Benedict's New Power: RosePetalPower

Comments from the GM

1. One question I had was how does Durus feel about Benedict's not so likable side... Is he blinded by loyalty or does he have misgivings... Or is it just the way a proper klingon would react

Player Response

Well, I figure that he is not blinded by loyalty...just willing to cut his leader some slack. Many Klingon leaders - and Remulan leaders, etc, etc, - have a "not so likeable" side.

What I mean is, hey, this guy is King of a very difficult domain to rule. There are a lot of personal failings that can be ameliorated with good counsel. Durus is not above pointing out deficiences in certain orders; a good general is supposed to advise the commander-in-chief. But that's what it is: advice. The King has the final say. The Durus will carry out the orders to the best of his ability, and if things don't work out, will reiterate how the strategy was lacking, in hopes that the commander will learn. But Durus has a lot of patience (he served Gowron, for god's sake) and does not pretend to tell Benedict how to run the kingdom. His biological mom and aunt got in a lot of trouble that way.

Player Update

Okay, so I'm still figuring out how to do this Wiki thing. For contributions, I'm going to do the same as last year: Trumps and a Web Page. I'm also going to Wiki Edit, but since I don't know my way around Wikis yet, I basically took Wiki "Assistant Editor" for contribuiton. Let me know what you think of the first draft of the character, below. I'm certain I'm ungodly in Stength (or actually godly, which was the intention); and I also wanted to be first or second in Warfare, appropriate given his background.

Character Sheet

Character Name: General Durus Valens Player Name: Chris Lightfoot

Attributes: 200
Psyche A
Strength 100
Endurance 25
Warfare 115

Powers: 5
Basic Pattern 0
Cosmetic Shape Shift 5
While under conscious control, Durus’ shape shift also subtly effects his appearance, mimicking racial characteristics of the local shadow. He does not revert to previous appearance when unconscious, but only when he wills it.

Stuff: 6
Good Stuff 6

Artifacts/Creatures: 12
Sword of Honor 12
Deadly Damage, Invulnerable, Limited Shape Shift
Commissioned from Lucien (if he’s still around), this weapon is essentially a really big sword; though it can also be a really big spear, a really big bow, etc. at need. Of course, Durus’ favorite shape is when it is a really big bat’leth. He hasn’t practiced with a whole lot of non-weapon forms, but in a pinch he could have a really big tent pole….

Other Items: 2
Trumps 2
A deck with all the elders, and Amber Castle; also Remulus, Arden, Amber Harbor, and people trumps of any next-generation folks (like Durus himself) who are not on Benedict’s shit list.

Contributions: 25
Trumps 10
Web Page 10
Wiki Assist 5

Connection:
Durus' connection is with his father, Gerard. Fathers are very important in Klingon tradition, and Durus grew up not knowing his. Now that he knows he is Durus son of Gerard of the House of Amber, he will defend that identity to the death, and follow his father to the gates of Hell.

Colors: Red and White

Physical Description:
Durus is a huge man, dark-skinned, with a shaved head and a wide, infectious grin.

Background:

Decades ago, Gerard was on an errand that brought him to a high-tech Shadow, a place where Klingons exist. Gerard was staying in an outpost on a wild planet, where Klingons often went to experience extreme safaris. It was here he met Lursa of the House of Duras. Gerard was smitten by this warrior-woman, and Lursa, for her part, desired the strength that this man possessed. The two had a whirlwind affair, and when it was clear that Gerard could not be persuaded to stay (and assist in the House of Duras’ attempts to control the Klingon Empire), Lursa took steps to increase the possibility that their trysts would result in a child.

For this or some other reason, after Gerard left, Lursa did discover she was indeed pregnant. She gave birth to a son, late in earth year 2370, which she named Kahless, intending him to some day rule the Empire. Lursa gave the child over to Maj, a young woman of the House of Duras, to watch while Lursa continued her efforts to seize control of the Empire. Lursa and her sister B’Etor died in one such attempt in 2371.

Maj raised young Kahless in the Klingon tradition. After his cousin, Toral, was killed by the Romulan Sela, Kahless was assumed to be the heir apparent of the House of Duras. This eventually came to pass, but in ways no one expected.

Rather than embracing the subterfuge that had long characterized the House of Duras, young Kahless proved to be the embodiment of honor. This may have been an outgrowth of his great strength; he grew so strong that it became easy to accidentally hurt others. Perhaps this was the source of his mercy. By adolescence, he became known as Kahless HoS? , or Kahless the Strong. He became a mighty warrior, trusted right hand of Chancellor Gowron, and the youngest Klingon ever to reach the rank of General. He single-handedly restored the honor and status of the House of Duras.

Years later, General Kahless’ flagship, the Redemption, encountered a space-time anomaly that was actually a localized Shadow-storm. The ship crashed in the Golden Circle Kingdom of Remulus. Kahless was the only survivor. Thought to be a demon or monster, a weakened Kahless was thrown into the gladiatorial games. He survived hundreds of bouts, gaining the name Durus Valens, “the strong, enduring one.” Kahless was very pleased, especially at how similar the name was to his Klingon house, and embraced the name thereafter.

Tiring of being a mere gladiator, Durus overthrew the local Legate and set himself up as ruler of a local province. This sort of disturbance did sit well with King Benedict, who sent Gerard to deal with it. This led to a great battle, with Gerard and Durus locked in personal combat for days. From tidbits that Durus dropped during the epic struggle, Gerard formed certain suspicions, and called a truce. Gerard was stunned to hear Durus’s tale, and revealed his parentage. Durus agreed to return to Amber with Gerard.

King Benedict declared that Durus should walk the Pattern to prove his Amber blood. Durus did so, and as a result not only gained the basic Pattern abilities, but also the ability to slightly modify his appearance, so that he only appears as a Klingon (forehead ridges and all) when he wishes it.

Durus reveled in his new power, and declared loyalty to King Benedict in return. Gerard officially recognized Durus, and educated him in the ways of Amber. Durus has served in the Royal Navy for years, and also trained with the Armies of Amber, the Rangers in Arden, and across shadow. He has returned briefly to the Klingon homeworld of Qo'noS to explain that he as accepted his destiny as a Prince in an “alternate universe.” Old Chancellor Gowron has grudgingly accepted this, though he fears that Durus may one day return to challenge him, for there are still thousands of Klingons that would rally around Kahless the Strong.

Durus serves Amber to this day, and has been granted the status of General of Amber in his own right. He is hailed as a hero in Remulus (there is a statue on the site of his battle with Gerard commemorating the titanic struggle), and is popular in Amber for his great strength and his great heart – for while being fiercely loyal to King Benedict, he often speaks up for the side of mercy and honor.

Write up response

Awesome write up, the contributions are fine, and I'm looking forward to having more trumps!... I'll respond more in depth later... Also what? No RosePetalPower? I thought that would be just up your ally, hehehe

-- BenBernard - 29 May 2007

Yeah, while the Rose Petal Power is totally in-universe and makes sense, it didn't really fit for my character.

-- ChrisLightfoot - 29 May 2007

I love the new picture on the public descriptions page!

-- BenBernard - 01 Jun 2007

Thanks for the kudos on the picture! I'm enjoying doing the new Trumps. And they will all have rose borders.

I've also been thinking more about General Valens. If Benedict is really portrayed as a despot, then Valens is the decent follower, who unwittingly promotes tyrrany in the service of order. I expect that Valens may have been involved in a military operation or two that are viewed as brutal repressions by some, but as necessary maneuvers by Valens and Benedict. It wouldn't surprise me if Valens was known as "the Butcher of _____" by some in the resistance. I know I'm setting the character up...but it fits. Just some thoughts.

-- ChrisLightfoot - 07 Jun 2007

Cool, Cool. That definitely fits with what I'm thinking. As far as Benedict as a despot goes, I really believe that Benedict has done everything right, and he is able to convince people around him (with or without his Rose Petal Power) that he is following the right course, so I think that there is definitely room for the well-intentioned follower type, as you describe

-- BenBernard - 07 Jun 2007

I assume you're expecting to win strength (as of now you are)? What about warfare?

Another question... If it came down to Benedict or Gerard, whom would Durus choose? (answer is of course, non-binding) Would it depend on the situation or would he always side with his father? (would honor demand a particular path?)

-- BenBernard - 07 Jun 2007

Creation Update

Dang! I didn't see this until today. I didn't realized I'd be in running for first in Warfare. After the first session, I kind of assume Durus has come in at Third (behind Aife and Thomas). I have two questions: first, if I spend the 20 points from last session in Warfare (Durus is really pissed at how easily Aife eluded him) do I stand a chance in going up a rank? Probably not as high as Aife, but still... Second, are you going to be giving points every game?

-- ChrisLightfoot - 14 Jun 2007

If you spend all 20 points, you will be very close to the 2nd ranked, as of right now... And, yeah, besides Andi and Thomas I don't think Durus has seen anyone else he would hesitate over in warfare.

Yep, I do plan on giving points every game

-- BenBernard - 15 Jun 2007

Then I am slamming all 20 points into Warfare. Still stinging that I didn't notice in time to make initial adjustments...oh, well, I'll get over it.

-- ChrisLightfoot - 15 Jun 2007

Regarding Benedict vs. Gerard...well, that's Durus' worst nightmare, isn't it? He'd be placed between loyalty to family and loyalty to King. It would really depend on how strong an argument which side made. The factors would be the following: 1) Honor. Did one of them do something unforgivably dishonorable? If Benedict killed an Elder for petty reasons, or started marching across Shadow obliterating everything in his path (again, for no good reason...if he had a good reason that would be okay), or was trying to kill Durus, or otherwise proved himself unfit to rule, then Durus would throw in with Gerard. If Gerard raised a rebellion (without Benedict having done something unforgivably dishonorable), or otherwise went insane, Durus would definitely stay loyal to Benedict. Factor 2) The Greatest Good for the Greatest Number. Okay, this is a Vulcan (and communist, and Buddhist) philosophy, but you see what I mean. If Benedict stood to wipe out ther rest of the Golden Circle like he did Weirmonken, or unilaterally invaded Chaos when they didn't have weapons of mass destruction...then Gerard might be able to convince Durus that the Universe couldn't stand a Benedict administration any longer. Factor 3) A Higher Power. If the Unicorn sided with one or the other, or every Elder, Scion and Chaosian seemed to line up in a certain way, that could sway Durus.

-- ChrisLightfoot - 14 Jun 2007

Post First Session

Thank you for running! It was a very fun first session.

After the events of the first session, Durus wants to visit the Grove of the Unicorn. There is enough worry about Benedict's actions to try to go to the source. This would essentially be a spirit-journey, where he would strip and chant and meditate, looking for inspiration from the gods. In this case, a very specific god: the Unicorn.

-- ChrisLightfoot - 10 Jun 2007

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Is Durus given much to visions? Is this a common thing for him, has he ever sought guidance from the Unicorn before? Or is he so troubled by the King's actions that he is looking for answers in new places?

-- BenBernard - 10 Jun 2007

Durus is not given more to visions than any other Klingon descendant, but the kind of spirit-quest he has in mind is right up their mythology. He has never sought guidance from the Unicorn before, believing that the goddess (which the Unicorn is, in Durus' view) spoke through the King. Durus is beginning to wonder about that, now. So he is doing something entirely new. He is tired of the lies that seems to be abounding, and is even beginning to doubt the word of the King. This is a long shot, Durus' equivalent of "I'm going to have to do a lot of praying about this." Durus has no problem with approaching the Unicorn in this manner, because the Klingon gods are kind of like the Greek gods: very anthropomorphic, and it wouldn't be unusual to bump into them if you were a major player.

He is definitely troubled. He's troubled about Julian's betrayal. He's equally as troubled about what appears to be Benedict's over-reaction. Benedict never let Ellison speak, or even detail her crimes before carrying out an exectution. And the execution was ignominious, ill befitting a King and a Princess of Amber.

Durus feels that Benedict's current blackmail strategy is only doomed to cause more strife - just look at what happened between Aife and her mother to see that it's already happening.

But before Durus goes to the King with his doubts, he needs to seek some counsel. And he doesn't believe that others of his relatives will be honest with him, or even if they are going to be honest, they might not know enough to be helpful (e.g., Gizette). Thus the effort to go to the source.

-- ChrisLightfoot - 11 Jun 2007

I'll have more in your vision after this trip... but the notes in the summary you added about elison / benedict, oh, so sad, now

-- BenBernard - 11 Jun 2007

Yes, it was incredibly poingnant. And makes her death all the more tragic.

After Andi's description of the game as "Stormtrooper," Leslie suggested instead your games are "Sturm und Drang."

-- ChrisLightfoot - 11 Jun 2007

Oh wow! Benedict's trump is awesome! Really great. I love the contrast between the two images

-- BenBernard - 15 Jun 2007

Thanks! I had decided on Hugo Weaving as Benedict even before I remembered he played Elrond in LOTR. Then I found those wonderful images, including the elven army. Some manipulation and the additon of a Jewel of Judgement and a Rose later, and we have the two sides of Benedict. I wanted to show him both as the concerned king, and the bloody, screaming revenant he becomes when betrayed. I was very pleased with how it turned out.

-- ChrisLightfoot - 15 Jun 2007

Unicorn Visions

Back to Durus' meditation in the grove (sorry it took so long to get back to you):

It takes a long time, but Durus is patient enough, I assume. As you reach out in search of something, anything to guide your path, eventually you will get the impression that something is watching you. As you turn around to see what it is, a child will be standing there. This is a small girl of age 9 or 10. She looks up at you with with flashing green eyes and says in a childish voice "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be with the King? Aren't you his man?" She looks at you quizzically, and you get the impression that she's not really sure you're going to answer. She giggles and runs off into the forest.

-- BenBernard - 15 Jun 2007

"I am the King's man," Durus calls after the retreating child-figure. "The question is, is the King still the Unicorn's man?" Durus leaps up and attempts to track her through the forest.

-- ChrisLightfoot - 15 Jun 2007

As you chase after girl, she gradually pulls away from you, despite your best efforts. Eventually you are careening through the forest with nothing to guide you but glimpses of her long back hair.

At the last moment, when you think you have lost her to Arden and will never be able to find any of the answers you seek, you break through the forest cover and see Kolvir towering over the forest in front of you. The girl is waiting for you, smiling. "You came, I wasn't sure anyone cared about me anymore!" She grabs your hand and begins to pull you (as best a child can) up the stairs leading to the castle.

Despite the long journey, the child seems to have boundless energy. She insists that you not ask too many questions, "It wouldn't be a surprise then!"

As you crest the top of the stairs, she turns to you, "See!" and you do see. As you look around the outside walls of the castle, you see an Amber that has only been described to you in story. No guards line the walls. No traitors heads are laid at the base of those walls. The gates themselves, lie proudly open, and there are people! In your Amber the King has long since removed all unnecessary people from the castle grounds, since they could destract him or hide assassins, but here people are thronging. As you watch, they come and go with airy indifference, and you can feel that each of them is working towards the good of Amber.

"This is what the Unicorn wants. She hasn't made a mistake yet."

-- BenBernard - 15 Jun 2007

"An admirable vision," Durus replies, hesitant to blink lest the tableau disappear. Tearing himself away from the glimpse of utopian Amber, he looks down from his considerable height upon the small child-figure.

"No mistakes? Then our King - long may he live - is not a miscalculation? I am reassured. Yet, he deviates from this dream of peace...and seems increasingly mistrustful and anxious, consumed by troubles that lead to strife, and death. Already, three scions of Amber - his own flesh and blood - are imprisoned for opposing him; his sister is dead at his own hand; a child kills her very mother to escape his control; and many are held hostage to bend hearts and minds to his will. Is all this, too, part of the plan?"

-- ChrisLightfoot - 16 Jun 2007

"Not many agree with Her, me least of all, but she says all in happening as she wishes... I can't stay much longer, you just looked so sad, I wanted to show you what we have. You'll join us soon enough". As the scene fades from view, you think she says something else, you can't hear it, but you can see her lips "I no longer trust her" she seems to say. You are left in the grove.

-- BenBernard - 16 Jun 2007

Durus hangs his head, not daring to look back at the castle, hoarding his image of the ideal Amber like a treasure, burying it deep within his memory, safe, protected – but hidden. Without glancing behind, he turns his back and plows down the mountain, trampling seedlings and even full-grown trees in a blind retreat. When he reaches the grove and the gear - the life - he had left behind, if only for a moment, he opens his eyes fully for the first time since the vision at the top of the stairs. Raising his head as if ascending from the depths of dream, he enrobes himself in his armor and reclaims his sword. Spine straight, posture as razor-sharp as only a career soldier can hone it, every inch the King's man, General Valens ventures forth from the grove, the words of the child-figure whispering from the sarcophagus of entombed recollection in his soul. If the Unicorn has truly decreed it – if these dark days are but a dreary and twisted curve in the glorious road toward the brilliant paragon of Amber – then to refuse to walk this path would be to defy the very gods. And if the gods cannot be trusted, or if the light is far in the distance behind an impenetrable and incessant midnight; then he will have to be steadfast, and he will have to shine.

-- ChrisLightfoot - 16 Jun 2007

Return of the General

Ben,

Durus returns to the castle and his apartments, shines his armor, and walks determinedly toward Gerard's chambers. He plans on speaking with his father to make sure that Gerard is still the King's right hand, but also to solicit Gerard's support in confronting Benedict. Durus intends on petitioning the king to 1) improve treatment of the prisoners; 2) follow more formal procedures for trying and executing traitors; 3) reconsider the path of blackmail to secure the family's cooperation. He wants to make sure Gerard will stand by him, and give advice on how best to broach these subjects with the King.

-- ChrisLightfoot - 16 Jun 2007

When you come to Gerard's room, you find the King waiting outside your father's room, leaning against a wall. He looks up with you round the corner. "Looking for Gerard, or just guidance? I can guarantee you that the unicorn isn't inside this room, so if you didn't find it at the grove, you won't find whatever you're looking for here. Also, Gerard is off taking care... of a few things for me, so you won't find him either."

-- BenBernard - 17 Jun 2007

The General bows, betraying no outward sign of the unexpected sting that Benedict's cruel jibes have caused. He does his best to project humility, and confidence. "The Unicorn does not speak to me, your majesty, though I have heard her words."

Durus straightens and looks the king in the eye. His words are slow, measured and respectful - yet spoken with conviction. He is sure of their merit; his only uncertainty is how they will be recieved.

"My king, I was indeed seeking my father. There was much I wished to discuss, but since he is about your business, I will broach these subjects to you myself.

"First, I would like to petition against any abuse of the prisoners. Whatever else they are - and Julian, at least, is certainly a foul traitor - they are also princes of Amber. They deserve better than to be left injured without medical attention. Treatment with respect can also encourage the prisoners and their associates to act honorably in return.

"On the subject of deserving better: may I suggest a more formal process for charging and executing criminals. Princess Elison's death was ignominious, however deserved. Informal mention of her crimes post facto does not satisfy the demands of honor; it undermines confidence in the process, and gives the impression that such sentences are artibrary or non-proportional. It is vital that all have confidence in the wisdom of your justice.

"Finally, I beg you to reconsider using the current prisoners to coerce other family members. Attempts to subborn them are sure to do more harm than good. It has already failed on Aife; I fear it may well break Sakura; and Gizette would aid you with naught but a well-reasoned argument. Only obedience can be forced; cooperation must be negotiated; and loyalty is only ever freely given. Surely you have enough loyal subjects - among which I number myself and my father - to deal with this latest Chaosian threat? Must the prisoners serve as hostage?"

-- ChrisLightfoot - 17 Jun 2007

As the King hears your words, you can see an internal struggle with in him. As you continue to speak, at times you seem him grimace in anger, and his hands twitch towards his sword. By the time you are finished, he seems calm again, and with a touch of lightness in his voice he says, "Oh Durus. I do consider you one of my most faithful and reliable subjects, and I hear your intent even if your words disturb me. If you wish, and they mean so much to you, see to the medical treatment of the prisoners. I would not have anyone say they died, except by my intent...."

As his voice trails off, you can see his lips press together, and all affection or contemplativeness has left his demeanor, "But I would caution you against telling a King his business. Elison was a vile woman, killing my father and futher plotting against my rein, as I am King, I get to decide on the appropriate punishment.

"As for the others... I considered just killing them all and starting over... It would be easier, children are so much more malleable... Instead I have decided to give my relatives one last chance. Those that have already betrayed me have already earned their fate, but the rest... well, they are given one last chance to ally themselves with me before I destroy their whole generation. None are allowed to stand against me.

"I'm relying on you to bring the others in line. You know the price of their failure, and I'm relying on your compassion to bring them to my way of thinking."

-- BenBernard - 17 Jun 2007

Durus nods, supressing a sigh of relief as Benedict's hands stray away from his sword. "I will do my very best, your highness, for their cooperation is in all our best interests.

The General bows slightly, not so low as in greeting, but in acknowlegement of a sovereign. "Though it is not customary in our family, allow me to extend apologies at any offense...it was not my intent to attempt to tell you your business. You are the goddess-anointed ruler of Amber, and your word is law. I merely sought to offer sound advice and insight, which is the duty of any loyal subordinate. And to beg your indulgence on certain matters of import to me.

"I thank you for listening, and for your leave to care for the prisoners. I will see to it at once." Durus remains bowed, awaiting - and hoping for - a swift dismissal.

-- ChrisLightfoot - 18 Jun 2007

"Go." His words invite not discussion, and he turns to leave for the stairs.

Assuming you do travel to the dungeons to check on the prisoners, you will find Gizette with Bleys. She is holding a red rose.

Discuss further at: DurusAndGizette

-- BenBernard - 18 Jun 2007

also, great work on the website, looks good!

-- BenBernard - 18 Jun 2007

Thanks! I'm earning my contribution points for sure...

-- ChrisLightfoot - 18 Jun 2007

very nice response with the "not your place thing"... this game is starting to get rolling

-- BenBernard - 19 Jun 2007

Yeah, I was looking for an opportunity to articulate Durus' position, and it came out well. I'm enjoying the Play by TWiki action, and eagerly anticipate our next FTF session!

-- ChrisLightfoot - 19 Jun 2007

Just updating everyone's character with my current notes on stats: I have you raising warfare 20 to 95 and having 0 points left over

-- BenBernard - 20 Jun 2007

That's right!

-- ChrisLightfoot - 20 Jun 2007

Updated character sheet with extra 20 points into Warfare.

-- ChrisLightfoot - 25 Jun 2007

Yep yep, already updated my notes

-- BenBernard - 25 Jun 2007