Ryoku Dragontalen (SS)

Sketch of Ryoku Dragontalen.

Demographics

Full Name: Ryoku Dragontalen
Pronunciation: Ree-oh-koo Drae-gun-tale-ehn
Age (in Akin Minds): 16
Gender: Male
Race: Human/Elf hybrid.
Birthdate: January 12th.
Nationality: English (Brooks, RB)
Languages Spoken: English, auto-translation of all spiritual dialects as a Defender

Role & Function

Title: Defender
Occupations: Student, Cook, Spirit Realm Traveler
Qualifications: Able to cross between the living world and the spirit realm. Holds potential as a wielder of divine weaponry and untrained spiritual techniques.
Key Titles/Associations:
Defender
Bearer of Ragnarokkr
The Timeless One’s Chosen

Appearance

Height: 5’5”
Weight: 110 lbs
Hair: Blonde with darker tips, near-shoulder length
Eyes: Forest green
Skin: Pale, smooth
Ears: Slightly pointed (elf blood)
Scars:
Faded scar over left eye
Three claw-like scars on chest

Clothing Style: Layers for comfort—undershirt, long-sleeved tops, sweaters, jeans tucked into boots. Often wears multiple layers in cold climates.

Demeanor

Core Traits:
Sunny and polite, Ryoku masks his traumas with modesty and chivalry. Kind, selfless, and emotionally intelligent, yet naïve. Tends toward anxiety and panic in early battles, especially when alone or afraid. When someone he cares about is in danger, his courage spikes dramatically.

Growth Hints:
Throughout Akin Minds, Ryoku’s sunny surface begins to fray, and we see glimpses of his deeper emotional burden—especially around his family history and inner guilt. His polite nature remains, but his internal voice sharpens, especially in moments of anger or confrontation.

Likes: Companionship, nature, cooking, colorful clothing, peaceful resolution, loyalty

Dislikes: Cold, meat, supernatural predators (vampires, werewolves), confrontation, disorganization, isolation

Hobbies: Cooking, hiking, sketching, and journaling his dreams/visions

Combat & Abilities

  • Mark-Based Power:
    Through arcane markings on his wrists and ankles, Ryoku can become nearly weightless, increasing agility and reaction speed. This power also grants him directional speed bursts and graceful mobility in battle.
  • Combat Style:
    His fighting is acrobatic, focused on movement and quick strikes. Excels at dodging, countering, and attacking from range or unorthodox angles. Primarily self-taught and still developing tactical discipline.
  • Weapons of Choice:
    • Ragnarokkr – Enchanted chained blade, only responsive to him
    • Wooden-handled knife (personal)
    • Reed bow & arrows (early chapters)
    • Oak staff (rare use)
  • Strengths:
    • Adaptability in high-pressure combat
    • Strong lower body for mobility and evasive movement
    • Exceptional pain tolerance
    • Keen emotional awareness, can sense hidden motives
  • Weaknesses:
    • Inexperience in sustained battle
    • Vulnerable to manipulation and deception
    • Aversion to killing
    • Poor left-side peripheral vision
    • Overwhelming guilt tied to his sister and past failures

Family & Bonds

  • Biological Mother: Liliana Dragontalen (Deceased)
  • Biological Father: Unknown
  • Stepfather: Darrold Vornaire (Deceased)
  • Stepmother: Candice Vornaire
  • Foster Parents: Richard & Breanna Walker
  • Sister: Roxanne Mercy
  • Guardians: Will Ramun, Sira Jessura, Loki the Trickster God
  • Closest Allies: Katiel, Dawn, Annalia, Dagoriph, Joey, Virgo, Alan
  • Romantic History:
    • Dated Dawn in early school years
    • Later dated Annalia (ended before story begins)
    • Rekindled feelings for Dawn, though complicated

Backstory & Emotional Weight

Ryoku’s life is framed by loss. He grew up believing his entire maternal family perished in a house fire, separated from his sister Roxanne after their stepfather’s tragic death. His past is riddled with grief, but he carries himself with humility and restraint, trying not to burden others.

In Akin Minds, Ryoku is pulled into the spirit realm by Chris Olestine’s plea for help. What begins as a rescue mission becomes a spiritual awakening. He uncovers more about his destiny, his bloodline, and a war that spans both life and death.

Events such as the Day of Black, Guildford’s death, and his initial loss of his left eye deepen his internal scars. Despite this, he tries to remain optimistic for the sake of his friends—even as new losses begin to challenge his ability to do so.