Ashling of the Ride was born of the Varm tribe Eraka people. While the Varm are a pacifist tribe, the Ride is a place that is dangerous for such a people. While the Varm are spiritualistic, and petition the nature spirits for protection and aid, there is always born one member of the tribe different than the rest. This individual is known as the Warden, and serves as the protector of the Varm people. Her duty is keep balance between the tribes of the Ride, and act as the bridge between people and the natural spirits.
Tattooed with the markings of the Warden as a child by her tribe's shamans, the magic sigils grew and imbued her with the power of the spirits. Under the strict tutelage of the spiritual leaders of the Varm, Ashling was taught rituals and secrets of the natural world. This stifling upbringing was too much for Ashling however, and she fled her tribe, and more importantly her responsibilities as the Warden. During her flight from the Ride Ash was captured by Duergar and forced into slavery, stuck in the mines to slave away. After a few years, Ashe finally escaped and was rescued from aimless wandering and bare survival by members of the Hawthorne Guild.
