Sylivan was born to a Solamnian father and a Kagonesti mother. His father, Guildean, was a soldier for the Solamnian outpost on Southern Ergoth.
Ethiya, Sylivan's mother, died during childbirth and Guildean raised Sylivan in the outpost. He taught him about soldiering, weaponry, and warfare.  Schooling him on the lands of Krynn, the different kingdoms, races, and beliefs, Sylivan gathered a well-rounded education but it was heavily based on military skills and methods. When he reached the age of 17, Sylivan
joined the military scouting group and aided the Solamnic forces in Southern Ergoth against the Ogres and other Elven armies. One day while routing a
small group of Ogres, a fleeing chieftain mortally wounded Guildean. Sylivan buried his father and continued fighting for the outpost. One day, a
Sergeant of Arms noticed his ears and banished him from the outpost. Without much wealth, and in a very hostile environment, Sylivan chartered a ship to
take him to Abanasia. Since his arrival, Sylivan has been traveling the lands of Abanasinia for about a month.

Because of his heritage and past, Sylivan is very much a quiet individual.  Sylivan will attempt to blend into a crowd as to not attract attention to himself. He can be very solemn at times wanting to be alone with his thoughts, and at others, a very good conversationalist. Because of the teachings of his father, Sylivan thinks of things always in a strategic manner. He has retained the stealth and acute senses that he gained from scouting on the frontier. His sense of humor is very dry and he likes to laugh about the absurdities of life. Sylivan can be characterized as a kind individual who fights for the virtues of goodness but dislikes "civilized" laws.

As a half-elf he stands about average height and average weight, though his size does not reflect his strength. He has dark brown hair of medium length
and acquired the darker skin of his mother's blood. His eyes are a misty green color and he has the sharp facial features attributed to half-elves.  Sylivan dislikes the human quality of growing facial hair and always keeps it closely shaved. He wears piece meal armor, composed of leather and steel, and also commonly wears a cloak, breeches, and riding boots. He carries a
sword on his back and a bow across his shoulder.