Fitchner au Barca
MajorA Gold man with an unfortunate pinched hatchet face, narrow brow, and yellow hair that sits messy and slicked back. His cat-like eyes appear tired and ringed despite any cosmetics, while his veiny thin hands often rest on a growing stomach paunch that strains his frame despite skinny arms. He moves with surprising speed and grace in golden gravBoots, a razor hilt always at hand, and is most often seen in a black tunic or uniform striped with gold bearing a two-headed wolf badge and a strange hand mark on the cuff, habitually chewing gum with a lazy smirk.
Fitchner au Barca debuts in *Red Rising* as the unassuming Proctor of House Mars, a disheveled Gold with a lazy smirk masking his razor-sharp instincts and secret loyalties to the nascent rebellion. In *Golden Son*, he explodes into mythic stature as Ares, the legendary leader of the Sons of Ares, mentoring Darrow with gruff wisdom while unveiling profound sacrifices—including his role as Sevro's father—that fracture yet fortify the revolutionary cause. His evolution from shadowy overseer to the flawed, tragic heart of the lowColor uprising cements him as a pivotal architect of Darrow's ascent, blending paternal vulnerability with unyielding rage.
Physical Description
A Gold man with an unfortunate pinched hatchet face, narrow brow, and yellow hair that sits messy and slicked back. His cat-like eyes appear tired and ringed despite any cosmetics, while his veiny thin hands often rest on a growing stomach paunch that strains his frame despite skinny arms. He moves with surprising speed and grace in golden gravBoots, a razor hilt always at hand, and is most often seen in a black tunic or uniform striped with gold bearing a two-headed wolf badge and a strange hand mark on the cuff, habitually chewing gum with a lazy smirk. Fitchner au Barca cuts a gruff figure in his 40s, with slumped shoulders that speak of endured hardships. His rugged Gold features can seem repugnant to some, yet he moves with a jovial pace or trails thoughtfully behind. Often smiling sadly, his presence is watchful and grounded, clad in practical attire suited to a life in rebellion.
Gallery
Book 1: Red Rising
Evolution
Red Rising
A Gold man with an unfortunate pinched hatchet face, narrow brow, and yellow hair that sits messy and slicked back. His cat-like eyes appear tired and ringed despite any cosmetics, while his veiny thin hands often rest on a growing stomach paunch that strains his frame despite skinny arms. He moves with surprising speed and grace in golden gravBoots, a razor hilt always at hand, and is most often seen in a black tunic or uniform striped with gold bearing a two-headed wolf badge and a strange hand mark on the cuff, habitually chewing gum with a lazy smirk.
- Serves as Proctor of House Mars during the Institute, overseeing Darrow's gamemaster duties with a lazy demeanor.
- Secretly aids Darrow by providing subtle advantages and guidance amid the brutal competition.
- Displays surprising speed and grace in gravBoots, wielding a razor while chewing gum with a habitual smirk.
- Wears a black tunic with a two-headed wolf badge, hinting at deeper affiliations.
Golden Son
Fitchner au Barca, known as Ares, the Bronzie Rage Knight, emerges as Darrow's mentor within the Sons of Ares, guiding him from raw recruit to revolutionary force with gruff wisdom and hidden vulnerabilities. His slumped, repugnant form belies a profound commitment to the lowColors' uprising, pacing jovially through shadows while harboring secrets that strain his bonds. In the end, his tragic sacrifices and revelations reshape Darrow's path, cementing Fitchner as the flawed heart of the rebellion.
- Revealed as Ares, the mythical leader of the Sons of Ares, recruiting and mentoring Darrow as the 'Reaper'.
- Guides Darrow from raw recruit to revolutionary force with gruff wisdom amid hidden vulnerabilities.
- Discloses he is Sevro's father, straining but strengthening their bond through shared rebellion.
- Makes tragic sacrifices, including personal revelations, that reshape Darrow's path and the uprising's direction.
Relationships
Evolves from covert proctor secretly aiding Darrow at the Institute (Book 1) to revealed mentor as Ares, carving and guiding him into a revolutionary leader while forging a profound, sacrificial bond (Book 2).
Father-son relationship culminates in Book 2 revelation as Ares, transforming a strained dynamic into loyal partnership amid the rebellion's dangers.
Co-leaders of the Sons of Ares, collaborating as key conspirators in the lowColor uprising (Book 2).
Book Appearances
Red Rising
First appears Ch 17
Golden Son
First appears Ch 13