Character Traits and Qualities
A keen mind, observant, patient, tactical, practical, and proficient, Zaxen is the epitome of the warrior sage. On the surface he seems nonthreatening, quiet, and often goes unnoticed. Despite this, he is with out a doubt dangerous.
Zaxen has the ability to approach problems from various angles and is known for coming up with unorthodox solutions. He has been known to solve issues on his own where an army normally may have been needed. He studies people and the ways the mind operates and uses this as one of his tools. Coupled with logic, philosophy, and a self imposed code of ethics, Zaxen is a different sort of Dark Jedi.
He has been known to show qualities of the Sith in his ambitions to achieve great things. He has been known to show the qualities of the Obelisk in his motivations for self perfection. Yet it is the Krath way which has set Zaxen upon his ultimate path for it is knowledge and wisdom which he craves most. His ambition and motivation are only stepping stones on his path of what he calls his "Highest Self". He is not satisfied with simply knowing and repeating, he must experience his knowledge and then improve upon it. For example he does not simply hold to the traditional Lightsaber forms, he performs and then must put his own twist, his own flavor and eventually alter it completely to serve his needs.
Zaxen has few who he calls friend, even among his clan mates to whom he is fiercely loyal. Those who he does call friend will find a person of extraordinary depth, unyielding trust, and even compassion that knows no bounds. It is an almost complete counter to the cool, calculating and even ruthless exterior that many see.
Zaxen is not known for random violence or senseless acts of anger. When he strikes it is often for a very specific purpose and will not have much fanfare. Though capable of great emotion, he channels it in his interior self while the exterior shows nothing but a stone. He does love excitement however, and will often use his abilities to perform great feats so that he may experience the fullness of himself as well as push himself to further heights.
Overall, Zaxen is a quiet, reflective individual who acts only when necessary and with great efficiency. He is loyal to his clan and especially to his family. To try to tempt him to turn against them is both futile and fatal. Being around him one gets the sense that he is above petty things as he is very simple and honest about his approach to issues. He hungers constantly for knowledge and wisdom and loves to have his intellect challenged. He can find himself at home on any battle field, be it with conventional weaponry or a battle of wits he is one not easily bested.
Early History
Born to a centuries old wealthy family on Corellia, Zaxen was sent to the finest schools. As he grew to a young man he was considered what many would call gifted. However he was often seen as a bit of a trouble maker. Albeit he was brilliant but was often thought of as a bit of a radical thinker. He often challenged the views of many contemporary thinkers, politicians, and theorists. This was most charcterized when a very influential Senator came to speak at his school when he was 14 he proceed to grill and then debate the Senator on various issues. Before the day was out Zaxen had been suspended for embarrassing the school so horribly.
His mother and father did not view his attitude as very correct either. Pompous and elite, Zaxen's mother and father were so caught up in political intrigues and social status that they lived in a perpetual dream world. Zaxen also challenged this view when he was presented to the Coronet mayor's annual Gala when he was 17. He was quoted as to saying. "Do you find yourself comfortable in the company of whores." Whores of course referring to all the politicians and social elite who catered for the Mayor's favor.
The most influential event however was when Zaxen discovered the source of his families wealth. Centuries earlier Zaxen's ancestor Varden had been what many had called a wizard and likened him onto the legends of Lord Nyax. Varden had been a Warlord of sorts who some said had powers beyond normal men. Interested in learning more he asked his parents about the Dauketrenal heritage. He was met with stern refusal.
Seemingly at a dead end Zaxen no longer activly pursued the topic but he never forgot about it and took some pride in the secret knowledge of his ancestry
College Years And Revelation of the Past
Zaxen, because of his family's social status, was able to get into Corellia's finest university. While he enjoyed the plethora of knowledge available he once again made himself known for going against the grain of popular belief.
He often challenged professors and their theories which at first amused and even delighted many members of the faculty but soon he became known as a bit of bother.
While at the university he was able to discover more secrets of his family's mysterious history and was surprised at what he had found.
His ancestor Varden had been a rogue general who developed a movement against certain large business corporations on Talus who monopolized many areas of trade including, food, energy, and defense. This monopolization allowed the Talus Corp. to set any price for their goods. This soon led to the perpetual enslavement of the Corellian government. Varden led a campaign against Talus and had seized to Corp. The campaign was rather brutal and Varden made himself a target for the Jedi of the time as rumors of his unbelievable abilities spread through the Galaxy.
Varden who had saved Corellia from economic strife was slandered somewhat for his methods and though he had secured himself a sizeable, and residual fortune which continues to this day, Varden was seen as a bit of an outcast. It took several years for the memory of Varden's deeds to be forgotten but the Dauketrenal family soon found it's place in the Corellian elite.
Zaxen was so taken by this discovery of his family's past that he began to activly pursue any and all documentation of the events surrounding Varden. His search led him to a journal in his family manor's old vault. This journal described in detail many of Varden's philosophies, deeds, and even techniques he had developed in combat and methods for conjuring and utilizing the Force.
Zaxen set himself to studying this journal which led to his eventual removal from the university due to absence from classes.
The Search For Power
Zaxen with his new found knowledge had made his first plunge into a new understanding of the Universe. The Force had made itself known to him and powers began to manifest. It was as if Zaxen had awoken for the first time and his hunger for more knowledge was only surpassed by his ability to apply it.
Deciding that Corellia no longer had anything else to teach him, Zaxen collected several personal belongings in a pack and a credpad with access to his parents account he bought passage on an outbound freighter to outer rim. Guided by his intuition and his new faith in the Force, Zaxen made his way through out the Galaxy searching for places of power, libraries, and historical sites which furthered his own power.
It didn't take long for Zaxen to find the University of Agamar. A university reputed for its various excavations through out the galaxy. Zaxen's timing of his arrival set about things in motion that would change his life yet again. He had arrived during a time when the Yuuzhan Vong were making a major push towards the core worlds. Agamar had been made a refugee planet for the outer lying systems. It took a fair bit of payment to obtain admission into the archives of the university with all the local sanctions at the time.
The war with the Yuuzhan Vong had taken a turn for the worse and within a week of his arrival Zaxen witnessed the invasion of Agamar and met face to face for the first time the Yuuzhan Vong horde. Luckily Zaxen's research into the esoteric studies of the Force and its history had not gone unnoticed. During the invasion, Zaxen was rescued by two dark figures bearing lightsabers who skillfully cut down the Yuuzhan Vong warriors who had invaded the university.
The pair were members of the Dark Jedi Brotherhood and had been sent on their behalf to follow Zaxen and if needed to either persuade to join the Brotherhood or destroy him. Zaxen chose to join.
Entry into the Brotherhood
Zaxen's first few days in the Brotherhood were a blur as his whole existence was turned upside down. He was taken to the Shadow Academy in which he was shown the most rudimentary of Force abilities. His grasp of the teachings was extraordinary and his instructors considered him a prodigy.
Within only a few days Zaxen found himself graduated from the Shadow Academy and had been accepted by the Great Clan Naga Sadow and the House Marka Ragnos. It was here that he met one of his greatest mentors, Ashura Isradia, his Quaestor.
Zaxen wasted no time in getting into house business. He applied himself to his tasks with a feverish desire and it earned him a rapid climb within the house ranks and was quickly promoted several times.
Mistress Jade Atema
His rapid rise had been noticed by many but it was the Dark Jedi Knight Jade Atema of the Krath who would approach Zaxen and show him the final steps and secrets to pass his final tests into knighthood.
Jade, a half Human, half vampiric entity was delighted to have such a faithful and productive student. She was a strict mistress but with an understanding compassion. She pushed Zaxen to his limits physically, mentally and spiritually. Yet Zaxen served with out question or regret and his thirst for knowledge pushed him ever on.
Jade often enjoyed torturing Zaxen during his training. Often she would use her powers to tease him with her beauty and seductiveness. Though Zaxen remained stoic in his outward appearanc his aura gave off an obvious Light of desire coupled with discomfort and confusion through the Force.
But it did not take long for him to conquer even this.
Vengeance against the Yuuzhan Vong
The Yuuzhan Vong found there way into Zaxen's life once again and it would be the first time for the young Krath to test his new abilities against the nightmarish horde at the Battle of Telos. It was here he fought alongside his brethren against a Vong world ship. Zaxen had flown interference with Ravana Squadron allowing a strike team to land on the world ship.
During this daring mission Zaxen's fighter suffered damage and was forced to put down on the worldship. The rest of Ravana led by Commander Alexander was able to also land on the surface and Zaxen was able to rejoin them in an attempt to support the strike team.
What was supposed to be a simple enough space battle turned into a mad rush into the world ship and finally into the pit with the World Brain.
It was here that Zaxen met up with his Mistress Jade and her husband and brother in law Tyren and Ylith. He was also joined with Fenris, and Vorion and together they were able to fight off impossible odds and come out victorious.
In the end Zaxen had proven himself and was recognized for his valiant efforts along with his comrades with the promotion to Protector.
Disciples of Ragnos
Zaxen during his training was also inducted into the Disciples of Ragnos, a collective following of the ancient Sith Lord by the same name. This ancient order's precepts were the foundation for House Marka Ragnos. Upon is acceptance he began studying secret and ancient texts and with a bit of ingenuity was able to uncover various locations of ancient and powerful artifacts which included old texts, holocrons, weapons, and Force empowered jewelry.
This discovery helped to shape the modern face of the Disciples. It was at this time that Zaxen stepped past the place of a normal disciple and transcended into the practice of a Keeper. He helped bring forth the lost knowledge of Ragnos as well as participated in many missions of a dangerous and sensitive nature. His efforts gained him the rank of Guardian as well as being assigned as first protector of the Dark Library of Ragnos Cathedral.
A Desperate Gambit and a Knife in the Dark
Zaxen makes a daring infiltration at the Marakith Skyhook
As Zaxen proved himself time and time again he was finally given the permission to begin his Trails of Knighthood and was promoted to Jedi Hunter. He was then approached by Tyren Atema, his Mistress's brother in law and was told about Atemaru, the order of Knights who were the trusted protectors of the Atema family. Zaxen took great pride in this invitation and worked even more diligently for his mistress so that he may receive the honor of being part of this great family.
However, all was not well. Ylith and Jade had begun to become somewhat estranged.Ylith seemed to be acting strangely and it had begun to be noticed. Zaxen, concerned for his Mistress's well being used his abilities as a keepers and discovered that Ylith was having an affair with a recent addition to the Clan, a young Krath Knight by the name of Xathia.
Zaxen brought this knowledge to his Mistress. When she went to confront her husband she was badly injured. Jade was barely able to escape but did so with the help of Tyren who brought her to Ashura. Ashura took Jade away and cared for her and made sure she was nursed back to health and Zaxen continued his training on his own.
During this time the Yuuzhan Vong were at it again and had invaded Clan Arcona space and they had called for assistance. Great plans within Clan Naga Sadow began to build up. The potential to grab power over the Arconians was too good to pass up.
The Marakith Skyhook
Zaxen was preparing himself for what was sure to be a great battle when he was summoned to Ashura just minutes before the attack fleet was to jump into hyperspace. He was met by not only his Quaestor but also his Mistress who showed obvious signs of injury despite her uncanny ability to heal herself very rapidly. His two most trusted teachers had a very special mission for him.
As the combined fleet of House Ludo Kressh and House Marka Ragnos massed up at the rendezvous the Orian system was all but empty save for a small defensive fleet. Zaxen's mission was to break into the Marakith Skyhook, the headquarters of House Ludo Kressh and liberate Jade's infant son, Aragan.
Zaxen with his skills in subterfuge and espionage was able to successfully bypass the Skyhook's security systems and personnel and retrieved baby Aragan and made a daring escape. Ashura had instructed Zaxen to take the baby to Vardor in the Nox system which was governed by Ashura's noble family the House Isradia.
Zaxen was given a ship and supplies courtesy of the House Isradia and left to try and rendezvous with his comrades who had already engaged the Yuuzhan Vong. By the time Zaxen had gotten to the battle it was days later and the battle nearly over. What help he could lend he did but his greatest task had been completed and his Mistress was forever grateful and named Zaxen Aragan's Godfather.
Bondsman to the House Isradia
Zaxen begins his studies on Vardor
Despite the chance for great honor in serving the Atema family in an official capacity he had thrown it all away by rescuing Aragan and bringing him back to his mother. Ashura knew of this and was impressed by Zaxen's loyalty and sacrifice. So when Ashura heard Zaxen's request to enter the University at Tol Rothan on Vardor he not only accepted but offered Zaxen the honor of being accepted as a Bondsman to the House. Zaxen happily and eagerly accepted and began his education into the very ancient secrets of how the Vardorians understand the Force.
The Infusion of the Isradia Factor
For his service to the House Isradia and his porgress along the One Path, Zaxen was for lack of a better term "transformed" and absorbed into the Isradia line. This transformation was caused by an infusion of what has been come to be called the "Isradia Factor" where the original host The Dark Adept Jonaleth Isradia spliced his DNA with that of another non-blood member of the family. The code, when active, allows the host to re-write and alter its DNA to make use of the strongest and most beneficial features of other beings, effectively allowing the host to evolve over a lifetime, instead of several.
As a member of the Isradia family he was also given authority to rule in the Grand Duke's name as the Panarch of Illas Horvath on Vardor. Zaxen's analytic mind and his fairness have earned him great respect within the Vardorian court and especially from the people under his charge.
The Battle of Inos
... "I will cut a bloody swath through all those who would bring ruin to this clan."
Zaxen to his former mistress Jade Atema before the Battle of Inos.
In 29ABY Clan Naga Sadow was thrown asunder when the Quaestors of both Marka Ragnos and Ludo Kressh clashed in a difference of opinion when a strange craft made its way and crash landed on one of the moons of Inos. Immediately afterward the Orian system was effectively cut off from the rest of the galaxy.
It did not take long for the two personalities of the Queastors to clash and spark a civil war. Zaxen seeing the detriment that such a split within the clan would cause set out to make contact with those in Ludo Kressh who would listen, namely Macron and Tsainetomo, two very powerful and influential members of the clan.
Zaxen's strategic thinking coupled with his combat prowess was able to set things in motion that allowed for a minimal loss of life before the real threat could emerge and destroy the clan.
Unknown to the clan was that the Overlord had instrumented the events to determine who would be loyal to the clan and who would betray it with foolish pride and self worth. Zaxen was the most decorated individual to emerge from the Battle of Inos and his cunning, bravery, and loyalty to the clan did not go unrecognized by the Overlord. He was selected to become the Overlord's Black Guard and awarded a Grand Cross of the Dark Side.
It was no mystery that Zaxen had risen well above his station in terms of ability and power.
The Retaking of Antei
COMING SOON.
DJB Facts
Apprenticed to Krath Arch Priestess Jade Imperial Atema Knighted August 11, 2008
Positions Held
Black Guard to Astronicus "Tron" Aurelius Sadow
Dark Librarian of House Marka Ragnos for the Month of March 2008
Inducted as the first Progeny of Ragnos (Under the Original System of DoR)
Avatar of Ragnos
Scholar of Ragnos
Sword of Ragnos
Hand of Ragnos
Battleteam Leader of Night Hawks squadron
Panarch of Illas Horvath on Vardor
Outstanding Achievements
Achieved the rank of Dark Jedi Knight in 7 months of joining the DJB
Achieved the rank of Guardian in 15 days of joining the DJB
Won 1st place in his 1st competition; Assassinate the MAA
The 1st ever Champion of House Marka Ragnos (February 2008) and Dark Librarian (March 2008)
Trivia
The name Dauketrenal comes from Darketernal, a clan name I invented in the late 90's.
Varden as mentioned in the history was my original character name and the first to use Darketernal and the later stylized Dauketrenal sirname.
The name Varden was taken from a main character in several short stories written by Gael Baudino
in a collection called "Spires of the Spirit".
Varden is not taken from the organization in the Eragon, Inheritance Trilogy by Christopher Paolini
The original incarnation of Darketernal was simply Darketenal and was also known as Sir,Lord, or Prince Darketernal and only became a sirname when others wished to ally with Darketernal.