Markus Brisbane was born in 565 AR (which makes him 42 years old as of 607 AR) the son of a city guardsman of Todoran descent in the city of Ceryl. He joined the Cygnaran military as a Trencher at the age of 17, recieving additional training among army engineers and sappers at Fort Balton. His service record was exemplary up to the point at which his warcaster potential became apparent. He completed his journeyman tour under Commander Adept Birk Kimbrace. From then on, Brisbane's service record reads like a list of every major engagement in Cygnaran history - the Scharde Invasions, the Llaelese War, and the siege and assault of Sul.