Dr Orthos is a wealthy and influential academic,[2] renowned as much for his prolific output as for his ethically dubious approach to archaeology. He holds an office at Summerset College in the University.[3]
Orthos commands the Fleet of Truth,[4] a slow-moving armada of ships[5] crewed by unscrupulous academics and hired muscle. Though he rarely leads them directly—preferring the safety of London[6]—his fleet operates autonomously, targeting scientific expeditions to seize research and artifacts.[7] His standard practice involves trailing legitimate archaeologists, stealing their discoveries, and publishing the findings under his own name.[8]
His relentless pursuit of artifacts often leads to direct competition, with Orthos employing his band of enforcers to intimidate and outmaneuver other explorers.[9] Despite his aggressive tactics, Orthos is personally cowardly, relying on his enforcers for protection[10] and easily crumbling under pressure when they are removed.[11] He also frequents a brothel—an indiscretion he wants to keep hidden.[12]
Despite his contentious methods, Orthos has been known to collaborate with other figures when it serves his interests. He notably supported Virginia, a deviless and fellow archaeologist, during her 1897 mayoral campaign, hoping that her victory would get her off his back.[13]
Cultural Inspirations
Dr Orthos draws inspiration from the character René Belloq from Raiders of the Lost Ark. Both men thrive on claiming the discoveries of others, letting true explorers do the hard work before swooping in to take the credit. Just as Belloq serves as a persistent antagonist to Indiana Jones, Orthos is a relentless rival to players in Forgotten Quarter expeditions.
However, Orthos is more than just a Belloq stand-in—he embodies the broader "pirate-scholar" trope, blending academic ambition with outright thievery. This character type echoes real-world figures who, under the banner of exploration, plundered indigenous cultures and looted historical artifacts for personal and imperial gain. His methods may be ruthless, but they are far from unrealistic.
↑The Fleet of Truth, Fallen London"That ship is running no lights and flying no colours. Good Lord! It's a vessel in Dr. Orthos' Fleet of Truth!"
↑Villainy!, Fallen London"Orthos prefers quantity over quality in his ships and you outpace the battered former coalship with ease."
↑Orthos has Found You, Fallen London"The Fleet of Truth is hard at your heels. Though he's probably safe back in London, you can feel his breath on your neck."
↑Villainy!, Fallen London"The Fleet of Truth is made up of equal parts venal academics and dockside bruisers. They aim to board you and steal your research!"
↑Publish a respectable article, Fallen London"You have the manuscript ready [...] when you are sent the new edition of a respectable journal, with a particular article marked. Damn that Dr. Orthos! Either he has been copying your work, or he has arrived at the same conclusion independently [...]"
↑Assault Orthos' camp, Fallen London"Orthos has hired a blood-stained tomb-colonist with a murderous brace of pistols as his lieutenant. His porters are guarded by professional ring-fighters. Your hirelings are nervous."
↑Assault Orthos' camp, Fallen London"They get off a few shots before they drop their guns and flee into the Quarter. You find Orthos attempting to hide in a steamer-trunk, and threaten him with every horror you can bring to mind. After this long in the Quarter, your mind is well-stocked with horrors. His resistance crumbles: he tells you what he knows."
↑A chance to hinder Dr Orthos, Fallen London"When Orthos leaves the Parlour at dawn, he is red-faced and somewhat unfocused. He is none too pleased to be confronted by reporters! The story becomes rapidly popular. He turns his attentions to calming the resulting scandal and is forced to neglect his expedition for a time."
↑Virginia, Fallen London"No one can outrun Virginia. Besides, while she's set up in the Mayor's office, I have less competition in the Forgotten Quarter."
