Carter seems to have done an excellent job keeping his affairs private for someone who's made to be in the public eye. As a result, there are virtually no records of his background, family, or history. However, everyone knows how it all began.

SootCity was once a grief-stricken place under the former district leader Blacklung. Conditions in the city were unlivable as the air was heavily polluted with an eternal smog that blocked the sun and caused black rain. The people could not grow crops and were often malnourished and cold. In addition, the unemployment rate was so high that they often had to commute for long hours to other districts for work or beg for money to support their families. The residents experienced nothing less of a Great Depression. That was until Carter arrived.

He appeared in SootCity a couple of months before the tragic death of Blacklung. He stood out immediately, arriving in a seemingly new luxury car each day. He was entirely polished from the top of his smoky head to the bottom of his shiny shoes. He was known to visit the few speakeasies of the city. It was here that he'd order a drink or two while listening to the band, make light conversation with the hosts, or sometimes fill out some paperwork. And as if the hotshot couldn't draw more attention, his tip was more than generous, usually leaving a hefty stack of cash at the bar.

Becoming District Leader

Word grew about the mystery man very quickly, and SootCity seemed to change to accommodate him. Many transformed their homes into clubs hoping that he'd frequent them, and when he arrived, they would swarm his car to get his attention. Carter was always more than generous, sporting his charming smile and throwing money out to the crowds.

Conditions in SootCity changed dramatically when Blacklung died of supposed Black Lung. None of the residents could have predicted this. With a lack of a leader, the citizens feared Carter would no longer wish to visit. That was until someone suggested he become the district leader. Even though the overwhelming majority wanted this, Carter himself refused. He chalked it up to not wanting to lead a district known for being dreary and penniless.

While the townspeople thought that this marked their end, they were surprised to find that Carter personally funded the town into prosperity. As a result, the city was unrecognizable from its previous incarnation.

Present

SootCity is now a flourishing metropolis of elite aristocrats. From children to elders, every person in their society lives in extremely lavish conditions that the average person merely dreams of. As they're now known, the Vapors hold their newfound status with pride. They look to Carter for his leadership and follow his lifestyle to a T. This has awarded Carter the honor of being the most influential man of Retropolis.