Ardus Arkor was born into a family of skilled masons within the Fire Rock Clan, but from a young age, his interests diverged from the traditional stonework of his ancestors. Ardus was more intrigued by the intricate workings of machinery and alchemy, particularly those with explosive potential. As a child, he often took apart mechanisms and experimented with different materials, a habit that occasionally got him into trouble. However, his keen mind for problem-solving and unshakable calm in the face of danger soon caught the attention of the Fire Rock Clan’s engineers.

During his youth, Ardus apprenticed under Borin Gralhammer, one of the clan’s most respected sappers and engineers. Borin quickly recognized Ardus’ talent not only for constructing fortifications but also for his systematic approach to explosives. Under Borin’s mentorship, Ardus honed his skills, mastering the art of alchemical compounds and the precise balance needed to create devastating explosives or safely disarm enemy devices.

Ardus’ calm nature and knack for practical thinking made him invaluable in battle. Where other dwarves might charge headfirst into combat, Ardus could be found at the rear, laying traps, breaching enemy defenses, or meticulously dismantling enemy explosives. His contributions were instrumental during numerous clan skirmishes, earning him respect for his skill and his measured and reliable demeanor.

Despite the violent nature of his craft, Ardus remains a pragmatist. He views explosives as tools of necessity, not destruction for its own sake. His level-headedness has made him a trusted figure among his peers, especially when a single misstep could mean disaster.

Over the years, Ardus’ expertise became so widely regarded that even those outside the Fire Rock Clan sought his guidance. However, his loyalty to his clan and his sense of duty to his clan lord keeps him firmly within the Fire Rock ranks, where he continues to develop new, more efficient methods for warfare.

FIRST APPEARANCE

Ardus first appears in The Nullification Engine (The Alchemancer Book Two).