Gerhart Rivers is the bastard son of Lord Thoven Blackfin, late father to the current Lord Thaddeus Blackfin. His mother was a serving girl in the kitchens who died in childbirth, so Gerhart was raised by Malcolm the gamekeeper and his wife, Hesta who could not have children of their own.

Although his parentage was known to the Blackfin family, he was ignorant of it until adulthood when Lord Thaddeus formally recognised him and bestowed him with the name Rivers. Over the years he has worked hard and proved himself to be a competent woodsman and Hunter.

He has proven himself to be brave and loyal, yet still struggles with the intricacies of politics. He is popular with the small folk around Blackfin Den, often dropping off the odd rabbit or pigeon to those in need. He dreams of a good marriage and family, and maybe even a knighthood one day.

He once vice is the demon drink. He is known to find himself in a bottle when things go wrong, and has a mean temper when in his cups.

He is Master of the Hunt for House Blackfin. Typically he wears a dark green shirt and trousers with a brown travel cloak, and carries a hunting bow and bastard sword. He is often accompanied by his apprentice and manservant, a shy boy named Nock.