Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy

Lore & Background

His influence extends far beyond his physical form through Volcano Manor. The manor serves as a sanctuary for Tarnished who wish to hunt demigods under Rykard’s banner. While he appears benevolent in offering purpose to these outcasts, his true goal is to amass power to challenge the Erdtree itself. His fusion with the serpent grants him fire-based abilities and physical resilience that make him nearly invulnerable to conventional weapons.

In Their Own Story

The steam rising from Mt. Gelmir carries a scent of sulfur and old ash. As the ship docks at the manor, silence hangs heavy in the air, broken only by the distant rumble of magma shifting beneath the stone floors. Deep within the throne room, shadows stretch long across the lava pit. A low hiss echoes, vibrating through the bones of anyone foolish enough to approach the altar where the Lord waits, his eyes glowing with a hunger that predates the age of stars.

Reader's Guide

Rykard stands as one of the most formidable Shardbearers within the Lands Between, having chosen a path of radical defiance against the Golden Order. Originally a demigod child of Queen Marika, he rejected his heritage by surrendering his body to the God-Devouring Serpent. This act was intended to grant him immortality and power beyond the Erdtree’s reach, though it resulted in a grotesque fusion where human and beast share a single consciousness. His domain is Volcano Manor on Mt. Gelmir, a fortress built upon active lava flows. Here, he commands a group of Tarnished assassins who hunt other demigods to further his own agenda. In combat, Rykard wields massive greatswords and utilizes fiery serpent attacks that can overwhelm even the most seasoned warriors. His presence signifies a corruption of grace. Defeating him requires understanding his two distinct phases: first as a humanoid wielding fire magic, then fully merged with the serpent. Players must use specific weapons to bypass his defenses, learning that patience is key against such an ancient foe.

Did You Know?

• Rykard was originally a human demigod before merging with the serpent.
• Volcano Manor serves as a hub for assassins hunting other Shardbearers.
• His Remembrance allows players to craft unique weapons and spells.
• The God-Devouring Serpent was meant to consume him, but he mastered it instead.