Ryu "Winter" Song was born in the dead of winter, during a harsh snowstorm that swept across the region. His mother died shortly after giving birth to him, leaving him to be raised by his father, a skilled hunter and trapper. Growing up in the harsh wilderness, Ryu learned how to survive on his own from a young age. He quickly became an expert in tracking and hunting, skills that would serve him well later in life. As he grew older, Ryu became more and more reserved, preferring the quiet solitude of nature to the company of others. He spent many years wandering the countryside, hunting and living off the land. Eventually, he stumbled upon the town of Kanju and decided to settle there. He purchased the local tavern, Kanpai, and began running it as his own.
Despite his reputation as an enigmatic and somewhat mysterious figure, Ryu is well-liked by the people of Kanju. He is a skilled bartender, and his quiet demeanor makes him an excellent listener. Many travelers and locals alike come to Kanpai seeking Ryu's advice or guidance, and he is always happy to oblige. Ryu is also a skilled musician, and he occasionally entertains the patrons of Kanpai with his haunting melodies on the shamisen. Some say that Ryu's music has a calming effect on even the most restless souls, and that listening to him play can transport one to a state of inner peace.
Despite his seemingly content life in Kanju, Ryu is still haunted by his past. He rarely speaks of his early years, and even those closest to him know very little about his past. It is said that he has many secrets, and that those who pry too deeply into his past are met with a cold, hard stare that can chill one to the bone.