Adopted by a noble family at age 10, Preening wasn’t going to inherit the estate due to not being blood — But he knew that full well. Thus, he threw himself into his studies, spending the resources his adoptive mother was happy to throw at him, learning the philosophical arts, the knowledge that blended magic and science.
At age 27 he is a damn fine artificer. Slowly, does he build a name for himself, as the stallion to call to solve problems nopony else can. He calls himself a “Consulting Artificer. The only one there is, for he invented the profession.’
One day, he tells himself, he shall be as rich and important as the family that adopted him — But he will do it on his own, not from their shadow. The only thing he takes from them is their wardrobe, so accustomed he grew to the fine clothing of nobility, he is ever eager to return home and beg his adoptive mother for a new waistcoat or frock coat. Oh well. At least she is happy to provide them.