Tobias

Tobias grew up in the bustling Steel Islands port city of Ironhaven, known for its heavy industry and vibrant trade but also for its underbelly of crime and corruption. The son of a dockworker and an absent mother who left in search of a better life, Tobias learned early on that survival often meant navigating the murky waters of morality to make ends meet. With a childhood steeped in hardship, he quickly adopted the street smarts necessary to survive in a world that rarely offered second chances.

As a child, Tobias spent his days running errands for local merchants, honing his quick reflexes and ability to think on his feet. The streets of Ironhaven were harsh. He often found himself entangled in petty thefts and street fights just to fend off hunger. Despite these challenges, he carried a resilient spirit, dreaming of leaving the confines of his life behind and soaring into the skies.

At age fifteen, Tobias took a leap of faith and signed up as a deckhand on a trading airship. This marked the beginning of his journey into the world of aerial trade and adventure. He embraced his role, working tirelessly to learn the ropes of airship operations while mingling with a colorful cast of characters. However, their lives were often intertwined with dubious dealings, and Tobias found himself drawn to the easy coin that came from underhanded work, even as he yearned for something more.

“What the hell . . . ?” Lundy saw Jacob holding onto the back, and Tippin just climbing onboard, and smiled. The carriage door swung open and out he came. “Looks like we’re having that reckoning a little sooner than I thought, Commander.”

Dougal emerged from the carriage's other side. Together, they both started climbing to the top of the transport. Lundy shouted upfront to Tobias. “Don’t stop for nothin’.”

- THE NULLIFICATION ENGINE

After a few years of bouncing between ships and engaging in seedy activities to augment his meager earnings, Tobias found an opportunity to join the crew of the Griffin, known for its state-of-the-art technology and spirited crew. At first, he was thrilled to be part of something greater than mere survival. He felt the thrill of adventure every time the airship ascended into the vast blue sky.

Working alongside his crewmates, Tobias sought to reinvent himself, determined to rise beyond the life of petty crime. Yet, the darker aspects of his past often crept in, tempting him with opportunities for quick gains. Tobias grappled with the dilemma of wanting to be better while still falling into old habits, such as smuggling contraband goods or partaking in under-the-table deals that could bring in extra coin.

The person he admires most on the ship is Sedge, the atmospheric engineer whose passion for his work often inspires others to reach greater heights. Tobias began to understand the importance of working hard for a brighter future rather than opting for the easy path. Still, the struggle against his former self continues to loom over him.

FIRST APPEARANCE

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

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