Melk is the child of a former prison warden and an inmate. His father, a warden, was married to somebody else so when the union bore fruit - and for lack of a real home - Melk grew up in Lepidstadt Prison as a form of mascot without knowing who his parents are. Inspite of the brutal nature of some of the prisoners, Melk's chilhood was remarkably well balanced and somewhat safer than would be expected. He interacted well with the prisoners and guards, learning from an early age to make due with what was available and have a certain creative bend when it comes to finding alternative uses for items. He also gained a certain reputation as a calming force in prison disputes, at least in relation to the less criminally insane prisoners.
As his childhood progressed into youth he found little means to grow beyond the prison. A chance to gain schooling or apprenticeship was withheld from him for lack of money - and with no real parents or legal guardian to petition Melk grew up learning the ways of the world from behind bars. This fostered in him a great sense of practicality - sharp senses, finesse, and the bellowing strength of youth that has little opportunity to do anything except exercise; but conversely he lacks many of the skills classically learned in a more traditional childhood.
A fire ravaged the prison occurred while Melk was off to the market to restock on essentials needed at the prison. He never discovered the cause of the fire, but nonetheless was drawn to the remains of the prison as the only home he had known. It didn't take long for the first unquiet spirits to emerge - and Melk took it as his duty to act as a warden to keep the restless ghosts imprisoned where they belonged; and to keep the curious townsfolk away.
Just a few years ago Professor Lorrimor helped settle the spirits of the prison; after his curiosity of the supernatural caused him to investigate the ruined prison and the strange self-proclaimed warden Melk. The process was not without risk, and Melk was in the fortunate position to have saved the man's life on that occasion. Professor Lorrimor, in return helped much to integrate the somewhat reclusive Melk somewhat into the community of Lepidstadt.
Current age: 30
