Richard is the son of former bastard Malveus Landrocaster, the firstborn child of Malveus III Karthmere who was born out of wedlock. In 310 AC, Richard's father attempted a coup to take control of Thyllanor for himself -- the coup was short-lived, and Malveus was imprisoned for 5 years. Upon being released, Malveus proved his worth and was given the right to create his own cadet branch; House Landrocaster, founded in 320 AC, now exists as a result. A year later, Malveus settled in the city of Delathane with his wife Isabel Tarno, and Richard was born the year following in 322 AC, with his sister Vele being born in 323 AC. Life was a lot easier for Richard than it was for his father, due to not being stigmatized for being a bastard; something he was never allowed to forget while growing up