Bekjris was once a wandering warrior of the raspel, a nomadic insectoid race known for their hive-like colonies and strict hierarchy. He was born into one of the lowest tiers of raspel society, a disposable drone meant for menial labor. However, Bekjris had an unusually sharp mind and a fierce will to survive. After killing one of the overseers of his brood, Bekjris fled his colony and wandered across the lands, living off scraps and fighting for his survival. Along the way, he learned the ways of various underworld factions, using his insectoid agility, strength, and natural exoskeleton to rise through the ranks.

Upon arriving in Brighton, Bekjris saw an opportunity. The city’s crime lords were too comfortable, predictable, and ripe for the taking. Over time, Bekjris manipulated, assassinated, and maneuvered his way into control of half the city’s crime. His ability to negotiate when needed, combined with his capacity for ruthless violence, earned him both respect and fear.

Bekjris keeps his past a secret, knowing that any signs of weakness from his early life as a lowly drone would threaten his hard-won power. His insectoid nature gives him an edge in combat but also isolates him, making alliances more challenging to maintain. His rivalry with Thorvid is personal—he sees Thorvid as a relic of the old ways, and taking him down would mark Bekjris as the sole power in Brighton’s underworld, finally securing the dominance he has craved since fleeing his colony.

Bekjris harbors a deep resentment for his past life, and his desire for power and control is driven by the fear of ever being under someone else’s command again.

FIRST APPEARANCE

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