Tarian

Tarian Lunarblade is an exiled Night Elf Hunter/Tinker living in Stormwind. He is currently a member of secretive SI:7 group Anduin's Fury.

Physical Traits
A lean, tall Night Elven figure. By Elven standards he appears to be fairly young, perhaps only a century or so into his life. He does not tend to stand straight, instead slouches somewhat, head held forward slightly. He does not move with the dignified erectness of other Elves, instead he possesses an awkward sort of clumsy grace. His modest muscles propel his lean figure smoothly but his limbs move as if troubled by their own length, carrying his weight and momentum forward as if stopping would mean he could never get going again. A mess of long, dark blue hair sprouts from his head and falls past his shoulders to a few inches off his hips.

Wearing a mixed selection of leather garments, he is apparently more concerned with mobility and practicality than fashion. Around his waist hangs a tool belt, carrying various engineering tools and devices. Two spanners are strapped to the belt on either side, holstered at his hips as he would a pair of blades. The two tools are scraped and scratched, and strangely heavy if anyone was to lay their hands on one.

A pair of goggles adorn his head, covering his eyes. On close inspection, however, it becomes clear that they are not strapped to his head but are actually a part of him, the cool metal apparently melded with his pale blue skin at its edges. The goggles are constantly whirring, buzzing and clicking, and can be heard focusing in on whatever he is looking at whenever he turns his head. Through the lenses, no golden glow of Elven eyes can be seen, only machinery.

Early life and the Third War in Ashenvale
Tarian grew up as the only son to humble parents in Ashenvale around the time that the Humans first encountered the Orcs. His parents hoped for him to mature into a powerful Druid, encouraging him to commune with the spirits of nature whenever possible, but Tarian was not interested. Reading through the chronicles of the War of the Ancients, it seemed to him that Illidan was a much more powerful man than Malfurion. Although he still respected the will of nature, the young boy discarded his fledgling Druidic powers and dreamt of becoming a Demon Hunter.

Over the years, he built himself some renown as a skilled tracker and marksman, despite his young age. To his pleasant surprise, it led to him receiving a fair amount of attention from the young women of Ashenvale. When he discovered that a local girl, Lanai, was carrying his child, they quickly married and settled down together. At first, Tarian pined for the life of a bachelor, but all regrets were dashed from his mind when he first set eyes on his wife cradling his new-born daughter Aradrim for the first time. They lived happily, and Tarian hoped that nothing would ever change.

Then the Orcs came. And on their heels, the Burning Legion and the undead Scourge. When Tarian, now a mature and respected ranger of Ashenvale, heard the news of invasion, he immediately joined the military forces of the Night Elves, under the command of Malfurion Stormrage. Tarian quickly rose through the ranks of the coalition, eventually being placed in command of a small force of Night Elves, Humans and Orcs who were tasked with defending the town of Astranaar in Ashenvale. Fighting for days, they were able to keep the town safe from destruction by the encroaching enemy. Eventually, the war came to a peak as Archimonde started on the journey to Hyjal. Malfurion ordered all of the forces at Kalimdor's defence to the summit of the mountain to make a last stand. As Tarian and his men prepared to travel north, they heard word that Tarian's home town was under attack from the Scourge. When they arrived to defend the village, they found it burnt to the ground, all the inhabitants slaughtered, with some already raised as undead. While his forces cleared up the enemy presence in the region, Tarian tore through the ruins of his home in search of his wife and child. When he found his wife, her spirit had already been ripped from her and enslaved to the Scourge as a hate-filled banshee, whom he was forced to slay to keep his life. Wrought with grief, all he could do was weep over his wife's corpse. His parents had also been killed, but he was able to cremate their bodies and mourn peacefully before they could be raised. He never found his child's body, presuming it reduced to ashes in the fires that raged throughout his home.

Tarian swore revenge on the Scourge that had ravaged his home. He and what remained of his men followed the tracks that the Undead had left, and came upon their camp and the Necromancer that led them. The resulting battle lasted hours, but victory was claimed by Tarian, who dealt the Necromancer the finishing blow - an arrow through the skull. He was the only one to walk away alive that night.

Malfurion was furious that Tarian had disobeyed his direct order to defend Hyjal, and lost so many men in what was, relatively, a trivial battle. Although the Legion had been defeated, the Druid decided to make an example of Tarian, to show that all who did not follow the will of the Druids were not welcome in the Night Elven lands. Tarian was stripped of his rank and banished. As he was thrown over the border of Ashenvale, Malfurion himself broke the link between Tarian and the spirits of nature, severely reducing his natural strength.

The humans, not understanding Malfurion's annoyance with the hunter, took pity upon him and invited him aboard a ship bound home for the Eastern Kingdoms. With nothing left for him in Kalimdor, Tarian swiftly agreed.

It has now been five years since Tarian came to the Kingdoms of Men and Dwarves, and is now living in the human settlement of Goldshire.

Post-War in the Eastern Kingdoms
Tarian found a home in the quaint human town, and became a regular sight within it, managing to fully integrate himself into Human society, discarding all attachments to his Elven heritage. He became a mercenary for various militia groups in Stormwind's territories, earning respect from the Alliance military in recognition of his service. He was eventually recruited into SI:7, and began undertaking dangerous missions in the name of the King. Since his death, he has recently started service with Anduin's Fury, putting him on the unseen front lines of war.

The loss of his connection to the forces of nature has had quite an adverse effect on him. He has begun to study engineering from the Gnomes in Stormwind and Ironforge, and is often seen with a Dwarven musket rather than the traditional Elven bow. His sight also progressively degraded to the point where he was blind without wearing his trademark goggles. Recently, it seems as if the goggles are no longer to be strapped to his head but have actually been fused with his skin and skull, possibly replacing his eyes entirely.

The Brothers Lunarblade
A number of months ago, Tarian had a chance encounter with a Night Elven woman called Arilien. Having lost her memory, Tarian found her childlike fascination with the world endearing and set about helping her regain her memory, and reconcile with a man named Ninx.

Ninx was the first person she had seen after losing her memory, and he, having been seeking her favour for some time, persuaded her that they were in a relationship. When Arilien tried to kiss him, however, he was plagued by guilt and stormed off, leaving her thinking she had done something wrong. Upset, she found her way to the Goldshire tavern, in which she encountered Tarian. To show him what she had done to upset Ninx, she kissed him, and from that moment romantic feelings started to develop between them. After retracing Arilien's steps around Elwynn Forest, the two returned to the inn to find Ninx drinking there. Leaving Arilien and Ninx to make up, Tarian slipped away quietly into the night.

Weeks later, he had already started a relationship with another woman. During his absence, Arilien's feelings for him had grown while his had waned. Confronting him, she confessed her feelings but Tarian was forced to reject her. Distraught, she sought out Ninx, who blamed Tarian for upsetting Arilien and causing their relationship to break down. For the first time, they stood face to face.

Ninx, with blades drawn, was ready to confiscate most of Tarian's vital organs, but the latter was able to use his quick wit and sense of humour to turn the fight into a fishing contest, which he promptly won. In a show of good sportsmanship, the two shook hands and Ninx removed his face mask to congratulate the winner. To the shock of Tarian and the assembled crowd, the face revealed was almost identical to Tarian's.

Using a spell from the strange black book Tarian owns (see possessions section) he and a pair of druids were able to trace Ninx's link to nature back to his birth, revealing that he and Tarian were in fact twins, separated and given to adoptive parents, both for unknown reasons.

Ninx subsequently took the 'Lunarblade' name in honour of the discovery.

Aradrim
Tarian was convinced that his daughter, Aradrim, had died in the attack on his hometown during the Third War, despite the fact that her body was never found amongst the ruins. He was therefore disbelieving when she appeared one day in Goldshire. It was revealed that her survival had been kept a secret from Tarian to encourage him to leave the Night Elven lands without returning, a ploy which had succeeded.

After a heartfelt reunion with her father, and an introduction to her new Uncle Ninx, Aradrim took to living in Stormwind with her father. However, it was not long before mysterious agents stole her away from her new home for parts unknown. These were later determined to be agents of Moonglade, who had been ordered to re-take Aradrim so that she could undergo Druidic "cleansing" to remove the "corrupt" influence of her father and unlock her Druidic potential.



Death
Tarian did not enjoy a noble end. Driven to depression by a mix of self-hatred and loneliness, he decided to do what he had dreamed of doing for a long time - making an assault on Moonglade. Disguising himself as a Druid, he intended three things:


 * To rescue his daughter Aradrim, who he was convinced had been taken back by the state of Moonglade.
 * To investigate the possiblity of a curse or plot, originating from Moonglade, that had driven his ex-lover Aldaran into insanity; and to murder those responsible.
 * And failing either of these, to kill as many Druids as possible before he himself was discovered and killed.

Tarian did indeed find his daughter in the Druid city, but it is currently unknown if he found anything relating to Aldaran. Moonglade issued a report to the Alliance council as follows:

"'Over a period of three days the streets of Moonglade were terrorized by a criminal disguised as a new apprentice. He remained undetected for a regretably long time, managing to slay at least ten of our resident students and masters while avoiding detection. Our noble Archdruid, Fangral Staghelm, graciously left his pressing matters in the governing of Darnassus to assist in the aprehension of the murderer. He clearly learnt of the Archdruid's arrival in the city, as shortly afterward he took an apprentice, young Aradrim Lunarblade, as a hostage and attempted an escape. He was confronted by the Archdruid outside of the city, but refused to surrender himself. The valiant Archdruid was forced to lower himself to violence, felling the miscreant after a brief clash. In his final moments, he revealed himself as Tarian Lunarblade, exile and traitor to the Night Elven people. His death was celebrated in Moonglade by cheers and feasts, and the Night Elven people are pleased he has been brought to justice after five long years. His remains will be retained in Moonglade and disposed of in the traditional way we deal with slain enemies of the state.'"

His final defiant words to the Archdruid were reportedly thus: "'You kept me away from you for so long... and all the Druids that came to finish me off and get in your good books, you know what they had in common? Fear. Their eyes were filled with fear. You're all afraid of the world outside this valley... you're afraid of me, a Night Elf but something more. I've walked among the young races of this world, and they were filled with courage, pride, no cowardice, no self-righteous bullshit. And I became one of them. Learnt from them. That's what you're afraid of! Afraid that you'll become like them, when it's the only way you'll ever learn how to LIVE! For five years I LIVED, like I never had before! In that time what have you done? Read book after book about bloody spells, rules, commandments, restrictions! The world out there is boundless, and you're afraid of it! You're afraid of me, because you know I'm what you will become! I'm Tarian Lunarblade, and I am your future!'"

Resurrection
Through ingenuity, sheer strength of will and a little supernatural help, Tarian was able to claw his way back through the ether and return to life. Describing the process as a 'corpse-run', it took several months for his spirit to build up the necessary strength to retake its body. With a new lease of life, the death-defying Elf returned home to Stormwind, eventually reuniting at last with his daughter.

In recognition of his service and loyalty to the Kingdom of Stormwind, Tarian has been granted asylum in the city for the rest of his life, much to the chagrin of Moonglade. He has been granted the right to buy a pedigree horse from the Alliance breeders, as well as a few promotions up the chain of command in the secretive branch of SI:7 he works for. The Gnomes have also conferred upon him the title of 'Tinkmaster', an honorific title for high-calibre Gnomish engineers.

However, his brush with death has caused more changes to occur in him. He is notably more aggressive and cynical, prone to sudden outbursts of rage. Increasingly reliant on drink and other substances, he is often seen stumbling about town at night in a stupor. In addition, his goggles no longer appear to be simple headgear, but now seem to be fused to his head, possibly as a replacement for his natural eyes.

The other Lunarblades
After her rescue at the hands of Tarian, Aradrim has set off to have her own adventures across the world. She remains in contact with her father. Ninx too has left Stormwind for parts unknown, with an occasional surprise visit to his twin.

Companions
When confounded by problems which he cannot solve, Tarian is often able to find comfort in the presence of his pets. He has reffered to them a number of time as 'the only constants' and values their company dearly.

Lurky the Baby Murloc
Usually following Tarian around, either on his own or on the end of a leash, is Lurky; a small, bouncy and excruciatingly cute infant Murloc. Tarian discovered the Murloc's egg in the stomach of a large fish which he caught during a boring day of fishing at Crystal Lake, outside Goldshire. Before he could find the right pan in which to boil the egg for lunch, it hatched into a small white Murloc which Tarian affectionately named Lurky. His age is unknown, but he appears to have been at the 'toddler' stage of life for some time now.

Despite his young age, Lurky is in a perpetual mating season. He will often produce a small hat and cane and begin dancing to attract a partner. Upon failure, he will become desperate and instantly begin humping the leg of the nearest female. For this reason, Tarian has taken to keeping the Murloc on the end of a leash.

Code the Monkey
Tarian tamed Code, a fearsome gorilla, in the wilds of Stranglethorn Vale, with the explicit intention of obtaining a "hilarious monkey companion". But despite the Elf's efforts, Code has not taken an interest in learning to dance, wear a top hat, or serve cool drinks on a platter.

Code reportedly likes bananas, but this is unconfirmed.

Regards the odd choice of name, Tarian has stated that it "just came to him."

Snuggles the Ravager
Snuggles was 'tamed' by Tarian on his first excursion to Outland, and is his newest pet. Despite the alien creature's bloodthirsty appearance and disposition, Tarian is convinced that his new 'friend' is adorable. He regards the beast's attempts to eat him as friendly hugs, hence the choice of name.

Inventions

 * Coffeenator 5000
 * MeowDecoder v0.1 (A collar developed in collaboration with a Night Elf that had been cursed into being stuck in the form of a cat. The two designed a small device which allowed her to speak common while under the effects of the spell.)

The 'Black Book'
A small black book that Tarian constantly carries around in his back pocket. Given to him by his adoptive father, and his grandfather before him. It's known to include a number of lesser-known druid spells, including: Tarian is able to perform modified versions of these spells despite his broken link with nature by exploiting the very nature of Druidic magic. As a rule, all Druidic magic draws on the strength of the natural world. The stronger a Druid's link to nature, the more energy they will be able to pour into their spell. Tarian, on the other hand, cannot call upon nature to power his spells, so he is forced to use his own strength to cast the spell. Thus, one healing spell can put him out of action for several hours. Tarian himself has commented that, in this respect, the only difference between him and a Warlock (who also use their own strength to power certain spells) is that he can't summon demons.
 * A ritual that exploits a Night Elf's link to the forces of nature, to ascertain the circumstances of their conception, birth, and their notable physical history up to the point in time the spell is cast.
 * A number of 'last resort' healing spells that draw on the physical strength of the caster, transferring it to the injured person.
 * A technique which makes the caster immune to several Warlock spells. Most notably, Tarian has repeatedly stopped the placement of his mind and free will into a soulstone by unfriendly warlocks.

The book is believed to have a sacred druidic name, but Tarian has never revealed it. This is probably due to his contempt for the Darnassian sect of druids who blindly follow Stormrage.

The Goggles
Tarian is hardly ever seen without his trademark goggles. Over the years, he has given several different reasons for wearing them, including: Investigation by friends seems to point towards the third explanation being the most likely.
 * Poor eyesight.
 * On a number of occasions he has shown that his vision is severely impaired when he is not wearing goggles for whatever reason (usually when a woman tells him they're not flattering). This may be another trick - when he removed them at the request of a female friend, he shortly afterwards 'accidentally' put his hand on her breast, claiming that he was merely trying to 'feel his way around'.
 * Keeping water out of his eyes while swimming.
 * The ability to eye women up and down without anyone realising.
 * He has recently developed a new version of the goggles using Moss Agate gems - giving the lenses a green tint. He claims that these alterations allow him to see through articles of clothing, although this is unconfirmed.
 * Making himself seem 'cute'.
 * Protecting his eyes when engineering (most of his inventions use dynamite).