William Conrad

Conrad approaches life scientifically and is willing to cross severe ethical boundaries in pursuit of his research. His knowledge of Plants is exceptional, but neither the manga nor Stampede portrays that expertise as morally neutral.

In Stampede, he repeatedly conducts experiments intended to produce stronger humans who can survive without dependence on Plants. Subjects are treated as research material when their suffering serves that objective.

His relationship with Knives is also more complicated than simple devotion. Conrad's scientific interests and guilt connect him to Knives, but fear, coercion and conflicting motives shape their partnership.

Conrad is an ordinary human whose principal ability is his extraordinary scientific knowledge. He specializes in Plants and possesses expertise extending back to the SEEDS era.

In Stampede, Conrad uses biological experimentation and advanced technology to alter human subjects. His research produces physically enhanced individuals with greatly increased strength, endurance and regenerative ability.

Rollo and members of the Eye of Michael demonstrate the consequences of this work. Conrad's research is also connected to Nicholas D. Wolfwood's enhanced physiology.

In the manga, Conrad originally serves aboard Project SEEDS and possesses specialized knowledge about Plants. He is involved in the experiments performed on Tesla, the first Independent Plant born aboard the ships. Discovering what humans did to Tesla becomes a crucial influence on Knives's hatred of humanity.

Knives later forces Conrad to work for him, exploiting Conrad's guilt while using his Plant expertise. Conrad conducts research while also attempting to understand and limit the consequences of Knives's plans.

Stampede expands his involvement with human enhancement. Conrad oversees experiments on children taken by the Eye of Michael, including Rollo, Wolfwood and Livio, attempting to create humans capable of surviving without Plants.

Millions Knives employs Conrad for his scientific knowledge. Their manga relationship is poisoned by Conrad's involvement in the experiments on Tesla, which Knives discovered as a child.

Vash the Stampede knew Conrad during the SEEDS era in the manga.

Rem Saverem was Conrad's fellow Project SEEDS crew member in the manga continuity.

Rollo becomes one of Conrad's experimental subjects in Stampede. Conrad's procedures transform the sick child into Monev the Gale.

Nicholas D. Wolfwood is another product of the human-enhancement research associated with Conrad and the Eye of Michael in Stampede.

Livio undergoes related experimentation through the same organization.

Elendira the Crimsonnail is closely associated with Conrad in Stampede. She is an artificial human-Plant hybrid created through his research.