Skarn

"You stand before the Lord of Damnation in the depths of his domain, child. Understand that you are alive because I will it. Because I see what you really are. You have my interest. But do not presume we are equals. You are still unworthy in the eyes of your true kin. Allow me to demonstrate."

- Skarn

Skarn, the Herald of Terror, was a powerful demon.

Biography
Little has been recorded of Skarn, despite his high standing in Hell. Skarn was once Diablo's most powerful lieutenant. Ruling over the Realm of Damnation, he resided in the Halls of Punishment, where he tortured angels and demons alike. He came to develop an interest in humanity, specifically in their so-called "angelic sin" (per their nephalem heritage).

With the banishment of the Prime Evils from Hell, the realm fell into civil war, as it was split between the followers of Azmodan and Belial. Skarn flourished during this age, but demonologists cannot say whether he led an army, or simply used the conflict as an opportunity to capture parts of the Hells for himself.

The Power Vacuum
"For a new evil covets the Worldstone's power. If a shard falls into Hell's clutches, our world will burn."

- Deckard Cain

After Baal's defeat at Mount Arreat, Skarn beheld a power vacuum he could take advantage of. If he could obtain just one shard of the Worldstone, he would be able to remove the angelic side of humanity, leaving only their demonic half.

Skarn pulled demons from the Pit of Anguish to reinforce his armies, as well as using Demon Gates to summon demons from other parts of the Hells into his realm for the same purpose. In the mortal realm, Skarn gained a massive cult of followers dedicated to him. Over a period of a few years, they swelled their ranks from recruits taken across the Western Kingdoms.

Immortal
"My eye is upon you. Weep and despair! For the sin of your existence will be bled away."

- Skarn to the villagers of Wortham

In the year 1270, Skarn rallied a new demonic army, intending to gather the fragments of the corrupted Worldstone and use them to resurrect his master, reigniting the Eternal Conflict, and to bring Sanctuary to its knees.

Skarn's Cult of Damnation abducted villagers from Wortham for sacrifice. One villager made it back to Wortham, but this was possibly intentional, as upon his arrival in the town, Skarn spoke through the villager, mocking those who looked on in horror, before leaving his host's body a charred corpse. Later, in their lair, Eskara and her fellow cultists attempted to summon Skarn into Sanctuary, but they were interrupted by a hero/group of heroes. Skarn bid that his followers slay the intruder(s), but they failed, and the summoning was averted.

Later, in the Dark Wood, Skarn spoke through one of his cultists to Lakrii, leader of the Bloodsworn. He demanded that he deliver the Worldstone fragment that had fallen in the forest, and in return, he would give her whatever her heart desired. Otherwise, the Burning Hells would cleanse Sanctuary. Lakrii responded that the shard was in the possession of the one whose heart she desired, and besides, if Skarn had the power to scour Sanctuary, he'd be taking the stone, not asking for it. Lakrii slew Skarn's vessel, but he warned her that "we shall see..."

Dawn of Damnation
Skarn led his forces of Hell against Sanctuary directly, wrecking havoc against Westmarch. Only the capital was able to halt his advance.

In-game
Skarn is one of the central antagonists of Diablo Immortal. It has been hinted that Skarn is the final boss of the baseline version of the game, fought in the Realm of Damnation. His story is intended to be revealed over the course of the game.

Quotes

 * "My eye is upon you. Weep and despair! For the sin of your existence will be bled away." (in Wortham)
 * "You are not alone, supplicant. Slay the intruder in my name." (in the Unseen Lair)

Personality and Traits
"We have come for you. Our neglected kin. To cleanse you of the sin of Heaven. Only with us will you find salvation. Join us. Immortality...awaits you."

- Skarn

Cruel, calculating and smart, Skarn took interest in humanity, and their so-called "angelic sin." He saw humans as being "true kin" to demons, neglected, and that only through Hell, could mankind find salvation.

Despite his high standing, Skarn was a somewhat obscure demon&mdash;few demonologists even knew his name.

Trivia

 * Skarn is voiced by Steve Blum.