Joseph Smitthy

Joseph Smitthy was a renowned rancher from the planet Avaleris, known for his courage, and dedication to family. Raised on a mammaurid ranch, Joseph lived a quiet, hard-working life until he became embroiled in a deadly conspiracy involving shapeshifters and a plot to destroy Avaleris’ core. His faith, particularly in the teachings of the Kandarite, deeply influenced his decisions and drove him to protect his family at all costs. Joseph’s legacy lived on through his family, and his impact continues to resonate, even years after his death.

Joseph was the protagonist of The Cowboy of Avaleris.

Early Life

Birthplace:

• Born on the inland farms of Avaleris, Joseph grew up on his family’s mammaurid ranch.
• His upbringing was defined by his strong work ethic, instilled in him by his father, and the spiritual teachings of his mother, who adhered to the principles of the Kandarite.

Family Background:

• Joseph’s parents ran a successful mammaurid ranch, which was passed down through generations.
• Joseph had a particularly close bond with his father, who taught him not just the skills of ranching but also a deep respect for the land and the creatures they cared for.

Childhood Friendship with Vust Oreamia:

• Joseph’s closest childhood friend was Vust Oreamia, with whom he shared many adventures, both harmless and risky. Their friendship would later play a critical role in Joseph’s life, despite their paths diverging.

A Rancher

The Ranch:

• Joseph took over his family’s ranch after his father’s death, where he managed large herds of dinosaurs such as Triceratops and Ankylosaurus.
• His ranch became famous across Avaleris for the quality of its working dinosaurs, which were used to plow fields and transport goods.

Marriage to Lila and Family Life:

• Joseph married Lila, a strong and devoted partner who shared his dedication to the ranch and their growing family. Together, they raised three children, with a fourth child born after Joseph’s death.
• Lila and Joseph built their life on faith and the teachings of the LDS Church, believing that the land and their family were divine gifts they were meant to nurture.

Older Days

The Discovery:

• While patrolling his ranch, Joseph discovered the bodies of two planet guards who had been brutally murdered. This discovery led him to investigate further, ultimately uncovering a dangerous conspiracy by shapeshifters to destroy Avaleris by detonating a bomb that would destabilize the planet's star-core.

Confrontation with Vust Oreamia:

• Joseph’s investigation revealed that his old friend Vust Oreamia was deeply involved in the conspiracy. Their confrontation took place in a cave beneath Avaleris, where the bomb was being prepared.
• Despite their friendship, Joseph and Vust were on opposite sides of the battle, with Joseph fighting to protect Avaleris and Vust standing by the shapeshifters' cause.

Sacrifice:

• Joseph fought valiantly to stop the shapeshifters and deactivate the bomb. In the end, he was able to prevent the destruction of Avaleris, but he gave his life in the process.
• His final thoughts were of his family—Lila and their children—as he sacrificed himself to ensure their survival.

Legacy

Joseph’s Children:

• Joseph’s sacrifice left a lasting impact on his children, particularly his third son, Jack Smitthy, who would later confront Vust Oreamia.
• His youngest child, born after his death, was a symbol of the life and hope Joseph fought to preserve, though he faced his own struggles due to illness.

Vust Oreamia’s Debt:

• Years later, Jack Smitthy sought Vust Oreamia to repay the debt owed to the Smitthy family. The confrontation, though rooted in tension, led Vust to ultimately assist the Smitthy family by helping Jack secure medicine for his sick brother.

Personality and Beliefs

Faith:

• Joseph was a devout member of the Church of Latter-day Saints, and his faith played a central role in his life. He believed that the land, his family, and his ranch were gifts from God, and he lived with a strong sense of responsibility to protect them.
• His faith guided his decisions, particularly in his later life, when the threats to his family and world tested his resolve.

Courage and Responsibility:

• Joseph was known for his quiet strength, a man who preferred to lead by example rather than words. His courage in the face of danger and his willingness to sacrifice everything for the greater good made him a revered figure on Avaleris.
• His sense of responsibility extended beyond his family to the entire planet, a duty that ultimately led to his self-sacrifice.

Trivia

• Joseph’s prized Triceratops herd was considered the finest in the region.
• He had a close relationship with his father, who often told him, "God put this land in our care," a phrase Joseph carried with him throughout his life.
• The serrated blade Joseph carried during his final battle was a family heirloom, said to have been enchanted by one of the old gods.
• Vust Oreamia and Joseph shared a deep friendship during their youth, which was strained and ultimately broken by Vust's involvement in the shapeshifter conspiracy.

Quotes

• "The Lord has entrusted us with this land, and I’ll do everything I can to honor that trust."
• "There’s always another way, Vust. You’ve always known that."
• "My family... they'll be safe. That’s all that matters."