Should Black Bolt be allowed to speak?

[devias]

Black Bolt is one of my favorite characters. I know that his mutism is often depicted as a shortcoming for a man who already has virtually everything he wants. It's what makes people feel sympathetic towards a powerful ruler of an entire race. However, I often feel that his mutism often gives his subjects the notion that it's okay to undermine his authority. I'm overreacting, but it's frustrating at times to see someone disobey him and have him do and say nothing about it (Medusa often translates, but it feels weird).

[Morpheus]

I think that being unable to speak is part of the power he radiates, his imposing figure. It's a case of actions speaking louder than words. I don't believe people disobey him because they lack respect for him, per se - they simply know he loves them all far too much to punish them severely for their acts. Because, no matter what, the Inhumans are family. You can get angry at your family but it's unlikely you'll not forgive them, regardless.


I think the notion was introduced some time ago for a device to be created that would permit him to hold his power at bay and speak as a regular person. IIRC he simply refused to do so.

[creator]

Jun 7, 2011 5:58:34 GMT -5 Morpheus said:

I think that being unable to speak is part of the power he radiates, his imposing figure. It's a case of actions speaking louder than words. I don't believe people disobey him because they lack respect for him, per se - they simply know he loves them all far too much to punish them severely for their acts. Because, no matter what, the Inhumans are family. You can get angry at your family but it's unlikely you'll not forgive them, regardless.


I think the notion was introduced some time ago for a device to be created that would permit him to hold his power at bay and speak as a regular person. IIRC he simply refused to do so.

That about covers it.

[Phantom Stargrave]

I'm not all that knowledgeable on Inhumans, but exactly how often do people disobey him? It was my impression that his... "word" is law for his subjects. His inner circle certainly seems loyal to the point of dying for him.

[NexusOfLight]

Speak softly an' carry a big stick. Black Bolt is the epitome of that saying. He should stay muted, because that's an essential part of who he is as a character. I think it only enhances the fact that he's all about loving and caring for his family, and it enhances everything else about him.

[devias]

Jun 7, 2011 5:58:34 GMT -5 Morpheus said:

I think that being unable to speak is part of the power he radiates, his imposing figure. It's a case of actions speaking louder than words. I don't believe people disobey him because they lack respect for him, per se - they simply know he loves them all far too much to punish them severely for their acts. Because, no matter what, the Inhumans are family. You can get angry at your family but it's unlikely you'll not forgive them, regardless.I think the notion was introduced some time ago for a device to be created that would permit him to hold his power at bay and speak as a regular person. IIRC he simply refused to do so.

I can agree with that. One of the reasons I love the character is how majestic and intimidating he always is.

During Civil War, he requested that Black Panther build a sound-dampening chamber that would make it possible for him to speak without killing everyone around him. Did that go anywhere?

Jun 7, 2011 6:11:06 GMT -5 Phantom Stargrave said:

I'm not all that knowledgeable on Inhumans, but exactly how often do people disobey him? It was my impression that his... "word" is law for his subjects. His inner circle certainly seems loyal to the point of dying for him.

They don't do that, not really anyway. There are moments where his subjects speak out of turn and he is unable to admonish them that I feel frustrating.

[Morpheus]

Yep, that's it, during the story where T'Challa and Storm visit the moon, T'Challa offers to create such a device, then at the end of the story Medusa refuses on Black Bolt's behalf.

[Phantom Stargrave]

Jun 7, 2011 9:09:52 GMT -5 devias said:

Jun 7, 2011 5:58:34 GMT -5 Morpheus said:

There are moments where his subjects speak out of turn and he is unable to admonish them that I feel frustrating.

I don't see what the big deal is, personally. I mean, would he even want to admonish them if he could? He seems like a reasonable enough dude to let a guy speak his mind, regardless of breach of protocol. Medusa seems to practically read his mind, and I'm sure if someone really needed to be reprimanded,, she would do it in a heart beat. And of course there is the notion that the Inhumans are not a society so much as one big, closely knit family. With that in mind I don't think the though of reprimand for such matters even crosses their minds.

[devias]

Jun 7, 2011 11:27:08 GMT -5 Phantom Stargrave said:

Jun 7, 2011 9:09:52 GMT -5 devias said:

Jun 7, 2011 5:58:34 GMT -5 Morpheus said:

There are moments where his subjects speak out of turn and he is unable to admonish them that I feel frustrating.

I don't see what the big deal is, personally. I mean, would he even want to admonish them if he could? He seems like a reasonable enough dude to let a guy speak his mind, regardless of breach of protocol. Medusa seems to practically read his mind, and I'm sure if someone really needed to be reprimanded,, she would do it in a heart beat. And of course there is the notion that the Inhumans are not a society so much as one big, closely knit family. With that in mind I don't think the though of reprimand for such matters even crosses their minds.

I overreacted. I intended for this thread to be about Black Bolt's mutism, not this. He did flip a table at one point though. It's not so much as Blackagar wanting to berate his subjects but rather to correct them. I suppose tone is lost in translation. I agree with what you say. I hope Black Bolt comes back soon.

[Erik-El]

Medusa cannot literally read his mind but she is so good at picking up on his subtleties that she might as well be able to. She is the voice of the King. When people speak out of turn, she usually knocks them down accordingly. She also issues the King's punishments for those that disobey such as the Inhuman that is no longer allowed to use his gift for the rest of his life.

I am sure that if Medusa ever said anything that Black Bolt did not want said, he would let it be known. It is not like he just sheepishly bows out when she misunderstands.


NEVER HAPPENS
Black Bolt does subtle facial twitches and body language which is intended to translate into a full pardon for a subject that violated a law in order to save their species. Medusa misunderstands.

"Off with his head!!!!"

Black Bolt realizing that she has misinterpreted, just goes back to his palace bedroom with Medusa to have a screw and forgets the whole thing.

[devias]

Jun 7, 2011 12:25:01 GMT -5 Erik-El said:

Medusa cannot literally read his mind but she is so good at picking up on his subtleties that she might as well be able to. She is the voice of the King. When people speak out of turn, she usually knocks them down accordingly. She also issues the King's punishments for those that disobey such as the Inhuman that is no longer allowed to use his gift for the rest of his life.

I am sure that if Medusa ever said anything that Black Bolt did not want said, he would let it be known. It is not like he just sheepishly bows out when she misunderstands.


NEVER HAPPENS
Black Bolt does subtle facial twitches and body language which is intended to translate into a full pardon for a subject that violated a law in order to save their species. Medusa misunderstands.

"Off with his head!!!!"

Black Bolt realizing that she has misinterpreted, just goes back to his palace bedroom with Medusa to have a screw and forgets the whole thing.

It must pretty hard for Black Bolt when he can't make a noise. I wonder how.. never mind.