Ashlynn is the only child of Sylvanna and Daer Hyakarte of Yew. The Hyakarte's were a small reclusive family residing in the deep forests of Yew, living a mostly subsistance existence and avoiding most contact with outsiders, save one young boy from the nearby town by the name of Joachim, who would regularly bring various trinkets and news of the outside world. Sylvanna and Daer were kind and loving parents who doted on their daughter and tried to shelter her from many of the harsh realities of life, something she found a little stiffling as she was growing up.

With Heartwood accessible once more, Ashlynn's parents have returned to their ancient home while their daughter has gone her own way, eager to learn of the world in which she was raised, but that she knew little of. While the land of Britannia has turned out to be a harsh and unforgiving place, tainting Ashlynn with a degree of cynicism in the following years, she still tries to look for the good in others and yearns to find a like-minded group of people.

Ashlynn has concentrated on developing her innate ability to speak with spirits, something she discovered in a number of encounters with some of Yew Forests more incorporeal residents. Since leaving her family home, she has also learned to use a dagger for those times when she must defend herself.