Description 

Black Cat from Texas
Ryan Sims was born to Nolan and Bonnie Sims in 1881 in the heart of Texas, entering a world vastly different from the typical upbringing of a young woman of her time. Raised literally within the imposing walls of the Texas State Penitentiary, Ryan grew up surrounded by the gritty, unyielding realities of the justice system, which quickly forged her into a remarkably independent and resilient individual. Rather than shrinking from her harsh surroundings, she developed a deep sense of discipline and a quiet, watchful nature. From a young age, Ryan found her calling in the prison’s medical ward, where she learned to tune out the chaos around her and focus on the meticulous, steady art of surgery and medicine, developing a profound understanding of human nature and survival.

Physically, Ryan possesses a striking and authoritative presence, standing at a commanding 173 cm with a poised, confident posture that demands immediate respect. Her sharp, green eyes are her most defining feature, taking in every detail of her surroundings with analytical precision. This reflects both her clinical training as a doctor and her sharp instincts as a prison watchman. Her fair skin is adorned with a few distinct birthmarks, and her dark, black hair is usually kept neatly woven back in a practical braid, keeping it entirely out of her face during long hours in the surgery room or at the prison. Her features are defined by a calm, composed expression that rarely breaks, giving her an air of unshakeable competence. While she does not seek out attention, her steady demeanor and the deliberate, quiet way she carries herself make it impossible for her to fade into a crowd. Beneath her stern, professional exterior lies a person of deep conviction, whose true warmth is reserved for the few who earn her trust.

In addition to her formidable administrative duties, Ryan has an undeniable passion for medicine and the care of others, acting under the firm philosophy of treating people how they treat others. She finds a rare kind of peace in the quiet focus of her medical bay, whether she is carefully stitching a wound, studying a complex anatomical text, or filling out detailed clinical ledgers late into the night. For Ryan, the steady rhythm of medical practice is a grounding force and a vital way to bring order to a chaotic environment. Though she carries the heavy, often exhausting burden of her duties as a prison watchman, her dedication to her work as both a healer and a guard stems from a deeply ingrained desire to help others, even when the harsh world makes success a rare and hard-fought victory.

Early Life 

Raised in the Penitentiary
Ryan was technically born on a quiet ranch in Texas, where her family simply lived in a house by themselves without participating in the grueling daily operations, which were run entirely by strangers. As the only child of her small family, she spent her earliest years in that isolated home, but her life truly took shape within a completely different environment. Ryan’s father, Nolan Sims, was a highly respected and authoritative figure who served as the warden of the Texas State Penitentiary, meaning that Ryan was essentially raised inside the formidable walls of the prison itself. Her mother, Bonnie Sims, was an exceptionally strict schoolteacher who ensured that Ryan maintained rigid discipline. It was here, amidst the stark contrast of the heavy iron prison gates and her mother's unyielding academic expectations, that Ryan’s sharp observation skills were born. From a young age, she would shadow the prison's medical staff, learning how to stitch wounds and study anatomy in the quiet corners of the infirmary.

Growing up without any siblings, Ryan was often far more serious than other children her age and preferred the company of books or the quiet focus of the prison clinic. While other young women were learning traditional domestic roles or attending local social functions, Ryan was perfectly content studying clinical journals and watching the guards maintain order. She grew deeply curious about the complex workings of human behavior and the human body but never felt the need to pursue a conventional lifestyle. Her childhood was an intense, disciplined experience, and though she routinely witnessed the harsh realities of criminal life and the severe burdens of a high-security environment, Ryan remained remarkably level-headed, seeking purpose in the medical duties that fascinated her.

As Ryan entered her teenage years, she became increasingly analytical. She started spending hours studying medical textbooks, surgical procedures, and advanced sciences, subjects that quickly became her true passion. Her mind was incredibly sharp and methodical, and she would often spend entire evenings mastering clinical techniques. She dreamed of becoming an expert surgeon, but she did not see herself following the standard path of a typical young woman of the century. She had absolutely no interest in high-society events or rushing into marriage. Instead, she longed to master her medical craft, take on greater responsibilities within the justice system, and eventually test her skills in a new territory.

Though she rarely spoke of it, Ryan constantly felt the heavy pressure of her parents' strict expectations. Being the only child of a prominent prison warden and a demanding educator meant that her behavior, grades, and discipline were always under a microscope. There were constant eyes watching her progress, ensuring she never strayed from her duties. She frequently wondered if her stoic nature and intense fixation on medicine would be enough to prove her worth to her parents, who expected nothing short of absolute perfection and absolute control from their daughter.

At 18, Ryan formally joined the ranks of the Texas State Penitentiary in June 1899, taking up official duties that blended security with her medical knowledge. The years she spent working there were both grueling and transformative, as Ryan had to prove her authority to skeptical older guards and navigate the dangerous dynamics of a major correctional facility. Despite her youth, she excelled effortlessly in her dual role as a watchman and an assistant caretaker in the medical ward, earning a reputation for being entirely unflappable under pressure and spending long hours managing the prison's clinical ledger.

During her years of service at the Texas State Penitentiary, Ryan gained invaluable experience, but she also witnessed the growing toll that the brutal environment took on her family. Her father’s demanding position as warden kept the family tethered to constant stress, and her mother's rigid rules began to feel more like a cage than a guidepost. After surviving a particularly tumultuous period of unrest within the prison blocks, Ryan realized she had learned everything the Texas facility could teach her.

Following her departure from the Texas State Penitentiary in January 1905, Ryan decided it was finally time to forge her own path away from home. Her heart longed for a new challenge where she could fully utilize both her security instincts and her surgical talents without being overshadowed by her father’s legacy. With her parents' strict lessons firmly embedded in her mind, Ryan packed her belongings and traveled alone to New Alexandria. She was taken in as a transfer to become Sisika Penitentiary's new warden.

Present Life 

Far From Texas, 1905
Upon arriving in New Alexandria in February, Ryan instantly headed to Sisika and the library to learn as much as possible about the state and how the prison runs here. She caught up with recent events, laws, who's who in the Government and such. She introduced herself to as many people as possible, aiming to at least have her name known to the sheriff's office, marshals and so on. At first she was nervous that her new coworkers and employee's wouldn't like her, but Ryan was luckily wrong in thinking so after making friends out of the watchmen. Unfortunately Ryan stayed a lot on the prison island trying to learn every inch of it, train new watchmen and have the inmates get to know how she works and how she expects them to behave.

In march Ryan finally started venturing off of the island to meet people and learn the lands on the state. She ended up at Emerald where a ranch was running out of, Iron Hearth. There she made quite a few friends and even met the owner of the ranch, Hank Henderson, who she became close to. They spent a lot of time with each other and eventually formed feelings for one another. The two of them started dating, Ryan was invited to join his ranch as an employee, which she did. Having been born on a ranch made her quite comfortable living at one even if she mostly spent her childhood in a prison. Something about a ranch feels very comforting to Ryan. Hank and Ryan were a happy couple for about three months, during that time they went on multiple dates, had a few arguments and even got engaged. Sadly in June they had their biggest argument yet which ended with Ryan giving him the ring back and angrily walking away saying "it's over". Right after the messy break up Ryan went back to Texas for a week to help her father at Texas State Penitentiary.

When returning back to New Alexandria Ryan felt extremely lonely, not feeling as though she can return to Iron Hearth seeing how things ended she ended up getting invited to stay at Lone Elk ranch by Sammy Tate. Ryan took them up on the offer and moved out to Big Valley, she fell in-love with the area and the peacefulness there. She felt as though she finally belonged somewhere which she never did at Iron Hearth. She made new friends that she became really close with; Sammy Tate, Nash Myles, Sable "Jynx" Peirce, Samti Smet, Jessica Burke and more. Ryan and Smet became close companions to comfort each other since they both got out of relationships fairly close to one another. The companionship with Smet helped Ryan get over her messy break up and so she wouldn't feel so lonely and unloved. They were able to comfort each other, speak their minds and just exist together to fight the loneliness.

Ryan has changed a lot since she initially arrived in New Alexandria, no longer an emotionless and strict prison watchman who believed inmates could never change, but rather a silly and caring person who only needs to be serious and proper while working or doing official business. She loves being able to give criminals chances to change and do better, but she also enjoys enforcing the laws and keeping the prison safe. Ryan can be herself without fearing disappointment or punishment from her parents constantly. She even got herself a tattoo on her right bicep of a poppy flower from Ephriam Krew's tattoo studio.

Over time, the close companionship between Ryan and Smet naturally blossomed into something deeper. They officially transitioned into a romantic relationship on June 26th, after Smet asked her if she wanted more out of their bond. To mark this beautiful new chapter, they finally shared their very first kiss against the scenic backdrop of the ravine near Wapiti. Driven by her blossoming connection with Smet and the strong bonds she formed with Nash, Jessica, Jynx, Sammy, and her wider circle of friends, Ryan made the choice to move from Blackwater to Valentine. She found a deep sense of peace in the natural beauty of central New Alexandria, spending much of her time at Lone Elk Ranch in Big Valley and claiming a quiet camp of her own just outside of Valentine. Ryan was also fortunate enough to befriend one of the USM's, Ellis Darrow, who became one of Ryan's best friends.

Affiliations 

Texas State Penitentiary (June, 1899 - January, 1905)
Ryan joined the Texas State Penitentiary when she turned 18 years old and worked there for over five years. She served in a dual role as a trusted prison watchman and a medical assistant in the infirmary. During her time there, she mastered complex surgical techniques under pressure and managed the prison's clinical ledgers before resigning in January 1905.

Department of Prisons (February, 1905 - Currently)
Ryan joined the New Alexandria Department of Prisons in February 1905 as an official transfer from Texas to become the new Warden of Sisika Penitentiary. She oversees all operations at the facility, balancing her heavy administrative and security responsibilities with her work as an attending surgeon in the medical bay.

Iron Hearth Ranch (March 1905 - June, 1905)
Ryan became part of Iron Hearth because she was dating the owner, Hank Henderson, but after their messy break up she left the ranch.

Lone Elk Ranch (June, 1905 - Currently)
Ryan became part of Lone Elk when Sammy Tate, who's the owner, said she's free to stay there whenever she wants. And eventually Ryan fell in-love with the area and moved in permanently. Mostly staying in a tree house nearby the ranch.

Quotes 

• “What the hell"
• "Treat others how you want to be treated."
• "I try my best to help others, but it doesn't often work."
• “People think iron is the strongest thing in a prison, but it’s actually discipline.”
• “Hold still. This is going to hurt, but it’s going to save your life.”
• “You give me respect, I give you peace. You give me trouble, I give you a beating.”
• “The law brought you here, but I’m the one who decides how comfortable you stay.”
• “Cobalt has more sense than half the inmates at the prison.”
• “I’ve spent my whole life surrounded by iron bars, and yet I've never felt trapped.”
• “My watchmen don't sleep, and neither do I. Don't try it.”
• “Fix your attitude before I have to fix your bones."
• “You’re all talk and no cattle.”
• “I can fix your flesh, but your soul is between you and God.”
• “You’re breathing, aren’t you? Then stop complaining.”
• “The Department of Prisons doesn’t pay me to listen to excuses.”
• “You want to talk about your rights? Let’s talk about your responsibilities first.”
• “Sometimes I think Cobalt is the only one in this state who understands me.”
• “I try my best to stitch up the pieces, but some people just want to stay broken.”

Trivia 

• Ryan's favorite colors are light blue and yellow.
• She has a fat black cat named Cobalt that she loves and adores.
• Ryan's favorite food is pickled pears, she loves anything pickled.
• She is highly observant and always tracks people's hand movements.
• Ryan has a habit of clicking her tongue right before delivering bad news.
• She does not flinch at the sight of blood or gruesome injuries.
• Ryan has a tattoo of a red poppy flower on her right bicep.
• She always carries a small pocket knife that she uses to slice her pickled pears.
• Ryan prefers to drink her coffee black and entirely cold.
• She does not like sweet treats and will always pass on cake or pastries.
• Ryan has a very high tolerance for physical pain and rarely complains when injured.
• She thinks Cobalt the cat is a much better judge of character than most humans.
• Ryan has a sharp sense of humor and smiles easily around people she likes.
• She has a short fuse and can lose her temper instantly when pushed too far.
• Ryan hates her anger issues and feels incredibly anxious after losing her temper.
• She has a very expressive face and can never hide what she is feeling.
• Ryan bites her own hand when she gets angry to stop herself from having a outburst.
• She absolutely loves when the weather gets stormy, the rain calms her down.
• Ryan regularly wears fresh red poppies woven directly into her braid.
• She has some Swedish descendants in her family, her mother taught Ryan the language.
• Ryan can be very childish when not working, having missed out in her childhood.