Date: Wed, 23 Oct 1996 17:23:10 +1000 (EST) From: Timothy Ferguson Subject: Courts: Sir Bedivere, The Cup-bearer ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Insert: Bedivere's Character Sheet: Bedivere is the third most handsome man in the realm, according to the Mabinogion. He also draws blood as quickly as any three other knights. The Bedivere presented here is a magical knight, in some ways more fae than human. His skills surpass those of most of his contemporaries. Unlike lesser knights he has felt no need to trade of martial prowess for courtly abilities, being naturally gifted in each. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sidebar: Other options for playing Bedivere. Bedivere may be the eldest member of this family, but due to his deformity may not be permitted to inherit, as was the law in some Celtic societies. Corneus might have arranged Bedivere's rank to shield him from ridicule, if this is the case. The rules of Courtesy and Chivalry, in some areas, forbid contests between opponents of different advantage, a rule called "Equal Blades" in Ireland. In those areas, knights might be ashamed to combat a one-armed man, although less so if he can use his shield. They have no proof that Bedivere is not missing his sword-hand, and it is ignoble to harm those unable to properly defend themselves. This may be another reason why Bedivere avoids tourneys, so as not to embarrass his friends, many of whom are wincingly polite. Bedivere has an extremely dramatic death scene in Geoffery of Monmouth and Lazamon. In the first, Kay chops up Bedivere's killer and, dying himself, fights his way back to Arthur's battle-standard with his best friend's body, then expiring himself. In Lazamon his nephew Ridwalthen avenges his death, displaying the love that sister's sons should have for thier uncles, contrasting with the evil of Modred's covetice. ("Modred" is Arthur's nephew, by his sister, in Lazamon. Arthur's fathering of Mordred and the throwing of the Sword into the water are both later additions to the myth.) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Bedivere in Combat Bedivere's loss of a hand has given him odd powers, possibly through the same process as runecarvers. Bedivere's spear skill is not divided when facing multiple opponents. If his spear breaks in combat, he can keep fighting with the head as though the shaft was still in place. He can, according to the Mabinogion, cause and blade he has sharpened to fly through the air and can make them draw blood from the wind. Gamesmasters wishing a less magical Bedivere might limit this to when he is fighting Saxons, is in magical places, is in faerie or faces magical opponents. It is these amazing abilities and excellent luck, that allow him to survive the battle of Camlann. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Name: Bedivere Homeland: Lindsey Culture: Roman Religion: Christian Father's Name: Corneus Father's Class: Noble Son Number: 2 Lord: Arthur Current Class: Officer to the High King Current Home: Camelot Age 45 Year Born 388 Personality Traits Chivalry Bonus [] (total =80+) Yes. Religion Bonus: Yes Chaste 16 / 4 Lustful Energetic 17 / 3 Lazy Forgiving 16 / 4 Vengeful Generous 13 / 7 Selfish Honest 9 / 11 Deceitful Just 19 / 1 Arbitrary Merciful 16 / 4 Cruel Modest 21 / 0 Proud Pious 4 / 16 Worldly Prudent 17 / 3 Reckless Temperate 16 / 4 Indulgent Trusting 12 / 8 Suspicious Valorous 21 / 0 Cowardly * Directed Trait: * Directed Trait: Passions Loyalty (Arthur) 19 Love (family) 16 Hospitality 16 Honor 18 Equipment Carried Armor Type [14] + 3 Chiv, but see notes. Clothing [] Equipment: Statistics SIZ 16 (Knockdown) DEX 15 STR 13 CON 17 (Major Wound) APP 35 Damage ((STR+SIZ)/6) 5d6 Healing Rate ((STR+CON)/10) 3 Movement Rate ((STR+DEX)/10) 3 Total Hit Points (SIZ+CON) 39 Unconscious (HP/4) 10 Distinctive Features Skills Awareness 10 Boating 0 Chirurgery 5 Compose 5 Courtesy 17 Dancing 10 Faerie Lore 5 Falconry 10 First Aid 16 Flirting 10 Folk Lore 10 Gaming 10 Heraldry 15 Hunting 10 Industry 0 Intrigue 10 Orate 16 Play (Harp) 10 Read (Latin) 5 Recognize 5 Religion (Christian) 5 Romance 15 Singing 5 Stewardship 5 Swimming 10 Tourney 15 Coat of Arms: A gold eagle on green background. Glory 30 000 Combat Skills Battle 16 Horsemanship 15 Weapon Skills Sword 10 Lance 18 Dagger 5 Spear 30 Horses Best Warhorse Type Destrier Damage 7 d6 Move Armor HP SIZ CON DEX