Tessa Drae has an uncanny ability to see potential where others see only waste. Whether it’s a broken holopad, a dilapidated starship, or a random assortment of mechanical parts, she finds a way to breathe new life into what seems beyond repair. Her talent is not just technical; it’s an expression of her creativity and insight. Yet, her confidence in her skills sometimes borders on arrogance, and when her efforts fall short, she is not easily placated, her frustration often leading to moments of intense self-criticism.

Tessa was born on Empress Teta, but her roots lie in the vastness of space. Raised within a family of skilled Navigators, she was taught to chart the stars and navigate the unknown from a young age. Her upbringing was one of constant motion, traveling the galaxy without the ties to any one place. As a result, she views the galaxy not through the lens of borders or allegiances but as a vast expanse where merit and strength are what define one’s worth. The absence of a permanent home has granted her a profound sense of freedom, but it also means she never fully embraced the idea of belonging, often finding herself at odds with those who derive meaning from loyalty or national identity. To Tessa, it is not the ties to a specific world that matter, but the freedom to choose one’s own path, regardless of where it leads.

Tessa is a lateral thinker who thrives on solving problems that others might find insurmountable. Where conventional solutions fail, she sees new possibilities. Her creativity often leads her to approaches that are unconventional, even bizarre to others, but her ideas carry a unique brilliance that is undeniable. While she is more than capable of articulating her reasoning, those around her may struggle to see her vision at first, requiring patience and trust to follow her lead. Her approach can be as enigmatic as it is effective, challenging others to think beyond the obvious.

Despite the tumult and challenges she faces, Tessa Drae approaches life with an unwavering optimism. She holds firm to the belief that every situation, no matter how dire, contains a glimmer of hope. Her infectious smile and light-hearted humor offer comfort to those around her, lifting spirits even in the darkest moments. Yet, beneath this bright exterior lies a profound inner strength. Tessa faces adversity with the stoic resolve of someone who has weathered personal trials and emerged unshaken. Her optimism is not naive, but rather a choice—a deliberate way to embrace the uncertainty of life without losing her grounding in reality.

Tessa approaches combat with the same calculated precision that defines her life. Her preference for ranged combat is not out of fear, but rather a desire for strategy and foresight—ensuring that she can outmaneuver her enemies before they even have the chance to strike. This approach also reflects her pragmatic nature; she recognizes that close combat is unpredictable, and takes every opportunity to disengage from melee and instead fight at range.

Tessa Drae has an innate talent for recognizing threats before they become traps, spotting subtle signs of danger where others might miss them. Her keen intellect and lateral thinking give her an advantage in identifying ambushes or hidden risks. However, her confidence in her ability to predict danger sometimes leads her to act prematurely, and she is still refining the timing and intuition needed to consistently avoid traps before they are sprung. It is a continual learning process for Tessa, balancing her perceptiveness with the need for patience and careful execution.