Arcantos was born a Slave
There are not many slaves left in Ber, not after Vairday Bruse took the throne and created the Executores dola Liberta. Few does not mean none, however, and Arcantos was born to a pleasure slave of a distant household far from the main cities of Ber. Not so distant that they would be considered in another country, but enough that it was hard for a new government to express their influence here, especially when the master of the house had no desire to give up his most prized slaves. Releasing most of their slaves, yet keeping a precious view, including Arcantos’ mother, Aimizu, hidden, was an easy choice to make.
With his mother being a favoured slave, yet shockingly not forced to abort Arcantos, the young Kitsune did not get to spend much time with his mother, given to an old nursemaid to look after him when necessary, and then quickly abandoned to a life of solitude and utter boredom when a nursemaid was no longer needed. Wielding the Kitsune’s natural magic, Arcantos swiftly turned to the world of imagination to keep himself occupied and entertained. Sharpening his magical illusions through trial, error and instinct, until he could craft a companion or two to play with. With a small black dragoness, inspired by the few stories and songs that his mother had shared with him, became his favourite companion. Named ‘Cynder’, she was his primary companion during these years. Aimizu did her best to be there for Arcantos, singing to him and teaching him what she could about their magic, but a life as a slave was one with little free time.
At the age of four, it was noted that Arcantos had inherited his mother’s singing voice, and so his previously lonely life was quickly filled with strict lessons to ensure that he could be a proper singer and entertainer for the house master. This proved to be their undoing, however, as one of the hired tutors was displeased by the slavery of the house. They tipped off the Executors to this deception. So before Arcantos reached five years of age, he witnessed the master of the house - a shadowy tyrant who had controlled his and his mother’s actions with an iron fist - was dragged out of their home and beaten within an inch of their life by powerful women. It was a moment that was ingrained in Arcantos’ young mind. After a childhood of oppressive rules, Arcantos realised that law and rules can be used for freedom and justice as much as oppression and greed.
The mountain city of Ursaliña became his and Aimizu’s new home, allowing them to slowly become a proper family, with Aimizu’s music finding a steady income, and Arcantos? Arcantos was a smart young lad, and Aimizu could only do so much alone. Hence, she enrolled Arcantos in one of the new schools of the Panoply, allowing Arcantos to receive a stronger education than he would have done otherwise. And Arcantos, whilst no genius, flourished in the schools, learning much in terms of academics, science and magic. Not only did he deepen his magical capabilities, Arcantos also explored other schools of magic. Until he could finally turn Cynder from an illusory companion whom he shared with few, to a real companion of flesh and blood. She did not have the same memories Arcantos did, yet this new Cynder became a firm friend and companion of Arcantos for over a decade.
Aimizu eventually became employed by one of Ber’s newer nobles, and during one of their parties, Arcantos first encountered the technological wonders of Flint, and Arcantos was fascinated by these wonders and constructions. At 15 years of age, Arcantos was considered an adult in the eyes of the law, and after holding a lengthy discussion with some of the artists and inventors from Flint, Arcantos found himself yearning to see more of this city. A place where technology and artistry stand side by side, evolving and growing in fascinating and awe-inspiring ways. A few more discussions later, Arcantos was heading to Flint, eager to learn more of this fascinating place.
Falling in with the infamous Dockers of Flint, Arcantos spent some time employed in Heward Sechim's Alkahest Factory, until his sharp mind, quick learning, and mix of aritstry and magic managed to find him a less-polluted place to work. From there, Arcantos began to make a name for himself, combining his technological knowledge, illusionary abilities and gifted tongue to put on spectacular shows and concerts. His multi-lingual abilities helped him learning songs from several difficult cultures to help further his repertoire. But what quickly caught the eyes of the police was that, unlike many of the Dockers, the workers, engineers and artists of Flint’s docks, Arcantos was often someone who desescalated confrontations and situations, rather than causing them more of a headache. His memories of the Executores dola Liberta shining bright even now, and Arcantos understood that many of the police had good intentions, even if there were still tensions between the workers and the law.
Having a draconic companion that would viciously defend Arcantos and spit acid on those who tried to cause too much trouble likely helped further. As did Arcantos' impressive control of his magical abilities, allowing him to safely disable and knock out others without the danger of killing them.
Still, it wasn’t until Arcantos ended up in a devastating mix-up with Kell’s Boys that put Arcantos in the hospital for weeks that Arcantos was formally approached and recruited into the R.H.C. Arcantos still tinkers and performs alongside other Dockers, but now he works alongside the Risur Homeland Constabulary to help keep the nation, and especially the city of Flint, safe from those who would do it harm. In particular, Arcantos hopes to one day finally, finally bring Kell’s Boys down.
