Originally born Del Roland, this bright youth lived in a border community frequently raided for young men to "recruit" as cultists to some dark power. In an effort to protect Del, his parents sent him away to tutor under a wizard of some renown, forcing Del to leave his parents and younger sister behind. Under the harsh tutelage of his master, young Del quickly grasped the basic tenets of wizardry, though he had a particular fascination with the powers over life and death. Against his master's wishes (who was afraid of the darkness corrupting the youth), Del began to specialize in the arts of Necromancy. Finally, after a surprisingly short apprenticeship, Del was ready to head out into the world. Never forgetting his forced abandonment of his family, Del dedicated himself to opposing evil so that others could be free of their tyranny. Taking on the name Xortax Hurtmage, he intends to strike fear into the hearts of the villains that oppose him as well as protect the identity of his family from reprisal.