Rick

Biodata

Background / History

Rick was once a highly skilled architect in Stormwind City's Mason Guild. His architectural ability had reached Master rank and was reportedly second only to Edwin VanCleef's; during Stormwind's reconstruction, Rick was responsible for the Mage District. His work brought him into contact with Theocritus and other mages. 46

When Stormwind defaulted on the Mason Guild's wages, VanCleef led most guild members into becoming the Defias Brotherhood. Rick chose not to join and spent the following years wandering, though he continued trying to convince his former friend to abandon his campaign of revenge. VanCleef repeatedly drove him away and eventually nearly killed him during Rick's final attempt at persuasion. 46

Before traveling to Goldshire, Rick spent three months at Saldean Farm. He presented himself as a level 3 rogue from Stormwind and was hired as Old Saldean's caravan scout, but Shawn's Eye of Insight exposed that he had concealed both his true rogue level and warrior training. 23

Rick accepted Shawn's money to arrange an introduction to a mage, then led him to the Tower of Azora and secured an audience with Theocritus. As Rick learned that Shawn was a mage carrying valuable magical items, his initial greed gave way to caution and growing respect. 25 34 36

During the encounter with the domesticated sow Princess, Rick fled and abandoned Shawn. He later returned injured, bringing the bound Vanessa VanCleef as a bargaining chip while seeking Shawn's protection. 39 45

After revealing his history with VanCleef and learning from Shawn that Onyxia was responsible for Stormwind and Westfall's crisis, Rick agreed to seek out VanCleef and urge him to reconcile with Stormwind. He swore loyalty to Shawn, left Vanessa in Shawn's care, and later returned after VanCleef demanded a personal apology from King Varian as the condition for cooperation. 46 48 Rick subsequently accompanies Shawn and Vanessa to Stormwind City. 50

Appearance

Rick is an adult man with messy blond hair, sharp eyes, and a habitual mischievous grin. During his time as a drifter, he wore tattered, dirty linen clothing. 24

• Often presents himself as a smooth-talking wanderer from Stormwind City. 23 24
• Returned from the Deadmines severely wounded, thinner than before, and visibly exhausted. 45
• Smokes cigarettes and is depicted stubbing one out before guiding Shawn to the Tower of Azora. 34

Personality

Rick is worldly, sociable, and adept at making favorable impressions. He quickly became familiar with everyone at Saldean Farm, yet concealed his real abilities and background behind a carefully constructed drifter persona. 23 24

He is greedy and opportunistic, readily demanding payment to introduce Shawn to a mage and briefly considering stealing Shawn's magical possessions. However, Shawn's unexplained strength frightens Rick into abandoning those plans. 25 34 35

Despite his cowardice during the attack by Princess, Rick retains loyalty toward VanCleef. He does not hate his former friend, believes Stormwind wronged the Mason Guild first, and continues attempting to save VanCleef from the consequences of his hatred. 39 46

Abilities & Skills

Rogue and Warrior Training

• Sinister Strike — offensive rogue technique. 23
• Eviscerate — finishing attack. 23
• Ambush — surprise attack technique. 23
• Sprint — burst-mobility skill. 23
• Kick — close-range interruption or combat technique. 23
• Pick Lock and Pick Pocket — theft and infiltration skills consistent with his rogue background. 23 25

Architecture

Rick is a Master-ranked architect whose skill was stated to be second only to Edwin VanCleef's within the Mason Guild. He oversaw reconstruction work in Stormwind's Mage District. 46

Relationships

• Shawn Feathermoon — Initially Shawn's hired guide to Theocritus; Rick abandons him during Princess' attack, then later seeks his protection and swears to follow him in exchange for a path to oppose Onyxia. 25 34 39 46
• Edwin VanCleef — Former friend, superior, and fellow Mason Guild member. Rick repeatedly tries to persuade VanCleef to abandon his hatred, even after being violently rejected. 46 48
• Vanessa VanCleef — VanCleef's daughter, whom Rick kidnaps while escaping the Deadmines. He leaves her with Shawn, describing her as the daughter of his best friend. 45 46
• Theocritus — Acquaintance from Rick's work rebuilding Stormwind's Mage District; Rick uses this connection to bring Shawn to the Tower of Azora. 35 46
• Matthias Shaw — A high-ranking Stormwind figure Rick identifies as a possible intermediary between VanCleef and King Varian. 48
• Old Saldean — Employs Rick as the Saldean Farm caravan's scout before the journey to Goldshire. 23

Notable Quotes

“As long as we can kill Onyxia, I swear to follow you for the rest of my life!” 46