Ean grew up in the Heart Cities all his life but bounced about due to his father being a worker on the air ship crews. His mother died when he was eight so when his father would go out for long runs he would stay with a wife of one of the other crew members, on occasion even the Loftier's wife would take him in, or if chance had it he would stay with his Aunt Norine, who was a shopkeeper in Serpenthelm. When he turned thirteen his father agreed to allow him to seek employment upon any airship that would have him. Even at thirteen he had sprouted up like a weed and stood five and a half feet tall, with his wiry muscles and his keen mind he quickly endeared himself with the crew and Loftier of his first ship as the ship'key. He would run errands for the Loftier, help with chow, clean the stock and store rooms, and all the while learning the trade. After years of training and employment aboard three different ships, he sought out his dream, to become a Loftier himself. The Loftier of his first ship, The Hein, and his wife had no child and rather liked the eager and talented Ean. So he sponsored the up and comming Loftier and Ean soon took his Loftier's Exam. After also being gifted the liscensing fee he soon was a full fledged Loftier. All he needed now was a ship. The Hein had come back from a security run and was towing a captured pirate's ship. As was custom that ship now belonged to the Loftier who captured them if they could pay for the crew. Unfortunately Loftier Boan, of The Hein couldn't, however he knew of a young Loftier who could manage a small crew and needed to be shoved out of the nest so to speak. So Ean hand his first ship. Due to the reclimation process the pirate vessel was a bit worse for the wear and to save money Ean made most of the repairs himself, with the aid of The Hein's mechanic crew. Soon the dual balooned ex-pirate vessel was flight worthy. Three decks, two double clad sealed canvas ballons, twin furnace, cruiser was all his and cristened the Golden Gryphon. Now with a few hands, a cook, a shipkey he is almost ready for his first voyage and contract.