Second Dawn:Franklin Kennedy
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This is a reference document for the LARP The Second Dawn.
Franklin Kennedy Player: Matt W. Chief of Staff Age: 50ish
Additional Information (read first): Union Government, Seerstones
Background: You were born here, in New Providence, the son of the independently wealthy female congresswoman. You’re mother raised you by herself and involved you every step of the way in politics. As a young child you were in the limelight often, and as a teenager you started making political speeches. You rose quickly in the Capitalist party because of your intelligence and competence. You’ve been with Grant since the beginning, the heady campaign leading up to his election as President in 316. You’ve always been a believer in the Second Dawn project. The idea that humans can return to space is a powerful and appealing one. Evidence of the ancient way of life surrounds us, should we just reach out and try to reclaim it. This is the idea behind the project, this is why it is worth all the sacrifices that you and Grant have made. There have been quite a few sacrifices too. You’re not sure even that Grant is fully aware of how he has compromised his political position and that of the entire party for this one project. You are more in touch with the word on the street, though, and it hasn’t been good. You’re stuck between a rock and a hard place: there just isn’t enough money in the government coffers to properly fund the Second Dawn project and the military. At the beginning of the project it was the military budget that suffered – you cut the fat, and when that wasn’t enough, you cut a lot of the muscle as well. Recently, with the Socialist take over of Congress, things have gone the other way. They have forced cuts in the Second Dawn project where there wasn’t any money to spare. Now there are the murmurings of popular unrest against the Second Dawn, and additionally you worry about the effect of the budget cuts on the project itself. But your hands have really been tied in this one. What neither Grant nor the Socialist party seem to realize is there is only so much money, and it’s just not enough for everything they want. The Premier of Congress, a surprisingly young Socialist woman named Eleanor Truman, really seems to have the belief that the government’s coffers are bottomless. She is running for President, and in her campaign she promises to build the army back up, increase spending in social welfare programs, fund exploration, grant more scholarships, and give every child in New Providence a pony. Well, all but that last one, but really – she has no sense at all of the costs of things. If she gets elected it will become very clear very quickly that she can’t follow through on her high minded campaign. You actually feel a little sorry for her. Clearly her problem is lack of economic education. She was a runaway who got into the Socialist party through some sort of grassroots-common people movement. Although she’s quite a convincing speaker, that charisma is dangerous - she just doesn’t have the sort of realistic sense of the world that one needs for the office. You’re also more than a little annoyed at her for her lowbrow campaign against Second Dawn. She’s to narrow minded to see the beauty of humankind returning to space. You’d like to run for President yourself, and many consider you a candidate. However, there is the issue of Grant. You’ve enjoyed being his Chief of Staff. You do not want to offend him or seem ungrateful – you truly are grateful to him for being a good mentor at the beginning. But how do you say to him that he’s just unelectable and he should stand aside? You haven’t figured out a politic way to break it to him that there is no way his Presidency will last past this May, no matter what the outcome of the Second Dawn project – he’s just isolated too many different factions. There is another, larger issue as well. In this past year, Jonathan has been giving you more and more of his day to day duties. Sometimes when you come in to his office to brief him on what is going on, you need to repeat yourself several times to make him understand what you are trying to get across. He seems to get confused more easily and to forget things more. He’s only sixty – but those years really have been hard on him. You think he’s on the edge of presidential competency now, and if he keeps going downhill he’ll certainly not be fit to be president in a year or so. You’d really like to take his place. You’d be an excellent President. You have a cool head in a crisis, an excellent understanding of mathematics and economics, and a good idea for where the country should go next. Jonathan had you talk to the Tinkers in a lot of the Second Dawn design meetings because of your ability to quickly understand what they were saying, despite your lack of scientific training. The country is at the brink of a war right now with the Plains, and really needs a smart leader. There isn’t enough time to properly build up the military now to compete with the Plains; however, some combination of diplomacy and bluffing should keep a full scale war off. If you can get the Appalachian Confederacy to agree to start raiding the Plains, that should be an excellent distraction for the time being and may give you enough time to properly train more troops. Additionally, full-out war isn’t the best way to win this conflict. The Plains have always been fighting among themselves, and this warlord in charge of the whole area is just a temporary thing. It should be possible to incite a return to the days of Plains civil war with just one well placed assassination. Finally, if that doesn’t work, if you can just get some excellent weaponry and crush the Plains at their first Union attack, they’ll turn away to softer targets. You have several other issues troubling you, each of them of a more personal nature. The first is your son. You and he had a bit of a falling out, and he ran off to join some cult. The political fallout from that was just awful, and it may even ruin your chances for the Presidency. You’re very angry at him for doing this to you. But you also want to be sure that he is OK – this cult seems a bit worrying, with their strange talk of life beyond the stars. You’d like to reconcile with him somehow (although it would be much easier if he would just apologize!). The second trouble is with your wife. You and Eugene’s mother split up long ago, but five years ago you married Patricia. She was more than 15 years younger than you, but she seemed to adore you all the more for that, she was as gentle and skilled a woman as you’d ever met. She was a needy one though; a constant complainer, and always wanted pretty things. A few weeks ago, just before she came down suddenly sick, you even bought her some Ancient jewelry from a fellow named Baxter. She refused to go to a doctor. At first it seemed to be just a flu, but it kept getting worse, and by the time you found out it was tuberculosis, there was nothing to be done. She died a few days ago, and just last night you buried her in the old cemetery at Swan Point. At the funeral, some of her local friends seemed convinced something suspicious was afoot. You believe it was just bad luck, but tonight you’ll get the chance to speak with those friends again, to commiserate and hear their suspicions. The third issue is more confusing. Your mother, who was quite old, just passed away about two months ago. She had raised you alone and the two of you were very close. On her deathbed she told you who your father was. You tried to tell her not to; that you didn’t care, that she really was your one parent. But she insisted. It turns out your father was a man named Feargan [FE-ruh-gun] – a Tinker. It’s basically unheard of for Tinkers to marry outside of their own clan, and you were shocked to hear that you were a half-Tinker. You’ve been mulling it over in your head these past weeks and you’ve come to a decision. You’d like to become a member of the Tinkers. You have the blood ties to them, and the scientific aptitude. You’d always wanted to have official scientific training, and they would be willing to give it to one of their own, though never to an outsider. Also, Feargan had another child, a daughter, named Beathag [BEH-ak]. She’s one of the Tinker elders now, and also your half sister. You hope she’ll take this revelation well.
Roleplaying Notes You’re a smart and competent politician. You’ve been doing much of the day-to-day work of governing and have been taking on an increasing number of Jonathan Grant’s responsibilities. You’ve always been fascinated by science and the ancients, which is why the idea of becoming a Tinker appeals to you even as an adult.
Goals: 1) Become the next President while maintaining cordial relations with Jonathan Grant. 2) Join the Tinkers and get a real science education. 3) Assist President Grant with his political needs tonight, including talking to foreign ambassadors and ensuring the smooth launching of the ship. 4) Reconcile with your son Eugene.
Opinions: Second Dawn: A difficult project, but worth it for mankind to return into space. You hope this launch goes smoothly. Black Science: You know it is forbidden and bad, but you’ve never had a proper education as to what white science is. Religion: You were raised as a Christian, believing in a transcendent god who judges souls and saves those who he has forgiven. Tinkers: They provide the science that fascinates you so. They’ve always been reclusive, although you’ve had to work with them for this Second Dawn project. You hope that they can accept you as one of their own and that you’ll be able to learn about the fascinating ancient ways they have preserved. Plains States: A serious military threat to the Union’s existence, you will need to speak with them tonight to see just how imminent war is. Maple Kingdom: The Second Dawn project has offended them because they are Gaians and think that man should stay on Earth. A backwards attitude – however, you really could use their help now. Appalachian Confederation: The buffer zone between you and the Plains. You hope you will be able to convince them to skirmish with the Plains so that you won’t need to. El Dorado: How thoroughly strange, a supposed utopian community, well past the borders of all known countries. You’d like to get a better look at that Zepplin and the other technology they seem to have with them; perhaps the EU could use some of that. Space: You believe that even if the Ancients in space are gone, some remnant of their sciences must remain, and can be used for the good of the Union.
Key Information: •The way to win the Presidency is to get the support of the Cabinet. They plan to choose the next president tonight. •You need to find a way to break it gently to Jonathan Grant that he is unelectable and that you would like to take his place. •There’s never been a Tinker president before, but then again, you’ve never heard of anyone joining the Tinkers either. You’ll have to play it carefully; a Tinker could be an unpopular candidate. •Everyone addresses Tinkers as if “Tinker” were their surname. But you’ve learned they don’t actually like that; they just go by the one name each •You want to reconcile with your rebellious son. When you started getting worried about him, you asked a housekeeper to keep an eye out for anything suspicious in his rooms. She found a stash of secret recordings he’d made of political figures, and you chewed him out. He left home and joined this cult; relations have been strained since. •Your wife Patricia Kennedy died less than a week ago, after a sudden but unsuspicious illness. Her friend Kathleen Penland seemed convinced that foul play was involved. You don’t know if Eugene yet knows about her death. •You control the President’s schedule. While things are a bit relaxed tonight, he has free reign to blow off anyone who hasn’t made an appointment through you.
People (in approximate order of importance): Eugene Kenendy (Simon M): Your son. You do love him but have become increasingly frustrated with his devil-may-care ways and his lack of respect for peoples’ privacy. The scandal of his running off to join a cult could’ve been far worse; people don’t get very stirred up over religion these days. You haven’t been able to contact him to tell him about his stepmom’s death yet. Jonathan Grant, President of the Eastern Union (Ted M): He’s been your boss and political partner for years now. This past year he’s been muddled, confused and forgetful. Coming to the party tonight, though, he seems surprisingly clear-headed. Eleanor Truman, Premier of Congress (Alison H): Head of the Socialist party and one of your main political rivals, she seems to have made it her personal goal to thwart the Second Dawn. Beathag [BEH-ak] (Sue B): You’ve worked with her briefly on Second Dawn top level design plans at the beginning of this project years ago. How surprised she will be to learn that you are her half-sibling! Kathleen Penland (Katie G): Her family owns a successful restaurant in New Providence. She’d long been a friend of your second wife Patricia, though you’d only met a few times before she died. She always seems to have a good word to say and a clear head for these personal things. At the funeral, she seemed even more heartbroken than you were, to an extent that was obviously unusual- and she seemed firmly convinced that something was amiss about her death. Mario Patriarca (Paul S): Manager of the construction team, he’s a distant cousin of yours. He’s well-connected to things around New Providence, he might be able to help you out with something. Charles Bazett, Minister of the Borders (Paul E): He’s been a strong supporter of the Second Dawn project, so you hope his support will extend to your candidacy. Margaret Eisenhower, Minister of the Interior (Abbie P): She used to be a Socialist, but officially gave up her party contacts when she became a minister and has been supporting Jonathan. You’re not sure of her agenda; you hope by talking to her you can find out what sort of campaign promises she is looking for. Luther Gaines, Minister of the Watch (David R): He doesn’t like Jonathan Grant, but mostly over the Second Dawn project. His ministry got screwed in Grant’s early years, but since Gaines arrived he’s been successfully fighting for funds, at the expense of other ministries. Kara Atkinson, Minister of the Army (Hillary K): She’s been upset with the amount of military money the Second Dawn has been using. However, that project is complete now so you can assure her with an honest heart that you are going to increase military spending. She also may be interested to hear of your idea for Plains diplomacy. Artair [ARE-ter] (Jed S): This senior Tinker has long supported the Second Dawn, as it’s brought his people much work. Tread carefully with these folks; they’re more like allies than like a branch of the government. Sydney Monroe, Congresswoman from New Providence (Nitsan B-G): A minor contender for the presidency, she’s a Socialist but has remained an outspoken supporter of the Second Dawn. Martin Buchanan, Congressman from Boston (Daniel P): Another minor contender; he’s a Capitalist like you, so he’d make a tolerable second choice. Rosetta Jones (Suzanne G): Some socialite friend of Patricia’s, you’d only met briefly before the funeral. She seemed upset but understanding, a sharp contrast to Penland’s dramatic grief. Malamhin Tinker (Abrihette Y): A young Tinker whom you’ve met in her role as an engineer on the Second Dawn site. You don’t know her well, but it might be best to approach her first rather than starting with senior people. Donald Baxter (Jerry S): Owner of Baxter Imports, you’ve bought some exotic gifts for Patricia from him. He attended her funeral too. Captain Ivy Pearce (Rachel O): The Dawn’s pilot, and an impressive young woman. You’ve met her a few times, but never more than briefly.
Ratings: Pilot: 0 R: 0 D: 1 G: 2
Nametag Symbols: F, E, B, U
Attributes: Physical: Defense 3 Pool Rating 2 [] [] Mental: Defense 3 Pool Rating 4 [] [] [] [] Social: Defense 3 Pool Rating 3 [] [] []
Recoveries: -In conversation, refer to the fact that your wife died less than a week ago (+2 points, 1/hour) -Get someone to voice approval of your candidacy or political skills (+1 point, 2/hour) -Do something competent but not flashy (+1 point, 3/hour)
Abilities: charm, penetrating insight, suspect, what are you planning?, convince, authorization
Items: Pouch of coins (x2), Piece of Jewelry
Character Clarification: Family Trouble
Your son Eugene has always been a bit of trouble. You tried to give him the best of everything, but he was never content. As a teenager, he picked up an interest in seerstones, especially for their use as visual recording devices. An odd hobby for a non-Tinker, but you encouraged it. Over the last two years, as Eugene’s devil-may-care ways continued, you started worrying about him; he’s about 20 now, and should be growing out of these things. You asked some of the housekeepers to keep an eye out for anything, any trouble he might be getting into. Unfortunately, one of them found something. Among his cache of seerstone recordings was a significant pile of illicit ones. He’d been making secret recordings of political figures and other important people, spying on them for his own amusement. You gave him a serious chewing-out; not only does he need to respect peoples’ privacy, but he also needs to show some restraint because of his (and your) position in life. You could be ruined- and either of you could even get killed, if someone found out and feared blackmail badly enough. Of course, he didn’t take your lecture too well, especially when you confiscated his seerstones. That’s when he ran off to join that Star Brothers cult.
