Editing Volume One: The Vampire of the Dungeons (section)

====<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.