Little is known of Martin's origins by either his friends or enemies. He came out of the west, most likely Arthedain. He wanderd the wild lands seeking fame, fortune, and adventure. Like most of the flotsam and jetsam of wilderness society at the time, he eventually washed up in Thuin Boid. It was there he encountered Hanse, and Laura. They were filling out their party, replacing casualties, and they recruited Martin, and Darius A'Rohan. Indeed, aside from the blessed pair themselves, no one has been with them longer than Martin and Darius.
Martin is clearly Dunedain, and has shown some affection for other Edain he has encountered. This most notably applied to Varsha's party, of which Corion was a member. There appeared to be some old tie between Martin and Corion, but neither would discuss it openly.
Although ranked, and passed in skill by Laura, there was room for two mages in the party. Neither Martin, nor Laura covets power or position, and when the time came to choose a particular path Martin eschewed worldly goods, and values, becoming a monk. He has developed his body well, and can run farther and faster than anyone in the Kingdom. He is also a fearsome martial artist, although he tries to avoid violence.
Unlike most of his friends Martin has no home, no title, no position, and only one close friend, his one eyed wolf named Patch. He wanders the Kingdom, often in disguise, fighting evil, defending the interests of the crown, and dispensing aid and advice as he may. His worldly possessions are stored at Thalon's house in Carandor.
Rumors persist that his share of the party's treasures have never been spent, and indeed continue to accumulate, though only a fool would try to break into Thalon's house to find out. Rumors also speak of an ancient temple in the East Wood where Martin engages in strange rituals. The status of the East Wood as a Royal preserve, and a desire to not offend a powerful mage, who can kill with his bare hands precludes most from investigating these tales. Martin himself does little to discourage the stories, and is often in disguise in the crowd when a bard is regaling them with tales of "The mad mage". Despite the poetic license taken by the story tellers, most people in Rhudaur are aware that Martin is a good, and quite helpful fellow, welcome both in Cameth Brin, and Imladris. Little happens in Rhudaur that he doesn't know about, and he reports directly to the King and Queen.