Gan Odru

Gan Odru is introduced as the forty‑third holder of the title “Gan” within the Daban Urnud’s tradition, with “Odru” as his given name. In Urnudan usage “Gan” is roughly equivalent to admiral: the highest‑ranking strategic officer responsible for directing a whole fleet and answering to civilian authorities when they exist. Command of specific vessels is delegated to tactical officers called Prags (comparable to captains).

Role and background

Aboard the Daban Urnud, the old Urnudan fleet roles evolved after the long departure from Urnud. With only one ship and one Prag, the Gan–Prag balance shifted: the Gan’s office drifted toward something like the avout’s inward, principle‑guided stewardship, while the Prag’s authority assumed a more Sæcular, tactical cast. Gan Odru describes a longstanding pendulum between these tendencies—nicknamed the Pedestal (Prag‑side) and the Fulcrum (Gan‑side)—and notes that his own ceremonial authority currently carries little practical power.

He wears ornate white robes derived from ancient dress uniforms and speaks Orth well enough for careful conversation. When hosting visitors he offers a symbolic tea service, acknowledging that Arbran physiology cannot use Urnudan food or drink.

Meeting with avout envoys

Gan Odru receives Fraa Jad (with an amanuensis) in a spherical chamber near the center of Orb One. He offers a historical sketch of the title “Gan,” then turns to recent events affecting Arbre. He contrasts his position with that of his counterpart Prag Eshwar, whom he characterizes as reacting tactically and seeking to cast him in the same light as the Warden of Heaven.

Account of the Warden of Heaven

According to Gan Odru, the Warden of Heaven was brought aboard in his suit and insisted on removing it inside the ceremonial chamber. He quickly became short of breath; despite attempts to assist—including reassembling the suit and preparing cold hyperbaric therapy—he suffered fatal internal bleeding. While senior figures debated next steps, overzealous researchers had already taken blood and tissue samples and begun an autopsy; the body was then returned in a manner that showed disregard. Gan Odru attributes this style of return to Prag Eshwar’s desire to make the Warden’s perceived foolishness reflect on the Gan.

Members aligned with the Fulcrum were ashamed and sought to exchange “blood for blood” by delivering Urnudan samples down to Arbre. Signals interpreted as an analemma—later understood to have been sent by Fraa Orolo—were read by Jules Verne Durand, who suggested that delivering them at Ecba would carry symbolic weight. When he became unavailable, Lise attempted the mission and was shot while boarding the probe; the probe descended without her.

Current situation and outlook (as stated)

Gan Odru reports that a clash aboard the ship has left many dead and others confined for safety; he numbers the slain and enclosed groups and takes the latter as a misinterpreted safeguard rather than “hostage‑taking.” He also remarks that a very large weapon destroyed by Arbrans had been intended only as a hanging threat, not for actual use, and observes that Prag Eshwar—though shaken—continues to react tactically while also seeking dialogue.

In discussing why the Daban Urnud began its long wandering, he recounts an earlier Gan’s reception of visions of devastation—interpreted by that Gan as ancestral messages from a lost Golden Age. Gan Odru accepts that information can pass between cosmi (what some call the Hylaean Flow) while questioning its source, and turns the larger question back to the avout. His exchange with Fraa Jad closes with Jad indicating his own work there is finished.

Public ceremonies and peace signing

• At a memorial gathering by the meeting pool in Orb Four, he offers brief words honoring those who died on Arbre and aboard the ship, speaking opposite Fraa Lodoghir.
• Shortly afterward, he delivers the opening address among four leaders and then co‑signs a peace agreement on a barge at the pool’s center, alongside Prag Eshwar, an Arbran minister, and a Thousander representing the avout.

Language and manner

• Speaks Orth in a careful, studied register.
• Conducts meetings with formal notes but departs from them when needed.
• Uses in‑world analogies to explain Urnudan institutions, e.g., likening Gan/Prag to avout/Sæcular roles.

Associations

• Office: Gan (strategic head) aboard the Daban Urnud
• Counterpart: Prag Eshwar (tactical head)
• Interactions: Fraa Jad; the Warden of Heaven; Jules Verne Durand; Lise; Fraa Orolo; Fraa Lodoghir
• Places referenced: Urnud; Ringing Vale; Ecba