Last of the Daemons from the planet Damos, Azal's people had arrived on Earth millions of years ago and helped develop mankind.Awoken from his dormant state by a power-hungry Master, Azal realised he needed to pass his powers on before he died.

The Master had already gained some expertise in Azal's use of psionics by activating the stone gargoyle, Bok, but Azal elected to give the Doctor his heritage.

The Doctor refused, which angered Azal who tried to destroy him. Jo Grant offered herself to be killed instead, and Azal had to reabsorb his power, which killed him