People who first meet Helmrid often do not like him a bit.  He is abrasive and full of himself. He is brutally honest and opinionated, and he is incredibly ignorant of all of that. But people that take the time to get to know him find that his is truthful, and loyal to the death. He believes in always doing right and helping those in need. But his drinking and flirting often dissuade people from finding this out. In battle he prefers blunted, bashing weapons. He doesn't buy into the idea of finesse and swordsmanship. He would make a fine soldier if he ever set his mind to it. 

His past is muddled because he doesn't often tell the story. It is known that he lived in Bree with his parents, his older sister and his younger brother. His father killed a Dwarf in a bar room brawl and escaped with Helmrid to Dale. The events that took place there are even more muddled than the ones before. Half the villagers say he and his father were thieves, while others say he was a bright young lad that had a bit too much of an eye on all the village girls. Some say his father died in the woods while others say he vanished one day leaving Helmrid on his lonesome. It is known that he left Dale when he was twenty and hasn't been back. His intentions and aspirations aren't known to most.