Failin was formerly an Orion Dragonmarked heir, but for unknown reasons he was banished from the house, a punishment just short of excoriation.

Upon his banishment he left Breland, where he was leader of the House Orion branch of Vathirond. He spent a few years in Dragonroost, Zilargo, first as a poor beggar, then as a laborer, and finally as an expert traveling magician for a nobleman. With careful effort he was able to save up enough silver to purchase transport and supplies to start a business in Darguun, where he established himself on expeditions to ruins throughout the country, after which he would send the artifacts he found back to contacts in Breland and Zilargo. During slow periods he would charge people for transportation throughout Darguun.

With this living Failin now lives comfortably, and has enough money saved up to retire when he loses the urge to adventure.