Vanir

The Vanir are a cadre of slaves employed by the Terminus Corporation to run the space station of Terminus.

The Vanir are controlled by the Corporation with the anti-viral drug Hydromel, which they depend on for protection against Lazar's Disease. Their escape from the station is prevented by isolating them from the spaceship that removes successfully treated Lazars; until the intercession of the Doctor, they were unaware such a ship even existed.

Vanir are outfitted with a suit of armor that serves as a method for administering Hydromel. A cylinder of Hydromel is inserted into the chest piece, and appears to be gradually depleted.

At least one of the Vanir was formerly a space pirate until he was betrayed into slavery by his commander. The origin of the other Vanir is unknown.

Most of the Vanir have a pale, gaunt appearance. This may be due to the radiation on Terminus, a side-effect of Hydromel, or other factors such as malnutrition, or a combination of any of these.

Since the slavery of the Vanir was completely dependent on Hydromel, they were able to free themselves once Nyssa agreed to stay on Terminus to synthesize it for them. (DW: Terminus)

Behind the Scenes

• The name "Vanir" comes from Norse mythology and refers to a tribe of gods who made war on the rest. Many of the Vanir characters in Terminus are given names with a Scandinavian sound to them.