Origin
Zardeth was a sorcerer serving the forces of Chaos. He fought in the War of Chaos and after its end attempted to recruit the princes of Crystalium to his side. His offer led to conflict between co-rulers Crystar and Moltar. The latter accepted the offer after having already wounded his brother and facing the wrath of Ogeode, a rival sorcerer. He transformed Moltar, his love Lavour, and their followers to Lava Men. Ogeode transformed Crystar and his own followers into various crystalline forms. The two sorcerers continued their conflict with their new allies at their respective sides.
Creation
Zardeth was created by Mary Jo Duffy and Bret Blevins and first appeared in The Saga of Crystar, Crystal Warrior issue 1 (1983).
Major Story Arcs
Battle against Crystar
In time Zardeth and Moltar came to distrust each other. Zardeth recruited the Hill People, a group of barbarians, partly to find more loyal and bloodthirsty allies. Moltar indeed turned against Zardeth in the final battle of their war. Zardeth was killed by Crystar while facing the forces of both brothers, but returned Moltar to human form with his final curse.