Drayk is not a native to the realm of Edreja. His origins lie on another plane, far disconnected from where he now calls home. His original world is in many ways similar to Edreja, with many races living alongside each other, and warring against each other too. But in one key respect his old world is radically different. Magic is almost unheard of, while science and technology are commonplace.
But not all have access to the wonders of technology. The race of man is scattered; few in number and tribal in outlook, they keep themselves hidden from the other warring races by means of ancient magics woven into great stone circles.
As a youngster, Drayk became fascinated with the world outside the safety of the tribal grounds, exploring far and wide, and returning with arcane objects and fine clothes 'borrowed' from washing lines. Eventually he acquired one of the weapons used by other races, and having mastered it, was able to strike down fearsome creatures and large prey animals that the warriors of his tribe could never do single handed.
But then came the event that would change his and many other lives. Close to where Drayks tribe resided were two kingdoms, rivals and bitter enemies. The noble but rather brutish orc domain had been defending itself against the vicious elven empire for some years, and had launched an offensive to drive their foe far from their borders. Unfortunately this drew two great armies into conflict right on the tribe’s doorstep.
The tribe huddled together in the heart of the great circle of stones, the shaman channelling the powers of magic to form walls of force and illusion, to keep the people safe. Cavalry charged, infantry clashed, machines of destruction filled the air with death. And so it was that an indiscriminate shot from one of these weapons cracked one of the stones. The shaman’s protective illusions disappeared as he turned his concentration to stopping the powerful forces running out of control.
To the opposing generals it must have been astounding. What had looked like forbidding closed territory had now become open ground with a powerful hilltop position to dominate the battlefield. Tragically for the tribe the first forces to be dispatched to take this new ground were an elite unit of elf cavalry. They stormed into the tribes village, mercilessly cutting down all they could reach. Drayk fought as well as he could, and would have died there if the orc infantry had not have arrived.
Drayk found himself in the lee of a burning hut, aiming at an elf charging down the path towards a mother and child. His shot was true and the elf fell from his mount. Preparing to reload, he saw something from the corner of his eye. Turning, he saw another pale skinned elf astride a dark charger, a levelled weapon held steady and a cruel grin on his lips. But before the elf could end Drayks life there was a bellowing war cry, and a number of orc soldiers in their bright jackets charged out from the smoke. The elf turned his mount aside and rode into the smoke, pursued by the orcs. Drayk stood stunned for a while, then getting his wits about him he went off to find the most powerful person he knew. The shaman.
He found the old man at the heart of the village, at the heart of a swirling storm of energy and dust. But Drayk was not the only one to find his way to the place of power. Orc and elf clashed in conflict. It was at this moment that the cracked stone finally shattered, releasing pent up power of extraordinary levels. With a sickening lurch Drayk, and many others, found themselves in some void. Then with a rushing sensation Drayk felt himself moving away.
And then darkness.
Drayk first memory of Edreja was awaking to the sound of water. He found himself in a vast cavern full of ruins and lit dimly by a diffuse light. And dozens of shining eyes glowing in the darkest shadows. Understandably Drayk was rather perturbed by this, and rushed off through the ruins towards the sound of water, followed by flitting half seen shapes and shining eyes. Following the large stream that was the cause of the noise, Drayks footsteps led him upwards and eventually out through the falling sheet of a waterfall and into the open.
Drayk journeyed alone for a while, learning the common language and earning a living as best he could. Eventually his wanderings took him to the north and he encountered the Storm Ravens of the Wolves, and so Drayk came to attend the Gathering of 1095.
Time passed and, although happy with the Storm Ravens, something seemed to be missing from Drayks life. Then he became involved with the Dragons Incident of 1098. At last he knew what was missing; the easy comradeship of other archers and crossbowmen, hunters and rangers, was heart warming. These people cared not from where you came, but what you did. Beyond Factional loyalty there lay something greater.
So Drayk took to the road again, gathering about him a collection of those who wanted to step away from their birth factions and create something more democratic. It was during this time that Drayk met Pandora, but that is for Pandora to tell.
The search for somewhere to set up home for this motley collection of people eventually led Drayk full circle. While resting in the wilds Pandora, as is still her want, wandered off. After much searching she eventually wandered back into camp looking wet and bedraggled and carrying the biggest domestic cat anyone present had ever seen. Drayk took one look at the cats eyes and knew where she had found it; they were the same shining eyes that had greeted him from the darkness all those years ago. It seemed that a home was to be found after all, and so they have shared it with the strange cats in the darkness for these many years.
It was also at this time that Drayk discovered news of a Guild of archers being formed, to help and train the people of Edreja in the skills of hunting and ranging. Seeking the Guild out at the Gathering of 1100 Drayk and Pandora signed up and began their long association with the Guild.