The Merlin family originated in the Gallente Federation, known for their adaptability and diverse skillsets. Jade Merlin set the standard in the family as a multi-talented capsuleer, quickly rising in the ranks of Star Nation and becoming involved in Faction Warfare on behalf of the Amarr Empire.
Jade was born to a Gallente mother and an Amarianr father – Hadrian Karsoth – a former Amarr naval officer who abandoned his family when Jade was young to return to the Empire's holy wars. This betrayal left Jade with a deep resentment of Amarr culture until he discovered he had a half-brother: Dread Master (born Darius Karsoth), the product of Hadrian’s politically arranged marriage to an Amarr zealot.
The half-brothers first met as enemies during a Gallente-Amarr border conflict. When Jade’s ship was disabled by Minmatar pirates, Dread Master intervened unexpectedly, annihilating the attackers while declaring: "Only Karsoth blood may spill Karsoth blood." He then revealed their shared lineage.