Dragon Age: Origins Message Board  

The guide I'm using says that I have to ask Sten about his past and how he lost his sword inoreder to start his personal quest... I've tried doing that but now every time I try to talk to Sten I just get led to a bunch of dead ends in the conversation, anyone know whats up?

Maybe you need to warm up to the guy. Give him different gifts and such to increase his approval. If his approval is high enough he should start talking about what happened to him when he arrived in Ferelden.
Link
This might help. Check it out.

Yes, thank you :-p The Prima Guide forgot to mention that he needed to be +25 approval inorder to talk about his past... I still can't find the painting from Redcliffe Castle...

They do no have cookies in the qunari lands! That explains why he's so grumpy!!

1 more question... where on earth do I find the sword... the prima guide said something about a scavanger by lake Calenhad, but I can't find him...

When he tells you about his personal quest, go to lake calenhad(with sten in your team) there will be a scavenger. Talk to him.

Got it, thanks :-p I was looking around in Redcliffe, which is also on Lake Calenhad, my bad >_<

Here's a great guide to getting lots of approval from Sten without needing gifts. Link I used it, and it got me into the 70s or 80s ( I forget which).