DarkClaw
| DarkClaw (I) | |
| Goddess | |
| Created | 1996 |
|---|---|
| Status | Deceased |
| Retired | First FLI Retirement:April 30, 2010 Character Retirement: August 10, 2017 |
| Race | Human (Kindred) |
| Hometown | Midgaard |
| Classes | Cleric Warrior Ordained Thief |
| Followed | Khore Natas Whitehawk Torchbearer Cordir Bliss Rhina Kerriariadne |
| Spouse | Volos Garland |
| Partner | Nameless Nicholai Jaator Blackflame Beowulf Paython Belgarion Humphrey |
| Children | (Biological) Argoth (Chylder) Ghazkull Mahsong Rufus Tyran Aphelion Sparhawk Bulvye Asterius Humphrey Avoozl |
| Relatives | Cousin: Arianos Shena Talesedrin Brother: Ghazkull Mahsong |
| Areas Written | Northern Sava River |
| Immorted | AMB: Jan 31, 2007 Attend: March 24, 2007 Demi: April 10, 2007 Lesser: Aug 6, 2008 Retired: April 30, 2010 Unretired: June 2, 2012 Demi: Jun 2, 2012 Lesser: March 19, 2013 Goddess: Posthumous |
| Following | 1st:Keepers of the Elements 2nd:The Lost Ones |
DarkClaw's Passing
In July of 2017, the MUD was shocked to learn that DarkClaw had passed away very suddenly, after a brief hospitalization following a long battle with several illnesses. She passed on July 15, 2017. On July 23rd, a wake was held for her in the Temple of the Lost.
Mud Contributions/Notes:
[ 1] DarkClaw: Regrets
Mon May 21 14:11:02 2012
To: all
Star stood upon an oceanside cliff, the Wind whipping about her form and leaving stinging marks upon her immortal flesh; the very element she was born under lashing out in anger for being abandoned... forgotten. She should have stayed...found some way to keep her children together while she tended to larger matters. Would they hate her now? Would they lash out against her just as the elements were doing? The air shifted dramatically, picking up speed and power, skies suddenly disappearing behind heavy rain-filled clouds. Stepping forward to the edge, she stood taller instead of shielding herself from the assault, lifting her face to the skies and taking the beating she so rightfully deserved. Her voice a pained whisper, she closed her eyes tightly, her features twisting from emotion. "I'm so sorry." Abruptly, her legs were yanked downward, pulling her to her knees on the wet, rocky ground. Opening her eyes again, she only now realized that it had been raining and she dazedly shifted her gaze to the earthen hands clamped around her lower legs to hold her there. Letting her head fall forward, Star leaned back on her heels and sat quietly as the storm continued to administer its punishment.
[ 17] DarkClaw: Lost
Sat Jun 2 08:44:45 2012
To: all
Quiet...too quiet. Not even a hint of the storm's wrath remained. Star shifted ever so slightly, feeling weak, torn...diminished. The silence stretched out, finally being smothered by her own thoughts suddenly tumbling through her head. Slowly pushing to her feet, her gaze wandered over the Cliffside and surrounding lands, looking for...what? Darkness, that's all that stood before her. No breeze, no earthen scent or trace of the elements at all. The noise in her head increased in volume, words of angst, betrayal, helplessness and questions...so many questions! Lifting her hands to her head, she slapped them against her ears, as if the gesture would stop the chaos and torment. Only then did she realize that the power she once felt coursing through her was... different...lessened. Lessened?! More questions! She started at the sudden scream ripping through her thoughts, belatedly aware that it was her own. In desperation, she pried her hands from her head and raised them to the skies, calling on the power she had always commanded as an immortal. Not even a trickle of elemental magic responded, only the increasing noise lashing out much the same as the recent storm. "I AM NOT LOST!" she raged, hoping yet for some answer...the slightest feel of her power ...nothing.
[ 23] DarkClaw: Still Lost
Wed Aug 29 18:11:53 2012
To: all
I still hear your melodies...
very faint whispers that I can barely make out.
You claimed you deserted me as I did you.
Yet, everytime I walk among the mortals, I see proof of your existance.
I feel the wind's breath caressing my face,
the faint burning from the sun's fire upon my skin.
I hear the sound of running water and see all the vibrant colors of the earth.
But...I feel no essence of spirit, no aid to lead me through the chaos.
Haven't I suffered your wrath long enough?
My path is hidden, no markers to bear witness to,
no pull in any direction.
How can I lead when I know not where to go?
They look to ME for guidance, yet I am lost...still.
I would beg were it enough to become one with you again.
[ 18] DarkClaw: Thoughts of a Lost One
Thu Jun 7 21:39:15 2012
To: all
'It seems a lifetime ago that I held your hand and walked beside you...proud, strong, unbreakable. What went wrong? The memories were lost for so very long...only days ago did they return, crashing in like the waves of an angry sea...lashing out at me and leaving me breathless and...empty.'
Star twisted and turned the ring in her fingers, a tiny garland of black roses. Staring at its surface unblinking, she seemed lost...distant... her thoughts someplace far away.
'You were my salvation, my guiding star and light. You were everything right, my love...yet I turned my back on you. You deserved so much...more.'
Again, she twisted the tiny garland, then finally tore her gaze away from the shining surface, her eyes sweeping over her barren temple.
'...So much more. I cannot hope for forgiveness...how could I with what I've become? Yet...I cannot help but wish to see you again...to know that at least you were not tainted...that your purity remained. You should've been the one graced with a life among the Gods.'
Opening her hand, she let it fall to rest in her palm and closed her eyes. For a moment there was nothing but silence, then the ring took on a bright, white glow as she began to chant in an indecipherable tongue. When it finally disappeared, she hung her head and stood still, her voice a barely audible whisper, 'Go. Find someone worthy of you...of him.'
[ 15] DarkClaw: More prose...
Fri Sep 4 23:20:48 1998
To: All
Strange...how suddenly I feel your presence again...
after so long of nothing.
No fire to warm my heart...
No touch to soothe my tears...
No words to calm my soul...
Apathy from nowhere.
Alone...so alone...yet surrounded by faceless numbers...
each of them raking me naked, their words and thoughts exposing me completely...
Then...again...you come..
your wings embracing me in a fiery cloak of shadows,
their protection shading my weaknesses...offering an illusion of strength...
to those who would wish to dismantle it.
[ 29] DarkClaw: All things must come to an end...
Mon Oct 16 19:03:59 2000
To: all
It's been real, TFC. I've been here for five years now...had some
awesome times...had some not so good times...but it's time to move on.
May all of you enjoy your lives and make the most of everything that
you can. Those who wish to get ahold of me know how. Peace.
[ 17] DarkClaw: News...
Wed Jul 24 16:48:12 2002
To followers of: Cordir
There will be no wedding between Garland and I. I apologize to anyone that is let down by this. The Gods know I am. But it is something I have to face. He has decided to pursue more important matters (real life). To all of you who went through a great deal of trouble working out our wedding, I sincerely apologize.
Fallen Star of Fate
[ 16] DarkClaw: Completed Ordainment
Sat Jul 12 23:37:55 2003 / To followers of: Cordir
Dear Chosen: I have spent many long years now, in service of the Lady Cordir and all of you, as one of our Ordained Mortals. I do not regret that honor, nor would I change any of my decisions were I to go back and have to do it all again. However, the time has come for me to walk a different path and to make different choices. And, firstly, I ask to be released from my Ordained status, so that I may grow and thrive in other ways. I shall still serve you, as always, but perhaps through different means...though some, of course, will be the same as they were. I thank the Lady Weaver, and each of you, for allowing me to hold this honorable position for so long. It was indeed a pleasure. Thank you also for your understanding in this matter.
Yours in service,
Star k'Treva
Current Description:
To stand in Her presence is to be rendered speechless: This is no mere mortal, but the quintessential seductress, potent in her ripe perfection, incarnate in her beauty. Lilith herself pales in comparison: the gleaming scarlet luster of Her eyes, the tawdry tumble of Her long sable hair -- as if just risen from an evening's pleasures...dangerous sensuality is a tangible aura around her, like the corona of the full moon. Voluptuous curves to make any heart pound, grace of a stalking leopard, this is not a woman who can be underestimated. Her prey is delight and sacrifice and sustenance, Scions enraptured in their service to Her. The particulars of Her ensemble are nearly irrelevant save for the loving way that an inky velvet gown enfolds Her, falling in regal folds to the ground, and leather caresses her, drawing in an already narrow waist. The rarest gems and metals have been crafted into elegant jewelry that cannot compete with Her beauty, and the delicate flutter of the wings of bats flitting about Her makes a living, chittering frame to draw every eye. Ancient but untouched by Time, a power to stir the dreams of the living, She is the gatekeeper of Death itself: unliving yet utterly alive, undead yet filled with every passion of existence. DarkClaw is bathed in the essence of charisma. DarkClaw is in perfect health. DarkClaw is using: <used as light> (Moderate magic) a bright flame of loyalty <worn on finger> (Moderate magic) a silver band set with a ruby <worn on finger> (Moderate magic) a silver band set with a ruby <worn around neck> (Potent magic) an ornate choker of black diamonds <worn around neck> (Moderate magic) a long slender chain of platinum and rubies <worn on body> (Powerful magic) an elegant backless gown of black velvet <worn on head> (Powerful magic) a narrow circlet of platinum set with gems <worn on legs> (Potent magic) sheer stockings with an alluring back-seam <worn on feet> (Potent magic) thigh-high suede boots with six inch heels <worn on hands> (Powerful magic) a trace of scent teased from heated skin <worn on arms> (Moderate magic) detachable sleeves of black velvet <worn as shield> (Potent magic) the moon's radiance amidst midnight clouds <worn about body> (Potent magic) a sangoire cloak of the Ordinus Nosferatus <worn about waist> (Potent magic) a tightly-laced waist cincher of suede <worn around wrist> (Potent magic) a delicate silver bangle set with moonstones <worn around wrist> (Potent magic) a delicate silver bangle set with moonstones <wielded> (Artifact magic) a slim, deadly longsword of carved bone <wielded off-hand> (Moderate magic) a long, slender dagger, shaped like a fang <held> (Moderate magic) a thorny ebon rose in full bloom <worn with pride> (Moderate magic) (Ogre Aura) (Singing) an Oook Fan Club button <worn with pride> (Artifact magic) (Glowing) (Humming) the Medallion of Goddesshood <worn with pride> 4 badges, 3 pins, 5 ribbons
December 2001 through 2009
At first glance, you see nothing but inky darkness, then a faint crimson glow can be seen outlining a woman a short distance away. Drawn closer, you are entranced. Her fiery red eyes flicker over you, assessing and weighing your being. Their soft glow holds a hunger and passion that sends chills up your spine. A cloak of long, raven-colored hair falls loosely about her shoulders, cascading down to her narrow waist, and giving her an element of sensual mystery. Her body is curvaceous, ripe almost irresistible. She flashes you an audacious wink and a quick grin, her sharp ivory fangs catching the light. The curve of her lips is sweet, almost innocent, and denies your prior impression of evil. The wicked promises in her eyes have faded as well, now more playful and warm than seducing. She toys with one lock of her hair, gazing at you from beneath her lashes. "First impressions, dear, are terribly important... but the full story is never grasped by merely reading the first page." Raising the hood of her cloak up, she shrouds her face and gives you a small, secretive smile.
August 15, 2001:
At first glance, you see nothing but darkness...an evil air about this woman that sends chills down your spine. Her fiery red eyes flicker intensely, full of hunger and passion. Her long, raven-colored hair falls loosely about her shoulders, hanging to her waist. The curves of her form seem inviting...amost irresistable. She flashes a quick grin and winks, her razor-sharp fangs catching the light briefly. Odd...what you first thought of as nothing but evil seems almost innocent now. The hunger and passion in her gaze softened, turning to playfulness and warmth. The darkness that once surrounded her
disappeared...or at least calmed some, blending in with her surroundings.
DarkClaw won't win any beauty contests.
DarkClaw is in perfect health.
WHO Lists:
Hum [ Cl:16 ] DarkClaw k'Treva. *Nameless* [Kindred] December 8, 1996
Hum [ Cl:25 ] DarkClaw getting MARRIED??? ACK!! {-Volos-} >> CoY << June 8, 1997
Hum [ Wa: 2 Cl:28 ] DarkClaw, weaving the web of confusion. {CoY} February 15, 1998
Hum [ Wa: 3 Cl:28 ] DarkClaw, the word is all of us.*CLOSED* {Nicholai} April 25, 1998
Hum [ Wa: 3 Cl:28 ] DarkClaw k'Treva...Kindred. *CLOSED* { Nicholai } May 22, 1998
Hum [ Wa: 6 Cl:28 ] DarkClaw,this is life & sometimes life fails.{Jaator} October 4, 1998
Hum [ Wa: 7 Cl:28 ] DarkClaw: Ebon Archfiend of Chaos October 12 2000
Hum [ Wa: 7 Cl:28 ] DarkClaw k'Treva January 27, 2001
Hum [ Wa: 7 Cl:28 ] DarkClaw k'Treva, Kindred Spirit. *Blackflame* July 11, 2001
Hum [ Wa: 7 Cl:28 ] DarkClaw k'Treva, Kindred Spirit. October 18, 2001
Hum [ Wa: 7 Cl:28 ] DarkClaw k'Treva, Kindred Spirit of the Dawn. *LLU* November 29, 2001
Hum [ Wa: 9 Cl:28 ] DarkClaw k'Treva, Kindred Spirit. -={ Garland }=- December 12, 2001
Hum [ Wa:13 Cl:28 ] DarkClaw, Fated Star. *Cordir* -= Garland =- January 29, 2002
Hum [ Goth Princess ] DarkClaw, Kindred Chylde of Fate. -= Garland =- December 3, 2002
Hum [ Goth Princess ] DarkClaw, Chylde of Fate, Lexie's Pet. -= Garland =- January 25, 2003
Hum [ Goth Princess ] DarkClaw, Chylde of Fate, Lexie's Pet. -= Garland =- (at her wedding to Garland)
Hum [ Belle Morte ] DarkClaw bites! V V -*Fate*- -=Garland=- June 17, 2003
Hum [ Th:20 Wa:30 Cl:30 ] DarkClaw, Triat Kindred. -* Fate *- -= Garland =- July 13, 2003
Hum [ Wa:30 Th:30 Cl:30 ] DarkClaw, Proud Member of the OFC. -= Fate =- October 10, 2003
Hum [ Implementor ] DarkClaw, Ebon OFC'er. -= Fate =- November 8, 2003 *
Hum [ Wa:30 Th:30 Cl:30 ] DarkClaw: Triat Initiate November 24, 2003
Hum [ Wa:30 Th:30 Cl:30 ] DarkClaw: Covened by the Blood of Bliss. January 26, 2004
Hum [ Wa:30 Th:30 Cl:30 ] DarkClaw howls at the Ashen Moon with Beowulf. March 23, 2004
Hum [ Wa:30 Th:30 Cl:30 ] DarkClaw misses Bliss and Beowulf, Naturally. May 20, 2004
Hum [ Wa:30 Th:30 Cl:30 ] DarkClaw, Madam President...Naturally! -= OFRU =- July 29, 2004
Hum [ Wa:30 Th:30 Cl:30 ] DarkClaw, Fanged Scion Born of Darkness. -=Beowulf=- December 31, 2004
Hum [ Wa:30 Th:30 Cl:30 ] DarkClaw, Fanged Scion Born of Darkness. March 26, 2005
Hum [ Wa:30 Th:30 Cl:30 ] DarkClaw, Mystaya's ebil widdle vamp of Darkness. June 12, 2005
Hum [ Wa:30 Th:30 Cl:30 ] DarkClaw, Fanged Scion Born of Darkness. December 23, 2005
Hum [ Wa:30 Th:30 Cl:30 ] DarkClaw is NOT coleslaw! January 5, 2006
Hum [ Wa:30 Th:30 Cl:30 ] DarkClaw: Guild Sitter Extraordinaire! -=Paython=- February 11, 2006
Hum [ Wa:30 Th:30 Cl:30 ] DarkClaw: They're just...teeth! -= Paython =- March 26, 2006
Hum [ Ambassador ] DarkClaw can't follow Tynian anymore. :-( February 1, 2007
Hum [ Ambassador ] DarkClaw: President of TFC (Tynian's Fan Club) February 23, 2007
Hum [ Attendant ] DarkClaw, Attendant to the Nashite Magi March 26, 2007
Hum [ Demigoddess ] DarkClaw, Matriarch of Elemental Forces April 26, 2007
Hum [ Demigoddess ] DarkClaw: Greater Airhead of the Kooties July 12, 2007
Hum [ Demigoddess ] DarkClaw: One with the Elements. January 10, 2008
Hum [ Demigoddess ] DarkClaw: Greater Airhead of the KotE. June 17, 2008
Hum [ Lesser Goddess ] DarkClaw: Deloi, Vindr, Brisingr, Adurna - Gath!(ERF) December 27, 2008
Hum [ Lesser Goddess ] DarkClaw: Deloi, Vindr, Brisingr, Adurna - Gath!(ERF) February 14, 2009
Hum [ Demigoddess ] DarkClaw: Lost...Does that mean "Loss"? June 2, 2012
Hum [ Demigoddess ] DarkClaw: Lost Cause, Newbie Helper -= Belgarion =- July 19, 2012
Hum [ Demigoddess ] DarkClaw: Lost Newbie, Cause Helper -= Belzedar =- September 05, 2012
Hum [ Demigoddess ] DarkClaw:Honorary Hooligan of the Lost -=Belgarion=- December 17, 2012
Hum [ Lesser Goddess ] DarkClaw knows the meaning of Lost. -= Belgarion =- April 24, 2013
Hum [ Lesser Goddess ] DarkClaw,Remorse is the echo of a lost virtue. -Belg- May 28, 2013
* Classtitle by Tynian
Character History:
A Queen is Born
The people of Ryche were accustomed to their ways. They loyally served under a King and Queen chosen by the people, a team that would hopefully lead them well and keep their kingdom strong and healthy. They had but one fear…the evil darklord named Leareth. His magic was more powerful than any other in the realm, and his wrath was more deadly than anyone could fathom.
K’chana Nyara was a woman good of heart, strong of will. Even at this time, about to give birth to a child conceived by the darklord himself, she refused to show any signs of weakness or fear. Leareth had taken her against her will and planted his seed, merely for simple self-pleasure.
Rychers were a unique race, able to transform between human and leopard form at will. When Aurora was born, she wasn’t like the others of her kind. Instead of the normal leopard color, her fur was black, her blood tainted by her father’s genes. Having never been told who Aurora’s father was, her people believed her “difference” to be a blessing and chose her to be named the next Queen of Ryche upon the appropriate age… Little did they know they had made a terrible decision.
The day came when Aurora was to be wed to the Prince of Ryche and he would then be dubbed the new King, thus making her the Queen. The night following their wedding, Aurora killed her husband and took over the throne alone. Her father hounded her constantly, wanting her to serve alongside him and rule the realm, but she refused, knowing what he did to her mother. Taking them for everything they had, she quickly became bored with her people and left the realm in search of new and exciting things.
Leareth Returns
Her travels led her to the land of RhyDin, where she soon met up with a man by the name of Firewind k’Treva. Not only was he amazing as a man alone, but he was also the most powerful mage in RhyDin…the only adversary capable of going up against Aurora’s father, Leareth. Firewind’s heart was good, and he weakened Aurora’s evil side, which disturbed her immensely. After a time, she left him, unable to cope with being weak any longer. Having been with child when she left, she gave birth to Firewind’s daughter, Star k’Treva, soon after.
Aurora and the child were in danger of Leareth now, no longer having Firewind’s protection. The darklord took a fond liking to Star…so much of one that it made her mother uneasy. The child possessed her father’s magic and, combined with Leareth’s, he would be unstoppable should she fall into his hands.
Aurora found herself in Arangoth next, where she soon became acquainted with a man by the name of Panthar. He was more of a neutral man, and she didn’t feel threatened or weakened by him in any way. The night of their wedding, Leareth made his grand entrance, and swiped Star from her mother’s arms. He swore that, if Aurora would not serve him, his granddaughter would.
Years went by of being locked up in that cage, having been given only the bare necessities to live on. Day in and day out Leareth came, awaiting her answer. Day after day her answer was the same…no. Infuriated, the darklord would order the guard to refuse her the next meal each time. It mattered not to Star anymore. She was numb to his punishments now. After nineteen grueling years, nothing mattered to her but escape from his clutches.
That time came. Orgon sat against the cold cave wall, staring at her as if he had never seen a woman before. Star would look over at him occasionally, feeling his eyes on her, holding back the shiver from the chill of his gaze. He was gruesome. His beard was long and scraggly, full of leftovers from countless days before. His hair was a dirty blonde mass of tangles that hung down to his lower back, and his teeth were a dingy shade of brown and uneven. Even those eyes were cruel and uncaring.
Star convinced Orgon to let her out one day, leading him to believe that he would get to have his way with her if he did. He wasn’t a terribly brilliant fellow, lucky for her. She toyed with him for a bit, then her chance came. He let his guard down enough for her to grab his weapon and knock him out cold with it, serving him a serious blow to the head. Oddly enough, there were no other guards around. She ran, as fast as she could, never looking back.
First Love
The streets of Kayrron were busy, some people bustling along, making their way to and from the market in the center of town, others merely out having a leisurely stroll. Stealing some bread from one of the unsuspecting merchants, Star ducked around behind an abandoned building, collapsing to the ground. She was exhausted and weak from the lack of food as well.
Days went by, bread and water being her only nourishment. A hand shook her, waking her from her sleep one morning. She jumped, startled by the stranger, cowering against the wall behind her, unarmed for defense.
Draven was a handsome man, barely twenty, well-dressed, well-built, and clean kept. Long, honey-blonde hair fell loosely down to his mid-back, his eyes a striking emerald in color. He was beautiful, but that didn’t seem to matter to Star. He was a stranger and she was still in danger of Leareth finding her. He smiled warmly, removing his hand from her shoulder. “M’lady, you cannot sleep here. There are dangerous people about these streets.”
It wasn’t until then that Star realized he was one of the cityguards. He bore the mark of the Kayrron falcon upon his left shoulder and on the hilt of his sword. “I…I’m sorry.” She stammered, fumbling to her feet.
Draven looked her over fully, frowning at the tattered and dirty clothes that she wore and the lack of cleanliness, concluding that she had only been sleeping there for lack of a better place. Reaching in his beltpouch, he took out some coins and held them out to her. “Take these…find yourself a room and a good meal, m’lady…perhaps even a hot bath to soothe you.” She hesitantly took the coins, then ran from him.
It didn’t take Draven long to find her again. He knew the city like the back of his hand. He had been questioning the Innkeepers around town to find out her whereabouts, curious of her well-being, and found that she had taken up residence in the Silver Arrow Inn for the time-being. For weeks Draven brought her food, coins, and the occasional piece of clothing to wear. He eventually won her trust and took her in under his wing, moving her into his home. He was completely taken by her, even moreso after hearing her story.
Months went by and they found themselves in love. Not long before their wedding, Draven asked Star to join him on his rounds throughout the city. While walking through the crowded market, Draven spotted a thief stealing a chalice from a nearby vendor and taking off. He ordered Star to stay put while he ran after the culprit. Returning a short while later, he gave the chalice back to its rightful seller, but the thief was nowhere around. The merchant, enraged and not having seen the thief take the object, accused Draven of stealing it. The city of Kayrron held very strict laws. Draven was sentenced to execution the following day.
The Embrace
Unable to cope with losing the only good thing she had known in her life, Star went off the deep end. She panicked, all clear thought and rationality out of reach. She fled from Kayrron, wandering through the outer forests and on to smaller towns. Hearing tales of a vampire that existed in the gloomy Varinesa Keep, she found her way across the plains and over the deadly mountain pass that led to his home. She had been told stories of him doing “favors” for the less fortunate, and she vowed that she would suffer an eternity for Draven’s death.
Dalamar was intrigued by this woman, how she so willingly walked into the arms of death without even a second thought. Having heard her entire tale upon her visit, the Gangrel vampire agreed to embrace her, being a creature of compassion and understanding himself, and not quite a stranger to love. Star was buried that night, along with her past. Taking on a new life…or undeath, as it were…she now was known as DarkClaw, Dalamar’s childer, the name fitting to her animal form. All Gangrel’s choose one…hers was the black tiger.
A couple days passed and DarkClaw, confused and hopelessly lost, found herself wandering the opposite way across the pass late at night. She was weak, having not learned what she needed to know to survive before leaving her “father”. Her hunger pained her, her senses more keen and aware of the smells and sounds around her. She had no desire for the nourishment she was so accustomed to, nor did it soothe her suffering.
The Kindred
The cave was dark and cold but, somehow, the chill and dampness of its vast blackness made her feel at home. The mist covering the floor caressed her form as she slept, covering her like a blanket of protection. Eyes watched her from above, hundreds of tiny guardians, hanging from the ledges around the ceiling above. She had been too dazed and weak to notice their presence before she fell into a deep sleep.
She awoke to the sound of wings fluttering above her. She opened her eyes barely, her vision blurred, and groaned, unable to move. A shadow, much like that of a man, stood over her. She felt herself being lifted off of the cave floor and carried away, everything once again going black.
Khore, Lord of the Kindred, had found her on the floor of his temple, obviously weak from the lack of feeding. He nourished her back to health and, along with his mortal followers, took her in and taught her the ways of a vampire. She was home…where she would remain for hundreds of years.
His Return
Draven returned to her, five hundred years later. He found her in the cave of the Kindred, alone. His execution had obviously never taken place. After Star had left Kayrron, the same thief had been found stealing again from another merchant, and had oddly enough confessed to taking the chalice that Draven had returned once he was caught. Draven had heard of Star’s travels to seek out Dalamar. He had a way of finding out information that he needed to know. He, in turn, sought out Dalamar, asking as well to be embraced, so that he might once again find his only love.
Dalamar laid a stipulation to their agreement. He insisted that, if the girl now known as DarkClaw did not return and accept his love when he found her, Draven would then die by the sunlight. He agreed, becoming one with the night and setting out to find her.
She was not the same when he found her. She had spent hundreds of years despising men, using them for everything she could, much like her mother, but with not quite such evil intent. They were more like toys to DarkClaw, mere companions to shower her with attention. Her change was so drastic that she refused to take Draven back upon his return. She was no longer Star. How could she take him back? Shattered, Draven left Midgaard, never to be seen again.
It was not until some time after that that DarkClaw realized what she had done. Confusion and unbearable pain set in…and she found herself leaving the security of the Kindred. Years later, after entering into Foolkiller’s following, DarkClaw was shown the vision of Draven chained to a stone, burning by sunlight, facing the death that was part of his agreement. She was devastated. She realized then that it was time for Star to be reborn. From that point on, she never felt like she belonged anywhere, and it was too late to return to her place among the Kindred. They no longer were.
A New Home
It seemed like an eternity went by, Star roaming from path to path, trying to find a place to belong once more. Every belief she tried was untrue to her. Every “family” she became a part of never really seemed like a family to her at all. She had almost given up on finding a purpose in life…or finding ones she could once again call brothers and sisters. Star felt like noone would ever truly understand her…but Cordir did. Their friendship had started eons past, shortly after Star had become one of the Kindred. And now?…Cordir having a following of her own, Star knew where she belonged. The Chosen would be the only place where she would fit in again, where she could find her Fate and grow as the woman she is meant to be. With the help of her loving fiancé, Garland, she relearned enough of the realm to complete the entrance quest to start her journey down the long-awaited path of purpose.
DarkClaw's Quest to Wed Garland
Notes: It was a requirement of Cordir that any member of her following that wanted to get married had to go through various quests. DarkClaw and Garland were seeking to be married. What follows are specific items from their quests: An essay detailing why Cordir should NOT allow them to marry, and her planned wedding vows.
Essay: Why Garland and I should NOT be Married
Though I love Garland more than any man I’ve ever loved, there is much that I’ve considered since our time together started. None of these matters sway my decision to marry him, however, they are not to be taken lightly.
Since the beginning, he has spoiled me rotten, which has, in turn, kept me from fending for my own. He has given me equipment that I had no part in acquiring. He has led me to places, time and again, to accomplish tasks, yet, as much as I like it and know that his intentions are good, it has hindered me by not allowing me to grow and learn for myself. Each time he tells me how proud of me he is, yet it was mostly all his doing. I have not learned yet to stand on my own two feet and to fight my own battles…to make my own place in this realm… to earn the respect of others. I have found myself relying on him more and more as each day goes by. Though I want nothing more than to be his wife and to remain forever by his side, I feel like a pupil who is cheating her way through school and learning nothing about the world and what it has to offer, as well as the necessary lessons that I need to be taught from it. As easy as his overabundant aid makes it for me, I know that it is wrong for me to take it for granted. I find myself as nothing more than a child, sheltered by her guardian, rarely having to fear the repercussions of her own doings. I know not the value of who I am and who I could be.
Another matter to take into account is that of my past. I know, myself, that I am completely loyal to my love, Garland, yet there are those who wait for the day that I will hurt him, like all the others that I have. I have no intentions of doing so, but my prior actions have given me a reputation not to be proud of. I am not pleased with my past behavior, nor am I happy with my codependency on him, yet I want not for anyone, friend or foe, mortal or Immortal, to look down on him or respect him less for becoming my husband. I know what others think of me and how they judge me, but Garland is worthy of high honor and much love in this world. I wish not to drag him down with me or to lessen the value of his existence.
I will not say that we should not be wed. Our love for each other is strong and true. Yet I had to speak the honesty that lies within my heart. I pray that the Gods and Goddesses allow us to be bound together and give us their blessings. Surely there must be some way to overcome these obstacles and become better people by doing so.
Star k’Treva,
Humbled servant of unknown Fate
DarkClaw's Wedding Vows to Garland
Garland, my love…never before in my long years have I met someone as completely wonderful as you. For ages, I lay seemingly dormant, not knowing what it was to live…until you came along and brought me back into the world. Since our beginning, I’ve treasured every moment with you…every word …every thought…every gaze… You’ve made my life complete.
How you’ve managed to stay beside me for all this time and to have more faith in me than any other in this realm, I’ll never know. I could never come close to repaying the Immortals for the blessing of you. As we now begin our new journey, bound together by love, witnessed by all of those here, the only fear I have in my heart is that of losing you. You’ve been the biggest inspiration ever to find me and have shown me more love than any other ever dared. You’ve overlooked the nature of my past, gently pushed me into finding my true self, and spoken words of praise and pride, forever lifting my spirits, painting a dream that I could never have found in my sleep. Forever, I am yours. I would trust my soul to no other. May the Weaver never let us part, and may your faith in me never die.
Trivia:
- DarkClaw requested a Trial of Triat Mastery, but was not successful in its completion: DarkClaw's Triat Mastery Quest
- DarkClaw is featured in a statue in Lycron's office, along with Kerriariadne and Isolas.
- DarkClaw is referenced in the temple of Rufus, The Monastery of Blood.
- DarkClaw is mentioned in the life history of Rohan.
- DarkClaw is mentioned in Samiyah's Journal.
- DarkClaw inspired a song in Whistler's Songbook.
- DarkClaw was the topic of Samiyah's level 15 bard review.
- DarkClaw had a biological son by the name of Argoth : fathered by the demon Shaharazhad after he took over Valin's body as a host.
Wiki Mentions:
- BlissPoll 2002B: received votes for Friendliest Mortal
- Lycron Poll 2009: received votes for Most Lovable Immortal
- DarkClaw Goes Bardic
- Darkclaws Poem and Katjas Return Ditty
- The Dentist - Tirant tries to pry out her teeth!
- 2003 Chicago GT
- Fateful Hour 07/15/2003
- Bardic Circle 07-29-2003
- Kin Tails
- Interview with a Vampire
- Darkness and Confrontation
- The Tale the Darkness Told
- The Fading of Khore
- Late Night Funnies
- Playing Chicken and Passing The Time
- Saving Cirth
- A Visit to the Doctor
- Binding the Tainted Part II
- Personal Service
- Top 10 Reasons You Don't Want Khore to Run A Quest
Quotables:
| ### [DarkClaw uses the anti-Kain dagger on Kain.] | (December 2, 2001) |
| ### [Keller tells DarkClaw (in common), '*gasp* you're not in the guild! What will people think? One of the pillars of the universe gone and all....;)'] | (April 29, 2002) |
| ### [DarkClaw says (in common), 'Yes, I'm marrying him for his muscle.'] | (April 29, 2002) |
| ### [DarkClaw says (in common), 'Go beat on Shazam a bit, then let me lick the blood from your armor.'] | (June 17, 2002) |
| ### [DarkClaw says (in common), 'Vex likes to get naked, too.'] | (July 23, 2002) |
| ### [DarkClaw tells Furious (in common), 'Sorry, but you can't be quiet around me. I just simply won't let you!' | (August 16, 2002) |
| Tynian gossips, 'Darkclaw says she can PK you easy, Vex. *shrug*'. | (September 31, 2002) |
| ### [DarkClaw says (in common), 'You shouldn't be bored with me here.'] | (November 8, 2002) |
| DarkClaw gossips (in common), 'Darnit, Triston! Don't do that while I'm sleeping! *grumble*'. Schwartz gossips (in common), 'yeah, wake her up first'. |
(May 14, 2003) |
| Thrall cants, 'now DC i have known you a long time and i wouldn't describe you as a "good" girl'. | (February 15, 2004) |
| Pitt ftells, 'Info: [DarkClaw says (in common), 'I DO have a special twinkle in my eye, y'know.']'. | (April 25, 2004) |
Personal Timeline:
Restrings:
<worn on finger> (Moderate magic) (Gleaming) a tiny garland of black roses <worn with pride> (Red Aura) (Ogre Aura) (Singing) an Oook Fan Club button
Level 50 Set Design:
Cordir had a standing offer for all and any members of the Chosen of Fate that made it to level 50: A full set of restrings, created over time, designed as a single unified theme. This is the set designed for DarkClaw:
<used as light> (Token magic) the icy glow of the full moon in its radiance <worn around neck> (Moderate magic) a high black collar of black diamonds <worn around neck> (Moderate magic) a long slender chain of platinum and rubies <worn on body> (Potent magic) an elegant backless gown of black velvet <worn on head> (Moderate magic) a narrow circlet of platinum set with gems <worn on legs> (Moderate magic) sheer stockings with an alluring back-seam <worn on feet> (Moderate magic) naughty ankle-height high heeled boots <worn on hands> (Moderate magic) a powerful glow of magic <worn on arms> (Moderate magic) detachable sleeves of black velvet <worn as shield> (Potent magic) a swirl of midnight clouds and shadows <worn about body> (Moderate magic) a floor-length hooded cloak of black velvet <worn about waist> (Moderate magic) a tightly-laced waist cincher of suede <worn around wrist> (Moderate magic) a wide silver cuff bracelet <worn around wrist> (Moderate magic) a wide silver cuff bracelet
Player Provided Information:
Player Information:
(Information provided to the "Faces Behind The Names" section of Cordir's website - circa 2003. Updated by DarkClaw 06/08/2012.)
Yep, this is me, just another average Joe!…Okay, so my name's not Joe. Heh. I'm Laura. I began mudding on TFC sometime in late 1995 when two friends of my ex-husband's introduced me to the realm. I was instantly hooked. I was living in Michigan then. Beforehand, I had only played MajorMUD on a local BBS, so you can imagine how different this was to me. I had also done some online free-form roleplaying, but had never been exposed to board gaming or LARP. Since then, I've been into a little of both, but online free-form has always been my favorite. My experiences at TFC started with my first character, Sheyralle… a single-class warrior who was really lousy. * laugh * Course I didn't have a clue what I was doing then, either…not that that has improved much. * grin * Anyhow, I met Khore with this character, who was already aligned, and decided that I 'had' to make another character to follow him…It was then that DarkClaw (Star k'Treva) was born. Refer to my character story posted elsewhere on this website for her background if you wish.
A lot has happened since then, but I won't bore you with too many details. I ended up marrying Foolkiller, who was my very first immortal ever on TFC, and we settled down here in Knoxville, Tennessee, far away from where the majority of the TFC mundanes abide. Maybe that's a good thing…harder for anyone to PK me in real life. * grin * At any rate, my hobbies include the obvious; roleplaying and mudding, driving, scenic photography, writing prose and poetry, sightseeing, playing card games, collecting gargoyles, stuffed tigers, and vampire-related things, naturally. Feel free to shout at me in the game, even if it's just to talk for a bit. I love the interaction.