Appearance

Physical Description

Ryla stands confidently at a muscular five foot eight. Her relaxed posture is intermittently interrupted by fidgeting, as if she has something important to do elsewhere. Her whole aura radiates combat, violence, but not malice, not rage.

Facial Features

Ryla looks slightly annoyed, but it can easily slip into a subtle, playful grin. Her sapphire-yellow eyes, more unsettling than beautiful, sharply track movement and tend not to focus on one thing for long. Her crimson hair, chin length, falls carelessly.

Mentality

Personal history

Ryla was born in Hustle, the local name for the undesirable part of the city of Dusk. Located closest to Stein’s Wall, Hustle is the section of the city that receives the least amount of direct sunlight and is therefore the place where the poorest and criminal elements gather.
Ryla’s mother, Shayla, was a tavern wench at the Goat’s Whistle, a decently popular tavern in Hustle run by Tidy Jon, and kept slightly cleaner and safer than other local spots. To make some extra money Shayla would, on occasion, sell herself in addition to the strong ale and shabby food. Ryla’s father was one such customer, a passing mercenary, who had stopped into the Goat’s Whistle one dreary evening.
Shayla did her best to raise Ryla in Hustle. Children in the Hustle are seen at best as a burden and at worst something to be abused. Tidy Jon tolerated Ryla’s presence at the Goat, mostly because Shayla was his most popular employee, despite her temper, and Ryla’s unusual appearance and precocious attitude entertained the guests. When Shayla was occupied Ryla would spend time with some of the regulars, particularly Old Mick, a former city guard who lived long enough, and saved enough to retire.
When Ryla was six years old her mother was taken. Two nobles had decided to go slum it in Hustle. Late that night they arrived in the Goat’s Whistle, drunk, and shortly after they attempted to take advantage of Shayla. Ryla witnessed the ensuing struggle, a struggle that ended with both nobles being stabbed and one of them bleeding out in front of the tavern. By morning the Dusk city guard had arrived. That was the last time Ryla ever saw or heard from her mother.
While there was some sympathy for a young girl now without family, everyone had their own problems, and only Old Mick was willing to take her on. In times past Old Mick had lived as a warrior monk, studying in a far away temple enclave.His group had, at some point, caught the ire of a local warlord who had the temple, and most of its people, burned to the ground. Old Mick survived, and for a long time traveled the road of vengeance. He lived a life of hate, violence and, eventually, regret. He was in Dusk when age and exhaustion caught up with him, not knowing what else to do he took up the post of a city guard. He worked on until his regrets had him spending more time in ale than the guard post. He took what savings he had and retired.
While Old Mick meant well, it is not easy being a guardian of a feisty, strong willed, temperamental six year old. He helped Ryla where he could, shelter, some food, but his greatest contribution was teaching her how to fight and how to win those fights.
Once her mother died Ryla became more involved with the local kids, some friends, some enemies but always gangs. It was a life of violence and short lived victories, but what she learned from Old Mick had her quickly, and successfully, punching above her weight. It was only a few years before she was nearly unmatched in the streets. Ryla collected a small group of close friends she looked out for, however it wasn’t the gang life, domination and wealth she was after, just a safe space to feel at home. Unfortunately, Hustle is not really a place where you get to feel at home and just before her 16th birthday Old Mick reached the end of a life that can be lived with alcohol and regrets. Ryla decided it was time to leave Dusk. Using her skills ( fists and an aggressive sort of charisma) she found a spot protecting a traveling merchant. Ryla left the shadowy city that had been her home and on to adventure…

Education

No formal education.

Mental Trauma

Basically her whole childhood, but what can you do. Shit sucks sometimes.

Morality & Philosophy

Personal honor is extremely important. How can you live if you can’t live with yourself?

Known Languages

Common.

Personality

Motivation

Ryla has two main motivations: a strong desire to protect those who manage to become her friends and a relentless need to improve herself in skills and combat in order to be prepared the next time life tries to knock her down.

Likes & Dislikes

Ryla loves to boast and test her strength. She relishes a tough, fair fight, but does not like underhanded methods. While Ryla is keen to help, she won’t help people that are not trying to help themselves.
 
Also, likes whiskey.

Virtues & Personality perks

Ryla is honest, to a fault, and honorbound to her word. She is steadfast to her allies and is willing to put herself in danger to help them.

Vices & Personality flaws

Ryla has a very short, and very hot temper. She will definitely punch first.

Hygiene

Despite frequently looking like she just left a fight, dirt and bruises, Ryla takes care in personal hygiene when possible. Her constant travel companion has always been a bar of soap, a little indulgence she holds on to.

Social

Birthplace

Dusk - Hustle (undercity)