in the Shadow of Greatness

:: Wednesday, January 25 ::

Action, Sex And A '70s Vibe: The World Of 'Amber' : NPR

Hellride to here: NPR

Pretty good review of what is another in the 'guilty pleasures' series.

:: Wednesday, December 21 ::

....sssssssspikards

Love this found old post from Jvstin.....

"Mother has put some thought into trying to undo them." Shannon says. "Unfortunately, she has come to the conclusion that while it might be possible, it could be a cure worse than the disease."

"What does that mean?" Valric says.

"It means" Shannon says "The Spikards were made and constructed, in some part, to tame rogue and out-of-control Shadow Powers, Powers that were Old when the Pattern was drawn. And to undo a Spikard would be to unleash that Power upon the universe again, with *no* safeguards. The Spikards are a very imperfect way to bind those Powers...but unless someone comes up with a better binding, the alternative to it is worse. We must see to its binding."

"Now you know" Shannon says to William "what nightmares my mother, my brother, uncle and I sometime have. And why Sand and Delwin are so dangerous. Even Uncle Brand wasn't crazy enough to try and meddle with the Spikards, except for one."

"I think I need more port, please, cousin." Shannon adds.

Now that's the way to instill a narrative yardstick for Spikards.

:: Wednesday, July 13 ::

the Great Book of Amber, re-read, immortal dating and pickup lines

wandering thoughts...all started in this series here

... the older a misogynist gets, the more difficult it is for him to tell a 30 year old from a 15 year old female.

--me being flip in comments of blog above

Set aside for a moment, that Oberon, King of Amber, is so old that any wife he takes is lucky if she is a tenth his age. (It is easy in canon text to believe Oberon is ten thousand years old. If he marries a 100 year old woman from some slow maturing race, he's considerably robbing the cradle. Of course, she should have some clue as to what she is getting into.... right?)

In our fantasy stories, what do we make of mature immortals who fall in love with other people much younger?

Whether we say that twenty-one years is mature, or thirty, or even fifteen years...none of those 'ages of maturity' compares to some vampire, demi-god, or amberite who has walked the worlds for five centuries. But we get this often in our contemporary fantasy.

OK, so we know that thirty year olds are seldom attracted to ninety year olds in Real Life. But we also know that the physical form of our fictional immortals is not usually subject to time and often not a clue to the young protagonist that they are getting involved with a person who has forgotten more about life than the younger has been exposed to.

Is that right? Is it very very wrong?

Why do we read that stuff? Why do they write it? Is it only: 'celebrity picked me in all the world' love? Or is it the tragic side of relationship: 'we want this but it cannot work and that conflict will drag across at least three books'.

What the hell is the immortal really thinking? Let's apply the minimum amount of 'real life' experience to the issue: relationships separated by decades stumble and fall on the baggage of self growth and common understanding.

Don't they?

Or is it really just a horrible manipulation on a dozen different levels?
Or is it a one-year stand?
Or does it only look like a relationship because we readers are not immortal. It is really only casual sex?
Hard to find 900 year old lady friends?

Why is it often an immortal guy and a fresh young twenty-something?

Just about any story in Greek myth regarding seduction is straight out creepy and tragic.

Why does Angel feel attracted to Buffy? She's in high school. That's totally....odd.

Why does Corwin fall for Dara? He believes her to be 17 (or so).

Edward and Bella?

Is it just the trend in young romance fiction? Er, no. Don't think so.

Y'know, when women do this in fiction, they are often clearly painted as monsters.

Once Bitten (1985) or The Hunger (1983)

So, in your Amber rpg gaming, have the PCs ever raised the issue? In the Amber fanfic ranks, is Benedict romancing a warrior queen from shadow considered normal stuff? Because canon text explains Benedict is oldest on-screen sib and that 1500 Amber years extended through shadow adventures easily makes Benedict some 4500 years old.

* * *

IMC, this issue has come up from several levels and directions.

Time sliding around as loose as it does, Amber royals just mostly seem to ignore the age of the person they are sleeping with. One might say, they neglect the consequences as much as they neglect impacts of entering and leaving shadow lives at various points in the canon.

And not to get into second series deeply, but the consequence of bumping a life off-track and then just walking out results in the Julia Barnes plot.

I haven't got a conclusion on this one.
I don't have my fingers around it yet. Perhaps because the entire thing seems tilted at a crazy angle that you just accept if you immerse in the concept of Amber.

By all means, comment.

:: Monday, June 27 ::

2011 Origins Awards Winners : Critical Hits.com

http://critical-hits.com/2011/06/25/2011-origins-awards-winners/

Origins 2011: The Hall of Fame
Erick Wujcik, Amber Diceless Roleplaying

:: Wednesday, June 8 ::

ZDIW: curtain in five minutes, principal actors on stage, please

Over in the Livejournal, Ginger puts down a few thoughts about how personality and face time work in House of Cards.

If you have spent any time here, you know I owe most of my casting effort, the visuals I share with my Players, to the House of Cards dramatis personae.

So collected here, for the first time are the GM reasons behind some of the faces--in order of age--- because that's what matters in this family.

Benedict: is the ultimate survivor who keeps a mannered but snappish regard for his family. He chooses his words carefully because his father was the 'show me' King of which all others are but shadows. Basil Rathbone is chosen for his precise speech, his ability to play a villain and his uncanny way of projecting competence when doing nothing at all but watching. It helps that he is narrow of face but broad of mind.

Eric: is the charming handsome prince who knows he's better than most of his family and can often prove it. He can explode into action. He prefers to sneer and discuss the weaknesses of his opponents in detail. He can make you smile even when you don't like him. Jonathan Frakes is chosen because he has attitude, charm, a terrific smile and I don't trust him any further than I can throw him. He does a good sneer. It helps that he has done commanding roles and is a pretty good director.

Corwin: is a straight ahead bastard who just may have been even colder and meaner in a younger life. He was held down and abused by his much older more competent brother Eric. He resents authority, but can get a job done. He prefers wine, women and song. He is used to breaking rules to get things he wants. No one likes Corwin except people who don't know him. Timothy Dalton is chosen because he is quite likable unless he is a stone cold killer. He has that air of switching between gentleman poet and psycho action hero. It helps that he played James Bond and got all the girls. He plays a good jerk.

Deirdre: we don't get but a taste of Deirdre. She's lovely, she's quite feminine, she's awfully good at talking people into things and she can break a werewolf across her knee and kill it. Oh, and she prefers an axe when most princesses use bows or daggers or spells. She isn't exactly subtle but she seems to be a bit of a fussy femme. Possible manic mood swings, probable incredible manipulator given her father and older sibs. Catherine Zeta Jones is chosen because she does action roles, swords, cat burglar, femme fatales even though she is tiny and almost delicate. It helps that she has played killers without moral yardsticks and does a fair job displaying incredible vanity.

Caine: is an eccentric in a family of sibs that toe the line to King Oberon. He's dark and laughing, alternately mean and crass and quite ingenious. He's bloodthirsty but conniving and practical. He misbehaves, a lot. He doesn't mind being underestimated in a family where that gets you out of favor and trampled. He will talk to anyone in persuasive manner, regardless of his station or ranking in the official lists. He'll stick up for brothers he doesn't even like. He's a bit contrary that way. Oded Fehr is chosen because he is exotic to the entirely too Euro-centric feel of the myth in Amber. His look and feel bumps the appreciation of the princes into a whole different shape. It helps that he appears formidable even as he appears mysterious.

Fiona: we get a lot of Fiona canon. She's glamorous, feminine, extremely petite and rather lone-wolf compared to other princesses. She likes puzzles, mysteries and she's really really good with jibes. She's off-handed in her brainy qualities and she knows that makes you crazy. Myrna Loy is chosen because she's redheaded, smart, witty, playful and can also be mysterious, athletic and exotic. It helps that Myrna was once the woman all women wanted to be. Please do watch her in 'The Thin Man' or 'Mask of Fu Manchu' to get a sense of the range of intellect to her acting.

Bleys: is good at everything he lets you see. He's good at things he hides. He's just good. A worthy prince and a daring one. Impractical? Perhaps. Kenneth Branagh is chosen because he's cool and charming and dashing and sharp like a knife. It helps that he has a terrific sense of humor and drama.

Llewella: is withdrawn and more than a bit guarded. She's otherwise off doing other things. She quits the center of power, or so everyone believes. Maybe she's not playing the Family game? Llewella is almost the only member of the Family obviously of another species. Grace Kelly is chosen because leaving the center of power when you are beautiful and important is part of her legend. It helps that she happens to look otherworldly also.

Brand: is whip-crack smart and quite the persuasive fellow. He's a compulsive talker, but knows that and has as many layers of chat as he needs to hide his real agenda. Jeremy Irons is chosen based on faith that Ginger and Michael know what they are talking about. I liked him in 'Lion King'. Never seen his work otherwise. Note that younger pictures of him are spot on for artistic redhead.

Julian: is refined and competitive and quite the wit. He takes the quiet intellectual route as all other brothers are busy dashing about proving something for Dad. He seems to like appearing cruel but definitely has his hidden side. His ability to think ahead of his brothers may be more than just wishful thinking on his part. This quality stands him well with his breeding of creatures for his gain of power. Jude Law is chosen because he looks like he could skewer you with a jibe and keep his armor immaculate. He's also able to bring the smackdown action. It helps that his delivery of dialog is very precise and cutting.

Gerard: is likeable and somewhat dangerous to annoy. He protests he is not really up to snuff with the intellects in his family. So he asks a lot of questions. He jumps to conclusions. He roughs up folks. He preempts actions of his sibs when he thinks things are getting too complex. Liam Neeson is chosen because he plays a great affable fella. Then too, when he gets mean, he's quite scary intense. He can deliver very soft dialog and equally ferocious growls. It helps that he is really large, looks good in a kilt and might be able to tip over a car.

Florimel: is so apolitical that no one is quite sure if she has personal agenda. She's considered weak and sometimes stupid. However, she never seems to pick the losing side. Lots of chance seems to fall her way. Susan Sarandon is chosen for her accessible manner and ability to analyze men at a glance. She does glamour. She does wiles. She does quiet strength and bawdy laughter. She is versatile and sexy. It helps that she is a bit of a chameleon and can keep you guessing.

Random: is the youngest and conspicuous for his lack of any redeeming qualities by most accounts. Described variously as a layabout or drinker or homicidal fink. One gets the distinct impression that Oberon did not care much for his offspring at that point and Random took that lack of attention as license to be a royal pain in the ass. Ewan McGregor is chosen because he can range from rocker layabout and drunk musician to redeemed authority figure. It helps that you almost forgive him anything if he laughs and includes you in his joke.

Well...there. Certainly not modern or complex or definitive....casting calls like this prompt kudos and strong dislikes in equal chance. Folks bring to the exercise a hidden emotional agenda...which often will get you words like 'hate this one' or 'omg, she is so not!'

But perhaps the narrative above gives you some insight into my Amber-verse.
oh...

and of course.... Oberon was a prick.

:: Tuesday, May 31 ::

the long and winding current, facing death and other rites of passage

So when we first met Celina of the Seaward Kingdoms...she was a young girl in a prestigious court in Rebma. The historical documents record something like this:

Loreena has saddled me with this long trip to Paris. Is she playing me? Did she want to go?
Thank the currents for Bill Roth. I think I would have fainted or choked on breathing air.
Paris seems haunted. But it is the most vibrant haunting I've ever felt. I've wanted to taste buildings since I got here.
King Corwin is quite striking, in person. He makes a nice trophy.
Corwin is my father?
Moire is my lying witch of a mother?
I hate my life. I'm so stupid. Someone put me out of my misery.

That was so long ago.

Not quite as long as the on-screen time in House of Cards, the pbem where I play Celina in Rebma.

But lots of time has passed. This week, an event which has been coming at us for a long time---not quite as long as we've played, but nearly so. Celina is about to have either a Patternwalk, which can always kill you, or a messy breakup with her lover, the Queen of Rebma, or even both things blended.

[Khela] settles to the ground. "Now, I am told the last task I have in this room is one I must perform alone."

"Unaided perhaps but with your permission Majesty, I will stand vigil here for you." Conner offers. With reluctance, Conner releases his grip on Halosydne and takes out a cloth to bandage the cut on his hand. "I suspect this will already be known to you, but I would not be a Redhead if I did not offer advice." Conner grins at Khela. "Once you start, you cannot stop. Beware the Veils. Moving through them will be the hardest thing you've ever done, each time, but move through them you must. There will either be three or four of them and do be sure to tell me afterwards because I have a bet with Bleys. When you come to the center, the Pattern will send you where you wish to go. The best place would be somewhere safe for a nap but no one ever chooses that. Good fortune, Majesty."

Celina smiles at Conner.

Brennan shifts a glance over to Conner as he mentions the number of veils, but doesn't comment at this moment.

Celina says nothing but changes position. She strolls to the entrance of the Grand Design. She removes her footgear and tosses the sandals aside some distance.

To Khela, [Brennan] adds, "The advice is part of ancient tradition. As Conner says, do not stop moving. Beyond the physical sensations--resistance, electricity or something like it-- there will be mental effects. It can be," he hesitates slightly, looking for the right word, "an anguish. So at the bottom of all else, know who you are. That will ground you."

Brennan does not add that the advice often comes from a parent or a parent figure.

Celina beckons to Khela. "Come. This will be the most demanding dance ever unless we do it again, which I do not recommend." She now blocks the entry path, her foot a mere palm distance from touching the emerald fire. "In Rebma, you shall never have to do anything fully alone, my dear. That is the old way."

Perspective. House of Cards is now ten years old. Yes, internet years folks. Multiply by ten.

For those of you at home that have never done a pbem or followed particularly the canon of Roger Zelazny on the Pattern of Rebma, the Pattern is a path of electric fire that only demands everything you have in yourself when you walk it beginning to end. Once you stand at the center of the labyrinth path, you may go anywhere in the many memories of the universe. But the price of failure is death; immediate and messy death.

Amber family tend not to walk the Pattern at all if they can do anything to avoid it.

But Celina cannot avoid this. She's made a promise in her younger moments to protect Khela from death in any form it might seek her out. So she will walk ahead of Khela, even though it might not change Khela's chances at all. The walk itself is still deadly and there is no operation manual that says, "unless someone plows the resistance in front of you to lessen the trial".

House of Cards employs an arduous test for walking the Pattern to game-simulate the deadly nature. And PCs can die on the Pattern from this test. The GMs will draw a card from the Fortune Deck. Bad draw means death. Good draw means life.

Given that the walker is Family of the Pattern, that is. Luckily, Celina has already proved she is Family. However, Khela has not proved it and she needs to in order to have the destiny she has chosen.

So there we are. Khela must try it. Celina must do something to guard her from death if she can.

This time next month, House of Cards might be over for Celina of the Seaward.

"to die, would be an awfully big adventure!" -- J.M. Barrie (Peter Pan)

It has been an awfully big adventure so far on many levels. On the points of adventure, intrigue, danger and mystery, House of Cards has held a high standard.

On the basis of storytelling about orphans, lies, love, parents and a large universe, House of Cards has been above and beyond a high standard in games of this type.

Also to spread out the glory beyond the GMs who created the game, the Players sharing the stage are terrific, raising the bar for effort at almost every turn.

That is all. Even if Celina does not continue in House of Cards, I'll be reading it on the lurker list.

"goodbye and hello, as always."
-- Roger Zelazny (Corwin of Amber)

:: Friday, February 18 ::

...nothing to see here. Move along.

Well, in the scheme of things...an Amber related post. Various factors make a difficult decision to not vacation at Ambercon this year. I will certainly miss the games and moreso the people.

Nothing major or sorrowful here, just too many balls in the air and iffy schedule.
Thanks and carry on with a great pbem, House of Cards.