
Born into a modest family in the bustling city of Merimath, Ansanom showed an exceptional aptitude for magic from a young age. His intellect was undeniable, and he was quickly recognized as one of the most gifted students at the prestigious Arcanis Academy. However, his drive for power and knowledge set him apart from his peers. While others were content mastering the basics, Ansanom sought out ancient, forbidden texts and delved into lost magical arts that even his instructors feared to teach.
Over time, Ansanom’s hunger for discovery became all-consuming. He viewed magic not just as a tool but as the ultimate force to shape reality. However, his ambition began to clash with the rigid ethics of the Academy. Unwilling to be limited by rules and regulations, Ansanom grew frustrated with the institution’s constraints. He was not interested in politics or titles, nor was he motivated by wealth—he sought power for the sake of creation and discovery.
His break from the magical order came after a controversial experiment that nearly brought disaster to the city of Merimath. The incident led to his exile, but Ansanom saw it as an opportunity. He retreated to the wilderness, far from prying eyes, where he built Wildemoore Manor, which became both a refuge and a laboratory. There, Ansanom found solace in his solitude, unburdened by the constraints of society.
Ornate balustrades accompanied polished wooden steps up to a tapestry-hung landing that was empty one instant and occupied the next as the master of Wildemoore Manor hobbled into view. Immediately, the girl ran up the stairs, to help it turned out, for even with her aid, Ansanom descended one slow step at a time. Aaron used the time to study the sorcerer, who had been his master’s confidante and collaborator. He wore trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, and a lab vest much like Aaron’s, all of which marked him more as a tinkerer or inventor than a wizard. Like Elsanar, Ansanom was old, though Aaron couldn’t remember his master ever having so much trouble with stairs. It was a wonder the old man had made it up them in time to lend his help. Perhaps it was only bad knees, for he looked sturdy enough otherwise, being neither tall nor lean, but thick-chested, with strong hands that bore the telltale signs of a craftsman.
- ENGINES OF ALCHEMANCY
Wildemoore Manor became a testament to his genius—a fortress of arcane inventions, magical wards, and alchemical wonders. Ansanom began constructing complex machines powered by magic and experimenting with elements that had long been thought too dangerous to manipulate. While not malicious, Ansanom’s actions often blur the lines of morality, as he sees the pursuit of knowledge as an end in itself.
Despite his isolation, Ansanom occasionally interacts with the outside world, though only to gather rare materials or information. He is driven by the belief that the key to ultimate power lies not in conquering kingdoms but in mastering the forces of creation itself. And while his methods are often extreme, he remains confident that, in time, he will unlock the true nature of the universe.
FIRST APPEARANCE
Ansanom first appears in Engines of Alchemancy (The Alchemancer Book One).
