Manduzi was born along the eastern border of Varisia to his nomadic parents. Like many varisians, he grew up on the trail, along with a traveling caravan. The family caravan made regular journeys east into Nirmanthas. Manduzi's father served as the caravan's hunt master, tasked with bringing down game both for food and for furs to trade. He passed on the trade and also a great deal of respect for the natural world to Manduzi, who had became a great hunter and animal-handler in his own right by his teen years.
On one such trip into Nirmanthas, the caravan offered passage to an old Druid by the name of Ferox. Over the weeks of travel, Manduzi formed a friendship with the elder man, who taught him about the tenets of the Green Faith. The ancient tradition appealed to the curious young man who already spent his life and days amongst the great outdoors.
When the old Druid got off in the small town of Kassen, Manduzi decided to get off too. Now a grown man in his own right, he decided to learn under the Druid for a time. His family bid their bittersweet goodbyes, hopeful they would see him again in their travels, and sent him away with a young pup from his father's hunting pack. That stocky wolfhound would be named Zandu, after Manduzi's great-grandfather.
Manduzi lived with the old Druid, named Ferox in the forested outskirts of Kassen for a little over a year and a half, expanding his knowledge of the natural world and walking the woods with his mentor. Zandu grew right alongside his master and the two formed an inseparable bond that even old Ferox took notice of. Although Manduzi had aspirations of following in the Druidic foot steps, it was obvious he didn't quite have the aptitude to channel divine power. Nevertheless, he was never discouraged, showing a strong reverence for the Old Faith, a connection to animals, especially of the canine variety, and a desire to keep all of nature safe and in balance.
Manduzi and Zandu have grown into a formidable pair, eager to find their own adventure and place in the grand play of nature. Because of the respect the old Druid had procured in certain circles of Kassen, his martial apprentice was a natural choice to go along to Kassen’s tomb and retrieve the flame to keep the community safe for another winter.
Ferox advised Manduzi that his journey was set to begin here, and that his own journey would be taking him elsewhere. The teacher and student said their goodbyes, knowing that to all things come an end, and to all things there is a season.
Since his mentor's departure, Manduzi has spent the last several months in the town of Kassen, doing what he can to keep the natural areas clean, and righting minor wrongs where possible, he eagerly awaits the next leg of his journey through the natural cycle.
