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Message: <blockquote data-quote="The_Universe" data-source="post: 1833917" data-attributes="member: 8944">A pep talk, but also a cautionary note...That's fair, and to a degree it shouldn't be happening.  So, I'll begin by saying what I, as a relatively objective participant in the game, think is great about Archonus.   Archonus can be noble, and merciful (the wounded goblin...).  He can be scrupled, careful, and cautious (The initial invasion of Oceanus, early negotiations with the leaders).  Archonus is brave, and certainly not above self-sacrifice for what he believes is RIGHT (take the pain, "I'll go first," etc.).  Archonus is strong, tough, and capable of using his former position with the kingdom to everyone's benefit (the occaisonal use of his Talon status for diplomacy/intimidation), and has the capability of exercising restraint when he feels it proper (not killing Cawys just because you don't like him).  He has been fiercely loyal, and even when acting brashly followed a path that seemed to be perfect (swearing fealty to the Queen early on, thus far being the only one to have done so).  When presented with a shade of a lost love (Dara), he chose not to delude her, but instead helped save the lives and souls of many of the mages now in your service (Tower of the Red).  Those are the things that make Archonus a hero, and those are the things that I, Kennon, love in any character.  They are, for the most part, the things the whole group shares, but they were the specific traits that really made Archon stand out.  That, and the brooding.   Now, just for the sake of argument, let's examine how Archon has been lately, say, since you left Oceanus the first time.  Noble? Merciful? Scrupled?  Cautious? Yes, we can give him cautious as long as we limit it to combat situations. Bravery? Can't argue that. Self Sacrifice is also a given, so long as we limit to combat. Get into his personal life, and suddenly the idea that he might not get what he wants can only be answered by murder.  Strong? Sure. Tough? Definitely. Restrained? Barely, and even then only sporadically. Using the Talon? Not really.  You've been treading the merry edge of breaking it for a while, now, as Archon flies off into his uncharacteristic rages.  Loyal? Sort of.  No need to go into the specifics, but Archon's been loyal in name to the circle, and to Jaine, but has enumerated several times his willingness to "break the oath(s)" thus parading disloyalty around as if it were a desirable quality.  Lastly, the shining moment of diplomacy that Archon once reached to win the Tower of the Red has been long forgotten, and never returned to.  He hasn't even put in the effort.            I agree that Archon shouldn't be put in a box, if you contrast the Archon I talked about when I listed all the things that make him a great, three dimensional character have not really been put on display for the past few months of game.  The Archon that left Thanesport could have been a great King. Even the Archon that helped refugees from Oceanus.  But the Archon of the moment? He is - at least sort of - a jerk, and a dangerous man to put on the throne.  Sure, Archon's not perfect.  No character has to be.  But he's falling a bit short of his name, at least, and WAY short of the way he's been best played.     You'll get no argument that Archon has the pedigree and the experience to be a decent ruler.  But is he using any of it?  I don't think anyone has seen much of it since Oceanus fell.  His mercy has been forgotten, his nobility lost in furious death threats and the persecution of important allies.  All of that can be gotten back, but not by a sullen Archon who consistently lashes out at those around him.    None of this is to say it's poor role playing, but you have to see how it might strain the bonds of credulity to say it's the same character.  There's a big difference between dark and mysterious, and sullen and broody.  Somewhere, that line was crossed. Can you get back on the other side?  I've certainly tried to offer chances for the limited redemption Archonus needs...but I can only fish for so long if nothing bites.  I'm willing to compromise for fun's sake. Can Archon compromise for the story's?</blockquote>

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