Gran was born in Quarim Topet. His parents (dad Vico and mom Cornelia) are (were?) minor-rank courtiers in the court of King Reyndai. Not important enough to achieve any level of greatness or renown, but enough to live the usual courtly life of leisure, allowing them to dote on their only child. At a young age, Gran noticed that he and his playmates (other court children) were generally much cleaner and better educated than the other children he saw during infrequent, yet heavily guarded, trips to or through the city. Unlike the other children he knew, who didn't seem to have a care in the world, this difference bothered Gran, though it would be some time before he knew why.

Thanks to his parent's position, the family had a lot of time for trips and outings. Gran found much to admire and wonder about whenever they left the confines of the court. During one such, a royal fest held in the Pyrin Hills, Gran wandered off on his own to do some exploring. When his worried parents, along with some guards, went looking for him, they were surprised and shocked to find him 'playing' with a brown bear cub. Gran couldn't understand why they were fussing over it, and asked if he could bring his new 'friend' home with them. Not only did his parents not allow this, of course, but they had the guards drive the cub off. Gran was furious at their actions, and refused to speak to them for several days.

A few years later, while studying some dusty tomes in the court library, Gran learned about druids. Although the information presented was somewhat cryptic, and colored by the author's obvious city-based bias, Gran knew that he had found his calling. He devoted himself to learning all he could about nature, animals, plants, anything he thought might be useful to his chosen 'career'. His parents noticed his determination, but thought it was just a 'phase' and that he would grow out of it in time.

At 16, Gran told his parents that he had learned all he could at court, and was going to need to find a proper druid to continue his studies. They forbid it, of course, so he ran away. He travelled east, to the great forests of Burakt, looking for any information he could find. Eventually, he was given directions to a small grove, and a druid who lived there and tended the area. Gran showed up at the man's hut, penniless. hungry, and desperate. Torkan, the druid living there, immediately sensed something in Gran, and agreed to teach him all that he could. The two were more than student and teacher, they became fast friends. After almost 2 years, Torkan told Gran that his training was done, and he should seek out a place of his own to tend. With much sadness, Gran left his friend to do so, promising to keep in touch whenever possible.

Gran decided to make a home for himself in the Pyrin Hills near Quarim Topet. He thought that he might stop in the city to see his parents again, before heading into the hills to begin his new life. Having just arrived, he stops for a moment, as childhood memories flood his mind. With a small shake to clear his head, he sets his shoulders and heads toward the royal court...