Ryan Stills

Ryan Maynard Stills

Ryan Stills is a calm and composed individual who thrives under pressure, using his logical mindset to navigate both everyday challenges and the surreal events in Ladysmith. He is naturally reassuring and level-headed, often serving as a grounding influence among his friends. Ryan’s humor is understated but effective, defusing tension and keeping spirits high during tough times. While he isn’t the loudest voice in the room, his thoughtful, deliberate approach to problem-solving and his innate leadership qualities make him someone others instinctively turn to for guidance. Despite his confidence, he is introspective and sometimes overanalyzes situations, which can make him hesitant to act when quick decisions are required.

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

Ryan is in good physical shape, with a lean and athletic build that suggests he stays active, though he doesn’t follow a strict fitness routine. His lifestyle—carrying equipment for gigs, working part-time at a café, and walking around campus—keeps him naturally fit.

Body Features

Build: Lean and slightly toned, with a wiry strength that comes from his active lifestyle rather than deliberate training.
Skin Tone: Lightly tanned with a healthy complexion that reflects time spent outdoors, often lugging his guitar to and from practice or gigs.
Posture: Relaxed and casual, with a tendency to slouch slightly when sitting, giving him an approachable, laid-back air.

Facial Features

Eyes: Hazel eyes that are warm and expressive, often reflecting his introspective and thoughtful nature.
Hair: Short brown hair, usually slightly tousled and effortlessly stylish, giving him a cool, casual vibe.
Facial Hair: Clean-shaven, with occasional light stubble when he skips a shave, adding to his "student-musician" aesthetic.

Identifying Characteristics

Tattoo: A tribal tattoo on his left bicep, a decision he made during a spontaneous moment in his late teens. While it doesn’t hold deep meaning, it’s become a part of his identity.
Hands: Calloused fingertips from years of playing guitar, a subtle but telling detail of his dedication to music.

Apparel & Accessories

Ryan’s wardrobe is simple and casual, consisting mostly of band t-shirts, flannel shirts, and well-worn jeans. His footwear is typically sneakers or ankle boots, chosen for comfort and practicality.

Accessories:

A simple leather bracelet he wears on his right wrist, a gift from a friend.
A lightweight, worn canvas messenger bag he uses to carry schoolbooks and sheet music.
A basic digital watch, functional and unpretentious, reflecting his practical mindset.

Specialized Equipment

Ryan plays a Fender acoustic guitar that suits both his style and budget as a student musician. The guitar has a warm mahogany body with a classic sunburst finish. He has personalized it with a few discreet stickers on the back, representing his favorite bands and some local Ladysmith flair. Ryan values the guitar not just as a tool for his music, but as a companion in his creative journey.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Ryan Maynard Stills grew up in the small town of Ladysmith on Vancouver Island, where the close-knit community and natural beauty shaped his upbringing. From an early age, he showed an interest in music, learning to play guitar and eventually forming Dreamland Conspiracy, a local band that has become a fixture at community events and small venues. Despite his passion for music, Ryan is equally dedicated to his academic pursuits, studying for a business degree at Vancouver Island University. He hopes to one day combine his love for music with his business acumen to support other artists or start his own record label.
Ryan’s upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility and resilience, values reinforced by his parents, who emphasized the importance of hard work and community. Living across the hall from Terra Murphy and Lily Rasmussen, Ryan has become part of a tight-knit group of friends. His relationships are marked by mutual trust and support, and he often acts as a mediator when tensions arise.

Education

Ryan Stills is pursuing a business degree at Vancouver Island University, combining his practical mindset with his long-term goal of merging his passion for music and entrepreneurship. He is particularly drawn to courses in marketing, management, and small business development, recognizing their value in helping him navigate the competitive world of the music industry. Balancing his studies with his role as a guitarist in Dreamland Conspiracy, Ryan applies what he learns in real-time, using his education to promote the band and manage their gigs effectively. Known for his diligence and collaborative spirit, Ryan often participates in group projects and campus activities, building a network of peers and mentors that reflects his proactive approach to both his academic and creative pursuits.

Employment

Ryan Stills works part-time as a barista at a popular local café, Bean There, Done That, located in downtown Ladysmith. The job suits his laid-back demeanor and provides a perfect balance to his busy life as a student and musician. At Bean There, Done That, Ryan’s natural charisma and calm personality make him a favorite among regulars, who often chat with him about music, local events, and life in general.
The flexible hours allow him to attend classes at Vancouver Island University and still make time for band practice and gigs with Dreamland Conspiracy. His time at the café also helps him hone practical skills like customer service, multitasking, and handling responsibilities under pressure—valuable experience he hopes to apply to managing his own business one day. Ryan occasionally uses the café’s cozy atmosphere as a spot to sketch out ideas for new songs or study for exams, blending his worlds seamlessly.

Intellectual Characteristics

Practical Intelligence: Ryan excels at applying what he learns to real-world situations. His ability to connect theoretical concepts from his business degree to his band's operations—like budgeting, marketing, and scheduling—demonstrates his knack for pragmatic thinking.

Creative Problem-Solving: As a musician and student, Ryan approaches challenges with creativity. Whether it's crafting a new guitar riff or finding innovative ways to promote his band, he thrives on thinking outside the box.

Emotional Intelligence: Ryan is a thoughtful and empathetic listener, adept at picking up on the emotions of those around him. His calm and reassuring demeanor stems from his ability to understand and relate to others on a deep level.

Analytical Thinking: Ryan enjoys breaking down complex situations into manageable parts. This trait shines in both his academic life, where he excels in assignments requiring strategic thinking, and in his ability to navigate the strange events happening.

Curiosity and Open-Mindedness: While he remains grounded in his practical mindset, Ryan is open to exploring new ideas and experiences. This intellectual flexibility makes him a quick learner and an adaptable problem-solver.

Passion for Learning: Whether it’s improving his guitar skills, understanding the intricacies of running a business, or delving into topics that intrigue him, Ryan is driven by a genuine enthusiasm for growth and self-improvement.

Personality Characteristics

Motivation

Ryan is driven by a deep desire to merge his passion for music with his practical skills to create something meaningful for both himself and his community. He dreams of building a career where he can not only perform and share his love for music but also support other artists, possibly by starting his own record label or music promotion company. His strong sense of community, cultivated in his hometown of Ladysmith, motivates him to give back by creating spaces and opportunities for local talent to thrive.
On a personal level, Ryan seeks stability and connection, finding solace in his close-knit friendships and the creative outlet his band provides. His logical, problem-solving nature pushes him to bring structure to chaotic situations, which is both a way to protect his friends and assert control in a world that often feels uncertain. Despite his calm exterior, Ryan is motivated by an internal drive to prove to himself and others that he can achieve his goals, balancing his ambitions with the relationships and values that keep him grounded.

Savvies & Ineptitudes

Strengths:

Logical and analytical, able to break down complex problems into manageable steps.
Calm under pressure, providing reassurance to others in stressful situations.
Naturally charismatic and approachable, making him a strong leader within his social circles and band.
Resilient, with a strong sense of community and loyalty to his friends and hometown.

Weaknesses:

Has a tendency to overthink situations, which can lead to hesitation in high-stakes moments.
Sometimes struggles to express his emotions openly, preferring to focus on solutions rather than feelings.
Can be overly self-reliant, reluctant to ask for help even when needed.
His laid-back demeanor occasionally makes others underestimate his seriousness or dedication.

Likes & Dislikes

Likes:

Music: Playing guitar, discovering new bands, and performing with Dreamland Conspiracy are central to Ryan’s identity. He particularly enjoys alternative rock and folk music.
Community: Ryan values the tight-knit feel of Ladysmith and enjoys local events, whether he’s performing at them or simply attending.
Coffee Culture: Working as a barista has given him an appreciation for good coffee, and he enjoys experimenting with different blends and brewing methods.
Learning: He enjoys gaining practical knowledge, especially in business and music, and loves applying what he learns in his real life.
Nature: Ryan finds peace in Ladysmith’s natural surroundings, like the nearby forests, ocean views, and hiking trails.
Quiet Evenings: While he loves performing, he also appreciates downtime, like strumming his guitar at home or hanging out casually with friends.
Problem-Solving: Whether it’s figuring out a setlist for a gig or untangling real-life dilemmas, Ryan thrives on turning challenges into manageable tasks.

Dislikes:

Conflict: Ryan avoids unnecessary drama and dislikes when people let emotions cloud practical solutions.
Overly Flashy Behavior: He appreciates authenticity and feels put off by people who try too hard to show off or dominate a conversation.
Laziness: While he’s laid-back, Ryan gets frustrated when others shirk responsibilities, especially if it affects the group.
Rigid Rules: He dislikes strict structures that don’t allow for creative thinking or flexibility.
Failure to Follow Through: Ryan values commitment and gets annoyed when people don’t deliver on their promises or plans.
Noise Without Purpose: As a musician, Ryan loves sound, but meaningless noise or chaotic environments without structure irritate him.
Judgmental Attitudes: He dislikes when people are dismissive of others' interests, especially creative pursuits like music or art.

Hygiene

Tendency to Overthink: Ryan’s logical and analytical nature can sometimes work against him, leading to overthinking and hesitation in high-pressure situations. He often second-guesses his decisions, worrying about potential outcomes instead of trusting his instincts, which can frustrate those around him when quick action is needed.

Reluctance to Ask for Help: Ryan has a strong sense of independence and a deep-seated desire to prove his capability, which can make him reluctant to rely on others. He often takes on too much responsibility, risking burnout or missing opportunities to collaborate and benefit from the support of those who care about him.

Social

Speech

Ryan communicates with a calm, measured tone, often using his humor to put others at ease. He has a knack for breaking down complicated situations into simple, relatable terms, making him approachable and easy to understand. His speech is thoughtful and deliberate, avoiding unnecessary dramatics. While he tends to focus on logic and solutions, Ryan’s empathy shines through in moments of vulnerability, as he knows when to prioritize emotional connection over practicality. He’s a good listener, ensuring that others feel heard and understood, which further strengthens his role as a stabilizing force in his social group.

Current Location

Ladysmith

Species

Humanity

Ethnicity

Canadian

Other Ethnicities/Cultures

• European

Age

24

Date of Birth

October 15, 2000

Birthplace

Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

Pronouns

He/Him

Sex

Male

Eyes

Warm hazel eyes

Hair

Short brown hair, usually slightly tousled and effortlessly stylish

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Lightly tanned with a healthy complexion that reflects time spent outdoors

Height

6'1"

Other Affiliations

• Dreamland Conspiracy