Ivan was born in a family of foreigners during their immigration into the new world, fleeing from the wars that were slowly developing in their homeland. While they didn't have much other than their accents and variety of tools, his parents were exceptional weaponsmiths and were able to create a business that kept them under a roof. Unfortunately that skill set was not taught to young Ivan and soon he began following other means of helping his family thrive. From petty theft to alley way deals, the little lad brought money and lies home so to keep the blissful viel of ignorance over his parent's eyes for to them he managed to make them believe he was working in a rich warehouse on the docks.
One day Ivan came across a shady character during his usual sale of stolen jewerly and weapons that had an interest for something he had stolen from a pub weeks ago. Of all the things offered to him what this character presented was something very awkward. He had been given money, items, even favors from a variety of subjects, but never had he been given some random fruit that was wrapped around silk cloth. Obviously he was skeptical, but at the young age of sixteen he wss more open minded. Besides, he skipped breakfast to get into the dark streets at an early time.
"What you have boy is something powerful, something both men good and evil will kill for." The hooded old man said after thet exchanged items. When Ivan asked why he was interested in the jewerly he simply replied "I am.more interested in you than this rock, boy. Sometimes changing one life can change many for the better or for the worse." With that they parted, leaving the teenager with the fruit in his hands, the fruit that would make a change.
It didn't stop there though, after Ivan stowed his prize away and returned home he came across a bunch of people harassing his family; the ones he stole from at the pub. What happened then he kept to himself, but even though he and his parents prevailed he fled, knowing that danger fueled with mindless vengeance will come after him. First he started off working for trade companies, helping out with protecting cargo and such from whatever the sea threw at him. There he was taught how to fight and shoot by some of the crew that sympathized the tales he told. They were like a family to him, till the night he ate the mysterious fruit after given a rationed unsatisfying meal. That night was the night privateers from a competing attacked the ship he rode in, the same night he preformed exceptionally despite shocking his companions with the sudden change of appearance. They survived the night and the next day was pay day.
Why did he become a pirate afterwards? Well.. Who would hire a kind hearted monster like himself? Sure he was a great shooter and a greater sentry, but he company couldn't keep him and when he heard of another crew with opening he didn't hesitate to tag along. Little do the other know of his past, and hopefully he ran away far enough for it to not catch up to him.
Other: Despite the unfortunate upbringing it was his parents one can credit to for how soft hearted he is. He is no fool though and in some cases will keep silent when it comes to deciding the more distasteful courses of action. That doesn't mean he won't snap from time time.