Lord Richard Koopa

*"Are you going to do anything?! Anything at all?!"* - The Feeble King (I)

**Lord Richard Koopa** is one of the main characters of *Wars of Frozen Flames* episode *The Feeble King*. He is the second cousin of King John Koopa VI and the Duke of Sherbet Land in the late fifteenth century, as well as the second person in line to the Koopa Throne after John VI's son Prince Godwin Koopa. In contrast to his cousin, Richard is a strong and efficient warrior and leader, caring greatly about both the Koopa Kingdom and its soldiers. He is also showcased to have a strong sense of justice and is often shown acting on behalf of the king to help the Kingdom, to the annoyance of his Queen, Cynder Von Bohnenrotte, who is greatly feared by the Koopa Kingdom's people and sees Lord Richard as a threat to her husband's claim to the Koopa Throne. Lord Richard briefly served as King's Claw and regent of the Koopa Kingdom, following John VI passing out at the Loveday Feast and being unable to rule the Kingdom on his own. He quickly recovered however, and ordered for Lord Richard's arrest, causing Lord Richard to raise an army against his cousin, beginning the Wars of Frozen Flames. He is based on Richard of York, 3rd Duke of York.

## History

### Backstory

Richard was born in the year 1432 to his father, also named Richard, and his mother, Lady Anna Kassimeer. The time Richard spent with his parents however was very brief, as his mother passed away shortly after laying the egg containing him and his father was executed for committing treason against King John Koopa V when he was nine years old. It's implied by Lord Symon Blackfoot that Richard's father died begging for mercy. Following this, Richard was taken in by his maternal Uncle, Lord Raymund Kassimeer, whom Richard describes as "the father he never had".

Following the death of Prince Rodrick Koopa in the mid 1440s, Richard succeed him as both the duke of Sherbet Land and Chief Lieutenant of the Koopa Troop, fighting in the Hundred-and-Eight Years War under Prince Blayne Koopa's command and helping him, alongside other nobles, help keep hold of the Bohnenkraut Kingdom. In the year 1450, an arranged marriage was broken off between Lord Richard and Lord Birchard Python's youngest daughter, Lady Tulisa Python. The two of them had never seen or spoken to each other before their wedding, but both of them soon became heavily attached to each other and went on to have a loving and healthy marriage, bearing seven children in total: three daughters and four sons.

After the death of Prince Blayne in the year 1465, effort on the war began to decline. Lord Richard was then replaced as Chief Lieutenant by Lord Sigmund Phoenix and sent to Sherbet Land after King John Koopa VI's wife, Queen Cynder Von Bohnenrotte, requested him to. This being a result of Queen Cynder having an affair with Sigmund's son, Sir Blayne Phoenix, and him seducing her into giving his father the title, which would in turn benefit him as well. Lord Sigmund led a disastrous military campaign in Nordskal Ridge, as he ran away from the battlefield, leaving his troops at the mercy of the Bohnenkraut troops, which subsequently slain all of them. Richard resented Sigmund and Cynder for this, especially because Sigmund was not punished for deserting his troops thanks to Blayne and Cynder's affair.

### The Feeble King

#### Part I

Lord Richard Koopa arrives at the Koopa Castle after hearing the news of the death of Lord Alfred De La Korde at the hands of anarchist peasants, offering to fill the position of the deceased lord, only to be informed that Lord Sigmund has already been chosen as the new King's Claw. Richard is angry about him, reminding everyone that Lord Sigmund is corrupt and abandoned his troops in the middle of an important battle, leaving them to die. The other lords however, save for Pythons of the Junior Branch and Sir Rodrick Solberg, all laugh at Richard, who is then threatened by Sigmund with death. Richard then leaves the Koopa Castle.

Back at his castle in Sherbet Land, Richard is greeted by his wife Tulisa, his right-hand Lord Greyford, his children Robert, Halbert, Anna, Tobias and Rickon, and Lord Berwick Python's daughters, Lily and Rose, who all wanted to celebrate him becoming King's Claw, only to find that they had chosen Lord Sigmund over him. The family then enjoy a feast, and in that moment Parakarry arrives at the castle to deliver a letter from Lord Kassimeer, requesting that Richard meets him the following day's afternoon. Lord Richard does as the letter tells him and meets with his maternal uncle, who is sick and bedridden as a result of catching the Black Plague in the Frosted Kingdom, to which Lord Richard suspects that he was deliberately sent there so he would get infected.

After meeting with his uncle, Lord Richard is explained that the former had a claim to the throne, but was arrested alongside his sister, Richard's mother, and taken to the Black Tower after John IV deposed Richard II, but were let go after swearing an oath to never try and take the throne for themselves. Richard asks Kassimeer if he doesn't consider himself the rightful heir, but Kassimeer tells him that he never had any intention of becoming king anyways.

After having finished talking to his uncle, Lord Richard comes across Lord Berwick, Sir Torrence and Jorgon Python, who inform him that the Blackfoots assaulted them during Torrence's wedding ceremony. He then immediately heads for Sandcake Dunes castle to confront Lord Symon Blackfoot about this, but Symon refuses to take action unless King John VI himself complains about it, which he knows he won't, and later kicks Richard out of his castle.

A couple of days later, Richard and his family receive an invitation from Queen Cynder to the Koopa Castle for a Loveday Feast. Tulisa is excited about it, as she believes it could be an opportunity to reconcile with the king and his advisors. Richard is not so keen on the idea, but agrees to go. At the Loveday feast, Lord Richard is approached by Lord Gaston Thornton, who proposes committing treason against the king and his advisors, but Richard is not on board with the idea and nearly strangles Lord Thorton for his suggestion. Later on, Cynder reveals the true purpose of the feast, to reveal that she had laid an egg, giving John an heir to the throne, and mocking Richard over it. Richard is outraged by this, having had enough of being laughed at by other lords, and unleashes his sword after Lord Sigmund threatens him with death yet again. The conflict is forgotten after Parakarry informs all the attendees of the fall of Oho Oasis, and thus the loss of the war against the Bohnenkraut Kingdom, which causes King John to suffer a breakdown, shocking everyone.

#### Part II

Lord Richard is troubled over King John's state but Tulisa assures that the King may be fine but Richard worries that he may never recover and suspects that Queen Cynder may have had something to do with his current situation. Tulisa however thinks otherwise, believing that the Queen would not want to murder her husband before their heir is born and Lord Greyford agrees with her. Lord Richard the points out that the realm still needs a King, especially during John's coma. Parakarry knocks on the door and gives Richard a letter saying that Lord Sigmund is holding a cabinet meeting tomorrow in the King's absence which is about him hosting a regency council with Sigmund planning to place himself at the head, and that Richard is not invited. This outrages Richard enough to go and try to depose Sigmund from his position. Tulisa pleads Richard to not march against the King with an army but Richard states that he is marching against a traitorous coward claiming power for himself and tells Lord Greyford to assemble some troops to the valley.

Richard then comes to the cabinet meeting with Sir Edrick and his troops to ambush the meeting and arrest Lord Sigmund and then take him to the Black Tower. Lord Richard takes over the meeting and says that a trial for Sigmund will take place next week but is conflicted by Sir Theodrick Solberg, Lord Symon Blackfoot and Lord Birchard Python while Lord Horace Sylver sucks him up. Lord Richard then dismisses the meeting.

Back to Sherbet Land, Richard's daughter Anna complains about staying in Sherbet Land but Richard says that Halbert will be escorting her to Koopa Cross for her wedding to Lord Garnet and that he will be taking Tobias and Rickon. Richard's youngest daughter Ursula wishes that he could stay there and be the King's Claw but Richard states that her mother will take care of her and reminds her what he always taught him: there is no lord right to the first night. Richard later names his son Halbert as Lord Chancellor of the Frosted Kingdom and has his eldest son Robert acting as Lord of Sherbet Land to his joy.

Richard is visited by Berwick while two of his men are feeding his mustie and Richard greets him in response. Berwick shows Richard around the valley and talks about Sigmund while he does so, asking if he's wants to chop his head or wait for the king, but Richard states that he is more valuable alive and that it's possible he could reform. The two then spot Sir Erik Bane bullying Rufus Blackfoot for giving him a barrel of water instead of mead and smashes it, shocking Richard. Berwick introduces that Sir Erik Bane is one of the realm's most fearsome knights but Richard describes him as a beast, asking how he got anointed, to which Berwick explains that his father offered King John his weight in silver. Berwick then describes Bane even more, with Richard claiming he will not get away with his actions under him.

Richard appears for the cabinet meeting and are greeted by Berwick and Torrence. He is then welcomed by Sir Rodrick, to who he then asks about the king, which he then replies that he is still unresponsive. Richard is then ready to begin with Theodrick appearing unhappy while Sylver sucks up to Richard. Richard then asks about the whereabouts of Lord Blackfoot and guesses that he is avoiding punishment for his treacherous sons. Birchard asks why do they need him for and Richard states that he's the greatest landowner in the Dunes and a principal guardian of the Kaktus Kingdom border in response. Theodrick aggressively states that he can't expect them to attend every meeting only for Richard to state that he's a member of the council and expects his attendance as much as he expects his. Ironside states that the King often allowed them to skip cabinet meetings if they were weary with Thornton adding that Lord Foster was absent for three months so Richard says that he is to attend at once and asks about the loss of Oho Oasis and Ironside answers that the Kingdom has been crawling with refugees. Sylver demands that the kingdom is no place for peasants but Richard states that they build their houses, castles and pave their roads. Richard then says that they'll need new homes somewhere to house the refugees but Ironside states that the throne is currently 372,000 coins in debt, shocking Richard. Berwick suggests to leave the refugees to themselves but Richard lectures on why should their people fight for them when they, themselves, won't fight for the people and demands that they need to recover the money by turning over some land, displeasing some cabinet members especially Birchard. Richard attempts to ensure that it's for the greater good. Richard pulls up a paper about a victory celebration with Ironside clarifying that the king thought the war would play out very differently.

Richard and his men enter Lord Symon Blackfoot's castle along with Torrence, Jorgon and their men and by Trystan Blackfoot. He then brings the men to Symon's room and Richard greets Symon, pointing out his natural child. He states that they're here to talk regarding Symon's absent at the council meeting but Symon claims that Richard wrongfully imprisoned Sigmund in the Tower and claims that he heard that he's trying to make nobles turn over their lands to which Richard claims is for the benefit of the realm. Symon demands that he will return when Lord Sigmund is released to which Richard states that Sigmund betrayed the realm and abandoned his troops and will receive justice as will Symon if he commits treason under his watch, confusing Symon to which Richard mentions that he still haven't paid for Torrence's wedding ambush to which Ronan Blackfoot justifies, claiming that Torrence kidnapped Lady Stamford. Sanderling insults the Pythons for crying to Lord Richard after they otbushed but Jorgon claims they butchered their men and ate their food, adding that one of the archers killed Torrence. Richard demands Symon demands the feud stops now and that he will repay Sir Torrence and Jorgon three hundred coins for each of their troubles, mentioning that he is the King's Claw and the King is unconscious. Richard threatens that Symon either accepts his terms or his children are coming with him with Symon insulting Richard's traitorous father, resulting in Richard and the Python's men to seize Hayes, Ronan and Sanderling, getting ordered for them to be sent to the Black Tower. Richard states that they'll be treated well and re-released if he behaves and instructs Trystan to make sure his father behaves.

Richard visits his uncle Kassimeer to tell him about his work in the Koopa Kingdom and mentions that if everything goes to plan then the realm should perfectly be in order by 1480 to which his uncle praises him for. Kassimeer asks about Lord Blackfoot regarding his sons' imprisonment and recalls the time when the Blackfoots rebelled against John IV and adds that the rebel forces were crushed and Symon was fled to the Kaktus Kingdom, kicking and screaming after returning from exile years later with Richard recalling that he acted the same way recently. Kassimeer congratulates Richard as King's Claw and the two drink together. A parakarry appears, stating that the Queen brings great news.

Richard appears to meet the Queen's baby, Prince Godwin Koopa and appears shocked. He states that they never had a King Godwin before to which Theodrick angrily mentions the last time they had a King Richard, he nearly burned down the Kingdom, prompting the Archbishop to calm the two, with Richard apologising.

Richard is visited by Sir Edrick who brings Lord Ironside to see him, asking to talk in private. Edrick leaves and the other two talk, with Ironside mentioning the King's son with Richard thinking that the boy will make a fine King someday and with Ironside adding that he certainly takes more after his mother than his father. He then answers to Richard that he brought information regarding the untimely death of Prince Joseph, to which Ironside describes him as a good man who loved the arts but was devoted to maintaining the Bohnenkraut Kingdom. He then adds that before his arrest, the Prince wrote a letter stating he had important information he needed to share with the King. Richard asks how Ironside knows this, to which he answers that he is the King's steward and reads all his letters. Richard asks Ironside to continue so he adds that Lord Sigmund had the Prince arrested where he died after three days. Richard asks what would the Prince have wanted to share with the King that was so urgent but Ironside states that he never got to say. Richard has suspicions of Lord Ironside, asking him what he is truly after, to which he claims is for the right ruler on the throne. Ironside gives an advice, telling him to be careful who he trusts around there, describing that salt and sugar appear the same but taste very different. Ironside then leaves with Edrick having been implied to have listened to the conversation.

After John VI awakened from his coma, he is shouted at by Cynder, who then claims that Lord Richard has been ruining everything. Sylver claims that Richard usurped power for himself with Cynder adding that he stole the King's Claw position and imprisoned Sigmund in the Black Tower and Theodrick mentioning that he has been making them turn over some of their lands. Cynder demands John to release Sigmund from the Tower, remove Richard as his Claw and reinstate Sigmund and give everyone their lands back, with John being hesitant to do so. She then orders Theodrick to take his brother and remove Richard from office and take him to the Tower. Cynder tries relieving John, calmly claiming that he defied his wishes and the minute he was out cold, Richard seized power for himself.

Edrick Greyford tells Richard that the King has recovered, pleasing Richard to the point that he believes they must greet him at once so they head to the Koopa Castle along with Richard's men but are ambushed by Rodrick and Theodrick and their men who are sent to get Richard to answer for his crimes and sent to the Black Tower but he refuses to walk into the Queen's trap. Rodrick states that the King is his brother and that he owes everything to him but Richard asks if he would do the same for Rodrick. Theodrick, believing this is going nowhere, rushes into a fight along with their men and the two armies fight. Richard and Edrick defend themselves and fight against the Solbergs and flee the scene with Frost.

#### Part III

Richard and Edrick ride Frost to a road out of Bright Valley, with Richard in disbelief of what the King ordered. Richard realises that Tobias and Rickon are still at the castle but Edrick says he's sure that they'll be returned home safely as they did nothing wrong but Richard reminds him and claims that neither did they, adding that they never know who is innocent or not when the Queen is involved. They are then met by Lord Thornton, who informs them that Tobias and Rickon are in the Black Tower and offers to escort them to safety. Richard is at first hesitant on trusting Thornton but Thornton says that if he wanted him dead then he'll just kill him where he stands. Richard then orders Frost to follow Lord Ghaston Thornton.

At Thornton's Castle, Richard is given a drink made from spices, berries and Scuttlebugs, showing implicit disgust but saying is lovely. Richard claims that he underestimated Thornton's loyalty and Thornton says all is forgiven and that his neck has mostly recovered. When Thornton points out that Richard's knight has taken a liking to his daughter, Richard asks about her mother only for Thornton to state he doesn't remember, adding that he never married himself and that Alice is his baseborn daughter. When Thornton asks Richard if he has any Frosterlings himself, he says that he could never do that to Tulisa and says that rumors only bother him if they're true in response to Thornton bringing up the rumors about Tulisa. When Thornton suggests that John and Sigmund may be already reversing Richard's accomplishments as they speak, Richard shows his worry for his sons Tobias and Rickon and what they'll do to them. Thornton states that they'll be keeping them as hostages much like Richard's uncle Lord Kassimeer until John V released him. When Thornton states that they have two options with one of them being for Richard to turn himself in, he asks what the second option is, to which Thornton says battle. Richard immediately tells Sir Edrick to call for a Great Council in Sherbet Land as they're going to war.

Richard, along with Edrick and Thornton, arrive at Sherbet Land, in his Castle, meeting Tulisa, Greyford, Berwick and his two daughters Lily and Rose, and Halbert. He shows relief and happiness but says they have much to discuss, stating that a group of the King's men attempted to have him thrown in the Black Tower and that they attacked when he refused. Richard then introduces Lord Ghaston Thornton, who provided hospitality for him and Sir Edrick on the road to Sherbet Land. Richard also mentions that the Queen's party are almost certainly plotting against them, adding they have two of his sons and that Lord Thornton informed him that they were taken prisoner. Richard then meets Robert, who came back from sending Joanna home. He then tells him that they have more important matters on their hands.

Richard holds a council meeting in his courtroom, gathering his supporters. Richard demands Berwick and Tusk to stop bickering, to which Berwick apologises for. Richard then asks about Lord Garnet's whereabouts as he called upon him to attend, hoping he'd honor the pact they made when he married Richard's daughter. Lord Cinnabar says that there's sign of him and Manfred claims that Lord Garnet is not the type to keep his words, with Tulisa adding that he lives all the way in Koopa Cross. When Lord Rook asks what's the plan, Richard says he is unsure so Torrence says that they'll need to come up with something soon, with Jorgon adding that the Blackfoots are going to come for them. When Thornton asks what is the plan, Richard proceeds to give a speech what Alfred said during the Battle of Vanilla Lake, desperate times call for desperate measures, adding that their ancestors never gave up and fought hard to get them where they are now. Richard, as descendant of two sons of King Robert Koopa III, then persuades the lords to join him in his time of needs, claiming that they will restore order to the Kingdom, take back control of the King, free his sons and save the realm. Torrence mentions that Lord Richard came to his aid when the Blackfoots attacked his wedding feast. Manfred mentions that Richard slew three Bohnenkraut knights and helped him to safety when he was struck with an arrow. Waldron mentions that Lord Richard sent him men and resources to fend off raiders from the Frosted Kingdom when they attacked the shores of Vanilla Lake. Rufus Cinnabar mentions that Lord Richard returned his father's bones home when he drowned in the Bohnenkraut Kingdom. Hoarfrost mentions that he and Lord Richard fought together in the Frosted Kingdom where he helped them protect their estates. Tusk mentions that Lord Richard visited him in his bedchamber and read to him to ease the pain from the toe he lost to frostbite. Berwick then promotes Lord Richard, stating that he is the one who defended their lands in the Bohnenkraut Kingdom and the one who has always had their best interests at heart and declaring that the King's Claw position is Lord Richard's by right.

##### Battle of Whomp City

Richard and his army arrive at Whomp City to set up camp, being accompanied by Greyford and Thornton. He is informed that their army is over three thousand men strong and are prepared to attack by Berwick and Tusk respectively. Richard then orders that he will take command of the right flank and Lord Berwick will take command of the left flank, being followed by Robert and Halbert. He then orders Torrence and Jorgon to stay with him and Manfred to command the middle flank, ordering Tusk to stay with Richard when he complains about Manfred taking command. When Lord Greyford suggests to strike when the royal army is unprepared, Richard declines as negotiations are still on-going. When a parakarry informs the knights that Lord Garnet has switched his allegiance and handed Lady Anna over to the Queen, Richard insists on sending a message to the King, saying "Come and face me yourself and we will come to an agreement. Let's settle this with words, not blades. All I want is you to hand over those in need of punishments.". Blayne however, burns the letter and it is thus declined. When the parakarry informs of this, Richard prepares for battle.

The battle starts and Richard informs Jorgon that Berwick will focus on capturing the King as they encounter Herard Bane, who Richard claims to him that they're the ones fighting for the King only for Herard to say that treason is treason and the two flanks start fighting. Richard fights against Herard but is exhausted by him until he manages to stab Herard to death. When Torrence successfully disarms Sigmund, Richard personally beheads the latter for abandonment, desertion, and enriching oneself at the realms expense. Richard later finds Sir Edrick dying from his wounds and is later approached by Berwick who has successfully captured the King.

## Appearance and Character

Richard is a large, dragon-like Koopa that has blue skin, a dark blue head, a pale blue muzzle and plated chest-piece. His hair ends at a shoulder-length level, with his bangs being swooped to both sides of his face. His hair, beard and eyebrows are fittingly an ice blue color, he also has bright yellow eyes and two horns on the top of his head. He wears a deep, desaturated blue shell with an ice blue rimming that features ice blue rings around the spikes, which are the same shade of blue as his snout. Richard wears an ice blue collar around his neck and spiked cuffs, one on each arm. With his armor: He wears cyan pauldrons around both of his shoulders, a silver breastplate with red sleeves, and a blue and red cape to complete the look.

Richard is depicted in the show as a very strong and noble warrior, being kind and respectful to those around him, unless it's someone who he dislikes (e.g Lord Sigmund Phoenix). Richard's most notable trait is that he shows great care for the Koopa Kingdom and its residents, having a strong sense of justice and wishes to make the realm a better place for everyone. He is very loyal and devoted to his Kingdom and to his friends, loved-ones, and especially to his wife and family. Its known that he and Tulisa have a very loving relationship and seems to be very faithful to her, as seen in part three where Lord Thornton asks Richard if he as any Frosterlings himself, and Richard responds by saying that he would never do that to her. He also seems to greatly value his children, however, he does seem to put more attention on his eldest son, Robert, on keeping the family line going as for the sake of the realm and his family.

## Relationships with Other Characters

### King John Koopa VI

Richard is shown to be in great terms with his cousin John VI, as John was very excited to see Richard after years and when they were first seen interacting, Richard said it was so great to see him after all those times and proceeds to hug him. They are shown to be very civilised as such case with Richard asking John how been to which John replies that he has finally learned how to write and asks if he wants to see a poem he wrote. However, Richard still shows concern over his ruling over the Kingdom.

### Lord Sigmund Phoenix

Richard has a strong dislike towards Sigmund, seeing him as a dishonourable coward and a clotpole. Especially because of his disastrous campaign in Nordskal Ridge as said before. His rivalry with Sigmund is one of the leading cause of the war.