#because again canonically there is no shepard sibling and it's really just for the sake of having both shepards in the same game (visually)

[emmavakarian-theirin]

hey guys i have a genuine question:

if i made a mod where you could swap an ME3 squadmate with a default shepard (maybe femshep as ash / broshep as kaidan), considering they *COULD* therefore be romancable, would that be creepy or neat?

[tilly-tali]

30 day #mearydercountdown

1 Day: Which song/songs would be “theme songs” for Ryder? Are there any symbols you associate with Ryder? If you’ve created a moodboard for them, share it here. If not, what sorts of things would be on their moodboard? Describe their aesthetic. What Hogwarts house would they be sorted into? If you’ve written fanfic involving Ryder already, share it here. [you don’t need to do all of these, they’re merely intended as creative exercises]

a song: follow me by muse.

his moodboard might contain a space image, alliance dogtags, a book/tech manual, space hamster, an omnitool, hockey gear, a flare of biotic energy, and a shotgun.

aesthetic: softened grey-scale minimalism with a few pops of color.

2 Days: Provide a “famous quote” from Ryder that sums them up as a character (like the ones for the squadmates in their official character profiles).

“I won’t sit idle while someone’s substandard plan gets us all killed, or worse: demoted.” - Scotty Ryder

3 Days: Do you plan on romancing anyone with Ryder? If so, who? Why? What qualities would Ryder find attractive in a partner (if applicable)?

this all depends on  the personality of the romance/flirt options are like and where they come along in the storyline. i have picked a romance on a first playthrough just for the sake of the experience/achievement but i am only going to do so if it feels right for Scotty this time around.

Scotty would be interested in someone who was a thinker, but also a listener. a good sense of humor and an easy going nature would be important, as well as some spontaneity. he is a sucker for pretty eyes and shy flirters and he likes holding hands. he’s kinda a soft romantic boy.

4 Days: Out of the squadmates, Tempest crewmembers and other characters shown so far, is there anyone you think Ryder won’t gel so greatly with, dislike or otherwise come into conflict with? Why?

5 Days: Out of the squadmates, Tempest crewmembers and other characters shown so far, who do you think Ryder will get along well with? Who do you think they will get along best with? Why?

i have tried my best not to be too spoiled so while i know of my squad and crew, i don’t have many details about their personalities or backgrounds. from the little i do know/have guessed or assumed, i want him to befriend liam because liam and i want drack to almost take him under his wing once scotty shows a slightly reckless reaction after getting caught up in the moment, possibly after riding in the nomad since Scotty drives like a maniac (you’d almost expect that Shep was his driving instructor). he would respect peebee’s ability to ignore the norms but not sure they are going to be best buds or lovers, but who knows, she might surprise us.

6 Days: Does your Ryder know your Shepard? What do they think of Shepard? Would they get along? What would Shepard think of Ryder?

no, they do not actually know each other, but Scotty would know of Shep, possibly have seen her in passing on the citadel or at alliance hq or some N7 function his father attended. i think they would get along, both being team players. i still have yet to decide which specific Shepard (as i have several, like everyone) is my canon Shepard for Scotty’s playthrough. I am leaning towards my very first Shep, Juliette, just for the sake of 1st with 1st. She would see the true potential Scotty has and that he will achieve it if he gets out of his own head in Andromeda and starts fresh, no chip on his shoulder. She would trust him to have her back in a fight (eventually, as hes still pretty fresh and shes a true veteran and a little crazy yet, not sure he could keep up) and would value his input and insight on situations and strategy (again, once he proved himself once or twice to be standup but she unlike most would give him the chance).

7 Days: Ryder’s father gave the twins informal N7 training in the past. How did Ryder feel about this (pressured, resentful, grateful, motivated, overworked, excited, etc)? What are their feelings on “N7” as a symbol? How do they relate to it, if at all?

scotty was excited to be trained by his father not only because he knew such training from a man with his father’s status and credentials was invaluable, but because it meant quality father/son time. the training was rigorious and scotty did feel his dad was pushing for him to meet impossible standards but he usually just commiserated with his sister over the physical aspects of the training. sara was always more about the practical/scientific/mental focus training lessons.

8 Days: How does Ryder feel about aliens? Are they uncomfortable, wary, intrigued, curious, intimidated, not bothered, etc? In the Milky Way, where did they stand on humanity’s place in galactic society - Earth first, Terra Firma, human superiority, peaceful cooperation, pro-galactic integration & unity, etc? How will they feel upon discovering that there are sentient alien races in Andromeda?

the twins are very much for peaceful cooperation, galactic integration, and unity among the milky way species. they are both curious about any new species they will encounter. sara would much rather be a sideline observer to study and research the new races while scotty would like to be more involved, get to know them, create alliances, work together to better all races in andromeda.

9 Days: Did Ryder have any notable friends or connections in the Milky Way? How about past relationships? Which friendship or relationship was the most significant to them?

he might miss a friend that has been with him since they met as alliance recruits and possibly a few of his crewmates from his last deployment, but since sara will be with him, that is all that really matters. she is his person. any past romantic intrests are no longer on his radar to begin with so they will not be missed. Mom Ryder would be missed if she elected to stay in the milky way.

10 Days: Will Ryder ever miss the Milky Way? What things and places will they miss most?

if mom is not involved on the initiative and stays in the milky way (or died at some point and is laid to rest there)  that is who he would miss, and the only reason he might ever want to return. if he does not find romance in andromeda, he might long for the comforts of his home galaxy and chance for finding a familiar partner with more variety than those who joined up with the AI.

11 Days: Once in Andromeda, what are Ryder’s goals? What drives them?

i think this depends more on exactly what is happening in the storyline. he is going to want to help fix any immediate problems that he feels need to be addressed and then will want to get back on task with the original mission plan and find/secure a new world. he just wants to do his job.

12 Days: How will Ryder feel upon waking up from cryo? Relieved, excited, scared, impatient to get going, lost, etc.

mostly excited. thankful that they survived such a process and long journey. i can picture him heading directly for the nearest window as soon as possible just to glimpse the new galaxy, staring in wonder for a minute or two, then quickly going to find (and hug) his sister, then father.

13 Days: Why did Ryder join the Alliance military? Later on, what were Ryder’s reasons for signing up to the Andromeda Initiative? Were they seeking adventure (or glory, or a challenge), wanting a new start, running from something, following their family, trying to secure a future for humanity, did they simply feel railroaded into it, etc. 

joining the alliance was expected of the twins. they had talent, skills, and great potential that needed to be put to service in the military, for humanity, the galaxy. attempts to make dad proud, fill his shoes. signing on with the initiative was scotty’s chance to finally stay with his father on one of his great adventures. he thought he might have a better opportunity to really prove himself out in andromeda. sara saw it more as a great challenge and wasn’t ready to let her sibling and father have all the fun.

14 Days: Describe some important or formative events in Ryder’s history. How did these impact and shape them?

Ryder was affected by his father’s long absences during his childhood years. he wanted to sit down and have family dinner more often, to come home from school and share about his day, participate in a take-your-child-to-work-day. all scotty wanted was his dad to be home, stay home, to not have to worry that he might never come home. he knew his dad and his work were important to not just the ryder family, but humanity and the galaxy as a whole and thus felt guilty for wanting him to stay.

15 Days: Delve into the Ryder family background - how is/was their relationship with their father, sibling and mother? Do they get along, hero worship, close twin connection, sibling rivalry, was it strained, was it distant, etc.

close with his twin. he is closer with dad than mom because dad tried to take him under his wing, but scotty feels distant from him, resenting that he will ever live up to dad’s greatness. this might have been reduced if Alec hadn’t been away for much of scotty’s childhood.

16 Days: How would Ryder define their sexuality?

when it comes to humans he is straight and bi with turians, but i think he would prefer an asari partner.

17 Days: List some of Ryder’s favorite things - colors, food, music, etc. Is there anything of this nature that they hate? Do they have any hobbies or skills outside of combat?

he likes the color green and is a burger and fries kind of guy. he turns his nose up at most seafood. has always wanted a dog or pet varren, but birds are scary. outside of combat he enjoys movies and tinkering with electronics (though he’s not all that good at it) and doesn’t mind working out or going for a run. likes rugby, hockey, and lacrosse, not a strong swimmer.

18 Days: What qualities does Ryder like and dislike in other people? Are there any things they particularly appreciate or can’t stand?

scotty is all for people who work hard and put forth their best effort. he dislikes those who create drama for the sake of drama. he greatly appreciates those with a good sense of humor, especially when they can lighten an intense moment.

19 Days: Where would Ryder fall in the classic Paragon/Renegade morality system? What would their D&D alignment be? If you know their personality type in any personality typing systems (such as MBTI and Enneagram - you can find various type descriptions and tests using Google), feel free to add and discuss them here.

mostly paragon, neutral good, istp (the craftsman)

20 Days: What first impressions does Ryder tend to give people? Do they have any ‘odd’ or specific mannerisms, habits or other quirks? How do they present and carry themselves?

scotty is a little on the quiet side, especially next to his sister. he is very contemplative and will occasionally ‘drift off’, lost in thought. has a habit of rocking up/down on his feet, heel to toes, when standing still for too long. he keeps a low profile, but will make his presence known when he has a point to make. is friendly when engaged in conversation, personable and very nearly charming.

21 Days: What are Ryder’s personality traits? Describe 5 strengths and 5 flaws.

scotty feels overshadowed by his father, that he can never live up to Alec’s example, nor everyone’s expectations.

he is slightly embarrassed by his biotics, as the only member of his family with the powers. he feels like its ‘cheating’ to use them and thus hasn’t fully realized his potential.

loyal and protective of his friends, squad, and family, especially twin, she is his ‘person’. also generous to others, helpful.

he is adventurous, which is both a strength and a flaw as he can get caught up and become slightly careless from time to time. perhaps a product of his youth, naivity, and inexperience.

22 Days: Will Ryder craft? What are you most excited about crafting? Do you have any names in mind already for weapons?

not obsessively, but enough to keep the crew equipped as best as necessary. as long as i can craft a shotgun ammo mod i am usually happy. i am generally lame in my naming unless inspired in the moment. maybe scotty will be more creative and/or attached to his weapons to name them.

23 Days: Which weapons or category of weapons will Ryder prefer? Describe their favorite loadout. 

shotgun and assault rifle make the most sense. though if ryder ends up attracting trouble the way shepard does, i could see him eventually becoming the type to always carry a pistol on his person at all times.

24 Days: Which squadmates do you think will best compliment Ryder’s combat style? Alternatively, who do you plan to take out most in the field?

the way i wanna play i think it would make sense that any mate would pair well with ryder as he would suit his style to compliment their strengths and pick up any slack off their weaknesses. a sniper or someone more tech heavy might be the best match for him though, so probably vetra! and/or jaal. liam and drack would maybe be a fun team for a big all out fight.

25 Days: Describe Ryder’s favorite combat style. Bioware call Peebee a “gunslinger” and describe Liam as a “close-range fighter” - how would you describe Ryder’s combat role/strengths? What are some of their favorite biotic/tech/other abilities?

a strategist. going to try to play it smart, study the field, make every shot and ability count, and try to set up some wicked combos. my actual play-style is screaming and panicked button mashing so i’m not confident this will work out well. i’d love to play around with biotic charge and throw though. beyond that, it all depends on how combat feels in game and exactly how powers work and evolve and interact and how bonuses play out.

26 Days: Do you have a specific class profile or mix of class profiles in mind for Ryder?

i loved playing vanguard in the past and will most likely go that route again, but it would be nice to take a few points in some tech skills to supplement the biotics and combat. i was always annoyed that not everyone had the fancy overload app on their omnitools, surely that would have been standard issue for every alliance solider.

27 Days: Are you going to use the default appearance for Ryder’s sibling or customize them? Describe your ideas for their sibling’s and father’s physical appearance.

i will probably check out the female hair options for sis because even though the ponytail makes logical sense and i like the face framing layers i am not totally feeling it on her. love her nose though so that stays.

28 Days: Are you going to use the default appearance or create a custom Ryder? If custom, describe your Ryder’s physical appearance (hair color, eye color, skin color, height, weight, facial features, any scars or tattoos, racial origin, etc). If you have art and/or a face-claim, feel free to add them here.

first round will be default i think, maybe a few minor tweaks just to make him mine.

if i get around to ever playing sis erin ryder i picture her as blonde but i like to see what the character creator has available first. i would rather design a character then name them.

29 Days: What is your Ryder’s name? Why did you pick this name - is there a meaning or origin story behind it? Do they go by any nicknames? What would you name their sibling, father and mother if you were able to choose?

i’ve come around to embrace him as ‘scotty’ (can’t handle ‘scott’ just yet though) so i am going to go with that most likely.

i did brainstorm some family names before anything was announced and came up with parents Jason and Triss and possible twin combos of Mason and Shelby or Ethan and Erin.

30 Days: Will you play SisRyder or BroRyder first? Why? How does your Ryder define their gender?

broRyder, default scotty probably. I just kinda felt more of a connection to him right off the bat (probably because his introduction was more substantial with a fuller trailer as compared to a mere glimpse of sara). i am also afraid that if i make my first ryder female as i did with shepard, i will again end up with more female characters and neglect to play a male. mostly though i was worried that bioware would horribly kill or maim your sibling and since losing my own brother, also named scott, i am not sure i am ready for that kind of parallel just yet.

1 Day too long: In Citadel space, AIs are illegal. How does Ryder feel about Artificial Intelligence? Are they wary or afraid, are they pro-AI, do they consider AIs to have personhood, etc? How does Ryder feel about SAM and their constant connection to it? Are they glad for the upgrade, do they find it invasive, have mixed feelings, etc?

He is pro AI, they are people too, but is wary of purposeful, intended AI creation/experimentation. if you accidentally create one, treat it well, but no need to immediately mass create any. He is of course fond of SAM but does wish for occasional separation, sometimes to the point of ignoring input from SAM until he can come to his own conclusions first.

2 Days too long: How does Ryder feel about being thrust into the role of humanity’s Pathfinder (burdened, honored, rewarded, excited, etc)? Are they confident or unsure about this? How will they cope?

Scotty is a little unsure, doubtful and hesitant at first, but will come to the conclusion that he really is fit to lead, that no one else would be able to do any better or any worse than he himself. He recognizes it as his chance to prove himself, to live up to his father, and he will not fail. he will seek reassurance from his sister and SAM immediately, followed by friends and other crew, and be bolstered by a few successful missions and any praise from other authorities and the other pathfinders. he is going to cope by either tinkering with something to relax and then going to for a swim (if there wasn’t some kind of pool on the nexus or something i would be pissed as a space citizen) to workout his frustrations (he is not a strong swimmer but for some reason doing so and working so hard makes him feel slightly better).