"Hm? What is it? Have you... Oh, no, don't worry. I've no intention of escape. It's safe here. I can't bear the thought of going Hollow out there. Although, I must admit, I've not much to occupy myself. How about this? I could forge your weapons, albeit with rather minimal tools. I will show you what made me the best in Vinheim!"
He is found stuck behind bars by the end of a staircase at the beginning of New Londo Ruins.
Plot
Rickert is the first blacksmith players can access, although he can be hard to find if he isn't specifically sought after. Rickert is also a blacksmith who can repair damaged weapons and armor, and ascend weapons down the Magic path (up to +5) by default. He can give players early access to spells and spell tools, but both Big Hat Logan and Griggs offer better prices and better spells. During the later phases of the game, Rickert is most valuable for his unique upgrade paths, Magic and Enchanted, which become accessible after finding the Large Magic Ember and the Enchanted Ember respectively.
Lore
Rickert was exiled from Vinheim, presumably because of his undeath. Not much is known about him except that he considers Big Hat Logan to be a legend dating back to "a hundred years ago". This implies that either Logan has been brought to present-day from the past through a portal similar to the one in Darkroot Basin (Artorias of the Abyss DLC only) or that it was due to the time warping characteristics of Lordran. A much simpler explanation would be that since Big Hat Logan is also undead, he simply could have died a hundred years ago and has kept his sanity since.
Strategy
The only way to hurt Rickert is through the use of a long weapon, such as the Titanite Catch Pole or Demon's Spear. While Rickert does not fight back, it is easy to fall off the ledge accidentally. As Rickert can also be hurt by Wrath of the Gods using it is safer since it does not require movement.
Hrm? Well, this is unusual. You haven't lost your head. And more importantly you're free. How on Earth... ...Well, I shouldn't pry. I am Rickert of Vinheim. I was once an established smith, but look at me now. Can you believe it?
Speaking with him again
Hm? What is it? Have you...Oh, no, don't worry. I've no intention of escape. It's safe here. I can't bear the thought of going Hollow out there. Although, I must admit, I've not much to occupy myself. How about this? I could forge your weapons, albeit with rather minimal tools. I will show you what made me the best in Vinheim.
Talk ×1
Hm? What is it? There's nothing to talk about. We're both cursed; Undead. But what's there, really, to moan about?
Talk ×2
Old Big Hat? Of course I've heard of him. Who hasn't in Vinheim? He was a royal member of Dragon School, until he turned Undead. I hear he was quite the character...Only, that was a hundred years ago. What interest have you in the old eccentric now?
Talk ×3
Sorcery? Don't ask me how it actually works. We only fiddle and forge, until it works itself in. That's how we do it in Vinheim, at least. We prefer to leave the theorizing to those uppity scholars.
Farewell without purchase
Come back soon. Smithing helps soothe my nerves. Don't let me wither away out of idleness!
Farewell after making a purchase
Good-bye, then. Keep your head on, out there. You really help break the monotony.
Bringing him an ember he can't use
Hey, hang on... Is that an ember? Oh, no, I'm sorry. We of Vinheim don't deal in shoddy embers like that. Perhaps you should try an old smith out in the country.
Greetings
Oh, hello. What weapons have you brought? Go on; show me.
Oh, hello. I was beginning to wonder when you'd come. Have you materials? Go on; show me.
Bringing him Large Magic Ember
Hey, hang on... That's a sorcery ember...isn't it? Yes, it certainly is... The first I've seen since my banishment from Vinheim. What do you say, friend? Mind giving that to me? This is no-man's land. I'm the only one who could handle it anyway.
Giving him the ember
Yes, as you should! I won't disappoint you. I'm taskless no longer!
Refusing him the ember
...Yes, I see. All right, fine. But I don't think you're really seeing things clearly.
Bringing him Enchanted Ember
Hey, hang on... Is that...a sorcery ember? I've never seen one like that, not even back in Vinheim. What a brilliant flame! Please, friend, let me have that. I am begging you. I am a craftsman of Vinheim. I'd go Hollow before I pass up a flame like that!
Giving him the ember
Oh, really! You are wonderful! I will forge a Rickert masterpiece, just for you! A weapon to make a legend out of you...
Refusing him the ember
...Fine. ...Fine, I won't bother you. It was wonderful if only to gaze upon. It takes me back to old times.
Leaving abruptly
Hm? What's happened?
Returning after leaving abruptly
What was that about? Ahh, it doesn't matter.
Attacking him
What's got into you! Damn, you've gone Hollow, have you? Forget about it! I have nothing more to say. Be gone! Oh, go away! There's nothing here for you. Nothing at all.
Killing him
No...impossible... Why didn't I see? ...You've gone Hollow...
