@Brimmlocke :) I actually want you to follow the character's premise in the prologue. His personality is up to you, although bear in mind that he is sort of a leader of this group, and that he completely trusts Shi'larra (at least for now). Also, you're free to interpret the Barren lands as you see fit. As long as you stick to the main concept (the land being plain and unfertile) you can't go wrong. Although, you have to include the fact that the lands have been transformed during the last years of King Armagen's reign. Meaning, there are now a few rivers, streams, green oasis, at least a bit of fertile land, and so on. Basically, living there isn't as hard as it used to be.