Richard St. Vier is the most skilled swordsman in the entire city. Although he often works for the aristocrats by defending their honor against one another, he cares nothing for the ideals of high society, and is mainly motivated by money. He is careful, and will not take a job if he thinks it is too dangerous, no matter how much money is offered. He also knows how to keep his mouth shut, not revealing the details of his patrons, even when on trial. Although most swordsmen make a good deal of their money guarding weddings and doing swordsmanship demonstrations, Richard refuses to do showy jobs or kill women. Richard comes from poor roots, and does not know who his father is.