• Species: ExoHuman
• Born: 2596 aboard the Last Frontier (40 years old during “A Dark Conspiracy”
• Affiliation: Jane Mendoza Gang, Department for Illegal Trade

Olai Nygard was born aboard the Last Frontier to a family that valued the natural world, developing a deep love for animals. After the Great War, Olai was assigned by GAIA to work as a breeder at the Federal Breeding and Training Station in Hope, where he became known for his unique ability to connect with Hoos, earning him the nickname “Hoo Whisperer.” Olai’s understanding of these animals was unparalleled; he could train, care for, and even communicate with them in ways others found impossible.

In June 2634, Olai’s career took a dark turn when he clashed with a colleague who wanted to euthanize an injured Hoo. Defending the animal, Olai became so emotional that he accidentally killed his colleague in the ensuing fight. Realizing the severity of his actions, Olai fled the system on his favorite Hoo, surviving alone on the Dark Side for six months. Eventually, weakened and nearly starving, he sought refuge with the Jane Mendoza Gang, where his unique skills quickly found a place within their illegal trade operations.

• Job Title: Courier Rider and Hoo Specialist in the Department for Illegal Trade

Responsibilities:

• Transports goods and messages for the gang across dangerous and remote regions on VOI 700 D, particularly along the Eastern Equatorial Section of the Habitual Belt and Dark Side
• Uses his profound knowledge of Hoos to care for and train gang animals, ensuring they are fit for long-distance travel and heavy loads
• Scouts safe paths and hidden trails to avoid Federal patrols, utilizing his experience surviving in the wild
• Acts as a “Hoo Whisperer,” helping other gang members learn basic riding and care skills for Hoos and maintaining the gang’s stables

• Traits: Adventurous, resilient, deeply compassionate towards animals
• Behavior: Olai is quiet and thoughtful, often more comfortable around animals than people. While he’s tough and capable of surviving harsh conditions, his empathy for creatures like the Hoo is evident, and he’s protective of those in his care.
• Values: His loyalty to the Jane Mendoza Gang is secondary to his bond with Hoos. Olai views his role with the gang as a way to continue doing what he loves—working with these creatures—while ensuring his own survival. He prefers peace but will fight fiercely for what he believes is right.

• Height: 1.84 meters
• Build: Strong, wiry, with the endurance of a seasoned rider
• Appearance: Olai has a rugged, weathered face marked by sun and wind, long, dark hair tied back, and a thick beard. His clothing is practical and suited for long journeys, with a rugged leather jacket and sturdy boots. Olai’s look conveys the seasoned wisdom of an adventurer, and his hands show signs of years spent working with animals and enduring the elements.

Olai is not a traditional fighter but is skilled in mounted combat and capable of defending himself with makeshift weapons if necessary.

• Armor Class (AC): 13 (due to agility and light gear)
• Hit Points (HP): 65

Actions:

• 1. Improvised Club (Riding Crop or Makeshift Club): Olai wields a riding crop or a sturdy stick, useful for quick defensive strikes.| Damage: 1d6 + 2 bludgeoning damage
• 2.Hoof Strike (when Mounted): Commands his Hoo to strike with its powerful hooves when in danger.|Damage: 1d8 + 3 bludgeoning damage
• 3.Gun Crossbow: When in the wild, Olai often uses his Gun Crossbow for distance defense.| Damage: 1d8 + 3 piercing damage

Special Abilities:

• Hoo Whisperer: Olai has advantage on animal handling checks with Hoos, allowing him to calm, train, or direct these animals effectively even in chaotic situations.
• Survival Instincts: His time alone on the Dark Side has sharpened his survival skills, granting him advantage on checks related to finding food, water, or shelter, and allowing him to navigate harsh environments with ease.

Olai’s primary motivation is his love and respect for Hoos, which has guided his life decisions since he left the Federal system. Joining the Jane Mendoza Gang allowed him to continue working with the animals he treasures and gives him a measure of security from the Federal Sheriff’s pursuit. Though he does not share the gang’s thirst for violence, he is committed to contributing his skills in a way that aligns with his personal values.