Rayan von Seeland

Raikku von Seeland was once a travelling merchant and chef of fair repute within certain circles for his silver tongue and refined taste and flavour knowledge. His caravans traversed countless miles across unfamiliar lands, laden with spices that dazzled even the finest palates. But beneath his genial charm and keen business sense, Raikku craved admiration. More than wealth, he wanted stories told of him around campfires, of the merchant-chef whose culinary genius and quick wit left even the coldest patrons in awe.

One autumn, Raikku joined a grand merchant guild on a journey, chasing rumours of an untapped spice trade that promised fortunes beyond imagining. Yet, the trip was ill-fated. Their caravan was ambushed by local marauders near Terres de Sud, and Raikku barely escaped with his life, losing his caravan, his fortunes, and nearly every possession he held dear.

Desperate but determined, Raikku tried to rebuild. He found himself staying in Terres de Sud longer than expected, peddling his meagre wares — a handful of vials of rare spices and a few tools of his trade. Every attempt to gather enough coin to leave or secure passage failed, and rumours of Bicolline’s inner conflicts made joining a suitable guild precarious at best. So, he began weaving himself into the fabric of Terres de Sud, taking on odd jobs, selling some of his wares and cooking for locals who quickly became entranced by his use of spices. He eventually joined a guild that liked his assortment of spices and flavours; **Nova Vitae**

With his charm and ever-handy spices, he slowly found a place, though never forgetting his original goal: to eventually regain the life he once had or, better still, to forge a new one worthy of the stories he so desired. ---