The Most Interesting Woman in the Universe

[Malleus Aforethought]

Most are probably familiar by now with the Dos Equis character, known as the "the most interesting man in the world"  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Most_Interesting_Man_in_the_World). I've come to the conclusion that the best way to represent Flora is as the most interesting and compelling woman in the Universe. I've often thought that she was underestimated by her siblings and could be far more influential in an Amber game.

In Amber DRPG terms, I thought that a fair degree of Warfare, and decent Psyche and Endurance, and a hefty dose of Good Stuff could represent her ability to weave her way through the politics of Amber, and never wind up on the losing side. Boost the Psyche and throw in some Compelling, and she could be real nasty.

"In Shadow, flowers smell like her."

"Sirens drive men mad with their song, she can incite a riot with a single smile."

[Evermasterx]

Most are probably familiar by now with the Dos Equis character, known as the "the most interesting man in the world"  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Most_Interesting_Man_in_the_World). I've come to the conclusion that the best way to represent Flora is as the most interesting and compelling woman in the Universe. I've often thought that she was underestimated by her siblings and could be far more influential in an Amber game.

In Amber DRPG terms, I thought that a fair degree of Warfare, and decent Psyche and Endurance, and a hefty dose of Good Stuff could represent her ability to weave her way through the politics of Amber, and never wind up on the losing side. Boost the Psyche and throw in some Compelling, and she could be real nasty.

Your post made me think of Flora from a new perspective. Thanks.

[RPGPundit]

I've often thought the same but never really felt the need to back it up with boosted attributes.  High Compelling? Maybe, sure.  But I think the whole deal of Flora (and a few other Amberites) is not that her stats make her so important, but her character.

RPGPundit

[Arref]

No special powers needed.... just a very interesting woman.

for example:
http://www.skyseastone.net/itsog/shadows/006260.html

[Sargon]

In some ways, Flora loses part of what makes her interesting if she is made too powerful. Flora, in a way, is a model for PCs in a default game. Her siblings are clearly stronger, physically, psychically, and in terms of powers and resources. And yet, Flora tends to do pretty well for herself despite that through a mixture of scheming, flattery, being seen as too weak to be a threat, and moral flexibility.  

I did use a "strong Flora" one game I ran her, but even in that she was one of her weakest siblings by default, and most of her power had been obtained by capturing Fiona, and using her as a living magical power battery.  her motive was that she was terrified that her stronger siblings would kill her, so she "cheated." ;>

[Amberfriend]

I've often thought the same but never really felt the need to back it up with boosted attributes.  High Compelling? Maybe, sure.  But I think the whole deal of Flora (and a few other Amberites) is not that her stats make her so important, but her character.

RPGPundit

I agree. Character, allies and pre-planning.

[RPGPundit]

I think there are several NPCs who are like this, and it puts the lie to the whole argument about how 100pt PCs couldn't possibly ever get the upper hand against elder amberites.

RPGPundit