The Moon Maid · Character

Orthis

A brilliant Kalkar commander whose intellect could have saved a conquered world, but whose treachery instead dragged both ships burning into the sea.

major

Also known as Lieutenant Commander Orthis, Or-this, The Or-this, Brother General Or-this, General Or-this

First appearance: The Flight of 'The Barsoom'

As a major figure in The Moon Maid, Orthis is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Supporting character involved in the events surrounding the Moon Maid's appearance.

In the storyPart I: The Moon MaidOpen this moment free

See Orthis in Part I: The Moon Maid Book page

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In Part I: The Moon Maid: Supporting character involved in the events surrounding the Moon Maid's appearance. Later, in The Flight of 'The Barsoom': Brilliant but unscrupulous lieutenant commander; discoverer of the…

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See Orthis in The Flight of 'The Barsoom'

Character Web

35 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Lunar Founders & Antagonists
Earth Officials & Leaders
Earth Resistance Allies
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because the protagonist reaches an emotional and psychological peak of…

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In the story

Orthis appears across 16 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Part I: The Moon Maid
Supporting character involved in the events surrounding the Moon Maid's appearance.
The Flight of 'The Barsoom'
Brilliant but unscrupulous lieutenant commander; discoverer of the Eighth Solar Ray; co-supervisor of the Barsoom's construction.
The Heart of the Moon
Lieutenant Commander who sabotaged the auxiliary engine, Lunar Eighth Ray tank, and radio while under the influence of liquor.
III: Human Quadrupeds
Lieutenant Commander under arrest; requests to speak to the captain and pleads for mercy, citing his intoxication and the need for every crew member.
In the Hands of the Va-Gas
Fights alongside Julian and is captured with him.
V: A Lunar Storm
Fellow captive; his wristwatch is taken by the chief; comments on the musical quality of the Va-gas language.
VII: The Moon Maid Escapes
Antagonist who claims Nah-ee-lah as his own and plots to lead the Va-gas to Earth using advanced weapons.
Ko-Tah Is Killed
Revealed as the Kalkar leader; bombards Laythe and demands Nah-ee-lah's hand in marriage.
Back to "The Barsoom"
Mentioned as the source of engine repair knowledge and as a threat to Laythe with modern agents of destruction.
Prologue
Lieutenant Commander and arch-villain; returns from the Moon with Kalkar fleet; dies in explosion.
A Fight on Market Day
Present at the market; shows hostility toward Julian after recognizing him.
V: The Court-Martial
Presides over the court-martial as Brother General Or-tis, representing Kalkar authority.
I: The Desert Clans
The tribe of Or-tis is the ruling house of the Kalkars, and Julian 20th's father fell before the lance of an Or-tis in the Great Feud.
IV: The Capital
The Kalkar ruler who offers peace to Julian but threatens him with The Butcher when refused.
V: The Sea
An Or-tis who forms a truce with Julian and escapes with him.
VII: Bethelda
Bethelda reveals she is an Or-tis, linking her to the blood enemy of Julian's people.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Orthis unlock in the free preview.

See Orthis in The Flight of 'The Barsoom'

See Orthis in Part I: The Moon Maid