#Thin White Duke roleplay

[dukeoftheblackstar]

Found your blog on the tags for David Bowie Roleplay. Do you interact with OC's and non-David Bowie characters?

Hi Nonnie ♥ ~

I do indeed! I'm not very selective as long as you can present your muse to be at par at least. And I say this without trying to sound pompous and mean, but I a quid pro quo writer. I feed off the energy you give and I would appreciate if the effort I put into my replies and my muse is reciprocated ♥.

[peppermint-vinyl]

Happy Birthday, Bowie

[elstine-harboson]

Misconceptions: Power and Politics (PT.1)

Sub-Title: Nobility 

Hello, hello folks! Elstine here again to provide you all with another bit of information; granted this topic is a little more left-field than what we’re typically going over - such as armor and weaponry. However, with our recent recruitment for the business roleplay scene I thought this would be a good time to bring up some of my favorite subjects.

 In particular the struggle of power between religious leaders(the Cloth), nobility, the military, and what I would say is often the most overlooked faction: the merchants.

((Disclaimer; I already know this won’t stop at least one angry message, but understand I am acknowledging this as largely an opinionated piece (Other than the large factual parts!). This is merely suggestions, things that perhaps folks have not considered. There is no right way to RP; do not take it as such. Suggestions are suggestions, not demands.))

You mention four factions, what exactly do they consist of and how are they important?

Well, I am glad you asked mythical stranger! Let's break it down together!

The Nobles

The Nobility generally consist of powerful, land-owning families or simply individuals related in some degree to the Head of State; whomever that might be, no matter the region - from east and west Europe through the Middle East, all the way to Asia... This is generally a consistent. Now, Nobility has this nice little thing where generally speaking those of Noble-Heritage own land. Land means they can plant crops - more than what they can consume, which means they can sell said crops... But that’s a lot of land to work, so why don’t we get a bunch of peasants to do the field work for us, give them some food to barely scrape by and -still- sell the rest of the food supplies! - That’s generally how Nobility/Feudalism got its roots. (Get it, farming, hah.) But, of course as time went on the Nobles got more and more wealthy and of course more and more land, so that’d create specialized goods such as wine, blacksmiths, stables, etc!

So now you have a small group of -very- wealthy individuals that make a living in owning land and having ‘lesser’ folk work for them. If all the Nobles banded together, or even a third or so - they could heavily damage the tax supply to the king, as well as hamper the supply of soldiers and various other supplies! Not to mention Nobles has trained men on retainer, or had enough coinage to pay off hefty mercenary armies - together, they could, and have opposed kings! Not to mention Nobles are typically in the Court of the Ruler; meaning they’re well informed and have influence. 

The Military

A fantastic, if not basic example of the Military’s political power would simply be that of Julius Caesar. Essentially the idea is that if a General of the Military fights well and wins many battles with his men, essentially... Doing his job well! - The fear is that the men will gain more and more respect and more loyalty to the individual rather than the State itself; whom are at home doing their cushy day jobs. It’s not uncommon for Generals to rouse the men during King/Emperor deaths and try to storm the Capital and install themselves as the new Ruler; for Julius Caesar... This worked.

Throughout history you’ll see the best of Kings consistently swapping in and out generals to prevent the men from gaining too much loyalty to one individual; hopefully preventing any potential rebellion. But, I shouldn’t have to spell this out much further for you; very well trained men + power vacuum = not a good time!

The Cloth

Many, many, many times throughout history have Religious Heads and Heretics alike caused rebellions and outright wars with their influence. When the vast majority have the belief that one particular man is the -literal- voice of their omnipotent god, well... That person is going to have a huge influence. For example with the Tudors; the King of England wanted a divorce, couldn’t get one because the Pope denied it - so the King was like, well, we’ll just make our own religion! People -flipped- out, there was open rebellion, assassination plots were rampant, many people thought it was the -end- of England one of the world’s super-powers at the time. Another example comes from books involving Jesus Christ; the Romans knew the power of religion and they absolutely feared what would could potentially happen with yet another Religion springing up. More religions = more internal fightings = more military crackdowns = resentment to the government = rebellion; such as the Jewish Rebellion against the Romans (1st Jewish-Roman War.)

Not only did the Religious Heads have great power from their religious influence on the general public; but they were -loaded- tithes were common place for most major religions - Europe for example had entire -armies- built around their religion that were sworn to the Pope, the Teutonic Order became so powerful that they threatened to nearly conquer all of Poland - which, was a -major- feat for the time; something not even Russia (Russia didn’t exist technically.) or the Holy Roman Empire could handle.

The Merchants

Finally, the piece that you’ve all been waiting for! How in the world were the Merchants and Entrepreneurs of the world a Political Power? Very, very simple... They’re the ones making all the gold. The Merchants are going out there trading supplies, bringing back rare resources such as silk and spices that make not only the general public happy but also the Cloth, the Military -and- the Nobility who all purchased their supplies frooooom... The Merchants. Not only that but Trade Leagues, which were essentially large-scale, multi-national monopolies, could host entire fleets of ships to block trade ports, fight off invading armies, or perhaps provide much needed transport ships such as the case with the Crusaders and Venice! (First Crusade, and technically all the others!) The end all be all of wealth were the Merchants; in fact places like Florence, Venice, Ragusa, Genoa, and other major-trade ports often had their Nobility practically the same -as- the Merchants; there were very thin lines if they existed at all. If there was no trade, there was no taxes, if there were no taxes there was no gold, with no gold the State could not afford its soldiers, it could not afford to feed itself, etc! -- Some of the few times Nobility ever actually struggled was when Trade was cut off from them; because everyone suffers without trade - such is the power of Merchants! Not to mention, for example with Venice... Merchants in some cases could afford entire armies that rivaled -much- larger forces such as Venice VS Austria.

 (We will break these factions down in more details in later parts!)

 Oh, alright. So what does this have to do with anything?

Ah, another good question my invisible and quite possibly non-existent friend!

I think it’s important that we realize, notice, acknowledge that there is more in the political slogging fest then Knights and Nobles, and more over you don't need a popular T.V. show to make your particular field important or fun.

It’s important for those interested in the make-believe power dynamics to acknowledge and consider the abilities of the other factions around them; not just the Noble families worrying about Noble families. Thinking about it, if you are in House Bob and you are roleplaying a power-grab with House Ron; why would you not extend your resources and look outside for alternative solutions?

EX: Maybe House Bob should contact the local monopoly and have the vast majority of medical supplies delivered to their own House and starve out House Ron.

EX: Or maybe House Ron goes to the Cloth and convinces a High Priest that House Bob is working with the Legion and now their reputation is ruined and no one wants to work with them.

EX: Maybe House Bob gets the support of a Military Captain who is able to supply them with weapons, armors, trained soldiers, or superior military strategy.

The options are endless, and I for one think all our horizons can be expanded if we think outside our circle and try to think like all those famous characters we see on our T.V. It doesn’t always just have to be black and white, upfront conflict situation. That’s arguably not intrigue, it’s just... idle conflict.

 Alright Elstine, but a lot of people don't want to be involved in intrigue or politics! Or some folks might meta-game or god-mod!

Well, meta-gaming and god-modding are the two primary issues I have personally faced throughout my various IC political careers and such things can definitely make stuff difficult as I am sure we have all experienced... When you claim to only have 20 soldiers, and 100 gold - while your opposition claims to have endless mounds of gold and armies that could solo Argus... Well, it makes things hard. But I suppose that is why I recommend thinking logically and realistically with such things; which we will hopefully get into.

In terms of folks not wanting to be involved in politics, I’d argue 90% of RPers do want to be involved in politics - even if they aren't fully aware of such. For example: what is the typical trope in the ageless D&D?

EX: Count Bob has Overthrown the King!

EX: Duke Ron swore allegiance to the Devil and had a Demon Army to take over the Kingdom!

EX: A Military General assassinated the King and has staged a coup!

To name a few, even WoW and the lore we all love is primarily political. Gul’dan sold out his people for self-gain. Arthus was out in the field to train and prepare himself to take his Father’s place. Illidan trade his reputation and respect to save his people, tired of being in the shadow of his respected brother. Don't even get me started on the Quel and Sin dorei.

Usually the moment you say the word politics- people begin to squirm; but people also squirm from the word ‘moist’ I mean really, what is so bad about moist, I say moist all the time. Moist.

My point being, if you engage people just as you would in any other scenario and just... Roleplay rather than mentioning politics, nine times out of ten no issue.

 Alright, so why is logical and realistic thinking so important?

If you are fighting a foe that has no weakness, how can you hope to win? How can you celebrate a victory if there never are any? Even the most intense and brutal roleplayers don't want to lose -all- the time; it’s just... silly. Moreover, it’s even more so to try to -win- all the time.

If you are that type of person who has to win all the time; first ask yourself why. Then inquire, is it really winning if there was never a chance of losing? No, no it is not. It’s a security blanket, and quite frankly it is holding you back - and limiting others as well. I believe truly, the only folks that don't want to do political roleplay are those that refuse to lose.

What would House of Cards be if Frank just won over all the votes he needed all the time? Sure, he wins a lot and can pull some miracles - but he does lose, or consistently remain closer to the side of losing rather than winning. His loss doesn’t show weakness or a lack of skill, or experience rather it shows how good he is in his victories; as it shows that he is engaging people with their own minds and agendas.

Steamrolling through everything and everyone, giving yourself unlimited resources, and unbreakable defenses only shows disrespect to those you are Roleplaying an engagement with, and shows some serious self doubt.

 If the banks can fail, if nations can fail, so can one Noble family.

 Alright cool, this is all stuff I have not considered how can I get started?

(Tldr: Establish finite resources, establish goals, wants, and needs to fix resources. There is rarely a group that has -everything- in abundance.)

Well, what we have done for organizations in the past is look over what they claim to have as a family and add some realistic elements to it. If your House is claiming to be masters of Calvary, then it’d only make sense that said house has a stable of well-trained war-horses, which are insanely valuable. Horses were often traded to folks, and horses were highly valued; thus the armor.

Maybe your family is stinking rich, okay... but, why and how? You can't really be rich without reasoning, even Rockefeller had a business empire to amass his wealth; and as mentioned Nobility usually were Nobles to begin with because they owned land, when you own land you can make wine, grow wheat, make goods, etc - so figure out how and why you have wealth. I think you’ll find it'll at a flair and a depth to your roleplay; IE being well known for your supplies of wheat or lumber.

When making deals with Noble families there were many things on the table for grabs. Land, resources, soldiers, training, soldier gear, marriage, horses, land, maybe some land, boats, trade routes, etc. There are many examples and many things that can be done when negotiating, but the only way two sides can negotiate in an entertaining and thoughtful way is by having both sides having finite resources.

It is -vital- I would say for any group to have needs due to their finite resources. 

EX: Maybe you have a lot of gold, but your lands had the plague so you need troops.

EX: Maybe you have a lot of restless soldiers and you need gold; hire them out to another force.

EX: Maybe you're in need of transporting goods, but you have no ships.

EX: Maybe you have too many ships and not enough trade; so lease your ships out.

 The key is establishing finite resources, and trying to fill said resources. Fix your wants and needs as any character would; most simply default to gold. Gold does not fix all the problems.

 Many businesses want to hire people but can't find anyone to work.

 Okay, okay - you mention winning; that seems like a bad thing to encourage!

In most cases, yes. The goal of RP is not to ‘win’ - becoming the most popular kid in WrA isn’t the end goal, or at least it shouldn’t be for anyone. Winning in roleplay is a dangerous mindset; but there are other ways of winning.

The way we win, the way I win, and the way I encourage you all to win is rather simple. All parties involved in the roleplay, enjoy and enjoyed the roleplay experience, with no regrets or feeling forced moments. When everyone is having fun with the roleplay -that- is winning. At least on an OOC level.

On an IC level, it is important to realize that losing is normal, and only fair. Most guilds, groups, or individuals will simply start to avoid you if you decide your character, group, or guild is always the top dog - unless there is some odd agreement going on.

It is only fair and right for everyone, every group, and every guild to have the spotlight or victory; unless all agreed upon with all the parties for story elements. But, perhaps next time offer a storyline allowing the losing side a victory.

 Alrighy folks, thank you very much for the read, reblog, and likes - if you have any feedback, comments, questions, suggestions, please leave me a message!

There will be additional parts in the future hopefully delving into the Factions on an individual basis.

 Thanks again!

Elstine

@huntress-verlai @the-news-nerd @theodorebennas @percy-dewdancer @scassira @justtideguard @sincerelysonni @addressroleplays

[dukeoftheblackstar]

I've always wondered if you have hcs for Duke that is true to you as the writer. Care to share?

I've put quite a lot in me in the Thin White Duke mainly because I feel like it made sense and it'd be a good personal touch to stay connected with my muse.

I cannot stress enough how I find dirt/soil atrocious. I mean, I'm not a bitch about it and make a scene, but all I can say is you would not get me to sit on the ground even if you put a blanket over it in some avant-garde park. It's a high NO unless the circumstance is inevitable.

I love the cold ♥

I have a strong affinity for rings. I like wearing some but half the time, I find it therapeutic to just know that they're all pretty in a little box. This is why you don't get to see the Duke bear rings unless it was a special occasion, but would mention a habit he does when stressed; re-organize the ring box.

Clutter and messiness is an absolute mood-killer/game-changer. If you make a mess it's okay as long as you have shown the intent of cleaning it or is very apologetically sensitive over it.

Clawing. I tend to claw at my skin when I'm severely stressed.

Mild cleaning. If it's clean and I clean it again it makes us very happy.

[dukeoftheblackstar]

Didn't you write as Jareth from Labyrinth? Why not play him along with Duke?

| I did but very selectively and privately. I have a mean Jareth, so I don't put him up for display. I think my most tamed muse is the Duke because he is actually pretty descent compared to the Priest and how I portray Jareth.

Ugh. My gae boys.

Fun fact! I wrote as Jareth before I made the Duke. I also have this story of incorporating both of them as if a parallel divide but I never had a partner who'd stick with it.

[dukeoftheblackstar]

your Jango Fett posts and replies are cute lol. why not rp as him? you seem to know a lot about the character and the fandom is active

|Hi, love!

I believe I've answered this yesterday and I tried looking for the thread, but I couldn't find it. Essentially, I have a fear of butchering a character that I am deeply in love with. Hence why I never attempted to play or write him as well as David Bowie as a muse as opposed to one of Bowie's muses, the Thin White Duke.

I also would want to be the receiving end since it would be a thrill to write with a muse that you fancy.

[dukeoftheblackstar]

I noticed you got no post or link on your blog about you as mun or writer. I don't mean to be creepy, but I you've been so active on my dash bec your rbs are cool and your tags are funny. I also want to know what your name is since it's not on your blog too.

Hi Nonnie ~♥,

I had to actually take a look because I wasn't sure anymore lol. But yeah, I guess all I needed to add at the time I last customized my blog was that my work requires me to be away a lot or pre-occupied anytime needed and I suck at tracking threads.

I'll make one later today! Thank you for the reminder! ♥

My name is Duchess, you can call me Duchii, Duch, or D. I don't have much labels or pronouns to give . You can call me or think of me however you see fit, I don't really mind or care as long as you call me by my name, we're cool.

I love David Bowie, as you can tell by my blog, and I roleplay (occasionally) as the Thin White Duke of '76. I am of age for mature/explicit content, and have a cat named Zorro ♥.

[dukeoftheblackstar]

Craft or Death.

|| I need to write. Preferrably with someone to have that bit of human interaction to lull my will to live into fake pretense so I won't keep thinking of death. I'm too stressed af to function, so it's either craft or death.

Let's write actual stories with decent plots and twists. I'm game with anything as long as it won't be a redundant cycle of smut and romance cliches.

I'm tempted to write as the Duke again or have Lana a go. I want realistic scenes like rehearsals and collaboration, guitar tuning, and disputes.

The desire to write as a proper groupie is much needed. I'm open.

Might keep the thing with Lana since she has one thread that I really enjoy. As for the Duke..? Maybe a clean slate, idk.

[dukeoftheblackstar]

♝

I'm in dire need of some serious angst, canon environment of a 1976 dark - themed thread that can put up with mind games, lengthy paragraphs, and uncomfortable scenes.

Hmu.

[dukeoftheblackstar]

♝

// Inspite of a very slow notebook, I've managed to get all my replies done yesterday. I have @belladonna-of-thraneal left for a reply and starter for @bluuxhalcyon @marilyngoddamnmonroe and possible plot ideas for @sepiacasket once I've decided who to use between Lana and the Duke.

Anyone else want a starter while I'm feeling typish today?

[dukeoftheblackstar]

♝

Can’t do proper promos.  I need more para - partners while I still have a grasp on my muse or it’ll be another lengthy semi - hiatus. Cheers.

[dukeoftheblackstar]

|[ Hello. ]|

I think I've developed some form of trauma over events that lead to me inconsistent absences, but I can't really let Tumblr go. This has been my home for many years and hopefully, it still can be.

If anyone's out there still, beep.

I might do a bit of a clean-up on this account in preparation for Moonage Daydream in September. I would love to meet new and old Bowie writers.

I might keep to a small group in terms of who I write with for a while. I think I've got my eyes set on writing as Paimon for Helluvaboss.

You know my type; cold, careless, single gay dads.

¯_(ツ)_/¯.

[dukeoftheblackstar]

♝

“ Now laughing friends deride Tears I cannot hide, hide So I smile and say, when a lovely flame dies “

Nothing but a supple hymn of unrequited love propitiates the room benumbed by its lackluster host that seem not to not mind even his own existence. Wing -  tipped Derby on a clean desk, arms folded behind a crown of slickened gold and a pair of asymmetrical eyes glued to the office ceiling.

[dukeoftheblackstar]

☀♕♣

MUN - RELATED

☀ ━ how long have you been roleplaying? how did you get into it?

I think I’ve been roleplaying since the late 2005 or the beginning of 2006 to this day (on and off). Way back when Yahoo Messenger was a thing and forums were still trying to stay relevant. So in total, I’d say ... Thirteen (13) years! 

Well, will you look at that!

♕ ━ which fictional characters are your favorites?

If you would count musical personas as fictional, then you’d have the Thin White Duke there,  of course. Ziggy isn’t my favorite, to be honest (and I’d probably get a lot of hate because of this lol), because he’s too vibrant and bright for me. I’m more of a mellow - yellow type.

Anime wise, I adore a parent - figure character like Kotetsu T. Kaburagi (Tiger and Bunny), Nine (Blazeblue), Relius (Blazblue), and Jango Fett (Star Wars). The strife of being a parent in a chaotic world calls for more angsty things, ha!

There’s also the Phantom from POTO, Jack and Barbosa (POTC), Jareth (Labyrinth), Sweeny Todd, Batman, Harley Quinn and most importantly, my main boo, Mistah  J. 

♣ ━ share five random facts about yourself

I can’t stare at a screen / tv / monitor too long or indulge a book for hours because my eyes would hurt easily. Same goes for bad lighting; it’s not blurry or anything and no, I do not need glasses. They’re just very sensitive.

I have a tolerable case of mysophobia. I do not like anything dirty but I won’t be bitch about it. I’d feel queasy and highly uncomfortable. The same goes for my muse; apparently, I can’t handle it in writing either.

I can tolerate gore depictions in written form address to an indirect person (muse), but I cannot stand seeing or talking about anything related to it. Be it a medical procedure, a natural phenomenon, news or just plain gorey things. I can’t even bring myself to discuss period with anyone. And no, it’s not being “ashamed of womanhood”, I just find it something you don’t discuss to anyone apart from your doctor if truly necessary.

I get inspired as easy as I get bored. If I feel like what I do, writing or actual, isn’t giving me something to work with, I’d end up doing crap. And as someone who is slightly a perfectionist, it irritates and upsets me if I know I could’ve done better had I a fair platform or means of working with it. I get annoyed if I can’t word something perfectly or if I don’t get to make something as it should.

The sea calls to me. I don’t know if it’s one of those old wives’ tales, but I get drawn to bodies of water, which is why I can’t swim without supervision. I get so entranced by it that I would dive into it and well... You know, not rise up. It’s scary and also hilarious in a way.

[dukeoftheblackstar]

(Shipping meme) ALL OF THEM (because I love you)

|| Shipping Meme || Oh my word, I love you  too !!! Thank you!

🥀- A ship you would never do

|| I cannot do anything non - consensual.  It ruins my muse and me. I also wouldn’t want to be specific here because there are certain kinks, themes, genres, fetishes and interest that I may actually find interesting if talked through. 

💘- What is your muse like in ships

|| If we’re talking about my top OTPs, he is all game. I try to play him as thoroughly canon as I can when it comes to main ships. I think he’s himself with them.  He can openly  joke and pull his guard down without a worry or so. With new ships, he’s more formal and more guarded. He’d take you into turns and analyze you thoroughly whether  you’d fit into a friend, a one - night stand or a loved one.

💗- Do you have a gender preference when shipping 

|| I am very into a balancing act because I get tired over things quickly. If I get excessive smut, I get worn out (like now, but I think I’m okay with doing a few here and there again). However, there is a higher percentage for M/M. Idk why, but I’m a little uncomfortable doing M/F because of how vicious people are on here with smut. Not that I care, but... I just don’t want my profile to go down since I worked really hard on it.

💞- Do you like or hate love triangles

|| I’ll answer the anon here, cause you gots too many, silly  goose! :) 

💌- Would your muse write a love letter

|| He does a lot. But, writing a letter doesn’t necessarily mean sending it / giving it to their intended contacts, yeah? If you have followed me long enough, you’d have seen him fold and fly paper planes. Some contain poems, lyrics and love notes depending on his mood.

💕- How affectionate is your muse

|| This is a trick question. This is actually where my entire roleplay revolves on. You see, for someone who has been so traumatized by love, loving and commitment is the last thing my boy needs and wants. So there are times that his ways of expressing love may appear as  harsh, heartless, insensitive, or what have you..  But, that’s who he is. That’s the Duke trying to be David again.

But imo, I believe that he is very, very very affectionate. He has a lot of love to give for that someone who’d really pull him from the dreaded throne of the Thin White Duke.

🏩- Would your muse ever check into a love hotel, especially with their Boyfriend/Girlfriend

|| Most likely. But this seems far too awkward instead of going home drunk and have a nice shag.

💋- How good is your muse at kissing

|| Come and find out ♥~ *proud mama*

🎁- Is your muse picky about gifts

|| He is. I haven’t made this a headcanon  yet, because I wanna make sure it’s well thought out. So far, I have “as long as it does not contain dirt” for him and the rest of the conditions are my own, since I am quite picky myself.

🍰- What does your muses kisses taste like

|| Billy’s got this one .. Ha!

[dukeoftheblackstar]

“Tch.” Keep it together, Dave.