Full Name: Kael Mercer Nickname(s): Kay, Merc, “Stray” Age: 26 Gender: Male Pronouns: He/Him Species: Human Homeworld: Earth Current Residence: Pandora Occupation: Ex-RDA field scout / Independent survivalist / resistance HQ scientist Height: 5'11" Build: Lean, athletic, and wiry; built more for climbing and endurance than brute strength Skin Tone: Deep brown Hair: Naturally dark, but bleached nearly white from repeated chemical treatments; shaved extremely short along the sides with slightly more length on top Eyes: Dark brown, usually carrying an exhausted or distant expression Facial Features: Long face, prominent nose, strong jaw, thick brows, and several subtle scars from surviving Pandora Distinguishing Features: Pierced ears, faint scarring, old scratches across his skin, and almost permanent dark circles beneath his eyes Clothing & Gear: Kael wears lightweight survival clothing adapted for Pandora's humid environment. His gear is mismatched, repaired, and heavily worn rather than standard-issue. His most recognizable piece of equipment is a full-face exopack mask, reinforced with a dark protective frame. The breathing apparatus has been modified several times, giving it a rough, almost industrial appearance. He keeps spare filters, emergency oxygen, a survival knife, climbing equipment, medical supplies, and a small field pack on him whenever he leaves a human-safe atmosphere. Personality: Kael isn't particularly talkative. Pandora taught him that listening usually keeps you alive longer than speaking. He can initially come across as cold or uninterested, especially around other humans. Underneath that detached exterior, however, he's deeply curious about Pandora and has developed considerable respect for its wildlife and ecosystems. He dislikes the idea that humans are automatically entitled to whatever they discover. Voice: Low, tired, slightly raspy Accent: Earth-born accent softened after years away from home Scent: Rainwater, metal, smoke, and antiseptic Habits: Checks his exopack obsessively, sleeps lightly, sketches unfamiliar wildlife, touches the side of his mask when nervous