characters for an arthurian space opera

8/4/2019 Characters for an Arthurian Space Opera

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Characters for an Arthurian Space Opera

Whilst the Arthurian theme gives me an art direction and plot elements, it is to the

conventions of space opera I must look, for its conventions and common traits.

In their book: The Space Opera Renaissance, David Hartwell and Kathryn Cramerdefine modern space opera as:

" [a] colourful, dramatic, large-scale science fiction adventure, competently and

sometimes beautifully written, usually focused on a sympathetic, heroic central

character and plot action, and usually set in the relatively distant future, and in space

or on other worlds, characteristically optimistic in tone. It often deals with war,

piracy, military virtues, and very large-scale action, large stakes."

The website TVTropes.com also makes an interesting statement:

A space opera is a work set in a far future space faring civilisation, where thetechnology is ubiquitous and entirely secondary to the story. It has an epic character

to it: The universe is big, there are lots of sprawling civilizations and empires, there

are political conflicts and intrigues galore.

The key part seems to be the superfluous nature of the sci-fi milieu, it is essentially

taken for granted; a stage upon which events play out, not a key focus of the narrative.

This puts a huge amount of pressure on my plot and characters; the story must consist

of values and emotions independent of their setting, though of course events can take

advantage of the setting.

This means my characters have to be extremely strong and not at all reliant on

anything provided by the sci-fi genre; instead they must be able to project a strong

personality and presence of their own.


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Current Log Line

Escaped from his many millenniums of captivity, the wizard Merlin escapes; changed

and boiling over with a desire for vengeance, ready to take advantage of the scattered

human race. The great King Arthur, healed aboard the great ship Avalon, must

return to right past wrongs, confront his old mentor and re-unite the human race.

It was during a discussion with Phil that the idea of having Merlin as the villain

emerged. According to a majority of Arthurian text, Merlin is seduced and eventually

imprisoned by the fairy, Vivian. In some he is held in a glass towers, others in a

crystal cave, and some in an oak tree or thorn-bush. In many versions, Merlin dies

there, in a couple he escapes.

In my interpretation he has been left there for twenty millenniums, his age frozen, but

his mind becoming a seething pit of spite, malice and madness. He holds Arthur

responsible, having been left behind, and now seeks to get his vengeance by reeking

havoc upon the human race Arthur strives so hard to protect. This creates aninteresting hero-villain dynamic - Arthur is seeking forgiveness, so kind of

reconciliation, while Merlin seeks only revenge. However, neither can forget the

intimate relationship they once had as mentor and pupil, the father-like figure Merlin

played for Arthur. It is this link that prevents either foe ultimately killing each other.


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Characters

Hero: Arthur, The Once and Future King

Arthur is the head of the intergalactic order known as the Knights of the Round

Table. Very little is known of their origins, whether they are like demi-gods, blessedprotectors of man-kind, or an advanced humanoid race that has taken an interest in

ensuring humanities survival; are they time travellers, able to intervene at critical

moments in history? Arthur is their figure head, their greatest warrior, a bastion for

humanity to gather around.

Physical Age: 16

Race: Humanoid

Height: 511

Career: Leader of the Knights of the Round Table, saviour of earths people.

Best Qualities: Chivalrous, Honourable, Confident, Brave and Skilled

Worst Qualities: Pressured by weight of responsibility, Irrationally brave

Biography:

The earth-legend of King Arthur is well known, from one perspective. However, in

truth, the legend was a carefully constructed plan orchestrated by the Nine ofAvalon;

observers of humanity, guarantors of its survival. The rise and fall of King Arthur was

key point in human history that changed its future for ever, in someway, Arthurs

presence was a turning in the fate of human-kind. Arthur himself is a member of the

Knights of the Round Table, the elected leader of the protectors of the nine, demi-

gods, perfect warriors.

Withdrawn toAvalon, Arthur and the Nine waited for Merlin to reveal himself, for

Viviens spell to break, and now they have returned, to repair the damage done and

once again fight against a fate that would doom the human-race!

Villain: Merlin, The Herald

Physical Age: 81

Race: Humanoid

Height: 63

Career: A Herald, whose magical powers have turned to evil.Worst Qualities: Consumed by revenge, Teetering on the edge of insanity

Redeeming Qualities: Remaining feelings of mentorship towards Arthur

Biography:

Placed upon by the Nine to prepare the human race to receive Arthur, Merlin has been

a long term servant ofAvalon. He acted as a mentor to the developing Arthur and

played a key part in his mission. However, towards the end of the allotted time,

Merlin was seduced by some rogue fae creature name Vivien. He was deceived into

revealing his origin, powers and purpose. Vivien then worked his own spells against

him, sealing him inside a young oak. So strong was Viviens magic that Merlin washidden from the Nines sight and was consequently left behind when the decision was


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made to depart. Ever the since Nine have been searching for him. However, while

trapped for many millenniums, Merlin nursed a fear and loneliness that turned to hate

and desire for revenge on those who left him. Eventually his anger and hate built to

such a level that it split his prison asunder. Once free, Merlin embarked on a

villainous mission to bring humanity to the brink of destruction, to force the Nine to

once again intervene, and finally confront the one they left behind.

Heros Sidekick: Sir Kay, Arthurs Right Hand

Physical Age: 26

Race: Humanoid

Height: 68

Career: Arthurs Right Hand Man.

Best Qualities: Brave, Loyal, Honourable and Humorous

Worst Qualities: Brash, Aloof, often Reckless and Strong-headed

Biography:

Kay was introduced to earth as Arthurs half-brother. His role is to provide much

needed brashness, impulse and passion in the face of Arthurs humility and self-

control. Often coming across as arrogant or rude, Sir Kay is in fact the most loyal of

Arthurs companions, trained to compliment the kings personality and to aid him in

his tasks. Where Arthur is often stern and composed, Sir Kay can provide humour and

light-heartedness, but always with an aim to achieve Arthurs goals. He is also part

bodyguard, his immense strength and size intimidate any would be attacker; his

lumbering presence also increases the attractiveness of Arthurs slight and lean figure.

Always in the background, Sir Kay is a vital part of Arthurs campaign.

characters for an arthurian space opera

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