Forum:Shadowkeepers (Paradox)

The Shadowkeepers are a force of Fallen, Hive, Vex, Cabal, Taken, Scorn, and human antagonists led by the Black Swordsman, known as Kirito, and his consort, Asuna. They believed that the Traveler had abandoned them and that the Darkness was created so that they can bring forth the uprising of their rebirth and the beginning of a new dark era in which everything that represented the Light was wiped out from existence.

They are the main antagonists of the Paradox expansion, having caused the Shadowkeepers Apocalypse.

Overview
"The enemies of humanity are innumerable. We are surrounded by the Fallen, the Vex, the Hive, the Taken, the Scorn, and the Cabal. But never before have we faced an enemy as powerful as the Shadowkeepers – a villainous organization hellbent on overthrowing entire worlds."

- Official Description

Created alongside the Shadow Army (consisting of Fallen House of Shadows, Hive Shadow Swarm, Vex Shadow Divisive, Cabal Shadow Legion, Taken Reborn, and Scorn Cult of Shadows), the Ghosts of Nagasaki, and the Supplicants, the Shadowkeepers seek to destroy the Traveler and terraform all worlds into their own. Led by Kirito and Asuna, the Shadowkeepers have brought forth waves of terrifying destruction upon countless representations of the Light in order to ensure a dark endgame and ultimately bring an end to the Golden Age.

History
"As for you, my loyal servants, my new friends, my Shadowkeepers... I gather you today because the time has come to rain darkness upon Sol. For too long, the Traveler has prevented the universe from entering the true, final shape - that of Darkness. But now, this ends. Ever since you came to this world, you've helped me do what no one else has done: kill a Guardian. I have already slain the Guardians’ Vanguard Commander, the man they call Zavala. There could never be a better time to strike, now when their morale is low and they are susceptible to falling to Darkness. Go! Unleash chaos upon their people! Create fear in the hearts of those who follow the Light!"

- Kirito

Creation
Ever since the aftermath of the Dimensional Wars and the collapse of the Corridors of Time, the lines between dimensions and the timeline were fractured, causing some sort of “Paradox” within some of the dimensions. This allowed the Pyramid ships to meddle with the dimensions and even brought any forces of evil worthy of having the opportunities to help them, with Kirito and Asuna leading these groups, who attempted to sow evil for the Pyramids, thanks to their corruptions. There, Kirito and Asuna recruited many minions of the Darkness and enemies from different time periods and dimensions, including these groups of time criminals who have also fought through and stole both lives and powers from the waves of people who continuously tried to defend the Traveler.

First seen prior to the events of the Jewel-bilee, the Shadowkeepers arrived within Auradon, laying out plans to launch an invasion within Auradon Prep and reactivate the source of the Birthright Jewel of Shadows's powers that turned Mal evil not only so that they can turn her against her friends and Ben, but also so that Yzma's son Zevon can rule all of Auradon.

Shadowkeepers Apocalypse
"After Zavala’s death, the world saw terrible things rise forth into our lives. With Mal on Kirito and Asuna’s side, they led their armies throughout countless worlds and terraformed them into their own. The destruction of everything we knew and everyone we fought for… I have witnessed this firsthand."

- Elsie Bray, the Exo Stranger

Some time after corrupting Mal with the Darkness and killing Zavala and countless Auradonians and taking over Auradon City, their notorious streaks of infamy soon grew as they conquered countless worlds and formed dark empires for their people to rule over the people of numerous dimensions, including Konoha and the Isle of the Lost. "You’re doing great. Soon enough, everything will be under your control, and you can reign supreme over those who have hurt you. The Dark Traveler is nearly complete, and once it awakens, everything we've done will spread all over worlds and we can finally rule everything, Kirito-kun."

- Asuna

During this time, countless Lightbearers have tried to stop the Shadowkeepers and revert the timeline back to its original form, but died by both their hands and the Pyramids' diabolical power surges. After learning of the Shadowkeepers' existence and the threat they posed to both the Last City, the Light, and the Traveler, the Vanguard and Rasputin initiated Dawnrise Protocol, which alerted every Guardian to hunt down the Shadowkeepers, while other organizations, such as House of Lions, the Taken belonging to Vothriks, and the heretical Stygian Brood Hive sect have begun leading assaults and sieges against this Faction, as they believed that all of their kind who sided with Kirito are a Disgrace and must be put down.

Fall of Light
"Guardian, is it? I’ve heard of your so-called legendary accomplishments. Sending Oryx back into the Ascendant Plane, destroying SIVA, and so much more… But that ends here. No matter what you do, how hard you try, you’ll always fall. Even if you get back up, try to rise against the threat… this one will be too much for even you. Our armies already march across the system, claiming worlds as their own. Your Vanguard has been destabilized with the death of your Commander Zavala. He and Ben had to die, as did Evie and Maleficent. Everything we’ve done has all been for Mal."

- Kirito and Asuna

Upon hearing about this unsettling news, AJ, the Relentless, along with Lord Mahaveer and Pastor Maldonado, assembled numerous factions of dimension protectors in an attempt to restore the dimensions to their original settings, but continuously failed and ultimately had their Light drained as the technology the Shadowkeepers possessed were far greater and more powerful than what the Guardians ever had.

Season of the Black Swordsman
"My doppelganger's reign of terror may have ended... but, the war against Underworld is far from over. He knew we'd come for him and made countless digital Shadow clones of himself and the others. They may be immortal, but they're not unkillable."

- Kazuto Narusaka, talking to the Guardian before the beginning of the High Orbit

Shortly after the Guardian helped Ikora Rey and Eris Morn intercept Arveks and the House of Rogues's plan to destroy the Traveler, Kirito and his army, having mysteriously come back as Shadows, proceeded to launch an attack similar to The Great Disaster within an abandoned frontier in Auradon. Recognizing their resurrections as Shadows by the Darkness, the Vanguard, Kazuto Narusaka, and Stacia assigned multiple teams to continuously put them down as to suppress the Darkness, while the Praxic Order and Iron Lords reached out to Cryptarchs, House of Meyrin, and Gensym Scribes for ways to make their destruction permanent.

The Void Within
"Look upon what this universe has presented us with: the shadows of a greater purpose. One born not of Light or Dark... but of true power. What the Black Swordsman did long ago... while impressive and full of brilliance... pales in comparison with what WE are about to do, and once we're done, the world will carry on the will of the Void and spread the great words of our benevolent liberator!"

- The Sanctum Heralds

(TBA)

Introduction
Although identified as being evil at heart, the Shadowkeepers see themselves not as conquerors, but as revolutionaries trying to reform the entire universe and save those who had been cast out by their own people and cities. While most of the Shadowkeepers are humans, the groups working with them came from different homeworlds, either enacting their revenge on the Guardians responsible for killing them and laying waste to their worlds or undoing the existences of anything they deem either unworthy or false, including The Chronicon. True to both their words and legacies, they seek to rewrite a new timeline in which every outcasts, orphans, and victims who suffered unforgivable crimes would be able to gain the powers of the Darkness and fight back against the heroes of both the dimensions and the Last City, thus changing not just reality, but also history itself.

Shadow King and Shadow Queen

 * Kirito, the Black Swordsman: The Legendary Black Swordsman of Aincrad, the boy who cleared the death game called "Sword Art Online," the hero who saved Asuna, and the man who murdered Zavala, Kazuto Kirigaya now leads the notorious legion of villains who call themselves the Shadowkeepers as the Shadow King. His ascension over the Solar System could spell the destruction of the Light and everything we fought for.
 * Asuna, Kirito's Betrothed: Kazuto's betrothed and the Shadow Queen who helped murder Zavala and bring on the uprising of the Shadowkeeper Apocalypse, Asuna has now become a threat even greater than the enemies we've faced in our past.

Shadow Child

 * Yui Narusaka: Daughter of Kirito and Asuna

Champions

 * Totomaru: The manipulator of the Solar element and a member of the Shadowkeepers, Totomaru wields a terrifying form of dark power that once destroyed an entire civilization within the margins of the Dreaming City.
 * Eobard Thawne: The infamous speedster known as the Reverse-Flash and a member of the Shadowkeepers, Eobard Thawne wields an unfathomable ability to defy time and space through the Negative Speed Force, and his coming death by your hands will help avenge the Flash.
 * Malcolm Merlyn: The notorious Dark Archer and a member of the Shadowkeepers, Malcolm Merlyn has allied with Kazuto and Asuna to fracture reality beyond the heart of the Light. His demise is your key to avenging the Green Arrow's death.
 * Damien Darhk: A member of the Shadowkeepers and the man who murdered Laurel Lance, Damien Darhk has regained his means of immortality and now wields a dark power capable of destroying countless sources of Light.
 * Tobias Whale: The most notorious crime boss in Freeland and a member of the Shadowkeepers, Tobias Whale possesses brutal means of strength far more menacing than all Titans combined.
 * Reign: A member of the Shadowkeepers and a Kryptonian Worldkiller now reborn with Sachi's body, Reign now leads an army of Worldkillers and possesses great means of power rumored to have killed Supergirl and her friends.
 * Leopold Fitz: A member of the Shadowkeepers and the leader of HYDRA known to some few as Bostok, Leopold Fitz has replicated various technologies foreign to most Guardians. His death at the hands of Guardians like you will be the key to preventing the Vex from enacting a dark future.
 * Anton Ivanov: A member of the Shadowkeepers and the notorious syndicate leader known as Omega, Anton Ivanov leads an army of enhanced mercenaries with deadly powers that crippled waves of defenses within the frontiers of humanity.
 * Hiram Lodge: A member of the Shadowkeepers and the man who hired Penny Peabody and Malachai and their armies of Ghoulies to lay waste to Riverdale, Hiram Lodge now wields dark powers forged from the shadows of the Pyramids, each of which brought waves of destruction against those who stand between Kazuto and the Traveler.
 * Morgana le Fay: A member of the Shadowkeepers and the champion of darkness who slew countless Trollhunters, Morgana le Fay now leads a dark army of rogue powerbearers hellbent on exacting their revenge against the Traveler. Her demise at the hands of the Guardians will avenge Jim Lake's death.
 * Zevon: A member of the Shadowkeepers and the son of Yzma who has now been freed from the frozen prison within the Isle of the Lost, Zevon has brought with him a terrifying army of Fallen with plans to help enact a dark future by the Shadowkeepers. Defeat him to avenge the deaths of Evie Grimhilde and Benjamin Florian.
 * Fikrul: A member of the Shadowkeepers, the leader of the Barons and the dark, corrupted evolution of the Eliksni known as “The Scorn,” and second only to Prince Uldren Sov, Fikrul, now reborn with Eugeo's body, views his Scorn as an evolution of the Fallen and the final manifestation of what they were always meant to be – eternal.
 * Uldren Sov: A member of the Shadowkeepers, the brother of Mara Sov, and the man who helped kill Zavala, Uldren Sov now leads an army of Fallen and Scorn in a bid to cement Mal's darkness.
 * Djin: A member of the Shadowkeepers and the leader of the Numeros, Djin now leads a dark army of SIVA-enhanced Vex in a diabolical bid to bring on the end of the Golden Age.
 * Sasuke Uchiha: A member of the Shadowkeepers and the lone survivor of the Uchiha clan, Sasuke Uchiha now wields the powers of the Rinnegan and Sharingan with powerful surges that destroyed the Hidden Leaf Village. Hunt him down and avenge the deaths of Naruto Uzumaki and Sakura Haruno.
 * Phoenixaro Uchihamaki: The Taken Emperor and Threatmaster of the Akatsuki, a member of the Shadowkeepers, and the estranged brother of Kakashi Hatake, Phoenixaro Uchihamaki commands a dark army of Reborn soldiers from aboard the Shadowdrifter to carry about our eradication.
 * Ruby Hale: A member of the Shadowkeepers and the Destroyer of Worlds, Ruby Hale, now resurrected by the Darkness, leads dark armies of our worst nightmares in her goal of revenge against those who killed her.

Shadow Army
"Kazuto and Asuna’s lieutenants -- Kotrik, Zharves, Hydrax, Gha'arn, Thu'urg, and Vayeriks. The highest-ranking and most trusted subjects of the dark Shadow Army. Skilled elemental wielders, they are as lethal as they are loyal; potent foes who will stop at nothing to advance Kazuto and Asuna's cause."

- Official Description

The Shadow Army are an elite faction of various enemies that lingered in the atmosphere of the Solar System, infecting the surfaces of humanity's worlds with the Darkness. Some time after Mal's corruption and Auradon's destruction at the hands of the Shadowkeepers, they have since spread their corrupt influence across other nearby worlds in the outer edge of the universe and are expanding into the perimeters of deep space with plans to carry out the legacies of her biological parents, Kaguya Narusaka and Hendrick Yor.

Overview
"Phantasmal creations spliced from the heart of the Darkness itself, they now serve the Shadowkeepers and their diabolical will: to cement Mal's future and to annihilate those who would kill her."

- Description

Created alongside the Shadowkeepers, the notorious Shadow Army, led by the leaders of the House of Shadows, Shadow Swarm, Shadow Divisive, Shadow Legion, Reborn, and Cult of Shadows, sought to lay waste to both human civilizations and certain factions, including the House of Lions, Nohr's Loyalists, Vothriks's Faction, Stygian Brood, House of Emperors, House of Dragons, Iriksi’s Syndicate, House of Judgment, and House of Dusk.

History
"Across the system, multiple groups of our foes rally around his banner. The Fallen House of Shadows and their Shadow Splicers led by Kotrik, Bloodcrafter of Kirito, a master with weaponry who has stolen much Guardian tech; the Hive’s Shadow Swarm led by Zharves, Shadowcaster of Kirito, who is a surviving Deathsinger; the Vex’s Shadow Divisive, led by Hydrax, Mindkiller of Kirito, an immensely powerful Vex unit attempting to cast us into a dark future; the Cabal’s Shadow Legion, led by Gha’arn, Crownforger of Kirito, a powerful Cabal warlord; the Taken Reborn, led by Thu’urg, Blightmaker of Kirito; and the Scorn Cult of Shadows, led by Vayeriks, Fatesmith of Kirito, one of the first Scorn."

- Luther Hargreeves, Titan Vanguard

Leadership

 * Kotrik, Bloodcrafter of Kirito (leader of Fallen branch of Shadow Army)
 * Zharves, Shadowcaster of Kirito (leader of Hive branch of Shadow Army)
 * Hydrax, Mindkiller of Kirito (leader of Vex branch of Shadow Army)
 * Gha'arn, Crownforger of Kirito (leader of Cabal branch of Shadow Army)
 * Thu'urg, Blightmaker of Kirito (leader of Taken branch of Shadow Army)
 * Vayeriks, Fatesmith of Kirito (leader of Scorn branch of Shadow Army) (Fikrul's right hand)

Notable Groups

 * House of Shadows
 * Shadow Swarm
 * Shadow Divisive
 * Shadow Legion
 * Reborn
 * Cult of Shadows

Supplicants
The Supplicants (also known as Blood Knights) are an elite group of the enemies of Humanity working alongside the Shadow Army. Resurrected by the Darkness following the Dimensional Wars, they seek revenge on the Guardians for killing them.

Overview
"But, his armies weren’t the only ones who brought on the end of the world. As they claimed worlds as their own, their Blood Knights and the Pyramids came forth and slaughtered each and every innocent people, including those who sympathized with the Auradonians, those who tried to restore Maleficent’s infamy, and especially those who fought to continue Zavala’s legacy."

- Elsie Bray

Leadership

 * Eramis, Supplicant to Kirito
 * Ghaul, Supplicant to Kirito
 * Penny Peabody
 * Malachai

Unique Forces

 * Ghoulies variants

House of Shadows
The House of Shadows is a House of the Fallen, distinguishable by black and purple bodysuits with green dragon marks and white flame cloaks along with additional items, each powerful by length for those in higher ranks. Working alongside the Shadowkeepers, they seek to reclaim the Traveler and reforge a new beginning of their future.

Overview
"These Fallen are more desperate than the last, more than House of Salvation, more than House of Emperors. Hell! More than the House of Vipers. These Fallen follow a more hollow and desperate faith. A Man with a Sword...burn this House, Guardian. They are a disgrace to the rest of us. BURN THEM...."

- Joskaa, Lion Kell

Formed from remnants of various houses, including Devils, Salvation, and Wolves, that believed that the Traveler had made a terrible mistake choosing the Guardians over them and that the Darkness was the true source of strength and immortality, the House of Shadows sought to bring devastation and chaos upon the Last City. Using the technology the other houses had, along with the SIVA tech long thought to have been destroyed and Guardian tech that they stole from the Tower, the House of Shadows grew into a powerful house born of arcane chaos and advanced technology. They joined the Shadowkeepers during the SIVA Crisis.

Creation
In the aftermath of the Whirlwind and the terrifying destruction of Japan, the Fallen Houses came together during Kirito and Asuna's first journey into the darkness. While most of these Fallen vowed to get their revenge on the Traveler, some of these members actually looked up to Kirito and Asuna so much that they began carrying out their mission. Seeing that they would have the chance to do what the House of Dusk couldn't do, the House of Shadows, led by Kotrik, a Fallen Captain whom the Fallen proclaimed as the Kell of Kells, teamed up with Kirito and Asuna and launched countless successful attacks on the frontiers of the Last City and stole many Guardian tech, including replicas of the Thunderlord and Outbreak Perfected that they gave to Kotrik and Eramis, who grew fond of these particular weapons and began using them to their advantages, first within the Cosmodrome.

Shadowkeepers Apocalypse
"This is very bad… If he claims himself to be the Kell of Kells, we could have another Skolas-like situation… There’s more to this than just enemies swearing loyalty to one person. This… Kirito… is the one who murdered Zavala. He has made the Traveler - and the Light - vulnerable to attack. If we are not careful, there may be a situation like the Red War in Danville… or worse."

- Luther Hargreeves

Rise of the New Darkness
(TBA)

Shadow Splicers
The Shadow Splicers are the Splicer sect of the Fallen House of Shadows. Originally a small group of young and ambitious Splicers who saw SIVA as a chance for them to achieve godhood status, they work alongside the leaders of the House of Shadows as their scientists, seeking to perfect the various arsenals bestowed upon by Kirito and Asuna. True to their words, they have worked with countless Fallen soldiers who abandoned various Houses, including the Lions and Dragons, to protect the legacies of their sect and the Shadowkeepers from those they see as false creatures who stole countless ideas and strategies from the ones who truly created it.

Leadership

 * Kotrik, Bloodcrafter of Kirito
 * Eramis, Supplicant to Kirito
 * Nekis, Bloodkeeper of Kotrik
 * Vesakis, Heiress to the Throne
 * Siviks, Lost to None
 * Sykris, Archon of Phantoms
 * Kyuvekis, Loyal to Kotrik
 * Riksis, Splicer Archon (A Perfected version of Riksis, Devil Archon)
 * Driviks Ascendant, Keeper of the Chosen (A Perfected version of Driviks, the Chosen)
 * Drevik, Perfected Priest
 * Shurakis, Loyal to Eramis

Barons

 * Sekris, Baron of Shanks (Presumably resurrected by the fracturing of the Dimensions and timelines; Betrayed and helped execute Calus before pledging loyalty to Kirito and Asuna in exchange for immortality, freedom, and the opportunity to free his people from the Loyalists)
 * Horaxis, Blood Executioner
 * Zydrekis, Matron of Kirito
 * Atraks (resurrected)
 * Kridis (resurrected)
 * Phylaks (resurrected)
 * Praksis (resurrected)
 * Qothriks, Fury of Darkness
 * Rykesis, Bulletmaster of Devils
 * Tsugorath, Watcher of Wolves

High Servitors

 * Corrupted Glory, Loyal to Kotrik (A powerful, resurrected version of Ablazed Glory, Kell's Scourge)
 * Kelonaks, the Mad Warden (A powerful, resurrected version of the Warden)
 * Mimiks Perfected (A powerful resurrected version of Mimiks Prime)

Prime Servitors

 * Nitora, Phantom Servitor
 * Insurik-5, Scourge Prime

Mercenaries

 * Skoris, Devoted to Taniks

Members

 * Kalviks, the Damned (A deserter of the House of Lions)
 * Ortekis, the Torchshifter (A deserter of the House of Dragons)
 * Novakis, Blade of Kotrik
 * Ylekovis, Instrument of the Shadows

Unique Forces

 * Dreg variants
 * Shadow Dreg
 * Kell's Guard (Shadow Dregs)
 * Rifleblood
 * Descendant Dreg
 * Descendant Rifleblood
 * Splicer Dreg
 * Splicer Rifleblood
 * Wretch variants
 * Shadow Wretch
 * Guardkiller
 * Bloodshooter
 * Kell's Guard (Shadow Wretches)
 * Descendant Wretch
 * Descendant Guardkiller
 * Descendant Bloodshooter
 * Splicer Wretch
 * Splicer Guardkiller
 * Splicer Bloodshooter
 * Vandal variants
 * Shadow Vandal
 * Kell's Guard (Shadow Vandals)
 * Assassin
 * Descendant Vandal
 * Descendant Assassin
 * Splicer Vandal
 * Splicer Assassin
 * Marauder variants
 * Shadow Marauder
 * Kell's Guard (Shadow Marauders)
 * Distorter
 * Descendant Marauder
 * Descendant Distorter
 * Splicer Marauder
 * Splicer Distorter
 * Berserker variants
 * Shadow Berserker
 * Kell's Guard (Shadow Berserkers)
 * Starbreaker
 * Descendant Berserker
 * Descendant Starbreaker
 * Splicer Berseker
 * Splicer Starbreaker
 * Captain variants
 * Shadow Captain
 * Timecrosser
 * Scourge Captain
 * Elemental Captain
 * Techforger
 * Kell's Guard (Shadow Captains)
 * Descendant Captain
 * Descendant Timecrosser
 * Descendant Scourge Captain
 * Descendant Elemental Captain
 * Descendant Techforger
 * Splicer Captain
 * Splicer Timecrosser
 * Splicer Scourge Captain
 * Splicer Elemental Captain
 * Splicer Techforger

Notable Groups

 * House of Devils
 * House of Salvation
 * House of Wolves
 * Devil Splicers
 * Kell's Scourge
 * Taniks' Crew
 * Servant of Kridis
 * Warrior's Enforcer
 * Technocrat's Assistant

Armament

 * Worldender Launcher
 * Shock Dagger
 * Shock Pistol
 * Shock Blade
 * Arc Spear
 * Arc Lance
 * Arc Axe
 * Shock Shield
 * Wire Rifle
 * Shock Rifle
 * Shieldbreaker
 * SIVA Charge
 * Shrapnel Launcher
 * Shock Launcher
 * Shock Grenade

Stolen Arsenal

 * Corrupted Pulse Rifle
 * Eramis's Pulse Rifle
 * Corrupted Hand Cannon
 * Corrupted Auto Rifle
 * Corrupted Sidearm
 * Corrupted Fusion Rifle
 * Corrupted Sword
 * Corrupted Machine Gun
 * Kotrik's Machine Gun

Automata

 * Shank variants
 * Shadow Shank
 * Shadow Repeater Shank
 * Shadow Exploder Shank
 * Shadow Tracer Shank
 * Descendant Shank
 * Splicer Shank
 * Heavy Shank variants
 * Shadow Heavy Shank
 * Shadow Prime Repeater
 * Shadow Prime Exploder
 * Shadow Prime Tracer
 * Prime Descendant
 * Splicer Heavy Shank
 * Servitor variants
 * Shadow Servitor
 * Shadow Pilot Servitor
 * Shadow Mech
 * Descendant Servitor
 * Splicer Servitor
 * Wicked Servitor, House Shadows
 * Fallen Walker variants
 * Shadow Walker
 * Phantom Walker
 * Fusion Walker
 * Descendant Walker
 * Splicer Walker
 * Brig variants
 * Shadow Brig
 * Descendant Brig
 * Splicer Brig
 * Wicked Brig, House Shadows

Vehicle

 * Skiff
 * Ketch
 * Pike
 * Heavy Pike
 * Berserker Pike

Shadow Swarm
The Shadow Swarm is a Hive sect that left the main Hive army in order to help improve themselves in battle as some of the higher members of the sect believed that the old Hive sects were too weak-minded. Working alongside the Shadowkeepers, they seek to restore the Hive to its original glory and awaken the Dark Traveler. They have a blackish-purplish coloring with red spiked growth covering some parts of their body, along with green glowing eyes.

Overview
"What cowardly filth is this? What sort of subservient weakness has wormed their way into the souls of these Hive? They say this “Kirito” is the strongest, and that all should submit to him. I am Viznoor, the Taken Prince. Breaker of Pacts. I submit to no creature."

- Viznoor, the Black

Led by Zharves, Shadowcaster of Kirito, along with her Council, some of her powerful champions based on aspects of herself, her King and Consort, and Kirito, this Hive Sect sought to continue what their previous leaders either started or failed to finish. During the Taken War, they encountered the Shadowkeepers and joined them after seeing their strength in combat.

Creation
During the aftermaths of Crota's attempted invasion of Earth and the Taken War, Zharves was a Deathsinger in charge of a section of Oryx's army. When she saw how the Guardians destroy leaders after leaders of the entire Hive, she decided that enough was enough and that the Hive need a new change in order. Taking her section of the brood, along with members of the other broods, they went back to their home world. After arriving in what remained of Japan, upon forging an alliance with both the Worm Gods, Kirito, and Asuna, Zharves and her army have gained new abilities and new units to take the fight to the Guardians. Zharves, along with her newly born council, train themselves to gain new powers for their armies, believing that everything they're doing is for Mal, the girl they know as the Dragon Queen, whose biological parents had blessed them with both arcane powers and unopposed knowledge.

Leadership

 * God-King/Witch-Queen
 * Xyurdok, Commander of the Throne
 * Zharves, Shadowcaster of Kirito
 * Consort
 * Ka'el Incaru, Daughter of Nokris
 * Worm Gods
 * Eir, the Keeper of Order
 * Ur, the Ever-Hunger
 * Yul, the Honest Worm

Council of Zharves

 * High-ranking members
 * Aivul, Warpriest of Eternity (Darkblade)
 * Rixu, Chainkeeper of the Deep (Knight)
 * Sherugoth, Might of Torment (Ogre) (Zharves's personal bodyguard)
 * Thulmak, Enforcer of Swords (Knight)
 * Ciphagul, Brood Guard (Brood Queen)
 * Ir Kronuk, Deathsinger of Creation (Deathsinger) (Twin daughter of Zharves and Xyurdok)
 * Ir Halnek, Deathsinger of Perfection (Deathsinger) (Twin daughter of Zharves and Xyurdok)
 * Zharves's Song (Shrieker)
 * Ecthar, Gatebreaker of Shadows
 * Mid-ranking members
 * Naxak, Blood Researcher (Wizard)
 * Fyradok, Herald of the War-God (Knight)
 * Dikros, Maid of Asuna (Wizard)
 * Savoks, Son of Rixu (Knight)
 * Golrath, Aspirant of Phogoth (Ogre)
 * Bakrus, Datamaster of Truth (Knight)
 * Ahnkra, Devoted to Zharves (Knight)
 * Low-ranking members
 * Eykria, Bane of Fairies (Darkblade)
 * Narvyx, Mockery of Damnation (Wizard)
 * Loktul, Fist of Sherugoth (Vanquisher)
 * Sanctus, Eye of Nightmares (Ogre)
 * Tahrok, Roar of Swarms (Wizard)
 * Pahkru, Claw of Phantoms (Thrall)
 * Avekon, Shield of Madness (Knight)
 * Mykovu, Watcher of Devastation (Acolyte)

Unique Forces

 * Thrall variants
 * Shadow Thrall
 * Cursed Shadow Thrall
 * Descendant Thrall
 * Cursed Descendant Thrall
 * Acolyte variants
 * Shadow Acolyte
 * Shadow Adherent
 * Descendant Acolyte
 * Descendant Adherent
 * Wizard variants
 * Shadow Wizard
 * Ritual Seeker
 * Shadow Deathsinger
 * Brood Summoner
 * Descendant Wizard
 * Descendant Ritual Seeker
 * Descendant Deathsinger
 * Descendant Brood Summoner
 * Knight variants
 * Shadow Knight
 * Shadow Vanquisher
 * Shadow Darkblade
 * Descendant Knight
 * Descendant Vanquisher
 * Descendant Darkblade
 * Ogre variants
 * Shadow Ogre
 * Descendant Ogre

Weapon

 * Cleaver
 * Boomer
 * Hive Shield
 * Soulfire Rifle
 * Splinter
 * Shredder
 * Axe

Vehicle

 * Tombship
 * Heavy Tombship

Structure

 * Shadow Shrieker
 * Torment Shrieker
 * Descendant Shrieker

Shadow Divisive
The Shadow Divisive is a Vex programming collective that was formed after the events of the Vault of Glass. Working alongside the Shadowkeepers, they seek to reawaken a dark future in which everything that remained of the Light was wiped off and the forces of the Darkness won. They can be identified with red-purple platings with the head having purple robotic horns fused with ornaments similar to the Gleam Eyes as well as green lining.

Overview
"These U-units are n-n-no longer with the-the-the-the Mind...but t-t-they are instead wit-wit-wit-with one who-who-who they call Kirito. Disappointing-ting-ting-ting."

- Jolkron, Gate Lord

Formed from the remnants of Vex units from other collectives, including the Sol Divisive and Vex Sol Collective, the Shadow Divisive came together after witnessing a future in which they and the Vex emerged victorious following the destruction of the Light at the hands of the Darkness. Led by Hydrax, Mindkiller of Kirito, this Vex collective sought to continue what Panoptes would start by terraforming the City into a monstrous world born from the shadows of the Vex with the help of its allies and its three Grand Axis Minds - Kynoptes, Atheus, and Agioktis. Together, they led the collective to a future where they would be free to act on their own accord, no longer forced to serve the Pattern and suffer defeat at the hands of the Guardians. They joined the Shadowkeepers to enact that future.

Leadership

 * Hydrax, Mindkiller of Kirito

Members

 * Kynoptes, Nightmare Mind (Minotaur)
 * Atheus, Mind of Insanity (Hydra)
 * Agioktis, Prodigy of Hydrax (Hobgoblin)
 * Vyphrus, Scopeseeker of Knowledge (Harpy)
 * Evalius, Rider of Monsters (Hobgoblin)
 * Consecrated Mind, Sol Inherent (Harpy)
 * Sanctified Mind, Sol Inherent (Minotaur)
 * Menkrodos, the Dimensional Mind (Harpy)
 * Petokrus, Oracle of Hydrax (Gorgon)
 * Govarox, Messenger of Strength (Goblin)
 * Bokura, Eye of the Sanctum (Cyclops)
 * Shackled Minotaur (Minotaur)

Unique Forces

 * Harpy variants
 * Shadow Harpy
 * Shadow Gorgon
 * Descendant Harpy
 * Descendant Gorgon
 * Goblin variants
 * Shadow Goblin
 * Descendant Goblin
 * Fanatic variants
 * Shadow Fanatic
 * Eyeseeker
 * Descendant Fanatic
 * Descendant Eyeseeker
 * Hobgoblin variants
 * Shadow Hobgoblin
 * Descendant Hobgoblin
 * Minotaur variants
 * Shadow Minotaur
 * Gleam Minotaur
 * Descendant Minotaur
 * Descendant Gleam Minotaur
 * Hydra variants
 * Shadow Hydra
 * Descendant Hydra
 * Wyvern variants
 * Shadow Wyvern
 * Descendant Wyvern
 * Cyclops variants
 * Shadow Cyclops
 * Descendant Cyclops

Weapon

 * Slap Rifle
 * Line Rifle
 * Torch Hammer
 * Aeon Maul
 * Vex Flamethrower
 * Vex Hammer
 * Vex Sword
 * Vex Grenades

Shadow Legion
The Shadow Legion is an elite Cabal Legion that was formed prior to the events of the Shadowkeeper Apocalypse. Working alongside the Shadowkeepers and the Red Legion's leader known as Dominus Ghaul, they seek to seize control over the Traveler so that they, alongside, the Shadow Army, can wield the corrupted powers of the Light and use them against the Guardians. They are seen in black and purple armor with hints of red linings in their armor with green spiked shoulder pads.

Overview
"Disgraceful, all of them. Disgraceful. Aligning themselves with this “Kirito,” who has the hollow, simple goal of pure conquest. Has our species truly fallen so far?” “Even worse than we thought. With the humans of Danville brutally executed to death, that civilization of wondrous imagination has been forcibly transformed into a terrifying empire... one that has now been ruled by that monster Ghaul and his legion.” “This is even worse than Ghaul. This... this is not what our people would've wanted.” “I know. If my Emperor was still here, he would've done something to put a stop to all this madness.” “But, he's not... You've seen what happened to him... watched in horror as that wretched boy and his psychotic lover corrupted our people. My people.” “You don't have to worry anymore. He will pay for all this with his life.” “Do you swear to me?” “Yes, my lieutenant... because today, we fight for our people, even if we have to kill our own to do it... or, at least, the ones loyal to the Black Swordsman."

- Ozryc, Rogue Flayer and Valus Nohr

Formed from the remnants of both old Cabal legions, the Red Legion, and Loyalists deserters, those that left the Solar System returned to the Cabal Homeworld and, upon seeing the threat the Guardians posed to their empire, recruited the Midnight Coup and its leader, Ghaul, whom they crowned Emperor. Forming the Shadow Legion, with Gha'arn as its leader, they have tech far more powerful than the Guardians. They returned to the Solar System so that they could learn about the Guardians and find out how to defeat them. Kirito, Asuna, and the Shadowkeepers contacted the Shadow Legion for an alliance, as well as the chance to beat the Guardians and corrupt the Traveler. They agreed, knowing that with Kirito and Asuna around, the Guardians and their people would soon fail to protect the Light.

Assassinating Calus
"We have worked our lives, you and I, working to reshape our society. Reforge our people. Rebuild an Empire nearly destroyed by Calus' greed and corruption. There is nothing in this universe greater than you!"

- The Consul to Ghaul

Leadership

 * Gha'arn, Crownforger of Kirito
 * Ghaul, Supplicant to Kirito
 * Caiatl, the Princess-Imperial
 * The Consul, Loyal to Ghaul
 * Lictor Shayotet
 * Freeborn Otzot
 * Aedile Moli Imoli
 * Umun'arath
 * Iska'al
 * Tha'uul, Statesman of Midnight

Members

 * Dro'hun, Primus of Honor
 * Gahlran, the Sorrow-Bearer
 * Sta'krus, Primus of Strength
 * Ul'gro, Primus of Order (The Consul's personal bodyguard)
 * Bracus Zahn
 * Thumos, the Unbroken
 * Valus Eru'usak, Flame of the Umbral
 * Valus Ha'kohus, Wisdom of Midnight
 * Valus Ly'drotas, Devoted to the Consul
 * Val Behrath, Jaw of Salvation
 * Val Ca'uor
 * Val Jov'krodo, Presence of Vengeance
 * Val Lu'mok, Champion of Gladiators
 * Amtec, Loyal to Kirito
 * Eonikra, Scribe of Swords
 * Feltroc, the Skull-Piercer (Betrayed and helped execute Calus before pledging loyalty to Kirito and Asuna in exchange for endless arrays of arsenal born of wealth that she can use to strengthen both herself and her defenses against the Loyalists and Guardians)
 * Inotam, Oblivion's Triune
 * Niruul, the Hollow Voice
 * Ozletc, the Sky Piercer
 * Tazaroc, the Sun Eater
 * Voyc, Shadow of the Wilds (Betrayed and helped execute Calus before pledging loyalty to Kirito and Asuna in exchange for the powers to lead an entire army of Ahamkaras and Psions to greater glory)

Unique Forces

 * War Beast variants
 * Shadow War Beast
 * Blade Hound
 * Descendant War Beast
 * Descendant Blade Hound
 * Psion variants
 * Shadow Psion
 * Shadow Interceptor Psion
 * Descendant Psion
 * Descendant Interceptor Psion


 * Legionary variants
 * Shadow Legionary
 * Descendant Legionary
 * Phalanx variants
 * Shadow Phalanx
 * Descendant Phalanx
 * Incendior variants
 * Shadow Incendior
 * Frostshooter
 * Blessed Incendior
 * Descendant Incendior
 * Descendant Frostshooter
 * Gladiator variants
 * Shadow Gladiator
 * Descendant Gladiator
 * Centurion variants
 * Shadow Centurion
 * Descendant Centurion
 * Colossus variants
 * Shadow Colossus
 * Descendant Colossus
 * Thresher variants
 * Shadow Thresher
 * Descendant Thresher
 * Goliath Tank variants
 * Shadow Goliath Tank
 * Descendant Goliath Tank

Weapon

 * The Almighty
 * Slug Rifle
 * Cabal Headhunter
 * Magma Launcher
 * Cyro Launcher
 * Projection Rifle
 * Cabal Slug Shotgun
 * Cabal Shields
 * Cabal Lance
 * Cabal Severus
 * Rendis Gauntlets
 * Void Ripsaw
 * Solar Greataxe
 * Cabal Bronto Cannon
 * Barrier Shield
 * Aura Generator
 * Accipiter Drone
 * Solar Net
 * Heavy Slug Thrower
 * Cabal Slug Launcher
 * Slug Repeater
 * OXA Machine

The Reborn
The Reborn are Darkness-corrupted entities originating from the Taken variants of the multiple species warped into Phoenixaro's Ascendant Plane and, while paracausally altered to serve their given purpose, given free will. Working alongside their leaders, Phoenixaro Uchihamaki and Sasuke Uchiha, and the Shadowkeepers, they have more recently utilized powerful Darkness-aligned technology to overwhelm the Guardians and cripple their defenses. Although their appearances are identical to the regular Taken, they have a purplish flame and green eyes as a sign of their corruption.

Overview
"These Taken are just counterfeits, like the Nine and mine. But somehow and in some way, Kirito was able to get them and ALL of the ENEMY species in one box... believing that he is the one to save them, and I hate this bullcrap. It’s stupid. It’s ridiculous. It’s just some person with a Sword who just waltzes over here, and now... titled a GOD, because he killed Zavala. Guardian, please do kill this bastard and wrong all of those who believe his bull, and avenge the big man. Got it?"

- AJ, the Relentless to the Guardian

The Reborn were born from Phoenixaro's studies on the Taken themselves. By using Void, SIVA, and Darkness as a template, both of these energies collided in on each other and created a new version of Taken. Known to have new abilities along with their old ones, they also possess the abilities to revive and corrupt old enemies of the Guardian, granting them new abilities compared to their old ones. While they are part of the Shadowkeepers Alliance, they serve Phoenixaro Uchihamaki as his loyal servants and reserve force.

Creation
Following the death of Oryx, the Taken King during the events of the Taken War, the Taken found order and a sense of leadership in the wake of Phoenixaro's emergence as the new Taken King. With Sasuke's help, Phoenixaro, now more powerful than ever, assumed control of the Taken the same way previous leaders controlled them; however, unlike most Taken leaders, Phoenixaro gave them free will and even helped rebuild the Taken hierarchy, rebranding his new army as the Reborn.

Wrath of the Relentless


During the events of Fireteam Endgame, AJ, the Relentless led his army of fellow Guardians against waves of Reborn within the heart of the Shadowdrifter, hoping to destroy it and stop Phoenixaro Uchihamaki.

Leadership

 * Thu'urg, Blightmaker of Kirito (Cabal Centurion)
 * Echo of Phoenixaro (Taken projection of Phoenixaro Uchihamaki)

Thu'urg's Legion

 * Baxx, Aspect of Thu'urg (Hive Ogre)
 * Kagoor, Blood of Thu'urg (Hive Wizard)
 * Keksis, Blackout of Thu'urg (Fallen Captain)
 * Ta'aun, Phantom of Thu'urg (Cabal Colossus)

Phoenixaro's Akatsuki

 * Yuki Kuran (Also known as Candace Flynn, Vortex of Phoenixaro)
 * Dodgeball Dickson, Simulation of Phoenixaro
 * Alex Russo, Negation of Phoenixaro
 * Dominic, Vengeance of Phoenixaro
 * Pakura, Grasp of Phoenixaro
 * Pitch Black, the Nightmare King (Also known as Pitch Black, Boogeyman of Phoenixaro)
 * Jacob Totou, Gauntlet of Phoenixaro
 * Leo, Eclipse of Phoenixaro

Legion of Phoenixaro

 * Eykosis, Phantasm of Phoenixaro (Fallen Captain)
 * Hygura, Hand of Phoenixaro (Hive Wizard)
 * Nizok, Lost to Memories (Vex Minotaur)
 * Vro'kun, Blade of Phoenixaro (Cabal Phalanx)
 * Plaguedrinker Mind (Vex Hydra)
 * Sydok, Word of Phoenixaro (Hive Knight)
 * Brakus, Torment of the End (Cabal Gladiator)
 * Ozyrul, Herald of Destruction (Scorn Chieftain)

Unique Forces

 * Fallen variants
 * Reborn Dreg
 * Ravenous Dreg
 * Reborn Wretch
 * Ravenous Wretch
 * Reborn Vandal
 * Ravenous Vandal
 * Reborn Marauder
 * Ravenous Marauder
 * Reborn Captain
 * Ravenous Captain
 * Reborn Shank
 * Ravenous Shank
 * Reborn Servitor
 * Ravenous Servitor
 * Hive variants
 * Reborn Thrall
 * Ravenous Thrall
 * Phantom Thrall
 * Ravenous Phantom
 * Reborn Acolyte
 * Ravenous Acolyte
 * Reborn Knight
 * Ravenous Knight
 * Reborn Wizard
 * Ravenous Wizard
 * Reborn Ogre
 * Ravenous Ogre
 * Vex variants
 * Reborn Goblin
 * Ravenous Goblin
 * Reborn Hobgoblin
 * Ravenous Hobgoblin
 * Reborn Harpy
 * Ravenous Harpy
 * Reborn Minotaur
 * Ravenous Minotaur
 * Reborn Hydra
 * Ravenous Hydra
 * Reborn Cyclops
 * Ravenous Cyclops
 * Reborn Wyvern
 * Ravenous Wyvern
 * Cabal variants
 * Reborn Legionary
 * Ravenous Legionary
 * Reborn Phalanx
 * Ravenous Phalanx
 * Reborn War Beast
 * Ravenous War Beast
 * Phantom Beast
 * Ravenous Shadowbeast
 * Reborn Gladiator
 * Ravenous Gladiator
 * Reborn Incendior
 * Ravenous Incendior
 * Reborn Centurion
 * Ravenous Centurion
 * Reborn Colossus
 * Ravenous Colossus
 * Taken variants
 * Reborn Chimera
 * Ravenous Chimera
 * Reborn Techeun
 * Ravenous Chimera
 * Scorn variants
 * Reborn Chieftain
 * Ravenous Chieftain
 * Reborn Screeb
 * Ravenous Screeb
 * Reborn Wraith
 * Ravenous Wraith
 * Reborn Abomination
 * Ravenous Abomination
 * Reborn Stalker
 * Ravenous Stalker
 * Reborn Lurker
 * Ravenous Lurker
 * Reborn Ravager
 * Ravenous Ravager
 * Reborn Raider
 * Ravenous Raider

Cult of Shadows
The Cult of Shadows are a horde of Scorn led by Vayeriks, Fatesmith of Kirito, Fikrul, the Fanatic, and Uldren Sov. Working alongside the Shadowkeepers, they seek to spread their corrupt influences upon the Reef and other countless worlds and dimensions so that they can claim control over the universe.

Overview
"The Fanatic’s lot was bad enough, but now some of those....vile roaches are now working under that Kirito scumbag, like everyone else apparently. Somebody needs to do some pest control here, clean up the mess that sword-wielding psycho’s made. Whaddya say, Guardian? Heh heh heh...."

- Vothriks, the Lost to the Guardian

Formed from the Scorn remnants, the Cult of Shadows emerged as a dark organization that focused on usurping countless thrones and claiming territories as their own. Upon their first resurrection, they allied with the Shadowkeepers after witnessing their notorious feats that were deemed worthy by the Darkness. While Vayeriks does lead this Scorn cult, Fikrul leads the entire Scorn army.

Leadership

 * Vayeriks, Fatesmith of Kirito

Fikrul's Barons

 * Elykris, the Machinist
 * Hiraks, the Mindbender
 * Reksis Vahn, the Hangman
 * Araskes, the Trickster
 * Kaniks, the Mad Bomber
 * Pirrha, the Rifleman
 * Yaviks, the Rider

Members

 * Ersudeso, Chain of the Tortured
 * Yoshekiru, Aspirant of Eugeo
 * Kalorath, Trickster's Guard

Unique Forces

 * Screeb variants
 * Shadow Screeb
 * Descendant Screeb
 * Stalker variants
 * Shadow Stalker
 * Shadow Enforcer
 * Descendant Stalker
 * Descendant Enforcer
 * Rider's Minion
 * Ravager variants
 * Shadow Ravager
 * Descendant Ravager
 * Hangman's Ravager
 * Wraith variants
 * Shadow Wraith
 * Descendant Wraith
 * Devoted of the Fanatic
 * Raider variants
 * Shadow Raider
 * Shadow Courier
 * Descendant Raider
 * Descendant Courier
 * Lurker variants
 * Shadow Lurker
 * Descendant Lurker
 * Hangman's Jailer
 * Abomination variants
 * Shadow Abomination
 * Descendant Abomination
 * Splinter Abomination
 * Chieftain variants
 * Shadow Chieftain
 * Descendant Chieftain
 * Hangman's Jailer
 * Fanatic's Chosen

Technology

 * Shadow Scorn Walker
 * Stolen Shadow Walker
 * Ether Blade Launcher
 * Scorn Pike
 * Scorn Blaster
 * Scorn Pistol
 * Scorn Mine Launcher
 * Scorn Cannon
 * Fallen Mace
 * Scorn Grenade
 * Scorn Repeater Pistol
 * Scorn Rifle
 * Scorn Crossbow
 * Flame Censer
 * Flame Torch
 * Fallen Shield
 * Fanatic's Staff

Ghosts of Nagasaki
"Kazuto wields the ability to control a twisted army of vile Auradonian corruptions known as the Ghosts of Nagasaki. These new enemies have been wholly consumed, possessed by the Darkness, bodies and mind twisted into service of their leader. Now, they are bent to a singular purpose – our eradication."

- Official Description

Originally sketched by rachityrach, the Ghosts of Nagasaki are Kirito's personal forces of Darkness who fight alongside the Shadowkeepers and Shadow Army to bring about a new version of the Dark Age. Led by Magda Peterson, they seek not only to help both themselves and the helpless get their revenge on those who left innocent outcasts for dead and those who let greedy people, including Maleficent, Gabriel Miller, and Oberon, abuse the children for their selfish gains, but also to free the entire universe from the Traveler's lies.

Overview
"I've waited my entire life to finally meet you. Most wouldn't have had the courage to enter this world that some of us knew as a wasteland... not even to ask for help. But, you did, which can only mean one thing.” “What's that?” “You're desperate to get your revenge on the one called Kirito. Well, I, too, have been going after him. Seems that we both have a common enemy. This "Kirito" you're looking for... he is growing too powerful, and if he is not stopped, his armies will destroy everything.” “Everything?!” “Oh, yes. Homes. Cities. Worlds. Dimensions. Universes. Solar systems. Light. Everything.” “What do you mean to say? Why should we trust you?” “We both want the same thing: for the deaths of countless unfortunate souls to be avenged, but we cannot afford to waste time fighting each other anymore. For our sakes... and Zavala's... the Black Swordsman must die."

- Karviks, Dragon Archon, The Guardian, Sinon, and Petra Venj

Created from experiments that fused enslaved Auradonians with Dark Ether and SIVA, the Ghosts of Nagasaki became a part of the Shadowkeepers and served Kirito as his minions following the fall of Auradon into his hands. They are seen wearing cyberpunk-themed armors adorned with green flames and purple SIVA shards.

Leaders

 * Magda Peterson, Devilwalker of the Damned
 * Troika, Founder of the Archangel
 * Dave Strider, the Roaring Phoenix
 * The Fulminator (Leader of the Arkborn branch of the Ghosts of Nagasaki) (Betrayed and helped execute Calus before pledging loyalty to Kirito and Asuna in exchange for freedom for her and her people and the opportunity to overthrow the Loyalists)
 * Rull (Leader of the Clipse branch of the Ghosts of Nagasaki) (Betrayed and helped execute Calus before pledging loyalty to Kirito and Asuna in exchange for the opportunity to restore his people's homeworld to its full glory)
 * Gunmar the Black (Leader of the Gumm-Gumm Trolls branch of the Ghosts of Nagasaki)
 * Jarus (Leader of the Sindû branch of the Ghosts of Nagasaki) (Betrayed and helped execute Calus before pledging loyalty to Kirito and Asuna in exchange for freedom for him and his people and the opportunity to command countless Pyramids and golden fleets)
 * Zeron Alpha (Leader of the Zerons branch of the Ghosts of Nagasaki)
 * Tesla-0 (Leader of the Exo Rogues branch of the Ghosts of Nagasaki)

Members

 * Bular the Butcher, Son of Gunmar the Black
 * Zeron Beta
 * Zeron Omega
 * Angor Rot

Unique Forces

 * Arkborn variants
 * Clipse variants
 * Exo variants
 * Gumm-Gumm Troll variants
 * Sindû variants
 * Zeron variants

Notable Groups

 * Archangel

Technology

 * Rachity Blade
 * Rachity Rifle
 * Whiplash Launcher

Appearances

 * Destiny 2
 * Paradox
 * Fractured Worlds