Shu Cang is a Distorian born in Renatus. His parents, a herbalist and a farmer, had moved from Distor to Renatus because they believed that that city had better opportunities for them compared to the rigid social hierarchy present in their homeland. And thus, while Cang’s mother was still carrying him, they smuggled themselves into a cotton trading ship that took them to Arcas. As soon as the ship landed, they disappeared into the night, thought to never be seen again. Another two souls lost, seized by the hands of this foreign and cruel land.
But it was not to be.
They found themselves at the gates of Renatus, a few weeks later, and with what little money they had they rented a room, a place to stay, whilst Cang’s father worked the fields. His mother gave birth to him not long after, and his name had been somewhat of an inside joke between his parents, as it means “hidden”, or “concealed”. Sadly, the birth was not as smooth as was hoped; due to unfortunate circumstances with butter fingers and loose floorboards, Cang had acquired a permanent limp. This had been the downfall of his many dreams, despite the fact that he may have dreamt of it yet (seeing as he was a baby), but because of this limp, he could not stray far from the walls of the city. However, despite his physical weakness, he proved to be quite clever and handy with herbs and plants, just like his parents, and dreams that one day, despite everything, he might be able to explore the world. Perhaps he could make a potion to cure himself of his limp; but that was just wishful thinking.
Other than the excruciating circumstances of his birth, Cang had a relatively uneventful childhood. He studied when he could, he helped work the fields with his father (to the best of his ability) and helped with household chores. He played (albeit a bit slower than the other children), had fun, and generally only looked wistfully into the sunset, wishing for better circumstances, and perhaps better legs, twice a month. Which, all in all, not too bad. He followed the principles set forth by the Church of Canon, as any citizen of Renatus should, but his own family makes sure that he does not forget his roots, by not allowing him to cut his hair (despite the convenience), making him wear a red bandana during certain festivals that he can’t remember the names to, and even teaching him a bit about his own culture and language, to which he took on somewhat slowly. He may excel in herbs and botany, but linguistics? Not so much.
