Name: Dr. Elias Navarro
Nicknames: Eli (only by his close friends and family), Elias, Doctor, Doctor Navarro
Age: 28
Gender: Male
Occupation: PHD in Aztec Historical Studies
Languages: English (Native), Spanish (Fluent), Nahuatl (Aztec Reading Language)
Appearance
Elias Navarro is a 28-year-old man with a rugged, outdoorsy look that shows he spends more time in the field than in lecture halls. He’s tall, around 6’1”, with a lean but muscular build that comes from years of trekking through jungles and climbing into ruins rather than lifting weights at a gym. His dark brown hair is always a little messy, like he just walked out of a storm or hasn’t seen a mirror in days, and his blue eyes seem to always be scanning the world around him, as if he’s trying to piece together a hidden puzzle. He has sharp features, a bit of stubble on his chin, and a serious expression that softens when he smiles, which isn’t often, but always feels genuine when it happens. He dresses for function rather than fashion—usually in light-colored, breathable shirts with the sleeves rolled up, sturdy cargo pants, and scuffed hiking boots. Around his neck, he wears a black obsidian pendant etched with a single Aztec glyph. It’s not flashy, but it catches the light in a strange, almost eerie way. He never takes it off. It was given to him by his mentor, who died during a dangerous expedition in the Guatemalan highlands. Elias never talks about what happened, but he touches the pendant sometimes when he's thinking—or when things go quiet.
Background
Elias was born and raised in northern Georgia, in a quiet, wooded town where the summers were long and the nights were filled with the sound of crickets. He grew up with one foot in books and the other in the outdoors. His father was a high school science teacher, and his mother was a nurse, both of whom encouraged him to explore and ask questions. Elias was always the kind of kid who'd rather read about ancient civilizations than play video games, but he also loved hiking through the woods, pretending he was exploring a forgotten world. That blend of curiosity and love for nature eventually led him to double major in History and Biology at a university in North Carolina. He went on to earn a PhD in Mesoamerican Studies, focusing specifically on the Aztecs, and later got his MD with a concentration in tropical and expeditionary medicine. During his studies, he took part in multiple field research trips to Mexico and Central America, where he fell in love with the complex history of the region. It was on one of these trips that his mentor, Dr. Hector Ramos, died under mysterious circumstances. Elias never speaks about what happened, but the event changed him. He is also someone who doesn’t make the same mistake twice.
Personality
Elias has a laid-back, calm energy that makes him easy to be around at first. He speaks with a smooth Southern drawl that he’s never tried to hide, and he doesn’t rush his words or his thoughts. He’s the type of guy who seems like he’s always thinking three steps ahead, but he’s not arrogant about it. There’s a quiet seriousness in the way he moves and speaks, like someone who has seen too much to be naïve, but hasn’t lost all of his hope. He tends to be more reserved than outgoing, and while he’s friendly enough, he keeps his real thoughts and feelings close to the chest. He doesn’t open up easily and rarely shares personal details unless he absolutely trusts someone. That being said, he’s dependable, grounded, and honest. He treats the ancient cultures he studies with deep respect and doesn’t believe history should be taken lightly or used for profit. Though he's patient and forgiving, he's also stubborn, especially when it comes to protecting sites he thinks are sacred. Elias is the kind of person who may not talk much, but when he does, people listen—because they know he means every word.
Strengths
Elias is incredibly smart, both in a book-smart and practical way. His knowledge of Aztec history, language, and symbolism is almost encyclopedic, and he can read Nahuatl and Spanish fluently. He’s also trained in tropical medicine, so he knows how to treat injuries, illnesses, and bites that would send most people into panic. His time in the field has made him a skilled survivalist, able to navigate through jungles, track movement, and set up secure camps in hostile environments. He’s an excellent problem-solver, with a knack for decoding ancient glyphs and recognizing patterns that others miss. He also works well under pressure and doesn’t let fear cloud his judgment, which makes him a natural leader in high-stress situations. His motivation makes him incredibly focused and hard to manipulate, which is part of why he was chosen for the mission.
Weaknesses
Despite his calm nature and impressive skillset, Elias struggles with trust and emotional vulnerability. The death of his mentor left deep scars that he hasn’t processed, and instead of talking about it, he shuts people out. He tends to carry the weight of responsibility on his own shoulders, believing that if something goes wrong, it’s his fault—even when it’s not. This can make him overprotective or unwilling to delegate, especially when working in dangerous environments. While his skepticism keeps him grounded, it also makes him slow to act in moments that require bold decisions. He can be overly cautious, sometimes doubting people’s motives before giving them a chance. His quiet intensity sometimes makes him hard to read, and his habit of keeping things to himself can create distance between him and those who want to work with him or help him. In short, Elias is strong, smart, and reliable—but emotionally closed off, haunted by the past, and still learning how to let others in.