Ryoko

> Suppose we try to locate the cause of disorder, we shall find it lies in the want of mutual love.
>
> Mozi, Book 4; Universal Love I

> Rebirth is part of the continuous process of change. In fact, we are not only reborn at the time of death, we are born and reborn at every moment.
>
> Fundamentals in Buddhism

## **Biography**

As a son of the East River Dragon King, the moment Ryoko was born in the Clear-Water River’s bed, the desire for the pearl was already implanted deep within his heart. Just like his other siblings, he was soon thrown out of the palace to fend for himself in the human world.

In his late teens, the young boy’s draconic magical ability to make rivers burst their banks came to the notice of the chief of the Three Pearl Village. He apprenticed the boy to rule by his side, but quickly passed away childless within half a decade. Ryoko was appointed the new chief, but the young man was a bonafide tyrant. It came to an end when a group of cultivators passed by the village, answered its people’s cry for help and stormed into his estate. He begged for mercy, for the first time ever completely discarding his princely pride. The tyrant in him was left behind, and the party gained a new member.

Since his face was well known when he joined the party, Ryoko took on a different identity. He travelled with them, mingled with the common people and understood their suffering. He came to regret his past actions and decided to amend it; he would be a benevolent figure from now on. When the party ended up as the government of Xiaojiang, he went his own way, and established the Four Winds Temple, hoping to create a place where he could spend his time in peace and prepare for the final battle between his siblings.

When the Four were executed later, Ryoko was enraged, and went to meet with Kuma. After a long conversation, it was decided that the cleric could pick two people for the new council. Thus, Ryoko became one of the fifteen councillors ruling over the Yuxue Alliance.

## **Personality**

* Caring, thoughtful, motherly. Low-key and doesn’t like sticking out. Always concerned with the wellbeing of others.

#### **Flaws**

* Can be humourless and dislikes flippancy or people who joke around.

#### **Strengths**

* Unwavering in his conviction, giving others a sense of assurance.

## **Bonds**

* Likes Govasana the most. They were old friends from the time the emperor was out there adventuring.
* Wary of Kuma. He believes that they didn’t truly betray the Four but it didn’t change that they were involved with their death.
* Treats Oona as a junior… who’s very messy and needs more discipline.
* Old friend to Kapi, though they were never particularly close.

## **Secrets**

* Desires to become a Dragon King (achieving immortality through a dragon prince’s metamorphosis). Doesn’t tell anyone because he knows he will be brushed off as insane for wanting to do this.
* There were rumours that he might throw his shoes at you if you get him angry enough. It seems that happened once before but no one knew who was the ‘victim’.

## **Quirks and mannerisms**

* Often fidgets with his hair.
* Soft-spoken and has a mature aura.

###### **Additional notes**

* The only dude in the High Committee.
* The Asian Mom™ of the committee.