Archetypes
Welcome to meet our archetypes! These are not playable characters in the story, but archetypes that represent and introduce the different character groups you will be able to play on board ESS Odysseus. They will take over our social media accounts from time to time, when their expertise is needed and appear in different kinds of briefings and infopages.
Engineer Meiyu Avenor
“Allriiiight, let’s get this ship off the ground!
The name’s Meiyu, or Petty Officer Avenor if you’re feeling fancy. I’ve been tightening bolts, emptying plasma drains and fixing thermal regulators on transport shuttles between Osiris and Caelena for the last… 30 years or so, but who’s counting? I was fixing shit way back in the machine war already, and I’ll likely keep doing so until the EOC army throws me out the airlock. I’m pretty good with most things mechanical, less so with people and relationships. I’ve got two kids on Osiris, but the twins have got families of their own now, and nobody’s waiting for me at home anymore. All the more time for me to ponder big questions on long evenings, like the mysteries of the Old Ways.
But hey, despite my sometimes lacking people skills, I’m here to engage you lot. You won’t get fancy words and speeches from me, I’m more of a “get my hands dirty” kind of gal. This thing is going to need all hands on deck, and I know it might be a bumpy ride, but we’ll get there. Grab some extra coffee jello if you need it, I’ve got loads. This ship is fuelled by coffee!”
Scientist - Liora Teshin
"I’m Liora Teshin, they/them, of the Wisdom dynasty and so glad to be here today. I’ve been waiting to tell you all about the foundations of this project!
Shortly about myself first: I’m a scientist by blood, upbringing and profession. I was born in Ellarion City and this is where I graduated from university with very high remarks, and continued to study the machines and how they work. My heart belongs to the Faith of High Science where I strive to further our understanding of the universe and its mechanics. To learn is to worship. Science is the way forward and I believe verified, peer reviewed data should guide all our decisions in politics as well. That’s why I support the Blue party! You should too.
Ahem. To business at hand: My job is to provide you all the numbers and the data, details and the facts that are the basis of building Odysseus! It’s not just a dream or passion, but a result of careful assessment and calculations. You’ll hear from me anytime there’s a need for analytic thinking. You don’t have to believe me, but believe the data!"
Marine - Celia Marek
"Wanna know something? When you see us getting ready for an away mission, getting geared up and looking all sharp and composed? It’s all for show. The moment we get into the shuttle and feel the engines kick, the adrenaline hits. We’re grinning like rookies, barely able to contain ourselves. That rush of being the first ones to step into uncharted worlds, not knowing who or what will greet you - that never goes away.
I’m Celia Marek, marine team Beta. You can ask anyone in the team about me, they’ll be sure to playfully mention all the times I misread the map, but they’ll also tell you I’m fiercely loyal and would give my life for each and every one of them. I’ve tried to, more than once. Being a marine runs in my family. Strength dynasty. To me, it’s a matter of honour and pride to keep my mates alive and well.
I won’t lie though, there've been some really rough moments. When one of us is severely hurt and I have to shove it aside, trust the medics, and keep the rest of us standing. When things look bleak and my orders seem insane, and I have to trust that my CO sees things I don’t. When I need to remind myself of the oath I took, and I still have nightmares for weeks afterwards…
But that’s the life we chose, and love. Not trying to scare you off, just being real. We’d carry each other through hell and back, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Welcome to the team, hope you’re ready to earn that patch."
Civilian - Cassian Valdoran
“Hello, friend. Have we met? I’m pretty sure I would have remembered you. I’m Cassian. Here, let me top up your glass? Trust me, the local vineyard will thank me for the free advertising later.”
I’d love to hear your thoughts about working conditions in the colonies. Ten years in the senate, and I still feel we haven’t engaged everyone in the big conversations enough. I know I’m a politician but I promise, this isn’t a campaign pitch! I genuinely want to know what you think. Are we doing enough? Personally I always want to do more, but we also can’t build a better world if we burn ourselves out trying.
Oh, and before we go any further, I should probably give you my last name as well. It’s… Valdoran. People hear it, and they think they already know the whole story. Wealthy Caelenan family, Hope dynasty, all the doors that open before you even knock. And yes, I’m proud of where I come from. My family means the world to me. But I’d rather you meet the person before the pedigree. I like to believe I’ve earned at least a few of the things people assume were handed to me.
None of us are blind to the shadow my name can cast on conversations, either. I’m guessing you heard about my sister’s assassination? Everyone did. It’s alright - Really. Thank you, though. Keeping her memory alive feels important, but I do tend to look over my shoulder more. You never know who is standing behind you, or why.
Anyway. I didn’t mean to get heavy on you. I’d love to listen to your story, if you feel like sharing.”
Medic - Amaris Sahran
"Yes? Sort of busy keeping people alive here. Call me Amaris or Doctor Sahran, if we ever get around to sitting down. I’ll be with you soon, stand in the hallway and have some water - I swear half the crew is intent on mummifying themselves - and stop blocking my workspace. Appreciate it. Truly. Let me just get a quick fifth cup of coffee before someone decides to spontaneously combust.
Right. No, I wasn’t joking when I said I’m keeping folks alive here, do I look like I’m joking? Don’t answer that. I joined the war effort even before I got my medical degree, spent a decade patching people up on remote stations, and then crawled back to finish my studies. I’ve seen plenty of things that could have scared anyone sensible away from the field. I’ve probably served the EOC Starfleet for longer than you’ve been breathing, pup, so you’ll forgive me if I don’t salute you.
Hold on -
You! Yes you, trying to sneak out like I wouldn’t notice. How long has that eye been twitching? I don’t care what you came in for, sit your ass down, or I’ll mark you unfit for duty so fast your commanding officer will think you evaporated.
Where was I? Right. If you’re looking for some grand tale about how I ended up here, you’re looking in the wrong place. Grew up on Caelena in a perfectly ordinary home, thought I’d take the sensible route and become a doctor the slow, respectable way. The war had other plans. And now? Well, now I’m here. I complain, sure, but don’t mistake that for not caring. If I’m yelling at you to sit down before you fall down, that’s me being downright affectionate. Just… don’t make me say it twice."
Velian - Zalei
"I am Zalei, Protector of the Velian people. You may be granted a passage to our planet, but do not presume you are anything but a visitor, a tourist. Our society is a sacrament in itself, and outsiders shall not partake in it. We survive by trusting our elders and following the wise traditions of our ancestors, and I will guard them well. The technologies of our dome city are sacred to us - they sustain us. Yes, I have a personal experience of that as well, very perceptive of you.
You wish to know about our reproduction technology? How typical of one from EOC, prying into things with such vulgare interest! Very well, there is nothing secret in how we keep the balance of our population. One must prove their worth to receive the gift of a child, who will be grown in a special tank without all your bizarre sexual rites and acts. It is a carefully considered process, so our children are always fully wanted and dearly loved. Their tenders may be friends or families, but the genetic origins are considered irrelevant. No, I do not have children because my role in our society requires my full attention.
You may say what you will. We will protect our ways from outside intentions. When needed, we are advised by the Guardian who gave us life. No, you may not enquire more."
Pilot - Coming soon
Bridge - Coming soon