(Note: His anthro reference does not accurately depict his looks; it is more of a chibi look. I am likely to change the reference in the future.)
Kelpwood grew up a melancholic childhood, with his parents sailing away without funds to bring him along and his grandparents fostering him. Hours upon hours, he was forced to study texts he could barely understand and was expected to grow up as a scholar. However, his grandparents weren't very keen on keeping an eye on him, which allowed him to often escape when he could, committing acts of delinquency.
When Kelp became an adult and could move out, he promised to do what his grandparents told him he should do. Obviously, though, he did not keep to this, instead living out his passion for music and fine arts, particularly with string and percussion instruments. With hardly any knowledge of the society outdoors, he set off to play in taverns and study ancient texts.