Kuruk was born in the heart of the Saga Lands, the son of two brown bears. His early days were spent nestled in the warmth of his mother's fur, preparing for his first winter’s slumber. However, fate had other plans. As he lay in hibernation, a particularly bold—though not particularly wise—human crept into their den and stole him away.
The human’s bravery did not extend to intelligence. While making his escape, he wandered into wolf territory, where a starving pack swiftly ended his ambitions. Yet, instead of turning on the cub as well, the pack’s leader took pity on the orphaned creature. Rather than letting him share the human’s fate, he welcomed Kuruk into the pack.
Years passed, and the bear grew among the wolves, his presence turning into a whispered legend among the humans of the region. They spoke of a great beast that ran with the wolves, neither fully bear nor fully wolf, but something else entirely. As the pack thrived, its leader eventually grew old and weary. Before his time came, he entrusted Kuruk’s care to a younger wolf named Ulven, ensuring the bond would continue. Kuruk, in turn, swore upon his honor to protect Ulven for as long as he lived.
Yet the forest itself was changing. A strange and unknown magic seeped into the land, twisting its very essence. The trees bore colors unseen before, the animals moved with an unnatural awareness, and even certain creatures—Kuruk and Ulven among them—began to think and understand in ways beyond their kin. Time passed, and the two found themselves growing not only in size and strength but in intelligence, their minds sharpening far beyond what nature intended.
It wasn’t long before outside forces began to threaten their home. Poachers, bandits, and reckless hunters trespassed into the enchanted forest, disturbing its newfound balance. Unable to stand by, Kuruk and Ulven took it upon themselves to defend the land, pushing back against the encroaching tide. Yet, they quickly realized that merely guarding the borders was not enough. If they truly wanted to protect their home, they needed to strike at the source of the invasions.
Leaving the safety of the forest, they ventured into the world of men, settling on the outskirts of a small village. There, they became local legends once more—unofficial game wardens, protectors of the wild, and enforcers of an unspoken truce between nature and civilization. They apprehended poachers, drove out bandits, and kept wayward beasts from wandering too close to human settlements.
Their reputation grew, and with it came greater opportunities. What started as mere chance encounters soon led to lucrative offers from local law enforcement and minor lords who recognized the value of their unique skills. And so, this is where they remain—two unlikely guardians, neither fully beast nor fully man, taking on whatever work comes their way in defense of the natural world. Skilled, but unknown. Powerful, but nameless. A pair of wandering souls standing between the wilderness and the world beyond.