Aleks, you play Herro in Questions, tell us what getting into the character was like?
Firstly, he is a Centari Crune and I am not, so there is a physicality that must be addressed. Herro’s similarity to aquatic life forms has to be incorporated into my movements and to do that; it requires a lot of study of the locomotion of fish and specifically the predators. Herro is a warrior and as such demands respect. He has a naturally aggressive demeanor and finding the balance between the cordial philosopher and the ruthless warrior is quite a challenge. The key to this character comes from his words, he is a not a war monger but he knows what galaxy he lives in and through his personal experiences he has come to his conclusions of the nature of war and his place in it. “We are but creatures”
How does Herro in Questions differ from your character Hregar in Exodus?
Night and day comes to mind. While Herro is a Crune of honor, Hregar is a Zintonian scallywag. Hregar has a special place in my heart because he is a liar and a deceiver but at the same time ends up doing the right thing. Nothing short of an anti-hero, Hregar is a pirate just looking out for himself and in the process ends up becoming a main character in a quest that could quite possibly destroy or save the galaxy. I mean, how awesome is that? The unorthodox means and the willingness to rock the boat that really differs Hregar. He is not afraid of the consequences of his actions until its way too late and then the hilarious and miraculous recoveries he makes betting solely on chance adds a layer of fun that’s unique to that particular pirate smuggler.
What makes the characters of Imperial Odyssey unique from other sci-fi brands, and what makes them relatable?
Imperial Odyssey makes no excuse for itself. There is no such thing as a two dimensional character or story. Good and bad in the context of how we perceive it as humans living in the 21st Century does not apply here. There is no hero without his vices or flaws and no villain without his redeeming qualities. It is the shades of grey that truly separate IO from every other sci-fi. It is the complexity of the relations between different aliens to each other, as it probably would be in real life, which creates the sense of the real in the universe. The “every alien is cool with every other alien in the galaxy” sci-fi’s are just not appealing anymore. IO creates a realistic galactic community where at the end of the day, your life is in your own hands.
P.S. Don’t piss off a Queensman.
What does Imperial Odyssey mean to you, and what attracted you to it?
IO to me is the freedom and means to be anybody. No exceptions. There are no rules as to what type of person you can be. I was attracted by the details and the thoroughness of the universe. From languages to religions, to customs and practices, even to civics and government. Each world is so unique and complex that it’s hard not to be fascinated by it. Unlike other sci-fi universes where Earth and humans are unwitting tourists in a foreign world, IO has humans be a part of the history of the universe. We had our own story to tell and customs to contribute to the universe. We are not dominant nor are we dormant. It is the relationship from one species to another that truly makes IO unique.
Can you tell the fans anything about Questions of War before its released?
Questions of War will have you look at every aspect of the conflict. You’ll be at the centre of battle, with the ones who give the order and those who reason about it after wards. From inception to impact, you’ll be there. Above all, it’ll leave you looking for your own answers to the Questions of War.