Architect of the Underworld
Kornelius Spots emerged from the ashes of post-war Fergeria, a figure forged in chaos, who carved an empire from the shadows through sheer ruthlessness and an unyielding will. He stands as the undisputed boss of the Docker Boys Gang, one of the most formidable gangs in the West Harbor District. The brother of the respected alienist Hercules Spots, Kornelius rose to power, becoming a force to be reckoned with.
His physique, though lean and wiry, belies a surprising, almost predatory strength. His power isn’t derived from a massive frame, but from precisely trained muscles and a profound, innate understanding of combat. Every movement he makes is quick and decisive, betraying an inherent agility and readiness for action.
Kornelius’s complexion is earthy, marked by minor scars—a testament to a troubled past and a life lived on the unforgiving streets. His dark hair is perpetually tousled or carelessly combed, giving him a wild, untamed appearance, further accentuated by the mustache framing his mouth. His eyes are sharp and penetrating, constantly scanning his surroundings with an almost predatory glint that reflects his ruthlessness and his ability to quickly assess danger. A smile rarely graces his lips, and when it does, it’s more cynical than warm.
His attire, though indicative of wealth, lacks the sophistication of Rubral’s elite. Kornelius favors sturdy, thick tweed or leather coats, often adorned with brass buckles and clasps that never restrict his movement. Beneath, he wears loose shirts, and his hands are clad in worn leather gloves. Solid leather boots, ideal for navigating the wet, dirty streets of the port, complete his ensemble. His sole adornment is often a massive brass signet ring, a stark symbol of his power within the gang. He is never without a mechanical tool—a wrench or miniature pliers—hinting at his practical approach to the world and his intimate knowledge of mechanisms.
Kornelius is a born leader, possessing a charisma that draws loyal, often desperate, individuals to his side. He is ruthless and pragmatic, prioritizing the survival and interests of his gang above all else. He harbors no illusions about the world, perceiving it as a brutal arena where only the strongest and most cunning endure. Despite his reputation, Kornelius is not a thug without principles. He adheres to a personal code of honor, one built on unwavering loyalty to those he considers “his”—his gang, his family, and even, in a sense, Edenlon itself. While he keeps his word, he is also adept at manipulation, exploiting the weaknesses of others. His intelligence is formidable; he thinks strategically, anticipating his opponents’ moves, which allows him to maintain control over the intricate web of port operations. His mind functions like a complex machine, perpetually seeking loopholes and opportunities.
One of Kornelius’s most intriguing traits is his appetite for direct confrontation. He does not shy away from combat; indeed, he seems to derive a dark satisfaction from it. He “delights in fighting until blood is shed, even if it is his own blood”. This is not sadism, but rather a pragmatic assertion of his dominance and a profound willingness to sacrifice. It is a trait that inspires both fear and deep respect among his men and rivals, for they know Kornelius will never send anyone into a fight he himself isn’t willing to join.
The Long War proved to be a pivotal turning point for Kornelius. Hailing from a wealthy family, he witnessed the collapse of old structures and quickly realized that the old rules no longer applied. Instead of following his family’s expected path, he chose a different route, one he believed was the sole guarantee of survival and power in the post-war reality. During the war, as the port became a nexus of supply and smuggling, Kornelius began to solidify his position. He leveraged his innate organizational skills and business acumen, initially engaging in small-scale smuggling and cargo protection, eventually expanding to control docks and warehouses. After the war, when the West Port District transformed into a melting pot of illicit activities, Kornelius, with a blend of ruthlessness and vision, consolidated the disparate gangs into the powerful organization known as the Docker Boys. The gang’s name itself reflects their dominance in the port and their strong ties to dockers, sailors, and all who earned their living from the sea. In place of anarchy, Kornelius imposed his own stern order, offering “protection” and “services” in exchange for loyalty and a share of the profits.
Today, Kornelius and the Docker Boys control not only smuggling and illegal trade but also a significant portion of the port’s logistics and even “unofficial” services—from illicit recycling to out-of-court dispute resolution. For many residents and small business owners in the port, Kornelius, not the official authorities, is the true guarantor of order.
Despite their divergent paths, Kornelius maintains an incredibly strong and unusual bond with his brother, Hercules. Their relationship is built on unconditional loyalty and mutual understanding, where each brother accepts the other’s role. Kornelius admires Hercules’s intellect, his “higher” goals, and his discretion. He provides his brother with vital information from the streets and protects him when Hercules operates outside official channels. For Kornelius, Hercules is the only person he fully trusts, the one with whom he can speak without pretense.
Kornelius Spots is more than just a gangster; he is the shadow ruler of the West Port and the undisputed boss of the Docker Boys. A figure shaped by war, he strives to ensure his own survival and that of those he protects in his own brutal style, standing as a hidden pillar of the fragile peace in Edenlon.