Rioyne Sykes
High Commander Rioyne Sykes (a.k.a. Joker)
A Tier Four Immortal and the Fifth High Commander of the Loaded Deck. Rioyne Sykes is considered to be the second greatest leader the organisation has ever known while being merely three-hundred years into her tenure. She has achieved this by being an incredible tactician and political operative, allowing the mercenaries to gain some of the most lucrative contracts and achieve the most difficult missions through masterful logistical management. The High Commander dedicates herself and her subordinates to being honourable or fair in all her dealings and has immense distaste for those who would betray their comrades and has spent much time weeding out the more dangerous elements in her men. Her command is so well respected that even the Imperial Judiciary has been known to back down rather than face her forces in the field. Such is her prominence on the world stage that she has been in the company of every major world leader at various points in her career as she worked with, and against, the varying conflicting ideologies of the world. While she is not among the most powerful Tier Fours, or even the strongest within the Loaded Deck, her ability makes her one of the most influential people in the world.
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
As a Tier Four Immortal, Rioyne is considered one of the most powerful beings in the world. True to this she is in incredible shape and has a deceptive amount of strength for someone with such a lithe figure.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Born to a noble Imperial Family, Rioyne was destined for greatness from the moment of her birth. Her education, upbringing and early life were planned out to the utmost degree and she excelled in all aspects of life that her family set for her. None of them could fathom the fact that she would come to despise the noble lifestyle and even fewer would expect her to reject the family's leadership and instead sign up to a mercenary organisation. In the Loaded Deck, she would find the freedom and friendship that her family had unknowingly denied her and, combined with her rather exceptional upbringing, she would continue to grow and develop her talents. Despite this, whether to avoid the shame of a rogue family member or simply so that they didn't lose such a talent, her family refused to cut her off and began to work with her lifestyle choices.
During her time as a regular merc, she showed immediate talent as a commander and was quickly assigned as her squad's Sergeant and was able to complete a number of high risk operations with little loss. She was quickly recognised as a leadership candidate and the organisation very quickly fast tracked her journey through the squads and then to the Trials in order to make her an Immortal. This achievement was swiftly followed by a promotion into the Jack of Hearts and was sent on a mission to take down a particularly dangerous Lich from which she would emerge as the only survivor. From this she was given command and the right to rebuild the squad as she saw fit and was able to lead that same squad through multiple suicide missions and two more Trials without any further casualties. These actions would see her promoted to the Queen of Hearts as a tactical adviser in recognition of her talents.
Command at the highest level suited Rioyne who rapidly implemented a series of improvements not only to the organisational structures but also to the logistics and supply components of the mercenary group, often ignored by previous officers. Despite everything she would come to miss active service and began to chafe under the command of others, clearly finding it difficult after having held command for so long. It was no surprise to anyone when she decided to take on the Fourth Trial but the danger of the Trial meant that very few expected her to return. That she succeeded was attributed to her exceptional preparation and intellect especially as she emerged somewhat weaker than most Tier Fours were at their ascensions. Still her new power automatically qualified her as an Ace and she would happily take on the role and she would serve during one of the group's high points with only one Ace position being unfilled.
When the previous High Commander finally died, no other Ace opposed her ascension to the position and she almost immediately assumed the command. Since then she has led the organisation with distinction and she is often considered to be the second greatest of all the High Commanders because of her tactical achievements and masterful negotiations.
Morality & Philosophy
Honour and will are the most important things for a warrior and anyone who does not abide by that is not worthy of standing by her side.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
To become the greatest Commander of the Loaded Deck has ever seen.
Savvies & Ineptitudes
Incredible tactician and logistical manager. Considered weak for a Tier Four Immortal.
Likes & Dislikes
Likes: Honour, Victory, Camaraderie
Dislikes: Cowardice, Religion, Fate
Social
Family Ties
Part of a noble Imperial Family
Religious Views
Holds religions in disdain but withholds judgement on matters of faith and the Divine
Social Aptitude
Has incredible charisma and willpower and is known for inspiring her underlings even in the direst of situations.
Wealth & Financial state
Coming from a noble family, even having renounced her claim to the family title, Rioyne has significant wealth and assets both within the Loaded Deck and beyond. Currently has major investments in a number of expeditionary groups and infrastructure development.
Alignment
Lawful Neutral
Current Location
Honorary & Occupational Titles
High Commander of the Loaded Deck, Bearer of the Imperial Key
Year of Birth
6682 MW
863 Years old
Birthplace
Iyroni
Children
Current Residence
Dealer's Run
Gender
Female
Eyes
Grey and piercing
Hair
Long and brown with decorative braids
Height
5' 8''
Quotes & Catchphrases
"If today we die then we die as legends, but death is overrated and I've decided that we shall live as legends instead."
Aligned Organization
Ruled Locations
Comments