The Iron Wolves are a mercenary company, known for their actions in service to Kehjistan.
Lore
The Iron Wolves are mercenaries, but they stand in contrast to many of the mercenaries that fight in Sanctuary. While mercenary companies are notorious for their habit of shifting allegiances, the Iron Wolves value loyalty and duty above all else. Though bold and reckless, Iron Wolves are hardened veterans who excel in disciplines ranging from swordsmanship to the use of magic.[1]
History
Kurast
In 1264, the Iron Wolves were stationed in Kurast. The group spent months combating the demons that prowled the jungle that had overtaken much of the area, but they just kept coming (granted, this allowed the mercenaries to make a good living off the steady stream of conflict). Some measure of salvation came from a group of heroes who had crossed the Twin Seas in pursuit of the Dark Wanderer.[2] The heroes were able to retrieve the Gidbinn, which reinforced the enchantments that protected the Kurast Docks. Because of this, fewer Iron Wolves were needed to protect the area, and a few volunteered to help the heroes free of charge.[3]
Caldeum
Kurast fell despite the efforts of the Iron Wolves and their allies,[1] and Caldeum became the new capital of Kehjistan.[4] The Zakarum church ordered the Iron Wolves to retrieve the country's new ruler, Hakan II, from his home in the northern reaches of Sanctuary. With this task complete, the Iron Wolves became the child emperor's bodyguards, elevating the group to a level of power and influence unheard of for a mercenary company company.[1] However, under the influence of Belial, the child emperor replaced the Wolves with his personal Imperial Guard.[1] The tenants of the group were studied by Belial's servants in an effort to understand their martial methods.[5]
The group was left to deal with the growing problems around Alcarnus and the Borderlands, and were looked on favorably by the people of the city. The Iron Wolves aided the Nephalem in defeating Belial and saving the city.[6]
The Reapers
A few months after Belial's defeat,[7] the Reapers attacked Caldeum (along with much of Sanctuary). Tyrael and the Nephalem held faith the Iron Wolves would be able to defend the city, just as they had done so against Belial.[8]
In-game
Diablo II
An Iron Wolf hireling
Iron Wolf hirelings are available in Diablo II. They are akin to Sorcerers, but are relatively durable, and are arguably the most useful hireling in the game due to their pure elemental damage attacks and ranged fire support. They are a good match for non-elemental and supporting classes, such as the Druid and Necromancer.
Upon completion of the Blade of the Old Religion quest, an Iron Wolf will accompany the player free of charge. Subsequent Iron Wolves can be hired.
Skills and Equipment
Iron Wolvesare able to cast three types of magic (one type per mercenary):
- Fire - Fire Bolt and Inferno
- Cold - Ice Blast and Glacial Spike; Frozen Armor
- Lightning - Charged Bolt and Lightning.
Many players prefer the Cold-based Iron Wolf because the mercenaries are usually not strong enough to kill the monsters, the cold-based spells would be the best option to freeze the monsters, and let you give the fatal blow.
They equip a Sword, but they rarely use them as they are primarily magic-users, so equip caster-friendly sword for them.
They also use Helms, Body Armor, and are the only hirelings that can also carry a Shield (but do not appear to use shield-block).
Some of the easiest Rune Words to make for these guys is Spirit for their weapon and shield. Faster Cast Rate and + All Skills are their main attributes so make sure to make them worthwhile. Also the Cold Iron Wolves can still freeze with Glacial Spike even in Hell if they are the right level.
Stats
Per Level up:
- +6 Life
- +1.5 Strength
- +1.5 Dexterity
- +4.5 Defense
- +2 Resistances
Known names
This section tries to include all the names that an Iron Wolf may possess in Diablo II. Note that these names are in no way connected to their Elemental Skills, although some like Scorch might suggest otherwise.
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Diablo III
The Iron Wolves play a narrative role in Diablo III, in the game's second act. Iron Wolf Jarulf, Captain Davyd, and Asheara function as NPCs.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Book of Tyrael
- ↑ To Hell and Back
- ↑ Diablo II, The Infernal Gate, Blade of the Old Religion
- ↑ Diablo III, An Abridged History of Caldeum
- ↑ Diablo III, Iron Wolves Doctrine
- ↑ Diablo III, Act II
- ↑ Diablo III: Storm of Light (Paperback). Book Depository, accessed on 2013-09-05
- ↑ Diablo III, Act V
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