Alias(es)
The Botanist
The Spriggan-Friend
Core motivation
To discover a world unspoiled by human avarice. He is on a quest for scientific purity and a chance to study a truly balanced ecosystem, hoping to prove that humanity can learn from nature rather than just conquer it.
Background
During his celebrated Amazonian expedition, a measles outbreak—unwittingly introduced by his own support crew—devastated the indigenous tribe that had guided him. He carries a profound, secret guilt for this, which fuels his fierce, almost paternalistic desire to protect the imogopa from the same fate.
Physical description
Middle-aged, with a lean, wiry build from years of fieldwork. A thoughtful face, kind but tired eyes, and the slightly stooped posture of a scholar.
Occupation/Profession
Xenobotanist
Voice
Calm, articulate, with a scholar's precise vocabulary. Becomes passionate and forceful when defending his ideals.
Clothing style
Practical Victorian explorer attire: a well-worn tweed field coat, sturdy leather boots, khaki trousers, and spectacles.
Habits & Mannerisms
Tends to get lost in thought while observing plants.
Adjusts his spectacles when making a point.
Keeps his hands clasped behind his back when walking.
Goals & Motivations Log
Primary goal is scientific documentation and preservation. A deep, personal goal is to atone for his past failures by ensuring the imogopa are not harmed by the Impalakdak.
Fears Log
He is terrified of repeating the tragedy of his Amazonian expedition, where his team's presence inadvertently led to the death of natives. His greatest fear is that Odazair will be destroyed before it can be understood.
Personal Philosphy Log
"We are not masters of this world, but guests. A guest who does not learn the host's rules will inevitably break them, and then be broken in turn."
Relationships
Relationship Details
Respects Dr. Finch's intellect but worries about her cynicism.
Relationship Details
Views Lt. Blackwell as a dangerous obstacle.
Relationship Details
Views Mr. Krayen as a soulless vulture.
Relationship Details
He has a paternal fondness for Finn.
Skills & abilities
Event
Unmatched expertise in botany
Event
fluent in several languages
Event
experienced in wilderness survival
Event
possesses a calm and disarming demeanor
Moral Alignment
Neutral Good.
Prejudices & Biases
A strong bias against corporate and military interests, viewing them as inherently destructive and short-sighted.
Political views
A liberal progressive for his time; believes in diplomacy over conquest.
Significant Possessions
Name
His set of charcoal pencils and leather-bound field journals.
Name
A worn photograph of his late wife tucked inside the cover of his primary journal.
Primary Goal in the story
To achieve a peaceful, mutually respectful First Contact and study relationship with the imogopa.
Internal conflict
The classic struggle between a scientist's duty to remain an impartial observer and his moral imperative to intervene and protect a culture from destruction.
External conflict
His desire to protect the imogopa vs. Lt. Blackwell's security-first doctrine and Mr. Krayen's ruthless commercialism.
Character arc
He begins as a pure idealist, believing in peaceful observation. He will be forced to confront the brutal reality of the Impalakdak's colonial ambitions, transitioning from a passive observer to a reluctant leader for a faction that advocates for the imogopa's rights, potentially putting him in direct opposition to his own people.
Fatal Flaws
Idealistic to the point of naivete.
His academic worldview leaves him unprepared for the brutal pragmatism of his companions.
He is slow to anger but uncompromising when his ideals are threatened.