Zagan the Gravebringer

This is an article about Zagan the Gravebringer a character created by CrimsonFlame2K on 06/27/2014. Don't f*ck with this Hell Creature! Zagan will end you if you do. He is a Hell Creature taking the form of a wolf, from which he was converted to by Krieg before the events of Darkness Trigger: Savage Retribution, the third and final game of the Darkness Trigger's Hell Prizm trilogy.

He first served as a major antagonist in said game, but as the game progressed, Zagan began to question if what he was doing was right, and found his answer rather abruptly... Almost immediately, he disappeared and resurfaced as an adversary for the Hollow. Since then, he's become a major protagonist of the series.

Pre-Savage Retribution
Zagan looks very much like every one of his Hell Nightmare brethren. Most of his body bears a blood red color with orange running around the stripes and runes around his limbs, chest, and back. Much like the Dark Creatures, they intensify when feeling extreme emotion such as excitement or rage. His eyes are also mainly a mix of orange and white with no pupil, iris, and sclera.

Much of his body is covered in spikes, which are colored a very light shade of orange and sticking out akin to a hedgehog. Two horns sprout from the sides of his head, giving him the impression of a demon. The claws on his hands and feet bear the same light orange shade and are savagely sharp and his teeth are just as dangerous.

Savage Retribution
Zagan has blood red fur around his body and limbs, while his somewat-broad muzzle, chest, and ears have white fur. His eyes have an orange shade, marking his status as a Hell Creature, and his hair is black with red streaks around his bangs. His hairstyle is incredibly spiky with one large bang nearly covering his left eye and is held up by a dark-grey headband. In addition, his hair is also much longer, as he dons a ponytail at the back of his head.

As Infernal Corruption
Noted to be Zagan's strongest form (that is natural to him) as of late, he takes the form of a slightly larger and much more imposing version of his former self. In addition, he appears to have demonic wings, horns, and fangs.

Attire
Zagan's outfit consists of a black long-sleeved trench coat with red inner-linings and cuffs and the insignia of the Hell Creatures on the right shoulder, a dark-grey tank top under it, a somewhat large black belt with a horned skull and crossbones carved on its buckle wrapped around the waist area of his coat, with the backside of it doubling as a carrier for his sword, dark-grey baggy jeans, and black combat boots.

From Genesis Awakening-onward, he sports an emblem with the Hell Creature insignia on the back of his left hand as a device to activate his Fafnir Trigger.

Personality
Zagan, in a nutshell, is Blitz if he didn't have his soft side, being more gruff and far more prone to anger and profanity most of the time. However, he still has a sense of humor, which develops as the series progresses and can be arrogant at times. However, when someone mentions anything about his past in his presence, he gets crazy p*ssed in 3-millionths of a second.

A while after defecting from Krieg's army, Zagan began to wonder if he had any reason to keep fighting, with his abandoning Krieg and Chasm's demise. However, his experience with Blitz and co. gave him a new reason to keep fighting. While he may come off to his friends as blunt to a fault, he does show genuine concern for his friends.

Even so, he still didn't give a damn about the world. As he stated in the fourth game, he'd burn the whole world into flames if it meant keeping his friends alive. However, after being saved from losing his sense of self while trapped in the body of Magnum the Maximum by almost everyone, he grew to have a much more noticeable faith in camaraderie and trust in people, even those who he didn't bother to get close to before.

One small bit about Zagan is that he seems to be picky with his food, as he usually prefers meat, usually poultry or beef. Heh. Good thing he swings his sword a lot, huh? Also, he's a little bit of an arachnophobic. Then again, he rarely comes across spiders anyway.... or does he?

Creation
Some time before the events of Savage Retribution, Krieg converted a Hell Nightmare named Zagan after proving his strength to the Hollow. After his conversion into a Mobian wolf, he becomes known as the Flame that Will Burn All of Mortalkind, and the sword that will help him see that goal, the Savage Dragon.

Savage Retribution
(WIP)

Rage from the Glacier
(WIP)

Genesis Unit trilogy
(WIP)

Swordsmanship
While being very rough, Zagan's swordsmanship is frighteningly precise in execution, making him a very savage fighter. But his attacks start getting crazy once he uses them in tandem with his Infernokinesis and [limited] Void Energy manipulation. In addition, you better say your prayers once he goes over 50% of his full strength. Once he gives everything he's got (Read: enters his Infernal Corruption form), it'll be a miracle if you manage to defeat him, let alone survive.

Infernokinesis
Being a Hell Creature, Zagan is able to manipulate the flames of hell, which he is able to use greatly. Aside from shrouding his flames into his sword, he can unleashe a variety of devastating attacks. These include, but don't limit to, firing a wave of hellfire from his sword, various physical attacks shrouded with these inextinguishable flames, creating a scythe by focusing a large amount of hell fire energy into his hands, and summoning multiple hell fire constructs.

Infernal Corruption Transformation
When he reaches the very limit of his power, Zagan transforms into a demonic-and-winged Hell Nightmare named the Infernal Corruption. While in this form, his strength is maxed out but is left with absolute crap defense in-game. The name is very fitting, as if he stays in this form for too long, he may end up stuck in said form for all eternity.

Void Energy Manipulation
Another power that comes naturally to Zagan is the manipulation of Void Energy. However, due to his affinity with hellfire, it is very pale compared to many others, including Blitz and Krieg. The only things he can do with Void Energy is to fuel his Fafnir Trigger form. His ability to create Gateways doesn't count, as he got that from Krieg's blood.

Magnum Transformation
After having the Omega Drive reprogrammed by Tails, Zagan is given the ability to transform into his Genesis form should he activate the Omega Drive. It retains many of Magnum's powers and abilities from Mortal Revolution.

Weaknesses
Zagan is a hard opponent to deal with if you don't know what you're doing, especially since the only thing that can douse the flames he unleashes is his will. However, he has clear weaknesses that will leave him open for a world of hurt if exploited.

Being a close-range fighter, projectiles can sometimes prove to be a problem for him, especially if he can't block or dodge them. His direct approach can sometimes lead him to some very dire situations, though he manages to get out of most of them, if his constant fighting against Genesis Gears is any indication.

However, his most jarring weaknesses lie in his psyche. Zagan is very prone to anger, so it's somewhat easy to lead him towards your position. However, this proves to be a double-edged sword, as you'll either be left a wide opening to get him or a one-way trip to the afterlife... or the hospital, if you're lucky.

Equipment

 * Savage Dragon - Zagan weapon in Savage Retribution. It's nothing more than a large slab of metal from the Endless Void shaped into a sword. While it lacks in sharpness, the fact that its able to withstand Ignis' flames makes up for it.
 * V.D.K. - Shortened from "Vermillion Dragon Kaiser." Sometime before the events of Genesis Awakening, Zagan crafted a new weapon for himself to wield by combining the Savage Dragon with a casing shaped like the head of a dragon and bearing an even more blunt edge.
 * Fafnir Trigger - Basically Zagan's version of Blitz's Darkness Trigger. Having been converted into a Mobian-shaped Hell Creature through Krieg's blood, it also grants him a spectral clone when activated. After the events of Savage Retribution, he had this power tweaked by Tails in the form of an emblem.
 * Omega Drive - The remains of Magnum's Omega Drive were implanted into Zagan's emblem, making its maximum power output that much bigger. It also doubles as a lock to his (reprogrammed) Genesis Gear form.

Statistics
Attack: 8 - Zagan can deal powerful blows with his blade while matching them with good speed.
 * Stats are based from 1-10. 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest.

Defense: 6 - While Zagan prefers to attack head-on, his defenses are far from mediocre.

Speed: 7 - His agility is a suitable compliment to his power. Like Blitz, however, he's nowhere near as fast as Sonic.

Magic: 7 - While he does have mastery over his infernokinesis, Zagan's control over Void Energy pales in comparison to other Dark/Hell Creatures.

Evasion: 6 - As with his defenses, Zagan's evasive maneuvers are no slouch.

Intelligence: 6 - Zagan is simple-minded, preferring to smash first and ask later. However, he will stand down if the situation calls for it.

Skills: 7 - As he was deliberately converted into a powerful weapon, Zagan is definitely skilled in using his blade and powers in battle. He has yet to fully master his Omega Drive, though.

Accuracy: 9 - While wild and rough, Zagan's execution of his attacks is frighteningly precise.

Stamina: 8 - Zagan's biology as a Hell Creature means he has more stamina and endurance than others.

Tolerance: 7 - Being a Hell Creature, Zagan has heightened tolerance for pain... unless he's against a spider, in which he'll freak out.

Overall: 71%

General

 * Hades Flare: Zagan's Trigger move. He unleashes a sword strike imbued with hellfire. If it hits, whether blocked or not, the flames give a small amount of his HP back.
 * Havoc Edge: Zagan strikes with a punch imbued with hell fire.
 * Vile Fang: Zagan unleashes a blast of hell fire from his right arm.
 * Vulcan Slingshot: Zagan jumps towards the opponent and performs a spinning sword slash.
 * Dragon Scythe: Zagan performs a spin kick imbued with hellfire.
 * Dreadnaught: Zagan jumps forward and unleashes a devastating punch wreathed in hellfire.
 * Wraith's Sword: Zagan fires a flaming sword construct from his hand.
 * Gotcha!: Zagan fakes a Wraith's Sword. Useful as the move itself isn't a very reliable projectile move.
 * Nightmare Razor: OK in midair. Zagan sends his foe into the air with a rising slash.
 * Wild Sever: Zagan swings his sword downwards, sending the opponent to the ground.
 * Riot Slam: Performed in midair. Zagan performs a devastating dive kick wreathed in flames, unleashing a wave of fire upon landing.
 * Rampage!: While his opponent is down, Zagan grabs his opponent and unleashes a painful body blow.
 * The Reaper's Word: One of his Critical Triggers. Zagan creates a scythe out of hellfire and unleashes a deadly slash.
 * Armageddon: One of his Critical Triggers. Zagan slashes his foe as he dashes through, leading to blazing columns of fire attack the foe from below him, with a much larger one sending his foe flying as Zagan stands at his full height.
 * Hellfire Oblivion: Zagan's Overkill finisher. He performs a series of various attacks and thrusts his sword through the opponent's gut. A large stream of fire then bursts through the opponent, effectively finishing them once all is said and done. From Genesis Awakening-onwards, the V.D.K's casing opens up before thrusting the sword.

Fafnir Trigger

 * Onslaught!!: In addition with buffed up attack, the health-steal factor of the Hades Flare has been doubled. This effectively makes Zagan twice the threat he normally is.
 * Nightmare Warmonger: Basically a buffed-up Nightmare Razor turned into a hidden Critical Trigger, only it can't do any of its follow-ups.

Infernal Corruption

 * Lucifer's Wrath: OK in midair. Zagan summons a broadsword construct and launches it at his foe.
 * Pandora's Retribution: Performed in midair. Serving as one of his special Critical Triggers, Zagan unleashes a barrage of hellfire projectiles from the sky.
 * Gilgamesh's Might: Zagan's other special Critical Trigger. He performs a devastating 3-hit combo. The last hit is guaranteed to send the opponent to the wall.

Friends and Allies

 * Blitz the Wolf - A former foe, Zagan is now one of Blitz's friends. Though their personalities may clash often, they always have each other's backs in battle. Overtime, Zagan grew to consider Blitz the brother he never had, as much as he didn't want to admit it. To this day, Blitz does not know this.
 * Whirlwind the Hedgehog - After defecting from Krieg's cause, rendering himself on his own, Zagan runs into the White Hurricane himself. Whirlwind was the one who inspired Zagan's decision to fight against Krieg to atone for all he has done before.
 * Knockout the Wolf - Zagan first runs into Knockout as one of Krieg's servants. However, after finding out of Chasm's demise, he abandons Krieg and joins Blitz and co. While the others were somewhat skeptical (especially Rho), Knockout was quick to accept Zagan as an ally and friend, even if he didn't exactly want it. Much like with Blitz, they always have each other's backs in battle.
 * Chasm the Hell Nightmare - Zagan's only friend and partner throughout his days in the Endless Void. After a failed assault on Blitz and co, who were his enemies then, Zagan came across a hidden room filled with dead bodies of many Hell Creatures. Chasm was one of them. Feeling a surge of rage, he destroyed everything in the room, believing that it was a disgrace to themselves.

Neutral

 * Rho the Great - Zagan is very well-aware of Rho's dislike towards him. He's completely fine with that, given the fact that he did work for Krieg before, which he'll never be able to live down, no matter how little mention of it is made... Just don't expect him to follow the Noble King's orders.
 * Pretty much everyone else.

Enemies

 * Krieg the Hollow Blitz - His former master. Zagan left him after feeling betrayed when saw his former comrades hanged and tortured, including Chasm. Since then, he developed an insane hatred for Krieg. Despite the Hollow saving Blitz, Zagan still hates him more than anything. Hell, if it weren't for him becoming friends with Blitz, Whirlwind, and Knockout, he would've let himself stay in the Endless Void if it meant getting to kill Krieg over. And over. And f*cking over.
 * Primoris - By far the strongest foe Zagan has ever faced. Yes, even stronger than Krieg himself. Primoris is the first and the strongest next to Magnum (AKA the Genesis Unit that Zagan's soul was used for), making him an already tough enemy. When he reaches maximum, it took the efforts of BOTH Blitz and himself to take him down for good.

Savage Retribution
"I LOST CHASM, DAMMIT! He was my best friend! ...My only friend... That son of a b*tch took his life along with many others just because they screwed up a mission! If anything, he should've taken me with him! You never had to go through the displeasure of losing someone close to you! You never lost anything you ever loved! But me... I lost the only thing I ever cared about... Do you still think I have no reason for intending to take Krieg down!? CAN YOU STILL F*CKING THINK THAT, EMILE!?"

- Zagan to Blitz when the latter states that he sees no particular reason for his fighting against Krieg

"...I guess I should apologize as well... I shouldn't have gone ape-sh*t like that... especially since I didn't know that you almost lost your friends..."

- Zagan after receiving Blitz's answer to the question in the above quote

"Hey... I have a question... (...) ...Why did you, of all people, accept me as a comrade with no second thought when I was the one who burned your tribe to ashes? Don't feel a surge of hate towards me? Don't you want to avenge your people?"

- Zagan to Knockout when he the latter visits him

"I see... I guess I was just looking for what I deserved for murdering your people... However, while I understand where you're coming from, like it or not, such naivety will get you killed if you're not careful... and if what Blitz says is true, no one will be able to save you..."

- Zagan's response to Knockout's answer about choosing forgiveness over vengeance

"Hmph. This should be fun."

- when selected

"Move or you won't live to regret it."

- before starting a match "Well... That was a pain."

- winning a match "Even when I'm on your side, you're still a pain."

- before starting a match against Blitz "I've got nothing to say to you..."

- before starting a match against Knockout "You're gonna pay for what you did to Chasm, b*stard!"

- before starting a match against Krieg

"I don't give a sh*t about what you think of me... but if you're looking for a death wish, you've found it!"

- before starting a match against Rho "I'll make your death slow. Very. F*cking. Slow."

- winning a match against Krieg "Don't make me tear you apart... I won't hesitate to do so if you provoke me further."

- winning a match against Rho "It's over..."

- when starting up his Overkill "Now... BURN IN HELL!"

- when delivering the final blow "HELLFIRE OBLIVION!"

- Calling His Attack "What a waste of time..."

- after finishing his opponent off "Time to go to sleep!"

- when starting up his Overkill against Blitz "Not half bad, actually..."

- after finishing Blitz off "Let's see how 'great' you really are!"

- when starting up his Overkill against Rho "Heh... what a pushover."

- after finishing Rho off

Genesis trilogy
"Write this down, 'cuz I'm not saying it again: Stop asking questions as stupid as that. You know very well the reason I've fought alongside you this entire time. I don't give a rat's *ss about what'll happen to me if I keep throwing my life away out there. In short, even if it'll cost me my life... I'll fight for your sake 'till the bitter end... Hell, I'll burn the whole world in flames if it means keeping you two and the old man alive."

- Zagan answering Blitz and Knockout's question as to why he refuses to back down against the lesser Geneses even when the odds are against him

Misc.
"Hah! You never had a chance."

- Getting an S-Rank

"Heh. Just like that."

- Getting an A-Rank

"I'm fine with this."

- Getting a B-Rank

"Hmph. Guess that'll do."

- Getting a C-Rank

"The hell!? Ugh..."

- Getting a D-Rank

"Goddammit!!"

- Getting an E-Rank

Nothing Helps by One OK Rock
This serves as Zagan's main theme in Savage Retribution, representing his personal struggles and his identity.

Connection to Character

 * It's because of you I'm standing here with you... - Zagan believing
 * Oh yeah, okay, I've got bad days, so caught up in my mind and I'm not really sure who I am! And nothing seems to go my way at all! - Zagan feeling that he may be a threat to Mobius, despite his allegiance.
 * Then I hit the stage, and remember... why I'm here... I'll be the voice to those who don't have one! - Zagan becoming a hero like Blitz and Whirlwind say he'll be.
 * No, Nothing Helps! We won't stop right now, we did it on our own! Nobody else! It's because of you we've finally came this far! - Zagan giving thanks to Blitz and Whirlwind for allowing him to carve his own path in life.
 * There are things I always remember... forever... Oh no! How can I walk this rocky road? - Zagan never forgetting the ill deeds he has done and finding it difficult to get past that.
 * I'm by myself! Stuck inside my throat, the words, they won't come out! - Zagan not exactly communicating what's wrong to others.
 * Oh, what the hell! Why don't I just leave, give up and let it go away... - Zagan debating whether he should just give up or keep fighting.

Built for War by Megadeth
Zagan's theme in the Genesis trilogy. It represents his undying will to fight against his foes, even if all seems lost.

Connection to Character

 * Built For WAR! / What do you think your fists are FOR? - Zagan being one of the strongest characters in the Darkness Trigger series.
 * Listen, I didn't start this, / Believe me, I will finish it! - Zagan doing all he can to disregard his dark beginnings
 * Nothing is gonna stop me! / Until then, better watch your back! - Zagan warning his foes that he won't stop until his goals are put into fruition
 * There is no retreating! / I will cut you down to size! - Zagan relentlessly facing against all odds, even at the cost of his life
 * Yield to a new dimension, / Hell's coming, better say your prayers! - Zagan bringing hell to those who get in his way
 * Fear not as death surrounds you! / B*tch all you want! But here it comes! - Zagan being hellbent on taking down anyone who opposes him

This Day We Fight! by Megadeth
Zagan's VS theme with Krieg. It represents his dark days serving Krieg and turning on him, leading to his heated showdown with the Hollow.

Connection to Character

 * For this, I was chosen, because I fear nothing! / With confidence, I tread through the dead of the night! - Zagan being chosen as "the flame that will burn all of mortalkind".
 * Off to another war-torn, far-away battlefield... / Wherein lies a demonic, enemy horde! - Zagan fighting off Krieg's forces
 * On this day, I decide to anoint my fists! / Engaging them in the mode of power, and war! - Krieg and Zagan preparing to face off, intent on destroying the other.
 * Sent, on an unholy quest, to reduce all those who resist, / To the size of their shriveled-up souls, and scatter them like grist! - Zagan being Krieg's most prized weapon at first before his betrayal.
 * Come tomorrow, I may lay down and die! / But not this day! This Day We FIGHT! - Krieg and Zagan getting ready for their ultimate battle

Holier Than Thou by Metallica
Zagan's VS theme with Rho in Savage Retribution. It represents the fact that Zagan is getting tired of Rho butting heads with him simply because he's a Hell Creature and had worked for Krieg before.

Connection to Character

 * No more! The crap rolls out your mouth again! Haven't changed, your brain is still gelatin! / Little whispers circle around your head, why don't you worry about yourself instead! - Zagan getting tired of Rho being hostile to him just for having worked with Krieg before
 * Before you judge me, take a look at you! / Can't you find something better to do! - Zagan wanting Rho to just go away and leave him alone
 * It's not who you are! It's who you know! Others' lives are the basis of your own! / Burn your bridges, build them back with wealth! Judge not, lest ye be judged yourself! - Zagan and Rho butting heads over things regarding the Hell Creatures, Krieg, etc.

Rattlehead by Megadeath
Zagan's VS theme with Primoris. It represents his intense hatred towards him for having planned to take his soul and use it to fuel another like him in Mortal Revolution.

Connection to Character

 * Oh, HERE I COME! - Zagan and Primoris preparing to battle
 * Stand up! And plant your feet! / Listen! I'm letting off STEAM! - Zagan preparing to destroy Primoris to smithereens
 * Let it loose! I don't f*cking care! - Primoris relishing the chance to tear Zagan to shreds
 * A dose of metal you need! / To bang your head till you BLEED! - Primoris planning to take the souls of every powerful individual to create an army.
 * Slashing! Thrashing to MEGADETH! - Zagan and Primoris attacking each other with extreme violence
 * Winning! Sinning! Beginning! / Feeding! The needing! For bleeding! - Primoris being mad and craving battle
 * He'll bash your head if you cross him! / Ain't quite your average guy! - Zagan and Primoris being stronger than Blitz, Sonic, and arguably even Shadow.
 * Don't wear no leather to "fit in"! / Don't wear no spikes to be "cool"! - Zagan swearing to fight those who dare harm those he cares about with no second thought

Trivia

 * Zagan's outfit is similar to Dante's outfit in the reboot.


 * Zagan's Critical Triggers, Eternal Silence and Armageddon, were originally weapons for Zagan, but this was scrapped in favor of a single weapon, which somewhat contrasts to Blitz's usage of multiple weapons.
 * Devil May Cry fans should know where the names of Infernal Corruption's attacks (and how they're performed) came from.
 * Except for his first theme, Nothing Helps by ONE OK ROCK, every single one of Zagan's themes are by Megadeth.
 * Megadeth seems to be his signature band as well, much like Blitz with Motorhead.
 * His public identity, David Burnley, is a reference to Megadeth's two current members, Dave Mustaine and David Ellefson, and the lead vocalist of Breaking Benjamin, Benjamin Burnley.
 * Breaking Benjamin is one of Crimson's favorite bands.
 * Uses a weapon with a blunt edge? Wields fire? Fights with a rough and unpolished fighting style? Tell me Zagan isn't Sol Badguy turned into a Mobian and I will fry you.
 * On that note, Zagan has traits similar to Ragna the Bloodedge from the BlazBlue series, even sharing his voice actor.