Shadolok

Known Relatives: Lord Argaine (Father, Deceased), Mother (Unnamed), Richard (Half Brother)
First Appearance: Adventurers Book I #1
History: Shadolok was born in 3567 to the second wife of Lord Argaine, a wealthy land owner of northern Amarath. As Lord Argaine had gained most of his land by marriage to his first wife, he was unable to recognize Shadolok as legal heir. Richard, the child of his first marriage, remained the sole heir of the estate.

Free from the responsibilities of a child heir, Shadolok concentrated on his skills as a hunter and woodsman. He spent his youth wandering the Tanlin Marsh and Greenwood Forest becoming more at ease in the wild than in his father’s house. As his skill grew, so did his confidence.

In contrast, Lord Argaine’s elder son, Richard, was strictly tutored in the skills he would need to manage the estate. The fact that Richard was born with a twisted spine further separated him from the children of his age. Richard’s initial resentment of Shadolok quickly turned to hatred as Lord Argaine included his young son in important social affairs. Richard’s power grew as he took on new responsibilities, and he found many ways to vent his anger on his brother.

Lord Argaine passed away in the Winter of 3585. Richard’s hatred for Shadolok was no longer thinly disguised. Shadolok was treated more as a slave than a son of the late lord. After a year of living under these conditions, Shadolok packed his few lelongings and headed into the wild. He found this life infinitely more pleasant. Alone or with some group of bandits, he wandered the lands of Anoria, eventually coming to Liam in 3592.

When a ninja from the Amita K’un clan, by the name of Nightwind approached Shodolok regarding payment for helping find a set of keys known as the Keys of Telku, the payment was enough to entice Shodolok to join.

Their first mission for Tarrus was to enter the ruined city of Tecumeth. Though they had successfully recovered the Key of Telku from there, it had come at a price. Tirian lost his life within the city walls, and Dhakab was gravely wounded.

Tempted with yet more promises of gold, the adventurers then journeyed next to The Crimson Giants, during a trade to secure and recover the second Key of Telku. They had succeeded thanks to Sultar igniting the entire giant fortress.

For the third Key of Telku, Tarrus had the adventurers enter an ancient burial mound where they encountered Anubis, Guardian of the Dead. It was there that they were forced to face the three tests of: Might, Loyalty and Fear. They had barely managed to succeed, but in the end did recover the third Key of Telku.

So close to his goal, Tarrus then offered the adventurers 7,000 gold for the fourth and final Key of Telku. The fourth and final key was located in Mount Galatia, within the ruined Dwarven Kingdom of Kragarak. A dwarven kingdom that was now home to the dreaded dragon, Belegard!

Having severely underestimated Belegard’s power, Argent lost his life as the dragon’s breath consumed him and Sultar was buried alive, beneath a rockslide. When Belegard had returned back to his home to deal with Nightwind, he was surprised to encounter Dhakab. The two engaged in a battle, in which Dhakab managed to destroy Belegard’s wing, forcing them both to plunge to their death. When the surviving members found the key and prepared for the long trek back to Liam, they were ambushed by Tarrus’ men. Tarrus had no intention on paying them for their services. Nightwind denounced Tarrus and swore to stop him.

Sultar appeared, having survived the rockslide and helped defeat Tarrus’ men. But Tarrus, with the aid of his winged creature, Kiri, had managed to escape back to Liam.

Realizing the horror of their actions, the adventurers sought a way to stop Tarrus before he could use the five Keys of Telku and open the Gates of Chaos. Coron called upon Accuris, and the adventurers were given a secret path called “The Grey Road” only accessible through Accuris’ blessing.

During the battle with Tarrus, Oneida, the demon who possessed Sultar challenged Tarrus and was soundly defeated. Tarrus summoned Uruthoth and was just about to seal the final words, when Nightwind threw a shield as Shadolok fired an arrow – knocking Tarrus into the arms of Uruthoth. The demon pulled Tarrus into the Chaos Gate. With Tarrus’ apparent demise, the main kingdom in Liam crumbled with its master’s fate.