Renif was born to a family of nobility in Erebor. The Roughbeards were well-known in the Lonely Mountain, and they had much coin to their name. From birth, his life was set out before him: one of comfort, security and wealth. He needn't even have learned how to fight. He was the ninth, and final, child of Lunred Roughbeard and Maria Roughbeard. He was different from his brothers. While his brothers were being pampered and being seen-to by the various servants of his family's house, Renif was out participating in various fighting rings. He would fist fight most nights while people bet on him. He would knock out all of his opponents, and a great many Dwarves became rich betting on him. He soon became known as Renif Roughbeard the Undefeated. His father and mother tried to calm him down as he grew up, as they did not want an unruly son. Lunred was in a position of power in Erebor, and did not want his reputation tarnished by Renif. However, their attempts were of no avail. In fact, the fact that his activities were forbidden excited Renif. He taught himself how to use a two-handed hammer, and he was soon feared and intimidated by most Dwarves. He would commit extortion, forcing fellow Dwarves to hand over their jewels and money to him. Most of them did, of course, but the few who did fight back made Renif all the happier. He loved a good fight.

However, Renif's life in Erebor was soon to end. One day, he simply packed a bag, and left. Never again did Erebor hear of Renif the Undefeated, and his family couldn't be more happy. In fact, his sudden up-and-leaving was a little suspicious. He hadn't mentioned it to anyone. Perhaps there was something deeper, something more secret that caused Renif to leave so suddenly?

Renif travelled far. He soon found himself in Bree-land. This is the first time he set eyes upon the Prancing Pony. He quickly settled in, making a name for himself. And theres he stays to this day, sometimes straying to Angmar or other places to lend his aid.

Renif is gruff. He does not like to show his true feelings, and perhaps never will. But underneath his exterior of sarcasm and insults, he does have a kind heart. His main weakness is his pride, and his irrational grudge against Elves.