During the Kouma War 1,000 years ago, Gaav was the mazoku lord responsible for killing the Water Dragon God (or Aqualord in Japanese) Ragradias. However, he was later sealed into human form by Ragradia attempting to duplicate the seal placed on the Dark Lord by Flare Dragon Ceifeed, a long-deceased god of the Slayers world. Despite losing interest in killing gods, Gaav remains as ruthless as ever and started a war with other mazoku lords after bargaining with golden dragons to destroy their plans. He took advantage of the God Sealing Barrier that required all lords to remain in one place and maintain each "corner." Lina Inverse became his target for destruction upon learning that the Hellmaster sent Xellos to accompany her. Even in a weakened state, Gaav's true form as a crimson three-headed dragon cannot be harmed by powerful magic from the Slayers world. As a mazoku, he can retreat to either the astral or material planes at will.