Taiyang Xiao Long is a Huntsman and instructor at Signal Academy on the island of Patch. He fathered Yang Xiao Long with Raven Branwen and Ruby Rose with Summer Rose, both former teammates from his Beacon Academy team STRQ, which included Qrow Branwen. After Raven abandoned the family post-Yang’s birth, Taiyang formed a relationship with Summer, leading to Ruby’s birth. Summer’s disappearance during a mission left him emotionally withdrawn, affecting his ability to parent actively for a time. As a father, Taiyang balances protectiveness with allowing Yang and Ruby to become Huntresses. His teaching philosophy prioritizes adaptability and tactical thinking over raw power, evident in sparring sessions where he critiques Yang’s strength-dependent approach. Personality-wise, he blends a sociable demeanor with blunt honesty, sharing jovial rapport with colleagues such as Peter Port and Bartholomew Oobleck. His frankness sometimes edges into insensitivity, as when questioning Yang’s readiness for independence despite her trauma. In *RWBY: Ice Queendom*, Taiyang’s indirect influence surfaces through Yang’s leadership choices. His past advice for Yang to grant Ruby space for growth becomes a point Weiss Schnee references to challenge Ruby’s impulsiveness. Though absent from direct plot involvement, this aligns with broader media portrayals framing him as a distanced but caring figure navigating grief. In combat, Taiyang employs fluid, close-quarters martial arts emphasizing balance and judo-inspired sweeps. His physical resilience lets him endure heavy blows during training. While his weapon remains unnamed, a heart-shaped tattoo on his right arm symbolizes familial bonds. His mentorship legacy spans Signal Academy students and his daughters, having shaped Yang’s foundational combat skills.