dragonbutts

I'm just going to place this here.

*rolls in and splays at your feet* you know I'm here for this

Toxoplasmosa Outbreak

I did my relations sheet! If anybody wants a different relationship, or a loner wants a connection with Ryder, message me! I'll be super excited to plan a relationship with anybody :)

This Town of Ours

Location ➣ The church
Interactions ➢ Wyatt Carver (@Helo), Nicolette Jackson (@Silence Sounds), Luca Petulengro (@Metronome)
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Lilith laughed at Wyatt's joke, grinning over at him. "The wizard," she replied, lifting the hand not holding her coffee cup and wiggling her fingers. "Because there are magic in these fingers, baby," she playfully winked at him. She knew, maybe, she should be a little more serious right now, but that simply wasn't Lilith. It was hard for her to not let jokes or sarcastic remarks slip. Humor was her way of deflecting the pain this business caused.

She didn't like seriousness, either, but it was necessary, especially in this line of work. If she could make at least one person smile, though, she counted that as a win. She was relieved Wyatt brought up the food. The coffee she had was good, but it wasn't enough for the hunger gnawing at her stomach walls. She gladly snatched a biscuit, the warmth seeping through the paper around the buttery bread. She carefully set her coffee down beside her, and unwrapped her biscuit. It was like unwrapping a Christmas gift. The smell made her mouth water, and she didn't bother with jelly or honey, immediately breaking off a piece to pop into her mouth.

She raised an eyebrow at Nicole's last question. The young leader seemed to be in a rush. "What's the rush, Ms. Jackson?" she said, a little teasingly, and glanced around. "Feeling a slight burning sensation from being in a church?" she laughed quietly, and glanced over at Father Luca. "Oh, thanks, by the way," she said, motioning towards the biscuit that was halfway eaten already.

Toxoplasmosa Outbreak

location ➤ main house
interactions ➤ natalia (@Aamaya)
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The sky was a black canvas, the rising sun a paintbrush that transformed the darkness into brilliant hues of colors. The paint bled into the canvas beneath, colors leaking into the trees, the ground, the lake. Slowly, the world was painted, being brought to life with an array of colors. The birds provided a gentle song as the world came to life, and Ryder witnessed it all through a haze of smoke, the taste of bitter coffee and smooth nicotine on his tongue.

Ryder had never slept much before the outbreak, and he slept even less after. He always found himself on the back porch overlooking the lake, a cup of hot coffee warming his hands, cigarette smoke filling his lungs. Almost every morning, he had this view, something that helped center and prepare him for the day ahead. The caffeine and nicotine probably had something to do with it, too, in all honesty.

His coffee cup was empty by the time the painting was done, all the colors in place. He flicked his finished cigarette into the empty mug. He didn't like seeing cigarette buds all over the place, something he had made clear to the other smokers of the group. He got up from the lounge chair, stretching his arms over his head, and breathing in the fresh air. The top of his robe splayed open, revealing his chest, but he didn't bother closing it. Living in close quarters with his tight circle meant he had seen some of them he never wanted to. At least he had boxer-briefs on.

Though, he knew nobody else would be up at this hour. At least, not anybody but the ones on shift for the watch towers. He made sure nobody saw him like this. Half-clothed, relaxed, with no weapons or dark colors on his body. He didn't want anybody to see him in such a vulnerable state like this. Ryder walked inside, not seeing anybody up at this hour as usual. He knew soon enough, the house would be a little more full. Besides his tight circle that lived here, he also allowed lower members of the group into the house. He didn't very much mind others trickling into his house, though his master bedroom and private bathroom were strictly off limits. So was his lounge chair on the back porch. That was his favorite chair outside, and it was his.

His shower didn't take long. He may have lingered some, the warm water beating against his muscles feeling amazing, and because it was his right. He didn't put on anything amazing. A dark green v-neck t-shirt, with his leather jacket slipped on over top. Dark jeans, with his usual biker boots. He had his two daggers in his boots, just in case. He could never be too careful, even within his own walls. Naturally, he had his favorite weapon, his bat, on him at all times. He had to keep up an image, after all. As he made his way downstairs, he heard some activity in the kitchen. He ignored it, in favor of stepping onto the front porch. He had to start doing his rounds, checking in on everybody, making sure everything was running smoothly.

When he stepped out onto the front porch, he grinned big at the sight that greeted him. "Well, well, well," he said, upon seeing Natalia sitting on the edge of the front porch. "Didn't expect to see you here," he joked, stepping down a couple steps to be more at eye level with her. He propped the bat on his shoulder, dark eyes taking the young woman in. "Lose something, sweetheart?" he asked curiously, tilting his head at the backpack in her lap, eyebrow cocking upward. He didn't say sweetheart in a condescending way; towards anyone else, it may have come out that way, but Natalia was different. He respected the hell out of her, and he said it in a way a concerned parent might say it to their child.

Toxoplasmosa Outbreak

I was gonna suggest: perhaps a Discord should be made? Would make communication and relations talk easier.

Toxoplasmosa Outbreak

I'll try to post tonight or tomorrow. Feeling pretty exhausted but maybe I'll try to get something out before I fall asleep.

Toxoplasmosa Outbreak

The fearless Toxo leader

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G E N D E R

↳ Male

S E X U A L I T Y

↳ Bisexual

A G E

↳ Thirty-four

N A T I O N A L I T Y

↳ British

G R O U P

↳ Leader of Toxo

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A P P E A R A N C E

↳ Ryder thinks himself quite the handsome fellow, which... he is. His British accent only adds to his attractiveness. He has a bronze tan skin tone, getting it from his father, his complexion smooth and clear besides a few scars gained from the roughness of the new world. His worse scar is an old knife wound, a nasty jagged thing above his right shoulder blade. That had been a painful one, and the person who delivered it hadn't lived much longer. He is quite fit. Before the outbreak, he made time for the gym, keeping himself lean and muscular. He also took classes on kickboxing, and self-defense. Now, he is always moving, and his body has only gotten more lean as a result.

Ryder has brown eyes, not the ones that are flat, but the ones that are deep and dark. The type of brown that people can get lost in. It helps he has dark eyelashes, making them pop more. He keeps his hair chopped short, the color almost black, his bangs always pushed back by his fingers. He always has facial face, something bordering a five o'clock shadow, yet a little thicker than that. Even today, he keeps up with his appearance, because he thinks looks are important, even in this world. He wants people to know he has the means to take care of himself.

His outfits are nothing elaborate. Before the outbreak, it was almost always suits. If it wasn't a suit, it was dress pants, and a tucked in shirt. Now, he wears jeans and heavy biker boots. He always has a t-shirt on with a leather jacket over the top. The thicker the clothing, the better. Harder to break and bite through. When he goes outside of the ranch, he wears a bulletproof vest under his clothing. Another item he keeps under his clothing, at all times, is this necklace.

P E R S O N A L I T Y

↳ It isn't uncommon for those people who grew up poor to want more for themselves once they are older. It is common, however, that they did not get that more, and end up like their parent(s). Ryder was not one of those people. Ryder did not want to end up like his parents. So, he threw himself into his dedication to work early on. It formed that hard-working, one-track mind attitude Ryder still has today. He was nothing like his peers; while they were being kids, cutting up, hanging out, going to prom, he was always working. Be it working out, or trying to figure out how to utilize the future business degree he'd earn, Ryder had always found comfort in being productive and hard-working.

That isn't to say Ryder didn't have any friends. He was surprisingly popular in school, perhaps because he was so charming and funny. He hasn't lost those two traits, either. He carried his charm and humor with him, letting it leak into his business skills, gaining the trust and approval of many business partners. He kept a tighter hold on his sarcasm, though. However, that was before the outbreak.

Ryder was cold and standoffish before the outbreak, but it only increased after. He believes the best way to survive is to be cold and hard. He is a very violent and cruel man, but only if he thinks somebody deserves it. He isn't unnecessarily cruel. He only is when he thinks he can justify it. He is strong-willed and stubborn, challenging those around him often, to weed out those who may turn on him later. He does not play games, and doesn't like beating around the bush. He is bluntly honest, and cusses like a sailor. He can't stand liars or rapists, and will quickly punish them. It isn't hard for Ryder to read people, either. He watches people, learns their mannerisms and habits, and uses those against them if need be.

Though, once somebody gains his trust, and becomes a part of his "family," they'll see a different side of him. Ryder is very charming and actually kind to those he likes or cares for. He's thoughtful and concerned, looking out for those he considers an ally. He's also fiercely loyal, and will stand up for anybody in his circle. He can be a bit crude, though, and he is very sarcastic at times. He may say inappropriate things, but he would never do inappropriate things. He does not show anything further than that. His softer emotions are kept to himself. He has a tight grip on his emotions, and it's very rare he loses that tight grip.

Be weary, though. Just because somebody is in Ryder's circle, and he's comfortable with them, doesn't mean they can do whatever they want. He still keeps an eye on people, even those close to him, and makes sure they don't step out of line. They can joke with him, even be sarcastic towards him, but it's hard to pin down what will make Ryder grow serious or keep him in a joking mood. It seems like it changes everyday, but that is actually done on purpose. Ryder doesn't want anybody too comfortable in his presence. He likes to be sure people are always on edge around him, not expecting his next move, so he stays unpredictable.

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H I S T O R Y

↳ It would probably surprise most of the Toxo members if they knew what their fierce leader did before the outbreak. He doesn't seem like the type to sit behind a desk and be the CEO of a company, but that is exactly what Ryder did. Ryder lived all his life in the UK, growing up in a poor family that struggled to keep their bellies full. Ryder hadn't wanted that life when he got older, and so, he worked hard for scholarships, and got into one of the best business schools of the country. Ryder had built his own company upon a very harsh and careless business ideal. He would buy failing businesses - usually local mom and pop ones - for a cheap price, taking advantage of desperate people. After all, he knew what desperation could do to a person.

He would then turn the business around, and sell it for a high price. Of course, he had his loses, but his business had been thriving. He had worked almost his whole life to make this business what it was before the outbreak. It was a successful and huge business, making him a millionaire. He wasn't completely heartless. His parents and little sister had a place in his heart, and he gave them the luxurious life they had never achieved themselves. Or, so he had tried. His father was too prideful to accept the help. His mother was disappointed in what his business stood for. His little sister actually enjoyed the poor, drifter life she was growing into. She left when she turned nineteen, and he hadn't heard from her again. He couldn't convince his father to take money, but he eventually convinced his mother. Again, desperation. He began secretly sending her checks, and, surprisingly, his father didn't ask questions. Ryder had known his father would take the help in secret, because they were not that well off.

Afterward, Ryder had lost contact with his sister, and rarely spoke to his parents. It hurt him, but he had been through pain before. He pushed through, throwing himself into his work like he always did. He didn't have time for love or family anymore. He only had time to make this business the best it could be. He had his fair share of flings, or short-term relationships, but nothing had ever stuck. He was married to his company, and that was just fine with him. Relationships were hard work. He had enough of that on his plate.

Eight months before the outbreak, Ryder flew out to America. He had never been before, but a rich man, Henry Weber, had showed interest in his business. Henry wanted to open a branch in the states. Ryder had thought the idea had some meat. California was full of failing businesses, with Hollywood and all that. Once again... desperate people. Ryder's business fed off of those, after all. He flew out to California, meeting with Henry and beginning to talk business. He would only be there for a half week. He wanted to see the location for the building, the blueprints, get all the paperwork straightened out, make sure he could trust Henry. If he had said yes, that is.

He was liking the idea the more time he spent there, and Henry seemed to be as fierce and dedicated as himself. Ryder found himself attracted to Henry, but he did not mix work and play. They came to an agreement, and he flew back to the UK. Naturally, he kept contact with Henry. Their conversations began shifting from business to personal, and Ryder found himself beginning to text more than he ever had before. Two months later, he flew back to California, to see the opening of this American branch.

After the opening, Henry and Ryder went to celebrate over drinks. They ended up spending all night, and majority of the next day, together. Ryder had never been in-love before, but he was pretty sure he was falling for this amazing man. He had to go back home, yet he never lost contact with Henry. Ryder was back in California more than twelve times over the span of six months. He had planned a two week vacation with Henry a week before the outbreak.

It was a simple vacation, getting lost in each other in a private cabin in the hills of California. They were off the grid for two weeks, and Ryder was seriously beginning to think he could marry Henry. He was everything Ryder hadn't realized he was dreaming of. He made him a better version of himself, and vice versa. Imagine their shock and surprise when they returned after a week the outbreak had been running rampant. It was instant survival mode for the two love-birds.

They discovered it had spread to California just a week earlier, by a newspaper clipping they had found. It was strange, going from a paradise in the privacy of the hills, to a Hell in the form of ravenous creatures and humans alike. They had gathered as many supplies as they could, intending to go back to their paradise, but they had just been thrust into this new world. They hadn't been properly prepared, and they were split up. Ryder searched, and searched, and searched, yet he could not find Henry. He only found a necklace that was Henry's, and Ryder could only assume the worse.

Devastated, he pushed on. He would never stop hoping Henry would appear, but he had to continue his own survival. It was hard, at first, but he found other survivors. He began to build his own group, then they happened upon a ranch by the name of Whispering Pines Ranch. He was immediately taken with the place. It could be a fortress, yet the old fools in charge didn't want it to be such. Ryder saw the ranch as a failing business that needed his help. But, this wasn't the old world. This was the new world.

Robert Pines had been the first person he had murdered. It wasn't a kill in self-defense; it was a brutal murder. His two friends followed, and then their families. It wasn't hard to take control of the ranch. It was like running another business, building it up to turn it over for a profit. The profit, in this case, would be safety and power. He loves what he has turned the ranch into, and he will not let anybody take it away from him.

Unknown to anyone else, he hopes, one day, he finds his Henry in good health, as unlikely as that is.

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S K I L L S

↳ Charisma is one of Ryder's strongest skills. He can use his words like a weapon, sharp and cutting, or like a salve, smooth and cooling. He is also very strategic, something that he gained during his many years in his type of business. Because of his previous work-out schedule, he has longer stamina and more strength than the average person. He is also skilled at hand-to-hand combat, which has only gotten better. He has gotten better with weapons, both melee and ranged, due to the outbreak.

W E A P O N S

↳ Ryder has a pretty nice range of weapons to choose from because of the armory on the ranch. Though, he does have his favorites, and the ones he always leaves camp with. He always leaves with a gun. Just a simple Glock 19, nothing special. That is for emergencies. He has two daggers that he slips into each boot, for those just in case moments. He makes sure to have brass knuckles in his pocket, ready to slip on at a moment's notice. He also brings a machete, because why the fuck not, and sometimes a crossbow for range. Though, he usually has people with him that have ranged weapons. He may mix these up, though it's rare. But, his favorite weapon, the one he makes sure to never leave without, is a baseball bat. That sounds ridiculous, but the sturdy bat has nails embedded into the wood, so it causes for a deadly swing. There's something about smashing the bat into somebody's head and watching it crush in on itself that makes Ryder giddy.

O T H E R

↳ Ryder loves a smooth cigarette at the end of a hard day. If you want some brownie points... find cigarettes. His favorite are Lucky Strike. You're welcome.

Ryder's WIP Relations

☀ – Best Friend || ☼ – Friend || � – Neutral || ϟ – Rival || ☂ – Nemesis || ♡ – Love Interest || ♥ – Significant Other

☀ Natalia Blair ☀
"Natalia has come a long fucking way since she arrived... there's a reason she's my right-hand man."
Ryder would never, ever admit how much he cares about Natalia. His relationship goes deeper than friendship with her. He often treats her like a daughter in private moments. He makes sure nobody sees that, though, because he doesn't want that to be used against him, or for her to get hurt.

� Aleksandra Belicov �
"Ahahaha, oh shit, this woman. I'm pretty damn sure Alek hates my guts, but she hides it really well, I give her that."
Ryder doesn't have much thought on Alek besides the fact he's pretty sure she hates him, and it's fun as hell to push her buttons. He will sometimes go out of his way to say hello to her, and while it's amusing, he does keep an eye on her. He doesn't trust her very much.

☼ Aaron Case ☼
"A tip for surviving the apocalypse: always make sure the only Doc you have is your friend."
Ryder doesn't dislike Aaron, but he does think Aaron has some really cheesy jokes. Other than that, Aaron isn't a bad kid, and Ryder is happy to have him on his side. Ryder admires the way he keeps his cool facade in any situation, which makes him a good ally.

☼ Lauren Watson ☼
"Damn, Lauren is a fucking boss. I'm glad she's on my side."
Ryder admires Lauren's general attitude to the outside world. He can get behind somebody who will do anything to survive. He trusts her a lot, and finds her cutting humor fucking hilarious. She's one of his go-to's when he needs something done.

ϟ☂ Carson Parris ϟ☂
"Fuck those bastards at PMC. They'll fall eventually. Their leader isn't strong enough to hold them together for much longer."
Obviously, Ryder has a strong hate for PMC, and even more hate for their leader, Carson. He can't stand them, though he tries to be somewhat civil when he crosses them. He doesn't want to lose any men in a brawl, but it's tempting sometimes.

ϟ Katherine Parker ϟ
"Poor chump. Dragged into PMC."
Ryder wonders what would make anyone choose PMC. Maybe because they hadn't had a chance to join Toxo first. He doesn't have many thoughts on any PMC members; they're just part of a rival group.

ϟ Emilio Villalobos ϟ
"Another PMC bastard. Look, I don't hate the goons, but I'm not their fucking friend, either."
Ryder thinks Toxo is the best of the best; he doesn't like running across other groups, especially powerful ones, and so, naturally, he doesn't trust its members immediately. Of course, these thoughts can change, but for right now, Ryder sees them as enemies.

ϟ Robert Cadogan ϟ
"I consider this guy an enemy until he proves otherwise. I don't know him or his group well enough to make a solid decision."
Ryder tries to keep an open mind when meeting new survivors and groups. But, if they stand for something he disagrees with, or demonizes them, they're going into his "fuck you" book pretty quickly. He doesn't know much about Robert or his group, yet, so he's attempting to keep an open mind about them.

?? Grace Folkvar ??
"[color=ed145b][/color]"

?? Lochan Diamandis ??
"[color=ed145b][/color]"

?? Sonya Reyes ??
"[color=ed145b][/color]"

?? Johnny Blackburn ??
"[color=ed145b][/color]"

?? Richie Queens ??
"[color=ed145b][/color]"

Toxoplasmosa Outbreak

@Aamaya you know... out with the sledgehammer, in with the nail bat lmao. it's official! gonna edit before I throw him in the character tab.

Toxoplasmosa Outbreak

@Aamaya do not tempt me more! (aye, what if his bat had nails instead of barb wire? lmao)

Toxoplasmosa Outbreak

Well, well, well! He is finally here! Our fearless Toxo leader! I was so tempted to give him a bat but that would have been too much lol (*whipsers* I'm still tempted damnit).

The fearless Toxo leader

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G E N D E R

↳ Male

S E X U A L I T Y

↳ Bisexual

A G E

↳ Thirty-four

N A T I O N A L I T Y

↳ British

G R O U P

↳ Leader of Toxo

»»————-　☠　————-««

»»————-　☠　————-««

A P P E A R A N C E

↳ Ryder thinks himself quite the handsome fellow, which... he is. His British accent only adds to his attractiveness. He has a bronze tan skin tone, getting it from his father, his complexion smooth and clear besides a few scars gained from the roughness of the new world. His worse scar is an old knife wound, a nasty jagged thing above his right shoulder blade. That had been a painful one, and the person who delivered it hadn't lived much longer. He is quite fit. Before the outbreak, he made time for the gym, keeping himself lean and muscular. He also took classes on kickboxing, and self-defense. Now, he is always moving, and his body has only gotten more lean as a result.

Ryder has brown eyes, not the ones that are flat, but the ones that are deep and dark. The type of brown that people can get lost in. It helps he has dark eyelashes, making them pop more. He keeps his hair chopped short, the color almost black, his bangs always pushed back by his fingers. He always has facial face, something bordering a five o'clock shadow, yet a little thicker than that. Even today, he keeps up with his appearance, because he thinks looks are important, even in this world. He wants people to know he has the means to take care of himself.

His outfits are nothing elaborate. Before the outbreak, it was almost always suits. If it wasn't a suit, it was dress pants, and a tucked in shirt. Now, he wears jeans and heavy biker boots. He always has a t-shirt on with a leather jacket over the top. The thicker the clothing, the better. Harder to break and bite through. When he goes outside of the ranch, he wears a bulletproof vest under his clothing. Another item he keeps under his clothing, at all times, is this necklace.

P E R S O N A L I T Y

↳ It isn't uncommon for those people who grew up poor to want more for themselves once they are older. It is common, however, that they did not get that more, and end up like their parent(s). Ryder was not one of those people. Ryder did not want to end up like his parents. So, he threw himself into his dedication to work early on. It formed that hard-working, one-track mind attitude Ryder still has today. He was nothing like his peers; while they were being kids, cutting up, hanging out, going to prom, he was always working. Be it working out, or trying to figure out how to utilize the future business degree he'd earn, Ryder had always found comfort in being productive and hard-working.

That isn't to say Ryder didn't have any friends. He was surprisingly popular in school, perhaps because he was so charming and funny. He hasn't lost those two traits, either. He carried his charm and humor with him, letting it leak into his business skills, gaining the trust and approval of many business partners. He kept a tighter hold on his sarcasm, though. However, that was before the outbreak.

Ryder was cold and standoffish before the outbreak, but it only increased after. He believes the best way to survive is to be cold and hard. He is a very violent and cruel man, but only if he thinks somebody deserves it. He isn't unnecessarily cruel. He only is when he thinks he can justify it. He is strong-willed and stubborn, challenging those around him often, to weed out those who may turn on him later. He does not play games, and doesn't like beating around the bush. He is bluntly honest, and cusses like a sailor. He can't stand liars or rapists, and will quickly punish them. It isn't hard for Ryder to read people, either. He watches people, learns their mannerisms and habits, and uses those against them if need be.

Though, once somebody gains his trust, and becomes a part of his "family," they'll see a different side of him. Ryder is very charming and actually kind to those he likes or cares for. He's thoughtful and concerned, looking out for those he considers an ally. He's also fiercely loyal, and will stand up for anybody in his circle. He can be a bit crude, though, and he is very sarcastic at times. He may say inappropriate things, but he would never do inappropriate things. He does not show anything further than that. His softer emotions are kept to himself. He has a tight grip on his emotions, and it's very rare he loses that tight grip.

Be weary, though. Just because somebody is in Ryder's circle, and he's comfortable with them, doesn't mean they can do whatever they want. He still keeps an eye on people, even those close to him, and makes sure they don't step out of line. They can joke with him, even be sarcastic towards him, but it's hard to pin down what will make Ryder grow serious or keep him in a joking mood. It seems like it changes everyday, but that is actually done on purpose. Ryder doesn't want anybody too comfortable in his presence. He likes to be sure people are always on edge around him, not expecting his next move, so he stays unpredictable.

»»————-　☠　————-««

»»————-　☠　————-««

H I S T O R Y

↳ It would probably surprise most of the Toxo members if they knew what their fierce leader did before the outbreak. He doesn't seem like the type to sit behind a desk and be the CEO of a company, but that is exactly what Ryder did. Ryder lived all his life in the UK, growing up in a poor family that struggled to keep their bellies full. Ryder hadn't wanted that life when he got older, and so, he worked hard for scholarships, and got into one of the best business schools of the country. Ryder had built his own company upon a very harsh and careless business ideal. He would buy failing businesses - usually local mom and pop ones - for a cheap price, taking advantage of desperate people. After all, he knew what desperation could do to a person.

He would then turn the business around, and sell it for a high price. Of course, he had his loses, but his business had been thriving. He had worked almost his whole life to make this business what it was before the outbreak. It was a successful and huge business, making him a millionaire. He wasn't completely heartless. His parents and little sister had a place in his heart, and he gave them the luxurious life they had never achieved themselves. Or, so he had tried. His father was too prideful to accept the help. His mother was disappointed in what his business stood for. His little sister actually enjoyed the poor, drifter life she was growing into. She left when she turned nineteen, and he hadn't heard from her again. He couldn't convince his father to take money, but he eventually convinced his mother. Again, desperation. He began secretly sending her checks, and, surprisingly, his father didn't ask questions. Ryder had known his father would take the help in secret, because they were not that well off.

Afterward, Ryder had lost contact with his sister, and rarely spoke to his parents. It hurt him, but he had been through pain before. He pushed through, throwing himself into his work like he always did. He didn't have time for love or family anymore. He only had time to make this business the best it could be. He had his fair share of flings, or short-term relationships, but nothing had ever stuck. He was married to his company, and that was just fine with him. Relationships were hard work. He had enough of that on his plate.

Eight months before the outbreak, Ryder flew out to America. He had never been before, but a rich man, Henry Weber, had showed interest in his business. Henry wanted to open a branch in the states. Ryder had thought the idea had some meat. California was full of failing businesses, with Hollywood and all that. Once again... desperate people. Ryder's business fed off of those, after all. He flew out to California, meeting with Henry and beginning to talk business. He would only be there for a half week. He wanted to see the location for the building, the blueprints, get all the paperwork straightened out, make sure he could trust Henry. If he had said yes, that is.

He was liking the idea the more time he spent there, and Henry seemed to be as fierce and dedicated as himself. Ryder found himself attracted to Henry, but he did not mix work and play. They came to an agreement, and he flew back to the UK. Naturally, he kept contact with Henry. Their conversations began shifting from business to personal, and Ryder found himself beginning to text more than he ever had before. Two months later, he flew back to California, to see the opening of this American branch.

After the opening, Henry and Ryder went to celebrate over drinks. They ended up spending all night, and majority of the next day, together. Ryder had never been in-love before, but he was pretty sure he was falling for this amazing man. He had to go back home, yet he never lost contact with Henry. Ryder was back in California more than twelve times over the span of six months. He had planned a two week vacation with Henry a week before the outbreak.

It was a simple vacation, getting lost in each other in a private cabin in the hills of California. They were off the grid for two weeks, and Ryder was seriously beginning to think he could marry Henry. He was everything Ryder hadn't realized he was dreaming of. He made him a better version of himself, and vice versa. Imagine their shock and surprise when they returned after a week the outbreak had been running rampant. It was instant survival mode for the two love-birds.

They discovered it had spread to California just a week earlier, by a newspaper clipping they had found. It was strange, going from a paradise in the privacy of the hills, to a Hell in the form of ravenous creatures and humans alike. They had gathered as many supplies as they could, intending to go back to their paradise, but they had just been thrust into this new world. They hadn't been properly prepared, and they were split up. Ryder searched, and searched, and searched, yet he could not find Henry. He only found a necklace that was Henry's, and Ryder could only assume the worse.

Devastated, he pushed on. He would never stop hoping Henry would appear, but he had to continue his own survival. It was hard, at first, but he found other survivors. He began to build his own group, then they happened upon a ranch by the name of Whispering Pines Ranch. He was immediately taken with the place. It could be a fortress, yet the old fools in charge didn't want it to be such. Ryder saw the ranch as a failing business that needed his help. But, this wasn't the old world. This was the new world.

Robert Pines had been the first person he had murdered. It wasn't a kill in self-defense; it was a brutal murder. His two friends followed, and then their families. It wasn't hard to take control of the ranch. It was like running another business, building it up to turn it over for a profit. The profit, in this case, would be safety and power. He loves what he has turned the ranch into, and he will not let anybody take it away from him.

Unknown to anyone else, he hopes, one day, he finds his Henry in good health, as unlikely as that is.

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S K I L L S

↳ Charisma is one of Ryder's strongest skills. He can use his words like a weapon, sharp and cutting, or like a salve, smooth and cooling. He is also very strategic, something that he gained during his many years in his type of business. Because of his previous work-out schedule, he has longer stamina and more strength than the average person. He is also skilled at hand-to-hand combat, which has only gotten better. He has gotten better with weapons, both melee and ranged, due to the outbreak.

W E A P O N S

↳ Ryder has a pretty nice range of weapons to choose from because of the armory on the ranch. Though, he does have his favorites, and the ones he always leaves camp with. He always leaves with a gun. Just a simple Glock 19, nothing special. That is for emergencies. He has two daggers that he slips into each boot, for those just in case moments. He makes sure to have brass knuckles in his pocket, ready to slip on at a moment's notice. He also brings a machete, because why the fuck not, and sometimes a crossbow for range. Though, he usually has people with him that have ranged weapons. He may mix these up, though it's rare. But, his favorite weapon, the one he makes sure to never leave without, is a baseball bat. That sounds ridiculous, but the sturdy bat has nails embedded into the wood, so it causes for a deadly swing. There's something about smashing the bat into somebody's head and watching it crush in on itself that makes Ryder giddy.

O T H E R

↳ Ryder loves a smooth cigarette at the end of a hard day. If you want some brownie points... find cigarettes. His favorite are Lucky Strike. You're welcome.