George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
airshipswank) wrote2013-08-10 02:22 pm
airshipswank) wrote2013-08-10 02:22 pm
RE-APPLICATION FOR ENTRANCEWAY
Name: Mouette
DW username:yourfuckingmuse
E-Mail: lamouettelunaire[at]gmail.com
IM: lackofcrocodiles
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pimpfox
Other Characters: Philip (radiopalkiller)
Character Name: Lord Buckingham (aka. George Villiers, First Duke of Buckingham)
Series: The Three Musketeers (2011)
Timeline: post-movie
Canon Resource Link: [ x ] The Three Musketeers (2011) || [ x ] George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham
Character History:
The history of George Villiers, first Duke of Buckingham as presented in Paul W.S. Anderson's The Three Musketeers movie has remarkably little in common with the history of George Villiers, first Duke of Buckingham as presented in Alexandre Dumas' original novel of the same name. They are, however, both meant to be loose interpretations of the historical George Villiers, first Duke of Buckingham as presented by European history itself, which is where I also draw the blueprint of his off-screen past from.
Born in Brooksby, England in 1592 George Villiers was only one of four children (nine, if you count the half-siblings) of a minor noble family, with no titles and modest lands and fortunes at best. His father, a honourable man and knight, died when George was twelve years old. It was his mother (historically rumoured to be many things from common kitchen maid to diabolical witch) who intended a courtier's life for her son from an early age, and sent him to travel much of Europe to study the art.
Those studies seemed to have paid off, and when he returned to England and subsequently to the court of King James I, he was showered with honours and titles at a speed and abundance few others have achieved throughout history. To quote: "[He] was knighted in 1615 as a Gentleman of the Bedchamber, [...] he was created Baron Whaddon and Viscount Villiers in 1616, Earl of Buckingham in 1617, Marquess of Buckingham in 1618 and finally Earl of Coventry and Duke of Buckingham in 1623".
Some say that Buckingham's rapid rise to power and fame was the result of a stellar character and brilliant teachings, the natural course for a man with such wonderfully stunning elegance, wit and tenacity. Others credit his connections with the right people in the right place and at the right time, while others still blame demonic dealings, dabbling in the dark arts of witchcraft, devil worship and general naughtiness. Yet others say that it was first and most of all his handsome face which saw to a career that was aided greatly by King James himself, who had become a great admirer and close companion of the duke. Penisly speaking.
Whatever it was, by the time we finally switch to the actual movie canon George Villiers has seemingly long shed his humble roots and whatever demeanour may have come with it, and enters the scene in Venice, after the three Musketeers have just completed an important mission. He presents himself in his full lordly fashion, oozing such raw, sexual charisma that our heroes can barely even gasp Buckingham's name before collapsing at the very sight of him.
...Okay, fine, and maybe they were also slightly poisoned by their former ally Milady at the time.
But whatever has brought them to their knees, Buckingham relishes the moment and seizes the opportunity to deliver a devious monologue, before taking off with plans for a new war machine and Milady in tow. The Musketeers are left humiliated but alive, after all dead men tell no tales, and Buckingham can hardly allow the magnificence of his evil cunning to remain unheard.
One year later Lord Buckingham is on his way to continental Europe again, having since had the airship built and made ready to be shown off at the court of King Louis XIII. He arrives at Versailles clothed in the latest fashion and his usual audacity, and is subsequently murdered by King Louis, Queen Anne, Cardinal Richelieu and his old friends, the Musketeers.
...Or at least he would have been, if looks could kill. As it is he merely exchanges barbed pleasantries with the aforementioned personages, and moves on to discuss ambassadorly duties with the Cardinal. The subject of their conversation is a peace treaty between their nations of France and England, which Buckingham finds of little appeal. Really, why avoid a war one is so certain to win?
They do agree on a truce for the time being, and Lord Buckingham returns to London to convey the proposal to King James.
Unbeknownst to the duke this is when the plot truly starts taking its course without him: Milady, as it turns out, has been in the service of Cardinal Richelieu for quite some time already, and is now tasked to incriminate Queen Anne of having an illegitimate affair with Buckingham. Milady forges love letters written in the duke's hand and steals the queen's priceless diamond necklace to take with her to London and eventually use it as the final piece in their plot.
While Buckingham yet remains oblivious to Richelieu's schemes, Queen Anne discovers the beginnings of this treachery against her, and sends her lady-in-waiting Constance, who in turn sends her love interest d'Artagnan and the titular number of Musketeers, to aid in her predicament. The group begins their hasty journey across the English Channel, where the duke has already been informed of their imminent arrival, although their motives remain hidden from him. After all Milady assures him quite convincingly that it is merely Athos' revenge for Venice that brings them to his doorstep, and not at all anything that might in any way be related to her status as a double agent for the Cardinal and their plots for Buckingham's eventual demise.
No, that would be as absurd as claiming that Milady has outlived her usefulness for the duke and is headed rapidly for the more or less metaphorical chopping block, ahahahaha hahaha hahaha hahhhhhhh...
Hah.
...Anyway, where were we?
Milady concludes her sweet words and gestures with an ever so kind elaboration on the Musketeers' usual battle strategies, and leaves Buckingham to deal with this mess and the Tower's defences. She also leaves him with the irritating feeling of still not quite knowing what to make of her, but that soon turns into an issue for another day, when the duke's guards bring him a captured d'Artagnan.
Alas, the ever so eagerly sought after banter with his enemy is cut short when the remaining Musketeers launch a full assault on the Tower of London, with Buckingham's own airship no less. The duke fights back with the full force of... erm, well, the full force of a man wielding two guns against a war machine equipped with canons, flamethrowers and bombs.
The Musketeers escape in the duke's airship, leaving the Tower in ruins, and leaving Buckingham behind; humiliated, but alive.
Their climactic showdown happens elsewhere, villains are slain, lovers are reunited, the diamonds are returned to Queen Anne, and Buckingham uses the time he is given off-screen to change into a new outfit and board a new ship (the kind that travels on water this time). His destination? France, of course!
The last we see of him is a dramatic zoom-out, revealing an entire fleet of ships and airships alike, marking the beginning of his journey across the Channel (with Milady once again in his company, after having been fished out of the ocean) and the signal to war with France to extract revenge and take back what is his, with interest.
Abilities/Special Powers:
Being reasonably proficient with sword, knife, and all the pointy works. Having a hand for firearms. Speaking several languages with varying degrees of success and dedication. Being a fantastically skilled dancer in the literal, metaphorical and horizontal sense. Looking really extraordinarily handsome on, next to, and even without a horse. Having the smarmiest grin in all of Europe.
Third-Person Sample:
"...never ought to have granted you a seat in that lobby, they've lost half a fortune to your purse, and His Majesty will hear of this, Villiers!"
The old man spat his name like a curse, like the call for a disobedient dog. The corner of Buckingham's mouth gave an irritated twitch, and he hurriedly fashioned his lips into a broad grin instead. The old-established nobility took pleasure in denying him his title, and he'd not add his dissatisfaction to their prize.
"I understand perfectly, my lord. King James will have an ear for your concern shortly, I'm sure. In the meantime, do help yourself--"
He nodded at the tray in his servant's hands, and had the boy pour a generous serving of wine and excused himself with a curt bow, disappearing swiftly in the crowd. Some arguments were best had behind locked doors, but for others a more public venue with a more elegant excuse for escape were preferred.
Milady's eyes were already upon him when he approached. She cast a curious glance from the duke to the servant boy that held Hamilton's wine, her question unspoken. Buckingham merely shrugged and gave her a mischievous grin.
"Has the late Lord Hamilton offended, Your Grace?"
Buckingham chuckled and shook his head.
"Late? Not at all, no, I... merely fear he'll be in no condition for an audience, he... no longer has the stomach for our sort of celebrations, poor man. Now then, where were we?"
When Milady took a sip from her own cup Buckingham tried to read a verdict from her expression, but whatever thoughts she had on his little game were, as only too often, hidden from his sight.
At the other end of the room a few cups and plates clattered loudly to the floor, and a wave of gasps and whispers gathered around the collapsed man on the floor. Buckingham glanced in the direction, before quickly pretending not to notice. He'd chosen the right crowd for it, after all.
Instead he turned his back on the scene and offered Milady his cup for a toast.
"You... mentioned something about Venice, I believe?"
First-Person Sample:
[ Several months after his arrival Buckingham has finally perfected the art of sitting leisurely in his chair and placing the communication device at just the right angle for a flawless video transmission of his latest thoughts.
He begins by taking a slow sip of wine. Even without words his appearance must be worth that much of the network's time. Especially when his own has once again been wasted with a less than eventful event.
And so the duke puts his cup down and speaks: ]
I've given some thought to our numbers. Near ten dozen I'd say, if I had to wager a guess. And how come that ten dozen people with... ten dozen lives have not a single memory worth more entertainment than this, hm?
[ His fingers trace the edge of his cup lazily. If he hadn't started the transmission himself one might think that he was merely indulging an accidental audience. ]
Tell me... about yourself, Wonderland. I expect at least one... or two of you will have a few recollections worth repeating.
DW username:
yourfuckingmuseE-Mail: lamouettelunaire[at]gmail.com
IM: lackofcrocodiles
Plurk:
Other Characters: Philip (
radiopalkiller)Character Name: Lord Buckingham (aka. George Villiers, First Duke of Buckingham)
Series: The Three Musketeers (2011)
Timeline: post-movie
Canon Resource Link: [ x ] The Three Musketeers (2011) || [ x ] George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham
Character History:
The history of George Villiers, first Duke of Buckingham as presented in Paul W.S. Anderson's The Three Musketeers movie has remarkably little in common with the history of George Villiers, first Duke of Buckingham as presented in Alexandre Dumas' original novel of the same name. They are, however, both meant to be loose interpretations of the historical George Villiers, first Duke of Buckingham as presented by European history itself, which is where I also draw the blueprint of his off-screen past from.
Born in Brooksby, England in 1592 George Villiers was only one of four children (nine, if you count the half-siblings) of a minor noble family, with no titles and modest lands and fortunes at best. His father, a honourable man and knight, died when George was twelve years old. It was his mother (historically rumoured to be many things from common kitchen maid to diabolical witch) who intended a courtier's life for her son from an early age, and sent him to travel much of Europe to study the art.
Those studies seemed to have paid off, and when he returned to England and subsequently to the court of King James I, he was showered with honours and titles at a speed and abundance few others have achieved throughout history. To quote: "[He] was knighted in 1615 as a Gentleman of the Bedchamber, [...] he was created Baron Whaddon and Viscount Villiers in 1616, Earl of Buckingham in 1617, Marquess of Buckingham in 1618 and finally Earl of Coventry and Duke of Buckingham in 1623".
Some say that Buckingham's rapid rise to power and fame was the result of a stellar character and brilliant teachings, the natural course for a man with such wonderfully stunning elegance, wit and tenacity. Others credit his connections with the right people in the right place and at the right time, while others still blame demonic dealings, dabbling in the dark arts of witchcraft, devil worship and general naughtiness. Yet others say that it was first and most of all his handsome face which saw to a career that was aided greatly by King James himself, who had become a great admirer and close companion of the duke. Penisly speaking.
Whatever it was, by the time we finally switch to the actual movie canon George Villiers has seemingly long shed his humble roots and whatever demeanour may have come with it, and enters the scene in Venice, after the three Musketeers have just completed an important mission. He presents himself in his full lordly fashion, oozing such raw, sexual charisma that our heroes can barely even gasp Buckingham's name before collapsing at the very sight of him.
...Okay, fine, and maybe they were also slightly poisoned by their former ally Milady at the time.
But whatever has brought them to their knees, Buckingham relishes the moment and seizes the opportunity to deliver a devious monologue, before taking off with plans for a new war machine and Milady in tow. The Musketeers are left humiliated but alive, after all dead men tell no tales, and Buckingham can hardly allow the magnificence of his evil cunning to remain unheard.
One year later Lord Buckingham is on his way to continental Europe again, having since had the airship built and made ready to be shown off at the court of King Louis XIII. He arrives at Versailles clothed in the latest fashion and his usual audacity, and is subsequently murdered by King Louis, Queen Anne, Cardinal Richelieu and his old friends, the Musketeers.
...Or at least he would have been, if looks could kill. As it is he merely exchanges barbed pleasantries with the aforementioned personages, and moves on to discuss ambassadorly duties with the Cardinal. The subject of their conversation is a peace treaty between their nations of France and England, which Buckingham finds of little appeal. Really, why avoid a war one is so certain to win?
They do agree on a truce for the time being, and Lord Buckingham returns to London to convey the proposal to King James.
Unbeknownst to the duke this is when the plot truly starts taking its course without him: Milady, as it turns out, has been in the service of Cardinal Richelieu for quite some time already, and is now tasked to incriminate Queen Anne of having an illegitimate affair with Buckingham. Milady forges love letters written in the duke's hand and steals the queen's priceless diamond necklace to take with her to London and eventually use it as the final piece in their plot.
While Buckingham yet remains oblivious to Richelieu's schemes, Queen Anne discovers the beginnings of this treachery against her, and sends her lady-in-waiting Constance, who in turn sends her love interest d'Artagnan and the titular number of Musketeers, to aid in her predicament. The group begins their hasty journey across the English Channel, where the duke has already been informed of their imminent arrival, although their motives remain hidden from him. After all Milady assures him quite convincingly that it is merely Athos' revenge for Venice that brings them to his doorstep, and not at all anything that might in any way be related to her status as a double agent for the Cardinal and their plots for Buckingham's eventual demise.
No, that would be as absurd as claiming that Milady has outlived her usefulness for the duke and is headed rapidly for the more or less metaphorical chopping block, ahahahaha hahaha hahaha hahhhhhhh...
Hah.
...Anyway, where were we?
Milady concludes her sweet words and gestures with an ever so kind elaboration on the Musketeers' usual battle strategies, and leaves Buckingham to deal with this mess and the Tower's defences. She also leaves him with the irritating feeling of still not quite knowing what to make of her, but that soon turns into an issue for another day, when the duke's guards bring him a captured d'Artagnan.
Alas, the ever so eagerly sought after banter with his enemy is cut short when the remaining Musketeers launch a full assault on the Tower of London, with Buckingham's own airship no less. The duke fights back with the full force of... erm, well, the full force of a man wielding two guns against a war machine equipped with canons, flamethrowers and bombs.
The Musketeers escape in the duke's airship, leaving the Tower in ruins, and leaving Buckingham behind; humiliated, but alive.
Their climactic showdown happens elsewhere, villains are slain, lovers are reunited, the diamonds are returned to Queen Anne, and Buckingham uses the time he is given off-screen to change into a new outfit and board a new ship (the kind that travels on water this time). His destination? France, of course!
The last we see of him is a dramatic zoom-out, revealing an entire fleet of ships and airships alike, marking the beginning of his journey across the Channel (with Milady once again in his company, after having been fished out of the ocean) and the signal to war with France to extract revenge and take back what is his, with interest.
Abilities/Special Powers:
Being reasonably proficient with sword, knife, and all the pointy works. Having a hand for firearms. Speaking several languages with varying degrees of success and dedication. Being a fantastically skilled dancer in the literal, metaphorical and horizontal sense. Looking really extraordinarily handsome on, next to, and even without a horse. Having the smarmiest grin in all of Europe.
Third-Person Sample:
"...never ought to have granted you a seat in that lobby, they've lost half a fortune to your purse, and His Majesty will hear of this, Villiers!"
The old man spat his name like a curse, like the call for a disobedient dog. The corner of Buckingham's mouth gave an irritated twitch, and he hurriedly fashioned his lips into a broad grin instead. The old-established nobility took pleasure in denying him his title, and he'd not add his dissatisfaction to their prize.
"I understand perfectly, my lord. King James will have an ear for your concern shortly, I'm sure. In the meantime, do help yourself--"
He nodded at the tray in his servant's hands, and had the boy pour a generous serving of wine and excused himself with a curt bow, disappearing swiftly in the crowd. Some arguments were best had behind locked doors, but for others a more public venue with a more elegant excuse for escape were preferred.
Milady's eyes were already upon him when he approached. She cast a curious glance from the duke to the servant boy that held Hamilton's wine, her question unspoken. Buckingham merely shrugged and gave her a mischievous grin.
"Has the late Lord Hamilton offended, Your Grace?"
Buckingham chuckled and shook his head.
"Late? Not at all, no, I... merely fear he'll be in no condition for an audience, he... no longer has the stomach for our sort of celebrations, poor man. Now then, where were we?"
When Milady took a sip from her own cup Buckingham tried to read a verdict from her expression, but whatever thoughts she had on his little game were, as only too often, hidden from his sight.
At the other end of the room a few cups and plates clattered loudly to the floor, and a wave of gasps and whispers gathered around the collapsed man on the floor. Buckingham glanced in the direction, before quickly pretending not to notice. He'd chosen the right crowd for it, after all.
Instead he turned his back on the scene and offered Milady his cup for a toast.
"You... mentioned something about Venice, I believe?"
First-Person Sample:
[ Several months after his arrival Buckingham has finally perfected the art of sitting leisurely in his chair and placing the communication device at just the right angle for a flawless video transmission of his latest thoughts.
He begins by taking a slow sip of wine. Even without words his appearance must be worth that much of the network's time. Especially when his own has once again been wasted with a less than eventful event.
And so the duke puts his cup down and speaks: ]
I've given some thought to our numbers. Near ten dozen I'd say, if I had to wager a guess. And how come that ten dozen people with... ten dozen lives have not a single memory worth more entertainment than this, hm?
[ His fingers trace the edge of his cup lazily. If he hadn't started the transmission himself one might think that he was merely indulging an accidental audience. ]
Tell me... about yourself, Wonderland. I expect at least one... or two of you will have a few recollections worth repeating.