Charles Beckett

Sir Charles David Beckett, OBW

Every existing thing is born without reason, prolongs itself out of weakness, and dies by chance.

Character Information
Clan:	Daeva ••
Covenant:	Invictus •••
City:	Boulder, CO ••••
Player:	Ryan A.T. Hart
Storyteller:	Sean Bergeman

Born - 1894, in London, England

Embraced - 1929, in the British Mandate of Palestine

Clan - Daeva

Bloodline - Not Public Knowledge

Covenant - Invictus

Associations - Order of the Burning Wreath - Chapter of the Americas, House Constantine,
Family de la Lanza

Titles and Forms of Address

Full Name and Title* - The Honorable Sir Charles David Beckett, Earl of the Boulder Canyon, Prince of Boulder, Knight-Captain of the Order of the Burning Wreath, Councilor of the North Central Inner Circle, Senator of the Military Arts and Sciences, Docent of The Learned Society of Heptastadion, Scion Domus Fervidus

• Note: For the purposes of status, the titles Earl, Prince, Knight, and Senator would be considered proper titles (not counting his Title of Esteem). The titles Councilor and Docent are specific to what are essentially a coteries, abeit highly respected ones, and, at the speaker's discretion, may be omitted with no disrespect to Sir Beckett. In order to maintain propriety (i.e. the proper number of titles befitting a valued Invictus), Sir Beckett has omitted the title of Senator in formal introductions since being styled the Earl of the Boulder Canyon.

Formal - Sir Prince(preferred to "Sir Beckett")

Casual - Sir Charles

Intimate - Charlie

Fealty Chain

Liege Lord - His Grace Alder Godaric

Former Lieges

• Mister Advisor Koenraad Thulani Pretorius (2006 - 2010)
• Sir Anson Krieg (1969 - 2006)
• Sir Anson Krieg (Meister of the Order of the Burning Wreath, 1951 - 1969)
• Sir Atticus Smith (Meister of the Order of the Thorned Wreath, 1940 - 1951)
• Alder Meister Abdulmushi ibn Nassar An'Nafi'e al-Osmanli (Au Pair, 1931 - 1940)

Vassals

• Madam Jackie Bringier
• Madam Audrey MacFarland

Learn more about Sir Beckett by reading his thoughts and letters in my OOC Livejournal.

Contents 1 The Facts of the Matter 2 Thicker than water... Family 3 History 4 Associations 4.1 Invictus 4.2 Carthian Movement 4.3 Circle of the Crone 4.4 Lancea Sanctum 4.5 Ordo Dracul 4.6 Unaligned 4.7 The Deceased 5 Lies, Damn Lies, and... 5.1 Rumors 5.2 In his own words 5.3 Quotes about Sir Beckett 6 Conceptual Elements 6.1 Character Inspirations 6.2 Thematic Quotes 6.3 Character Soundtrack

The Facts of the Matter

It was, until recently, fashionable to quote the French Existentialists... now it has become the pastime of philosophy students and adolescent boys. Still, one quote from Sartre applies...

"Every existing thing is born without reason, prolongs itself out of weakness, and dies by chance."

You should imagine a man, a man of a past time, but not a time long gone by. A man who was born when the world still made sense, but became a man when it stopped doing so. This man went off to a meaningless war, and fought extremely well in it... in trenches, on beaches, and across deserts. And he fought for a country that would never fully be his, and with a people who had no country of their own.

And when it came time to choose between his country, who would not have him, and his people, who wanted only a home, he chooses poorly. And he couldn't live with the choice...

But it would seem he couldn't die with it either.

Thicker than water... Family

Great-Grandsire - Nikolai the Impulsive

Grandsire - William the Insatiable

Sire - Bishop Gabriela Magdalena Zaragoza y de la Lanza

Broodmates

• Inquisitor Ezekial de la Lanza
• Francois DuPaix (destroyed)
• Bishop Roland Fitzroy
• Lady Ivy Darling
• Sister Angela de la Lanza

Childer

• Master Percival de la Lanza
• Madam Jackie Bringier

History

For a full history, see the OOC Timeline

The following is commonly known to associates of Sir Beckett:

• Beckett is a Brit, born sometime around the turn of the century.

• After fighting as an officer in the Gallipoli Campaign, Beckett worked for the Arab Bureau.

• During the last stages of the Great Game, Beckett cut his teeth in the world of intrigue before being assigned as a political officer in the British Mandate of Palestine.

• He became a vampire shortly after the Palestine Riots of 1929, but he never talks about it.

• After some misfortune befell his Meister in the Thorned Wreath and a hiatus from training during the Second World War, Beckett joined a rival knightly order.

• As a young Ancilla, Beckett saved several kindred during the Iranian Revolution

• For the last three decades, Beckett has been active around Europe, particularly London.

• On the 11th of July, 2009, Sir Beckett seized Praxis of the city of Boulder, CO

Associations

(Feel free to add yourself)

Invictus

Sir Tres Black - A former vassal who has established his own niche in the Invictus, and remains on good terms with Sir Beckett.

Madam Jackie Bringier - His long lost childe has just arrived in Boulder, after years in Europe. Why is she here? Why now?

Miss Isadora Bristow - It's no surprise, given his connections to her domain of residence, that Beckett knows Miss Bristow. What is more surprising is how well he knows her, and for how long.

Madam Vanessa Channing - Whatever these two Daeva have between each other, it seems to have lasted a bit longer than most relations between succubi.

Dame Analiese Clarimonde - Would a Prince and Knight of the Burning Wreath accept a bodyguard of a rival Order? It would appear so.

Alder Esteban Francisco Villanueva De la Cruz - Recently arrived in Boulder after returning out of torpor in Albuquerque, NM.

The Good Alder Adriana Vitelion de' Medici - A bit more familiar than a common ally, Charles and the Good Alder have been seen being quite close on several occassions.

His Grace Alder Godaric - Sir Charles seems to have impressed the Primus of House Constantine in a relatively short period of time.

Mister Ethan Hawthorne - A close ally and confidante, Sir Beckett claims to have known the Viscount of Manitou Springs before he even joined the First Estate.

Jaques - Beckett recently engaged Jaques as a tutor, they have since maintained a cordial business and personal relationship.

Mr. Richard - Detestable Norvegi scum whom Prince Beckett can scarecely tolerate. Filth such as this is only allowed to live because the honorable Dynasts of House Constantine find it useful.

Lord Evan Rivera - This promising neonate impressed Beckett to an extraordinary degree, as he agreed to take him as his squire.

Alder Galen Stavros - Beckett seems keenly interested in pleasing the Dynasts of House Constantine.

Madam Aaliyah Theodoric - An increasing strong ally in Colorado, who both supported his bid for praxis and entrusted him with her childe as a vassal.

Madam Christina von Ulf - These two certainly share a past, and while the Lady might prefer not to speak of it, it is almost certain Charles never will.

Alder Vibius - Sir Beckett follows the will of this Dynast, who has some sort of relationship with his Au Pair as well...

Carthian Movement

Dakeena Ahtabe - A nomadic Gangrel that serves Beckett well as the Scourge of Boulder.

Jeremiah Dodson - An ally that shares at least his temper for a variety of political views, and perhaps a strange sort of closeness of blood.

Pasha Merrick - Exactly how Beckett can enjoy the company of this notorious agitator, but it cannot be denied that he does.

Circle of the Crone

Doctor Peter VanBattleburg - Despite his disdain for most religious sentiments, Beckett seems to have some sort of intellectual kinship with this member of the Crone and fellow Englishman.

Lancea Sanctum

Brother Jebediah - Despite his aversion to the theology of the Lancea Sanctum, this has not prevented Becket from relying heavily on this Haunt to act as his Sheriff.

Bishop Brian Maddox - These two maintain some sort of... ties perhaps? Communication? A thinly veiled tolerance?

Nava Rahmon - There obviously exists some sort of history between Charles and this Persian Daeva, but it is difficult to tell if it is business, pleasure, or both?

Brother Jack Sands - A kindred spirit? A bitter rival? A potential ally or a bit of an annoyance? The relationship between these two Daeva of Colorado remains to be determined.

Ordo Dracul

Faye Seymour - Little is known publicly about their past associations, but rumors naturally circulate around two Daeva of such striking stature and appearance. Isn't it odd, though, how the two don't attempt to dispel them..?

Unaligned

Nathan Price - Wanderer that seems to be full of information, somewhat a genius at computers, otherwise lacking in common sense.

The Deceased

Sir W. G. Dillingham - The Prince of Little Rock seems to have a strange... familiarity with Sir Beckett, but for what reason?

Proctor - That the Invictus Knight has worked with this Haunt in the past is a clue to something, but what? While their perspectives differ greatly, what of their methods?

Bishop Kristen Williams - Immediately before seizing praxis of Boulder, Sir Beckett had a long conversation with the Prince of Boulder... but what did they talk about? And why did she disappear just a few weeks later?

Lies, Damn Lies, and...

Rumors

(Feel free to add some rumors about Sir Beckett)

• Beckett didn't start the Great Game, but he ended it.
• The reason Boulder's domain is safe is because he makes alliances with the Strix. And the Brood.
• He's not really a knight... Beckett's never been in a fight before in his life.
• Beckett has connections to half the Invictus this side of the Atlantic... and he's only been here a few months.
• Beckett once tried to embrace his sister.
• Beckett once tried to kill his sire.
• It has been mentioned in some social circles that the Prince of Boulder might be something of a "cad." Several ladies have taken this news poorly.

In his own words

(Feel free to add some quotes you heard Sir Beckett say)

• I am sure that you will find me a reasonable man.

• The first and ultimate goal of any social predator is his own survival, and the survival of those he calls his own.

• Please let everyone know that I do not require their presence if they have a greater emergency. Tell the Sheriff of Denver that he does not have a greater emergency.

• Leadership is not, or perhaps must not, be an ambition or a desire. It must remain a responsibility.

Quotes about Sir Beckett

(Feel free to add some quotes about Sir Beckett)

• "A shame the very... resourceful... Signor Prince Beckett isn't Egregoroi, but then, we Watchers must have allies outside of ourselves, si?" - Giuliana la Porta, said with a mysterious expression on her face.
• "Very rarely do I find someone who rivals my fashion sense and taste. It would only make sense that I would claim him for myself...as an accessory, of course." - Citizen Prince Faye Seymour
• "He has restored my faith with the First Estate." - Bishop Reyes
• "There is nothing so rewarding as watching a true predator of the Unconquered. It is noble in bearing, refined in action, determined in manner and deadly in anger. True examples are rare, and yet Sir Charles proves that examples do exist." - Koenraad Thulani Pretorius
• "We expect great things from him." - His Grace Alder Godaric
• "There have been two men I have known, in my life - only two, of all that I've tried - in whom I was able to lose Mendoza's face, his name. I could forget him, in Charlie. When he vanished, I thought I would die. Eventually, I did. And, after that, I thought he was gone forever, and now he's back, and I don't know what to feel. He's so far. Too far. And the distance kills." - Lady Minister Ivy Darling
• "Nasty little men like him always get their comeuppance. ALWAYS." - Therecia Rothschilde
• "Charlie and I have our differences, certainly, and our differences of opinion, which may or may not ever be reconciled. But despite that - or perhaps the cause of it - my childe and I are more alike than either of us cares to admit." - Bishop Gabriela Magdalena Zaragoza y de la Lanza
• "True warriors do not follow paths, they make them. It is not only their desire, it is their nature. In my eyes, he is the purest example of this." - Evan Rivera
• "It is an honor to serve alongside The Honorable Sir Prince Beckett. I one day hope to reach the levels of tactical mastery he has demonstrated to me in our mutual service." - Mr. Richard
• "Charlie is a fine man, as I'm sure most women will say. It has... always... been a pleasure to be in his company." - Isadora Bristow
• "Condemnant quod non intellegunt." - Nathaniel Marks
• "...and these ladies... these most proper 'Ladies' of the First Estate... were literally about to tear out eachother's throats over this random Prince. And I was left thinking how unbelievably ridiculous it was to get that worked up over a man... you know, sisters before misters and all. That was until they pointed him out to me as he passed through the ballroom. Well... at that point all I could do was throw up my hands and say, 'Have at, Ladies.'" - Audra Jetter
• "Sir Charles...? Oh, yeah! Beckett! I mean, Prince Beckett. Of Crazy Town. We've had an interesting conversation or two. He's miles better at philosophy and debate than me. I recommend not getting into the latter concerning the former with him unless you're good at both... or, you don't mind having your nose shoved into loosing. Not that he's ungracious or anything... you'll just know. And that can be just as bad." - Mary Jane

Conceptual Elements

Do not look for a coherency... I take the elements of the inspiration that strike me, strip away elements that are incoherent, and then put the origin here for you ponder...

Character Inspirations

First, the two most coherent inspirations: I wanted to play a character like Dwight with the internal monologue of Camus' Stranger. Think of Clive Owen holding some jerk's head in a toilet while saying to himself "Mother died today. Or maybe yesterday. I don't know."

Second, you cannot understand this character without having read, in order, something by or about the following philosophers:

• Jean-Paul Sartre
• R.M. Hare
• Philippa Foot

Finally, here are some characters from which I drew inspiration...

• Bluntschli from Shaw's Arms and the Man
• Cyrano de Bergerac
• The Operative from Serenity
• Solid Snake from Metal Gear Solid
• The best and worst parts of both Adrian Veidt and Rorschach
• Mar-Vell as written by Jim Starlin
• Sir Francis Walsingham
• Buddy from Six String Samurai

Thematic Quotes

In case you were wondering, the opening quote is by Sartre. Here's another one:

"Acting is happy agony."

And now, yet more of existential warrior quotes...

"A man without ethics is a wild beast loosed upon this world." (Albert Camus)

"Dyin' ain't much of a living, boy." (Josey Wales, as portrayed by Clint Eastwood)

"' You dead awhile there, mon.' 'It happens,' he said. 'I'm getting used to it.'" (William Gibson in Neuromancer)

"This isn't a mud pit, it's an operating table..." (Batman in The Dark Knight Returns)

"What would you say is the easiest way to get a weapon away from a Grammaton Cleric? You ask him for it" (Equilibrium)

Character Soundtrack

• Handlebars, by the Flobots
• Bad Things, by Jace Everett
• Surfing in Siberia, by the Red Elvises
• Feel Good, Inc, by Gorillaz
• Mary, Mary, by Chumbawumba
• Missed Me, by the Dresden Dolls
• This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race, by Fall Out Boy
• Seven Nation Army, by the White Stripes
• Mama, by My Chemical Romance
• Hell, by Squirrel Nut Zippers
• The Beginning Is the End Is the Beginning, by the Smashing Pumpkins