#noble father of heroes; ector
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further muses;
knight of swans; lohengrin immune to all curses; eric undefeated rebel king; lot eyes like lavenders; ffxiv bors an unknown legacy; ffxiv arthur radiance of dawn; sylveret justice radiant as sunlight; escalus the shadows of betrayal; naoise madness and love under a crown; claudas a heart encased in ice; claudien divine musician of stars; orpheus a noble heart; bedivere ffxiv like rushes they fell; cynon noble father of heroes; ector light of venus; felix
#the shadows of betrayal; naoise#like rushes they fell; cynon#noble father of heroes; ector#divine musician of stars; orpheus#madness and love under a crown; claudas#a heart encased in ice; claudien#knight of swans; lohengrin#immune to all curses; eric#undefeated rebel king; lot#eyes like lavenders; ffxiv bors#an unknown legacy; ffxiv arthur#a noble heart; ffxiv bedivere#radiance of dawn; sylveret#light of venus; felix
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So much paperwork... He's exhausted but everything for the flood control system for that village is completed now. Contracts with some quarries in Igraine's territory signed and ready to be delivered via messenger bird, a list of offerings for the Fae to be permitted to gather the necessary lumber. And of course the blacksmiths and other laborers have contracts written as well, so they'll know they'll be treated fairly.
"This should be enough..."
"More than enough, I would say," Ector chuckled, taking the quill from Emrys' hand to set aside before shuffling the papers into the correct piles.
Always ready and willing to aid his best friend and king. With a small hum he pulled the smaller man up, leading him to rest before the fireplace. Another tradition. One where he took Emrys' hands in his own, massaging the stiffness from his fingers, then his palms, wrists, forearms, and further up. Comfort for both of them, really. Ector got to hold his dearest friend in his arms, making sure he was well and alive, while Emrys got to have his muscles massaged.
"You need a rest, Emrys," Ector sighed, working at a particularly stubborn knot in the man's shoulders, "Come with me back to my castle, just for a fortnight. My wife would be glad to see you, since she hasn't been able to travel well lately."
"Mmh. Maybe I should," Emrys mumbled, head lolling to the side ever so slightly. The muffled quality of his words made Ector laugh to himself, a private smile as he watched that head of white hair bob with the encroachment of sleep. "Been a while since I've seen her, and I've missed you both."
Ah, he was too much like this.
Ector smiled, tugging Emrys closer to tuck under his chin.
"Aye aye. And we've missed you, ridiculous man."
#as stars their swords did shine; arthurian era#the heart of a fallen star; emrys pendragon#noble and fair father of heroes; ector#just a little drabble to show how honestly touchy feely these two were
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The Reluctant Ruler Trope: A Philosophical Inquiry into Unwanted Power, Responsibility, and the Burden of Leadership
WC: 3,489
Index
Introduction The Reluctant Ruler in Literature and Folklore The Existential Dilemma of Unwanted Authority Political Implications and the Burden of Responsibility A Special Case or a Universal Relatability? Closing Words
Introduction
“The world is something that was put into your hands and that you must deal with - so you will. You have a rigid back and steady hands, either metaphorically or physically. Is it nature or nurture? You don't know. You are tired of being steady. You dream of feeling alive. Not that you aren’t, but, sometimes, it’s hard to remember that there is a heart between your ribs.” —“Are You A Soldier, Poet, or A King?” quiz by @atlanticsea
Does anyone here remember the “Soldier, Poet, King” quiz that went around about a year or so ago? When I initially took it, I expected “Poet;” you can imagine my surprise when the “King” result absolutely obliterated my mental health.
As I’ve found, a common theme in my writing is the Reluctant Ruler trope, where either 1) a character is thrust into the role of a savior, hero, or king/queen despite not having any wish to lead people or 2) a character assumes the role of a leader without the full understanding of the morally corrupting demands of the job.
The narrative trope of the Reluctant Ruler has long captivated the human imagination, resonating across cultures and epochs. From mythical tales of kings and queens reluctant to ascend the throne to contemporary narratives of reluctant heroes and leaders, this archetype speaks to fundamental questions about the nature of power, responsibility, and the human condition. But what makes this trope such a tragic and believable character? How do we, as an audience, end up relating to and debating the conflicts and moral dilemmas that these characters face? Today, we embark on a philosophical inquiry into the Reluctant Ruler trope, aiming to uncover its deeper meanings and implications within existential and political philosophical discourse.
The Reluctant Ruler in Literature and Folklore
The archetype of the reluctant ruler is deeply embedded in the narratives of literature and folklore, transcending cultural and historical boundaries. Across diverse traditions, tales abound of individuals thrust into positions of leadership against their will, grappling with the weight of power and the burdens of governance.
Shakespeare’s “Hamlet:” One of the most iconic depictions of the Reluctant Ruler can be found in William Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, “Hamlet.” Prince Hamlet, the melancholic protagonist, is suddenly confronted with the task of avenging his father’s murder and assuming the throne of Denmark. Despite being heir to the throne, Hamlet is plagued by doubt, indecision, and existential angst. His famous soliloquy, “To be, or not to be,” encapsulates the profound existential crisis he faces, torn between the demands of duty and the desire for personal authenticity. Hamlet’s reluctance to embrace his role as king stems not only from fear or cowardice but from a profound skepticism about the legitimacy of authority and the corrupting influence of power.
The Arthurian Legend: In the rich tapestry of Arthurian legend, the motif of the Reluctant Ruler is exemplified in the character of King Arthur himself. According to some versions of the myth, Arthur is initially unaware of his royal lineage and is raised as a commoner by Sir Ector. Upon discovering his true identity and rightful claim to the throne, Arthur reluctantly accepts the mantle of kingship, guided by the wise counsel of Merlin and the moral imperative to uphold justice and chivalry. Despite his noble intentions, Arthur grapples with the burdens of leadership, facing betrayals, challenges to his authority, and the tragic consequences of his own choices. His reluctance to embrace his destiny as king reflects the ambivalence inherent in assuming power and the moral ambiguities of governance.
The Biblical Story of Moses: In the Abrahamic traditions, the narrative of Moses provides another compelling example of the Reluctant Ruler trope. According to the Book of Exodus, Moses is initially an ordinary Israelite that ran from his station as a prince of Egypt, content to live as a shepherd in the wilderness. However, when called upon by God to lead his people out of bondage in Egypt, Moses initially resists, citing his own inadequacies and speech impediment. Despite his reluctance, Moses eventually accepts the divine mandate and becomes the revered leader of the Israelites, guiding them through the trials of the Exodus and delivering the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. Moses’s reluctance to assume leadership underscores the theme of human frailty and the transformative power of faith and divine providence.
The Existential Dilemma of Unwanted Authority
Despite not having instances in our lives where we are unexpectedly crowned king or being spoken to by a deity, there are still profound lessons in identity and responsibility that we can pull from these characters.
The Anguish of Freedom and Responsibility
Existentialist philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre asserted that “existence precedes essence,” emphasizing the radical freedom and responsibility of human beings to define their own meaning and purpose in a seemingly indifferent universe. For the Reluctant Ruler, this existential freedom becomes a source of anguish and uncertainty. Suddenly endowed with authority and influence, they are confronted with the weight of responsibility and the moral implications of their actions. The existential angst of the reluctant ruler arises from the tension between the desire for autonomy and the demands of duty, as they struggle with the paradox of being simultaneously free and bound by social expectations.
Furthermore, with freedom comes the moral imperative to act responsibly and ethically. The Reluctant Ruler, however, finds themselves burdened with the weight of moral decision-making, as they navigate complex ethical dilemmas and confront the consequences of their actions. Existentialist philosophy emphasizes the inherent responsibility of individuals to create their own moral framework and to confront the ethical implications of their choices with honesty and integrity. The anguish of responsibility lies in the tension between the desire for moral clarity and the recognition of the inherent ambiguity and uncertainty of ethical decision-making. The reluctant ruler must contemplate on the ethical complexities of their role, striving to uphold their moral principles amidst the exigencies of power and governance.
Authenticity and Self-Deception
Central to the existential dilemma of unwanted authority is the quest for authenticity (we already knew this; I wrote two posts on authenticity already that you can check out here and here)—the authentic expression of one’s true self and values in the face of external pressures and expectations. The Reluctant Ruler may experience profound existential alienation as they navigate the demands of their role, questioning whether they are living in accordance with their own genuine desires and beliefs or merely conforming to societal norms and conventions.
In fact, they may be tempted to resort to self-deception—to deceive themselves and others about the true nature of their actions or motivations. Existentialist philosophy warns against the dangers of inauthenticity and self-delusion, highlighting the existential crisis that arises from living inauthentically and betraying one’s own values. The Reluctant Ruler may succumb to the pressures of their position, rationalizing their actions or compromising their principles in order to maintain power or avoid conflict. Self-deception becomes a means of coping with the existential anguish and moral dilemmas inherent in their role, providing a false sense of security and comfort amidst the uncertainties of leadership.
Self-deception ultimately leads to existential alienation—the estrangement from one’s authentic self and the sense of disconnection from the world. The Reluctant Ruler who succumbs to self-deception finds themselves adrift in a sea of moral ambiguity and existential angst, unable to reconcile their actions with their inner convictions.
The Absurdity of Human Existence
“The Absurdity of Human Existence” is a philosophical concept rooted in existentialist thought, particularly articulated by philosophers such as Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre. It posits that human life is inherently absurd, devoid of inherent meaning or purpose, and characterized by the fundamental tension between the human desire for meaning and the indifferent, chaotic nature of the universe.
In assuming positions of power unwillingly, the Reluctant Ruler confronts the absurdity of their situation, grappling with the arbitrary nature of authority and the futility of their efforts to impose order and control upon a chaotic world. The absurdity of leadership lies in the recognition of its inherent limitations and the inevitability of failure and impermanence. Despite their best intentions, the Reluctant Ruler may find themselves overwhelmed by their predicament, struggling to find meaning and significance in a world devoid of ultimate purpose.
Here is where another familiar element of existence comes into play: the illusion of control. The illusion of control is a psychological concept that refers to the tendency of individuals to overestimate their ability to influence or control events, particularly in situations characterized by uncertainty or randomness.
For the Reluctant Ruler, the illusion of control becomes apparent as they assume positions of power unwillingly and attempt to impose order and control upon a world that defies their efforts. Despite their best intentions, they soon come to realize the inherent unpredictability and uncontrollability of the events and circumstances they face. This recognition challenges their preconceived notions of authority and power, revealing the illusory nature of their perceived control.
The Reluctant Ruler may initially believe that they have the ability to shape the course of events and influence outcomes according to their will. However, as they encounter resistance, opposition, and unforeseen challenges, they begin to understand the limitations of their authority and the unpredictable nature of the world they seek to govern. This realization undermines their confidence and exposes the fragility of their sense of control.
Moreover, the illusion of control can lead the Reluctant Ruler to engage in behaviors and strategies aimed at maintaining the illusion of power, even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. They may resort to authoritarian measures, manipulation, or denial of reality in an attempt to assert their authority and preserve their sense of control. However, these efforts ultimately prove futile, further reinforcing the absurdity of their situation.
The existential implications of the illusion of control lie in its confrontation with the fundamental unpredictability and contingency of human existence. The Reluctant Ruler's quest for control becomes a Sisyphean task, as they strive to impose order upon a world characterized by chaos and uncertainty. In confronting the illusion of control, they are forced to confront the absurdity of their condition and wrestle with the inherent limitations of human agency in the face of existential uncertainty.
Political Implications and the Burden of Leadership
Naturally, we cannot talk about the complexity behind the Reluctant Ruler without diving into those whom they govern. In examining the reluctant ruler trope through the lens of political philosophy, we confront the complex interplay between governance, legitimacy, and the ethical responsibilities of leadership.
Legitimacy and Consent
The concepts of legitimacy and consent are central to theories of political authority, shaping the foundation of governance and the relationship between rulers and the ruled. In the context of the Reluctant Ruler trope, the legitimacy of political authority is called into question, as leaders may assume power unwillingly, without the explicit consent or endorsement of those they govern.
Political theorists have long debated the sources of legitimacy in governance, seeking to identify the basis upon which political authority is justified. Traditionally, legitimacy has been derived from various sources such as divine right, tradition, charisma, or popular consent. However, the assumption of power by a Reluctant Ruler complicates these traditional sources, as their authority may not be grounded in the typical mechanisms of legitimacy. Instead, the legitimacy of the reluctant ruler may be contingent upon factors such as adherence to legal norms, effectiveness in governance, or recognition by key power holders.
In democratic societies, where the principle of popular sovereignty reigns supreme, the consent of the governed is considered foundational to the legitimacy of political authority. Democratic legitimacy is typically understood to derive from the consent of the people, expressed through free and fair elections. However, the Reluctant Ruler challenges this notion, as their assumption of power may not be the result of popular choice or electoral mandate. Or, on the other hand, perhaps it was, indeed, the populace that raised them to their position while they continued to protest and fight against it. This raises questions about the compatibility of their leadership with democratic ideals and the accountability of political institutions to the will of the people.
A Special Case or Universal Relatability?
The Reluctant Ruler archetype, emblematic of individuals thrust into positions of power against their will, serves as a focal point for exploring the intricate interplay between existential realization, political pragmatism, and ethical considerations within the realm of political philosophy and ethical theory. Through the lenses of political philosophers and ethical theorists, such as Niccolò Machiavelli, Hannah Arendt, Immanuel Kant, and Aristotle, we can seek to elucidate the moral spectrum of the Reluctant Ruler, shedding light on the ethical and existential dimensions of their predicament and the broader implications for human nature and governance.
Political Philosophers:
Thinkers such as Niccolò Machiavelli and Hannah Arendt might consider the ethical and political dimensions of the Reluctant Ruler trope. They would examine questions of legitimacy, authority, and the responsibilities of leadership, shedding light on how the Reluctant Ruler’s predicament illuminates broader themes in political philosophy.
Niccolò Machiavelli
Niccolò Machiavelli, a seminal figure in political philosophy, is often associated with political realism, a perspective that emphasizes practical considerations over moral ideals in governance.
Machiavelli’s political realism emphasizes the importance of power dynamics, interests, and strategic calculations in politics. He might argue that the Reluctant Ruler cannot afford to be guided solely by moral principles or existential concerns but must instead prioritize the preservation of authority and the maintenance of order.
For him, the reluctant ruler’s primary concern should be establishing and consolidating their authority, regardless of the circumstances of their ascension to power.
He famously suggests in The Prince that rulers should be prepared to act ruthlessly when necessary, even if it means sacrificing ethical principles.
The ends justify the means in politics, and that the reluctant ruler must be willing to employ any means necessary to achieve their goals.
Ultimately, Machiavelli would likely emphasize the importance of maintaining order and stability as the primary goals of the reluctant ruler. He might argue that the ruler's legitimacy and authority depend on their ability to govern effectively and preserve the social order, even if it requires making difficult decisions or compromises.
Machiavelli might caution against allowing existential angst or moral qualms to undermine the reluctant ruler's ability to govern decisively. He would likely stress the need for pragmatism and flexibility in navigating the complexities of political life.
Hannah Arendt
Hannah Arendt was a prominent political theorist known for her contributions to the understanding of totalitarianism, the nature of power, and the concept of political action.
Arendt would delve into the existential angst experienced by the reluctant ruler, examining how their struggle with assuming power unwillingly reflects broader themes of human existence. She might explore the absurdity of the situation, where individuals find themselves thrust into positions of authority without their consent or desire.
Arendt would likely emphasize the importance of individual conscience in guiding the actions of the reluctant ruler. She might suggest that the ruler's moral integrity is central to their ability to exercise legitimate and effective leadership, even in the face of existential uncertainty.
She might also argue that political action is inherently bound up with questions of ethics and morality, and that the reluctant ruler's existential crisis serves as a catalyst for deeper reflection on the ethical dimensions of governance.
Arendt might caution against sacrificing moral integrity for the sake of pragmatic considerations, suggesting that the Ruler’s adherence to their conscience is ultimately what determines the legitimacy of their leadership.
Ethical Thinkers
Thinkers like Immanuel Kant and Aristotle would likely explore the ethical dilemmas faced by the Reluctant Ruler. They would analyze how the tension between personal ethics and pragmatic considerations shapes the Ruler’s decision-making process, offering insights into human moral psychology and the pursuit of virtuous leadership.
Immanuel Kant
Kant’s deontological ethics emphasizes the importance of moral duty and universal principles in guiding ethical behavior. He would likely analyze the Reluctant Ruler’s predicament by focusing on the categorical imperative, which states that individuals must act according to principles that can be universally applied.
Kant might argue that the Reluctant Ruler faces a moral obligation to uphold certain ethical principles, even if it conflicts with pragmatic considerations. He would emphasize the importance of acting out of a sense of duty and moral integrity, rather than being swayed by expediency or self-interest.
Aristotle
Aristotle’s virtue ethics focuses on the development of moral character and the cultivation of virtuous qualities. He would likely analyze the Reluctant Ruler’s ethical dilemmas by considering how their decisions reflect their moral virtues and character traits.
Aristotle might argue that the reluctant ruler should strive to embody virtues such as courage, wisdom, and justice in their governance. He would emphasize the importance of practical wisdom (phronesis) in navigating the complexities of political life, suggesting that the ruler should aim to achieve eudaimonia, or flourishing, through virtuous leadership.
On Our Nature
Needless to say, not only can we reflect on our own ethical “what-ifs” in parallel to the Reluctant Ruler trope; through this character study, we can unearth a multitude of political and existential debates and still never settle on a universal answer.
The perpetual debates and unanswered questions surrounding the Reluctant Ruler trope speak volumes about human nature and the complexity of individual experiences. At its core, the Reluctant Ruler archetype encapsulates the fundamental tensions between existential realization, ethical responsibility, and political pragmatism, reflecting the intricate interplay of human desires, values, and motivations.
Firstly, the inability to settle on a universal answer regarding the Reluctant Ruler trope underscores the inherent complexity and ambiguity of human existence. Human nature is characterized by its multifaceted makeup, encompassing a diverse range of perspectives, beliefs, and experiences. The reluctance of individuals to embrace leadership roles speaks to our innate desire for autonomy, authenticity, and personal fulfillment, as well as our inherent susceptibility to doubt, uncertainty, and existential angst. The analyses surrounding the Reluctant Ruler trope reflect the diversity of human experiences and the myriad ways in which individuals examine with questions of identity, purpose, and morality.
Moreover, the fact that many individuals can relate to the Reluctant Ruler trope on a personal level speaks to the universality of human struggles and aspirations. Whether it be the fear of assuming responsibility, the desire for authenticity and self-expression, or the ethical dilemmas inherent in leadership, the themes embodied by the Reluctant Ruler resonate with people from all walks of life.
However, the Reluctant Ruler trope also serves as a mirror through which we can reflect on our own ethical convictions, political beliefs, and existential uncertainties. By examining the complexities of this archetype, we are compelled to confront our own values, biases, and assumptions, and to consider how they shape our perceptions of leadership, responsibility, and human nature. The inability to settle on a universal answer regarding the Reluctant Ruler trope challenges us to confront the inherent ambiguity and uncertainty of human existence, prompting us to engage with questions of identity, meaning, and morality in our own lives.
Closing Words
What initially appears as a narrative device in storytelling reveals itself as a mirror reflecting the intricacies of our own ethical frameworks, existential dilemmas, and political realities.
At its essence, the Reluctant Ruler archetype embodies the universal struggle between autonomy and responsibility, authenticity and conformity, freedom and obligation. Yet, beyond the realm of fiction, it prompts us to reflect on our own ethical convictions and existential uncertainties. Are we, too, begrudging in our own lives, navigating the delicate balance between personal desires and societal expectations? Do we confront the existential angst of freedom and responsibility, or do we succumb to the illusion of control and self-deception?
Moreover, the Reluctant Ruler challenges us to examine the legitimacy of political authority and the ethical responsibilities of leadership. In a world where governance is often characterized by power struggles and moral ambiguities, how do we reconcile the demands of pragmatism with the imperatives of justice and integrity? How do we ensure that those in positions of power govern with wisdom, virtue, and compassion?
Ultimately, the Reluctant Ruler trope serves as a catalyst for introspection and dialogue, inviting us to confront the complexity of human nature and the ethical dimensions of governance. As we scrutinize the unresolved questions and perpetual debates surrounding this archetype, we are reminded of the enduring relevance of philosophy in our quest for understanding, meaning, and ethical clarity.
In the end, the Reluctant Ruler challenges us not only to ponder the existential dilemmas of fictional characters but also to confront the ethical complexities of our own lives and societies. It is through this introspective journey that we may gain deeper insights into the nature of leadership, autonomy, and the human condition, and perhaps, find a path towards a more just, compassionate, and authentic world.
#writers on tumblr#writeblr#writers#on writing#creative writing#writer#writing#writers and poets#writerscommunity#novel writing#writing life#writing community#writing inspiration#writing tips#writer stuff#writers of tumblr#writer community#writer problems#writer things#writer on tumblr#writing trope#tropes#character tropes#trope talk#trope analysis#trope prompts#tropes i love#characterization#writing tropes
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YOU HELD YOUR HEAD LIKE A HERO, ON A HISTORY BOOK PAGE. IT WAS THE END OF A DECADE, BUT THE START OF AN AGE.
gavin stenhouse, bisexual, cis man + he/him → isn’t that arthur pendragon? i hear that they're king arthur from the sword in the stone. i hear they’re 38. they seem to be chivalrous & protective, but also reckless & destructive. their aesthetics include showing off his fighting skills, golden hair in the wind, glowing eyes and a glowing sword.
BASIC INFORMATION
FULL NAME: [ ARTHUR CLUDWR CLEDDYF PENDRAGON ] NICKNAME: [ THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING, KING ARTHUR, SWORD BEARER, ART ] AGE: [ 38 ] GENDER: [ MALE ] PRONOUNS: [ HE/HIM ] FAIRYTALE: [ KING ARTHUR, THE SWORD IN THE STONE ] ETHNICITY: [ BRITISH, WELSH, CELTIC ] RELIGION: [ PAGANISM ] LANGUAGE, IN ORDER OF PROFICIENCY: [ WELSH, ENGLISH, IRISH, SCOTTISH GAELIC ] ROMANTIC ORIENTATION: [ BIROMANTIC ] SEXUAL ORIENTATION: [ BISEXUAL ] SEXUAL TEMPERAMENT: [ DOM-SWITCH ] SEXUAL POSITION: [ TOP-VERSE ]
RELATIONSHIPS
SIGNIFICANT OTHER: [ TBD. ] PARENTS: [ UTHER PENDRAGON. IGRAINE PENDRAGON. ] SIBLINGS: [ MORGAN, HALF-SIBLING, UNBEKNOWNST TO ARTHUR. ] FRIENDS: [ MERLIN. MORGAN. LANCELOT. ]
PHYSICAL TRAITS
FACE CLAIM: [ GAVIN STENHOUSE ] EYE COLOUR: [ BLUE ] HAIR COLOUR: [ BLONDE ] HEIGHT: [ 1.92 METRES ] BODY BUILD: [ ATHLETIC, BUFF, MUSCULAR ] FACIAL HAIR: [ BEARD CENTRED AROUND THE MOUTH, EXTENDING TO THE SIDE OF HIS FACE. ] TATTOOS + PIERCINGS: [ tba. ] NOTABLE PHYSICAL TRAITS: [ VARIOUS SCARS OVER HIS BODY FROM TRAINING AND BATTLES ]
PHOBIAS AND DISORDERS
PHOBIAS/FEARS: [ TBA. ] MENTAL DISORDERS: [ tba. ]
PERSONALITY
INTELLIGENCE: [ SMART. KNOWLEDGEABLE. ] LIKES: [ SWORDS. GALAVANTING AROUND. SCALING CLIFFS. FIGHTING. ] DISLIKES: [ DARK MAGIC. LONG COURT SESSIONS. SCHEMING NOBLES. ] ALIGNMENT: [ CHAOTIC GOOD ] POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES: [ DETERMINED, CHIVALROUS, PROTECTIVE, FIRM LEADERSHIP, JUST ] NEGATIVE ATTRIBUTES: [ RECKLESS, DESTRUCTIVE, COCKY, ROGUISH ]
COMBAT INFORMATION
WEAPONS: [ EXCALIBUR. WOODEN STAFF. EXCELLENT HAND TO HAND COMBATANT. ] POWERS: [ LATENT MAGIC. SUPERHUMAN STRENGTH AND SPEED WHEN WIELDING EXCALIBUR. MINOR MAGIC CHANNELLED THROUGH EXCALIBUR. ]
AESTHETICS
AESTHETICS: [ SHOWING OFF HIS FIGHTING SKILLS. GOLDEN HAIR IN THE WIND. GLOWING EYES AND A GLOWING SWORD. FAST HANDS. RIDING OFF INTO THE SUNSET. KEEPING THE DOOR OPEN. CROWN ADORNED WITH JEWELS, OCCASSIONALLY FORGOTTEN. POLISHING HIS SWORD. PRISTINE ROBES WORTHY OF HIS STATUS. RUGGED LOOKS WHEN NOT IN COURT. SWEATING WITHOUT HIS SHIRT ON. ] INSPO: [ KING ARTHUR, KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD. ] LYRICAL INSPO: [ I HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE FIGHTING DRAGONS WITH YOU. // CAUSE BABY, I COULD BUILD A CASTLE OUT OF ALL THE BRICKS THEY THREW AT ME. AND EVERY DAY IS LIKE A BATTLE, BUT EVERY NIGHT WITH US IS LIKE A DREAM. // THERE WILL COME A SOLDIER WHO CARRIES A MIGHTY SWORD. HE WILL TEAR YOUR CITY DOWN, OH-LEI, OH-LAI, OH, LORD. ]
KINKS
KINKS: [ BREEDING. COLLARS. LEASHES. VERBAL FEMINISATION. WORSHIP. OBJECTIFICATION. COCK WARMING. RESTRAINS/BONDAGE. PUBLIC. SOMNOPHILIA. GAPING. OBJECT PLAY. ] ANTI-KINKS: [ VORE. SCAT. INFANTILISM. ]
BIOGRAPHY
[ wip ]
when his father, uther was poisoned and the throne had been seized by the leaders of the coup. merlin took arthur away to be raised in secret by the knight and lord sir ector, with the boy being unaware of his true heritage. merlin would later befriend arthur as the boy became of age and grew into a man. a man that had mastered the art of various combat techniques and styles, becoming extremely proficient with a sword, and hand to hand combatant — as was fitting of someone of royal birth.
with the help of merlin, events unfolded which led to arthur, now in his 30s, learning about the truth of himself and his royal blood. arthur's greatest feat and catalyst of learning about his heritage turned out to be the pulling of the legendary sword, excalibur, from the stone. the blonde struggled with the revelation for a time but eventually came around to it and accepted both his royal heritage and his destiny. with his chivalrous leadership and kinship with people, arthur amassed a large following to his cause and name. and with excalibur's might and power, and loyal knights and followers behind him, the rightful king stormed camelot to liberate its people from tyrannical rule and oppression. arthur then claimed his crown and throne, born for the role he assimilated well and ruled justly and righteously. even so, arthur still constantly yearned for adventures and often dresses down in something more comfortable and taking his horse out for a ride to places unknown.
eventually with the prophecy of ruin upon their kingdom, merlin brought all of them to a new realm, now named avalon, where the king has to begin his kingdom anew.
[ note: guinevere is not in my (current) portrayal and backstory, so if anything does end up happening it takes place after the inhabitants of camelot have moved to the new realm. ]
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"If Merlin has a sister... Does that make her...basically my aunt?"
"Don't ask questions like that, Arthur."
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Gwen ferch Cunnedda would be a good fit for a Scottish warrior princess. Her father Cunnedda, according to legend, was an ancestor figure for many Welsh nobles, as well as one of the most powerful kings in post-Roman Britain. Given that he swept down from either Scotland or the northernmost end of Roman Britain and conquered large swathes of land, he might have even contributed to Vortigern calling on the Saxons for help. You could definitely have some sort of complicated love triangle involving Amleth, Vortigern and his daughter, and Gwen/Hermuthruda.
On the other hand, I feel granddaughter of Cunedda is enough of an illustrious lineage on its own. Cunedda is a legendary hero in his own right. And according to Welsh Arthurian legend, Cunedda might also be the grandfather of Sir Ector, if Ector can be identified with Cynyr Fair-Beard, thus making Ector Igraine's cousin and tying the family up with a neat little bow. But still, Cunedda's there as backstory and not an actual character, and we know nothing about Igraine's parents other than their names and ostensible genealogies.
Hamlet is King Arthur’s grandfather is not the trivia I expected to learn today but then again Lugh Lamfada is the grandson of an historical Welsh rebel, but his son is generally thought to have lived at the time of Christ so sometimes genealogy is weird but it does prove there was a British hamlet tradition separate from the Icelandic one.
You have any thoughts @gawrkin?
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He has no regrets.
He wishes he had some shame, then.
#an appeal to the observers; dash commentary#the heart of a fallen star; emrys pendragon#noble and fair father of heroes; ector
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"Biting is a perfectly acceptable way of dealing with rude individuals."
"You told my son to bite people when he was an infant, you maniac. Do you know how many times my fingers got bitten?"
#an appeal to the observers; dash commentary#the heart of a fallen star; emrys pendragon#noble and fair father of heroes; ector#okay to be fair kay was technically a toddler but yeah
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Picks something up from a basket and pops it into his mouth.
"Emrys. What are you eating."
"...Mushroom." And there he goes, chewing faster.
"Stop eating random shit you find in the woods! Spit it out!"
#the heart of a fallen star; emrys pendragon#noble and fair father of heroes; ector#ector knows emrys isn't affected by poisons but also#the stress levels he feels with him
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"Knights are all meatheaded idiots. That's why I raised Kay and Arthur with proper educations. I wouldn't let my boys be as idiotic as the rest of them."
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"You didn't help Merlin dry his hair?"
"As you'll recall, I was busy drying your hair, Your Majesty, after I fished both of you out of the water."
#an appeal to the observers; dash commentary#the heart of a fallen star; emrys pendragon#noble and fair father of heroes; ector#emrys and ector have that same dynamic bedivere and kay have#truly trios repeat all the time
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"Lake tossing builds character."
And is hilarious. He should have thrown Uther in the lake more too.
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sitting and staring at my hands as i think about how ector and emrys were so damn close like they were basically how kay and arthur were with each other. and how ector was never the same once emrys died.
and then the agony starts again when i realize kay was likely aware that his father had changed in some significant way when it happened even if he was too young to know why
#an endless tale; headcanon#fair and noble father of heroes; ector#like from pretty much the minute they met ector and emrys were borderline inseparable and then#emrys got killed so Suddenly#ector was never able to fully process it really
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Arthur’s horses are Llamrei and Rhodri (his dun stallion).
Gareth’s horse is Thistle.
Gawain has had a few but his favorite is Gringolet.
Bors’ horse is Etoile.
Lancelot’s is Soleil.
Emrys’ horse is named Helleborus.
Uther never bothered with naming his horses.
And Ector’s horse was named Sbarc Bach.
#an endless tale; headcanon#twelve seals unleashed; arthur pendragon#as fair as the northerly winds; gareth beaumains#ever loyal knight of the sun; gawain#knight of the lake with sorrows following him; lancelot#knight of sacred fire; bors the younger#the heart of a fallen star; emrys pendragon#i’ll come up with a few more later horse names are hard man#the sign of the red dragon; uther pendragon#fair and noble father of heroes; ector
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"Shall I get the list?"
He's ready to force some humble pie down a mage's throat.
#an appeal to the observers; dash commentary#noble and fair father of heroes; ector#he's staring at you merlin#list in hand
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|| @apotelesmati Eli vc: I think it half worked sir. They’re not meatheads.
"Not meatheads, but still idiots. I can only blame myself for that. Or I could blame Merlin."
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