Shemkel's background

This is a purely information-oriented post. You can treat it as background for any interactions with this character, as the first part concerns public knowledge in Rivendell and first impressions, while the other is obvious to any member of the Wyld Hunt.

What is known to a passing traveler:

Not much at all. Shemkel is a polite, yet quiet and rather introverted. When dealing with strangers he keeps his distance, talks without unnecessary haste and does not encourage excessive familiarity. Yet another traveling elf, aware of customs of other races and providing help in need, but, as most of Eldar, unable to treat others differently, than younger brothers.

What is known in Rivendell:

The Eldar like their secrets. It's not easy to convince them to reveal, nor explain, any.

What one can hear from them, though, is that Shemkel was (and, to an extent, still is) a scout, sent by Elrond or his advisors, to gather information in the lands surrounding Trollshaws.

His wife was Laurel, his daughter's name is Aralynia - both of them scholars and lore-masters of a certain renown.

Nevertheless, the elves of Rivendell won't talk about Laurel's demise to anyone, but the most trusted allies of the Last Homely House.

There is, however, talk about the Huntsman of Enedwaith and his dealings with Shemkel.

The name of the Wyld Hunt emerges.

Now, beware of spoilers, if  you are not part of the Hunt!

He comes from Rivendell. For an elf, he's not old, but neither young. Mature, should suffice.

When approached by friendly people, he tends to be quite warm, well-behaved and gracious, though reserved when facing strangers.

When alone or in a small group of those he knows well, however, he's quite solemn and his predatory nature is very prominent. Shemkel will continue to be kind, yet it's clear, that he is an introvert, who prefers to act, than speak, even though, when needed, he's a very eloquent person.

He's lost someone, that's obvious. Since he's an elf, and has a pendant of two combined rings, it's quite obvious to deduct, that it was his wife. Nevertheless, the stare of his almost black eyes, when he is caught touching the pendant, makes almost everyone, bar the most cheerful hobbits, uneasy and reluctant to ask about it (I do not discourage you from asking, simply bear in mind that it's not an easy topic for him and your character senses it easily).

Shemkel has met the Huntsman. No, not Orome, but his servant. One day, he would love to present you all to him, but it takes time to get imbued with the original Wild Hunts ideals (that, and it requires completing a quest chain in Enedwaith, level 60+ area).

Hence, the Wyld Hunt is something completely different from its inspiration. Afterall, we don't protect only the nature and wilderness. The stakes are higher and our numbers, sadly, lower.

That's why we need allies. Rangers, town officials, adventurers. Anyone, who stands against the Shadow.

Shemkel also knows that the time of elves is ending.

For worse or for the better, the end will be the same as the end of the war against Sauron.

Either he wins and the Shadow falls, or the Free Peoples win and the Eldar are no longer needed, for the Fourth Age shall belong to Men.

Without an exception, Shemkel treats every person as an equal, often addressing people he meets as friends, and his kinsmen as either his Wolves or brothers. He seems to have no prejudice towards any of the races (except orcs and akin to them, which are abominations either way), what is more, he seems to be fond of hobbits, which he often describes as 'the last innocents of Ea'.

Against his enemies, on the other hand, he is ruthless and unforgiving. He has been known to give orders to kill those who surrendered, if the crimes committed were severe enough.

The information above is only a draft, of course, but it should give you a better look at my character.

Your truly,

Shemkel Mornheneb