Tarpch was a Martian the Avatar encountered in the Dream-World in Martian Dreams. In reality, "Tarpch" was part of a test created by Astaroth, the Shadowlord of Hatred, in order to test the Avatar. Appearing to be heavily wounded, Tarpch was initially very hostile, full with thoughts of vengeance towards the Avatar's friends for supposedly trying to kill him. Claiming to have the power to end the lives of the hero's friends, Tarpch told the Avatar to leave him be so that he could exact his revenge. Instead, the hero gave Tarpch a healing elixir created from Dreamstuff. His wounds healed, Tarpch's attitude quickly changed, saying that, in his rage, he did not believe the Avatar could show him such compassion.