I've no real preference. Playing without a magical healer in the party forces a different style of play. It's more gritty and realistic. And honestly, I won't miss the Revivify easy button.
If doghead wants to jump in though, it'd be hard to say no.
Not a huge fan of the wounds and healing rules myself. But when in Rome ...
So, to Rael.
The original plan for L3 was a second level of cleric. Given her domain (life) that largely means more healing. I could take a second level of rogue, but the Turning and extra spell are nice to have. Open to suggestions on this.
On another note, does the "Uncommon wondrous magic item" include weapons. Given the setting, a magic weapon seems like a really good idea. But one the other hand, you seem to have covered off on the weapon option with the "Masterwork Weapon" option. If weapons is not an option, I was thinking a cloak of elven kind which goes nicely to her skill set.
I have drafted a quick updated background. Essentially it is along the lines as suggested, but I have chosen The Skellige Islands as her birthplace vice the Blue Mountain as a sort of nod to her origins in a dark ages Britain game. Fergus is also from Skellige Islands I think, which seemed potentially handy connection. Its not critical, if you have a reason for suggesting the Blue Mountains I can change it.
Background - Quick Outline
Rael was born on the Skellige Islands to a small clan of wood elves. They largely kept to themselves being outsides not only by race, but also belief. Rael's restless nature lead her to leave the islands. Eventually she arrived at Dol B. There she paid her respects to the Queen, as was proper. But the politics and protocol of the court were alien to her, and so she spent most of her time away from it preferring to use her skills as a scout and hunter along the boarders of the Dol B. On day she is summoned back to the court, and task with meeting a small group of travellers escorting a young woman to the Court. Uncertain as to why she was selected, but unable to refuse, she sets forth.
thotd