Difference between revisions of "Lara Croft"
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===Introduction to Archaeology=== | ===Introduction to Archaeology=== | ||
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Later in 1984, after finishing High School, young Lara requested to accompany renowned archaeologist [[Werner von Croy]], whom she had previously met when he'd lectured at her school, on an expedition to [[Cambodia]], to search for the [[Iris]]. Her parents agreed and it was her first of many expeditions around the globe. | Later in 1984, after finishing High School, young Lara requested to accompany renowned archaeologist [[Werner von Croy]], whom she had previously met when he'd lectured at her school, on an expedition to [[Cambodia]], to search for the [[Iris]]. Her parents agreed and it was her first of many expeditions around the globe. | ||
| − | {{Quote|Tomb Raider IV The Last Revelation booklet, pages 6 & 7|The daughter of Lord Henshingly Croft, Lara was brought up in the secure world of aristocracy - wanting for nothing she was surrounded by servants, social events and high society. | + | {{Quote|Tomb Raider IV The Last Revelation booklet, pages 6 & 7|[[File:YounglaraTRIV.jpg|225px|thumb|right|Lara in Cambodia]] The daughter of Lord Henshingly Croft, Lara was brought up in the secure world of aristocracy - wanting for nothing she was surrounded by servants, social events and high society. |
Having attended Wimbledon High School for Girls from the age of 11 years, Lara's parents decided that now she was 16, she should broaden her education by studying for her A'levels at one of England's most prominent boarding schools. An adventurous soul, Lara found the idea of being sent away from home an exciting prospect. By chance one day Lara came across a copy of National Geographic on the hall table. The front cover featured a familiar name - Professor Werner Von Croy. A respected archaeologist, Von Croy had once lectured at Lara's school to pupils and parents alike. The experience had a profound effect on Lara, triggering a desire to travel to remote locations in search of adventure. In some ways Von Croy had become an inspirational figure for Lara. | Having attended Wimbledon High School for Girls from the age of 11 years, Lara's parents decided that now she was 16, she should broaden her education by studying for her A'levels at one of England's most prominent boarding schools. An adventurous soul, Lara found the idea of being sent away from home an exciting prospect. By chance one day Lara came across a copy of National Geographic on the hall table. The front cover featured a familiar name - Professor Werner Von Croy. A respected archaeologist, Von Croy had once lectured at Lara's school to pupils and parents alike. The experience had a profound effect on Lara, triggering a desire to travel to remote locations in search of adventure. In some ways Von Croy had become an inspirational figure for Lara. | ||
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===Tomb Raiding=== | ===Tomb Raiding=== | ||
| − | From 1991 to 1996 Lara made many important archaeological and histological discoveries. Among others she found the [[ | + | From 1991 to 1996 Lara made many important archaeological and histological discoveries. Among others she found the [[Ark of the Covenant]], which can be seen displayed in the hall of Croft Manor in 1996. <ref>Croft Manor Level in Tomb Raider I</ref> She also had a run in with the creature know as Big Foot before 1996. <ref>Magazine shown in-game in the into of Tomb Raider I</ref> |
Revision as of 22:24, 20 December 2010
Lady Lara Croft (born 14 February 1968) is a British archaeologist and treasure hunter, most commonly known for her discovery of several noted artefacts, including Excalibur, the fabled sword of King Arthur.
Contents
Biography (Original Storyline)
Early Life
Lara Croft was born and raised in Wimbledon, London, in a world of aristocracy. From age 3 to 11 she had private tutoring. From age 11 to 16 Lara attended the Wimbledon High School for Girls. [1]
Ireland Adventure
In 1984, when Lara was 16, she had to stay with Winston and his wife in their small house in Connussie, off the coast of Ireland, for a while, while repairs were being carried out in Croft Manor. One evening she overheard a talk between Father Patrick Dunstan and Winston and being intrigued, followed the Father to his boat. Sneaking aboard she accompanied him undetected to the Black Isle, where strange things were happening and the demon Verdilet, who was imprisoned between running water, which he - being a demon - could not cross, was trying to escape.
Introduction to Archaeology
Later in 1984, after finishing High School, young Lara requested to accompany renowned archaeologist Werner von Croy, whom she had previously met when he'd lectured at her school, on an expedition to Cambodia, to search for the Iris. Her parents agreed and it was her first of many expeditions around the globe.
Having attended Wimbledon High School for Girls from the age of 11 years, Lara's parents decided that now she was 16, she should broaden her education by studying for her A'levels at one of England's most prominent boarding schools. An adventurous soul, Lara found the idea of being sent away from home an exciting prospect. By chance one day Lara came across a copy of National Geographic on the hall table. The front cover featured a familiar name - Professor Werner Von Croy. A respected archaeologist, Von Croy had once lectured at Lara's school to pupils and parents alike. The experience had a profound effect on Lara, triggering a desire to travel to remote locations in search of adventure. In some ways Von Croy had become an inspirational figure for Lara.
As Lara read further, she learned that Von Croy was currently preparing for an archaeological tour across Asia, culminating in a potential new discovery to be made in Cambodia. Unable to contain herself, Lara burst into the room, thrust the article in front of her parents and without hesitation demanded she accompany Von Croy on his expedition. Lord Croft could hardly disagree that travel was an education in itself. As Lara argued the case further, he found himself walking over to the desk and penning a letter to Von Croy, introducing himself as an influential society figure and offering financial assistance in exchange for his daughter's place on the expedition.
Von Croy's reply assured the Henshingly Crofts that the territories were friendly and that he had ample experience to look after both his and Lara's well being. Lara's company as an assistant would be welcome, as was the offer of such a generous cheque. He remembered Lara from his lecture - her incessant yet insightful questions had made quite an impression upon him.
And so it was agreed by all that Lara would accompany Von Croy for the duration of the tour...Resumed Studies
After her expedition she resumed her studies, attending Gordonstoun Boarding School, in Scotland, where she discovered her love for climbing, water sports, horse back riding and archery.
Plane Crash (Age 21)
After finishing her education in 1991, at the age of 21, Lara went on a skiing trip, but on her way home her plane crashed in the Himalayas and Lara had to survive in the wilderness alone. This event had a big influence on her character and changed her life forever. As a result she did not marry the Earl of Farrington, as intended, but was instead disowned by her parents. [2]
After being disowned by her family Lara moved into a manor house left to her by an aunt. She started financing her trips by selling travel books.
Tomb Raiding
From 1991 to 1996 Lara made many important archaeological and histological discoveries. Among others she found the Ark of the Covenant, which can be seen displayed in the hall of Croft Manor in 1996. [3] She also had a run in with the creature know as Big Foot before 1996. [4]
Vilcabamba and the Atlantean Scion
In 1996 Lara discovered the lost City of Vilcabama in the Andes mountain region in Peru, resulting the the find of one part of the Atlantean Scion. Looking for the two remaining parts Lara travelled to Greece, where she explored a giant ruined monastery called St. Francis' Folly and an amphitheatre, as well as a Palace devoted to King Midas, before obtaining the second Scion part. Visiting Egypt and the Sphinx Lara discovered the third and final part of the Scion. Following her adversary Jacqueline Natla Lara finally managed to get to the lost continent Atlantis, whose secrets she would finally uncover.
Dagger of Xian
In 1997 Lara travels to China in search of an artefact called the Dagger of Xian. During her search she will come across the sunken Maria Doria. From the wreck she claims the Seraph, an artefact with the power to unlock a door in a Tibetan monastery. Another artefact she discovers, before finally finding the Dagger of Xian is the Talion.
Meteorite Artefacts
[Tomb Raider III Story]
Missing in Egypt, Presumed Dead
[Tomb Raider IV Story]
Return to the Living
Under mysterious circumstances Lara returned to her Manor in Surrey. How she escaped her 'tomb' underneath the Temple of Horus is unknown. According to rumours she spend her time recovering among North African tribes, with a female African shaman helping her to overcome her 'wounds'.
Death of a Mentor
- Main article: Lara Croft (The Angel of Darkness)
When asked to come to Paris by her former mentor Werner von Croy Lara set out to find what he wanted, slightly resentful that Werner left her for dead back in Egypt. When speaking to Werner the two argued. During the argument Lara lost conciousness, only to awaken over Werner's dead body. Uncertain what happened Lara fled the scene to escape the police - who would immediately suspect her - to uncover the mystery behind the occurrence herself. This whole episode placed Lara in a new situation, one she has never been in before, being suspected of murder and being on the run, trying to clear her name at the same time.
Biography (Legend, Anniversary, Underworld Storyline)
Early Life
Lara Croft was born in Surrey's Parkside hospital and raised in Surrey, England. From age 3 to 6 Lara attended the Abbingdon Girls School. [5]
Plane Crash (Age 9)
At the age of nine, Lara and her mother here in the Crofts private yet, over the Himalayas, when lightning struck the engines and caused the plane to crash land. Her mother and Lara were the only survivors at the time. When exploring a nearby temple, Lara inadvertently triggered a mysterious portal, to - as we later find out - the past, by touching a sword. Lara's mother, misunderstanding the person on the other side - Amanda Evert, who was, in the future, talking to Lara - pulled out the sword and vanished to supposedly Avalon. Lara, then alone, walked to Katmandu, to escape the horrors of the plane crash.
After the loss of her mother, Lara received private tutoring, part of it from her father, who took her on some of his expeditions.
Father's Death
Lara suffered another tragic loss at the age of 15, when her father went missing, presumed dead.
Vilcabamba and Atlantean Scion
[Tomb Raider Anniversary Story]
Revisiting the Past
- Main article: Lara Croft (Tomb Raider Legend)
[Tomb Raider Legend Story]
The Lost Mother
[Tomb Raider Underworld Story]
Biographical Overview
| Original Story | Revised Story | Rebooted Story | |
| Name: | Lara Croft | ||
| Title: | / | Countess of Abbingdon | N/A |
| Nationality: | British | ||
| Date of Birth: | February 14th 1968 | N/A | |
| Place of Birth: | Wimbledon, London | Surrey's Parkside hospital | N/A |
| Current Residence: | Croft Manor, Surrey, England | N/A | |
| Marital Status: | Single (once engaged to the, now deceased, Earl of Farringdon) | / | N/A |
| Family: | Henshingley Croft (father) | Richard James Croft (Jr.), 10th Earl of Abbingdon (father); Amelia Croft, Countess of Abbingdon (mother) | N/A |
| Blood Type: | AB- | N/A | |
| Height: | 1.80m | 5ft 9inch / 1.75 m | N/A |
| Weight: | 9st. 4lb / 59.7 kilo | / | N/A |
| Vital Stats: | 34D-24-35 / 86-60-89 | N/A | N/A |
| Dress Size: | 8 | N/A | N/A |
| Hair Colour: | Brunette/Auburn | ||
| Eye Colour: | Brown | ||
| Favourite Weapon: | 9-mm Twin Colt 45s | ||
| Favourite Movies: | Deliverance, Aguirre, Wrath of God | ||
| Favourite Music: | Classical, U2, Nine Inch Nails | ||
| Favourite Food: | Beans on toast | ||
| Favourite Transport: | Norton Streetfighter Motorbike | ||
| Distinguishing Features: | Dual 9 mm pistols | .45 Heckler & Koch USPs (Match Variant) | / |
| Sports: | Freeclimbing, Shooting, Riding, Canoeing | ||
| Education: | |||
| Private Tutoring (Age 3-11) | Abbingdon Girls School (Age 3-6) | ||
| Wimbledon High School for Girls (Age 11-16) | Private Tutoring (Age 9-15) | ||
| Gordonstoun Boarding School (Age 16-18) | |||
| Swiss Finishing School (Age 18-21) | |||
Family Background
Lara Croft is the daughter of Lord Richard James Croft (originally Henshingly Croft), the 10th Earl of Abbingdon and Lady Amelia Croft (née DeMornay). The Croft family was granted their title in 1547 by King Edward VI. Lara's grandfather, who was also named Richard James Croft, was, according to his tombstone, born in 1902 and died in 1965.
Friends and Enemies
Her longest friend is Lara's butler Winston Smith who has been serving the Croft family since young age. His family has been in the Croft's employment for generations.
Another of Lara's long time friends is the computer genius Zip. He first helped her in 1997, when she invaded the Von Croy Industries headquarters in New York via the roof.
Another close friend is her research assistant Alister. He was killed by Lara's doppelganger in 2008.
Discoveries
The following discoveries have been made by Lara according to the story lines of Tomb Raiders 1 to 8. The timeline assumed in this article is according to the game releases connected with the finds.
- Bestiary (1984), (Tomb Raider: Chronicles; on Black Isle, Ireland)
- Iris (1984), (Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation; in Cambodia with Werner von Croy)
- Ark of the Covenant (1993), (before the events of Tomb Raider I)
- Bigfoot (1995), (before the events of Tomb Raider I)
- Philosopher's Stone (1995), (Tomb Raider Chronicles; in Rome, Italy)
- Atlantean Scion (1996), (Tomb Raider I; in Peru, Greece and Egypt)
- Dagger of Xian (1997), (Tomb Raider II; in The Great Wall, China)
- The Golden Mask of Tornarsuk (1997), (Tomb Raider II: The Golden Mask; in Alaska)
- The Meteorite Idols (1998) (Infada Stone, Element 115, Ora Dagger, Eye of Isis and Hand of Rathmore) (1998), (Tomb Raider III; in India, Nevada - Area 51, South Pacific Islands, London and France respectively)
- The Spear Of Destiny (1998), (Tomb Raider: Chronicles; in Russia)
- The Armour of Horus and Amulet of Horus (1999), (Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation; in The Valley of the Kings, Egypt)
- The Obscura Paintings, Sanglyph and Periapt Shards (2003), (Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness; in Paris and Prague)
- Excalibur, Lancelot's Shield and Ghalali Key (2006), (Tomb Raider: Legend; in Japan, Ghana, Kazakhstan, England and Nepal)
- King Arthur's tomb (2006), (Tomb Raider: Legend; in England)
- Thor's Gauntlets (2008), (Tomb Raider: Underworld, in the Mediterranean and underneath Croft Manor - relocated there from Thailand by Lord Croft)
- Thor's Belt (2008), (Tomb Raider: Underworld, in Mexico)
- Thor's Hammer (2008), (Tomb Raider: Underworld, on Jan Mayen Island, Norway)
- The Underworlds (Bohgavati, Xibalba, Avalon/Helheim) (2008), (Tomb Raider: Underworld; Arctic Sea)
- Thrall Artifact (2008), (Tomb Raider: Underworld - Beneath the Ashes, underneath Croft Manor)
Photos
Lara in Tomb Raider
Lara in Tomb Raider II
Lara in Tomb Raider III
Lara in The Last Revelation
Lara in Tomb Raider Chronicles
Teenage Lara in TR IV and TR V
Lara in The Angel of Darkness
Lara in Anniversary
Lara in Tomb Raider Underworld
Lara in Tomb Raider 9
