Dr Orthos

"Dr Gideon Orthos. Scholar, gentleman, magnate... poisoner."

Dr Gideon Orthos is a wealthy and influential academic, renowned as much for his prolific output as for his ethically dubious approach to archaeology. He is affiliated with Summerset College.

Orthos commands the Fleet of Truth, a slow-moving armada of ships crewed by unscrupulous academics and hired muscle, which targets scientific expeditions to seize research and artifacts. Orthos typically trails legitimate archaeologists at sea to steal their discoveries and publish the findings under his own name; he also employs lackeys to intimidate and outmaneuver other explorers on land. Despite his aggressive tactics, Orthos himself is cowardly, and rarely leads his Fleet of Truth directly. He relies on his money for protection and easily crumbles under pressure when not under guard. He may also be dissuaded by momentary exposure of his other sorts of indiscretions.

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, in the hopes that that her victory would get her off his back.

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.