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Volume One: The Vampire of the Dungeons
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===Book Two: A Paragon of Chaos=== ====<big>Prolouge</big>==== Five years have past and the realm of Adagalasck and much has changed. To the vat surprise of the many peoples and realms in the lands under the Stairs and among the winds, and accord was reached. Prince Julian of Amber became King Julian of Adagalask, Lord of the West Stair, and his bride took the title of Princess Consort instead of Queen. It was admitted that their marriage had been sanctified in the grove of the Unicorn but for magical reasons Nina did not wish to take the throne as Queen yet. The Horse Lord Trualta was named the Ambassador Plenipotentiary to Amber from the Land. Prince Gerard and Bleys attended the Coronation of their brother in an official capacity as representatives of Amber. After the celebration the pair disappeared into the shadows of the various stairs, intent on traveling and leading lives of adventure for a time. Bill Roth established an efficient and sound Embassy for Lord Realmer and after 4 years, felt achy and tired, feeling his age he said. He left the office in the hands of a seasoned administrator and returned to Amber where it was rumored that he was sent to the Far Isles to "appreciate the situation" there. Word has come that Hagalta is in Azcala, and deeply out of favor with the God Emperor Tonacat but still enjoying his protection for a time. His eye did not heal and was replaced with a cybernetic device. In the south waters, the fishing was productive and a great battle between sharks and dolphin was fought. ====<big>Kevin's Mystery and Jurt Sawall</big>==== *'''Michael James Watson''' Life has gone on and the office of Ambassador to Amber, even for such a small realm as Adagalasck, is often a perplexing one. Amber officially recognized Julian as the King of Adagalasck. But had no other contact. The Lords of the Four Winds solidified and war in the realm faded as the time of a king brought great joy and unification. Business was brisk and realms across shadow contacted the Ambassador to seek trade and tourism opportunities. The Ringmaster of Alamond had requested a meeting. Kevin, the Ambassador's pet, had acted active and loudly, till it fell over in a swoon. Alive, it took a little water, but otherwise barely responded. Something was bothering it. And suddenly, a trump call comes to the Ambassador from Amber. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' The daily trials and tribulations of being Amber's Ambassador have become a bit tedious and trying on Realmer, he had been considering of late, returning to his carefree life of Adventuring... but things kept piling up and Realmer just kept plugging along... and now this Request to Meet with the Ringmaster of Alamond... perhaps this will be his last big act as Ambassador... "And what IS Kevin going on about?" Realmer thought. "Always trying to get my attention..." but this seemed different. "By the Serpent and the Unicorn! What is wrong with Kevin?" Realmer acts quickly to help his beloved pet and is very concerned when the Trump Call comes in.... "Oh, for the love of Necromancy! What now?" Realmer calms his mind and guardedly accepts the Trump Contact. *'''Michael James Watson''' Looking through the trump is Carly, the king's trump secretary. She nods on seeing you. "One moment for the king." Random steps into the frame, looking at you. "OK, that's good to know. apparently the trump gate works. So.. you can come here, I can come there, or both of us can go to Calrabon for BBQ. Either way, i have a message for my brothers." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer does a proper bow when he sees Random, as he always does... even if it bothers Random; it's just how Realmer is. "Your Majesty. If you are in Amber, perhaps is best I come to you; I may have need of my laboratory there." Realmer reaches down and scoops up Kevin and holds him to his chest. "If not, then here would be second best. I'm sorry to burden you with my personal issues, but it seems my dog is not well." *'''Michael James Watson''' Random nods. "Time is 3 to one there i think. I could use the time off. But Julian would probably shit if i just showed up in his corridors, don't you think?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Yes, Majesty, he just might. But Adagalasck is overdue for a Royal Visit from the King of Amber, and I couldn't think of a better place to start your unannounced visit than the Embassy and a better person to speak to first than your Ambassador." Realmer smiles, bows deeply and makes a grand sweeping gesture for the King of Amber to step through the Trump Gate into Realmer's Office at the Embassy. *'''Michael James Watson''' Chuckling, Random steps in, followed by Bleys and Benedict, and Arloxedra. Random-"Yes, i was thinking the same thing. Do you think you could convince my dear sweet brother to visit his kid brother here in your quarters? No pressure of course.” Bleys smiling, Benedict straight faced, seem the opposite of 'no pressure'. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer bows his head to Bleys and Benedict... and Arlo as well, but there might have been the slightest of narrowing of Realmer's eyes when he looked at Arlo... and it is slightly possible that Arlo noticed... Benedict surely noticed. "I would be happy to get him here for you all... but if I have to use up a 'favor' with Julian to do it... then I will be owed a favor... your Majesty." Realmer quickly pulls a box of cards from his Robe and opens them and then summons the desired Trump to the top; Julian. He focuses on the card and pushes gently at first, then more persistently as needed... Realmer knows that King Julian has a habit of ignoring Trump calls when he feels like it. Realmer will use considerable Psyche, if needed, to get Julian to reply. *'''Michael James Watson''' Reaching him, he seems to know who is calling, a new trick of his, "Yes? Please tell me you need me urgently so i can bow out of this council meeting' *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer tries not to smile at all as he says, "I need you urgently, Majesty. I AM sorry to interrupt your meeting. Were it not most important I would not have contacted you. If you please?" Realmer extends a hand to King Julian... then pulls him through once Julian takes his hand. While the Psychic Contact is still active, before Realmer releases Julian's hand, he says to Julian, MENTALLY; ~The King asked me to get you here quickly and I had to oblige. I don't know why he wants to see you, so no matter what happens, I hope you and I are still 'good'.~ Realmer shakes Julian's hand in a friendly way as he comes fully into the room then release his grip and focuses on King Random and crew. *'''Michael James Watson''' Julian scowls on entering. "If this is an assassination I tell you I'll make it as messy as you all ever saw." Bleys chuckles, pulling a wood box of bottles from a bag of holding. "Ya,Jules, it's a hit. I brought a case of Bayles Patternfall Port to lull you into complacency. If I was going to ice you I'd do it quietly and make sure Realmer here took all the blame. By the way, Realmer, do you have some glasses handy? They need not match" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer retrieves matching glasses from his hidden bar... which is not so hidden anymore. He also pulls out several bottles of liquor, as he has no intention of drinking wine, let alone ANYTHING from the Bayle Wineries. "Ah, look; matching glasses. And some stronger spirits for those who prefer." He sets the glasses on the table near the desk and the bottles near the glasses. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer pours himself a glass of scotch and sits behind HIS desk. IF either King looks like they were moving to take that seat, he will not, otherwise...it IS his office. lol *'''Michael James Watson''' leaving pouring drinks to Bleys and Realmer re don gets to the point." look, let's make this quick. I'm going on a progress. Amber to Chaos with extended stops in Avalon, Mandalay, Regor, and chaos. I'll be leading a peaceful demonstration of force to convince Borlak and Azcala to calm the hell down. You are invited to join. Bring a couple thousand friends. We may drop by a few dozen shadows I have friends in to play some cards and conquer some of their foes. I'll be stopping at Wet Wendal's to give the fink the golden circle treaty he wants. Whatcha say? *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' While Random is speaking to Julian, Realmer is checking on Kevin to see if his condition has improved. Also to see if he was faking it for attention... Kevin is a smart dog... or if there is truly something wrong, or not right, with the little poodle. *'''Michael James Watson''' Julian and random walk to a corner to talk quietly. Arlo kneels down to scratch Kevin's head. Looking up he says, " that's a fairly nasty thing to do to a pet, but I suppose it's you call. Someone you didn't like any more? " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "What in the Abyss are you talking about, Arlo?" Realmer asks, but at the same time, Realmer walks the Pattern in his Mind and looks through the Pattern Lens at Kevin... and Arlo. *'''Michael James Watson''' You notice some fester in the aura of kevin. You see Arlo with a tiny sigil of amber. "Your dog has a soul in torment embedded in it. Like a type of horcrux. I didn't know you trafficked in that kind of magic. who is it? *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer peers through the lens more carefully, recalling his Necromantic ways of decades past. He also extends his Psyche, very very carefully, very subtly, into Kevin, but it is not necessarily Kevin's Psyche he is looking for. "Yes, I was a Necromancer back in my early days of Magic, before Grandfather taught me Sorcery. But I never did anything like what you're describing. I usually used my Necro Arts to combat Undead creatures... as well as other menaces. But no, never, did I or would I, do such a thing to a helpless animal, let alone my own beloved pet." *'''Michael James Watson''' Well catches Bleys' eye and waves him over. The three of you look it over on a magical level. Bleys nods. "Its a flash kill. Like a soul taken in torment that binds itself to something in death. Ugly magic. It looks like the binding is fraying. The soul was probably asleep till recently....the dog probably had communication with it at a very basic nonverbal level....I've seen this kind of magic in chaos..I'd suggest seeking counsel from a sorcerer at that end of things. If the spell unravels the dog will probably be fine" *'''Michael James Watson''' Arlo frowns.. "Brand?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Bleys" maybe. Jurt, Despil. Maybe Vek. Mandor is in Vulsar last I heard. We are going to Chaos...maybe Suhuy." *'''Michael James Watson''' Benedict having moved quietly to listen says.. "You want a dark wizard there is Jeremy Fairhand with CHAD." *'''Michael James Watson''' Random and Julian walk over looking a bit perplexed. Random comments, "ah...I like dogs as much as anyone but this seems a little too precious guys." Arlo, "the dog is haunted. Possessed. " Bleys explains, "it hosts some kind of spirit besides it's own. Non-controlling. I've never seen its like. ." Julian looks at Kevin, then Realmer. "Your little friend has been around Emilie and Caine. Emilie is part Adagalasck Fey. They have some effect on inhabited spirits. I'm no wizard but my understanding is that they have fought certain types of naturally Necromantic foes over the millennia. Let's ask her. If that's OK with you, cousin." *'''Michael James Watson''' Though the door come Nina. casually, looking for her husband. She takes in the tableau with a quiet tight lipped look. She stares at Benedict. "Husband... you invited this creature into our realm, into our stair, and into my presence without speaking to me of it? I grant its your right to do so as the King of Adagalasck. But as a wife i should inform you that i shall have a serious headache till this heinous creature is out of my home." *'''Michael James Watson''' Speaking to Benedict, "And as for you, gatekeeper, my sister and I shall cast our doom again on you if we should meet you alone together. We are no longer your prisoners. We are free fey and goddesses as you know well. Do not make me summon my aspect and raise my attribute against thee." *'''Michael James Watson''' Benedict, "Nina, i did as my king, our father, demanded. That you hold weal against me is your problem. Go to the Ancestors of Darkness if you want to register a complaint. I am sure i can find someone to open the tomb and let you enter it. You can fight it out with Oberon till Entropy breaks the door down. Till then, i serve King Random and owe no service to Oberon, your father. I am no longer the Gate Keeper of Adagalasck. It was opened without my permission and without time for my intervention. It is the power of the King of Amber, the champion of Order and wearer of the Eye of the Serpent to reseal you in your tomb. Take on your aspect and raise your attribute as you wish. Remember i have an aspect to take on and an attribute of godhead as well and may employ them as easy as you. Till then.....Fuck off." *'''Michael James Watson''' Julian, Random, Bleys, and Arlo all have wide eyes in shock.. Bleys mumbles," well that's a whole crap load of information i didn't have dumped on us in a couple sentences....." Kevin yips pitifully. *'''Michael James Watson''' Random turns to Realmer and whispers .."Ah... now might be a good time to ah... say something diplomatic...." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Can we all please focus here! The past is the past and cannot be changed!" Realmer says angrily. "My pet is Possessed and I could really use some help and advice. I have received several suggestions about whom to consult, and your name, Queen Nina, came up; your husband, reminded me of our shared Adask Fey Ancestry and that your knowledge could help me find some answers." Realmer calms considerably then looks Nina in the eyes and asks gently and kindly, "Would you mind talking a look at my pet? Please." *'''Michael James Watson''' he actually mentioned Emilie but saying it was Nina is probably the smarter thing. and at this point Julian wont contradict you. Julian says, "Yes. ah. Dear lets talk about family visiting later.. We think there is an issue with Kevin. You know how much you like the little furball" *'''Michael James Watson''' Random nods, "Yes, sister, we have not met and i had no idea this intrusion would be an issue. Please accept my apologies on this matter. I wished to speak to my brother ahead of a formal matter to your court.. I would like to continue the conversation, now with you as well. However there does seem to be a magical issue with the beast. It has been in the dungeons of Amber, with Realmer for a longtime. Can you take a look?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer did recall that Julian DID mention Emilie, but he decided some diplomacy was needed to brings things under control. LOL (Plus I the player got it switched around. lol) *'''Michael James Watson''' Nina walk over toward the group, stopping in front of Benedict, putting a finger on his chest. Nina, "I feel my death curse on you still. Remember you are in my house, hellhound." Leaning down by Kevin she enters a magical perception . Bleys and Arlo both raise the sign of the pattern to watch. Julian raises the Sign of Adagalasck. She puts her hand on the dog and hums softly *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer still has the Pattern Lens up and is intently watching what Nina does. *'''Michael James Watson''' Nina--"There is a soul taken in torment in this dog.. There is a deep love between her and Kevin, a connection between the two before the woman's death.. I can sense she is a simple person, with the kind of powerful soul.......she is a native of the city of Amber... i can not speak to her.. but the soul remains.. she was not a warrior..... she... worked in a shop? ah..She called Kevin ...FruFru? oh... oh... It was a Puma Cultist.. This is an Azcalan sacrifice... Her heart was ripped from her chest...... her soul.....latched onto her pet... it was her last thought before death...' *'''Michael James Watson''' Benedict-"the Puma Cults that were in the City before we turned CHAD loose on them." Random nods. "Yep. Well damn..... Can anything be done, sister?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer searches his mind for answers; he mentally reviews his knowledge and experiences of Necromancy, Death Magic, Azcalan Rituals and Possessing Entities. He continues to examine Kevin via the Pattern Lens as he contemplates the situation. One of his hands begins idly rummaging in one of the pockets of his Robe; a nervous gesture more than an actual searching for something. "I have a Spell that might work... but maybe not considering. The Spell will Evict an Invading Entity from the 'host' body... normally. These circumstances are different though... and considering the nature of the invading entity and why it is there... I'm not entirely sure I want to remove it if Kevin can be saved without having to do so... but I'm just thinking out loud here." Realmer's hand stops rummaging around in the Robe's pocket and the look on his face changes slightly... as though he has thought of something. He withdraws a large gemstone from his pocket that looks almost exactly like the Jewel of Judgment of Amber... only it is green instead of red. Both Nina and Arlo would recognize the Jewel as they have both seen it once before during an Augury Ceremony that the three of them were all present for. Random, Benedict and Bleys however have not seen this Jewel before, to Realmer's knowledge, but any of them may have knowledge of Realmer possessing it. Realmer concentrates on the Ambir Jewel of Judgment through the Pattern Lens for just a moment; the Jewel begins to glow. Realmer runs the Jewel around Kevin's little body, bathing the poodle in a green light... Realmer examines Kevin's Jewel illuminated body carefully through the Pattern Lens. Then, if necessary, he will focus on the Pattern within the Jewel, through the Pattern Lens, walk the Pattern within, then study Kevin once again. Lastly, Realmer will try to talk to the Entity, using his Psyche very gently to make Contact, if possible. He knows there are others here with more Powers and more powerful Psyches... but HE has a connection to Kevin the others do not, a connection that his previous owner also seemed to have... perhaps this similar bond with Kevin will allow Realmer to communicate with the Entity within. *'''Michael James Watson''' Realmer feels the jewel lend its powers to him but also lets you know that it recognizes that Random is wearing the Jewel of Judgment beneath his doublet. It is cloaking its presence from all the powers of others but the Ambir jewel and it speak to each other fondly. As he examines Kevin and the entity in it you feel Nina put a hand on your shoulder, lending massive access to her powerful psyche. Briefly it staggers you how much she has given you to control. Examining the spell holding the entity in place you consider it done artlessly, as if it was done by instinct or by an amateur practitioner of sorcery. It occurs to you that it may be a bonding of some kind between Kevin and the entity that predates her death. There is something that is troublesome about the way it must have been done. As if the ripping of her heart, done magically, might have strengthen the soul somehow. Nina whispers, "There...Look at this..." Pointing in a magical illusion only you and she see with a greenish pointer. It shows exotic fringes of the spell. You can tell these are rotting, and the spell is causing Kevin pain as it disentangles. Nina-"I think you could evict the entity easily enough. But i think i can stabilize the spell, putting the entity back to sleep. Now it is probably aware to some degree. Then it would be a question of finding a suitable host... A simulacrum of some kind. " Ben says, "A ghola? Vulsar Base has extensive ghola tanks. We could grow a body clone and set the entity into it through conciseness transfer as is commonly done by such technicians. They probably have several thousand clones currently grown for normal transfers." Nina tries to ignore Ben but nods, "That... would probably serve. It is your decision, Realmer." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer glances over at Benedict and says, "Really? I guess I missed that area on my last visit to Vulsar Base... how interesting." Realmer's thoughts become quite ghoulish as he contemplates the Necromantic possibilities... Nina most certainly picks up on this as they are still in Psychic Contact. Realmer focuses back on the matter at hand and glances back to Benedict. "And I could also accomplish the same results via Magic and Necromantic knowledge, and possibly in the same amount of time as taking Kevin to Vulsar and prepping a body... maybe... so either is feasible... or maybe a combination of both..." Realmer's thoughts drift off again on the possibilities of technologically grown bodies and Necromantic Magics... again, he focuses on the matter at hand. "Something tells me not to just discard the Soul of this woman; not knowing if it will be set free or be trapped or used for some sort of Azcalan Ritual... considering how she died. And though the saying, 'Let sleeping dogs lay' might apply to this situation... I feel there is more to be learned and that removing this woman's soul from Kevin would be what is best for Kevin. Even though the Spell may be re-woven, it may unravel again and cause more damage or even death to Kevin. So let us prepare to remove the Soul and place it within a new body." Realmer stands up straight and clears his throat softly. "I would like to do this here, in Adagalasck, where I... and others, are familiar with the Magical Environment and have full access to our needed Powers." Realmer looks at Nina and Julian specifically, but also gives a nod to Bleys and Arlo. Then he looks to Benedict and says, "But your idea of using a fully matured body that was 'grown' sounds like a better idea than me Conjuring one; after all, it will save time and a 'grown' body cannot be Magically Dispelled like a Conjured one could. Benedict, how soon could you have an appropriate body delivered here? I will need a few minutes to alter my Spell from 'Evict' to 'Transfer'." Realmer looks at Nina and says, "Nina, I would be honored if you would assist me in this process... I may very well need your help." Then he looks at all the others assembled in his office and says, "And those of you who may be able to assist with Magical Energies or otherwise to help this go smoothly, I would certainly appreciate the help as well." As an afterthought, Realmer says, "Perhaps we should move this to my laboratory..." (he pronounces it: la-bor-a-tor-ee) *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' While Realmer is speaking to those assembled, he is still fiddling with the green Jewel in his left hand; again, looking like a nervous gesture. Then a carved Bone Wand (Scrimshawed Bone Staff on Running Sheet) appears in his right hand. Realmer touches the tip of the Wand to the Jewel and the Wand changes into a small dragon skeleton (about twice the size of the little dog) holding the Jewel in its ribcage like an oversized heart. Realmer places the Bone Dragon with the green Jewel 'heart' over Kevin in a protective way. Only Nina, who is still in Psychic Contact with Realmer, hears the Psychic Command he issues to his semi-sentient Bone Creation; ~Hex; hold the Jewel and protect Kevin and the Entity within from harm. Let neither harm the other and let neither die or escape. And maintain your Link with me... and allow Nina to Link as well, if she desires.~ *'''Michael James Watson''' Ben-"My King. Odd as it may seem this little dog and its magical issue may be a matter of national security; If Azcalan magic is involved. You and I both know we have an expert on Azcalan magic and ritual who desires to be of service to Amber. I know that person is a state secret. But...before they proceed much further, i believe their advice may be important...I request that i be allowed to summon that asset. And that asset's....ah....significant other. " As Random starts to speak Ben raises a single finger, and anyone with warfare notices it is clearly a battle sign between random and Benedict. Random, who was about to speak, stops. "It would be best to bring them here. With our host's permission." Julian and Nina meet eyes. Jules-"Yes, if you can, do so." Random chuckles.."Well, this will be hilarious. Nothing this gathering needs more then a few gallons of crazy juice added to it. I'm going to need some Tequila if there is any around. Tell him to bring some. Crazy. Make the Call." Benedict nods and opens a trump blocking the face. "Yes, its Benedict... stop talking. ... shut the fuck up. You want a card at the King's poker table for your wife and yourself then now is the chance. ....Yes... No I am not. Yes. Now.. you may....ah... the king wants some of that Tequila you make upstairs. What? No, just you and her. Come ahead when ready. " Benedict waits a moment then extends his hand into the trump. Stepping through is Jurt, and a decidedly wild looking dusky woman. She wears a tight body fitting brown leather outfit, decorated with safety pins, and thin knives. Long Latin dark hair, hangs luxuriously over her exposed left breast. Finger bones braided into a thin braid glow slightly from red runes. Looking about the room her left eye can be seen to be a type of jewel, though one naturally grown in her skull. Tattoos that shimmer like runes or embedded spells adorn her arms. Her look is exotic and blatantly erotic. She arouses sexual interest in a viewer in a way that feels magical, and somehow dangerous and desirable. She holds Jurt's hand possessively. Jurt looks around the room.."OK, i was going to make a joke but this does not seem the time. Your Majesty, at your service. I've brought 6 bottle of Thin Whip's Amber Tequila and a case of Thin Whip's mixed beers. " bowing to Random. Random, "Jurt, try not to make me regret this. I'll take one of each and you can set up at the bar over there. Lady Untara, meet, my brother Julian and my sister Nina, they rule in this place. My Nephew Arloxedra. My cousin Relmopator, and his dog Kevin. There is a question concerning some kind of possession that is in the dog and its been suggested it is of Azcalan origin. You want credit with me, look at the dog and tell us what you see." She nod, smiles, her perfect teeth seem to look feline and feral and one sparkles with a purple gem. "Dread Monarch, I shall do thy bidding to the best of my powers." Walking over to Kevin and Realmer, the others back away. Her walk seems like the padding of a puma, careful and confident, dangerous, she is clearly a hunting cat. Pressing a hand to Realmer's chest, a wicked smile on her face, "hmmmmm such a strong heart.... It beats with dark desires...I like it... If i still served my father Xozla, my mother Cihalas, and my grandparents Tonacat and Cihuacoa, i would rip it from your chest and sacrifice it to their glory... But i do not serve them any longer. I desire to serve King Random and Amber in its war to come....Perhaps there are other rituals we could perform together sometime, Necromancer." Moving to bend and pick up the animal.. Running a finger over its heart. "Such a small heart.. but... worthy.. hmmmmmm interesting.... interesting.. yes... This was done by a puma ritual.. the heart removed, the soul sent to the pyramid of Tzin Tlalocan where Tonacat rules. There it would be added to the power of the dark god of death, my grandfather....but it didn't...amazing... the spell did not send the soul...it sent the soul to this dog.. her pet.. ah delicious..... I've seen this happen before.. Usually to horses though as their riders die screaming. So what is your pleasure, dark lord? I can finish the ritual and set the soul free. It will go where it will but it will not go to Azcala. Or i can release the soul to return to its perished flesh, if it survives. Or i can release the soul to inhabit a golem of your choice." *'''Michael James Watson''' Ben approaches, "Untara.. We are considering a ghola. Are you familiar with them?" She turns to Ben, starts to reach a hand, then stops, almost hissing.. "No soul here, War God of Amber. You have wisely hid it elsewhere. Gholas? yes. Grown in Axlotl tanks by the Bene Tleilax. Amber uses such creatures? " Ben-"The methodology is different but the result is the same. Clone technology. We have a clone ready for the spirit." She nods, "It will serve. Has't you cells of the original flesh, this life can be held in stasis, its spell in tact, while a ghola is grown of the original flesh. There is a lake in Azcala that combines souls and host bodies. Grandfather likes taking particular sacrificed victim's souls and embedding them in lizards and sheep and girl children for their various uses as food and bed mates. I doubt we can go there." *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt hands a drink to Bleys, "Cute, isn't she?" Bleys nods, "Yes, she suits you Thin Whip. " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' As Benedict speaks with Random and then makes a Trump call, Realmer watches and listens with growing interest. As Benedict pulls the pair through, Realmer immediately begins 'looking them over' through the Pattern Lens, since it is still active. Realmer does not bother to hide the fact that he is 'looking over' the newcomers... especially the female that appears to be glowing with powers. Realmer wants to learn all he can about them, what Powers and Spells they have active about their personages and what Items of Power or Magic they may be carrying... openly or concealed. Realmer knows Jurt by name, sight and reputation; he has personally seen him in the Library of Castle Amber talking with Arlo on at least one or more occasions. Realmer nods his head to Jurt respectfully as their eyes meet momentarily. Untara is unfamiliar to Realmer, but her Azcalan markings are certainly familiar. As is her Azcalan rhetoric and her Azcalan Lineage and Line of Power. Realmer does not bat an eye or move a muscle or seem uncomfortable, or aroused, in any way by Untara's words or actions. When Untara approaches the table to examine Kevin, Realmer sends a mental command to the Bone Dragon holding the green Jewel to move away from Kevin... it moves across the table towards Realmer under its own locomotion. As Realmer looks over Untara he thinks better of the situation and puts the Jeweled Bone Dragon on his right shoulder, away from Untara. "Lady Untara, if you did not serve the King of Amber and you tried to take my heart, you would find that this pale gaunt body is stronger than you can imagine... just like Aztalios, Warrior of the Jaguar and his Hunting Party discovered on the Jeweled Road." "As to other future Rituals... that will depend solely on your performance and results here today. As to my wishes here today; I wish the trapped soul to be transferred into a new body so that she may live out the rest of her life cut short and so that my pet can live and live without pain. As to the golem, I'm sure it can be delivered shortly..." Realmer glances over at Benedict for a visual or verbal confirmation, then continues. "... and I am to understand that you can perform the transfer without damaging my pet or the trapped soul within? I am sure I could do it myself, but since you were brought in as a specialist, and you have experience with this exact type of magic, I shall defer to your expertise. Just let me know what you need and I shall endeavor to get it for you." "Lastly, Lady Untara, though I know you are being paid for this 'favor' with another 'favor' from the King of Amber, I need to know what favor you want from me for this service. I don't wish to be in debt to you or the King for this; I want to pay with my own 'favors' for what you are doing... will do, for me and Kevin." *'''Michael James Watson''' Upon examining her you note A master level imprint of the squiggle of Azcala. It writhes in her wildly. "You owe me nothing. I build a wall against horrors by service to Amber. You mention my kinsman of the jaguar. He is a rock in a river, over which water flows. He is straw that fire burns. If his life was ended Tonacat would little miss it. But I know he raged at my betrayal. My heart feels his fingers clawing at it. Every brick baked in the sun keeps them from me. Now. This...." holding Kevin, " is the craft I forge my preservation with. Mark me though. ..you will come to me one day in need and on that day, I shall expect payment in similar coin. Now...to the craft, as a priestess of Azcala...bring me the golem and I shall breath into it life." "Husband...nectar please.". Jurt smiles as he brings a bottle of tequila. Looking to Realmer with a toothy smile . "Come to my club in Amber and watch her dance. Drinks are on me. Bleys knows the way. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer bows to Untara and says, "Thank you, Lady Untara, when the time arrives, I will gladly pay with the proper coin; I am a man of my word. As for any cells of the original body... I am sure the body has long since decayed and all traces are likely gone; I did find Kevin many years ago... by Amber's Calendar that is. And as to the golem, the ghola, and its arrival here, perhaps Marshall Benedict could be of service, as it was his suggestion and I'm absolutely positive HE can procure a body from Vulsar Base more quickly and easily than I could." Realmer chuckles at the thought of it and the call King Random would surely receive. "Hmmmm..." Realmer muses aloud, "perhaps I could peer into Kevin's memories and look for the woman that called him 'FruFru' to see what she looked like and perhaps where she lived and worked." *'''Michael James Watson''' Untara looks deeply into Kevin, her fiery Sigil suddenly visible the size of a dinner plate. In it dance pins of color dancing wildly and the room fills with the scent of cinnamon and burning straw. Random whispers... "Bleys?" Bleys replies, " Its a 'Wild' imprint of a master level control of the Azcala squiggle, and a practitioner of paramount sorcery....tough...double tough. ". Benedict nods. Random reaches into his doublet and withdraws the Jewel, handing it to Arlo, like he was handing a pinless grenade. It's blazing red inner light and seems to be burning hot. In Arlo's hand it grows cold and calm, pulsing slightly to Arlo's better mastery of it. Upon Realmer's perceptions comes a vision of a young blond woman in her first youth, a child of Amber. Her appearance is that of any native Amberite, features common but attractive. Thin faced, blond curly hair, like natives of Ober. Through him it seems others gain a sight of her. Ben withdraws a trump and speaks quietly. Moments later he holds a tri-corder. Casting an illusion spell, Ben brings it to life. The recorder records it and is passed through the trump. Bleys whistles, seeing Ben uses magic confirm some of his suspicions. A tense hour passes. Bleys watching through his pattern lens as does Realmer, Nina, and Arlo. Ben receives a trump contact and draws a body clothed in star fleet medical patients attire in kelly green. Resting it near Untara. She rests Kevin on the woman's breast. Kneeling she places her forehead on the tiny form and faints limply. Realmer's instinct is to move to them, but Jurt motions him to remain at a distance. Untara falls aside in sleep. The body moves an arm over Kevin, and they roll to the side, cuddling,asleep. She starts snoring loudly... Bleys stifles a chuckle. Magic forces around the three cease. Jurt nods....." Well..I gather I'm not the only one that wants several drinks. Bars open. " Bleys walks over and pours a stiff belt. Julian stands next to Random. "Thanks for dropping by, brother. " Random takes a glass, " guess I picked the wrong day to quit sniffing glue. " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer watches Untara and Kevin intently through the Pattern Lens, watching the Power surge and flow, looking what she is doing and how she is doing it. Realmer is quite curious and always looking to learn new things... especially where Power is concerned. When Random pulls out THE Jewel of Judgment and hands it to Arlo, Realmer notices this out of the corner of his eye... and also notices out of the corner of his other eye that his Jewel is beginning to pulse as well. Realmer turns slightly away from Untara, to further hide the Jewel from her view, then he reaches up and draws the Jewel from the Bone Dragon's chest with his left hand, the Bone Dragon shifts back to a Bone Wand and drops into his right hand. Realmer places his left hand, still holding the green Jewel and places it in a pocket of his Robe... but does not remove his hand; the Jewel is still being held. His right hand remains visible, holding the Bone Wand. Realmer resumes watching Untara and the display of Power. When Realmer has a 'vision' of the woman, he immediately thinks about sharing what he is seeing with the others in the room... and somehow... he does... but he is not exactly sure how... perhaps the immense Psyches' of each person present being so focused in one place, perhaps the immense amount of Power being used in the room, perhaps none of this... But when Benedict creates an Illusion of the woman (never knew Benedict knew Magic... hmmm) Realmer knew that what he was seeing, everyone was seeing. As they wait for the ghola to arrive, Realmer continues to study what exactly Untara is doing. When the body arrives Realmer immediately looks it over to make sure the physical appearance is right; it appeared to be exactly what he saw in his mind. His heart began to race as his adrenaline increases due to his excitement and trepidation. As Untara's body slumps onto Kevin and the female body, Realmer does begin to move towards them, but Jurt's cautionary gesture stops him in his tracks. When the female breaths, moves, and then snores while cuddling Kevin, and the Magical Forces cease... Realmer finally lets out a sigh of relief, but unlike the others in the room, he does not drop his Powers or remove his attention from the three of them. As the others begin chatting and pouring drinks, Realmer take a final deep look through the Pattern Lens into the three laying in a sleeping pile on the floor of the Ambassador's Office. Realmer wants to make sure all three are well and that all three are who and what they are supposed to be... well mostly Kevin and the woman. Not that he is uncaring about Untara, quite the opposite, he is just not sure what 'normal' should be for someone Empowered as she is. But he does at least look her over again, now that her defenses are down... but he does not attack or probe... only observe. Once Realmer is sure all is well, or as well as can be, he will move his Pattern Lens back to his wrist where it remains active, holding spells and ready for use if needed. “Thank you everyone for all the help; it is greatly appreciated and means more to me than mere words can express.” Realmer says to all assembled. Then he addresses some individually as he moves about his spacious office; starting with Arlo. “Arloxedra, thank you for your quick diagnosis of Kevin's condition; without it he may have suffered further and we may not have achieved the same end result that we did. Again, thank you. Sincerely.” Realmer even extends his hand to shake Arlo's. Realmer will not be offended if Arlo does not accept his hand. To Benedict: “Thank you for the information about the ghola and the access to one, cousin. I must admit; I find everyone's more accepting views of this new 'technological necromancy' versus the less accepting view of magical necromancy, quite interesting... and perhaps a bit hypocritical... but at least Necromancy is finally being viewed as the asset it can be.” To Jurt: “And yes, drinks, good idea. I would love to try some of this Infamous Tequila. Untara is quite unique, and quite powerful. I look forward to getting to know her better. And you as well, Jurt. Or do you prefer Thin Whip? Though we have met in passing and spoken briefly, we have never had the chance to talk; I would relish the opportunity.” *'''Michael James Watson''' Looking upon Untara with magic eyes while holding the jewel of Amber these imprints seen; Master Imprint of the Squiggle of Azcala-wild, Tower of Mictala, Broken Pattern, Woven Logrus Imprint, Minor Attunement to Chanticleer's Gaff, Attunement the Yellow Jewel of Azcala, Abyssal Carbuncle Attunement, Basic Imprint Sigil of Etapaq. They seem to war with each other for power within the body and mind of the Ex-high Priestess of Azcala *'''Michael James Watson''' Realmer feels Nina and Bleys both silently but certainly magically exclaim, Nina in interest, Bleys in shock, at the many attunements of this State Secret being exposed. *'''Michael James Watson''' Kevin seems unharmed and magically null as before, the cancer in him gone. A sense of contentment in him. The Girl is in a magically fragile state, with many forces settling in place but seems otherwise in no danger. She seems lusty and pinking up as the new soul inhabits her. Something about the meat bothers you but unfamiliar with the tech Ben used you can't quite put your finger on it *'''Michael James Watson''' Arlo hesitates, knowing you both are not really on great terms. Then out of the general sense of things shakes hand quickly, "I'm glad it worked out.. a curious thing. We will have to examine them both.. Azcalan magic and all. oh... and id like to chat with you about that stone you slipped away.' he nods and moves over to use slight of hands to give Random the jewel of judgment. *'''Michael James Watson''' Ben nods, "I would not call ghola technology or regeneration technology or clone medical tech to be Necromancy. Star fleet embraces a great many technologies from across shadow. And after Patternfall the greater access to shadows, and Random's insistence on modernizing things, made using things more common. Vulsar Base is meant as an emergency medical for our family. We use what ever we can. " Taking a glass from Jurt, he stays with you and Ben as Ben finishes, "But let us be clear, cousin. If i thought you performed Necromancy of a High Order, as my brother Hinarik practices, you would never have entered Castle Amber. And if you chose to seek him out and apprentice to him, you life will be measured in minutes. Brand is not the only Amberite able to wear the black scarf." He turns and walks off. Jurt nods, sips, "He once asked me if i had a preferred form of execution when my time came? I said strangulation after sexual exhaustion from Flora. saw He not amused. Flora chuckled. I think he threatens everyone eventually. Galvar is worse." *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt refills his drink and passes one to you."yes. We had mated and married, while drunk, before i had any idea how batshit crazy and psychotically powerful she was. But i grew up in Chaos following the Patternfall war, have assayed the Logrus, and have dove into the Abyss for rocks and attunements. So crazy is relative. Should you wish to have a tumble with her it won't bother me. Its sort of allowed between us. " Sipping, he goes on. "Thin Whip was an alias i assumed in shadow after a series of failed assassinations on my brother Merlin and a falling out with my mother. Life is too short to hold grudges. Once Despil came to Amber as the Ambassador to Amber from Chaos i decided to take a look at Amber. This was in the 20s of Random's reign. I found a lack of nightlife in that dull place. So I started a rave. A mobile one, taking over abandoned buildings. Eventually Random and I came to a accommodation. I arrange poker games for him and he sold me the industrial space in the tannery district to build a really dangerous place for Amberites to cut loose... Are you... familiar with the aging Effect in Amber?' *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "I am familiar with your establishment, I have passed by it many times in my nocturnal travels about the City before I came to Adagalasck. Though I never entered, didn't seem the type of place I would be interested in... back in those days. But much has changed since my coming to Adagalasck." Realmer takes a couple of large sips of the tequila then says, "And yes, I am familiar with the Aging Effect in Amber; I have witnessed it personally with my Elite Guard, Sir Gangdis of Cogswell. Why do you ask?" *'''Michael James Watson''' he nods, "Gangdis.. Yes. He is legendary, even for us out of the inner circle. He is a member of many a posse of the princes. Random's mandate to me is that Amber often loses people, over the years, to aging because it tends toward dullness. At least under Oberon i hear. Dull as dull hell levels. Formal dances rather then wild parties. The occasional assignation under the branches of trees and few wild drunken orgies.. Anger that festers for centuries, souring both foemen and few deadly duels. so.....i encourage a certain amount of dark appeal and danger. But a lot of it is just set dressings. My bouncers look like shadow dwelling toughs and biker raiders, but many are amber security and Elites in disguise. I work the system... So frail old accountants and elderly beloved nannies& house keepers come, have a few drinks, get in knife fights and find themselves booze driven oiled orgies.. and they grow young. My service to the crown" · 48w *'''Michael James Watson''' "You have sort of a sinister dark appeal. But your credentials are impeccable. If you are interested I would love to invite you to the place. Play some pool, throw a few punches, cast a few sinister spells. Be part of the atmosphere. We can talk, maybe teach each other a few things, and you can watch Untara dance. Win, Win, Win." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Sounds like an interesting place you run there, Jurt. And it sounds like Random's mandate to you regarding the Amber general public, is identical to the mandate given me by Benedict in regards to Gangdis. Hmmm. Well, I will certainly visit the next time I am in Amber. And I would be happy to add to your club's ambiance with my sinister personage. And I might even stir up some trouble, now that I know that is what your club is about. And as far as teaching each other a few things..." he pauses and looks Jurt over again, then continues, "I'm sure we could both learn several useful things from the other... considering our respective lives. Yes, I will certainly be stopping by... maybe even before my next need to visit Amber." Realmer raises his glass to Jurt and toasts him silently then finishes the contents and looks for a refill. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt refills it quickly.. "Since we are here, mind if i ask you something? not a favor, exactly..." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer takes the refill and says, "Sure. Ask anything you like." *'''Michael James Watson''' "I've heard a rumor that you have a Beholder as a familiar? I've dealt with them in a few dozen realms, they are fairly common out Chaos way. But they tend to be....contrary. If you have a source for them, id be interested in visiting. Maybe making a deal. A source on the Amber side of the universe. The ones in the midrealms all tend to be devotes of Mandalay. The ones near Regor violently psionic.. The ones in the York shadows serve Borax and i don't need pseudo-chaosian beholders addicted to a creature even Chaosians find annoyingly chaotic. I need orderly, cooperative ones..." *'''Michael James Watson''' "I have magical spy eyes aplenty in my place but people learned how to dark them. But... beholders would add the kind of look i like, and could give me a view if i need it and a recording when i want it. I'm willing to trade for the info and I'll make a good deal for them at the source. Pets, possessions, or hirelings. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Well, it's no secret that my Familiar is a Beholder, but I usually have him take the form of a white raven when in more... proper company. But around the Embassy here, everyone has gotten so used to see him that he mostly goes unnoticed by everyone... just like he went unnoticed by you and everyone else in the room." Bob the Beholder is always with Realmer unless Realmer sends him on an errand. Bob has been in the office the whole time, but has been using his shape shifting to blend in and go unnoticed... he usually hides in corners, cubbies, niches and near the ceiling... he also uses his Psychic Neutral to help him go unnoticed in other ways. Realmer gives Bob a mental command to show himself. Realmer also takes a moment to look over the sleeping forms and looks to each of the others in the room to see if they are trying to get his attention. He is not trying to disrespect or ditch Jurt, he just wants to make sure he is not neglecting his official duties. [Just because...] When Bob reveals himself, he looked like a section of books on a shelf behind Jurt. He floats out and floats over to hover over Realmer's right shoulder. Realmer waits until Jurt looks back into Realmer's eyes, then says, "As to a source... you're looking at him." *'''Michael James Watson''' "Oh.. I noticed him. I wasn't sure what your relationship with him was. If he was a free agent he might have spoke up if a deal was in the making. Since he is a familiar, as i assumed, i spoke to you." *'''Michael James Watson''' "How was he acquired? Is he a breeding beholder? Can I make a deal with him separately?" *'''Michael James Watson''' "I tried Mind Flayers but the bitches got uppity and attacked me. It was a hell of a mess to clean up." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Well, I don't want to give away too many of my personal trade secrets, but..." he says quietly as he leans in just a little bit, knowing it won't matter anyway considering those present in the room. Then he continues, "He is my creation and as of this moment he is unique. I suppose he is capable of breeding. And no, he is not at liberty to deal with you on his own. You will deal with me. I'm confident I could create something to your liking, and your specifications." *'''Michael James Watson''' Nodding, "OK... The purpler the better. Make a plan, cost it out, give me a price. I can pay in a wide variety of coin. Is there something in particular you want, so i can start making plans to trade?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Well, before we start talking price and method of payment... perhaps we should talk about what, exactly you are looking for. Bob here is customized for my needs, I'm not sure you would need all the qualities and powers in your beholders that Bob possesses... or maybe you would. And it IS important for you to know, for the Beholders to be... orderly and cooperative as well as powerful enough to be an actual asset in Amber... they will need to be Conjured from... well, your blood would be best.. so they bond to you and you alone." Realmer pauses to gauge Jurt's reaction and take a sip of the fine tequila. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt has the points to pay for them once i point them out, but they will be created along those lines initially. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt, "something the size of a small ball, visual, able to sense things. Communicate to me and my staff. Record what they see. shift shape some. hard to kill, hard to fudge. Loyal. Fecund. Possibly some part or trip of pattern magic on some level." *'''Michael James Watson''' "Clearly i could conjure them myself if that's all there is to them. But i want them to function especially well in Amber and my powers are not focused in those areas. I've walked the pattern. But my powers are Chaosian. Chaosian things reek to practitioners of the arts this far east. Its why the things i do use are so easy to fudge. But if they are conjured, say, near the pattern, on some forging stone in the dungeon, using that stone you have, blood and cells of numerous Amberites...Well, the powers start to stack towards usefulness at this end of things. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Hmmm... all sounds reasonable and possible. We will certainly need to work out some more details... and I will need you present at some point during the creation process... and I will need your blood... and maybe a bit of my blood may be needed as well for them to function as you require. And by the way, I could have not mentioned the blood thing and just Conjured them with my blood, making them truly loyal and truly bonded to me. I could have told them to obey you. I could have had access to them and used them like a mini army if I wanted or needed. I just wanted to let you know I didn't." Realmer smiles and takes another sip of tequila then continues. "But first, I will need to allot the time to do it all. And considering my duties as an Ambassador to Amber... hmmm. Jurt, if you would excuse me for a few minutes. I should be back. If not, I know your Trump is in the King's Deck, I will be in touch." Realmer bows to Jurt then moves in the direction of King Random... and with any luck, Julian and Nina will be with him or close enough to overhear the conversation. *'''Michael James Watson''' Julian and Random are speaking together. Arlo and Nina are speaking nearby. Ben and Bleys is kneeling by Untara and Kevin and the woman. Jurt walks over to Ben and Bleys. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer approaches the Kings and waits until he catches their attention, then speaks. "Your Majesties. If I may have a moment of both your times. I would like to announce and discuss my retirement from service to the crown, both crowns, officially. There are some things I have been wanting to do and it would be best if I was not officially representing Amber or Adagalasck when I do them. So, with both of your permission, I would like to hand over my Ambassadorship to another of your respective choosing." *'''Michael James Watson''' Random looks at Julian, Julian looks at Random, they both turn to you and laugh. *'''Michael James Watson''' Random-"Do you realize that you are saying that to a prince who told me he was resigning after he had left Amber and that i could essentially piss off, and he took my spymaster with him? Alright. Roth can take the job, he set up an effective enough office for you. I suppose the need for you to be here has run its course. Where do things stand with your mother?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Are you both laughing at my request? Or was it the way I delivered it? Or perhaps you thought I was joking." *'''Michael James Watson''' Julian speaks to Random in a language you are unfamiliar with. It goes back and forth. Eventually Random nods. Random smiles, "It took us by surprise. And you should know it never occurred to me that you might make any kind of joke. You are young. Certainly. Take a break for a time. But remember what Oberon said; " Death is no reprieve from duty." "I was wondering what the resolution with your mother is though. Hagalta is in Azcala, i assume you recovered her? I have two sisters of yours, one of whom is also a niece of yours too are both in Amber. One is a lady in waiting for Vielle and the other is, well, hanging with Flora sort of like a pale lily, afraid to leave the Sea view Gardens. Julian has a brother of yours and your stepmother wandering around Adagalasck someplace, maybe.. I suppose I can spare you for a time. However...I will need you soon. Ill be leading an army across shadow down the jeweled road and i had it in mind to have you travel with some of the CHAD people beating the bushes. Keep your trump handy. Consider yourself relieved from duty here. You might want to take your new lady to Vulsar to oversee her recovery before you go wandering too far." *'''Michael James Watson''' Ben approaches, Nina beside him-"Random, Realmer, Nina and I have spoken and we both think your dog and her woman should go to Vulsar. Vance has a pattern there now and it should give us the juice to examine what happened to her. I would like to take Untara as well, and it would please me Random, if you could find some way for me to avoid taking Jurt there at this time." *'''Michael James Watson''' Random nod, "Well, Ben. You could just tell him no. " Nina- "Its is likely Untara would want him along unless you had some other thing to keep him busy. " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Jurt and I were discussing a business deal..." Realmer says quietly, "perhaps I could keep him distracted while you all take your looks through your techno-glasses..." Realmer pauses to see if anyone gets then joke, then moves on regardless. "I am sure they will be well cared for and be returned unmolested." *'''Michael James Watson''' Ran nods."Yes, they have been inseparable..I understand your concern, Ben. A Chaosian and a dangerous one at that at Vulsara this early in the reign of King Vance...They certainly already know he raped the Abyss and stole a pattern. Realmer, not to intrude on your vacation, but how about you chaperon Jurt at Vulsar? You don't know any of the places i wouldn't want him to see so its perfect. plenty of room there for deal making and a reasonable amount of magical muscle too. And you can be close as they unravel the Kevin Issue." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "I'd be happy to, Majesty. And thank you for knowing I would want to keep tabs on Kevin, and the others. I will keep us both out of mischief while there." *'''Michael James Watson''' Bleys approaches, "Well this looks like a council. Catch me up" Random tells him the details of the conversation. He puts his hand on your shoulder as Julian and Ran are joined in laughter by Bleys. Bleys,"OK, before you go too far, there is something you should know about that woman, Untara. Her magi was certainly potent but it wasn't strictly speaking Sorcery. I couldn't place it then i realized it. The Azcalan sorcery she used was extremely similar to Tosian Clericalism. She is a priestess after all. She was channeling Clerical Sorcery. That tells me something horrible about Azcala. Anytime magic like that is used, Tonacat will know it. What we did here today, he almost certainly watched" *'''Michael James Watson''' Ben looks interested, "The sorcery wasn't channeling through the Sigil?" Bleys, "Yes, but through Tonacat too. And the ritual of the heart taking, rending soul, that wreaks of clerical magic as well. " Ben, "do you think you can figure how to do that in Amber?" Bleys, "Sure. Make Random a god. Tonacat did it to himself. Its like the Tosian World Stone. Talk to Harriet or Jeremy or someone like that for details. Fortunadas might be more social about it. " *'''Michael James Watson''' ran-"I have enough trouble with the Church of the Unicorn just by being king. If the Azcalans can use Tosaian Clerical how come they get slaughtered every time we hit them on the Jeweled Road? " Stepping up a groggy looking Untara says, "Dread king, its because they are sanctified warriors. Death is a privileged for them, a consummate service to the realm. Wounds may be tended naturally, even by potion or salve, but the power of Tonacat is not used to heal. It denies the godhead....But our prayers are put on our warriors by our priests before they leave the realm that in their deaths their soul may serve Tonacat. It works both ways though. Warriors are so sure they are in the glory of Tonacat that often they fight bezzerk and fail in their own defenses, leading to their deaths." Ran-"I see. well, that's not psychotic at all....Lady Untara, are you recovered?" Uni-"I have heard you all speak among yourselves..Call me Uni..." Ben nods, "Uni, we would like to take you to a place where we can study the the spell involved and how it was used. Will you go there?" Un laughs, "Do I have a choice, Dead Ben? I told the king i would serve. Lead me" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer listens and follows along, though he is curious to know more about how Clerical Magic works, especially High Order Clerical Magics, he has already promised to keep Jurt occupied... and he does have an unfinished business deal to conclude. Realmer looks to Untara and when he catches her eye he bows to her deeply and says, “Lady Untara... Uni, my deepest thanks and greatest appreciation for what you have done for me, my dog Kevin and the woman whose life was ended too soon. If there is anything I can do for you, please ask.” Realmer turns to King Random and the rest and says, “Though I have spent many decades in High Magic Shadows where Clerical Magics abounded, and I am quite familiar with the effects of those Magics, personally in several cases, I never took the time to study them enough to be of much practical use in the next phase of this investigation. So, if you will all excuse me, I have some business to conduct.” Realmer makes a general bow to all then turns and makes his way over to Jurt, who is presumably with Arlo and the sleeping woman and poodle. “Arlo” Realmer begins, “Jurt and I were pervioiusly discussing a business arrangement and I was hoping you could give us some time to finish our haggling. Also, I am sure King Random is about to summon you over as it seems we are all on our way to Vulsar Base very shortly.” Realmer speaks to Arlo pleasantly and with respectful and sincere tones; he even smiles pleasantly. Realmer wants to put any bad blood between them in the past. *'''Michael James Watson''' Arlo nods, "Yes, this is an interesting case.. and it says much abut Azcala. There is something about this body that bothers me but I'm not sure what. She looks normal enough. They used New You facial systems to customize her face along the lines of the illusion you provided. still.... curious. I'll attend the king." Standing with a nod, he walks over to Random. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt watches Arlo, "there goes the once and future prince of Amber, if you believe Chaosian Oracles. If that happens, trump me. I'll give you asylum in Jurtway. " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' “Well, according to Amber's History, Arloxedra was the Crown Prince at one point, and if things had turned out differently, he might have become King. And to be honest, I don't think the issues between Arlo and I are bad enough that I would have to fear his Rule. But thank you for the offer, none the less, and I may take you up on that offer for other reasons one day... though maybe not because I need asylum.” *'''Michael James Watson''' "Ya, there are augeries that claim Eric isn't dead but was captured on the slopes of Kolvir and remains a prisoner in Chaos. You know, Eric's is one of the few Amber cults still legal. Arlo's too. His cult following is really bizarre. Loud readers....." *'''Michael James Watson''' "So... let me guess? Random wants Untara to go to Vulsar and you think you can get me to go look over some beholder factory floor while they wriggle around in her brain? I should get back to the club anyway. Why don't you come along. You'll keep me out of trouble. I need to speak to Despil anyway. Uni will want me to come with her but if i just step away she will forget she wanted me to come. They will have a handful with her. she tends to get .....destructive....if not properly managed. they need to see how she behaves when i don't keep her focused. I'm sure Vance can clean up the mess. " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' “Yes, quite perceptive of you. Yes, I am supposed to keep you company and keep you occupied while we are at Vulsar Base, so they can investigate the Spell and Magic involved in what started out as a small matter. To be honest, I think Random wants to get both of us out of his hair so that neither of us can interrupt or hinder the investigation due to our direct involvement and certain feelings of attachment to those involved. So I volunteered to keep you company and otherwise occupied; after all, we do have unfinished business. And I am certain we will be kept informed of all that transpires... and from multiple sources, I'm also certain. So yes, I will gladly accompany you to your club so we can talk in private. Do you have a Trump or Teleport Spell hung? Or would you like me to do the honors? I could at least get us outside the front doors.” *'''Michael James Watson''' "I have it. Just a sec." Walking to Untara and the crew, his whispers in her ear. She turns.."Oh? Do you think this Vance is fertile? I'll shift shape to be ready. Have fun, demon. don't let that Adask sway you to high ideals. you know his kind don't have permanent forms and you shape change too easily already. It takes too much to deprogram you afterwards" Jurt walks over, a slight smile and and innocent look in his eye. "Mind making a stop? I'm overdue for a pitstop. We can get to Amber quickly from there. I've no further goodbyes to make. Ready?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "I don't mind at all. Where ever you need to go, lead on" Realmer says to Jurt. Then to Random, "Majesty, I will be checking in later." *'''Michael James Watson''' Ran nods and returns to his business with Julian, Ben, Arlo and Untara. As you turn to go Nina , rest a hand on your shoulder, grasping your hands between hers. "My friend, though you go far, this is always your home. I can not tell you how much i appreciate your help over the last few years. I would still be a wispy ghost if it were not for Julian... Come back soon." Stepping a way before you an remark, she leaves a small pouch in your hands. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer gladly takes Nina's hand and then uses sleight of hand to Palm the small pouch into a hidden Pocket within the sleeve of his robe. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt nods, turns, starts trumping away, bringing you in tow. The passage seems like a regular trump passage except there is a sensation of speed unusual to stepping through a gate trump. ====<big>Jurt, The Fount and Jasra</big>==== *'''Michael James Watson''' Moments later you arrive in an ornately tile courtyard of a heavily secure looking castle. Troops walk in uniform of several colors. Parapet line the roofs and towers top each corner. the color scheme is red and sandy but other colors are common in the ornate mosaics. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Upon arrival Realmer takes stock of the situation and has several Spells at the tip of his mind, ready to be loose if this turns out to be an ambush. *'''Michael James Watson''' A functionary walks toward you both. Jurt waves him away, "I know where i am going. Go tell your liege i await them within. Don't tarry or you'll sleep the night in the sewers" "Lord, you know you must be announced.. Many people need to be informed of your presence!" Jurt stops, waving his hand the man flies up in the air, spinning in quick circles in place. Swirling quickly he starts screaming in terror. "Then by all means Drixtra, inform them... I'm sure they can here you from there." *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt waves ahead to a passageway." Its just through here" *'''Michael James Watson''' Walking into a closer courtyard, the tiles are fine and exquisitely detailed. Guards come to alert instantly, but clearly recognize Jurt. He walks to the center where a fountain spurts up sprays of magical energy in red and golds and greens and blues, falling into the font. "I need a little cleaning and this is the best place for me to do it. Do you recognize it?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer follows Jurt then stares in wonder. When he responds to Jurt he does not remove his eyes from the Fount. "Yes, from descriptions and drawings in a tome in the Library of Amber, but never have I seen it with my own eyes. The Fount of Power at the Keep of the Four Worlds." There is wonder and excitement in Realmer's tone and demeanor. "May I examine it more carefully?" Realmer asks as he 'draws the pattern' before his eyes then points to the Fount. "I promise not to touch or look too deeply." Even though Realmer does have the Advanced Pattern semi-active, holding his Hung Spells, it is not fully active or being used as a Lens, currently. *'''Michael James Watson''' "Jump in if you like. Never know what will happen, unprepared and all. But i'm the last person to want to harsh your buzz. I'll just be a minute. " He hops up and bathes in the glowing magical font. running it over his body, sitting down to float cross-legged in it *'''Michael James Watson''' A woman come walking in, dressed in high renaissance attire of red and gold. She looks at you, raises an eye brow. "Him i know" pointing a rude third finger at Jurt. "You... Lord Relmopator, son of Hagalta and Satura, son of Dworkin...I've seen your graphic novel.. and your trump of course. I'm Queen Jasra of Kashra,"Extending her hand. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer bows at her self introduction, knowing who she was already, also from a Trump image, most likely. While still bowed, Realmer takes her hand gently and goes to kiss her hand, discreetly as possible takes a whiff to make sure there is no poison present, then kisses her hand before letting go and returning to upright position. "Majesty. It is a great an unexpected pleasure to meet you, Queen Jasra. And you have named me and my lineage exactly, but the 'graphic novel' I was totally unaware of; I must seek it out and read it one day. Thank you for informing me of its existence. And thank you for allowing me to see this place, unexpected and uninvited as I am." He bows again. *'''Michael James Watson''' She laughs as a page brings out a few glasses and a pitcher in red glass. Pouring you smell heavy cinnamon. Handing one to you "I don't suppose you can do anything about my spinning Herald? I have a pact not to act against Jurt. or his magics." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "I'm sure I could do 'something', Majesty, but I'm not sure he and I have that kind of friendship... 'relationship' yet, to be honest we've only just met and only know each other by reputation; I wouldn't want to overstep my bounds. But I might be able to do something for his vertigo and nausea." He says as he looks up at the spinning fellow then looks to Jasra and smiles to convey he is making a joke. He still wonders why Random would think him humorless or incapable of making a joke... (player laughing hysterically while typing). *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Your son has granted me Access, to some degree, to the Fount. Seeing you here, I wonder if he had the authority to extend such access. I would like to see how it works, at least. And if possible, refresh and charge my Hung Spells and perhaps refresh myself? I have no intention of 'bathing' in it... just channeling off what I need. Again, with your permission, of course, Queen Jasra." *'''Michael James Watson''' She nods. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' First, Realmer brings up the pattern Lens, to take a better look at how the fount of power works. Then once he has deciphered this he will channel the necessary energy, carefully, to himself, his artifacts and creature in order to refresh and recharge his hung spells and himself as he said he would. And nothing else. *'''Michael James Watson''' "The page will get you quarters. Jurt will be restive once he gets out. He has permission to bring people here, even train them to access it. Its part of my deal to be able to call on him for help. I do not have a good history with Amber, as you might guess...so.. i take what i can." *'''Michael James Watson''' "If you can release my Herald I'd appreciate it. He is throwing up on the guards" *'''Michael James Watson''' "Feel free to work your magics here. See the shelves up on the walls? Each is about 10 by 8. Sit on one and work from there. If you cant get there on your own.. well, weak magic" *'''Michael James Watson''' She turns and walks oof, stopping and looking back.."Tell Mr Wonderful dinner is at 6. at 7 I'm sending a plate of anchovies to his room" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Hey Jurt!" Realmer calls out in a friendly voice, "Your mother asked if I could do something about her Herald... would you mind it I..." Realmer gestures towards the floating, spinning, hurling herald but does not finish the sentence leaving the request somewhat unsaid. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' While Realmer was looking at the Fount through the Pattern Lens, he could not but help look at Jurt, and the Powers about him. Since he was more focused on Untara when the two entered his office at the Embassy back in Adagalasck, Realmer takes the time now to look Jurt over and see what he is about. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt pops out of the font like a cork. lands, raising his Logrus and several power markers light up. He looks freaked like a cornered tiger"MY MOTHER? DARA IS HERE??!??!!?!??!?!Shitshitshit.. where.." looking around...Frowning.. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "What?" Realmer says in a distracted way as he looks from the spinning herald to Jurt then the direction Jasra walked off in. Then he looks back to Jurt and says, "You know, Queen Jasra, your moth...." there is a long pause and Realmer actually blushes. "It seems I have forgotten myself and others I am so drunk with power from the Fount... it seems I had forgotten whom I was talking to and whom brought me hear and who is related to whom. I beg your forgiveness, Jurt. It's just that I've never received such a surge of power so quickly and easily... usually such power and energies come slowly and with much effort." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Oh, and Jasra said dinner is at 7 and if you have not arrived by 6 she... no, wait... dinner is at SIX and if you have not arrived by SEVEN she will send a plate of sardines to your quarters... anchovies to your room." *'''Michael James Watson''' "Well, when she says she is sending something to your room she fills it top to bottom. I hadn't intended to stay. The fact is that Untara has an.....addictive personality. She bonds to someone and they get to where they can't leave her. Its a magical thing. Dworkin pointed it out to me. It requires she personally chose to set you aside. At that point you are free of it. She does not know this happens. Its not her fault. But it works. She just released me so i came here to rid my self of any residual. I can go back to her now and ill have....protections. I sicced her on Vance." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Well, it's up to you, Jurt. We haven't been gone long, relatively speaking... unless this place has a really fast time flow compared to Vulsar Base. I still think we have time to stop at your club and talk a little business. Plus, I still haven't seen the inside of your club and I am curios." *'''Michael James Watson''' "This place is 8 to 1. Vulsar is 60 to 1. I want to get back to Amber for esoteric reasons but a few days here makes sense. We could even go to Kashra" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "As you think best. But where ever we go to talk business, let it be somewhere there is alcohol and smokables and let it be soon. I didn't really get a chance to get a good buzz at the Embassy and it is hard to relax around the King. Random I mean. Julian and I get on well enough... mostly because of what I did for him and his wife, Nina. And as I think on it... let us find a quiet room here and get that drink and smoke and talk. Shall we?" *'''Michael James Watson''' "BY all means.. " HE walks back and down a corridor, "Oh... i should probably let him down, huh? The hearld falls. In time through the labyrinthine place he finds his spacious rooms. Currently being cleaned and freshened. He eves a hand and fills a table with bottles and herbs and takes a seat. "We better talk here. Latter will be all about Jasra" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer falls a step or two behind Jurt and follows him to his rooms. He slips the small pouch out of his sleeve pocket and looks at it, then glances up to make sure Jurt is not looking then looks at its contents. (almost forgot that part). Then he puts is away once he knows what it is. Most likely back up the same sleeve. Once at Jurt's room, Realmer looks over the assortment and smells several before deciding on a strong clear rum. He then sniffs his way through the herbs until he picks out the best for a relaxing buzz without hallucinations. He then chooses a chair that is out of melee range (influences of Gangdis) but still close enough for comfortable conversation, sits, turns his bone wand into a long stemmed bone pipe, loads and lights it, draws deeply and holds it a very long time before finally exhaling with a smile and a sigh. Realmer then takes a hearty swig of the rum, holding it in his mouth for a moment before swallowing. By the smell of the burning herbs, Jurt can tell he selected them to go with the rum. “Now, before we begin talking business, there is something else I would like to talk about... or more accurately, somethings I would like you to hear. First, I am going to ask that we trust one another...” Realmer snorts and smiles, then chuckles softly before continuing. “That we trust one another as much as our respective family's and upbringing's will allow, that is. I am hoping that you and I can have a deeper respect for one another and a deeper level of trust, if that is possible. There are some things I will have to share with you if we are to do business and some things I would like to share... but I will have to have your Word, and your Trust, that you will not betray my secrets or betray me and by extension, my companions and my loyalties.” “As you may, or may not know, I am not of the Line of Oberon and was not raised in Amber nor spent any time in Amber prior to or during the Black Road War and Patternfall. I was raised, for a time, by my Grandfather, Dworkin, in a distant Shadow of High Magic. When Grandfather thought I was ready, or when he thought he couldn't put it off any longer, he brought me to a place where I could walk a Pattern, a place called Ambir; a Shade of Amber that is nothing more than a Ghost Shadow, an Amber that failed and fell and is now, and will forever be, decaying into ruin and rubble. Dworkin didn't feel it was safe to bring me to Amber at that time... I know it was sometime after the forming of The Black Road, but well before Pattenfall. We spent little time in Ambir but while there he taught me the basics of how to use the powers of the Pattern, how to create Trumps and how to further manipulate High Order Magics... then he took me back into Shadow, where he said I would be safe, then he left again. I spent most of my life living in and exploring Shadow, away from Amber and its Influences. But after many decades of exploring Shadow and experimenting with and improving my powers, I grew more curious about Amber and began making my way through Shadow in that direction. I didn't know where Amber was, exactly, but I did know where Ambir was and that it was close... close enough, to Amber to serve my purposes.” “I had been hanging around the Shadows in the general area of Ambir and Amber for a few years, an area outside the Golden Circle I affectionately call the 'Tarnished Circle'. This was right before King Random ordered that all Offspring be Brought into the Fold, as it were... since I was not far from Amber, relatively speaking, it was not difficult for Dworkin to locate me and escort me to Amber and introduced me to the King so I could Swear my Fealty and Declare my Loyalty. That was back in the early 30's, shortly after you arrived and established Thin Whip's. I went mostly unnoticed by the Family... most of the Family. I spent a lot of time in the lower levels of Castle Amber, and the Library, studying, researching and... creating. When I did leave the Castle it was almost always at night and I did my best to avoid any unnecessary trouble... back then.” Realmer pauses to smile reflectively then continues. “Then I started paying more attention to the goings on in the lower levels of the castle and the upper levels too... then I got noticed and got appointed as Amber's Ambassador to Adagalasck and have been quite occupied there ever since.” Realmer fills his glass and takes a sip, then asks, “So, can we work together, Jurt? Can we establish a respect and trust between us?” *'''Michael James Watson''' "You're legend is as interesting as it is unadvertised. The vampire of the depths. I have often wanted to visit the depths but I'm sort of on Random's restricted list. Not likely he will ever trust me. So why should you trust me? I've done you no harm and I've spent a long time in Amber.. there is much to learn over the gaming tables and dance floors. The question is what do you want?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Well, I have no reason not to trust you. As you have said, you have done nothing to harm me and I nothing to harm you. And I feel that since we were both raised outside of Amber we may share some common views, which could help us form a more trustworthy relationship. I am hoping that you will be able to provide some access to people, information and powers that I may not be exposed to otherwise. Plus... It's good to know someone outside the family." *'''Michael James Watson''' "Well, then , lets sing kumbiya....What do you want? " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer takes a few puffs while he considers what he really does want from Jurt. He takes a sip of the rum then another puff and lets it out with a sigh and a large cloud of smoke. "I guess what I really want, Jurt... is a friend... now that I truly think on it." He pauses again and takes another puff. "A friend that is not a family member or of Amber. Someone I can talk to about Amber, and other things, who has an outsider's point of view like I do. A... non-Amber point of view. And having someone to share with that will not necessarily report back to the King... or other Royal or Official ears. It would be nice to just have someone to banter with, talk magic and politics and such without having to feel someone is looking over my shoulder all the time. No offense, Bob." Realmer says as he turns to face the purple beholder hovering over his right shoulder. The Beholder turns slightly and looks out of the corner of it's central eye at Realmer and says in a deep rich baritone voice, "None taken." Then Bob the Beholder looks at Jurt and says, "Plus, you're probably the only person Realmer knows that he could talk to about Necromancy and other Taboo Magics without receiving a look of disdain or a lecture." "Thank you for your input, Bob; succinct and helpful as always" Realmer replies as he toasts his familiar and takes a gulp followed by a puff. *'''Michael James Watson''' He nod, "Lets just keep in mind that I am sort of on the run from Chaos and want to be on good terms with Amber.. I've visited Azcala but it not a touristy place. I'll tell you this. Amber is less crazy then Chaos.. Im soon to go to Avalong to see my brother who i attempted to kill for aa long time..So lets keep "friend" as an across the table term. Not that im opposed but id hate to have you blamed for my fouls. Im always eager to chat about magics of course.. New info is a blesing. " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Yes, bandying about the word 'friend' is a quick way to get them killed. A lesson I know well. Even way back in my days as an Adventurer I would never refer to my friends as anything more than Adventuring Companions or Acquaintances, for their safety and mine. And I'll do my best to keep you on good terms with Amber and the King... as you yourself said, my credentials are impeccable. And I'm not specifically looking to do anything that will put me or others on bad terms with the Crown... but I do feel a bit restricted in Amber... even in the dungeons I knew I was being watched. In Adagalasck I felt under less scrutiny, but was still working for the Crown's interests. I guess I'm just looking to do some things that I want to do and not be scrutinized." Realmer takes another swig then another puff and says, "I must say; most excellent libations. I am certainly feeling a bit more relaxed. Thank you for the opportunity to unwind a bit, Jurt, it is appreciated." *'''Michael James Watson''' looking into the pouch, Realmer sees 5 marble sized stones, one each purple, blue, green, yellow, and red. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt looks curiously, "Something bright and shiny i gather, I can smell the magic from here. Lets start our table friendship with what they are. We can talk beholders later" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer raises an eyebrow as he looks at Jurt... then smiles, recalling days of yore showing off the spoils of dungeon delving with companions around a table in a tavern over drinks. "Sure. Why not. But I'm pretty sure I'm going to need another drink and some more herbs for this." Realmer uses a Cantrip to 'Present' the bottle of rum to his hand, he refills then reverses the Cantrip to put the bottle back. Another Cantrip brings him some more herbs directly to his pipe which he lights with yet another Cantrip.. Then he smiles as he inhales and presents the Stones to Jurt by dumping them into the palm of his own hand. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt whistles..."I thought as much.. Wonder where Nina got them.. One of each. Get 50 service coins and you can petition for Lordship in Mandalay.. Impressive.. I've a a green and a Blue..Tricky to use. they tend to not be good combat items.. good from peaceful pursuits though." *'''Michael James Watson''' "Jasra would teach you to enter the Font for one of those. But it makes one crazy for a time. " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "I'd prefer to keep my senses, libations excluded, thank you and no. Though I am intrigued by the Fount of Power, I have heard the stories and read what is available in Amber... and now that I have viewed it, felt it and experienced the tiniest fraction of its Power... I am impressed but wary. Leave it at that for now." Realmer takes a puff and rolls the Stones around in his hand then says, "I must say, certainly an unexpected gift. I recall reading about them and their powers in a tome in the Castle Library, and I agree; they are not specifically combat oriented nor is their power necessarily aggressive... buuuut... if used wisely, they could be an effective support tool in combat. As any good Apprentice Wizard knows; 'Wizards are not Warriors. Wizards are Support for Warriors. Stay back. Use your wits. Stay alive to cast your Spells.' Fuckin' Bigby. What in the Hells does he know." Realmer laughs, sounding a bit drunk and high. Realmer begins juggling the Stones, using Cantrips to make up for any poor tosses or catches. He also focuses his Psyche on them all, to see if they glow like the tome said they would. Once glowing, he blows a smoke ring through the center of them, then smiles at Jurt. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt chuckles and leans back..."They can be attuned.. You might want to walk them through the pattern.." *'''Michael James Watson''' "I bore mine through a woven Logrus. Hurt like hell but they bound to me" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Yes, I was contemplating that... and I will be accompanying the King on his Royal Procession along the Jeweled Road to Mandalay... hmmm... perhaps I shall walk the Pattern and attune them just prior to leaving." *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt,"Random is taking a Progress to Mandalay? Hell yes you want to attune them.. Swallow them and pass them through your colon if you think that will make them closer to you. hmmm Think Random would let me come along. Probably a good chance to make some credit in Random's poker game. " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Oh. You didn't know. Oh my, faux pas. I have spoken too freely." Realmer laughs and takes another puff before letting the juggled Stones fall into his cupped hands. He puts all away but one; the Yellow. He holds it in his hand tightly to see if the double buzz goes away. "I can ask who else is going and see what I can do. No promises. Not really sure why he wants me along considering he has many others who are more powerful than I to take along. And why is the bond with the Stones so important? Do they function better? Or is it a matter of easier retrieval if lost or stolen?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "And how does one get Service Coins for Mandalay Lordship. Since I will be going there I might want to think about getting some, getting a Lordship and taking the Mark." *'''Michael James Watson''' "Be of service to Mandalay. The details are understandably vauge. Adrian might give you them for showing up. He is collecting those of Amber blood. Has more then Chaos does and we brew our own. I understand running a venue in the Dramaturge pays well. Either way, Adrian keeps track so no surprise visitors show up. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt sets out a silver box and takes the lid off. Swirling it briefly it becomes the size of a palm. Pouring the contents of the box on the tray the multicolored powder shimmer in the light. Taking a 5 finger pinch of smoking herb he mixes the two together. Filling two pipes with the mixture he pushes one over and lights his. Holding the smoke he starts speaking, exhaling a cloud of multicolored smoke. "The thing to remember is that Mandalay is a primal realm on the same scale as Amber or Avalon. It was meant to rival Chaos as well. It may talk all sweetness and nature peacefulness but these realms are at war even if their rulers and people are not. Whatever Ygg or Adrian intended the second thing the sentient Mark of Mandalay did was gather together every shadow with big-assed roads, every major shadowtrail and ripped those shadows lose to lay them side by side,connecting the roads, and making them open to everyone. That may seem like a feature for communication but it was also a declaration of war. No matter what the realm kings and primal beasts may think, that's what the powers consider the jeweled road. Keep that in mind when you use those stones. They may be powerful, but they are partisan connections to a manipulative inscription." Edited to correctly add Ygg. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer taps out his own Bone Pipe then returns it to its Bone Wand shape, then he fishes out one of the Mandalay Stones, the Red one, and places in against the butt-end of the Wand. The butt-end of the Wand reshapes into a tiny skeletal hand to hold the Stone. Realmer then takes the pipe offered by Jurt, lights it with a Cantrip and inhales deeply. He holds it for Jurt's entire speech then finally exhales the multicolored smoke. The he flicks his Wand in the air, as though he is wracking someones knuckles and smiles at the fiery glow upon the Wand... then he begins idly tracing symbols in the air, like a kid with a burning stick pulled from a fire. "More manipulative than the Pattern? Or the Logrus? I find that hard to believe considering what both of those Sentient Inscriptions have done to people, places and Reality itself thus far in the Known History of the Multiverse. I do not doubt that the Pattern and Logrus took the creation of the Mark of Mandalay and the creation of the Jeweled Road as an aggressive move, to be certain." "And, as is always the case with Artifacts of great power, especially those based upon a Great Power, caution in their use is certainly warranted. But thank you for your cautionary advice; it's always prudent to 'Read the Warning Labels before Use'." "Though, I already have some experience with this type of Power Artifact; I'm sure you saw the Green Jewel of Judgment I bear. When Dworkin gave me the Green Jewel... loaned me the Green Jewel...? GAVE me the Green Jewel, to guard and use wisely, he schooled me in its Powers and usage and of course, warned me of its Side Effects and certain 'attentions' I might draw due to being Attuned to it and possessing it. I am sure the Pattern of Amber would love to absorb the Ghost Realms of Ambir and its Pattern to make itself and its Realms stronger, especially since Ambir's Realms are all but empty of any life... but I will do all I can to prevent that from happening... I've grown rather fond of that Ghost Realm." Realmer waves his fiery glowing Bone Wand dismissively in the air. "So what of you, Jurt. What powerful little trinkets would you like to show-off? I am certain you have something other than your Mandalay Stones." *'''Michael James Watson''' "Well, these days I try and keep a low profile. It took a lot of being chewed and spit out to make me reconsider my priorities. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt Pulls out a box and opens it to pull out a pair of short thin fighting knives. They are carved from bone "These are Pit Knives. Made from the bones of Abyssal demons. One has to defeat a certain breed of big boned creature in the depths of the abyss, then sacrifice them to the Serpent. Then one carves them in a specific manner. While these are not exactly rare they are double tough to come by and not every Lord of Chaos is taught to get them when they are taught to assay the Logrus. . They will rip through nearly any armor but tears the hell out of abyssal demons. They are extremely potent at harming creatures of Chaos leaving wounds that are extraordinarily hard to heal from taking 10 times the normal healing times or magics. Pretty wicked on undead too. They detect as non-magic, and once attuned can not be stolen. I can leave these in Sawall Way and call them to my hand in a fraction of a second all the way to the pattern room in the dungeons of amber. To non-chaosian creatures they are little more then wickedly sharp bone knives.. But to Chaosian creatures they are deadly. And, Realmer, bear in mind, the blood of Barimen is the blood of Chaos" *'''Michael James Watson''' "Mind you, i try not to get in any knife fights around Amber. People frown on poison knives like these. Also I'm sort of glad i had not finished these while i was still mad at Merlin.. Might have come out badly. I've found violence is too risky," *'''Michael James Watson''' He uncoils a whip from around his waist where it had rested hidden from sight. "This is my weapon of Choice. Flexible, takes an expert to work. And I'm an expert. This will rip flesh and cradle glass. Its half sentient and its been through the Logrus. Each of the sons of Sawall have one. Mine is named Frakaol. Merlin's was named Frakir. They are loyal and helpful. It can find me if lost." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer looks over the weapons as Jurt presents them. He even brought up the Pattern Lens to look at them more closely. "Very nice, indeed. And I am well aware that the House of Barimen IS a House of Chaos and that we all have the Blood of Chaos running through us. Grandfather made sure I never forgot that little piece of family information. Especially since I am a full Shape Shifter; unlike the 'Cousins' that only have a limited form of Shape Shifting. And I have considered assaying the Logrus, should the opportunity arise. Again, very impressive weapons. I never studied the use of weapons much, hardly at all to be honest... but I do know how to use a few types and I do possess one weapon... something I made myself. After all, if you want something done right; do it yourself." Realmer pulls out the Bone Wand holding the Red Mandalay Stone and changes it into its Scrimshawed Bone Staff form; the red stone now housed in the left eye socket of the skull atop the staff. He lets the Staff fall from his grasp, but before it hits the floor it Shifts into a full sized Displacer Beast that appears to be Undead due to its decaying flesh and bones showing through in a few places... though Jurt can tell it is not 'truly' an undead creature. "Hex; my Staff of Necro-Beasts, as I like to call it. Capable of taking the form of any weapon, item or any small to large-ish creature, though it always looks undead; I like to keep up my dark and sinister appearance. Capable of taking on the many, if on all, of the abilities of the creature it mimics. Capable of dealing extreme damage and penetrating most armors, even highly magicked ones. Extremely fast and combat capable. Fully sentient and psychically connected to me. Capable of returning to me via Trump image implanted within. Capable of Racking and Using Spells and also equipped with Power Words. Conjured from my own blood, forged on an 'altar' in the Pattern Room in the Dungeon of Castle Amber, infused with the Power of the Pattern through the use of my Shade Jewel of Judgment and by walking the Pattern with it during and after its creation. Quenched in the Waters of the Pond in the Pattern Room. As I said; if you want something done right; do it yourself." Realmer takes another puff off the pipe that Jurt passed him and the summons Hex back to his hand and back into the form of a Bone Wand. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' This is exactly what the Bone Wand looks like, minus the Stone. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' This is more or less what the Scrimshawed Bone Staff looks like. No glowing eyes, just empty eye sockets and the shaft is more detailed with carvings running its entire length. *'''Michael James Watson''' "Considering the Logrus? That's like thinking of having one's frontal lobe removed. There is a short cut you know, yes"? *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer laughs and says, "I did say considering ... in fact I am considering many things... But that does not mean I am actually going to undertake them. I have made too many mistakes by moving too quickly to grab for power in the past and it cost me. I have paid my dues for those mistakes. I intend not to make them again. And to which shortcut are you referring?" *'''Michael James Watson''' "The Woven Logrus. There are a number around. They need substantially less training. If you are a talented shapechanger it mostly takes nerve and quick thinking to assay, depending which you find. I know of 3 off hand i can reach easily" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Ah yes, the Woven Logrus. I have heard of them. A possibility worth considering. Certainly safer than the Logrus itself. I am always considering adding new power sources to my repertoire. Recently assayed the Spiral of the Four Winds... the Squiggle of Adagalasck. I was considering the Mal at Reiss prior to being assigned as the Ambassador to Adagalasck, but it seems the Spiral is of similar use... perhaps better." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Speaking of things on the Chaos end of the Multiverse... I have been considering the benefits of the Dufiro. What is your opinion on them and their benefits... and drawbacks?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt smiles..."ah.. the Dufirosim...Lovely people. Depends what you want to accomplish. I have several myself but they are at the club. Both bound and bonded pacts. They are a bargaining people. Gain power for their service. Talents across the board. t They work the hell out of the Chaos end of the universe yet they have Greater Dufiro, the Ava Dufirosim, who are Law Dufiro that would bargain softly for a time in Amber. I think in time he eastern realms like Amber will find much to interest them in bargaining with them. There is the pesky thing about slavery but that's a judgment call all around. I can introduce you to several once we get back to town" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Well, if it is an unforced agreement, then I personally would not consider it slavery. I mean, if the Dufiro is willing and a mutually beneficial agreement is reached, then I don't see how it could be considered slavery. But that is just my view point and opinion. And I would relish that introduction; thank you again." *'''Michael James Watson''' "Sure. I wouldn't bind a dufiro against its will. makes the item its in have a flaw. But others do. Its quiet common really. A binding ritual is different if its mutual or if its forced. Many in chaos treat them as little more then freeform power sources to be devoured at will. i come from an unpleasant land" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Would it be unwise to bind a Dufiro to an Item that already possess a sentience? I was thinking about my Staff, specifically, but also generally I am curious." *'''Michael James Watson''' "No, some items have many bound to it. Its a matter of comparative powers and personalities. You wouldn't want to bind a fire and water elemental together. They fight.. In many ways though the dufiro like multiple bindings. Less lonely for them over the years" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "I see. So it's a matter of power and personality compatibility... interesting. Can they be bound to living creatures? I don't mean like my Staff, but more like my Familiar, or Pet... or even myself. Is that possible? Or advisable?" *'''Michael James Watson''' "Again, its a matter of bargining. Finding a Dufiro that's compatible. Many are bound to animals and even sentient. Various Dufiro of Guard are often bound to living things. Its all in the bargin... *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "All good to know, thank you again. If I may pose another question? I know I have been asking a lot of them and it may be your turn... if we are playing by 'Family Rules'. But I am curious what you know about some of the Lesser Initiations, lesser than Pattern and Logrus that is, and how they react when the Greater Initiation is taken again... specifically, what may happen to my Spiral Imprint when I walk the Pattern again. I know you are no expert in Pattern and this question might be better asked of Arloxedra, but as you may know, he and I are not on the best of terms. I'm sure I could also ask any of the Elders, especially those of Arcane minds... but I really don't like pestering them with my questions; which I am sure they find a bit bothersome and basic. I quite often feel like a very young child speaking to the condescending adults when around the Elders. Well, not all of them and not always. I am pretty sure I know what will happen, but I am curious to hear your take on it and if you know any secrets that might be of use to me." *'''Michael James Watson''' *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' 'The "Family Game" always struck me as pretty adversarial. I played it in chaos and all i got was used, screwed and spit out. I lost ears and toes and...things... depending on stuff i learned in the family game. And i damn near got killed several times trying to get good juice for the squeeze. I hooked up with one of Merlin's ex girlfriends hoping to get good juice on Merlin to trade. Worked out poorly. " He repacks his pipe. "Your history is in Low Order Magic. I might like to learn some of it in time. It has its uses but for me it was High Order Sorcery or nothing. By lesser initiations i assume you mean Squiggles, not Low Order Initiations?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt stops, as if listening, withdraws his Trump deck and shuffles through it.. "Hmmm New Card....Henry, Son of Fiona and MANDOR?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? What the galloping fuck!??!?!?!!!!!!" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Correct. Squiggles." Realmer responds then, "What? Who?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt lays the trump before you "Henry, a son of Fiona and Mandor.. damn.. damn... a crown prince for the crown prince of Sawall....." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Now how interesting is that. And how interesting the timing... just before King Random's trip to Mandalay... perhaps not connected, but perhaps..." Realmer leaves it hanging. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt pours another pitcher of brews. "The thing is...I can't imagine Mandor giving up the powers of a sanctified marriage under the Serpent and the powers the child would have from it. Having a illegitimate child is alright but they lose out on a lot of things. Inheritance, prestige, status in the line of succession. Especially after the crap Mother went through getting Merlin declared legitimate during Patternfall. And if Mandor, heir of Sawall had married Princess Fiona for fucks sake the towers of Theldane would be ringing. She was a darling of Chaos when she was begging for power to unseat Oberon...Now.." Drinking a full tankard, "And if they Married in a unicorn rite they might have kept it quiet but i don't see how. Chaos would have been screaming bloody red war over it. They would be banishing him, they might still... That would make either Despil or myself heir to Sawall... This kid is in for a serious thumping east and west. Crap...i hate this.. but i may have to call Despil, or Mandor....Maybe,...maybe I should visit Sawall Way..." He looks thoughtful, sipping his beer. Looking up, "So, Realmer, you are, technically, foot loose and fancy free at the moment, aren't you?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Wellllll...." Realmer draws out the word while reviewing in his mind his most recent conversation with the King of Amber and whether or not going to the Courts of Chaos would contradict anything the King requested. "Random DID ask me to keep you occupied and out of trouble... while at Vulsar Base..." he pauses with a devious smile on his face. "I could certainly keep you occupied in the Courts of Chaos... and as far as keeping you out of trouble... well, you're not at Vulsar Base so I think I can be cleared of that duty... and Random did say to enjoy a short vacation..." He drains the glass Jurt poured for him and then takes a huge lungful of smoke of the sparkling herb mixture in the pipe then exhales and says through the multicolored smoke "So yes, I guess my 'vacation' begins now and I am 'footloose and fancy free'. I would love to visit the Courts and your family." Realmer's grin is wide. "Lead on, my good man, lead on." But then he adds quickly, "Should I change my appearance? An I dressed appropriately? Will this be something formal? Will my Chaos Form be needed to serve proper Etiquette?" *'''Michael James Watson''' "OK... I need to make a few stops, nothing major.. I should make a few calls to put off some business. Lets plan for the morning. 9 hours here.. hmmm should be... a blue turning in Chaos.. We can Trump to Zilla, light a few candles, check the Banns... But.. going into battle is easier then going home... *'''Michael James Watson''' "You are going to need local talent as a defender.. We can arrange that at Zilla." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Yes, good idea. The Fane of Zilla... always wanted to see if there was a niche devoted to me. Guess I'll find out soon. I wonder if I should check in with Random... to check in on Kevin... I know the time flow here is faster than Amber, but the time flow of Vulsar is even faster than that... now that I think about it... it's odd that Random, or anybody for that matter, has not contacted me... or you." *'''Michael James Watson''' (I could run Jasra's dinner but it would take hours...Lets list it under, "Did Jasra say anything about----") *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' (good idea.) ====<big>The Fane of Zilla, Shrines and Hagalta</big>==== *'''Michael James Watson''' In the morning a breakfast plate is delivered to Realmer's room. A note telling you to meet Jurt at the Font when you are ready. Upon arriving he is surprisingly well dressed and trimmed. He wears a rapier sword on a left hand draw, his bone knives in his belt, a few pouches. His Hat has demon feathers. A large medallion looks like the royal symbol of house Sawall. He shimmers as if he has just stepped from the font. Jasra is there, dressed in woman's attire with similar notations to Jurt. As if she intends to act as part of Jurt's entourage. She wears a medallion smaller then Jurt's with the same symbol. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer most assuredly drank and smoked too much and most likely forgot about the Mandalay Stones before passing out. In the morning however, he uses the Yellow Stone to detox and then eats his breakfast a couple of bites at a time while he checks his belongings to make sure they are all there... not that he distrusts Jurt, but there are others here that may not be above pilfering from a guest. Once breakfast and inventory are complete, Realmer makes his way to the Fount. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt nods in greeting. "Alright. We are going to trump to the Fane of Zilla. Have you been there before? " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "No, I have never been there before. I have only read descriptions and seen drawings." *'''Michael James Watson''' "Its a massive temple at the edge of the abyss. Patternfall was fought there because it has a sort of destiny trap drawing people there. Now it is where the Jeweled Road ends. Its a touristy place now for people from all realms..While there I want us to take a meeting. Are you particularly attached to your attire? I mean is it magical, defensive, sentient? *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Yes, I am quite attached to my garb; it is all three and more. I can change it's appearance if that is required." *'''Michael James Watson''' Jasra, "It'll have to be the medallion, then, "Jurt nods. "While there you will be under my protection. It won't make you safer but it will mean the only people likely to kill you are willing to piss off the alliance Sawall is in. Namely Hendrake, Helgram, and several minor houses. Unlikely, but there it is. You should consider if you want to go as yourself, a member of the House of Amber and Barimen, or incognito...Either has its dangers. Though, all things considered, few would want to attack you if your wear the medallion of Amber. " He hand you a blank silver medallion. "Ill inscribe that as you like. Currently its just mithril. Once there the meeting is with a broker for Dufirosim. We'll bargain for a short term Guard Masoja Dufiro to protect you from native issues in chaos. We will bind him to the medallion." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "As you both deem best. But my Robe's major function is to protect and defend me; perhaps the Dufiro might work well with it. Perhaps not. And I would prefer to be myself on my first visit to the Courts. As to the medallion, keep it simple, no need to advertise more than needed. That it shows I am from Amber should be enough." Realmer then gives his Robe a mental command and it becomes a fine set of silken robes of dark gray with purple and red trimmings. The simple ring on his finger (Satura's Ring) becomes a jeweled band of platinum bearing a large black sapphire surrounded by smaller black opals. *'''Michael James Watson''' "Fair enough. A Unicorn enameled in green like a shield." He casts the spell and the symbol implants.." I recommend you not try to hide in a chaos form. Wearing the Amber medallion, well, everyone has a set of the non-magical King Random Trumps and you are in them. Might as well be seen. No need to advertise..." *'''Michael James Watson''' *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Then I am ready when you are. I will take your lead and heed your advice." Realmer then turns to his familiar, "Bob, stay close, observe everything, but do nothing unless I command it." Realmer mentally repeats the same directive to his Ring, his Wand and his Robe before nodding to Jurt and Jasra. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt opens a trump gate to the Fane of Zilla. *'''Michael James Watson''' Under a dark blue sky the Abyss only barely wins over the distraction of a zillion architectural styles of massive cathedral spanning the horizon. To the north is a city of great temporary natures. Tents, wood huts, vardo wagons,and camps.. a merchant area of hundreds of businesses. People of all descriptions, from human to elven to demon are in evidence in the vast throngs, *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt wends his way into the great cathedral and follows many different twistings till he enters into an open area among the crammed together cathedrals. The courtyard lead to a great door. To the left of it i a giant tournament field with many matches being fought. *'''Michael James Watson''' Walking up aspirants walk into and out of the great door. Looking up, in the massive architrave, is the Unicorn of Amber. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer keeps his arms in, his eyes open and his wits about him. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt, "The Cult Halls of the Amber Devotional" *'''Michael James Watson''' "They were underground for the first 50 or so years after Patternfall. But it was decided that hidden worshipers were more dangerous then open one" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "I can't disagree with that sentiment." *'''Michael James Watson''' Going up a man in a priests robe approaches, bows, "Great Lords.. Welcome. Your passage was foretold in the oracles and the.." Jurt puts his hand on the man's chest." YaAYaaa.. I know.. i know.. Can you take us to My nave?" *'''Michael James Watson''' He nods...Turns and walks in. Once in it is easy to see the prince's alcoves, each with a statue and worshipers, candles and offerings. *'''Michael James Watson''' Coming into a nake it is filled with alcoves for the Benedict line of Lintra. Including Jurt, Despil, Merlin, Dara, as well as Vek and others.. Worshipers kneel or sit among them. They all look to Jurt as he enters. Jurt walks over to his alter. he starts scooping the offerings into a bag of holding, to the amazement of those present. Looking to Realmer he shrugs, "Stuff is mine, right?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer grins and nods his head in admiration. *'''Michael James Watson''' Looking over the crowd he leaps on his alter, and waves, tossing silver coins by the thousands among the worshipers. *'''Michael James Watson''' A young woman tugs Realmer's robe at the elbow *'''Michael James Watson''' "M'lord, Will you be visiting your shrine?" She shows a deck of cards and holds yours on top" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Without taking his eyes off of the spectacle that is Jurt tossing coins to his followers he says, "It certainly is possible. Since I am here it would be odd to NOT visit it. But things don't always work out the way we want, do they?" Though Realmer does not look at the young woman with his eyes, but he does look through his familiar's many eyes. *'''Michael James Watson''' She is of shadow origin, probably of a world near the Fane. Humanoid, she has certain vampiric appearances but is certainly alive *'''Michael James Watson''' She starts walking over to a far nave, and disappears into it *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer recalls traveling through a few worlds where celebrities were idolized and people wanted their 'autograph', especially on photos or placards of the celebrity. Realmer was considering signing her Trump of him before she walked away... perhaps he would see her again. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer is tempted to follow... but wise enough to know not to go alone in an unfamiliar place... especially one like the Fane of Zilla. He waits for Jurt to finish his redistribution of wealth. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt looks at you quizzically. "Something happening?" Jasra is talking to Jurt's followers. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Oh, someone just asked if I intended to visit my shrine. I told her it was possible. And to be honest, I would rather like to see it... but thought it best not to wander off. 'Never split up the party.' as more than one of my old adventuring companions would say." Realmer grins at Jurt then chuckles. "Wisdom is wisdom." *'''Michael James Watson''' "Why not.. One never knows around here but that is certainly wisdom.." *'''Michael James Watson''' Walking down after the child the halls are less busy but show signs of frequent attendees. Down a ways past a merchant selling Amber oriented merchandise, Jurt stops, picks out a deck of the non-magical version of the King Random Trumps. Paying a silver he opens the pack and shuffles, finding Henry's card. "Its in the non-magic decks now.. Elegant construct of Random's, these cards.. He can tell where every person who carries a magical deck is. And look in on their trumps i bet." Following to a new nave there is a large statue of Satura. in the center, with smaller alcoves around them. Attendants and devotees light candles and incense. Attendance seems small but friendly. The child is there pointing, and several adults look your way. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer does not turn away or try to hide who he is. He looks to the statue of his mother and bows his head respectfully towards her visage, then he approaches the alcove where the young woman he saw before is, he smiles a genuine and friendly smile to the group there and then looks at what is within the alcove. *'''Michael James Watson''' They back away, as they did for Jurt, though he is a familiar face in his alcove. *'''Michael James Watson''' In the alcove is a statue of Realmer. It has several candles though clearly has a sign of light use, as much in this nave does. *'''Michael James Watson''' A robed figure approaches.. "The worshipers in the nave are not yet devout. Though the worship of Satura has grown recently due to a number of visitors attributing healings to their visit. There have been several very successful rituals as well. Several sacrifices of note. The healings are the best, bringing in those of the Chaos realms, soon to be followers. Simple magics really, but even in this magic rich land such beneficial magic seems rare." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Fascinating" Realmer says. "You have been quite informative. Thank you." *'''Michael James Watson''' "My pleasure. I knew you would come here eventually. Random has used you up and shown you the door, has he? I'm sure very politely and with a smile of good-natured cheer, to not alarm you. Now the realm is given over to the children of Oberon in their entirety, isn't it? And what thanks did they give you? To your dear sweet mother who I adore?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' At this last question, Realmer turns to face the robed figure to see their face. He is ready for something very bad but will keep his wits about him. "An interesting perspective. And what interest is all of that to you?" *'''Michael James Watson''' "I have some experience with being cast aside. But my pains were earned.. The lessons were hard ones. Tell me, were you going to light a candle to your mother? The merchant back there sells candles but You may have one from my stores if you wish. They are behind her alter with my bedroll and a few bits of food. I hope it not to offensive to your so mighty stature that i eat the food sacrifices given all in the nave when i clean the hall. your sisters both have small alters but they have done little to attract interest of the religious this far west. Your brother had an alter but he threw it down himself when he passed into Chaos. Beware. He is within Chaos and he is bitter." *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt hears the last bit and looks at the man, letting a bone knife slip unseen into his hand. Jasra is speaking across the way *'''Michael James Watson''' The man shades his face but turns slightly toward Jurt. "Would you draw blood on holy ground outside the battle circles? A Lord of Chaos who so violates Zilla would be reviled, would he not?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Thank you again for your information. I will light a candle but I do have my own; again, thank you. And if you are in need and tend these shrines, then eating the food left is not an offense, in my eyes. Nor would it be in my mother's eyes, I am fairly certain. But I must ask; who are you? And why do you hide your face from us?" *'''Michael James Watson''' "I hide my face because i only have half." Turning he show from beneath the hood a face half burned off with ruined ears, missing eye and cheeks burned to show gums devoid of teeth except stumps around ripped out holes..Bone at the chin peaks out of healed wounds.' Jurt whispers.."He has a pattern imprint, and others.. His hood drops back to show the half a face he has. Hagalta says, "Yes I do, Lord Jurt. And a son should know his father's face. *'''Michael James Watson''' "Would you light a candle in my alcove, son?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer nods to Jurt with an 'I am aware' feel to it when he mentions the Imprints Hagalta bears. "No father, I would not light a candle in your alcove." Realmer's voice is even but restrained. His tone is flat but holds an edge of anger. "What you did to mother was despicable. Deplorable. Abhorrent. You will get no more pity or kindness from me. Nor shall I berate you or cast you down further on this day. Do not spoil my first visit here, of all places. And do not spoil it for the others who are here. Begone and bother me no further on my visit here." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "If you have any love for me at all, if you care for me in any way, you will turn around right now and leave without saying a word. After I have seen the things I want to see and done the things I want to do while I am visiting here... Perhaps, just Perhaps I will stop by here before leaving and perhaps, just perhaps I will speak with you further then. But I make no promises." *'''Michael James Watson''' He turns and opens his robe, withdrawing a red crystal of many shapes. Moving to Jurt and shows it to him. Jurt looks at it like a dead cat. "This is Azcalan artwork?....no....sorcery.,....hmmm. Ritual sorcery...ritual sacrifice...It howls....it feels abyssal in a way but...different....What is it?" Hagalta shakes his head, puts a finger over half lips and tries to sssshhhhh. Points the finger at Realmer. Turning and walking to the alter he starts moving candles and nodding to other servitors. ====<big>Dealing with Dufiro</big>==== *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt leads way from the massive Fane of Zilla past the tent encampment into the merchant area. Weaving among the selling the refuse and treasures of shadows that wash up on the sea of the abyss an opening occurs and a massive tent rests in the center. The light is dark and everything is nearly black and white. Around it rove creatures of nightmare and fantasy dreams. Jurt walks into the crowds and they at first turn as if to fight or devour but then step back making a path to the tent's entrance. He turns, whispering... "ah... I may be a minor Lord of Chaos but they know where the profit lies" Stepping to the front a man in black formal wear steps up, bows, "How may we be of service, Lord?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt-"We come to bargain. We seek a broker of refinement. We do no come to deal in trifles. Souls are on the line" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer is having the time of his life, regardless of what his face or body express. He is still being cautious at they travel the Fane and the tent Bazaar, but he is reminded of many markets and bazaars of the past from various Shadows he lived in or visited; Realmer has always enjoyed wandering the market areas, observing the wares, the sellers, the buyers, and those who are neither. Realmer knows markets and knows how to be watchful and wary.... but he is still enjoying himself. When Jurt approaches the massive tent, Realmer focuses his attention on those around it and those guarding it. When Jurt speaks to the person out front, Realmer looks him over, top to bottom then back up. Then he speaks to him. "And please, do not waste our time." *'''Michael James Watson''' The Tyler looks at Realmer then Jurt-"Lord, might i suggest a broker? an honest one, himself a Masoja Dufiro of Change. He has contacts across the Black Worlds. He would give you an extremely high price for such rare merchandise. Not just baubles but powers of War and fire.. Might I contact him so he may prepare a bargaining space?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt smiles, looks at Realmer, "Maybe, though, " reaching over to stroke Realmer's chin, "I doubt i would part with him today. I'm looking for a broker in Guard and Combat. I am also looking for someone who deals in Rage". *'''Michael James Watson''' He looks thoughtful..."thou teases me. AS you take the left ways find the sign of Calat of Cynsure..He is currently holding skins for Masoja of Guard, Combat, Rage and warfare. His Ava are numerous. His connections below that are vast.. " Jurt, "Yes, Tyler, i shall seek him first and if we bargain I'll give him your respect. Otherwise we will seek the Ring Master. I know the way" He nods, "Yes lord.. ah.. might i gossip? " Jurt inhales, "Try" "Word is that there will be a Progress of the King of Amber to Theldane to submit to High Lord Swayvil" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt nods"You know my lineage of course. The rumor i heard is that the King of Amber comes not to submit but to petition for a royal princess to make his second wife. My source is not familiar with the houses of Chaos so when he tells me that King Random wants a second wife of Helgram, Channicut, or Singaldon, i am not sure he is reliable. I am here to see if a Sawall wife might be available.. but.. Tyler, if you share that gossip, i will want my share in Elementals of fire. Agreed?' Tyler-"Oh yes, Lord Jurt" . *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer watches the two banter and listens to the gossip with a blank face. Knowing that his medallion with the Crest of Amber emblazoned upon it is clearly visible, Realmer is careful what he says when he speaks. "I can neither confirm nor deny this information, as not all from Amber are equally informed." *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt sweeps in. *'''Michael James Watson''' Leading in left and right along the way the massive tent is subdivided by fabric that barely restricts sound. Reaching a large room, heavily draped with tapestries and fabric a man stands as Jurt enters. He is thin to the point of emaciated. A pair of tightly curled horns on his head. "Yes, I am Calat. The Tyler sent you.. Shall i have my Servant blend us tea while we converse, Lord Jurt? Jurt nods, "Yes, and bring three cups. This Relmopator of Amber and I brought him here to bargain. I have some needs but let us seek his first. I am sure you recognize him from the cards. He is seeking Guard and Defense. I will be looking for Elementals. He may bid his own prices but i shall vouch for them' *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer nods to Jurt then bows to Calat. "Well met, Calat. I do seek Dufiro of Guard or Defense for a short term contract; something to protect me from the hazards of Chaos while I am visiting. Once my visit is concluded and that contract fulfilled, I may very well be seeking a much longer contract for the same Dufiro or another if needed. At that time I may also want to contract with a Combat Dufiro and a Knowledge Dufiro. But all of that will depend upon the outcome of the first contract. Thank you for your time and the offer of tea." Realmer bows again. *'''Michael James Watson''' He nods, "Yes, I have a number of Guard and Combat. If it is chaos you sojourn in is a Masoja you need. As for the Knowledge Dufiro, they do not often contract with brokers such as I. You want a short term contract. I suggest Gazil and Risik, a mated pair of Guard and Combat. They work together for short to medium terms. Both are experienced in Chaos. Both have done work for me in Cynsure. they have a companion Ava of Blending that is serving them for mating reasons and will come with them. This pair is my best suggestion for the need you suggest. Shall you consider them? *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Well, that combination sounds almost too good to be true... certainly it will be expensive, in one fashion or another. And the addition of a Blending Dufiro... good for Sorcery and Artistry... excellent. Yes; I shall consider them; most highly. Thank you." *'''Michael James Watson''' "I thought a much;. Now, terms. I asume you will not be in Chaos more then a dozen turnings?" Jurt nods. "Then both have small terms.. You are an Amberite...This I know. Would you entertain enhancing their battle weapons by bearing them through a passage of the pattern of Amber?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "That sounds more like a long-term payment to me; but might be possible once the short term contract is fulfilled." Realmer smiles and counters with, "Perhaps some other Enhancements or Empowerments of a Sorcerous nature would be more appropriate? For a short term contract." *'''Michael James Watson''' "Really? do you think a minor sorcerer of Amber knows more then great sorcerers of Chaos? Let us set the passage as a long term possibilities. " He makes a small handsign tapping the table. Stands and steps away. Jurt" The tapping is sort of their way of saying, Let me speak to my Client. You may do it and it means, I need to check my money purse. you see?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Yes, I understand. And since he is away.." Realmer looks about to make sure; "Is what he is asking reasonable? I feel he is asking a bit much. And I know I did under offer, but isn't that how haggling is done?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt-"Ya, the passage is a big deal.. Passage through the Logrus is a common payment for Masoja. But they are mighty... its borderline. I think you could defend the passage to random, but it would really depend on what powers their war weapons have." *'''Michael James Watson''' He comes back with a small woman with green hair and a rather horsey face. "My Lord, Lord Jurt, This is Kala Kala, she is the Blender Ava i spoke of. She requests to enter this bargaining if possible.' *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "By all means" Realmer says. "Well met, Kala Kala, I am Lord Relmopator of Amber." He bows to her. *'''Michael James Watson''' She inclines her head. "I am aiding in the blending of two Masoja, Combat and guard, as they seek to procreate. I am aided by spirits of Combat,Guard, Defense and Cleanliness. As well as Ava of Cleanliness. My powers can help the two generate 10 Elementals of fire and earth, as is their origins and one Ava Dufirosim of Guard as is their desire. Lord Jurt, you understand?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt nods, "Yes, advanced grade.. Nice work.. " *'''Michael James Watson''' Kala-"If you were willing to participate in the perpetration of the waters and oils, chant the rites of blending with me, and sanctified the blending with a reading of the Book of the Serpent, and witness the joining, and.. acknowledge in the Tome of Summoning of this Ava of Guard, it parents would be willing to serve in Chaos and realms as far as Cynsure for 50 Turnings of chaos" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt chuckles *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer turns to Jurt and asks, "So is she asking for a three-some... four-some, with me or you?" *'''Michael James Watson''' *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' jurt chuckles again, chucking your shoulder-"Only magically... Its actually a pretty gutsy suggestion. Kala, this is your suggestion? When you complete this let us speak. ITs not so much asking you to engage is messy hankypanky as it is as asking to be the ava Guard's godfather " Pointing a finger at Kala-"And you know it too. 200 Turnings as far as the Dungeons of Amber and right of Summoning for the Ava Guard child for the course of its life" *'''Michael James Watson''' The broker steps back.. Kala leans forward, " Sign the Summoning Book in blood. And I'll include service of a Fire Elemental and an Earth Elemental till each is mature and ready to transition to spirit races. One would hope by then he would be generous in providing for their spirit rituals?"" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt nods, "Of course! My companion is by no means cheap. After years of elemental service they would be like his own children.. well, slow neighbor's children at least." *'''Michael James Watson''' Kala looks to Realmer, "Is the Lord of Chaos your broker in this?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer looks from Kala Kala to Jurt then back again. He taps the table twice without responding and looks to Jurt. Not knowing if the custom is for the one asking for 'a moment to confer' to leave the table, as he saw Calat do earlier, he awaits Jurt's lead. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt steps away from the table out of suspected hearing range. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "OK. So this is a bit more complicated and involved than I thought it would be... now I understood every word she and you said, but to be honest I only understood about a third of what was said. I am a little confused... somehow I thought I would be bargaining for Spirits that would inhabit an Artifact or two... not physical beings in the process of mating, wanting me to be a Godfather to one or more offspring and to... raise two offspring... is that right? So, lay it out for me straight, Jurt; what I am getting into? And what is it going to cost me?" *'''Michael James Watson''' "The bargaining is for two Masoja to provide visible defense while in Chaos. Kala here however is involved in the two procreating. Blenders often act to make it easier for Dufiro to jump their progeny over the elemental stage. Kala is helping them also jump their child at creation to jump Spirit ranks as well, and that is likely to have the side effect of creating fire and earth elements. To do so she is creating a very complicated ritual. As you know rituals are about combinations of aspects. BY helping with the ritual you lend your psyche essence to help make her dangerously complicated ritual more likely to succeed. And she was hoping you would help on the cheap. 50 turns." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "How long is a Turn in Amber Years?" *'''Michael James Watson''' "My suggestion is 200 turns anywhere in Amber and shadow. Plus,the ability to summon the Ava for its whole life. Summoning does not mean it will necessarily do anything, just that you cold call it and bargain with it." *'''Michael James Watson''' a turn? Hours, Centuries..Its chaos.. 200 turns would be in the range of 10 amber years' *'''Michael James Watson''' the broker leans in, "Amberite, bargain for Dufiro is as much about relationships as it is mercantilism. I am brokering a first meeting. In the future you may be able to contact them directly. familiarity means different deals, you do not know these Masoja, so they bargain hard *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer bows to Jurt then the broker. "Thank you both for your sage advice and counsel. I hope no offense was taken for my need to leave the bargaining table for a moment. We shall return presently." *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt nods. "Dufiro bargain for power and influence to raise their status and power, to build themselves better. In time they have to apply to different races to gain the right to perform racial rights. developing good contacts, such as a Lord of Sawall or a Lord of Amber, shows them to be worthy of the next race they join.. *'''Michael James Watson''' Kala nods, "You name on their summoning book means anyone who calls them must read that they have dealt with you" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "I see. A way to advance oneself in power and status. So it is as much a reflection on me as it is on them that we have bargained together for power. Fascinating." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Well, I believe we can continue now." Realmer returns to the table with Jurt and sits. "In answer to your question, Kala Kala; Yes, Jurt does act as my Broker in this matter as he is more knowledgeable than I in the matters of Dufiro... and certainly more skilled at bargaining. He knows my needs and my ability to make payment. But let us be clear... most of the contract will be spent away from Chaos and mostly in the area of Amber... most likely. I hope that is acceptable. Also I ask, Kala Kala, are your services and skills on the table for the long term deal as well, or just the short term deal? As I understand it, a Blending Ava would greatly compliment my skills in Sorcery and Trump Artistry." *'''Michael James Watson''' Kala nods, "my services are bound to the the blending but once complete i would be eager to make further deals. I would not accompany the Masoja as they serve their contract save when the ritual of blending is held. In point of fact the ritual would be held in the next 3 turns anyway. Afterwards they will have their progeny, a collection of pet Elementals, and i would have my pay. Your involvement would require little time, just the ritual to be held in the realms of the Dufirosim. After the ritual they would have their child, i my pay, you their service and a pair of your own pet Elementals. " Jurt-"Not signed in blood. Signed in your blood, Kala. So, 200 turns to include Chaos and Shadow. 2 Elementals service till mature. for involvement in the ritual to include mixing water and oil, singing a stanza of the rite, reading from the Book of the Serpent, and witnessing the creating. Then signing the Summoning Book, in your blood. And of course, you pay your broker as Lord Realmer pays his." Jurt motions for you to lick your hand and offer to shake hers to seal the deal. Kala licks her hand and extends it. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer licks his hand and takes Kala Kala's hand and shakes firmly. *'''Michael James Watson''' She removes a silver card and hands it to you. "This will glow and open when the ritual is ready. I shall had the Masoja at the entrance of this tent when you leave. Shall we agree to deal further after the ritual?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Yes, Kala Kala, that is most agreeable." He takes the silver card and slips it into a hidden pocket in the fold of his Robes. "Until then. Thank you for your services." Realmer bows to her. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Oh, one final question; how long after the ritual before the offspring are produced?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt says for Kala, "Instantly" *'''Michael James Watson''' Kala-"You may have Gazil and Risik embed in any artifact you wish but i recommend you use them as they are." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Since it is a short-term contract for a short visit, perhaps it would be best to use them as they are. Though I will defer to the counsel of my broker." *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt have to see them but its a 50/50 thing. *'''Michael James Watson''' the deal being concluded Jurt leaves and walks back the way he came. Looking into room left and right other deals are being done. Jurt seems to not want to tarry *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer follow Jurt, now that his business is concluded. *'''Michael James Watson''' reaching the entrance in the open area to the east is Kala. With here is a pair of creatures. She introduces them as Gazil and Risik *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt nods, looking satisfied. "Well, yes...They will do indeed" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer nods his head as he looks the pair over. "I agree. Gazil. Risik. I am Lord Relmopator of Amber." He bows to the pair. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jasra has been unusually quiet, now looks them over with great interest *'''Michael James Watson''' Rasik, "Greetings Lord, Command and demand and we shall perform. I walk to a side, Gazil should walk behind. " *'''Michael James Watson''' Jasra-"They wear horns of Hendrake. Have you both served a Hendrake Lord?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Risik look to Realmer, " Does this traitor serve you? Is it required we speak to her?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt laughs. Jasra scowls murder *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer turns to Risik and says, "No, she does not serve me. But we are traveling together. And yes, you do have to answer her questions. Honestly and politely." *'''Michael James Watson''' he nods, "Then may i recommend i stand between you and her? And my partner stand behind her? We served the Hellmaid Anahulik, a princess of Hendrake." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "As you see fit to protect and guard me and mine, Risik. And I also accompany Lord Jurt. And the Beholder is my familiar. Now you know who is a part of my circle." *'''Michael James Watson''' He nods. She has not spoken... *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Lord Jurt, I believe my business is done here. I am at your leave. Where you lead, I will follow. As you advise, I will heed. These are your peoples and your customs and I am a stranger in a strange land. Let the adventure continue." *'''Michael James Watson''' "We cross over" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt lead the way to the edge of the abyss. There many thousands of people wait as whispies some and go across the Abyss. There are lines and guards and customs people and warriors in guarding positions... Jurt walks past them and aside to the very edge of the abyss, as many of the people watch.. A puffy cloud comes out of the Stuff of Chaos. The guards and spectators realize a Lord summons it. As it reaches the edge Jurt steps out onto it, followed by Jasra. The Dufiro wait for you" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer steps onto the cloud last motioning for the Dufiro to follow. Should the cloud fail to hold Realmer, his Robe does have Flight Capability. (LOL) ====<big>Sawall Ways and The Sawalls</big>==== *'''Michael James Watson''' Stepping to the wispy and floating outward over the dark descent of the abyss. Below is a blackness more overwhelming then any deep dungeon or water depth. That is crawls with shadows floating just outside view is unnerving.. Forms, waves, shifts, life and death.. all things lie in the endless hells being crossed over. As the wispy comes over there are senses of pathways leading off in many directions. Some disappearing into the stuff of chaos, others looking like main roads floating in the blackness. Jurt.."I suppose we should make passage through Theldane. The Courts of Chaos capital.. I have been away a long time and there might be question of my loyalty. It will be wise to go to the first gate and kowtow to the Statue of the First Swayvil.....Then we can go to Sawall Way. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer stares into the Abyss and truly lets the magnitude of it register on his mind, his psyche and his soul. He barely hears Jurt, as though he is worlds away. "As you think is best. I have always wanted to visit Theldane and to see even part of it on my first visit would be a treat and an honor. Lead the way, Lord Jurt." *'''Michael James Watson''' "Honor.... Let us call it walking the Knife's edge. " Walking up the widest path many people of all descriptions. Chaos forms, animal forms, waves of energy, human forms, dark elvish looking beings. Wagons of different kinds moving along by strange beasts or floating on their own. Jurt is maintaining his human form despite the two Dufiro looking decidedly demonic. Jasra keeps her human form to not attract certain attentions. Jasra-"I never expected to be home again...." Jurt nods in agreement. "Lets just hope they let us leave." *'''Michael James Watson''' The great towers of Theldane rise suddenly a distortion of time and distance.. the great artifice of millions of years, its antiquity written deep in every line. Entering the path to the main entrance Jurt stops, eyeing the guards on either side. Squads of horrible warrior abyssal demons and creatures of no solid description. Jurt..."Ah fuck....Oh well. can't stop now...." *'''Michael James Watson''' A shape separates from the guards floating towards the group of you. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer allows his Guards to guard him, but he is also ready to take action if needed. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt stops, as it speaks," Lord Jurt, Your presence was noted in the Fane of Zilla. Your father has sent me to escort you to Sawall Way if you chose to ignore his many summons even unto the gates of Castle Amber." Jurt nods, "Gilsar, I have come specifically to speak to father. I shall make my obeisance to the Swayvil then proceed their directly. " Gilsar, "Good. I can have my company escort your slaves and have them placed in the pens until you arrive." The Dufiro bristle but remain calm. Jurt, 'Gilsar, You serve my father and through him, me. Go tell him i come and leave my companions to attend me as is their choice. Now.. GO!! Take your scavengers and Flee before i feed you to the Abyss and make apologies to my father for your destruction!" *'''Michael James Watson''' the creature flees as if burned.. A group detaches from the Theldane guard to follow him *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer looks indignant and offended by the creature thinking, and calling, him, a Lord of Amber, a slave. The look on Realmer's face surely shows his irritation... his face may have even 'distorted' a bit towards his Chaos Form (Nosferatu) before he regained his calm at the offense. "Looks and sounds like your father really wants to speak with you, Jurt. And that his servants are more interested in getting you to him and less concerned with offending those with you. Is this the way of Chaos?" Realmer does sound irritated, but not with Jurt and his question sounds more sincere and less snide. *'''Michael James Watson''' "Its not uncommon. Remember that unlike in most of shadow, we are part of the circle of life. You eat what doesn't eat you. Gilsar is a bitch even at the best of times. My father's batman. never liked him. beside serving father he is Mandor's creature more then Merlin, Despil or mine." *'''Michael James Watson''' Reaching the central plaza the scene is busy beyond description. Tall towers, people moving, energy in the air.. A massive statue of a demonic form in the center seems to be bowed to, touched, and otherwise revered ass everyone goes about their business. Jurt goes and kneels briefly, putting his head to the base.. Jasra stand, shaking.. Looking at Jurt as he stands,"It was a mistake for me to come here.. I'm not ready to renew my allegiance.. " Jurt nods, "Then its best if you claim my protection. Realmer, you are under my protection. We can go to Sawall way now" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer asks Jurt, "Should I show 'respect' to the statue of the King of Chaos, or might that be misconstrued as me giving my allegiance? I don't wish to look disrespectful." *'''Michael James Watson''' "Considering your bloodline it would be considered a petition to open negations of returning to serve Chaos. Be aware that everything we do is seen. " *'''Michael James Watson''' Walking out of the central courtyard he chooses a major path, crowded with people.. As time goes on he takes off-ramps smaller and smaller *'''Michael James Watson''' In time he stops at an Inn and ha a meal supplied. Light on local delicacies. *'''Michael James Watson''' Taking to the paths again them float high and low over the blackness under the red sky turning. Eventually coming to a view into a landed valley with what looks like a thousand massive stacked books. colors and shapes of different block. A gateway shows the entrance. It is flanked by guards as were at Theldane. Gilar stand waiting. A armored human form with him, tall and broad. Jurt stops, "Jasra, Realmer, welcome to Sawall Way" *'''Michael James Watson''' entering the grand entrance is a study in organized Chaos. It is clear the Sawalls have been art collector with an elegant eye. Cases of souvenirs and trinkets from many black Zone world . Bookcases adorn reding nooks in many hallways.. Windows look out onto different landscapes. A floating snake approaches and seems to almost bow, "Greeeeetingsssss, dear Jurt.......Welcome home... That my bones were not sucked dry in your absence is a pleasure to this old one." "Calao, it is good to see you.. Its been many turnings. Do your eggs still taste of fire?" It chuckles, "I still cook....yes...Though your father takes little more then gravy these days.. He awaits within" Jurt rubs a fond hand on the floating snake as it paces beside him. "These are companions of mine. Jasra and Realmapator." IT floats looking in regard.."Jasra we know, do we not little handmaiden? you have grown tall, and fat, and ripe for the eating" Jasra scowls slightly, "You look delicious as well old one. I do not come here as a servant anymore though." Calao spins and writhes as if laughing. "We will see about that, handmaid" *'''Michael James Watson''' It floats near Realmer, sniffing the air with its tri-forked tounge. "Bariman blood... but not close kin.. Curious..Well met, chaosian get. " Jurt walks pat guards and guarding armor down long twisting corridors to come to a grand open space. Seating groups are spread about chaotically. A grand fireplace fills one wall with raising fire. Near it is a lounging bed with a still emaciated form resting upon it. He is attended by a mall coweled figure. Filling a glass. THe figure leans up, pulling pillows behind it. "My son.... you have inded come. Gilsar said you met in Theldane but he doubted you would come.. I knew you would.. Come close.. " Jurt come nearer, motioning for Realmer and Jasra to stay a few feet back. "Father...how could i cross the Abyss and not come to see you..." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer follows Jurt through Sawall Ways looking at everything he can, but touching nothing. When Calao addresses Realmer he will nod his head to the serpent and reply: "Well met, Calao. Of Barimen blood indeed; I am a grandson of Dworkin Barimen, but not a son of Oberon. And I am certainly not good eating." Realmer smiles at the serpent then follows Jurt as he leads the way. When they reach the room with the man on the lounging bed, he already knows to stay a respectful distance behind Lord Jurt and to keep his mouth closed until asked to speak. When Jurt motions for he and Jasra to stay back, Realmer simply stays at Jasra's side and moves only when she does. *'''Michael James Watson''' Calao-"Oh, Bariman Lord, do not fear. I am sure you are very tasty. If you wish to know i am sure i could prepare a lovely dish from a shank or arm or leg. You would certainly regrow it. It would make a lovely main course for a family dinner." rt chuckles, looking to Realmer..."He's joking.. I think" *'''Michael James Watson''' The red robed figure turns, "OH I can easily imagine you crossing the abyss and not visiting your family little wolf. At least we hear from Despil in official dispatches" The figure drops its hood, revealing a red haired young woman in human form, She walks toward Jurt. "Come give your mother a kiss." Jurt gives his mother a brief kiss. She looks over his shoulder. Jasra looks stiff, trying to look formal.. "Sweet little Jassy.... Its been ages since you served in this hall. You have done well it seems after failing me so miserably. Walking toward Realmer, looking him over carefully.. And who is this, my son? A heir to Bariman.." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer smiles pleasantly then bows to Jurt's mother but keeps himself wary. "Highness; an unexpected pleasure. I am Lord Relmopator of Amber. Grandson of Dworkin and Verna, Son of Satura and Hagalta. As to me being the Heir to anything, I would find it unlikely... except, perhaps, in Adagalasck." Realmer bows again and continues smiling politely. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt "We didn't come to contest what shambles the Bariman Way is. I would guess Maylon brewed enough Amberites to claim it herself. We came for a more pressing matter. Have you spoken to Mandor recently, father?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Gramble-"Bring the young Amberite over, Son" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt turns, waves for you to come to his bedside *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer moves to the bedside and bows respectfully. *'''Michael James Watson''' Gramble-"I'm Gramble Sawall. It is interesting to me to meet an heir of Dworkin not of Oberon's git. My father was close kin to Dworkin. His rebellion, if it was that, was a hard thing. And the monster he made with the Unicorn was the greatest foe of Chaos save Hariswiee the Wise. Would you think it treason that in a place where all things walk that a Lord such as I would wish to see Chaos defied?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Majesty, it is not for me to determine what is treason and what is not, especially in a Realm I am unfamiliar with. And it would seem to me that treason is a matter of perspective and time; treasonous acts of centuries gone by may be the foundation of a prosperous society today. And to defy chaos, in a general sense, happens to even the most chaotic of peoples... as does defying order by the orderly. But this is just my opinion and based on my limited experiences in Amber and my more extensive experiences in Shadow, Majesty." Realmer bows again to Gramble Sawall. *'''Michael James Watson''' grambe coughs, with Dara putting a straw to his lips "An elegant deflection.. Would it surprise you to learn i was an old rebel myself?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "No, Majesty; it would not. Many Rulers and Leaders are considered 'rebels' by many... at one time or another." *'''Michael James Watson''' "I married a creature of the Maylon line of amberites. Having failed to breed a son for the King of Amber, that being Corwin, She was bound for the slaveblocks as a failed experiment. Her mother had been a mighty warrior but Dara was more the sorceress. And magicians are a glut on the lave market. But she had lovely hips and a certain sexual enthusiasm born from a desire not to end in the cook pots im sure. " Dara chuckles, "You had a nice set of horns on you you old fiend" *'''Michael James Watson''' "She bore me two sons. Despil and this one. While they are the children of my dotage i adore them after my fashion... But they both failed me as well. " Jurt whispers, "So glad i came home Mother. " Gramble-"I have spoken to Maylon. Do you know her?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "No, Majesty." Realmer replies politely. *'''Michael James Watson''' "She is an archvillian to be sure. A treasured patriot of Chaos. She managed the Benedict/Lintra project after its creator died" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "I believe I read that somewhere in a tome within the Library at Castle Amber, Majesty.... or perhaps I overheard somebody talking about it in the Library.... Majesty." *'''Michael James Watson''' " She was raised by Darnuthas rasaka afuras, a minor lord of Chaos and a confidant of Lintra's. She was raised in a realm with a potent artifact that according to Lord Darnu an Amberite was needed to break the seal and claim it. She tried and failed. By the time she was old enough to attempt it Darnu had taken two of her sisters into shadow where he was eventually destroyed, mostly. So Maylon continued the project. She bore two children. Both of whom failed to open the seal. One was brain-damaged beyond healing. The other, Voya, failed but became a mighty hellmaiden, she was the mother of my dear dangerous wife. Dara also failed to break the seal. The other daughter of Maylon, became a ghola tank and breed 3 true amberite offspring, two of whom, after failing, were turned into ghola tanks as well. The third was disposed of in the depths of Hendrake only to emerge and to the best of my knowladge is a piano player somewhere in shadow. His name was Vek, who also failed to break the seal.. The Two tanks each breed one true amberite before the program was discovered and destroyed. One is Gilva, the other is Shaz Far, a new rebel himself now in service to Amber. Dara bore me two children both of whom failed..ITs believed the line of Benedict, beng doomed, can not unseal the artifact. " *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt frowns, thinking of himself as a breeding project. "So you need a Chaoian of the line of Dworkin but not Benedict? You may be in luck. Have you spoken to Mandor recently?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Gramble ignores Jurt, speaking to Realmer. "Its believed any of the line of Oberon might fail. Bleys, and brand and Fiona all failed as well. " *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt looks at Realmer-"Well, to bad for Henry, eh?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "So, you are looking for a descendant of Dworkin, but not a descendant of Oberon... and I would bet, not any of the Unicorn Lineage. And here I am, grandson of Dworkin and not of the Unicorn Lineage, and so you seek to intrigue me with bits of Chaosian history, hoping to entice me to ask more and perhaps become involved. Well, Majesty, I am intrigued and enticed... to know more, for certain. But anymore than that I cannot promise." *'''Michael James Watson''' Gramble-"If the line of Oberon is suspect, that leaves the line of Satura and the line of Hagalta and the line of Vincent, does it not? If you are not interested there is your mother and father, might either of them be interested? The line of vincent seems immune to research" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "I know nothing of the line of Vincent, Majesty. But as far as my mother and father are concerned; I am sure my mother would reject it as she seems to have no aspirations of power... at least at this time. And my father is treacherous and brutish; I would not suggest any alliances with him; ever. That is my only counsel on those matters, Majesty. But I am certainly open to hear more, if I may, Majesty." *'''Michael James Watson''' Dara steps up to Jurt, whispers, 'Who is Henry?" Jurt look at her, "Ask him" pointing to Realmer. He turns and walks quickly from the room, gripping Jasra and pulling her behind himm hard. She stubmbles in surprise and rights herself to follow. The dufiro are ignored by Gramble and Dara, as is the custom *'''Michael James Watson''' Gramble-'The artifact is one of great spirally powers. It creates something of a whirlpool in the stuff of chaos. those living on the land it is in do not notice the spin but from outside it is easy to see. The land is a mighty rock others have tried to destroy to no avail" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Forgive me, Majesty, but it seems I have offended your son. A situation I find untenable and a breach of trust I must remedy. With your leave, Majesty, Highness, I must request leave of your presence to pursue your son and correct my error." Realmer bows to the two of them and backs away three steps then bows again... then pauses to see if he is being dismissed or if he is about to make another offense by leaving in order to correct a previous offense. *'''Michael James Watson''' Gramble seems to have forgotten you were there.. Dara steps up, gripping your shoulder lightly and walking you out of the room. Dare-"Who is Henry?' *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Son of Mandor of Chaos and Fiona of Amber. His Trump recently showed up in the Family Deck. I believe it is... one of the reasons Jurt came back and is seeking Mandor, Highness." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer pulls out his Trump Deck box, opens and pulls out Henry's Trump, which happens to be on top since he and Jurt fished them out just recently. Realmer shows the Trump to Dara but does not let her take or touch it. He gives her a good look, then puts it away before a Contact can be made. *'''Michael James Watson''' She looks, frowning, "Mandor....and Fiona....interesting.. I hadn't checked my deck recently... Not that i have a functional King Random deck. I had to acquire a non-magical deck as Zilla. Thank you for the information. Jurt has always been a problem child... jeolous of his brothers." *'''Michael James Watson''' She lets go of Realmers arm and walks back into Grambles chamber. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer continues until he reaches the next room, going back the way he came, using Bob to help navigate. If he cannot see Jurt and if he believes he is getting lost, he will Trump Jurt... if needed. *'''Michael James Watson''' As you twit and turn you are not sure which path he took. The Dufiro of Guard steps up, "lord, the Lord Jurt took the passage third to the left ahead. I can track him as long as he remains in the Way" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Then track, by all means. Take me to Lord Jurt. And thank you for offering the information without being prompted. Very helpful... even thoughtful. Lead on, please." *'''Michael James Watson''' He leads on through seveeral twists and turns to a blank wall. Passing through it leads to a messy looking room with a wide variety of toys and tools and bottles.. And picture of merlin shows dagger marks. Jurt is holding a sword in his hands, lookingalong the edge "I should just go in there and hack his fool head off. he didn't even care that after all these year he is a grandfather again.. All he cares about is hi precious artifacts. This way is crammed with useless trash he has collected hoping to one up some lord. Sorry, Realmer, I don't know how long i can stay here" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' When Realmer first enters the room he feels a little nervous seeing Jurt eyeing the edge of a blade. Once the rant begins, he doesn't feel any less nervous, but more confident that Jurt is not about to end his (Realmer's) life. When Realmer speaks he is being totally sincere and his expressions will show it. "No, Jurt, I am the one who is sorry. My curiosity and insatiable thirst for knowledge and power overtook my senses; most importantly, my common sense. I came here to support you during your emotional return home and I got too easily pulled into your family's intrigue. I humbly ask your forgiveness for my error in judgment and my clear violation of our... 'table agreement'. And... if you truly intend to use that sword to decapitate your father, the King of Chaos... then I may have to ask one or both of my Guards to disarm you for my safety; after all, if you kill the king, I pretty sure I will be considered guilty by association and will not be able to get out of here... so, for my piece of mind... would you mind putting the sword down?" *'''Michael James Watson''' He levels the sword at Realmer, "Think the sword is the dangerous one here? My father is a ruler of a Great House but our is not in the top 10 for the succession to the Swayvil. The High Lord of Chaos is a creature far beyond my poor ailing father. Just so you know, he ails because he failed an ritual to control that artifact he mentioned. I had forgotten about his obsessio with it. Its why he and my mother are essentially estranged. Finding her here was a surprise. So... permission to fence with your Combat Dufiro?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jasra walks up to Realmer..."May i ask you a personal favor?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "You may ask anything you like, Lady Jasra. As to whether I will do as you want will depend exactly upon what you ask." *'''Michael James Watson''' Jasra-"You bear a King Random's deck? Then allow me to transfer through the Zilla Trump. It won't cross the Abyss but it will deliver me to the passage point across from Zilla that we arrived in Chaos at. Ill wait public transportation across and out of Chaos. Call my son Rinaldo and ask him to meet me at Zilla. I don't dare stay in Chaos nd certainly not in this house. I had thought to spend a few days but i think my life is at risk in Dara's house. " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer first addresses Jurt who is still fencing with the air, hopefully. "Yes, Jurt, you may spar with my Guards, but please, don't kill, maim or seriously harm each other." Then Realmer nods to the Dufiro before turning his attention back to Jasra. "I will grant your favor, Lady Jasra" Realmer says as he draws out his Deck and begins shuffling through them, "but one day in the future, you will need to repay the favor." Realmer stops when he finds the card in question and he immediately begins making contact. Once established, he extends his hand to Lady Jasra. "I will contact Rinaldo as soon as you pass through." *'''Michael James Watson''' She nods, knowing the score when she asked for the favor. Stepping through the portal. Jurt moves a head cut passage to a low line thrust, blocked by the Dufiro of Combat. Looking up, he suddenly laughs.. "Fled has she? I'm surprised she stayed with us this long. Of course i had made it clear what my intentions toward her were going to be later tonight." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Well, she mentioned needing a favor, and I love gathering favors... never know when one might be needed." Realmer winks at Jurt and looks for something to drink or smoke. If nothing is sitting out, Realmer will pull something from his private stash out of his Robe of Many Pockets. "Hope you don't mind. So... any idea how long you do intend to stick around? Planning on seeking out Mandor?" *'''Michael James Watson''' "Seeking out Mandor? Well, seeking him out would mean leaving Chaos.. Im not sure what more there is here. I had thought father would claim he had known all along. Or that he would be angered by the exclusion... He is usually ... But no. Henry does not fit his obsession any more then I do... But....since i am here i intend to gather a few things i left behind. " He salutes the Combat D. Slides the sword into a scabbard... Walking to a chest of angularity awkward drawers he with draws a box and puts on a medallion with the symbol of house Sawall. He removes several items of clothes dropping them into his holding bag. Followed by several tomes from a stack. Walking out of the room he waves for you to follow *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' As they are leaving the room, Realmer sorts out Rinaldo's Trump and gives him a call. *'''Michael James Watson''' Walking down a long series of confusing switchbacks left and right. Falling through sinking floors and slipping around complicated passages. The Guard looks unhappy and uncertain, its blade drawn. Eventually he comes to a large flat wall. Flanked by Abyssal Demons. 2 on each side. He draws his blade and launches at the ones on the left side of the wall. *'''Michael James Watson''' the two on the other side advance on Realmer. The Guard D moves to parry their attacks, splitting them as his partner advances to cross blades *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer brings up the Pattern as a Defense in front of him and he release the lynchpin on a Bodily Defense Spell meant to protect against all forms of Invasive Powers. Bob the Beholder unleashes, at Realmer's mental command, a Hung Spell; Strength Drain on the Abyssal Demon closest to Realmer. Realmer's wand appears in his right hand, red Mandalay Stone still held within the wand's butt end. *'''Michael James Watson''' The Guard attempts to block you from physical combat giving time for magiic. the Combat slays hers and looks to see Jurt slay one. Stepping behind to your left she steps inbetween Jurt and Reamer, slicing a blade down the back of one of the ones Jurt is battling before turning to see if you cat spells, not wanting to step in the way *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer releases a Hung Spell from the Pattern, a Forked Lightning Bolt. He is trying to strike the remaining two of them and will fork the bolt around Jurt or a Dufiro if needed. The Bone Wand named Hex, an attack based sentient Artifact, releases a Giants Slap Spell upon same two the Lightning Bolt struck, if they are close enough together, attempting to knock them flat to the ground. *'''Michael James Watson''' The combination of spell damage and blade work cause them to fade into ether. The dufiro kneel and start cleaning the blood from the ground, careful not to touch any themselves. Jurt nod, "Good work. Quickly done." Stepping up he places the medallion on the wall and it opens. Stepping inside there are two racks of exquisite swords. One rack with a pair of matched blades looking very much like chaosian katanas. He grabs them, and slides them into his belt. To the left are two book cases filled with ornate leather tombs. To the right are several coronets, and a dozen different medallions hanging on silver hooks. Around the ground are 12 different chests. On a free standing stand is a large blue glowing uncut stone *'''Michael James Watson''' Pulling out two bags, snapping them, they open with a mouth 3' wide each and float at waist level. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt-"Take it all." *'''Michael James Watson''' He steps to the tomes and starts pitching them into a bag *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer decides to stay out of this, directly, but to help his friend, indirectly. "Gazil, Risik, help Lord Jurt load his bag, please. Bob and I will stand watch." Realmer and Bob the Beholder stand watch. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt laughs...The Dufiro stand guard and ready for combat "Wont be that easy. You didn't hire Masoja of Strength in order to help pick things up. Get in here and start loading before the abyssal we dispatched get back to their transport stones. We have about 4 minutes till they get there and summon the rest of the abyssal in this living mausoleum. Now!!! Hurruy!!!" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer has the Bone Wand become a four armed skeletal monkey that jumps into the closet and begins tossing anything it can grab into the open bag. Bob decides to help, since the Dufiro have the watching under control, so he floats over to the closet and uses his Beholder Eye Stalk Telekinetic Ray (if it works here) to move things into the bag. If the Ray does not work, Bob will Shape Shift his eye stalks into tentacles and start grabbing things and tossing them into the bag. "Way faster than I could do. Keep up the good work, boys." Realmer says to his Familiar and his Artifact. "Is that helping, Jurt?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt nods, "It'll hold up in court. Damn,, i knew these boxes were heavy. " with the monkey ad bob helping the room is emptied in only a couple minutes.. Standing, stepping out of the vault. Jurt pulls a trump deck out, withdrawing a card he opens a portal. The lnd across the gate is black & white. Windswept and icy cold looking. A dark forest in the distance. "All through!!!" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer moves through quickly, grabbing the bone monkey and Bob to make sure they are with him... he will let the Dufiro worry about the Dufiro. *'''Michael James Watson''' The Dufiro move in lockstep around realmer. JUrt steps through and closes the gate, He immediately starts giggling.. Riffling through his trumps he withdraws the next one. Opening the gate. "Pattern trumps won't cross the abyss but Logrus ones will to black zone border realms. But we need distance now. On through. Home again, Home again" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer looks to the Dufiro and says, "Since we are leaving the Realms of Chaos our contract is completed, for now. I have the silver card Kala Kala gave me; summon me when you are ready. And please give Kala Kala my regards and that I will not be able to bargain with her as soon as I had hoped." *'''Michael James Watson''' He nods, "Its your choice. My portal is to Thin Whip's Place in the City of Amber. You might as well come with me and get as far away as possible. We are in a black zone realm and using a pattern trump here will be like carving a statue of yourself. Realm Lords will know you are here the second you engage the trump. Feel free to be pissed at me but by the unicorn's 3rd teat, lets have that argument far from here. Get through the portal." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer has said his piece to the Dufiro and he steps through. *'''Michael James Watson''' Guard. "Service Rendered. Battle Done. Contract Complete." He hands you a silver stone. the Dof C leans up and slips a silver stone to the guard who includes it with his. "Should you wish our services again, these will tell any broker who we are. We can make our way from here. We will speak to KalaKala. " They turn and start moving fast to the north. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' After receiving the silver stones, Realmer slips them into a pocket within his robes and then steps through the open portal. *'''Michael James Watson''' Arriving in the second floor of Thin Whips among pool tables and benches.. Walking to a door way, waving to people, in the room is an office with a couple tables and a desk. The place is disorderly and not very clean but it feels magically secure. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt-"Well, i think my fealty to Chaos is pretty well screwed. Maybe i better talk to Random now.. Accept his offer.. ah.. for the record, i did not intend to to that crossing over" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "So it was not your plan from the beginning? To pilfer from your family? It was just a spur of the moment type thing? And yes, perhaps we should both talk to Random, though for separate reasons. I need a drink. Got any of your famous tequila handy?" *'''Michael James Watson''' he nods, pulling a bottle from the desk.. pouring into two surprisingly clean glasses. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "We should probably also check on your wife, my pet and the resurrected girl." *'''Michael James Watson''' "Well, i had it planned. Centuries ago. As a kid. I kyped one of dad's Lord's Medalions when he thought he had lost it and i later found it. And of course i had been in the vault. Stored stuff over the years. Some of the stuff we grabbed was really mine.. A couple chests. a few tomes.. But i never thought i would take them out of Chaos.. Now they are here. I'll tell you what....Im keeping the tomes here. You can peruse them at your leisure.." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "That sounds like an offer I will gladly take you up on." Realmer grabs one of the glasses and tosses down the entire contents with a slight shudder then sets the glass on the desk and reaches for the bottle and refills his glass. "Helluva day. And I still have to go back... sort of. Dufiro mating ritual." Realmer toasts with his glass then takes a swig. *'''Michael James Watson''' *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' he nods.."tricky... but doable. Contact KalaKala and see if they are willing to perform the ritual a bit east of where they expected...Its not a terrible explosive ritual. i bet we could arrange it for one of the Tombs uphill from here and they would love it. Oh.....damn...." He is clearly blocking a trump. "Well, this is going to take some time. they are going to call back. Do yourself a favor. Find a nice fast time rest, maybe block trump contacts for awhile. Whoever is calling is on a Logrus trump and in time they won't take no for an answer. When it comes to it, I'll take all the blame. Wouldn't be any fun being a villian if i didn't get all the credit." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer takes Jurt's advice and decides to head to his one of his Personal Shadows, the one within the Adagalasck Sway... but before he does he asks Jurt for one last thing. "Before we part... any chance you'd part with some of your blood? Perhaps I can get a jump on those Beholders you wanted." *'''Michael James Watson''' *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Jurt laughs. "Sure! Take a pint! Make all the bane weapons you like! I'm rethinking the whole beholder project anyway. I've new priorities." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Well then, if you're rethinking the Beholder project then I really won't be needing your blood. I will take my leave for now. I will be in touch." Realmer uses a special teleport spell hung on the spiral of the Four Winds to take him to his personal Shadow called Adagaar. Once there, Realmer tweaks the time flow and speed things up considerably so that he can get several days of rest but only a few minutes will have passed in Amber. ====<big>Treasures and a Shard of Paragon</big>==== *'''Michael James Watson''' In a land with an extended timeline a dozen trump calls in Amber might all feel like they arrive at once. After a day in shadow a massive barrage of Trumps calls slam into Realmer. His trump skill lets him feel them coming in on Pattern and Adagalasck inscription frequencies. They ping on him in a group, then filter off to ping one at a time after a couple days. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' After Realmer is well rested and has re-hung his cast spells, including those hung in his Artifacts and Familiar, he then begins 'playing' with the Mandalay Stones to become more familiar with them. He does this while he awaits the Trumps calls that are sure to come. Realmer speculates with Bob as to who called and who will be the first to call next. "So Bob, I know you're always tuned in to any Trump Contacts I make or receive... so, have you any idea who tried to contact me? I could tell that most were Amber based Trumps, but at least one was of Adagalasck. Speculate with me while we wait." [Bob has Extraordinary Psychic Sense and Powered by Trump] *'''Michael James Watson''' Bob- "The number of trump artists in Adagalasck is small, but Nina and Emilie might have made trumps for Julian, Caine and Trualta reasonably. Beyond them its hard to say. As for Amber trumps, i feel a sense some contacts are weak, others strong. The strong ones might me sorcerers or notable lords. The weak ones might be any family member. I hear you blocking them. In time you will have to answer one. I suggest you reason who you want to speak to concerning the trip west and make the call yourself. *'''Michael James Watson''' bob-"I also suspect considering the time, Jurt may be among the calls. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer fiddles with the Stones dexterously (think Goblin King and the crystal balls from Labyrinth) while he considers for a few minutes who he really needs and wants to speak to... he reasons that King Random should be the first and draws out his Trump with one hand while still fiddling with the Stones in the other. He concentrates on the Trump an the Stones at the same time, to test their Trump Boosting Effect. *'''Michael James Watson''' Carly, Random's Trump secretary answers. "Lord Relmopator, his majesty is currently in the Library and told me to relay you to him if you should call. I'll put you through." Moments later Random appears on the card. He puts up a finger for one minutes. Then "Ok, before you say a word, come across. I'm in the library and we won't be disturbed. " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer steps through into the Library, bringing Bob with him, still fiddling with the Stones. *'''Michael James Watson''' Waiting in the library are Random, Arlo and Bleys. They are looking over maps as well as several law books. Ran-"Well, i got quite a nasty note an hour ago from the Ambassador of Chaos. Perhaps you would like to tell me why A Lord of Chaos is demanding the extradition of his son, who is in self exile and refusing my trump calls., and my cousin who was refusing my trump calls till a few moments ago? Any ideas? Theories? Recipes?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer debates playing dumb, but decides better of and and comes clean... mostly. "Majesty, in the matter of the Lord of Chaos' son, I am sure you are referring to Jurt and the reason is because Jurt raided a closet in Sawall Ways full of trinkets and heirlooms, and I am not entirely sure all of the contents were his. And since I was with Jurt at the time of his visit to Sawall Ways, I am sure the Lord of Chaos in question assumes I am guilty as well; even if by simple association. And I was not actively blocking your contacts, Majesty; I was in a fast time Shadow resting up from my jaunt to the Fane of Zilla and Sawall Ways. I only woke and refreshed a few hours ago, my time. You were the first I contacted." *'''Michael James Watson''' Arlo and Bleys look at each other, eventually Arlo shrugs. Arlo-"Was one of them a large blue stone... like a heart crystallized in sapphire? " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "I do believe I did see such a bauble in the closet, but as to whether Jurt took it or not, I am unsure. Once I realized what Jurt was about, I decided it best that I not be directly involved, so I turned a blind eye to what exactly he was taking and instead watched the hallway until we hastily departed via one of his Trumps, taking us to somewhere in the Black Zone, then a Trump taking us to Thin Whips, where we parted. I went to a personal Shadow to rest up, I have no idea what became of Jurt after that." *'''Michael James Watson''' Random looks at Bleys-"Well, you know the place. Do we raid it? Think Jurt would answer a trump long enough for you to zorch him?" Bleys-"While i'm certain i could zap him hard over Trump i doubt he is answering. As for raiding Thin Whip's Place...that's unlikely to get the jewel.. Realmer, he took blades. 38 of them. A matched pair of long curved war blades, 12 wide bladed broad swords with a flat edged tip. 24 thin long swords. Did you see him take those? and don't tell me you were just the look out. We are 50/50 to turning Jurt over to them and about 20/80 turning you over to them. Was anyone else present?" Arlo-"oh be real. We are not turning Realmer over to them no matter what they say and telling him that's on the table is just foolish. If Jurt escapes Amber we can claim ignorance of his location. But Random, if he got what they say he got, and Realmer can confirm it, i repeat my suggestion that we have Realmer bring Jurt in and we swear him to fealty. Tell Chaos we will be there soon enough and will discuss it in person." Random frowns, "With a million military advisors and a deck of family members. That looks like a war party to me." Bleys, "Not at all. they know our plan. Its just a good bargaining position in case they get pissy. Besides, its not the Courts of Chaos we would be fighting. Its House Sawall. And frankly, we have Sawall's crown prince's son downstairs as a ...guest. We just need to know what the deal is with what Jurt took. " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer first looks to Arlo and gives him a nod of thanks, then he turns to Bleys and replies. "Yes, I did see many blades; the first two he grabbed was a matched set of katanas which he slipped under his belt. Then next he began pitching tomes from a bookcase in his open bags... it was about then I decided it best not to pilfer from a House of Chaos nor to see what was being pilfered or rightfully taken by a member of said House... Jurt did have a 'key' to the closet, he did not force his way in." Realmer pauses a moment before continuing. "As for bringing Jurt in; I do not want to bring him into an ambush nor bring him in if he does not wish to. But... he did mention contacting you, Majesty, and something about possibly accepting your offer. And as far as raiding Thin Whips... I am sure neither he nor his treasures are there; since I was the last to see him, and he knows I would be questioned about his whereabouts, I'm confident he has already left the area." "And Lord Henry is here? In Amber? Odd. That is what spawned Jurt's trip to the Courts and my accompanying him; he saw Henry's Trump in the King Random Deck and suddenly felt the need to visit home and talk to family members." *'''Michael James Watson''' Bleys snorts, "I bet he did. Quite a inquisitive fellow. I had to toss him up against a wall just this morning. Training of course, in magical arts. Mandor and Fiona didn't just hide him from Amber but from Chaos. They were quite serious even going so far as to be married by Ygg, to establish a legitimate marriage, certainly for magical purposes. He was raised in Antheris with its 3 to 1 time ratio. Id say Henry is about 22... real years.. So an egg. And whats more Elyene, Flora's daughter, has known about him since birth. So there was a lot of deception going on." Arlo nod, "A son of the Heir of Sawall would have to have been anointed in chaos a lot of times by now and im sure it wasn't done once. He holds a woven Logrus... " Ran-"Well, Realmer, I'm sure you are right about him moving the new toys.. What do you say about going and bringing him around. Nothing formal. I'll be here in the library.. It needs to be now. Trump him or visit him.. " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Yes, Majesty. But I do not know where he is or where he might be hiding. And I am fairly confident he will not answer any Pattern or Logrus based Trump calls...." Realmer trails off and remains silent for a moment, then smiles. "But... I do know a Trump discipline involving the Spiral of the Four Winds that might work. Give me a bit of time and privacy to try it. If you will all excuse me." Realmer moves to his favorite niche in the Library, the one Arlo dislikes the most and rarely visits. He pulls out a specially prepared glass globe and begins channeling his Squiggle Power and his Trump Power into the globe to produce a 3D image of Jurt. Once this is accomplished Realmer will attempt contact, using the Mandalay Stones to boost his Psyche and the Trump Transmission itself, if needed. *'''Michael James Watson''' The image falters a bit but makes contact.. Jurt's image solidifies looking through his raised Logrus image. It shimmers bright with a unusual blue tinge.. "Realmer! An interesting power aspect... I've not see its like.. Adagalasck? It was the only imprint you had i was unfamiliar with. Are you on the lamb? I an pull you through if you like. I'm sort of in the middle of something but you are welcome to observe" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Yes, it is based on the Spiral of the Four Winds. I figured you wouldn't respond to any Pattern or Logrus based Trump calls so I thought I would try something completely different. I figured either you knew about my Imprint and would recognize the Contact or would find the Imprint just unusual enough to answer; either way, I figured I would get through. And no, I am not on the run. I am in the Library of Castle Amber and King Random has requested you come here to visit with him; just a little informal meeting... apparently your father has already contacted him and is asking that the King of Amber extradite us both to the Courts. Random questioned me about what happened; I told him most of it... making you out as the villain, as you suggested, and kept myself as innocent as possible. Are you willing to come through to me? Other than myself and Random, only Bleys and Arloxedra are present. They are all in another part of the Library presently... I am currently alone in a little used niche." *'''Michael James Watson''' "Bleys and Arlo...double tough. Ok... Look. tell them ill talk to them but i need to talk to your her at my place first. This Trump is odd. Can you transport with it? If so, come to me. " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Yes, I can transport through it. Give me a moment." Realmer turns away from the glass globe a bit, but not enough to break contact. He raises his voice enough that Random and group will hear him. "Majesty, I have contacted Jurt and he is willing to talk to you, but requests my counsel first and that I go to him now. I will be contacting you as soon as I can, and hopefully, and most likely, Lord Jurt will be accompanying me... willingly." Realmer smiles a wicked smile and looks back to Jurt and winks at him. Realmer waits a few moments for a reply, if any comes, but does not wait long. Realmer gestures silently to Bob for him to remain behind, listen and wait, then transports to Jurt. *'''Michael James Watson''' ran-"Alright. But make it clear I'm holding to coming here. I won't wait long. " *'''Michael James Watson''' Arriving in a flat stone plain under a green sky. He has several folding tables and several of the chests you saw him toss in the bags. Some tables have tomes on them. Others have chests that look like they were unpacked and the tables hear them have a wide variety of boxes and tomes. His sorting seems to be by container. The swords are on another table, 12 each. Looking around the otherwise empty plain you see the blue stone sitting about a hundred yards away.. He has both katanas in his belt. Jurt _"So..Gramble already complained to Random? How much trouble are we in?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Well.... Arloxedra came to my defense and said I would not be extradited, so I think I'm in little to no trouble." Realmer looks over the things spread out on the tables and then looks over to the sapphire then back to Jurt. "How much trouble you're in, in Amber, will depend upon exactly what you acquired, what you intend to do with it and who you intend to share it with, and how soon you are willing to meet with King Random. He did want me to tell you that he is currently waiting on you and will not wait long... I sure hope this is a fast-time shadow compared to Amber." "I told him I saw the katanas you bear and that you bear them, I told him I saw you piling tomes into the bags... and that I saw THAT blue stone but was not sure if you had taken it. I tried to be vague but not too vague." *'''Michael James Watson''' jurt nods finishing a drink and stepping over to the swords. "These are treasures of House Sawall. Ancient, everyone. Tomes of rare Dufiro. Histories of secret learnings. Blueprints for the creation of Sawall Way.. Abyssal stones, focuses.. odd weapons.. The swords.. these 24 are called Defender blades. They jump up and defend you if you are attacked by someone with weapons. These 12 at Excavation Blade, grisly weapons; dig a hole with them and you can carve a grave in a singe swipe, hit someone in the chest and nothing remains above the nipples. " He picks up a defender and an excavation blade, setting them on the table with the bottles and the folding chairs. "These are your cut. The rest are a bit hard to describe and i suspect ill be giving them back anyway.. The Tomes, ill keep those till Despil asks for them, the stodgy prig. " Patting the blades on his belt. "I will only give to Mandor. And he knows if he takes them he is the ruler of Sawall and he can send Gramble off to his final reward. The grumpy old prick ha been dying for centuries anyway. " He steps out to from the tables. "But that, " pointing at the stone, "is the thing they are pissed about. And ill use it now to attune these blades, and a few of the trinkets on my person to myself. Afterwards, ill decide if they can have it back. Once im done, call Arlo and we'll go talk to them, ok?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer looks over the horde of treasures again then looks over 'his cut' then says, "I'm not sure King Random will let me keep any of this, but I do appreciate the offer. And instead of Arloxedra, I have Bob waiting for my call; I left him behind to eavesdrop and bring us back... or just me if circumstances dictate. So do what you must, but do it quickly, by Amber's time that is, I really don't want an angry call from Random... in fact, I would rather be on the King's good side as I need some permissions from him to do what I want to do before leaving on his Long Walk... if I'm still going, that is." Realmer chuckles and adds, "It seems your reputation for trouble is accurate and earned. I look forward to more 'troublesome times' with you." Realmer smiles at Jurt, and though he never said the word itself, it was as though he ended his last sentence with the word 'friend'. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jrt laughs walking toward the Blue Stone. "You don't really have a choice on those sword. I passed them to you. Leave them here if you like and ill store them away but they will come when you call them even from that vault we stole them from. Now, the stone is the thing. A Great House in Chaos is a "great" house if it has one of those stones. If it became public knowledge it was stolen and missing they would be ousted from a dozen councils and removed from the order of succession in Chaos. Despite stealing all that other stuff if rumor this stone was missing from Sawall Way Gramble would have to swear he gave the stone into my keeping rather then admit i niced it. And if you crossed the Abyss with it in your hand, someone from Theldane would show up to ask you what the name of your house is and would you like the old Sawall's spots on royal councils. With that stone you could reclaim Bariman Way. interesting,eh?" Waving a hand and speaking as he walks. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer takes the two swords in question and puts each in an outer side pocket of his Robe of Many Deep Pockets then looks to the bottles sitting on the same table as the swords. "Well, were I interested in that much power, responsibility and headache, I would snatch the stone now and head to the Courts of Chaos... but that is not my ambition. Perhaps that is why King Random wishes to speak with you so badly and as soon as possible... that stone was the first thing I was asked about. Oh, and the bottles? Are they a part of my cut, and if so, what are they... specifically?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt-"Oh those bottles? Red Tequila. 175 proof. Stuff will kill stomach bacteria. Take one. They are endlessly refilling. The secret of my house tequila is mixing that stuff with cream soda and letting it go flat. " Getting to the stone he waves his hand finally. Light emits from the stone. It spreads out across the plain coming within 10 yards of Realmer and finishing as a writhing moving image radiating confusion, power, lust and arrogance. "Behold, The Logrus of Chaos. This shadow of it is the Blue Stone of Sawall. Watch" His shape shifts rapidly as he starts assaying it. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer watches with interest... great interest. He is so intent on studying Jurt that his own body might begin Shape Shifting as Jurt's does, so intent is Realmer's study of Jurt's Assaying of a Logrus that he is unaware of it. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt shifts as regions around him grow cold and hot. Unlike the the pattern with it rainbow sparkles the Logrus looks like its wrestling with its walker. Fighting them, screwing them. Jurt shifts to energy and demon shapes, humans able to survive in vacuum.. The area outside the logrus is unaffected by the quick changes in environments in the Logrus as it battles with Jurt. Lights show around and above him, Tendril reach out and around looking as if they are seeking something to use against Jurt.. One reaches out coming closer to Realmer as he watches, urging him to run and jump in the middle of the gaping sea of its body the Logrus. *'''Michael James Watson''' writhing tendrils of power, light and madness writhe wildly rising to seem a mad square of light like living bloody spaghetti *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer immediately resists the urge to enter the Logrus, fearing for the one still negotiating it; perhaps a reflex from the Pattern, perhaps some other self preservation instinct. Part of him wants to... part of him does not. He resists, his will resolute, for now... he knows he would need to know more first... he resists. *'''Michael James Watson''' Once he resists the temptation to leap fades away.. Time passes as the spectacle continues. Visions of monsters and people walking in the light can just be seen.. In time the lights slow and seem to purr...till Jurt steps to the side and exist the lights.. followed almost immediately from the light being sucked jumanji style into the center till it leaves a single large blue stone.. Jurt walks out and picks it up, tossing it up and down one handed as we walks over, looking like a canary eating cat. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Wow! That was spectacular. thank you for allowing me to view it." *'''Michael James Watson''' He sets the stone down near you, picking up a bottle and chugging. "Its not as easy as it looks...." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "It didn't look easy at all." *'''Michael James Watson''' "Now these blades will work for me, till Mandor asks me for them." Patting the katanas. He waves his hands and the boxes start packing... extra boxes fill with tomes and swords. Taking a big chug from the bottle, and pulling out 3 more. "Did you grab one of those?" Pointing at the stone Red tequila bottles *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Nope, but I'd like to... perhaps two of them? One for myself and one to trade with someone in the future... not sure who yet, but I will know when the time is right." *'''Michael James Watson''' "Take One. They are rare enough. I'm going to see if giving a few to Random, Arlo and Bleys will keep them from throwing me in the dungeons. Ok... Open the door" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer takes one bottle and slips it inside one of the many pockets of his Robe. He pulls out his Trump Deck and pulls from the bottom of the Deck a Trump of Bob the Beholder that Realmer made himself. He focuses and waits for contact. Realmer's first question to Bob upon contact: "How long have I been gone?" Realmer's next question to Bob: "What did you hear while I was gone?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Bob--"You've only been gone a couple minutes.. So far though three other people have arrived. And Random told me if i told you who he might put me in a cell of my own" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Well, I have been out-foxed... I should have seen it coming." Realmer replies to Bob then tells Jurt "Three more have arrived and under threat of imprisonment by Random, my Familiar cannot tell me who. Guess we are both in for a surprise. Bob, bring us both through." *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt frowns...."I see... well, this is what they get." Shimmering, the Logrus rises in front of him. He steps into it , reaching his arms into tendrils. Realmer sees him loading spells with a speed that is incredible, as if he is offloading spells onto the frame. He tosses up a defender blade that hovers above him. He draws a Excavation Blade. The Logrus calms to be a slightly visible series of lines surrounding him. "Lets go. He steps up to follow you through.." *'''Michael James Watson''' Entering the room the library is open and well lit, the tables moved away. Bleys and Arlo stand with Random. Bleys and Arlo instantly raise the sigil of the pattern. Across the room is Benedict with a pattern blade in his hand. On the top of the close stack is is a dark haired women looking down a devastating looking sniper rifle glowing runes. Besides Random is Viale *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt-”Oh... fuck me..." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer maintains a calm mind and a calm visage. He smiles to the King and bows. "King Random, Lord Jurt, as you asked. Looks at little less informal than before, Majesty. And a bit more like an ambush." Realmer sighs but says no more and does not move away from Jurt's side, but will not follow Jurt if he moves or flees. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt looks at the red dot on his chest, looking up at the sniper. "Hello Doria... Hows your sister?" Doria, "Desri is fine now. Spoken to Maylon recently?" Jurt snickers... Random..."Jurt.. you asked to swear fealty once and gain the protection of the Kingdom of Amber. Are you ready to swear fealty and submit an article of submission?" Jurt-"Not at gun point. Get my great aunt psychopath off the bookcase and we can talk." *'''Michael James Watson''' Doria slides down the case, three stories high. Realmer has never met her. Her reputation is fierce. She cradles the sniper rifle. "Ah, poor Jurt....Scared of a little silver at supersonic speeds?" Jurt looks at Realmer.. wondering...."King random... What are your terms?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Random walks forward, looks to Ben who sheathes his sword. Arlo drops his sigil. *'''Michael James Watson''' Ran-"Jurt, I can't do anything till you give back the blue stone to Sawall. Despil is at Sea View Gardens... Give the stone to Realmer. He will take it to Sea View nd deliver it to Despil. If you refuse.. well, ill burn thin whip's to the ground and you can run till they catch you. Sorry... But they told me what the stone is and i can't protect you" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt looks to Realmer *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer looks from face to face, reading the magnitude of the situation, which he was mostly aware of before he left the Library. Then he turns and looks to Jurt and speaks softly to his... friend. "Jurt, I didn't know this was what you would be facing upon arrival. And I will go to great lengths to prove it, if you require. And as far as the Stone... well, you basically offered it to me, so you must not really want it for yourself, so why not give it back and accept King Random's offer. I saw the way your father and mother treated you; preferring the company of a stranger to their own son... so I know you don't really want to go back. And I think you grabbed everything you really wanted before you left." Realmer chuckles and smiles at Jurt with a twinkle in his eye. "What say you, Lord Jurt?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt starts to speak but bleys steps up and interupts, Bley-"Before you pass it back to chaos, may we see it? Practitioners of the arts rarely see such wonders.. My oath none of us will try to see it but if it is what Despil says it is, I think we should get a look at it. What say you?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt shrugs, looks at Realmer *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer shrugs back to Jurt. "Your call, Jurt. I have seen it and it IS impressive, so I know how the others feel about having this rare opportunity. But again, still your call. If you wish me to deliver it unseen to Despil, that is what I will do. If you care not, let them see it... but 'No Touchy'." *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt nods. Pulling the blue jewel out. Arlo raises his sigil to observe. The stone emanates a sense of nervousness. Putting it on the ground he steps back ordering it to display in the confines of the room. The Logrus manifests. Ben and Doria move together,, Random and Arlo stand together, The Logrus fills the room but keeps its shape small. The lights fill the room. Library staff come at distances and watch. Ran-"They showed me one after Patternfall, but i was too distracted. Doria-"Its the enemy..." *'''Michael James Watson''' Bleys leaps in. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt screams but it is too late. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer does everything he can to stop Bleys, if he can. *'''Michael James Watson''' Realmer starts to move but is is too late. Bleys moves quickly, shifting shape with bold powers. The lights and might and powers surround him. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt steps over to random, blade raised. Ben steps forward, putting his katana against the blade of excavation. *'''Michael James Watson''' Random yells, "Jurt! Ill deal with Bleys! He acts against my will!! Lets calm the fuck down for shadow's sake!!!!' *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt looks around, Arlo is smiling.. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt screams in anger and angst and walks off grabbing Realmer by the shoulder and pulling *'''Michael James Watson''' jurt leans in to Realmer-"I have to swear to Random..But.. know i will never trust these Amberites" *'''Michael James Watson''' in the meantime, Bleys assays the Logrus as someone with the sigil only can.. finishing in the speed one familiar does. Jurt whispers to Realmer, "damn..that was fast.. he has been through the Logrus more then i have...Fucking old lords..Realmer.. I must dare something.. consider going with me." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "You don't have to trust them, and you shouldn't. I don't trust them. I don't trust you. I don't trust anyone. But I did swear fealty to the King of Amber and now you will too, it seems. And yeah, that did seem fast. Wait.. what?" *'''Michael James Watson''' jurt looks in, "Bleys had the inscription of the Logrus.. Fiona must, brand must. The old lords must have given it to them before they at the Oracle of Night" *'''Michael James Watson''' From around a long corridor, a figure walks out, shedding his deceptive cloaking, a man in red dressing gown watches Bleys assay the Logrus. He moves behind Random, whispering. Realmer sees him recognizing Brand. Bleys finishes the Logrus and steps aside. Jurt drops it immediately. Walking to the stone, picking it up. looking daggers at those in the room. a portrait of betrayal and a cornered tiger. He steps over and offers the stone to Realmer. Leaning in to whisper, "Take the stone and give it to Despil. Before then, cut yourself, bleed on the stone, and heal.. These fuckers need to fear us" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer takes the stone with his left hand and grips it tightly. "Enough! Ambush. Betrayal. Had I known this would happen I would have taken the Stone myself and gone to Theldane to return it. And now, in effect, I shall do so." Realmer heads towards the exit that will get him to Sea View Gardens the quickest. *'''Michael James Watson''' Ran_"Bleys you drunk bastard what the hell!??? " Bleys.."Sue me, beat me, fine me.. That was the Stone of Sawall. You frigggin know the oracle foretold i'd walk it. I couldn't pass up the chance." Ben take Bleys to the dungeons. get someone to read him romance novels again..." *'''Michael James Watson''' Ran looks at Doria nodding, she exits the library *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer exits the Library. As he does, he grabs the Stone with both hands and slips his hands beneath his sleeves to his the Stone from view and making it easier for him to drop the Stone in a pocket making it harder for someone to take... for a bit. Realmer does not rush, but does not take his time either. He does consider Jurt's request and its possible consequences... he slows a bit in his pace... but continues walking... *'''Michael James Watson''' Ben walks to Bleys and grips his arm hard. Bleys look to him. "Totally worth it" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' As Realmer continues on his way, he Shape Shifts a fingernail extra sharp and cuts his other hand with it, allowing the blood to fall upon the Stone... all hidden within the voluminous sleeves of his Robe. Once this is done the Power of the Ring of Satura will Regenerate his wound almost instantly. Realmer will then Shape Shift the fingernail back to normal and after the minor Attunement seems complete, he will shape shift his blood off the stone and his hands back into his body, hiding all evidence of what he has done... hopefully. *'''Michael James Watson''' Cutting himself and blooding the stone causes a short burst. The stone emits light briefly, a type of acknowledgment . Arriving at the Sea view garden the normality of it is a bit of a shock. Diners go about their business in the evening light. Flora sees you and nods, pointing toward a table in the area you often use under normal circumstances. a waiter walks up and asks for your preferred meal. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Surf and Turf, I believe I heard it ordered once. Steak rare and all the trimmings. Thank you. And a stout ale to compliment them both." Realmer nods to Flora and heads to the table she pointed out. *'''Michael James Watson''' As you sit despil appears as if he was waiting. He sits across from you. Realmer thinks he has rarely seen this chaosain of amber blood accept at family dinners where as ambassador to Amber he at at the head table *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Lord Despil, I don't believe we've ever formally or informally met. I am Lord Relmopator, please call me Realmer. I believe I have something that needs to be returned. Do you wish me to pass it under the table, inconspicuously?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Despil smiles, "No.. put it in my hand. anyone here capable of knowing what it is should have the chance to spread really good gossip." He rests his hand on the table, flat" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer smiles a bit wickedly and says, "Well played. I like your style." Reamler pulls out the Stone and casually hands it to Despil, as if he is returning a parcel of herbs (cup of sugar. hahaha). *'''Michael James Watson''' Taking the tone and palming it expertly. "You know that Jurt is the youngest child in a mighty house? be careful trusting him. I shall tell other i warned you if his madness envelops you." Sipping his tea, "tell jurt to contact me..He has kicked over a basket of snakes to be sure..I love my brother.. but he is his own worst enemy." *'''Michael James Watson''' Despil waves to a waiter who brings a cup and refills Despils as well. The coffee smells strongly of hickory and bacon. *'''Michael James Watson''' "A moment..." Taking out a card, he speaks in a guttural harsh language briefly,, looking like he is about to start arguing he puts the trump face down. "I think the annoyance of parents is a universal constant..." *'''Michael James Watson''' "Now that Gramble knows i have the stone I'll have to take it there.. I don't trust moving it by trump unless im holding it. Can't just pass it over and be done with it. I dread a return to Chaos though...There... is likely to be ugly politics there now.. While Chaos wouldn't go to war with Amber over Jurt's actions they may blame me for them. " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "I'm not sure how they could possibly put the blame onto you, Lord Despil; you were not there and therefore could not control his actions. _I_ was there, and _I_ couldn't control his actions.... though I am also being blamed, at least in part. And thank you for your counsel on your brother; I know he is prone to trouble and short sighted decisions, and I barely know him. But for some reason, he feels like a brother to me. Not like Amberites and Chaosians use the word brother and all that goes with it... but more like when a normal person says someone is like a brother to them. It is strange, but there it is. I am sorry for my part in all of this. Please send my apologies to your Family and my regrets that I could not better influence their son." *'''Michael James Watson''' "Ill drop the 'Lord" if you will.. Hmm Blame..." He withdraws a deck of trump and starts casually shuffling them with one handed passes, a move he hardly seems aware of. Realmer notes its a nervous habit Random shares. Over the years he has seen and probably spoken to Despil but not in detail. Despil was the first and only Ambassador to Amber Chaos ever sent. "I get blamed for Jurt's actions a lot. Always have, in Chaos and here. He is my younger brother but he and I were born soon after Patternfall. Dara married Gramble on the rebound essentially. He had made his interest clear while she was young, in Chaos terms. But She herself had been born during the Black Road war as had her mother and grandmother. Hendrake was deep in the Party for War. And many in Chaos will blame them for eons for such a stunning defeat. Dara married Gramble as much to distance herself from the role she played in Hendrake's games. Jurt and I were the visible symbol of everything that caused Chaos's defeat. its why someone young as I was given this post. I was expendable. Jurt too. Neither of us was missed. We were mostly remember when blame was needed to be placed. Merlin left Chaos, swore to Random at Patternfall so while we saw him a lot growing up in Sawall Way, he got the blame from Jurt for every woe.. It made him bitter and combative. He got over that but it soured him on Chaos.. Not however, on gaining power. " *'''Michael James Watson''' "This foolishness now...I'm afraid he has burned the bridge letting him enter Chaos..and i am sure i will be blamed for that a well. If not by Swayvil, certainly by Gramble and Dara. The real shame is that i like it here. In many ways more then in Chaos.. My blood is not as purely Amberite as Merlin's, but I'm afraid i have gone native. I'd like you there when i speak to Jurt. I need to recover as much of the treasures of Sawall as possible." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' As Despil is talking, Realmer displays his own nervous fidget, which he is barely aware of; he has pulled out the Mandalay Stones and is rolling them around in his palm and over the backs of his knuckles in a slow idle fashion with his left hand. With his right he picks up the cup of coffee and takes a sip or two before returning the cup to the table. Realmer nods his head as he listens to Despil's words. "Of course, Despil, I would certainly like to be there with you and him. Though I know you less well than I know Jurt, and I know Merlin not at all, it seems to me that the sons of Dara are not truly welcome in the House of Sawall; I saw how your mother and father treated Jurt first hand when we were there... I can only imagine how much worse it could have been had I not been there." Realmer pauses and takes a sip of coffee before continuing; he is still idly playing with his Mandalay Stones. "And as someone also raised outside of Amber, I must also admit to 'going native'; I like it here as well. Thus far, the benefits of living here and swearing fealty to the King have far outweighed any drawbacks. Including being called into Service for the Crown as an Ambassador, and all that went with it." He smiles at Despil with the knowing smile of shared experiences and headaches. "And if I may ask you a very personal and very bold, yet purely hypothetical, question; if you were in possession of some or all of the 'treasures of Sawall' and in a similar position as myself or Jurt... would you return them? All or in part? And what would be your rationale?" Realmer takes a sip of coffee and watches Despil with interest over the brim of the cup; whether Despil answers the question or not, Realmer may still learn something by his reactions or body language... or since he is playing with the Mandalay Stones, his Psyche could be considerably boosted and he might pick up something without even trying. *'''Michael James Watson''' "I suppose in a way i am in that position. You know what i hold. I could devastate House Sawall by declaring it mine. I assume you know the quality of the item i hold. Either Gramble would have to declare me Lord or he would have to hunt me down.. But im not the warrior type. I've always been diplomatic. I learned that standing between Merlin and Jurt. " Looking out over the ocean in the morning cool breeze.. "Look at that... The endless sea the poems of Amber call it because while you can travel that way and eventually come to the kingdoms of Acadia and the Far Isle, but you can also sail into shadow and sail waters for ever. Chaos is like that. I might find a view like this in the stuff of chaos and then it would fade back into the infinite black...There is...something... to the permanence of Order. Of course eldars in Chaos would say Amber is just a thing for a short time as well, if it would all disappear as easily a destroying the pattern.. Fragile.. Some part of me long to defend this place.." Waving the waiter over and ordering peach mimosas.. "Saying that is treason...for me. Some of the old war gods talk of the wars destroying Paragon and Calmir and thought war with Amber would be the same.. Many of those were horrified that Chaos lost at Patternfall. They see that battle as a sign they have grown weak. They long for war...any war" *'''Michael James Watson''' 'They are considering a war on Azcala and Random knows it. Part of the reason he is going to Chaos with an army. He hopes to convince the Great War Houses to ride against azcala. He may be able to. He is also consider how expensive hiring armies of Dufiro would be. I've researched it for him.." pouring a mimosa when the pitcher arrives. "There are some treasures of Sawall that Jurt took that must go back.. The Blue Stone for sure. There is another that must go back too but i think it might stay in Amber. You know the dungeons here, yes? There are vasty rooms or caverns in them? Below the Pattern level?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer chuckles and smiles when he responds to Despil. "I am quite familiar with the lower levels of Castle Amber, I spend most of my time there when I am here; my laboratory and unofficial apartment are down there. And yes, there are vast rooms and caverns, though I have not visited them all." Realmer takes a sip of coffee then asks a question. "Which other treasures, besides the Stone, must be returned? It would be helpful to know so I can assist, if possible, in their return." *'''Michael James Watson''' "Well, Gramble really wants his swords. Its not critical but ownership of the House blades can be inferred to mean house leadership, not unlike the stone, though not as seriously. Gramble can call them stolen but he would lose face. And there is a rock.. about the size of a medium sized dog that no one but a few of us know he has that ought to go back. Its the rock i think I'll keep" *'''Michael James Watson''' "But...it needs to be someplace secure. and the nearer the pattern the harder for Chaosians to find it. " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Well, I don't recall seeing the 'rock' you speak of, but I certainly saw a lot of swords; three different sets, to be exact. Two matching katanas, a dozens matching blades and another two dozen matching blades; Jurt wears the matching katanas now... or he did when I left the Library." Realmer sighs as he makes up his mind to tell Despil about 'his cut'. "And I must begrudgingly admit that I possess two swords from the pilfered treasure; an Excavation Blade and a Defender Blade... he said it was my 'cut'. I was reluctant to accept them, but then Jurt told me what they could do and that since he had 'given them to me', that even if they were locked back in the vault they came from in Sawall Ways, I could still summon them to me, so I might as well take them... so I did. I will return them, as it is the proper thing to do. Jurt also gave me a bottle of Red Tequila, which I have no intention of returning; I should get something for my troubles." Realmer smiles and chuckles then finishes his coffee. *'''Michael James Watson''' Despil chuckles slightly.."The Red Tequila is his creation. Horrid stuff. The Defenders and Excavations are certainly important but they won't really be missed. Its the katanas that are the Sawall House blades. As for the rock, it wold have been in a well locked wide low case." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Well, he did toss several crates in his bags without looking through the contents... he may have what you are looking for and not realize it. And if it would help grease the wheels in any way for the Blades I possess to go back, I shall return them, but otherwise..." Realmer leaves it hanging. If Despil wants the Blades to go back he can ask for them, if not, Realmer will keep them. "Well, horrid or not, his tequila is powerful and that is what I like about it. That, and the fact that it is NOT wine. I detest wine." *'''Michael James Watson''' "I doubt those are matters of concern. And Jurt took nothing without knowing what it was. We opened that vault many times once he found an old Lord's Medallion. Every lord has several, for himself and trusted servants. I am certain he took it.. I want to get the tomes to be sure. Or at least have access to them.. Truth be told the Stone and the House blades are the only thing they will make a sticnk about. the rest is a matter of family business" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Well then, the Stone is already in your possession, the whereabouts of the Katanas is known and I am hopeful the two of us can convince him to return them as well. The rock you may have to bargain for, but I have a feeling he will make a deal of some sort. But we won't know until we talk to him." *'''Michael James Watson''' "Agreed. Then lets be about it. Can you find one of those big rooms first? Best place to talk. I'll ask Random if I can use it indefinitely. This opportunity is too good to pass up even if it is a bit of treason" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "I already know of a perfect room; very spacious, high ceiling, arched entrance, but no door. It's located a couple of levels down from my laboratory... I was considering it for a second, or larger lab and apartment... before I went to Adagalasck. I will ask Random if is it still unused and available." Realmer stands, waits for Despil to stand, then leads the way to the Library. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Actually, I'll send Bob to take a look" Realmer adds as they leave the table area. Upon exiting the Library earlier, Bob would have Shifted to the form of a white raven, as most find a beholder unnerving at the least, and it is a standard practice when in civilized places. Bob nods his raven beak up and down then pops out with the rainbow hues of Trump travel. *'''Michael James Watson''' Random approves the room use and Jurt and Arlo seem to be talking when you arrive. "So, Despil wants to talk, eh? I bet..Lets go" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer contacts Bob and has him Trump the three of them to his location, the room in question in the dungeons. *'''Michael James Watson''' Despil looks around the room first, ignoring Jurt who stands looking annoyed. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt, "Well? Will it fit?" Despil nods.."Yes. Its suitable. The plan was not to take anything else you know. Now they will know we have the rock. If you had left the other stuff it might have been centuries till they missed it. Now they will inventory everything down to the last silver. Give me the rock" Jurt reaches into the bag and pulls out a flat chest. They set it on the ground and open it. Inside is a chunk of raw rock with a flat bottom, Its covered with a cloth as they pull it out and set it in the middle of the room. *'''Michael James Watson''' Despil and Jurt look at the rock, pulling off the cloth. Under it is a bright inscription the size of a paperback. It looks colorful and active, like a book sized piece of the pattern *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' The hairs on the back of Realmer's neck rise up as he brings up the Pattern and is ready to unleash Spells against Jurt and Despil if needed, the Mandalay Stones still in his left hand, but now clutched in his palm, his hand in a fist. Bob and all of Realmer's Artifacts can sense his apprehension and are also at the ready with Spells. "What the FUCK is that!? And what in all Creation are you two co-conspirators doing!?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt, "Ah, Realmer... I would really recommend dropping your sigil right now.. This thing is sensitive" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Answer my questions and I will." *'''Michael James Watson''' Despil stands, "We have spoken about this for years. But neither of us wanted to risk the reprisals if it was discovered we took this.. Frankly I'm shocked Jurt had the stones to grab what he did. " Jurt sneer, "Everything was just there. It was a crime of oppertunity. They just pissed me off one too many times. I took the rest because they will let us keep this if we give back the stone. Im giving the Swords to Mandor and let him fight it out with Dad. Besides, there are a lot of cool things there.. Go ahead, Despil. *'''Michael James Watson''' Despil starts focusing. Jurt, "Realmer, that is a Shard of Paragon. One half of one percent of the inscription of the Primal Realm of Paragon" https://wiki.rpg.net/index.php/Paragon WIKI.RPG.NET Paragon - RPGnet *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt pulls a rock the size of a golf ball from his pocket. It has the look of a common piece of granite. "I've had this rock for years. A gift from mother. It has a few nice small uses.. " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "So that's a Shard of Paragon. I've read about them and Paragon. Interesting. So why the need to store it here? Have something to do with the proximity of the Pattern? And how do I get in on a piece of this power? Assuming it does not disrupt the Pattern and Amber; I don't want to be involved in starting another Black Road War." Realmer still has not dropped his Sigil of the Pattern and still has hung spells at the tip of his mind. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt-"Really, drop the frame. It will drop anyway once Despil activates the stone and it will be messy. Yes, its proximity to the pattern. Once this is activated it will be detectable as activated by the powers. Not that they will care overly much. But trying to find it will be hard, even for them. The closer to a major inscription the more likely it won't be found. A searcher could be a in the throne room upstairs and not be able to detect it in the clutter of power emanations the pattern puts out" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "I know I shouldn't trust either of you, but..." Realmer leaves it hanging then lowers the Sigil and sighs heavily. "So, if you're not going to blow the place up or kill me, what can I do and how do I get a piece of this power for myself?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt, "We have been in this shard before. Its how we know what it i. And once we have opened it, we can assay the portion of the inscription that's here." The shard glows. Jurt takes his rock and shows it to you. Despil looks and nods. Jurt drops the rock. It falls a foot then makes a right turn and moves fast to slam into the side of the shard. In second it seems to have been absorbed. The room suddenly is filled with light..and it appears like a sunny day in the field of the stone. Like a pocket shadow of a vast open grassy field. In the center is a stoa surrounding the glowing inscription. Despil and Jurt start walking to it. Jurt,"Well? It looks the same. How far of prime is it?" Despil- "No idea... But its assailable. " Looking to Realmer- "We have a piece of the Primal inscription, and the rock below it... It wants to be reassembled. Stones will go to it like a magnet. The part of the inscription we have here is showing us a shadow of the full inscription. Like the shadowy pattern in Tirna nog'ath, its substantial enough to walk. Once we assay it we can walk among a few thousand shadows it creates.. But only while a shard is open... If it closes, we, and everything in it is trapped till someone opens a shard again or this shard is brought near another shard that IS open.. There are a few open ones in Chaos. This was your plan Jurt, your tantrum, and your theft. You go first. If you don't die, either Realmer or I will go next." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Alright. If Jurt doesn't die, I'm in. I'm guessing it is similar to walking the Pattern?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Despil, "Yes, the experience is similar though my understanding is that its easier.. Less aggressive. Rough still but not like the pattern. It had a number of shadows but they all have a closer level of interaction and transportation. Also, once you assay it, as long as it remains open, one can transport to it from anywhere. This floated in a sea of Chaos once... " *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt steps up to the image and examine it. seeing it solid steeps out on it and begins walking. It ha a smokey effect at his feet, like walking and kicking up dust. There is a sense of shaking, a visual thing rather then a seismic one. The dust rises to Jurt's waist' *'''Michael James Watson''' Despil walks toward the edge of the inscription to watch closer. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt slows and the time to take a step slows. he shakes his head as he walks. The sky darkens with rain cloud, breaks, deluges the room, then the sun comes out.. Jurt steps through the outer edge, tarts to look a bit puzzled *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer, being excited about acquiring new power, takes all that he saw Jurt go through in stride, like a tutorial before doing it himself. Realmer takes the look of puzzlement on Jurt's face as being surprised at how easy it was or how different from the Logrus it was... either way, Realmer is now primed and ready to assay the inscription. "I guess I'm next" Realmer says as he steps up to the Inscription, as he would the Pattern, preparing his mind, then he sets foot upon it and begins walking its design. ====<big>Paragon Reborn</big>==== The sky is a blinding blue clarity of a land that has never known clouds. The land is green with lightly forested rolling low hills. The ground between the hills has the inscription lead among the depressions. Following the inscription comes to an open plain filled with trees of unusual colors. Broad trunks and vining plants mingle up into the blue and red leaves. Other trees are huge, dwarfing sequoias, with bright purple wood and florescent flowers in multicolored leaves. Low bushes with large flat leaves and multicolored berries spot among the thick green grass. Upon examination the grasses looks like it has a type of grain in it. There are birds with three wings flying among the trees. Insects like bumble bees fly among the flowers. The land is warm but not hot, thick but not humid. the scent of flowers is everywhere. The inscription walks among the hills till it comes to a down-slope to a land where the trees come up to a massive building. The architecture is minoan in style, grand and massive with bright colors and intricate design. Gardens are everywhere and orchards of olive and pepper trees fill vast areas around the main building. Evidence of people going about their business, tending the orchards and fields. Coming down the inscription it pases up to the main courtyard of the massive building. People stop their activities to watch you walk along the inscription. Some start following as realmer reaches the main courtyard. The inscription comes to a series of intertwined vines. At no point does his foot go astray. As he walks he sees Jurt approach the point where the inscription ends. Realmer feels ancient magics and vast ages of peoples long gone. He sees sudden war rage around him as chaosian demons and warriors come raid among the peaceful people who die without defenses. Jurt stands at the end of the inscription uneffected by the war raging. Parts of the sky diappear, leaving black stuff of chaos peeking through. The land crumbles and all is the stuff of chaos.. Jurt standing at the end of the inscription.. Stepping off Realmer finds himself in the vast building empty of people save for Jurt. And looking to his left he sees himself standing beside himself. Jurt nods. "Welcome.. Did I tell you to expect me? Did I tell you he would be created when you finished the inscription?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Wait... what? No, you did not tell me to expect you or HIM... ME... HIM. What in Creation has happened here? And what next?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Realmer-"Don't ask me. I just got here too... No, you didn't mention it, Jurt. You looked distracted and cloudy Just stood there... Then i came up and just started walking..." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "No, I came up and started walking..." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "...I am Relmopator Barimen and you are a copy." *'''Michael James Watson''' Realmer agrees with himself. jurt-"Yes, well, that happened. i got here and i was twins too. Once the other jurt left the place you are standing he disappeared. I assume back to Amber. And of course im a copy.. Or rather a construct like a pattern ghost" *'''Michael James Watson''' i have a post above that.. *'''Michael James Watson''' jurt-"I have been here an hour or so.. Once i left this area the people came back.. Everyone who ever walked this inscription is here. There are many rooms.. Tell Despil to load up on tomes before he walks.. Then once here there will be copies here on his ghost. " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' deleted and reposted for proper place in timeline. "Well, that actually makes sense. Though I never expected to meet my own Ghost, let alone at the end of the Inscription. How fascinating. If only I had time to tarry. Well, I must be going as well. I will tell Despil what you said. And oh, I have a few tomes of my own within the pockets of my Robes, but he knows that" Realmer points to his twin. "TaTa." Realmer uses the New Power to transport back to the room where he started, back in the lower levels of Castle Amber where his Familiar Bob is waiting. *'''Michael James Watson''' Arriving back at the cavern Despil and Jurt are stacking tomes and chests on the ground, going through them for items that would be dangerous to take through an inscription. Items that might need attuning or react badly to that, Despil, "Realmer.. Good. strange thing.. Can you check your Mandalay stones? See if you have attuned them. I suspect you have but the ones jurt has were already attuned. I've sent one of my servants to empty my library in the embassy. I am tempted make a quick trip into shadow to a place of mine and transfer some things here.. Jurt said he had magical items on him, including his bag of holding. I came through unscathed. If the ghost has it too then its worth finding out if the items duplicate. Of course, i doubt duplicated items could leave Paragon. The legend is that those who assayed Paragon could transport back there.You and Jurt should try that as i walk. " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer does check his Mandalay Stones to see if they are attuned; he was hoping that they would be when he entered the Inscription. He really didn't want to walk the Pattern again and risk losing the Spiral Imprint and thus be forced to walk it again too. The Stones are still clutched in his left hand; he opens it and touches each Stone individually with his Psyche. "I also bore heavily magicked items with me as well, most made by me here in Amber in the Pattern Chamber... including this Robe which is basically a bunch of bags of holding all interconnected... and the pockets are filled with a variety of goodies. The Robe is also mostly sentient; ask the other me if that sentience is still intact as well as the contents of the robe's pockets... and the Hung Spells too." *'''Michael James Watson''' Checking the stone realmer gets a sense of the stones he had not had before. Not greater powers but probably quicker access to them. The other items seem unaffected. The Ambir stone is blazingly hot but otherwise undamaged. *'''Michael James Watson''' Despil is packed and sets out to walk, Jurt disappears, carrying the items that could not be taken through the inscription *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Before Despil sets foot upon the Inscription, Realmer says, "Despil, my Mandalay Stones are attuned and my other items seem unaffected. Good luck." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer now takes a moment to focus his attention on the Ambir JoJ. *'''Michael James Watson''' The Ambir stone is cooling, though it didn't do that when you assayed the adag... inscripption *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Despil, you might want to leave the Big Blue Stone here... I have a Shade of the Jewel of Judgment and it fared ok, but it was hot and it didn't do that when I walked another Squiggle. Just a warning, best to be cautious." *'''Michael James Watson''' Despil-"I've already transferred to stone to Chaos. I met dara at Zilla." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "How long was I in there? Never mind. All good. Again, good luck." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer looks to Bob, floating somewhere nearby, certainly. "Bob, how long WAS I in there... it didn't seem very long at all." *'''Michael James Watson''' You took about 20 minutes to walk, then stood at the end for another 40. Just like Jurt did. It even rained during that time..During that time Despil trumped away and then returned on Jurt's trump" *'''Michael James Watson''' bob-"He also took several chests. They argued briefly about the swords but in the end Jurt kept them" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "How interesting, about a 10 to 1 ratio by my personal time reckoning. The walk seemed like about 2 minutes and the talk at the end about 4 minutes. And thanks for the update on the goings-on here while I was gone. I am wondering how you would have fared had I taken you with me..." Realmer watches Despil as he makes his journey within and has Bob remain on guard duty. *'''Michael James Watson''' Arriving at the courtyard it is well peopled as people go about their business. Jurt waves and walks over with Jurt2 *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt-"Despil is on the inscription at the low hills. If you focus in that direction you can see the whole length of the inscription as if it was floating.. I'm also starting to get a sense of shadows here. It will take some figuring out. Im not sure how the cosmology of Paragon work.. There was understandably little information about it in the libraries of Chaos. Mostly gloriou battle and dexerved death of the hated foe kind of stuff. Nothing useful..." *'''Michael James Watson''' j2-"ANd all these people are ghosts as well. They will fade away in a few moments as Despill gets closer. Not sure what that means.. Otherwise they seems to just go about their business. I was wondering something though.. I was here while you both were not.. But when you trumped in here I knew it. Realmer2 i over speaking with one of the senators here. They are finding us quarters which i assume means the inscription isn't going to fade us away." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "More and more interesting. And it appears I can communicate outside of Paragon with my Familiar via... Trump Power it would seem. Bob, can you still here me?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Realmer gets a sense of Bob trying to communicate but it does not quite come across *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt-"Trump is a powerful method to channel pattern in your case. If Bob is imbued that way its not surprising. Trump can manage a lot. of course there are limitations. Pattern Trumps can communicate over the abyss but not transport. Logrus ones can." *'''Michael James Watson''' moments pass and Despil comes closer into view. *'''Michael James Watson''' the crowds fade away about the time the battle scenes occurred on your initial walk *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "It seems the Trump Power is not all that powerful... I can sense Bob and that he is trying to communicate... but it's not quite getting through. I hope our time here is not running out. Perhaps at least one of us should return to the Cavern to pull the others out, if needed." *'''Michael James Watson''' jurt-"Well, i need Despil to come through to see about the stuff. and find a plce to lodge them around here. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "No worries, Jurt, I was volunteering myself anyway. I'll see you both back in Amber." Realmer returns to the Cavern and Bob. *'''Michael James Watson''' Arriving you see bob floating, frozen in place immobile. On the Inscription is someone walking near the end and someone walking near the begining. They both are hazy enough to be unidentifiable. *'''Michael James Watson''' bob i mumbling, making 'oooiiilllcannn' like noises *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer uses a Power Gesture (power word): Magic Negate to dispel the Spell holding Bob. He is simultaneously reaching for his Trump Deck to sort out either Jurt or Despil, whichever he finds first... most likely Jurt since Realmer has never really met Despil before today. "What happened Bob? Who are they?" Realmer asks while sorting cards deftly (thank you Tesa Resa). *'''Michael James Watson''' Bob-"That's Brand. He froze me." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' As Realmer is sorting the Deck, if he comes upon Brand's first he will stop. [*'''Michael James Watson''', which card does he find first? Jurt, Despil or Brand?] *'''Michael James Watson''' Brand, being an elder, is higher in the deck. His card comes up first. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer is PISSED! First Bleys sneaks in on the Sawall Logrus, now Brand sneaking in on the Inscription of Paragon... AND messing with HIS Familiar! Realmer grips the Mandalay Stones tightly, focusing on them to Amplify his Psyche as he stares at the Trump image of his Cousin; Brand to make contact. Realmer intends to lock Brand in a Psychic Battle and hopefully interfere with his completion of the Inscription and deny him his little sneaky slice of power. Realmer is also prepared for a Sorcerers Duel or other battle with Brand should he be ejected into the Cavern with Realmer. *'''Michael James Watson''' One difference though. Bleys already had the Logrus Imprint, as do Brand and Fiona. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' [good point. but still...] *'''Michael James Watson''' Brand turns and looks at you across the vision of the inscription. Being a living trump he sees who is calling and does not respond raising his image of the font out of reflex rather then control. The trump seems hot to the touch and there is a sense of pain coming across it. . Despil's figure seems to stand in the fog at the end. Brand slows but keeps moving. The inscription itself also seems to be partly protecting him as he enters the fog at the end merging his form with Despil's. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt steps into view, turning to the inscription quickly repeating the charm. The inscription closes. The room fades to black and the rock is a rock. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt.. "Fuck... Two Brands are in there with a Jurt , a Realmer , and two despils...." *'''Michael James Watson''' "What did you do to him on this side?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "This could be really really bad. Should we tell someone? Or more accurately, who should we tell?" Realmer asks Jurt as he opens his palm and gently lights the room by the glow of his Mandalay Stones. "I tried to lock Brand in a Psychic Battle via his Trump, hoping to interrupt his Imprint and possibly force him out. Guess that failed miserably. Should have remembered that Living Trump thing before I made a snap decision." *'''Michael James Watson''' "Well there are two pissed off Brands bleeding from the nose. And they seem to think the Realmer in there did it to him. Despil told me to close the stone. Not sure what that does in there but it stands to reason that no matter what Brand does he can only really hurt One Despil. But he will have to fight 4 people.. I came to drop the stone till you and I could decide what to do about them in there." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Very smart thinking. Too bad Despil got stuck in there too. It would have been easy to leave just Brand in there, but Despil really needs saving, and perhaps soon." Realmer looks Jurt in the eyes and raises his eye brows and makes a hmmm noise. 'Well, this turned to Troll Shit about as fast as I expected... but not how or who I expected. Ah, that's the life of an Adventurer... or should I now say, an Amberite." He chuckles out loud, but mostly to himself. "So, what now? The Chaos' Ambassador to Amber will be missed sooner or later..." Realmer pauses for thought, then continues. "Perhaps longer than we both might expect... Despil is quiet and low key and his absence might go unnoticed for a little while." Realmer goes quiet for a bit, drifting into thought... "Still, who best to consult when we do?" he asks of Jurt and the Gods and the Powers and the Multiverse in general. *'''Michael James Watson''' jurt-"ah.....Bleys? " *'''Michael James Watson''' j-"Arlo? " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Not Bleys or Fiona. The red heads of Amber are more power mad than I am." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Arloxedra is a really good choice. I was going to suggest him as well." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "How good of terms are you on with Arlo, Jurt? You know he and I don't get along all that well." *'''Michael James Watson''' ju-"Trumps seem to work from inside.. We can trump him in and not reveal the location" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt-"He has been by the club occasionally but over the years he hs spent as much time in the Library as you did in the Dungeons.. Ill open the Stone and follow you in. We check the scene then one of us trump Arlo with an emergency come through? *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer pulls out the Defender Blade and slips it under the belt of his Robe. A Bone Wand appears in his right hand then becomes a Bone Staff. His left hand still holds the Mandalay Stones which he grips tightly. "Do I need to draw the Defender Blade to activate its Defending Power, or what? And perhaps you should contact Arlo while I battle Brand... and Brand, if needed. Get Arlo's Trump ready now..." Realmer pulls out his Deck again and pulls out Benedict's Trump and slips it up his right sleeve then puts the Trump of Sea View Gardens in his right outer pocket, then puts the Deck away. "Bob, you're coming with this time, I will need your help. Ready when you are, Jurt." *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt sings the charm, hearing it Realmer remembers it, and the land appears. Immediately Brad and Despil arrive. Brand points a finger at you. Looks at Jurt. Brand says, "I want to make one thing perfectly clear with you two, alright?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Speak your piece." Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr If Bob made it through with Realmer, he is on alert and watching for ambush attacks, and not just with his eyes. *'''Michael James Watson''' "This thing is IN the Castle. I did NOT leave the ground. I did NOT break my parole... I had no idea i would be transported anywhere. And I AM in the castle now...so.. I didn't break my parole and no one s going to collect a duchy on my head. Now, I assume this was one of the things Jurt stole...Nice.. I didn't have much chance to check but from context i can guess its either Paragon or Calmir, Both are broken artifacts of order.. Which is it?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer gives Brand a hard look then tries to speak calmly. "I care not for your parole or any bounty for you breaking it, Brand. What I am upset about is you taking advantage of somebody else's power grab. First Bleys, with his leap into the Logrus of the Sawall Gemstone, now you doing this. By all the Primal Beasts! Can't a few guys grab a little power in peace? And secret? I have nothing against you personally, Brand. In fact I was thinking of seeking you out to discuss matters Arcane... a part of me still wants to... but the other part of me is angry as a summoned Elemental for you crashing our little party." Realmer sighs now that he has vented a bit. "Paragon." *'''Michael James Watson''' 'Paragon....A shard of Paragon...in the dungeons of Amber...interesting..First off, I DO care about my parole. Its more important to me then pretty much anything. Its the difference between eating a meal on a tin plate and eating from a buffet at Sea View Gardens. And until you have crawled out of the abyss, Cousin, that may not seem like a lot but i have done so and its a lot to me." He conjures a brandy bottle. "Secondly, I told Random something powerful was occurring below the Pattern Room. It was hidden so well that neither Bleys or Arlo or that psychotic Doria could sense it but since the Pattern has been tutoring me in the Arcane I've become familiar with its power frequency and this thing wasn't it. Random told me to check it out. Once i was here, well, sue me, i did it. Frankly i was half convinced it would kill me." "As for your little party, i think i can find a nice party favor to give to the founder of the feast but we would all be more comfortable about it if we got Random's permission. I know what side of my bread is buttered. I happen to know that one of the treasures that is in the vaults of this castle is a stone of paragon the size of a greyhound bus. The thing is too big to use as an inscribing tool, too awkwardly shaped to forge on , and friggin nothing chips off even grains of it. But if we brought it here i bet it would weld itself to this piece. I also know that Aries Colbresi has three shards but they are so small they can't be assayed but they make hellacious inscribing tools. And I also know that Regor owns a 2% shard. So hook or crook...." "As for discussing the Arcane, my door is always closed but its got bars on it so we can speak at your leisure. Shall we go tell Random about this now?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer looks to Jurt and Despil and shrugs. "Technically, this is your party, brothers Sawall, I just got a last minute invite and am grateful for the party favors. If you want to oust the gatecrasher or change the music to his tune, I will go along. The decision is yours.... but Brand is shrewd, so I've heard, and he may be able to cut us all a sweet deal. I'll follow your lead." *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt-"Its not like Random doesn't know we had a need for the biggest frigging room we could find in this labyrinth. i doubt he thinks we are decorating it and making a bed and breakfast spot. 'Creepy Motif Inn-free vampire with every room' Hey, if Random knew something was going on why just send you?" brand-"I figure he didn't think the three of you could get in too much trouble. Turns out you managed it. Look, Im going to tell Random one way or another and there really isn't much that can stop me. So, im going to pop up to my cell, run a few cleaning spells, put some tea and sausages on the fire to cook, then give Random a call. So I'll give you about 20 minutes to get this thing out of Amber before Random comes down here to stick a flag in it. Or you can come up to the cell room and talk to him yourselves and we can see what kind of deal you can make. And Jurt, you are still on his shitlist for your burglary. Giving him access to this thing might go a long way to smoothing things over. Later.." Brand disappears. *'''Michael James Watson''' and SCENE ====<big>Visiting Brand's Cell and King Random's visit to Paragon</big>==== Brands Cellar has expanded since he was given parole. He can open and close the door for 16 hours a day. It now has seating and a couple tables and is something of a conference room. Many barrels from other mixed chambers were transported to line the walls. Light is from illusionary torches that Brand can dim or brighten. Brand is sitting on his bed, a writing board with parchments in his lap. A feathered pen in his hand leaves multicolored writing. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "We'd like to make a deal and not have to be on the run and possibly end up in a cell down here" Realmer begins as he stands in the doorway to Brand's cell. "I can only hope I get a cell a spacious and well furnished should I ever be incarcerated here. May we enter and palaver, Prince Brand? I have brought drinks; something I know you have not had..." he pulls a green glass bottle from a pocket with his left hand, "a Dwarvish Pale Ale of my own creation." *'''Michael James Watson''' brand waves, setting aside his writing tablet. "By all means. And lets drop the titles. They have a sense of unreality if bars are involved. Either iron bars or polished wood bars. Ill get the glasses..dwarvish pale ale? What makes it dwarvish?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Why, the high content of dwarf, of course" Realmer says with a wicked smile and a twinkle in his eyes as he pulls the cork and pours two glasses, leaving the empty bottle on the table, then he pulls out another green bottle, uncorks it and pours two more for Jurt and Despil. "Seriously; it's the ingredients used, the ratio of ingredients to each other, and the specifics of the brewing process; as is usually the case with any named, regional or racial brews. You could just as easily call it an Urnst Mountain Ale, the region where the initial recipe came from. I found something similar in a Shadow that did not have Dwarves and they called it a Skoothish Ale, another Shadow called another similar brew a Brakkton Ale." Realmer puts the second bottle on the table and picks up two glasses and hands them to Jurt and Despil. Then he picks up the other two, hands one to Brand and keeps one. "But mostly what makes it dwarvish is that it is strong, very strong; dwarves are notorious for having a high tolerance to intoxicants. A normal Dwarvish Ale is thick and heavy, bitter from overuse of hops and most non-dwarves find it unpalatable and will only drink it on a dare at best. Though I always enjoyed the kick of Dwarvish Ale, I found it too thick and too heavy and a bit too bitter, so I crafted my own more palatable version; I introduce you all to Realmer's Dwarvish Pale Ale, recipe number 63... finally got it perfect. This is just the second batch from that recipe. Here's to good deal making for all involved. Cheers." He raises his glass. *'''Michael James Watson''' "Cheers indeed." He takes a sip nodding.. "Excellent. I've quaffed all but a quarter of it. If each of you will do the same and pass me the glasses ill show you a clever trick." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer does so; leaving a quarter of the liquid then passed the glass to Brand. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt and Despil do as well. Brand sticks his finger in his and rims the top of the glass. He begins to incant-"Cuius satietatem Bacchaus nomen aeternum" he repeats it on the top of each glass. He raises the sign of the pattern, visible, reaching his hand into it he incants again. "Cuius satietatem Bacchaus nomen aeternum" Looks up and winks, "Abracadabra...." The glasses fill. 'Ill keep this one if you don't mind A workman is worthy of his hire, they say. Now you can always have this particular brew on hand. oh, and remember the incantation. I always keep a few hung since one never knows when the dredge i get given by guests and Dame Margot might be particularly memorable.' Quaffing again he moves to his comfy chair and settles in place. "Now, what story are we going to agree to when we speak to random?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer puts on his 'innocent face', which on him looks a bit more like a creepy blank stare, then raises his hand with his index finger extended and looks like he is about to level it at Jurt or Despil with the intent of leveling the blame on them too, as it was their idea. But then he stops before he actually points at anyone and holds up the same finger in a just a minute gesture and the expression on his face looks more thoughtful. "As novel as it may sound, perhaps we should try the truth. None of us has done anything treasonous... to the Crown... of Amber... thus far. And Random knew we were about something involving power down here and he more or less let us do it. And I am sure Random knew you" he looks at Brand "would try to sneak a bit of what we were doing down here, considering power was involved. Now, Brand's idea of giving Random access to the Rock could certainly get all of us off his shit list and we might even end up smelling like flowers on the other end of this. Unless there was more the two of you were to trying to accomplish and working with Random would put a kink in those plans?" Realmer looks to Jurt and Despil then continues, "I don't see why we would not want to deal with the King and share power, at this point." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer takes a drink of his re-filled Ale, checking to make sure it is actually the same, and recalling the incantation and ritual to make it happen. Then he adds as an afterthought. "Or I could fabricate a believable story that the King may believe if it came from me, but only because of my record of staying out of trouble, mostly." He pauses a moment. "An angry son of Sawall is pushed to far and makes a snap decision then robs the family treasures. When another estranged son of Sawall discovers what has been stolen and sees an opportunity for power he grabs it a quickly as he can. As do two Amberites that became involved by circumstance, mostly. No conspiracies. No cabals. No toppling of Empires or usurping of thrones. Close to the truth but lacks any premeditation on anyone's part." He drinks another swallow and awaits their thoughts. *'''Michael James Watson''' Brand-"Random might have bought that when he was first king, but he ha been king now for 70 years and seems quite good at it. He knows that every story has three sides to the factor of as many people as are involved. So you don't have his side. I would guess that our oooo so friendly Ambassador from Chaos suspects that the Lord of Theldane would not have sent anyone qualified to negotiate with Amber for Chaos because such people are more rare then honest men. And he might have confided such fears to the new king. Two men new to their roles. Random would not have suspected base treachery from Despil. But he would expect it of Jurt who has brought wild madness to the streets of amber with his ginjoint writ in wickedness. " He sips the ale and stands, walking over to a collection of bottles and glasses that look like the guardsman's tableware. Picking up a bottle with a resealable flipping ceramic lid, he brings it back to the table. Pouring a quarter from his glass in the bottle, he incants, "Cuius satietatem Bacchaus nomen aeternum" tice and as the bottle fills clips the stopper in place. "But, being a wise king he also knows what only a few in Amber do. I being one. Isn't that right Jurt? Not so much the refugee bringing Chaos are we? More an immigrant bringing distraction and loose lips, and a place to compromise those susceptible of treason. A place those with petty grudges might whisper their angers and misdeeds to wicked woman and pay goldwings to enjoy their little treasons.. And who does the proprietor of such a den of inequity tell these tales too? Why, his silent partner, the king. Quite a good cover for the spymaster of Amber, isn't it?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt sets his glass down, "Oh...Brand, you come as advertised. " Brand-"Realmer, I would say your evaluation is the best. Honesty first. And it has the advantage of being easy to remember. Two young chaosian angered over perceived mistreatment by king and kin, come to Amber. All the sons of Dara have sworn to Amber, have you not? As well as a pair of your cousins, SHaz Far and Vekoshasa. The Line of Lintra is a game one. What did Dara tell you at Zilla, Despil? The king told me so there is no reason to lie. " Despil frowns..."I'm being replaced. Recalled to Chaos" Brand-"And you decided not to go. Jurt's spur fof the moment decision to raid the vault of Sawall just sealed the deal for all of you, didn't it? Merlin is in Avalon, Jurt is here and now you are too. So.. You'll give back nearly everything, especially since to tomes are now copied. And you'll have a comfortable life here in exile bringing treasures aplenty to your new king." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer nods his head up and down as he assess everything again in his head. "So it is settled. We go in with the truth and work the best deal with Random we can. Best to get this done quickly. Shall I Trump the King?" Realmer ask generally of the room, knowing all have the King Random Deck... or equivalent in Brand's case. *'''Michael James Watson''' Brand nods, lowers his head and disappears. A moment later he reappears, Random and Doria in hand. Doria, an infrequent presence in the castle, nod briefly to Jurt. She has a M249 light machine gun, with a pistol grip for the left hand and a mounted m203 grenade launcher both with rune-engraved short clips in place. Her right hand rests on the hilt of of a Blade of Red Gale, the symbol on the hilt of covered by her black gloved hand. She backs to a wall, and her glance looks like one looking for fire solutions. Random walks over, picks up the nearest glass and drinks. "Well, we have been busy haven't we? I have received word that Sawall has withdrawn their letter but Chaos is sending a new Ambassador. Sawall is still pissed purple but they are not making it a federal case, claiming they will handle it as a family matter. Jurt, the more you give back, the less pissed they will be, but i doubt anything will placate them well. Now, Brand tells me you gentleman want to explain what happened that made Kolvir shake and the Jewel of Judgment burst into flames in its case? Im listening" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer looks to Jurt and Despil then back to Random, he sighs and begins laying it out from the time they got to the Cavern in the Lower Levels. He does not leave anything out, except the part about Psychically attacking Brand and bloodying his nose. He does mention taking the Mandalay Stones along for attunement and that he had his Ambir Jewel with him too and that it was very hot after he finished the initiation. *'''Michael James Watson''' Random---"A shard of Paragon. And an assailable one... That does explain one of the hsaking problems. Sargent Drusda reported that one of the vault rooms had a hell of a racket in it and was shaking the exterior walls." Looking aside he makes a mental call..'Carly? Yes.. Tell Bleys to empty the vault Drusda was mentioning and to bring everything in it to Realmer. He'll be there in a moment. Hell, we all will. " "Ok, lets go see this rock. " Brand rolls his eyes and looks at the silent Jurt and Despil. B-"Don't forget to bring your flag, my liege" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer leads the way through passages and stairs to the intended room, where, hopefully, the Shard of Paragon is still sitting in the middle of the room on the floor. Realmer does provide any needed illumination along the way and once in the cavern. "Majesty, the Shard of Paragon. Shard of Paragon, the King of Amber, Random the First." Realmer makes appropriately comic hand gestures to help lighten the mood. *'''Michael James Watson''' Rand-"Well, its a rock.." Despil walks to the rock and whispers the chant. Momentarily everyone is standing on the ground of Paragon, The sky above bright blue, the ground grassy. Around the edges the cavern can be seen and the entrance to the chamber. The sigil of Paragon glows cheerfully. Random walks around it, "All from a peice of stone little more then a coffee table?" Despil-"Yes, sire. One Half of one percent of the original inscription. that's enough to activate this place and its shadow of the assailable inscription of Paragon. Gramble had assayed it and brought us to some of the shadows reachable within. Ah..While i am grateful for beign allowed to set this up here, and im willing to allow its use, i must say that Title does not pass. It belong to Jurt and myself. Should Merlin or Mandor want to claim partial ownership ii would no argue. " Brand chuckles. "My hero....." Doria walks around the edges, not on the land, staying in the chamber not the land. Ran-"Im not going to argue it but i will say this. In a moment Bleys will be here with a friggin huge Rock of Paragon. A state secret. Its massive but being a Rock, not a shard, it has no inscriptions. Its been used for magical works since Oberon brought it here before the creation of the Kingdom. So..if it comes in her and welds itself to yoour rock, then Amber gets a say in its ownership as well" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "King Random has a point. Co-ownership might be best. But since I'm not one of those owners I don't actually have a say. It is just my suggestion." *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt and despil look at each other. Despil-"Agreed. Our interests coincide. And it does seem we will be here awhile. Since my replacement comes soon, i shall travel in Paragon for a time. It is my understanding that the more material the shard has the greater its reach withing its sphere. When we were there i could sense perhaps a dozen shadows. that's a small amount for a work such as this. Also, remember. It may be a source of power but it seems interested in peopling its shadows and uses pattern ghosts to do so. We had twins in there, even Brand, and during the conflict he was bled and his twin was created bearing the injuries. So its fairly exact. I would suggest not taking the jewel through" Ran-"You didn't mention a battle. Who were you fighting Brand? " Brand shrugs, "Oh it was nothing, just a negotiation on the meaning of life and someone's displeasure at my manner. I hardly feel loved if someone isn't hitting me these days, Liege. Though i should mention that if Wyndham Feldane hots be again im going to shrink his shorts till he sings soprano and pees like a girl. " Looking aside, "Not like you, Doria, im sure you pee standing up like the big dogs do." Doria-"Damn Straight." Bleys arrives with a hogvering rock the size of 3 grayhound busses in length and on in width. It is shaking and fighting Bley's control of his levitation spell. Bley looks mad as hell. *'''Michael James Watson''' When the stone enters the room the Land of Paragon disappears. The stone breaks Bleys' control and slams against the smaller stone and its inscription. The two fuse with the inscription in the center of the new larges stone. Despil whispers the song and the Land appears. IT looks much different though no bigger. It has a small open coloumned building around the inscription in the Minoan/Paragon look. Seating areas and several fountains spread around the comfortable space. Large trees of the paragon style are seen as well as some of the bushes.. Jurt whistles, "that's impressive. Ah Random, a thought, You might not want to walk the sigil yet. We can trump you in. Having a double of you in there might be a problem. " Brand-"I would concur, liege." Ran-"Then go along inside and pull me through.. Doria, watch the door. Jurt, Brand and Despil disappear into Paragon. *'''Michael James Watson''' Upon Arrival the difference from the last time is stunning. The first time the place seemed empty, even though people went about activities robotically. The sky was clear. The building while massive had a feeling of incompleteness Now the sky has clouds. The sounds of birds are everywhere. Fountains are in side alcoves among the colonnades. Gauzy cloths hang with ornately painted designs and separate areas for many reasons, catching the breezes. Banners top the corners of the builds. The Central courtyard looks more like its part of a living place with the inscription ending in the center providing the main colorful display. In the distance is the sound of an fiery music that scratches at some ancient memory lodged in the genes urging the listener to dance. Somewhere children laugh and play. Clusters of men and women in light togas of many colors talk, look over tablets of paper, go about other business. Among them is Brand2, wearing a bright red toga very nearly see-through who speaks to a man and woman, dressed in blue robes with silver embroidery. Despil and Jurt look around noting the differences. Brand trumps Random who steps through followed by Bleys. Brand 2 sees the group and walks over waving casual as he comes. B2-'My liege...Since you are here you must have an idea where you are. I want it made clear that I did not leave the castle and am not breaking my parole. Of course i'm also a creation of Paragon so the legalities might get a little tricky." Ran-"I hope you don't mind that my biggest problem might be having two of you. " Brand-"The pattern can create ghosts as you well know. But my permanence is not maintained by effort of the Sigil. Its a onetime function of the Sigil. the first time one walks it the doppelganger is created. I've spoken to sorcerers here and they are clear on that. oh.. I ramble.. " Despil-"How long have we been gone? Do you know where our doppelgangers are?" Brand, "We decided one of us should be here at all times till this gets settled. Its been almost a year. About a week after you returned to Amber there was an amazing expansion. Jurt is probably at the baths this time of day, Despil and realmer are traveling among the shadows. I am told the expansion caused the realm with its 12 shadows to suddenly connect to over a 100. Most are fairly bare. The residents of Paragon have mostly died off over the ages. After the expansion a great many pattern ghosts were created in some of the shadows. The being living beings they did what living beings do; the started having children. so children from various shadows spend some time here, getting familiar with the Sigil and breathing the air of this marvelous place. " Random-"I should look around,,, is anyone in charge?" Brand-"They have a senate. I'm currently a member. They pay lip service to a High Lord but the last one died in some ancient epoch. As for looking around, lets go to our place and get you settled in. We have about 20 room near one of the lightwells. " He starts walking toward a passage, waving to others. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer entered just after Jurt, Despil and Brand, taking Bob with him. He looks around at the changes and listens as Brand 2 and Random speak. When Brand 2 begins leading the way Realmer addresses him. "Brand.... number two... wouldn't you, and they" he waves to the other non-real people in the area, "more properly and accurately be called Paragon Ghosts? I mean, I know you are using the term Pattern Ghost generically, but the doppelgangers here are not a product of the Pattern, but the Inscription of Paragon. Which leads me to my next question; did the Inscription of Paragon have a name like the Pattern of Amber or the Logrus of Chaos?" Realmer turns to the real Brand and suddenly asks, "Oh, and I was wondering... Brand number one; did any of your blood get on the inscription? And if so, what were the effects, if any?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Brand2-"Esoteric terminology aside I would agree since so far Im fairly reasonable as Ghosts go. the Pattern of Amber has been dropping pattern ghost on me daily to torment and argue with me over my past behaviors. some i can just ignore. But ignoring myself is just rude. Especially since the ones the pattern sends are often ones that walked the pattern during my madness. As for the name of the Paragon Inscription, were you thinking Fred? Danny Boy? Maude? I have a feeling it will tell us in time. It is talkative, and far more directly communicative then any of my other imprints." brand1-" Not that I noticed, But if i had it would have been a shadow.. The Primal on the stone seems fairly resilient. Im not sure the pattern would survive being split up like this, Also, i think it might need the bloodline of its original creator to mar it. Fred the Inscription here seems fairly willing to let people assay it. You know, the tale ha always been that if you were not of the blood of Amber stepping on the pattern would cause your death. It isn't true. Aries Colbresie studied the pattern for a couple centuries, building his kknoladge of it up to bolster his powers of sorcery, conjuration... trump... and other dsciples that use the pattern. Then, as he tells it, he got very drunk one night and stepped on it. He survived but how is his story." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer chuckles at Brand 2 “Well, I wasn't thinking of naming it myself, I was just wondering if it had already been named and if that name was known yet... but now that you mention it, Maude does sound appealing.” Realmer smiles to himself and then comments to Brand 1. “In regards to Aries Colbresi, I am not surprised that he survived the Pattern. While at the Academy at Fantalin I heard a rumor that he actually has a bit of Amber Royal Blood, like a distant cousin or something. Another rumor stated that he is the First Shadow of an Elder Amberite, either Oberon or Dworkin most likely. But rumors abound about the Staff amongst the students.” After Brand and Brand 2 answer his questions, Realmer's mind is already thinking about other aspects of this 'Place of Paragon' and its Ghosts; specifically his own. Realmer tries a little experiment involving Trump and his Doppelganger. Instead of drawing out a Trump Card, Realmer uses the Trump Image of Himself contained within the Ring of Satura. Realmer stares into the black sapphire set into the platinum ring until the image of his own face appears within the depths of the black jewel. Realmer concentrates on the image, but instead of focusing on the coolness of the Trump Power to establish a Trump Defense, which is how he usually uses his own Trump Image within the Ring.... he actually looks at his facial features and pushes his Psyche away from himself, like he would when trying to contact anyone by Trump, and outward towards that other self.... his Paragon Self... his Paragon Ghost. *'''Michael James Watson''' Bleys listening nods, "We didn't know Dworkin was kin till after Paternfall. But a few of us realized once that was known that Aries must be a close shadow. There are mannerisms that exho each other. Later study i think he is either a shadow of Dworkin or perhaps a shadow of finndo. Aries was born after Finndo's riegn so its hard to say.' The experiment with the ring makes contact with realmer2 'Where are you? Tme is strange here. The realm expanded before our eyes...what happened?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' “Ah, Realmer, it did work. Excellent. I was wondering if Trump contact with ones Paragon Ghost would work. I am here in Paragon. What happened is, a huge Stone of Paragon was brought into the Cavern and was fused to the Shard of Paragon. The four of us that were duplicated are here and we Trumped in King Random and Bleys, we are about to have a meeting here.” “Also, I was wondering, what items were duplicated, or specifically, which Items were not? I was mostly curious about the Mandalay Stones and the Ambir Jewel, but also curious if my Artifacts were not only duplicated but also function exactly the same; including the sentience of each being intact. And any other contents of the Robe that were not duplicated. Plus, I hear you have been here for a year, and traveling; how do you and things fare?” *'''Michael James Watson''' "There is no Ambir stone or Mandalay stones. The defender and excavation swords didn't come through magical. The ring and robe are behaving erratically and I may have to work on them to stabilize them I think the magic didn't duplicate well. We have 5 rooms in the Amber floor Brand and I established. Jurt and Despil have a Sawall suite the floor below." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Yes, I heard Brand 2 referring to rooms and himself being a Senator here. Somehow I knew the Stones and Jewel would not duplicate, but I did not expect problems from my... your crafted Artifacts. Perhaps I can help while I am here. I hear you're traveling with Despil, would you like me to bring the pair of you through for the meeting, or would you prefer to stay abroad?" *'''Michael James Watson''' "It would probably be better for us to continue. Despil and I thinnk we will come back to stand for senate next year. there is a lot happening now.. There is something happening to this shard because its finally open. It languished in so many vaults over the millennia the inscription slept. Sleeping, it lost its people. It activated when we opened it. Now the inscription is remembering its people. The think is that it can feel the other open shards. But at this point they are all seperate realms... The inscription is sad that its broken. It may take long years butt the Imprint can be reassembled. Despil tells me a shard equal to nearly a full quarter of the original inscription exists in chaos, A realm called Catala. Lord of Chaos treat it like any other way but its a true piece of Order. Something to think about" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Something to think about indeed. I will mention it when appropriate. I will also give my regards to the others from the both of you. Give my regards to Despil. Travel Well, my Paragon Self." Realmer breaks contact unless his other self had something else to say. Once contact is broken, Realmer begins paying full attention to his surroundings again, catching up on any missed conversations, if needed. *'''Michael James Watson''' bleys-"Im sorry Random but its out of the question. Frankly i won't do it. We can't have a copy of the king in Paragon. Not unless you intend to conquer it. Br2-"I think they have a strong belief in senatorial law. I doubt a conqueror would have much luck. Besides, as the shard gains more who knows what the inscription might remember. Ran-"Is it in our interest to see it enlarged? How many pieces are there? Despil-"There is the Way of Catala in Chaos. 25% of the mark and the biggest peice by far. The Rock Paragon is a fixture in a black zone world. Said to have 10%. Birasarquis is in the Abyss. Thought to have a good chunk of it." Brand-"Regor has a shard with 2%. To the best of my memory it is not assailable. There is an order of Wizards in the Cynsure region that claim to own a shard and have wizards who do have Stones of Paragon. Particularly nasty choasian wizards. Hate order. " Bleys-"I hate to say it but Tolknor owns a shard with at least 5%. He claims he has visited the land in his. Claims to have a collection of stones as well that have been used as power focuses by sorcerers in the Tosa worlds for eons." Ran-"Ok, so there are pieces around. We just need to find them..Ask around..Kicking the bushes will bring out the owners looking to make deals. Make deals.. Lets return to Amber" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer gets the gist of the conversations and nods his head as though he has been paying attention the entire time. When the other get up to leave, he will as well... he still has other matters to attend to; a mating ritual for one... though the timing of that one was out of his control... but he did still want to contact Kala Kala for another contract he wanted to discuss. He also needed to check on Kevin and the resurrected young lady.... just the first things on the top of his mind. *'''Michael James Watson''' good enough.. *'''Michael James Watson''' Returning to Amber Random leaves immediately to other business. Jurt says he is off to Thin Whip's Place. Despil to the embassy to see to his papers. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer tells Jurt he will visit Thin Whip's Place later, when he is ready for some drinks and relaxation. He pulls out a Trump for Vulsar Base and transports there to check on Kevin and the Lady... if they are still there, he thinks mid transport.... *'''Michael James Watson''' He finds her well recovered, talkative, even bubly.. Kevin is excited to see Realmer. The two seem companionable but Kevin seems ready to move on. She has gotten a cat. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer is please to see them both well and scoops up Kevin and cuddles him a bit. Then Realmer asks her name, asks where she got the cat from and where she will stay and work. If she needs a place to stay and work, Realmer will make arrangements with Jurt, perhaps, for a job and a clean and safe place to live. *'''Michael James Watson''' She says the cat is from here, Vulsar. the star fleet people want her to stay there so they can research the magic used on her. While there she will study and maybe join star fleet. ITs far out of what her expectations in life were growing up in Amber. She is grateful for her rescue beyond words.. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Well, if you should ever need anything you may call upon me. I Am Lord Relmopator. And your name lovely lady?" ====<big>An Offer, Jurt's Stash and The Throne of Paragon</big>==== After some time in the Kingdom of Vulsara, where Realmer was unable to meet the new King Vance, he get a Trump contact *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer first tries to identify the type of Trump contact. If it is Amber is origin, he will try a trick Dworkin told him about once, and sort through the King Random Deck until he can tell who is calling... if he can. *'''Michael James Watson''' Its an amber trump and when you start narrowing it on a card you think it may be Jurt. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer allows contact, cautiously. *'''Michael James Watson''' "Hey.. I've got company and they want to see you too. Care to come through?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Sure. Vulsara is a bit boring for my tastes; too much technology. Where are you? Who are you with and should I change my attire?" *'''Michael James Watson''' "Well, im in a cavern outside Diega. 10 to 1 amber. Its sort of a bolt hole of mine.. I was resting here and this fucking guy shows.. Its not a knives out thing but he wants to talk to both of us." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "I understand. Did he give a name? Would you mind describing him?" Realmer feels a bit paranoid and prepares for the worst. *'''Michael James Watson''' 'He didn't give a name because i know who he is, and he is freaking me out. And he wants to speak to us both. I can't talk more on trump because of the bloody eavesdropping" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Pull me through" Realmer says, his Bone Staff in hand with the Red Mandalay Stone temporarily mounted in the eye socket of a skull atop the staff. *'''Michael James Watson''' Stepping into a large cavern the fist noticeable thing is that the room is filled with gold. Gold art. Gold bar, piles of gold coins, chests and chests, some open filled with gems. A veritable dragon's hoard. Jurt is sitting in a gold throne though he looks awkward in it. Near him is a dark skinned man with blond hair in a brooks brothers suit, black and black shirt. He has a small round table with a crystal bottle of purple liquid and three glasses. Jurt nods, "Realmer, This is Cadice Jesby. a Lord of Chaos. Cadice, This is Relmopator Barimen, a Lord of Amber. " He nod, "Its a pleasure.. Now we can talk." Pours three glasses of the purple liquid. Sets two at the edges of the table *'''Michael James Watson''' "Lord Jurt, Lord Realmer...Well, Jurt would know, but your sir should, Im a broker of bets. A gambler by trade.. And a wager has been established in Chaos concerning you two. A fair fortune has been set in escrow to its completion and certain factors will pay off on various elements. The first element is occuring now" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer is immediately intrigued and takes one of the glasses of purple liquid and holds it up and says, "I am more than happy to listen and drink. Are there any other chairs here, or should I Conjure my own?" *'''Michael James Watson''' he nods, a chair appears, "My pleasure. The first bet was if you would pick up a glass. " He picks up his and raises it, then drinks, raises it again. "To the patron Lords of Chaos" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt comes up and takes the drink. It is a smooth potent brew tasting of floral rose. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jesby pulls out two hockey pucks and puts them before each of you. "These are obsidian discs. Inside each is a House Stone." Jurt goes wide eyed. "ReallY?" He nods, "Yes, Jesby is staking this game. Care to hear the terms? Or is a little treason to risky for such as you both?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer leans to Jurt and whispers, "Looks like a Dragon's Horde in here." Then turns to Jesby and says, "Explain what a House Stone is and for what House, then explain the terms." Though Realmer has lifted and snifted the glass, he did not drink. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt picks up the puck, examining it through a logrus lens *'''Michael James Watson''' Jesby"a House stone is needed to establish a formal House in Chaos. Break the puck before the Tomb of the Ancestors of Darkness and then place the stone before the throne of Swayvill in Theldane. Do these two things and a House is Created. It would only have one person but from such a seed great houses grow. No fealty is required, no blood is drawn. Once completed, the House is named, and from then on, its all politics. There are forces willing to gamble on many elements as this game proceeds. Win or lose. Among them is that Jurt must survive assassin's hired by his father. Bets are in place..Other stakes are active now as well. the next one is if you will claim the obsidian discs and participate in the game. This may take an Age in amber to resolve, but it begins when you each claim your disc and begin the path to create your house in Chaos." He refills glasses. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer smiles at Jesby and places the still full glass, untasted, back on the table and says, "I was already offered a House in Chaos; House Barimen. I refused it, I refuse this. So sorry you had to travel all this way. Well met and good bye." Realmer turns to Jurt, "Do you want help getting rid of him, or do you have it under control?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt picks up the disc, kisses it, "Its under control. Jesby, tell your people to establish me a line of credit. " He nods, "Very well Lord Jurt. Lord Realmer, this disc waits in the Hall of Games of the House Jesby, It shall be there indefinitely. Good Luck, Lord Jurt. If you come to Chaos, you will have safe haven in House Jesby." He stands, the table and bottles fading to smoke. He withdraws a trump and steps through it *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer just looks at Jurt, silently. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt steps back the the oddly angles throne and runs the disc over his fingers *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt smiles, "Unexpected, but again not a surprise.. Chaosians will bet on anything. " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Well, I rarely bet on anything, unless it is part of a strategy. I am not a fan of gambling, not in the traditional sense. As far as others betting on me or my actions or lack of actions, that is of no concern of mine. And I am not interested in the game presented or the reward offered. But it seems you're interested.... or you want them to think as much." Realmer says with a smile. *'''Michael James Watson''' "I have no interest in founding a house in chaos. However, great houses have stones like this to give to honored retainers. Sawall had none. Jesby just put two into the game. I may never use it, but i have it just in case. On never knows..." *'''Michael James Watson''' "You were noticing the gold? Yes, its a funny story. Shows in a way the lack of business acumen in Amberites and shadow walkers. Its so easy for them to amass a fortune in what every currency they desire that they forget how hard it is for everyone else. We are in the Treasure trove of Diarsa. This is a shadow a few shades from Diega. Its long been a bandits and raider's realm. Centuries i understand. It has a variety of shadow defenses that have caused even the best shadow walkers to only find echos of it. Brigands, orcs, blue dwarves, unemployed mercenaries, disavowed nobles, escaped prisoners and every kind of riffraff gets drawn to these shadows where they hideout while raiding the trade routes into Diega. They also have some ports where Pirates have long plagued the sea route of Amber and Diega from. Diega has called on Amber a lot over the centuries. Bleys says over the centuries he, Corwin, Eric, Flora, Caine and Gerard have all come and wiped out various incarnations or the brigands that get drawn here. I suppose its understandable i got here eventually, being both villain and hero. Yet no matter how many times they raided the place brigands always returned to people the land and they never found the great treasure of the assembled raiding" Playing with the puck he goes on. "So a couple years back i was shipping a rather large cargo of pure Trasidy Urala and the caravan, led by a business partner of mine named Adavan, and the raiders her hit it. Now they took it fairly close to Diaga and while i could have managed it on my own i tend to be messy and flashy and i didn't want that kind of attention on my essentially illegal importation of a controlled substance into Amber. So I contacted one of the cousins, Macsen, to help. He is of Trasidy and I played on his sense of righteousness and loyalty to his countryman of Trasidy. He had just left Benedict's finishing school. He volunteer and he and his squire, a remarkable woman came to see about it. You see, Macsen holds Wayfinder,one of the Red Gale blades that is a hell of a tracking device. When he got to them he called me. I got there and he not only had his squire helping him but friggin Dalt, his father, and a provincial from Adagalasck you probably know; someone named Trualta, called the Horse Lord. " He conjures cigars, lighting one and inhaling the multicolored urala smoke. "We used Wayfinder, found the brigands and followed them down a long tunnel, inadvertently shifting shadows. I called on Bleys for esoteric technical advice and he came through. As we finished off the rest of the brigands Bleys realized what we had done was find the secret entrance to the brigand's final hideaway in Diarsa. Bleys, Dalt, Trualta, Macsen and his squire went off to ravage the remaining brigands." He makes sailing ships of smoke sail through multicolored rings in the air, "They informed Random about the discovery of the tunnel, and sent off to Diega to take over the shadow. And they all essentially ignored the extraordinary hoard of treasure. I transferred it to a shadow i had and let them take over the shadow and its pathetic population of victims the brigands had serving them, Some for generations. The heroes got the glory and the accolades, restored order and freed the brigand's prisoners, and received the thanks of a grateful Diagan royal house and all their merchant guilds. I got the treasure and recovered my Urala. Fair deal. Adavan was delighted with the 2% of the treasure trove i gave him as a finder's fee. He after all, is a man of business." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "I rarely collected wealth of any kind except to pay for my magical endeavors. Though... I am fond of gemstones and jewelry; carries more value for the weight than most any precious metal or other currency I have come across." Realmer lights up one of the cigars with a Cantrip, inhales deeply, and blows multi-colored smoke as he exhales, then continues. "Once I learned the Amberite way to wealth, well, I collected many gems and jewels for the purpose of trade as I traveled through Shadow. I still have a few small stashes in Shadow and I always carry a small fortune in gems at all times." "So, I don't know what you're up to next, but I have a few things I would like to do, before I Proceed with the King. Three or four of them you could accompany me on... and possibly help me with. And before long I must plan a night at Thin Whip's Place." *'''Michael James Watson''' "There are places in chaos that would make this treasure look like a piggy bank. Some lords are avaricious in the extreme. And there is some buying and selling in chaos. As one might gather, exchange rates are variable. But trade is handled differently there. The Lords of Chaos, even minor ones like myself, Despil, Vek & Shaz Far, have the same abilities to create wealth as Amberite shadow walkers. So the lure of gold is negligible. Still, its nice to have a place like this just for the art of it. Gaudy, to be sure, but interesting. And its amazing what you can find in a dragon's hoard. The brigands for a thousand year brought things here.. Who knows where this throne came from but When im sitting in it i can tell I am being lied to. Im going to instal it in my club someplace gaudy," *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Well, yes; there is a certain aesthetic to an all gold hoard, to be sure." Realmer looks over the Gold Hoard, noticing the different shades of 'gold', the polished bits versus the tarnished bits, visually picking out any items that are not purely gold. "And I am familiar with Dragon's Hoards and the odd and surprising things that can be found within; I was personally involved in the slaying of two Dragons, at separate times of course. In both instances, there was more treasure than we could take so we all learned the Art of Looting a Hoard. Plus I was also turned into a Dra...." Realmer trails off then turns away from looking at the hoard and looks purposefully at Jurt, one eyebrow raised. "Wait.... you did just say that the Throne gives you the ability to detect lies? I recalled reading that a Stone of Paragon as well as a Shard of Paragon has the same property.... and you also just said you have no idea the origin of the Throne...." Realmer focuses on the Throne trying to use his Imprint of Paragon to determine if the Throne is of Paragon in any way, or if the power is just a coincidence of similarity. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt stands, looks at the throne.. Raising the sigil of the Logrus he stretches his hands in to visible tendrils. Running his hand through it. The imprint of Paragon is new to Realmer and when he focuses it sends shooting pain piercing his brain left to right, back to front and as it leaves out the front of his head a symbol appears. It is quickly spinning counterclockwise and building up speed. The pain gone there is a sense of fractured and difficult to control power in the shimmering symbol before him. Looking at Realmer in concern Jurt suddenly grimaces and the symbol appears before him as well. He seems to be applying his Psyche to control its rate of spin, to slow its wild advance down. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer is used to pain and he breathes and focuses through it. When he sees/senses what Jurt is doing, he does the same, slows the spin of the Sigil with the force of his Psyche; he does not stop it instantly, as that could be dangerous and painful, he slows it down to a very slow spin, only stopping the spin if he feels it is correct, then looks through its center at the Throne. *'''Michael James Watson''' as the wheel slows there is a face in the center, a bald pale face man with the look of good humor, a slight surprised smile. Part of the sigil appears in front of him. He has a look of a young man but something in his eyes is an old soul.. the face lasts a few seconds before fading.. Through the sigil a tiny fragment of power rests deep within the base of the throne, in cased in solid pure gold. It pulses in the Paragon vision as if recognizing a friend.. Yet the sigil seems somehow potent, yet fractured, deadly an undependable. Willing but reluctant.. There is something about it that is unnerving to the esoteric magical senses of a sorcerer. Without trying Realmer identify 12 places for hanging major spells and as many as 20 for minor spells, but the shimmering of the sigil make him think they may no reliably hold them. There is a sense of other powers just out of reach of the wielder of the imprint. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt-"Well, ill be damned, and probably.. The Logrus sight didn't show that nugget in there but the paragon one does,...tricky" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "I wasn't sure if the Pattern Sight would see it either, not that I have tried, but I figured if there was a trace of Paragon on this Throne, the Sigil of Paragon would detect it. Did you notice that it seems there are missing powers of the Sigil? And that the Spell Slots seem to be a bit unstable? And did you see that face?" *'''Michael James Watson''' "I've seen that before. Woven Logrus, Broken Patterns, the Crumpled Sigil, Fractured Mal at Riess, several different abyssal sigils. Constructs not quite reliable or somehow damaged. It can be potent to hang spells on them but i wouldn't hang life and death ones. As for the face, i recognize it. a face out of legend with a portrait in the ancestral hall of Theldane; The Sage of Catala. He rules a realm floating in the deep reaches of the stuff of Chaos.. and... it is rumored that his realm is based on the largest surviving shard of Paragon.. and now he knows us. " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Well.... I guess we should expect a message or invite from the Sage of Catala someday, or maybe an emissary. It seems of late that I am getting invited to participate in a variety of events and rituals based on power of one sort or another. Perhaps I should check my Astrological Chart and do a Tarot Reading for myself... and just maybe... visit an Oracle." "I wonder if the Throne itself is of Paragon as well, or just the... Shard perhaps, within? Let's take a look." Realmer focuses on the 'nugget' within to determine 1) If it is a Stone or a Shard, 2) If the 'nugget' is bound to the throne or can be removed and 3) If the Throne itself is of Paragon. *'''Michael James Watson''' The throne seems to have some kind of shielding to make it undetectably magical to nearly all sources. Jurt purses his lips. "Hmmm that's interesting.. Ah, Realmer.. would you mind sitting on that thing for a second? I want to test something." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Well.... only because I've seen you sitting in it already. Should I drop the Sigil or leave it up?" Once Jurt answers Realmer will do as Jurt asks and sit on the throne. *'''Michael James Watson''' "Drop it.. no... raise another.. Amber or Adagalasck...." Realmer raises a sign and sits. J-"Well damn... that's something.. Ok, come look at me through the pattern and Adagalask lens and ill do it. " Replacing places Jurt raises the Sigil of Chaos and Realmer can see it clear in all its writhing glory. When Jurt sits down the sigil appears gone. In fact Realmer can not sense any magic through either lens, as if jurt was a non-magical person with no imprint of any kind. j_"I've the Logrus up.. Its locked, stocked and ready to rock. Now try the Paragon Lens.' When he does he clearly sees the sigil of the Logrus as Jurt says. j-"Cool huh? now i really want this at the club." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' As Jurt requested, Realmer dropped the Paragon Sigil and brought up the Spiral first, then sat. While sitting he switched to the Pattern. Once they switch places and Realmer learns what Jurt had discovered, he grins from ear to ear and says, "Absolutely fascinating. I can see why. But I wonder if the Shard within is powering the Throne or if the Power is part of the throne itself. Or maybe a combination of the two." "I wonder what else in this Golden Hoard is of Paragon?" Realmer raises and lowers both eyebrows repeatedly, then with the Sigil of Paragon before him, he begins scanning in a circle around him. He is not looking at anything specifically, but more over looking for Auras or feeling for a pull towards something or a sense of Paragon about something or an area. *'''Michael James Watson''' Among the piles of loose coins and gold plate, items,sculptures, and loose clutter are many gold braced boxes of rare woods. In them are signs of a large number of low order magical items and things that have residual magic showing that they may be more potent in different shadows. Among these are four that stand out. 2 are long identical boxes 3x3x5, holding tightly stacked items that have a strong magical signature of high order origins. One is a long narrow brown leather case with a signature of a pair of items inside. The last in a small long case in a wood that is smooth and has a two items inside of high order magic. All four cases are together, showing that jurt has clearly already examined them *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Looks like you have already found the magical goodies" Realmer says as he nods towards the stacked up crates. "I wonder if a Spell might help us learn more about this Throne. Jurt, I'm gonna try a couple of things to see if I can learn more about our Mystery Throne." Realmer knows that Magery (Warlock) works in this region of Shadow and is pretty sure Wizardry (D&D) does not, so he first tries a Low Order Magery Spell he has memorized called: View Past, which Realmer focuses on the Throne. *'''Michael James Watson''' View past looks into the recent past of the area cast. Realmer might see week into the past but nothing ancient and nothing out of the room However, casting the spell anyway as part of a process he sees Jurt speaking over a trump while sitting in the throne. It looks like a very volatile conversation. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Even though Realmer is fairly confident that it will not work, he casts a Wizardry Spell: Legend Lore. If it does not work, he will try again with the Sigil of Paragon up and he will try to focus his spell casing through it. *'''Michael James Watson''' Placing a hand on the throne, after jurt vacates it, he starts the ritual. Jurt goes over and muscles the large box of tightly packed item over to another table and fiddles with the lock.. A vision occurs of a massive red skinned dwarf sitting in the chair, sweaty, dripping with perspiration. Around him is forge fires and people working on many projects. The Dwarf stands and walks to greet several humans entering the smithy. they give him a box the size of a foot locker. He opens it, nods, closes it and waves. The men approach the throne and levitate it out of the chamber. Once gone, the dwarf laughs Jurt has pulled a smaller box from the bigger one *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' If the Vision is completed, Realmer will look to the boxes Jurt has piled up to see if any match the one the red skinned dwarf was given, accounting for aging, of course. While he is looking over the crates and boxes, Realmer relates exactly what he saw to Jurt. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt pushes a small box over. none resemble the ones in the vision j_"These are clever. Take one. I've heard of them. Gonna take them to the bar and figure out a way to cut down on kitchen problems. Each contains a dinner plate, salad plate, dessert plate, and a cup& saucer. Three times a day each one can fill. One never knows what will be on them except its food. As I understand it the longer a person owns them the closer they get to providing food to their racial preference. Wonder what they think Amberites like mostly. In my experience Amberites prefer alot. Though Vek is an Amberite and he was a prep chef in Hell i hear. Well, Hendrake Hall I mean. Man could end up with roast flank of centaur. Oh the saucers provide a snack try with each meal.. Funny high order magic to make.. Mandalayan i think, but i can't be sure." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "It absolutely sounds Mandalayan. I read something about Mandalay and it sounds identical to what you just told me about this Dinnerware. And I will take a set, thank you; save me from having to use a Spell or order and wait for food from the kitchens, Castle Amber or the Embassy in Adagalasck. And sounds like it might broaden my palate in the process." Realmer stretches an outer pocket on his Robes, via Item Shape Shifting, and pushes the box in until it disappears. Jeff, the Robe, will move the box to one of the larger inner pockets and reform its outer pocket back to normal appearance. "I'm going to try the Spell again, to see if I can learn more, but I'm going to try something a little different this time; academic curiosity. I won't be able to do this again until tomorrow at earliest... need to re-memorize the Spell. Perhaps I should invest the time into making this Spell a High Order Spell... might be more useful and more informative being based on a High Order Power." Since the Spell worked on its own, this time Realmer will focus the Legend Lore Spell through the Sigil of Paragon hanging before him. He recalls that the Power of the Sigil of Paragon greatly boosts Low Order Magics; perhaps he can get another Vision, perhaps he can get more of the Story of the Throne. *'''Michael James Watson''' Holder of a shard, and initiated to it, is greatly boosted in using low order magic. Casting the Legend lore while holding to sigil of Paragon up causes the symbol to spin again quickly. The vision come painfully. It shows the giant Dwarf holding a piece of rock with a tiny point emitting light. He walks to a forging table and pushes great power through a narrow beam into the shard and a short laser point comes from it. The view turns and shows 12 identical swords, differing only in their pommel. The blades each glow. He runs the inscribing tool over each. He walks to the throne, sinking his hand into the solid gold. Removing his hand, open, empty. He steps up into the throne and fades to sleep A blinding pain drops the sigil of paragon and racks Realmer's psyche into submission. Realmer wakes to the smell of coffee, Jurt kneeling next to him, "Realmer? Come on... wake up.. The effect is fading...Wake up..I've got Azcalan coffee ready for you." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer takes the coffee and drinks slowly and carefully. He does not push himself, he takes his time to recover from the effects of pushing things too far. Once he feels better, and the coffee kicks in, he will then finally speak. "I learned quite a bit on that one... combined with what I learned from the first I may have some answers. But first, how long have I been out?" *'''Michael James Watson''' "About an hour.. Hope you don't mind but i used a clean spell on you and your clothes.. Sort of... well, wouldn't want to go to court smelling like that." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Thank you, Jurt, it was a painful Vision. I'm not surprised I made a mess of myself." Realmer then relates the second Vision to Jurt, same as he did the first. "I think the massive red skinned dwarf is the God Vulcan and the Swords I saw are the Swords of Power... or as they are better known as, the Blades of Red Gale. And as I am sure you saw, the Shard in this Throne was used by a God to inscribe Power into those Blades. I believe this Throne is a mighty Relic and bears more study... I'm not sure you should be displaying at Thin Whip's Place; I don't think it would be prudent. I am sure there is more to this Throne than what we have discovered thus far." *'''Michael James Watson''' jurt nods. "Perhaps.. But i certainly can't take it to the dungeon. At my place it will be plenty visible. all hours of the day. If there is a shard in it then it must be a tiny one. We can study it there. Close to Amber, not owned by Amber. And if they want the shard in it they will pay big. Right now I've got trouble. My brother is sore at me. Random is about to get a visit from his new brother in law and he will be escorting the new Ambassador to Amber from Chaos. And Random is going to be pissed purple when she gets there and this is all my fault.. Hmmm Red Gale blade..hmmmm that gives me an idea..." He sips his coffee. "Of course, that beg the question how did it end up here? Who was sending it somewhere near enough fr Diasara raiders to grab it? How long has it been here?' *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer finishes his cup of coffee then looks for a pot to refill his cup. He also looks to see if there is anything to eat; he knows he needs to replenish his energy. "Well, I wasn't suggesting you take it to Amber or give it to the King... I was just commenting that displaying it at your Club in plain sight might not be wise, but..." Realmer pauses a moment as he thinks, then continues. "But, you may be right about it being safe where it can be watched at all times... I was just concerned that some patron may recognize what it is and try to use it or take it... and, I believe, this Relic is too important and maybe too powerful to let go or let fall into the wrong hands." "My other concerns about it being in or too close to Amber is that as we are researching it and experimenting with its powers, someone, or several someones, may very well sense those emanations of power and come looking. My other concern is that Low Order Magic does not function in Amber and thus far, it has been Low Order Spells that have given us the most information on this Throne. But, with a little time, I could craft a High Order Spell that would duplicate the effects of the Low Order Spells I have been using." "As to your questions as to how it got here, how long, by whom and why... those may be answerable by way of more spell casting as well as some research in... well, I was going to say the Library in Castle Amber, but maybe we should research this outside of Amber for the time being; if either one of us goes into the Library looking for a tome on ancient gold thrones, Arloxedra will certainly become involved. Though his skills in Research and Magic are beyond reproach, I think it best to keep this between us for the time being. Maybe I can visit the Academy at Fantalin and use the Academy Library instead. I might attract some attention, me returning to the Academy, but better Aries than Arlo... Aries will be curious, but not like Arloxedra. But, this is your Relic and your decision to make; I am here to advise and research." Realmer grins and winks at Jurt then looks to the Throne and wonders about it as well... Who was it made for? Where was it taken? And how DID it get here? Hide 50 Replies *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt-"You make a good point. And echo a few I've thought since i found the thing." He pulls out several plates from the dish bow and raps on them, filing the plate with an odd mixture of foods, Jurt picks up a cashew butter and sardine sandwich and sits back in the throne to nosh. A pasta dish looking reasonable normal fills a dinner plate "There are plenty of sorcerers in Amber these days that might be able to feel us manipulating the forces. I know you and Arlo are not on the best of terms but my problem with him is that he is a direct channel to Random. But whats worse is that the new Ambassador to Amber is a world class badass sorcerer and a deeply evil bitch to boot. It going to be bad enough when i see her but having her feel me working the logrus and checking up on me would just suck.. Aries is more scholarly but he'll call Random too. So who do we trust? mandor and Fiona might be good but im not on good terms with them. Suhuy would just claim the thing. "We need someone with high esoteric skills and who might not go directly to Random. I have a couple suggestions, though they are bound to piss off people across the board. One's name is Digan, called the Ruby Mage. He's director of Magical Services for CHAD. Hes been to my place several times and we have had some interesting talks. The other person is Nur al Din El Musifar, another Tosian, though he is not currently a member of CHAD. He is a Thrice Crowned Bard, and Archmage, and...well.. You know that Tosa/York bein in a shade of Amber react to the shadow systems as if they were Amber themselves and in that comparison his has become the High Lord of Chaos in his shade level. As such he is an object of mockery in Chaos. Its only fair to mention that Digan, though a Tosianm is an actual Lord of Chaos as I am though my understanding is that he is defroked having fought beside Tolknor at Patternfall. " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer picks up the plate of pasta and a fork, finds a place to sit and tries a bite of the food before speaking. "Well, my list of candidates is very short; my Cousins, Archmage Ninaaratres, the Titular Queen of Adagalasck, Mistress of the North Wind and her sister, Archmage Emiliesa, Mistress of the East Wind. Both are in Adagalasck, a Primal Realm with a powerful inscription." Realmer pauses to take a few bites then continues. "I also have a secure Shadow there, off of the North Stair. I am sure neither of them would run to Random, nor do I think their husbands would either, Julian and Caine, that is. In fact, if we make it seem esoteric enough, without mentioning too much, we might be able to avoid the involvement of Julian and Caine all together. And we may not even need to consult Emiliesa." Realmer pauses again, taking a few more bites before continuing. "My only other candidate would be my Grandfather; Dworkin. I am sure I could get him to leave Amber to consult or assist, but I cannot guarantee he won't tell Random or take the Throne for himself, for study or power, or both." Realmer nods to himself then begins eating again. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt nods, "Dworkin....that's some big guns. i think he might just take it and tell us to go play with less dagerous toys. Digan owes me a few favors but the CHAD people, the leadership that is, creep me out a little. Lop came to my place once and he looked around like he was deciding how to redecorate it after he foreclosed. Of course my club has a crapton of the members every night. Got to love adventurers. Free with their gold, free with their powers, never learned how to adequately protect themselves from psyche probes. As for Nina.....That's interesting.. I'd like to meet her. There is considerable gossip about she and her sister. I understand Chaos is going to send an ambassador. would you call her or do you have a trump to your places there?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "I agree with your assessment of Dworkin; and I'm sure he would lecture us like we were children before he left. I have had some dealings with CHAD and their leadership; I have a personal guard I hired from CHAD when I first got here, not realizing I had an assigned Elite following me around already. Any way, got CHAD working in parts of Adagalasck from time to time; they were quite helpful during the War with Hagalta and Tonacat's troops." Realmer finishes his plate of pasta and pulls out two bottles from his Robe pocket: one large filled with clean water, the other small, filled with a Restorative Potion. He drinks the potion first, waits for about 10 seconds, then drinks the bottle of water as though he has not slaked his thirst in days or weeks. "Nina... yes... I can contact her; I have a Trump of her, not from the King Random Deck, given to me by Julian... it has never failed when I have used it before. Plus I can contact her via the Spiral, like I did you, if needed. And since I don't know your Digan, even by reputation, but you know of Nina, at least by reputation, then perhaps she would be our better candidate... in my opinion. Shall I try to contact her now?" Realmer is already reaching for her Trump, not the one in the Deck like the rest, but up his sleeve inside a special pocket just for holding a Trump card. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Oh, and... I'm not sure saying Nina owes me favors is accurate, but I did awaken her from her long sleep, opened Adagalasck, returned her lover and husband to her, helped oust Hagalta and resolve a political matter that had been troubling Adagalasck for centuries. And she ended up being the Queen, Titular, of Adagalasck... all because I decided to go to Adagalasck to find my mother. So... I think we are on good terms at the very least." *'''Michael James Watson''' j-"Digan is a voluptuary. Reminds me of Mandor sometimes. Elegant. genteel, exquisite taste. Lots of food and dining magic. He has a great power where he never gets dirty. Pour buckets of blood on him and it slides of him and anything he own. Impressive.. A Tosian power I'm told. But he is a first class wizard and a powerful sorcerer. He leads the CHAD wizard's Corp. He has been attending Amber functions as a CHAD representative. He scares the nobles because he is a Chaos Lord of sorts but also a fan of Order. Everything can exist in Chaos, even devotes to Law. Call Nina" *'''Michael James Watson''' "Digan runs with two....companions? One is a talking cat with a fire trollstone of its own mounted in its forehead, covered by an illusion of fur, and he is a very potent low Order Mage. The other is a leprechaun girl who has apparently born two children for an old one named Cthulhu and lived to tell of it. The creature buffed her life forces up and imbued her with power to make her survive it but she is creepy as hell. Broken. Broken, crazy, a Madwand, and dangerous as an abyssal demon. Being around Digan calms her down thankfully" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer, as he draws out his Trump of Nina, looks at Jurt and says, "Powerful companions, indeed. But I think we need less madness and more reason. I will call Nina." Realmer focuses on the image of Nina on the Trump that Julian gave him, waiting for contact... *'''Michael James Watson''' the contact come swiftly "Realmer! What a surprise.. I thought you would be off a wandering for a generation of men. What do I owe the pleasure to?" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Ninaaratres, wonderful to see you in good spirits. I have a favor to ask; I am in need of one highly skilled in the Arcane Arts and equally knowledgeable in Arcane Lore... and, to be honest, someone who is unlikely to consult with King Random before, during or after our discussion. And though I trust very few, and those I do trust, I only barely trust, as is the case with all from Amber and Adagalasck... I feel that I can trust you more than most, and I was hoping we could keep this matter between us... and another I am involved with in this matter. Are you willing to keep confidence in this matter?" *'''Michael James Watson''' 'I should consider myself complemented but im not certain. Will you come through or shall I? Its been an age of Amber since i left this realm. Might be time for it" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer partially covers the Trump, not enough to break the contact, but enough to mute his conversation with Jurt. "She said we could come through, but it really sounds like she would love to come here... she hasn't left her Realm in ages. Would it be acceptable to bring her here, Jurt? Saves us from having to move it." *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt nods and taps the plates to refill with fresh food. Nina steps through, looking around the gold filled room with a bit of surprise. Nina nods to Realmer"Thanks you for inviting me.. This room is quite a sight. One rarely sees this much treasure in one place. I can smell the manipulation of forces..oh.. you are keeping company with a Lord of Chaos i see.. That is unexpected." She raises a sign you are unfamiliar with. It writhes in red and black and feels oppressive and heavy in the air. Jurt leaps to his feet and raises the the Sign of the Logrus "Realmer!!!! She's an Abyssal Lord!!!!!!!!" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer steps between the two of them, but does not raise any Sigil of Power, only his hands. "So I have unusual acquaintances" he says to them both. "Now, if you could both please, drop your respective Sigils and relax so we can talk Magic over food and drinks. And if the fare the Plates provide is not adequate, I will gladly Conjure up some refreshments more to everyone's liking." Realmer looks from one to the other, looking each in the eyes. "Please, can we all get along?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Nina laughs..."To be honest i wasn't sure i cold raise it still. Emile and I spent very little time there as children before Oberon brought us to Amber." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Well, in that case, let us enjoy an exquisite meal in equally exquisite surroundings. Jurt, if you don't mind, I'm going to temporarily requisition your hoard, but don't worry, when I dismiss the Spell, everything will go back exactly as it was." Realmer cast a High Order Spell based upon a Low Order Spell from his past; Secure Shelter. It will take any and all available materials at hand and turn them into a shelter of Realmer's desire. The gold treasure turns into walls around them, forming a large single room with walls of gold going from floor to ceiling with open windows in each wall. It also creates a round dining table and chairs, also made of gold, for the three of them to sit at. Any gems contained in the hoard would have been incorporated into a single 'stained glass' window. All of this occurs around the area of the Throne, with it now being off to one side of the 'dining room' with the gem window behind it. Once the Secure Shelter Spell is complete, Realmer will cast another High Order Spell of his own creation; Resplendent Refreshments (think 'Mandor Level' meal). Fine porcelain tableware appears along with platinum flatware, then the food appears on platters in the middle of the golden table. Realmer includes a variety of popular Amber, Chaos and Adagalasck dishes... and his personal favorite; steak tartar. There is also an assortment of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and fine crystal glasses and goblets. "There. Much better. Now, can we sit, eat and talk? That Throne over there is the object of of our discussion." *'''Michael James Watson''' Nina nods, "I thought as much. It emits high energy... " Nina picks at the food looking at the throne. Jurt looks unamused for some reason. Jurt asks, "Oberon brought you to Amber, after siring you and your sister? Your trumps, and the commentary on them, say you are Adask and she is fey. I gather that isn't true. " Nina-"Young Lord, i sense your imprint of the Logrus is relatively new. Does Chaos pride itself on rudeness still? To answer your question I am racially Adask. My sister is fey. These races may be found in the Abyss and Oberon did so. Oberon created a sanctuary and brought our races out of the abyss. Stripped two whole levels of hell of its fodder and brought us to a land of our salvation. The Chaos Lords refused to preserve us out of their angst over the House Barimen. Oberon left our peoples in the sanctuary, along with our mothers, and took us to Amber.. There we knew love and betrayal. Oberon stole us from our loves, and sealed us in our sanctuary. He left many artifacts of hell there. and what he wrought..grew. Now, Rude Lord, you called me here for my expertise and got a lesson in history. You, are in my debt. Acknowledge that or i shall splash you in blood across these walls of gold." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Jurt, I am pretty certain she could do it and just as certain I could not stop her. And... you were a little rude to my guest and, hopefully, our help with this matter. And Nina, there is no need to jump to threats... or promises of violence; I am sure Jurt meant no offense. And it was not he that called you here for your expertise, it was me. Jurt wanted to contact someone else, someone from the Courts that he knows; I convinced him to allow me to contact you instead. Nina, please retract your... threat. Jurt, please apologize. Please, both of you, do this for me, as a favor." *'''Michael James Watson''' Nina-"No.. i will not retract my threat. But i need not act on it. We all have our area of experience. I'm sure your companion is a skilled...juggler? Dragonslayer? " Standing, deliberately turning her back on Jurt she walks over toward the table of the strong items.. She runs her hands over them. "Tell me, Realmer, what is my expertise worth? I assume you did not intend to pay for my service with these coin? " *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "No, Cousin, this hoard is not mine to give; any part of it. And to offer to pay for your expertise with simple wealth, no matter how grand, would be an insult; I am certain you have considerable wealth of your own and, as with all Amberites, you could easily go find more if you so desired." Realmer, who is still standing, picks up a porcelain cup and saucer, the cup is filled with a strong tea. Realmer takes his tea and walks over to the Throne that Jurt vacated when he jumped up at Nina's arrival. He has a seat, making himself comfortable. He holds the saucer in one hand and the cup in the other, he takes a sip and smiles. "To be perfectly honest, Nina, I'm not sure what I could offer you that you do not already have. You possess Power, both actual and political, you bear multiple Imprints, you rule your own Stair, you are the Queen of Adagalasck, your Realm is unified, you have a husband you love that loves you in return, and I am sure you possess Magical Artifacts far beyond those I possess or could Craft. And I am certain you know more people of influence and power than I. And I am equally certain you know more people in general than I, so I am sure your sources of Information are far better than mine. I have spent most of my life in Shadows of little consequence to the Grand Scheme of Things and the rest of my time cloistered in the Dungeons of Amber doing research or in Adagalasck, most recently." Realmer pauses for a moment and says, mostly to himself, "I really need to get out more." Then he focuses on Nina again. "So, with that said, perhaps I should defer the question back to you, Nina, and ask; what is it that you want that you believe I could offer?" *'''Michael James Watson''' "You give me too much credit, young sir. I was Mistress of the North Wind because in the age of my isolation the realm had need of my powers and i rose to that role through the process of the need of the people. As did my sister among her people. Our realm was not of our creation but it was a refuge for our peoples and then it was a prison. I spent a few season in Amber, when my husband and his brother were young, then i was sealed in my tomb. while my name, and that of my sister, may be bandied about among the rulers of realms we have met few of them. While people are trickling in to Adagalask through the Jeweled Road, few leaders have come. " Taking a bite of something to consider her words carefully. "As for powers, I was born in the Abyss and I acquired certain initiations as a youth before Oberon rescued us. If you have never been in the Abyss it might be hard to understand that while horror is a staple of life there, life exists. It strives, it grow, it tries to care for itself. It is vast as Shadow and deep as Chaos and many things there would rock the thrones of Order and Chaos. But i did not become mighty among those there when i and my people left it. "What i have learned from my time with my husband is far more then i had before. I have learned a a phrase. "A seat at the table and the ear of the king" You ask what you can offer that you have and I do not? I do not have the ear of the king, and i measure that you do. I do not have a seat at the council of powers, and i gather you do. Julian and Caine abandoning Amber undoubtedly has not endeared Random to me and mine. But a word from you might change that. He comes in force to my realm, invites us to travel with him to Chaos. Julian sees this as recognition, i see it as a threat. But perhaps a word in my defense from you would sway the king to recognize, rather then to conquer. I have not walked the Pattern of Amber in Amber. The one i walked was recently ripped from the abyss by a kinsman of ours and that is a king I do not know either. Your word might convince them to give me permission to assay them. " Turning to Jurt, "And you, who fears me without reason, I smell the Courts of Chaos on you. I have never been to the courts but its denizens have raided the abyss for powers and made the hell realms worse. They seek the source of the abyss. They seek to steal the stones of power that fell to the depths and rest as rubble before the Tomb of the Ancestors of Darkness. They seek shards of the dead realms of Paragon and Calmir that they foolishly threw into the Abyss. I do not know if your word is worth anything in Amber, but i sense it is. So you can pay me for my services in that coin as well" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer sips his tea and nods his head in consideration of all Nina has said. And since he is sitting on the Throne, he knows the truth or lies of her words. (Is Nina speaking truth?) "Before I say more, I would like to hear from Jurt." Realmer turns towards him. "If the three of us are to work together, perhaps you should clear the air a bit. Why the hostility, Jurt? Will you be able to work with Nina?" Realmer is also checking the truth of Jurt's words too, but I'm sure he is aware of that. *'''Michael James Watson''' Nina was telling the truth for the most part. Realmer gets a sense she was downplaying her powers but the chair does not seem to think that is exactly lying. He gets a strong poke when she says to Jurt that he fears her without reason. There is a quiver of something, not an untruth, but possibly a deep truth when she mentions the dead realms of Paragon and Calmir. Jurt looks at Realmer and puts his hand on the arm of the chair. "Of course i can work with her. As for why the hostility? Realmer I have been around creatures of Chaos and creatures of the Abyss my whole life. There are a great many initiations in the Abyss, as in Shadow and Chaos, and there is always a reason to fear those with such imprints. However, to raise the sigil she raised one must seek the very depths to the place the symbol of the Abyss rests, near the Tomb of the Ancestor's of Darkness. There is a shortcut to the Tomb of the Ancestors of Darkness in King Random's deck. How he managed that is a trick worth knowing since the place itself has usually refused such magics. So one can get there quick if one has that deck. Everyone else, Chaosian or Abyssal, has to go the hard way; on foot. To do so one must be steeped in deep evil to persevere that far down. how she acquired that imprint is also information worth knowing. But, as you point out, we just need to work together. " He pats the chair arm a couple time grinning at Realmer. "As for you m'lady. If you can do what we hope you can, the information gained might be pay enough. But regardless, you'll have gained my respect for your powers and if asked, I shall favorably common on them. you mentioned something though..You say the shards of Paragon and Calmir were thrown into the abyss? this is not part of the legends in Chaos of those realms. Do you know legends of who threw them in?" *'''Michael James Watson''' She walks near the Throne, placing an hand on it. It seems to shimmer under realmer. "Lords of Chaos of course. Creatures of deep woe who were mighty in the youth of all things. Lord Jurt, does it not seem strange to you, as a lord of infinite chaos, that there should be titles there that stratify ranks among those mighty and weak? Would not power be all that was required? Why calculate genealogies except to track powers? You know of course that in Chaos there are creatures of great might that not only have never heard of Amber but have never heard of the Courts of Chaos and its king, the High Lord. One of those beings at the end of all things came east ripping Chaos and a being of great might created Paragon to stop it. It existence offended powers of woe so greatly that they tried to tear it down. In those wars the great house of Chaos collated to do battle. Ancient monsters named Hendrake and Channicut and Helgram gathered followers and did war. becoming houses. In doing so, they became less chaotic, wouldn't you say? " "In time the great consumer of chaos came against Paragon and broke it, scattering it, and it was itself stunned. So the surviving lords gathered the power they could, the scraps of Calmir and a thousand other constructs of power and sanctified the base of the abyss. In doing so they opened a rift to a place of non-existence that allowed existence.. a paradox, and they put the stunned creature into the place and sealed it within. Then those who were mightiest in powers and wickedness swore to keep the door closed and they established domains in the vat empty Abyss. Legends.. I know..but i never met but two of those ancient creatures, those first Abyssal Lords. One saw me through the refuse at the bottom to attain my imprint in hopes it could devour me or my sister. The other Oberon fought and slew to steal away two peoples.. But woe that they were, they keep the door yet. And the realm that stunned Entropy with its destruction was cast in crumbles.. And a sliver of the sigil of Paragon resides in this chair" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer sips his tea as he listens to Nina's oration on the Abyss, the creation and destruction of Paragon and the early history of the Courts of Chaos... and he is intrigued to know more. He smiles at Nina's declaration of a Shard of Paragon residing within the Throne, then addresses her. “Firstly, I believe you are now giving me too much credit, Dark Lady; for as far as me having 'the ear of the king' or 'a seat at the council of powers'... I would say that those two privileges are situational at best... after all, I have never been invited to a poker game.” Realmer chuckles quietly then continues. “But considering recent events, perhaps I give myself too little credit. Regardless, I will certainly speak with King Random on your behalf, as well as for your sister and your respective husbands, and I will broach the subject with him as soon as I am able, most likely right after we conclude our business dealings here. I will also do what I am able to get you, and your sister, permission to walk the Pattern in Amber before we take our Long Walk with the King of Amber... I have also been asked to accompany the Procession to Mandalay and Beyond... I believe that will be your best opportunity to get 'a seat at the table and the ear of the king'.” Realmer takes a sip of his tea, swirling the warm liquid in his mouth, savoring the flavor before swallowing. “I find your knowledge of the Early History of Creation fascinating and would love to hear more, but for now, two questions. The Being that shattered Paragon, was it the Being most know as The Serpent of Chaos? And the Being that created Paragon, do you know its name, perchance? And you are most certainly correct about the Throne containing a Shard of Paragon, but what else did you learn? And what else do you know about the history of this Throne?” *'''Michael James Watson''' She smiles, looks over Jurt with an appraising eye before turning to Realmer, hand on the throne's arm. "The easy answer to your last question is that I've no idea where the throne comes from. I can feel echos of images but who or what they portray, i can't say. A warrior king, a man drenched in blood, a courtier in silks, a woman in chains. That's all i can say.. There is an oracle in the South stair that might be able to tell more. She is called the Blue Seer. She sees things that occurred around a person or thing. But she is fickle and mad.' *'''Michael James Watson''' "As for what else I learned, its that this Lord of Chaos of yours holds a secret of some power and i stole it from him. He may be angered with me but its for him to avange himself the theft or name the price for the knowledge. I can pay" She smiles at Jurt. *'''Michael James Watson''' "as for the creature who broke Paragon.... no...it was not the Serpent. Nor the Unicorn. Nor any primal beast. It was an ancient thing come to being in the farthest reaches of Chaos, beyond the stuff of Chaos where other rules apply. Endless chaos fills all places but paradox are those things from beyond that. Things of formless shapes, like the shadow of the horse or the sound of the sparrow, forces of nature that exist only to fill their purpose.. From there comes the creature meant to end all things. That even the shadow of a horse must flee from. If it calls itself a name learning it would mean embracing it. So the Lords of chaos from the deep places called it Entropy. It rode across chaos and behind it the paradox of nothingness. it Entropy consumed all Chaos then nothing of chaos would remain. Its nature is nonexistence." Jurt nods, "And it rests with the Ancestors of Darkness." She looks to Jurt, "I doubt it rests. It devours or it fights those the Abyssal Lords have allowed to be placed in that place with it. Such as king Oberon , my father." *'''Michael James Watson''' As the First Swayvil said, "In the Dawn of Time, in the fullness of folly, by the foes of Entropy, in the darkest depth of the stuff of Chaos, was created the Paragon, to stand, and to fall, in the forces of fire." "Before Paragon there was no time. It was all unchallenged Chaos and solidless form. Yet Entropy ate that. So Hariswiee the Just, a great creature of Chaos forged Paragon to stand in permanence against Entropy. When it was done, there was form, those it shapeshifted. There was time, and it passed. There was Law and there was Chaos. The creatures of the infinite formless void that took shapes as icons. They became because Law and Solid Form became. One of them was the Serpent, one the Unicorn, on the Bear, one the Phoenix, and numberless more. As each of them was slain their powers diminished in passing to another that had echoed their form.. I have felt them once i was freed to. And Once i was freed, the Phoenix was freed to Leave as well." She walks toward Realmer, a slight glow about her.. "Lesser forms of infinite shapes took solid form though they fought it... They had names they could not escape....Swayvil, Channicut, Helgram, Marsaz, Freest, Jesby, Hendrake,Sawall, ancient creatures...others too... they bound others to them and created warbands and tried to tear down paragon to return to unchallanged Chaos.. Elsewhere.. Calmir was created as a place of law as well." she sips..Jurt scowls, "This is all ancient heresy, woman" "Heresy to what? The Serpent, wormwearer? No, these things happened and they were revered in the Abyss when i heard those tales. The Chaos creatures made war and great houses....but it was Entropy who crushed Paragon and broke it. Then stunned, a million Chaos creatures that called themselves lords dragged the stunned Entropy into the gash of nothingness he had created, pulled in hells of madness to fill it and pushed him into the tomb with their death curses. Now little things jump into that gash to retrieve trinkets and call themselves Pit Divers..Little things, like this Lord of Chaos" *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' During Nina's Early Chaos History Lesson, Realmer looked back and forth between Jurt and Nina, feeling the dislike between them growing... and his own caring about that matter diminishing to nothing. Jurt DID say he wanted to meet her and did say for Realmer to call her; guess he bit off more than he could chew, but that was not Realmer's problem, he was no longer going to come between them to 'keep the peace'... unless it was truly necessary. "Entropy; how perfectly appropriate. And Hariswiee the Just.... I will not forget that name. And the Primal Creatures, as we know them, are but the First Shadow of their former selves... fascinating, yet somehow not unexpected." Realmer looks thoughtful for a moment then continues. "I recall reading somewhere that Calmir is somehow tied to Adagalasck... but I couldn't find anything else on the matter. And as I recall, The Phoenix is considered the Primal Creature of Adagalasck..." Realmer trails off and takes a moment to bring up the Sigil of the Spiral of the Four Winds and looks more closely at Nina and her 'glow', wondering if perhaps she IS The Phoenix or if The Phoenix is possessing her... If the Spiral does not reveal anything, Realmer will switch to the Pattern, then finally, the Sigil of Paragon. *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt-"I've not spent much time in the abyss, just the upper levels with a lot of empires and trade with Chaos and the black Zone.. But I've never heard that Entropy created the Abyss. So yes... Its heresy to the Serpent. I can't friggin believe I'm taking the canonical defense having turned by back on Chaos....But this is Abyssal heresy. " Jurt points his finger acusatorially. Nina shrugs, "I was but a young girl of a thousand years when Oberon claimed me. My knowledge comes from the Abyssal Lord who taught me and raised me to my own status. That act summoned Oberon. My lord met him as a friend. So Oberon must know more then I. And Dworkin even more.. That the younger ones forgot his kinship is incredible.. Julian never suspected but Benedict, Osric, Finndo, they knew... And you know, wormwearer, that i am right. As for the primal beasts, Realmer, they are not... shadows per se.. they are echos.. they are pieces of infinite chaos, primal power of the universe. But when each is killed it finds one of their chose shape and enlarges them..Most primal beasts have gone through so many changes they are barely pale echos Julian's Morganstern is mighty but it is well over the hundredth to bear that potent power.. But i am a follower of one of the original beings..it has few peers. Serpent. Unicorn. Allaowa; called Otter. Lasua; the Cat. Masila; the Butterfly. Chanticleer the Rooster, and mine, the Phoenix.... Their deaths echo even into the depths of Adagalasck. I felt the Tiger die and the one reborn left Regor. I felt Bear so long ago. I felt Yggaras born as Yggdrasil died in the Abyss. I felt the Sparrow die and be reborn...and recently, i felt Regaoa the squirrel die and be reborn and have the red sword thrust upon it.. And your wormwearer friend knows where the new Regaoa is. I believe i have places to travel now that i am out of my realm...Thank you for the Summons Realmer, my friend. Come home sometime soon... Not too soon... I have a blade to find." *'''Michael James Watson''' She turns and steps away into shadow *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt tucks his lip to the side and fishes out his urala pipe. "Well....Isn't she just a darling monster..Reminds me of Grandma Maylon. A little around the eyes and a lot around the icy sharp tongue and the icy glass heart." After a couple puffs he goes on. "So Julian and Caine are married to Abyssal demons... that explains a lot. Not the least being why Oberon exiled them and imprisoned them. She said they lived there a thousand years so their mothers must have been Abyssals as well. Adask and Fey born of the Abyss. Oberon having friendly relations in the abyss is a curious thought. wonder if it was a land Dworkin showed him? I wonder what other kin of ours might have deeper roots there? .. ok... we know the throne has a shard. Good to know... Suddenly I want it out of this shadow...but where..." He tries not to meet Realmer's eyes but eventually fails.. "Ok.. ok....yes, i knew about the squirrel.. the last Lord of Bursain was slain as apparently was his companion the Primal Squirrel.. He empowered a squirrel as he was dying and gave it the blade to keep it from his slayer.. After that.. i don't know..Look for squirrels i guess.." "Suddenly this whole room seems unsafe..I'm going to clear this place out and take it elsewhere.. hmmm Ya know i wonder what a huge pit of gold and jewels would be like at Thin Whips as a sort of orgy playground?..Might appeal to them..." *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer chuckles as he dismisses his Secure Shelter Spell and watches as the Golden Dining Room about them turns back to the Golden Hoard then says: "Yes, she certainly leaves a lasting impression. I'm sure if I spoke with my Grandfather he could tell me more about Oberon's friendly ties to the Adask and Fey and more about my Abyssal Cousins. Just another thing to do before leaving with King Random." Realmer sighs then continues. "A Golden Orgy Playground... sounds quite appealing. I am sure many of Thin Whip's patrons would love it. And overall, good idea to move all this stuff. But I still advise caution in storing or displaying the Throne too close to Amber. I do have a Personal Shadow that has restricted access and nobody but you, me and my companions know about it. We could store the Throne there and I will give you the 'access code' so you may enter and leave the Shadow at will. Also, within that Shadow, I have created a Shadow Pocket Vault to keep things safe, though it is currently empty... I will gladly give you access to it as well. And nobody knows about the Vault but me and now you." "So... how long have you known about the Squirrel and the Red Sword? And why haven't you sought them out yourself?" *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt raises the Logrus and starts fiddling with his spells. smoking casually on the urual. "I'm going to hang a few material management spells. The first will send all the spending money to my vault at Gutsedvem. The magic stuff goes to Thin Whips.. The throne... I'll keep on me. I'm my own best security. No offense meant." After a few moments he nods stands, lowers the Logrus.. "As for the Squirrel... I've known it died since it died. I saw the essence pass. It doesn't happen often..Those creatures are tough.. triple tough... But, depending on the primal beast, the people they associate with might get a lot of useful information and be let in on things they see, such as the passing of the essence to a new member." He makes a hand pass and the throne spins and shrinks into a pocket on his coat, following his hand in. As he pulls his hand out a scaled creature comes up it, it is big bodied and resembles an armadillo the size of a house cat. The scales are colorful and it raises a thin snout with large scale hooded eyes to regard Realmer. "This is Treziz the Pangolin. Trez... this is Relmopator. A friend.. don't eat him yet." *'''Michael James Watson''' *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer smiles and chuckles then says to Jurt, “I take no offense that you want to keep that Relic on your person, since you can. I do the same with my Jewel. As you said; 'I'm my own best security'.” Realmer looks at the Pangolin, smiles and says, “Hello Treziz, this is Bob, my Familiar” Realmer indicates the Beholder hovering over his left shoulder. “Please, don't eat him either.” Realmer looks into Bob's central eye intently and says, “Bob, this is Treziz. Give him no reason to eat you... and do not eat him either... unless in self-defense.” Realmer turns back to Jurt and says, “So, you knew the Primal Squirrel before it perished? And this is how you now know of its... resurrection? Or are you a 'follower' of The Squirrel like Nina is a follower of The Phoenix?” *'''Michael James Watson''' "I am a follower of none of them, though i was raised to revere the serpent of course. I am a companion of one. Or its a companion of mine" He moves its hand, allowing it to climb around his arm, wrapping his scaled tail around his wrist, stretching out to sniff the air at Bob. Bob emits a sense of extreme discomfort at the creature. "The beast was wounded, in danger, from a warrior and its own primal companion. The beast died in the arms of its longtime friend, the King of Bursain. He gave the squirrel his blade, the beast gave it its essence. Their passing was seen by all the other primal beasts. Treziz showed it to me at the time. Before that i only knew of Bursain as a minor squiggle among others cast about shadow. But death of any primal beast is a matter of importance. Many aspects of the new beast get lent to others of their kind across existence. If the new beast is aggressive for its kind its kind soon becomes more aggressive. Trez here is 300th or so of the line of his race, and as such is far from mighty among the Primal Beasts.. He is a shy thing, loving and kind, and not much of a fighter.. No teeth, small claws, not very fast. So not much more dangerous then non-primal versions of these black zone creatures.. But i came across it long ago and have been protecting it. But do not be deceived. If it chose to, it ha magics and shape shifting powers making it the equal of many demons of chaos. Not that the little sloth looks it.. " The beast reaches toward Realmer with an outstretched paw. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer pulls back slightly and says, "Perhaps, before we get too much closer, Trez should meet Kevin... wouldn't want him popping out of a pocket and getting himself eaten." Realmer reaches inside Kevin's favorite pocket and pulls him out protectively. "Kevin, this is Treziz, Jurt's friend; he is NOT a threat or play toy. Treziz, this is Kevin, my Pet; he is NOT food." Once the Poodle and the Pangolin get acquainted enough to not attack or eat each other, Realmer will carefully extend his hand to Treziz. *'''Michael James Watson''' Treziz slowly crosses to Realmer's arm, sniffing at Kevin. Kevin looks poodle anxious at first then sniffs back.. Treziz twits around Realmer's arm and goes nose to nose with Kevin, reach a clawed paw to groom it. The two seem to be getting along.. Kevin squirms and leaps to the ground followed by Treziz. The two start scampering among the gold coins. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' "Well, looks like they're getting on better than most of the family does." Realmer pulls out his Bone Wand, shifting it to a Bone Pipe, he loads it and lights with a cantrip. He puffs for a bit, watching the two creatures at play amongst the gold, smiling openly, enjoying the moment. As he smokes, he muses aloud. "Seems the list of things to do on my 'vacation' just keeps getting longer. But, at least I have the time to do them, or so it seems." He puffs a couple of times, then continues. "I guess my best first course of action would be to go see my Grandfather; he could answer several questions I have about the family and advise me on Nina and Emilie _before_ I go see King Random on their behalf... and Julian and Caine's as well. And if I am to ask the King for permission for the Sisters to walk the Pattern, I will need to make sure I am not making a huge mistake. And I was hoping to walk the Pattern myself, before leaving... only I was hoping it could be the Primal Pattern this time... Grandfather said one day I would walk that Pattern, but so far King Random... and his advisors, have deemed in unnecessary for me to have that level of Imprint." Realmer takes a couple more puffs as he silently watches the poodle and the Pangolin play. "I was also hoping to find and talk with my Grandmother... but perhaps Grandfather would be a good advisor prior to that endeavor as well." Realmer takes a deep draw and lets it out slowly, using a Cantrip to make the smoke looks like a Fire Elemental and Stone Elemental, as he knows them from his Adventuring days. "And then there is this" he says through the smoke as he holds up the silver card given to him by a Dufiro. "Considering recent events in Chaos I will have to have an alternate place to offer for the Ritual... again, King Random's permission if I want it done on Kolvir in the Tombs. I wonder if they would like my personal Shadow, Adagaar, in Adagalasck off the North Stair..." Realmer trails off, puffing on his pipe, watching the gold and the poodle and pangolin for a bit in silence. *'''Michael James Watson''' "May I?' reaching for the card.. *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer hands it to Jurt. *'''Michael James Watson''' Taking the card and rolling it through several passes. "The Dufiro are..interesting creatures. They collect things of no power just for the poetry of it. I've seen them turn down using a powerful Power Focus in favor for one that fit the metrics of some unknown music in their head. A place, a thing, need not add anything for to use it. I once contracted a Avasa of Rage to help me remember details of an event I was peripheral to just to see what I might have seen out of the corner of my eye while I was watching something else. I offered powers, use of my Logrus sight, sanctified blades.. items of note, most of which I owned. What he asked for was to be allowed to sing his life song from a tower in Sawall Way. There was no power to doing so, no profit. But, there was honor.. When he told his tale to the Masoja of Knowledge who wrote his Masoja Tome he could include that he had sung his life from the towers of a great house of chaos. Cost me nothing, gained me much, he went away pleased. One of the tomes i stole was a copy of his Masoja summoning tome he had sent me after his elevation.. One does not necessarily think of powers. If he gains nothing we might value by using a place like the Tombs, it may fit well in his poetry." He flips the card expertly on the table beside you. He raises the Logrus, taps the spell and the coins start flying into the portal to his vault in Gustevdem. Treziz and Kevin jump and roll among the moving coins, jewels, cups and treasure. *'''Michael James Watson''' "As for family business, i think that is your business. Now would be a good time for us to part for a time.. You know where to find me.." He extends his hand, Treziz runs and jumps, running up and sliding into his pocket. Jurt leaves the hand out stretched *'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' Realmer calls Kevin over, scoops him up and cradles him in his left arm. Realmer extends his right hand and grasps Jurt's extended hand and shakes it firmly. "Until we see each other again, friend. I'm sure it won't be long." *'''Michael James Watson''' Jurt shakes, turns and funnels the remaining artifacts of magical nature into the next spell. Nodding, he steps through, leaving Realmer in an empty hall. *'''Michael James Watson''' and scene.,, start a new thread for your next post
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