
The idea for this season has been floating around in my head for awhile, long enough ago that I had been referring to it as "Survivor: Micronesia" in my head before S16 was a thing... so I changed the name to Kosrae. I'm new to writing Survivor fan fic, and I haven't read much of it aside from a few just to get an idea of how it's done, but I've been a diehard fan of the show since the first season, I'm a pretty decent writer, and as I said, I hosted Survivor ORGs for several years... so I can assure you that I know what I'm talking about.
Logo was made by me. Cast pics are all stock photos, so none of the names used are actually the names of the people in the pictures. It's long, but I'd encourage you to read through the bios to get an understanding of the characters and their personalities.
With all that said, allow me to introduce the cast and first "promo", of sorts, for Survivor: Kosrae:
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This season, Survivor returns to the South Pacific with an all-new group of castaways eager to fight for the million-dollar prize. Amid the crystal-clear waters of Kosrae, one of the four Federated States of Micronesia, 21 contestants - more than ever before - will be marooned in nothing but their street clothes, and given limited survival supplies. They're a diverse bunch, and there are a lot of them - but that's not all that's different about this season, says host Jeff Probst. This group of Survivors is going to be treated to an opening that could determine the course of the game.
Jeff Probst: This season, we're trying something a little different. From the get-go, these guys are gonna be left completely in the dark - no tribes, no directions, just a quick "hello" from me and then they're off to survive the elements. We've tried this before, in Palau and in Fiji, but this is different, and I think people are going to be pleasantly surprised with the direction we've taken. A big theme in this season's opening moments is going to be first impressions. Who do you get along with? Who rubs you the wrong way? Who's a hard worker? We rarely give the players an opportunity to see each other in action before the game truly begins, at least in their minds. This is going to be one of those interesting opportunities.
Probst (cont.): And the cast this season... we've got a pretty diverse group. They come from everywhere across the country, from New York to Los Angeles, from Seattle to Maine, and everywhere in between. Coincidentally, the oldest contestant and the youngest this season are both huge fans of the show, the latter of whom is actually the youngest player we've ever had. The kid's 18, he just graduated high school last year. On top of that we've got a middle school gym teacher, a guy who does open-heart surgery, and a car mechanic from Alabama. It's a huge group, but they're pretty unique. I was worried that 21 might be too much, but I don't think that's the case.
Without further ado, it's time to introduce the 21 castaways competing for the title of Sole Survivor this season on Survivor: Kosrae!
Alyssa
Bio [+]
ALYSSA VASSILEV
Age: 24
Hometown: Portland, ME
Occupation: Nature Photographer
Alyssa is no stranger to being outside. When she was 13 years old, her grandmother introduced her to the outdoors, and she discovered what would become her lifelong passion in photographing the beautiful Maine coastline. She now works as a freelance landscape photographer, and her work has been featured in both local and national magazine publications. Describing herself as "a bit of a feminist", Alyssa can't stand being treated like she's helpless, or having her decisions made for her by a man. She believes her strong will, intelligence, and resilience will help her get to the end and win the million dollars.
Alyssa Says: They might as well just write me the million dollar check right now. I can take anything this game throws at me. I’ve got the survival aspect down; I’m a strong woman, a real outdoorsy kind of girl. I'm determined to show this island what I'm made of.
Probst's Take: Alyssa will have to learn to keep her mouth shut if she wants to win this game. I think she has what it takes to go far, but at the same time, she's very, very full of herself. Her mind is always working, always observing...if she keeps her opinions in check, she might have something going.
Brett
Bio [+]

BRETT GALLAGHER
Age: 18
Hometown: Long Beach, CA
Occupation: College Student
At 18 years old, Brett is the youngest Survivor contestant to ever play the game, a fact which he knows well. He's also a dedicated fan who has seen every episode, and has waited for years to be old enough to apply. Currently an undergraduate student at the University of California, Los Angeles, Brett hopes to win the million dollars to support his education. He calls himself personable, ambitious, and often underestimated, three traits that he hopes will help him in the game. In terms of how he approaches Survivor, he says he doesn't want to come across as a villain, but that if he needs to sacrifice his integrity to get himself further, he'll be more than happy to do so. Brett currently lives and studies in Los Angeles with his girlfriend of two years, Christine.
Brett Says: Survivor is one part social and one part strategic mindgame; sometimes they overlap. I need to make these people believe that I've got their best interests at heart - I need to be friends with everyone. And I can't reveal too much about myself from the start.
Probst's Take: Brett's the youngest player we've ever had. And that could work for him or against him, depending on how he uses it. He knows this game - he's smart, he's good-looking, and if he plays the right cards at the right time, Brett could go deep...but his first impression will be crucial.
Chris
Bio [+]

CHRIS DUBOIS
Age: 26
Hometown: New York, NY
Occupation: Computer Repair Technician
Born and raised in New York City, Chris is a city boy at heart. While studying for his bachelor's degree in computer science at Columbia University, Chris did a year abroad studying in France, and speaks French fluently, in addition to four other languages, excluding English. Growing up, Chris says, he was always bullied relentlessly for being different. He has always been interested in computers and currently works as a computer repairman at an independent technology store in Manhattan. He says his striking intelligence is his greatest skill, but he knows that he is socially awkward, and extremely self-conscious, which could hurt him in a game like Survivor. Chris's hobbies include playing video games, especially World of Warcraft, computer programming, and playing with his two cats, Kirky and Spock.
Chris Says: I’m going out here to prove to myself that I don’t need to be the loner, the loser, the kid the bullies always pick on. I’m almost 27 and I’m still very insecure about myself. I think my best asset is my brain and I intend to use it.
Probst's Take: Most of the men we have this season are pretty athletic, and Chris is anything but. He'll be hard-pressed to fit in with some of the alpha-male types. I think he spends a lot more time around computers than he does around people.
Dawna
Bio [+]

DAWNA NELSON
Age: 53
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Occupation: Accountant
Dawna has worked for the same firm as an accountant for the past 20 years, but she says her life's achievement is becoming a grandmother of two. She is very motherly by nature, and she loves her family. Last year, her husband was diagnosed with a serious heart condition, and she says his strength and perseverance inspire her every day. Dawna is a long-time fan of Survivor, and says that while she will be a mother to her fellow tribemates when they need it, she's not going to let them take advantage of her. She exercises frequently and leads a very healthy lifestyle, which she believes will help her to survive the elements. She describes herself as caring, energetic, and fun-loving, and firmly believes that it's time for an older woman like her to take home the million dollar prize.
Dawna Says: I love Survivor. I've seen every episode, and I know I have what it takes! I just hope these young kids don't underestimate me...I've seen what can happen to us older folks out here, and that's not me. I'm in it to win it!
Probst's Take: Dawna is an older lady, but don't let her age fool you. She knows the game inside and out, she's studied it for years. She actually applied four or five times. I think she's got a lot of fight in her and that people are going to see a very mischevious side to her personality. Definite candidate to win, if her tribe is willing to give her a chance.
Elias
Bio [+]

ELIAS GOLDENSTONE
Age: 23
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Occupation: Model
Elias is used to attracting attention. Growing up as an only child to extremely wealthy parents, Elias started modeling at the age of 16 after he was scouted while working at a clothing store. Since then, he has traveled all across America, Australia, and Europe modeling for various agencies, and dropped out of high school in his graduation year to pursue his modeling career. He describes himself as strong, fearless, and handsome, although he admits that he may be a bit of a narcissist, which could annoy some of his fellow castaways. In his free time, Elias likes to surf, work out, and spend time at the beach. He says he'll have no problem using his charm to get people on his side and work his way to the end to claim his million dollars.
Elias Says: I'm looking around at these other guys and thinking, "I can beat him" about all of them. None of them have my looks or my physicality...they should be shaking in their boots. I’m ready to show them how it’s done… Bring it on!
Probst's Take: Elias likes to irk people, and for that reason he's Tribal Council gold. He might just be the most conceited competitor we've ever had on this show. He’s extremely charismatic, but his attitude toward other people really sucks. If his tribe ever figures out that he’s as cocky as he is, well, he could be in for a surprise.
Ellie
Bio [+]

ELLIE WEAR
Age: 40
Hometown: Pine Bluff, AK
Occupation: Physical Education Teacher
Middle school gym teacher Ellie Wear is strong and disciplined, both mentally and physically. She keeps herself in unbelievable shape, because she believes that in order to be a role model for her students, she needs to lead by example and maintain a healthy lifestyle. On top of the teenagers she works with at school, Ellie is a proud mom of four, and balancing work and home, she says, is exhausting but rewarding. In terms of the game of Survivor, she compares herself to Stephenie LaGrossa of Palau, Guatemala, and Heroes vs. Villains, because of what she calls a "badass attitude", and because "she's not afraid to work hard for what she believes in". In what little free time she has, Ellie enjoys jogging, swimming, playing racquetball, and watching slasher films. Optimistic and determined, Ellie knows she has what it takes to win the game.
Ellie Says: I'm a mother of four kids, and I teach seventh-grade gym, so I’m no stranger to having to be a motivator. I think I’m definitely a leader, or at least I've been bred into one by circumstance. You don't deal with that many kids on a daily basis without learning to develop some kind of leadership ability.
Probst's Take: Ellie's one of the best-looking 40-year-olds I think I've ever seen. She's a mom, but don't let that fool you into thinking she's soft - this girl is tough as nails. She's going to be a real asset around camp, but also a big threat in the challenges.
Ian
Bio [+]

IAN HALTER
Age: 35
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Occupation: Cardiac Surgeon
Ever since he was 15 years old and his uncle told him about his career as a surgeon, Ian has wanted to work in medicine. He says that helping someone to overcome a severe illness and regain their quality of life is a feeling like nothing else. Having done his undergraduate studies at Yale University, Ian went to medical school at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where he met his wife, Dr. Melissa Cloutier, and lived there for a few years following his graduation. He is a dual citizen of both the United States and Canada, and is fluent in English, French, and Mandarin Chinese. He says that he hates people who are lazy or unambitious, and describes himself as assertive, loyal, and outgoing. He hopes that his life experience will help him adapt to the survival environment and blaze the way to the end of the game.
Ian Says: I believe that to get respect, you have to give respect. Survivor is a game that has historically been dominated by trickery, and I personally want no part in that. My strategy is to gain my tribe’s respect by proving that I am an asset, and inevitably make my way to the end without sacrificing my integrity.
Probst's Take: Dr. Ian Halter is a respected surgeon. He's very used to being in charge, and I think he expects to step out onto the beach and immediately be looked up to in the same way he is in the operating room, which may not be as likely as he thinks. But Ian has charisma, he’s a fantastic speaker and he’s very persuasive. He can potentially use that to his advantage.
Janine
Bio [+]

JANINE WORTHEN
Age: 34
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Occupation: Marketing Director
Janine has always had her sights set on success. An accomplished businesswoman, she graduated at the top of her MBA class at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, and currently works as the director of marketing at a large Chicago firm. A self-declared career woman, Janine doesn't want any kids, because she says they would only get in the way of achieving the goals that she wants to pursue. She describes herself as creative, confident, and ruthless. Janine loves to travel on her time off, and has been to more than 50 different countries on five of the seven continents. She believes that her skill set is perfect for the Survivor island, and her driven, motivated personality is what will help her get to the end.
Janine Says: I work in a cut-throat corporate environment every day of my life; no doubt in my mind, this will be cake for me. I can slice through these people like butter. Move over, Parvati, there’s a new queen of this game about to be crowned.
Probst's Take: Janine is all business, and she owns it. She's sexy, but I wouldn't want to cross her, because she's got a sharp tongue and she's extremely quick-witted. I think Janine's experience in the corporate world will translate very well onto Survivor. She could bowl over any of these other girls – or any of the guys, for that matter.
Jen
Bio [+]

JENNIFER "JEN" FIELDS
Age: 26
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Occupation: Bartender
Jen is a spunky, fun-loving, outgoing young woman who intends to use her athleticism and competitive nature to take her as far as she can go. She's seen her fair share of Survivor, and thinks she has a good idea of how to play this game: she says she has "the social skills of Parvati, the tenacity of Andrea, and just a pinch of Russell’s deviousness…a winning Survivor cocktail". Although she acknowledges that her competitiveness could be a hindrance as well as an asset. She has always loved playing team sports, and in her spare time she does rock climbing, writes poetry, and started taking acting classes last year, with hopes of breaking into Hollywood eventually. She says her mom is her inspiration in life, and if she were to win the million dollars, she would take her mother on a cruise to the Greek islands, where they have both always wanted to go.
Jen Says: I'm mentally and physically ready for this. I know I'm capable of surviving the elements. I’m a pretty easygoing person and I don’t think anyone will suspect how devious I can be. I’m all about the game, baby – I’m not out here to make friends.
Probst's Take: Jen is in it to win it, and she's very competitive. Another one of my favorites to win; she's confident but not so much as to be overbearing. Definitely, definitely, definitely going to be a huge player in this game.
Jodi
Bio [+]

JODI LIONEL
Age: 21
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Occupation: Swimsuit Model
For years, Jodi says, she's known how to manipulate men to do what she wants. She loves to be the center of attention, which comes in handy at work, where she models bathing suits. Although she currently does modeling, she says her passion is in fashion design, and her ultimate goal in life would be to see her designs featured on a runway show. Currently living in Miami, Jodi's hobbies are doing yoga, listening to music, and hanging out with her girlfriends at the beach. With regard to Survivor, she admits that facing the elements may be more difficult than she expects. Describing herself as flirtatious, easy-going, and excitable, she hopes that those traits can help her overcome her competitors and outwit her way to the million dollars.
Jodi Says: I probably come across pretty one-dimensional, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I fully intend to use it to my advantage, though. I want to play the dumb girl, the prom queen who needs a strong man to guide me and be my prince. Because after all, that strong man could guide me right to the end…
Probst's Take: This girl is probably one of the most stunningly beautiful women ever to play the game of Survivor. She’ll have the guys wrapped around her finger within the first few days if she wants to. Jodi’s problem will be avoiding conflict with the other women, especially the older women, who are a lot sharper than she is and who will figure out what she’s up to pretty fast.
John
Bio [+]

JOHN CALLAHAN
Age: 48
Hometown: Ford City, PA
Occupation: Furniture Store Owner
Family man John personifies the average guy. Dividing his time between the demanding job of operating a busy furniture store and keeping track of his two kids at home, he tries to find time between all of that to keep himself in good shape, which he thinks he is, for a man who's almost 50 years old. He can't stand anyone who manipulates the emotions of others to get their way, and that kind of immorality is something he wants to avoid during his time on the island. He calls himself respectful, positive, and honest, qualities which he hopes others will be able to relate to. Although not intensely religious, he says he comes from a Catholic family and believes in God, who he hopes will lend him a helping hand while he's on Survivor.
John Says: I’m the long shot, the old guy, the father of two with family values at heart. I don’t want to step on anyone's toes. I've seen enough Survivor to know that people like me don't last very long… hopefully I can change that stereotype.
Probst's Take: John has a lot more life experience than any of the other men out here. He's very charming, a real family man. I think his tribe would benefit from his wisdom; he’s very fatherly, not too pushy, and he has a good grasp of the game. It's just a question of whether his tribe wants those qualities or not. The first few days will be crucial for John. If he's in, then he's in. If he's on the outs, he could easily be one of the first to go.
Juan
Bio [+]

JUAN RIVERA
Age: 24
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Occupation: Waiter
Originally from Colombia, Juan was adopted by a foster family in San Francisco when he was just four years old, having emigrated with his parents who were deemed unprepared and incapable of taking care of him due to their financial difficulty. Having since reunited with his mother and father, Juan looks at his past as an experience that has helped to shape the person that he is. A silent person by nature, Juan works out daily and is extremely athletic. He plays baseball, surfs, and swims competitively. Describing himself as persevering and dedicated, Juan doesn't like lazy people, or anyone who isn't willing to work hard. Having overcome adversity in his own life, he spends time volunteering with the poor to pass on some of the good fortune that he feels he has had. He hopes to use his physical prowess to win the game, acknowledging that is where his greatest strengths lie.
Juan Says: My strength lies in my physicality. I won’t pretend to be conniving and strategic. I need to work hard, observe, and keep myself out of the way. People might perceive me as a threat and I certainly wouldn’t want that.
Probst's Take: Juan has had a tough go. He immigrated to the US from Colombia when he was 4 years old to live with a foster family, and a poverty-stricken one at that. He needs the money, and his heart is in the right place.
Mona
Bio [+]

MONA NEWMAN
Age: 25
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Occupation: Hotel Receptionist
Mona says that what has driven her to be on Survivor is a latent sense of adventure. At 25 years old, she has never spent any time outside of the Los Angeles city limits, and admits that she wouldn't know where to even start if she had to make a fire, catch a fish, or even pitch a tent. She says her inspiration in life comes from the music of pop star Katy Perry, who she admires for her originality, spontaneity, and talent. She loves to shop, relax by her indoor pool, and go clubbing in the evening. Working as a receptionist, she says, has caused her to develop great patience and people skills, and she wants to use those skills to make strong bonds with her fellow castaways. She says she's fun, exciting, and energetic, and can't stand people who think they're better than they are.
Mona Says: I’m from Los Angeles, I’ve lived here all my life, and I’ve never left the city before… except for one time when I flew to San Francisco because my aunt died. So this adventure has been 25 years in the making! I’m really excited to see the world.
Probst's Take: This poor girl has no idea what she's getting into. Mona is going to be a fish out of water out here. Her lack of knowledge and utter obliviousness to just about everything is almost adorable. But people are going to get sick of coddling her pretty fast. I will be shocked if she makes it past Day 6, if she doesn't accidentally float out to sea with the tide before then.
Nash
Bio [+]

NASHVILLE "NASH" CASHWOOD
Age: 22
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Occupation: Country Musician
Although it sounds like a stage name, and probably could be, Nashville was named so by two parents who grew up in the capital of country and were so proud, they had to show it. Although he used to be teased for his name, Nash says he's embraced it over time, and that its uniqueness has helped him establish himself as a musician. He was taught how to play the guitar by his uncle when he was only seven years old, and it has turned into a passion for music that he is trying to turn into a career. He admires anyone who follows their dreams and achieves their goals against all odds. He calls himself motivated, hard-working, and determined, and believes his wit, smile, and Southern charm will help him win the million dollars.
Nash Says: I believe I can do this. I'm a little intimidated, but I don't wanna let them know that. I gotta use all my skills, I gotta treat this like just another audition. I'm going in with my head held high. I'm maybe not as mature or as smart as some of these people, but I've got heart.
Probst's Take: Nashville - yes, that's his real name - is all country. He comes from the capital of country music and he owns it like he should. He’s a good kid, he’s got morals. But I get the feeling that it wouldn't take much to sway those morals. He's very gullible, very malleable. He should be wary, for his own sake, that nobody takes him for a ride and makes him into a disposable pawn, because he's a quiet dude, and that could happen to him pretty easily.
Nathan
Bio [+]

NATHAN WINTER
Age: 29
Hometown: Boston, MA
Occupation: Sports Promoter
Nathan Winter grew up in Boston, went to college in California, spent three years in Australia, and returned to the United States to begin a career in sports promotion. His greatest attribute, he says, is his sense of humor. He says he wants to use his light-heartedness to relieve the tension of being stuck on an island for 39 days with the same people, and he would rather tell jokes than lies. But he won't be afraid to play hardball if it comes down to it. He says he's funny, mischievous, and kind-hearted. He played soccer all through college, and still keeps it up as a hobby, as well as reading, video games, and playing the guitar. Before being cast on Survivor, Nathan said he would never want to be a part of a reality TV show, but he's looking forward to the experience and the adventure of a lifetime.
Nathan Says: The hardest part for me will be taking everything so seriously. If I wasn't a promoter I would have gone into stand-up comedy for sure... I just try to make people laugh, it's how I communicate. But I've seen enough of this show to know that you can't just come in here, crack a few jokes, make some friends, and walk away with a million bucks. It doesn't work like that. Those people never get to the end.
Probst's Take: Nate could win it all. He's hilarious and likable. He's got a good head on his shoulders. He's physically capable, and he could fit in with pretty much any group of people he wanted to. He reminds me of a less demonic Johnny Fairplay. It would surprise me to see Nathan gone pre-merge, unless he does something really stupid.
Portia
Bio [+]

PORTIA DELGADO
Age: 23
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Occupation: Paralegal
Peruvian princess Portia Delgado was born and raised in Seattle, but her parents moved to the US from Peru while her mother was still pregnant with her. As such, Portia grew up in a household where Spanish was the language spoken most of the time, and learned to speak English fluently by the time she was twelve. After graduating from high school, she moved to pursue a career in theater in New York, but ultimately ended up going to college and is now working as a paralegal. She describes herself as opinionated, somewhat cynical, and feisty. She has a general zest for life and carefree attitude that she says people will love, both on the island and at home, and which will help her achieve her goal of being the Sole Survivor.
Portia Says: I'm gonna be a bitch, but I'll be America's bitch. I tell it like it is. But people love that... I'm a lovable bitch. It bugs me when people come on this show and say "Oh, I'm gonna be honest, I'm gonna be nice to everyone", because that's not what it's about.
Probst's Take: Portia will tell you what she thinks about everything at any given time. The chances of Portia winning the game are very slim. Her physical strength isn't very impressive, and unless she can learn how to keep her mouth firmly shut, she's going to end up pissing somebody off eventually. Maybe she won't be the first one out, but she certainly won't be the last one standing.
Ruby
Bio [+]

RUBY JEWELL
Age: 30
Hometown: Albuquerque, NM
Occupation: Hairdresser
Ruby's sassy attitude and vivacious personality are two things she says will win over her fellow tribemates. Born and raised in New Mexico, Ruby currently works as a hairstylist and aesthetician in Los Angeles, and has aspirations of opening her own salon someday. She says she is willing to do whatever it takes to get to the end and win the million dollars, which would help put her on her way to achieving her goal. Having just separated from her fiance of two years, Ruby is out to prove that she is a strong, independent woman. She describes herself as smart, spunky, and adventurous. In her spare time, she sings with a local gospel choir and loves to cook and try new recipes. She prides herself with great communication skills, and says she can get along with anyone.
Ruby Says: In my job, I have to perfect the first time. I can't pick the hair up off the floor and start again. In Survivor, I gotta approach this kinda the same way. The people I become friends with need to be the right ones, the ones I can trust. I gotta be meticulous about who I hook up with.
Probst's Take: Ruby is a question mark in a lot of ways. She has a spunky attitude that may get on some people's nerves. With that said, Ruby might surprise people with how well she can work them to get what she wants.
Rusty
Bio [+]

KELLAND "RUSTY" MCGUINTY
Age: 22
Hometown: Gadsden, AL
Occupation: Auto Mechanic
Rusty knew from the time he first saw the inside of a car that he wanted to be a mechanic. The problem-solving skills he's developed in his job, he says, will help him to keep a level head while he's on Survivor. Rusty says his passion in life is his family, and he is inspired by his parents and their dedication to him and his siblings. He wants to prove that he can play and win this game without lying, or cheating, or stabbing anyone in the back. He describes himself as honest, hard-working, and stubborn. If he were to win the million dollars, he says he would give some to his family, and give most of the rest of it to charity.
Rusty Says: I know that I can do this. My plan is to be myself. I think I'm pretty likable, I generally get along with a lot of people. Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I think I can win this game without tellin' any lies. I just gotta get with the right group.
Probst's Take: No season of Survivor would be complete without the good ol' boy from the South. Rusty's very genuine, very trustworthy and likable. Physically he's very capable; Rusty's problem will be aligning with people who might take advantage of him and his honest, down-home values.
Tess
Bio [+]

TESS ENGLISH
Age: 21
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Occupation: Harvard Honors Student
Although she comes across as bookish and studious, Tess English says her fiercely competitive nature is what got her admitted to Harvard, and what will help her to take home Survivor's top prize. A Harvard student in her third year of study, Tess says that it's not natural intelligence that has gotten her to where she is in her life, although that definitely helped. She says her loyalty and determination are her greatest strengths. When she's not studying, Tess is an avid gamer and can be found screaming at her television into the early hours of the morning, playing her Xbox 360 - although she refuses to define herself as a "gamer chick". Social, diligent, and indefatigable are words she uses to describe her personality, demonstrating what is obviously a fairly extensive vocabulary, as well. Tess says she's in this game to win, and she won't settle for second place.
Tess Says: I'm excited to get out there and get started. I'm a little worried about the survival aspect, because I haven't really been camping that much, or spent a lot of time outdoors. I spend a lot of time with my head buried in a textbook.
Probst's Take: Harvard honors student Tess will have a hard time convincing her tribe to keep her in the early days of the game, when physical strength is so important. But past that point, she's clever enough to stay out of the way, and likable enough to win. I like Tess.
Vince
Bio [+]

VINCE PAGE
Age: 30
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Occupation: Building Contractor
Having played football in high school and college, Vince knows that his physicality and athleticism is his best attribute. His football career ended when he dropped out of Purdue University, and he now works in construction. He's not worried about his muscularity making him appear to be a threat on the island, and is confident that his strength will be to his advantage. He describes himself as strong, confident, and outspoken. He admits that he can often come across somewhat overbearing. His hobbies include playing football with his friends, partying, working out at the gym, and hanging out at home with his Newfoundland dog, Rex.
Vince Says: Bro, this game has never seen anything like me before. I'm gonna crush the rest of these pussies before they even see me coming. Nobody can beat me in any of these challenges... no way. It ain't gonna happen.
Probst's Take: Vince has no charisma at all, and I think he probably sticks his foot in his mouth a lot. But his sheer size will intimidate a lot of people...and I think he's got a lot to work on socially or he'll be a goner.
Zack
Bio [+]

ZACK BILLET
Age: 24
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Occupation: Law Student
Zack is a student in law school at Syracuse University whose life changed completely about a year ago when he came out as gay to his friends, his family... and his girlfriend of five years. His entire family has been extremely supportive, and his now ex-girlfriend was very understanding, but he is still working to understand the person he has become because of it. Determined to keep his personal details a secret from his fellow castaways, he intends to tell as few people as possible about his sexuality, not because he is embarrassed by it but because he doesn't want it to affect their judgment of his character. He describes himself as clever, calculating, and realistic. When he's not studying hard toward his education, Zack likes to play sports, go jogging, and is currently in the process of working toward his black belt in judo. Zack believes he has the strategy, the motivation, and the intelligence necessary to take him to the end of the game and the title of Sole Survivor.
Zack Says: I'm here to win. I'll do whatever I have to do to get to the end. I don't think anyone's going to be threatened by the skinny guy who keeps his mouth shut most of the time, but it's what they don't know I'm doing that they need to be worried about.
Probst's Take: Zack is shrewd. Just talking to him you feel like he's hiding something. I think people will have a hard time trusting Zack, and that will be his downfall. He's a fan, but that does not by any means make him a winner - that he has to prove.
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So there's the cast, post your thoughts, if you're interested in following, who you like, who you don't like, etc. Sorry about the massive post/wall of text, I'm generally a pretty long-winded person, so expect lots of writing.
Check back on Saturday the 31st for Episode One: "Like a Bunch of Stupid Sheep".
Cheers.


