Messages

One of my favorite moments with Yarn was at the Greykeep, and seeing Yarn sit in his big old chair and heed council from friends and allies. You could tell Yarn had no real interest in actually being at the head of the table, but it was something he was given to do and he was gonna do it!

Thanks for the few conversations we did have. Yarn was a cool ranger type that I really enjoyed seeing. Running the rings with his cats like a boss.

Man! I wish I had more interaction and conversation with Niven.

She was a curious sort, and I admire that in characters. People who are constant and diligent about their work and hobbies. I sort of wish I had been around for the wedding event too, but happened to be busy at the time.

Still! Niven was awesome. Thanks for playing her!

" . . .The Winespill seems to have grown fond of the Groat. I suppose he would when his endeavors to distribute 'sundries' in Ticker failed. A handsome fellow, but I do suppose they all are. I wonder if it's the hair color, or the way his jaw looks in poor lighting that rattles the senses? Or could it be partial to an innate instinct that lay deep within, buried for hundreds of years -- That covet the decorated histories of his loins."   - Domina Lucretia, Journal Entry


Beauxregard was flamboyant, and quite known to exert an air of high society. He dressed well, was groomed, and likely spoke with a melody attached to his words. That's just my personal impression. In many ways he used this as his own cover. To not be taken too seriously, and often his Knavery label was dismissed because of it which was a brilliant usage of perception. It also gave him that Winespill flare of constant talk and gossip. What trouble he seemed to get himself into that became the conversation of the Ward.

When Beau and Lucretia met, she thought that they were going to be good friends. But by the end, she would have been pleased to watch him hang. He had interfered with her on more than one occasion, and it always seemed like he was trying to one up her somehow. Intruding on her conversations and turning it against her to some how offend retainers. When she brought a date to the Velstran wedding, Beauxregard brought three. He became her rival, almost. But they were mostly civil in their quiet despute. Mostly.

Well done! Well played. Adieu.

Barney Bolger!

First time meeting the character was him beating Beauxregard Winespill's ass outside the open door for giving some dude drugs that made him almost die. Being escorted to the Door by my sunpurse boi, and all the sudden poor Beauxregard's taking several slaps to the head with a club and squealing like a little girl. That was such a neat thing to walk in on, and then him dragging him to the doorkeeper. Nice touch.

The other moment that stands out to me is Barney trying to shake out some coin from Lucretia after Fata Novem for the Blackjacks. I remember feeling the pressure from the exchange, but it was difficult to really reciprocate right after a big event like that.

We didn't interact much, but for IC reasons.  Well done!

Gervasy was a fantastic Orzan. Really. He's exactly what I would expect from the House.

He was intimidating of a presence to stand in with his massive size, the weapon he chose to wield, and the choice of his words.  But he wasn't a terrible person beyond the march, and that's what stood out to me. Gervasy gave a shit about people, did whatever he thought was best for his House and home, and wasn't afraid to be kind. Many times, Gervasy became the voice of House Orza. He promoted it proudly, and unquestioningly.

I think Lucretia was the person who got him smoking, not sure. I just remember Gervasy asking about her cigarette, and she gave him two when they first met without a second thought. Ever since, they jived together.

The Bear of Orza is a proper title. Thanks for playing!

[Her Backstory]

RIP Domina Lucretia

The Jewelry Vendor.
The Redamancer.
The Ringrunner.
The Mistress of the Arena.
The Whore.
The Entertainer.
The Curator of Rings in the City of Rings.
The Socialite.

The Red Woman.
The Wife.



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First! Let me thank everyone I had interacted with during my four month reign as Domina. There are far too many good times to recount for this thread, and she would have been nothing without you. I truly had the best time exploring the world, my character, and everyone else's. This might be a long obituary for those who are curious -- So thank you if you don't delve too deeply!

Here's some loot I had while we're about it.
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Portraits I done.
[Hide][/hide]
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Where do I begin?

Domina Lucretia. The name holds purpose to her general feel. Domina, as some of you may have riddled out, is actually latin for 'Mistress'. But it can also be translated to 'lady-love'. And Lucretia means wealth. Mistress of Wealth. Some of the characters she interacted with figured this out quickly. Even asking her if her actual name was 'Domina' or if they were being tricked into submitting to her. And that, in itself, is her character.

Lucretia is influence incarnate. She was made to appeal to everyone she interacted with through persuasion. She was capable of reading emotions, and using them to her benefit. If you were upset, she would be your comfort. If you were angry, she would be the fan that fueled the flames. If you were lonely, she would be your siren.
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Her Backstory

Lucretia was born and raised in the slums of Ticker Square. Her mother was a whore, and she never knew her father. She had a twin sister named Gaia, and Gaia was special. From a very young age she used to have night terrors that often woke her balling. As she grew older, the dreams got worse. One night when they were alone, Gaia awoke from one of her nightmares and was overtaken by a violent fit. Lucretia didn't know what to do to calm her sister. To stop her from beating her head upon the wall, or clawing at her face with her tiny hands; So she pressed a pillow over her face and her sister grew still. She wouldn't wake, so Lucretia ran. She killed her sister.

Lucretia's life thereafter was spent on the streets. She ran with gangs to survive; And this is where she learned to manipulate people in order to succeed. To sense violence and rage on the wind, and deter it before she would be caught in it's wake. To appeal to people who could murder her on a whim, and turn them. Make them hers instead, without raising a hand.
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Bonding and Manipulation

Lucretia devoted a lot of time and energy to cloak herself in things that are appealing to most.  And she used a variety of social tactics to condition those around her into becoming closely associated with her. Some even willing to die or kill on her behalf. This was all intentional, and partial to her design. She was designed to fit in with any crowd, and heavily relied on social interactions. She was a non-combat character for the most part. She never engaged in pvp directly, and pve was mild at best.

She covered herself in finery to give people the impression that she was important. Important enough to walk around, wearing her weight in gold, silver, and gemstones and not be knifed for it. It also made for a fun side-project for myself to get invested in. The catalog was also a tool that she used to gain attention from afar.  Frequent change in appearance also helped out. Because she never wore the same thing for more than a few days, it would make her stand out. The more outrageous the outfit, the more she demanded the room's attention.

She melded the way she spoke around people according to where they come from. Most of the time it was with an air of prestige and elegance. Big words, lengthy drawls, and always with a hint of familiarity.

She called everyone darling, because that gives the illusion that you and she know each other intimately. You're well acquainted, and she loves you. Even though this is the first meeting, you're already being trained to think this way.

When meeting new people, she makes a point to shake hands with people not just in effort to make them feel welcome, but to establish a connection. Touch is a powerful sensory to people. It gives the illusion that Lucretia can be trusted, that she's honest and decent. She often held onto people's hands for the same reason. Testing how they react to it, and timing it to see how pliable they'll be based on this. If you let her hold onto you, it means you're willing. She also did this with invading people's personal space. Stepping on their toes, drawing really close to them, and adjusting a piece of armor on their person or a scarf. These are all actions that are designed to gaslight the person into believing that Lucretia is their friend. Their companion. Their soon-to-be lover. People, things, that she would use to protect herself with. To get something she wanted. To bend and shape to her will.

Meeting new people also had the same questions. If you were awoken, she purposefully welcomed each awoken to the city of rings as if they had just come upon El Dorado, the City of Gold. Excitement, and praise is immediate. There's so many PCs who have bonded closely to Lucretia because of this tactic (or so they say).
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Redamancy, the Magic of the Soul

Redamancy Obscura is Lucretia's shop name. And I chose it specifically because it sounded posh as hell. Something you might actually see as a brand name for jewelry or perfume. Redamancy, for those who don't know, means: "The act of loving in return. Redamancy is distinguished from most of the other words about love in that it is one of the few that specifies reciprocity." RWG's monk elf was the first person to call Lucretia a 'redamancer', and so Lucretia ran with it as yet another thing she could be associated with that would have proven positive in her influence over other people. That she would become the patron saint of love. It would have also been another layer of suggestion, that Lucretia was a pretty lady, who was single and maybe she will teach you the meaning of the word.

She also used it as a form of philosophy that she supposedly lived by. Something akin to Phanax the Opulance, but from a different perspective. That you should give, rather than get, to people you love and are worthy of your affections. It was a sales pitch in some ways. 'You should buy this ring for your friend because you love them, right?' But also to inspire people who were invested in the idea of love.  But also it would appeal to people in other ways. Lucretia would do an act of kindness, and cloak it in an air of higher calling rather than what it likely was. A show of affection to be repaid in future, and when it was most convenient.

I sort of had a small draft for a Cult of Redamancy, so here's that if you're interested:

[hide]Redamancy

Titles: Magic of the Soul
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Domains: Chaos, Magic, Charm, Protection, Hatred
Favored Weapon: Rapier

Contrary to other faiths, Redamancy isn't beholden to a singular deity but instead to an idea and practice. A practice that all who are capable of love, and what positive, or negative, feeling spawns from the pursuit may bring. Faithful of Redamancy do not follow a god, but their individual hearts.

Redamancy is said to be the magic of the soul. A magic that no one is prohibited, but no one is worthy of. A powerful magic that can hold a person inches from death, and at the same time be it's very cause. A magic that is very simple to understand and use, and devastating to abuse. It shapes the very foundations of its subject. Everything they do, and every decision they make is based around what they love and hate.

It is also said that Love and Hate are two-sides of the same coin. "Hatred is the dark face of Love." It's meaning is derived from the theory that in order to love something, there must be something you hate. In order to hate something, there must be something you love.

Those who would find following in Redamancy are as follows:

• Young people looking for love and appreciation.
• Duelists who aspire to achieve the affection of one or many people.
• Merchants who sell non-essential items such as beauty products, extravagant clothing, jewelry, perfumes, wine, ect.
• Philanthropist merchants who tend to give away their money for others.
• Newly weds who believe their marriage was fated.
• Bards who sing songs about love, lovers, and it's positive and negative effects.
• Poets who write about lovers, and the act of loving someone.
• Novelists who write steamy romance novels.
• Gladiators who fight for fame rather than fortune.
• Pacifists who believe that love is the answer to everything.
• Diplomats who take a more empathetic approach to negotiation.
• Thieves who strive for infamy and controversial affection from others.
• Murderers who kill people based on emotional value.
• Martyrs who frequently forego suffering and scorn for the affection and admiration of others.
• Nobles who do anything and everything for their liege's affections.
• People who like to party frequently, and heavily.

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The Heir's Vigil & Her Conquest

Lucretia was never actually made or meant to ringrun, but I've never actually had success trying to ringrun with a group. As a player, I told myself I would never ringrun unless the opportunity presents itself. And even then I would have low expectations. I would expect to fail. For people to decide they'd rather not bother. For my character to get left behind because of scheduling issues, and then my group not want the burden of coming back for me. These things tormented me when I first started playing, so there was never an intention after. It's not worth the stress.

But I got an opportunity in both House Orza and Sunpurse, due to Lucretia's need to know everyone she can. She got Sunpurse to agree to escort her through the rings, and we hit 71! It not only allowed the rogue to get further her influence over House Sunpurse, but it made for some really great roleplay and interaction. Fun moments that I cherished. Lucretia stopped ringrunning after 71 due to some IC circumstance, but and some ooc ones as well. But this was a goal achieved for me. That a non-combat character got further than any of my combat ready ones ever hoped to. It also helped breath legitimacy into Lucretia's name, and give her passage to escape should she ever need to.
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Blood Sport

Blood Sport and it's heraldry was part of embedding herself into the fabric of society. As well as delivering onto the masses what she wanted to be known as, rather than what she truly was. To many, Lucretia was a lanista and an entertainer. She enjoyed blood sport for it's traditions, and it's purpose in not only entertaining people and bringing them a welcomed distraction; But also that it was wholesome in it's own way. Many come into the pit to fight and grow as individuals. Few people actually wanted to promote the traditions of the Arena, and the one's who did, did it well.

Beneath the surface, Lucretia just liked violence. More specifically, she liked the idea that men would enact violence at her behest, or for her favor. That they would be willing to spill each others blood for her, and only her, entertainment and praise. So in a sense, she did like blood sport. Just not for the reasons she gave.

Being famous means that if someone did harm, or presume to kill you, they would be doing so at their own risk. High profile deaths are a lot less easy to sweep under a rug without retribution, than just some low-ball merchant or ringrunner.  Whatever the reason that would be had, better be a pretty damn good one if it must be done. That was the purpose of making herself larger than life. Folds upon folds of protective layers to ensure that she wouldn't be trifled with meekly.
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There's some other things to talk about, but it's not for me to spoil for you. All I have to say is that Lucretia hid in plain sight. She used her influence and fame to cover who she really was beneath. What is known isn't as real as you may have thought. Things she did, often always, had some motive or purpose to further her grasp on those who were willing. Some unwilling. Some unknowingly. There is but one who knew the reality from the fiction.

His name is Danger.

The Domina Lucretia Playlist


1. Dealz
2. If You Think I'm Pretty
3. Something of a Mystery
4. Heir's Vigil and Her Conquest
5. Redamancer
6. Devil in Disguise
7. Pain
8.Solace
9.My Heart's a Tomb
10.Velvet Queen
11.I Like When You Get Mad
12.I Won't Repent
13.Lifesaver
14.Danger
15.The Dance
16.Red Moon
17.Aphotic Black
18.Enough

Peter no!

De Gaulle seemed like he had his heart in the right place in most affairs, and really only wanted to better the Ward rather than harm it. He attested the vile, but also offered some mercy to those who were willing to seek it. That's the vibe I got from our interactions, at least. He was also one of the most active and social-able of the Nephezar pcs, which is always good.

So good job!

I had a lot of fun ringrunning with Krin and the Vigil.

I just want to say I really enjoyed our interactions, and Krin was one of my favorite pcs. He seemed emit a combination of intimidation, and yet jovial at the same time. So thanks for everything you did, and got done.

Fondest memories include:

• Nearly getting Krin Haliax killed by fire in the rings.
• Krin summoning devils that nearly get us killed. "OW. Krin?! Contain your creatures!" "He just likes you that's all."
• That one time I lagged super hard and Krin said, "What did I say about not scaring me?"
• Krin being a bad ass at council meetings with his bone pen.
• Krin not knowing how supportive hand on shoulder properly.
• Krin trying to convince Eustace that he was a changed man so he can go on a quest. "Oh YES! I have CHANGED my ways. I no longer summon evil things, I have seen the light."
• Krin inviting people to dinner in an unnerving way.

I'm gonna miss Krin.

I sort of agree. Though at the same time, I've known pcs who have basically logged in everyday looking for specific gladiators in order to complete their deck. So if you're down to a few gladiators left, it might be helpful for those messages to remain.

Lucretia paid Godfrey premium for his service, because he seemed the type to get shit done.

40 in respec.

Damn!

I really enjoyed Kanna. Domina was trying so hard to reach out to her and pull her into the dark side, but Kanna's spirit was too large for her to ever comprehend!

And I agree. Kanna's growth was something really cool to behold. We didn't interact that much toward the end, but what little we did interact I feel like  our characters had a pretty neat connection and dynamic.

Kanna, to Domina, the person Domina would have been if certain things didn't happen in her life. And that made her innately spiteful of Kanna, but at the same time, worried for her. So thank you! I look forward to seeing what else you portray in future.

Juuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuubilation!