O is for... Organon

Organon was an astrologer from the planet Chloris. He had demonstrated his gifts to most of the nobles of the planet but eventually fell foul of the Lady Adrasta - one of the most powerful individuals on Chloris due to her monopoly of metals. Organon had told her about a visitor from the stars and, unable to give her specific details, she grew angry and had him thrown into The Pit. This was the entrance to abandoned mine workings in which a dreadful monster dwelt. No-one survived this ordeal - apart from him. He was able to hide away in a corner of the mine, and here encountered the Doctor after he climbed down into it. 

It transpired that the creature was a Tythonian ambassador called Erato, imprisoned by Adrasta to prevent it from negotiating a trade deal which would mean imports of metals to Chloris in exchange for chlorophyl - something which would undermine her position.

Organon helped the Doctor free Erato, which killed Adrasta. 

He pretended to psychically know the contents of the new trade agreement in order to impress the man who took over Adrasta's court - having managed to sneak a peek. However, his foretelling of visitors from the star suggested that he actually had genuine skills.

Played by: Geoffrey Bayldon. Appearances: The Creature From The Pit (1979)

• Bayldon was one of the first choices to play the Doctor when the series was devised in 1963. His career had been characterised by playing people much older than himself and so he turned the role down as he didn't want to do this again.
• He would later play an alternative First Doctor on audio.
• Another Doctor Who connection is his role as the Crowman, builder of scarecrow Worzel Gummidge in the Jon Pertwee-starring TV series.
• After years of character roles, he gained fame in 1969 as the displaced Medieval wizard Catweazle.
• He had a scene opposite Peter Cushing in Hammer's Dracula, and other horror roles included Amicus anthologies Tales from the Crypt and Asylum.
• He was Q in the unofficial / spoof Bond movie Casino Royale.
• His partner was actor Alan Rowe, who appeared in The Moonbase, The Time Warrior, Horror of Fang Rock and Full Circle.