If asked about his background or business, Steppan would likely tell you that he was born in a cabin in the woods, far away from people where his parents built a little steading all to themselves. He would say that he grew up there, somewhere to the Northwest of Breeland along the Brandywine River in the shade of the trees without any contact with the outside world whatsoever. He may even tell you that his parents were cruel or misguided, and that they pushed the children hard. Yes, he might tell you of his siblings; those that died in infancy, and those who disowned him since he fled from his little forest home.  

As for his flight, he will say that he hated being trapped by his secluded life, and that he wanted to escape and meet people; To travel the world and live a life of adventure and romance. As his scars will tell you, he certainly got his fill of adventure, but his dower and weary eyes say little of romance and more of pain. He would say how he’s spent the past few years on his own, wandering the roads and the wilds, exploring and just trying to get by, and how he would occasionally stop for work here or there when he was in need of coin and a soft bed. But these days he’s often seen loitering around the Prancing Pony, mulling about what to do next. He’ll say he isn’t getting any younger, and that maybe it’s time to settle down. In fact, he's recently found himself lodging and employment, and so seems to be working to that end, although his anxious nature seems to conflict with those intentions.

Whether or not Steppan truly intends to stay in Breeland for the remainder of his days remains to be seen, but if you speak to him long enough, you might begin to suspect that the weary man may not be as openly genuine and truthful as he seems. If there is malice behind his deceptions, however, it is unclear.