Ryan

Biodata

History

Search for the Magic Source

Ryan commanded the squad assigned to escort Allen into Silverpine Forest to locate the Magic Source behind the beasts’ demonic corruption. Although he initially stopped the squad to let Allen examine magical fluctuations, he grew skeptical when repeated warnings produced no visible encounters. When Allen detected a large concentration of Fel Beasts and urged a detour, Ryan dismissed his judgment, mocked his apprentice status, and led the soldiers onward 37.

The squad returned in flight, pursued by at least twenty or thirty corrupted beasts. Allen and Magg guided them through a prepared escape route, and Allen took command during the retreat. Ryan’s advance left more than half the squad dead or wounded; only six people remained alive, including Allen. After Allen confronted him over the soldiers’ losses, Ryan knelt before the survivors, accepted responsibility, and promised to request punishment from Pelaven 38.

Retreat and the Man Snake

Ryan became more receptive to Allen’s advice after the defeat. He supplied disinfected gauze while Allen treated a wounded soldier and agreed to give the exhausted survivors a day’s rest. Later, with dry rations running low, he warned that they could remain in the forest for no more than three days. Torn between completing the mission and protecting his soldiers, he ultimately agreed to plan a withdrawal after one final reconnaissance trip 38 39.

Ryan and Allen investigated an area of abnormal magic while leaving the soldiers behind. There, an enormous Man Snake ambushed them. Allen pushed Ryan out of danger, and the pair fled after discovering that they could not defeat it. At Allen’s urging, Ryan discarded his armor to run faster. They escaped by drawing the snake into a pack of Fel Beasts, then returned to the squad and ordered an immediate departure 39 40.

During the reconnaissance, Ryan picked up an irregular white stone near the snake. Allen identified it as a Magic Source fragment, though Ryan questioned how such a small object could account for the forest-wide disturbance. A week later, the squad reached Pelaven’s base and learned that fewer than a quarter of the forest searchers had returned 40.

Return to Pelaven’s Residence

Ryan reported the expedition’s findings to Pelaven and attended the gathering where Allen was questioned. He also informed Allen that Pelaven had formally allied with Archmage Kel’Thuzad 40 41.

When the assignment ended, Ryan delivered Allen’s reward, an Ice Shield spellbook that had already been issued but remained in his keeping because he could not find Allen. He thanked Allen for repeatedly saving his life and joined his squad in seeing him off for Dalaran the next morning 41.

Personality

Ryan initially places considerable confidence in battlefield experience and little trust in mage apprentices. He treats Allen’s caution as cowardice, boasts that he could kill ten apprentices on the battlefield, and angrily challenges Magg for staying behind to protect Allen 37.

His pride does not prevent him from acknowledging failure. After the disastrous advance, he apologizes publicly to his soldiers and becomes willing to follow Allen’s practical advice. His attachment to military honor initially makes retreat difficult to accept, but he ultimately recognizes responsibility for his subordinates as the stronger obligation 38 39.

Abilities & Skills

Warrior Training and Rage

Ryan is a First-Rank Warrior who identifies rage, rather than battle aura, as the power Warriors use in combat 39.

• Describes rage as a power hidden within the body, while admitting that he cannot explain its precise nature 39.
• Reacts quickly enough to dodge during the Man Snake ambush and the subsequent encounter with Fel Beasts 40.
• Cannot penetrate the oversized Man Snake’s thick scales; escape is his only viable option alongside Allen 40.

Squad Command

Ryan leads veteran soldiers serving Pelaven and retains their trust even after his initial misjudgment 37 38.

• Studies maps and works with Allen to settle a withdrawal route 39.
• Orders the soldiers to remain behind during the two-man reconnaissance, despite their reluctance to let him and Allen take the risk alone 39.
• Relays the expedition’s discoveries to Pelaven after returning to base 40 41.

Equipment

• Sword — Carries it while fleeing the Man Snake after discarding his armor 40.
• Armor — Abandons it because its weight slows his escape through the forest 40.
• Map — Uses it while assessing the squad’s situation and planning its return 39.

Relationships

• Allen — Assigned magical support who becomes Ryan’s trusted companion after rescuing the squad. Ryan celebrates Allen’s improved spellcasting and openly acknowledges that Allen saved him several times 37 38 39 41.
• Magg — A subordinate whom Ryan initially rebukes for remaining with Allen instead of following the squad’s advance 37.
• Highlord Pelaven — Ryan’s commanding lord. Ryan regards failure to complete the search as a breach of the Highlord’s trust and offers to submit to punishment for the squad’s losses 38 39.