SMITE: Demigods, Deities and Gods Explained is a new column dedicated to introducing prospective players of SMITE to its massive back story of lore. From the Greek to Hindu, each week we’ll look at two characters from a major pantheon and provide a quick recap of their history and in what capacity their digital incarnation will represent on the field of Hi-Rez Studios’ upcoming MOBA.
Lore: Guan Yu holds the prestigious fact as being the only deity to exist. As a general under warlord Liu Bei the Saint of War was a living legend and has been worshipped since his death in 219. In life, Guan Yu was a fierce warrior when wielding the legendary 40-pound guan dao Green Dragon Crescent Blade. A strategist and born leader, Guan Yu was not undefeated in battle, losing numerous skirmishes previous to his execution at Zhang Town.
His years of loyal service to Liu Bei, relentless war making, strategic planning and skills in battle led to the General Who Exterminates Rebels to be heavily romanticised. So much so that separating fact from fiction has become a challenge. Guan Yu’s exploits are most recognizable from the historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. In it, Yu’s loyal service is romanticized as a blood oath, one he keeps until his death. Tales of Yu escorting Bei’s wives became legendary for the feats he overcame to keep them safe and virtuous.
In-Game: Guan Yu is given the magical treatment the man’s reputation has had since his death at the hands of Sun Quan. A magical melee character with great utility and defense, Yu is the perfect candidate to act as support for squishier assassins. Capable of healing himself and allies and distributing punishing disables, from stunning to slowing, Yu is a force to be reckoned with on the field of combat.
Guan Yu is a very balanced character, allowing players to build the Saint of War for whatever the battle calls. Additional magic damage is required for any build.
Further reading:
- Guan Yu on Wikipedia
- Chinese Mythology on Wikipedia
- Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Part I/Part II)
Head over to SMITE: Demigods, Deities and Gods Explained for access to details for all of the playable characters.
Guan Yu is a very balanced character i cwhat u did there
July 4th, 2012 at 1:15 pmQuote
“Guan Yu is a very balanced character, allowing players to build the Saint of War for whatever the battle calls. Additional magic damage is required for any build.”
How ever written this text has never played the game.
July 4th, 2012 at 1:18 pmGuan Yu is at the moment totally op and all people pray that he get fixed.
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“very balanced” in the sense that he has solid utility, defense, attack and movement. It’s not at all related to his ridiculous OPness.
July 5th, 2012 at 9:57 amQuote