Richard
Tales of Mounted WarfareContents
- 1Biodata
- 2Power Progression
- 3Background and History
- 4Appearance
- 5Personality
- 6Abilities & Skills
- 6.1Mounted Warfare System
- 6.2Melee Combat
- 6.3Sacred Word Prayer Technique and Radiant Force Surge
- 6.4Magnetic Control
- 6.5White Tiger Guard Magic Energy Tattoo
- 7Equipment / Weapons / Items
- 8Relationships
- 9Story Role / Major Arcs
- 9.1Rise of High Mountain Keep
- 9.2Pompeii–Stuart War
- 9.3New World and Titan Crisis
- 10Notable Quotes
- 11Trivia
Biodata
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Richard (李察) |
| Alias(es) | Baron Richard; Lord of High Mountain Keep; Richard the Dragon Slayer; Bloody Ripper; “Demon Lord Richard”; Eagle Knight 126 179 230 246 337 |
| Species/Race | Human 104 |
| Gender | Male 2 |
| Affiliation | High Mountain Keep; Pompeii; formerly the Bastard Alliance 4 17 126 |
| Occupation/Role | Pioneering Baron, Lord of High Mountain Keep, military commander, Eagle Knight 17 126 |
| Status | Alive 441 |
| First Appearance | Chapter 2: “Noble's Estate Confrontation” |
Power Progression
| Stage / Realm / Level | Chapter | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mounted Warfare System — Level 35 | 9 | Reached Level 35 after a Hobgoblin battle; received attribute points, skill points, and +10 Throwing Weapon Proficiency. 9 |
| Sacred Word Prayer Technique — Dawnlight Stage | 79, 80 | Learned the Sacred Word Prayer Technique from Buckland’s old book and entered its initial Dawnlight Stage with exceptional speed; Radiant Force Surge sharpened his senses and visual clarity. 79 80 |
| Sacred Word Prayer Technique — Starlight Templar | 244 | Used Lead Apples to raise Sacred Word Prayer Technique proficiency from 73 to 148. His Radiant Force Orb split into two, allowing use of the Heart of Iron and strengthening Radiant Force Surge. He remained two proficiency points short of Moonlight Templar. 244 |
Background and History
Richard was born as the illegitimate son of Marquis Cavan Orlando and a low-born mistress. After his mother died, he was expelled from the marquis’s residence and survived as a street thief. When the original Richard was nearly beaten to death after a failed deal, a soul from another world took over his body along with the Mounted Warfare System. The new Richard recovered, trained relentlessly in martial arts, and began building a reputation in the arena. 2
Cavan Orlando later bestowed the Orlando surname upon him during a period of madness, giving Richard a claim to a prestigious but politically inconvenient lineage. When Marquis Wenger offered him money to relinquish the surname, Richard bargained the offer up to a thousand-gold interest-free loan rather than surrender it. 2 3
Richard joined the Bastard Alliance for access to intelligence on the Orlando family and used his new connection with Soren to pursue the Highland Barbarian slaves held at Starry Arena. There, he challenged Gunther, the strongest Barbarian, in a wrestling match that placed the warriors’ freedom and future service at stake. 4
By the time he encountered Annie, Richard had become the Pioneering Baron and master of High Mountain Keep. He developed the territory into a multi-racial power centered on disciplined troops, metallurgy, trade, and System-backed advancement. 17 35 40
Appearance
Richard is a lean but powerfully built human man, roughly one ren and eight chi tall. Regular sword training gave him a physique considered impressive among local humans, though notably smaller than the Highland Barbarians he commands. 4
- Keeps his clothing and hair meticulously neat, even when he is physically prepared for violence. 3
- Often has visible stubble and carries himself with the deliberate posture of a swordsman. 80 98
- At one point wore a gray “Daoist Robe” embroidered with a gold-thread image of himself fighting an Undead Dragon. 246
- Has also worn oversized dark sunglasses from High Mountain Keep. 293
- Later developed a halo-like feature behind his head and a circular rune on his forehead. 414
Personality
Richard is an opportunist, negotiator, and practical ruler. He is willing to bargain aggressively, exploit information advantages, and pursue unconventional solutions when conventional methods fail. His refusal to give up the Orlando surname without extracting a better deal established this side of his character early. 3
He is highly confident in his own strength, often to the point of arrogance, but he recognizes courage and determination in others. He respects decent people, spared Amos after defeating him to honor his spirit, and keeps promises even when doing so costs him valuable resources. 49 275 315
Although he initially rejects the idea of becoming a national hero, Richard consistently prioritizes High Mountain Keep’s security and eventually accepts responsibilities that affect Pompeii as a whole. Experience as a lord and commander makes him increasingly composed and authoritative. 236 242 414
Abilities & Skills
Mounted Warfare System
Richard’s System grants experience through battle and training, allowing him to improve attributes, combat skills, and weapon proficiencies far beyond normal human limits. 2 9 80
| Category | Documented Level 35 Values |
|---|---|
| Strength | 45 |
| Agility | 35 |
| Intelligence | 11 |
| Charisma | 12 |
| Skills | Iron Bone 10; Powerful Strike 10; Weapon Mastery 8; Shield Defense 5; Horsemanship 6; Leadership 2; Trade 2 |
| Weapon Proficiencies | One-Handed 281; Two-Handed 277; Polearms 255; Bows and Arrows 34; Throwing Weapons 41 |
The System’s comparison places an ordinary adult male at roughly seven or eight Strength and Agility; Richard’s actual physical output is assessed as at least ten times greater than an average person’s. 11
- Gains proficiency through both direct practice and freely allocated points earned from advancement. 80
- Uses System prestige and public renown to expand his quota and strengthen High Mountain Keep. His dragonslaying fame increased that quota from fewer than 500 to more than 3,000. 178 179
- Can reallocate weapon proficiency through Lead Apples, which erase the memories associated with trained skills. 243 244
Melee Combat
Richard is an exceptional close-quarters fighter with high proficiency in one-handed weapons, two-handed weapons, and polearms. He combines System-enhanced strength, durability, speed, and weapon versatility into a fighting style capable of overwhelming most opponents. 11 297
- Deflected a Kobold Shaman’s fireball and slaughtered the accompanying bandits in close combat. 28
- Defeated Legion Commander Hendra while using Radiant Force Surge. 93
- Can employ swords, axes, hammers, maces, and other weapons effectively, shifting styles during combat. 297
- His weak point is ranged combat: his Archery and Throwing proficiencies were drastically lower than his melee proficiencies. 243
Sacred Word Prayer Technique and Radiant Force Surge
The Sacred Word Prayer Technique is Richard’s cultivation method. Its Radiant Force Surge enhances his physical power and senses, but it has a limited duration in prolonged battles. 80 298
- Dawnlight-stage Radiant Force Surge improves perception and visual clarity. 80
- At Starlight Templar, his two Radiant Force Orbs produce a stronger Surge. 244
- Activating Surge at Starlight grants the Body Like Iron effect, turning his skin iron-gray and greatly improving defense without sacrificing agility. 244
- A prolonged fight against Elizabeth demonstrated that the Surge cannot be maintained indefinitely. 298
Magnetic Control
Using the Heart of Iron, Richard can exert magnetic force on affected objects within roughly four to five yards. The force is equivalent to the strength of one of his arms, which is exceptionally dangerous because of his abnormal physical power. 244
- Can telekinetically move magnetic weapons, including javelins. 244
- Can manipulate an additional weapon during melee combat, effectively turning two axes into three simultaneous threats. 297
- Uses magnetic force to lift himself on an iron sword, allowing improvised aerial travel before reaching Moonlight Templar. 246
- The ability is ineffective against certain non-magnetic or unusual materials, including Elizabeth’s longsword. 297
- Sword-riding is unstable during sharp turns, especially because Richard insists on standing with crossed arms. 246
White Tiger Guard Magic Energy Tattoo
Melissa of the Prairie Elves offered Richard the White Tiger Guard tattoo as a defensive enhancement. After receiving the tattoo, Richard estimated that his strength had increased by approximately twenty percent. 182 186
- The enhancement is especially significant because it improves an already extraordinary physical foundation. 186
- Richard demonstrated the tattoo’s effectiveness through an arm-wrestling test with an Elf guard. 182
Equipment / Weapons / Items
- Dragon Slayer — A high-quality sword returned to Richard by the Dwarf merchant Nigen. 7
- Windchaser — Richard’s giant beast mount. 15
- Worn Knight’s Lance — Purchased from the System shop for 1,750 Denar. 15
- Heart of Iron Radiant Treasure Map — Ancient bronze plates that grant access to Magnetic Control after Richard reached Starlight Templar. 244
- Ring of Sky and Thunder — A Titan ring charged with lightning reserves and used to defeat the Resentful Ghost, Ragnaros. 337
- Steel-plated boots — Non-magical boots reinforced with steel plates; Richard used them in formal duels while concealing the full nature of his physical ability. 275
- Divine Chariot — A captured Titan vehicle used by Richard’s group for rapid travel. 403
Relationships
- Cavan Orlando — Richard’s biological father, a powerful Pompeian marquis; Cavan’s late bestowal of the Orlando surname shaped Richard’s political position. 2
- Soren — Fellow bastard, political ally, and confidant. Soren provided Richard with loans, intelligence, and guidance through Pompeian politics. 3 69 99 236
- Annie — Half-Elf merchant and trusted companion of High Mountain Keep. She supports his territory’s trade and advises him when she believes he is overlooking a threat. 17 182 417
- Buckland — Old white tiger, High Mountain Keep’s head butler, mentor, and caretaker during Richard’s absence. He gave Richard the Sacred Word Prayer Technique and regularly challenges his excesses. 79 226 244
- Gunther — Proud Highland Barbarian warrior who became one of Richard’s core subordinates after their Starry Arena confrontation. 4 7
- Bedrick — Pompeii’s crown prince and former impersonator of Richard. Their initially hostile encounter developed into mutual respect and political cooperation. 104 126 414
- Elizabeth — The Spider Queen, initially a formidable opponent. Richard promised to protect her, later formally knighting her as his subordinate. 297 315 367
- Archmage Dupond — A respected mentor-like figure who discusses magical theory, talent, and the ethical use of magic with Richard. 251 253 319
- Qichu — Richard’s squirrel familiar and companion, who accompanies him into Corin and assists during conflicts involving Titan artifacts and spirits. 96 337
Story Role / Major Arcs
Rise of High Mountain Keep
- Builds a force around Highland Barbarians, Centaurs, Dwarves, and shamans while experimenting with System-standard weapons and equipment. 35 40
- Develops High Mountain Keep’s reputation through wilderness victories, leading bards in Corun City to spread stories of his cunning and strength. 69
- Uses diplomacy, force, and multi-racial recruitment to turn a pioneer territory into a growing regional power. 182 226
Pompeii–Stuart War
- Is unwillingly presented as Pompeii’s potential hero during the war with Stuart. 100
- Receives the title of Eagle Knight and leads High Mountain Keep as part of the Dragon’s Claw sequence. 126
- Gains continent-wide fame after publicly striking down an Undead Dragon during the Battle of Winter City. 173 179
New World and Titan Crisis
- Returns from another world with knowledge of Titan corruption and information capable of changing established history. 226
- Uses the Ring of Sky and Thunder to defeat Ragnaros in the New World. 337
- Becomes increasingly involved in preparations against the Undead and Corrupted Titan threats, despite preferring to focus on his own territory. 394 414 415
Notable Quotes
“Cultivation is bullshit!” — Richard 243
“Nine out of ten who really try to be heroes end up kicking the bucket. I’m not that foolish.” — Richard 236
Trivia
- Richard’s attempt to improve at archery failed so badly that he used Lead Apples to erase his archery and throwing experience, recovering 75 proficiency points for Sacred Word Prayer Technique. 243 244
- He calls his magnetically assisted aerial travel “Sword Riding” and rejects Hert’s more stable suggestion of flying in an iron bathtub. 246
- A Golden Apple restored Richard’s forgotten knowledge so completely that he could recall library catalog numbers and begin transcribing “Chemistry” onto parchment. 367
- His reputation rose faster after he gained notoriety as a “demon lord,” because System reputation can be fueled by fear as well as admiration. 337