Arkan is the son of Gorath and Clothild (or Cullich). He becomes the leader of the Ardanien clan of the moredhel after his father's death. He is in an alliance with his aunt Liallan, the leader of the Snow Leopard clan.
Arkan allies with the eledhel prince Calis during the Chaoswar Saga and helps defend the magician Magnus as he and his father Pug attempt to stop the Dread from overrunning Midkemia.