As a young gnome, Irva was constantly exploring the network of caves near her village, despite the warnings (and punishments) of the village elders. Occasionally she would return with an old coin or weapon, enscribed with archaic runes. The discoveries were routinely taken from her and she was given further warnings (and punishments)
However, when she returned from one such expedition at a wild run with a ruby studded ceremonial dagger in her hand and an ancient skeleton in hot pursuit, the elders decided it was time something else should be tried. The town guards easily dispatched this skeleton, but who knows what Irva would bring back next time?
It was decided that she should be sent away to a group of archaeologists - the ruby dagger would pay for an apprenticeship, and with them she would have supervision and her inquisitiveness could be channeled into something useful.
Since then, she has spent many years traveling with various archeological groups, gaining skills and knowledge. It was early on that she first heard of the strange ruins throughout Numeria, and she's been intrigued with the region ever since. However, she was unable to find any of her colleagues willing to venture out to the region (rumors are no-one was willing to risk the Technic League) - she eventually decided to set out by herself and has now made her way to the town of Torch
