarec's Whisper]].<ref name="whisper"/> It is also implied that Nezarec is the one speaking in the description of the [[Delicate Tomb]] [[Exotic]] [[Fusion Rifle]].<ref>'''Bungie (2022/8/23)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Plunder]] - [[Weapon|Weapon Lore]]: [[Delicate Tomb]]''</ref>
*Nezarec's true nature as a Disciple remained largely mysterious until ''[[Season of Plunder]]'', with most information coming from the lore entry for the [[Exotic]] [[Warlock]] helmet [[Nezarec's Sin]] and the [[Glaive]] [[Nezarec's Whisper]].<ref name="whisper"/> It is also implied that Nezarec is the one speaking in the description of the [[Delicate Tomb]] [[Exotic]] [[Fusion Rifle]].<ref>'''Bungie (2022/8/23)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Plunder]] - [[Weapon|Weapon Lore]]: [[Delicate Tomb]]''</ref>
*The revelation that Psions once worshipped Nezarec may explain the design of the Exotic helmet [[Nezarec's Sin]], which strongly resembles the helmets worn by many Psions. The helmet itself is similar to Nezarec's actual head and facial structure, with his horns being more vertically aligned in contrast.
*The revelation that Psions once worshipped Nezarec may explain the design of the Exotic helmet [[Nezarec's Sin]], which strongly resembles the helmets worn by many Psions. The helmet itself is similar to Nezarec's actual head and facial structure, with his horns being more vertically aligned in contrast.
*The [[Nightmare Harvester]] seasonal artifact from ''[[Season of the Haunted]]'' can summon a scythe, alluding to the connection between the [[Nightmares]] and Nezarec, who also wields a scythe.
*Nezarec has seven eyes, perhaps a nod to Bungie's recurring use of the number seven in their games.
*Nezarec has seven eyes, perhaps a nod to Bungie's recurring use of the number seven in their games.
*According to lead Bungie concept artist Tobias Kwan, Nezarec's heterochromia is caused by him being a "chimeric fusion"; it is unknown to what degree this description applies to in-game canon. <ref>https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/060/357/384/large/tobias-kwan-tk-nezarec-02.jpg?1678378292</ref>


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
*''[[Destiny 2]]'' {{Fm}}
*''[[Destiny 2]]'' {{Fm}}
**''[[Forsaken]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Forsaken]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[The Witch Queen]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Season of the Haunted]]'' {{Mo}}
***''[[Season of the Haunted]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Season of Plunder]]'' {{Mo}}
***''[[Season of Plunder]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Season of the Seraph]]'' {{Mo}}
***''[[Season of the Seraph]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Lightfall]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Lightfall]]'' {{1st}}
***''[[Season of Defiance]]''
**''[[Season of the Deep]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Season of the Witch]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Breakdown]]'' {{Mo}}


==References==
==References==
<references/>
<references/>


{{Bosses|D2}}
{{Dread}}
[[Category:Black Fleet]]
[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Enemies]]
[[Category:Main antagonists]]

Revision as of 16:38, April 28, 2024

Nezarec, Final God of Pain
Main
NezarecInfobox.jpg
Damage
NezarecPhase2Info.jpg
Biographical information

Other name(s):

Nezarec, Disciple of the Witness
The Purest Light
The Darkest Hour
Whispering Nightmare

Faction:

Disciples of the Witness
Dread

Rank:

Ultra

Class:

Tormentor

Gender:

Male

Combat information

Mission:

Root of Nightmares

Weapon(s):

Void Night Terror

Abilities:

High Durability
Rapid Movement
Summon Cabal
Void Null Paroxysm
Void Suppression
Void Abyssal Cleave
Void Psionic Entropy
Nezarec's Hatred
Overwhelming Energy
Overwhelming Light
Overwhelming Darkness

 
Oh, a shame we can't entertain our one-sided conversations further! Ah, but this... this feels too good. Guardians! Let me devour your fear!

Nezarec, Final God of Pain is a Disciple of the Witness. An ancient being with powerful psychic abilities, Nezarec is a sadist who relishes the fear and pain experienced by other sentient beings, and is known to induce nightmares in his victims in order to feed on their fear. His psychic presence and reputation were known in several sects of civilizations who feared and even worshipped him, including the pre-Cabal Psions and pre-Golden Age Humanity.

Nezarec led the Black Fleet in its assault on Earth during the Collapse, carrying the Veil aboard his Pyramid. He was betrayed by Savathûn, who killed him and cursed his remains, leaving him entombed in his own Pyramid on the Moon. Despite his physical death, echoes of his consciousness continued to persist across the system. His remains were later found by Fallen scavengers, who would split Nezarec's corpse into pieces that were distributed amongst them as "relics" and talismans. These pieces would be gathered centuries later by two parties: The Guardians of the Last City and Eramis, Kell of Darkness of the House of Salvation in Season of Plunder. The original Fallen raiding party would leave Nezarec's head inside the Lunar Pyramid.[1] This led to the Witness later coming into the possession of Nezarec's head and encased his remains in a sarcophagus located on the Witness' Pyramid.

Nezarec would become active again in the fallout of the Traveler's attack on the Witness's Pyramid, where he haunted the citizens of Neomuna in the CloudArk. Serving as the final boss of the Root of Nightmares raid, he would fully resurrect via a newly grown Tree of Silver Wings with both Light and Darkness powers, only to be defeated once more by the Guardians during their conquest of the Pyramid.

Biography

Pre-Golden Age

"He is that which is end. That which covets sin. The final god of pain—the purest light, the darkest hour. And He shall rise again."
— Passage from "Of Hated Nezarec"

Hailing from an unknown species gifted with immense psionic abilities, Nezarec was elevated and transformed by the Witness into one of its chosen Disciples, empowering him with pure primordial Darkness. For his new position, he was also given a glaive by Rhulk as a gift.[2] The titular final god of pain would become a force of terror across the known universe, with his psychic influence felt across countless races; the most particular being the ancient Psion race whom revered him as a deity in their pre-Cabal history.[3] A hidden cult of Psions would continue to honor Nezarec in modern times, offering individuals with particularly powerful psychic abilities as sacrifices to him. One such unfortunate was Acasia's partner, who was taken from his home and tortured by the cult in order to feed Nezarec's hunger for pain and fear.[4]

Nezarec's influence was also present amongst humanity before their Golden Age. He was the subject of a pre-Golden Age text titled Of Hated Nezarec,[5] A leather-bound tome containing apocrypha of the disciple which survived in the possession of a human family into the Golden Age and post-Collapse eras.[6]

Collapse

"The Veil... So, the witch didn't ruin you during her escapade. Good."
— Nezarec's remark towards the Veil

When the Black Fleet chased the Traveler to the Sol System, Nezarec led the assault against humanity, accompanied by Hive forces led by Savathûn, the Witch Queen.[citation needed]

During the Collapse, Nezarec had possession of the Veil, the primordial source of all Darkness and of the Witness’ endgame to link with the Traveler; which was present aboard his Pyramid. Just when victory seemed assured, however, Nezarec was betrayed by Savathûn, who mortally wounded the Disciple. Nezarec attempted to project his consciousness into the Darkness and cheat death, only for him to be denied as the Witch cursed his consciousness to remain bound to his physical remains. His last thoughts were of hatred for the Witch Queen as she stole the Veil away to Neptune and hid it from the Witness.[7]

Nezarec's Pyramid crashed into the surface of the Moon following his death, entombing his corpse beneath the lunar surface.[8]

Legacy of Nightmares

For centuries following the Collapse, Nezarec's corpse remained undisturbed within his Pyramid. Eventually, Inaaks, the then-Kell of the House of Wolves, uncovered his derelict ship during a spelunking expedition despite the nearby Hive forces picking off her raid party.[9] Inside, Inaaks and her fellow Fallen scavengers discovered Nezarec's corpse and determined that it was a source of great power. They split his body into pieces, which were distributed as morbid talismans. Over time, these pieces were stored within relics and scattered across the solar system, exchanging hands between Fallen pirates including Inaaks' son Misraaks.[10] Possession of Nezarec's remains were not without consequence, however, as echoes of his consciousness continued to persist from them; to haunt and torment their bearers.

During the Dark Age, Mykel and his family continued to worship Nezarec and conduct rituals in his name, with every new generation tested for loyalty and worthiness. On the night of his 18th birthday, Mykel was awakened after a nightmare caused by Nezarec, leading one of his parents to induct him into the cult by torturing a captive Eliksni in order to "extract its fear".[6] Later in his adulthood, Mykel would form the Acolytes of Nezarec by directing the God of Pain's influence towards his ideal victims. Those who would join included prior victims of his such as Acasia, a former Titan named Briar and the Eliksni pirate Koraxis.

At one point, Drifter was contracted by the Spider to retrieve a relic of the disciple from the Acolytes at the titular "Fourth Tomb of Nezarec" in Jovian space.[11] Though he was accosted by both an unknown individual (implied to be Nessa) and Nezarec's own powers, he escaped unharmed with the artifact in hand.[12]

Season of Plunder

After being released from her Stasis prison, Eramis, the Kell of Darkness, was tasked by the Witness with collecting the remaining pieces of Nezarec's corpse.[13] Through her research on these relics, Eido, Mithrax's daughter, discovered a reference to the "Curse of Nezarec" in an ancient dirge. The curse is alleged to drain the life of the user, though to what purpose is unknown.

Ultimately, the Guardians gathered the majority of the pieces of Nezarec before Eramis. Mithrax was able to use them to create something useful: a special brew which was given to a comatose Osiris in the hopes that it would rouse him from his state. The brew worked as hoped, leading Osiris to finally awaken from his slumber.

Lightfall

"This prison in-between... it will shatter. But I need power... I am pain. I am terror. I am Nezarec!"
— Nezarec's words echoed in the Vex Network

During the siege of Neomuna, Neomuna Civil News reported that the Neomuni were experiencing widespread nightmares, with one name appearing in all of them: Nezarec. The reports also speculated on the connections between Nezarec and the Psions.

These claims would later be confirmed during the Hypernet Current Strike, in which a mysterious voice said it would claim a part of Vex space for its own, and announced itself as Nezarec. In addition, the Disciple could also occasionally be heard by The Guardian while patrolling Neomuna, particularly in Maya's Retreat and the Thrilladrome Lost Sector. These whispers were ordinarily unintelligible, but whilst either Nezarec's Whisper or Nezarec's Sin was equipped they could be understood, and Nezarec would taunt them further during the Terminal Overload public event.

Additionally, a connection between Nezarec and the Tormentors may exist, as multiple Tormentors named after the titular disciple are fought by Guardians. When first encountered, Osiris claims that Tormentors are "The fruits of an unholy alliance between the Witness and Calus."[14] Neomuni archivist Quinn Laghari later speculates if they are the same species as Nezarec or are clones made by the Witness, perhaps using Calus' cloning technology. [15]

Root of Nightmares

"My memory will never extinguish. In your calmest moments, your deepest slumber... you will remember me, Guardians"
— Nezarec's final words after his defeat

During the battle between the Traveler and the Witness in Earth's orbit, the Traveler struck the Witness' Pyramid with a terraforming beam. This beam deformed the surface of the Pyramid, causing large growths of ostensibly benign paracausal flora to grow within the structure of the ship. A fireteam of six Guardians was assembled to investigate the now-derelict ship. Upon exploration of the interior, the team discovered a large sarcophagus containing the disembodied head of Nezarec. This head is revealed to be the only piece of Nezarec Eramis managed to acquire for the Witness after the Guardian's retrieval of the other pieces in Season of Plunder.

Nezarec had unwittingly been resurrected by the Traveler's terraforming power and conversed with the fireteam, goading them on throughout the raid. Amongst other things, Nezarec talked about aspects of themselves, the nature of terror and how he wished to express his newfound paracausal powers. These powers appear to have been augmented by the terraforming beam of Light that the Traveler shot, causing an immensely large growth to pierce the sarcophagus of Nezarec.

The fireteam traveled throughout the shattered interior of the Pyramid, fighting the Shadow Legion in an effort to feed paracausal energy into the sarcophagus containing Nezarec. When enough energy was fed into the coffin, large contractions of Resonant energy began to pulse from the coffin, threatening the fireteam with extermination if they failed to attune with it. Nezarec's rebirth was complete.

With the fireteam returning to the sarcophagus, Nezarec burst forth from his amber-like encasement, displaying a newly grown body fed on the Light and Darkness supplied by the Guardians. He reveled in his newly-found powers, controlling both Light and Dark, wishing to hear the screams of terror of the fireteam as he killed them. The Guardians, however, proved too strong for his newly born state and he was destroyed, exploding in much the same fashion as Rhulk, Calus and the Tormentors had met their ends. Nezarec reminded the fireteam that even though he had expired, he would always be present in their memories and nightmares, an inescapable impression upon the Universe.

Gallery

Trivia

  • Nezarec's true nature as a Disciple remained largely mysterious until Season of Plunder, with most information coming from the lore entry for the Exotic Warlock helmet Nezarec's Sin and the Glaive Nezarec's Whisper.[2] It is also implied that Nezarec is the one speaking in the description of the Delicate Tomb Exotic Fusion Rifle.[16]
  • The revelation that Psions once worshipped Nezarec may explain the design of the Exotic helmet Nezarec's Sin, which strongly resembles the helmets worn by many Psions. The helmet itself is similar to Nezarec's actual head and facial structure, with his horns being more vertically aligned in contrast.
  • The Nightmare Harvester seasonal artifact from Season of the Haunted can summon a scythe, alluding to the connection between the Nightmares and Nezarec, who also wields a scythe.
  • Nezarec has seven eyes, perhaps a nod to Bungie's recurring use of the number seven in their games.
  • According to lead Bungie concept artist Tobias Kwan, Nezarec's heterochromia is caused by him being a "chimeric fusion"; it is unknown to what degree this description applies to in-game canon. [17]

List of appearances

References