Atlas was once a well-respected cartographer - sought after by the wealthy and powerful both for his beautiful maps and his clever methods of hiding secrets within them. His maps would be used to hide valuable treasures, or plan out complicated trade routes, or just as intricately designed displays.

In addition to his own creations, he was an avid collector of others - seeking out rare pieces for his collections by any means, including trickery and manipulation to get what he wanted. It was in pursuit of one such map, a rare treasure map rumored to guide one to riches untold, that his ways finally caught up to him. The map, owned by a mysterious figure who willingly handed it over, turned out to be cursed - resulting in Atlas being forced into an inanimate state for eternity.

Or, mostly - he is able to be brought out of his hibernation when someone seeks him out for his services. Even hundreds of years later, his abilities remain the thing of legend - and those who can work out how to find and awaken him utilize those abilities. Unfortunately for Atlas, this reemergence is temporary - he is reverted back to his gargoyle state after the task is complete.