Born in to the noted family of the Montaigne Noire (Black Mountain), and eagerly awaited. His father died while he was still a few months old so his mother Amandine took charge - serving as the <i>regent</i> until he was of age. Sylvaine was placed in to tutelage under his mother's adviser Mazarin as soon as he was old enough; the man taught him the ways of the court, of law and order, and ingrained within him a sense of great purpose.

During a lesson with Mazarin the pair were attacked by an enemy of the crown, and while Mazarin did his best to protect the prince, Sylvaine was made to flee in to the wilderness; he escaped into the Teekon Wilds but never saw Mazarin again.