Yerim Merrywine was born in Umli when it was little more than a clearing and a promise. He grew into a large, loud, and capable man, known as much for his laughter as for his strength, and was considered a blue-collar worker in the village. Though he taught many skills to younger laborers, he worked primarily as a logger, leading crews into the Woods of Elenmyr and hauling rare timber back toward market. He traveled often to Wistimere and Oldoan to negotiate contracts, building ties with other Humans beyond the forest and earning a reputation as a reliable, if forceful, representative of his people.
When the Raids of Umli began, Yerim stood at the forefront of the village’s response. After his election to the council, he became one of its most visible voices, rallying morale even as Elf warbands struck camps and patrols. As losses mounted and fear hollowed the settlement, he argued that survival required retreat, even though it meant leaving the only home he had ever known. On the night of the new moon, he called the people together and supported the council’s order to dissolve Umli, leading a band of survivors through the forest under cover of darkness.
Yerim brought many of the refugees safely to Oldoan, where he presented himself as a representative of a wronged community. He negotiated work, shelter, and standing for those who followed him, maintaining contact with others who had fled to Wistimere such as Perceval LaPall.