Brekken was born into the Boulderhoof Tribe; a small, virtually unknown tribe of Shu'halo who wandered through the canyons of the Thousand Needles. He lived a relatively normal lifestyle, showing a great affinity for the hunt. The Tribe were firm believers in the Animal Spirits, and each member would go on an Animal Totem Spirit Quest upon reaching adulthood, which would determine their Spirit Guardian. Brekken's was a black bear. Brekken also concieved a son, Henkel, in his early years, though his mother left them after the birth.