Garrus Vakarian – Mass Effect

Garrus is a turian, which happens to be the same alien race as the game’s primary villain, Saren Arterius. Even before such villainy became apparent, Garrus distrusted Saren and approached the Council on more than one occasion to voice his opinions. He’ll happily join your squad, as it puts him in the perfect position to take down what has become his arch-enemy.

The turians were the last of the Citadel races to join the Council. Their features are avian, making them resemble humanoid birds or raptors. They have a reputation for skill and bravery in combat, but they are not known to be bloodthirsty. A rigid code of honor and strict discipline are the hallmarks of any turian officer. This includes humane treatment of prisoners and conquered enemies. A turian patrol unit will never willingly leave behind one of their own, no matter what the cost of saving them.

Turian society is highly regimented and very organized, and the species is known for its strict discipline and work ethic. Turians are willing to do what needs to be done, and they always follow through. They are not easily spurred to violence, but when conflict is inevitable, they only understand a concept of “total war.” They do not believe in skirmishes or small scale battles; they use massive fleets and numbers to defeat an adversary so completely that they remove any threat of having to fight the same opponent more than once. They do not exterminate their enemy, but so completely devastate their military that the enemy has no choice but to become a colony of the turians.

Other species see them as “men of action,” and they are generally regarded as the most progressive of the Citadel races. Since their culture is based on the structure of a military hierarchy, changes and advances accepted by the leadership are quickly adopted by the rest of society with minimal resistance.

Garrus becomes a member of your squad after you’ve helped him defeat a group of thugs harassing Dr. Chloe Michel on the Citadel. If you don’t pay a visit to the medical clinic on your first visit to the Citadel, then Garrus will join our squad outside the elevator as you attempt to reach the landing bay and leave the Citadel.

Garrus could be considered a multi-class character. He has access to the Assault Rifles, Sniper Rifles, Tactical Armor, Assault Training, Decryption, Damping, First Aid, and Electronics talents, making him a good choice as a member of your squad if you’re looking for long-range firepower or tech support.