Kwan Shang-Li was a young Shou monk belonging to the Standing Tree monastic order. Kwan's mother was an elven ranger whom his father married against his family's wishes. Kwan learned woodcraft and his devotion to the goddess Mielikki from his mother. When Kwan was fourteen, his mother was killed by pirates. Kwan felt great affection for his father, Kwan Yung, but their relationship was often tense and they tended to verbally spar with each other. In addition to his skills as a monk, Kwan was a respected scholar.