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The middle child of his predecessor, the true heir, Roslyn Steelhart, died sick in bed after she took with an illness that to this day could never be truly diagnosed by even the best physicians in the Oathlands. Frederik never had ambitions towards the Highhill seat, but took to it dutifully, despite his younger brother, Gregor, being the favored son. Ruling the Steelhart lands with a patience few others could muster, Frederik served the Oathlands and Highhill both on the field of battle and as a shrewd statesman. On the eve of his fiftieth birthday, the nearest fishing community to his lands were attacked, and while his son Lionel and Gregor went to fight off the Shav raiders, Frederik's nephews attempted a coup in favor of their father. While the younger and cowardly of the two, Seth, thought his wife Lydia and daughter Sara easy targets, the older, Padraig, drew his sword against the Count, forcing an honor duel to the death. After killing Padraig and being badly wounded in the process, Frederik found Seth subdued by his wife, while his brother Gregor carried his son's corpse home. These events define the state of the Steelhart family now, a bitter sadness and resentment that led to Lydia's suicide. The Steelharts are loyal dogs however, and with the Tragedy at Sanctum still lingering in the minds of Oathlanders everywhere, their differences have been put aside to unite as servants to the Valardins first, and maybe, someday, a family again.

Count Steelhart carries the broad shoulders and barrel chest his family is known for, though he's slightly shorter than the tall knights from the Highhill, and his stomach now has a little paunch to it. Scars and age line his weathered features, and his skin is leathery but fair in tone. No smile could ever be found on this man's face, and his grey eyes have a fatherly sternness to them, no matter who he's talking to, serf or prince. His most prominent feature is the moustache that rests above his upper lip, casting a dignified look over him.

Frederik's wisdom, stoicism and intellect are his best traits arguably, but his House's history of domestic betrayal, illness and hardship has given him the misfortune of humorless, unironic cynicism. While honor and loyalty is held in extremely high esteem, Frederik doesn't believe in taking chances, second chances, or luck altogether, and regards the world around him with a pessimistic practicality.