Duffy
05-07-10, 06:59 PM
Name: Duffy Bracken.
Alias: Monkey Man, Dagger.
Titles: Tantalum.
Age: 24 years.
Gender: Male.
Race: Human.
Height: 6’2”.
Weight: 131llbs.
Hair Colour: Black.
Eye Colour: Jade Green or White.
Occupation: Thief/Actor.
Alignment: Lawful Good.
Accent: Norfolk Broads/Kentish Town.
Languages: Trade Speak, Common, Scara Braen Slang.
Literacy: Excellent.
History: In recent times, Duffy’s ascent to the paragon of virtue he sees himself to be has failed. On every front, the Tantalum engages the shadows of Lucian, fighting his essence and drive with word and song. Duffy has frequented the Citadel numerous times to improve his own abilities, and the likes of Ruby and Lilith have picked up their presence in the noble houses and in the plays they perform. The troupe on the whole is working towards a brilliant exegesis of form, and all the pieces of the puzzle are coming together, save one.
In the Cell, Duffy solidified the first true connection to one of the prophesised allies in the final war with Lucian Lahore. He has consecrated his goals and dedicated himself to forgiving all things said and all things done, so that he can remain headstrong as a leader. This marks a new period of activity for the troupe, as they began their last push against their greatest enemy before the war transcribed in eternal song erupts in the under life of the city of Scara Brae. They search far and wide for ways to call on the heroes of old, as their lives, once thought lost to orphan hood, come screaming back through the mists of time to spite their faces.
In his various encounters he has begun to piece together not only his drive and determination, but the reasons and allies he needs to defeat Lucian once and for all. He has succumbed to the self doubt and low-self-esteem of a failing writer, even if his plays are still headstrong in the city and its people’s hearts, but in his doubt, in his weakness, he is finding out the true extent of the Tantalum’s state of being, and just what it means to come to rely on friends. Of course, his friends tend to be metal and blade based, and he takes them out to the Citadel on weekly dates as of late, but coming closer to Ruby and the others is a lesson and path he has to take in accepting he is not a strong leader without their back.
There is a wedding to contend with first however, and a new play, and a trip to the North to the Theatre in the Sky. The days of the Tantalum's dreams are still so far into the future, and much progression must be made on all accounts, before the final curtain falls.
Personality: Duffy is a conflicted individual, bouncing between duty and fun and fealty and promiscuity with reckless ease and abandon. He is certainly a prominent personality in a room, although his enthusiasm, quick witted nature and his tendency to put his foot in his mouth and swallow hard means his reputation precedes him for all the wrong reasons. He is shy and meek when confronted with authority or with situations he cannot deal with, as is anyone of his age who has not been tempered by the horrors of life. His dreams and goals ultimately combine to become a wish for peace, and a wish for the death of Lucian, if not the salvation of his soul and a resurrection of Wainwright, the once true hearted bard that founded the Tantalum troupe itself. He is perfectly honourable, for a plucky thief, and disgustingly honest.
The Aria:
The sound of all things accompanies Duffy’s every move, an ocean of knowledge locked in his mind. It is a connection to Tantalus himself, the Thayne of Art and Drama and the gambit king of the stage. When the going gets tough, the ocean churns great waves and sings songs of battle and war, and when it is quiet or romance is in the air it sings requiems and arias to still the soul. Only those who are chosen by Tantalus or those who show great dedication to the Tantalum Troupe can hear this wondrous affirmation of faith. Each person can draw upon this vast resource in an individual and peculiar way. Ruby La Roux can drain the waters and channel magic into her songs as a Spell singer, Lilith can channel the skills and lives of the servants of the stage, learning how to cook, knit, sew, paint great murals for backdrops and rig rope for divides almost sub-consciously. Blank is a swordsman, a silent guardian of legend, and they say Pete is the embodiment of a character called ‘Oliver,’ a scamp of fables told the world over. Duffy, however, draws on The Aria in two ways; that of the Narrator, the omniscient man of the stage who voices concerns and surprises with ominous precision, and that of the Channelled, the Method Actor, drawing on the vast repertoire of roles from time itself and taking on those mantles as if he were possessed. Sometimes, when he summons the Aria, his eyes glow with inner fire and he takes on a mantle of an aura, visible like flames surrounding his body. The music and song that he hears during these times can be heard by others almost as if the angels themselves were singing into their ears.
The Narrator: The Narrator might be a man, or perhaps it is just a burly woman with buxom breasts and a moustache, it’s impossible to tell. There is no control over this, he or she simply adds commentary or manifests audible music from The Aria to accompany Duffy’s actions at utterly inconvenient moments. In technical terms, it means there’s a very slight chance of detection if Duffy tries to sneak up on something...It adds commentary to epic battles, and adds social deviancy in polite society. This is a free ability, anyone involved in rp’ing with Duffy can use it to their advantage or to lighten the mood as they see fit; purely descriptive unless prior approval or discussion is gained, and has ‘infinite’ uses.
Method Acting: Such is Duffy’s belief in some of his creations and roles, that he can draw on that belief in moments of passion or dire need to channel their abilities. In order to do this, a special connection must be formed between Duffy and the role, be it through acting it countless times with conviction, or through meeting someone similar in real life. At the minute, he only has the ability to channel one personality, that of the Blade Singer Lysander, but he can develop new ones from all walks of life given time. Duffy can draw on an aspect of a personality four posts per thread, be it to channel a character’s voice, his speech or mannerisms, or his abilities in any combination of uses permitted, as long as it does not exceed each personality’s detailed limitations. Each sub-personality will be requested as a spoil as it develops and added below.
Lysander Brandybuck, The Hero of the Western Welds - A proud and enigmatic hero, a force and avatar of the Light that holds all the forces of good together. Such a role springs forth from Duffy’s first full play he wrote and performed himself, Lysander’s Flock, and his fervent belief and love for the character actually created a new life in the world. Duffy began to develop this ability through meeting Lysander himself, en-route to Corone, and at the minute, when he draws on The Aria, he can channel one of two aspects of Lysander’s power, and up to twice per thread as long as such usage would not exceed the limit as noted in ‘Method Acting.’ He can choose wield his Katarhna with above average skill for one post, which can extend to one attack/parry/block of an equally skilled opponent or he can channel some small resemblance of the Blade singer’s power. This may be to increase the strength of a single weapon up one grade for a post, or to solidify flames from his Tinder Gear to last twice as long.
The Rheinholdt Spark – Although undeveloped, Duffy has started the process to form the persona of the Red Scourge captain he encountered a year ago. If a pirate play is performed using the Red Cutlass, he can manifest this persona and its associated abilities at the next level up.
The Enrapturing Melody: Duffy’s connection to the Aria is increasing to the rate that he can now project the songs he hears in his head in moments of heightened danger, such as a combat, or emotion, such as a death or heightened duress. The range of the song depends on the strength of the trigger, but it can reach three hundred feet at best.
The Union Of Ages: Once per thread, the profile ability of one other member of the Tantalum may be called upon as a non-NPC action, working for all intent and purpose as described in the original biography. At present, this requires all the same conditions as the original ability, so that if the original requires PC permission, so too does Duffy’s drawing on the Aria.
Skills/Abilities: As a jack of all trades and an urchin of the streets, Duffy has a wide repertoire of skills but is not necessarily a master of them all. It can be asserted that he is likely to know something to point him in the right direction in most normal, and some unusual circumstances, represented as follows:
Rogue's Gambit: As the Tantalus, Duffy hears and sees allot that he shouldn't, and he has the rapport to talk his way into a location where most would resort to a large axe. To represent this, Duffy is considered to have persuasion, knowledge (, local, and arts/culture,) minor knowledge of Radasanth and surrounding countryside. His encounter with Lorenor brought to light that Tantalus is not the only ’Thayne’ and he is aware of N’Jal, possessing average theory. Duffy can apply these skills wherever applicable, although care and consideration should be applied both to his age, and to wherever or not a human would otherwise know the knowledge/facts being used.
Perform; Duffy is adept at the performance of most common dances, tango, waltz etc, as well as some of the Scara Brae variations/court dances etc. In addition to the dance, Duffy can sing and play the flute, common harp, harpsichord (, or similar) at an above average level. Duffy can spontaneously play common styles, utilising the arts/culture knowledge skill, and can perform acrobatics as a performer/athlete, to within the normal confines of human physiology. He is a parkour/freerunner user, and capable of backflips/gymnastics/vaulting and wall leaping, this is considered legendary skill wise. This is his best skill, and he’s often called Monkey Man as a result. Duffy can also ‘act’ drunk, as an above average performer, to what ends only the red light district knows.
Infamy: The Tantalum's name in the city of Scara Brae is now one of hot gossip and discussion, both because of its skill and excitement, and because of its tendency to go missing just like the purses of its audience. This Infamy has a reciprocal effect, in that most will know Duffy and Ruby's face and some will respect them greatly; but others will be nervous at their sight or outright aggressive to them. Some call it the price of fame; Ruby calls it ‘her little rabble.’
Knife Combat (Expert): Duffy is becoming ever more proficient in his own illustrious and acrobatic fighting style. It is a style, or lack thereof built up from Generic Street fighting utilising two knifes, back flips, feint attacks and full use of his mobility to overwhelm opponents with speed and surprise and guile, as opposed to any noticeable degree of brute strength. Over the last two years, such a style has certainly become more proficient and has been developed in countless Citadel battles, run ins with Lucian and ‘disagreements’ with various members of Scara Brae’s nobility and underclass alike. Finally, it can be said that Duffy’s combat proficiency, perhaps showing his development in the training of the Blade Singer Lysander’s sword has begun to be adept enough to manifest its own flair. He is currently beginning to symbolize and remember various manoeuvres and their effects in combat.
• The Defensive (Vibrato): In this stance both daggers are held in reverse and focus is shifted into the deflection and avoidance of being struck. Here Duffy’s movements are erratic and trapeze orientated, swinging, hoping and rolling around the arena of battle and using the environment as a climbing frame. Whilst concentrating on defence and avoidance, Duffy’s offense is weakened, his strikes become simple slashes and unfocussed pummelling. He uses swinging and pirouette movements to form the basis of this style.
o Butterfly Catch (Above Average) – a defensive move permitted twice per thread or battle that brings back daggers together with lightning reflexes to form a scissor shape. Duffy attempts to catch and thus prevent a downward, diagonal or sideways slash or swing with a bladed or pole based weapon, nothing heavier than a long sword or human sized hammer, and stall it. If successful he can then release and hop to one side safely, delivering a spiralling or feinted counter-attack.
• The Offensive (Staccato Form): In this stance, Duffy goes all out with lunges, complicated footwork born from the various dances he has learnt and driving, piercing punches with his daggers. Here he is brash, often succumbing to a patient opponent as he drains his stamina too quickly in a vibrant and monkey like assault. Although it might be said that the best defence is a good offence, whilst attempting to drive home his daggers to their targets Duffy’s concentration is on damage, not on the prevention of counter blows so his defence suffers whilst his ability to penetrate the defence of another is improved, as should be expected.
o The Rolling Stone (Above Average) – a simple but surprise based attack, featuring a sudden forward judo roll and a deadpan setting of the off foot to stop Duffy in a crouched position, from which he can launch a low thrust or slash to the legs, or an upward arced high thrust to the torso or shield arm. Not effective against opponent’s with a low centre of gravity or nimble feet or speed, but can usurp the midriff defence supplied by a buckler or shield.
Equipment:
Tinder Gear: The Tinder Gear is both an artisan's tool and weapon system, depicting the balance between the everyday and the darker side of the street. It comprises of small, almost invisible packs of a fuel known as agelethien, which are pumped along the pipes visible on the backs of Duffy's arms, and a bracer/jettison system coupled with a pair of flint strip covered gloves. All the materials are available readily, leather/oil/simple metals and flint etc. The gloves, when brought together with force make a loud clap, like a thunderclap, and when moved past each other sparks are spread, to 2 feet (, no combat use, but good as a fire lighting tool). With a punching movement, the packs under the arms and along the back are squeezed, forcing the material to spray outwards, and the sparks from the gloves ignite the fuel which can produce flame up to nine feet long in short bursts of 1-2 seconds, (which is a random time, as the fuel ejection cannot be controlled to any reasonable degree). This will cause burns or set clothes alight at best and will never kill, although it can be used in a combat situation the fuel is too rare to be spraying every low-life thug Duffy is run into. Using a display of sparks, flames and zymology (, drawing images/circles on the floor then igniting them) Duffy conjures the core of his performance/entertaining ability - at the same time having a nasty surprise for any violent members of the audience. Events in A Cut of the Chord have hinted at another use, that of spraying the liquid on a target first, then igniting, to cause contact burns. Although this is risky and dangerous to both parties involved it can be done. It will not be fatal but will certainly leave its mark, (PC Permission required). After using the Tinder Gear fully, for 3-4 strong sprays gold must be reduce by 25% of the total earned in that thread, such is the expense of the liquid required to fulfil it.
The Trappings of Sparrows: (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=20658) Duffy has taken to wearing tightly wrapped bandages around his calves and fore-arms, clasped in place with thin iron bands. Coupled with his boots, Lisa and Minnelli, who have two retractable spikes attached to a clip and slide mechanism on the curved plates attached to the arc of the boot, and the long bellowing white demi-cloak, he can manage wall runs and roof-top movement with increased ease. He also has two iron claws, which he can attach to gloves for climbing and movement which would otherwise be impossible for him, even when this is combined with his parkour ability, and theatrical flair, so that his movement in or out of combat takes on the stoic and erratic movement of a bird hopping from foot to foot, and rooftop to rooftop or window ledge to window ledge. The outfit is worthless to anyone else, and is made of cotton, iron and steel pins.
Weapons:
Tristan & Isoulde: (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=20658) Two steel short swords with double edged blades and simple black guards. They possess no magical properties, but unbeknown to Duffy, Fate has delivered to him the Zodiac weapon of Aries, the Horned One. Such properties will only be discovered through his growing involvement with the Nine, in his search for allies to deal with the Dark Bard once and for all.
Tooth & Nail: He carries several iron daggers, usually one slipped into each boot and one sheathed on his belt and his two favourite, Tooth & Nail are inscribed with the opening and closing lines of I Want To Be Your Canary, the former on Tooth and the latter on Nail. They are 25 centimetres long from hilt to blade tip.
Wainwright’s Dagger: (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=20666) A masterwork steel dagger which has innate magical abilities, but only once combined with the spirit form possessed by Lucian or triggered by the reputation of its former history. Has a ruby on the pommel, and cannot be sold. Following the events of Confessions, its power has begun to awaken, although the extent will never match its true genesis – it has thus grown to steel strength, and can resist blows that would otherwise break it. Once per thread, Duffy can call on the past memories of the dagger, which will allow him to inflict the next attack with the properties of shadow aligned elemental magic. Black smoke and shadows pour from it as it swings through the air.
The Katarhna: A simple steel katana with a black handle and gold hilt. Purchased in Old Man Jacob’s Shoppe in Scara Brae, it is a non-magical blade that is held in a simple black Akashima sheath, usually strapped to his back, tilted to the right. It can be drawn with either hand, but requires adjustment to do so with the left, making any such movement risky and more time consuming. As Lysander’s personality grows in strength so to do the innate qualities of the sword. It now resists blows from non-magical weapons as if it were Dehlar, but strikes and cuts at steel strength, and when it cuts through the air, there is a slight chance that it will sing a song or quote a line from Lysander’s Flock.
Possessions:
The Tantalus Menagerie: A thousand and one costumes and theatre props of all descriptions, musical instruments and writing implements, books on playwrights and records of plays; such an artefact and establishment is the base of the Tantalum’s movements within Scara Brae, and whilst it offers warmth, shelter and occasional scraps food, Duffy must contribute 10% of all gold earned from battles and threads to contribute towards the upkeep of his ‘family.’
The Red Cutlass: A red cutlass captured from the captain of the Red Scourge. As of yet, Duffy does not use it, asides from a handy prop. In the future however, there might just be room for Duffy to take on the mantle of a pirate...who knows, maybe the Red Scourge will terrorise Scara Brae again some day...
Wainwright’s Heart: A spidery and priceless necklace possessing power over the other artefacts of Wainwright Jones, which must be combined with Lucian before being activated. At present it is dormant, and cannot be sold.
Silver Chain Of Eraclaire: (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?p=166105#post166105) A simple silver chain stolen from Visla Eraclaire in a previous encounter, and en-gifted to Duffy during a brief sabbatical in Scara Brae a year later. It holds little more than sentimental value, and is a show of Duffy's generosity, Visla's freedom, and the potential to be something more than we are born to be.
Geisha Mask: (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=20713&page=2) A ceramic fox masque in the traditional Akashiman style, with red ribbon to secure it to the face and a broad bright smile moulded into it. It conceals the face completely, but asides from its disguise potential, it has no magical ability nor is it worth anything.
Alias: Monkey Man, Dagger.
Titles: Tantalum.
Age: 24 years.
Gender: Male.
Race: Human.
Height: 6’2”.
Weight: 131llbs.
Hair Colour: Black.
Eye Colour: Jade Green or White.
Occupation: Thief/Actor.
Alignment: Lawful Good.
Accent: Norfolk Broads/Kentish Town.
Languages: Trade Speak, Common, Scara Braen Slang.
Literacy: Excellent.
History: In recent times, Duffy’s ascent to the paragon of virtue he sees himself to be has failed. On every front, the Tantalum engages the shadows of Lucian, fighting his essence and drive with word and song. Duffy has frequented the Citadel numerous times to improve his own abilities, and the likes of Ruby and Lilith have picked up their presence in the noble houses and in the plays they perform. The troupe on the whole is working towards a brilliant exegesis of form, and all the pieces of the puzzle are coming together, save one.
In the Cell, Duffy solidified the first true connection to one of the prophesised allies in the final war with Lucian Lahore. He has consecrated his goals and dedicated himself to forgiving all things said and all things done, so that he can remain headstrong as a leader. This marks a new period of activity for the troupe, as they began their last push against their greatest enemy before the war transcribed in eternal song erupts in the under life of the city of Scara Brae. They search far and wide for ways to call on the heroes of old, as their lives, once thought lost to orphan hood, come screaming back through the mists of time to spite their faces.
In his various encounters he has begun to piece together not only his drive and determination, but the reasons and allies he needs to defeat Lucian once and for all. He has succumbed to the self doubt and low-self-esteem of a failing writer, even if his plays are still headstrong in the city and its people’s hearts, but in his doubt, in his weakness, he is finding out the true extent of the Tantalum’s state of being, and just what it means to come to rely on friends. Of course, his friends tend to be metal and blade based, and he takes them out to the Citadel on weekly dates as of late, but coming closer to Ruby and the others is a lesson and path he has to take in accepting he is not a strong leader without their back.
There is a wedding to contend with first however, and a new play, and a trip to the North to the Theatre in the Sky. The days of the Tantalum's dreams are still so far into the future, and much progression must be made on all accounts, before the final curtain falls.
Personality: Duffy is a conflicted individual, bouncing between duty and fun and fealty and promiscuity with reckless ease and abandon. He is certainly a prominent personality in a room, although his enthusiasm, quick witted nature and his tendency to put his foot in his mouth and swallow hard means his reputation precedes him for all the wrong reasons. He is shy and meek when confronted with authority or with situations he cannot deal with, as is anyone of his age who has not been tempered by the horrors of life. His dreams and goals ultimately combine to become a wish for peace, and a wish for the death of Lucian, if not the salvation of his soul and a resurrection of Wainwright, the once true hearted bard that founded the Tantalum troupe itself. He is perfectly honourable, for a plucky thief, and disgustingly honest.
The Aria:
The sound of all things accompanies Duffy’s every move, an ocean of knowledge locked in his mind. It is a connection to Tantalus himself, the Thayne of Art and Drama and the gambit king of the stage. When the going gets tough, the ocean churns great waves and sings songs of battle and war, and when it is quiet or romance is in the air it sings requiems and arias to still the soul. Only those who are chosen by Tantalus or those who show great dedication to the Tantalum Troupe can hear this wondrous affirmation of faith. Each person can draw upon this vast resource in an individual and peculiar way. Ruby La Roux can drain the waters and channel magic into her songs as a Spell singer, Lilith can channel the skills and lives of the servants of the stage, learning how to cook, knit, sew, paint great murals for backdrops and rig rope for divides almost sub-consciously. Blank is a swordsman, a silent guardian of legend, and they say Pete is the embodiment of a character called ‘Oliver,’ a scamp of fables told the world over. Duffy, however, draws on The Aria in two ways; that of the Narrator, the omniscient man of the stage who voices concerns and surprises with ominous precision, and that of the Channelled, the Method Actor, drawing on the vast repertoire of roles from time itself and taking on those mantles as if he were possessed. Sometimes, when he summons the Aria, his eyes glow with inner fire and he takes on a mantle of an aura, visible like flames surrounding his body. The music and song that he hears during these times can be heard by others almost as if the angels themselves were singing into their ears.
The Narrator: The Narrator might be a man, or perhaps it is just a burly woman with buxom breasts and a moustache, it’s impossible to tell. There is no control over this, he or she simply adds commentary or manifests audible music from The Aria to accompany Duffy’s actions at utterly inconvenient moments. In technical terms, it means there’s a very slight chance of detection if Duffy tries to sneak up on something...It adds commentary to epic battles, and adds social deviancy in polite society. This is a free ability, anyone involved in rp’ing with Duffy can use it to their advantage or to lighten the mood as they see fit; purely descriptive unless prior approval or discussion is gained, and has ‘infinite’ uses.
Method Acting: Such is Duffy’s belief in some of his creations and roles, that he can draw on that belief in moments of passion or dire need to channel their abilities. In order to do this, a special connection must be formed between Duffy and the role, be it through acting it countless times with conviction, or through meeting someone similar in real life. At the minute, he only has the ability to channel one personality, that of the Blade Singer Lysander, but he can develop new ones from all walks of life given time. Duffy can draw on an aspect of a personality four posts per thread, be it to channel a character’s voice, his speech or mannerisms, or his abilities in any combination of uses permitted, as long as it does not exceed each personality’s detailed limitations. Each sub-personality will be requested as a spoil as it develops and added below.
Lysander Brandybuck, The Hero of the Western Welds - A proud and enigmatic hero, a force and avatar of the Light that holds all the forces of good together. Such a role springs forth from Duffy’s first full play he wrote and performed himself, Lysander’s Flock, and his fervent belief and love for the character actually created a new life in the world. Duffy began to develop this ability through meeting Lysander himself, en-route to Corone, and at the minute, when he draws on The Aria, he can channel one of two aspects of Lysander’s power, and up to twice per thread as long as such usage would not exceed the limit as noted in ‘Method Acting.’ He can choose wield his Katarhna with above average skill for one post, which can extend to one attack/parry/block of an equally skilled opponent or he can channel some small resemblance of the Blade singer’s power. This may be to increase the strength of a single weapon up one grade for a post, or to solidify flames from his Tinder Gear to last twice as long.
The Rheinholdt Spark – Although undeveloped, Duffy has started the process to form the persona of the Red Scourge captain he encountered a year ago. If a pirate play is performed using the Red Cutlass, he can manifest this persona and its associated abilities at the next level up.
The Enrapturing Melody: Duffy’s connection to the Aria is increasing to the rate that he can now project the songs he hears in his head in moments of heightened danger, such as a combat, or emotion, such as a death or heightened duress. The range of the song depends on the strength of the trigger, but it can reach three hundred feet at best.
The Union Of Ages: Once per thread, the profile ability of one other member of the Tantalum may be called upon as a non-NPC action, working for all intent and purpose as described in the original biography. At present, this requires all the same conditions as the original ability, so that if the original requires PC permission, so too does Duffy’s drawing on the Aria.
Skills/Abilities: As a jack of all trades and an urchin of the streets, Duffy has a wide repertoire of skills but is not necessarily a master of them all. It can be asserted that he is likely to know something to point him in the right direction in most normal, and some unusual circumstances, represented as follows:
Rogue's Gambit: As the Tantalus, Duffy hears and sees allot that he shouldn't, and he has the rapport to talk his way into a location where most would resort to a large axe. To represent this, Duffy is considered to have persuasion, knowledge (, local, and arts/culture,) minor knowledge of Radasanth and surrounding countryside. His encounter with Lorenor brought to light that Tantalus is not the only ’Thayne’ and he is aware of N’Jal, possessing average theory. Duffy can apply these skills wherever applicable, although care and consideration should be applied both to his age, and to wherever or not a human would otherwise know the knowledge/facts being used.
Perform; Duffy is adept at the performance of most common dances, tango, waltz etc, as well as some of the Scara Brae variations/court dances etc. In addition to the dance, Duffy can sing and play the flute, common harp, harpsichord (, or similar) at an above average level. Duffy can spontaneously play common styles, utilising the arts/culture knowledge skill, and can perform acrobatics as a performer/athlete, to within the normal confines of human physiology. He is a parkour/freerunner user, and capable of backflips/gymnastics/vaulting and wall leaping, this is considered legendary skill wise. This is his best skill, and he’s often called Monkey Man as a result. Duffy can also ‘act’ drunk, as an above average performer, to what ends only the red light district knows.
Infamy: The Tantalum's name in the city of Scara Brae is now one of hot gossip and discussion, both because of its skill and excitement, and because of its tendency to go missing just like the purses of its audience. This Infamy has a reciprocal effect, in that most will know Duffy and Ruby's face and some will respect them greatly; but others will be nervous at their sight or outright aggressive to them. Some call it the price of fame; Ruby calls it ‘her little rabble.’
Knife Combat (Expert): Duffy is becoming ever more proficient in his own illustrious and acrobatic fighting style. It is a style, or lack thereof built up from Generic Street fighting utilising two knifes, back flips, feint attacks and full use of his mobility to overwhelm opponents with speed and surprise and guile, as opposed to any noticeable degree of brute strength. Over the last two years, such a style has certainly become more proficient and has been developed in countless Citadel battles, run ins with Lucian and ‘disagreements’ with various members of Scara Brae’s nobility and underclass alike. Finally, it can be said that Duffy’s combat proficiency, perhaps showing his development in the training of the Blade Singer Lysander’s sword has begun to be adept enough to manifest its own flair. He is currently beginning to symbolize and remember various manoeuvres and their effects in combat.
• The Defensive (Vibrato): In this stance both daggers are held in reverse and focus is shifted into the deflection and avoidance of being struck. Here Duffy’s movements are erratic and trapeze orientated, swinging, hoping and rolling around the arena of battle and using the environment as a climbing frame. Whilst concentrating on defence and avoidance, Duffy’s offense is weakened, his strikes become simple slashes and unfocussed pummelling. He uses swinging and pirouette movements to form the basis of this style.
o Butterfly Catch (Above Average) – a defensive move permitted twice per thread or battle that brings back daggers together with lightning reflexes to form a scissor shape. Duffy attempts to catch and thus prevent a downward, diagonal or sideways slash or swing with a bladed or pole based weapon, nothing heavier than a long sword or human sized hammer, and stall it. If successful he can then release and hop to one side safely, delivering a spiralling or feinted counter-attack.
• The Offensive (Staccato Form): In this stance, Duffy goes all out with lunges, complicated footwork born from the various dances he has learnt and driving, piercing punches with his daggers. Here he is brash, often succumbing to a patient opponent as he drains his stamina too quickly in a vibrant and monkey like assault. Although it might be said that the best defence is a good offence, whilst attempting to drive home his daggers to their targets Duffy’s concentration is on damage, not on the prevention of counter blows so his defence suffers whilst his ability to penetrate the defence of another is improved, as should be expected.
o The Rolling Stone (Above Average) – a simple but surprise based attack, featuring a sudden forward judo roll and a deadpan setting of the off foot to stop Duffy in a crouched position, from which he can launch a low thrust or slash to the legs, or an upward arced high thrust to the torso or shield arm. Not effective against opponent’s with a low centre of gravity or nimble feet or speed, but can usurp the midriff defence supplied by a buckler or shield.
Equipment:
Tinder Gear: The Tinder Gear is both an artisan's tool and weapon system, depicting the balance between the everyday and the darker side of the street. It comprises of small, almost invisible packs of a fuel known as agelethien, which are pumped along the pipes visible on the backs of Duffy's arms, and a bracer/jettison system coupled with a pair of flint strip covered gloves. All the materials are available readily, leather/oil/simple metals and flint etc. The gloves, when brought together with force make a loud clap, like a thunderclap, and when moved past each other sparks are spread, to 2 feet (, no combat use, but good as a fire lighting tool). With a punching movement, the packs under the arms and along the back are squeezed, forcing the material to spray outwards, and the sparks from the gloves ignite the fuel which can produce flame up to nine feet long in short bursts of 1-2 seconds, (which is a random time, as the fuel ejection cannot be controlled to any reasonable degree). This will cause burns or set clothes alight at best and will never kill, although it can be used in a combat situation the fuel is too rare to be spraying every low-life thug Duffy is run into. Using a display of sparks, flames and zymology (, drawing images/circles on the floor then igniting them) Duffy conjures the core of his performance/entertaining ability - at the same time having a nasty surprise for any violent members of the audience. Events in A Cut of the Chord have hinted at another use, that of spraying the liquid on a target first, then igniting, to cause contact burns. Although this is risky and dangerous to both parties involved it can be done. It will not be fatal but will certainly leave its mark, (PC Permission required). After using the Tinder Gear fully, for 3-4 strong sprays gold must be reduce by 25% of the total earned in that thread, such is the expense of the liquid required to fulfil it.
The Trappings of Sparrows: (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=20658) Duffy has taken to wearing tightly wrapped bandages around his calves and fore-arms, clasped in place with thin iron bands. Coupled with his boots, Lisa and Minnelli, who have two retractable spikes attached to a clip and slide mechanism on the curved plates attached to the arc of the boot, and the long bellowing white demi-cloak, he can manage wall runs and roof-top movement with increased ease. He also has two iron claws, which he can attach to gloves for climbing and movement which would otherwise be impossible for him, even when this is combined with his parkour ability, and theatrical flair, so that his movement in or out of combat takes on the stoic and erratic movement of a bird hopping from foot to foot, and rooftop to rooftop or window ledge to window ledge. The outfit is worthless to anyone else, and is made of cotton, iron and steel pins.
Weapons:
Tristan & Isoulde: (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=20658) Two steel short swords with double edged blades and simple black guards. They possess no magical properties, but unbeknown to Duffy, Fate has delivered to him the Zodiac weapon of Aries, the Horned One. Such properties will only be discovered through his growing involvement with the Nine, in his search for allies to deal with the Dark Bard once and for all.
Tooth & Nail: He carries several iron daggers, usually one slipped into each boot and one sheathed on his belt and his two favourite, Tooth & Nail are inscribed with the opening and closing lines of I Want To Be Your Canary, the former on Tooth and the latter on Nail. They are 25 centimetres long from hilt to blade tip.
Wainwright’s Dagger: (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=20666) A masterwork steel dagger which has innate magical abilities, but only once combined with the spirit form possessed by Lucian or triggered by the reputation of its former history. Has a ruby on the pommel, and cannot be sold. Following the events of Confessions, its power has begun to awaken, although the extent will never match its true genesis – it has thus grown to steel strength, and can resist blows that would otherwise break it. Once per thread, Duffy can call on the past memories of the dagger, which will allow him to inflict the next attack with the properties of shadow aligned elemental magic. Black smoke and shadows pour from it as it swings through the air.
The Katarhna: A simple steel katana with a black handle and gold hilt. Purchased in Old Man Jacob’s Shoppe in Scara Brae, it is a non-magical blade that is held in a simple black Akashima sheath, usually strapped to his back, tilted to the right. It can be drawn with either hand, but requires adjustment to do so with the left, making any such movement risky and more time consuming. As Lysander’s personality grows in strength so to do the innate qualities of the sword. It now resists blows from non-magical weapons as if it were Dehlar, but strikes and cuts at steel strength, and when it cuts through the air, there is a slight chance that it will sing a song or quote a line from Lysander’s Flock.
Possessions:
The Tantalus Menagerie: A thousand and one costumes and theatre props of all descriptions, musical instruments and writing implements, books on playwrights and records of plays; such an artefact and establishment is the base of the Tantalum’s movements within Scara Brae, and whilst it offers warmth, shelter and occasional scraps food, Duffy must contribute 10% of all gold earned from battles and threads to contribute towards the upkeep of his ‘family.’
The Red Cutlass: A red cutlass captured from the captain of the Red Scourge. As of yet, Duffy does not use it, asides from a handy prop. In the future however, there might just be room for Duffy to take on the mantle of a pirate...who knows, maybe the Red Scourge will terrorise Scara Brae again some day...
Wainwright’s Heart: A spidery and priceless necklace possessing power over the other artefacts of Wainwright Jones, which must be combined with Lucian before being activated. At present it is dormant, and cannot be sold.
Silver Chain Of Eraclaire: (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?p=166105#post166105) A simple silver chain stolen from Visla Eraclaire in a previous encounter, and en-gifted to Duffy during a brief sabbatical in Scara Brae a year later. It holds little more than sentimental value, and is a show of Duffy's generosity, Visla's freedom, and the potential to be something more than we are born to be.
Geisha Mask: (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=20713&page=2) A ceramic fox masque in the traditional Akashiman style, with red ribbon to secure it to the face and a broad bright smile moulded into it. It conceals the face completely, but asides from its disguise potential, it has no magical ability nor is it worth anything.