Rickard Swann

Rickard Swann is the youngest brother the late Lord of Stonehelm, Donnel II. He became Master-at-Arms for Donnel and would hold the duty through his brother's and niece's rules. He lead the men of Stonehelm in their campaign in the Stormlands during the Second Hammer Uprising. Af of today, he still holds the title of Master-at-Arms in Stonehelm for his greatniece, Agnes Swann.

Appearance and Character
Rickard has broad shoulders and sharp features. Under thick eyebrows; wrinkles at the corner of the his dark eyes. His expressive face can easily turn from a cold stare to a warm smile. His messy dark hair match his short and grizzled beard.

He is a stern and diligent man that finds much good in fulfilling his duty. In his youth he was known for a bad character but the years and a few beatings taught him to hold his tongue.

Early Life (398-418AC)
As a fourth son, Rickard found himself having a great deal of freedom his brothers didn't have. He excelled in everything martial and where his brothers had to sit through endless lessons, he could do as he wished when his training was over.

Travels to Essos (419AC-423AC)
A few years after their father's death, Rickard asked his older brother to be freed of any duties he had towards House Swann to travel. He promised he would come back in a few years. Knowing Rickard would most likely leave anyway, Donnel accepted.

Rickard sailed for Pentos. He would spend the next few years living as a sellsword and travelling between Pentos and Myr.

Back in Stonehelm (423-432AC)
As he had promised, Rickard sailed back to Stonehelm in early 423AC. Donnel named him Master-at-Arms of Stonehelm.

A few years ago, Donnel grew sick and died. His daughter, Ravella Swann, became Lady of Stonehelm. Rickard had always found the girl cold and unpleasant, but he respected her diligence and her intelligence and dutifully held on to the title of Master-at Arms.

Second Hammer Uprising (432-435AC)
Rickard profoundly disagreed with many of the decisions Ravella took in the opening moments of the Second Hammer Uprising. Serving his brother, with whom he agreed most of the time, had been easy. For the first time, Rickard became aware of the challenges of conflicting morals and duties.

He was unaware of Ravella's plan of capturing Robar and Davos on their visit to Stonehelm. Upon learning of her betrayal, he considered leaving her service. However, his relationship with his greatniece, Agnes, had blossomed in the past few months and Rickard couldn't bring himself to abandonning the rest of the Swann family.

He lead the men of Stonehelm in their campaign in the Stormlands during which nephew died during the Siege of Weeping Town. When his host was partly scattered, he led his remaining men in the Rainwood and joined the Warsmiths in their skirmishing tactics. Many men died when Viserion set ablaze great spans of the Rainwood. Rickard was almost torched by the dragon's fire but managed to save his life bare some serious burns to a side of his face. Wounded and unable to continue campaigning, he was brought to Stonehelm where Maester Jasper tended to his wounds.

Rickard did not weep for his niece when he heard of her death in King's Landing. But just like Agnes Swann, he was outraged by Quentyn's execution. A few months later, he stood atop the gates of Stonehelm when his greatniece came back riding alone from King's Landing.

Family
Full family-tree
 * Donnel II Swann, brother.
 * Lyesel Hightower, sister-in-law.
 * Ravella Swann, niece.
 * Meryn Swann, greatnephew.
 * Quentyn Swann, greatnephew.
 * Agnes Swann, greatniece.
 * Leonore Swann, niece.
 * Gawen Swann, nephew.
 * Davina Swann, niece.
 * Ronald Swann, brother.
 * Orland Swann, brother.
 * Pia Gower, sister-in-law.
 * Felicia Swann, niece.
 * Rickard Swann.
 * Selyse Swann, sister.