Editing Vice and Steel (section)

==Sources==

There are hundreds of novels, movies, and plays set in the period and many of them would be perfect for Vice and Steel inspiration. The following list is only a few of the most accessible and relevant sources. 

===Movies===

''Dangerous Liaisons'' (1988, Directed by Stephen Frears): A truly gorgeous, electric movie of lust, seduction, and power that shows the protagonists destroying each other, and themselves, because they cannot contain or overcome their Vices. Probably the best single source for Vice and Steel – except possibly the novel that the movie is based upon. 

''Dangerous Beauty'' (1998, Directed by Marshall Herskovitz): Set in Venice during the Renaissance, and thus a little earlier in history than the other sources, this movie is an adaptation of the book ''The Honest Courtesan''. Telling the story of a courtesan with a heart of gold, a noble divided between love and duty, the inquisition and its sins, and the values of humanity it fits Vice and Steel perfectly despite being slightly out of chronological scope. 

''Amadeus'' (1984, Directed by Milos Forman): The story of Wolfgang Amadeus Motzart and Antonio Salieri is a masterpiece of film, deftly unweaving a story of jealousy, genius, and the human weaknesses that lead step by unavoidable step to death and madness. Though it’s a bit less swashbuckling than most of the other recommended sources it is one of the great examples of a story perfect for Vice and Steel in which a sword is never drawn nor royal plot ever foiled. 

===Novels===

''Scaramouche – A Romance of the French Revolution'' by Rafael Sabatini: A book about passion, paternity, acting troupes, and the horror and glory of the French Revolution. The [http://www.blackmask.com/olbooks/scmshdex.htm complete text] is available online.

''The Count of Monte Cristo'' by Alexandre Dumas: The classic novel of friendship sacrificed for passion, the choice between revenge and honor, and the horrible choices we make in search of what we think matters. The [http://www.blackmask.com/books83c/crstodex.htm complete text] is available online. In addition there are several movie versions of the work, including a very decent 2002 version starring James Caviezel.

''The Man in the Iron Mask'' by Alexandre Dumas: The end of the Three Musketeers, a story of passion, crowns, and divided loyalty. The [http://www.blackmask.com/books116c/ironmdex.htm complete text] is available online.  There are also several movie versions available, from the classic 1939 James Whale version to the 1998 version with the inestimable John Malkovich. The newer version is not quite as good as the classic, but does draw out the ways in which conflicting passions lead to death and dishonor.  

''Prince of Foxes'' by Samuel Shellabarger: A peasant boy who will rise to glory, no matter what. Cesare Borgia employs him. Shake well, server with adventure. 

===TV Shows===

''Blackadder'' (1983, Directed by Geoff Posner): Though it’s another that doesn’t quite fit the general timeframe, the delicious wickedness and utter depravity of the characters makes it well worth watching. Not to mention that it will make you laugh until you cry.