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The Complexity of the Fox

There are many ways that one could describe the foxkin commonly referred to as Volpes.

He’s a rogue who undeniably used good, innocent people in pursuit of his grudge against the corrupt Oplentian aristocracy.
He’s a crook who, while using his profits to heal the sick and infirm, nonetheless came into those profits through theft, blackmail, and other assorted crimes and manipulations.
He’s a scientific mind and alchemical expert who has mastered his craft in a way few could hope to compete with.
And he’s a teacher, reformed and ready to impart his wisdom to a new generation that they don’t repeat his mistakes.

Each of these would accurately summarize “Volpes”, but none would be sufficient to tell the full story. He is, above all, a complicated man, and he would be the first to admit that. And even as he cleans up his act and pursues a new path, the past informs the future.

Back in September of 2024, LexFerran was offering tarot-card themed commissions, and I thought the idea was perfect for Volpes, so I jumped on the opportunity.

Specifically, I wanted to highlight his transformation from criminal overlord to reformed teacher, and the duality between both modes. Volpes may have started as a fetish character, but over time he’s grown into his own, multifaceted and nuanced foxkin. It’s been weird reflecting on that change, but in and out of universe, as I archive the stories I’ve written for him.

Weird, but satisfying.