Spoiler warning! This article contains major plot spoilers!
This old wanderer serves as Vexx's guide and mentor. Having lost his once considerable powers, he now must rely on the young Vexx to carry on the traditions and right the wrongs that have plagued his existence. A mysterious figure leading Vexx into an even greater mystery? Perhaps.
— Official manual
The destruction of Yabu's windship nearly destroyed Vexx as well. If not for the poweer of the Astani War Talons, he would surely have lost. Fortunately, he was found by a quirky old hermit named Darby who brought him to the Hall of Heroes. There, Darby explained to Vexx the history of Astara and the dire situation they now must face. The crotchery elder seems to know a lot about Astara and is a valuable guide early on.
— Darby's description in the Vexx Primas Official Strategy Guide.
Darby is an elderly man that tried to help Vexx after he woke up from his dream. He brought Vexx into the Hall Of Heroes and claimed to have had great powers. After Vexx collected enough Wraithhearts, Darby is revealed to be a shapeshifted Dark Yabu who had taken advantage of Vexx.
Yabu destroyed the village. Everyone is gone except you, and old Darby. I'd love to get my hands on that soul sucking monster, but old Darby can't see so good no more.
— Darby introducing himself to Vexx.
When Darby found Vexx inside the Hall of Heroes in Timberdale, he had thought he was dead. When he awoke, he explained to Vexx they needed to find Wraithhearts. He then helped Vexx by giving him information throughout the beginning of the game. He said Shadow Wraiths can take on any form and told Vexx to trust no one on his journey.
The Reveal[]
A while later, after the player collects 26 Wraithhearts, Vexx and Darby meet Reia, the last living Astani, inside the Landspire. It is there that Darby reveals himself as Dark Yabu in disguise, and had tricked Vexx into helping him collect Wraithhearts. He traps Vexx and Reia long enough to steal the Keystaff from her.
Trivia[]
He is voiced by Scottish voice actor Brian Cox, who also voices Dark Yabu.
Developer Kynan Pearson revealed that Darby was named after Daniel J. D'arby from the anime JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.
According to the Strategy Guide, Darby was suppose to inform Vexx about the history of Astara, yet he never really does ingame. It is unknown if this plot point was cut during development.
