Characters Introductions

Since this game has many characters, the first time you play it you might be a bit lost. This is a series of character introductions that appeared in my blog, so I decided to make a guide out of it, useful to get into the game world.

Alex (Alexander) Nelson

Name: Alex (Alexander) Nelson
Nickname: Lion
Nation of Origin: United States
Service Branch: Imperial Special Forces
Specialty: Leadership

Description:
Alex (he hates to be called Alexander), is the younger brother of Diana. He knew he was loved, but he felt he was always in her shadow, especially in a family known for its military prowess. It wasn't until he discovered he had a talent for hovercar racing that he felt whole, sustaining him even when his parents later divorced.

Much to his surprise, Alex found much of his pressure was self-imposed. His parents encouraged him to find his passion, and in time, he actually made it onto the junior circuit of the hovercar racing league. Alex was about to go pro when the news announced a major defeat for the Earth forces on a distant planet...and one of the reported casualties was his sister.

Wracked with grief, Alex made the decision to join the military to avenge his sister. He passed through basic training, and was assigned to guard duty on a remote base on Deneb VI. There was little of value to the base, but the Robobrains decided otherwise. Employing a series of sonic and psionic attacks to disorient the soldiers, the Robobrains attacked.

Alex possessed the strength of will to fight against this sensory assault, and rallied the others to mount an effective counterattack. The other soldiers started to call him 'Lion', and they were his 'pride'.

The base was still not safe for the Robobrains presented a major threat. Alex led a harrowing assault into the aliens' underground lair. While they destroyed the central core, they captured a couple Robobrains inthe process, which allowed several advances in unlocking human psionic potential.

Alex's joy soon became overwhelming when news came out that not only was his sister's death misreported, but she decisively defeated the invaders.

While Alex is capable of inspiring his soldiers to follow him to hell and back, he feels chained by familial expectation, and wishes to surmount it.

Diana Nelson

Name: Diana Nelson
Nickname: Tigress
Nation of Origin: Germany
Service Branch: Imperial Special Forces
Specialty: Sharpshooter

Description:
Diana always knew she wanted to join the military which was something of a Nelson family tradition. Even when her parents divorced, and she moved to Germany with her mother, Diana's military ambitions remained.

This drive made it rather easy for her to join the Citadel, the Empire's top military Acedemy. Diana still holds the record for longest accurate shot made with a rifle.

Upon graduation, Diana was assigned to a remote detachment. It was supposed to be a routine mission, guarding a team of scientists verifying whether the planet would be good for eventual colonization on Eridani IV.

Somehow, the Arnox detected the human presence. In a brutal attack, the aliens took out her immediate superiors, leaving Diana as the leading commanding officer. Rather than surrender, Diana withdrew all survivors, and conducted a guerrilla war which lasted over six months.

Eventually, human forces liberated the planet, and discovered how Diana's actions actually kept the Arnox from causing trouble elsewhere. Her troops named her Tigress, much to Diana's amusement, for she was constantly on the prowl.

Her actions caused one problem: while she is confident in her own skills, she sometimes has trouble relying on others. Diana realizes the others have skills she lacks, but she feels she should be able to do more on her own.

This feeling also has strained the relationship with her brother. When Alex was assigned as co-captain, Diana felt self-doubt, wondering whether her superiors were questioning her ability to defend the colony on her own.

Charlotte Dubois

Name: Charlotte Dubois
Nickname: Hope
Nation of Origin: Canada
Service Branch: Imperial Infantry
Specialty: Recruit

Description:
Charlotte was always one of those people which seemed blessed. Whether she was head cheerleader, captain of the field hockey team, or homecoming queen, she seemed destined for great things.

So, it came as little surprise when she went into politics. Within a couple years, Charlotte was making great strides, and there was talk of her going to the highest levels of government. All this came crashing after a scandal erupted, one involving the Imperial Intelligence Agency. While the details were classified, it was serious enough that Charlotte's career was dead in the water.

After some soul-searching, Charlotte joined the military, hoping a show of patriotism would be enough to jumpstart her career when she mustered out. Much to her surprise, she found she actually enjoyed military, and her political skills served her in good stead when dealing with career soldiers and bureaucrats.

This came to the fore when a colony, its populace devastated by repeated attacks, was on the verge of collapsing. With the skill any public relations specialist would envy, Charlotte convinced the people that yes, while things were bad, they could rise above it, and in fact, be a beacon for others by their resilience. Some individuals started calling her 'Hope', though in more personal moments she feels uncomfortable with the appellation.

When matters of military and public life grow too much, Charlotte takes comfort in her flowers, small plants and seeds she brought all the way to earth as well as exotic species garnered in trade from alien planets.

Christophe Rousseau

Name: Christophe Rousseau
Nickname: Badger
Nation of Origin: France
Service Branch: Imperial Corps of Engineers
Specialty: Mining

Description:
In almost every outfit, there usually is someone with ties to some rather unsavory people and organizations. Christophe fills this role rather aptly. If you need to get something, and can't get it through legitimate channels, then Christophe can make it happen, for a price.

In fact, it was the search for personal wealth which led Christophe to join the military. While he doesn't particularly care for fighting and killing, Christophe's current position affords him too many opportunities to enrich himself.

This isn't to say Christophe activities didn't create some enemies, but assaulting an imperial squad is outright suicide. Those few people who did press the issue...well, Christophe definitely knows where the bodies are buried.

Some might consider Christophe a coward, but this isn't true.. He earned the nickname Badger when he was in the middle of his mining shift, when a hole appeared on the side of the passage, and an Apex warband emerged. Thinking quickly, Christophe used his equipment to weaken the ceiling, burying aliens under a ton of rock.

If Christophe has a weakness, it would be gambling. He always has a deck of cards, or a set of dice on his person, and can be found starting a pick-up game when things go slow.

Galina Litvyak

Name: Galina Litvyak
Nickname: Wraith
Nation of Origin: Russia
Service Branch: Imperial Intelligence Agency
Specialty: Bounty Hunter

Description:
Considered the most taciturn member of the squad, Galina wasn't always so reserved. In her civilian life, she was a successful bounty hunter. While she started nabbing small-time crooks and thugs, Galina's expertise had her catching bigger and bigger game. So successful was she, she managed to bring in the head of a criminal syndicate, rupturing his organization in the process.

Unfortunately, this success marked her for death, and in a move to save her life, she joined the military. Not one to squander talent when they see it, her superiors use Galina's to extract or eliminate personnel when other conventional means have failed.

One incident stands out in Galina's otherwise brilliant career. While the particulars of the mission are considered top-secret, a whole noble house was brought low as a result, and Galina proudly wears the scar she earned in the course of her mission. Though Imperial medicine is more than capable of healing this wound, Galina refused, since her marking, unlike the mission details, can't be swept under the rug.

Galina earned the sobriquet of Wraith for her ability to go anywhere, no matter how heavily guarded and achieve her aims. Adding a macabre twist, if her target must die, she will lay two old-time coins on the eyes of her victims, giving Death her due.

It would be wrong to say Galina never smiles, but her tastes runs to gallows' humor and this is quiet acceptance of the end discomfits most of her teammates.

Graciela Reyes

Name: Graciela Reyes
Nickname: Serenity
Nation of Origin: Spain
Service Branch: Imperial Psionics Institute
Specialty: Psionics

Description:
Graciela is among the rarest of humans; a person born with great psionic potential. As such, this made her highly sought after by many organizations to make use of her talents. Ultimately, she chose the military as it seemed to give the best training.

At heart, Graciela is a peaceful woman; after all, when you can feel another's emotions, it makes little sense to cause them harm. She figured by joining the military, she would have an opportunity to use words where most would resort to guns.

This calm sense of self earned Graciela the nickname, Serenity, which was instrumental when humans made peace with the Xynthillians. A highly empathic the species, the Xynthillians never had to psionically shield themselves before, and thus were wide-open for what was essentially emotional assault when they first encountered humans. Graciela, underwent this pain when younger, was able to broker a peace by having the humans promise to stay away from Xynthillian space.

Unfortunately, even with her success, Graciela still faces discrimination. People fear the unknown, whether it be aliens or psionics, but Graciela hopes, given time, she can help people overcome this prejudice.

Kaden Vargas

Name: Kaden Vargas
Nation of Origin: Mexico
Service Branch: Rebel/Originally a history professor

Born in Mexico, Kaden grew up in a household which was less than fond of the human empire, personified in the Neuville royal family. While each country still retained a great deal of autonomy, one couldn’t deny the Empire was the pre-eminent power. Needless to say, many people resented at what they saw as an over-reaching monarchy out to control every aspect of their lives.

Kaden’s family held similar beliefs, and he grew up in environment where every fault of the empire was magnified, while every benefit was diminished. Still, Kaden might have acclimated to the Empire if not for the day when the Imperial Intelligence Agency arrested his mother for sedition.

Resentment turned to anger, but Kaden also realized actively rebelling was a good way to join his parent in prison. So, he kept his head down, earned a degree in history, and searched for a way off-planet, figuring that while expansive, the Empire’s touch would be lighter on the periphery.

So, it was with great delight when he accepted a position on Planet Stronghold, teaching the children of colonists, instilling skepticism in the imperial mandate.

Kaden might have gone this way, when it was announced a second Captain was assigned to Planet Stronghold. Seeing it as a typical grab to expand power, Kaden made plans with a group of like-minded individuals, and when the opportunity presented itself, they would head into the planetary wilds, confident they could survive, even thrive while the Empire was busy with the various alien powers laying claim to the planet.

Lola Fox

Name: Lola Fox
Nation of Origin: Argentina
Service Branch: Reporter for Solarian News Network

Born to a wealthy mercantile family, Lola had every luxury one growing up could have, bar one: a purpose. Having every need and desire filled on a silver-platter left Lola feeling somewhat hollow, though she couldn’t put a finger on why.

It wasn’t until she attended private school she figured out why. Here, among other children of the Empire’s upper class, she saw other scions in the same predicament. Lola shied away from those people who turned to vice and self-indulgence to stave off their boredom.

Initially, she joined the fencing team, and did quite well, but something was still missing from her life. Instead, Lola found her passion when she literally overheard her coach and a member of the criminal underground agree to throw match in exchange for a sum of money. Outraged, Lola went to her school’s paper, and with her testimony, they broke the story. Further investigation revealed far ranging corruption…and ignited a passion in Lola to expose the dark side of society.

Upon graduating, Lola joined a small media company, doing the typical fluff pieces one might expect such as covering the local county fair, or interviewing the politico of the moment. She might have continued in this vein when Lola discovered a conspiracy of politicians and criminal abducting the homeless, and selling their organs to the rich and powerful.

This story led to an offer from Solarian News Network (SNN), and Lola joined without a second glance. Never one to shy away from danger, she saw first-hand witness what the Apex Rahn did to their prisoners when they tried to swarm Procyon V. Given her previous experiences, Lola takes delight in digging out corruption within the empire itself, though this has created many enemies from the friends and families of those imprisoned by her investigations.

Looking for the next big story, Lola has come to Planet Stronghold, and what she’s already unearthed has excited her for what she may yet uncover.

Lucius

Name: Lucius
Nation of Origin:
Service Branch: Imperial Robotics

Description:
Built by Luna-Ferrix Industries, Lucius is a rarity; he is among the first generation of self-aware robots developed by humanity. This isn't to say there weren't robots before as the RoboAnts demonstrate, but Lucius is definitely something on the cutting edge.

Though constructed as a male adult, Lucius is innocent in his interactions with others. True, he has the accumulated knowledge to draw on, but he has no context to place it. As a result of this, he is very curious about what goes on around him, and will sometimes place himself in situations which, if he was human, would be hazardous to his health.

Lucius is a direct, if trusting soul, and still has some trouble distinguishing between turns of phrase and direct commands, much as the kitchen staff found out when he proceeded to bake enough pies to fill the cafeteria.

Lucius' construction also raises some further implications. Luna-Ferrix sees Lucius as the first in a wave of robot servants and soldiers which will net them a healthy profit, but other people wonder whether it is morally appropriate to allow one's 'tools' to be aware to start with.

However, despite others' distrust, Lucius has shown himself to be a reliable, loyal person to those around him.

Mario Violante

Name: Mario Violante
Nickname: Wall
Nation of Origin: Italy
Service Branch: Imperial Corps of Engineers
Specialty: Construction (Building on the document)

Description:
The oldest hero in the squad, Mario has seen more war than most soldiers learn in ten lifetimes. He is the man you turn to when you need a bunker down in a hurry, or cross a deep ravine while undergoing heavy fire.

Mario's years of service have left their mark on him. His loyalty to the Human Empire is matched by his disdain for all things alien. This bitterness arises from seeing all that humanity has built torn asunder by violent aliens on distant planets.

The defining moment of Mario's career occurred when his construction squad was assaulted by a squad of Matrick while laying the foundation for a forward outpost. Defying orders to retreat, Mario's squad bunkered down, and held off the Matrick until a relief force arrived.

Mario was going to be given a medal for his actions, but was punished when, during the presentation ceremony, he struck his commanding officer, and called him a coward for ordering a retreat.

For all his military pride, Mario has a discerning palate, and has threatened bodily harm on multiple occasions for the swill the military cooks before him. He has remarked when he retires, he will finally get a decent meal in his home country.

Mira Patras

Name: Mira Patras
Nation of Origin: Greece
Service Branch: Civilian Consultant

Description:
As one of the youngest Nobel Prize winners ever, it was a foregone conclusion that Mira would make her way to Planet Stronghold. The numerous anomolies and mysteries have drawn scientists like a moth to flame, and Mira is certainly no exception.

There are many demands on Mira's time, however. A true polymath, she has provided valuable insight into numerous fields, whether it is geology, or robotics. It is known some of her research was instrumental in Lucius' construction, for example. This also causes a bit of exasperation for the military since as a civilian, Mira isn't as bound by military doctrine as a soldier would be, and they worry she may inadvertantly leak some critical research.

What initially brought Mira to the planet were reports of excessive gigantism among some of the animal species, and upon her arrival, witnessed this firsthand as a giant grub attempted to consume her transport shuttle. Instead of frightening her off, Mira was inspired to stay. After all, if she could discover the source of this enlargement, it might then be replicated among other things such as food bearing crops.

Mira is also a bit of a media darling as various outlets vie for her attention. Some of these include invitations to anchor her own show, or various movie roles. While she makes time for inteviews, Mira usually declines these entreaties as they would. There were many broken hearts when she refused the lead role in the remake of 'Attack of the Giant Amazon.'

Mizuki Tsukino

Name: Mizuki Tsukino
Nickname: Null
Nation of Origin: Japan
Service Branch: Imperial cyber Defense
Specialty: Overclock

Description:
At one time, Mizuki was considered the greatest threat in cyberspace. No target was safe when her avatar, a neon dragon, appeared wreaking havoc on corporate, criminal, or government networks. Not bad for a woman yet to see seventeen summers.

However, despite her almost superhuman talent, she was eventually captured. In a secret court, she was offered two choices: either assist the Empire with her formidable computer skills, or spend the rest of her life in a primitive cell with nothing but rats for company.

It is in military service Mizuki encountered the challenge she craved. Whether it was outwitting the Robobrains in their own cybernetic hives, or adapting to the Vauses' fluidic thinking, Mizuki found her skills matching, or exceeding their own. This earned her the nickname Null, since her presence was never detected, let alone suspected.

While she is the mistress of the digital world, Mizuki is less sure of herself in what she terms the meat world. After all, how can you trust what you can't control?

This isn't to say Mizuki isn't loyal. She's had numerous opportunities to escape, covering her absence electronically, but when her comrades spilled blood for her, leaving was the last thought on her mind.

Rigel A. Luvene

Name: Rigel A. Luvene
Nation of Origin: Australia
Service Branch: Mechanic/Imperial Vehicle Maintenance

Description:
Among the newest arrivals to the colony, Rigel is the assigned mechanic for the colony's vehicle hangar. Say what one might, Rigel is considered the best mechanic ever.

However, not everyone viewed Rigel's arrival with pleasure, for Xavier saw the sable-haired man as a threat to his position. They soon became good friends when Rigel showed Xavier how he could get a 11% acceleration boost in his hovercycle, and extend his jumps by 20 meters. Soon, other people started to show up, making Rigel the goto person for modifying their vehicles and weapons.

Rigel is considered a bit aloof since he spends most of his time in the vehicle bay. Despite Rigel's obvious skills, reported mechanical mishaps have increased over 50% in the colony. Some of the more cynical attribute this to owner sabotage, hoping Rigel will appear to repair the 'broken' vehicles.

When he can be pried away from vehicle bay, Rigel can be found watching avidly watching the hovercar races in the bar. Some of the few arguments he's gotten in have been over just who the greatest hovercar driver is; Rigel will go to his grave believing it is Candace Shatz, three time winner of the Death Valley Rally.

This doesn't mean Rigel eats, breathes, and sleeps oil. Rigel can often be found out among the dunes, the stark beauty reminding him of his earthly home.

Samuel Kincaid

Name: Samuel Kincaid
Nickname: Doc
Nation of Origin: England
Service Branch: Imperial Xenobiological Service
Specialty: Eco-Engineering

Description:
Ever since he was a child, Samuel had a deep love for animals, and his parents encouraged this behavior in their son. As Samuel matured, this interest widened into a fascination with alien life, and it came as little surprise when he graduated with top honors in Xenobiology.

Numerous organizations vied for Samuel's attention, but he settled on the military, figuring this would give him the most exposure to alien life. This proved prescient since while he was out in the field, a disease struck the expedition he was on. The group's doctor was among those afflicted, but Samuel was able to synthesize a vaccine, and earning the nickname 'Doc'. This incident also brought a measure of unwanted fame to Samuel. For two years running, he was voted 'Hottest Biologist.'

Samuel was assigned to Planet Stronghold because his knowledge has allowed humanity to adapt to various alien environments. This serves his own purpose for it allows him to research forms of life entirely unknown to humanity at large.

If he could be said to have a flaw, Samuel really prefers wide open spaces to civilization. Given a chance, he can often be found out in the wild, recording alien lifeforms in their natural habitats. He feels truly at peace when he can be one with nature.

Xavier Ribeiro

Name: Xavier Ribeiro
Nickname: Daredevil
Nation of Origin: Brazil
Service Branch: Imperial Mechanized Cavalry
Specialty: Repair

Description:
Growing up, Xavier was the stereotypical gearhead. He loved vehicles, and even more so, pushing them to their limits. As far as he knows, there wasn't a dare Xavier couldn't match. Needless to say, he suffered his share of broken limbs as a child.

However, once he started to get older, Xavier grew more discerning in those activities he indulged in. While some might still consider him an adrenaline junkie, Xavier realized careful planning could elicit a greater rush down the line.

One result is he eventually joined the military, and more specifically their vehicle arm. Few others had the cutting edge tech he could cut his teeth on. His antics eventually earned him the nickname 'Daredevil', such as the time he ramped a hovertank off a dune, and cut a giant grub in half upon landing.

If Xavier could be said to have a flaw, it's that sometimes he is a little too laid back. After all, he's crashed more than once, but has always come back for more. Still, there are may who are glad to call him friend as he tends to assume the best in others and has a friendly word even when they are down.

When off duty, Xavier can often be found in the bar, regaling others with stories of his deeds, though lately this has tapered with the newly arrived Rigel, the mechanic.

[marcion]

interesting can you tell me the grand political scale of things im having a hard time trying to figure out if the aliens that you face are natives to planet stronghold or colonizers as well can you make a guide and describe please