Tarsith Malgrim - The Boneclaw

Role in Its Society:

Tarsith is a Boneclaw, a rare and horrific undead whose creation is born not from necromantic ritual, but from twisted will. When a powerful spellcaster attempts lichdom and fails—consumed by hatred and unresolved desire—they may instead spawn a Boneclaw: their soul latching to another mortal as an anchor.

Tarsith was not only bound by such failure—he embraced it. His anchor is a living descendant of the archmage he once served. Now, he acts as both guardian and executioner, eliminating threats to his “charge” while whispering dark advice in dreams. He is a legend in the ruins of Duskhaven, known only as “the Claw That Watches,” and feared as a sign of terrible omens.

Appearance Description:

Tarsith’s form is tall, skeletal, and gaunt — nearly ten feet of twisted bone and shadow. His elongated limbs end in grotesque claws that drag through stone like blades. His ribs protrude like a skeletal cage, and remnants of a black, rotted robe hang from his frame like mourning veils. His skull has a jagged crown of bone, suggesting royalty or arcane heritage long since desecrated. His eye sockets glow faintly amber, like dying coals still holding heat.

Backstory:

Tarsith Malgrim once served as court arcanist to the Lich-King Vharidan, a tyrant whose soul was shattered during an ill-fated apotheosis. Tarsith attempted to claim the power for himself—but his hatred for the living, and his obsession with legacy, corrupted the ritual.

Instead of rising as a lich, Tarsith was reduced, his soul latching onto the last surviving scion of his bloodline: a frightened child born generations later. Now, that heir lives unaware in Riverrine… and Tarsith watches from the shadows, destroying any who draw too close.

He claims he protects them. But in truth, he simply cannot let go.