Ruka

Gender: Female
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Complexion: Tan
Height: 4'11"
Physique: Petite
Birthdate: 2498-05-18
Age: 27
Dragon: Capricath
Affiliation: Dragonrider
Posting: Igen Weyr
Color: Blue
Knot: Wingrider
Origins: Telgar Hold
Played By: Lea Salonga

Background:

Ruka was born Haruka, to two journeyman Miners based at Telgar Hold, and grew up around the Minecraft. Her father worked directly in the mines, and her mother worked in the lab analyzing mineral samples. Ruka developed an interest in chemistry and explosives at an early age, and eventually specialized in demolitions as a Miner apprentice. When Ruka was 18 Turns old, she was involved in an accidental cave-in within one of the mining tunnels and was trapped for several days. The experience led to her developing claustrophobia and PTSD, and entering any mine shafts or tunnels caused her great distress. Thus, as a journeyman Miner, she switched gears from demolitions to pyrotechnics, applying her explosives knowledge toward making fireworks instead.

Ruka had been fascinated with dragons since she was 10 Turns old, when Thread first fell over Telgar Hold and dragons flew to defend it. It was an old childhood wish that she would Impress and become a dragonrider, though life realistically tempered that desire. As an adolescent, she often volunteered as part of Telgar Hold's ground crew during Threadfall, handling flamethrowers, just to see the dragons fly. At 20 Turns, Ruka was identified as a potential Impression candidate, but declined since she had just started her journeyman training, and she had long convinced herself that being a dragonrider was impractical. When Ruka turned 25, her mother took her aside and convinced her that it wouldn't hurt to try and make her old dream come true. Ruka agreed and accepted Search, and it was with great surprise that she Impressed blue Capricath.

Impressing blue Capricath was a touch of serendipity for Ruka, in that she found a lifelong friend and partner she could share her love of fireworks with, without being made to feel like her change in career path was a mistake. Ruka's change in Craft specialization had led to much criticism from others in the Minecraft, from those who belittled her for not sticking to demolitions and facing her fears in the mining tunnels, to those who remarked what a shame it was that she trapped herself into a dead-end career. Capricath, of course, doesn't care for all that, and is glad to help his rider create beautiful flowers in the night skies.

Description:

Ruka is small and petite, with short close-cropped black hair, tanned skin, and brown eyes. She values comfort and maneuverability (you never know when you'll need to run away from a stray explosive!) so she prefers keeping her hair short, and often wears a simple tunic, trousers and boots. Her small size allows her to easily move within confined spaces (though most of the time she'll refuse to due to her claustrophobia) but also contributes to people not taking her seriously at first.

RP Hooks:

The Blue Fire Flower - One of Ruka's favorite hobbies is making fireworks to shoot off on clear summer nights. She regularly participates in Crom Hold's fireworks displays, and often holds her own fireworks shows at Telgar Hold. She is known as one of the few fireworks makers who can make fireworks in a deep, vibrant blue (her favorite color!) and is highly sought after for that reason.

Safety First - Even though she spent her formative years in a highly dangerous field, Ruka has never suffered any loss of life or limb. Quick thinking, attention to detail, and hyperfocus all factor in to a job well done, but the most important thing is making sure everything is done safely! Ruka greatly stresses this whenever she works with others on dangerous projects.

Grace Under Fire - Explosions and sudden loud noises don't faze Ruka, and she is typically able to focus and work on most projects without distraction. She tends not to panic in serious situations, and has long realized the value of a clear mind when things get rough.

Peace and Quiet - Ironically, despite loving all things that go boom, Ruka prefers the peaceful life and hates conflict. She hates getting into arguments and often concedes or settles things quickly, regardless of who's right, just to avoid further headache.

Hopeless Romantic - When not fighting Thread or experimenting with fireworks, Ruka spends time reading romantic adventure stories about Weyrwomen and their Weyrleaders. She often dreams of traveling all over Pern and exploring new places.

Soundtrack:

General Vibes:

Firework - Katy Perry
Burn - Ellie Goulding

Hobbies and Hardships:

Private Radio - Vanessa Carlton
Counting Stars - OneRepublic

Flying with Capricath:

Glider - Tycho

Threadfall:

Platinum Sky (Granblue Fantasy Soundtrack)
Pushing the Limits: Platinum Sky II (Granblue Fantasy Soundtrack)