| “ | "Oh, are we telling dick jokes now? Because my entire life has led up to this very moment." | ” |
–Ridoc Gamlyn to his squadmates, Fourth Wing | ||
Ridoc Gamlyn is a dragon rider in his second year at Basgiath War College. He is in Second Squad, Flame Section, Fourth Wing, along with Violet Sorrengail, Rhiannon Matthias, and Sawyer Henrick.
Biography[]
Fourth Wing[]
Violet learns Ridoc's name more quickly than the other first years in her squad because he cracks jokes throughout their first history lesson,[1] and she describes him as a "smart-ass."[2]
Ridoc and Aurelie Donans spar on Assessment Day, and Ridoc grumbles when he is forbidden from using blades by Professor Emetterio. He is hesitant at first to properly attack her. His Squadleader Dain Aetos tells him he's doing her a disservice by pulling his punches. He knocks one of her teeth out in the match.[3]
He makes everyone (even Jack Barlowe) laugh in Professor Kaori's lesson about dragon kind when he quips if you offend a Red Scorpiontail, you'd be "lunch." Kaori also laughs and agrees with Ridoc that the best thing to do if you were to come across a Blue is to "run."[4]
The first time Second Squad sees the Gauntlet is also the first time Violet sees Ridoc "lose his temper or use anything but humour to diffuse a situation," when he snaps at Tynan, who was sneering at Violet. Tynan tries to intimidate Ridoc, but it doesn't really work, seeing as Ridoc is twice as wide and half a foot taller. Tynan asks what his problem is, and Ridoc questions his loyalty to his squadmates. [5]
| “ | "My problem? You think because you made friends with Barlowe and Siefert that you have the right to be a dick to your own squadmate?" | ” |
–Ridoc Gamlyn to Tynan, defending Violet Sorrengail, Fourth Wing | ||
Ridoc snaps to Tynan "they're not timing us for presentation today, asshole," when he continues to call Violet a liability to the squad, but Sawyer Henrick steps between them to break up their argument.[5] Ridoc is the sixth member of their squad to attempt the Gauntlet, behind Rhiannon Matthias and before Violet. He mocks Tynan when the man hesitates on the buoy balls in the second ascent, and Violet reprimands him, saying that just because Tynan's a dick doesn't mean he has to be. "But he's giving me so much material to work with," Ridoc replies with a smirk.[5]
On Presentation Day Heaton wishes the first year cadets good luck, and Ridoc comments that he didn't realize the third year knew how to speak. He also notes as they file out of the courtyard that their squad is the biggest. When Violet makes it to the top of the chimney, Ridoc cheers for her from the top of the Gauntlet.[6]
| “ | "Hell yes! That's our girl!" | ” |
–Ridoc Gamlyn cheering for Violet Sorrengail on the Gauntlet, Fourth Wing | ||
Ridoc and Rhiannon both hug Violet when she reaches the top of the Gauntlet, Ridoc hollering with happiness. Someone shouts that Violet can't do that (use her knife to climb the wall) and Ridoc defends her, saying "Yeah, well, she just did!"[6]
Lining up for Presentation, Senior Wingleader Nyra Voldaren instructs them to "talk," and Ridoc jokes "nice day for a Presentation." Nyra narrows her eyes at him and explains she means to talk to each other to help the dragons get a sense of who they are.[7]
Ridoc is behind Violet on their return walk during Presentation, with Luca following him. He comments wonderingly about the dragons, "They're pretty incredible, aren't they?" Making Violet smile. When two Green dragons take an interest in Violet, Ridoc's eyes are wide as saucers, his mouth hanging open, and after the encounter he admits "I think I just shat myself." Luca says she thought that they were going to eat Violet, and that she wouldn't have blamed them. Ridoc calls back "you're insufferable," but Luca continues to rant about Violet being a weak link. When a blast of heat hits Violet's back she's afraid that it's Ridoc who was killed, but we learn it was Luca when Ridoc mutters "Guess the dragons think she's insufferable too."[7]
On the morning of Threshing, Ridoc heaves up the contents of his stomach against a tree. Before separating to go into the forest alone, Ridoc orders the squad "Don't die." [8]
After Threshing, Violet leaves the healer's tent and is snatched off her feet by Ridoc, who yells "Look who rode in on the baddest motherfucker around!" He spins her around until Rhiannon chides him to put her down, pointing out that Violet is bleeding. Ridoc says "Oh shit, sorry," and releases her. He tells them proudly that he bonded a Brown Swordtail named Aotrom. Ridoc, Sawyer, Violet, and Rhiannon are the only first years left in their squad after Threshing.[9]
Ridoc greets Violet and Rhiannon the next morning, slinging an arm around each of their shoulders calling them ladies, and then adding "or should I say, riders."[10] They all agree being riders is better than being dead, and Ridoc pulls up the sleeve of his tunic to show them his brown dragon relic on his upper arm. He calls Oren Seifert an asshole in a mutter, still angry that the cadet had tried to kill Violet during Threshing. Second squad all sit together at breakfast, and muse on it being weird that they are given a table immediately. They realize Jack Barlowe is being iced out, and Ridoc comments "how the mighty have fallen." The third years from their squad also join them, and Ridoc calls Emery's air manipulation signet "epic," asking "how much air can you move?" Emery barely spares him a glance, answering that it's none of Ridoc's business.[10]
Violet reflects on the use of common magic to raise voices, and thinks "God help us when Ridoc figures out how to do that." It makes her smile, and she imagines he'll "find some way to annoy the shit out of every rider in the quadrant, not just his squad."[10]
At the formation after Violet is attacked by the unbonded cadets and a breach of Codex is called, the squad speculates who is in trouble. Rhiannon whispers, "think Ridoc finally got caught in Tyvon Varen's bed?" Ridoc responds that sleeping with him is hardly a breach of the Codex, despite the fact that he's the Executive Officer for Second Wing. He reminds them (without a touch of remorse) that it's not unlawful to fraternize with command, just frowned upon. He also makes it clear they aren't exclusive, and tells Violet if she's looking for a a little fun he's happy to oblige.[11]
| “ | "Fraternizing with command is frowned upon, not unlawful." | ” |
–Ridoc Gamlyn to Violet Sorrengail and Rhiannon Matthias, Fourth Wing | ||
In November in Battle Brief, Liam Mairi and the rest of the squad joke abut protecting Violet and Liam "reviewing" candidates to sleep with with her. Ridoc joins in saying "Oh, are we telling dick jokes now? Because my entire life has led up to this very moment." [12]
As per Dain's orders, Tuesday nights in December are for squad hand-to-hand practise. Liam refuses to spar with Ridoc because he is Violet's shadow, and so Ridoc spars with Imogen instead - she holds him in a headlock as Xaden and Garrick enter the gym and begin sparring, and doesn't release him until he taps out with zeal. [13]
Ridoc's signet manifests before Violet's in January - he is an ice wielder, which is described as a more common signet but "impressive to see." [14]
When Jack Barlowe challenges Violet to a sparring match, Liam instructs Ridoc to "guard her like you're me," while he runs to get Xaden. Ridoc responds "You mean like I'm six inches taller and built like a bull?" He gives him the thumbs up and tells Liam sure, and that he'd better run. During the match, Ridoc supports Violet vehemently shouting when Jack attempts to use death blows and his powers against Violet. He attempts to come to her aid, but the power Jack is transferring to Violet makes both Riodc and Emetterio cry out and jerk back from touching them. He is also the first one at her side after the fight, instructing her to "breathe Sorrengail, just breathe." [15]
In March, Ridoc nearly dies from exposure when one of the new additions to Second Squad has their signet manifest during Battle Brief - another cadet also dies, freezing to death in seconds, but Ridoc is only treated for frostbite and has no permanent damage. [16]
For the last challenge of the Squad Battle, the squads are left without leadership to find something that "would be most advantageous to (their) enemies." Ridoc immediately throws his hand in the air when Imogen asks who wants to be in command of Second Squad. Rhiannon forces his hand back down, saying he'll turn it into some kind of prank. He shrugs and agrees. He suggests stealing a cross bow because it would be deadly to their enemies, and when Quinn points out it would be too big, he offers "We could steal Panchek's underw-" but is cut off by Rhiannon, who says "and that's why we don't let you lead."[17]
| “ | "We could steal Panchek's underwear" | ” |
–Ridoc Gamlyn's suggestion during the Squad Battle, Fourth Wing | ||
The squad breaks into General Sorrengail's Office to search for something useful. Ridoc throws himself onto the red couch, and Sawyer lectures him that they don't have time for him himself and to help them. He helps Liam haul the guard that they knock out into an office. [18]
In Montserrat (where the squad is sent for winning the Squad Battle), Ridoc asks "so all we do is wait for something to happen?" And puts his "dirty ass" boots[19] up on the table. Mira Sorrengail sends him flying backward using lesser magic, telling him to keep his feet off the table.[20] When a drift of gryphons attack the keep, Ridoc and Quinn are already in the air when Violet and Xaden burst onto the roof.[20]
Before the first battle of War Games, Violet wonders why riders wear black - Ridoc tells her "because it's badass."[21]
In the Battle Brief leading up to Reunification Day, Professor Devera reminds the cadets to wear "dress uniforms only," raising her eyes specifically at Ridoc. He shrugs and asks "what else would I be wearing?" Devera responds, "one never knows what you'll come up with."[22]
Ridoc competes in the War Games with the rest of Second Squad for Fourth Wing.
Iron Flame[]
Ridoc is one of the first people Violet runs into when she returns to Basgiath after War Games and is holding Liam's letters for Sloane Mairi. She tells Xaden that both Rhiannon and Ridoc can be trusted. When Ridoc realizes what she is holding he falls silent and says "shit."[23]
At Graduation, Ridoc whispers "it's kind of underwhelming," and says that surviving three years there should come with "a lifetime supply of ale and a party so good you can't remember it."[24]
Ridoc is mentioned as having been a candidate for Rhiannon's XO, but she selected Sawyer. Toward the beginning of Iron Flame, Ridoc asks Violet if she has heard from Tairn about another black dragon in the Vale, claiming he heard Kaori mention it. [25]
While watching first-year sparring practice, he reaches for Violet, and she attacks him in defense before realizing it is Ridoc and not an assassin.[26]
Physical Description[]
Ridoc has dark brown hair that flops against the brown skin of his forehead as he walks. Violet describes him as short. [27] He's described as evenly matched against Aurelie due to his smaller size.[28] However he's also described as being twice as wide, and half a foot taller, than his squadmate Tynan. [29] After seven weeks of living in the Riders Quadrant Ridoc becomes less lean and gained more muscle.[30] His dragon relic is of a brown dragon silhouette on his upper arm.[31] At the start of his second year, Ridoc gets a tattoo of his dragon Aotrom. It ends near the base of his collar, and wraps to his shoulder where Aotrom's relic is.
Personality[]
He is known to be comedic relief within Violet's squad. Often cracking wise-ass commentary all throughout their history lessons. [28] Though he's known to lose his temper in defense of his friends.[29]
Power and Abilities[]
Powers[]
Lesser Magic[]
As a rider whose dragon is channeling through them, Ridoc is capable of performing lesser magic. With this channeling, Ridoc is able to do things like locking and unlocking doors without touching them, moving with preternatural speed, manipulate mage lights, and power ink pens. Lesser magic also allows Ridoc to place runes.
Signet[]
Ice Wielding[]
He's capable of freezing water and wielding ice.
Abilities[]
- Preferred weapon: Bow[32]
- Languages:
- common language
- semi-fluent sign language (not enough to teach)[33]
Relationships[]
Violet Sorrengail[]
Violet and Ridoc grow close during their first year, as they all develop their small friend group consisting mostly of Rhiannon, Sawyer and Violet. He stands up for her against Tynan during their first gauntlet training session, which surprises the group because it's the first time that he's lost his temper or used anything aside from humor before. [29]
As their friendship develops he cares for her, showing concern when he checks to make sure her joints are wrapped during RSC course and staying close by when they hike together.[32] During the hike up Medaro Pass he saves her from falling over the cliffside, leading to his own injury.
Tyvon Varen[]
According to Ridoc the two share an on-and-off again relationship similar to Tara and Rhiannon. [34]
Sawyer Henrick[]
squadmates and close friends the two end up becoming roommates during their stay at Riorson House.
Quotes[]
- "I think I just shat myself." - during Presentation, Fourth Wing, chapter 12
- "Oh, good. I was wondering when it was going to start getting dangerous around here again." - Iron Flame, chapter 30
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- Spars with Aurelie, and knocks one of her teeth out, during Assessment Day. [28]
- Excels in Land Navigation, with the other squad members frequently asking him for help.[35]
References[]
- ↑ Chapter 5, Fourth Wing
- ↑ Chapter 4, Fourth Wing
- ↑ Chapter 5, Fourth Wing
- ↑ Chapter 8, Fourth Wing
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Chapter 10, Fourth Wing
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Chapter 11, Fourth Wing
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Chapter 12, Fourth Wing
- ↑ Chapter 13, Fourth Wing
- ↑ Chapter 16, Fourth Wing
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Chapter 17, Fourth Wing
- ↑ Chapter 20, Fourth Wing
- ↑ Chapter 21, Fourth Wing
- ↑ Chapter 22, Fourth Wing
- ↑ Chapter 23, Fourth Wing
- ↑ Chapter 23,
- ↑ Chapter 24, Fourth Wing
- ↑ Chapter 25, Fourth Wing
- ↑ Chapter 25, Fourth Wing
- ↑ Chapter 27, Fourth Wing (Xaden's POV)
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Chapter 27, Fourth Wing
- ↑ Chapter 28, Fourth Wing
- ↑ Chapter 31, Fourth Wing
- ↑ Chapter 3, Iron Flame
- ↑ Chapter 4, Iron Flame
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 11
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 13
- ↑ Fourth Wing, Chapter 4
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 Fourth Wing, Chapter 5
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 Fourth Wing, Chapter 10
- ↑ Fourth Wing, Chapter 10
- ↑ Fourth Wing, Chapter 17
- ↑ 32.0 32.1 Iron Flame, Chapter 14
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 45
- ↑ Fourth Wing, Chapter 20
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 11