Astaroth

Astaroth is a demon and one of Mephisto's lieutenants, responsible for maintaining the hellfire barrier that surrounds the Cathedral of Hatred^[1]—a place that houses Mephisto's essence, which has been reforming for decades since it was released from the Black Soulstone following Malthael's defeat. It is impossible (or at least exceedingly difficult) to pass through this fire without his consent.

The demon makes a deal with Lilith to grant her passage through the barrier, after she frees him from his soulstone and gives him a host. Due to his control of hellfire, and desire to use it as his main source of attacking and torturing mortals he is called "The Charred Duke".^[1]

Astaroth, like most demons, is sadistic. He relishes in human suffering and loves watching innocents burn. He rides a multi-headed mount called the Amalgam of Rage.^[2]

Biography

Astaroth's reign of terror in Scosglen was known as Days of Ash,^[3] until he was defeated by a group of adventurers; the scorched land where he fell became known as "the Scar", his fires still burning underneath the stone^[4]. Amongst the surviving victors were the Horadrim Donan, and the Druids Airidah and Nafain, who became revered as fabled heroes in the region. However, unbeknownst to most, Astaroth wasn't slain, but instead was sealed in a soulstone^[5] by Donan, who retreated to the edge of the wilderness near Kyovashad, where they sealed it within an underground cave.^[6], and built Eldhaime Keep above its hiding place.^[7][5]

Years later, Lilith, seeking safe passage into Hell, sought the soulstone by visiting the heroes who defeated Astaroth. Once the stone was in her hands, she bargained with Astaroth for his freedom. As a bonus, she used Yorin, the son of Donan, as his host, shoving the soulstone on the young man's forehead.^[8][1]

Yorin was strong, having been trained by his father to resist possession, as well his belief steeling his resolve. In order to give Astaroth the motivation to fight harder and fully take control over the young man, Lilith took Yorin to the capital of Scosglen, Cerrigar, and began slaughtering its residents, allowing the pain and suffering of the victims to fuel Astaroth's power to consume Yorin in order to partake in the carnage.^[7][1]

Donan, knowing Astaroth's behavior, predicted Lilith's destination. When he arrived with the Wanderer at Cerrigar, it was too late. Lilith awaited them atop a ruined tower. When he asked about the fate of his son, Lilith called Astaroth forward. Donan recognized Astaroth, and the remnants of armor he was wearing as that of his son. As he cried in grief, Astaroth taunted him, saying that his son cried for him. Astaroth was later killed by the Wanderer, and his soulstone was removed.^[9][10]

A Pact Completed

During the march on Hell towards the Cathedral of Hatred, Astaroth met Lilith and commented on her wound, which was inflicted in her confrontation with Inarius. Lilith told him to let her pass, and Astaroth complied, commenting that we "all return home sooner or later" before disappearing and allowing Lilith to traverse the hellfire barrier protecting the Cathedral of Hatred.^[11]

In-game

Astaroth is featured as a boss in Diablo IV. He is the final boss of Act II, and is fought in the ruins of Cerrigar. He rides the Amalgam of Rage, and both rider and mount act as a single enemy in terms of health.

He has access to all the attack of his mount. He can also summon hellfire meteors, and to channel his flames through his mount to make it breath fire in different formations (straight, sweeping and diverging). Occasionally he ignites his glaive and swipes at the player.

Trivia

• In demonology, Astaroth is a duke of Hell, often depicted riding a monstrous beast.
• In The Sanctuary Tarot Deck and Guidebook, Astaroth represents The Chariot card.
• Astaroth is voiced by David Lodge.
• Astaroth's game model is designed by Matt Frederick.

Image

References