Arkheskhaton

Mythological Figures ・ Part of Fellowship of the Trade

Arkheskhaton, Anvil of the Arc (from arkhé + éskhaton; "the beginning and the end", or, more funnily, "the worst beginning") is the fictitious "founder" of the Fellowship of the Trade and faux Firstborn. Their title, "Anvil of the Arc", is in reference to the arc of their mighty hammer (named Exalt and Eminence) as it swings upon their anvil. While most Fellows will go through the trouble of saying their name in full (seeing it as disrespectful otherwise), it is occassionally shortened to simply The Anvil (the capitalized "The" is non-negotiable).

Arkheskaton, Anvil of the Arc is an imaginary construction devised from pure hearsay in lieu of any actual information on the Fellowship's true founder, and their "identity" as a Firstborn is simply due to the pattern of how most other Factions came to be. Interestingly, their abilities became so diluted as to mirror qualities of the Astral Artist, although their mien is utterly dissimilar. The actual establisher of the Fellowship is highly amused by The Anvil's emergence and had instated them as an honorary Firstborn, St. Arkheskhaton, Anvil of the Arc. However, the Astral Artist's most devoted creation (overly serious only in regards to their maker) is decidedly unhumored by their quasi-existence, especially in a universe where belief can culminate in reality. Thankfully, this phenomena has not taken root in Arkheskhaton, Anvil of the Arc, perhaps in part due to some interference by said figure or their "sibling", Ouroboros.

Physically speaking, The Anvil is hulking, gargantuan in both height and width, with a size far more equitable to a Firstborn's elevated form than anything. This makes them divergent from other Firstborns, as they only ever rarely take on their elevated forms, making it seem like Arkheskhaton, Anvil of the Arc cannot deign to humble themself or be more approachable to the modern Starlyng. Furthering this idea of distance and mystique is their refulgent, gold-plated armor and mechanical appearance, with the only hints of their body being that of a starry, nebulous, black and indigo brume connecting their various parts. Arkheskhaton, Anvil of the Arc is likewise known for their silent, intimidating, and inscrutable demeanor, rivaling that of the at-least-warmhearted Siegfried

Imagery of The Anvil is plentiful amongst Fellowship members. The Guild's insignia is that of a golden anvil (smoking like Arkheskhaton, Anvil of the Arc's body), with some variations including the illustrious Exalt and Eminence. It is also common to see merchandise using (a simplified version of) The Anvil's likeness, such as figurines, stamps (to mark Fellowship products), engravings, clothing graphics, etc. At times, their iconic anvil may be entirely cloud-like, in reference to the cumulonimbus incus. Following this line of design, The Anvil is habitually ascribed weather-esque powers--another funny little coincidence, considering the real founder's skills