Raphtalia is a tanuki raccoon demi-human from a coastal Melromarc village. Her peaceful childhood ended at age ten when the first Wave of Calamity destroyed her home. She witnessed her parents killed by a Cerberus monster during their sacrifice to save her. Melromarc knights then captured the surviving children, including Raphtalia, selling them into slavery. She suffered severe physical and psychological torture under the noble Idol Rabier, leaving her traumatized and near death. After multiple resales, Naofumi Iwatani purchased her from a slave trader in a malnourished and emotionally broken state. Initially timid and plagued by nightmares, Raphtalia gradually recovered under Naofumi’s care. He provided medicine, food, and combat training. A breakthrough came when she confronted a two-headed dog monster reminiscent of the Cerberus that killed her parents. Supported by Naofumi, she overcame paralyzing fear and defeated it, marking her first step toward healing. Her demi-human physiology caused rapid physical aging with leveling up, transitioning her from child to adult form within weeks, though emotional maturity developed slower. This growth led her to adopt a sword and practical warrior attire, including a leather breastplate and boots. She evolved into a courageous, compassionate, and strategically adept warrior. She pledged unwavering loyalty to Naofumi, viewing herself as his sword and protector. Despite romantic feelings for him, she prioritized his mission against the Waves, often suppressing emotions for battle efficiency and resource management. She served as his moral compass, objecting to underhanded tactics or harsh treatment, like refusing to remove slave crests or creating the Chivalrous Thief Guild. Her compassion extended beyond the party; she protected former bullies, saved villages that once enslaved her, and became an elder sister figure to orphans in her rebuilt hometown. During interdimensional travel to Glass’ World, Raphtalia was imprisoned and separated from Naofumi. Her level reset to one, reverting her to child form until she regained strength through combat. She independently orchestrated a prison break, demonstrating leadership and resilience. There, the Vassal Katana chose her as its wielder, permanently removing her slave crest. Though anxious the crest’s absence might sever her bond with Naofumi, their reunion confirmed the connection transcended magical compulsions. The Katana allowed her to maintain her adult form across dimensions and granted access to advanced magic and combat techniques. Her heritage was later revealed as royalty from the isolationist nation Q’ten Lo; her father was imperial family before eloping to Melromarc. Targeted by assassins due to her lineage, she defended herself and overthrew the corrupt regent Makina. After passing a spiritual trial and inheriting techniques from the previous emperor, she was crowned Heavenly Emperor. She governed Q’ten Lo while entrusting daily administration to advisors like Raluva, balancing rulership with her role as a Cardinal Hero. In combat, Raphtalia excelled at swordsmanship and light/dark magic, enabling illusions, invisibility, and sensory abilities. She mastered the Hengen Muso style, manipulating ki to bypass enemy defenses. Her raccoon traits, like tail movements, often reflected her emotions. The Vassal Katana granted additional abilities, such as pacifying other Legendary or Vassal Weapon effects and using Raph-chan (a familiar from her hair and Naofumi’s blood) for magical coordination and tracking. Key relationships defined her journey. Her bond with Naofumi evolved from master-slave dynamics to mutual partnership, though his initial view of her as a daughter figure caused frustration. She maintained a sisterly relationship with the filolial queen Filo, mediating between Filo’s exuberance and Naofumi’s pragmatism. She formed alliances across factions, befriending figures like Melty, L’Arc Berg, and Kizuna. The creation of Raph-chan and subsequent Raph-species monsters sparked jealousy due to Naofumi’s obsessive doting, highlighting her complex emotions.