Welcome back again. When we last left Paul he had made his declaration of appeal to Caesar. While Festus would be more than happy to send this headache of a prisoner away, he still wanted more information on the charges the Jews were bringing against Paul. Then he was visited by Bernice and her brother Herod Agrippa II. Festus mentioned the Paul situation to Herod, who, interested, asked to see Paul, and Festus was happy to oblige. After all Festus was new to the area, and wasn’t well acquainted with the Jews, their customs or religion, and Herod could bring some expertise and let him know what he should write to send with Paul to Rome.
The next day, Herod, Bernice, Festus, and some high ranking officials would come to have Paul brought before them. Festus gave a quick address, saying that he found Paul having done nothing deserving death, but since Paul had appealed to Caesar he must send him to Caesar, and he would like to know what to write as the charges against Paul.
Paul began his defense, first expressing his gratitude to be before Herod who was well acquainted with Jewish customs. Paul then went on to mention where he was from, and his position as a Pharisee. Paul recounted once again his conversion on the road to Damascus, and how he had preached the word.
Festus, however, interrupted Paul’s defense, claiming the Paul’s learning had driven him insane. To which Paul replied basically, “well no I’m not, and Herod don’t you agree, don’t you believe the prophets?” Herod responded asking if Paul really though he could just convince him to become a Christian just like that, to which Paul responded that, yes, he did hope so, but he hopes that regardless of the time frame, that everyone listening to him would become Christians.
Herod, Bernice and Festus left the room, where Aggripa told Festus basically, “Yeah this guy’s totally innocent, and would be set free if he hadn’t demanded he go to Caeser.”
Now for today’s card we will preview, I present to you Bernice.
Bernice was the daughter of Herod Agrippa I, who you may remember as the guy who beheaded James, son of Zebedee and would have done the same thing to Peter had an Angel of Deliverance not saved him from Herod’s clutches.
Bernice in Redemption has an interesting ability, tempting and taking your opponent’s male Evil Characters from them, unless they are willing to withdraw from the battle. And of course, she can band with her brother, to signify how she traveled with him down to visit Festus and listen to Paul.
Check back again tomorrow, as we will have a new card to preview as Paul heads out on his way to Rome.
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Kyle
Now is her take ability a capture ability, that Bart, tassels and others could negate? Other wise I like the new female addition to the Herod theme. Now if only the Herodias, Herod Antipas, and Herodian, along with a gold dance of death were reprinted the Herod would have some extra umph.
Gabe
Take is its own keyword in Redemption. It allows you to perms toy control another players card, in this case an Evil Character. Since it’s different than capture, cards like Bartholomew and Blue Tassels won’t stop it.
I think you’ll find that Herods get a few nice new additions this year. 🙂
Kyle
Alright thanks for clearing that up, been away from the game for about 1.5 years. So I’m a little rusty on the terms.
Gabe
Welcome back! I’m glad we can peak your interest again.
Josh
Unfortunately, the “Take” ability, and its accompanying “Instead” ability to withdraw a hero, happens before her band to Herod Agrippa II. This gives lone heroes special initiative, if they choose to “Instead” the taking of their EC. Still, a creative and potentially powerful card!