Arctosz Paleroche
- Patriarch of the Paleroches (formerly)
- Chairman of the Tri-Clan Council (formerly)
- Old Paleroche (father)
- Tatyana Yevgenyevna Larina (wife, separated)
- Rosalind Tatyanovna Larina (daughter)
Arctosz Paleroche is an NPC in Arknights. He is one of the major characters of Break the Ice and The Rides to Lake Silberneherze.
Background
Arctosz is the current patriarch of the Paleroches, one of the three ruling families of Kjerag together with the Browntails and the Silverashes. Being an ardent conservative, he sees the Silverashes' attempt to industrialize the nation as a blasphemy to Kjeragandr, the national goddess. Following the ousting of the Silverashes from the Tri-Clan Council after a series of accidents and political schemes, the Paleroches had been controlling the Council for seven years until Enciodes' return from Victoria and his restoration of his family's status. While Arctosz acts leniently onto Enciodes after being benefited from trades from the Karlan Trade, he is still unhappy with him, believing that the industrialization will pollute the Snow Realm with Originium and the opening up of the nation will further drive economic and political imbalance. While appearing to be a rough person, Arctosz is a man of his word with a simple heart. He sees things in a simple way and does everything straightforward without twisting his mouth.
Arctosz is also the biological father of Operator Leto, being the fruit of his marriage with Ursine explorer Tatyana Larina. The two would meet each other during a cold winter twenty years ago, in the Terran year 1080, almost immediately falling in love. Arctosz managed to convince his father for the wedding arrangements, despite Kjerag's isolationism at the time. Meanwhile, Tatiana would give birth to Leto, who spent the first two years of her life in the Snow Realm. Things changed drastically after Kjerag entered a state of political uncertainty following Olafur Silverash's death in a train accident in 1082. Fearing that people would use Tatyana and Leto as scapegoats for being outsiders, Arctosz had no option but to leave them behind. Although he successfully reaffirmed the Paleroches' position, Arctosz still regrets his decision up to this day[1] Currently, he is planning to visit Rhodes Island in the future to discuss the application of alcohol for medical care.[2]
Story
Break the Ice
In December 1097, Arctosz Paleroche attended the Tri-Clan Council Meeting as the head of the Paleroche Clan. The meeting aimed to address a proposal he co-authored with Ratatos, the head of the Browntail Clan, which sought to transfer governing authority over the valleys and mining regions from the Silverash Clan to the Paleroches and Browntails. This initiative also included the Silverash Clan's withdrawal from the Tri-Clan Council parliament. Ratatos acknowledged Arctosz as the chief architect of the proposal but noted that if it weren't for his impulsiveness, she would have preferred to delay any confrontation with the head of the Silverash Clan, Enciodes Silverash.
A month earlier, with the backing of the Saintess, the Browntails and Paleroches had initiated a team to investigate health and safety concerns at the factories located at the base of the sacred mountain, Karlan. However, the investigation encountered a surprise attack, which was later revealed to be orchestrated by Gnosis Edelweiss, the Chief Technical Officer of Karlan Trade. This prompted Arctosz to station troops in the valleys and facilitate Gnosis's removal from his position, with the Vine-Bear Courts backing.[3]
During the council meeting, Enciodes asserted that Gnosis had betrayed him and orchestrated the illicit activities. Arctosz was skeptical, accusing Enciodes of deflecting blame to avoid facing consequences. Eventually, Enciodes agreed to relinquish control of the valleys and mines, provided they would fall under the jurisdiction of the Vine-Bear Court and the Saintess.
The unexpected proposal sparked a heated debate among the council members. Arctosz and Ratatos questioned Enciodes’s intentions and faith in the arrangement. To bring the discussion to a close, they invited Enya Silverash, the Saintess, to provide her perspective. Upon her entry, she asked Arctosz for his thoughts on the matter. He declared his readiness to step down as clan head in favor of the Saintess, aligning with his beliefs in Kjeragandr. This led Ratatos to also accept the proposal, ultimately making the appointment of the Saintess as head of state a definitive decision.[4]
At the conclusion of the meeting, all parties agreed to address the transfer of power at the upcoming Grand Ceremony—a yearly festival honoring Kjeragandr. Arctosz raised the concern of finding someone to manage the valleys and mines in light of Gnosis's dismissal. Enciodes mentioned that he had hired an outside expert, “the Doctor,” to conduct field investigations on disease prevention in the valleys and to establish a medical facility within his territory. However, Arctosz insisted that the Paleroches must supervise the expert to prevent another potential Gnosis situation. Enciodes acquiesced and cautioned that "entertaining" his guest would require considerable effort. In response, Arctosz confidently asserted that there was no guest the Paleroches couldn't accommodate. After the meeting, he conferred with his general, Valais, about the intentions of Enciodes and Ratatos. Although Enciodes seemed to present valid concerns, Arctosz remained wary of his motives and ordered Valais to "invite" Enciodes’s guest to his territory.[5]
The Doctor arrived at the Paleroche Estate after successfully repelling an attack by Silverash supporters and began inspecting the factories. During a conversation with Valais regarding the orchestrator of the earlier attack, Arctosz praised the Doctor's tactical skills and ordered his men to secure the Paleroche territory, granting the Doctor and their security detail free movement. Apologizing for any rudeness from his clan, Arctosz claimed that neither he nor his clan was involved in the assault, suspecting Enciodes of instigating unrest within Kjerag, despite lacking proof. The Doctor concurred, suggesting that the assault on them served as a distraction. At the same time Gnosis instigated the explosion of one of Kjerag’s railways.[6]
Two days later, rumors spread throughout Kjerag, linking the Paleroche and Browntail clans to the incident due to their opposition to Silverash domestic policies.[7] Arctosz and Ratatos awaited Enciodes at Karlan Square for the Holy Hunt ceremony. While they waited, Ratatos attempted to convince Arctosz to join her in opposing Enciodes, who was making the pilgrimage to Mount Kalan as a display of faith. She warned that Enciodes could become Kjeragandr’s most devout follower in Arctosz’s stead. Though Arctosz expressed his distrust of Enciodes, he noted that he wouldn't oppose him if he did something beneficial, as he judged based solely on actions. Ratatos teased him, hinting knowledge of the railway explosion, piquing Arctosz’s curiosity. When Enciodes arrived, the Saintess led the ceremony alongside the three Clan heads.[8]
During the Holy Hunt, the clans dispersed to different parts of Mount Kalan to hunt local beasts. The Saintess, acting on her own initiative, joined the Paleroche Clan. Noting his tension, she encouraged Arctosz to speak freely, disregarding her elevated status. He seized the moment to inquire about her feelings on the proposed power transfer. She found his question straightforward but Arctosz insisted on transparency over deception. She characterized him as forthright and loyal, recognizing his thoughtfulness and bravery as a warrior. When she pressed him on his strong opposition to Enciodes's plans to open Kjerag to the outside world, Arctosz expressed his disdain, labeling himself a ruffian unconcerned by the allure of progress. He feared outsiders would degrade their land and weaken the people's faith—protection he felt the Paleroche Clan was sworn to uphold. While acknowledging that Enciodes's policies could bring wealth, he worried that they would strip Kjerag of its identity. The Saintess empathized with his concerns, revealing her willingness to consider the transfer of power despite her initial surprise at Enciodes's announcement, believing the people would remain steadfast even in the face of progress. This made Arctosz feel as though he was conversing with someone beyond her role as the Saintess, prompting her to clarify that her name, Silverash, held little significance once she accepted her title.
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the roar of a wild beast, prompting Arctosz to rally the Paleroche Clan for the hunt. Later, Valais reported that the beasts were more numerous and vicious than anticipated. Arctosz ordered his men to remain calm while protecting the Saintess. Valais expressed concerns for her safety, but she argued for her right to join the fight, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Just then, Ratatos returned, having abandoned her own hunt to warn Arctosz about the erratic behavior of the beasts and expressed her ominous feelings regarding their encounter. Initially hesitant, Arctosz eventually allowed Enya to join the warriors, with Valais leading the charge.[9]
After they vanquished the beasts, Arctosz expressed gratitude to Enya for saving one of his men. His relief quickly turned to alarm, however, when a warrior informed him that Enciodes had been ambushed by an assassin. Without hesitation, Arctosz gathered a group and rushed to aid Enciodes, even as Ratatos voiced her concerns about the situation. Upon arrival, Arctosz discovered that the assassination attempt had been thwarted, but the assassin had escaped. He observed that Enciodes had sustained injuries during the attack, which Enciodes downplayed as minor. Subsequently, Enciodes directed his men to pursue the assassin before resuming the hunt, capturing the attention of all present.[10]
Arctosz Paleroche then dispatched Gulo to inform the Elders about the assassination attempt, which ignited rumors and increased suspicion towards the Browntails and Paleroches within the crowd gathered at Karlan Square. As the ceremony unfolded, leaders offered tributes to Kjeragandr. Valais presented Arctosz with the wine he offered as a symbol of hope for a bountiful harvest. In accordance with tradition, the Great Elder consumed the wine instead of the Saintess. However, the ceremony faced a sudden disruption as Weiss, Enciodes's courier and bodyguard, announced the capture of the assassin—a black-haired female Itra. The crowd clamored for an immediate trial, putting the ceremony on hold. The assassin refused to disclose her motives, prompting the Great Elder to call for her execution. In a shocking twist, Sciurus Browntail, sister to Ratatos, identified the assassin as Monch, a member of the Browntail clan. The Great Elder ordered Sciurus detained, deepening suspicions against the Browntails. Chaos erupted when the Great Elder suddenly collapsed, spewing a noxious liquid. Enya quickly examined him and discovered traces of poison in the wine Arctosz had offered. This revelation left Arctosz stunned as Enciodes accused him of conspiring with Sciurus to assassinate him and poison the Great Elder, allegedly to suppress the Silverash Clan and seize power. The crowd became increasingly agitated and hostile. As Enciodes's warriors attempted to apprehend Sciurus, Gnosis intervened, using his Originium Arts to free her and rally clan warriors in defense of their leaders. This pivotal moment tarnished the public image of both the Browntail and Paleroche clans, branding their leaders as traitors. Faced with escalating conflict, Arctosz and Ratatos commanded their warriors to prepare for battle. The ensuing clash saw the Paleroches overwhelmed by Silverash forces, bolstered by Enciodes's special ops, the Tschäggättäs. Initially reluctant to retreat, Arctosz was persuaded by Ratatos to flee. However, their escape was blocked by Weiss and the Tschäggättäs, who had cordoned off the area. As Weiss demanded their surrender, Arctosz stood firm, preparing to break through the blockade. Fortunately, the Doctor anticipated Enciodes’s manipulations and sent his operators, Sharp and Aurora, to assist the Browntails and Paleroches. With Sharp's and Aurora´s aid, they managed to escape Karlan Square while successfully neutralizing Weiss and the Tschäggättäs, securing their retreat.[11]
Once safe, Arctosz parted ways with Aurora and Ratatos, determined to return to his territory and gather his warriors. During his journey, he encountered two Paleroche commoners who voiced suspicion regarding his involvement in the Great Elder's poisoning. An outraged Gulo chastised their doubts, but Arctosz intervened, asserting that skepticism was understandable in light of Enciodes’s framing. Unwilling to accept defeat, he vowed to confront Enciodes again with his assembled forces, promising to make him regret not eliminating him during the ceremony. As they strategized, Valais and a group of Tschäggättäs ambushed them. Shocked, Arctosz questioned her defection to the Silverash Clan, especially given her favorable treatment in the Paleroche clan. Valais revealed her disillusionment with Kjerag after learning the truth behind her father's death. Years prior, during a Holy Hunt, Arctosz had unwittingly administered poison disguised as medicine—prepared by the Great Elder. Valais confirmed her suspicions when she had mixed the 'medicine' her father received into the wine tribute for the Grand Ceremony, witnessing the Great Elder collapse. Now aligned with the Silverash Clan, Valais attempted to detain Arctosz, but she was intercepted by Sharp, who had received orders from the Doctor to protect Arctosz if trouble arose.[12]
Thanks to this intervention, Arctosz Paleroche managed to escape and reunite with the Doctor, expressing gratitude for being saved once more. However, a sense of demoralization lingered within him, as he regretted failing to see through Enciodes’s plan. Doubting his judgment, he sought reassurance from the Doctor regarding his trustworthiness. Shortly thereafter, Sharp brought in Ratatos after rescuing her from a failed assassination attempt on Enciodes. The Doctor addressed the group, clarifying that they couldn't simply "win" the battle. Enciodes had the public's support, and the accusations against Arctosz and Ratatos had severely damaged their reputations. The Doctor emphasized that rescuing the Saintess was crucial for shifting the tide. With this goal in mind, the Doctor outlined a strategic plan. Arctosz and Ratatos then agreed to combine their forces, dividing their troops into four teams. Ratatos’ team would focus on rescuing Yucatan, Sciurius husband who was captured during the clash at the square, while the other two teams would create diversions to mislead Enciodes’s forces, aiming for Arctosz’s troops to approach Mount Karlan unnoticed. Sharp was tasked with intercepting Degenbrecher, Enciodes elite bodyguard, to prevent her from engaging with the other forces. Although Arctosz quickly agreed to the plan, Ratatos hesitated to take part. Ultimately, she chose to assign Sciurus to her role in the operation, showcasing her reluctance to lead her people and hold onto hope for their collective victory.[13]
With the plan in motion, Arctosz assembled a large group of soldiers and disappeared, leaving the Doctor in command. His contingent would deploy two task forces, led by Sciurus and Gulo, to create diversions while the main force strategically positioned itself at the pass leading to Mount Kjerag, where the Saintess was being held, and also towards Silverash's territory.[14]
In response, Silverash warriors were dispatched from Mount Kjera to confront the Doctor's forces and other task groups. This diversion allowed Arctosz, having amassed a formidable contingent, to stealthily navigate through the Holy Hunting Ground, efficiently incapacitating the dwindling enemy soldiers. As darkness fell and heavy snowfall began, the need for secrecy diminished. With renewed purpose, Arctosz led his troops up the mountain to rescue the Saintess.[15]
In his path, Arctosz faced Silverash warriors led by Matterhorn, another bodyguard of Enciodes, who implored him to relinquish his weapons. Arctosz recognized him as a member of the renowned Yek family, well-known throughout the Paleroche territory. Enraged by his support for Enciodes’s scheme to usurp Kjerag, Arctosz engaged Matterhorn in battle. Disappointed by the confrontation, Matterhorn commanded a squad of Tschäggättä to apprehend Arctosz alive.
However, as they attempted to surround him, they fell prey to an ambush by Aurora, who had brought the Doctor and his reinforcements into the fray. This support helped balance the scales between the Silverash and Paleroche forces. As tensions escalated, Enciodes arrived to command his troops, while Arctosz rallied his men for the intense confrontation ahead. Just as an all-out battle seemed imminent, a remarkable event took place; Enya the Saintess descended the mountain, accompanied by her sister Ensia. As she approached, the clouds parted, casting a radiant light upon her. This divine spectacle left soldiers from both sides in awe, prompting them to lower their weapons and reassess the futility of their conflict. In an act of respect, Arctosz was the first to offer his heartfelt blessings to the Saintess, bowing before kneeling in reverence. The Paleroche warriors mirrored his actions, followed by Enciodes and his men. Recognizing that victory was no longer attainable, they collectively agreed to end the conflict, an event that would later be referred to as the Snowcap Incident.[16] Following this tumultuous event, Arctosz Paleroche accepted responsibility for the poisoning of the esteemed Elder. In a decisive move, he stepped down as the leader of his clan, relinquishing control of the Paleroche lands to the Saintess and solidifying her position as the new head of state.[17]
The Rides to Lake Silberneherze
In late 1100, two days before the ceremony marking the completion of the newly-built Kjeragandr statue, Arctosz voiced his grievances about the Victorian Army towards the Saintess. He believes their presence to be a sign of great danger. Still, the Saintess assures him that they are merely here for the ceremony, and if anything happens, that Kjeragandr will protect her people.[18]
The Paleroche clan was responsible for handling the drinks for the banquet. Arctosz uses this as an excuse to taste a variety of drinks delivered from all over Kjerag, much to his father's displeasure. When Leto arrives at his house, he feels a twinge of familiarity, but is too drunk to recognise her. Later, the two end up drinking several bottles of wine and honey, and Leto even drags Arctosz's father into it. The three end up passed out until the next morning.[19]
After recovering from last night's drunkenness, Arctosz's father questions if he recognises the girl from yesterday. Arctosz is shocked to hear that Leto was actually his long-lost daughter, and that Tatyana had passed away. Ratatos later comes by to warn him that Leto was being targeted by a Trilby Asher. Arctosz immediately runs up the mountain, finding Leto and the Trilby Asher at the summit. He charges at the Trilby Asher, but his actions cause the snow to become loose, and the two tumble down a cliff.[20]
The two manage to survive the fall. Arctosz then reveals to Leto that he was actually her father. He tells Leto about how he met Tatyana and how he immediately fell in love with her rambunctious nature. He eventually managed to convince his father to approve the marriage and later had Leto. They only had a couple of years of peace before he had to send Tatyana to Ursus, fearing his family's safety. He drops his weapon and tells Leto to slash him if it gives her any satisfaction, but asks that Leto would acknowledge him as her father.
However, Leto angrily punches him in the face. She critcizes him, saying that he had no idea how much she and Tatyana had suffered during their time in Ursus. She said that if he truly loved Tatyana, he would have defended her, not send her off to a foreign country. Leto tells him that he better give up on the idea that he could still reconnect with Tatyana through her. Arctosz is confused, as he heard that Tatyana had passed away. Leto later realizes that she had been making mistakes in her grammer and vocabulary, and that Tatyana wasn't actually dead. Although this assuages Arctosz's concern, they still needed to get out of their current predicament. Leto gets the bright idea of kicking Arctosz down a cliff into the thick snow below.
Arctosz eventually arrives to attend the Kjeragandr statue ceremony. Ratatos is surprised his injured state, which Arctosz declines to comment about.[21] Later, when the Victorian Army came to attack the Kjeragandr statue, Arctosz desperately wanted to assist Degenbrecher, but Ratatos stops him, saying that he would only make things worse by doing so.
After the ceremony, Arctosz goes to find Leto in the city. He apologises once more for his actions and accepts Leto's disappointment in him. Leto proceeds to give him a slip of paper with a bank account number on it, saying that it was the amount of child support he had to pay. The amount included living expenses, education fees, medical bills, and "emotional absenteeism" for the last decade. Arctosz, though bewildered, promises that someone from the Paleroche clan will take care of the payment.[22]
Trivia
- His name is likely derived from the Greek word meaning both "bear" and "the north."[23]
- Arctosz has the traits of a brown bear (Ursus arctos).