Goran learned the world’s truths on the streets, fending for his life against other toughs, struggling to keep he and his little brother fed after their parents died. Sometimes in the ruthless world of Ainon, though, it seems the only way to survive is at the expense of others. He fought to become boss of his own gang, the Brickeaters, taking by force and giving to his brother all the comforts they had lacked. Goran’s violent methods earned him many enemies, however, and despite the security he thought he’d bought them, he was unable to protect his brother from the reprisals of rival gangs.

Goran’s brother clung to life after suffering severe injuries. Only the chirurgeons and healing invocators of the Order could have saved him. Goran pleaded for the priests to help, but his reputation was known and they
demanded a price he could not pay. He was desperate, though, watching his brother slip away, so when cowled men from a secretive cult offered him another, darker path, he took it. Goran traded his freedom for his brother’s  health, suffering years under the Shadow Imperative’s ministrations.

In captivity, Goran was submitted to torturous rites of dark sorcery. All that kept him going was the belief that his brother was alive. As he became more familiar with the cult’s evil ways, though, he assumed that his brother must be held in similar straits. One day, he privately swore, Goran would be strong enough to rescue him.

His desire for strength deepened the Void’s influence until Goran was Tainted. Using the Void’s power, he escaped, massacring his tormentors. Afterward, he searched for his brother in vain until the Void Hunters offered him aid. In exchange, they asked only that he fight and suffer — the two things he had done all his miserable life.