Kayzen was born a Unknown and lived almost 2 straight decades as a standard, almost unremarkable Hobgoblin. Marching in the legion, getting into duels, collecting hair as trophies, the whole lot. Day in and day out for almost 20 years. He chafed against the order and the restrictive rules of Hobgoblin society... but there was little he could do about it, besides take his little freedoms where he could.
Things changed with the establishment of the Old World's first Hobgoblin empire. Their ruler had realized that there were things besides war and the taking land... or maybe just figured operating as a legitimate entity would make that easier. With a tentative peace being reached, many Hobgoblins began to settle into a different sort of life. A life that still brought Kayzen little satisfaction.
But with the Empire established and growing larger by the day, well, who would notice one less Hobgoblin? Kayzen made his departure from the Legion and the Empire in the dead of night, taking only the necessary gear with him. He was free at last...
... and lived free for several years. There existed few upright employment opportunites for goblinoids, so he turned his military skill to banditry, namely highway robbery. Living in the woods and plains, scavenging and hunting for his meals, and robbing passing stagecoaches, caravans, and the like at swordpoint. His ill gotten gains rarely went further than a full belly and a good night's sleep, but that was enough for him. For a while.
Now with the law finally fed up with this independent yet elusive highwayman, Kayzen took flight once more. Hearing tale of the opportunities offered in the New World, he made his way to the portal and across, eager to make a profit in this wild and unexplored land.