Peregrin Swiftshade
Backstory
Early Life
Peregrin Swiftshade was born under a canopy of stars in the dense forests of Ellarwood, a place where humans and elves coexisted in a fragile but beautiful harmony. His father, Arin Swiftshade, was an elven ranger of great repute, known for his unparalleled skill with a bow and his deep connection to the natural world. His mother, Lyra, was a herbalist from a nearby village, Hobbledown, whose knowledge of healing and potion-making was revered by both humans and elves alike.
Growing up, Peregrin was always torn between two worlds. The elves viewed him as a curiosity, a blend of their grace and a human’s vigour. Meanwhile, the humans in his mother’s village saw him as an enigmatic figure, embodying the mystical allure of the elven kind. This duality made Peregrin resilient and adaptable, yet often lonely, never fully belonging to either side.
Formative Years
Under his father’s tutelage, Peregrin learned the art of the hunt and the ways of the forest. Arin’s lessons went beyond mere survival; he taught Peregrin to respect the delicate balance of nature and to protect it fiercely.
Whilst his father was renowned for his skill with a bow, Peregrin, whilst adept, favoured the crossbow as his ranged weapon of choice. He and his father would spend many hours honing their respective skills together.
From his mother, he learned the healing arts, spending hours in her herbal garden, mixing potions and understanding the curative properties of plants.
Tragedy struck when Peregrin was young. A band of marauding orcs, driven from their own lands, raided Ellarwood. In the ensuing battle, Arin was mortally wounded defending their home. With his dying breath, he made Peregrin promise to uphold the ranger’s code and protect the natural world.
One fateful day, while exploring the forest, Peregrin came across a young wolf pup, alone and injured. Realising that the pup had lost its pack to the same orc raiders that took his father, Peregrin felt a deep connection to the orphaned creature. He took the pup in, naming him Shadow, and nursed him back to health. Over time, Shadow grew into a loyal and formidable companion, their bond strengthening with each passing day.
The loss of his father left a deep scar, but it also ignited a burning resolve within him.
Military Service
Determined to honor his father’s legacy and to gain the skills necessary to combat the growing threats to his homeland, Peregrin enlisted in the military. His natural talents as a hunter and tracker quickly earned him a position as a scout. His keen eyesight, sharp instincts, and ability to navigate through treacherous terrains made him an invaluable asset to his unit.
During his service, Peregrin learned the trades of a cartographer and navigator. He meticulously mapped uncharted territories, creating detailed charts that were used by the military to plan their manoeuvres and establish strategic outposts.
His time in the military also taught him discipline, leadership, and the importance of camaraderie.
Journey Begins
After several years of service, Peregrin left the military to continue his personal quest. His journey took him through treacherous terrains and ancient ruins, where he honed his skills and built a reputation as a formidable ranger. With Shadow by his side, he forged alliances with druids, befriended beasts, and fought against those who sought to harm the natural world.
During his travels, Peregrin discovered that the marauding orcs were driven from their lands by a dark force spreading across the continent. This malevolent power, known only as the Blight, corrupted the land, turning lush forests into barren wastelands and peaceful creatures into monstrous abominations.
Peregrin realised that his fight was no longer just about protecting Ellarwood; it was about stopping the Blight from consuming his world.
Allies and Adversaries
Peregrin’s quest brought him into contact with a diverse group of adventurers. Among them were: Fletch “Quickfingers” Underhill, a rogue with a bardic past and knack for finding trouble. Together, they formed a formidable team, each bringing unique skills to the table, and been on many an adventure.
The ever-looming threat of the Blight is never far from Peregrin’s mind.
Legacy of the Swiftshade
Peregrin Swiftshade’s journey has only just begun. With every new adventure he uncovers more about the Blight and its origins. His quest to protect the natural world and fulfil his father’s dying wish drives him forward, even in the face of adversity. With Shadow by his side, Peregrin’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a passion for new experiences and information. As an Elven Ranger, he stands as a guardian of nature, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Swiftshade legacy.
And so, the next chapter begins...
Timeline
