Despite a privelidged upbringing, Markas remained in the shadow of his elder sisters Ashudor, Abelasso and Albarra-tegui - all of whom gained great success within Cartagena. By contrast, Markas seemed aimless, failing in his studies and eventually leaving his academy with no formal accolades.

Darraphond was an encouraging, if stern, father, constantly pushing Markas to find a path in life. But feeling that the life of a nobleman was not for him, Markas toyed with various hobbies, including music and hunting, before eventually turning to petty crime. This resulted in some jail time during his teenage years, bringing shame to his parents and reconfirming Markas' belief that he would never meet his parents' expectations nor match the success of his sisters.

While in jail, Markas met Arimath Roch; a half-elf wizard banished from High Mushkar for incorrectly intepreting the dreams of his master. Arimath took Markas under his wing, teaching him the fundementals of magic and alchemy. Through these teachings, Markas found an aptitude for spellcasting and started to discover his true path. By the time he was released from jail, Markas had made a true friend in Arimath. The wizard instructed him to seek out Helias Drogan, a gnomic alchemist who could continue the teachings.

On returning to Catagena, Markas found himself unwelcome; his father unable even to look at him. Markas was desolate, and packing a few simple possessions he left his parents' castle that evening. After travelling for several months, he arrived in the barren outerland of Gorki, where he decided to exile himself. Away from other influences, Markas' old character traits started to return. Finding Helias Drogan could always wait until 'tomorrow', and while he took the time to practice magic, he found himself unable to commit to memorising spells. Thus he drifted once more, away from pure wizardry and into sorcery.

Unable to hold down a job (and with the limited opportunities available in Gorki) Markas has recently turned to adventuring to sustain himself, practicing his advancing sorcery skills to pillage crypts, loot caves and even steal from mansion houses - a trait perhaps fuelled by his own resentment at his noble upbringing and subsequent exile. While he considers himself ethical, he is not above using threats and guile to get his way. He has been known to be an obsessive liar, often embellishing details of his past to gain the sympathy of others. However, he values true friendship above all (since it comes so rarely to him) and is reknowned for his generosity to his companions, often showering them with gifts (albeit of questionable origin).

Darraphond Arborshate died before he could be reconciled with his son. The bereavement devastated Markas, the loss compounded with the burden that he now was the errant Lord of Cartagena. Unable yet to face these responsibilities, he continues adventuring; latching onto wandering parties and enjoying the company of new, if fleeting, friends. He is driven by a lifelong feeling of inferiority; determined to be the best he can be, if only to prove himself worthy of his parents' love. He has vowed to himself that he will one day find Helias Drogan to complete his formal training and eventually return to Cartagena to run the manor, although he has been less than pro-active in achieving these goals.