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Al'Diabolos, or better known as Diablo, is one of the main antagonists and the titular mascot antagonist of the video game series of the same name. He is the Lord of Terror and one of the Great Evils, who rules the Burning Hells. He is one of seven siblings who collectively make up the ultimate evil in the series' setting.

Diablo himself has appeared in every installment in the series and is considered a mascot of sorts for the series. 

In Diablo and Diablo II, he was voiced by Bill Roper. In Diablo III, he was voiced by J.B. Blanc, who also voiced, Enrico Maxwell in Hellsing, Tower of Sauron in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, Bane in Batman: The Enemy Within, and Kano in Mortal Kombat 11.

Appearance[]

In his true form, Diablo appears as a fearsome red and black humanoid creature with a reptilian and brutish appearance. He is adorned with menacing horns and possesses a terrifying visage that strikes fear into the hearts of those who lay eyes on him. Additionally, his spine is adorned with multiple rows of sinister black spikes, and his hands are equipped with sharp claws that can cause devastating harm. However, what truly sets Diablo apart is his ability to manipulate his appearance at will. As the Lord of Terror, he possesses the power to transform his visage in order to mimic other individuals or to embody the deepest fears of his adversaries. This unique ability even extends to his gender, as Diablo can alter it to suit his purposes, although he typically presents himself as male.

Diablo's shapeshifting abilities were most prominently displayed when he took control of a host. For instance, when possessing Albrecht, he maintained his massive size but appeared less agile and even lacked a tail. On a separate occasion, when possessing Aidan, his form closely resembled his natural one, although he had black horns and his Soulstone was embedded onto his skull, resembling a third horn. When possessing Leah, Diablo's appearance took on a strangely feminine quality, with a noticeable bust and curvier hips, playing off her own fears. However, despite this more feminine appearance, he was more monstrous than ever before, towering over his nemesis Imperius. This transformation was a result of integrating his siblings' essences and iconic features into his own through Kulle's Black Soulstone.

Personality[]

According to legend, Diablo is widely regarded as the most imaginative and visionary among the Three, and quite possibly surpasses all other Great Evils in these qualities. His demeanor is one of tranquility, his mind sharp and calculating, and his disposition incredibly patient. In his own eyes, Diablo perceives himself as a masterful artist, whose medium is terror itself. Fear serves as his ultimate weapon, knowing that true conquest is achieved when adversaries succumb to their instinct to flee from fear rather than confront it head-on. However, Diablo's satisfaction does not stem solely from the act of conquering, a sentiment more aligned with Mephisto's desires. Instead, Diablo derives nourishment from the sheer terror that precedes any conquest. The fear experienced by his victims serves as a far greater reward to him than the actual physical pain they endure during their torturous ordeal.

It has been widely believed that the reason behind his inability to experience fear, particularly genuine fear, lies in his overwhelming control over fear and terror. This control over fear is so immense that it not only grants him the ability to manipulate others' fears but also renders him impervious to experiencing fear himself. However, it is worth noting that while he may not be susceptible to fear, he can still be provoked and unsettled, as demonstrated when he was outsmarted by a Nephalem hero. It is this unique ability to be devoid of fear, yet still capable of being agitated, that Deckard Cain described as making him the most formidable of all the prime evils. Like his fellow Great Evils, he possesses a confrontational nature.

Biography[]

Background[]

Armed with this newfound knowledge, Diablo, Baal, and Mephisto devised a cunning plan to corrupt the shards of the Worldstone, should they ever be used against them. They cleverly played along with their brethren's uprising, pretending to be deposed in order to further their own secretive agenda within the realm known as Sanctuary. For countless ages, Diablo reigned over the depths of Hell alongside his brothers during a tumultuous period known as The Great Conflict. During this time, he emerged as a formidable adversary to the brash Archangel Imperius, earning himself a reputation as his nemesis. However, their reign was not without treachery, as Diablo and his brothers Baal and Mephisto were betrayed by some of their fellow angels. In a surprising turn of events, it was revealed in the sequel to the original Diablo game, aptly titled Diablo II, that the three demonic brothers had managed to capture an angel named, Izual before their ultimate downfall. This angel, despite being loyal to the forces of Heaven, had sent his own troops to launch an attack on the depths of Hell. It was through the disillusioned commander Izual that Diablo and his brothers were able to acquire valuable information about the Worldstone, a powerful artifact that had the potential to alter the fate of the world. Thus, the intricate web of deceit and manipulation was woven by Diablo and his demonic allies. Their ultimate goal was to seize control of the Worldstone and utilize its corrupted power to further their reign of terror upon both Heaven and Hell. The stakes were high, and Diablo was determined to emerge victorious in this epic battle for dominance.

When the Prime Evils, including Diablo, arrived at Sanctuary, they engaged in a fierce battle against a group of skilled warriors known as the Horadrim. However, their efforts proved futile as they were ultimately defeated and imprisoned within specially-crafted Soulstones, which had been created to contain their immense power. This unexpected outcome served as a major setback in their grand scheme to conquer and dominate Sanctuary. Among the captured Prime Evils, Diablo's Soulstone was eventually transported to the town of Tristram, where its presence would unknowingly unleash a series of catastrophic events.

Diablo[]

Over the course of two hundred years, Diablo methodically worked to taint the Soulstone that held him captive, drawing on the knowledge obtained from Izual. Gradually, his malevolent power began to spread beyond the confines of his imprisonment, seeping into the nearby regions. Not only did he manage to manipulate King Leoric, but he also employed his archbishop, Lazarus, who operated covertly under his command.

The King's resistance proved formidable, rendering him too difficult to fully control. In light of this, the cunning Demon opted for another strategy and decided to target the King's beloved son, Prince Albrecht. Realizing the need to weaken the King's mental state, Diablo swiftly commanded Lazarus to subject him to a torturous brainwashing process. This sinister manipulation not only drove the King to the brink of madness but also left him susceptible to further exploitation by Diablo.

Upon successfully manipulating the king's thoughts and beliefs, Lazarus effectively transformed him into the Skeleton King, a formidable ruler bound to carry out his every order. Subsequently, Diablo, fueled by his insidious intentions, commenced the meticulous process of establishing a stronghold for evil deep within the catacombs beneath the once tranquil town of Tristram. This wicked endeavor involved instilling sheer horror and dread into the unsuspecting inhabitants of the nearby countryside, instigating a wave of terror that rippled throughout the region.

However, Prince Aidan's encounter with the Demon had far-reaching consequences. Consumed by a deep sense of horror and despair upon discovering that his beloved brother had been utilized as a vessel for Diablo, Aidan's mind began to warp and twist under the weight of this revelation. In his distorted state, he became convinced that the only means of gaining complete control over the Demon was by embedding Diablo's Soulstone deep within his own consciousness. Little did Aidan know that this was precisely the outcome Diablo had orchestrated, for it provided the Demon with an even more formidable physical form, enabling it to pursue its ultimate agenda - a diabolical scheme that had been formulated alongside Aidan and Albrecht many moons ago. The Demon possessed a unique ability to allure and entice numerous heroes who were driven by a noble cause to rid the land of its malevolent forces. Through its cunning and manipulation, the Demon managed to successfully ensnare even the mightiest of these heroes, including Prince Aidan, who had been separated from his family for a considerable amount of time. Aidan, unbeknownst to him, was the long-lost older brother of Albrecht, and as fate would have it, he ultimately found himself confronting the Demon after vanquishing Lazarus and his own estranged father.

Diablo II[]

After a prolonged battle with the adventurer's essence, Diablo finally emerged victorious and gained full control over their body. With this newfound power, he embarked on a daring mission to revive his fellow brothers. According to Adria's account in Diablo III, before commencing his search, Diablo cunningly manipulated the adventurer into crossing paths with Adria, ultimately persuading them to enlist her as his loyal servant.

Following their decision to part ways, Diablo impregnated Adria with the intention of providing a backup vessel in the event that his current strategy and his personal role within it were to fail. Additionally, this act bestowed upon her a remarkable ability to rid herself of her human nature both physically and mentally, thereby transforming into a formidable pure demon possessing unparalleled strength, as was later unveiled in the narrative of Reaper of Souls.

In this revelation, it becomes clear that the banishment of the protagonist and his brother was not a spontaneous event, but rather a carefully orchestrated scheme. Unbeknownst to the brothers, their ultimate goal was to be imprisoned within the soulstones, which would grant them access to the Worldstone. This interstellar artifact possesses an unfathomable amount of power, and by harnessing it, the brothers intended to manipulate the very forces of heaven against themselves.

With their diabolical reunion complete, Mephisto devised a wicked plan. He used his sinister sorcery to create a portal that led straight to the depths of Hell itself. This portal would serve as a gateway for Diablo to reclaim his infernal dominion and launch an all-out assault on the celestial heavens. United in their malevolence, Diablo and his demonic brethren prepared to unleash an unprecedented onslaught against the forces of good. Their ultimate goal was nothing short of utter devastation, aiming to bring ruin to the heavens and plunge Sanctuary into eternal darkness. The fate of the world now hung in the balance, as the fallen angel Izual and the valiant heroes were left to confront this unparalleled evil. In the realm of Sanctuary, a fallen angel named Izual crossed paths with several other brave heroes. But little did they know, Izual held a dark secret. It was none other than Diablo, the Lord of Terror, who had managed to fully possess a man named Aidan and assumed the guise of the Dark Wanderer. This unholy duo embarked on a treacherous journey throughout Sanctuary, determined to unleash chaos upon the world. Their first objective was to free Diablo's two imprisoned brothers, Mephisto and Baal. These malevolent beings had been locked away for centuries, their powers contained within the deepest recesses of the realm. With cunning and manipulation, Diablo succeeded in setting his siblings free, reuniting the trio of terror.

Regrettably, the mighty Diablo was ultimately vanquished by a brave group of heroes, leading to the complete annihilation of his soulstone. However, it should be noted that Diablo, along with Mephisto, cunningly managed to grant Baal a window of opportunity to taint the world stone, thereby compelling Tyrael to take decisive action and obliterate it without hesitation. In addition, Tyrael cleverly devised a backup strategy, enlisting the aid of Adria, who would now serve as his loyal servant in the face of impending threats.

Diablo Immortal[]

Diablo initially could not reform after returning to Hell, as Skarn, his former lieutenant turned traitor, siphoned power from him using his bound skull. After Skarn was defeated Diablo's spirit awoke, but was incorporeal.

Diablo reached out to Adria to find a way to help him recover. Adria (now going by the Bride of Hell), revived the Cult of Terror and together, they invaded Stormpoint to retrieve a large shard of the Worldstone that fell near the island. Though the Shard-seeker tried to stop them, the cult was successful in collecting the shard. As it was still corrupted by Baal's essence, the Cult of Terror traveled to the Ancients' Cradle to purify it.

With the purified shard, the cult sought for a way to deliver it to Diablo. Using remnants of Diablo's essence in Tristram Cathedral (Diablo's former lair), and Albrecht (Diablo's former host), they used the shard to manifest Albrecht's memories as a separate plane. Using the memory bearing Diablo's strongest imprint (the moment Albrecht was possessed, they were able to open a portal directly to Diablo in Hell.

As Diablo recovered, his influence in Sanctuary began to grow. Nightmares became common amongst people; driving some to even tear out their eyes in madness. Souls that had succumbed to terror were used to open rifts for demons to invade. As Terror grew closer, Abyssal Verges (temporary realms created when Sanctuary and the Burning Hells begin to overlap) began to form.

As Diablo finished reconstituting his body, he moved his forces to the World's Crown, where he began to prepare for the Unmaking of Sanctuary; a ritual that would destroy Sanctuary and remake it in his image. This ritual was a replica of the one that created Sanctuary, and required the same ingredients; a demon (Diablo himself), an angel (Verathiel,an angel Diablo captured when he returned, and the power of creation (a Worldstone shard). Before that, Diablo had broken Verathiel's will and corrupted her angelsong so that he would have sole control of the ritual.

To deter the defenders of humanity from interfering, Diablo cloaked most of the island in darkness that induced maddening visions to any who enter it. Many portals were also created across the island, from which endless hordes of demons emerged. He also rethralled the resurrected Albrecht—and through him, brought all the Shardborne under his control.

A vast army arrived the World's Crown, including the Shard-seeker and various factions like the Immortals, Shadows, Barbarians, Monks of Ivgorod, Sisters of the Sightless Eye, and Xianxsai mages. As they approached, Diablo began the ritual, causing Verathiel to release enormous shockwaves that turned all living things to dust and began to corrode the seams of Sanctuary, slowly merging it with the Realm of Terror. Against all odds, the Shard-seeker survived and was able to purify/eliminate Verathiel, halting the ritual in its tracks.

Diablo summoned Adria to punish her for repeatedly failing to stop the Shard-seeker, ripping away her growing horns—and with them, the power he gifted her. She begged for mercy, informing him of another stone (the black soulstone) that could be used. After checking her mind to confirm her words, Diablo teleported her away to carry out the plan.

The Shard-seeker finally made it to the Terror Sanctum, Diablo's new lair/citadel in Sanctuary. Even with the power of the Worldstone, the hero was able to endure with the aid of Tyrael's spirit and using his angelic blade; El'druin. Diablo was finally defeated, cancelling the effects of The Unmaking.

Diablo III[]

In the third installment of the series, Diablo makes a comeback, but this time, his appearance is different. Instead of his usual muscular physique, he has a slimmer form, which symbolizes the deep-seated fears associated with his female vessel.

The truth unravels when it is discovered that Leah, the niece of Deckard Cain, is not just an ordinary girl, but rather the offspring of Diablo himself, conceived through the unholy union of the Wanderer and the sinister sorceress, Adria. Leah unwittingly becomes the vessel for Diablo's dark essence, serving as his host and succumbing to his wicked influence. As fate would have it, with the demise of the last two Lords of Hell, Belial and Azmodan, Diablo seizes the opportunity to seize control of Leah's body, empowered by Adria's cunning manipulation. Thus, a malevolent force unlike any other is unleashed upon the sacred realm of the High Heavens, as Diablo leads a relentless assault that threatens to bring chaos and destruction to the divine realm.

On this particular occasion, the protagonist had undergone a significant transformation thanks to the acquisition of an immense power contained within the Black Soulstone, a precious artifact bestowed upon him by Adria. This remarkable stone was originally intended to confine the remaining Lords of Hell, but its potential was harnessed by the protagonist, resulting in his ascension to the status of the Prime Evil. Despite sustaining severe injuries inflicted by Imperius, the protagonist, now embodying the essence of Diablo, manipulates Leah's physical form in order to confront the Angel in his true, formidable state.

Using his bladed arm, he skewered Imperius and forcefully brought down the grand gates that guarded the entrance to the majestic High Heavens. With a sinister intent, he sought to taint and corrupt the sacred Crystal Arch, a symbol of purity and power. However, unbeknownst to him, a valiant nephelam hero, who had diligently trailed his every move from the mortal realms of Sanctuary, had successfully vanquished his malevolent minions and ultimately stood face-to-face with him at the very heart of the Crystal Arch. It was there, amidst the ethereal glow and heavenly aura, that the ultimate clash between good and evil unfolded, as these formidable adversaries engaged in a fierce and decisive battle to determine the fate of the realms.

At the conclusion of the epic battle, Diablo met his ultimate demise as he was obliterated and engulfed by the formidable Black Soulstone. In a dramatic turn of events, both the cursed stone and the lifeless remains of the fallen demon were cast off into the vast expanse of the High Heavens. Despite this seemingly final act, the extraordinary destiny of the Black Soulstone unfolded as it was fortuitously discovered by the vigilant Archangels amidst the gradual restoration of the celestial realm.

Reaper of Souls[]

Even after his vessel was destroyed, his burning desire for revenge over his devastating loss remains unabated, as he finds himself still imprisoned within the confines of the Black Soulstone.

Despite these circumstances, Adria had foreseen his return and made an attempt to reclaim the Black Soulstone. Unfortunately, she met her demise at the hands of The Nephalem during a thrilling duel before she could embark on her journey to locate the Soulstone's final resting place. Despite her immensely powerful incubus-like blood demon form, Adria defiantly taunted the heroes, insisting that Diablo's return was inevitable in her final moments. Unbeknownst to them, The Nephalem inadvertently unleashed the soul of the Prime Evil when they struck down Malthael, who had destroyed the Black Soulstone in an effort to absorb the accumulated souls within, including Diablo's own.

Even though Malthael's defeat signifies the impending comeback of the Prime Evil, Diablo's control over the souls of his fellow siblings would gradually diminish over time, ultimately resulting in the disintegration of the collective Evil into individual entities once again.

Power and Abilities[]

Diablo, known as the most formidable demon in Sanctuary, is also widely feared. His ability to manipulate the minds of his victims and exploit their deepest fears is unparalleled. He can even manifest these fears into tangible creatures, drawing strength from even the smallest traces of fear. Furthermore, Diablo possesses the power to infuse objects with his malicious energy, spreading his corruption wherever he goes. Renowned scholar Deckard Cain asserted that Diablo would forever remain the most treacherous and dominant among all the Evils. The angel Tyrael shared this belief, considering Diablo to be the most malevolent of the Three, while Valla acknowledged him as the most damned and wicked demon of them all.

According to Deckard Cain's writings, it was believed that Diablo, the Lord of Terror, was unable to experience fear due to his immense mastery over it. However, an intriguing contradiction arises when Diablo encounters Uldyssian, as it becomes evident that Diablo does in fact possess an innate sense of fear. This unexpected revelation showcases Diablo's inability to withstand the very terror he unleashes upon others, highlighting a fascinating aspect of his character.

In the midst of fierce combat, as the notorious Lord of Terror, Diablo showcased his remarkable mastery over both fire and lightning, unleashing devastating attacks that left his enemies in awe and fear. Moreover, his unparalleled agility allowed him to move swiftly on all fours, reminiscent of a majestic lion stalking its prey. It is worth noting that Diablo's formidable horns possess an extraordinary strength capable of piercing and impaling adversaries, leaving behind grievous wounds. However, those unfortunate enough to withstand such an injury would be wise to hope for a quick demise, as the tainted wound festers and putrefies from within, ultimately succumbing to the relentless infestation of repugnant maggots and malevolent parasites well before the final release of death concludes the tormenting agony.

In his role as the Prime Evil, Diablo showcased a plethora of abilities that were reminiscent of his previous form as the Lord of Terror. Not only could he teleport effortlessly, but he also possessed the power to unleash bolts of lightning from his very breath. Additionally, Diablo possessed a unique skill in being able to create cages made entirely of bones. These newfound abilities, combined with his immense strength, made him more formidable than ever before. Such was the extent of his power that a single swing of his spiked tail could propel an angel through the air with such tremendous force that it could obliterate even the sturdiest of structures.

Trivia[]

• According to a survey conducted by PC World, Diablo secured the 14th position out of the top 47 contenders for the title of "most diabolical video game villain of all time." This ranking indicates the significant impact and lasting impression that Diablo has had on the gaming community. Being recognized as one of the most sinister and formidable adversaries in the virtual realm is a testament to the game's compelling narrative, immersive gameplay, and the terrifying presence that Diablo embodies. With its inclusion in this prestigious list, Diablo solidifies its status as a legendary antagonist that has left a lasting mark on the history of video games.
• Diablo, derived from the Spanish language, serves as a term that refers to "the devil," a powerful and malevolent supernatural entity.
• It appears that throughout the games, Diablo's chosen vessels were consistently members of the same family lineage, namely Albrecht, Aidan, and Leah. This recurring pattern of selecting hosts from within the same familial bloodline suggests a deeper connection and significance behind Diablo's choices.
• In the initial two installments of the game, Diablo's lairs showcased the presence of pentagrams, although it remains uncertain whether these symbols were indicative of his personal heraldry or merely employed to summon him (given the prevalence of such symbols in other locations, the latter seems more likely). Nonetheless, similar to the replacement of Zakarum crosses with Psi-like symbols, pentagrams were substituted with abstract hexagrammatic runes in the third game. Bashiok, one of the developers, clarified that this alteration was made to establish unique symbols specific to the game's fictional realm, rather than relying on real-world symbols as a substitute.
• According to Rob Foote, the notion of permanently conquering Diablo is deemed unattainable.
• According to Julian Love, it has been suggested that Diablo should make an appearance in every main series installment. However, it is also deemed acceptable if Diablo does not feature in the expansion packs. This recommendation puts forth the notion that the presence of Diablo as a central character in the main series games adds an essential element to the overall experience, while allowing for flexibility in the expansion packs to explore different storylines and themes without the direct involvement of Diablo.
• The Devil card in The Sanctuary Tarot Deck and Guidebook is symbolized by Diablo.
• There is a humorous belief that Diablo possesses an extraordinary power to bring about the phenomenon known as daylight savings time, which is often described as a reality-altering cosmic force.

External links[]

• Diablo on the Diablo Wiki.

Navigation[]

Villains

The 7 Great Evils Andariel | Azmodan | Baal | Belial | Diablo | Duriel | Mephisto Demons Adria | Ancient Nightmare | Ashava | Astaroth | Beleth | Bholen | The Butcher | Cydaea | Ghom | Greed | Izual | Lilith | Lucion | Rakanoth | Skarn | The Smith | Tathamet | Vidian | Zaboul The Coven Adria | Belial | Maghda Temple of the Triune Brol | Elias | Lilith | Lucion | Malic Cathedral of Light Inarius | Knights Penitent | Prava Army of Sin Azmodan | Sin Lieutenants (Bholen | Cydaea | Ghom | Greed | Pride demon |Vidian | Zaboul) Humans and Undead Adria | Airidah | Archbishop Lazarus | Blood Raven | Brol | The Countess | Dark Wanderer | Elias | Knights Penitent | Lethes | Lord Martanos | Maghda | Nihlathak | Prava | Radament | Sargoth | Skeleton King | The Summoner | Vhenard | Warlord of Blood | Zoltun Kulle Fallen Angels Inarius | Izual | Malthael | Reapers | Urzael