Bel Thorne

Bel Thorne is a fantastic, deep and multilayered character prominent in the Vorkosigan Saga that I am absolutely excited to play and explore. But they have a couple of elements, due to the time that the books were written and they were introduced, that hit on some currently relevant and deeply sensitive areas... in some not as sensitive ways.

I wanted to sit down and gather my thoughts both to try to be a better player and to make sure no one is blindsided with anything. So, here goes.

( WOOSH )

Rp is about communication and I really want to keep a line open. Please talk to me about anything you need to!

Comments are screened! So if you'd like to opt out of interaction with them as a whole, any part of interaction with them, or discuss anything pertaining to the more sensitive elements of this character, please feel free!

Revision requested sections are in blue!

〈 PLAYER INFO 〉
NAME: Nishi
AGE: Old
JOURNAL: thegame at DW
PLURK: YourOverlord
RETURNING: Yes

〈 CHARACTER INFO 〉
CHARACTER NAME: Bel Thorne
CHARACTER AGE: 46
SERIES: The Vorkosigan Saga
CHRONOLOGY: Beginning of Mirror Dance
CLASS: Hero
HOUSING: Please randomize!

BACKGROUND: A particularly detailed history can be found here.

PERSONALITY: Bel Thorne is an exception to every rule there is in the Vorkosigan universe. Bel hails from the ultra liberal, hyper inclusive, egalitarian planet known as Beta Colony and is one of the many descendants of a 200-year-old social genetic experiment to create a "third gender." (It was a notable failure, as the new 'improved' human race didn't catch on, though hermaphrodites remain a large cultural minority on Beta and a distinct human subspecies.) While most Betans are known to be pacifistic, science minded, and with a passion for humanities, Bel has kept the insatiable curiosity, the vague outline of a moral compass, and almost nothing else.

Hermaphrodites faces overwhelming amounts of prejudices in the greater Nexus and therefore tend to rarely leave Beta. As it is, culturally and practically, they enjoy a particular niche advantage in Beta Colony's thriving legalized and regulated sex and therapy industries. Itching at a community they saw as too boring, narrow and safe, Bel left at 17 or 18, feeling that they didn't fit in at all. They didn't run to the ranks of Beta Colonies far ranging science teams, no diplomacy, merchanting, or the Betan military where they'd face great boundaries and limitations, they joined the even LESS friendly free mercenary groups roaming the Nexus for profitable conflicts. However, due to those prejudices, Bel Thorne is particularly prone to throwing blows when seriously taunted about gender, and the rest of the time, seems to enjoy provoking and unsettling the more narrow-minded they live and work around as a facet of their particularly dark sense of humor. They have accumulated some long lasting enemies over this.

As a soldier, Bel has proven themselves loyal beyond the ability to be bought, intelligent and conscientious. They run a particularly tight ship and are rather keen on rules and regulations. To match their curiosity, eagerness and tendency to put their nose in everything, they're also one of the most observant of the mercenary brass, having ferreted out (and then quietly kept from everyone) the secrets of the Admiral, Miles. They, themselves, are neat, organized and expect the same of others. They are quite clever, skilled with tactics and the game of intelligence gathering.

On the other hand, they have no good sense at all when their morals are offended (or played to.) They have a secret need to play the hero, especially when it comes to the odd or the outcast and can be driven to impressive rage when the issue of human rights is on the table. However, Bel remains one of the first tapped by Miles in most situations both because of the unique capabilities of the Ariel, Bel's ship, but the fact that Bel is willing to take enormous risks on very little information, simply on sheer, unbendable loyalty and chasing their adrenaline addiction.

Being who, what and where they are, Bel is often described as painfully lonely and persistent with their affections (though targets of that affection is much rarer than the rumors of 'Betan deviancy' suggests), and those affections are generally directed at the unusual and the exceptional. Their taste for rarity extends to outright sensualism in their personal life, preferring to treat themselves to fine music, luxurious fabrics and culinary rarities in space like non-synth teas. This also extends professionally, as they've gathered quite an impressive collection and range of deadly weapons, in much the same manner and motive, displaying them on the wall for any visitors to their cabin.

Interpersonally, Bel's vile humor marks quite a few of their interactions with others, which is most often leveled at others' expense. They are far from caring about others' reactions to them. They cruelly enjoy the discomfort that their existence provokes and will occasionally push lines just to see what happens. A large part of this seems to be habit, another part of it self defense, and the rest ... well, they're actually a horrible person. However, with those they want to understand and get close to, they can be uncharacteristically vulnerable when it comes to the kind of impression they make.

And finally, Bel is completely genderfluid, identifying as both male and female without compunction or hang up. They tend to present in androgynous or somewhat male leaning way, but will smoothly shift presentation depending on circumstance and who they are talking to.

Note: In the Vorkosigan Saga, the hermaphrodite population of Beta Colony and by extension, Bel Thorne uses and insists on the pronoun "it" for being gender neutral. Being a series written in the 80s, "it" was used with the intent to be a true neutral, and had no pejorative connotations to it in the use in the universe. I've chosen to update that to they/their to keep faithful to the intent of the author in modern culture and to avoid discomfort (my own included).

I don't have a better word, at the moment, for hermaphrodite or the gendered title of herm (like, sir or ma'am in the VKS universe), so I've decided to make use of those until something a little less loaded comes along.


Addenda: Bel and Miles
In almost all cases, Miles Vorkosigan's actions with the Dendarii are particularly transformative. He bumbles in, accidentally takes a first ship and somehow manages to stage a takeover of an entire fleet, end a war, get strung up and cut down on treason charges and nearly die of nervous ulcers all in a couple months work.

By the end of that whole (first) affair, Miles Naismith Vorkosigan has an adoring pile of thugs, pirates, murderers and fighters for hire who galvanized under a spell of sheer, insane, adrenaline filled military maneuvers and the idea of being given a cause, rather than a contract...

And that, is where Miles won over Bel Thorne.

Bel was first met as an Oserian lieutenant and first officer on the Ariel, the initial ship Miles captured. Aggressive, dangerously observant and often described as catlike, Thorne shaped up to be a rather keen officer whose disaffection with the outfit and the indolent, unprofessional shape the ship was being run in had caused them to be acerbic, endlessly antagonistic but still loyal. Miles sweeping actions in first the inspections and how Miles proposed to run the ship immediately captured Bel's attention (as well as Miles leveling all of the power dynamics on board to absolutely nothing.)

The Betan had several significant tells that Miles was not the Betan he claimed to be, and that there was simply no such thing as certain aspects of Miles cover story - but kept quiet both out of admiration and as another character correctly pins it: a new crush on the man. (Much to Miles astonishment and inability to handle the idea of it, given Bel's unusual gender.) Bel became one of the first ones to turn over to Miles side, calling the Dendarii "our" Fleet, and immediately volunteering information, tactics and lead incredibly risky combat aids themself.

Thus, a waspish, catty first officer, always biting at a despised Captain's heels is named the first new owner captain of the Fleet, taking command of the Ariel, was transformed into one of the most ardently loyal captains in the soon to be massive fleet.

By the second meeting and the beginning of a regular working relationship, Bel has completely figured out Miles secret identity by combining information with another ship's Captain. However, they keeps the whole of it under secret, even their knowledge of the affair from Miles, dropping only occasional hints, and other times watching Miles 'explain' certain turns of affairs with their usual humor.

The crush had matured over time into genuine feelings, though they remain unrequited. Bel's occasional offers for romantic and/or sexual relations had become a ritual and almost-but not quite- a joke. They are always politely, if not completely firmly, declined. And while Bel was kept out of any 'Inner Circle' discussions involving Miles secret identity and the actual nature of many of the adventures, Bel remained one of the most candid of the captains and by all appearances, they kept a rather strong friendship, despite being locked out of the information flow.

To contrast, Bel's relationship with the Quaddie, Nicol (a genetically engineered woman like themself) has a very, very different tenor than the one with Miles. Bel shows a certain new vulnerability when talking to the woman, telling them about themself and hoping for emotional acceptance that .. frankly isn't available, and speaking to someone who, like Miles, understands what it's like to be visibly and inescapably different and offsetting just from first glance. Their connection quickly becomes one of deep affection, and later in canon, love. With Miles, Bel keeps trying, but after a decade, it becomes harder to see the separating line of fond teasing and actual hope until Nicol is introduced.

Not only a shipmaster, Miles often used Bel in highly sensitive roles, shifting them from positions in Intelligence, Operational Command and anywhere a hole opened up in command that needed a particularly trusted officer, something Bel never failed to step up into, transforming expectations into practical experience. Bel was often notably first in to get mission briefings, driven by insatiable curiosity as to what kind of insane thing they're doing next, obeyed orders without question and lives for horrible odds.

The relationship is hardly one sided, though. For as much as Miles leans on Bel, Bel has certainly needed Miles more than once. Sometimes in situations where their temper would get them literally destroyed, and others when a certain action (such as a rescue of Nicol) demands their honor. Miles often accommodates what Bel needs, even if it complicates the hell out of the situation at hand. Not only out of like of the Betan, or the fact that Bel has more than a few favors they could call... but also they have an extremely similar hero complex, and often feed into each other's bad habits.

However, Bel began their career as an officer who was willing to betray even their loyalties and contracts in order to do what they feel is right... and it is how they end it. At the point that this app is being placed, Bel has flagrantly betrayed Miles in order to run off and rescue some clone kids that were about to get executed. The fallout of this will strip Bel of their command, much to Miles' fury and later anguish.

Beyond this canon point, this sends Bel into a rather deep, persistent depression that they finally work out of several years down the road. However, when they meet again, Bel's reaction is both warm, still above and beyond loyal, and full of awful humor.

POWER: The three powers below are based the capabilities of Bel's ship. The Ariel is consistently the fastest warship in the fleet, and is used frequently for that reason. None of them are actually canon for Bel as a person.

Speed: (non canon) Equivalent with a low grade comic speedster, Bel will be able to move with incredible speed in short bursts. Faster than the average human eye can follow, they will seem to simply blur when they use this ability. While being able to handle to friction and breathing issues due to the handwavey magic of this power, it will be exhausting for them to use. So, they may be able to dodge a bullet, if they know it's coming, but can't outrun one, or manipulate it's path.

Armaments: (canon in all but summoning) Bel can summon a variety of weapons to them up to and including the power armor that the Ariel's strike forces are fond of. Due to canon circumstances, they'll be wearing power armor when they port in.
Power armor: Designed to resist concussive force, laser, bullets, shrapnel and nerve disruptor fire, the armor will hold for many physical and energy blows before the shielding will drop significantly and then fail. It has sensors that read temperature, multiple camera views around the suit, air pressure and oxygen levels, as well as the user's own vitals. Being entirely powered, it has enormous mechanical force... but also is a sarcophagus if the power is cut, far, FAR too heavy to be moved. It is vacuum resistant and has a small reservoir of oxygen, and magnetic grips for zero-g. Finally, it boasts of having a plasma arc (think laser) and stunner already onboard. Being relatively slow and not physically moved by the human operating it, it cannot be used at the same time as the super speed skill.

They will also be able to summon any of their collection of weapons. (Plasma arc, stunner, needle gun, disruptor, etc) They cannot give any of the weapons to anyone else, or drop them. They will simply disappear if they leave Bel's possession in any circumstances. Like any in game weapons, Bel will need to recharge the weapons, armor and find ammo.

Addenda: Weapons List And Ability
Stunner - like a star trek phaser. Safe, leaves target with a headache and occasionally muscle spasms. (Recharges)
Plasma arc - A staple of the series, it is much like a wide beam laser that does cauterizing heat damage and can melt metal. (Recharges)
Needle gun - A rather devillish weapon that launches small metal needles into a person, leaving few puncture marks, but massive organ damage. (Cartidge, limited to 4 shots, any use will have a request for NPC injury or player to player communication)
Nerve disruptor - A weapon that fries out nerve tissue wherever it hits. (any use will have a request for NPC injury or player to player communication)
Crossbow with grenade bolts - sound/sonic damage only


Jumps: (non canon/based on canon tech) Bel can teleport anyone and anything they are in contact with instantly by folding 'space' around them. Bel has to know and have been in the location that the jump is going to, which will probably limit it to within the United States, particularly the four cities.
However, anyone they bring with them will have to deal with the side effects of jumping. There is a moment of strong vertigo, a sensation of vividly and incomprehensibly dreaming, and then a person is somewhere else - taken by either mild or absolutely intractable nausea (up to the player's discretion.) It's very handy, if you can put up with it.

〈 CHARACTER SAMPLES 〉
COMMUNITY POST (VOICE) SAMPLE:
[It is hard to tell if the person who appears on the network this afternoon is a particularly handsome woman or a strikingly beautiful man. Or what age they are. Or any nice, easy assumption, actually. They lean towards the screen, having watched the network for a few days, picked up what they could. An interplanetary war, tensions between imPorts, tenuous situations all around. Clearly, it's time for serious discussions, strategic planning and getting the strongest intel they can.

Bel Thorne puts their chin on their palm, regards the camera a moment before cutting a sharp, curious smile.]

So, what does one do on Earth for fun? I'm taking suggestions.


LOGS POST (PROSE) SAMPLE: Bel, as they had explained to the unamused Porter technician, had been having a bad day. Pinned under fire, they'd been pulled mid shot at an enemy Jacksonian... which had fortunately hit nothing more expensive than a fluorescent light.

The trouble had come with the power dampeners. They'd snapped on in response to the accidental attack... Whatever tech it was had simply drained the power from the Ariel's combat suit. As far as Bel was concerned, it was worth a godDAMN fortune and they wanted to get their hands on it for their ship.

Not that they could put their hands on anything at the moment. When the dampeners went on, the suit locked. Panic at not being able to move in the quarter ton of dead machinery and metal had ebbed into boredom (and some logistical problems for Bel's captor/rescuer, such as they were... and then into patient, if urgent explanations of the manual unlocks. None of this exactly explained how they were alive, on Earth, some four wormhole jumps and a month and a half a travel away, but as they got range of motion back, it was looking brighter. Or at least, less hostile.

"A little lower. There should be a panel; you should be able to feel the seam and a switch under i- you've got it!" It clicked, finally divesting themselves of the last of the outer plating... all that was left was mesh and webbing. They straighten, salvaging the last of their dignity. "Thank you. I'm Captain Bel Thorne of the Ariel, Denarii Free Mercenary Fleet. I should like to speak to your commanding officer and anyone with a spare set of clothes." A beat. "Not necessarily in that order."

FINAL NOTES: None!

Feel free to use this to get a hold of me! I am also YourOverlord! Add me if you like!

As for concrit? I welcome it; however, anon commenting is off.

Lemmie 'splain. No, there is too much. Lemmie sum up:

I absolutely promise you that if you step up to talk to me, I will treat you with decency, consideration and respect. I consider good constructive criticism to be like telling me my fly's down. YEAH, it's embarrassing but it's better than to continue skipping down the road with everything ugly hanging out.

We all have bad days, and heck, I may have missed something, or we just may see the character or canon in very different ways. I'd love to talk about it. I'm the very first to admit I'm not perfect OR EVEN CLOSE. I need to devour at least ten more souls for that upgrade.

I adore talking canon, and I deeply want to improve. Please give me a yell if anything is on your mind.