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Quick Answers
What is the significance of Richard I's title 'Lionheart'?
Who is Ayaka Sajyou, the person who summoned Richard I?
What is the True and False Holy Grail Wars in which Richard I participates?
How did Richard I become the 'True' Saber-class Servant?
What is the abnormal nature of the False Holy Grail War that Richard I is involved in?
Profile
Identity
Known as the Lionheart (獅子心王, Shishishin'ō?), Richard was the king of England.[4] He is known as the "Wandering King", not because he was always headed off to a battlefield or on his way back from one, but because he was the king who wandered over the border between history and myth, the last king with one foot in an age when faeries and runes were still out in the open.[4]
History
As a child, he was talented in nearly every activity he tried, but this alienated him from his peers who were resentful of him. Richard was always charmed by the legends of King Arthur and his knights told to him by his motherWP.[5] Due to his love, Richard went around searching for items of Arthurian Legends and even called all of his swords Excalibur.[4] At some point, he did, in fact, find Avalon, the scabbard of Excalibur,[6] which he stored in a box, that would one day be used to summon him.[7]
Before he became a king, Richard met a strange man called Saint Germain, during his search for a relic of Arthurian legends. Saint Germain arrived to Richard in a car and possessed knowledge of his search. Though Richard's vassals were wary of the man, Richard chose to trust him, due to him mentioning Alexander the Great. Saint Germain became a mentor to Richard, in a similar manner to Merlin.[8] Saint Germain would later accompany him on his war against his own fatherWP in 1189.[6]
Richard was one of the leaders of the Third CrusadeWP, during which he, SaladinWP and the leading Hassan-i-Sabbah at the time fought together against a Dead Apostle.[4][9]
Richard finally met his end when an enemy archer, Pierre Basile, sniped him with his crossbow. Although his killer, Richard seems to bear him no ill will, and even has Pierre accompany him as a part of his Noble Phantasm.[9]
Appearance
Saber appears in his late teen to his early twenties. He has golden-blond hair with several streaks of red hair. He wears a set of white knight armor and a crimson mantle, reminiscent of an "old Western aristocracy or royalty". His eyes were described as shining like a beast.[7]
A-1 PicturesWP character sheet of Richard I in the Fate/strange Fake anime. Saber in February 2023 issue of NewtypeWP Magazine, illustrated by AQUA.Inc. Saber and Ayaka in February 2025 issue of NewtypeWP Magazine. Saber Stage 1 in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Shidzuki Morii. Saber Stage 2 in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Shidzuki Morii. Saber Stage 3 in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Shidzuki Morii. Saber Stage 4 in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Shidzuki Morii. Saber in a 2025 New Year Postcard promotional on the Fate/strange Fake Anime official website, illustrated by Shidzuki Morii. Saber on promotional artwork for the first episode of the Fate/strange Fake anime, illustrated by the anime's Sub Character Designer Okazaki Oka. |
Personality
Saber often shows an overly cheerful nature, even when put in situations like interrogation or skepticism, easily able to keep his cool in such situations. In his youth, and possibly into his later years, he'd been given the nickname "Oc e Non (Yes and No)", due to his reputation for eccentricity.[9] Because he was summoned as a knight, he values his momentary impulses and the present above all else, believing those are worth staking his life for. Things would be different if he was summoned in another Class such as Rider, as it is possible his philosophies as a king would show more markedly in these other forms.[10]
However, when serious, he has displayed a rather charismatic and somewhat ruthless side, declaring that not eliminating the interrogation officers by force is the bare minimum amount of respect he shows them for their station. He enjoys granting the wishes of the common people as best he can, save in situations like being connected to Ayaka and receiving mana from her in order to materialize.[9] Saber also seems to have a way of thinking which is difficult for some to follow which results in his vassals or even Ayaka herself questioning him. He looks at situations from a wide and unique perspective, stating to Ayaka that he trusts her and does not fear her betrayal should it happen for he has experienced it in life so many times by those close to him, but states he is not bothered by the thought. It is also due to this way of thinking why he searched for an ally shortly after leaving the club, for if he was to fall he feared Ayaka would be unprotected and have no one to turn to.[4] He also shows regrets to actions he takes, such as heavily damaging the Opera House in his battle with Assassin, requesting to know how much it will cost, in material and manpower, to repair.[11] He also expresses regrets for having been a poor king and causing trouble to his subjects and his younger brotherWP, to the point he has no grudges against his brother for selling him out and trying to usurp his throne.[4]
Saber is very calm even on serious matters, calmly discussing about Pierre Basile, a man who had killed Saber in life. He would speak to Pierre as if to an old friend, stating he "learned his lesson" from being shot when looking at the treasures of the Round Table.[4] Upon meeting Saint Germain, he again showed his ability to remain calm in strange or tense circumstances despite all his vassals having their swords drawn and Saint Germain arriving by a car, a contraption Saber was not familiar with.[8]
He doesn't seem too concerned with being discrete in concealing his Servant Status, going so far as to turn into Spirit Form in front of the police officers,[9] and appears on the news to claim his amends for the Opera House. When speaking to the multitude of people, he refers to himself by plural pronouns, such as "We" and "Our".[11] He is also rather mischievous, entering Ayaka's cell and declaring he doesn't need to obey her orders if she is not his master, deciding he can bother her as much as he wants and will be taking personal care of her.[9] Evidently, he has also been told he's extreme in everything he does, after giving Ayaka some examples on how her situation could be much worse,[9] or stating to his vassals how much more credible are a drunken man's words than a sober man's ones.[8]
He displays very high reverence towards King Arthur, referring to him as the "great ancestor of [his] chivalry"[11] and the "founding King of [his] native land", stating that failing to preserve his honor would make him unfit to face him again, whom he loves and respects. His mother had told him stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table,[5] which can also explain his admiration for the King of Knights. Ideally he desires Excalibur, but any item of Arthur's would do, such as Caliburn, Rhongomyniad, or the shield used in slaying the "Chapalu". Saber's fixation even made him desire to find Avalon, hoping to see King Arthur himself or at least his court magus, Merlin.[8]
In his youth he was described as a lover of music which had transferred into the Holy Grail War, as he naturally was inclined to play the guitar. His love for music goes as far as wishing to bring modern music back to the Throne of Heroes.[4]
At first, he has no wish for the Grail, stating that while normally servants have wishes, he does not know what his would be.[4] However, after being shown the events of the Fourth Holy Grail War and the Banquet of the Kings, especially what Saber went through, by the Prelatis, he decides to use the Grail to prove Arthur's reign was not a mistake, singing a song of human triumph to the farthest reaches of distant Avalon.[6]
Relationships
1st and 2nd Ascension
- Ayaka Sajyou (Fate/strange Fake) / Ritsuka Fujimaru
- "I feel like my favorite Master was someone else. They're not in my memories, but in my records in the Throne, in a passage that I can't bring myself to ignore. But that doesn't matter now, Chaldea's Master. I’d say you’re the best Master I had even if you're not my favorite. There's no hierarchy between the two, I feel."[3]
- Galahad
- "The Holy Grail? I can tell the story of Sir Galahad's search for the Holy Grail if you have 5 hours available. Or do you mean the wish-granter? Good question... I have a place I want my song to be heard in, but here, that's not necessary. So you should use it to grant your own wish, Master. If you don't have any either, why don't we fill the Grail with juice from the grapes of Aquitaine and drink?"[3]
1st Ascension
- Artoria Pendragon (Saber)
- "King Arthur! As solemn as in the stories I've heard! I get it now. This is actually Avalon, not Chaldea. Sorry, my admiration is so strong that I need to crack these cheap jokes to avoid saying something actually inappropriate. What, you want to me go talk to her? No, I'm saving that for after I prove myself worthy of being in Chaldea. Let's go, Master. The two of us will write a new epic for King Arthur to watch!"[3]
- Artoria Pendragon Alter (Saber) / Artoria Pendragon Lily/ Mysterious Heroine X / Mysterious Heroine XX /Mysterious Heroine X Alter / Mysterious Heroine XX Alter / Artoria Pendragon (Lancer) / Artoria Pendragon Alter (Lancer)
- "One King Arthur... Two... A lot. Give me 3 seconds, Master. [Actual 3 seconds of silence] Ok, I accepted the facts. Brilliant work, Master! Bringing together more King Arthurs is indeed better than bringing together any other group of famous commanders! I shall name this squadron "Neo Avalon Made In Chaldea"!"[3]
- Gawain / Lancelot (Berserker) / Lancelot (Saber) / Mordred / Gareth / Bedivere / Tristan / Percival
- "The Knights of the Rounds! Seeing them in the flesh really is a different experience! Everyone kept telling me the poems were embellishing the story, but to my surprise, the real knights are greater than the tales say. They're mightier, more human, and more prone to shenanigans. So, Master, who is your fave?"[3]
- Mordred
- "No amount of talent or curse should suffice to end King Arthur's reign. Yes. Sir Mordred is a knight I respect for managing to end King Arthur's legend. How could I not? I mean, he accomplished the impossible."[3]
- Melusine (Lostbelt)
- "Huh? Melusine? You mean my ancestor... What? She's not the Pan-Human Melusine? Makes sense. That's a Changeling. I see the full picture now."[3]
- Robin Hood
- "Robin Hood. I see, a hero made from the fantasies weaved by the common folk being elevated into reality, just like Loxley. Don't look so peeved. You're unquestionably a hero. Words from one of the kings you antagonized and a friend of another Robin. It's the truth."[3]
- Gilgamesh / Gilgamesh (Caster)
- "Gilgamesh, the original king? Another amazing one to have, Chaldea. I feel like I may or may not have some modicum of history with him, but eh, it's all excerpts of the collection being composed in the Throne. Now we're both Servants of Chaldea, so we'll make this work. Counting on your mediator work, Master!"[3]
- Enkidu
- "Enkidu, the oldest adventurer from Babylonia. You show signs of knowing me, so could it be that we were enemies somewhere else? Oh? Not enemies, we formed an alliance? Sounds good, you're a valuable ally to have. Tell me the whole story later when we have time to spare."[3]
- Jacques de Molay (Female)
- "My connections to the Templars run deep, so I imagined I had a conversation subject for her, but... Master, what's going on with her? Why did the last head of the Templars turn into a lewd cosmo-goat that screams horror movie titles? What happened to the Templars?"[3]
2nd Ascension
- Arthur Pendragon
- "I didn't think a King Arthur could get this different from the rest. Actually, they feel different on a base level. Eh, no big deal. I, a life-long King Arthur conneisseur, knew at first glance that he was King Arthur. I'll trust this feeling. By the way, Master, how close the Knights of the Round are to this one?"[3]
- Merlin
- "You're Merlin? I heard so much about you in my mother's bedtime stories. Please let me grab you by the leg and make you into an Excalibur on a later opportunity. It will work. Even if the moon were to fall on us, I'd send it back to where it came from."[3]
- Mandricardo
- "Mandricardo! You're one of my personal inspirations. Your vow to never arm yourself with a sword until you obtained Durandal is something I wanted to imitate but obviously couldn't. You, however, pulled it off. You were a shining star in a different way than King Arthur was. Can I have an autograph? I have every word of your stories as an adventuring king memoriz—HUH? He ran away!"[3]
- Iskandar
- "You're the Conqueror King? You're so much taller than the books say. Just like Saint-Germain told me. Well, my fellow king from another land and time, why don't we take this moment to share some drinks? I'd love to hear the tales of the neverending expendition straight from the king's mouth!"[3]
- EMIYA
- "That bowman flaunting his skills at the kitchen... Hmm... Oh, heh, so that's what his deal is."[3]
- EMIYA (Assassin)
- "Say, Master, that red-hooded man dressed like Loxley seems to get displeased every time I talk about chivalry in the cafeteria. Am I overthinking it?"[3]
- Hassan of the Cursed Arm / Hassan of the Hundred Faces / Hassan of Serenity / Hassan of the Shining Star
- "Hassan… followers of the mountain sect, you mean? In life, I fought alongside one of you, who doesn't seem to be here. What? Why do you look so incredulous? Hmm, were my speech not clear? Huh!?"[3]
- William Shakespeare
- "Shakespeare! Great writer from future times! It came to my attention that you wrote a magnificent historical dramaWP with my brother as the protagonist. Do let me read it. Doesn't my sonWP also appear? I can't wait! Woohoo!"[3]
- Jeanne d'Arc / Jeanne d'Arc Alter / Jeanne d'Arc Alter Santa Lily
- "You're also called Jeanne? That's the same name as my younger sisterWP. Consider me your brother, too. I’m very used to being the big bro."[3]
- Nero Claudius / Elizabeth Báthory / Tristan / Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart / Phantom of the Opera / Antonio Salieri / Aoko Aozaki / Oda Nobunaga (Swimsuit) / Komahime / Amour / Mysterious Idol X (Alter) / Cnoc na Riabh Yaraan-doo
- "Master, this place is the best! There's so many people who can play music. Amadeus and Salieri are amazing composers, Nobunaga's guitar is so cool, and Ecchan is gracious. The Roman Emperor and the horned girl are also pretty nice. Is that what they call Death Choir Noisy Baby Metal?"[3]
- Mysterious Heroine X / Mysterious Heroine XX / Mysterious Heroine X Alter / Mysterious Idol X (Alter) / Mysterious Heroine XX Alter / Mysterious Executor C.I.E.L / Calamity Jane / Space Ishtar / Space Ereshkigal / Wandjina
- "This Artorium thing is amazing. Just looking at it fills me with power. I'd sell a Grail on amazoness.com to get myself a stock of that. What? They don't fit the lore because they’re from another galaxy? C'mon, don't sweat the details."[3]
Role
Fate/strange Fake
Day 0
The Saber-class does not exist in the False Holy Grail War ritual. However, with Faldeus machination to turn the false war into the true holy grail war, he successfully changed the course of the ritual and the summoning of the Saber-class signals the true path of the holy grail war. Originally Cashura intended to summon King Arthur with his catalyst. Before he could complete the summoning, he was murdered by Assassin. With the incomplete summoning, the opera stage was enveloped with light and multiple figures appear. All but Saber disappeared when the light fades. Saber recognizes that Assassin is one of the old men of the mountain. He engages her in battle and he comments that this is the first time he's seen someone more nimble than Loxley. Eventually Saber uses Excalibur, which destroyed parts of the opera house. He ask Ayaka Sajyou whether she is his master, and to his surprise Ayaka rejected the formal contract.[7] Saber disappears feeling dejected. When the police arrive, they noticed the corpse of Cashura and the ruined opera house. Saber reappears again and confesses he did it, even going so far as to prove that he did it by using a weaker version of Excalibur on a falling piece of rubble that would have hit the policemen. Saber was eventually handcuffed by the police. Before he was taken away to the police headquarters, he was broadcast on local television and he says he will make amends for the opera house destruction.[11]
Day 1
Ayaka and Saber are taken to police headquarters. The police attempt to interrogate him, but he shocks them by demonstrating that handcuffs and walls cannot hold him by turning into spiritual form. He says he did not resist arrest because he did not wish to endanger Ayaka and he respects the policemen who were only doing their jobs. He declares that once morning comes, he will leave with Ayaka. Assassin breaks into police headquarters to target Saber. However, she was intercepted by Orlando Reeve's Clan Calatin force. Ayaka and Saber make use of this commotion to escape.[9] After escaping they'd be lead to an underground punk hang out where Richard demonstrated his proficiency with an electric guitar despite never using such an instrument prior, playing a tune which drew everyone's attention. After receiving a change of clothes and a brief back and forth of questions from Ayaka, he revealed his True Name. Shortly after exiting the hang out Saber searches for an ally and heads into the woods where he comes across Lancer and proposes the alliance. Lancer decides to test his strength through a duel which Richard did not disappoint, as well as demonstrate using Excalibur with a mere stick. After the duel, he explains that while escaping the police station he saw what he described as a blood sucking monster and wishes to return the grail war to its proper form after dealing with such a threat. Soon approached Assassin who overheard the conversation, knowing Sabers identity as well as the story of his team up with Saladin and a Hassan during life to stop a Dead Apostle. He then allies with Lancer and Assassin to stop the mentioned menace.[4]
Saber, along with Assassin and Ayaka went to confront Sigma, a mage they believed was one of the Masters in the war. What they were not aware of, was that Sigma had not summoned a proper Servant, instead having summoned Watcher. Sigma escapes from Assassin, almost getting away, until noticing Ayaka and, believing that she was a bystander, stops to tell her to run. Seeing his kindness, Saber, and Ayaka decide to ally with Sigma. Sigma tells them that he has summoned the Lancer, Charlie Chaplin, who doesn't want to show himself.[12]
Day 2
Later Ayaka has a dream about Saber's meeting with Saint Germain, though she doesn't tell about it to Saber.[8] Sigma, who is also in contact with Faldeus Dioland, informs them that a number of soldiers have surrounded the house. Saber, though wary, isn't that concerned about them. Sigma later also tells them about the battle between True Archer and his Master against True Berserker and his Master. Saber is enthusiastic about this, wanting to slay True Berserker, who is described as a monster. Faldeus, however, tells him that his real employer will probably handle the situation, as she does.[13]
After telling Ayaka to take shelter in the church, Saber, Assassin, and Sigma later arrive to the battle between multiple forces at the hospital, where Tsubaki Kuruoka, the young comatose Master of False Rider is residing. True Archer, False Archer, Clan Calatin and False Caster are also present.[14]
False Archer becomes offended by Saber's presence and fires a volley of swords from Gate of Babylon at him, but he effortlessly bats them away with his own sword. Saber is amazed by the many high quality swords and asks False Archer if he can borrow a few. Even more offended, False Archer fires more swords, but Saber either bats them away or dodges them. Saber then offers to purchase a few swords, which makes False Archer even angrier. Saber then gets close and almost manages to strike False Archer, who blocks it. False Archer notices him seemingly using Magecraft to increase his agility, but he claims it came from one of his followers.[15]
False Archer notices Saber dodging his swords like he had prior experience and expresses curiosity on how he has it. Saber explains that he sparred with False Lancer earlier, who fights in a similar way, and they became allies. In response, False Archer unleashes more swords and says Saber must pass his trial to see if he is worthy of being his best friend's ally. After hearing "trial", Saber asks if he is a Ruler, but False Archer points out a Ruler is an impartial judge while he is not. Saber then points out False Rider is on the loose infecting people with disease and asks if they can become allies to stop it. False Archer refuses and says he can deal with False Rider on his own. He fires a huge barrage of swords, so Saber dodges and parries them, then fires a blast from his Excalibur to knock several away. Saber boasts that False Archer outclasses him in many ways, but he's more than a match when it comes to speed.
Continuing to dodge swords, Saber manages to get close to False Archer and slash at him, but he jumps back in time. Saber fires a blast from Excalibur, but False Archer blocks it with several shields. False Archer mocks Saber because his Excalibur is just a replica of the real deal. To False Archer's fury, Saber steals one of the swords that he had fired and uses it to fire an Excalibur blast. False Archer blocks the blast with his shields again, but due to the higher quality sword, the blast is more powerful, so the impact knocks him into the air to his fury. Saber then blasts him again and again, sending him higher and higher into the sky.
False Archer is engulfed in the blast's light, but summons several weapons, links them together with the golden chain Enkidu, and disperses the blast. He then unleashes a rain of weapons on the church where Ayaka is taking shelter. Saber blocks the weapons with his body and is impaled in several places. He crashes through the roof, but manages to stop the church from being destroyed. False Archer enters the church, ignoring the shocked Ayaka, and commends him for being able to stop his attack on the church and survive. The injured Saber scolds him for attacking a church, but he says he doesn't care about any institution for the gods. He says Saber trying to fight without any true desires was foolish, then says he will deliver his verdict and asks if Saber has any final words. Saber points out Ayaka has not done anything to him and asks that he spare her. False Archer says he will only grant her consideration, and if he judges her worthless, he will blow her away with the other rabble. He is about to declare his judgment on Saber, but is interrupted mid-sentence when True Archer attacks him.[16]
While the Archers fight, Saber complains about how he is missing a great battle. Ayaka says they need to get out of there and get him medical attention, and that the church must have some bandages. Saber chuckles that she must really not be a magus if she's trying to heal a Servant with bandages. She says this is not the time for jokes and tries to lift him onto her shoulder, but he complains that being helped by someone he had sworn to protect is a disgrace as both a knight and a king. She says swearing to protect a nobody like her already bemirched his honor, so he says making her disparage herself is a disgrace as a Heroic Spirit. He stands up under his own power and says after getting them into this situation, he won't complain if she says he is not fit to be a Servant. Suddenly, a wave of blackness washes over the street. When it passes, Saber and all the other combatants have vanished, to the shock of those observing.[16]
Day 3
Saber pulls a lot of magical energy out of Ayaka, making her fall asleep, to summon one of his companions to heal his injuries. He then watches over her for half a day until she wakes up. He explains why she fell asleep and apologizes, but she yells at him for making her go to the church and trying to shield her from False Archer's attacks with his body, telling him he needs to take care of himself too. She then notices the church is intact and asks if he repaired it, but he points out if he was able to do that, he would have done it to the opera house. She then tells him she had a dream of his childhood where he was talented at everything and saw his mother, embarrassing him. He says he was childish when he said he could do anything and makes her laugh by confessing that although he knew French, Italian, and Persian, he was ironically bad at English despite being the King of England. He then declares that he's a new man and will protect her and defeat False Archer next time.[5]
A bunch of police officers enter the church. Ayaka worries that they are here to arrest them for escaping police custody earlier, but one of them who introduces herself as Vera Levitt says they ask for an alliance. They explain that the city seems empty except for some people whose minds seem to have been seized by something, and trying to leave the city just warps them back into it. Vera and Saber talk and agree they must be in some sort of isolated space, possibly a Reality Marble. Ayaka does not understand what they are saying, but Vera concludes that to escape, they must eliminate whoever is causing it.[5]
Fate/Grand Order
Sixth Singularity: Camelot
- Main article: Richard I (Camelot)
Other Appearances
Richard is mentioned in Robin Hood's past in Fate/EXTRA.
Abilities
A theory has it that minstrel culture grew out of techniques for passing on the oral traditions of the druidic mysteries to posterity.[4][8] According to Alexandre Dumas, contemporary song and poetry shouldn't be underestimated due to this. "If you make someone hear something every night as a bedtime story, it’s plenty possible for it to alter their Soul like a Curse, or a Blessing."[4] This should be applicable to Richard I, who was raised hearing the tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.[5] Furthermore, although it is true that Richard I is a hero from an age of relatively weak Mystery, that mostly applies to France, his country of origin, which is located on the continent. However, in England, the country he was King of, it should be harder for the mystery to leak out due to England being an island surrounded by water. In his quest to find the relics of King Arthur, Richard found the scabbard of his Holy Sword. The reason Richard I is also known as the "Wandering King" is that he was a man that wandered over the border between history and myth. He was the last king with one foot in an age when Faeries and Runes were still out in the open. Not something that should be taken lightly.[4]
As a Heroic Spirit who has manifested in the Saber Class, the one said to be the “best” of the seven, Richard is undoubtedly an extraordinary Servant.[15] Saint Germain suggests he qualifies for the Rider and Berserker Classes, but that it'd be troublesome if he were summoned as such. Even without any knowledge of Magecraft, Ayaka Sajou could sense the power of an extraordinary being just by looking at him the first time they met. She thought that normal people were probably the same as worms to him.[11] According to Tiné Chelc, Richard's Saint Graph is on the same level as Hippolyta or perhaps a little higher. Since it doesn't seem to be a match for the King of Heroes or Alcides, Tiné dismisses the Saber class being the best as merely rough aproximations.[15] Just fighting Enkidu for a few minutes was enough to convince Richard I that they were exceptional even among Heroic Spirits, himself included.[4] After first meeting Gilgamesh, Richard noted that the strength of his Saint Graph rivaled that of Enkidu's, and that he could tell at a glance that he had no chance of winning if they fought head-on. Likewise, he could tell that Alcides boosted by From Hell was so powerful that he had no hope.[15]
During the True and False Holy Grail Wars, Richard has access to an extraordinary amount of Magical Energy, which allows him to use his Noble Phantasm over 20 times consecutively. It is noted that the ability to provide a Heroic Spirit with that much magical energy isn’t normal. At the very least, anyone short of a first-rate mage should run dry while supporting. Taking into account that Ayaka Sajou has little to no knowledge of Magecraft, her ability to support Richard to this extent remains a mystery.[16]
Due to him being an experienced fighter, and due to one of the retinues he carries in his Noble Phantasm operating similarly to a Master, he has the power to see the Parameters of enemy Servants, although not as accurately as a Holy Grail War Master can.[17]
He can be summoned in other Classes, such as Rider.[10] If he were to be manifested in such a Class, he would likely be in a Saint Graph wrapped in fury and hostility, willing to commit any vice for victory. In that case, he'd be a trampling tyrant, sparing no shred of what he has for the war's sake. Even if that made him an enemy of his personal heroes—Arthur and the Knights of the Round—the protean tyrant would respectfully go to war.[2]
His Rider Saint Graph is just as capable as the current Saber of reaching this purgatory-scorched state, by fulfilling the same conditions. In that sense, these flames of purgatory can be considered the true essence shared by every Richard I Saint Graph.[2]
Combat
When Richard I asked Enkidu to join forces with him, Enkidu decided to test his strength in a brief fight. During this battle, none of them were fighting seriously, with Richard not even wielding his sword or wearing his armor. In fact, he tried to fight Enkidu at the start by combining boxing techniques he had learned by watching a movie earlier that day. Enkidu fired "innumerable" weapons, which Richard evaded while closing in on them and unleashing sharp punches. There is an expression, “lightning quick.” It is normally intended metaphorically, but the scene that burned itself into Ayaka’s eyes in that instant was so intense that it really did remind her of flashes of lightning. Although Richard had a slight edge in actual speed, thanks to their Transfiguration skill, Enkidu was able to boost their his Agility, becoming as fast as Richard. However, as Lancer had not lowered his strength, their deft strikes were gradually pushing back Saber’s rapid blows. Realizing that boxing wouldn't be enough, Richard picked up a branch from the floor, and fired Excalibur with it, wiping out the myriad of weapons hurtling toward him in an instant. It is here that their battle ends, with Enkidu regarding Richard as a strong opponent. Richard on the other hand, states that Enkidu had not been using even half of their real strength.[4]

Although Richard may not have many qualities that can match Gilgamesh's, when it comes to speed, Richard claims to be more than his match. During their fight, Richard was not countering every blow like Enkidu, nor was he taking every blow like Alcides. Richard occasionally made the sword in his hand shine and struck away a few Noble Phantasms, but he kept those attacks to the bare minimum necessary. If he was only running away, Tiné Chelc could have understood it, but the strangest thing about that Saber’s actions was that they seemed clearly to be an “offensive,” not a retreat. Richard kept gradually closing in on Gilgamesh, while his speed kept increasing.[15] It was a contest between kings, but it was certainly not equal. Whereas Gilgamesh stood on high, Richard struggled to supplant him.[16] It wasn't until Richard shielded Ayaka and the church she was in that Gilgamesh managed to strike him.
Skills
Class Skills
- Magic Resistance (B Rank)
- Riding (A Rank)
Personal Skills
- Godspeed (A Rank): The technical skills engraved in his Saint Graph from the extent of his marches and from his almost lightning speed on the battlefield. The longer the battle continues, the more his Agility stat increases.[1]
- Lionheart (A Rank): A Skill the embodies the name Lionheart. The bravery not to fear anything turned into a Skill. It invokes fear and wariness into enemies and raises the morale of allies.[1]
- All Kinds of Talents (A Rank): From his stories of displaying talent in multiple fields, like martial arts, fine arts, and sexual affairs. He can do anything he practiced when he was alive at B Rank or higher and learns faster than normal for a matter he only just got started.[1] His genius could have complicated a lot of things since his early childhood, but his mother Eleanor of Aquitaine always stopped him before he caused problems and rebuked him saying "Would you say the same thing in front of a Knight of the Round Table?".[2]
Noble Phantasms
Rounds of Lionheart
Richard's Noble Phantasm is Rounds of Lionheart. A Noble Phantasm that uses Richard’s Saint Graph as a Catalyst to materialize individuals he had ties to in life as servants, followers, guides, etc. The number he is able to summon varies depending on his Master’s supply of Magical Energy and the land he is summoned in.[1] Under Ayaka Sajou, he can summon seven.[11] He is capable of summoning individuals recorded in the Throne of Heroes as Heroic Spirits, but in that case, they will materialize in a weaker state than if summoned normally.[1] If he wanted to make them corporeal as well, it would require an unreasonable quantity of magical energy. So much that any ordinary Mage would run dry in no time at all.[4]
Most notable uses:
- Nimue:[2] A mage that supports Richard with Reinforcement magecraft, granting him superhuman speed. It is usual for a battle between Heroic Spirits to appear superhuman. Even taking that into account, however, Saber’s swiftness is extraordinary.[16] Richard has a slight edge over Enkidu in actual speed. However, thanks to Enkidu surpassing him in immediate physical strength, they could deaden his speed to the extent that they could knock his blows aside with perfect timing. Being impressed by Richard's superior speed, Enkidu decides to fight him more seriously, as "a member of the Lancer class." By using their Transfiguration skill to lower his Endurance and Mana Parameters by one rank each and boost his Agility, Enkidu gained speed equal to that of Richard. Richard had claimed the day before that False Assassin was the first person he had seen with lighter-foot than Loxley. Ayaka did not know much about lightness of foot, but when it came to pure, instantaneous speed, she suspected that Enkidu now outpaced even the woman in black.[4] Although Richard isn't strong enough to make Alcides' blood run cold while boosted with From Hell, his great speed further reinforced by his court mage makes Alcides warry of him. He states that purely in terms of speed, Richard may outmatch him, and that depending on his Noble Phantasm, he merits caution.[15]
Excalibur
Richard I possesses his own version of Excalibur. It allows him can treat any weapon he picks up—even the flames of purgatory—as Excalibur.[2] The stronger the weapon he wields, the more powerful it will be, however, it will never be as powerful as the genuine “holy sword of the planet”—not even if he were to hold the real Excalibur.[1]
During his fight with Gilgamesh, Richard momentarily stole one of his swords. The Noble Phantasm shrouded in the aura of the Age of Gods, and thus, it allowed him to release more power with Excalibur than any other sword he had wielded up to that point. Although Gilgamesh was able to block his beam by deploying multiple shields of Gate of Babylon, he was pushed higher into the air. Saber gave his opponent no time to recover and kept firing his Noble Phantasms over 20 times consecutively, sending Gilgamesh higher in the air.[16]
Utopie Purgatoire
Richard's third Noble Phantasm is Utopie Purgatoire. It is exclusive to Fate/Grand Order and not used in Fate/strange Fake.[18] The Lionheart was not only an accomplished strategist, but he was also often dashing faster than any on the battlefield. This is his perhaps unreasonable fighting style turned into a Noble Phantasm. The flames of purgatory appear in the shape of lions—but not even the king himself can tell if there's any relation between that and the emblem of the English royal family.[2]
Forms and Alternate Versions
Lionheart
While he had a facet as pious devotee, he also had one as the Lionheart with no fear of God. This is no Alter or Alter Ego. This form is another one of the many fragment of emotion in the ever-adapting "natural self" of the Lionheart.[2]
He became the black lion because his response to the many sins he committed in life was wishing "God, please expose me to the flames of purgatory until the end of times". He didn't fear it, as he was brave enough to be called Lionheart. He did not fear espousing his resentment to God, he did not fear stepping over the moral barriers of his time to prioritize his own heart—and he did not fear killing thousands of prisoners of war throughout his history. The king feared nothing. He did not fear having his soul consumed by the flames of purification. He did not fear having his father's army turned against him. He did not fear killing innocent unarmed civilians. And he did not fear loving humanity.[2]
Relationships
- Thomas Edison
- "Presi-King? I see, it had not occured to me that such concept existed. As another entity which carried and personified an inner lion, or as another entity harboring profound accumulation of sin, I shall develop a friendship with him."[3]
- Oda Nobukatsu
- "Art thou called Oda Nobukatsu? Mysteriously enough, seeing thee reminds me of mine brothers. Flare up not. I am saying that someone with a brother such as thou is fortune's favorite. What? "A brother like me would never be fortune's reward" Hehehe, hahahahaha, even thy ways of sulking are somewhat similar. Pardon me, tis about personal matters."[3]
- Scáthach
- "Incredible that Dun Scaith truly existed. Had things gone only slightly differently, I might have sought that land."[3]
- Charlemagne / Roland / Bradamante / Astolfo / Beowulf
- "Paladins of Charlemagne. King Beowulf the Dragonslayer. Ah, how brightly shine the heroes I dreamed of in mine youthful days. Even now that I am burned in purgatory, their light still guides me."[3]
- Morgan
- "That is Morgan? I am acquainted with a lake faerie but she shines with a completely different light. Tis as if rather than belonging to the lake, she belongs to Britain's... Nay, I shall refrain from tactless inquiry. We are in the divine presence of the faerie queen. That shall be enough to warm mine heart."[3]
- Artoria variations
- "When talking about our Ancestor King Arthur, I believe mine youthful Saint Graph was losing far too much of his seriousness, but I ask thee not judge him. Tis unremovable adoration rooted in mine soul. At least when in that form, I would like him allowed to tell the stories with childlike wonder."[3]
Development
Creation and Conception
Richard I was designed by Shidzuki Morii in Fate/strange Fake and Fate/Grand Order.
Per Narita, the Lionheart King seen in Fate/Grand Order as Richard's Third Ascension and his Noble Phantasm were not made for the novels, but exclusively as things for Fate/Grand Order.[18]
Reception
Richard's Japanese voice actor Yuki Ono became a Fate fan as a result of his casting. He watched Fate/stay night on the flight from Japan to California for the Fate 20th anniversary event in Hollywood which he was a guest for, and declared "You gained another fan."[19]
Richard's English voice actor Ben Balmaceda is a long-time Fate fan who says that Richard is a role he holds very dear to his heart which he had been looking forward to playing for years.[20]
Notes
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.26 1.27 1.28 1.29 1.30 1.31
[] Fate/strange Fake - Volume 4 - Servant status: Saber [T] Class: Saber
Master (?): Ayaka Sajou
True Name: Richard I “the Lionheart”
Gender: Male
Height/Weight: 178 cm, 66 kg
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Strength: B
Endurance: B
Agility: EX (B–A++)
Magic: B
Luck: C
Noble Phantasm: A
Class Skills
■ Anti-Magic: B
■ Riding: A
Personal Skills
■ Lionheart: A
A skill that embodies the name lionheart. That fearless courage transformed into a skill. Inspires fear and wariness in enemies and raises the morale of allies.
■ Master of All Trades: A
Derived from anecdotes of Richard displaying prowess in a wide variety of fields, including the martial arts, fine arts, and romance. Skills he took an interest in in life are B-class or higher, and he learns new skills with extraordinary speed.
■ Superhuman Speed: A
A talent marked into Richard’s Spirit Origin by the rapid marches of his armies and his lightning swiftness on the battlefield. Richard’s agility increases the longer he remains in battle.
Noble Phantasms
■ Excalibur: Ever-Distant Sword of Victory
Rank: D–A+
Type: Anti-Army Noble Phantasm
Range: 1~99
Maximum Targets: 1~1000
A Mystery that Richard obtained in life as a result of his adoration of Arthurian legend and his efforts to live as its successor. Its power became a Noble Phantasm by merging with accounts that he named every weapon he held “Excalibur.” Richard is able to wield any and all weapons he holds as Excalibur. Its power varies from weapon to weapon, but never equals the genuine “holy sword of the planet”—not even if he were to hold the real Excalibur.
■ Rounds of Lionheart: Play the Lion on the Round Cross
Rank: A
Type: Anti-Army Noble Phantasm
Range: —
Maximum Targets: —
A Noble Phantasm that uses Richard’s Spirit Origin as a catalyst to materialize individuals he had ties to in life as servants, followers, guides, etc. The number he is able to summon varies depending on his Master’s supply of magical energy and the land he is summoned in. He is capable of summoning individuals recorded in the Throne as Heroic Spirits, but in that case, they will materialize in a weaker state than if summoned normally. They sometimes assist Richard, but because actually continuing to materialize them consumes an enormous quantity of magical energy, it is almost impossible to utilize them like ordinary Heroic Spirits.CLASS セイバー
マスター?:アヤカ・サジョウ
真名:『獅子心王』リチャード1世
性別:男性
身長・体重:178cm 66kg
属性:秩序・中庸
筋力:B
耐力:B
敏捷:EX(B〜A++)
魔力:B
幸運:C
宝具:A
クラス別能力:
■ 対魔力:B
■ 騎乗:A
固有スキル
■ 神速:A
その行軍の速さ、戦場での電光石火ぶりより霊基に刻まれた技能。戦闘を継続すればするほどに敏捷のステータスが上昇する。
■ 獅子心:A
ライオンハートを体現したスキル。その何者も恐れぬ勇猛さがスキル化したもの。敵には恐怖や警戒心を呼び起こさせ。味方の士気を上昇させる。
■ 驥足百般:A
武術、芸術、色事など様々な分野に才能を見せた逸話から。生前に嗜んだ物はBランク以上、新しく始めた事柄は通常よりも早い速度で習熟する。
宝具
■ 永久に遠き勝利の剣
ランク:D〜A+
種別:対軍宝具
レンジ:1〜99
最大捕捉:1〜1000
生前に得たとある『神秘』と、手に持ったものを何でも「エクスカリバー」と名付けていたという、極度のアーサー王フリークであった逸話が複合された宝具。本人が言及しているが、ランスロットの宝具『騎士は徒手にて死せず』と性質が似ている。なお本質的には"模倣"である為、威力はいずれも本物の『星の聖剣』には及ばない。たとえ本物の聖剣を握れたとしても、所有者と同等の威力を引き出す事は出来ない模様。
■ 円き十字に獅子を奏でよ
ランク:A
種別:対軍宝具
レンジ: —
最大捕捉:—
自身の霊基を触媒として、生前にセイバーと縁のあった者を従者・協力者として顕現させる宝具。呼び出せる数はマスターの魔力量や召喚される土地によって変化するが。英霊の座に記録されている者も呼び出せるが、その場合は本来の英霊としての性能よりも弱体化する。ただし、サーヴァントのように現界させ続けるには莫大な魔力が必要となるため、通常のマスターでは不可能。 - ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 2.24 2.25 2.26 2.27 2.28 2.29 2.30 2.31 2.32 2.33 2.34 2.35 2.36 Fate/Grand Order - Richard I's profile translated by ComunCoutinho
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19 3.20 3.21 3.22 3.23 3.24 3.25 3.26 3.27 3.28 Fate/Grand Order Richard I's Lines translated by Reddit user ComunCoutinho
- ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 Fate/strange Fake Volume 3 - Chapter 8: Day 1, Afternoon (2) "The Wandering King's Rock'n'Roll"
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Fate/strange Fake Volume 5 - Chapter 16: Day 3 "Breaking Dawn and Wakeless Dreams I"
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Fate/strange Fake Volume 6 - Chapter 20: "Fantasy Becomes Reality"
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Fate/strange Fake Volume 1 - Prologue VII: Visitor & ●●●●, p.285-291
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 Fate/strange Fake Volume 4 - Chapter 10: Day 2 "Separate Mornings, Separate Pasts I"
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.7 Fate/strange Fake Volume 2 - Chapter 3: Day 1, Early Dawn "Ensemble Versus Illusion"
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Fate/strange Fake Volume 8 - Chapter 26: "The Age of Gods and the Modern Age <Maturation>"
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 Fate/strange Fake Volume 2 - Chapter 2: Day 0, Midnight "The Heroic Spirit Incident"
- ↑ Fate/strange Fake Volume 4 - Interlude: "The Boy Does Not Believe In God"
- ↑ Fate/strange Fake Volume 4 - Chapter 11: Day 2, Morning "The Gods Return From Twilight"
- ↑ Fate/strange Fake Volume 4 - Chapter 13: Day 2, Night "At Last, a Second, and a Third"
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 Fate/strange Fake Volume 5 - Chapter 14: "Gold and Lions I"
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 Fate/strange Fake Volume 5 - Chapter 15: "Gold and Lions II"
- ↑ Fate/strange Fake Volume 7 - Bridge Chapter: "Beginning of the End"
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Ryohgo Narita Twitter 11:23 PM JST · Dec 31, 2024
- ↑ Anime News Network: A New Saber Debuts at Fate/strange Fake Episode Premiere
- ↑ Ben Balmaceda Twitter 1:56 AM · Nov 24, 2024