Anatoly was an idealistic arcane theorist with a keen interest in studying the interactions between the Bloom and Aetherite. He believed that there might be a way to reverse or cure the Bloom using Aetherite. His theories were unproven, and his superiors in the Luminary denied his application to conduct field work. Undeterred, he set out to prove his theories anyway, with disastrous consequences. Exposure to the Bloom warped not only his body but even his relationship to magic itself. Now the left side of his face appears to be made of living rock and glowing crystal with a suspicious resemblance to Aetherite, and his very presence seems prone to corrupting the natural world around him with forced decay.

Jaded and bitter, Anatoly must evade the authorities while he searches for a cure and petitions for clemency for his indiscretions.