Astaroth is an ancient powerful being, who was never human. The problems of humankind are alien to him, because Astaroth is the fiery spirit of true justice, forged with the power of the ancient titans. He does not understand such categories as good and evil, because true justice is above these concepts.

Astaroth's story began long before the Empire appeared in the lands of the Dominion, long before even any rudiments of a state system. The first mention of Astaroth was discovered in some cave paintings, later deciphered by ancient mages and given the name "The Legend in Stone".

The Legend in Stone tells the tale of an ancient tribe that was attacked by another one and was almost completely wiped out. The surviving shamans of the decimated tribe were driven deep into some magical caves and did not see food, water, or sunlight for weeks. The enemy pushed them further and further into the dark depths until the shamans found themselves in the Forge of the Ancients, where the Forerunners — the masters of the world, who had already left the Dominion by that time — had once forged spirits. Here begins the well-known story of Astaroth.

Exhausted by the chase and with their backs against the wall, the shamans had nowhere to turn for help. They prayed desperately to all the higher powers they could think of. They prayed not for their own salvation or survival, but for true justice. And the Forge of the Ancients answered their final prayer.

On the Great Anvil, the Scythe of Redemption materialized in a bright flash of flame. The astonished shamans approached the anvil just as their enemies burst into the Forge of the Ancients. One of the shamans reached out to take the flaming weapon in order to fight back and protect his fellow tribesmen. But at that very moment, a pillar of demonic flame erupted from the Scythe of Redemption, throwing everyone a few steps away, while soul-rending, inhuman shrieks and howls echoed through the cave.

Amidst this demonic cacophony reverberating around the Forge of the Ancients, the flames from the Scythe of Redemption began to intertwine with each other. In front of everyone's very eyes, the flames formed themselves into a phantom figure of a child. The newly born boy quickly grew in size and acquired armor. The shamans watched the ancient process of a Spirit's birth in horror, unaware that they were witnessing an unprecedented phenomenon never seen in the world since the Forerunners' departure.

In a few moments, the birth was complete, and the flames subsided. Right there on the anvil where the Scythe of Redemption had just been now stood a menacing creature. His armor was still smoldering slightly after the transformation, from under a dark hood the hot coals of his eyes glared out at the world, fiery wings blazed behind his shoulders, and in his hands he held the Scythe of Redemption. The inhuman howls and shrieks fell quiet.

The spirit took in his new surroundings, and then fixed his scalding hot gaze on the armed intruders who had just broken into the Forge with the intent to kill the shamans. A thunderous voice came booming from under the hood and echoed off the walls. "I am Astaroth, the Burning Spirit of True Justice! And I pass my judgment upon you!" The spirit swung its strange weapon, and the enemies burst into demonic fire.

Then Astaroth looked at the kneeling shamans, and their garments began to smoke from the heat of his gaze. However, the shamans staunchly endured the pain without flinching. "I will see that justice is done, now and forever. If you who summoned me act unjustly, I will come for you too." After these words, Astaroth lit up in a blaze so fierce that the shamans were blinded for a moment, and when their vision returned, the Spirit had already vanished. That’s where the Legend in Stone ends. But the story of Astaroth and the tribe he saved was far from over.

Profoundly struck by their unexpected rescue and the great power of the Spirit, the shamans called themselves Fire-Worshippers and began to worship the Spirit of Justice, longing to see him again. They began to record stories about Astaroth and their great salvation: first in the form of paintings, then as inscriptions on stone tablets and papyrus, and later in entire books written in praise of Astaroth.

Centuries passed, the tribe of Fire-Worshippers became a nation and their reverence became a religion, but none of them saw the Burning Spirit of True Justice again. However, in order to maintain their power, the priests began to tell stories about Astaroth — supposedly, he appeared at the gatherings of a select few. They began to exert more control over their society and subjugate other tribes, all in the name of Astaroth. With fire and sword, the Fire-Worshippers imposed their religion among the neighboring peoples, supposedly acting for the sake of justice.

Then one day, Astaroth actually appeared at one of their gatherings, answering their call. The shocked priests, most of whom did not even believe in the existence of their own deity, fell to their knees and began to sing a prayer in praise of the Spirit of True Justice. But Astaroth just cast a glance at his followers, and their garments began to smolder and smoke. The singing ceased, replaced by cries of pain and cursing. None of the priests could endure the gaze of Astaroth.

A wrathful echo of the Burning Spirit's thunderous voice resounded once more: "I am Astaroth, the Burning Spirit of True Justice! You summoned me, and I have come to see that justice is done. You have forgotten the ways of justice and used my name to line your pockets and fill your bellies. The time of judgment has come!" Astaroth swung the Scythe of Redemption, and all his false supporters were engulfed in demonic fire. Of the entire nation of Fire-Worshippers, only the children and holy fools were spared, as they were not involved in the priests' corruption.

After restoring true justice, Astaroth let out a heavy sigh and said: "My mission is complete." A bright flash lit up the area and the Burning Spirit vanished, just like last time after carrying out his judgment in the Forge of the Ancients.

Time passed, kingdoms emerged in the lands of the Dominion, civil wars broke out, empires were born and died, and in every society new legends, fables, and beliefs appeared about Astaroth, the Burning Spirit. But all this has been passed down to us as scattered fragments and myths.

With each passing year, life in the Dominion became harder and harder. Infernal forces led by the Archdemon plotted the subjugation of all living beings. People's hearts were increasingly clouded by fear and cruelty. The titans returned to the world, some of whom still considered themselves its masters and wanted to destroy anything they deemed wrong. The rule of the strong prevailed. The Dominion was on the brink of ruin when the total essence of the magical world called for true justice to be restored. The earth trembled from a powerful, magical wave of energy. At the same moment, a traveler appeared out of thin air by the main gates of the Guardians' castle, his eyes glowing like coals under his hood, and his demonic wings blazing on his back. "I am Astaroth, the Burning Spirit of True Justice!" the traveler said, and his words rolled like thunder all around. "The Dominion has summoned me, and I have come to protect it.”

Since then, Astaroth has taken his place among those who fight for justice shoulder to shoulder with the Guardians. Such a dangerous ally aids the Guardians in maintaining an honest and just order, because if they stray from the correct path, retribution will befall them just as it once befell the Fire-Worshippers.