The Archronicus[edit]

For full details, see Archronicus.

Detailed in the first story of the Archronicus, the main premise of Dota 2 is the endless war
between the Radiant and Dire ancients. They are two greater fragments of a primordial,
imprisoned into a single moon by the third fragment, Zet. This prison became known as the
Mad Moon, pictured at the top right of this page. The image is from the Archronicus, and is
the only clear depiction of the ancients in their imprisoned form. The name Mad Moon is
derived from the appearance of a single eye with a wicked smile (tilted 90 degrees in the
image) and the description of the bright and violent radiance it gave off. The ancients were
eventually torn apart into several smaller fragments when their prison fell from outer space
and onto the world below. The scattered shards covered the planet, which became known
as the Nemesis Stones. The two ancients, although broken, still resolve to destroy each
other due to being opposite forces that weaken when close together. The influence exerted
by these glowing stones brainwash common beings into doing their bidding, which
become lane creeps. Beings of stronger will are Heroes, who can resist the influence of the
ancients and remain themselves in the presence of the nemesis stones. Heroes tend to
align with one of the two ancients, but may decide to fight for the other ancient regardless of
their lore. Shopkeepers and Neutral Creeps appear to be resistant to the influence of the
ancients as well.
In a match of Dota 2, two teams of 5 heroes fight against each other to defend their ancient.
They must fight across a large battlefield, with the objective goal to destroy the enemy
team's ancient. By winning the battle, the heroes come closer to achieving their personal
goals.

Weta[edit]
Weta, a company that creates expensive replicas, has some expanded lore written by Valve
for Demon Edge, Butterfly, and Vanguard.

Demon Edge[edit]
When the Mad Moon tore asunder, and the Ancients plunged to earth, splinters of the
Nemesis Stones lay fallen to be found by anyone who had the fortune (whether this proved
good or ill).
The Demon-Smith Abzidian laid claim to two such fragments, and from them forged the
Demon's Edge: Her blade a singing shard of Radiant ore, her hilt of Direstone cunningly
carved. But once the weapon was complete, he learned to his chagrin that only a Hero can
handle her. In testing her edge, the Demon-Smith Abzidian slew himself!
Since that day, Demon Edge has passed from hand to hand, though only a hero may carry
her for long. For in this single weapon, the warring Ancients vie.
What lesser mortal can hope to wield such power?
Pieces of note: A reiteration of what is already known.

Butterfly[edit]
The tales called Butterfly a blade of betrayal, for it is said that in the hands of the uncertain
swinging the sword brings with it a promise of disaster.
Whether through its treacherous balance or its deceptive weight, the unprepared have been
known to pay in blood and bone. Yet in the grip of the confident, few tools have proven
more valuable or deadly.
To use the blade properly it is said one must trust it completely, allowing it to wield the user.
Follow its weight as it weaves a legato line with the enemy; feel its speed as it meets every
staccato strike with one of its own.
For the faithful, permitting the Butterfly to lead the course of combat will reward the warrior
with a way into the heart of all foes.
Pieces of note: An expansion of the lore on the in-game item.