Born to a reputable Midlander family with ties to the Syndicate, Master Severian was, from a young age, actively encouraged to pursue his art. Over the years, however, his passion has given way to obsession, and it is rare that his experiments do not cause the guildmaster to neglect all else, be it eating, sleeping, or the typical duties of his station. This natural proclivity has worsened since he lost his long-time lover to the Calamity, and the sight of Severian curled on a laboratorium floor upon a pillow of parchment has become a regular occurrence at the Phrontistery. Naturally, this has stirred some rumors, for it is hardly behavior becoming of a man of thirty-two years.