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Write about events that have taken place in this area in previous games, the impact it has on Diablo III. If any of the classes hail from this region make mention of that as well as any significant NPCs that may be connected to this zone.-->
{{Location navbox|Act 1|Dungeons}}
The '''Highlands Passage''' is a small outdoor area within [[Diablo III]] that was seen in the [[Blizzcon 2010]] demo. The outdoor area served as a bridging zone between the [[Halls of Agony]] and [[The Torture Chambers of the Mad King (level)|The Torture Chambers of the Mad King]].
Though this level had a functional quest, it was clearly a very abbreviated version of something that must be fleshed out in the full game. The final boss Cultist did not have any combat AI, and it was ridiculous to have an escort mission in a level with no turns or side routes that could be run through in 15 seconds.
==Theme/Style==
The area is similar in feel to the [[Leoric Highlands]] seen in the gameplay video that was released upon Diablo III's announcement. The [[Highlands Passage]] is likely part of the same region. The lush, open outdoors were a stark contrast to the fiery [[Halls of Agony]] from which the player emerges. Weather effects (rain/lightning/wind) are showcased in this brief hiatus between dungeons. Diablo III's water effects can also be seen in the waterfall and river that are featured in the background beneath the stone bridges.
<div style="display:inline; float:left; width:370px;">
[[Image:HP-StoneBridge.png |thumb |right |350px |First stone bridge.]]
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[[Image:HP-StoneBridge2.png |thumb |right |350px |Second stone bridge.]]
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==Denizens==
<div style="display:inline; float:right; width:170px;">
[[Image:Berserker-blizzcon2010.jpg |thumb |right |150px |A cultist leader's pets - Berserkers.]]
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[[Image:Mon-high-cultist1.jpg |thumb |right |121px |A cultist leader in red garb.]]
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Here, the player encounters [[cultist]]s and the [[razorback]]s that they are able to summon.
The Weaponmaker, Dargon, and a cultist leader are also found here and are part of the small quest (described below) for this area.
In the Blizzcon 2010 demo, the cultist leader did not seem fully fleshed out, since he was not a very formidable foe. However, he was accompanied by powerful [[Berserker]]s that seemed to be [[champion]]s.
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==Quests==
[[Image:HP-InitialArea.png |thumb |right |350px |Emerging from the Halls of Agony.]]
[[Image:HP-DargonAndCultist.png |thumb |right |350px |Dargon and his cultist master block the way.]]
Upon leaving the [[Halls of Agony]] and seeing the light of the outside world, you encounter an NPC known as The Weaponmaker. A short dialogue ensues:
<blockquote>
'''The Weaponmaker''': “I will make an example of Dargon, that traitorous cur! Help me hunt him, and I will sell to you, instead of those zealots.”
</blockquote>
The NPC follows you across the bridges, where you eventually find Dargon and a cultist leader. When you encounter the duo, a short exchange occurs:
<blockquote>
'''Dargon''': “Master, help me. The crazed weapon-maker wants my head!”
<br>
'''The Cultist Master''': “What makes you think I care for your life? Kill them, my pets.”
</blockquote>
Killing Dargon, the cultist leader, and his [[Berserker]]s completes the quest.
<blockquote>
'''The Weaponmaker''': “Now that Dargon is dead, no one shall question my reputation or my resolve. Now for my goods. You’ll find none better!”
</blockquote>
The Weaponmaker now serves as an item vendor.
===Play, Don't Tell===
In the [[Crafting_Sanctuary_Panel_Blizzcon_2010|Crafting Sanctuary panel]] at Blizzcon 2010, Kevin Martens used this quest as an example of their "action storytelling".
::[[Kevin Martens]]: "In Diablo III, I want to show you guys an example in the demo so you can go and see this for yourself. And, this is action storytelling. So, in this case, you're going to get a little quest from this man. He's a weaponsmith betrayed by somebody working with the evil cult. He will tell you what he needs from you as he joins behind you. So, he'll be talking and you can keep moving. Then the video is going to fade to the end of the plot where you have the showdown with the villain and a cultist leader who is ultimately behind it all. And, all of that happens while you keep playing as well."
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==Media==
<gallery>
File:HP-InitialArea.png
File:HP-StoneBridge.png
File:HP-StoneBridge2.png
File:HP-DargonAndCultist.png
File:Mon-high-cultist1.jpg
File:Berserker-blizzcon2010.jpg
</gallery>
==References==
*[[Flux]]. [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-quests-and-dungeons/ Hands-On Preview: Quests and Dungeons]. 2010-12-17.
*B-roll gameplay footage, [[Blizzcon 2010]] press kit.
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[[File:Highlands passage map.png|right|thumb|250px|[[Highlands Passage map]]]] The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' appears in the Highlands. It comprises a small set of bridges that lead from the [[Halls of Agony]] to the [[Cursed Hold]] which in turn sits atop level 3 of the Halls of Agony. The exact configuration isn't seen on any maps but the Halls and the Hold are obviously all linked underground in some way. It was first revealed in the [[Blizzcon 2010]] demo.
==Areas and Dungeons within {{PAGENAME}}==
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==Access to Levels==
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==Quests in {{PAGENAME}}==
* [[??The Imprisoned Angel]]-->
*[[Dark Berserker]]
*[[Dark Cultist]]
*[[Dark Hellion]]
*[[Dark Moon Clan Impaler]]
*[[Dark Moon Clan Shaman]]
*[[Dark Moon Clan Warrior]]
*[[Dark Summoner]]
{{Template:Special Monsters}}
*[[Dark BerserkerDargon]]*- ''Treacherous Cur'', Human - [[Dark CultistA Reputation Restored]]event *[[Dark Moon Clan Impaler]]*[[Dark Moon Clan Shaman]]*[[Dark Moon Clan Warrior]]
==Notable NPCs==
* [[Kyr the Weaponsmith]] - Possible merchant spawn with event [[A Reputation Restored]]event
{{Template:Checkpoint}}
*When you reach the [[Highlands Passage]] from level 2 of the [[Halls of Agony]]
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==Waypoint==
==Trivia==
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{{Template:Associated Achievement}}
{{achievement header}}<achievement type="single">There Will Definitely Be Blood</achievement>
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==History==
<gallery>
File:Highlands passage1.png|[[Kyr the Weaponsmith]] offers [[A Reputation Restored]] eventFile:Highlands passage2.png|[[Dark Berserker]]sFile:Highlands passage3.png|[[Dark Moon Clan Warrior]]sFile:Highlands passage4.png|[[Dargon]], the Treacherous CurFile:Highlands passage5.png|Entrance to [[The Cursed Hold]]File:HP-StoneBridge2.png|Kyr the Weaponsmith as he was in Blizzcon 2010 demo with blue marker above his head
</gallery>
{{Location navbox|Act 1|Dungeons}}
[[Category:Khanduras]]
