Richlen is the fourth man to hold the position of Chief Herald in Nouvelle Vhaston, and has held that office for the last five years.  Like his predecessors he still finds relations strained with the College of Heralds in Talbriq.  As Chief Herald Richlen is responsible for the keeping of all records concerning the noble and royal families in Nouvelle Vhaston.  His office contains records of all births, deaths, marriages, ennoblements, awards, etc since the foundation of Nouvelle Vhaston over 70 years ago.  Richlen also is responsible for keeping records on the various Coats of Arms in Nouvelle Vhaston, as well as designing new ones for those newly ennobled or for cadet branches.

    Richlen has cordial relations with most of the noble and royal families who make Nouvelle Vhaston their home.  His very strict rule of remaining politically neutral keeps him out of the various maneuverings at court.  Richlen is most often found at court or at his nearby office.  He has two assistant heralds and a staff of 6-10 (scribes, runners, etc).

    Richlen does not talk much about his past, but it is known he was the youngest son of a farmer in Apriz and was sent away to the capital as an apprentice scribe.  After his training he was hired as a scribe by the 2nd Chief Herald shortly before the latter's death.  The third Chief Herald made Richlan one of his assistant heralds about 16 years ago, and chose him to succeed him at his death.  Richlan has never been married, but it is widely rumored that he was very much in love with a woman at court who is now married.

     Richlen is 39 years old, but with his boyish good looks people usually guess he is in his early 20s.  With his full mane of blonde hair and blue eyes it is rumored that he has Hradir ancestry though not in his presence.  His thin and short build (only 5'3) is misleading as Richlen is known to enjoy activities heavy on the physical side.