Character: Admiral Daro'Xen vas Moreh (head of the Migrant Fleet's Special Projects fleet/division).
Series: 'Mass Effect'.
Age: Unknown, but definitely adult.
Point of origin: While not having a known canonical death, there would have been several moments during the massive battle against the Reapers, during the closing stages of the third game, where Xen would have come very close to the possibility of it.
Status: Inmate. Xen is a technological genius, but fits what some might term the 'mad scientist' stereotype. She has adopted a ruthless approach to her work and, while justifiable in the grand scheme of things, is clearly in need of being taught the value of compassion and empathy. As examples of this, she would rather use resources to gather salvage with possible scientific value than rescue stranded survivors. Also, while cut from the final product, the third game was to have featured a mission where Xen returned to the Citadel and began killing innocent residents for the sake of experiments she deems as important (while this didn't ultimately happen, it does demonstrate the lengths her character was conceived of going to in pursuit of a scientific goal). She wouldn't qualify as anything like a 'war criminal', but while not human, she would benefit from being taught the value of compassion, rather than eagerly seeking out extreme measures to procure victory.
Abilities: Quarians have frightfully weak immune systems and are not known for being excessively strong. They do, however, have a natural affinity for creating technological miracles out of what others might consider to be junk. Their entire species has had to exist as scavengers, after all. Xen, herself, is a leading expert on robotics/computer systems and also seems to have some degree of knowledge in biology (a childhood interest in surgery, coupled with the third game's deleted quest, both heavily imply this). She would also have access to an 'omni-tool', which is a form of holographic computer fixed to her left hand and forearm, primarily for analytical use, with any potential offensive abilities removed from it (although, still with the ability to do things like shut down simple devices, like monitors, from a distance).
Personality: Admiral Daro'Xen is quite the intriguing enigma. At once, she seems to be an individual of utmost professionalism, yet will casually let slip an insight of having performed surgery on childhood toys, just to make a point.
Quarians, by virtue of having to share what are generally cramped living spaces, are usually quite social - even if other species often view them as inferior, untrustworthy. When it comes to Xen, neither of these views seems accurate. Something of a prickly cactus, she holds an almost scornful attitude in professional circumstances. Results are what she is impressed by, but any would-be spirit of comradeship seems sorely lacking in Xen.
Situational challenges, by contrast, seem to be welcomed as veritable opportunities: Upon discovery by enemy synthetics, rather than destroy them, she hacked their cognitive processes to make sure they put on a "lovely little dance". In this respect, a form of dark humour seems to take hold under circumstances where others might find panic.
The hint she gave of surgically operating on toys seems to imply not destructive urges, but a manifestation of prodigal genius and a desire to find out how things work. It would be easy to have interpreted this as ghoulish or a product of an unbalanced mind, but many leading intellects can often undergo similar episodes during formative years. In many respects, it demonstrates that, from a very early age, Xen possessed a keen interest in what made things function. Quite possibly because she held an innate desire to improve upon them (a personality trait shown in her adaptations of existing hardware).
If Xen has a major flaw, then it's in the realm of ambition. Some declare her as insane, but this is a superficial way of looking at her plans (compounded, however, by her alarmingly proud and boastful statements of intent). Xen's guilty of taking radical approaches to extraordinary problems, but not necessarily impossible ones. Her interests in doing so are more due to seeing her ideas as the most efficient route to success, regardless of morality. There is a hunger for power which exists within her. However, it's ambiguous as to whether she covets the use of massively advanced technology for either her own personal use or her people, as a whole. Nevertheless, Xen clearly derides pleasure from the idea of her species becoming dominant through wielding such power.
If Xen's methodology is anything to go by, even though officially an Admiral, it seems she favours underhand techniques of subversion when working against a foe. Even displaying a scornful attitude towards those who favour more obviously militaristic strategies and spitefully observing such individuals only understand brute force. That doesn't mean she's been bullied in the past. Indeed, this unlikely, considering how confrontational her manner can be. But it does mean she's unafraid to voice her opinions of others, no matter who they might be or what they represent. Xen does understand tact, she's just frightfully honest when she wants to be.
Lastly, it's worth keeping in mind that, in a piece of removed dialogue, Xen openly proclaims that she has been so resolutely focused on her work, because of being driven by defiance at the thought of being enslaved by synthetics. If one had to identify a primary fear or motivation, then this would be it. If need be, the same segment demonstrated ample willingness to take matters into her own hands if nobody else does.
Path to redemption:
Xen needs to be approached with respect. Pleasantries won't necessarily guarantee automatic favour, while she will be sceptical of attempts to get her to alter her ethical perspectives - and this goes more so for anyone attempting to argue that machines can be 'alive' and, thus, worthy of ethical considerations. This, however, is not a lesson she would require. What she needs is for someone who can teach her how to connect on an emotional level with others, for she draws up barriers of a professional attitude around herself. Xen hasn't been known to have gone 'too far' in her experiments (although, it's quite possible that she has in private), but her approach is what needs to be changed: She values power and a dream that her people not only have a future, but can claim some sort of superiority against others, yet doesn't seem to value individual lives very much - even those of her own species. The idea of an ends justifying a given means is what drives her. Someone needs to get her to recognise why individual lives are important, not just dreams of destiny. It's likely, however, that she will argue the opposite; that true technological advances, if sufficiently powerful, can guarantee a better future in general.
There are limitations to science, however. Ethical ones. Xen tends to take the view that these are generally nothing but barriers to progress and that virtually any sacrifice can be justified, should the eventual reward prove large enough. She should learn that, sometimes, knowing when and where to stop is the better option, but convincing her that practical results are not always the only thing which matters, will be the sticking point.
It's useful to know that Xen understands the concept of murder and makes an important distinction between this and simple deactivation, when applied to the artificial intelligence of advanced machines. She isn't idiotic. Just overly ruthless in her ambition and sees this as the key for procuring a future for her people. Likewise, it's not known if she has a family or a partner, but does come across as someone whose life has been consumed by work, simply because she enjoys it. More creative pursuits might possibly be a key to opening her up to new experiences. Quarians are, by and large, social creatures, but Xen seems to be one of the exceptions to this.
Anything involving science and technology would be of interest. Opportunities to assist with solving problems could be seen as intriguing challenges. Xen doesn't seem like the type to appreciate sympathies and pity, but respect for the trials her people have had to endure might score points with her.
Arguing against her plans for re-enslaving the geth can be attempted, but it was a valid, if risky, military plan and the merits of it are not why she is here (especially since it was never employed on the scale she wanted). Even if, for whatever reason, she was convinced it was, in some way, a bad idea, this would not trigger graduation. Getting her to appreciate the value of life, on an emotional level, should. Offering her theoretical problems and seeing if she can be convinced away from unnecessary sacrifices in the name of efficiency, would yield some beneficial insights.
History:
The quarian people, once upon a time, created robotic manual labour known as 'geth'. At some point, their networked artificial intelligence began to generate that most worrying of philosophical questions: "Do I have a soul?" Understandably, this caused immense worry within the quarian people and they attempted to shut down the system. The geth fought back against this action and, ultimately, drove their creators off of the planet in what could easily be termed as a genocidal military action.
Following this, the quarians were forced to roam the stars as a nomadic species and this unfortunate existence led to worryingly underdeveloped immune systems in the sterile environments of their spaceships. Because of this, all quarians now wear completely sealed environmental suits.
Xen, one of five leading Admirals of the fleet, favours a unique perspective on how to remedy this situation. Some favour a continued search for a vacant suitable world to colonise. Others desire a war to retake their old world by force. Xen has used her scientific brilliance in a quest to try and exploit the geth, themselves - she believes that control should be reclaimed. This is, arguably, a valid perspective; the fleet is said to have relatively little time left to continue in its present state, while war could result in unsustainable casualties.
Ultimately, it was Xen's new technological advances which allowed the quarians to initiate hostilities with a significant advantage... Just as mythical, destructive beings known as 'Reapers' turn the tables and threaten the entire galaxy.
Must I indulge your curiosity with fanciful speculation? I had thought you capable of at least rudimentary cognitive function... Enough to have progressed beyond idle melodies and theoretical interjection. But, no. Instead, I am to be deluged by inane questions about an artist long since dead, of whose work I know nothing and care even less about.
I not only have no idea who 'shot the sheriff', but would like to request he or she make it a priority to select you as their next target.
The next time you decide my considerable scientific expertise is worth troubling over an opinion about your private music collection, think very carefully. The application of water to an open electrical socket can make for a very entertaining experience, given the right situation.
More so if the use of a shower is accidentally involved.
Sample - scene:
"I am not playing 'strip poker'..."
Even amongst inevitable jibes of 'just the mask', Daro'Xen fixed them with a gaze best described as steely. Perhaps even corrosive, were it not for the purple hue separating face from visual discovery. Female or not, the Admiral was something of a prickly cactus, even amongst her own relatively sociable people. Perhaps just a side-effect of how isolationist her work philosophy had become over the years, but there was no doubting the absence of any real conversational warmth from the quarian. The darkness of environmental suit seeming to imply a personality to match, just underneath it.
"Aside from the medical practicalities, wagering against me is a distinctly unhealthy choice," responded Xen with all the clinical aloofness one might expect of both vocal modulation and... Who she simply was. "And I assure you, the sight of so many naked... Sub-standard specimens, holds no professional interest for me. Why, I might have to lodge an official request for the use of a laboratory microscopic and I simply haven't the time. Good night, gentlemen."
As she turned to the elevator door, nobody could see the grin painted beneath Xen's opaque visor... Only the subtle glow of that mysterious pair of eyes.
Notes:
Quarians have some important physiological differences to humans, but are humanoid and, recently, have been revealed to have very human-looking faces! The eyes have a form of white glow, skin possessing a light purple hue, legs are tri-jointed and they have two fingers on each hand, rather than four. During port events, however, these can be hidden by a strategic use of long coat/skirt, scarf, shades, gloves and other clothing. Hair or a form of hood could cover unusual ears. Xen's own face has not been revealed, but I've made a picture of her voice actress look like a quarian for if this is necessary. In short, a human-looking appearance can be accounted for in 'public'. The usually metallic-sounding voice modulation of quarians resolves into a normal voice when the visor is removed.
It would be assumed that some sort of private assurance has been given to guarantee that a fully strengthened immune system shall be boosted for the duration of any excursions.
The only survival-related alteration for the ship would be in the form of stocking food which quarians can digest.
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timeasmymeasure
Last Voyages
Date: 2012-05-09 07:14 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-05-10 01:00 pm (UTC)Series: 'Mass Effect'.
Age: Unknown, but definitely adult.
Point of origin: While not having a known canonical death, there would have been several moments during the massive battle against the Reapers, during the closing stages of the third game, where Xen would have come very close to the possibility of it.
Status: Inmate. Xen is a technological genius, but fits what some might term the 'mad scientist' stereotype. She has adopted a ruthless approach to her work and, while justifiable in the grand scheme of things, is clearly in need of being taught the value of compassion and empathy. As examples of this, she would rather use resources to gather salvage with possible scientific value than rescue stranded survivors. Also, while cut from the final product, the third game was to have featured a mission where Xen returned to the Citadel and began killing innocent residents for the sake of experiments she deems as important (while this didn't ultimately happen, it does demonstrate the lengths her character was conceived of going to in pursuit of a scientific goal). She wouldn't qualify as anything like a 'war criminal', but while not human, she would benefit from being taught the value of compassion, rather than eagerly seeking out extreme measures to procure victory.
Abilities: Quarians have frightfully weak immune systems and are not known for being excessively strong. They do, however, have a natural affinity for creating technological miracles out of what others might consider to be junk. Their entire species has had to exist as scavengers, after all. Xen, herself, is a leading expert on robotics/computer systems and also seems to have some degree of knowledge in biology (a childhood interest in surgery, coupled with the third game's deleted quest, both heavily imply this). She would also have access to an 'omni-tool', which is a form of holographic computer fixed to her left hand and forearm, primarily for analytical use, with any potential offensive abilities removed from it (although, still with the ability to do things like shut down simple devices, like monitors, from a distance).
Personality: Admiral Daro'Xen is quite the intriguing enigma. At once, she seems to be an individual of utmost professionalism, yet will casually let slip an insight of having performed surgery on childhood toys, just to make a point.
Quarians, by virtue of having to share what are generally cramped living spaces, are usually quite social - even if other species often view them as inferior, untrustworthy. When it comes to Xen, neither of these views seems accurate. Something of a prickly cactus, she holds an almost scornful attitude in professional circumstances. Results are what she is impressed by, but any would-be spirit of comradeship seems sorely lacking in Xen.
Situational challenges, by contrast, seem to be welcomed as veritable opportunities: Upon discovery by enemy synthetics, rather than destroy them, she hacked their cognitive processes to make sure they put on a "lovely little dance". In this respect, a form of dark humour seems to take hold under circumstances where others might find panic.
The hint she gave of surgically operating on toys seems to imply not destructive urges, but a manifestation of prodigal genius and a desire to find out how things work. It would be easy to have interpreted this as ghoulish or a product of an unbalanced mind, but many leading intellects can often undergo similar episodes during formative years. In many respects, it demonstrates that, from a very early age, Xen possessed a keen interest in what made things function. Quite possibly because she held an innate desire to improve upon them (a personality trait shown in her adaptations of existing hardware).
If Xen has a major flaw, then it's in the realm of ambition. Some declare her as insane, but this is a superficial way of looking at her plans (compounded, however, by her alarmingly proud and boastful statements of intent). Xen's guilty of taking radical approaches to extraordinary problems, but not necessarily impossible ones. Her interests in doing so are more due to seeing her ideas as the most efficient route to success, regardless of morality. There is a hunger for power which exists within her. However, it's ambiguous as to whether she covets the use of massively advanced technology for either her own personal use or her people, as a whole. Nevertheless, Xen clearly derides pleasure from the idea of her species becoming dominant through wielding such power.
If Xen's methodology is anything to go by, even though officially an Admiral, it seems she favours underhand techniques of subversion when working against a foe. Even displaying a scornful attitude towards those who favour more obviously militaristic strategies and spitefully observing such individuals only understand brute force. That doesn't mean she's been bullied in the past. Indeed, this unlikely, considering how confrontational her manner can be. But it does mean she's unafraid to voice her opinions of others, no matter who they might be or what they represent. Xen does understand tact, she's just frightfully honest when she wants to be.
Lastly, it's worth keeping in mind that, in a piece of removed dialogue, Xen openly proclaims that she has been so resolutely focused on her work, because of being driven by defiance at the thought of being enslaved by synthetics. If one had to identify a primary fear or motivation, then this would be it. If need be, the same segment demonstrated ample willingness to take matters into her own hands if nobody else does.
Path to redemption:
Xen needs to be approached with respect. Pleasantries won't necessarily guarantee automatic favour, while she will be sceptical of attempts to get her to alter her ethical perspectives - and this goes more so for anyone attempting to argue that machines can be 'alive' and, thus, worthy of ethical considerations. This, however, is not a lesson she would require. What she needs is for someone who can teach her how to connect on an emotional level with others, for she draws up barriers of a professional attitude around herself. Xen hasn't been known to have gone 'too far' in her experiments (although, it's quite possible that she has in private), but her approach is what needs to be changed: She values power and a dream that her people not only have a future, but can claim some sort of superiority against others, yet doesn't seem to value individual lives very much - even those of her own species. The idea of an ends justifying a given means is what drives her. Someone needs to get her to recognise why individual lives are important, not just dreams of destiny. It's likely, however, that she will argue the opposite; that true technological advances, if sufficiently powerful, can guarantee a better future in general.
There are limitations to science, however. Ethical ones. Xen tends to take the view that these are generally nothing but barriers to progress and that virtually any sacrifice can be justified, should the eventual reward prove large enough. She should learn that, sometimes, knowing when and where to stop is the better option, but convincing her that practical results are not always the only thing which matters, will be the sticking point.
It's useful to know that Xen understands the concept of murder and makes an important distinction between this and simple deactivation, when applied to the artificial intelligence of advanced machines. She isn't idiotic. Just overly ruthless in her ambition and sees this as the key for procuring a future for her people. Likewise, it's not known if she has a family or a partner, but does come across as someone whose life has been consumed by work, simply because she enjoys it. More creative pursuits might possibly be a key to opening her up to new experiences. Quarians are, by and large, social creatures, but Xen seems to be one of the exceptions to this.
Anything involving science and technology would be of interest. Opportunities to assist with solving problems could be seen as intriguing challenges. Xen doesn't seem like the type to appreciate sympathies and pity, but respect for the trials her people have had to endure might score points with her.
Arguing against her plans for re-enslaving the geth can be attempted, but it was a valid, if risky, military plan and the merits of it are not why she is here (especially since it was never employed on the scale she wanted). Even if, for whatever reason, she was convinced it was, in some way, a bad idea, this would not trigger graduation. Getting her to appreciate the value of life, on an emotional level, should. Offering her theoretical problems and seeing if she can be convinced away from unnecessary sacrifices in the name of efficiency, would yield some beneficial insights.
History:
The quarian people, once upon a time, created robotic manual labour known as 'geth'. At some point, their networked artificial intelligence began to generate that most worrying of philosophical questions: "Do I have a soul?" Understandably, this caused immense worry within the quarian people and they attempted to shut down the system. The geth fought back against this action and, ultimately, drove their creators off of the planet in what could easily be termed as a genocidal military action.
Following this, the quarians were forced to roam the stars as a nomadic species and this unfortunate existence led to worryingly underdeveloped immune systems in the sterile environments of their spaceships. Because of this, all quarians now wear completely sealed environmental suits.
Xen, one of five leading Admirals of the fleet, favours a unique perspective on how to remedy this situation. Some favour a continued search for a vacant suitable world to colonise. Others desire a war to retake their old world by force. Xen has used her scientific brilliance in a quest to try and exploit the geth, themselves - she believes that control should be reclaimed. This is, arguably, a valid perspective; the fleet is said to have relatively little time left to continue in its present state, while war could result in unsustainable casualties.
Ultimately, it was Xen's new technological advances which allowed the quarians to initiate hostilities with a significant advantage... Just as mythical, destructive beings known as 'Reapers' turn the tables and threaten the entire galaxy.
http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Admiral_Daro%27Xen_vas_Moreh
Sample - journal:
Must I indulge your curiosity with fanciful speculation? I had thought you capable of at least rudimentary cognitive function... Enough to have progressed beyond idle melodies and theoretical interjection. But, no. Instead, I am to be deluged by inane questions about an artist long since dead, of whose work I know nothing and care even less about.
I not only have no idea who 'shot the sheriff', but would like to request he or she make it a priority to select you as their next target.
The next time you decide my considerable scientific expertise is worth troubling over an opinion about your private music collection, think very carefully. The application of water to an open electrical socket can make for a very entertaining experience, given the right situation.
More so if the use of a shower is accidentally involved.
Sample - scene:
"I am not playing 'strip poker'..."
Even amongst inevitable jibes of 'just the mask', Daro'Xen fixed them with a gaze best described as steely. Perhaps even corrosive, were it not for the purple hue separating face from visual discovery. Female or not, the Admiral was something of a prickly cactus, even amongst her own relatively sociable people. Perhaps just a side-effect of how isolationist her work philosophy had become over the years, but there was no doubting the absence of any real conversational warmth from the quarian. The darkness of environmental suit seeming to imply a personality to match, just underneath it.
"Aside from the medical practicalities, wagering against me is a distinctly unhealthy choice," responded Xen with all the clinical aloofness one might expect of both vocal modulation and... Who she simply was. "And I assure you, the sight of so many naked... Sub-standard specimens, holds no professional interest for me. Why, I might have to lodge an official request for the use of a laboratory microscopic and I simply haven't the time. Good night, gentlemen."
As she turned to the elevator door, nobody could see the grin painted beneath Xen's opaque visor... Only the subtle glow of that mysterious pair of eyes.
Notes:
Quarians have some important physiological differences to humans, but are humanoid and, recently, have been revealed to have very human-looking faces! The eyes have a form of white glow, skin possessing a light purple hue, legs are tri-jointed and they have two fingers on each hand, rather than four. During port events, however, these can be hidden by a strategic use of long coat/skirt, scarf, shades, gloves and other clothing. Hair or a form of hood could cover unusual ears. Xen's own face has not been revealed, but I've made a picture of her voice actress look like a quarian for if this is necessary. In short, a human-looking appearance can be accounted for in 'public'. The usually metallic-sounding voice modulation of quarians resolves into a normal voice when the visor is removed.
It would be assumed that some sort of private assurance has been given to guarantee that a fully strengthened immune system shall be boosted for the duration of any excursions.
The only survival-related alteration for the ship would be in the form of stocking food which quarians can digest.
Xen's first appearance and the alternative conversations in 'Mass Effect 2':
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOWcsS7HnJI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1hXkckDiZ4
Xen's possible mission dialogue in 'Mass Effect 3' if a certain character is no longer available:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vrh_Axpg9Ns
The third game's deleted Xen-centric mission dialogue (taken account of for inspiration):
http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/355/index/11773629/1