abstract
| - The Northern Steppes were inhabited by the Children of Bul-Kathos, known to the people of Westmarch as the "Barbarians." Theirs was primarily a nomadic and tribal culture, though they had a few permanent settlements such as Sescheron and Harrogath. The Northern Steppes were a harsh environment and its denizens adapted to it as such, dedicated in their vigil of guarding the Worldstone. The Barbarians' vigil came to an end with Baal's invasion, however. Although the Lord of Destruction was eventually defeated, he had succeeded in his goal of corrupting the Worldstone. To prevent mankind from being corrupted, Tyrael was forced to destroy the powerful artifact. He succeeded, but the resulting explosion tore Mount Arreat asunder, reducing the Steppes into a smoldering wasteland. Dust and ash rained over the land and the Barbarians were left divided and scattered, robbed of the heart of their culture in an instant. Over the years, the situation worsened as demonic corruption ran rampant, threatening both Man and beast. To make matters worse, after the Worldstone's destruction, the Dreadlands suffered an outbreak of the rage plague.
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