Azj'ial was an Exalted and an old friend of Xalmor Windrunner. He converted to the cause of the Malefactors and used the Ancient Egg to defeat D'vorjakque and kill Teliel Zamashen. It turned out to be a part of the evil schemes of the Crimson March, and the Azure power of D'vorjakque was used to access the final shard of the Mirror.
Azj'ial's neck was snapped by Arronax Sanguinar after he was kidnapped by Irael, and the Egg taken from him. It is not known whether he was in collaboration with Arronax, or whether Arronax somehow learned of his plans through other means.