Scientist, Humanist, and… Detective by Vocation
Hercules Spots is a man of extraordinary depth , a figure who, amidst the chaos of the post-war world, discovered his true calling in the intricate art of healing the human mind. Born into a wealthy family that eventually diverged, he chose a path dedicated to science and empathy, rising to become Edenlon’s foremost alienist. His life stands as a testament to his unwavering pursuit of knowledge, his quiet struggle to preserve peace, and his remarkable, almost hobbyist, passion for unraveling mysteries.
Hercules is a middle-aged man with noble features and a usually calm expression. Unlike his brother, Kornelius, his posture is more hunched, not from weakness, but from countless hours spent poring over books, analytical machines, and attending to patients. His dark hair, subtly thinning at the temples, is always meticulously combed. Hercules’ eyes, with their deep, intelligent gaze, are his most distinctive feature—they convey both profound understanding and a subtle sadness, hinting at the burdens he carries.
His attire is always impeccable yet practical. He favors well-tailored suits crafted from dark, durable fabrics like wool and tweed, often in shades of gray, brown, or deep green. A carefully tied tie and a waistcoat, from which the chain of his precise pocket watch descends, are constant elements of his ensemble. His only subtle adornments are small brass or copper details, a nod to mechanics and science. He is never extravagant; his elegance is classic and restrained, reflecting his pragmatic nature and unwavering focus on his work.
Hercules possesses an analytical mind coupled with deep empathy. He is exceptionally intelligent, fascinated by the complexity of the human psyche, which he perceives as a precise yet sensitive machine. His passion for alienism stems not only from scientific curiosity but, above all, from a profound compassion for suffering and a desire to heal the invisible wounds left by war. He is discreet and trustworthy, making him an ideal confidante for his patients, as well as for influential figures like Ambassador Alric von Stein. Hercules is a patient listener, capable of extracting crucial information from even the most chaotic narratives. He is characterized by extraordinary composure, even in crisis, which allows him to think logically and act effectively under pressure. Despite his immersion in the darker aspects of the human psyche and post-war politics, Hercules retains a certain idealistic spark. He believes in the possibility of improvement and in the potential of human reason to build a better world, though he is acutely aware of its darker corners. His inner strength enables him to balance between the light of science and the shadow in which his brother operates.
It was this analytical mind and deep empathy that led Hercules to develop a surprising passion: amateur detective investigations. His practice as an alienist grants him unique insight into human motivations, hidden fears, and the intricate web of human relationships. Often, during sessions with patients, Hercules hears fragments of stories that would be mere gibberish to others, but to him, they become pieces of a larger puzzle.
He does not limit himself to working with the elite. Often, discreetly and outside the hours of his formal practice, Hercules helps people on the street reclaim their lives. These individuals might be war veterans suffering from Shell Shock who have fallen into poverty, orphaned children lost in the post-war chaos, or people wrongly accused of minor crimes. Instead of merely treating their symptoms, Hercules frequently addresses the underlying problems that cause their suffering, employing his deductive skills and, at times indirectly, Kornelius’ contacts to reunite families separated by war. It also happens that a patient might recount something that sounds like a crime, and Hercules, intrigued, uses his abilities to solve the mystery without officially involving the police, especially if it would entail political complications or excessive bureaucracy. In a post-war world where documents have been lost and property has changed hands, Hercules helps people recover what is rightfully theirs. His detective work is conducted with the same discretion as his dealings with Princip Alric. It often involves subtle analysis of statements, observing facial expressions, and, when necessary, gently “questioning” Kornelius for certain “street” details. Thanks to this, his help is often unofficial yet incredibly effective in restoring hope and order to the lives of those affected by the post-war reality.
Hercules’ home is nestled in the quiet, leafy Rubral District, an elegant villa that serves as both a private residence and a discreet clinic. It is a sanctuary where peace and order stand in stark contrast to the chaos he confronts in his work. His wife is Susan White, a renowned architect from Edenlon. Their marriage, in which Susan has kept her surname in accordance with Fergerian tradition, is the steadfast pillar of his life. Susan, with her creativity and drive for beauty and functionality, is the perfect counterbalance to Hercules’ analytical and often burdened mind. Their home is not only a refuge but also a place where art and science converge in harmony. Susan, with her aesthetic and practical sense, helps him maintain balance and perspective, often serving as his sole confidant on matters he cannot discuss with anyone else.
The relationship with his brother Kornelius is complex yet incredibly strong. It is a bond built on loyalty and understanding, forged from their shared heritage and the war experiences that once separated them. Hercules does not judge Kornelius for his activities in the underworld. He understands that Kornelius, in his own brutal style, endeavors to maintain order in the chaotic West Harbor District and protect what he considers his own. This acceptance is crucial to maintaining their unique partnership. Their brotherly bond takes on a new, darker dimension—they are silent guardians of peace, balancing on the very edge of morality. Hercules Spots is more than just a doctor; he is Edenlon’s silent hero. In the privacy of his office, in the shadow of secret meetings with ambassadors and gangsters, and in his passion for solving mysteries, he ceaselessly fights for the soul of his city and the future of the continent. His mind is his greatest weapon, and empathy is his greatest strength.