Benjamin Cross
Lord Benjamin Merlof Cross (a.k.a. Overseer)
"You claim that we can win this fight by committing the 4th and 6th tactical maneuver groups to the theater. We may indeed 'win' the fight, but we lose more than that in material, in personnel, in assets - with little to show for it. There is no point in winning fights if each small fight bleeds us dry until there is nothing left for us to give. Would you allow us to give ourselves so freely to the enemy?"Benjamin Cross is one of Dukes of the Mithambian Royal court, one of the Mithambian Armed Forces' top strategists, and the doting husband of Princess Clarisse Mitfield. A man with a quick smile, Benjamin Cross's easy-going facade conceals decades of hard-won experience in protecting Mithambe's interests, both locally and abroad. In the current age, he serves as one of the three Dukes of the Mithambian Royal Court, appointed by the late King Marcus and upheld by current sovereign Jacob Mitfield. Providing strategic insight to the rest of the Royal Court, Benjamin has found it within himself to balance the Court's changing sways, as well as to act as the mediator between Duke Evan Belfour and Duke Darren Tirsand, who are often at each other's throats. He also acts as an occasional advisor to the MAF's Strategic Command, and teaches classes on the art of warfare and planning at Inverdale Academy.
"I did not intend to make all of you the best officers. I intended to make you all the best people. It is easy to train an officer - to instill tactics, to study battleplans and to visualize the theater. It is difficult to near-impossible to instill a sense of loyalty, camaraderie, determination, honesty, confidence - all of the positive traits that everyone talks about, but few are willing to demonstrate when it is time to put your shoulder to the wheel, so as to speak." "I do not care about any of you coming out of here as the best officers of the next generation. I want you all to be the best people of your generation - the kingdom will benefit for it. Your communities and families will benefit for it. And although it may seem difficult and bleak at times - you will benefit for it." - Addressing the Inverdale Academy Class of 1888 Basic Officer's Course graduates
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Despite his age, Benjamin is still considered fit, and is capable of rigorous physical activity.
Facial Features
A scar appears over his left eye - this was inflicted by a Seraxi Wyrm during Benjamin's junior officer years.
As a mark of his age, crow's feet have manifested in the corners of his eyes.
Mental characteristics
Accomplishments & Achievements
One of Benjamin's largest personal accomplishments is the upbringing of his two children. Despite the paths they have taken (Julian diverging and becoming a medical doctor, whereas Zara followed in her father's footsteps), he is proud that they have distinguished themselves in their fields, and have become successful in their own right.
Taboos
The only taboo ascribed to Benjamin is his informal address of the Crown of Mithambe - this has been witnessed with both the late Marcus (his brother-in-law) and with Jacob (his nephew). Whereas the other members of the nobility must properly address their betters (especially the royal family), Benjamin regularly converses with Jacob and his family without the proper address. His actions have divided the Court - half believe that he must uphold the comportment of a proper Duke and display proper behaviors when addressing the Crown; the other half believe that he is family, and that he has a right to be allowed to address his family as such. For the record, neither King Jacob, Queen Iris, or Crown Princess Kaylee have aired their concerns in public or private.
Social
Social Aptitude
Benjamin himself possesses a natural charisma, and is considered extroverted - especially when compared to his wife. He tends to strike up conversations easily, regardless of the situation, and makes an attempt to conduct himself in a presentable fashion.
Mannerisms
As an instructor at the Inverdale Academy, Benjamin takes the time to speak plainly, and to ensure that his students understand the material that he is presenting to them.
Among the Royal Court, Benjamin is one to discard politeness and flattery if a point must be made.
Relationships
Alignment
Lawful Good
Current Location
Species
Honorary & Occupational Titles
- General (ret.)
- Duke of the Court
- Consort of the Second Princess (only used in royal documentation)
Year of Birth
1833
59 Years old
Family
Spouses
Siblings
Children
Pronouns
He, him
Gender
Male
Eyes
Pale green
Hair
Silver, medium length, combed
Height
178 cm
Weight
77 kg
Quotes & Catchphrases
"You all call yourselves nobles, but are too busy bickering among each other in petty attempts to further yourselves, even when we are at the very threshold of war! Have you all gone mad, or has peace bought with someone else's blood made you all lackadaisical and moronic?!"
"Anyone can see the obvious solution in front of them - that includes the enemy. Find a solution to the conflict that the enemy cannot see nor prepare for - but be wary, for the time you spend in finding that solution will also be time for the enemy to find theirs, or for them to entrench."
"Do you think my nobility protects me? It is but a shiny title - in the theater of war, titles are as useful as wet paper when the bullets begin to fly. I can bleed and die like any other man."
Aligned Organization
Other Affiliations
Appears in...
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