Tarkus was born into the proud and honorable Mytharil Empire, where strength and valor were highly esteemed. From a young age, Tarkus exhibited extraordinary physical prowess, and his indomitable spirit set him apart as a warrior destined for greatness. Trained by the finest imperial instructors, Tarkus quickly rose through the ranks of the empire's elite - Rift guard, earning a reputation for his ferocity and unwavering dedication to protecting his homeland.
As a member of the Mytharilese elite guard, Tarkus fought valiantly against many scores of chaos-incursions upon Netheril, showcasing his formidable combat skills and unyielding determination. His imposing presence on the battlefield struck fear into the hearts of his foes, and his fellow soldiers looked up to him as a paragon of martial excellence.
Tarkus's greatest flaw was his uncontrollable wrath. Though his anger fueled his strength in battle, it also clouded his judgment and made him prone to rash decisions. This volatile temperament often put him at odds with his superiors and led to conflicts within the ranks. Despite his many accomplishments, Tarkus's inability to temper his fury ultimately sowed the seeds of his downfall.
During the cataclysmic events that led to the fall of the Mytharil Empire, Tarkus's life took a dark and tragic turn. Deceived by Valekith, the archmage who betrayed the empire, Tarkus and his companions were exposed to the corrupting energies of The Shadowfell. As the empire crumbled, Tarkus's rage was twisted into a malevolent force, transforming him into a demonic champion.
Now one of the Crimson Hand, a group of demonic warriors led by his former friend, Lucius, Tarkus was subjected to the full corrupting effect of chaos. This transformation heightened his strength and ferocity, making him nearly unstoppable on the battlefield. Consumed by wrath, Tarkus became known as Tarkus the Wrathful, a fearsome enforcer of the Crimson Hand's will.
As a demonic champion, Tarkus's abilities were greatly amplified. His already formidable physical strength reached superhuman levels, and his speed and agility became unmatched. His wrathful nature allowed him to enter a berserk state, during which he became virtually invulnerable to pain and fear, making him a terrifying opponent in combat.
Despite his transformation, Tarkus's loyalty to his comrades remained intact. He quickly adapted to his new role within the Crimson Hand, using his enhanced abilities to further their goals while also seeking revenge against those who had wronged him. However, his insatiable wrath often led to conflicts with his fellow demonic champions, particularly Lucius the Master, who saw Tarkus's uncontrollable fury as a potential threat.
During the Battle of the Four Armies, Tarkus faced his ultimate reckoning. As the conflict raged, he found himself pitted against Guy the Grateful, a skilled warrior wielding the Fell Blade. Despite his immense power, Tarkus's wrathful nature made him predictable, and Guy was able to exploit this weakness. In a climactic battle, Guy severed Tarkus in half, ending his reign of terror and bringing his tortured existence to an end.