Name/Nicknames: Rio Dorado
Gender: male
Rank/Position: candidate/explorer/hunter/handyman
Age: 28
Birthplace: Earth

Physical Description: Rio's looks tend to intimidate a lot of people. He's a big guy, over 6' 3", with long brown hair, usually in a ponytail, and a wild, bushy beard. He'd probably be considered overweight, but he considers it "solid mass." Darkly tanned from exposure to the sun, he has vibrant brown eyes and a deep, ringing laugh.

Personality: Rio likes to remain a mystery. He's rarely the first to speak in a crowd but he is always listening, filing away information. He has a great sense of humor once you get to know him but he can be brusque on first approach. He likes the fact that his looks can sometimes scare people off--that way they don't realize what a teddy bear he is at heart. He's the kind of guy you want on your side in a fight and you don't want to cross. A loyal friend once you've gotten through his gruff exterior.

Background: Not something he will discuss with strangers. He was born on Earth and migrated with his family to Pern. They were caravan folk, travelers, glad to escape Earth and roam on Pern. He left his family not long after they landed and went off on his own, did a lot of exploring up and down the coastline. Rio is a good hunter and provider and good with his hands, able to fix almost anything--the kind of guy you'd want to be stranded on a desert island with. He came to New Landing to trade, rest up, and re-provision, but he may stick around. Fascinated by dragons & fire-lizards.

Family/Friends:
Parents/siblings-somewhere in the wilds of the Southern Continent

Hobbies & Skills: Hunts, fishes, rides horses, good with a knife, spear, bow & arrow etc. A woodsman.

Pets: Has a faithful bucksin horse, Kit, he rides on his journeys.