Marcus lived in Cormyr his whole life. His father (also named Marcus) was a 42 year old potion maker, who ran the shop, "The Enchanted Elixir", when Marcus was born. Marcus's grandfather (also named Marcus) had opened that same shop years before he had any children because he grew tired of the bands of rogues that seemed to watch his every move in and out of cities as he went about selling the concoctions he made. He wanted a permanent residence, a fixed location to provide his family stability. Marcus's Great Grandfather (also named Marcus) was one of the finest potion makers of his day. The type of jovial man who made the most down trodden folk see a bright light in their day amidst the darkness they dwelt in. He was the true entreprenuer of the family who established the fine potion-making lineage that carried forth through generations.

Growing up with a father who was a diligent businessman in his forties and fifties gave Marcus his structured, personable, yet business-like demeanor. He learned the art of charming customers, and serving their social wants as well as their product wants. Marcus used to play a game with his father where he would ask his dad to name an item in the shop to sell, and Marcus would see how many customers he would have to interact with to sell the item mentioned. Marcus actually sold a very old widow woman a love potion when she stopped by to see if "The Enchanted Elixir" carried any pain medications for the barnicle on her left heel. Pondering the memory and the way his father patted his back with a "That's my boy!" brought a smile to Marcus face and a tear to his eye when the thought turned to his fathers untimely death. A natural death, but an untimely one leaving Marcus to take over the shop when he was 19.

Twenty five years later Marcus stood over his wife's grave and held tight his 2 boys Marcus and Ashton tightly with one arm around each. They were young (22 and 20 years old) when their mom passed. Marcus felt their pain deeply, but cheered them up with his passion for life.

Nine months after the passing of his wife, Marcus decided to follow his heart and see the world as his great grandfather did traveling about the land and making a compassionate mark on the world. His 2 sons stayed in Cormyr and took over the family shop. Marcus left the shop, all of its thriving business, and all of the shops tools and wares to his very capable, wise offspring knowing that they would thrive in the family business. Marcus did take his portable lab with him though.

From time to time his travels would lead him through Cormyr, which he looked forward to. He was always met with open arms, a batch of endearing hugs from his whole family (including 4 grandchildren one who was named Marcus, of course to carry on the family name), and pleas for him to stay for good. Yet each time he would lovingly explain that there is too much good that needs to be done in a suffering world for him to simply quit. Maybe some day he would stay, but not yet.

19 months into his travels he had a vision that he felt was calling him to Suzail. This story begins shortly after he arrived in Suzail.