Vera is a Dream Creature, exiled from the Land of Dreams by an unknown reason. He landed on the continent with a creature-esque body that was incredibly inhuman.

Vera would have drowned (as he fell from a portal in the sky, into the water surrounding the outskirts of Novigrad,) had it not been for a certain merman to save him.

Vera isn't actually his real name- but is a scribbling upon his hip in Dream Speech. His true name, is Nicodiemus, but the merman thought his name was Vera- so Vera it was.

The merman was able to walk on land, but in water his body would shift and reveal his true nature- but as well, by nightfall, the merman shifted beyond his control.

They stayed in Novigrad, and eventually the merman seemingly abandoned Vera- as he never came back for Vera. So, Vera had to make a life for himself in Novigrad.

At first.. This was near impossible. He wasn't familiar with humans and their behaviours yet.. But he was a master of shifting his appearance. He blended in seamlessly, and from then on.. He began to catch on how to survive in such a place as Novigrad.

Vera rose to the top, forming his own Gang called the Underground, to leave his mark on Novgrad. He became ruthless, notorious for violence and lack of hesitation. His Underground goonies did whatever their kingpin told them to do.. And came back successful.

Vera, eventually so full of himself, stole the deed to Novigrad. Unofficially, technically owning Novigrad.