Dr. Orion

By Frankenbrony

• June 7, 2012

Age: 64

Gender: Male

Species: Unicorn

Appearance: A somewhat feeble looking pony in terms of physique, but with piercing eyes and a determinated expression that gives him an air of power most of the time. He has a graying mane, though to one side is a wide, jet-black streak.<br /><br />In color, he is a deep midnight blue (from a distance indistinguishable from black). Nearsighted, he occasionally wears small, round glasses.

Cutie Mark: The constellation Orion. The meaning of the cutie mark is varied. Not only is it his namesake, but it also represents his passion and gift for science. He also has the personality of the hunter, constantly searching for something, though nopony is exactly sure what that something is.

Personality: Despite his intense expression, Dr. Orion is generally pleasant, though at times he can become withdrawn and troubled for little obvious reason. One gets the impression that Dr. Orion is haunted by something, either a past experience or a current idea that has taken hold of his mind.<br /><br />His main passion is the scientific study of magic, although his academic interests include most areas of the natural sciences as well. He is absent minded, but not in the flighty, amusing way of many brilliant elderly scientists. Instead, his preoccupation gives one the impression that whatever is diverting his attention is something worth focusing on. <br /><br />

Backstory: The history of Dr. Orion is not very well known. He doesn't like to speak of his past in detail, although some vague facts are known. He taught magic at Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, and for a number of years taught both magic and theoretical alchemy at the Equestrian Institue for Advanced Study. <br /><br />During his years at the Institute,an event occurred of which little is known. Late one Autumn evening, there was a large explosion of some sort, followed by what onlookers describe as a "winking out" of existence of the building and grounds. Immediately afterwards, Dr. Orion went into retirement. While nopony knows the full details of the event (quickly hushed up by the administration), the local newspapers reported that Princess Celestia herself was launching an investigation into the research work that Dr. Orion had been doing. Then all mention of the episode vanished from the media. <br /><br />Many attribute this event to the haunted nature of Dr. Orion. It is known that three of his collegues disappeared during the incident and where never seen again.<br /><br />He now lives on the outskirts of the Everfree forest, and spends most of his time in his laboratory conducting experiments. Though he would fit the profile of an eccentric recluse, he was rescued from a life of lonely hermitage by a chance meeting with a pink pony in Ponyville, who shared with him the magic of fun and friendship.<br /><br />Both aspects are now represented by Dr. Orion, who seems to live in a constant conflict with himself. He greatly enjoys companionship with others, but also is drawn to solitude and brooding.