Ruro was a healer in the tribe of Jukka the Sling until Jukka's death, when Lord Brocktree appointed her the new chief. She was a friend to Fleetscut throughout the book, despite the fact that he was resented by the other members of the tribe. Ruro was a superb healer. As a symbol of her leadership, Brocktree forged a silver medallion bearing a likeness of Jukka twirling a sling, and it was thereby called a Jukka medal.