Deep in the forest filled land of Yscor live the Yscorians - a magic-loving, Void-worshiping people who stem from trees. They have appearances that are similar to human males, in some ways, but they outlive regular humans by hundreds of years. Their culture is heavily influenced by their religion and the country is governed by the High Priest, or Derem Somakk, as he's known in Yscorian. His name is Gaird Samarakk.
Gaird is not only the leader of the only organized, major Voidist faith, but also the most powerful mage on the entire continent. His power has in part been bestowed upon him by The Void Tree - the tree at the center of the Yscorian faith - and the staff he carries. Still, Gaird takes much pride in having been a strong mage long before The Void Tree began communicating with him. He is a generally calm and gentle man, but he shows little sympathy for those who oppose magic.